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15 Red Flags That Reveal a Toxic Man

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You’ve met Mr. Wonderful, but you’ve noticed a few quirks that bother you. Or, perhaps, you’ve been dating for a while now, but you’re starting to see some concerning behaviors. A toxic man can manipulate you and act like Prince Charming until he can no longer keep up with the façade.

The self-centered, manipulative, and often selfish person tends to be good for a while. Consequently, it’s not long before their true colors come shining through. You need to identify the signs of these evil people, so you can avoid any heartache and drama.

The last thing you need is to be hooked up with Mr. Wrong, as it can cause you to miss out on the right one. Plus, you must consider all the mind games and stress that have an astronomical effect on your inner being.

Fifteen Signs of a Toxic Man

You wonder if that little white lie that he told is just the one you caught? The time he snapped at you for seemingly nothing didn’t sit well with you, so you can’t help but wonder about his issues. Here are some red flags identified from those who’ve dealt with the toxic man.

toxic man1. He Lies

Having a relationship with a liar is like building the foundation of your house with sand; it won’t last. Whether he tells the occasional lie or he’s a habitual or pathological tale teller doesn’t matter. You need someone that will be upfront and honest with you.

If you’re catching your man in a lot of lies, it’s a sign that there’s something not quite right about him. Either he has much to hide from you, or he’s trying to make himself seem bigger and better in your eyes. There’s never a reason to lie, even if it’s just a small one.

According to the National Library of Medicine, pathological liar continually and spontaneously tells false stories for their benefit. They’ve become such good storytellers that they believe their lies.

2. He Uses Emotional Manipulation

People tend to think women manipulate men with their tears, but men have their tactics too. If you find that he plays on your emotions to get you to do what he wants, then it’s a sign of emotional manipulation. This person will stoop to whatever levels to get their way, and they have little regard for your feelings.

3. He’s Constantly Changing Moods

One minute he loves all over you, and the next, he gives you the cold shoulder. You walk on eggshells because you never know what mood he will be in. He seems like he has bipolar disease, which according to the National Library of Medicine, is a condition where moods fluctuate based on levels of brain chemicals.

4. He Puts You on Guilt Trips

Guilt is a powerful tool, and he’s mastered using it. He will put you on a guilt trip to get his way. He isn’t afraid to lie or cheat and use you to further his agenda, and this includes putting you on an occasional guilt trip.

5. He Uses Your Love Against You

He knows how much you love him. And he will use that to his advantage. He knows that you won’t say no to him, especially when he pleads his case. While this does play into your emotions a bit, he is not above using your feelings of admiration to manipulate a situation.

6. He’s Overly Sweet and Attentive

Some guys are sweethearts and the teddy bear is attentive and loves to cuddle. However, if your guy is sappy sweet with a side of clinginess, then it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right. The toxic man often has issues from trauma, according to the National Library of Medicine.

This behavior indicates that his inner child has been damaged, and he doesn’t know how to love you in a pure and innocent way. Toxic individuals often pour on the charm heavily in the beginning, but look out, as this act doesn’t last for long.

7. He Promises Change

If your relationship hits the rocks, he may know his days are numbered. To keep you around, he may promise you the moon. Have you noticed that his promises are easily broken when he goes back to doing the same thing repeatedly?

Remember, a tiger doesn’t change their stripes, and this guy isn’t going to change anytime soon. However, if he gets counseling and tries to work on things, then that’s a different matter.

toxic man8. He Never Talks About Family or Friends

One thing that is commonplace with selfish and manipulative people is their inability to keep friends. They’ve burnt many relationships along life’s journey, so the chances of them taking you home to meet the parents are slim. They will be very closed-lipped about their associations, and you may wonder what happened to their family.

Don’t believe every word they say, and make sure you check out their stories too. They are not above making up tales of tragedy to explain the absence of their family either. If you’re in doubt, do some digging on the matter.

9. He’s Constantly Criticizing

Your sappy, sweet Casanova has turned into a negative critical person. Sometimes, you wonder why you’re in a relationship with him as all he does is cut you down. You can’t seem to do anything right.

From cooking to cleaning and even how you dress, he always has a crucial review of you. He’s slowly destroying your self-esteem, and it’s going to be a damaging blow.

10. He Separates You from Family and Friends

When you’re in love, a natural separation happens between your family and friends. You want to spend more time with the one who has stolen your heart. However, this is a bit different because he purposely tries to take you away from those you love.

He probably won’t come out and say that you can’t see these people, but he will do everything to occupy your time. As the relationship progresses, he may become angry if you take time away. It’s not that you’ve done anything wrong, but his insecurities shine through.

11. He’s Dragging You Down

While you love him, walking away is as hard as putting down an addictive drug. You have this attachment to him that keeps you in turmoil. He’s dragging you down with him, and you don’t know how to get off the merry-go-round.

12. He Overinflates His Worth

He is his own biggest fan. You don’t need to stroke his ego, as he does plenty of that himself. He may inflate his job title or say he makes more money than he does, but this is all coming from his inner turmoil and feelings of not measuring up.

13. He’s Taking Way More Than Giving

He expects you to drop everything at a moment’s notice to help him out, but don’t expect the same help in return. He wants you to be at his beck and call, but when it’s your turn for help, he’s unavailable.

14. He’s Always Right, Never Wrong

It doesn’t matter what the topic, he is always right. The toxic person feels that they know everything and you know nothing. No matter how much evidence you present to them, it will never change their mind.

15. He Talks More Than He Listens

The toxic man will dominate the conversation. He wants to tell you about his day, life, and everything going on in his universe. However, when it comes time for you to talk about your day, he may cut you off.

He doesn’t really care about your day or what’s going on in your life. Nothing in this world could be more important than what he has to say. Don’t take it personally, but this guy just thinks he’s all that and more.

toxic manFinal Thoughts on Unmasking a Toxic Man

Being in a relationship with a manipulative and self-centered person can be torture. Things might have seemed so perfect initially, but now things are just so messed up. One major red flag that the person you’re dealing with is a toxic man is the way they make you feel.

True love makes you want to live in the clouds and feels like butterflies and sunshine. Sure, there will be challenging times, but you can conquer anything together. When you’re involved with someone toxic, the feeling of the entire situation is just tense and strange.

You can sense with your gut that something isn’t right, but you’re drawn to them like a moth to a flame. If you see any of these 15 warning signs above, run like the wind to escape him. He’s going to destroy you mentally and give you emotional baggage that will last for years to come.

The Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Recipe That Tastes Too Good to Be True

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Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have been a staple in American lunches for decades. The sweetness of jelly or jam perfectly complements the salty, thick texture of peanut butter. Whether you use white, wheat, or rye, the fluffiness of the bread brings it all together. From service members to schoolchildren, this sandwich has provided millions with a nutritious, healthy lunch.

Julia Davis Chandler invented the popular sandwich in 1901. Shortly after, the recipe appeared in the Boston Cooking School Magazine of Culinary Science and Domestic Economics. In the beginning, the sandwich was mostly served at fancy tea parties and other formal occasions. However, it soon became a staple in many households, as the ingredients were cheap and shelf-stable.

Plus, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are one of the easiest foods to make. They also have all the macronutrients – protein, fat, and carbohydrates – making it a perfect meal for kids and adults alike. The original recipe from Julia Chandler was quite simple but caught on as more people discovered it. The magazine published the short and sweet instructions for making the sandwich as follows:

“For variety, some day try making little sandwiches, or bread fingers, of three very thin layers of bread and two of filling, one of peanut paste, whatever brand you prefer, and currant or crab-apple jelly for the other. The combination is delicious, and, so far as I know, original.”


However, back then, pre-sliced bread and jelly hadn’t even been invented yet. Those came about two or three decades later, and as the ingredients became widely available, the prices dropped dramatically. Thus, this made the sandwich more accessible to even poor people, and it became a staple in the American household.

Now that you know the history behind the peanut butter and jelly sandwich let’s get to the recipe! We will show you how to make your own bread for the sandwich.

Here’s how to make homemade bread for
scrumptious peanut butter and jelly sandwich:

peanut butter reasons

You will enjoy the process as much as the outcome!

What you’ll need:

    • A large mixing bowl
    • Whisk
    • Smaller mixing bowl
    • Silicone spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
    • Large cutting board
    • Saran wrap
    • Large kitchen towel
    • Parchment paper
    • Bread pan
    • Large cooking pot
    • Baking sheet
    • Food processor
    • Pastry brush
    • Small spoon
    • Knife

Ingredients:

      • 2 cups all-purpose flour
      • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
      • 1 tsp salt
      • 1 tbsp instant yeast
      • 1/2 cup warm water
      • 1 1/2 tbsp melted butter
      • 1 large egg
      • Olive oil
      • 2 cups frozen strawberries
      • 1 tbsp lemon juice
      • Lemon zest
      • 3 cups peanuts

Directions:

Get out your large mixing bowl and pour in the all-purpose flour. Next, add a tbsp of granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix the ingredients with your whisk until thoroughly combined.

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk the warm water, melted butter, and egg until mixed completely. Add this to the larger bowl, using a spatula or large spoon to combine with the ingredients in step 1.

After stirring the ingredients together, use your hands to create a dough. Knead it until it forms a small ball shape.

Now, sprinkle a pinch of flour on your cutting board, and place the dough on top. Continue kneading it for 5-10 more minutes.

Next, drizzle a little olive oil in the large mixing bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, coating it thoroughly with the oil. Cover the bowl tightly with saran wrap and a large kitchen towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature until it’s doubled in size.

Once again, sprinkle a little flour on the cutting board. Place the dough back on the board, and use your hands to create a long cylindrical shape.

Line a bread pan with parchment paper, and place the dough inside. Cover with saran wrap and the towel, and let it sit for an hour.

If you’d like to make your own jam, follow this next step. Add 2 cups of frozen strawberries to a large pot. Add 2 tbsp of sugar, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Stir to combine the ingredients, and cook on low until the mixture resembles a thick jam. Pour in a bowl or mason jar, and set aside.

If you’d like to make your own peanut spread, follow this step. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, pour the peanuts on the parchment paper. Shake the pan to spread out the peanuts, and roast at 350 degrees F for 10-12 mins.

Once cooled, put the peanuts in a food processor. Blend till the peanuts become thick and creamy. Scoop into a bowl and set aside.

Now, brush your bread with the egg wash using a pastry brush. After completely coating the top and sides, bake at 400 degrees F for 35-40 mins or until golden brown.

Use the knife to slice the bread once it’s cooled.

Now spread the peanut butter and jelly on two slices of bread, and enjoy.

 

peanut butter and jelly

Modifying the recipe:

Keep in mind that you can skip a couple of steps by using store-bought peanut butter and jelly. However, if you want to keep the recipe completely homemade, you can do so as well. To add flavor and thickness, you could also add salt, sugar, and peanut oil to the peanuts. For the jelly, you can substitute other fruits such as grapes, blueberries, or blackberries if you prefer.

Final thoughts: Make your own bread for the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich

The peanut butter and jelly sandwich goes back to the early 1900s and remains popular today. Most people buy the ingredients at the store, but you can easily make your own at home. Best of all, you can use the bread throughout the week to make different sandwich combinations. Of course, these sandwiches make the perfect quick, easy lunch to take to the office or pack in your kids’ lunchboxes for school.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches provide a portable, nutrient-dense meal for those days when you don’t feel like cooking. Making your own bread takes some work, but it allows you to control the ingredients. Plus, you’ll have leftovers to use throughout the week. We hope you enjoy it!

15 Quotes About Telling the Truth, Even When It’s Hard

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The truth isn’t always easy to say, but telling the truth is essential, even when it’s hard. People tend to think that lying or hiding the truth is easier, but that isn’t entirely true. Many times, sticking to a lie is harder than telling the truth would have been.

Even knowing that the truth is important, it is still tempting to take the easy route and fib a little. Rising above that temptation shows your inner courage and strength while showing that you are an honest person. Plus, if you don’t tell lies, you don’t have to try and remember what you said later.

When you think that telling a lie is the easiest route, change your mindset. Telling lies gets you caught up in a confusing mess with no possible solution. Telling the truth, though, will allow you to find an answer that improves the situation one way or another.

Twenty Quotes About Telling the Truth, Even When It’s Hard

These quotes about telling the truth even when it’s hard will help you make the right choice. Telling the truth is always the better option, as these quotes will explain.

telling the truth1. “Stop holding your truth; speak your truth. Be yourself. It’s the healthiest way to be.” – Tiffany Haddish

If you are holding back the truth because you’re afraid to speak up, stop doing that. Be true to yourself and speak what is on your mind.

Tell people the truth even when they don’t want to hear it. Telling the truth is the healthiest way to live, as Haddish explains.

2. “Truth is ever to be found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.” – Isaac Newton

Telling the truth allows you to simplify things. Lies only complicate situations and cause confusion, which doesn’t help anyone involved. Be honest, and you won’t have to worry about the bigger issues that accompany lying.

3. “To tell the truth is a beautiful act even if the truth itself is ugly.” – Glen Duncan

No matter what the truth is, telling it is more beautiful than lying. When the truth is out in the open, you can find solutions and make decisions based on the facts. Doing this is beneficial to you and the person hearing it, even if it is hard at first.

4. “You can hate me. You can go out there and say anything you want about me, but you will love me later because I told you the truth.” – Mary J. Blige

When you tell the truth, the other person might dislike you for a while. Things could even become more complicated, which is one of the reasons telling the truth is hard. However, later on, that person will appreciate you for being honest.

When you lie, you drag things out, get caught up in more lies, and continually disrespect the other person. If they find out that you have been lying, they will be even more upset than if they had heard it from you.

5. “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.” – Albert Einstein

If you get caught in a lie, it will discredit you for a long time to come. The person you lied to won’t believe you about the important things if you lie about anything at all. So, avoid this situation by always being honest, even when it’s hard.

6. “Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world would do this, it would change the earth.” – William Faulkner

While telling the truth is sometimes hard, it is better than the alternative option. Don’t be afraid to speak up and voice your honest opinion. As Faulkner explains, if everyone were honest, the world would be a much better place.

7. “Truth only means something when it’s hard to admit.” – Nicholas Sparks

If the truth were easy to tell, everyone would do it. The harder it is to say out loud, the more meaningful it is.

Remember this quote the next time you need to speak up and tell the truth. It will remind you that it is only hard because it means so much.

8. “The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie, deliberate, contrived and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive and unrealistic.” – John F. Kennedy

While deliberate dishonesty is bad enough, it isn’t the worst part about telling a lie. Creating a false narrative in someone’s mind and giving them empty promises and hope is even worse.

The next time you consider lying to someone, remember what you will be doing to them. No matter who it is, the other person deserves to know the truth, no matter how hard it might be.

pop meme9. “The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth.” – Lao Tzu

Saying what someone wants to hear might sound beautiful, but the words aren’t the truth. Likewise, the truth might not always be beautiful, but at least it’s honest. Choose honesty and integrity over speaking beautiful but dishonest words.

 10. “Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.” – W. Clement Stone

The truth and doing what is right should always take precedent over telling a lie or hiding from the truth. Honesty shows courage and integrity, so make sure you follow the right path.

11. “Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.” – Arthur Conan Doyle

You can’t build anything based on lies, so if you are working toward something good, make sure there is honesty along the way. Overcoming obstacles and navigating setbacks only get you so far if the truth isn’t there in the end. Tell the truth from the start, and you can trust that you are building on a solid foundation.

12. “For every good reason there is to lie, there is a better reason, to tell the truth.” – Bo Bennett

You might try to justify telling a lie or hiding the truth, and you will likely come up with some good reasons. If you find yourself looking for justification, think of the benefits of honesty instead. Thinking this way can help you recognize the benefits of telling the truth, even when it is tempting to lie.

13. “There is nothing so strong or safe in an emergency of life as the simple truth.” – Charles Dickens

When things get hard, the truth can offer strength and safety. Fully knowing what is going on can bring peace in a way that correlates with moving forward. When the truth is hidden, there will always be a sense of worry and weakness in the relationship.

14. “Honest communication is built on truth and integrity and upon respect of the one for the other.” – Benjamin E. Mays

Without truth and integrity, there can be no honest communication. Plus, dishonesty is a sign of disrespect for the other person. You wouldn’t want them treating you that way, so you should offer the same consideration.

Rather than stoop to this level, choose honesty instead. If you are honest right from the start, it will make the rest easier.

15. “Always tell the truth. That way, you don’t have to remember what you said.” – Mark Twain

When you tell lies, it is easy to forget what you said. Plus, you sometimes have to build on those lies or tell new lies to cover up the truth. The entire process is tricky and confusing, so it is best to avoid it.

When you tell the truth, though, you don’t have to worry about forgetting what you said. Since you were honest, you can recall the event from memory and avoid being caught in a lie. Telling the truth saves you stress while simplifying your communication, as well.

telling the truthFinal Thoughts on Quotes About Telling the Truth, Even When It’s Hard

Telling the truth isn’t always easy, but it is better than the alternative. By being honest from the start, you can find a realistic solution that will work and isn’t based on lies. Plus, there are always more reasons to be honest, anyway, so it truly does work out for the best that way.

Keep in mind that you also won’t have a confusing mess of lies to remember and keep straight. When you tell the truth, you only have one story that you must follow. Plus, you won’t have to build more stories based on the things you made up.

If you choose to tell the truth, everything will work out how it was supposed to. It might be hard to say words that you know the other person doesn’t want to hear, but it is better than deceiving them. Remember these quotes about telling the truth the next time you are in this situation.

Making Noodles Is an Art That’s Fun to Master

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Making noodles takes a little elbow grease, but the beautiful culinary art you’ll create makes it all worth it. We’ll show you several different ways to make your pasta, so you never have to repurchase it. Just kidding – as eye-catching as these kinds of pasta are, they do take some time to prepare. However, when you have a free afternoon, these noodles can provide dinner for a few nights during the week.

People all around the world use noodles in various dishes, from spaghetti to manicotti to pho. Noodles serve as a base for a variety of dishes and provide hearty, nourishing meals. Today, we’ll focus on Italian-style noodles, which you can use in any dish you prefer. Not only will these give you a nice dinner, but they are therapeutic to make as well. In our fast-paced world, sometimes it’s nice to slow down and create your culinary masterpieces.

So, to learn the secret of creating your noodles, read on for the recipes below.

Here’s how to make your noodles from scratch:

First off, you’ll need a large cutting board or baking sheet to roll out the pasta dough. Since you’ll need to use flour to ensure the dough doesn’t stick, prepare to get a little messy! Make sure to wear an apron or some old clothes before embarking on this culinary adventure. Now that we have that out of the way, we’ll get to what you came for – the recipe!

making noodles1 – Spinach noodles

Sneak spinach into this dough…the kids will never know they are eating their veggies.

What you’ll need:

  • Large cooking pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Blender
  • Strainer
  • Large bowl
  • Small spoon
  • Large surface for rolling the dough
  • Plastic wrap
  • Knife
  • Roller
  • Pasta cutter wheel or pizza cutter
  1. Spinach pasta

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Two eggs

First, cook the spinach in a large pot for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add it to a blender along with the two eggs, blending thoroughly. Next, get your bowl and strainer, pouring the mixture into the filter. Stir it to remove excess water, and then lay out the flour on a table or cutting board.

Pour the strained spinach and eggs in the middle of the flour. Start mixing and folding the dough with your hands until you form a ball shape. Knead it thoroughly so that all the flour mixes in with the spinach and eggs. Wrap it with plastic wrap, and sprinkle it with a bit of flour. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes.

Once you remove it from the fridge, roll the dough out and sprinkle it with flour. Cut along the length of the dough to create a few large pieces. Take the beetroot noodles and lay them diagonally across a portion of the spinach pasta dough. Leave space between each beetroot noodle, and then lay the turmeric noodles diagonally in the opposite direction.

In other words, the beetroot and turmeric noodles should form “X’s” on top of the spinach pasta dough. Remove any noodle pieces hanging off the spinach dough, and sprinkle the dough with flour. Use a roller to spread it out, and cut the dough into squares. Add ricotta filling, and make whatever colorful shapes you prefer!

2 – Beetroot pasta

Add the healthful benefits of beetroots in this recipe.

Ingredients:

  • Two eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 medium-sized beetroot, cubed

Rinse out the large pot and fill it halfway with water. When the water is boiling, add the cubed beetroot. Cook until soft, and pour into your blender along with the two eggs. Combine thoroughly.

Next, pour the flour onto your cutting board to make the dough. Form a circle with the flour, and pour the beetroot and egg combination in the middle. Repeat the step above, mixing and folding the dough until you form a ball. Sprinkle a little flour on top, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 30-45 minutes.

Roll out the dough and sprinkle with flour. Cut fragile pieces to create long noodles, and set these to the side. Leave half of the longer works for the first recipe.

3 – Turmeric pasta

Turmeric adds a delicious twist to this pasta.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp turmeric
  • Two eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Pour the flour on your cutting board, and then put the eggs and turmeric on top. Mix with your hands until all the flour is combined thoroughly. Once again, wrap the dough in saran wrap and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes. Repeat the process above to create the long noodles, and leave half for the first recipe.

4 – Spinach parsley pansotti

Pansotti is an Italian pasta stuffed with a filling such as cheese and folded in a triangular shape. Making it is easier than it sounds and only involves a few steps.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Four eggs
  • A handful of spinach and parsley leaves
  • Ricotta cheese

First, mix the flour and eggs on your cutting board, creating a dough. Follow the steps above to knead it into a ball shape, and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes. After you remove it from the fridge, sprinkle a little flour on top and cut the dough in half. Create a ball shape with one half, and then flatten it using your hands to make a circle.

Sprinkle more flour on top, and use a roller to roll the dough as thin as possible. Now, place the spinach and parsley leaves evenly on top of the layer of dough. Stretch it out as much as you can. Then repeat the steps above for the other half of the dough, laying it on top of the first half.

Sprinkle with flour, and use the roller to spread out the dough more. Then, use your pasta cutter to create squares in the dough between the spinach and parsley leaves. Finally, add a little ricotta cheese in each square, and fold the dough diagonally. Press down on the edges with a fork to seal the pansotti.

noodles

Final thoughts: making your noodles is a form of art

These noodle recipes will bring out the Italian pasta chef in you. While it saves time if you use a pasta machine, making it by hand is more fun and rewarding.

If you want, you can also create bowtie pasta with some of the dough squares. Pinch on the middle of a square to make the bowtie shape. There are countless other types of pasta you can make as well; use this guide for more culinary inspiration. Let us know if you decide to make your noodle creations.

12 Behaviors Of Optimists Most People Ignore

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Do you tend to be more of a pessimist or an optimist? A pessimistic person is inclined to negativity, and they are always looking for the sky to fall. The optimist has a whole different outlook, and they tend to believe life is good no matter what happens.

It doesn’t matter if their car broke down on the way to work, they got fired, or their spouse left them; they choose to find the positive things in the most uncertain circumstances. The attitude differences between these two temperaments are night and day.

Life is good, but it’s what you make it. If you tend to go around feeling sorry for yourself all the time, then you will have a miserable existence. However, if you choose to embrace the storms that life throws your way and dance in the rain, then your life will be different.

Ten Reasons Why Life is Good for Optimists

Time and circumstances happen to everyone, but it’s what you do during these times that count. For every action, there is a reaction, and controlling your response is a big part of living a peaceful life. Here are twelve reasons why the optimist lives a much better life than the pessimist.

life is good1. They Have Plenty of Friends

When you choose your friends, you try to pick those that make you feel good and that you like to have fun with. No one wants to be around someone who is constantly depressed, crying, or chronically complaining. Friends help each other because life is tough, but it’s worth every moment.

Consequently, the optimist has no trouble making friends as people are drawn to their infectious personalities.

2. Success Comes Naturally to Them

If you look at some of the great optimists throughout history, these are the people that could see the bright future even though they failed time and again. Sir Winston Churchill was considered a great motivator.

When the British people were losing during World War II, he knew that if he could motivate them to have a positive mindset, they could overcome the enemy. Using the strategy of an optimist, he used the hope of Britain’s future to motivate them. He was considered one of the greatest optimists throughout history.

Success seems to come naturally to a positive person because they will never give up on their dreams.

3. They Refuse to Let Life Get Them Down

Life can be crippling at times, and there are many instances where the most positive people want to throw in the towel. However, the optimistic believes life is good, and they won’t let circumstances get them down. They learn to let things roll off their shoulders.

4. They’re Solution Focused

When trouble comes into the optimist’s life, they don’t get caught up in all the drama and naysaying. Instead, they stay focused on how to fix things. By staying positive, they can accomplish much more than if they had a pity party.

5. They’re Not Afraid of Failure

The difference in the optimist is that they’re not afraid to fail a few times. They know that failure teaches you great lessons, and they embrace falling so they can learn and grow. It’s not that they want to fail, but they know that life is full of hard knocks, and they aren’t going to cry about it.

6. They’re Great Communicators

Typically, a positive person tends to be a great communicator. They are masters at getting what’s on their chest off, and by doing this, they don’t let things fester inside. They speak their peace and don’t harbor resentments.

Communication is the key to problem-solving, which they tend to excel in doing.

7. They’re Future Orientated Thinkers

It’s easy to get caught up in all the little things in life that can pull you down. The optimist tends to look at the big picture rather than focusing on the troubles of the day. Does one high electric bill carry enough weight to ruin your life in the grand scheme of things?

Getting bills that are higher than your budget can be a painful blow, but it’s not going to cause you prolonged pain. Looking at the big pictures helps to put things into perspective and to keep you from falling apart at every little matter.

quote8. They’re Easily Motivated

These people are easily motivated and usually don’t require someone over them telling them what to do. The optimist is often a born leader, and they’re often seen in many management positions. Their clear-headed thought processes and ability to problem solve makes them helpful in motivating others.

9. Their Behaviors Are Infectious

Folks look at the positive person and want to be just like them. It’s the individual that has a bounce in their step and hums a song as they work. Their cheerful nature radiates from them, and others can’t help but feel compelled to smile.

If you would pole the folks that work with the optimists, you would likely hear that they’re pleasant, fun to be around, and always make you feel better.

10. They Learn to Live in The Moment

Living in the moment is a powerful tool that has recently become commonplace. When you live for the here and now, you don’t dwell on the troubles of tomorrow. Human beings are wired to worry, and it’s just part of your nature.

However, when you live in the moment, you can dispel some of those fears. Melanie Greenberg is a writer and clinical psychologist from California. Her recent writing goes into depth about how your brain is automatically wired to worry. The title of her book “The Stress-Proof Brain” has instantly become a best seller.

In her studies, she found that 85 percent of the things you worry about will never happen. That lump that magically appeared under your skin may paralyze you with fear of cancer. However, when it goes away in a few days, you realize it was just a swollen lymph node.

Think back on all the things you’ve worried about today, this week, or even this year? Now, keep tabs on how many of those things come true. While your numbers might not be as high as those in her study, you will find that most of the things you fret about will never occur. It’s just a waste of time, and the optimist uses mindful techniques to keep them from needless worry.

11. They Know How to Let Things Go

Letting things roll off your back is easier said than done. Having an optimistic outlook doesn’t mean that you will never get down; it means that you won’t allow yourself to stay down. The optimist has learned how not to get too bent out of shape about any one thing.

12. They’re Flexible

Flexible people have less stress in their life. They’ve learned to roll with the punches, and they don’t get too upset when things don’t go according to plan. They understand that there will be times when life throws those curve balls that you need to handle, but this person has become the master at adjusting.

Since life is good and most things in it, even when things don’t go their way, they don’t get overly stressed out.

Seven Easy Ways to Be More Optimistic

If you tend to be more of a pessimist, you can alter your mindset to change your entire life. Here are ten classic ways that you can learn to be more positive. It will make you a better person and easier to be around.

  1. It would be best to use positive affirmations each morning to start your day on the right foot.
  2. Don’t complain chronically about all the things that are so wrong in your life. You don’t need the negativity, and those around you don’t want to hear you complain either.
  3. When you have a rough day, journal all your feelings to the outside. This method allows you to dispel all the negativity and keeps you from harboring it inside.
  4. Practice meditation to get rid of any negativity from the day. Meditation is a powerful tool that can help you to focus and unwind. Being optimistic doesn’t mean you will never have bad days or stress. However, it means you know how to handle them effectively, and mediation is the key.
  5. Practice using aromatherapy to help calm you. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to help calm people. Lavender is one of the best herbs for clearing stress and helping you relax.
  6. Learn to be present at the moment. Stop ruminating about all your past mistakes and future worries. When you learn to embrace and enjoy every moment of your day, your life will change for the positive.
  7. Spend plenty of time in nature. Walk in the sunshine barefoot to help you ground yourself. It’s hard to stay negative and in a bad mood when you have the warm golden rays and the soil’s feeling between your toes.

life is goodFinal Thoughts on Why Life is Good for Optimists

Life is good, but life is what you make it. You have a choice every day when you crawl out of bed. You can use positive affirmation to make it a good day, or you can allow yourself to get caught up in every issue that comes your way. So learn to let things roll off your back and embrace the blessings that each moment brings.

12 Behaviors Reveal That Someone Gravitates Towards Extroversion

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The world is full of extroverted people. Extroversion is a personality type that lives for social gatherings and loves to be the life of the party. This person’s outgoing nature, who draws towards extroversion, seems to draw people to them, like flies to honey.

The extrovert is the person you see in a restaurant talking to strangers and smiling from ear to ear. They are happy-go-lucky, and they enjoy new experiences. Unlike the introvert, they don’t need time alone to recharge their batteries as they find fulfillment being with others.

The extrovert would rather go to a barbeque, club, or another social gathering instead of sitting at home reading a book. They live for thrills, and they aren’t afraid to take risks. Do you see yourself as an introverted or extroverted person?

Twelve Habits That Reveal Extroversion

extroversionSince the extrovert and introvert are so vastly different, it’s easy to see each personality’s characteristics in family and friends. Do you tend to be more outgoing than reserved? Here are some everyday behavioral habits of the extrovert.

1. Enjoys Social Settings

As a social butterfly, those with extroversion live for the next party or event. They like to have several social gatherings planned each week because staying close to their home-based is boring.

Since a social gathering is the next best place to see and be seen, they have a hard time saying no to any event where they get attention.

2. Doesn’t Like to Be Alone

The extrovert was made to be around people, so they don’t like spending time alone. They see no need to spend a quiet day at home watching television and chilling. Due to their social nature, they need the energy of others to keep them going.

If they find themselves without something to do, which is hardly ever, they will find something to get into. Walking around a crowded mall would be more fun for this person than having a day at home where they do nothing.

3. The More = The Merrier

As a social butterfly, the extrovert needs lots of friends. This allows them always to have someone close. This personality type gravitates to people, so making friends is effortless.

While their social network is extensive, they have many close friends and people they consider as acquaintances. These individuals are always seeking out new interests and activities as they want their social circle to enlarge.

4. Crowds Are No Issue

They have no issue being in larger groups, and they’re often the one who is chosen as the leader when someone needs to spearhead an activity. Since their inner circle is vast, their days are filled with weddings, birthdays, and other social gatherings.

Those with extroversion don’t usually suffer from social anxiety disorder conditions because they get a charge from being in big groups.

5. Loves to Talk

An introvert tends to internalize their problems and work on things from within. However, the extrovert needs to get things off their chest. They’re the first person to head to a counselor’s office because they need to talk about their issues.

They value others’ opinions, so they need the guidance and direction that talking about stuff openly can bring. If they had to keep things bottled up inside, they would explode.

6. Risk Takers

Have you ever seen those immense cliffs where people jump down into a pool of water below? The introvert would be standing at the top, pondering the water’s depth versus the speed at which they would fall. However, the extrovert would push them out of the way to take the plunge.

Extroversion means that you look at life and risks a bit differently. You’re not afraid to take big chances because you know that it can bring rewards. If they stumble and fall while taking risks, then they will pick themselves up and try again. Extroverts aren’t afraid to start businesses on a whim, take a spur-of-the-moment trip, or be daring.

According to the National Institute of Medicine, part of the reason why extroverts can take these risks is that they love being rewarded with a boost of dopamine. When they do something daring and out of the ordinary, they’re essentially gambling.

This activity triggers their reward center in the brain, which makes them want to do it again. They become addicted to this chemical surge as it makes them feel amazing. It’s the same feeling that some get from eating carbohydrates or other substances that trigger this region of the brain.

introvert7. Impulsive

The introvert may need a month or more to make a significant decision, but the extrovert can choose on the fly. They can see a home one time and fall in love, and make an offer. Their impulsive nature causes them to leap before they consider the risks.

While impulsivity may be their downfall, many times, it’s been the thing that has helped them to be successful. What’s life without a few risks anyway?

8. Loves Noise

While the introvert may need a quiet place to study and be alone with their thoughts, the extrovert needs music, or the silence is haunting. They need action always going on around them, though sometimes it’s exhausting.

This personality type has a television or radio going in the background, and they are often multitaskers who do many things at once.

9. Flexible

The flexible nature of the extrovert makes them easy to be around. If the plans make a sudden shift, it’s no big deal. Unlike the introvert that may fall to pieces when things suddenly change, the extrovert can “roll with the punches.”

They may be an organized individual, but they don’t need a firm plan before they go on vacation or start a new project. They believe that being spontaneous adds more flavor to life.

10. Friendly and Confident

Being extroverted means that there’s not a lot of time to ponder life’s troubles. These happy and cheerful people don’t like to dwell on the negative things, so they’re the ones that always see the glass as half-way full.

Sure, they have troubles just like the next person, but they don’t wear their emotions on their sleeve, and they let things roll off their back.

11. Gets Bored Easily

Because their nature is to be on the go, those with extroversion tend to get bored when there’s not enough action. The silence may be more distracting to them than to another person, so they need to find ways to engage with others. They feed off other individuals’ energy, so being alone isn’t an option.

12. Outgoing

Extroversion’s outgoing nature makes this personality type perfect for a salesman, teacher, or any other position that involves talking. They tend to excel in sales because the gift of gab helps them lure in new customers.

The Wide Range of Extroversion

Do you find that you match some of the characteristics of an extrovert but not all of them? Many people fall somewhere in between being an introvert and an extrovert, and that’s completely normal. Another thing to consider is that your personality changes as you age.

You might have been an introvert growing up, but now you see yourself as more of an extrovert in adulthood. It’s perfectly normal to have these fluctuations as life experiences tend to change people. Some folks desire to be less extroverted, so they will work with a therapist to develop introverted characteristics.

However, did you know that your personality was already predetermined before you even made a friend? What most people don’t consider is that genetics is a significant indication of your nature. Was your mom or dad extroverted?

Growing up in a home with extroverts will likely sway you to behave in this manner. According to a study published by the National Institute of Health, your genes can determine how your system will respond to dopamine in the brain. Additionally, your brain’s reaction to this chemical neurotransmitter helps to predict your personality.

Brain chemistry is one factor, but you must also consider your growth evolution. Life has a way of helping your personality evolve as time goes on.

extroversionFinal Thoughts on Knowing You Display These Traits of Extroversion

Did you find out a few things about extroversion that you didn’t know? Do you feel that you’re more of an extrovert as opposed to being an introvert? Remember, it’s not always a black and white subject, as there can be a gray area.

You may have some classic tendencies of both personality types, and it’s okay as that’s what makes you so unique. However, whenever you see the social butterfly who never knows a stranger, you’ve met an extrovert who is loving life.

Do you see any of these characteristics in your friends or loved ones? Isn’t the brain fascinating in how it works to create personalities?

4 Ways To Release Anxiety Without Fighting Yourself

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Anxiety is an unfortunately common occurrence among many in the 21st century. Indeed, life is fast-paced and each person has so many responsibilities to pay attention to. It’s tough to stay on top of everything without letting the stress of it all get to you. That strain can take its toll – especially if you already struggle with knowing how to release anxiety.

It’s tempting to want to squash anxiety down by ignoring it or fighting your feelings. But these methods are often counterproductive. Anxiety needs to be relieved and let out, not further repressed and compressed. In fact, doing the latter can worsen anxiety. So how you manage it best? Here are four ways to release anxiety without fighting yourself.

1.    Find A Creative Method Of Expression

Creativity is a great way to release anxiety without fighting your emotions and impulses. In fact, creative methods allow you to be completely uninhibited when you express yourself. You can put all your intense, complex, and complicated emotions into this kind of work. So pour your heart into creative ventures! Here are some ways to do so:

release anxiety·         Use Art

Art is an incredible way to express yourself. Creative visual arts have a positive effect on anxiety that art therapy is an effective way to manage it, reducing stress and teaching stress management. You can use art to let out all your intense emotions, whether through painting and drawing, or you can even use other forms of art, like music.

·         Write

Writing down how you feel helps you to express those emotions healthily. Journaling is an excellent way to help reduce stress levels and manage anxiety. You can write down all that you think and feel and then throw it away to symbolize tossing out your worries – or you can keep what you write and reflect on it later! Either way, it’s a healthy and creative method of expression.

·         Color

A lot of people think of coloring as a more childish activity, but it is anything but! It’s a great way to utilize the benefits of art even if you aren’t particularly artistically inclined, and studies have found that it’s a fantastic method for stress relief. There’s a reason adult coloring books have gotten so popular. After all – they work!

2.    Focus On Organization

Being organized seems like an odd way to release anxiety. However, it can be the most effective method if your anxiety has to do with schedules, work, and responsibilities. Watching your life fall into place through organization dissipates anxiety quickly. Additionally, you can watch yourself become less stressed out the better you get at organizing. Here are some tips for focusing on organization to release anxiety:

·         Make Time For What You Love

Even if you have a scheduled list of things to do, it’s probably that you haven’t scheduled your own leisure time, too. Activities that you love can boost your positive thinking and offer anxiety-relieving effects, letting you relax and de-stress. Make sure your organized to-do list includes your hobbies, or even just some “me time” to rest!

·         Say “No” To Too Many Commitments

Commitments can pop up left and right, and if you have trouble saying “no” to people, they can quickly pile up to overwhelming levels. It would help if you learned to say “no” to commitments that will fill your plate up till it overflows. The more commitments you have, the more exhausted and anxious you’ll get. Determine where your limits are and stick by them to be more selective about what responsibilities you accept.

·         Declutter Effectively

You can lose a lot of time in your day to having many things piled up around you, as it takes longer for you to locate things. And, of course, physical clutter often leads to mental clutter, which can manifest in anxiety. Need tips on decluttering? Pick one place to start – a specific drawer, a box of things, or even the closet.

Then, one by one, categorize the items within into these four categories:

  • 1) things you use regularly
  • 2) things to discard
  • 3) things to sell
  • 4) things to give away.

·         Check Your To-Do Lists

To-do lists can give you a proper idea of how much you’re trying to do at once. Seeing it all out on a piece of paper can show you if your goals are realistic. You can’t squeeze an entire day of tasks into an afternoon, for example. Please keep track of what you have to do and organize it in a way that is reasonable for your abilities.

·         Fight Procrastination

Procrastination pretty much always leads to stress and anxiety, but stopping the habit isn’t as simple as it sounds. It’s important to understand where procrastination stems from – feelings of being overwhelmed, tiredness, or a poorly organized system of tasks, for example. Examining the source of your procrastination will help you fight it, and once you tackle procrastination, your anxiety will diminish, according to research.

pop meme3.    Do Some Deep Breathing Exercises

It’s relatively common knowledge that breathing exercises are used for anxiety relief. Still, the idea of simply “breathing” to achieve a more positive state of mind can seem far-fetched and even a little insulting when you’re dealing with a lot of anxiety.

But trust us when we say that using breathing exercises well can help to reduce fight-vs-flight responses, calming your sympathetic nervous system, and reducing physical symptoms of anxiety like high blood pressure, pulse acceleration, and quickened breathing. When you use these exercises, you’re able to trigger the relaxation response in your body through the parasympathetic nervous system.

There are many kinds of breathing exercises with their instructions for performing them, such as paced respiration, diaphragmatic breathing, belly breathing, and more. But ultimately, all these exercises bring awareness to your breath and let your body regulate respiration until you feel more at peace. Here are some steps for a simple breathing exercise with belly breathing!

How To Do Deep Breathing

  • Step 1: Start by sitting down in a quiet and comfortable place. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing, inhaling and exhaling in a non-controlled, natural manner. You should try to breathe through your nostrils if you can!
  • Step 2: Focus on how your breath feels and the sensation that comes with its entrance and existing through your nostrils. Put a hand on your chest and another hand on your stomach.
  • Step 3: Take a deep breath for four counts, still paying attention to the sensation. Hold the breath in for three counts. Then exhale throughout four more counts. Take note of how the hand on your stomach goes inwards as you breathe in and goes outwards as you breathe out.
  • Step 4: Concentrate entirely on your breathing and allow your mind to stop focusing on anything else at all. Your brain will likely be quite busy at first, and sometimes the act of performing the exercise can bring your attention to just how busy it is! Don’t worry about them.
  • Step 5: Instead of following your busy thoughts, watch them go by. Do not follow any of them – stay focused on your breathing and grounded in the present.
  • Step 6: Keep doing steps 3 to 5 for as long as it takes for your mind to begin to calm down and settle. Once your brain has settled, you can come out feeling less anxious.
  • Step 7: Repeat the whole exercise when you need a little de-stressing, and try to implement this practice into your everyday life on a regular and habitual basis.

4.    Connect With Others

Anxiety can make you want to withdraw, but that’s the last thing that you should do if you’re trying to manage that emotion! It would be best if you were around others to release anxiety by counteracting it with positive social input. Connecting to others can bring you a surprising amount of peace, and it’s a method that you shouldn’t discount.

Here are some tips for connecting with others to release anxiety:

·         Spend Time With Others

Social support can be a significant aid in managing anxiety. The people who care about you – and even just a group of good people – can help give you a calming sense of belonging. Plus, it releases oxytocin, which is a feel-good love hormone. Positive thinking from this kind of social interaction can reduce levels of anxiety and depression, even among introverts.

·         Cuddle or Hug Someone

Physical interactions with others are even better than simply spending time around them! The act of hugging, cuddling, or kissing someone brings down blood pressure, reduces stress and stress hormones, and sends out even more of that love hormone, oxytocin. Studies show that this can happen to such an extreme extent that you’ll get sick less often if you interact with people in this physical manner – so the effects go beyond anxiety-busting.

·         Ask For Help

Many people have a sense of pride that makes it difficult for them to request help from others. But the people who care about you want to support you and will be happy to help you when you’re in need. Reaching out to those around you can help you to release anxiety through the relieving of some burden on your shoulders. If you don’t have people in your life that you can request help from, try connecting with support groups and similar organizations.

·         Engage In Intimacy

Bedroom activities are a surprisingly effective way to release anxiety in a positive way. Satisfying intimacy with someone you trust can help bring down stress levels, so enjoy yourself with those you love!

·         Relax With A Pet

If you’re not feeling up to direct interaction with people, try connecting with a pet instead. Spending time with a pet and playing with them releases oxytocin, too, and pets have an excellent way of providing purpose, activity, and companionship in anxiety-relieving ways, say studies.

release anxietyFinal Thoughts On Some Ways To Release Anxiety Without Fighting Yourself

It’s okay to feel anxious now and then, but ultimately you need to have healthy coping mechanisms for anxiety to avoid its worst effects. Learning to release tension in positive ways without fighting yourself is a great way to do that. If you’re struggling a lot with anxiety, reach out to a mental health professional for advice.

Student Almost Misses Graduation Until a Teacher Helps Him Out

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High school graduation marks a huge turning point in a young person’s life. From that moment forward, you get to carve your own path. You have endless possibilities in front of you, and there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. It’s a transition from childhood to adulthood, and you’ll remember that moment forever. However, if you ever find yourself needing to replace lost or damaged records, you might consider options like buy a set of fake transcripts to fill the gap temporarily while sorting out official replacements.

Many people consider graduation as one of the most important days of their life. Daverius Peters, a senior at Hahnville High School in Boutte, Louisiana, had been looking forward to this special day for a while. However, when he arrived at the graduation ceremony on May 19, a school representative turned him away.

The 18-year-old had on the mandatory cap and gown. He’d also followed the other guidelines, which stated that male students must wear a white dress shirt and tie, along with dark dress pants. However, the woman at the front doors of the convention center told him his shoes violated the dress code. She said unless he changed his shoes, he couldn’t attend the graduation ceremony.

The school’s graduation dress code stated that males had to wear dark dress shoes. It also emphasized not to wear athletic shoes, as they wouldn’t be allowed. That day, Peters wore black leather sneakers with white soles. They weren’t classic dress shoes, but Peters thought he could wear them since they were black.

So, when the school representative denied him entry, he went into shock. Peters also felt humiliated, imagining what his parents would think if he couldn’t attend his own graduation. He just wanted to walk across the stage and get the diploma he’d worked so hard for.

With only minutes until the ceremony was set to begin, he felt hopeless. He had no time to stop at a store to buy new shoes. As he paced anxiously outside the convention center, he spotted a glimmer of hope. He’d noticed a familiar face, that of paraeducator John Butler.

Peters almost missed his graduation until the kind staff member came to his rescue

Butler helps mentor students at the high school, and many students look up to him. Butler always did what he could to help the students. He had a daughter graduating with Peters, so he was attending the commencement ceremony as a parent that day. So, Peters ran over to him and explained his shoe predicament.

After he told the story, Butler couldn’t believe it. He’d been working at the school for two years and was well aware of the dress code. However, he didn’t see anything eccentric about Peters’ shoes.

Butler decided to talk with the woman who’d denied the young man entry. Perhaps if she saw him with Peters, she’d change her mind. However, she stuck to her decision, not allowing Peters in due to his shoes. With only minutes to spare, he didn’t have time to argue with her.

So, without a second thought, Butler took off his own shoes and gave them to Peters. He saw no other options at that point, and for him, “it was a no-brainer.” He wasn’t going to let the soon-to-be high school graduate miss this pivotal moment in his life.

It seemed like everything would run smoothly now, except for one small hiccup. Peters wore a size 9, and Butler wore a size 11. Peters didn’t let the size difference phase him, though. He slid Butler’s tan loafers onto his feet and excitedly ran through the doors right before they closed.

Butler then took his seat with only socks on his feet, ignoring the confused stares from others. He just felt happy that Peters would get to receive his diploma. For him, giving up his shoes temporarily was a small price to pay. Have you lost your college certificates? You can buy diplomas online as a replacement.

Peters slid across the stage, proudly receiving his high school diploma

Peters heard his name, but he couldn’t walk in the oversized shoes. So, he improvised and slid across the stage to receive his diploma. Peters’ family along with the rest of the audience noticed his strange choice of footwear.

Jima Smith, Peters’ mother, asked the rest of the family what shoes her son had on. They had no idea where the shoes came from, and why he wasn’t wearing the black sneakers. Then, they looked over and noticed Butler had no shoes on. However, they didn’t put two and two together at that moment.

Smith’s other son pointed out Butler’s shoeless feet, not realizing that he’d given his shoes to his younger brother. Right after the ceremony, Daverius found the kind mentor who’d loaned him the shoes so he could graduate. He returned the loafers and expressed his gratitude for the selfless gesture.

Mr. Butler’s kindness didn’t surprise him, however. He said that he’s just “that type of person.” When a student’s having a bad day, Butler calls them out of class to personally talk with them. He doesn’t want anyone to feel like they have to go through things alone.

So, because of Butler, everything worked out in Peters’ favor in the end. However, Butler says the incident highlighted the school’s need to alter the dress code. He believes something that minor shouldn’t prohibit a student from attending their own graduation. He plans to meet with the school board to discuss adjusting guidelines for future ceremonies.

Stevie Crovetto, the director of public information for Hahnville High School, spoke about the incident. She says the school administrators will review current policies and make improvements where needed. She added that Mr. Butler’s kindness didn’t surprise anyone at the school, as he’s always willing to help.

graduationPeter’s parents were upset, but they felt grateful for Mr. Butler

After Peters’ parents learned what happened, they felt outraged. Due to the pandemic, Peters had to learn virtually for much of the year. He’d had a tough senior year and had worked so hard for his diploma. His parents couldn’t believe something as minor as his shoes could’ve kept him from graduating.

Peters’ mom said her son truly believed his footwear followed the dress code. She added that it wasn’t just about him, though. Maybe other parents couldn’t afford to buy new dress shoes; should their children be denied entry, too?

Smith plans to meet with the school board to discuss the matter. She hopes that, in the future, the incident won’t happen to other students.

In an interview with The Washington Post, she said:  “If it wasn’t for Mr. Butler’s kind and thoughtful act, my child would have been sitting outside, and I wouldn’t have known. I pray he will continue to work in the public school system because we need more teachers like him. Our young Black men need good role models and mentors like Mr. Butler.”

Mr. Butler humbly said he just did what he felt was right, and didn’t think much of it. However, Peters’ family was blown away by the last-minute shoe exchange.

“He gave the shoes off his own feet to my child,” Smith said. “That says a lot about what type of man he is.”

10 Behaviors That Reveal a Lack of Respect From Your Partner

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Do you feel respected by your spouse or partner, or is the lack of respect taking a toll on your relationship? The need to be admired by your partner is universal and transcends gender. When you’re disrespected, it often leaves you wondering what you did wrong and how to fix the situation.

What do you do when your wife or husband has no respect for you? Being disrespected affects both men and women in different ways. The definition of respect by Merriam Webster means to hold someone in high regard and show admiration. Considering someone you’re in love with is an essential part of the foundation of your partnership.

Both males and females have a need and desire to please their mate, and when there’s a lack of respect, it can be psychologically damaging. Rejection is a bitter pill to swallow, and it can dramatically affect your self-esteem as well as the quality of your relationship.

The Pangs of Rejection from Disrespect

Relationships have foundational building blocks that keep the union sound. Things like trust, honesty, commitment, communication, and respect are essential. When one of these grounding parts of your union is gone, it’s like a house with a sagging foundation. No doubt, a weak foundation produces cracks, soft spots and is dangerous.

So, when your relationship has dysfunctional parts, it allows room for other issues to creep in. The lack of respect will soon let doubt slither in and start trouble.

lack of respectHere’s an example

For instance, a husband who no longer is home by dinner time, and doesn’t take time to call to warn his wife, leaves the door open for suspicion.

It’s not only disrespectful not to let someone know you’re going to be late, especially when they’re cooking, but they will worry about your safety. It’s just a little thing that you can do that shows you hold this person in high esteem. When you don’t take time to let them know your whereabouts, then you cause ill feelings.

First, she’s going to be hurt because she made a meal you didn’t eat. Second, she is going to wonder why you’re working so late all the time. Third, she will wonder if there’s someone else that has caught your eye. Due to these actions, the wife may turn inward instead of talking out issues.

Even if the husband was working and there wasn’t anything wrong, the lack of respect caused a rift. The wife will become suspicious and keep a mental tab of how many times such an occurrence happened. All of this could have been avoided with a simple phone call out of respect for your partner.

Is It Disrespect or Low Self-Esteem?

Each person has baggage they carry from previous relationships. Not only does this baggage weigh you down, but if you don’t unload these things, it can affect your current relationship as well as those in the future. If you had a previous partner who lied to you all the time, then you might find yourself second-guessing your current spouse.

The sad part is that you might have no grounds to distrust them, but you automatically do it because you’ve been burnt in the past. It can work much the same way with your self-esteem. Some folks don’t have high regard for themselves, and if you wear your emotions on your sleeve, it can cause problems.

Assume you got a new haircut. Your spouse didn’t say anything about this style, so you automatically took that to mean they didn’t like it. Some folks are just more perceptive than others, and it didn’t mean they didn’t like it. They didn’t mention the new style.

You can easily project your feelings of poor self-esteem onto someone else when there are no grounds. A lack of respect is different than not being observant, and it’s important you can identify what true disrespect is in a relationship.

Ten Behaviors the Show A Lack of Respect

Setting feelings aside, you need to know what’s disrespectful and when it’s your poor self-esteem or emotional baggage affecting the situation. Here are ten behaviors that show a lack of respect from your partner.

1. Verbal Abuse

There is never a reason to call names or put each other down. You should speak to each other with love and kindness. It’s disrespectful, even in the heat of an argument, to call names. Never speak downwards to someone you love, as it shows a real lack of maturity too.

2. Lying

Honesty is one of those essential foundational blocks in your relationship. When you or your partner lie to one another, you’re leaving the door open for some serious issues. If you can’t trust your partner, then it’s better to sever ties.

3. Cheating

Infidelity is one of the most damaging forms of disrespect. When you’re in love and commit yourself to each other, part of that commitment is your mind, body, and soul. When you use your body to find pleasures outside of the relationship, it’s very hurtful and damaging to the other person.

The first step to mending a relationship after such a devastating blow is to rebuild trust. It’s difficult to trust someone who has hurt you so badly. However, many couples go on even after infidelity, but their union will never be the same.

4. Physical Abuse

It would help if you never put your hands on each other in anger. Most people think this is more about men, but women can be abusers too. Domestic Shelters has done extensive research into why women abuse and their motives are often different than a man’s.

However, the real issue is that most men won’t speak up about the abuse they encounter, as they fear it will take away from their masculinity. Things are changing, and society is recognizing that men can receive just like women.

pop meme5. Flirting With Others in Front of You

It’s okay to notice an attractive person even in a committed relationship. However, flirting takes it to a whole new level. If your lover is flirting with others when you’re around, it’s the ultimate disrespect. It’s like they’re saying you’re not good enough and this person is better.

6. Put You Down

There are always going to be little annoying things about one another that you don’t like. However, your partner should never put you down in front of others. If they’re concerned about your weight, it’s a conversation to have behind closed doors.

A weight issue should be about health more than looks, and they should never incorporate name-calling. When someone puts you down and makes you feel “less than” in front of others, run.

7. They Make Plans That Don’t Include You

For the most part, being in a relationship means that you make plans together. While there may be the occasional guys or girls’ night out, typically, your life should be spent doing things as a couple. If one of you is making plans continuously that don’t involve the other person, it’s a sign you don’t want to be with them.

It’s very disrespectful and hurtful to be with someone and only see each other at the end of the day. Life is about spending time together, not about sharing a space but living separately.

8. Always On Their Cell Phone

Cell phones, tablets, and laptops have brought a whole new level of disrespect to society. It’s so annoying to try to have a conversation or go to dinner with someone who can’t put down their electronic devices. It isn’t nice to have half of someone’s attention because they’re so involved in social media, texting, or checking emails.

There should always be a set time to put down the electronics and communicate, as it can get old, real fast.

9. Interrupts You While Speaking

There’s nothing more annoying than someone who constantly interrupts you when you’re trying to speak. They’re implying that what you have to say is not as crucial as their thoughts. Don’t let people cut you off, as it’s the ultimate disrespect.

10. Refuses To Apologize

Selfish people are individuals who believe they’re always right. According to the National Centers for Biotechnology Information, these folks often have a grandiose sense of self-importance, as well as show arrogant, haughty behaviors and attitudes. Even if they know they’re wrong, they will never admit that to you.

However, they probably think they’re right all the time anyway, so they will argue and push their point until you see things their way.

lack of respectFinal Thoughts on A Lack of Respect

Being with the right person who loves, cherishes, and respects you will bring a whole new meaning to your life. While even the best relationship will have some storms to weather, you do it together and not by tearing each other apart.

When someone shows a lack of respect to you, it can have a long-lasting effect. Not only will the relationship be unhealthy, but it can destroy your self-esteem a little bit with each blow. While relationships are all about compromise, there are some things that you should never compromise on, such as honesty, trust, communication, and respect for one another.

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