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15 Differences Between a Crush and a Real Love Connection

March 17, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

Is it a crush? Or have you made a love connection? It may be hard to identify between the two, especially if it’s something new and exciting. However, you must realize the significant differences between having a crush and being in love.

A crush is a temporary infatuation based on a solid attraction, usually physical. On the other hand, love is something deeper that’s affectionate and comes with prolonged-lasting feelings. A crush shakes you up and has your heart and mind in an uproar, while true love is grounded and gives you a sense of inner calm.

Is It a Love Connection or a Crush?

Are you experiencing a love connection, or is your affection based on nothing more than a crush? Here are some ways to tell the difference between love and infatuation; some might surprise you.

1. Love is Based on Something Deeper Than Physical Attraction

Crushes mostly happen because of an intense physical connection with someone. However, you have a much deeper bond when you fall in love. An emotional connection rarely fuels crushes, but love goes beyond physical attributes and is based on a connection.

When you have a love connection, you’re into more than just their body; you’re also interested in their mind and overall wellbeing.

2. Crushes Only Last for a Short Time

The timeline is something that you can notate. According to research, most crushes don’t last beyond four months, so they’re very short-lived. However, love takes a while to develop and sometimes a lifetime to get over.

Crushes bring about feelings like a racing pulse, melting when you look into their eyes or being addicted to that person. You might feel giddy like a schoolgirl when you’re fascinated with someone, but this doesn’t usually happen when you’re in love.

3. Love Will Invigorate You

A crush will pull you in 100 different directions, making it easy to become physically and mentally exhausted. You will experience intense emotions and be whipped around all over the place. However, a genuine love connection won’t do that to you.

Love will bring you energy and fulfillment. Besides that, it gives you a little push to make it one more day. It will fuel your tank, giving you the power to keep trying.

4. Crushes Happen Quickly and End Quickly

It’s impossible to meet someone and fall in love with them. While some folks say they’ve experienced love at first sight, it’s almost impossible to love someone without truly knowing them. Infatuated people will obsess over their unattainable desires while in love, take things slower, and develop a more incredible bond each day.

Think of love like a flower in life’s garden that takes time to grow. You can’t plant a seed one day and have a flower the next, as it needs time to mature and develop; this is how love works.

5. Crushes are Unpredictable

Falling in love makes you become a better version of yourself, but if you’re experiencing a crush, you may become a more intense version. It’s not uncommon for people to act abnormally when they’re crushing hard on someone. Love is different, though, as it gives you peace and reassurance that the future is bright and everything is as intended.

6. Crushes are Based on False Perceptions

When you have a crush on someone, you don’t have a reasonable basis for your feelings. This is because the emotions are surface and very shallow.

You may try to convince yourself that you’re in love, but people who crush hard only look for physical manifestations. Love, however, is profound, more genuine, and may or may not have physical expressions.

7. Love is Soothing and Doesn’t Cause Emotional Upheaval

Having a crush on someone is like riding a roller coaster with many loops and intense speed. The key is that these infatuations are often short-lived and tend to go away as quickly as they came. However, when you’re feeling these intense feelings, you’re probably also experiencing a whirlwind of emotions.

Love, on the other hand, calms you and brings you comfort. These feelings are on the opposite ends of the spectrum, and you can always tell when it is love because it brings you a sense of serenity.

8. Crushes Are Selfish

Did you know that many crushes are not reciprocated? Nothing hurts worse than wanting someone so badly only to find out they don’t feel the same. Dr. Carl E. Pickhardt from Psychology Today states that crushes are more about fantasy than reality.

They’re the perfect mix of idealization and infatuation. There’s no bright future with fixation, but love is the one that brings hope and is shared.

9. Crushes are Possessive and Devour You

Crushes can be selfish, as it tends to possess and devour every part of you. You’ll often feel stuck in a loop on a merry-go-round, but you’re so overwhelmed that you don’t know how to get off. Love is nothing like this; it doesn’t possess you but brings you peacefulness.

10. Crushes are Merely Temporary Fixes

Throughout your life, you will likely have many crushes. However, you will only have a couple of people you can say you truly love. When you fall head over heels into a crush, you temporarily fix your need for romance and intrigue.

Love is the opposite because people who fall in love often care about each other for life. This is why many people can remain friends long after the breakup, as the friendship never dies.

11. Love Causes Growth

Falling in love brings you growth opportunities, but crushes don’t give you the same sense of maturity and in-depth knowledge. Sure, there’s affection with both situations, but the person in love will always have someone who makes them a better human being. The couple in love has a bright future, whereas the crush will fizzle like a candle in the wind.

12. Crushes Cause Emotional Upset

Have you noticed that you tend to make a big deal over the smallest things when you have a crush? Even the slightest upset can rattle your cage. However, love is more patient and looks at the big picture.

When you’re with the right person, and the feelings are where they should be, you realize that life is full of small stuff sent to test you. However, you embrace these moments and move on.

13. Crushes Happen All in the Head

Since most crushes aren’t reciprocated, everything happens in the head or on an emotional level. However, true love is genuine and can be seen, felt, and experienced in real time. A crush will isolate you, but love will want to be shared and embraced.

14. Crushes Play Mind Games

Why do people who have a crush often have more questions than answers? For instance, remember the old game where you take a flower and pull the petals while asking, “He loves me, he loves me not?” A person with a crush might feel confused and have many questions, as the connection with the other party is unstable, and they have doubts.

Thankfully, love isn’t like this at all. See, all the questions you ask yourself repeatedly to determine if this person likes you don’t happen when you’re in love. When there’s true love between two people, they know, and there’s no need for useless inquiries.

15. Love Grows from An Emotional Bond

The basis for love and a crush is as diverse as an ocean from a lake. Crushes grow from desires, usually physically based. However, love is cultivated from a deep emotional bond between two people.

Mad infatuation wants to make you jump in bed and fill your physical desires, but love is more about the emotional and intellectual bond. Sure, there’s a physical connection, but it doesn’t take top precedence.

Final Thoughts on Love Connection or a Crush?

Did you learn anything that helps you decipher whether you’re in love or have a crush? Maybe you looked through this list and replayed events of your younger days in your mind. You recall how you felt and acted when infatuated with someone in high school or college.

Crushes only take a small chunk of your life, but they’re almost always unhealthy. Sadly, they will never live up to your expectations either. Love isn’t perfect, but it knows that you don’t have to be either.

When you have a genuine love connection, you know you will keep trying even though it’s messy, weird, and far from perfect. The crush will fade away just as quickly as it happened, but true love isn’t so easy to escape, and therein lies the most significant difference between the two.

15 Signs Someone Is Developing Anxiety

March 17, 2022 by Chris Butler

Do you know someone who seems to be developing anxiety?

Everyone experiences anxiety occasionally due to work issues, financial woes, or family problems. It’s part of life. Usually, after the problems go away, the anxiety disappears. But for some people, the fear never lifts. National Institute of Health data estimates that approximately 31% of adults in the United States have had an anxiety disorder. That’s a massive number of people who suffer from anxiety. If someone you know develops anxiety, they may need help.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is feeling fearful, agitated, or uneasy. Of course, chronic stress affects every part of a person’s life. However, it grows harmful if these feelings become so intense that someone can’t function normally.

Anxiety is debilitating mentally and emotionally, but it also causes physical symptoms, including the following:

Fatigue
Lack of focus or concentration
Nervousness, irritability
Insomnia
Heart problems
Breathing problems such as asthma
Auto-immune diseases
Back pain or neck pain
Migraines

What are types of anxiety?

People suffer from different anxiety disorders. Some of the most common anxiety disorders are these:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Panic disorders
Phobias
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive disorder

15 Signs Someone Is Developing Anxiety

Do you recognize any of these red flags in you or someone you care about?

1. Sick a lot

If someone you know seems to get sick all the time, it could signify they’re developing anxiety. Anxiety causes stress on your mind and your body. This causes high cortisol levels to be released into their body, making them more susceptible to a weakened immune system. Physical signs of anxiety include the following symptoms:

Dizziness
Rapid heart rate
Sweating
Insomnia
Shortness of breath

2. Someone developing anxiety becomes restless

Restlessness is a common sign someone is developing anxiety. An anxious person can’t sit still. It’s easy to assume they’re high-energy people, but if you watch them closely, you’ll notice their restlessness is related to stress. When someone struggling with anxiety gets into stressful situations, they respond with a fight-or-flight response. They should reserve this for only life and death situations, but an anxious person always feels this. Everything produces high stress for them. Restless anxiety may include nervous habits, including:

Fidgeting
Pacing
Hair curling around their fingers
Wiggling their foot
Tapping with their foot
Biting their fingernails

3. Worry about everything

It’s normal to worry occasionally, but if someone you know has excessive worries, it could be a sign they’re developing anxiety. They have negative thoughts and worry about things that generally shouldn’t cause them to worry, including these signs:

Worrying about their everyday life activities-work, school, grocery shopping, etc.
Wondering if they worry too much
Feeling out of control during the day
Frequent bathroom visits
Edginess, easy upset by other people or situations
Can’t make decisions fearing they’ll make the wrong decision

4. Sleep problems go along with developing anxiety

Insomnia is a common sign someone may develop anxiety. Lack of sleep affects a person’s ability to function at home, work, or school. They may not sleep the night before an event or have exaggerated fears about the event. Anxiety causes an individual to lie awake for hours, to toss and turn, overthinking about all the bad things that could happen to them.

5. Compulsive behaviors

Compulsive behaviors make people feel they must do certain activities to ease their stress or negativity. They feel compelled to do these things to suppress their thoughts. These behaviors disrupt their work, school, or home life. Common compulsive behaviors include:

Hand washing over and over
Checking outside over and over
Rearranging things constantly
Washing and cleaning
Need for symmetry

6. Someone developing anxiety faces social isolation and withdrawal

If you suspect someone is developing anxiety, you may notice they withdraw from social activities. Anxiety shatters their ability to be in crowds or talk with people. They feel nervous and anxious in most social settings, even with family members. Social anxiety may cause people to stay home or only speak with certain people they trust. This withdrawal can frustrate their family and friends who don’t understand their level of anxiety but may assume they’re being stubborn.

7. Feelings of impending doom

Severe anxiety makes a person feel doom all the time. This sense of impending doom may arise from a past sickness or a car accident that left them with some post-traumatic stress (PTSD). Anxiety causes them to assume something like this or worse will happen to them. Individuals who haven’t experienced PTSD may feel a sense of doom about their life and view everyday situations as dangerous or life-threatening. They may be overly concerned about staying healthy, eating, and exercising all the time. This outcome doesn’t seem harmful, but their motivation for staying healthy comes from fears they play out in their minds.

8. Trembling & Shaking

Anxiety causes stress. Stress affects a person physically, causing tremors or shaking. This is part of the fight-or-flight response they’re feeling. An anxious person’s shaking may come and go in perceived scary or dangerous situations. Because it’s a noticeable sign, it may cause the person to withdraw socially. Anxious people may divert attention away from their trembling by pretending to be cold or moving around a lot to distract people from seeing their trembling hands or legs.

9. Tension goes hand-in-hand with developing anxiety

Another sign that someone is developing anxiety is always on edge. They struggle with negativity. Anxiety causes them to be short-tempered. They lose their patience at work and home. This tension makes them uptight, unable to laugh at themselves. Unfortunately, their tense demeanor hurts their relationships with family and friends. You may sense something is wrong with a friend or family member, but they won’t like it if you ask them how they’re doing. You’re likely to get pushback from them. Please don’t give up because even though they give off signals they don’t want you in their life, they desperately need a friend to stand with them.

10. Can’t concentrate

Anxiety causes an individual to struggle with completing work assignments or school projects. They get distracted by their anxious thoughts and the stress of having a deadline. As a result, they start overthinking the inadequacies that paralyze them. Thus, this cycle of overthinking, negativity, and stress can cripple them. Lacking the ability to concentrate affects every aspect of a person’s life, career-wise, socially, and home life.

11. Easily startled

Someone who struggles with anxiety is jumpy and nervous all the time. Examples of how they react include the following:

Jump at small sounds
Frightened easily
Jumpy, jittery all the time
Trigger-happy, tense all the time
Supersensitive about sounds
Alarmed and fearful of everyday things that shouldn’t be alarming
Always on guard
Paranoia

If an individual is a parent, they project their fears onto their kids. They worry about all the bad things that could happen to their children. In fact, a person may develop anxiety problems as a child if they have a parent who struggles with anxiety issues.

12. Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an intense fear of crowds or places that could make escape difficult. Someone with agoraphobia avoids situations like flying, being in large groups, or being alone outside their home. Their fears are irrational and cripple their ability to socialize with others.

13. Someone developing anxiety engages in rumination

Another sign someone may develop anxiety is a tendency towards rumination. This is an over-analyzing of a person’s negative feelings or thoughts. The anxious person dwells on actual or perceived troubles to the point of obsession. They can’t let go of these situations and often talk incessantly about them. These thoughts dictate how they view life. An anxious person feels their view of life is more accurate than others. It’s as if they have some personal insights about life.

14. Increased Heart Rate & Palpitations

It’s no secret that anxiety affects both the mind and the body. Many of the physical problems caused by this mental illness involve the heart. That’s because anxiety produces stress, which affects the heart. Anxiety makes a person prone to heart problems, including:

High blood pressure
Increased heart rate or palpitations
High cortisol levels
Irregular heartbeat

15. Fatigue

Feelings of constant tiredness and fatigue are common when struggling with anxiety. This may be because of their lack of sleep, but it’s often a reaction to their stress. The concern is common in everyday life. Usually, after their life settles down, they will feel less anxious. But if someone has chronic stress, they never feel better but live with overwhelming fears and anxious thoughts. This is emotionally and physically exhausting.

Final Thoughts on Knowing When Someone Might Be Developing Anxiety

Watch for these signs if you suspect someone you know is developing anxiety. The person may not realize what’s happening even though they struggle with negativity, overthinking, and stress. They may assume this is normal for everyone. In fact, these aren’t necessarily signs of chronic anxiety. The level of concern determines how all-consuming it is when their stress is removed. If they withdraw socially, can’t sleep, develop compulsive behaviors, or have agoraphobia, it may be time for you to speak up. Someone developing anxiety needs a friend to come alongside them to get help outside themselves.

Neuroscientist Warns That Trauma Bonding Is a Covert Form of Abuse

March 17, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Talking about trauma in a relationship isn’t an easy conversation, but it is necessary. It involves more than physical abuse, and any form is dangerous. Walking away from an abusive relationship requires identifying that there’s an issue–like trauma bonding.

Traumatic bonding occurs when a survivor of abuse develops an attachment or has sympathy for their abuser. It creates a toxic and dangerous situation that continually worsens, making it harder to break free.

Sometimes the abuse is so subtle and intensifies so gradually that it’s hard to recognize. However, there will likely be signs if you know what to look for, and it’s best to identify them immediately. Seeking help and recovering is hard, so the sooner you can help yourself or another person, the better it’ll turn out.

Neuroscientists warn that trauma bonding is a covert abuse because the survivor and the abuser share an unhealthy attachment. The survivor might not realize what is happening at first, so they must know what to look for. Identifying the severity of the situation is essential to getting out of and recovering from it.

What is Trauma Bonding?

When a person forms a strong bond with or idealizes their abuser, it is their way of coping with the trauma. They’ll develop an intense emotional connection, similar to Stockholm syndrome. After spending time with an abuser, they often bond with them and defend their actions.

Traumatic bonding occurs when an abuser is the primary source of support for their survivor. Survivors turn to their abuser for comfort, even when they cause pain. Often, the survivor believes this is how relationships are supposed to work.

Trauma bonding occurs when there is an imbalance of power and a mix of good times and abuse. It happens more often in domestic violence situations than in other occurrences. However, hostage situations and other traumatic events can trigger it, too.

This type of bonding often occurs in a domestic violence situation because of manipulation and mental abuse. The abuser will be manipulative as the emotional abuse gradually worsens. By the time it’s clear, the survivor will have already developed a deep connection with their abuser.

The abuser is usually a narcissist who inflicts emotional, mental, and sometimes physical abuse. They lead their partner to believe that they deserve the behavior change. Survivor will often do whatever they can to make their partner love them again.

If the survivor realizes they are being abused, they might leave their partner for a little while. Then, the abuser often convinces them to reconcile by displaying loving behaviors again. The abuser will quickly return to their abusive ways, but the bond will have deepened.

Signs of a Toxic or Emotionally Abusive Relationship

While physical abuse is easier to identify, emotional abuse is harder to recognize. They’ll use manipulation and charm to win someone over and wait to change until a bond has formed. Then, they resort to abuse but mix in warmth and kindness to keep the relationship going.

You will likely recognize some of the following signs:

Lack of mutual support between partners
Ongoing or recurring conflict or abuse
One partner continually undermines the other
Name-calling or putting a person down
Destroying possessions
Throwing things
Humiliation
Inability to rely on one another
One partner controlling the other person’s relationships and behaviors
Manipulation through apologies and vulnerability
Blaming the other for the relationship issues and abuse

The Cycle of Abuse, Including Trauma Bonding

Along with understanding traumatic bonding, it helps to understand the cycle of abuse, too. Abuse comes in many forms, including domestic violence, emotional or mental abuse, child abuse, and much more.

While each form of abuse is different, they typically all follow the same cycle of abuse. This cycle includes four points, and each one escalates.

1. Miscommunication and Rising Tension

In this stage, the survivor notices changing behavior from their abuser. The changes are often subtle at first, but they’ll worsen until it reaches the next step. It can cause fear, intimidation, and confusion. The survivor will wonder what they did to make the abuser treat them differently.

2. Instances of Abuse

After a behavior change, the abuser will express physical, emotional, verbal, or mental abuse. It typically involves displays of anger or intimidation from the abuser, leading to more fights and worsening behavior. The abuser often uses threatening language, blames the survivor, and displays aggressive behaviors.

3. Making Up

An abuser will often apologize and try to make up for their behavior. They’ll seem remorseful and likely promise that it won’t happen again. Additionally, they will downplay the situation and say it wasn’t as bad as the survivor remembers it. They will also likely make excuses for what they did, and in some cases, they’ll deny it entirely.

The abuser will treat the survivor lovingly and be kind to them for a while. This stage of abuse includes quite a bit of manipulating and gaslighting. It also requires the survivor to rely on the good moments to get them through.

4. Things Calm Down, But Then Get Bad Again

After reconciliation, the abuse might stop for a little bit. There isn’t any significant incidence, and the survivor believes it won’t happen again. Unfortunately, that’s when stage one of the cycle of abuse begins again.

How Trauma Bonding Is a Covert Form of Abuse

Trauma bonding exacerbates the cycle, making it a dangerous and covert form of abuse. This cycle is what keeps people in toxic and abusive relationships.

When a traumatic bond forms, the survivor experiences harsh treatment, feel a threat of danger, and experience isolation from others. It makes it so the survivor feels they can’t escape because their abuser is all they have.

The abuse is covert because the attachment happens gradually and changes how a person’s brain works. Over time, the survivor’s hormones become imbalanced, making it biologically harder to break free of abuse. It affects bonding, dependence, withdrawal, stress, dopamine, and wanting hormones.

Brains release chemicals as an environmental response, which constantly happens in abusive relationships. It causes the brain to remain ready for sudden violence, and the survivor always looks for ways to avoid it. They always feel like the violent behavior is their fault, contributing to the covert abuse.

The toxic stress causes the brain to release high amounts of cortisol. When cortisol levels increase, it builds predictive patterns that override proper reasoning. It also leads to cognitive dissonance, causing the survivor to rationalize or justify the abuser’s behavior.

The cognitive dissonance leaves the survivor feeling embarrassed or ashamed because they subconsciously know it’s wrong. They blame themselves because it’s the only way to justify that what happened was okay. With their neurochemistry off-balance, it’ll be hard for them to manage emotions and think logically.

How to Break Free of Trauma Bonding and Other Covert Abuse

If you are in an abusive relationship, know that you are not alone, and it is not your fault. Freedom is possible, and you deserve to break free of the cycle you’re in right now. The first step to breaking a trauma bond is acknowledging it is a form of abuse.

When the abuse is covert and subtle, it’s harder to realize that it is destructive. There are signs to look for to help you recognize when you’re in an abusive relationship. Look for the following signs of an abuser in your lofe:

Anxiety when things are calm because you know something terrible is coming
Constantly blaming yourself for the abusive behavior
Feeling confused about the way someone is treating you
Justifying behavior that you know isn’t right
Feeling controlled

Acknowledging the abuse is only one step to breaking free, however. Once you’ve admitted the problem, you must take steps to leave the relationship for good. Take things one day at a time, and remember that the urge to go back will decrease over time.

You might also benefit from using positive affirmations to end the cycle of negative thinking. Use the phrases to stop blaming yourself for the abuse and trust yourself again. Then, you’ll be less likely to find yourself back in the cycle of abuse.

The most crucial step in breaking free from abuse is finding support. Turn to your trusted loved ones for support because it’ll help break the isolation you experienced from your abuser. It might be hard to open up at first, but you’ll quickly find that you are not alone.

Final Thoughts on Why Neuroscientists Warn That Trauma Bonding Is a Covert Form of Abuse

Trauma bonding is complex because it involves a deep connection with the abuser. It forms gradually, allowing the bond to develop before the abuser shows their true personality. The abuse slowly changes how the survivor’s brain works, making it a discreet form of abuse.

While it’s challenging to break free of a traumatic bond, it is possible. Turn to your support network for guidance and comfort, and avoid reaching out to the abuser. You deserve to be treated well; any form of abuse is never okay.

10 Things Socially Intelligent People Avoid

March 17, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

Are you a socially intelligent person with common sense and street smarts? Genetics plays a significant part in your IQ levels, but when it comes to your social intellect, this is something that you learn as you go. Socially intelligent people must experience life before they fine-tune this skill.

You’ve probably heard that some people are book smart, and others are street smart. While education is always good, socially intelligent people know how to deal with the public. Additionally, this kind of education often trumps those who have spent years in college, as someone can’t learn everything from textbooks.

These are skills that you hone after much trial and error. One of the best movies to illustrate such things is Dangerous Minds. Michelle Pfeiffer played a teacher sent to one of the roughest areas with the highest dropout rates.

While she received an excellent education and was a good teacher, she quickly had to develop her social intelligence to handle one of the roughest school systems in the country. She had to learn to connect with these students on a whole different level, and it’s something that professors couldn’t prepare her for in college. The students began to learn, and she incorporated unusual techniques to gain their acceptance and attention.

According to The Washington Post, the movie is based on the real-life story of U.S. Marine LouAnne Johnson, which makes this harrowing piece even more impressive. Once she retired from the military, she became a teacher in California, but she quickly learned that she needed to step up her street-savvy nature to educate these kids.

How are your social or street smarts? You will find people like this make fabulous sales and business professionals as they can bring themselves to the level of each of their customers. Did you know that having this kind of intelligence can save your life, make you a better person, and get you further than formal teaching?

Five Characteristics of Socially Intelligent People

How do you know if you’re a socially intellectual person? Here are some of the signs for you to consider.

1. Socially Intelligent People Have Great Conversational Skills

Remember, the first part of being socially intelligent is that you’re social. You can always tell the person with this skill from the other folks as they’re always the life of the party. You’ll find them working the room during a social event and mingling with others listening and talking to many, and they’re often extroverted.

This person has no issue conversing with someone at the grocery store, and they can talk for ten or fifteen minutes about the weather with someone on the subway. This individual has socially expressive skills that make them a “people person,” They can quickly adapt to many situations to fit in.

2. Understands Social Roles and Guidelines

If you’ve ever been to the theater or seen a Broadway play, you’ve witnessed firsthand people who have learned to adapt to many roles. The socially savvy person knows the rules of the game of life, and they know how to act and react during social interactions. Due to their confident nature, they see others as being wise and socially clever.

3. Realizes What Makes Others Tick

Do you enjoy going to the mall to people-watch? It’s a favorite pastime of socially intelligent people, and this person knows how to acclimatize themselves to read other folks.

It’s imperative to understand the emotions behind people if you interact with them and read their demeanor. The socially savvy person can quickly tune in to many things when observing.

4. Socially Intelligent People Care About Making a Good Impression

Everyone makes an impact when you first meet them. A socially in-tune person likes to make sure they’re leaving a good rather than a bad impression, as it’s often hard to change those first feelings.

They know the difference between managing and controlling the image they portray, which isn’t always easy. They want others to see them as authentic, so they balance this complex element of their socially savvy nature.

5. They’ve Amazing Listening Skills

If you have a problem and need someone to talk to, you might want to find socially intelligent people to listen to. One of the nice things about these folks is they’ve learned how to be fantastic listeners.

Once you’re done talking with them, you will feel as if you’ve connected positively. This skill in counselors and therapists is vital to being effective in their jobs.

Ten Things Socially Intelligent People Avoid

Now that you know how a socially intelligent person acts and reacts, it’s time to learn what they avoid. Since these folks are social butterflies, they’ve developed a few cautious traits.

1. Socially Intelligent People Like to Rely on Others

These individuals have developed these skills that help their independence, so they don’t like to depend on anyone else. When you rely on others, it reduces your power.

2. Don’t Focus on Their Defeats

Sure, socially intelligent people get down, but they don’t let it affect them like others. They know that stumbling and falling is part of the process of growth, and they’ve learned to embrace the journey.

3. Doesn’t Follow the Crowd

While these people are social, this doesn’t mean they let others dictate their lives. If they have a grand idea and want to pursue a passion, they don’t care who stands in opposition. They will probably stand for something they believe in.

4. Socially Intelligent People Are Never Overconfident

While this person is savvy, they’re not arrogant. They would never appear overconfident as they know that pride often comes before a fall.

5. Avoid Making Enemies

Socially savvy folks know that you never burn bridges you might need to cross one day again. They don’t look at folks with differing opinions and attitudes as their enemy, but they know that these people are entitled to their views.

6. Never Puts All Their Eggs in One Basket

While putting all your eggs in one basket has worked for people like Milton Hershey and Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Colonel Sanders, it doesn’t always work for everyone. According to Biography, Hershey had two failed attempts at becoming the king of chocolate.

This man staked everything he had into his convictions, which ultimately paid off. However, it was not a wise choice financially, as it caused him to file for bankruptcy. The key is that you don’t want to put all your ideas and hopes into one thing, as you need a backup plan. Socially intelligent people know they need a diversified portfolio to succeed and minimize risks.

7. Socially Intelligent People Avoid Unnecessary Risks

Everyone takes small risks in the hope of gaining something in life. However, some folks tend to be adrenalin junkies regarding their risk-taking measures, but this is not socially skilled individual. They take chances but calculate every move like a high-stakes chess game.

8. Won’t Back Down from a Worthy Cause

If they feel the cause is worthy, they will fight. Even if all their friends and family members back off, they will continue if they feel passionate about life.

9. Never Passes the Opportunity to Broaden Their Horizons

Socially intelligent people know they can never learn enough or have sufficient education. They’re constantly looking for ways to broaden their horizons, even if it means stepping outside their comfort zone.

When people take the initiative to go beyond their comfort level, they use these experiences to transition, grow, and transform. People who aren’t willing to step beyond these confounds settle for mediocrity.

10. Socially Intelligent People Don’t Complain

One of the most endearing things about socially competent folks is that they don’t whine and complain. They know people don’t like to be around folks who are always about doom and gloom, so they try to keep their problems out of the forefront. Sure, they got problems and burdens, but they don’t focus on these matters with every interaction.

Final Thoughts on Socially Intelligent People

Developing your social IQ takes a lot of hard work and effort, but you also need to learn to avoid many things. There’s nothing wrong with paying attention to the world around you, as it will help you become a better listener and to develop good conversation skills.

You should understand the difference between just listening and learning to listen actively, as there’s a huge difference. When you’re actively engaged in the conversation, you are not only in tune with the other person but also reflect on what’s been spoken so that you understand better. The next time you find yourself in a social situation, sit back and observe your behaviors and those of others.

Most importantly, you need to learn things that you don’t or can’t do if you have a high social IQ. Above all else, don’t let your failures define you; your past is a learning experience, not a life sentence.

15 Reasons Long Talks Are So Important in a Relationship

March 17, 2022 by Chris Butler

In your relationship, it’s probably easy to talk about lots of mundane topics, like what you want to do over the weekend or what you’re having for dinner tonight. Your life becomes your daily focus and the big topic of most conversations. As crucial as discussing everyday things, you must value long, in-depth discussions for real growth in your relationship as a couple. Here are fifteen reasons long talks are so significant to your relationship.

Fifteen Reasons Why Long Talks Add Value to a Relationship

Learning the impact of having in-depth conversations with your partner might surprise you. Here they are.

1 – Long talks help you get to know each other even better

Of course, not all your conversations are a big deal, but the more you talk, the more you’ll feel connected to one another. You can talk about what you dreamed about last night, when you got up, or how much you enjoyed a new podcast you listened to today. Having long talks helps you grow closer and learn more about one another. Plus, there’s something extraordinary about how this develops your affection for one another.

2 – Saves time

Of course, on a practical note, long talks with your partner can save you time. You can discuss ideas for vacations or holidays. Long discussions allow you to discuss goals for exercise and whether you should sign up for the new gym that just opened. You might start the conversation by talking about buying a dog but end up talking about renting a bigger apartment or finding a more reliable dog walker. By nature, long talks weave in and out of topics. They are relaxing, long-drawn-out discussions about whatever you want to discuss.

There’s no time limit unless you set one. Because you’ve had a long in-depth conversation about these things, you won’t need to discuss them in detail the next time they come up. This collaboration is essential for problem-solving. When you revisit the topic, you will have a good grip on the information you’ve already discussed and can start where you left off.

3 – Helps you communicate during a conflict

Good communication means you feel comfortable sharing your feelings with your partner without fear of them getting angry or judging you. Scientists found in one study that couples who have learned to communicate during a conflict will have long-lasting relationships. They are committed to discussing things instead of running away or fighting back. These couples value communication and make it work.

4 – Long talks can help save you money

Not talking to your partner about money issues will cost you. Talking about your budget is essential, but some suggest that you could incur more because of forgiveness gifts. These gifts include costly flowers, candy, or tokens given by the partner who said the wrong thing at the wrong time. These gifts can add up. Most of these mistakes result from one partner not listening to what the other says. So, include long conversations in your relationship and save money on forgiveness gifts.

5 – Emotional support

Supporting your partner emotionally means you talk to them when they’re going through difficulties or struggles. Long conversations allow you to ask significant questions to understand better what your partner is going through and how they feel. Your discussions may go down a few rabbit trails, but that’s good. These little detours lead to meaningful conversations. Cutting your conversations short takes away the chance for a long, relaxed talk that allows support for each other and growing closer together.

6 – Better understand one another’s feelings

Long talks allow time to deepen your relationship. Allowing one another to talk about their highs and lows increases your affection for one another. Here are some good questions to go deeper with your partner in a long conversation.

Is there something you’d love to do but haven’t done? Why?
What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?
What is your most terrible memory?
If you knew that in one year you would die, what would you do differently?
How do you feel about your relationship with your mother?
What is one personal problem that you want advice about?

7 – Share your spiritual insights through these long talks

Another vital long talk you should have with your partner is about what you believe about God. Share what you think and why you believe this. Willingly, listen to your partner’s beliefs and ask questions. Knowing what one another believes should be a long conversation you have early in your relationship because religious views are essential to couples. It’s best not to be surprised by your partner’s faith or lack thereof. Studies suggest that more religious couples have happier and more stable marriage relationships than other married couples. So, the significance of what you each believe is critical.

8 – Long talks improve your health

Long talks enhance communication and reduce stress. This allows you to vent to someone you trust entirely about your tension and anxiety regarding your work, co-workers, family members, and more. Long discussions with your partner reduce stress and help you feel better about your life. The sense of feeling safe to talk about anything with someone is enormous. Few relationships give you the same sense of safety, care, and good health.

9 – You learn more about yourself

Putting your thoughts together in words helps you learn something about yourself. As you talk and listen, you know how to ask good questions. You understand what’s important to you and how you best communicate these things. You grow in better expressing your affection and helping someone else.

10 – Help future discussions

Of course, the more you talk with your partner, the more you lay a foundation for future conversations. You build an understanding with one another as you learn what’s important to your spouse and what isn’t. For instance, you may learn things you can talk about later, including:

Goals at work
Desires for a bigger house
Saving money for a trip overseas
Investing in stocks
People you both want to get to know more

11 – Understand what’s important

Long talks allow you to share what’s important in life. Your partner must know your feelings about family, work, education, and friends. Let them know about what you value and why during these long conversations. Enjoy being known and knowing your partner as they share what’s important to them.

12 – Long talks allow you to concentrate on other things

Once you’ve had a long discussion, you can better concentrate on other things. If a conversation has ever confused you, you understand how distracting it can be. You may rehearse what was said over and over again. Perhaps you wonder why your partner said this or that. Once you get the entire conversation behind you, you’re free to think about other things without your unfinished conversation hanging over your head.

13 – Long talks build affection

All relationships go better when there is good communication. If you don’t communicate with your co-workers or friends, you won’t get to know them or grow in your relationship. In the same way, you need to share with your partner to build affection and love in the relationship. Long talks allow relaxed, easy-going discussions that enable you and your partner to grow closer.

14 – More satisfaction

When you and your partner communicate well, you can feel happier about your relationship. Better discussions help you learn about one another. It helps you understand one another’s struggles and allows respect for complicated topics. This helps you fight less and learn how to navigate the deep waters of complex issues.

15 – Better trust, honesty, and respect

When you and your partner see long talks as a priority, you learn to be honest and open with one another. There is nothing off-limits, which creates a strong sense of trust and respect for the other person. Healthy relationships are built on learning and honoring one another’s feelings and boundaries and supporting one another in bad and good times.

Final Thoughts on Why Long Talks Are Valuable to a Relationship

If you don’t know what your partner is going through or what is important to them, you’re missing out on really knowing them as a person. Long talks are essential for a variety of reasons. The 15 reasons listed here are just the tip of the iceberg of why long conversations benefit a relationship. If you’re not engaging in long talks with your partner, it puts a strain on your relationship. It steals away your affection and sense of commitment to one another. So, why not start having a long talk with your partner today?

10 Stressful Experiences an Introvert Will Always Avoid

March 16, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Introverts avoid stressful experiences whenever they can, but they steer clear of some situations more than others. Stress tends to make them feel like they’re drowning because they’re often already on edge. They are more susceptible to emotional exhaustion and anxiety, making it necessary to avoid what they can.

Many normal experiences for other people aren’t so easy for introverted people. They are extra sensitive to situations that might cause stress. Even the idea of a stressful experience can trigger an introvert, and they’ll be anxious before it even begins.

Stress affects your life whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, so you’re not alone either. However, introverted people handle many situations differently because their minds are more prone to burnout and overwhelm. Some experiences that are fun for others make them feel overly stressed and anxious pretty quickly.

Knowing which stressful experiences an introvert will avoid can help you make it easier. Whether you are an introvert or know an introvert, knowing which situations might cause the most stress is essential. Then, you can learn how to make the situation easier when it’s unavoidable.

Why Stressful Experiences Impact Introverts More Than Others

Stress isn’t good for anyone, but it affects introverted people more than others. It affects them more because their external environment overstimulates them. They often suffer from anxiety, especially when put in uncomfortable situations.

Introverts are typically highly sensitive people (HSPs), and life can quickly overstimulate them. Plus, they feel things deeply, causing them to take on the stress and pain of others. They require a quiet, calming place to relax and recover from stressful experiences.

What It Means to Be an Introvert

Introversion became a common phrase when psychologist Carl Jung described it as being internally focused on thoughts and feelings. Extroverts are the opposite, focusing on people and activities around them. It’s often confused with being shy, but it’s more about becoming overstimulated.

Introverted people prefer to analyze events, feel more energetic alone, and quickly become overwhelmed in crowds. They require less external stimulation than extroverts and prefer calm environments.

Being an introvert also means having a different work style than others. They prefer to work on one task at a time without being interrupted.

Many people believe introverted people aren’t sociable but can be in the right situation. They don’t thrive in large groups but love spending time with one or two close friends or loved ones. Because they prefer to listen and think before expressing themselves, they often do it better in writing.

The Qualities of an Introvert

A popular misconception of introverted people is that they lack self-confidence or self-esteem. However, while that is sometimes the case, it isn’t always true. Instead, they often display the following traits:

Quiet in social situations
Absent-minded
Difficulty expressing ideas clearly
Frequently getting lost in thought
Pausing before answering
Observing their surroundings acutely
Disliking surprises
Overly sensitive to sounds, smells, sights, and pain
Discomfort when being observed or judged
Creativity
Empathy
Strong conscience
Disliking violent TV shows or movies
Feeling emotions intensely
Preferring one-on-one conversations
Enjoying alone time
Wanting to work alone without interruptions
Good listener
Becoming exhausted during or after social gatherings

Stressful Experiences an Introvert Will Always Attempt to Avoid

Introverted people find many situations overwhelming, but there are stressful experiences they always avoid. If you or someone you know avoids many of these situations, it’s a sign of introversion.

1. Dealing with People Without Time to Decompress First

Without time to decompress, dealing with people can be hard. If they had to work with coworkers or customers during the day, they likely won’t want to go out without heading home for some quiet time first. They might not want to head back out afterward, as they’ve already experienced enough stress for the day.

Introverted people must have quiet and calm before dealing with people. They like to get places early so they can sit alone for a moment, even in the car, before socialization begins.

2. Time Pressure and Other Daily Stressful Experiences

Time pressure can quickly cause anxiety, leading to extreme overwhelm and emotional exhaustion. It can cause introverted person to shut down, standing in the way of their productivity and success. They like to work at their own pace and get things done quicker because they aren’t as stressed.

If they know a task has a deadline, they’ll need to start on it immediately. Introverted people avoid putting things off until the last minute to prevent the stress from piling up.

They also avoid other daily stressors that interfere with their peace of mind. The daily pressures of work, general interaction, and multitasking can sometimes be too much for them.

3. Speaking in Front of a Crowd

Introverted people avoid public speaking or speaking in front of a large crowd. It’s one of the most stressful experiences, even when they prepare. They often forget many points they want to make and mess up their speech.

They are better at having conversations with small groups in more relaxed settings. Then they will be confident to hold a meaningful discussion and share their knowledge.

4. Social Events Are Some of the Most Stressful Experiences for Introverts

While introverted people enjoy quiet evenings with close friends, they don’t want anything more than that. They don’t often want to venture out of their home and attend crowded social events.

Crowded spaces trigger anxiety because of all the actions, sounds, and other sensory aspects. It quickly leads to overwhelm and causes their stress to rise. They’ll avoid weddings, parties, large get-togethers, and other events whenever possible.

When they do have to go out, they avoid talkative people. They’d prefer to reflect on their surroundings than engage in conversation with people who don’t stop talking.

5. Being in the Spotlight

Introverted people never want to be the center of attention. When they have to be in the spotlight for any time, their anxiety continues to rise until it’s over. They aren’t comfortable with everyone looking at them, so they avoid it at all costs.

If they’re asked unexpectedly to give ideas in front of everyone at work, they’ll likely freeze up. They’ll have good things to say but can’t respond adequately. Some of the situations they’ll avoid that put them in the spotlight include speeches, job interviews, presentations, or recognition.

6. Staff Meetings and Networking Events

Staff meetings are hard because introverted people don’t want to discuss their job. If they know how to do their job well, they don’t want other people giving opinions on it.

They want to work on it in private and keep it the way they like it. Plus, they don’t want anyone asking questions that put them on the spot or force them to explain how they do things.

Networking events are typically even worse, as they require so much out of a person. There’s food and drinks, small talk, lots of noise and people, and too much going on at once. It’s sure to make an introverted person feel like shutting down.

7. Saying Goodbye Is One of the Most Stressful Experiences

Goodbyes are hard for introverted people because they become attached to people they care about. When they know they won’t see someone for a while, it’s hard for them to say goodbye. They avoid saying goodbye by resisting becoming attached in the first place. Introverted people don’t open up easily because they fear losing someone they love and having to say goodbye.

8. Working in an Open Office or Participating in Group Projects

Introverted people prefer working alone. They don’t enjoy an open office because there’s too much noise and too many interruptions. The interruptions make them feel stressed and overwhelmed when they’re trying to focus.

Introverted people also don’t like group projects because they come with lots of drama. They prefer to do tasks alone and ensure they get done the way they like. Plus, they don’t want to deal with others as they work.

9. Unannounced Visitors

It’s never a good time for an introvert when visitors unexpectedly show up at their home. They feel uncomfortable when people don’t call before showing up, and they might avoid answering the door. Introverted people require time to prepare mentally for company, or it causes exhausting stress.

10. Giving Negative Feedback

Introverted people struggle with giving negative feedback for a few reasons. First, it triggers their empathetic nature, making them not want to have the conversation. It also causes stress because, even with preparation, the words never seem to come out as they’d hoped.

Final Thoughts on Ten Stressful Experiences an Introvert Will Always Avoid

There are many stressful experiences an introvert will try to avoid, but it isn’t because they’re shy or antisocial. They enjoy spending time alone to decompress, but they also like getting together in small groups.

Understanding the mind of an introverted person will help you whether you’re an introvert or know someone who is. Learning why they behave as they do will help you adapt to the mindset and see the differences as strengths instead of weaknesses. Don’t be alarmed or offended when someone avoids a situation with you because there’s likely a valid reason for it.

Ireland Builds a Bridge Out of Decommissioned Turbine Blades

March 16, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

A company in Ireland decided to repurpose old wind turbine blades into several small bridges. The aptly named Blade Bridge will wind its way through the Irish countryside, spanning a 16-foot-wide stream. Its walkway will consist of a steel deck and two turbine blades decommissioned from a wind farm in Belfast to support the structure.

Located in East Cork County between Midleton and Youghal, the bridge will accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency vehicles. Constructed at the end of January 2022, the Re-Wind Network invented the Blade Bridge.

The research organization consists of civil and structural engineers, geographers, and other scientists from University College Cork, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Queen’s University Belfast, and the City University of New York.

The team wanted to brainstorm ways to recycle these materials, so they were incinerated or buried in landfills. In total, they came up with fifty ideas for repurposing decommissioned wind power turbine blades. These included floating pontoons for solar panels, highway noise barriers, coastal breakwaters, and culverts. And, of course, they came up with the Blade Bridge project.

Ireland Builds a Bridge Out of Decommissioned Turbine Blades

The bridge’s steel deck consists of two Nordex N29 turbine blades to provide structural support. These wind blades measure less than 46 feet, making them easier to transport than larger turbines. The team used half of each blade for the girders since the bridge only required that much. However, Angela Nagle, a civil engineering doctoral student at University College Cork who worked on the bridge, said the blades look “virtually complete.”

Belfast wind turbine company Everun donated the blades. It said, “Our engineering team decommissioned an N29 turbine, and we were happy to supply the blades from the turbine for the bridge project.

“The blades were transported to County Cork where they will be repurposed as the main structural element on a number of small bridges spanning the Greenway with two blades laying apart horizontally, with a walkway in between.

“The blades have recently gone through destructive testing to ensure structural integrity, with the rest being retained for the actual construction.”

Wind blades typically have a life cycle of about 20-25 years. Currently, no environmentally friendly recycling methods exist for the giant blades. So many of them find their way into the landfills. That’s why organizations such as Re-Wind Network have begun repurposing the blades into exciting projects like the Blade Bridge.

According to the wind energy trade association WindEurope, Europe will decommission around 25,000 tons of wind blades by 2025. In the United States, that number will likely skyrocket to 2.2 million by 2045. The Blade Bridge marks the second bridge worldwide to use recycled turbine blades in its construction. The first pedestrian bridge opened in October 2021 in Poland.

Keeping Turbines Out of Landfills

Engineers say bridges like these offer a viable, eco-friendly alternative to tossing the turbine blades in landfills. Since they usually last for decades after decommissioning and are durable, engineers like to put them to good use for various projects.

Wind blades can weigh over a dozen tons and measure 150 feet on average. Thus, they take up enormous space in landfills and don’t break down in the environment. Most wind blades consist of a combination of fiberglass or carbon fiber-reinforced polyester and epoxy thermoset resin.

This makes the blades lightweight and resilient. But it is also challenging to separate the plastics and glass fibers. Energy companies have started revamping blade designs to make them biodegradable in response to this issue. However, that doesn’t solve the millions of turbine blades already in use.

Luckily, scientists and engineers constantly explore new ways to reuse the massive turbine blades.

Lawrence C. Bank, Georgia Institute of Technology, says, “We’re exploring the potential reuse of the blades across architecture and engineering. Developing such methods can positively affect air quality and water quality by decreasing a major source of non-biodegradable waste.”

Other Unique Ways to Repurpose Turbine Blades

UK’s high-speed rail link contractor, Skanska Costain Strabag, offers another viable alternative for turbine blades. The organization collaborated with the National Composites Centre to substitute steel for decommissioned turbine blades for reinforcing concrete. This process will result in a 90% decrease in carbon production.

They will utilize sections of blades to build temporary access roads, areas of concrete walls, and other projects. The Re-Wind and Skanska Costain Strabag initiatives could help kickstart the widespread adoption of turbine blades in the construction industry.

Other projects have focused on how to recycle the turbine blade materials. For instance, Danish-based Vestas Wind Turbine Systems collaborated with Aarhus University to break down the thermoset epoxy into fiber epoxy (a type of plastic). Then, the epoxy goes through a process called chemcycling, where’s it’s broken down further into its base elements. And if you are looking for other industrial and construction materials, you may find more info here.

Finally, it can be repurposed into the creation of new turbine blades. This circular system offers a more sustainable option for turbine blade materials. The Norwegian company Akers Horizons, a part of Aker Offshore Wind, also wanted to create a unique system for recycling fiberglass material. They worked with the University of Strathclyde to sort and recover glass fiber to be repurposed into new products.

It’s exciting to see how companies find creative ways to reuse these materials. Hopefully, these innovations will continue far into the future.

Final Thoughts on Bridge in Ireland Built from Old Turbine Blades

Turbine blades are difficult to recycle due to their size and construction materials. Since fiberglass and plastics don’t break down in landfills, companies have begun brainstorming ways to reuse them. Scientists and engineers have constructed the second bridge built from decommissioned turbine blades in Ireland. Moreover, the bridge will be accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency vehicles. Many engineers commend the project. Furthermore, they have plans to create other bridges using turbine blades.

Other companies have found other sustainable alternatives for repurposing turbine blades, including reinforced concrete and recycling base materials from the blades.

Have you heard of any other unique uses for old turbine blades? Let us know in the comments!

10 Signs of a Neglected Child Never to Ignore

March 16, 2022 by Chris Butler

Every day you pass children on playgrounds, in your child’s school, or in public places suffering from neglect, but you may not notice the signs. Some kids hide their grief very well, but others show the painful symptoms of a neglected child.

Some of these kids experience trauma and abuse, while others go without food, adequate housing, and their basic needs being met. How do you know that a child is being neglected? Since no definitive test proves neglect or abuse, you must rely on the signs to figure it out.

Ten Signs of a Neglected Child Never to Ignore

A mandated reporter must report issues of abuse or neglect to the authorities. These are folks like a teacher, pastor, social worker, counselor, medical staff, and others that interact with kids daily.

However, just because you’re not a mandated reporter doesn’t release you from the responsibility of being a decent human being and calling attention to an escalating problem. Here are some signs that indicate a child might be in a neglectful situation and needs your help.

1. A Neglected Child Often Wears Ill-Fitting or Dirty Clothes

One of the first signs that a child does not have their needs met is looking at their apparel. Children that are neglected often have clothes that don’t fit, and they will either be too big or too small. Another indication of an issue is soiled garments.

The parents are responsible for ensuring a child has clean clothes to wear. There’s no shame in being poor; you can be poor and still be clean. So, please pay special attention to the clothes as they can tell a lot about child care.

2. Worn Out Shoes

Shoes are another place where you can notice neglect. For instance, children will often have too-small shoes, have holes in them, are missing shoestrings, and are dirty. Remember that children wear out shoes quickly, so don’t mistake poverty or slight wear with lack of care. That indicator becomes true when the shoes no longer protect the feet. The shoes need not be brand names nor do they need to cost a fortune. But they need to protect their feet.

3. Strong Body Odor

It’s standard for teenagers to go through a phase where they smell, especially when their hormones kick into overdrive. If you walk into a high school locker room, you will identify the pungent odor. Kids who are neglected often don’t get baths as they should.

They might also not have access to soap, deodorant, and the things that will help them maintain their hygiene. Most kids won’t brush their teeth or shower unless the parents prod them a bit, which is a sign that the parent isn’t paying proper attention to their child.

4. Anxiety and Depression

According to the CDC, the signs of depression in a child are like an adult, but there are some variations. They state that a child can have phobias, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and panic disorder. Each of these can lead to depressive states.

According to the site, some signs of anxiety are often displayed as ADHD, and many parents think their child is hyperactive, but it’s not the case. There’s a strong link between anxiety and hyperactivity, so it’s very different in children than in adults. So, a child that acts out and is hyperactive may compensate for their anxiety.

5. A neglected child may display aggression

The class bully almost always has a story behind their behavior. They’re acting out and aggressive, and there’s a reason behind it. When a child shows dominance over another child, these control issues often indicate a significant upheaval, displayed through negative behaviors.

Children and adults alike want control of their life. Sadly, it’s not always easy to control your life when you’re in a situation like being neglected. When a child acts out and shows dominance over another kid, it’s not as it seems. According to Good Therapy, people with control issues often fear losing control of a situation, so they act out in disproportionate and unhealthy ways.

6. Failure to Thrive Might Reveal a Neglected Child

Failure to thrive is a term that’s used to describe a child that’s pediatric-aged. It comes from an inadequate caloric intake and can have neglectful roots or a medical issue behind it. According to the National Library of Medicine, a child is diagnosed with this issue when they don’t meet their age group’s height or weight expectations.

The medical team will evaluate social, psychological, and environmental factors to find the root cause.

7. Developmental Lags

When a child is being neglected or abused, they often don’t meet their milestones. While they may be underweight, food deprivation can cause them to miss milestones. Proper nutrition is imperative for a child to grow and thrive, so missing nutrition might cause a delay in hitting their milestones.

For instance, a mother who leaves a child in the crib all the time to avoid dealing with them can cause their walking to be delayed. A child needs room to test their boundaries and learn balance to walk, and they cannot achieve this in a crib. Other issues for these kids include being non-verbal and those who aren’t potty trained at an older age.

Seeing a 4–5-year-old kid in diapers and with a pacifier is a sign of poor parenting, and it displays a neglectful attitude that’s not helping their child meet milestones.

8. Attention Problems/Hyperactivity

Concentration issues are prevalent these days. Some blame it on the increase in the use of technology, while others say that additives in the food are to blame. Whatever the reasons behind ADHD, it can indicate neglect and abuse.

In the classroom, it’s easier to indicate a child who has an attention problem by their inability to focus. Some may be acting out for attention rather than an actual neurological disorder, so it’s important not to mix the two. A child who craves attention from adults because they’re not getting it at home will take any attention they can get.

This means they prefer to sit in the principal’s office to have that one-on-one rather than go unnoticed. They will take positive or negative attention as long as someone gives them some consideration. It’s sad, but these kids act out, and it’s a cry for help.

9. A Neglected Child Displays Low Self-Esteem

Children who don’t have their emotional needs met can experience an impact on their esteem. They may feel unworthy or unloved and have difficulty fitting in social situations, which is especially true of verbal abuse. To avoid detection, a neglectful parent might blame the child for things far beyond their control, inhibiting good self-worth.

The child can feel some responsibility for the situation, feeling unloved or unwanted, leading to poor esteem that can affect them for life.

10. Emotional Avoidance

Neglected children often cannot display appropriate emotions. Your parents teach you how to act and react to certain situations from the cradle. However, when a child isn’t skilled in such things, they might not know how to respond.

Conversely, a child who gets beat when they cry out may learn to shut down their emotions to avoid getting into trouble. So, any child with emotional issues needs to be investigated. There could be a vast array of problems at the crux, such as mental illness, or it can be neglect.

What to Do When You Suspect a Neglected Child

It’s important to report anything you see out of the ordinary to the proper authorities. Most child protective service divisions have a 24-hour hotline to call and report such things. If you suspect abuse and neglect, you can always call your local police or sheriff’s office.

You can make an anonymous report or give them information for further communication. However, the agency will legally be unable to update you on the specifics of a case. Some folks are scared to make such a call as they fear they may be wrong and bring trouble to these parents. Still, it’s better to make the call and be wrong than to have avoided the issue and been right.

Final Thoughts on Signs of a Neglected Child Never to Ignore

There are more than 656,000 neglected children in this country each year. Additionally, seven percent of those kids are also being abused somehow. Everyone must do their part in making sure children are safe from trauma, abuse, and neglect.

If you see anything out of the ordinary that’s concerning, don’t hesitate to contact someone for help. These kids might be waiting on someone like you to come forward and be their advocate. You may need to be the child’s voice when they cannot speak for themselves.

10 Causes of Chronic Anxiety Most People Don’t Realize

March 16, 2022 by Chris Butler

Anxiety is a common problem in this country, but many people suffer in silence as they don’t know where to go or what to do for help. Why is there still a stigma around mental health issues when there’s help readily available? There’s no reason to choose to be miserable when you can make your life and this condition better.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, there’s an estimated 40 million adults in this country that suffer from some anxiety disorder. Anxiety can affect how you think take care of your home, work, relationships, and overall well-being. It’s time to understand this condition and bring things to the forefront so that more people get the help they need. Consider seeking counseling Napa to help you manage your mental health condition.

Ten Causes of Chronic Anxiety

When anxiety is persistent, it becomes chronic. Chronic anxiety is an episode that lasts for six months or more.

While you know things like stress and social situations can cause you to be anxious, did you know there are some other triggers that you may not realize are affecting you? Here are some causes of anxiety that many people don’t consider.

1. Relationships with Toxic People Can Cause Chronic Anxiety

Negative people are toxic to your life. They bring you down and can make you view things in a pessimistic way. It can be pretty overwhelming when you hang around with someone who gossips, is manipulative, and always talks about their troubles.

The next time you avoid a phone call or try to ditch a date with someone that makes you feel uneasy, it could be that this person has a dark cloud of depression that’s making your anxiety worse. Please make sure you choose your friends wisely, as they can undoubtedly have a dramatic impact on your mental health.

2. You’re Spending Too Much Time Alone

While it’s good to have some time alone to recharge your batteries, spending too much time alone can be counterproductive. Nothing good happens when you isolate yourself behind four walls, and it causes you to dwell on things that may or may not ever happen. Don’t spend your time overthinking things when you can get out and do something productive.

3. You’re Not Eating Properly

Did you know that some things you consume can increase your anxiety? Things like caffeinated foods and beverages are notorious for surging feelings of angst. The good news is that you can eliminate all those extra sodas and coffee you drink, or you can switch to a caffeine-free beverage.

Another primary consideration is consuming sugary foods and carbs. They influence your blood sugar levels, which can cause you to feel ill. When you feel off and dizzy, your body can react to these scary feelings with anxiety, and if you consume these foods regularly, your chronic stress can link directly to it. You will feel a significant difference in your mind and body when you switch to eating healthy foods; ask anyone on the keto diet.

4. You’re Deficient in Vitamins and Minerals

Okay, so now you know that eating right is imperative for your health. However, you could suffer from anxiety when you don’t get enough vitamins, specifically B6, B12, and magnesium. Your brain needs these vitamins to keep things functioning and thrive, and if you’re lacking, you can be stressed, achy, and irritable.

5. Bad Memories

Everyone has a past, which can be overwhelming to manage at times. If you’re constantly ruminating on things that happened to you, then you’re not living in the here and now.

You can feel a great deal of anxiety when you hear a song you shared with your special someone or pass by a restaurant where you went on many dates. Anything that brings back painful memories can contribute to your feelings of angst.

6. Click Bait and the News Can Cause Chronic Anxiety

It’s no secret that the world is a melting pot of trouble. Natural disasters, crime, and economic situations can weigh you down. Even if you try to keep on the sunny side, there’s always a way to stumble across current events.

Social media is supposed to be a fun place to connect with family and friends. However, many entities take out clickbait ads to lure you in. Even if you’re not looking for the latest news, it’s scrolling on the side of your screen.

Some folks are overwhelmed by reading about the world’s happenings, which can trigger your anxious nature.

7. You’re Dehydrated

You’ve heard a thousand times that you need to drink enough water to keep your body hydrated. If you’re deficient in your supply of H20, it can significantly impact you. There’s a direct connection between hydration and your mood, as your brain cells need water to operate.

If you’re dehydrated, you’re not getting the unwanted toxins out of your system. It would help if you were drinking at least 11-15 cups of water each day, depending on your gender. According to Harvard Health, dehydration causes a deficiency and the inability to carry nutrients and oxygen to your cells, and you’re also not maintaining your electrolyte balance.

8. You’re Living for Others

Sometimes there are people in your life that like to control things. These people can be your spouse, parent, friend, or relative. You can’t live your life trying to please everyone else, or it’s going to make you miserable.

When you have a thought pop into your mind, it’s either going to increase your insecurity or increase your confidence, but the choice is up to you. Don’t worry if someone looked at you and whispered, as they may not have even been discussing you. If you continue to over-analyze everything that others say and think about you, it’s going to drive you mad.

9. Social Situations Can Underly Chronic Anxiety

Chronic anxiety can be caused by the inability to deal with social situations. Social anxiety is a genuine problem, and it can be crippling if you don’t get it under control. This is also known as agoraphobia, where your angst turns into a full-blown phobia that rules your life.

People with social anxiety find it hard to go to school, enjoy a trip to the mall, watch a movie at the theater, or any other situation where many people are involved. According to the National Library of Medicine, Agoraphobia creeps in when you start avoiding these places so that you don’t have these intense feelings of anxiety. Any situation where you feel you can’t escape quickly will be avoided, and some even become housebound because their fears dominate every aspect of their life.

10. You’re Full of Self-Doubt

Have you ever seen those cartoons that depict an angel on one side and a devil on the other? While it’s a humorous attempt at your inner voice, it’s based on many truths. Anytime you’re faced with a choice in life that requires thought, you hear the good and bad voices telling you what you need to do.

Your inner voice can be pretty loud, and it might be enough to make you have self-doubts. The world has a lot of negativities in it, so if you ingest this pessimism all day long, it’s only natural that the fears are the things your inner voice talks about. You must learn how to control this small voice inside you and look at things through optimistic views.

Self-doubt will destroy your esteem and keep you from the job of your dreams, buying that new home, or starting a relationship that will fulfill you. Additionally, if you’re constantly thinking about all the things that you can’t do or that might harm you, then it’s the perfect breeding ground for chronic anxiety.

Final Thoughts on Causes of Chronic Anxiety

Dealing with anxiety or any mental illness is no fun. Thankfully, there are many things that you can do to help you get through this challenge. The good news is that anxiety is a highly treatable condition, especially when you learn how to change some of the things listed above.

Anxiety can be medically-based, or it can be circumstantial. Some folks will notice their anxiety increases when dealing with a medical illness or going through a divorce. For other folks, it’s the nagging inner voice of self-doubt or a diet rich in carbs and sugars that’s causing them to feel anxious.

Chronic anxiety is a growing problem that must be treated. Did you know that many people addicted to drugs and alcohol often have underlying mental health conditions like depression and anxiety? These folks suffer from poor coping skills, and they turn to unhealthy ways to try to self-medicate the pain away.

You can try things like meditation, yoga, exercise, eating a plant-based diet, and getting out in nature more to control the angst you feel. Counseling is another excellent option to help with these feelings, especially if you’ve been through trauma, abuse, or suffered from childhood neglect.

What changes can you make today that can help with your chronic anxiety? Rather than popping a pill to mask the issue, why not get to the core of the matter that’s causing the overwhelmed feelings? You can start working on these emotions and problems that are likely at the root of how your angst.

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