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20 of the Most Memorable Quotes About Romance

November 26, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

When you’re in a deep romance, finding the right words to express the love you feel can be challenging. Quotes about romance can help you get your point across, and they’re a romantic gesture for your partner. There are many ways to show someone how much you care, and inspirational quotes are one of the best.

You want to share a message that shows the depth and meaning of how you feel about them. You might not know exactly what to say unless you’re a poet. Luckily, these quotes about romance can help you, and your partner will cherish the meaning.

You can memorize the lines and share these quotes with your partner in person. Or, you can send it in a text message or write it out in a note. No matter how you choose to share the quotes about romance, your partner will get butterflies and remember why they care for you.

Romance can be intense, and its feelings are sometimes difficult to explain. These quotes about romance can help you explain to your partner just how you feel, allowing them to understand. As you read through these inspirational quotes, keep your loved one in mind and share the ones that resonate the most.

Inspirational Quotes About Romance That Withstand the Test of Time

“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” – Maya Angelou

When you’ve found someone special, don’t hesitate to let them know. If they are the person for you, tell them there is no one else for you. You connect on a deeper level, and your partner will be happy to know how you feel.

“I swear I couldn’t love you more than I do right now, and yet I know I will tomorrow.” – Leo Christopher

Your feelings continue to grow, even when you think you couldn’t feel any deeper about someone. This quote about romance is sweet and shows your increasing feelings about the person you care about.

“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.” – Pablo Neruda

Sometimes you can’t explain how or why you fell for someone, but you know you did. When that happens, this is the perfect quote for you.

“He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” – Emily Brontë

When you’ve met your soulmate, they’ll seem to be more like you than you are. They’ll know you intimately, and you’ll feel connected as one.

“Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. The consciousness of loving and being loved brings warmth and richness to life that nothing else can bring.” – Oscar Wilde

This quote by Wilde reminds you of how much light romance brings to your life. It enriches every part of your being and allows you to embrace life fully.

“I can no longer think of anything but you. In spite of myself, my imagination carries me to you. I grasp you, I kiss you, I caress you, a thousand of the most amorous caresses take possession of me.” – Honoré de Balzac

Telling your partner that you can’t stop thinking about them is sweet, but this quote says it in a much deeper way. Romance can be all-consuming, as described in the details of Balzac’s imagination.

“Because of you, I can feel myself slowly, but surely, becoming the me I have always dreamed of being.” – Tyler Knott Gregson

Your person will make you feel like the best version of yourself yet. You’ll strive to become better and live the life of your dreams when you have a loving partner by your side.

“Don’t ever think I fell for you or fell over you. I didn’t fall in love, I rose in it.” – Toni Morrison

Saying you fell for someone makes it sound like you didn’t have a choice. However, using the words of Morrison make it sound much more wonderful.

When you rise instead of falling, it implies that you knew what was happening every step of the way. It also shows that you cherish the experience as it was a moment that rose you up as an individual.

“I saw that you were perfect, and so I loved you. Then I saw that you were not perfect, and I loved you even more.” – Angelita Lim

You think your partner is perfect when you first meet someone and start falling for them. As time goes on, you’ll see their flaws and imperfections. However, Lim explains that those imperfections make you care for your partner more.

“Love, whether newly born or aroused from a deathlike slumber, must always create sunshine, filling the heart so full of radiance, that it overflows upon the outward world.” – Nathaniel Hawthorne

Romance should bring you joy and happiness each day, no matter how long you’ve felt it. This quote about romance by Hawthorne will tell your partner that their presence does this to you. It’ll bring a smile and fill their world with sunshine, too.

“I have for the first time found what I can truly love – I have found you. You are my sympathy – my better self – my good angel – I am bound to you with a strong attachment. I think you good, gifted, lovely: a fervent, a solemn passion is conceived in my heart; it leans to you, draws you to my centre and spring of life, wrap my existence about you – and, kindling in pure, powerful flame, fuses you and me in one.” – Charlotte Brontë

These words are passionate and truly explain what it’s like to be in an intense romance for the first time. Your partner becomes your world, and you don’t see a thing wrong with them. You become part of your partner, and they become part of you.

“The real lover is the man who can thrill you by kissing your forehead or smiling into your eyes or just staring into space.” -Marilyn Monroe

It doesn’t take much to make your partner feel giddy and excited when you’re in a deep romance. Monroe explains that a forehead kiss or meaningful smile can entice those emotions.

“Deep within us — no matter who we are — there lives a feeling of wanting to be lovable, of wanting to be the kind of person that others like to be with. And the greatest thing we can do is to let people know that they are loved and capable of loving.” – Fred Rogers

Everyone wants to be lovable and have people who want to spend time with them. This quote reminds you to tell your romantic partner how much they mean to you whenever you can. It’ll make them feel good and allow them to share their feelings with you, too.

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu

Strength and courage can get you far in life and improve your relationship. Don’t be afraid to fall for someone and accept the same in return. Romance can improve your life as long as you’re willing to open up to your partner.

“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you… I could walk through my garden forever.” – Alfred Tennyson

When someone seems to be on your mind, don’t be afraid to let them know. Make it clear that thoughts of them fill your mind and make your life more beautiful.

“There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.” – Sarah Dessen

You can’t pick when or where you will fall for someone. It happens unexpectedly and quickly, as Dessen explains.

“Love doesn’t make the world go ’round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” – Franklin P. Jones

Life goes on even if you’re not in a relationship, but it might not be as meaningful. Romance makes the experience exciting, bringing light to your life each day.

“Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable.” – Bruce Lee

The flame will be fresh and shocking at the beginning of a romance. It’ll glow for everyone to see, but eventually, the intensity wears off. Then it becomes a part of you, always present and untouchable.

“You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known, and even that is an understatement.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

This quote about romance is sure to send chills through your partner’s body. It is flattering and expresses deep feelings, bringing inspiration to your relationship.

“You don’t love because: you love despite; not for the virtues, but despite the faults.” – William Faulkner

When you fall for someone, you embrace their negative qualities and faults. You enjoy everything about them, not just the things they’re good at.

Final Thoughts on Inspirational Quotes About Romance That Withstand the Test of Time

These quotes about romance will allow you to find the right words to explain your feelings for your partner. It’ll improve your relationship and help your partner understand how you feel. They might even reply with quotes, allowing you to share meaningful messages.

Whatever way you choose to share the quotes will be meaningful to both of you. You might want to keep some of the passages where you’ll often see them. It’ll bring a smile to your face whenever you think of your partner.

How To Live a Fuller Life Without Losing Yourself

November 25, 2022 by Kristen Butler

Your goal is to live a fuller life and be true to yourself. If you constantly try to mold yourself into the person others want, you will be someone you’re not proud of who never makes progress. How can you be happy if you’re living according to everyone else’s standards for your life?

When you were born, your parents taught you morals and principles to help you become the person they envisioned. However, when you reached adulthood, you felt lost as you tried to rediscover yourself. So many teens become rebellious at eighteen, trying to take what they were taught and mingle it with their beliefs and freedom.

Let Go of The Opinions of Others to Have a Fuller Life

As a toddler, your parents told you how you were to talk to others, how to sit correctly, and how to behave. Want an example that you’re still doing some of the things you learned in your younger years? Well, how often do you say “I’m fine” when people ask you how you’re doing, but you know that inside, you’re nothing of the sort.

You don’t mean you’re good, but you try to hide your truths because you want to be a different person who doesn’t have all the burdens. One of the ways that you lose your true self is by not being honest with yourself and those around you.

Have you ever considered what your life would be like if you could be who you are without hesitation? What would happen if you took off the mask and spoke your truths without reservations? Would others celebrate and respect you, or would you lose some friends?

In a perfect world, others would accept you regardless of all your flaws and imperfections, and you wouldn’t need to hide from others.

Acknowledge and Accept Your Feelings for a Fuller Life

The world around you is infused with negativity, and it’s hard to remain positive when there’s so much chaos. When someone asks you how you’re doing, giving the standard response of “I’m good” can cause harm to your emotional and mental well-being. It’s called false positivity, which inhibits you from living a fuller life and being confident.

It’s challenging to acknowledge your feelings and accept that you’re not perfect. Conversely, when you admit that there’s a problem, you can take steps to fix it. When you go out of your way to hide these emotions, you will suffer from feelings of sadness rather than acceptance.

Do you have courage, or do you think you tower when people want to talk about emotions and feelings? It takes courage to stand up and speak the truth, but you can do it. When you accept that you have faults and things aren’t perfect, you can become more confident and assertive.

You’re a unique individual who isn’t perfect, so it’s high time you stop pretending. While you need to be respectful of others and always be polite, you don’t have to live by what others think is suitable for your life. You get to call the shots in your life, as it’s yours alone.

Are You Being Honest with Yourself?

When you consider dishonesty, you probably think of someone lying to another person. However, you can be just as dishonest with yourself and cause distress. To live a fuller life, you must have self-discipline and value honesty above all else.

The chances are that you lie to yourself every day and don’t even realize it. Here are some classic ways that you’re dishonest:

You fake a smile because you don’t want anyone to see your true feelings.
You live your life seeking the approval of others.
You’re unhappy when others don’t like your choices, so you conform.
Your emotional state is not good, and you find your days sad than happy.
It’s common for you to feel cornered and like you have no other choices.
You don’t feel that people listen to you or value your opinions.
Gaining the approval of others is one of the most important things to you.
The things that once made you happy don’t bring any joy anymore.
You’re grumpy, moody, and often feel exhausted.

How does life look if you’re true to yourself and living according to your desires? Here are a few things that will occur when you have the self-discipline to live in truth:

You set goals, crush them easily, and believe in yourself.
Negativity doesn’t bother you anymore, as you’ve learned to be flexible and keep an open mind.
You no longer let fear dominate your life, and you’ve learned to embrace the unknown.
Taking risks isn’t as scary, and you trust your inner voice and gut feelings.
You embrace mindful living and find joy in the smallest of things.
Rather than pushing your problems under the rug, you face them head-on.
Expressing yourself has become much more manageable.
You like yourself and enjoy the person you’ve become.
You’re able to have deep and meaningful conversations and enjoy them.
You don’t care about the opinions of others as you know that your opinion is the only one that counts.
You’re grounded and secure and love sitting outside, hearing the birds sing, and being in nature.

Five Ways You Can Be True to Yourself as You Pursue a Fuller Life

Perhaps you want to set goals and start the journey to be more true to yourself to live a fuller life, but you don’t know how to start. That’s okay. The key is to take baby steps in this new journey. There’s no rush to get anything done, as slow and steady always wins the race.

1. Understand It’s Okay to Feel the Way You Do

To start your journey to being more faithful to yourself, you must learn to accept the things you can’t change. While you can change your clothes, hairstyle, weight, and other physical characteristics, other things take much work. Your emotions are part of you, and you need to learn that it’s okay to have the feelings you experience.

You must be authentic and have confidence in yourself that’s unbreakable. When someone asks you how you’re doing, you must be honest and courageous and speak the truth.

2. You Must Take Charge of Your Attitude to Have a Fuller Life

If you want to progress and live a fuller life, you need to know that you can’t always be in charge. Life is constantly changing, and you must learn to roll with the punches. Changing your attitude can alter everything.

It’s easy to develop a bad attitude when things don’t go your way, but this is where you need to focus on the positive aspects more than the negative ones. Stop being so caught up in the “should” and “what ifs” and focus on there here and now. Don’t keep turning around and looking at the past but look to a brighter future.

3. Do What You Want Without Fear of Judgement

Everyone has an opinion about your life and how you should live it, but you must realize that the only person who truly matters is you. Sure, you can consider the thoughts and feelings of your spouse, children, and parents, but you can’t let them dictate your choices. To live a fuller life, you need to realize you’re enough and that your opinions are essential.

4. Learn To Forgive Yourself as Well as Others

According to Dr. Helen Brown from Positive Psychology, you must practice self-compassion exercises to ensure you forgive yourself. You’re your worst critic, and you blame yourself every time you fail. Stop crying over spilled milk, pick yourself up, and keep going.

When you do fall, and you will, you need to learn not to blame others. Accept that you made a mistake and find a way to learn from it. Dr. Brown further states that you must balance taking responsibility for your actions and keeping a positive sense of self.

5. Know Your Limits

Learn why you should set boundaries with other people–and for yourself. Do you often take on more than you can handle?

It’s a common problem when people don’t know how to say no. The boundaries you set for your life can be multifaceted, and they can include these types:

Emotional
Intimacy
Financial
Physical
Digital

If you always find yourself exhausted, you must evaluate your boundaries. Examine the times you’ve said “yes” when you should have said “no.” When it comes to living a fuller life and the boundaries of others, never be afraid to stand up for yourself.

Final Thoughts on How to Live Life by Staying True to Yourself

Things change for the better when you begin becoming more faithful to yourself. You will start to recognize your genuine emotions and become stronger. You will learn that the opinion of others matters very little, as you’re living your life for yourself.

Taking off the mask of the fake version of you is freeing. It’s hard to live behind the shadows of what others expect and your failures but cut yourself some slack. Today can be a new day and a fresh start. When you’re true to yourself, you live a fuller life with sweet contentment.

20 Daily Affirmations to Remind You to Love Yourself

November 25, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

If you want to love yourself, you must decide to do so. It’s not always easy, especially when times get hard, but these daily affirmations can make all the difference. The positive phrases can help you refocus and shift your mindset as you remember to love yourself always.

Protecting your mental health and wellbeing requires self-love to get you through each day. You must take care of your mind, body, and soul to live the most fulfilling life possible. Learning to embrace who you are is a journey you must continually work on.

While you take steps to improve who you are each day, it’s still essential that you practice self-love right now. Embrace who you are today, and use these daily affirmations to help you get there. These phrases can encourage positive thoughts as you change how you treat yourself.

Think of the ways you’d speak to a friend or loved one, and then use those same concepts on yourself. Stay positive, forgive yourself, and celebrate your successes. Use these daily affirmations as a reminder to love yourself every day.

Daily Affirmations to Remind You to Love Yourself

Affirmations can change your life as they promote a positive mindset. They give you the motivation to live your best life while allowing you to embrace all of the good around you. Using daily affirmations to remind you to love yourself can give you a new understanding of self-love, improving all areas of your life.

1 – I will evolve into the best version of myself, and I love myself every step of the way.

Loving yourself doesn’t mean you can’t improve areas of weakness. You can always learn more and develop into an even better person than you are right now. Use this affirmation as a reminder that you’re amazing the way you are, even if you haven’t achieved your goals yet.

Loving yourself through all of the steps of your transformation will help you enjoy life as you go along. Plus, it’ll help you identify the areas of your life that need work, too, allowing you to grow even more.

2 – I love my body for all it has done for me.

Your body protects you and keeps you alive, so it’s only fitting that you love it. Take care of yourself so that your body can continue doing its job. When you acknowledge how extraordinary you are, it’s easier to love yourself each day.

3 – I believe in myself and trust my instincts.

When you believe in yourself, you’ll have the confidence to love who you are. Believing in yourself also means trusting your instincts because they’re usually correct.

If you don’t feel right about something, believe in your gut and make some changes. Living this way allows you to love yourself enough to walk away from potentially detrimental situations.

4 – I am worthy of love every day.

There will be days when you feel like you don’t deserve love, but you must push those thoughts away. Use this daily affirmation to remind yourself that you are worthy of love no matter what. Don’t let your negative thoughts convince you that you aren’t worthy, and use this affirmation to shift that thought process.

5 – I embrace everything about this present moment.

When you embrace the present, it helps you love yourself right now. It allows you to see that everything is okay and that it’ll all work out. Then, you can focus on making the most of it and taking care of yourself as you move forward.

6 – I recognize change for the gift that it is.

Life inevitably changes, and there is nothing you can do to stop it. You can let the change overwhelm you and disrupt your peace, or you can recognize it as a gift. When things change, it’s a new beginning for this time in your life.

Embracing it will help you put your best effort into making it work for you. Plus, it’s an excellent time to make other necessary changes to better your life, too.

7 – I appreciate my mind, body, and soul.

Your mind, body, and soul are your expressions of individuality. Embrace what makes you different because it’s what makes you who you are. The world wouldn’t be the wonder that it is if everyone was the same, so appreciate everything about yourself.

8 – I plan to make a positive impact on the universe.

If you ever feel like you don’t make a difference in the world, this affirmation is for you. Even when it doesn’t seem like you did much, you positively impacted those around you. You are valuable to the world, and recognizing your impact can improve your wellbeing and mental health.

9 – I love my mind and positive thoughts.

Your mind does impressive things continually, so don’t hesitate to remind yourself of it. As you learn to love your mind, you’ll recognize a shift in your thinking patterns. Negativity won’t take over as often, and you’ll see that you love yourself much more, too.

10 – I promise to let go of pain and permitting myself to heal.

When you hold onto pain and ruminate about the past, it can stand in the way of loving yourself. Holding onto pain won’t do you any good, so it’s best if you let go of it. Use this affirmation each morning to remind yourself that you can let go and move forward. Once you start believing it, you’ll find that you love yourself much more and can fully embrace life.

11 – I will build the life I want for myself.

This life is yours to live, and you can make it whatever you want it to be. There is no limit to what you can do, but you must believe in yourself first. This affirmation can help you remember that you’re in control, allowing you to love yourself for the life you’re creating.

12 – I am confident and recognize my self-worth.

Being confident and recognizing your self-worth is essential if you want to love yourself. With confidence, anything is possible, and you’ll feel good about the skin you’re in. You won’t doubt yourself as often, and you’ll stop unfairly comparing yourself to others. This affirmation can impact your overall life and wellbeing, so don’t leave it out of your routine.

13 – I celebrate my achievements, no matter how small.

As you work toward your dreams, you’ll want to set smaller goals along the way. These smaller goals are just as essential as the overall picture, and they deserve celebration. When you celebrate your small achievements, it helps you love yourself as your confidence and motivation increase.

14 – I accept who I am at this moment.

You’re constantly changing, even if you don’t notice it every day. As you gain wisdom, you become a better version of yourself. However, that doesn’t mean you should wait to love yourself. Learn to accept who you are right now, and you’ll have an easier time identifying your self-worth.

15 – I am enough, and I don’t have to be like anyone else.

You’re enough as you are right now. This daily affirmation reminds you to stop comparing yourself to others because you don’t need to be like them. You are the person you were meant to be, and you are more than enough.

16 – I am a better version of myself right now than I was in the past.

You might not be where you want to be yet, but you’re getting better every day. When you remember your progress, you’re sure to experience self-love and confidence each day, too.

17 – I am kind to myself in all situations.

Being kind to yourself is the most critical aspect of self-love. You must treat yourself with respect and push away negative thoughts. Treat yourself the way you would treat a friend because you deserve the same level of kindness.

18 – I embrace my failures because they are opportunities for growth and learning.

Everyone fails sometimes, but it’s not something to beat yourself up over. Instead, learn to recognize these situations as opportunities for growth. When you learn from your mistakes, it helps you love yourself and embrace your mistakes.

19 – I deserve happiness and good things at all times in my life.

If you repeat this affirmation each morning, you’ll be open to new opportunities and experiences. It reminds you that you deserve good things, and you’ll love yourself more because of it.

20 – I am at peace with this stage of my life.

Even if you aren’t where you want to end up, you can find peace in your life right now. When you tell yourself that you’re at ease, you’ll feel calmer and happier. This all leads to loving yourself a little more each day.

Final Thoughts on Daily Affirmations to Remind You to Love Yourself

These daily affirmations remind you that you are worthy of love and should be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself for past mistakes, and recognize your failures as learning opportunities.

You become a better version of yourself each day, but you can love yourself as you are right now. When you love yourself, your life will drastically improve, allowing you to experience meaningful opportunities.

15 Things to Expect When Dating an Extrovert

November 25, 2022 by Chris Butler

Experts say that people are either introverts or extroverts. Whatever side of the spectrum you find yourself on may be confusing when you’re dating someone with the opposite personality. For instance, an introvert dating an extrovert presents unique challenges. That’s because the extrovert isn’t the individual that wants to stay home and watch movies, as they have places to go and people to see. On the other hand, their introverted partner loves nothing more than spending quality time together in peace and quiet.

People are drawn to extroverted folks as they tend to be the life of the party. They thrive by going from one social gathering to the next. It’s hard to understand this personality if you’re introverted and need your batteries recharged. Their tenacious spirit makes them live by different rules, and they don’t like to spend time alone.

Dating an extrovert is a massive adjustment for the introvert. While you crave time alone, they can’t imagine wasting an evening relaxing. Sure, it can baffle you when you have your opposite, but you know that opposites can make a beautiful pairing.

Fifteen Things to Expect When Dating an Extrovert

You must keep an open mind in your relationship, as you will need to understand the needs of this personality. Dating an extrovert will come with challenges, but you need to embrace the diversity of their personality.

You can have a rewarding relationship with the extrovert, but you need to learn a few things to understand them truly. Here are some things to consider before getting involved with the fun-loving extrovert.

1. Conversations Come Natural

Due to the outgoing nature of the extrovert, conversations come very easy to them. You don’t need to worry about breaking the ice or having long pauses between the dialogue. They will engage with you and can chat the night away.

They tend to be experts at keeping the conversation going, and they can talk about anything to anyone, so it puts you at ease.

2. It’s Easy for Them to Be Overextended

Introverts tend to pack their schedule tight to avoid any wasteful downtime. The only problem with this is that they can cram too much into their lives and become overwhelmed. When dating this person, you might need to help them learn to relax and chill.

3. Staying Home is Not an Option if You Are Dating an Extrovert

While you may have a night of lounging in pajamas and watching Netflix in mind, they have something else on the itinerary. They want to be out and about and couldn’t imagine wasting a whole night at home couch surfing. Learning a healthy balance that suits both of you may be a challenge, but dating an extrovert requires you to step out of your comfort zone a bit.

4. They Live for Stimulating and Exciting Activities

The extrovert is very adventurous and loves to try new things. They don’t focus on the inside as their focus is more outward. They’re looking for stimulating activities that excite them, so things like an adrenaline-rushing amusement park would be perfect.

If you’re planning dates for this person, why not choose a new restaurant with a food type they’ve never tried, or take them on something adventurous like rock climbing? Remember, the more exciting the activity, the more they will love it.

5. They Like to Talk

This person has a lot to say. They want to share their day and tell stories about things in their life. Remember that they talk when they’re happy, sad, or mad, so you may not have a moment’s peace.

The unique thing about this person is they often talk to think out loud, so don’t be surprised if your partner is chatting away in the grocery store checkout line.

6. They’re About More Than Partying

It’s easy to think that extroverts are more about partying and getting the next thrill than considering work. Nothing could be further from the truth. According to Psych Reel, the extrovert is often very successful in life because of their ability to interact with ease socially.

These folks have deep values and want to be successful, but they show it in different ways. Extroverts can be very smart, serious, and considerate of other folks. You might have to be the man behind the woman or vice versa, and you need to be comfortable with their successes.

7. You Always Know Where You Stand if You’re Dating an Extrovert

Don’t you hate those relationships where people play mind games, and you’re constantly guessing if they like you or not? Well, when dating an extrovert, you won’t have that problem. These folks are outgoing and assertive enough to tell you exactly how they feel. They won’t beat around the bush and keep you guessing as they shoot from the hip.

8. It’s Easy to Get to Know Them

Since these individuals don’t play mind games, please don’t put up walls and have no problem opening up. They’re easy to get to know. You won’t feel like you’re pulling teeth to get them to talk. You’ll probably know their entire life story by date number two, but they might get a little upset at your inability to tell your tale.

9. They Like to be The Center of Attention

The extrovert thrives on thrill-seeking and being on center stage. They would have no problem volunteering in an audience to help with a demonstration. They’re the person that can sing karaoke at the local club, whether they have a gift for singing or not. They don’t embarrass easily, and if something looks like fun, then they’re all in.

10. If You’re Dating an Extrovert, You’ll Realize How Stimulating They Find Other People

The extroverted person needs to be around others. Unlike the introvert that recharges their batteries by being alone, the extrovert must have people around. They feel energized by social events, and if they’re sad and lonely, being with friends can cheer them up.

11. They Live By “The More, The Merrier” Philosophy

There may be times in your relationship when you feel like you want time alone with your partner. It’s hard to do that sometimes with extroverts as they love to have people around them.

If entertaining guests for dinner, you may think that four or five friends are acceptable, but they’ve already invited 20. They see things very differently and live by the philosophy “the more, the merrier.”

12. They’re Not Clingy and Don’t Need You

It would help if you learned balance with the extrovert, as there will be times when you feel that you’re not needed. If you’re looking for someone who is clingy and will give you their undivided attention, then you’re with the wrong person. They have no problem ditching you for a friend if you refuse to go to a concert or movie they want to see.

13. They’re Not Flirtatious – It’s Just Their Personality

You’re going to have to accept the fact that they like people, and this includes both women and men. There will be times that their personality comes across like they’re being flirtatious, but it’s just their natural, bubbly way. If you’re the jealous type, you need to understand their practices, as it can cause much confusion.

It’s not uncommon for the extrovert’s ways to be misinterpreted, but it’s just their warmth and friendly nature that’s shining through. They will strike up a conversation and smile with the waitress or your grandpa, and it doesn’t mean anything to them as they see it as being friendly.

14. Dating an Extrovert Can Be Easy Because They’re Adaptable

One thing you will love about dating an extrovert is how they’re very adaptable. They know life will throw unexpected curveballs, but they’ve learned to go with the flow. Since they’re so adventurous, they can change plans without getting all upset.

15. Their Inner Circle is Massive

Since this person is the life of the party, they don’t need their partner as much as the introverted person. They won’t beg you to go to a concert or movie with them. If you don’t want to go, they have tons of other people they will ask instead.

You must realize that you have to share with the extrovert as they have a large inner circle, so you may find yourself alone if you refuse to go out and mingle.

Final Thoughts on What to Expect When Dating an Extrovert

When dating an extrovert, you must be a strong person, as their personality will outshine you at times. Licensed social worker Tracey Ross contributed to a piece stating that it’s not uncommon for introverts and extroverts to be attracted to one another.

The extroverted person wishes they knew how to settle down and have a night at home, while the introvert wants someone to make them feel freer and step outside their comfort zone. You can have a beautiful relationship if you take time to understand one another, but it’s not going to be easy.

As with all relationships, there’s give and take. You must be willing to go out and be among the people some, and they must be willing to stay at home and couch surf on occasion.

It’s possible to have a thriving relationship if you both give a little. Meeting in the middle and understanding each other’s needs is the key to thriving.

15 Signs of Social Anxiety Most People Don’t Understand

November 24, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

Social anxiety is a severe mental health disorder that can paralyze you. You may find that you’re nervous and prefer your alone time, as being around people sends your anxiety into an uproar. However, the signs of social anxiety are not often understood by those who’ve never experienced them.

While the core symptoms are the same for most, there are always some variations in your condition. For instance, one person may have social anxiety that makes getting behind the wheel impossible, as they’ve developed claustrophobia along with it. In contrast, another person may struggle to go to the doctor’s office to get help because of the crowded waiting room.

According to the Mayo Clinic, social anxiety disorder is similar to the feelings of butterflies in your stomach before a presentation. It’s also called social phobia, and it can cause significant limitations on your life if you do not seek treatment.

Fifteen Signs of Social Anxiety

It’s challenging for folks who don’t suffer from anxiety to understand the debilitating nature. They may tell you that you need to go shopping anyway as it will help you get better. Well, while exposure therapy can help, it’s not always so cut and dry. Here are some signs of social anxiety that many people don’t understand.

1. Turning Down Invitations Can Be a First Sign of Social Anxiety

People with social anxiety turn down invitations to birthday parties and other events. It’s not that they don’t want to go, but their fear won’t allow such mingling with other people. Some folks can easily take this wrong and think that the person is coming across as snobbish, but nothing could be further from the truth.

2. Refusing to Leave the Home

The person with these high levels of anxiety finds comfort in their home. It’s imperative to seek help as people who isolate can quickly have their social anxiety turn into a more severe condition called agoraphobia. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, agoraphobia affects around one-tenth of the population.

3. Panic Attacks Go Hand-in-Hand With Social Anxiety

When a person suffering from anxiety reaches a boiling point, the body sends powerful hormones into protect. While these hormones are vital in dangerous situations, the body feels that every social situation is precarious. Having a panic attack in a public place only acerbates the issues, as the person with signs of social anxiety won’t want to return there.

4. Sweating Profusely

When you’re in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, you may begin to sweat. This response is another sign of the overproduction of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Most people don’t understand why you sweat so much, but it’s your anxiety in overdrive.

5. Skipping Grocery Stores

To someone who needs a gallon of milk, they think nothing of stopping at the supermarket and picking up what they need. However, to a person with social anxiety, that trip into the store might be worse than having a tooth pulled. Going to big box grocery stores with wide-open spaces and large crowds can be a nightmare.

6. Refusing Treatment

When you’re sick, you go to the doctor for help. However, when a person suffers from social anxiety, the doctor’s office brings much discomfort. Many people go without treatment simply because they’re afraid of the waiting room and the people there.

7. Social Anxiety Often Stems from Fearing Judgment

Part of the signs of social anxiety comes from the fear of judgment. Many folks are afraid that others will judge them harshly or unfairly. Remember, anxiety puts all sorts of thoughts into your mind and will make you think about things that aren’t true.

8. Waiting for Impending Doom

The number one reason people don’t want to go to the stores and other places where there are many people is that they fear a panic attack. You may be afraid that you will pass out, cause a spectacle of yourself, or have all eyes on you. Your anxiety can turn you into a hermit because it’s making you deliberate stuff that’s not likely to happen.

9. Avoiding Driving

One of the signs of social anxiety that isn’t easily recognized is the fear of driving. Other things can also cause driving concerns, but it’s likely caused by being in a situation where you feel there’s no escape. Some people can drive on a two-lane highway, but they will have a full-blown anxiety attack if you put them on the interstate.

10. Body Language Can Reveal Social Anxiety

The body language of a person who has social anxiety is undeniable. For instance, have you ever seen someone jiggle change or keys constantly in their pockets? Nerve problems likely cause this, and it’s a way they cope. Someone who fidgets in their chair is probably suffering from anxiety too.

11. Need for Isolation

Once anxiety levels reach a particular peek, you’ll naturally use whatever coping skills you can find to get relief. Some people will take a nap to reset their brain, while others dunk their heads in ice-cold water. Others do not understand the need for isolation, but this time allows you to cool off and bring your anxiety back down to a manageable level.

12. People Who Have Social Anxiety Avoid Places with Loud Noises

Did you know that loud noises can also drive your anxiety through the roof? If you’re in a grocery store, the sound of the wheels on the carts, the registers clanging, and the children screaming can make you want to jump out of your skin. Some people with social anxiety find that their situation is worse when it’s in an environment where there’s noise.

According to Calm Clinic, noise anxiety often accompanies other types of anxiety, and it’s a challenge to manage. It’s similar to PTSD because the person who has it is often startled when the noise levels get above their comfortable baseline. Going to something like a parade or the fireworks on the 4th of July wouldn’t be possible for someone with social anxiety.

Not only would the crowd and the fear of not being able to escape become too much to handle, but the noise would undoubtedly make them uncomfortable.

13. Dizziness

One of the signs of social anxiety that most people don’t understand is dizziness. When your anxiety is high, your body will react in many different ways. While some people might sweat, others will find themselves dizzy and feel like their head is spinning in circles.

Oddly enough, you might be dizzy one time and not have the same symptoms during the next attack, which makes things even harder to gauge.

14. Having a Small Circle of Comfort

Dating or having any social life is a challenge with social anxiety. For instance, the other person will quickly pick up that there are only a few places you can go where your anxiety doesn’t make the event unbearable. Some folks can go to the movies, but they need to sit in the back row for a quick escape.

Others may go out to eat, but only if they sit close to the door and have a planned escape route. Your anxiety levels dictate what you can and can’t do, so you develop a circle of safety that includes people and places. You can’t go beyond this safety net, or it will cause significant discomfort and a possible full-blown panic attack.

15. Social Anxiety Might Cause Rapid Speech

Do you tend to talk fast when you’re in social situations? You’re nervous, and your speech rate increases because you’re having a challenging time articulating. The incapacitating fear that you feel can make your voice squeak like a mouse, or you can talk so fast that people have a hard time keeping up. It’s certainly a sign that folks don’t understand, but you must think hard and try your best to slow down when you speak.

Final Thoughts on Recognizing the Primary Signs of Social Anxiety

There are many things about an anxiety disorder that people won’t understand until they experience it for themselves. No matter how hard you try to explain things, it just doesn’t make sense to someone who’s never had their heart racing, sweating profusely, and needed alone time to calm down.

The good news is that you don’t have to suffer from this mental health condition, as there are many treatment options available. Many folks will have social anxiety problems when they have other issues in their lives, but it will quickly leave as soon as it comes. However, others may struggle with it for life, but they learn effective ways to manage it.

First, exposure therapy is a great way to combat these feelings. However, it’s recommended that you don’t do this alone. You need a therapist or support person to help you should your anxiety reach its peak. Second, meditation is a great way to calm the body and mind and release some pressure to build your tension.

Lastly, you might want to avoid listening to the news and reading social media news highlights if your fears are trauma-based. If you suffered a horrific event, anything that triggers such memories could increase your anxiety. You don’t have to suffer from this condition, and there are trained professionals that want to help.

12 Habits for a Happier Life

November 24, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Focusing on all the bad things that have left you downtrodden is easy. However, you must change your mindset to be happier and feel more fulfilled in your life. The things that you do every day can affect your overall happiness.

Have you ever heard the old saying that a life with many regrets is no life? Think about that profound statement and use it to evaluate your life.

Do you have a bucket list of things you’ve been waiting to do, or are you so tied to a desk at the office that work has become your life? Use your past experiences to write your future and ensure your future is fulfilled.

Be Happier and More Fulfilled with These Habits

Now is the time to start living and enjoying everything you have been given. Stop wishing for a happier life and put action behind those thoughts. Here are twelve things you can do to improve your life to make it happier and more fulfilled.

1. Focus on Relationships and Not Possessions

Is your focus off-kilter? Are you putting all your energy into storing wealth and possessions when you should be focused on people and relationships? Your obituary will never discuss all the boats, cars, and homes you’ve owned.

Rather, it will talk about how loving and kind you were to others. When you focus on people, you will reap the rewards of good friendship and love. To have friends, you must show yourself friendly, and it’s hard to do when you’re married to your job.

2. Give Back to the Community to Be Happier

There’s no better feeling than the one where you help someone in need. It’s not something you need to post on social media to get accolades, but it’s a gesture of kindness that you feel inside.

If you have two shirts, give your brother one. It’s an old principle that still rings true. If you want to find true happiness, you will find ways to give back to others.

3. Use Accountability

Every word or action you do can have consequences attached to it. If you do something wrong, then you need to own it. Don’t hurt others’ feelings, nor should you ever do something amiss without owning it and rectifying the issue.

If you’ve lied, then make sure that you fix your untruthfulness. You will find that your lies and other issues will snowball if you have no accountability.

4. Be Disciplined

Have you seen the difference between a person with great discipline and one without it? A disciplined person knows that sheets change on Mondays, and the trash must be taken to the curb on Tuesdays.

They live by a structure so that they are accountable and dependable to all. Having discipline doesn’t mean you’re perfect, but you have the mindset to accomplish the necessary tasks.

5. Free Your Mind and Heart of Hate

If you allow it, hate will consume every fiber of your being. Even if someone wrongs you, you must learn to let it go.

Freeing your heart from hatred helps you focus on happiness and fulfillment. You don’t need that negativity anyway.

6. Be Eager to Forgive (It Makes Your Heart Happier!)

Do you hold grudges? Do you harbor feelings for people who have done you wrong in times past? You must allow forgiveness to penetrate your being if you want to be forgiven.

Unforgiveness is the breeding ground for hate, and you already know that malice can fester to the point of making you miserable. You don’t want to be known as a grumbling, mean person who holds grudges. Rather, let your legacy be one of happiness and love.

Here are six things that make you surprisingly unique.

7. Put Your Loved Ones First

You must work and maintain relationships outside your job, but nothing is more important than your family.

Sadly, addiction to work is a marriage killer, and it can ruin other relationships, too. Your family and friends must come for you to be first to be truly fulfilled. There are plenty of other jobs, but you only get one family.

8. Live A Purpose-Driven Life

At the core of fulfillment and happiness comes purpose. Going to work and raising kids is part of that picture, but finding purpose goes way beyond that traditional day. What is your reason for being on the earth?

You need to find something that makes you happy at the end of the day, even if it’s something small. Finding a purpose is key if you want to live in contentment.

9. Never Stop Chasing Your Dreams of Being Happier

How long has it been since you sat back and dreamed? Have you ever written those dreams down on paper? Your dreams are the driving force behind your happiness in life. Your existence would be dull if you didn’t have a vision for the future.

Maybe it’s time you stop worrying about your nine to five and get the kids to all their after-school functions. It would be best if you made time to dream again. Do you want to be a pilot, travel to a faraway land, or hold a position in your company that seems unachievable?

Dreaming gives you hope for tomorrow and a reason to keep going.

10. Stretch Your Comfort Zone

This step might be hard for many people. Your comfort zone is there to protect you, and stretching its boundaries can be scary. However, if you don’t challenge yourself or your limits, you will never know how great your life can be.

Have you ever been offered a position or asked to do something in life, but you doubted your abilities? It’s a boat trip where people jump for a nice swim. If you don’t put your toes in the water and feel the water below’s amazing sensations below, how will you know if you won’t like it?

If you stay in the same position, then you will stagnate. The movers and shakers in life are the ones that take chances and jump even when there’s nothing to catch them.

11. Count Your Blessings

Before laying your head on the pillow at night, be thankful for all you have been given. There’s someone out there who would do anything to have a nice, warm bed to sleep in. Did you eat today?

According to Action Against Hunger, over 690 million people across the globe don’t have sufficient nutrition, and they go to bed hungry each night. It’s depressing when you see how much food is wasted around you. You have problems and may feel like you’re drowning in depression or other matters.

However, someone always has it worse off than you. Taking time out of your day to be happy about all you have changes your attitude to gratitude. Someone somewhere would do anything to have a fraction of what you do.

12. Make Improvements Everyday

Each day has valuable lessons if you only take the time to learn them. To be fulfilled, you should strive to make little improvements daily. What if you could improve yourself by just one percent each day? At the end of the year, you would be 37 times better than you were when you started.

So many people get caught up thinking they must make drastic changes. While that’s all fine and good if you can make such alterations, many times, those changes aren’t long-lasting. However, if you can learn to make small daily changes, the chances of sticking with those adjustments are more significant.

Final Thoughts on Being More Fulfilled and Happier in Life

According to News Scientist, there are more than 7.7 billion people on Earth. Amazingly, there is only one you. You are unique, and will never be anyone else quite like you. You owe it to yourself and your family to live your life fully.

Part of being fulfilled is to live with no regrets. A powerful poem states that when your time on earth is through, you don’t want to be like the people who fear leaving the world because they want to redo all the bad in their lives.

Rather, you should feel happier and fulfilled that you’ve lived your life to the best of your ability. When you go home at the end of your journey, you can die with dignity and pride like a hero.

What changes can you make today to make you and the world around you a better place? Start incorporating a few of these things into your life, and you will be amazed by the changes you feel. You can’t correct yesterday’s mistakes, but you can stop the ones of tomorrow.

11 Benefits of Eating Protein to Never Overlook

November 24, 2022 by Chris Butler

Eating a balanced diet is vital for overall good health. A healthy diet comprises fats, carbohydrates, and protein. Eating enough protein is critical for staying healthy, having proper growth, and having good body function throughout your life. There’s no doubt that protein is key to your diet.

Here is a list of ten benefits of eating protein you should never overlook.

11 Science-Backed Benefits of Eating Protein

1 – Stay full longer by eating protein

Consuming healthy sources of protein daily helps you stay full for an extended period, making you less likely to snack in between meals. Protein is more filling than carbohydrates or fat. Eating protein also suppresses a specific hormone called ghrelin, which has an appetite-suppressing effect on your body. Eating protein in your meals can help you avoid consuming those extra calories that cause you to feel hungry and gain weight.

2 – Speeds up your metabolism

Your body burns more energy processing protein than it does fats or carbohydrates. You can’t magically lose weight just by eating protein, but you’ll drop some extra pounds, especially if you add exercise to your daily routine. As your body digests protein, it speeds up your metabolism, making you feel full quicker, which helps you eat fewer calories.

3 – Help you maintain your weight

An adequate amount of protein in your diet will help you reduce calories. Studies found that eating a higher protein diet was a successful way to treat obesity and help with body weight management. They found that those who ate more protein had more significant weight loss, better weight maintenance, lower blood pressure, and reduction of waist circumference. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, add healthy protein foods to your regular diet.

4 – Eating protein improves your overall strength

Protein comprises amino acids, like building blocks that, when built together, make up your muscles, bones, skin, and hair. When you consume protein, your body breaks it down during digestion into amino acids. If you aren’t eating protein, your body will remove protein from your muscles and then other parts of your body to function. This causes you to have less strength.

5 – Builds and repairs your muscle

Protein’s amino acids are building blocks that build and repair your muscles. The amino acids help repair your muscle tissues. You need to eat an adequate amount of protein each day to assist your body in this building and repairing itself. Eating too little protein results in weak muscles, lack of hair growth, and poor skin tone. If you are physically active walking, biking, or hiking, consume extra protein to help restore your muscles.

6 – You can avoid heart disease by eating protein instead of too many carbs

Even though protein is essential for your overall health, be sure to eat healthy proteins. Plant protein results in a lower risk of heart disease than eating protein from red meats or dairy. Plant proteins are cholesterol-free, a factor in many cardiovascular diseases. Eating processed red meats can also cause cardiovascular disease. Processed red meats such as:

Bacon
Salami
Pepperoni
Hot dogs
Cured ham
Canned meats
Beef jerky
Sausages

7 – Eating protein lowers your blood pressure

A higher intake of protein will lower your blood pressure. Studies found that eating plant protein lowers blood pressure and reduces your risk of heart disease. Even though plant proteins lack amino acids, they’re still healthier than red meats. Consume these healthy plant proteins:

Edamame
Lentils
Black beans
Chickpeas
Peanuts
Almonds
Quinoa
Hemp seeds
Broccoli
Wild rice
Guava
Soybeans
Spinach

8 – Helps you stay strong as you age

As you get older, your muscles naturally grow weaker. Your daily routine gets more challenging if you have less muscle strength. This can lead to falls, or poor quality of life, especially in older adults. Eating more protein-rich foods is one way to help fight muscle deterioration. Add exercise to build your muscle strength. Walk, swim or ride a bike. Lift weights to add muscle tone and strength.

9 – Eating protein oxygenates your blood

Your red blood cells contain protein that moves oxygen throughout your body. Oxygen carries essential nutrients to your different organs and tissues. Thus, eating protein plays a massive part in fueling you with energy and lots of oxygen.

10 – Helps with hormone regulation

Besides being a building block of your body’s cells, organs and tissues, protein also plays a significant role in your body’s hormone development and regulation. For instance, a low-protein diet is linked to decreased estrogen and prolactin, increased stress, and thyroid imbalances. If you’re eating meat protein, choose organic turkey or chicken, wild-caught fish, and grass-fed beef for the best hormone quality.

11 – Helps you have strong bones

Individuals who eat protein build and maintain their bone mass better for their age. If you’re not eating enough protein, you could be at risk for osteoporosis, a bone disease that decreases your bone mass. This leads to lower bone strength and increases your risk of falling and breaking a bone. It’s called a “silent ” disease because you rarely have symptoms. Most people don’t know they have it until they break a bone. It’s more common for women than men. Eat plenty of protein and get enough exercise to prevent this common bone disease.

How much protein should you eat?

Generally, adults should eat 10 to 35% protein, 45 to 65% carbohydrates, and 20 to 35% fats to maintain optimum health. This works out to consume approximately 7 grams of protein for every twenty pounds of body weight. Here’s a calculator to help you determine your best intake.

Want to start eating protein for better health? Try these foods:

Here are the best sources of protein for optimum health benefits.

Legumes
Seeds and nuts
Whole grains
Vegetables and fruits
Seafood
Poultry
Lean dairy food

Strange things you may not have known about eating protein

Protein is a familiar topic for most people. But there are some exciting things you may not know about protein.

Hair problems: Your hair is composed of protein. It would help if you ate enough to keep your hair strong and healthy. If you don’t consume enough protein, your hair will fall out. High-protein foods help your hair grow faster and not fall out as much.
Calorie counting: One gram of protein provides four calories.
It’s fishy: Of all the fish, yellowfish tuna has the highest amount of protein, followed by anchovies, salmon, snapper, halibut, and tilapia.
On no, bugs: If you want a high-protein snack, try crickets. They have 60 grams of protein in a 3.5-ounce serving.
Second place: Your body is made up of approximately 70% water. Protein is your body’s second most abundant material, making up around 18% to 20%.
Greek to me: The word protein comes from the Greek word, Proteios. In Greek, it means holding a primary position.
Protein deficiency: In kids, protein deficiency is called kwashiorkor. This condition causes a protruding belly, thin hair, weight loss, and faded skin color. There are mental disorders and even death if a child has Kwashiorkor.
More protein: Poultry has more protein than beef.
Less consumption: India has the least amount of meat consumption even though they’re second in population. In India, individuals only eat around 7 pounds of meat a year compared to Americans, who eat around 274 pounds of meat every year.
Eating too much protein: Too much protein isn’t good for you. It can put a strain on your liver and kidneys, causing them to need to work too hard.
Luxembourg’s meat-eaters: Although it’s the smallest country in the world, Luxembourg is one of the largest meat-eating countries in the world. On average, citizens of Luxembourg eat 299 pounds of meat every year.
Please don’t overdo it: Overeating protein will cause you to gain weight.

Final Thoughts on Understanding the Eleven Best Reasons for Eating Protein

Hopefully, this information on protein benefits will convince you of the importance of eating protein for your overall good health. It’s essential for healthy bones, hormones, weight loss, weight control, and strong muscles. Try incorporating lean proteins like plant protein, fish, or poultry into your daily meals. Choosing high-protein foods will guarantee you stay strong for years to come.

7 Signs It’s Time to Release Toxic Family Members

November 23, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Toxic family members can take a toll on your emotional and mental health. In some cases, they may act violent or abusive, becoming a threat to your safety. Your family should never scare or intimidate you but support you in both good and bad times. Having a stable, healthy family means you always have someone to count on when the world seems cruel and uncaring.

Historically, people have held their families close and counted on them for security. Nowadays, those ties have begun to fray in our individualized society. People have expanded their circles and found kinship in communities far beyond their own. We can connect with people all over the world, which increases opportunities for new relationships.

In this way, many people have found a sense of belonging that they never had with family. Modern social networks have become a blessing for those who endured toxic family members in childhood. However, not everyone finds it so easy to let go of their families. Guilt, abandonment issues, and doubts may get in the way.

7 Times It’s Time to Disconnect From Toxic Family Members

It may serve your best interests to release toxic family members. We’ll go over some signs that you should cut ties with the family below.

1. Your Family Members Display Abusive Behaviors.

You should never tolerate physical, emotional, or verbal abuse. Toxic family members see no problem making you miserable if they feel better about themselves. Abusive people typically have narcissistic tendencies and have no concept of healthy relationships. They believe they can treat others however they’d like without consequences.

To them, relationships only serve as a means to an end, and they will stop at nothing to get what they want. Dealing with these toxic family members can lead to mental illnesses and low self-esteem. It’s best to cut ties with them to protect your well-being.

2. Most of Your Interactions Are Negative.

You should terminate a relationship with toxic family members if they negatively influence you. Or, at least distance yourself from them, so their toxicity doesn’t affect you as much. Dysfunctional families tend to have overly negative outlooks, which can rub off on others. If you spend too much time around them, it can start to impact your mental health.

For instance, if they usually complain or criticize you in conversations, they probably don’t add much value to your life. It may hurt to end relationships with toxic family members, but you deserve positive people in your life.

3. You Constantly Have to Defend Yourself to Toxic Family Members.

It’s also a good idea to end contact with family members who constantly require explanations. If you always have to defend yourself around them, they don’t have your best interests at heart. You shouldn’t have to keep your guard up around family, so that should set the alarm bells off.

You can make your own choices in life without having to get approval from others. Their desire to control or micromanage your life also points to deep insecurity within themselves. Don’t allow them to have so much influence, especially if they only bring drama to the table.

4. They Gossip Behind Your Back.

Family members should never talk about you behind your back, but it happens often. Gossipers have low self-esteem and derive power from bringing others down, even family. However, you shouldn’t tolerate toxic family members treating you with such disrespect.

If you hear that they’ve been bashing you behind closed doors, confront them about it. If they can’t apologize or show no interest in changing their behavior, it’s time to release this relationship.

5. Your Toxic Family Members Show No Compassion.

Studies show that parent-child estrangement may occur due to specific dynamics like inadequate parenting. This could mean a lack of compassion or empathy, neglect, abusive or overly involved parenting. Children cited chronic parental sensitivity as another reason for cutting ties with parents. For example, the parent may create constant conflict, perpetuate one-sided relationships or display negative outbursts.

Of course, mental illness may play a role in the behaviors of toxic family members. While showing empathy and understanding toward family is essential, this doesn’t excuse their behavior. If you can’t agree with them, it may serve you best to walk away from the relationship.

6. They Disrespect Your Boundaries.

Toxic family members may have no respect for your boundaries, whether in your personal or work life. They believe they’re entitled to show up at your home or workplace whenever they feel like it. Also, they may become overly involved in your relationships, wanting to know every detail of your love life.

You may brush it off as them just being lonely and needing companionship. However, they have crossed the line if they can’t learn to give you space, especially with intimate relationships. If they don’t seem to care about making you uncomfortable, it’s time to release this family member for good.

7. They Judge and Criticize You.

Abusive family members never seem to have anything positive to say. No matter what you do, it never seems good enough in their eyes. If you got a promotion at work, they would judge you for taking so long to move up. Or, if you moved into a new house, they may criticize the location or style. They only want to get a rise out of you, so don’t let them.

Final Thoughts on Releasing Toxic Family Members

Unfortunately, not all of us have loving, supportive families. Unstable and abusive parents or extended family members can cause unwanted stress and even mental illnesses. In some cases, the pressure of turbulent relationships may lead to physical health issues, such as chronic pain.

Family should be a haven–somewhere you can go to escape the horrors of the world. If you have toxic family members that only bring you down, perhaps it’s time to let them go. You may feel guilty or ashamed at leaving your family behind. However, holding on to negative relationships will only harm you in the long run.

6 Habits to Help Avoid Afternoon Sleepiness

November 23, 2022 by Chris Butler

When you visit a workplace mid-afternoon, you’re likely to see many employees in a state of sleepiness as they struggle to keep their eyes open. The infamous nosedive of energy usually strikes you right after lunch. The fatigue and lack of focus can be chronic throughout the week. In most workplaces, a nap is not a viable option.

Are you frustrated with how midday exhaustion affects your entire well-being? You can make some lifestyle changes to alleviate the daily tailspins of lethargy and have a more even energy level.

6 Habits Reboot Your Energy and Avoid the Late Day Slump

If you’re tired but cannot take a nap in the late afternoon, then it’s time to do something about it. Here are six helpful hints for keeping your energy at optimal levels all day long.

1. Eat Right to Avoid Afternoon Sleepiness

If you own a car, you’re probably particular about maintaining it. Your vehicle needs regularly scheduled oil changes and other preventative maintenance to keep it on the road. Plus, you ensure that it has quality gasoline for the motor to run.

You value your ride and realize that you will not have it for long if you don’t take care of it. Likewise, your body is a complex machine that requires proper fuel and maintenance for optimal performance. Personal neglect can lead to malnutrition and severe health issues.

Those irritating energy slumps you feel in the afternoon result from poor-quality food consumption. Your body needs a variety of whole foods for the vitamins and nutrients necessary for survival. It’s the fuel that maintains your living engine.

Consider this all-too-familiar scenario. It’s lunchtime, and you zip to the nearest fast-food drive-through for a hefty burger, greasy fries, and a giant soda. Or maybe you don’t have time, so you load up on stale snacks from the office vending machine.

By mid-afternoon, you’ve morphed into a sluggish zombie in one of those cheesy apocalypse movies. With all your strength, you drag yourself down the hallway in a deep brain fog. You refuel with some more vending machine snacks to hopefully gain enough energy to make it through your day.

It’s a defeating domino effect brought on by poor food choices. Instead of processed junk food loaded with sugar, salt, fat, and preservatives, you should choose healthy whole foods. Pack lunches that include lean proteins, whole grains, veggies, nutrition, and modest fat. If you must have fast food, try to make intelligent choices.

Simple carbs may give you energy, but you’ll need a nap about midafternoon. Try quick and easy lunches high in protein and heart-healthy fats to sustain your energy and blood sugar levels. Keep small portions of nutritious snacks, like nuts, veggie sticks, or some unbuttered popcorn.

2. Drink Plenty of Water to Avoid Afternoon Sleepiness

Your body needs freshwater to survive and thrive with nutritious eating habits. You get some hydration from water-based foods like fruit and vegetables. However, you still need to consume enough water to keep your body from dehydrating.

Did you know that you can be dehydrated and not even realize it? It can often manifest in those dreaded midday energy slumps. According to an article by the University of Connecticut, even mild dehydration can negatively affect your energy levels, moods, and concentration.

Do yourself a favor and fill a reusable water container at your desk. You can refill it as needed from the water cooler and take it with you if you travel. Aim to drink about six to eight glasses or more.

It’s a common temptation to guzzle coffee and other caffeinated drinks to evade energy slumps. While you’ll feel the hyper buzz at first, it will eventually wane, and you may feel worse. Also, excess caffeine can dehydrate your body, make you jittery, and keep you awake all night.

If your day must start with coffee, keep it at a minimum—the same with caffeinated sodas and energy drinks. If you can’t stand the taste of plain water, add some fresh lemon juice for a kick of flavor and Vitamin C.

3. Fight Sleepiness With Exercise

An article from the American Psychological Association notes that at least fifty million people in this country have sedentary jobs. What’s worse is that the same folks may have little or no physical activity at home.

Do you have a job that keeps you chairbound forty hours a week or more? Not only are you more likely to experience energy slumps in the afternoons, but you’re also more at risk for obesity and its associated health problems.

Break those after-lunch doldrums and get your body moving. If necessary, set a timer each hour to remind you to stand, stretch, and walk around the office for a few minutes. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, and park a little further away, so you will have to walk more to get to the office.

4. Spend Some Time in Nature

One of the reasons people may experience midday fatigue is simply boredom. Many daily tasks become mundane in the afternoon as the clock doesn’t seem to budge. Consider giving yourself a change of scenery each day to revitalize your mind and inspire you to think more creatively.

Resist the urge to stay at your desk during lunch and go outside instead. Even if you live and work in a bustling city, you can visit a nearby park or green area. Take a brisk walk and enjoy the beauty of the trees, plants, and tiny animals.

Nature is a powerful stimulant that can reinvigorate you physically, mentally, and spiritually. You may also use this time for mindful walking like a mobile meditation. Bring a touch of nature into your office with a couple of plants or a bouquet of fresh flowers.

5. Try a Power Nap to Beat Your Late Afternoon Sleepiness

Remember when you were in preschool, and the students took a brief afternoon nap? Not only did it recharge your young body, but it also gave the teachers a bit of respite to do other things. The good news is that the same principle can eradicate your afternoon slumps as an adult.

You can’t keep a cot, pillow, and blanket in your office for a daily siesta. However, you can lean back in your chair and take a 15-minute power nap on your break. Set a timer so you won’t oversleep or not sleep because you’re worried about it.

Napping can boost your energy, cognitive skills, and memory. Just a little snooze for about 15 minutes will do the trick. However, the article warns that too much napping during the day can mess with your sleep habits.

If you can’t sleep during the day, consider using this time to meditate in a quiet spot. Meditation can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase clarity, and invigorate your spirit. It’s also a superb way to cleanse your body of negativity and cultivate a more positive attitude.

6. Learn How to Use Your Circadian Rhythm

Humans have a highly evolved internal clock that prompts sleep and waking hours. This circadian rhythm developed a natural connection with daylight and darkness. Shift work, health issues, medication, and stress can interfere with your rhythm and cause sleep deprivation and midday slumps.

Have you ever noticed that you feel more energetic during different times of the day? A unique ultradian rhythm of high and low energy levels within your circadian rhythm. It’s not surprising that many people are at their lowest point mid-afternoon.

You can better understand your circadian and ultradian rhythms by keeping a journal. For a week, note when you go to bed and when you awaken. Also, record your peak energy hours and when they’re the lowest.

Use your journal as a general guideline for planning your day. Reserve your most energetic hours for brainstorming and complex tasks. You can work less stressful and low-key jobs during your slower hours.

Are you a night owl or an early bird chasing a worm? Your circadian personality can help you plan your work accordingly. Instead of fighting your energetic fluctuations, use them to your advantage.

The Issues with Self-Medicating Your Exhaustion

Caffeine is probably one of the most abused substances for energy-deprived people. According to an article published by Frontiers in Pharmacology, the nicotine in tobacco can decrease energy levels. Whether you smoke or chew, you’ll be bound to notice the lack of stamina during the day.

Alcohol is another contributing factor, especially in excess. An article published by Harvard Medical School states that alcohol’s sedative quality can deprive you of sleep and make you tired the next day. While some abused prescription drugs may give you manic energy, a debilitating crash is inevitable.

Final Thoughts on Avoiding Afternoon Sleepiness

Does waning energy affect your moods and work performance? While your sleep habits can play a significant role in these energy crashes, make other lifestyle choices. Try these and additional helpful hints to keep you happy, revitalize the entire day, and resolve your exhaustion—lack of focus.

Weekly tips, affirmations, and small actions to feel your best.

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!