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20 Positivity Statements to Help Recover from Lost Love

June 11, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

When you try to recover from a lost love, you might struggle to shift your mindset sometimes. Your negative emotions might get the best of you, or you might be angry at yourself. If this is the case for you, these positive statements can help you recover.

It is normal to be sad after experiencing lost love, and there is no timeframe for your healing process. Keep living your life, however, and moving on even amidst the sadness.

20 Positivity Statements to Help Recover from Lost Love

These positivity statements will help you remember all that you have to live for. They can help you see what you should focus on, which will help you recover sooner.

1. I am strong and confident, and I know that I will recover from this.

You can overcome anything as long as you remember how strong you are. Stay confident, and remember that you are a great person no matter what. Hold your head high, and use this affirmation anytime you need a reminder.

2. I am filling my life with positivity as I work to recover.

When a negative thought creeps in, replace it with a positive one. Changing your mindset is much easier after you have repeated this positivity statement, though. Repeat the affirmation each morning, and it will help you look for all the good in your life.

When you recognize the positive things in your day, it will help with your recovery process. You will find little bits of joy throughout the day, reminding you that the world will go on, and so will you.

3. I am open to all of the new opportunities available to me.

When you have lost love, it is hard to pay attention to all the new possibilities you have now. As part of a couple, there are likely things you couldn’t do before that you can now. Instead of wallowing in thoughts of what you lost, look for new experiences that weren’t an option before.

4. I am healing and rediscovering myself as I start over.

As you work on recovering from a lost love, focus on rediscovering yourself. You are continually changing, so now that you have time alone, rediscover who you are and who you want to be. Spend time self-reflecting and improving yourself so that you’ll be ready for anything when the time comes. o

5. I appreciate the special people that are still with me.

Just because one person left your life doesn’t mean that you are alone. Use this affirmation to think of all the special people who didn’t leave your life. You are surrounded by love, and you don’t need a partner to reaffirm that fact.

6. I love myself no matter what has happened.

It can be easy to blame yourself when your love has ended, but you shouldn’t. Everything happens the way it is supposed to, so don’t beat yourself up over things you can’t control. No matter what the situation is, continue loving yourself and taking care of your wants and needs.

7. I am worthy, and I offer special things to the people in my life.

Despite what anyone says, you are worthy and valuable to those in your life. The people that care about you see what you bring to the relationship, and they love having you in their life. Don’t let one person make you feel like you aren’t good enough.

8. I am living in the present and enjoying the people and things in my life.

By focusing on the present, you are helping yourself recover from lost love. When you take your mind off your pain and heartache, you can experience joy again and embrace each moment.

Living in the present will help you see that your life is more than just what you lost. Plus, it will remind you that you have so much to keep living for. Don’t let yourself become all-consumed in your lost love, and instead, focus on making the present a happy experience.

9. I am giving myself the love that I deserve.

You can’t always count on anyone else to love you in the way you deserve, but you can count on yourself. Use this affirmation as a motivator for self-love and self-care because you deserve it.

10. I choose to live happily, even as I work to heal.

Your life doesn’t have to be perfect for you to live happily. Even as you are hurting and trying to heal, you can still find things to be happy about.

Choose happiness over all other emotions, and do whatever you can to bring moments of joy to your life. You are in control of your feelings, so you are the only one that can choose to rise above the sadness.

11. I am turning this situation into a positive experience.

Even if it initially seems like a negative experience, you can change it to a positive one. By thinking of all the things that you can now do, you have begun the process already. Think of the experience as an opportunity to focus your time and energy on becoming a better version of yourself.

If you think of all that you can do to improve yourself, you will see how the situation can be favorable. Once you find your true love, you likely won’t have this undivided time for self-improvement again, so take advantage now.

Plus, another positive is that now you know that this love was not meant for you. With that knowledge, you can recognize that the right person is still out there for you. Now that you are available for when they come into your life, you can think more positively.

12. I will find true love, but I have to be patient.

When it feels like you will never recover, repeat this positivity statement. It will help you remember that you will find true love when the time is right. In the meantime, continue being patient and using this affirmation to help you recover.

13. I am putting all of my energy into the things going right in my life.

Instead of wasting your energy on the negative aspects of your life, change your thought process. Put that energy to good use by fostering the things that are going well. If you put your energy into those things, you will reprioritize and heal more quickly.

14. I know that there is someone out there that will want me precisely as I am.

If you ever have the thought that you should change who you are, use this affirmation. There would be nothing wrong with you, even if the person that you lost didn’t see your worth.

Someone out there will cherish you just the way that you are. Stay true to yourself, and the perfect partner for you will come when the time is right.

15. I love myself more each day.

Use this positive affirmation each morning as you get ready for the day. Making it a daily habit will manifest it, and you will find that your self-love truly does grow more every day. With self-love, you will recover from your lost love and move forward happily.

16. I have inner peace, and this loss will not break me.

The more often you repeat this, the more accurately it will apply to your life. If you convince yourself that you are experiencing inner peace, it will come true. With inner peace, you are strong enough to overcome, and your loss can’t break you.

17. I am healing, and I embrace the changes happening within me.

As you repeat this, visualize emotional healing. With affirmations and visualization, your recovery process will be much easier.

When you embrace the changes in your life, you can turn them into positive experiencing that improve your life long term. Don’t miss out on the opportunity for a beneficial fresh start.

18. I recognize the beauty and excitement that a fresh start brings.

While endings aren’t always happy experiencing, you can use this affirmation to shift your mindset. Rather than thinking of it as an ending, think of it as a fresh start. You can now do whatever you want to do and work towards your dreams and goals without interference.

Plus, you can go to new places and meet new people. There is an entire world out there, so look for the small glimmers of beauty and embrace the excitement.

19. I am releasing the things that I can’t control.

You can’t control the way someone else feels. When you are experiencing lost love, you must release them so that you can begin to recover. You can only control yourself, so do whatever you can to move on and make a better life for yourself.

20. I am strong, and I will not give up.

Some days will be more difficult than others, but you can’t give up. Even on the most challenging days, you must find the motivation to keep moving forward and living your life. Use this affirmation to encourage yourself to keep fighting.

Final Thoughts on Remembering These Positivity Statements to Help Recover from Lost Love

While lost love is difficult to overcome, you can recover. Using these positivity statements will help you get there quicker, and you will heal more effectively. Plus, you will remember to use this time as a beneficial experience instead of letting it go to waste.

When you find yourself struggling, recall the affirmations that resonated with you the most. Repeat them each morning or whenever you need a boost of positivity in your life.

Meet an Amazing Pet Duck Who Thinks He is a Dog

June 11, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Elway, a rescued pet duck, lives with eight dogs (his best friends). And he seems to think he’s a dog himself. His owner Lindsay drove 5 hours to an animal rescue to get him when he was just 4 weeks old. When they got back home, all six of the dogs they had at the time greeted them, wagging their tails with anticipation.

“It was probably right there and then that Elway took to the dogs and started just hanging out with them, even though we do have other ducks here on our property,” Lindsay said.

Elway always seems to want the company of his dog brothers and sisters and acts like one of the pack himself. Lindsay says he’s learned where his dinner time feeding area is, just like the dogs have. He also flies onto the couches to cuddle with the dogs and takes naps with them.

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A post shared by Elway The Duck (@elwaytheduck) on Apr 5, 2019 at 10:46am PDT

Elway has a best buddy.

“When he’s not doing that, you can usually find him snuggled up with one of our dogs on the dog bed,” she said.

Out of all the dogs, Elway seems to connect the most with their 3-pound chihuahua named Stout. Lindsay says Stout was a puppy around the same time that they got Elway as a duckling, so they grew up together.

“They definitely like to go on all of the adventures and have all of the fun together, no doubt about that.”

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A post shared by Elway The Duck (@elwaytheduck) on Dec 21, 2018 at 5:24am PST

A pet therapy duck?

They’ve actually taken Elway to nursing homes, elementary, middle and high schools, preschools, and even hospitals. Little did they know their pet duck would grow up to become a therapy animal and make people smile. They even put him on a leash, just like their dogs!

In the hospitals and nursing homes, some of the patients who use wheelchairs hold Elway’s leash while he pulls them around. It brightens their day to be able to interact with Elway and gets their minds off their struggles for a while.

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A post shared by Elway The Duck (@elwaytheduck) on Sep 1, 2019 at 1:19pm PDT

Elway, the duck, hitting the town.

Because Elway grew up around dogs, he acts very friendly and docile with strangers. Even with a small crowd of people standing around him, he doesn’t seem phased and actually loves the attention!

“Making an impact, a positive impact, on other people’s lives is the message that Elway would like to share with everybody,” Lindsay said.

She says even though he’s different than his brothers and sisters, he makes people smile, and that’s what counts. Ducks don’t normally become therapy animals, but the pet duck Elway is special. Even though he doesn’t have paws or fur, he brings people joy with his own personal charm and cuteness, just like dogs do.

“Elway has most certainly dubbed himself dog number 7 in our house, and I don’t think any of us would have it any other way.”

He sure does seem to fit right in with the family and gets along wonderfully with the other pets. He does everything with the dogs, and they seem to consider him one of their own. On his Instagram page, it seems he enjoys walks on the beach, hanging out at the pier, and cuddling with the dogs the most. Of course, he has a pretty busy schedule as a therapy animal, but in his downtime, Elway loves adventures.

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A post shared by Elway The Duck (@elwaytheduck) on Jan 27, 2019 at 7:40am PST

He’s pretty well-known in his town and has even been featured on the local news in Connecticut! Elway is truly a lucky duck, getting to see life outside the animal rescue and living with a loving family on a farm.

Final thoughts on rescuing a pet duck

When you think about animal rescue, you probably think of dogs, cats, and other common housepets. Most people don’t realize that ducks get abandoned just like other animals do, and for some of the same reasons. Well-meaning parents may buy ducklings at feed stores. But as they grow older, they lose their fuzzy, cute appearance. They need a lot more time and care than many people can give. And then the owners end up releasing them into the wild illegally.

Oftentimes, owners will set their pet duck free at public or private ponds. Unfortunately, domestic birds don’t have the same survival instincts as wild fowl and usually can’t fly. They depend on humans to feed and protect them, so when left alone, the ducks have no idea how to survive. They can become victims of predators in the area, other birds, or even humans.

If you have pet ducks that you can no longer care for, take them to a sanctuary or animal rescue. That way, they will get the proper care and get to live a long, happy life protected from predators. All animals deserve our love because they bring so much joy and comfort into our lives. You may not automatically think of a duck as a pet. But Elway shows that we can find love in the most unlikely places sometimes.

14 Phrases That Help Release Stress And Anxiety (In 5 Minutes Or Less)

June 10, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

Words can hold incredible power within them. They can forge and break bonds, comfort or hurt, and change perspectives. Besides that, they can help you release stress and anxiety.

Don’t wait for the familiar feeling of stressors to creep up on you. Read these techniques, as suggested by top therapists. You will be ready to deal with your triggers the next time you need to.

Release Stress and Anxiety with These 14 Powerful Phrases

You can say certain words to yourself and others that give you their power and transform situations in your favor. Here’s how experts recommend 14 powerful words to help you release stress and anxiety instantly.

1. “I Forgive You.”

Are you currently holding onto any grudges? Letting go of them in the act of forgiveness can be a very positive, beautiful thing. The act of holding grudges has been found to increase stress, but forgiving someone can:

Reduce depression
Decrease anxiety
Reduce heart attack risk
Help ease pain
Balance cholesterol levels

It’s worth noting that you are not, under any circumstances, required to convey this forgiveness to someone who has severely harmed you. Forgiving them in your heart and using that forgiveness to move on peacefully is all you have to do! This is because forgiveness involves releasing negative feelings, and you only need to release them on your end to reap benefits, says Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Mood Disorders Adult Consultation Clinic director Karen Swartz.

2. “No.”

Being a people-pleaser – or, as some people call it, a “yes man” – can force you to make any commitments that burn you out. It won’t be long before you’re stressed out and unable to continue.

If you genuinely want to reduce stress, you need to learn to say no, “What It Takes To Be Free,” author Darius Foroux states. It can be empowering to permit yourself to not commit to different situations finally. Instead of regretting the “yes” answers you give, start saying “no” when your plate is full.

3. “Thank You.”

Research proves that the act of gratitude significantly boosts positive thinking. The author of a study that found this, Martin Seligman, Ph.D., says that these effects can last even up to an entire month later!

Here are some ways to incorporate the powerful phrase “thank you” into your life:

Keep a gratitude journal that details things you’re grateful for every day
Reach out to someone who helps you and thank them
Take the time to be extra appreciative of the world around you

4. “It’s Not About Me.”

It’s natural to feel anxious about giving a presentation, speech, performance, or similar act. The next time anxiety gets overwhelming, repeat these words: “It’s not about me!”. Think about the people who will benefit from what you do and consider the importance of your actions instead of imagining negative scenarios or judgment.

Therapy for Black Girls founder Joy Harden Bradford says that reminding yourself about who you’re doing things for can help tremendously. It shifts the focus from you to others, making you feel less anxious as you’re no longer concentrating on yourself. Neat trick!

5. “I am lovable.”

It’s easy to feel worthless sometimes. The world can put a lot of stress on your shoulders. A reminder that you’re a lovable person of value to others can work wonders in times like this.

This is especially useful if you tend to be anxious regarding the security of close relationships. A licensed counselor and social work lecturer Chantelle Doswell states that, in this scenario, reiterating that you are both lovable and loved can be beneficial. You’ll reaffirm that you are worthy of the love of those you care about, so more positive thinking will come of it.

These 11 powerful beliefs can save you from negative thinking.

6. “Nevertheless…”

Anxiety expert Dr. Stanley Hibbs calls “nevertheless,” a word that is “magical.” This is because it turns negative things into positive ones by furthering your story. Instead of being stuck in a bad event, it pushes you to move forward. It can also encourage you to better handle stress and power through tasks you don’t want to do.

This is a great way to combat stress and focus on overcoming these periods of negativity. Here are some examples of ways to use “nevertheless” to release stress and anxiety:

I’ve worked very hard, and I deserve a break. Nevertheless, I will complete these final few tasks before resting.
I have been passed over for this promotion. Nevertheless, I will keep trying to improve in my field.
I’m not prepared enough for this event. Nevertheless, I will prepare as well as I can and do my best.
I don’t want to go to the gym today. Nevertheless, it’s important for my health, and I will do it regardless.
I’ve made a mistake and hurt someone I care about. Nevertheless, I am only human, and I will apologize and do what I can to make up for my error.

7. “I’m Excited!”

Stressed out over something in the future? Nervous or anxious about something you have to do? Change the narrative by declaring your excitement, recommends Harvard Business School associate professor Alison Wood Brooks.

Nervous energy can be difficult to convert into calm energy because of how much kinetic energy is behind it. So try shifting it to excited energy so the strength of that emotion gets properly used! A study has actually found that the act of facing difficult or stressful things with excitement has a higher chance of bringing down stress levels than trying to force calmness.

8. “I Am Enough.”

If you have high expectations for yourself, it’s natural that sometimes you will not meet them. If you’re realistic about it and understand that failure is normal, then you’re fine. But if you beat yourself up over each mistake and hold yourself to perfectionism, your stress levels will soar as your self-esteem drops.

Kathleen Hall, Ph.D., who works at the Mindful Living Network, encourages positive messages to fight the negative self-talk that can come from your inner critic. Instead of allowing that inner critic to berate you, tell it firmly: “I am enough.” It might feel phony at first, but it won’t be long before you start to believe that message and apply it to future errors.

9. “I Am Loving.”

For everyday stress, simply reminding yourself that you can love others can be a surprisingly effective mantra. It reminds you to be kind to others and yourself. It’s also a good way to fight frustration and stress by focusing on the traits you would like to encompass.

Heidi Hanna, Ph.D., who writes about stress often, states that all you have to do is close your eyes, say your mantra, and envision yourself embodying that trait. It’s a lovely way to tell stress that no matter how hard it tries to hit you, you will always be the person you want to be!

10. “What Will Amaze Me Today?”

Asking yourself this question puts the onus on you. In a world where you can be stressed out trying to meet everyone else’s demands, it’s easy to forget that you deserve enriching experiences, too. It’s a way of practicing simple mindfulness by living in the present day and asking how to improve it.

Power Podcasts host and author Brandi L. Bates uses this line of thinking often and suggests using more specific questions if you happen to be struggling more. Here are some ideas for similar questions:

What can I do to make this day great?
What else can I experience today that will make me happy?
How can I get closer to who I want to be?
What will engage my senses and delight me?
What can I do to raise my standards?

11. “I Am Stressed.”

It sounds weird that this could be something positive, but the reason for this is surprisingly simple. Emotions of anxiety and stress can run high regularly, but you might feel like you need to bottle it all up. Trying to repress these feelings only causes them to build, and they will eventually explode and harm you later on.

Studies have indicated that sharing stressful emotions and talking about your experiences can decrease those negative emotions. On top of that, admitting that something is wrong allows you to be aware of it so you can address it head-on. You can’t address an emotion that you refuse to validate, after all.

12. “I Am Powerful.”

This affirmation is simple but effective. It tells you that even when you’re anxious and stressed out, you have control over those feelings and are the person in charge.

Psychologist Markisha Bennett says you can lengthen this statement and tailor it to suit your current needs. Here are some examples of sentences that do just that:

I am powerful, and I deserve powerful things.
I’m strong, and I deserve things filled with strength.
I am kind, and I deserve kindness in turn.

13. “All Is Well.”

This phrase is self-soothing. It’s one you’ve probably said to friends and family to help console them but never turned on yourself. When you tell yourself that things are “well,” you do not deny current problems but assure yourself that it’s not the end of the world, no matter how much your anxiety screams that it is.

According to consciousness and spirituality expert Maryam Hasnaa, this statement helps with stress because it’s tough to continue experiencing severe anxiety when you know that things are okay. It’s a simple but very effective way to release stress and anxiety.

14. “This, too, shall pass.”

This might be a cliche phrase, but it’s one worth repeating if you find your anxiety fixating on small details and getting stuck in the negativity of a moment. Life coach Diana Sherry Case says that it’s a good way to remind yourself that panic moments are temporary.

Studies have found that looking at the big picture and thinking of the movement of time to cope with unfavorable circumstances is very effective. If you need a boost to your positive thinking in a bad time, remember that it will not last forever.

Final Thoughts on Some Powerful Words to Instantly Help Release Stress And Anxiety

You might be skeptical about the magical properties of powerful words in anxiety and stress relief. But research-backed facts and expert-approved advice are always worth trying out! Give these 14 words and phrases a chance, and you might be surprised by how much more positive you feel at the end of the day.

15 Goodnight Texts to Send When You’re Away From Your Partner

June 10, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

When you are away from your partner, sending goodnight texts is essential. They will enjoy nothing more on those nights than getting into bed and seeing a sweet text message from you. Other than being together, these nightly texts are the best way to end the day.

Whether the reason for being away from your partner is because you live far away, have different schedules, or want a night to yourself, goodnight texts will keep the spark alive. Goodnight texts will make your partner smile, and there is nothing better than that.

No matter how long you have been together, your partner will enjoy knowing you’re thinking of them before bed. They will feel cared about, cherished, and appreciated, which makes time apart easier to handle. It will make them think of you before bed, too, which is always a good thing in a relationship.

Fifteen Goodnight Texts to Send When You’re Away From Your Partner

Since communication is an essential part of healthy relationships, finding new ways to do it can make it fun. Switch it up and let your partner know that you miss them by reaching out when you can’t be there in person. Try some of these goodnight texts to fill the void when you’re away from your partner.

1. Being away from you tonight makes me realize that I can’t live a life without you in it.

When you must be away from your partner, you realize how much you enjoy their presence in your life. If you are in this situation, communicate that thought to your partner. Saying it in a goodnight text is a good idea because they will think about it as they fall asleep.

2. Sleep well. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

Keeping it short and sweet is sometimes the way to go. It is thoughtful and conveys that you are thinking of them. Plus, it lets them know that you plan on continuing the conversation the next day, giving you both something to look forward to.

3. Goodnight to my favorite person in the world.

Making your partner feel special is always beneficial to your relationship. Let them know how much you value them, and it’ll bring comfort during your time apart. This message will bring a smile to their face and allow them to go to sleep feeling loved and cared for.

4. Sending you love tonight but wishing I could do it in person.

Even when you can’t physically be with your partner, you can still show love in this way. Send as much love as you can over the phone, but make sure they know that you’d prefer to do it in person. They will feel valued and will return the love, all while strengthening your bond.

5. I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep without telling you that I miss you so much first.

This message is sweet because it implies that you have to talk to them before you can sleep. When your partner knows that you want to tell them your feelings, they will feel secure in the relationship. Your partner will also appreciate that you miss them because they are likely feeling the same way.

6. Just wanted to let you know that you’re the last thing I’m thinking of before I fall asleep. Goodnight.

The person you think about before you fall asleep is usually the person on your mind the most. This is the case for most people, so this message will let your partner know you’ve been thinking about them.

7. I hope you had the best day today.

If you didn’t get a chance to talk to your partner much that day, this is the perfect goodnight text. When this happens, you are letting your love know that you are thinking of them. Plus, you are reaffirming that you care about their day and how things went.

If you can, talk to them about the details of their day after you send the text. Otherwise, if they’re sleeping or you’re tired, tell them you can’t wait to hear about it the next day.

8. I wish you were here next to me right now.

Go a step further than just saying you miss your partner. Tell them that you wish you were together right now, and they’ll feel closer to you right away. It helps them understand that you want them to be with you no matter where you go in the world.

9. At least I get to go to bed thinking about how lucky I am to have you in my life.

If you feel grateful to have your love in your life, let them know. Your gratitude will make them like you even more, and they’ll consider themselves lucky, too. If you have found someone you feel lucky to be with, never let them go a night without knowing how you feel.

10. I don’t like that we aren’t together right now. I’m counting down the days until we’re together again.

Being away from your partner is never easy, but they may not know you feel that way. Let them know that you don’t like the situation, and it will help them feel better about their feelings. Plus, adding in that you’re counting down the days will make them more eager, too.

This goodnight text will help build the excitement until you can be together again. Instead of becoming sadder each day that passes, you will become more excited as it gets closer. Make it fun for both of you by counting down if it will be more than a day or two.

11. I wish we were cuddled up together right now.

Sending this text message will make your partner think about cuddling with you. They’ll feel warmer and happier at the thought, and knowing that you want the same thing will be even better. It’ll help the two of you feel closer even though you aren’t together, too.

Talking about cuddling gives you both warm feelings, and you’ll be even more eager to see each other again. Then, when you’re together again, the time will be even more special because you’d been looking forward to it.

12. Goodnight, I’ll be thinking of you as I fall asleep.

There is nothing more romantic than knowing your partner is thinking about you as they drift off to sleep. This time of night is for only the most important things, so your love will truly feel special. Send this quick goodnight text to make your partner’s night better and to get them thinking about you, too.

13. You mean the world to me, and I can’t wait to see you.

Letting your partner know how much they mean to you is essential, especially if you can’t physically be together. Take every opportunity you get to make them feel special, loved, and cared for. If you do, your bond will become stronger than ever, and they’ll fall for you even more.

When you add that you can’t wait to see them, they’ll find happiness in the fact that you’re already thinking about it. Everyone wants to feel desired, so let your partner know how special they are to you.

14. I can’t wait to talk to you again tomorrow.

Your partner will be excited about talking to you again, and they’ll feel special that you’re making a plan for it. Plus, they’ll be happy that you are excited about talking with them. Don’t hold back on your feelings because that is what will keep your bond strong.

15. No one has ever made me as happy as you do. Goodnight.

When your partner knows that you’ve never felt this way before, they’ll understand how serious you are. This message will help them see that you don’t think of your relationship as being similar to past relationships. Your partner wants to feel special, so make sure they know that you are happier than before.

Final Thoughts on Goodnight Texts to Send When You’re Away From Your Partner

When you can’t be with your partner, the next best thing is sweet goodnight texts. Don’t let your partner go to sleep wondering how you are feeling about them. Please send a text message that lets them know your thoughts, emotions, and hopes for the future.

Knowing that you care about them so much will help you strengthen your relationship and form a tighter bond. You will both feel more secure in your relationship if you exchange goodnight texts when you aren’t physically together. If you are apart for more than one night, switch up the goodnight texts each night to make it more special.

If you can’t come up with ideas of what to say, remember the goodnight texts listed above. There are enough for many nights, and if you run out, you’ll be comfortable coming up with your own. Make your partner feel special even when you can’t be there by saying goodnight in these sweet ways.

Science Explains What Happens To Your Body When You Use Teeth Whitening Strips

June 10, 2021 by Power of Positivity

In three separate studies, researchers found that teeth whitening strips can cause more harm to your teeth than good. Americans spend around a billion dollars on these products per year, and by 2024, experts believe this will grow to $7.4 billion. While these products succeed in whitening your teeth, they can also cause potentially permanent tooth and enamel damage.

Researchers presented their findings at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology meeting last year. They found that hydrogen peroxide, the active ingredient in over-the-counter teeth whitening strips, can cause damage to protein-rich dentin tissue. This lies under the protective tissue of the enamel, which helps insulate the teeth. It is the hardest substance produced in your body, designed to withstand chewing, biting, grinding, and crunching.

The tooth consists of three layers: the outer tooth enamel, the dentin underneath, and connective tissue binding the roots and gums. Previous studies on teeth whitening strips have generally centered around the enamel, which doesn’t have much protein. However, this study analyzes the effects of whitening products on dentin, which contains high protein levels, mostly collagen. Most of the tooth is comprised of dentin. Transform your smile with our comprehensive cosmetic dentistry services at Artistic Smiles, tailored to enhance your confidence.

How teeth whitening strips and products impact dentin in teeth

Many studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide permeates the teeth’ enamel and dentin layers. Studies done by this research group found that collagen in dentin decreased when exposed to whitening strips. However, they wanted to do more research to further understand its impacts on teeth, specifically on the dentin layer.

“We sought to further characterize what the hydrogen peroxide was doing to collagen,” said Keenan. “We used entire teeth for the studies and focused on the impact hydrogen peroxide has on the proteins.”

Researchers found that the new study transforms collagen into smaller pieces when exposed to hydrogen peroxide. In other experiments, they treated pure collagen with hydrogen peroxide. Then, they studied the protein using a specialized gel electrophoresis lab procedure, which helped them see protein molecules better.

“Our results showed that treatment with hydrogen peroxide concentrations similar to those found in whitening strips is enough to make the original collagen protein disappear, which is presumably due to the formation of many smaller fragments,” said Keenan.

What the research team found

The researchers stressed that while teeth whitening strips cause tooth damage, their research on whether it’s permanent is inconclusive. Perhaps collagen and other proteins can regenerate, but this would require further studies. To find out, they plan on studying other protein fragments released when treating collagen with hydrogen peroxide. From this, the team hopes to conclude the effects of hydrogen peroxide on other proteins found in teeth.

Of course, some people enjoy having whiter teeth, especially those who drink a lot of tea, wine, or coffee. These substances can leave stains on your teeth because of compounds they contain called tannins. Tannins occur abundantly in certain plants, and their purpose in nature is to keep animals from eating them before they ripen. They are a bitter, astringent type of polyphenol and have a lot of antioxidants.

However, because they can cause tooth discoloration, many people turn to whitening products to reverse the damage. If you want to whiten your teeth, try these home remedies to get results without harmful effects.

How to achieve teeth whitening naturally.

Try these tips to polish up those pearly whites.

1. Brush your teeth thirty minutes after meals and snacks.

Experts say that brushing your teeth thirty minutes after eating can help improve oral hygiene and bacteria in your mouth and keep the enamel from coming off. Especially if you eat something sugary; you’ll want to brush the residue off your teeth as it can cause plaque to build up.

2. Try coconut oil pulling.

Coconut oil offers so many health benefits, including whitening your teeth! Not only can it brighten your pearly whites, but it also contains lauric acid, which is a powerful anti-microbial. To practice oil pulling, place a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it for about one minute. Or, you can put it on your toothbrush and brush your teeth as normal.

3. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help eliminate unwanted stains on your teeth and boost oral health. It is a natural antibiotic, and many studies have shown how it can improve gut health. Compounds in apple cider vinegar, like acetic acid, magnesium, potassium, and probiotics, make it a powerful natural remedy. Some studies found that ACV works just as well as traditional teeth whitening products but without harmful side effects!

Because ACV contains a lot of acids, you should still brush your teeth with toothpaste as well. You can either put a few drops on your toothbrush or rub it directly on your teeth to use ACV.

4. Avoid drinking too much coffee, tea, or wine.

As we said above, these products, unfortunately, lead to yellowing of the teeth due to high amounts of tannins. Of course, you could always brush your teeth right after consuming them, but this isn’t possible if you’re at work or school. You could also drink your coffee or tea through a straw to avoid touching your teeth as much.

Final thoughts on a study showing that teeth whitening strips damage tooth enamel

Some spend hundreds or thousands of dollars annually trying to keep their teeth shiny and white. However, commercial teeth whitening strips and products can cause more harm than good. Studies have shown that the hydrogen peroxide in these products permeates both the enamel and dentin. It causes damage to the proteins, especially collagen, found in dentin underneath the enamel.

Try at-home remedies such as coconut oil pulling or apple cider vinegar rinses to keep your teeth white. Also, brush your teeth immediately after meals, especially if you’ve just eaten something sugary. Lastly, if you care about maintaining white teeth, you’ll want to cut back on tea and coffee (not what you wanted to hear, we know!)

10 Miracles That Happen When You Have a Positive Attitude

June 10, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Are you a glass-half-full or glass-half-empty kind of person? Researchers believe that a positive attitude has a variety of physical and emotional benefits. Here are 15 miracles, or what seem like miracles, that happen when you have a positive attitude.

When you have a positive attitude, it doesn’t necessarily mean you never feel off or have negative emotions, but according to studies, positivity makes you better at bouncing back from the negative emotions more quickly to find the right balance.

What miracles happen when you have a better attitude?

Researchers have discovered that there are many benefits to having a positive attitude. Here are some things they’ve learned so far about what happens when you are positive.

1 – Open to new ideas

When you’re a positive person, you’re willing to expand your thinking and think about new ideas. You have a natural curiosity combined with a desire to learn new ways to do things. This attitude can help you see opportunities and step out to try new things. Many well-known creative thinkers had a positive mindset, causing them to be curious to find answers to problems.

Famous people who had a positive attitude include:

Walt Disney
Marie Curie
Leonardo DiVinci
Albert Einstein
Steve Jobs

2 – Emotional wellness

Having a positive attitude affects your brain, releasing what researchers call a “reward” sensation deep inside your brain. Positive emotions impact your sense of wellbeing by releasing hormones that make you feel happier. Negative emotions do the opposite, causing you to feel emotionally upset.

3 – Resilience

People with a positive upbeat attitude, researchers say, can bounce back from negative situations faster. They are resilient and don’t crumble at the first sign of hardship. You see this positive attitude in many entrepreneurs and inventors who in spite of many obstacles pursued their dreams. They weren’t deterred by criticism or obstacles. When you have a positive attitude, you have a greater chance of achieving your goals in life.

4 – Gratefulness

Another benefit of positivity for positive people is the ability to hold on to positive emotions longer, causing you to feel happier and grateful. Feeling grateful leads to better emotional health. People who are grateful are:

Less prone to envy
Have more self-esteem
More satisfied with their life
Less prone to depression
Have happier relationships
Have more social support

Positivity helps you feel more grateful and in turn, being grateful makes you feel more positive.

5 – Sense of purpose in life

A positive attitude provides you with more meaning and purpose in your life. It helps you focus on what’s important to you. One study found that having a purpose in life can actually reduce your mortality risk. Researchers found that individuals with purpose lived up to 14 years longer and had a greater sense of well-being. When you have a positive attitude, it leads you to a purpose that gives you a sense of satisfaction in the things you do. Your sense of purpose is usually shaped by what’s important to you or what you believe in and value in life.

6 – Better health

One miracle of being positive is that you’re apt to have better health. The health benefits of a positive attitude aren’t limited. Some of the most prominent health benefits include:

Lower blood pressure
Less risk of heart disease
Healthier weight
More stable blood sugar levels
Longer life

Researchers believe that having a positive attitude may help you make better health choices which results in good health. They’re still studying how positivity affects your health.

7 – Less stress

When you’re positive you can savor your good feelings longer, which in turn releases stress hormones that help you feel happier and less anxious. When you have negative emotions, it activates a part of your brain that causes fear and anxiety. How fast you recover from fear and anxiety affects your emotional well being. A positive frame of mind reduces your stress, which in turn allows you to take more risks in life.

8 – Hope

If you struggle with negativity, you’re more likely to brood about everything that you feel is wrong with your life and the world around you. You may feel hopeless and worried about the future. Being positive affects your ability to look on the bright side of life. If you feel hopeful and positive, you’re more motivated to get involved. You won’t worry about the “what ifs” in life.

9 – An active mind

When you have a positive outlook on life, you are more open to new information. You’ll enjoy learning and trying new things without worry about failing. Positivity gives you the ability to attempt hard things, and you challenge yourself intellectually. You are curious about life and strive to learn. In one study, students who had a positive attitude experienced more positive emotions when they were given a challenge than students who had a negative mindset.

10 – Healthy relationships

Positive emotions help you build healthier relationships with other people. Even in moments when people disagree with you, positive people have a built-in physiological toughness that helps them respond to these negative moments. They aren’t threatened when others disagree with them. Positive people use humor, relaxation, and creativity along with their positive attitudes to help placate the disagreement. This makes you a better partner, friend, and family member to be around.

How do you develop a more positive attitude so you can see these miracles?

A positive attitude needs to be cultivated. When you grow vegetables, you plant the seeds in good soil, add water, and set the seeds in the sunshine. They begin to grow, getting bigger and bigger every day. Positivity is like that. It takes constant effort to choose to be positive, and over time, you find yourself responding to situations in a more positive way.

Here are ways to grow your positive attitude and experience those miracles shared above.

Don’t believe everything you tell yourself:

It’s easy to start your day telling yourself that you’re going to fail. Don’t listen. Choose to see your new day as an opportunity for learning and growing. You may not be good at everything, but that’s okay, at least you can try to do your best and that’s enough.

Help other people:

Helping others is an excellent way to grow in positivity in your life. As you invest in others, you gain a sense of fulfillment and feel happier. You broaden your horizons and learn about other people. Plus, helping others gets your mind off yourself and your negative thoughts.

Enjoy the little things in life:

Find ways to enjoy the small things in life like a sunset, the laughter of kids playing, a cool breeze, even the frost covering your backyard in the morning. Practice mindfulness by using your senses of smell, touch, sight, and hearing to grow your satisfaction with the world around you.

Take responsibility for your actions, feelings, and thoughts:

No one makes you feel a certain way, it’s your choice to have negative feelings. If there are areas of your life where you need to grow and change, put in the effort to find ways to do that. Taking this step forward can help you feel a more positive attitude.

Don’t be afraid of change:

Life is constantly changing whether it’s getting some new neighbors next door, helping our daughter move to college, or something as simple as needing to find a new dentist. Some changes are no big deal, but others may make you feel anxious. Embrace changes in your life. Getting out of your comfort zone can help you grow more positive about life.

Don’t compare yourself:

Today, it’s hard not to compare yourself with other people. Social media sites, television, and movies depict perfect-looking people in gorgeous houses with happy kids and a loving partner. You may look around your house, at your kids and partner, only to feel like life has left you behind. Comparison is dangerous. You may feel content and happy with your life until you compare yourself with someone else. Suddenly you feel totally dissatisfied with everything around you. Don’t fall into the comparison trap. It’s a slippery slope towards negativity and unhappiness.

Find other positive people:

Look for other positive people to do life together. It’s helpful to have others who are striving to be more positive. They can help you on your journey to cultivating positivity.

Find humor in difficult situations:

Start looking for the humor in your life situations that might normally bring you down. Laughter releases endorphins in your brain, causing you to feel happier. Read a funny book, or watch a funny television show, listen to funny podcasts that make you laugh out loud. Looking at life with humor boosts your mood, making you feel happier.

Don’t be too hard on yourself:

Everybody makes mistakes and has hard days. Don’t beat yourself up when you mess up. Step back and evaluate the situation in a positive light. If there’s something you need to do to fix the mess, do it, but otherwise, let it go.

Final thoughts on Reaping the Miracles of having a Positive Attitude

You may have always been a positive person, so reading about these benefits encourages you. But if you lean towards seeing the glass half-empty, it may be time to develop a more positive attitude and reap some miracle-like benefits of having this view on life.

10 Red Flags Reveal That Someone is Antisocial

June 10, 2021 by Power of Positivity

The word antisocial gets thrown around a lot today. When you use it to describe a co-worker or someone at school, you usually mean they lack good social skills or don’t know how to relate to other people. But antisocial behavior is something totally different. This type of behavior involves bullying and aggressiveness. So, how do you know someone is antisocial? Here are 10 red flags that indicate someone is truly antisocial.

What’s the difference between unsocial and antisocial?

It’s important to understand the meaning of the word when you’re using it. For example, there is a lot of confusion about the word “antisocial”. If a person avoids being around other people or is awkward in social settings, they may be labeled as “ antisocial” but a better word to describe their behavior is “unsocial.” This is because unsocial and antisocial aren’t synonymous. When someone displays antisocial behavior, it has a totally different meaning. Here is the meaning of the words: unsocial and antisocial.

Unsocial behavior:

This means that a person struggles with social anxieties and a fear of not being liked by others. They may have been called names or worry they’ll say or do the wrong thing when they’re around people.

Antisocial behavior:

People who display antisocial behavior may display either public antisocial behavior being openly aggressive behavior or private antisocial behavior where they show their aggression in acting out against the rules or the law. Characteristics of antisocial behavior include:

Bullying
Hitting
Yelling
Stealing
Lying
Arson
Not cooperating with rules
Drug abuse
Alcohol abuse
High-risk behavior

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines antisocial as, “ aversion to society of others, hostile or harmful to organized society and being marked by behavior debating sharply from the social norm.”

Red flags that reveal someone is antisocial

Keep your eyes open for these red flags.

1 – A disregard for right and wrong

Most people try to obey the law to avoid getting into trouble. Driving over the speed limit may be as risky as you get when it comes to disobeying the law in your life. But people with antisocial behavior have a strange view of the law, assuming that rules don’t apply to them. Their disregard for authorities and the law make them dangerous to themselves and those around them. They don’t mind breaking laws to get what they want. Besides this, they don’t care how their lawlessness will affect others. If you know someone who shows this behavior, you may want to distance yourself from them to protect yourself from their actions.

2 – Lying or deceitfulness for their own advantage

Another red flag to be aware of someone with antisocial behavior is lying. They can be very convincing in their lies, to the point that people believe them. Even if they’re caught, they will lie about their lies to confuse people. They may point the finger at those who are accusing them, even accusing them of lying.

3 – Manipulate others

The antisocial person can be very manipulative to get something they want. They manipulate people using enticing words and mannerisms. If you don’t respond to their manipulation, they will get angry and threaten you. It’s a dark, twisted kind of charm that is self-focused and has no regard for the people around them.

4 – Arrogance

Another red flag of someone who is antisocial is the propensity towards arrogant behavior toward other people. They feel they are superior to other people using put-downs, bullying, and other intimidating behavior to show they’re better than you. They expect people to fall into line and do what they want. If you don’t do what they want, they get angry and sometimes violent. They justify their behavior and have no regard for how their actions affect others.

5 – Risky behavior

Antisocial behavior is displayed in risk-taking that may put others at risk. These people are prone to drug and alcohol abuse, unsafe sex, and dangerous hobbies. They also have little consideration for their own health and other’s safety.

They may belittle anyone who challenges their risk-taking, resorting to bullying, or threats if someone tries to intervene. Once in a while, they will decide the risk is more than they want to take if it threatens something that is important to them. They may step back from risky behavior, but this is usually on their own terms rather than because someone has tried to stop their behavior.

6 – Charming

People with antisocial personality disorder tend to be very charming. They use their charm to exploit people, often taking advantage of softhearted people. They use sweet talk to get what they want, but if you don’t go along with what they want, they will quickly turn on you, becoming angry and aggressive. They’re good at using people and using their charm with false humility to manipulate people to get them to do what they want at work, school, or at home.

7 – Violence

Violent behavior is a red flag that someone is antisocial behavior. They may not get physical, but use aggressive language to bully people. They can be cruel, mocking people without regard to how their words affect people. Besides being hostile themselves, they can misinterpret other’s behavior as being hostile. Antisocial people are hard to reason with because they feel justified in their behavior. If you try to reason with them, they will get defensive and aggressive. They don’t know how to talk about things or compromise unless it’s for their good.

8 – Lack of the ability to empathize with others

They lack remorse about hurting people or animals. Lack of empathy is easy to overlook. Sometimes people seem snarky or sarcastic, so you assume it’s their sense of humor, but antisocial behavior goes deeper. They don’t feel sad about situations or for things they do. Sometimes they’ll even laugh it off, justifying their behavior. They come across as callous and hardhearted. Antisocial people often commit crimes like murder, with no remorse or dread of the consequences. Studies show that approximately 35% of those people in prison have antisocial behavior.

9 – Blameshifting

A big red flag of antisocial behavior is blameshifting all the time. An antisocial person may be surprised if you point out something they did wrong. They’ll defend themselves, refusing to take responsibility for their own actions. Antisocial behavior often overlaps with narcissistic behavior. They two have a lot in common, especially the inability to take responsibility for actions.

10 – Can’t finish a job

Those who have antisocial behavior can’t learn from their mistakes because they never admit they’ve made a mistake. They have a hard time meeting deadline. They’ll brag about all they’ve done when in fact they haven’t done their work or met financial deadlines as they promised. If they are called out on their lack of finishing something, they’ll turn it around blaming somebody else. This can result in them not being able to hold down a job very long. This also affects their relationships since they aren’t trustworthy and can’t be depended upon to do what they say.

What causes antisocial behavior?

Researchers aren’t totally sure what causes antisocial behavior. It’s hard to know why some people develop antisocial behavior while others don’t, but there are several factors that contribute to this type of behavior. Those at risk for developing antisocial behavior usually include those who:

Had parents with antisocial behavior
Parents who suffered from drug or alcohol abuse
An unstable home environment
Corporal punishment
Disruption in their parent’s life such as divorce, separation or death
Parent’s who suffered from psychiatric disorders, especially mothers who have depression
Kids who grow up in poverty

Studies found that kids who are exposed to media violence in movies, video games, have an increased risk of antisocial behavior.

What should you do if someone shows antisocial behavior?

You may know someone who displays signs of having antisocial behavior. If you think you know someone with this condition, here are some things you can do.

Recognize the signs:

If they display some or all of the ten things listed, good chance they have this disorder. It’s easy to get used to their behavior, but it’s important to step back and recognize they have a problem.

Urge treatment: If you have a close enough relationship with the person, you may want to encourage them to get help. They may not like that you suggest this, but sometimes if a loved one brings it, the person with antisocial behavior will get treatment. If the person refuses to get help and blames you for their behavior, it may be time to take the next step.

Seek professional help:

If someone you love displays antisocial behavior and refuses help, you may need to get court-mandated treatment for them. This is a long process and usually causes the person to get more aggressive, taking even more risks than before.

Distance yourself:

If you work with someone with antisocial behavior, it may be best to distance yourself from them. They may have tried to charm you, and maybe you’ve fallen for their manipulative behavior of playing the victim. Distance yourself from them and don’t do what they want. Protect yourself and your reputation by not getting involved with them.

Final thoughts on recognizing an antisocial person

It’s easy to describe yourself as being antisocial when you really mean you struggle to be unsocial. They are totally different words and antisocial behavior is actually dangerous and against all authorities of the law. These red flags are indicative of someone with antisocial behavior. Take note of them if you know someone who presents themselves in this way. You may need to make a decision about how to relate to them for your own protection.

12 Ways to Spot a Phony Person in Five Minutes or Less

June 10, 2021 by Deborah Tayloe

Have you ever encountered a phony person? These folks don’t always let their true intentions be known and are experts at fooling others. Thankfully, you can protect yourself when you can identify the common traits of this type of person.

No matter who you are or how humble you try to be, everyone has some degree of self-interest. However, a person who is fake or phony doesn’t have the exact authenticity. They may show one thing on the outside, but their inside is different.

Did your parents ever say, “Beauty is only skin deep?” The reason for this adage is that they may look like an attractive person on the outside, but on the inside, they’re as dark and dangerous as a viper. They may use behaviors or develop attitudes that are nothing like their true spirit.

Signs of a Phony Person

The goal of a fake person is to make themselves appear better so that they can impress others. Thankfully, it’s just a matter of time before their true colors shine. If you want to spare yourself heartbreak, here are twelve signs of a phony person you should observe.

1. They Exaggerate and Lie

There’s nothing worse than someone that loves to exaggerate their accomplishments. If you make $20 an hour on your job, they make $25. They try to one-up you at every chance they get. Their goal is to make themselves look high and mighty. However, it usually comes across as arrogant and self-centered.

Ensure you listen to their statements carefully because the chances of catching this person in a lie in the first few minutes of meeting them is highly probable.

2. They’re A User

While you might not be able to spot a user in the first five minutes, you should have some indications early on. They want relationships that benefit them and don’t have the time or energy to help you. It’s a one-sided relationship that is not healthy.

Toxic people like this look out for number one, and they have little concern about your thoughts or feelings.

3. They Come on Strong

Have you ever met someone that comes across with a strong personality? They may be loud, overbearing, or try to force you to do things that make you uncomfortable. This is the kind of rude person to waitstaff, and they have no problem taking their emotional theatrics over the top.

4. Their Body Language and Words Don’t Match

Have you ever observed someone giving you a “compliment” while sighing or rolling their eyes? This person has no intention of being nice to you, but rather, they are only trying to suck up. The problem is that their body language doesn’t match their words.

You can see how they move their eyes, and body, or wave their hands when they speak. Never underestimate the power of body language.

5. They Gossip

If you’re honest, you would admit that sometimes gossiping with friends or relatives is nice. However, meeting someone for the first time is a big red flag if they are talking about others. You can rest assured that if they spread others’ dirty laundry to you, they will spread your dirty laundry to others.

6. They Won’t Be Around When You Need Something

A phony person is the king or queen of one-sided relationships. They want you to bend over backward and help them, but they will suddenly disappear if you need anything. They expect you to drop everything you’re doing when they have a need, but they won’t do the same.

To test someone upon meeting them, ask them if they want to hang out and give them your number. Observe their body language and see if they seem genuinely interested or are just playing along.

7. They Want to Please Others

Underneath the fake person’s surface is probably low self-esteem, and they don’t know how to make friends. They’ve learned narcissistic patterns in life that at least get them an audience. They’ve never had someone stay around for the long haul, so their goal is to beat them to the punch.

You can often see this type of person by their eagerness to please others. It becomes very evident in a few minutes if a person is a people pleaser. They may offer to watch your kids, clean your house, or take you out and pay for dinner.

They are eager for an audience, so they will do whatever it takes to have you listen to them. However, please don’t count on their promises ever coming true.

8. They Don’t Hang Around Long

While you can’t tell them everything in five minutes, you can ask them about previous friendships. If this person hasn’t had long and meaningful relationships, then it’s a major red flag. To be a friend, you must be friendly.

Unless they’ve lived in isolation for years, they should have some rapport with others. Listen to how they talk about their parents and family life. It could be a significant indication of whether they will hang around. Those who have family dynamic issues often suffer from underlying mental health concerns.

9. They Are Big Braggarts

According to them, their life is a complete dream. They have the best job, car, house, and families. They may paddle on about all the beautiful things the universe has blessed them with. Sadly, these are probably made-up situations in the hopes of impressing you.

Remember, people with money and prestige don’t have to brag about it because it doesn’t matter if anyone else knows. Have you ever heard of a millionaire dressing like a commoner just to fit in and be normal?

Those who have nothing are usually the ones who brag the most. You need to run if you meet this person and they start bantering about all their accomplishments.

10. They’re Poor Listeners

There is nothing more annoying than someone who won’t listen to you. Have you ever had a conversation where they were talking, but when you tried to interject, they cut you off? They don’t want to listen to you because the phony person wants someone to listen to them.

They long for your pity and help, but they don’t have the time to listen to what’s happening in your life. If someone cuts you off and turns the subject back to them shortly after meeting you, you don’t want a relationship with this toxic individual.

11. It’s All About Convenience

Since this person thinks the world revolves around them, they expect you to start the rotation in their universe. Sadly, they see you as nothing more than someone they can use to get what they want. They have no desire to be your true friend, as they only care about what you can do for them.

It would help if you had a real friend that could be there for the good times and bad. No one wants a toxic person who is self-centered and ensures their needs are met before anyone else.

12. They’re Emotional Distant

An emotionally detached person has no interest or ability to connect with you emotionally. This person will often go the other way when anything that has an emotional basis comes up. For instance, if you’ve just met someone and you had a death in the family, they would be extremely uncomfortable with you sharing this information.

They may ignore you or leave the room at the mention of something emotionally heavy. They cannot deal with their emotions or think someone might see an ounce of humanity in them. This person can have severe mental health issues when they cannot emotionally connect with anyone else.

Final Thoughts on The Phony Person

The world is full of fake people. The real challenge is finding the true gems willing to stand with you when the whole world is falling apart. A real friend listens, offers you a shoulder to cry on, and runs to your side when needed.

A self-centered person has deep-seated issues that may stem from their childhood or another life trauma. They look out for themselves because they feel that no one will, which is indicative that they were possibly neglected in the past. They may also think they will never have any good relationships, so they would rather use people to get what they want from them first.

While it’s impossible to tell everything about a phony person in the first five minutes of meeting them, many indicators can tip you off that something isn’t right. Be careful who you let into your inner circle as it could be detrimental.

Yale Researchers Explain Why Autism Occurs in Boys More Than Girls

June 10, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Previous studies have shown that autism occurs much more frequently in boys than in girls. Girls also seem to have greater resilience to developing autism. However, researchers haven’t been able to discern why until now.

A new study by Yale researchers discovered that autism in boys develops differently in the brain than in girls. They also found that girls with autism have more genetic mutations than boys. This implies that girls have more resiliency to the disorder, requiring more “genetic hits” to develop it.

The study was published in the April 16 edition of the journal Brain.

“We know so little about how autism unfolds in the brain,” said Dr. Abha Gupta, assistant professor of pediatrics at the Yale School of Medicine and lead author of the study. “It’s important to be able to land on spots where the dysfunction might arise because that gives us more traction into where in the brain to look. We need to be accurate about this.”

Other collaborators on the research included Dr. Allison Jack from George Mason University and Dr. Kevin Pelphrey from the University of Virginia’s Brain Institute. The Yale team also included Catherine Sullivan, a research assistant in pediatrics.

Facts and statistics about autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that impairs a child’s ability to interact, communicate, and learn. In most cases, genetics plays a huge factor in the likelihood of a child developing autism. Children born to older parents are also at a higher risk of having autism.

In 2020, the CDC reported that about 1 in 54 children in the U.S. get diagnosed with autism, according to 2016 data.
- 1 in 34 boys identified with autism
- 1 in 144 girls identified with autism
This means that autism in boys occurs four times as often as in girls.
Autism can be diagnosed as early as age 2, but many children get diagnosed after age 4.
31% of children with ASD also have an intellectual disability (an IQ less than 70); 25% are in the borderline range (IQ 71–85), and 44% have IQ scores in the average to above-average range (IQ >85).
Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups fairly equally.
Minority children tend to receive a diagnosis later and less frequently.
Early treatment gives children the best chance at healthy development. While interventions help, there is no cure for autism currently.

Autism rates have been rising over the last few decades, and scientists still haven’t found the exact cause of this. However, perhaps this study about how autism in boys presents differently from girls will lead to answers. The team found that even when controlling for factors such as boys’ tendency to express symptoms more, the discrepancy remained.

Dr. Gupta says that most studies in the past on autism have focused primarily on male samples. This would explain why, until now, researchers haven’t been able to explain the discrepancy in autism rates between boys and girls.

Researchers found key differences in how autism in boys and girls develops

For the study, researchers took samples from both boys and girls between ages 8 and 17. The study included 45 girls and 47 boys with autism, 45 and 47 typically developing girls and boys, respectively.

The research team analyzed the brains of young people with and without ASD to determine how they process human emotion. Children with autism have difficulty reading social cues and the reactions of others. Previous studies on autism in boys discovered key differences in a part of the brain in children with autism.

In boys with ASD, the brain region called the posterior superior temporal sulcus appeared less responsive. This part of the brain helps with processing auditory and visual stimuli and is more active in kids without autism. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, the researchers confirmed this finding from prior studies on autism in boys.

Key findings from the study

However, in brain scans done on girls, they found that autism impacted a different region of the brain. They discovered that the striatum, which controls cognition, reward, and coordinated movements, functions differently in girls with autism.

Furthermore, they found that girls with autism had more genetic mutations, called copy number variations, in their striatum. This implies that girls require a greater number of genetic mutations to develop autism. Using genetic analysis, researchers wanted to delve even further into these key differences.

They analyzed data from the Simons Simplex Collection, a genetic database including over 2,000 families who have a child with autism. After examining the data, the researchers found it confirmed their initial findings. They found that girls with autism had a greater number of genetic mutations in the striatum area of the brain.

Gupta says the findings provide insight into the brain differences in girls with autism. It also helps researchers better understand the “female protective effect,” making girls less likely to develop autism.

“The hope, the vision, is that somehow we can manage these protective effects to understand better what makes some people more resilient to developing autism and leverage that somehow into potential targets for treatment,” she said.

Gupta said that she and her team would do subsequent studies to gather more information. Next, they’ll use whole-genome sequencing to look for other important patterns in the subjects’ brains. They will also study brain connectivity to understand more clearly the differences between autism in boys and girls.

Final thoughts about a study showing why autism occurs more often in boys than girls

A groundbreaking study from Yale University found key differences in the brains of boys and girls with autism. They discovered that girls appear to have greater resiliency to developing autism, requiring more genetic mutations to receive a diagnosis. In girls, autism mostly impacts the striatum’s brain region, while autism in boys affects the posterior superior temporal sulcus.

This difference in the brains of boys and girls with autism may explain the discrepancy in autism rates. While more research is needed in the future, this finding marks a huge breakthrough in our understanding of autism.

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