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20 Ways Men Show Love (Without Saying It)

April 3, 2020 by Chris Butler

Not everyone is comfortable opening up about their affections and feelings. Men have faced social conditioning to hide their feelings, so it can sometimes be tough to tell if a man is into you. Additionally, men show love differently than women, demonstrating it in action instead of speaking words.

Luckily, body language and nonverbal communication can often speak louder than any words can! Here are twenty ways men show love without saying it.

20 Ways Men Show Love Through Actions

1 – Being Close to Someone Physically

Men often express themselves physically. Someone who is always close to you is comforted by the knowledge that you are with him.

Men also like the feeling of protectiveness that comes from being close to you. He might even send a subconscious message to the world: She’s with me, so back off! He may:

Have his arm around you regularly
Hold your hand
Hug you at random times
Always want to cuddle you
Walk or sit very close to you
“Accidentally” touch you

2 – Providing Gifts Of Affection

People have been giving gifts to show their affection for centuries. It’s unsurprising, then, that men continue to do so today to make the people they love happy!

Gifts don’t have to be materialistic or expensive – in fact, they don’t need to cost any money at all! Here are some examples of gifts a man may give you when he loves you:

Love letters or love notes
Little trinkets that he thought you would like
Gifts for online games that you play
His time and effort

3 – Eagerly Listening To You

It’s not unusual to hear complaints that men don’t listen. Of course, this isn’t factually true, to begin with, but someone’s rapt attention is always a sign of affection!

If a man very eagerly and happily listens to you, even about tiny details or through long rants, he’s showing you some love! He values your words and wants to be there for you – and to pick up new information about you, too!

4 – Smiling After Kissing You

Kissing is romantic and feels great thanks to the rushing release of hormones that comes with it – but those boosts to positive thinking are even more apparent when the people who are kissing are really into each other!

A man who can’t stop smiling after a kiss – even from a little peck on the cheek! – is feeling giddy because of his love for you. This is especially true for men you’ve just started to date, but also for men you’ve been dating for a while. No one can resist the charm of a kiss from the person they love!

5 – Remembering Details About You

A man who remembers as much as he can about you is likely motivated by more than just platonic emotions. He may remember:

Your favorite things
Random little details about you
Details of your conversations or dates
What you were wearing on certain days

Even with people you platonically like, you’ll probably forget a couple of things about them as time passes – and we’re not saying a man in love has perfect memory! But he will make an effort to remember things about you, even when they don’t seem important or memorable to you!

6 – Shifting Posture

Watch what happens when you enter a room with this man in it. When he sees you, does his posture change ever so slightly? He might:

Straighten up
Puff out his chest
Square his shoulders
Seem more alert
Seem more lively

If a man behaves this way around you, you’ve made him perk up because he’s happy to see you! He’s also posturing subconsciously to impress you – he wants you to think well of him.

7 – Taking An Interest In Your Interests

Each individual is different and unique, with their own set of interests, likes, and dislikes. This means there’s a good chance that the man in your life won’t like the same things you like!

But if this man loves you, then he’ll show it by taking an interest in your interests, even if he doesn’t understand them. He’ll:

Be supportive of your interests
Ask questions about your interests
Agree to participate in some way in something involving your interests
Learn about your interests
Listen to you rave about your interests

8 – Including You In Future Plans

Men who love you will talk to you about their futures, which will always involve you. He will even take your own plans into account so you can line your goals up and be together as you work towards them!

9 – Never Stay Angry

Your relationship with a man is not going to be conflict-free. Sometimes, you fight and disagree, or get mad at each other. But a man who loves you can’t stay angry at you for too long. He’ll eventually stop being angry and will want to talk it out so your relationship can be cheerful again.

Here’s a little disclaimer: if you mistreat or do harmful things to a man, of course, he will stay angry at you; if you’re the person fully at fault for something significantly worse, it’s your job to apologize and earn back his trust!

10 – Giving You Space

No matter how clingy he usually is, a man who loves you will respect your need for space. He will understand that you are a unique, special individual who needs their own time – just like he needs his! He won’t be controlling or possessive, which is the bare minimum!

A lot of romantic ideology forces the idea that an ideal couple needs to be together forever in a physical sense; any time spent apart should feel “intolerable” and ruin your positive thinking. It doesn’t take much to figure out that this isn’t a healthy mindset! So embrace the space, and don’t forget to be your own person!

11 – Chivalry

They say chivalry is dead, but they haven’t been looking for it very hard, evidently! A man who acts like a gentleman around you is doing a number of things:

Caring for you
Showing off his strong side
Trying to impress you and show that he can be a good partner

Chivalrous acts include:

Walking you to the door
Cooking for you
Holding open doors or pulling out chairs for you
Checking to make sure you got home safe
Sharing a coat or umbrella with you

12 – Eye Contact

Eye contact is a very intimate form of affection for something that’s non-physical! It’s a way to build a bond and hold your attention while sharing a moment with you. It can also be a sign that he can’t stop looking at you, or it may be an intentional attempt at seduction!

13 – Introducing You To Friends

If his friends know about you and have heard positive things about you, that can only mean one thing: he talks about you to them, and men rarely do that unless they’re in love!

A man who introduces you to his friends is saying that he thinks you’ll be a part of his life for a long time, so he wants his friends to know about you. He also wants to show you off to them!

14 – Little Touches

Small little touches often indicate love and affection. It shows that a man constantly wants to touch you, even in little ways. That physical contact can be electric! He might:

Kiss the back of your neck as he walks by you
Squeeze your hand or knee under the table
Brush up against your shoulder “accidentally” as you walk together

15 – Meeting Your Needs

A man who loves you will also care for you delicately. He will ensure that your basic needs are met and even go above and beyond to care for other needs. He might:

Help you when you need help
Look after you when you’re ill
Give you his jacket when you’re cold
Whittle down your to-do list
Pamper you
Anticipate your possible needs
Strive to do nice things for you to make you happy

16 – Protecting You

Men often feel the need to protect those they love. Even if you think his protectiveness is a little annoying, as long as it’s not to a point of possessive or controlling behavior, know that this is a sign of his love! He may:

Walk on the side of the road when you stroll down streets
Provide backup support when you are telling someone off
Step in when people are potentially harassing you

17 – Smiling A Lot Around You

When a man is in love with you, he is happy to be around you. He often won’t be able to control his emotions and will wind up grinning from ear to ear whenever you meet! So if he can’t stop smiling when you’re with him, it may be a sign of his love.

18 – Mirroring

Mirroring is a standard part of nonverbal communication. It lives in our body language and, when done, can make others like us more or more favorable towards others. It’s powerful stuff when used in a positive way!

A man who loves you will be watching you a lot, and as a result, their body will naturally mirror or copy your actions due to how in tune they are to you. If he moves his arm after you do, he’s mirroring and into you.

Want to know if someone is mirroring you? Here are ten signs.

19 – Becoming Flustered

When you have feelings for someone, you can get nervous or anxious around them. If a usually confident guy is suddenly flustered when you come around, it’s likely because he is struggling to keep “cool” around you. He might:

Blush a lot
Mess with his hair
Have trouble meeting your eyes
Bite his lip
Fidget or shift

20 – Just Liking Spending Time With You

A man who loves you wants to be around you, and it doesn’t matter what you’re doing together. As long as you’re with him, it’s a good time for him. This means that he’ll find any excuse to spend time with you! He may:

Accompany you on your grocery shopping trips
Head out with you when you go shopping
Come over to chill
Plan dates all the time, or ask you to hang out
Enjoy doing domestic things with you, to share your everyday lives

Here are fifteen ways you can confess your love to your partner.

Final Thoughts On Some Ways Men Show Love, Without Saying It

Love is complicated, but thankfully, the ways we express love aren’t all too complex. Men show love through these 20 signs. So it’s a huge indicator of his true feelings for you. Do with that information what you will!

Experts Explain How To Talk to Children During A Crisis

April 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Crises are unpredictable. They can happen anywhere in the world, whether due to natural disasters, personal family issues, or even issues that affect the whole world. During those frightening times, children often get left out of the loop – everything is scary and complicated to them, and a lot of adults may not want to answer their questions.

But children need the support and guidance of their loved ones more than ever during those periods. So don’t shy away from difficult conversations about crises with your kids! Here’s how experts explain these best ways to talk to children during an emergency.

1 – Make Them Feel Safe

A crisis is scary almost by definition, and children can feel overwhelmed or frightened by the implications of it. That’s why you need to help them feel safe. Here’s how you can do that:

Offer Physical Comfort

Help a child feel more comfortable by giving them familiar physical comforts. Let them have their favorite stuffed toys, eat foods they like, bundle up in blankets, and do calming, relaxing things.

Limit News Exposure

According to child psychiatrist Matthew Biel, children can very quickly internalize what they see on the news. The vivid and often sensational video and audio from news reports can be very frightening. You should be the one who gives your child the facts on what’s happening, not a screen.

Be With Them

Spending time with a child can make them feel safe when everything is uncertain. Don’t get annoyed by them being “clingy”!

2 – Encourage Other Means of Expression and Communication

Some children may be unable to express their concerns and feelings to you through words. You can ask them to tell you about things in other ways, such as by:

Drawing or painting
Writing stories
Enacting with toys

These methods will also help them cope and recover, and many children can gain positive benefits from expressing emotions through art.

3 – Be Honest and Open

A lot of adults think that children should be left in the dark about more serious issues, but doing so can often cause them to feel more frightened. Complex situations don’t have to be tough to explain; you just need to give them the simple, general idea of what’s happening in an honest but gentle way.

Lying to children during a crisis doesn’t stop them from finding out about it by themselves, and when they do eventually find out – as all children do! – they will trust you much less the next time something serious happens.

4 – Listen To Them

Children want to be listened to, especially by their parents. But listening to them doesn’t involve paying half your attention to their often incoherent statements as you work. In essence, it involves sitting down, listening carefully to them, and trying to understand what they mean and what it’s like in their shoes, even if it doesn’t seem to make sense.

Listening to a child can help them accept and process difficulties, says Kennet R. Ginsburg, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Medical Doctor. In a crisis, it’s even more critical, as it’s a way for parents to collect information on what their child understands and knows. You can listen to children by:

Asking open-ended questions that give a child lots of room to talk
Never minimizing even the silliest-sounding worries and emotions
Not correcting them until they’re done speaking
Following up shared feelings with reassurance and compassion
Giving them your full attention when they want to talk to you

5 – Guide Them In Their Thinking As They Process The Information

When you tell a child about a crisis, it can be a lot to take in at once. They may struggle to understand what’s happening, or they may try to dismiss it because it is scary to them. So guide them through their thinking as they process information. You can do this by:

Asking open-ended questions about how things make them feel or what they heard
Sharing your thoughts and emotions, so they know adults feel similarly
Grounding their ideas with information that contradicts more fanciful or extreme reactions

6 – Make Sure They Know How It Will Affect Them

Children can be a little self-centered – often to no fault of their own; their world is so small at their age! This means that most children wonder how a crisis will affect them, and maybe their family, more than they will want to know about the large world-level stakes.

The American Association for Clinical Chemistry’s director of the Grief, Crisis and Disaster Division, Jennifer Cisney Ellers – who is also a crisis response trainer, professional counselor, author, life coach, and speaker – states that this is something that must be addressed very quickly. Make sure your child knows how this may affect them, and don’t lie about those effects.

Don’t miss out on these twenty parenting hacks.

7 – Be More Understanding Of Worries and Fears

A lot of children experience worsened issues with their worries and fears during or after a crisis. They may express seemingly non-related worries, like being afraid of the dark, more severely. They may also deal with headaches, stomachaches, sleep issues, and other physical symptoms.

Be prepared to deal with these worsened fears, and don’t belittle or scold your child for them. Help them to feel safe by reassuring them with love, affection, and gentle words.

8 – Keep It Age-Appropriate

We talked about the importance of honesty when explaining a crisis to children – but don’t forget about age-appropriateness! Licensed professional counselor Dr. Chinwe Williams states that not all the little bits of information regarding a disaster need to be shared in full graphic detail.

If you have multiple children of different ages, you will likely tell something different to the teenager than you do to the five-year-old. Make sure you’re not worsening the trauma by confusing or frightening your kids.

9 – Be A Role Model

Even children who aren’t far along in their developmental stages can pick up on things from you, says clinical psychologist Abigail Romirowsky. It’s best to assume that, if you’re in a room with your child, they’re listening to and seeing everything and interpreting it in a semi-accurate way.

This means that kids pick up on everything and may emulate what they learn from others as they try to manage the stress of the crisis. So you have to put your best foot forward! Here are some tips for being a role model:

Have Serious Conversations Elsewhere

Go to another room, close the door, and whisper when you need to discuss severe or distressing issues – especially if you feel you may have outbursts of emotion.

Showcase Positive Coping Skills

Children – even those as young as infants – learn through imitation. So if you model positive coping skills, your child is likely to follow suit. Conversely, if you openly display bad coping skills, your child will copy that, too. So when your kids see you upset, show them how you make yourself feel better, and explain why you feel that way. Every moment is a learning experience!

Help Them Do Something Positive

Direct your child’s energy and feelings to something productive. They can write or make cards for loved ones, join you in volunteer or charity work, or be guided to do something nice for someone!

10 – Know Your Child

Know your child well enough to know when something is wrong. You should expect trauma responses that will be out of the ordinary to your child’s usual behavior, and you shouldn’t dismiss it. Every child can react to trauma in a different way, says clinical psychologist Carol Dell’Oliver.

Keep an eye on your child and take note of how they act and behave. If there are habit changes in areas such as:

Appetite
Socializing
Playing
Sleeping
Studying
Comfort-seeking
General behavior

Keeping tabs on your child’s behavior and monitoring them will help you discover whether or not they are recovering properly.

11 – Make Sure They Know It Isn’t Their Fault

As we mentioned before, children have a pretty small world around them that can make their thoughts relatively self-centered. They may genuinely believe that their actions have led to severe crises, even when it very clearly can’t be linked.

There have been lots of stories about kids who think that their bad grades, tantrums, or naughtiness has caused the death of family members, the divorce of their parents, or even natural disasters and emergencies. So you have to make sure that your child knows they are not to blame at all!

Here are seven early signs your child is having a panic attack.

12 – Give Them Brief Time To Process, Then Get Back On Track

After a problematic crisis, kids may need a couple of days to recover. During these times, they may not want to or be able to participate in their usual routine tasks. It’s okay to allow your kids to process this grief, and it can even be good for them, aiding their positive thinking and letting them rest.

But don’t let this rest period drag on for too long! Clinical psychologist and Harvard professor Katie McLaughlin, whose primary research focuses center around trauma, adversity, and stress in children, recommends getting back on track fairly quickly. Routines and predictability can help a child feel safe, and like the world is within control. Examples of conventional methods are:

School
Quality family time
TV and screen time
Sports and exercise
Playdates
Extracurricular activities

13 – Seek Professional Help

As children process trauma, they could develop psychological difficulties that require an expert’s assistance. Common post-traumatic symptoms that children experience are:

Acting out and throwing tantrums for no apparent reason
Displaying attention-seeking behavior
Regressing to childlike actions, they have previously outgrown (like sucking their thumb)
Withdrawing and becoming reclusive
Self-destructive behavior

It can sound scary, but seeking aid from a professional is crucial to restoring your child’s positive thinking and mental wellbeing. Board-certified psychiatrist Terri Turner recommends speaking to a pediatrician if symptoms and odd behavior persist for more than a month.

Psychologists reveal how lax parenting leads to emotional disorders in children.

Final Thoughts On Best Ways To Talk To Children During A Crisis

Children may not be able to understand or handle all the details about a crisis, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t receive information that can help them process the events around them. Talk to your child following these 14 ways, and you’ll be able to ease their stress and help them recover and move on with their lives healthily and safely.

Therapist Explains 5 Ways Couples Can Recover From a Fight

April 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

An occasional fight is normal in any romantic relationship. It can even make couples stronger and bring them closer together, so they’re far from a bad thing!

But some fights are so intense and hurtful that they leave behind trauma, pain, and a rift between you and your partner. Here’s how therapists explain 5 ways couples can recover from a fight.

1 – Think About And Understand The Fight

A lot of people believe that their fights would work better if they just stuck to rationality – but that’s not always possible. That’s why processing the fight is so crucial. Here’s why you need to stop and think after arguments:

Fights Are Not Logical

Yes, logical issues are the cause of fights a lot of the time. But a fight itself, when escalating into one that needs intensive recovering from, stops being that. The brain rushes into fight vs flight mode, resulting in a flurry of incoherent actions and words that don’t reflect your real opinions or feelings – it’s all defensive! You need to take the time to pause and rewind.

Identifying Unintentional Abuse

Emotional abuse is a terrible, terrible thing – and in times of fights, unintentional emotional abuse is common. Name-calling, gaslighting, lying, and other similar actions done in fight-or-flight defense mode are all considered unintentional emotional abuse. These actions must be addressed and apologized for after the time-out. (Of course, do note that any physical abuse or intentional emotional abuse means that the victim should leave the relationship and seek safe living elsewhere.)

Thinking On The Cause

A lot of fights seem to be over small and insignificant things, but the reason they erupt into full-blown shouting matches is because those small things are the tip of a very large iceberg. Find the root cause of the argument. Retrace your steps to what ignited the flames and reflect on why that issue was so heated and difficult.

2 – Give Each Other Space

A lot of couples feel that taking a breather and getting space to process the argument is “giving up” – but it’s not. When you have a big fight, your mind is scrambled, and as we previously said, it’s not a logical process. Repeatedly exposing yourself to things that make you go into panic mode is not going to increase rationality!

Remember, this isn’t just you giving your partner space – it’s you taking space for yourself, too, says psychologist Dr. Hal Shorey. You both need time to think on your own, process your thoughts, and reflect. Allow the most aggressive of the negative emotions to settle and rest so they are no longer raging and dictating your every mood.

It can be especially frightening if your partner needs more space than you do, or if you don’t feel like you need the space but they’re asking for it. Do keep in mind that they aren’t necessarily asking for space because they dislike you, or because this is all leading to a breakup. They are communicating their need to process the situation in a clear and concise way, and you should respect that – and take advantage of the time to do your own thinking.

Here are some things to keep in mind while you’re each getting your own space or giving your partner theirs:

Don’t Punish Them

If your partner needs space, don’t punish them for it. Don’t give them the cold shoulder, judge them for not being “in it” with you, or hold it against them. Remember, the need for space is conveyed through honest communication. Respect that!

Don’t Cling

Some people naturally feel more clingy after fights. They feel a desire to be physically close to the other person. That’s fine and valid, but if it’s not a manner shared by your partner, you will have to restrain yourself. Clinging can harm your partner if they need a breather. Distract yourself with things that make you happy instead.

Don’t Waste The Time

Even if you feel fine, there are likely to be some issues to reflect on. While you’re both getting space, find those issues and think about them. Is there something that made you say what you said? Are there things your partner did that really rubbed you the wrong way? What can you both do to avoid this in the future?

Reassure Them

If you’re the one who asks for space, reassure your partner first. Tell them you love them and that you will get through it together and be alright, but for now, you need to manage your thoughts. Be honest and remember how much you love them as you speak.

Don’t Take Too Long

Giving each other space doesn’t mean spending a week apart. You should aim to try and reconvene after a short time thinking about it. Studies show that short time apart is positive and healthy after fights, but too long, and the fights fade to half-remembered emotions and amplified feelings. Set a time limit and agree to come back and talk things through once that time is up – and keep that promise!

3 – Communicate In A Positive Way

As old of a saying as it is, the fact remains that communication is the number one solution to most if not all relationship problems, says Dr. Ron Burriss, an evolutionary psychologist who studies human attraction. Though there are differences between men and women in terms of the ways they prefer to make up after a fight, there’s one uniting factor that all genders rate in the most positive way: communication.

But you can’t just start talking and hope for the best. You have to communicate in a positive way. Here’s how:

Be Open From The Start

When it’s time to start talking again, work hard to be open to your partner. It’ll feel difficult at first but push through it. You have to meet each other halfway with an open mind and heart.

One Step At A Time

If multiple issues came up during the fight, go through them one by one, and only move on when you’re both ready to. Don’t bring up other issues outside of the fight unless it is very relevant to the specific issue at hand.

Don’t Allow A Rematch

There will still be tensions and emotional unrest when you try to resolve the issues from the fight. Keep your emotions in check, aim to understand your partner, and don’t fall back into old patterns that could reignite the fight.

Fight Fairly

You know your partner very well, and you know what buttons to push to get to them. Don’t push those buttons. Fight fairly and never hit below the belt. Respect your partner or your relationship will become toxic.

Don’t Accuse

Accusations come in the form of “you” language. “You never do…” Or, “You always…” “You just don’t…” These all sound like accusations and will put your partner in defensive mode. Use “I” language instead so they understand where you’re coming from: “I felt (blank) when you did (blank).” “I didn’t like it when…” “I feel like…”

Listen To Understand

Take turns speaking about your perspectives and feelings. When it’s your partner’s turn, listen quietly. Don’t spend that time thinking of what you’ll say next. Focus on really trying to understand them and what they’re saying.

4 – Accept Responsibility

No fight is purely one person’s fault. You are responsible for it, too. You need to accept responsibility and realize that you hurt your partner. Here’s how to do so:

Accept It’s Not A Competition

You don’t have to be “right”. You don’t have to “win”. This is a relationship – a partnership that means it’s you and your partner versus the problems, not you versus your partner.

Don’t Be Defensive

It can be distressing to hear your partner talk about how you made them feel. Whether you meant to or not, you did those things. Think about it: even when you accidentally bump into someone in public, you apologize. So when you accidentally harm your partner, you should apologize, too.

Acknowledge How They Feel

Even if you disagree with your partner, acknowledge that their pain is valid. Work to understand where they’re coming from and really put yourself in their shoes.

Repeat Their Statements

When your partner expresses their feelings, respond in kind. Start with a phrase like “It sounds like you felt…” and then repeat their statements in your own words to show that you understand.

Apologize

Don’t forget that sincere apology can go a long way. Truly, genuinely apologize for what you’ve done and make sure your partner knows that you mean it, and promise to work towards preventing it from happening again.

Commit To Making Change

It’s very easy to apologize without really taking steps towards change, says licensed marriage and family therapist Anita A. Chilapala. Acknowledge your wrongs and reflect on them, focusing on how to better yourself to avoid this in the future.

Schedule Further Check-Ins

Once you think you’ve gotten to the root of the problem, schedule a check-in time where you both come together to reflect on both of your progress, discuss what’s going really well, and talk about what needs more work. That way, the points you bring up don’t end up getting forgotten.

5 – Make Up

Now that the fight is over, you need time to heal the relationship. After especially difficult fights, this can be very difficult. Here are some things you can do:

Take Time To Spend Together

Schedule a simple, no-stress date night: going out for dinner, watching a movie in the cinema, cooking together at home… anything at all where you only focus on being together. This helps you begin to bond again and reconnect.

Laugh Together

It can be hard to find humor after a fight, but laughing together can trigger positive thinking due to the release of feel-good hormones.

Get Intimate

Intimacy after a fight can help both of you feel closer, and for some people, it’s their favorite way to make up. Just make sure that you’ve already dealt with the issues from the fight before heading to the bedroom!

Do Things You Love Together

You don’t need to plan a date night to spend a little time doing things you both like. Order takeout from your favorite place. Bond over a shared hobby. When you feel good doing things you love, you release tension, says Dr. Holly Parker, author, a lecturer at Harvard, and psychologist. Studies show that emotions from positive thinking can work wonders for resolving fights and conflict.

These five techniques can help you avoid fighting with your partner.

Final Thoughts On Some Ways Couples Can Recover From A Fight

It’s not unusual for couples to fight. What matters is that you and your partner are committed to working together to overcome your arguments. At the end of the day, love, commitment, communication, and effort can work together to heal any relationship.

How to Attract A Man (Without Saying A Word)

April 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

The world of dating and flirting can be a complex one. While plenty of people enjoy a single life, many want to find a relationship or a person to connect with at the end of the night! But that’s easier said than done, and it can be tough to attract a man.

If you have trouble enticing a man? Don’t demean yourself so quickly. You may be sending subtle signals indicating you aren’t available or having trouble with the complicated dating universe. Here is how to attract a man – without saying a word!

1 – Speak With Your Expressions

Certain facial expressions reveal your attraction to another person. You can convey your feelings and thoughts indirectly or straightforwardly through various positive expressions. The key is to be flexible and playful.

Eye Contact

No matter how nervous you may feel, look directly at the man you are attracted to in the eyes. Some ways you can flirt with your eyes are to check him out, hold his gaze, flutter your eyelashes, or open your eyes wide. What he says and how he responds will tune you in on changing your expressions. Studies have also found that many people react in a positive way to direct eye contact – it grabs the other person’s attention quickly and facilitates bonding and interest!

Eyebrow Flash

Let your eyes meet just long enough to let the other person know that you are interested, avert your gaze briefly, then look back while raising both eyebrows ever so slightly. It is the flirtatious equivalent of a non-verbal hello.

Smile

There is nothing more beautiful than a smile, so the saying goes. And different smiles suit different intentions and occasions. For the best leverage, be authentic with your smiles when showing someone you are attracted to them and want them to approach. Remember, being unique, you will create the most beautiful smiles, whether an open, playful, seductive, or chuckle.

2 – Speak With Your Body Language

If you want to attract a man, there are many examples of body language that you can use to communicate your feelings and intentions. Gesturing with your hands, positioning your body, licking, or parting your lips are a few strategies to show that you fancy the person.

Put Your Hands Where Your Hips Are

Indicate that you are approachable by putting your hands casually on your hips. Or show that you are available by relaxing your arms and positioning them down on your sides.

Align Your Torsos

Mirroring his movements and how his torso is angled is a transparent body language that you are into the guy. Facing forward and pointing your feet toward his direction also express that your full attention is on him.

Show Your Hands

Please keep your hands where I can see them, is a famous tagline in the police force. And for a good reason. Research suggests that hiding your hands inside your pockets or under the table makes it difficult for people to open up to you. On the other hand, displaying your hands to the person you are attracted to is a positive sign that you are trustworthy. If you are feeling insecure about how your hands look, apply lotion regularly and keep your nails well-groomed to boost your confidence.

Open Your Posture

Be aware of how your body is positioned when you are with someone you are interested in. If you intend to entice the guy, keep your body posture open by uncrossing your arms and propping them on the table while leaning your body forward. Overall, research also indicates that an open posture creates a more positive attraction to strangers.

3 – Use Subtle, Flirtatious Hints

Deploying the more subtle art of flirting requires a delicate approach and positive thinking to woo your potential romantic interest. Flipping or twirling your hair, tilting your head, and smelling good are finer ways to attract a guy without confusing him with mixed signals.

Flip Your Hair

Slight gestures to your hair, like stroking, twirling, or tucking it behind your ear, can appeal to the person you are attracted to when the movements appear natural.

Tilt Your Head

Another non-verbal message you can send to the person you are attracted to is with your head tilted to one side while exposing an enticing view of your neck. Tilting your head shows that you are interested in the guy, willing to be in his company, and paying attention to what he is saying and doing.

Smell Nice

Whether it is body wash, post-shower mist, or perfume, the key to smelling good is using scented products with a balanced hand. It is particularly easy to go overboard with fragrances. And too much can turn off the people you are attracted to. While most people love healthy hair that smells incredible, they are not too keen on overpowering perfumes.

4 – Use Touch

When done at the right time, duration, and frequency, physical touch signals that you are attracted to someone. Briefly caressing his arm, gently patting his hand, or brushing your leg against his are examples of touches that undoubtedly show that you are interested in him.

Use Non-Intimate, More-Than-Friendly Touch

Test the waters by gently squeezing his upper arm or resting your hand on his back or shoulder. Check whether he is receptive, reciprocal, or responsive to them and let that lead you.

“Accidentally” Touch

The accidental-not-accidental touch is a subtle yet potentially effective method of enticing the person you are attracted to. Allowing your hands to collide while reaching for the same thing and letting your leg brush against his are delightful examples that can seduce even a sophisticated man.

Touch Often

Reciprocal touches lead to increased moments of touching. And these touches become more and more familiar and intimate as they progress.

5 – Consider Appearance-Related Methods

You don’t have to make yourself look conventionally attractive to reel a guy in, and it’s up to you what you do with your body. But the fact remains that human beings are naturally more attracted to people who look conventionally friendly or put-together, no matter what gender they are.

Studies show that all genders are likelier to date people they feel have a positive or attractive appearance. The chances are that you feel that way about the people you’re attracted to, too!

Clothes

Choosing the right outfit can make anyone feel confident and look attractive to others. Find clothing that fits your body well and suits your preferences. Whether the date is casual or sophisticated, you cannot go wrong with a combination of sexy and tasteful that makes you feel good.

Hair

Whatever you want for your hair, focus on the length and style that makes you feel attractive. Try to keep your mane clean, healthy, and great smelling.

Makeup

However, our preferences might differ; people generally agree that less is more regarding makeup. No matter the gender, cosmetic products enhance natural features and make everyone look more attractive. Be fearless in trying various makeup looks and choose the ones that suit you best.

Of course, take all this with a pinch of salt. Different people find different things attractive, and there’s nothing wrong with deciding not to follow these tips in your mission to attract a man. After all, you want them to like the real you, too!

6 – Let Your Personality Shine

There are ways to radiate your one-of-a-kind personality without saying a word. Show off your unique traits. Be comfortable in your own skin –it’s a turn on to the opposite sex.

Show Off Your Confidence

Straight up, confidence is attractive. Owning your attractiveness means you do not need validation. You are neither clingy nor desperate, which makes the person you are interested in want to pursue you.

Show Off Your Intelligence

Research supports the idea of sapiosexuality that intelligence can turn people on. So, let your mental ability seduce the one you fancy.

Just Be Yourself

Being comfortable in your skin makes you desirable and irresistible to whoever you are attracted to. Accepting and integrating all aspects of yourself enables you to become the best version of your authentic self.

7 – Get Into The Right Mindset

Positive thinking can transform your life. Prioritizing your health and well-being is essential to having the right mindset and reducing stress.

Be In A Positive Mood

Happiness is the most attractive trait that works like a diffuser of positive energy for the benefit of all humans. Prioritizing your mood can make you more friendly and help with your mental and physical health.

Never Compare Yourself To Other Women

Always remember that your uniqueness is incomparable to others and unparalleled worldwide. Focus on accepting everything you are, developing healthy self-esteem, and improving yourself.

Know Who You Are

Self-discovery is the journey of a lifetime, and humans are ever-evolving. Identifying your strengths and weaknesses, then utilizing your positives and improving on your negatives make you attractive.

Be Comfortable

It is attractive to see someone pull off something effortlessly and naturally. No matter what you do, ensure you are comfortable doing it. Trust your gut instinct to guide you toward doing what makes you feel comfortable and help you avoid anything that does not feel right to you.

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Attract A Man Without Saying A Word

Attracting another person can be a confusing process. Though these tips specifically addressed women hoping to attract a man, do know that either gender can use most of them.

Regardless of your gender, remember: never dull your shine for someone else! Never change who you are to make others like you. You should always be your authentic self. But if you need tips on standing out in a crowded room – or letting gentlemen know you’re interested! – these tips can help with the process. Good luck!

Therapists Explain 13 Reasons to Stop Remembering Your Past

April 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

The past is a part of who we are. It shapes us, teaches us, and affects our character development and growth. But remembering your is only beneficial if we learn from and leave it behind.

Many people find that they live somewhat in the past. They can’t stop thinking about what happened before, and it traps them in a perpetual rush of negativity that you can never really fix. It’s not healthy, even if its familiarity is comfortable.

Here’s how therapists explain 13 reasons to stop remembering your past.

1. Remembering The Bad Is A Tough Cycle To Break

When you think about bad moments from your past, you form a clearer idea of them in your head – one often conflated with more negativity. This energy feeds into your mood, causing you to lose positive thinking, thus increasing the chances of you recalling your past this way again.

According to Amy Morin, a licensed clinical social worker, author, and psychotherapist, rumination can become so deeply ingrained in you that you struggle to break out of these destructive thought patterns. It’s like a wound – it scabs over as it begins to heal, but you pick at it again, causing it to reopen.

2. It Stops You From Moving On

Recalling your past too much causes you to live in it emotionally, trapping you in a time that has long left you behind. Here’s why always remembering your past and living in it stops you from moving on:

Living in the past means you’re stuck in it. It’s not possible to move on when you live inside a remembered past in your head.
Living in the past means you never close the door behind you. You’re always taking peeks back through it, as if you want to go back inside – and even though you never can go back inside.
Living in the past means ignoring new open doors. If you’re so fixated on the doors that you refuse to close, and you’ll miss new ones opening up all around you. This means you’ll let new opportunities pass you by!
Living in the past is rejecting the present and, therefore, the future. Spend all your time in the past, and the present will move on without you, leaving you behind.

3. There’s No Healthy Outcome

Remembering your past is a doomed effort from the start – there’s simply no healthy outcome to continue thinking about what’s happened before. There are several ways that this behavior can go, and they’re all negative, including:

Burying emotions and feelings attached to the past, resulting in pent-up emotional stress and damage
Being unable to let go of the past at all, resulting in changes to everyday actions and thoughts
Experiencing profound, severe, triggering pain at anything that jobs memories of that past
Refusing to face events of the past for what they indeed were, becoming stuck instead in what-ifs, leading to an inability to learn from it or be aware of its lessons
Over-identifying with the events of the past, resulting in a personality shaped only by history, unable to grow and improve over time

None of these behaviors, primarily if rooted in childhood, have any sort of positive effect on your current life. They cause you to be unable to live your life on your terms, says Glendon Association Director of Research and Education, clinical psychologist, and author Dr. Lisa Firestone.

4. The Past Isn’t Real

The past happened and existed, but it’s gone now. It’s not tangible. You can’t access it with your senses, and it merely is no longer real. Everything you think and feel about the past lives only in your mind – meaning it’s a part of your imagination.

In your imagination, which is exceedingly powerful, things can get blown out of proportion. That imagination can transport you “back in time” to a fake version of the past that now lives only in your head. That’s not a very productive way to spend your time at all!

5. It Can Damage Your Relationships With Others

Excessive focus on your past can lead to damaging relationships, further isolating you when what you need most is support. Here are some of the ways it can damage those relationships you have with others:

You blame others for what happened to you
You lash out due to unprocessed emotional baggage
You feel distrustful of others due to past pain
You expect those around you to fill spaces that were occupied in the past
You actively seek out relationships that remind you of the past
You perform toxic behaviors that make others distance themselves from you

A great way to overcome these boundaries is with mindfulness, says therapist and psychologist Elyssa Barbash, Ph.D. Mindfulness involves learning to live in the present, which can lead you to be aware of your emotions, thoughts, actions, reactions, and sensations.

6. Remembering The Past Wastes Precious Time

When you spend all your time thinking about the past, what you’re doing is just wasting the short amount of time we have on this planet. Life is much too brief to be spent trapped, unable to move forward.

Living each day like it’s your last can be difficult advice to put into practice, but it’s good advice nonetheless. What if you were going to die tomorrow? Would you still spend your time in the past?

7. It Doesn’t Define You

Sometimes, people stay in the past because they believe that it defines them. Sure, you may not say “I am my past,” but you may:

Believe that you must spend the rest of your life atoning for the past
Spend your time trying to get back to the “old you,” who you perceive as happier or better
Consider the person you remember being to be the person you always will be
Judge your current actions based on your past
Believe that you are undeserving of certain things because of your history.

These things are all ways that you allow the past to define you. Yes, the past has changed you, but it has become a part of you and shaped you into your current self – it’s not something you must abide by forever.

8. It Causes Disappointment

If you worry all the time because you can’t live in the present, you’re setting yourself up for dissatisfaction. This is because you don’t know how to take each day as it comes. All you do is think of the past, and that past becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Learning to go with the flow is one of the keys to removing disappointment. When you enjoy the current moment for what it is, you’re always grateful and full of positive thinking.

9. It Masks Present Need

When you dwell on the past, there’s a good chance that the emotions dredged up from there are masking something you need or want in the present. This is according to licensed marriage and family therapist Faith Deeter, who is also a speaker, author, and transformational trainer.

But if you remember only the past and keep dwelling on it, you will be unable to separate yourself from it and realize how it affects you today. So the next time you find your thoughts shifting to the past, refocus. How are your present needs linked to these thoughts? What do you need? To be understood? To feel secure? Work to understand what triggers the negative patterns, and you can meet your real needs in the present.

10. It Leads To Unhealthy Coping Skills

The act of brooding can be terrible for your ability to cope. After all, instead of confronting your past issues, you’re stewing in them and failing to deal with them, to begin with. Studies have indicated that this offers less than positive risks for the future.

As an example, individuals who tend to ruminate in their pasts or emotions face heightened levels of distress emotionally. This dramatically increases their chances of developing unhealthy or toxic coping methods. These may include:

Eating disorders
Substance abuse
Self-harm

11. It Prevents You From Trusting In Or Being Kind To Yourself

Think about it – how do you usually react when negative thoughts that are rooted in your past surface? The chances are that you criticize yourself and engage in negative self-talk. The emotional baggage from the past can affect your thought patterns, leading to a constant cycle of self-blame.

Licensed marriage and family therapist Lisa Olivera expresses the importance of understanding that, while pain and hurt cannot be prevented, you can make the active choice to be kind to yourself when that pain comes around. This also includes giving yourself treats and rewards, setting aside a few hours for me-time or self-care, and learning that you deserve better than to trap yourself in the past.

12. It Can Cause Mental Health Issues

If you spend too much time focusing on the negative, your mental health will suffer for it. Research indicates that dwelling over problems, hardship, errors, and past pain results in an overall loss of positive thinking and an increased risk of developing mental disorders. This can include:

Anxiety disorders
Depressive disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder

13. You Can’t Fix Or Change It

The past is set in stone. There is no way to go back in time and find a way to undo what has been done. Revisiting and remembering the past, again and again, will not yield anything positive for you.

According to a psychologist, author, media figure, and keynote speaker Dr. Judith Sills, the desire to cling and brood is natural and alright when the event first happens. But after a while, continuing to maintain that emotional perspective will only harm you in the long run.

You will never be able to rewind time, whether to visit the past or to change it. But you know what you can control and fix right now? Your present, and the trajectory you’re on for the future. Focus on the now and what is to come, and you’ll feel like you’re getting somewhere!

Final Thoughts On Some Reasons To Stop Remembering The Past

The past can hang over you painfully, but you don’t have to allow it to consume you. Letting go of your past doesn’t have to mean forgetting it – it just means taking the lessons you’ve learned and moved on, focusing on the current moment and the possibilities that the future holds.

7 Things That Kill A Conversation

April 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Most of us have been in a situation where we seem to be having a friendly conversation one second, only for it to grind to a halt the next abruptly. The ensuing awkwardness and discomfort are nothing short of unpleasant, and it’s terrible for positive thinking.

But why does this happen? As it turns out, there are certain things that, when done, tend to bring conversations to a painful stop. You need to be aware of them so you can avoid them. Here are seven things that kill a conversation.

7 Ways You’ll Kill a Conversation

1 – Being Controlling

A typical conversation aims to engage in a fair exchange of words and statements in a neutral setting. Attempting to exert power over such a situation by being controlling will put an immediate end to the conversation.

No one wants to talk to someone who is attempting to control them. The chances are that you hate being controlled, too, so you can’t expect anyone to stick around when they feel you’re doing that to them. Here are some examples of controlling behavior:

Making Demands

If your requests involve the idea that “no” is not an acceptable answer, you’re not asking. You’re making demands. There’s no place in a standard conversation for being demanding, so dial it down.

Telling Others What To Do

When someone presents or mentions a problem to you, you are free to advise them, but you shouldn’t be telling them what to do. If you’d be upset if they don’t listen to you, then you’re telling, not advising. If they haven’t asked you to instruct them, don’t do it!

Dictating What Can And Can’t Be Said

Of course, it’s okay to mention boundaries that you don’t want to be crossed, but doing this in the extreme by deciding which topics can and can’t be discussed to suit your whims is a big no-no.

2 – One-Word Responses

One-word responses mean that your conversation partner will be left hanging. They’ve contributed something, and you’ve decided to respond by adding nothing. Most people won’t want to continue doing all the heavy lifting in a conversation and will opt to end it. Examples of one-word responses include:

Okay
Sure
Yes
No
Alright
Fine
Whatever

One-word responses can also signal boredom, annoyance, or a desire to end a conversation. Naturally, those who hear them may assume you don’t want to continue talking and will take the first step in dropping the speech.

Similarly, you should take care not to ask closed questions. Closed questions involve queries that typically are responded to with one-word answers. These closed questions force a conversation partner to struggle to figure out what else they can contribute to the conversation beyond that typical response, and some may decide it’s not worth the effort.

3 – Being Insincere

Sincerity is all about positive intention, and therefore a lack of it is entirely your fault. If you don’t feel authentic in what you’re saying, that will shine through, and people will pick up on it. Insincerity is a big turn-off and can kill conversations. Here are some examples of insincere behaviors:

Pretending To Know What You Don’t

If you don’t know something, say you aren’t sure or that you don’t know. Tell the truth! For some reason, there’s an idea going around that the act of talking nonsense just to deceive someone is a valuable skill. It isn’t, and people won’t want to talk to you if you keep doing it.

Praise That Isn’t Genuine

It’s fairly obvious when someone’s praise isn’t real. Some may be fooled, but those who aren’t will see that as their cue to end the conversation. Worse still is any praise you do with ulterior motives!

White Lies

Sure, not everyone will notice when you tell white lies. But once someone does, they’re going to doubt everything you say and will likely not see the point in talking to you any further. No one likes deceptive people, after all. Remember, you can be honest without being tactless, so white lies aren’t needed!

4 – Focusing On Yourself

Conversations are a two-way street. No one wants to be a part of a one-sided conversation. Yes, particular friendship dynamics involve one friend who would rather talk and another who would rather listen. But for the most part, healthy, positive conversations need to include a fair amount of give and take. Here are common behaviors in this vein to avoid:

Aiming To Get Something Out Of The Conversation

Are you only taking part in a conversation because there’s something you want to get out of it? You might think you’re subtle, but people know that you’re doing this, and it’s not a very nice way to behave.

Continually Making Everything About You

Fair exchange is essential in a healthy conversation. If you redirect all topics to something related to you or use someone else’s talking points to jump off of into your tales and experiences, others aren’t going to want to talk to you as you come off self-centered.

Speaking More Than You Listen

We have two ears and one mouth, so we should be doing twice as much listening as talking. So really, truly listen to what the other person is saying and understand their point of view. Feel free to ask questions to understand it further. Then, once you’ve genuinely listened thoroughly, you can speak about your opinion.

5 – Drawing Everything Out

Good conversations start and end naturally. Prolonging a conversation through force can, ironically, cause it to shorten instead. Here are some ways that drawing everything out kills a conversation:

Obsessing Over Details

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to share everything about a subject, including tiny details, but unless you’re speaking to people with a passion for that subject, there’s a good chance they’ll get bored. Don’t talk for ages about something small – keep it short, sweet, and attention-worthy!

Not Getting To The Point

Beating around the bush due to nervousness or anxiety is understandable, but most people don’t want to have to wait for ages to get to crucial information. Unless you want the conversation to end, keep your disclaimers very brief and get to the point.

Going Off-Topic

Rambling is fun and good among certain groups, but there will be people whose conversations are a little more clear, with an obvious goal or topic to discuss. Going off-topic and prattling about for minutes and minutes can kill a conversation quickly.

Providing Too Much Information

Most people don’t want to hear too much about your personal, romantic, familial, or medical life – that falls under TMI, or too much information. Oversharing can make things awkward, and it’s a reason many conversations die.

6 – Acting Like An Expert Undeservedly

No one likes a pretentious person. To act as an expert in situations where that is not warranted or on subjects that you are far from an expert about is a guaranteed way to kill a conversation. Here are some ways you may be doing that:

Analyzing

Armchair psychology isn’t real psychology. No matter what you think you know about human nature and behavior, you aren’t qualified to analyze someone. People don’t like being treated like case studies and will likely shut down a conversation if you make them feel like one.

Using Complex Jargon

Among peers in your field, jargon is fine. But among others, simplifying your language makes the information accessible to them. If you insist on using technical terms, you’re alienating your conversation partners and acting high-and-mighty.

Being Judgmental

Unless someone asks for your judgment, you are in no place to make assumptions and draw conclusions based on the limited scope that a conversation and some observation gives you. You don’t know the reality of anyone else’s situation, so don’t judge them!

Using Long Words

There’s nothing wrong with a verbose vocabulary, and there are many people who enjoy communicating with more mindful word choices. But if everything you say is an obscure word that sounds like you looked it up on a Thesaurus, you’re just pretentious. Language is designed as a tool for communication, and using ridiculous words defeats that purpose.

Humblebragging

It’s nice to lift yourself up, and you don’t want to seem like you’re showing off. Humblebragging is a very common tactic to find balance but is very ineffective. If you must share your accomplishments or talk yourself up to other people, be transparent in what you’re doing – express your pride and positive thinking happily; don’t try to mask it with false humility that just sounds arrogant.

7 – Using Unhelpful Clichés Or Advice

It can be tough to think of what to do or say when someone comes to you with a problem. Responding to these things, the wrong way can be an immediate conversation killer.

The use of clichés and so-called wise sayings is quite common when someone is going through a rough spot. But they can come off as patronizing or belittling to people with real and complex problems. Examples of clichés are:

It’ll all be for the best.
Things happen for a reason.
Everything will be just fine.
Things will get better.
The right opportunity will come soon!

While they sound nice and kind, these statements are fillers. They don’t really mean anything, and for people who are going through a tough time, they can be even less meaningful because they’re superficial. Of course, we know that these words are often said with the best intentions – just regulate your use of clichés!

You may also kill a conversation by offering unhelpful advice, especially when not asked for it. A lot of people just want to vent to others when they talk about their problems. Don’t offer unsolicited criticism or advice!

Sometimes, the best option is to be honest. Instead of offering advice and half-baked popular phrases, say:

I really don’t know what to say, but I’m here to listen.
That sounds like a difficult situation. Is there any way I can help?
Would you like suggestions from me, or would you prefer I just support you?

Final Thoughts On Avoiding the Things That Kill A Conversation

Most people don’t directly intend to kill a conversation, and chances are, you don’t, either. Avoid doing these seven things, and you won’t find yourself in an uncomfortable situation like that one again!

Texas Roadhouse CEO Gives Up Salary and Bonus to Pay Employees

April 2, 2020 by Power of Positivity

In the U.S., we now have over 100,000 COVID-19 cases, with New York making up about 40% of those cases. Businesses have been forced to close to contain the spread as many states have issued stay-at-home orders.

In states such as California and New York, only essential businesses such as pharmacies, hospitals, grocery stores, and delivery companies remain open. Restaurants and bars are some of the hardest-hit companies.

But one restaurant chain owner decided that he would give up his salary so his employees could keep getting paid.

Texas Roadhouse: Corporation with a conscience

In a securities filing last week, Texas Roadhouse CEO Kent Taylor said that he would give up his base salary and bonus for this year. It went into effect on March 18 and will continue through January 7.

Taylor said this would free up funds to keep paying front-line employees through the crisis and avoid massive layoffs.

In addition to this selfless act of kindness, the Texas Roadhouse board of directors made a surprise announcement. They voted Tuesday to suspend payments of quarterly cash dividends of the company’s stock.

Navigating the job market during such uncertain times can be daunting, but utilizing tools like a canada salary calculator can provide clarity and confidence in your search.

Before landing a job, it’s essential to assess the financial landscape, ensuring that the compensation offered aligns with your expectations and cost of living.

By doing so, you can focus on finding a position that not only matches your skills but also meets your financial needs, allowing you to make informed decisions.

This would apply to dividends paid out after March 27 “to better manage its cash position and enhance financial flexibility in light of the uncertainty in the global markets resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak.”

According to Louisville Business First, Taylor received compensation of $1.3 million in 2018, down significantly from his 2017 payout of $8.5 million. His salary was $525,000. His stock awards totaled $7.3 million in 2017 and zero in 2018. He also got a bonus of $829,316 in 2018, which was up from $710,230 in 2017.

Taylor opened the first Texas Roadhouse in Clarksville, Indiana, in 1993. The company has expanded today to 611 restaurants in 49 states and ten countries. All 514 restaurants are corporate locations.

As of March 19, Texas Roadhouse still operated its stores on a full, limited, or strictly to go basis and hadn’t closed any sites.

To boost cash reserves to pay employees, the company drew down $190 million from its revolving credit and now has over $300 million. Hopefully, the shutdown won’t last too much longer, but it’s reassuring to see CEOs giving up their entire salary and bonus to keep things running.

Other restaurant chains followed suit

Taylor isn’t the only one giving up his salary. The Darden CEO also gave up his salary to avoid mass layoffs. Darden owns restaurants such as Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s, The Capital Grille, and Yard House.

Same-store sales fell 60% last week as patrons started limiting outings due to the COVID-19 crisis. While restaurants are still allowing to-go orders, many CEOs have no choice but to lay off employees or cut their salaries to make up for the massive decline in revenue.

On Wednesday last week, Darden implemented an emergency pay program that would cover hourly employees for two weeks in restaurants where they couldn’t work. This would be in addition to the permanent paid sick leave policy that Darden announced last week where workers get one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours on the job, beginning with the previous 26 weeks of work.

This would allow new employees to take advantage of the paid sick leave program as well.

Final Thoughts: Hats off to these CEOs and companies like Texas Roadhouse

Do you know of any other CEO’s or businesses offering to cut salaries so their employees could get paid? If so, please give them a shout-out in the comments!

10 Reasons Dogs Really Are Our Best Friend

April 2, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Most of us consider dogs a member of our families, and we even get them to pose with us for Christmas card pictures and other special events. Pups just make life better. They comfort us when we need it, snuggle with us when we’re sad, and get so excited to see us after we’re gone all day at work.

Some people say dogs are angels sent to Earth to remind us how to love, and perhaps that’s true. Dogs give unconditional love; they don’t care how much money we make or what kind of car we drive.

In these uncertain times, dogs have become an even more excellent source of comfort. Many people are enjoying their time off work or working from home because they get to see their beloved dogs more! And, we’re sure the dogs love all the extra attention, too. If you need to leave your dogs, you may consider bringing them to a pet boarding facility to ensure they will be properly taken care of. In addition, we need to ensure that they visit the vet regularly for professional veterinary services they need to keep them healthy.

If you’re struggling during the COVID-19 outbreak, animals provide an excellent way to deal with stress naturally. Just a few minutes of cuddling with your dogs on the couch can relieve depression and anxiety. With that said, we’ll go over some more ways our pets can help us get through these tough times. If you love your furry friends as much as we do, get here some CBD dog treats to show them how much you love them.

Here are ten reasons dogs really are our best friend:

They give us comfort and support

When you cuddle up on the couch or bed with your pooch, you can just feel the tension and stress in your body melt away. Animals have very healing energy about them, perhaps because they don’t require anything from us except primary care. They love us unconditionally, even in our worst moments. Just simply listening to our dog’s breathing or caressing their fur can bring about immense feelings of comfort.

We all have to deal with the uncertainty of these times in different ways, but if you have a dog, make sure to give him or her some extra love! It will surely make both of you feel more at ease and better able to handle any curve balls life throws your way.

They help us sleep better

Science shows that people sleep better when their pet joins them. Especially during the virus outbreak, many of us have been losing sleep and having more nightmares, but our pets can get us through it.

According to a survey of pet owners by the American Pet Products Association, almost 50% of dogs sleep in their parent’s beds. The study found that 62% of small dogs, 41% of medium-sized dogs, and 32% of large dogs sleep alongside their owners most nights. Of course, some people don’t like their dogs sleeping with them in bed because they take up so much room, but if you have a smaller dog, you likely won’t notice a difference.

While people have differing opinions about sleeping with their dogs, science provides evidence that it can benefit people. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes that sleeping with our dogs can keep us calm and lower stress levels.

If you’ve been feeling more stressed lately, invite your furry friend to sleep beside you. You’ll likely wake up feeling more refreshed and emotionally at ease.

Research reveals that your pet understands you better than your human counterparts.

They benefit us emotionally

Most dogs can sense when their owners don’t feel right, either physically or emotionally. Dogs are one of the smartest animals on Earth and pick up on people’s emotions quite easily. There’s a reason why dogs are used as therapy animals in a variety of settings, from nursing homes to mental health clinics. Dogs help calm people down and give us emotional support without saying a word.

Dogs simply understand us and want nothing more than to give us comfort. When you feel stressed, turn off the news for a while and enjoy some cuddle sessions with your dogs. Or, bring them outside for a walk – the fresh air and bonding time with your pets will immediately ease your mind and heart during this difficult time.

They provide warmth.

Both physically and mentally, a pup can bring some much-needed warmth into our hearts. Cuddling with humans is excellent too, but there’s just something about snuggling up to our pets on a cold winter night. As warm-blooded creatures, dogs give off a lot of heat, and along with their need to cuddle up with us at all times, it’s hard not to smile at them. The sense of comfort dogs bring us might have something to do with the warmth we feel when cuddling with them.

Dogs make us healthier.

Numerous studies have shown that dogs help keep our health in check. Some health benefits touted by scientists include a lower risk of heart and cardiovascular disease, increased longevity, and decreased risk of allergies and asthma in kids.

One study conducted by researchers at the International Clinical Research Center at St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno found that people who owned dogs got more exercise and, therefore, had better health. The study looked at the health of three groups of people: those who owned canines, those who had other types of pets, and people who didn’t own any pets.

“In general, people who owned any pet were more likely to report more physical activity, better diet, and blood sugar at an ideal level. The greatest benefits from having a pet were for those who owned a dog, independent of their age, sex and education level,” said Andrea Maugeri, Ph.D., a researcher with the International Clinical Research Center at St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno.

While health is a top concern for most people during this time, only going for a jog around the block with your pooch can help boost your immunity and health.

Dogs make us feel safer.

Especially if you live alone, dogs can ease your mind about intruders and health concerns. Most dogs have a sixth sense when something is wrong with their owner and will come to your aid when you feel sick. If you live with others, dogs can get the attention of other members of the household if something is wrong. Also, dogs can alert us about trespassers on our property, especially when we’re at our most vulnerable at night while we’re asleep.

They never turn down an invitation to hang out.

How many times have you asked your friends to hang out, and they say they’re “too busy” or “too tired?” Probably more than you can count. However, if you find yourself bored out of your mind during the lockdown, your pup will always be there to play with you! Whether it’s a simple game of fetch or chasing after each other in the yard, your pup will cherish every moment of playtime they get with you. With many of us home from work during this time, this is the perfect opportunity to bond with our pups and create new memories together.

Work-related stress is minimized by having a pet at work, according to research. Take a look.

Dogs give companionship and greatly benefit the elderly.

If you know an older person or couple struggling to cope with the COVID-19 outbreak, why not offer to bring your dog over for a bit? You can always stand outside while they pet the dog for a bit, and this makes a great way to help out during the crisis.

Dogs help to reduce anxiety and depression and especially help the elderly with feelings of loneliness and confusion. They provide companionship for the elderly dealing with conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, a study found.

The study involved 56 residents from two suburban Maryland nursing homes. It found that the duration and frequency of positive body language and communication (smiles, leaning in, verbalization, looking forward, etc.) increased, and negative feelings decreased in Alzheimer’s patients who also owned dogs. They also had fewer mood swings and less aggression than patients who did not own a pet.

Dogs consider us their family, too.

Yes, dogs consider us family just as much as we do them. A group of scientists at Emory University put dogs in an MRI machine. Before scanning their brains, the canines had to smell different scents. Some aromas came from other animals, some from food, and others from their owners.

The scan showed that reward centers in the dog’s brains lit up most when they smelled familiar scents from their owners, showing that dogs consider their human relationships a top priority.

They just make us smile.

There’s a reason why we can watch hours of funny pet videos on Facebook and never get bored. Dogs just have a way of melting our hearts because of their unconditional love and adorable personalities. Dogs just make life so much better.

You’ll love these illustrations that depict life before and after adopting a pooch.

Final thoughts about why dogs are our best friends

Dogs give us support mentally, physically, and emotionally. They keep our beds warm at night, help us get outdoors and keep us healthy, and lower our stress during difficult times. What’s not to love about our favorite furry friends?

10 Natural Remedies To Help Beat Indigestion

April 2, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Indigestion is a common complaint of many Americans today.

Thanks to our fast-paced lifestyle and Standard American Diet, or S.A.D., almost 1 in 4 Americans have digestive issues related to indigestion. Symptoms of indigestion can manifest in many ways, ranging from mild heartburn to a persistent stomachache that never subsides.

Overview of Indigestion

Indigestion is a blanket term used to describe a general feeling of discomfort and pain in the upper abdominal area. It is not a disease, but rather a collection of symptoms that cause pain and feeling of extreme fullness that you experience immediately after eating. Although this condition is common, the way that people experience their symptoms varies greatly from person to person.

This condition can be an indicator of a more severe digestive disorder, so symptoms should not be taken lightly.

Symptoms of Indigestion

People with this condition may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

1. Feeling full during a meal.

You may begin to feel uncomfortably full, even if you haven’t finished a meal. This feeling of fullness can last for hours after eating.

2. Discomfort that lasts long after a meal.

Even if you are not eating a full meal, your feeling discomfort and extreme fullness can last long after your stomach is empty.

3. Pain in the upper abdomen.

You sometimes feel mild to severe pain in your upper abdominal cavity between the bottom of your breastbone and your navel.

4. Burning in the upper abdomen.

There are times when a burning sensation accompanies other aspects of discomfort. Much of this occurs in the upper abdomen just below the ribs.

5. Bloating

Due to a buildup of excess gas, you may experience bloating and constipation that can be quite painful.

6. Nausea.

You might feel a pervasive feeling as though you want to vomit. The feeling may be present both before and after eating.

Frequent periods of heartburn and an ongoing stomachache accompany this condition, making it difficult to want to eat well. As a result, your nutrition needs are also compromised, which can lead to other complications over time.

Should I see a doctor?

Mild, intermittent symptoms are not anything to worry about, and it can be tackled with some simple home remedies that we will cover later in this article. You should be concerned about your symptoms and make an appointment to see a doctor if you experience the following:

Weight loss, loss of appetite
Repeated vomiting, vomiting up blood
Black and tarry stool
Trouble swallowing that is getting worse over time
Fatigue or weakness, indicative of anemia
Shortness of breath, pain in the throat
Chest pain on exertion or with stress

Causes of indigestion

There are many probable causes for any kind of stomach discomfort. Many issues can be attributed to diet and lifestyle choices; simply by cleaning up your diet and eliminating stress, you are able to alleviate much discomfort.

Most often, stomach upset can be attributed to the following:

Overeating; eating too quickly
An overabundance of fatty or greasy foods
Too much alcohol, caffeine, or carbonated drinks
Smoking
Anxiety
Certain medication

Sometimes, this condition is an indication that more serious complications are developing, such as:

Gastritis; inflammation of the stomach
Peptic ulcers
Celiac disease
Gallstones
Constipation
Pancreatitis
Stomach cancers
Intestinal blockages
Reduced blood flow to the intestines

Being in this type of discomfort can significantly impact your quality of life; while many people look to prescription drugs and conventional medical treatments to help reduce symptoms and alleviate this condition, others wish to tackle the problem using natural remedies. There are a number of effective, natural remedies that are used to treat stomach upset and digestive issues that procure many loyal followers. The following natural remedies are presented to you for review as you, too, search for answers to the pervasive problem of heartburn and stomachache.

Try some of these tips for stomach healing and digestive ease once more:

1. Drink more water

We are chronically dehydrated, and few of us drink enough water to keep things in our bodies flowing smoothly. We need a minimum of three liters daily to keep tissues lubricated, blood circulating efficiently, and all systems of the body in good working order. Replace some of your daily beverages with a glass of fresh, clean water, and you’ll be on track for better digestive health.

2. Avoid lying down for extended periods of time

When you are lying down or reclining, your stomach acid is able to travel back up into your esophagus and cause issues with the lining of your mouth, throat, and nose. This traveling acid is known as heartburn, a common complaint of those who suffer from indigestion. If you must lie down, prop up your head, neck, and upper back to a 30-degree angle and drink plenty of water to help neutralize stomach acid.

3. Eat or chew on ginger

Ginger is a very effective remedy for those suffering from an upset stomach. Ginger itself contains compounds called shoagols and gingerols that help to promote stomach contractions needed for proper digestion. In addition, chemical compounds in ginger help to reduce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Start small if you are using fresh ginger, as the taste and the spiciness can be overpowering, and work up to larger quantities. Adding it to foods and sauces is great for promoting healthy digestion too.

4. Drink apple cider vinegar

Sounds gross, doesn’t it? Apple cider vinegar claims include everything from improved skin and hair to digestion to weight loss. With all of these health benefits being reported by people everywhere, you owe it to yourself to incorporate it into your daily diet. Sprinkle on salads, dilute in a mixture of water and stevia for a tart and tasty drink, or take by the tablespoon if you are hardcore interested in alleviating your symptoms. In no time, you’ll be feeling better.

5. Chew on mint

In addition to sweetening the breath, mint can calm the stomach, helping to prevent vomiting and diarrhea. It reduces the incidence of muscle spasms in the intestines, and it will even relieve pain and cramping. A cup of mint tea daily will help soothe overactive bowels and provide a calming experience for your bloated belly.

Learn 15 fantastic uses for peppermint.

6. Use heat

The use of warm baths and heating pads will do wonders for your overactive abdomen. The heat helps to relax tense muscles and ease tension across your whole midsection; 20 minutes per day with your heat source will help to improve your symptoms significantly.

7. Follow the BRAT diet

It really does work—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are bland foods that contain excess starch and fiber. These compounds go to work to help bind together your stools, making them less volatile and watery. All of these foods are very neutral, so they do not irritate the stomach or the bowels. They also contain valuable nutrients that can help to soothe and restore gut health. If you find yourself experiencing a flare-up of symptoms, do what you can to adhere to the BRAT lifestyle for a few days and see what it can do for your health.

8. Avoid tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol

Smoking and drinking irritate the throat, which can lead to complications with the stomach. If a person has vomited, there is more risk for irritation and infection to develop as a result of all of the extra toxins in the system. If you are experiencing symptoms of indigestion, it is best to refrain from smoking and drinking until you feel better.

9. Take lime or lemon juice, baking soda, and water

Some studies show that combining citrus juice, water, and a pinch of baking soda does wonders to improve the health of the digestive system. A good recipe for digestive success includes the following ingredients:

1 Tablespoon lemon or lime juice
1 tsp baking soda
8 oz fresh water

Drink daily for the best results.

10. Eat or drink cinnamon

Cinnamon contains powerful antioxidants that help to reduce irritation and inflammation of the throat, esophagus, and stomach lining. Other powerful compounds found in cinnamon have proven effective at fighting gas, bloating, cramping, and other trademark symptoms of stomach upset. You may either boil cinnamon sticks in water and use it as a soothing tea. Or, free to sprinkle at least a teaspoon daily over foods for soothing, effective relief from symptoms.

Learn how to make cinnamon and turmeric tea for better health.

Final Thoughts: Alleviating symptoms of indigestion for a better quality of life

While it may not be possible to heal all of the issues in your digestive system with these tips, working to consistently alleviate and reduce symptoms will help you to improve your health and quality of life. Follow these steps for a healthier stomach and a happier life!

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

20 Ways Men Show Love Through Actions

1 – Being Close to Someone Physically

2 – Providing Gifts Of Affection

3 – Eagerly Listening To You

4 – Smiling After Kissing You

5 – Remembering Details About You

6 – Shifting Posture

7 – Taking An Interest In Your Interests

8 – Including You In Future Plans

9 – Never Stay Angry

10 – Giving You Space

11 – Chivalry

12 – Eye Contact

13 – Introducing You To Friends

14 – Little Touches

15 – Meeting Your Needs

16 – Protecting You

17 – Smiling A Lot Around You

18 – Mirroring

19 – Becoming Flustered

20 – Just Liking Spending Time With You

Final Thoughts On Some Ways Men Show Love, Without Saying It

1 – Make Them Feel Safe

Offer Physical Comfort

Limit News Exposure

Be With Them

2 – Encourage Other Means of Expression and Communication

3 – Be Honest and Open

4 – Listen To Them

5 – Guide Them In Their Thinking As They Process The Information

6 – Make Sure They Know How It Will Affect Them

7 – Be More Understanding Of Worries and Fears

8 – Keep It Age-Appropriate

9 – Be A Role Model

Have Serious Conversations Elsewhere

Showcase Positive Coping Skills

Help Them Do Something Positive

10 – Know Your Child

11 – Make Sure They Know It Isn’t Their Fault

12 – Give Them Brief Time To Process, Then Get Back On Track

13 – Seek Professional Help

Final Thoughts On Best Ways To Talk To Children During A Crisis

1 – Think About And Understand The Fight

Fights Are Not Logical

Identifying Unintentional Abuse

Thinking On The Cause

2 – Give Each Other Space

Don’t Punish Them

Don’t Cling

Don’t Waste The Time

Reassure Them

Don’t Take Too Long

3 – Communicate In A Positive Way

Be Open From The Start

One Step At A Time

Don’t Allow A Rematch

Fight Fairly

Don’t Accuse

Listen To Understand

4 – Accept Responsibility

Accept It’s Not A Competition

Don’t Be Defensive

Acknowledge How They Feel

Repeat Their Statements

Apologize

Commit To Making Change

Schedule Further Check-Ins

5 – Make Up

Take Time To Spend Together

Laugh Together

Get Intimate

Do Things You Love Together

Final Thoughts On Some Ways Couples Can Recover From A Fight

1 – Speak With Your Expressions

Eye Contact

Eyebrow Flash

Smile

2 – Speak With Your Body Language

Put Your Hands Where Your Hips Are