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Gaslighting: The Shocking Reasons Why Women Decide To Stay In Abusive Relationships

By
Mary Wright

Women decide to stay in abusive relationships because they do not notice they are being gaslighted, they love their partners, and the abusive cycle of behavioral patterns has them trapped.

When we talk about abusive relationships, the thing that first comes to our mind is physical violence. However, there is one form of abuse that may be even more damaging to a person because it is hard to spot – the emotional abuse, or also known as ‘gaslighting.’

This form of psychological abuse is very common, but it is rarely talked about because the abused person finds it hard to speak about this because there are always those who will judge, especially if they haven’t been through it themselves.  

It is easy to say to a woman that, obviously, she should leave and put an end to the abusive relationship she is in. If she couldn’t leave the ‘terrible’ man that is abusing her, then we suppose it is her fault, and she is even enjoying the abuse.

However, those who haven’t experienced this kind of emotional abuse cannot understand how hard it can be for some women to leave.

But why do women have a hard time leaving abusive relationships? Below are some valuable reasons that have nothing to do with financial security.

1. Women do not notice they are being gaslighted.

Gaslighting as a form of psychological abuse, as well as manipulation, and emotional abuse, can wreak havoc on the woman’s self-esteem and make her doubt her own feelings and perception.

Gaslighting is a highly dangerous form of psychological abuse where the abuser makes the woman falsely believe that everything that goes wrong in the relationship is her fault. She starts to question her own memory, her behavior, or even her sanity.

The man will slowly start to whittle away at the woman’s self-esteem.

For instance, he will start commenting that she is always overthinking and overreacting and obviously she has emotional issues that she needs to work on. The woman may not perceive this as abuse because at this point it is subtle and it is said casually.

However, as the time passes, the man will start using her insecurities that he had deliberately planted into her mind for his own manipulative purposes.

And even if she calls him out on his game, he will say that she is crazy for even thinking such thing, that she is becoming delusional, and that everything is her fault.

The woman will eventually find herself thinking that maybe he is right and that it is her fault indeed.  

She starts to doubt herself, which leaves her in a very dangerous and vulnerable position. And abusers are aware of this and use it as a tool for manipulation.

When a woman spends years of her life being constantly told that she is wrong, she begins to lose perception of reality and starts to think that there is really something wrong with her.

She will start hating herself because of that instead of the person who hurts her and is actually the one to blame.  

2. They love their partners.

Anyone who has truly loved someone can agree that love as beautiful as it is – is very complicated. It is a force that is stronger than us. It makes us put our rose-tinted glasses on and see only the good things in our partner.

So, the question is: Can a woman love a man who emotionally abuses her? The answer is: Yes, absolutely.  

Plus, since this abusive behavior is not just black and white, it makes the things even much harder for the woman. And it is even harder, especially if the woman is an empathetic person and can internalize other people’s feelings as her own.

She may then sympathize with the man in spite of everything that she knows about him and what he has done to her because during his moments of ‘deep regret’ she could not stand watching him being hurt.

So, even though she is aware of all the ‘terrible’ things that he has put her through – she decides to forgive him because in the rare moments when he shows her his vulnerable side she is seeing him as a broken man who needs to be loved and healed.

And, because she loves him she is not able to leave him when she thinks he needs her the most.

3. Abuse follows cyclical patterns that keep victims trapped.

There is one abusive pattern that almost all manipulative men use: When he senses that the woman has decided to leave him, he will start acting like his old loving self, which makes the woman decide to give the relationship another chance because she loves him and wants to make it work.

The woman will find herself blindly believing her partner’s words and his promises that things will change, that he will change.

She believes him because she wants to nurture her belief that she would finally have a healthy and loving relationship with him.

She reminisces only about the good times of her relationship and is optimistic that things will really change this time. They won’t.

And this is how the abuser gains control over his victim – he dangles the carrot of change, but it remains out of reach every time to make the victim feel hopeful that things will change for the better.

Maybe they will, maybe the things will start to look lovely and idyllic – but only for a short period of time. Then they would go back to as they were before.   

All in all, there is no point to try and find the roots of an abuser’s behavior and why he is like that because your reality and his twisted and manipulative reality are very different.

And, most importantly, if you know a woman who is in an abusive relationship – do not judge her.

We should all try to be more supportive and try to understand how serious this problem actually is. 

There is a stigma around this topic even today, and if we feel secure and have the courage to share stories about this problem, and hear other stories without judging – then maybe we could change something about it and make people feel safe in their relationships.

 Sharing is caring!

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Richard Branson: Killing Animals For Food Will Soon Become “Archaic”

By
Elizabeth Williams

Richard Branson, along with Bill Gates, Kimball Musk, former McDonald’s CEO Don Thompson, and others, have invested in a cruelty-free, environmentally-friendly, and healthier alternative to today’s meat production.

While we spend our days focusing on our more immediate problems, we tend to forget that we hold a great responsibility for our planet by doing those daily activities that may seem trivial and unimportant. We all are indeed tiny pieces in a vast world, but we should never underestimate the butterfly effect we create.

With every steak we buy, we contribute to the increased need for animal farming. And with the increased number of livestock and pastures, the destruction of rainforests, our atmosphere, and our health, is inevitable.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), almost a third of our planet’s ice-free land is used for livestock grazing, while also another third of the croplands is used for animal feed production.

The increase in demand means an increase of croplands and pastures, because of which the livestock industry contributes to the destruction of 32.1 billion acres of forest per year. 

And which is more, an estimate of 51% of the total worldwide greenhouse gasses emission comes from the livestock industry, making it one of the main contributors of GHG in the world.

However, a cleaner, sustainable, and cruelty-free alternative is taking flight and has already gained the favor of supporters such as Bill Gates, Kimball Musk, former McDonald’s CEO Don Thompson, and Richard Branson.

“Realising the folly of the world’s conventional meat consumption, I was compelled to give up beef a few years ago. The main reason for my decision was rainforest degradation, and my eyes were also open to farming and slaughterhouse practices. I quickly found that I did not miss beef at all – there are so many alternatives that it didn’t really affect my meal habits,” explains Richard Branson in his blog post.

The alternative for which he is vouching, and in which he has already invested, is the production of real meat, produced without the need for breeding, feeding, and slaughtering animals.

“I know that giving up beef (or other meats) isn’t the path for everyone, so I have remained supportive of the search to find a sustainable way to feed the world’s population without continued negative impact upon the environment.”

Memphis Meats is a company that produces beef, chicken, and duck meat directly from animal cells. So far, it has received the support of Branson, as well as other investors including Cargill and Gates.

The company believes that although meat cannot be completely eradicated from people’s diets, as it is “core to many of our cultures and traditions,” this does not mean that it cannot be produced in a healthier and more environmentally-friendly way.

And if you feel uncomfortable with the thought that your steak was ‘grown’ from cells, you should be aware that the process of growing this meat is completely safe and even contributes to a better calorie conversion.

Which is more, this process does not require the need for hormone and antibiotic injections, as healthy cells do not these substances which have proven to be toxic to the human health.

Of course, change can be something many would oppose to, but as Richard Branson believes, “one day we will look back and think how archaic our grandparents were in killing animals for food.”

Would you give this meat a taste?

Share and spread the awareness!

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7 Contradicting Traits Of The INFJ Personality Type That Make It Hard To Understand

By
Elizabeth Williams

The INFJ personality type comes with many conflicting traits that make the person seem very complicated at times.

INFJ is a personality type defined by the Myers-Briggs classification of personalities. One can say that this personality type is indeed rare, as it brings some strong qualities which may seem opposite from one another.

INFJ stands for Introversion + Intuition + Feeling + Judging and Myers and Briggs describe these people as people who “seek meaning and connection in ideas, relationships, and material possessions.”

These people are insightful about others, and they want to understand what motivates them. They are conscientious and committed to their firm values, and they develop a clear vision about how best to serve the common good. INFJ people are organized and decisive in implementing their vision. (Source: The Myers-Briggs Foundation)

However, this set of traits comes with a complex personality which many fail to understand. Even IFNJs cannot define themselves completely and clearly, as there are so many contradicting things about their nature.

Here are the seven most puzzling aspects of their personality. If you are an INFJ, we are sure you would agree.

Loners who desperately want to be with people

INFJs are introverted, being primarily focused on what is happening inside of them. This makes them the perfect match for a loner. However, being also feeling, they do focus on the connections and the feelings they get from other people.

The feeling trait is what makes them want to bond with people and truly experience genuine relationships. This creates an individual who does want to spend their alone time but is also in need of warmth and sensitivity they want to share with others.

Being with an INFJ, you will notice how they wish to lead an introverted life, which, although very private, they crave to share with someone who will express their emotions wholly and truly understand their feelings.

Sometimes they will disappear for a whole day, blocking every means of communication with the outer world, but the next day they are already feeling in desperate need of someone they could talk to and connect with.

Easy-going perfectionists

Being intuitive and judging at the same time may be something which will often conflict with one another. While they follow their intuition (and are thus spontaneous), they also like to see the order in things and create order where there is none.

Their perfectionist side and their system of strong values does not allow for much spontaneity, but their intuition forces them to act in situations where reasoning does not play a role.

This means that no matter how organized they want to be, their spontaneity and intuition will rebel against the lists and orders they have set for or imposed upon themselves. In the end, they compromise by changing the rules with every new spontaneous discovery.

Rational artists

INFJs are very creative, and very rational at the same time. This can often pose a conflicting situation, where most of their artistic ideas hit the rational spikes and tear them apart before they have time to develop.

This is why INFJs are commonly known for their talents which are bound by their own judgment before they get a chance to meet someone else’s. This is because their artistic side usually tries to represent their inner world, and being introverts, any criticism from outside would feel like an attack on their most personal feelings and thoughts.

So, they use their rationality to measure out and judge everything they have flourishing in their heart before anyone else can. Perhaps this is why you will find an INFJ creating so rarely, and when they do, it is truly a thing to adore.

Messy and tidy

Their judging character requires them to set things in order and create a tidy space to live in. However, INFJs are also very creative and want to experiment with the space around them.

The creative fire that burns in them does not allow them to settle for the same surroundings for a very long time. So, once they have tidied everything nicely, they might start reordering and rearranging everything until they get into a complete mess.

Their intuitive way of functioning and their feeling nature do not allow them to keep the order they also prefer very much. So, they change the order in which things are around them often, and they enjoy putting everything in order again.

Standing up for others, but not for themselves

It is very hard for an INFJ to accept when someone is in pain. They feel other people’s emotions, and they do not want to see them in any other way than being happy and positive.

This makes them stand up for them in times when they cannot stand up for themselves. They are protectors, and they are truly there for their closest ones. However, when it comes to standing up for themselves, they fail badly.

Other people’s feelings play a role in this as well, as INFJs think that by standing up for themselves, they might hurt someone’s feelings. And no matter how wrong the other person may be, the INFJ would rather retreat inside than spit out the truth they know.

They are judging, but they do not pass out their judgment so eagerly, as they do not wish to hurt anyone’s feelings.

Otherworldly and philosophical, yet craving earthly experiences

INFJs find discussing profound and meaningful topics as essential to their being. One might say that they come with a philosophical wisdom and a spiritualistic consciousness. 

However, they love the finer things in life, and, although they hold the otherworldly and philosophical topics dear, they like to experience the world through the five senses as well.

They like to be surrounded by beautiful things, gourmet meals, sophisticated music and art, and clothes that go nicely with all that. Their refined taste clashes with their need for simplicity in life.

Feeling of not belonging here, yet wanting to make this place better

‘Here’ is this world, and INFJs feel like they do not belong here like they have fallen from space and are wandering in a strange place that does not agree with their nature.

However, they like to make this place better, as they can easily see the flaws in the world we live in. They may not feel like at home, but they love the world, and they would do everything they can to leave it better than they found it.

 

Whatever the contradictions in their natures, INFJs are truly a special kind of people. If you are an INFJ, you should be aware of this. And if you know an INFJ, respect them and keep them close to you – they are truly a rare gem.

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3 Kinds Of Cosmic Connections Which Prove That We Do Not Meet Anyone By Accident

By
Mary Wright

These 3 kinds of cosmic connections that we experience throughout our lives are proof that nothing in this world happens by chance. Every encounter that we experience with another person has a meaning. 

Life becomes more meaningful when we interact and connect with others on a deeper level. Each connection is necessary since it brings a special meaning to our lives. In other words, we could see the world like a spider web full of connections intertwined into it. Some are silken, some are rough – but each one is important.

However, not every connection is supposed to last forever. Some encounters happen only to distract us from something that is not meant to happen – like a car accident for example. Others occur because the Universe sends them to lead us to a person who will become a significant part of our lives.

Sometimes we meet a person because we need someone to ‘wake us up’ and help us change the direction in our lives; other times, we meet people who remind us who we were before we started to forget about our true essence. And finally, there are those who the destiny sends them to hold a space for us.

Here are 3 types of cosmic connections which prove that nothing in life happens by chance:

1.Connection with souls who are supposed to ‘wake us up.’

When we meet with these people there is an instant sense of recognition and an energetic vibration on a deeper level. We cannot put our finger on it, but we feel like we have known them forever. They could be our soulmates and twin flames.

Their presence in our lives may become permanent since these souls are there to lead us into the way our lives are supposed to be. They are our ‘wake up’ call towards our destiny.

When we were kids, we all have different dreams of how our life would look like when we grow up. However, somewhere along the way, we have lost those dreams and ambitions from our childhood. However, if nothing seems to be going according to plan that means that it was not supposed to be.

These souls come into our lives to show us this. It is destiny’s way of intervention to show us in which direction should our lives go from that moment on.

2. Connection with souls who are there to remind us who we truly are.

In the process of growing up and learning how to be responsible adults in life, we can very often lose ourselves in the process. There is an incredible child inside every one of us. This child is creative, fun, and full of life and passion. Sometimes, we lose this inner child, and with it – we lose our essence.

This is not about career, money, or anything like that. It is about losing the greatest things of our being that we are born with in our adult lives. It is about not staying true to who we really are and starting to live up to someone’s ideals and expectations.

The souls that we meet during this time are those whose role is to show us the way to being ourselves again. They are there to remind us who we were before others told us who we should be.

They can be gentle, or brutal, in their mission, but this is only for our own good – for us to remember who we were on the deepest level and regain the touch we had with ourselves.

3. Connection with souls who hold space for us.

These connections are connections that happen instantly and usually don’t last long. Often they happen with someone who we cross paths with for only a moment and have a conversation that lasts for hours.

Or, the connection we make over coffee with a stranger while waiting for a bus and talking about our broken hearts.

These connections are there to remind us that just because someone does not stay long in our lives, does not mean that they are not fulfilling their purpose. These short but deep conversations serve as a reminder for us that those soul connections can be found every day.

And the beautiful thing is that we all have a story and purpose in life. And all that happens – happens for a reason.

Sometimes people come into our lives with the purpose to stay, and sometimes they only come to hold space for something even better.

And we never know when or where we will meet someone that is predestined to change our lives instantly.

7 Things He Does That Show He Is In Love With You (If He Does #5, Marry Him)

By
Elizabeth Williams

Men and women are very different in many aspects. One such aspect is the way we show our affection. There are so many women who cannot tell if their man is truly in love or he is just having some good time before he vanishes.

So, how can you know if a man is really in love? Here are 7 things only men in love do.

1. He likes hanging out with your family

In a relationship, perhaps the most dreaded part for many would be meeting and spending time with their partner’s family. One can never tell when the situation might get pretty awkward and uncomfortable, and usually, the discomfort starts from the moment you shake hands.

So, if your man wants to hang out with your family and he does not fidget his way in, throughout, and out, then he is definitely onto something. He wants to meet the people who have been part of your life and learn more about them because he takes the relationship with you seriously and he might want to learn more about his potential in-laws.

2. He is not afraid to ask you for fashion advice

Men do not usually ask for help when it comes to clothes. Come to think of it, they rarely ask for any advice, don’t they? So, if your man asks you for advice on their clothing, not only do they trust you, but they want to look the best for your taste.

Just as a hint, try not to make him feel uncomfortable in some adventurous and ‘courageous’ styles. Keep it simple and the way you prefer him the most.

3. He takes an interest in running errands with you

 Even the most interesting person has to do some very boring activities that involve waiting in lines in banks, shopping for groceries, paying bills… If your man takes an interest in joining you, it is not because he loves these nuisances, but because he wants to play house with you and spend more time with you (especially when you need someone to help you forget about the boredom).

4. He likes cooking for you

He does not have to be the best cook, but he will try to do his best when he prepares a meal for you. You should appreciate this a lot because you will most definitely taste the most clumsily made dish full of love. If he is a good cook, then even better!

You should be aware that men do not cook for themselves, even if they know how to. If he does it, it is specially done for you.

5. He will offer to fix things around your house or apartment

If your man wants to fix things at your place, know that he is trying to show you that he is worthy of a husband. He will not mind doing anything from simple tasks like changing a light bulb or the air filter, to something even more complex, like tinkering with the electricity to improve something.

6. He likes to plan special dates or trips with you

Most men will prefer to do things that will pop up at the moment and not pay too much attention to planning. Men in love know that this is not something that will always satisfy their partners. So, they take additional steps in planning special moments, or even trips, that are intended to make you feel like the only person in the world for them.

7. He listens to and remembers details from your stories

It is not that we are always interested in every story that our partner has to say. In fact, some are so trivial and irrelevant that we tend not to actively listen, but rather nod and forget everything we hear the moment we hear it.

If your man listens to your stories actively and remembers details from them, like things about your friends or family, he really cares. He knows that he should be the person whom you can talk to about anything, and he wants to know more about you and be closer to you.

Does your man do these things? If he does, he is definitely a keeper!

Share if you agree!

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A Japanese Doctor Who Studied Longevity — And Lived To 105 — Reveals His Secret To Living A Long And Happy Life

By
Elizabeth Williams
Living A Long And Happy Life

Dr. Hinohara, who worked tirelessly until his death at the age of 105, explains that the secret to longevity lies in a life filled with fun, purpose, hard work, and not listening to every of your doctor’s advice.

Longevity is something many people try to decipher and something which has both intrigued and inspired whole civilizations. And people do try to contribute to living long, healthy, and happy lives.

If you think of a country which seems to have found the secret to longevity, it is most likely that Japan will pop to your mind. Japan is the world leader in longevity, and it has got Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara’s selfless contribution to thank for it.

As a chairman emeritus of St. Luke’s International University, and honorary president of St. Luke’s International Hospital, Dr. Hinohara lived to 105, and he truly practiced what he preached.

His discoveries allowed him to have the strength and spirit to continue working until several months before his death. He used to work for up to 18 hours a day, 7 days a week, treating patients and holding lectures.

He was also the author of around 150 books, which he has published since his eighties, including Living Long, Living Good, which has sold more than 1.2 million copies.

How did he manage to do all this?

In an interview with Japan Times journalist Judit Kawaguchi, he discussed several guidelines for living a long, happy, and healthy life. Among them, he explained that living longer means living with a mind free of constraints and fears.

He outlined several tips which can help anyone achieve the goal of longevity and a life of happiness and success.

Have more fun instead of worrying about your diet and sleep

Dr. Hinohara advises that we should act more like when we were children. That careless attitude which did not follow strict rules about what you eat and when you sleep is what truly makes you happy.

“It’s best not to tire the body with too many rules such as lunchtime and bedtime,” he explains.

Obesity and longevity do not go together

If you have put on some extra pounds, it is best that you lose them if you want to live long. Dr. Hinohara had only coffee, a glass of milk, and some orange juice with a tablespoon of olive oil for breakfast; Milk and cookies for lunch (or sometimes nothing if he was too busy); and for dinner his choice was veggies, fish and rice, and, twice a week, 100 grams of lean meat.

Do not go for anything your doctor says

Dr. Hinohara says that if your doctor wants you to take a test or have surgery, always ask the doctor if he would recommend such procedure for a member of their family. “Contrary to popular belief, doctors can’t cure everyone. So why cause unnecessary pain with surgery? I think music and animal therapy can help more than most doctors imagine.”

Pain is countered by fun

“Pain is mysterious, and having fun is the best way to forget it. If a child has a toothache, and you start playing a game together, he or she immediately forgets the pain,” explains Dr. Hinohara. He also notes that this approach is what they use at St. Luke’s by introducing music, art classes, and animal therapy.

Do not be lazy

Of course, the elevator will take you upstairs quickly, but if you can use your legs, you better do that. Carry your own things, and whatever you can do with your own strength, do it. At the age of 105, Dr. Hinohara took “two stairs at a time” to get his muscles moving.

Do not retire

And, he explains, if you have to, retire much later than 65.

Source: Business Insider

If You’re Looking For An Ideal Partner, Here Is What You Should Know About Your Zodiac Sign

By
Elizabeth Williams

Some relationships just don’t work out, no matter how much you like the partner and how much effort you put into the relationship. It turns out that a lot of this has to do with Zodiac. Thus, Aries and Gemini could be great together, but Aries and Scorpio – not so much.

Cancer and Scorpio

This is a perfect combination of spontaneity and structure. Whenever the Scorpio brings organization and hard work, the Cancer will return the favor with a little bit of adventure. Both of the signs will appreciate the other’s input and that’s why this pair will always work. Scorpios have to be careful not to lose their partner to another Scorpio who is jealous of their happiness.

Gemini and Aries

The partners can make a perfect balance between the good and the bad sides. The challenges that they will face because of the impatience of the Aries and the impulsive behavior of the Gemini can be overcome only if they both put an effort in the relationship. However, the other characteristics of the signs, such as the decisiveness of the Aries and the creativity of the Gemini will make them a perfect couple.

Leo and Sagittarius

The reason why Sagittarius and Leo are great together is because their personalities are very similar. They are both reckless, but optimists and kind. They will fight often, but every fight will be solved very fast and easy. The problems might arise when Leo gets bossy and Sagittarius fails to see the real issue. If they keep communicating, they will reach old age together.

Aries and Libra

Usually, couples don’t function well when they work together. That’s not the case with Libra and Aries. They are made to work together and they can rule the world if they want. They are both diplomatic and hard working. Working with their partner only inspires them to achieve more. Aries’ impulsive behavior can cause minor problems in the relationship. Libras can make it worse by making their partner jealous.

Scorpio and Pisces

They’re both water signs and that’s exactly why they go great together. Their personalities are complementary and whenever Scorpio brings fire, Pisces cools it down with patience. This can be bad for the Pisces if the Scorpio tries to have control over everything in the relationship.

Aquarius and Virgo

The Aquarius is spontaneous, always bringing new ideas and dreaming of new adventures. The Virgo is the opposite – they always go in details and analyze every new idea the Aquarius has. That’s why they complement each other. If they respect each other’s wishes, they won’t have any problems.

Capricorn and Aries

They both want success and are hard workers, but they have different styles to achieve what they want. Together, they can combine their two styles and conquer the world. The only bad trait of the Capricorn is their negativity, but Aries can bring positivity in the relationship.

Cancer and Pisces

Pisces are mysterious by nature and this can be a problem for the Cancer, who is honest and likes to share everything with their loved ones. If they overcome this, the couple will be happy for a long time. They’re both passionate and romantic and they can have live a real fairy-tale.

Virgo and Gemini

This relationship is hot and fiery at times, but that’s just a minor challenge for the power couple. During disagreements, they both overreact and say things they don’t mean, but they’re sorry later and they let their partner know that they’ve made a mistake. Other than that, they are excellent together because they analyze everything thoroughly and almost never make a wrong move.

Aquarius and Capricorn

Both of them are sensitive and often fall into depression. Having each other helps them overcome the period and makes their relationship stronger because they have both went through depression before. They are a good couple also because of their different types of intelligence. The Capricorn likes to lead, while the Aquarius wants to be the brain behind everything.

Virgo and Taurus

This combination is one of the strongest there is. Both of them are somewhat conventional and mature, so they go great together. Both of them enjoy the same things, like staying at home to watch a movie instead of going out. This can make the relationship monotonous, however. If the Virgo wants to change that and bring something new in the relationship, the Taurus might get jealous.

Taurus and Sagittarius

This is an odd combination, but it works just because of that. While Sagittarius wants to travel the world and always go out, the Taurus will insist on staying home and relaxing with a movie away from the crowds. The challenge to make it work will push the Taurus to try new things, and the Sagittarius will have a chance to take a break with their partner instead of going on another trip. This balance will make then inseparable.

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6 Reasons Why People Who Spend Time Alone Are Smarter And Stronger

By
Mary Wright

People who spend time alone are not considered to be lonely or sad anymore. In fact, there are 6 valuable reasons why these people are actually smarter and stronger than others.   

With all our accounts we have on social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, it has become easier for us to be always connected with friends. We find ourselves constantly chatting, Skyping, texting, or talking on the phone with each other.

However, there are those who find themselves easily overwhelmed, and they value their alone time more than anything. They always find time for themselves to relax, sort things out, meditate, be creative, or just be on their own and do nothing.

And while some people might think that the people who enjoy being alone are lonely and sad – this is not often true. Actually, they tend to be smarter and stronger than those who do not find alone time for themselves.

Here are 6 reasons why:

1. They are more confident

People who spend time alone become more confident and sure of themselves and their decisions because they do not let others influence them when making a decision.

They do not find themselves bothering about others’ opinions, and they sure do not let others influence their mood. When they are alone, they spend time with their thoughts which gives them a broader perspective on things.

2. They are more productive

People who value their alone time are more productive in getting things done. This is because they distance themselves from everyone’s drama and do not get distracted by things that are not relevant to them.

They are able to manage their time according to the things they need to do. This quality makes them more focused and able to meet deadlines and targets because they work without any distractions.

3. They are more creative

When you decide to spend some alone time, you will be able to do the things that you love doing but you never found time; instead of doing only the things you are supposed to do. This boosts your creativity levels instantly.

People who enjoy having regular ‘me-times’ are more creative because their focus is only on themselves and the things they love doing. If they like to paint or write – this is their time!  

4. They clear their minds from anxiety and stress

During their alone time, these people learn how to block the outside noises and feel calm and peaceful. They know how to clear their minds while listening to their own thoughts only.

Moreover, people who spend time alone learn how to remain calm in stressful situations because during their alone time they learned how to listen to their feelings only and not be bothered by other people’s problems and drama.

5. They are better at problem-solving

People who find a regular time for being on their own become better with dealing with their problems and in finding a solution.

This is because during their alone time they are more focused on the problem. They have time to think about the real cause of the problem, thus finding a solution that works best for them.

6. They are more independent

People who enjoy their alone time learn how to take care of themselves and become more independent. In the time they spend alone, they subconsciously become aware of the fact that in life you can only truly rely on yourself.

Moreover, when you learn how to take care of yourself, your home, your finances, and so on, you will feel like there isn’t a thing that you cannot do!

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Which Of These Bride Types Are You, According To Your Zodiac Sign?

By
Elizabeth Williams

If you thought you knew everything about your zodiac sign, you are wrong. Astrologists have created the “Wedding horoscope,” as we like to call it. According to it, your zodiac sign shows what kind of bride you will be. Does it get more interesting than this? I do not think so.

Aries: The Chaotic Bride

Like everything else in life, you will organize everything in the last minute. Procrastination is your specialty. You know you promised you would not postpone anything when it comes to your wedding, but you will still do it.

However, your wedding will still rock, and you will manage to find a great venue and have a great band for a good price. You will probably regret going through everything last minute, though.

Taurus: The Calm Bride

Everyone around you will freak out, but not you. You will not panic about the invitations or the food, but you will manage to have everything under control. You will be the chill bride everyone wants to be, and you will enjoy your day more because of that.

You are so patient that everyone will think you are just faking it. We would not be surprised even if you found your wedding dress in a thrift shop a week before the ceremony.

Gemini: The Complicated Bride

As a Gemini, you are used to changing your mind every minute. This will not change even for the wedding, and everyone will constantly be under stress because of this. But it is your day, and they love you, so they will do everything you want just to make you happy.

When it comes to you, you will change your mind a thousand times before someone brings the final decision. You will still regret some things afterward, and you will wish you went with the other option, but you will still be happy with the outcome. And you do not even care for weddings that much anyway. Who knows where you will end up in 5 years and with whom?

And you do not even care for weddings that much anyway. Who knows where you will end up in 5 years and with whom?

Cancer: The Overly Emotional Bride

Let’s be real here – you live for your wedding. You have always fantasized about it, and you have known what kind of wedding dress you would be wearing. The moment you finally get engaged will be the happiest moment for you just because you can finally plan your wedding. At the celebration, you will be emotional because it will end soon. You will probably cry at the ceremony – or in the bathroom with your bridesmaids.

At the celebration, you will be emotional because it will end soon. You will probably cry at the ceremony – or in the bathroom with your bridesmaids.

Leo: The Destination Bride

When it comes to your wedding, it has always been clear to you – it will be a destination wedding. You cannot imagine your life without traveling, so it will be obvious to everyone why the wedding ceremony is going to be held in Hawaii or Brazil. 

It is your day, so you will not care about other opinions, and you will do everything so that you have your family and friends there with you. The best part of your wedding is that everyone will remember it because of the destination. The wedding will be an adventure for everyone, especially for you and your partner.

Virgo: The Organized Bride

You will enjoy planning your wedding. Everything will be in the beautiful details, and everyone will be amazed by your work at the ceremony. Although you will have limited time to organize everything, you will find time and patience for every little detail.

The wedding will be very important for you and you want everyone to enjoy it as much as you. But, to be honest, a part of you will just fish for compliments.

You will enjoy listening how everything was perfect and how the place looked amazing, and you know it. After the wedding, you will go through a mini-depression because everything is over.

Libra: The Noble Bride

We will say it to you right away – your wedding should be your special day, not your mother-in-law’s or your sister’s. Everyone will try to take over the control because they are used to it. Most probably, you will let them do it. You want to please people, so you will allow everyone to change your plans. So, your wedding will be a result of the wishes of your partner, sister, mother, mother-in-law and your bridesmaids. Don’t do this! You deserve to have your dream wedding!

Most probably, you will let them do it. You want to please people, so you will allow everyone to change your plans. So, your wedding will be a result of the wishes of your partner, sister, mother, mother-in-law and your bridesmaids. Don’t do this! You deserve to have your dream wedding!

Scorpio: The Bride who hates weddings

Weddings are not your thing. You will go through it just because of your partner and your family. You will not even dedicate much time on planning because you will not care about it.

If it were up to you, you would just elope and get married somewhere nobody has ever been. And maybe you will if your partner is up for it. If this really happens, you will probably not even tell the others about your wedding. You will let them find out themselves.

Sagittarius: The Perfectionistic Bride

Everything will have to be perfect at your wedding. You will have a traditional wedding, but you will also try to make it modern. Will you achieve to do that? Of course, you will, and everyone will admire you for that.

Your dress will be a recreation of an old classic, and you will wear your grandmother’s pearls. At the ceremony, you will dance to every song and with everyone. The cake will be glorious. Everyone will have a great time.

Capricorn: The Family-Oriented Bride

Family means everything to you. At your wedding, you will want to see everyone – even your extended family because they are very important to you and you want to share this special day with everyone.

Same goes for your partner’s family. You will encourage him to invite everyone, no matter how expensive the ceremony is. You might even have two wedding celebrations: one for family and the other for friends and colleagues.

Aquarius: Party Bride

As a bride, you are fun and playful. You want everyone to have a good time at your wedding, and you are the person who will party the hardest. For you, your wedding is just a chance to throw an amazing and unforgettable party.

And why wouldn’t it be? It is your biggest day, and you should have fun and party. Apart from the celebration, you will still have a traditional wedding ceremony, although you think it is corny. But you will do this for your partner.

Pisces: The Beach Bride

If it were up to you, you would have a beautiful beach wedding under the sunset. But, you probably won’t, just because of your family. You are too sensitive to disappoint your loved ones by not having a traditional wedding.

That is why you will have a beautiful traditional wedding, and you will be happy for that because, on that day, you will feel like a princess. Of course, you will regret some things, like inviting some cousins whose names you do not even remember. But everyone will love your wedding because you know how to organize a great wedding.

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Gaslighting: How To Spot Psychological Manipulation – 3 Sneaky Ways Psychopaths Rely On

By
Mary Wright

Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse where victims are being presented with false information, which makes them doubt their perception, memory, and sanity. 

There is a term in psychology called gaslighting, that stands for a form of psychological abuse, and in relationships, it means that your loved one presents to you false information and insists that he is right and you are wrong. This form of manipulation will over time make you doubt, and question yourself, your memory, or even your sanity.

This sort of manipulation is so subtle that it will even make you blame yourself for your partner’s mistakes and all the problems that you have in your relationship. But, why do people choose gaslighting as a manipulative tool over a loved one?

Often it is a way for them to cover something up – be it sexual infidelity, financial troubles, you name it. It is their way to make you feel like you don’t trust them, or that you imagine things, to put the blame off themselves and onto you without any second thoughts. It is their way to hide the thing they want to hide successfully. Plus, they get to be the victim in this game!

Which types of people are most likely to be gaslighted?

The sad truth is – everyone can be gaslighted. Even the most brilliant and emotionally stable individuals are vulnerable to this kind of manipulation. This is because it is natural for us, as human beings, to trust the people we love. Even more so, rather than questioning their behavior, we tend to make excuses for it because there are some truths we can’t accept.

Moreover, it is not an easy thing to spot gaslighting. This process can happen very slowly and subtly that you can’t even notice it. It usually starts with small lies and excuses, such as: “Sorry honey but I am not able to come tonight, I got stuck at work.” A loving partner will not suspect anything at first, but as the time passes the excuses and the lies will only get bigger and even unrealistic.  

However, even at this point, we might not be able to notice it because the depth of the lies and excuses rises gradually. It is like you put a frog in a pot full of water and you start rising the cooking temperature slowly, so the frog will not notice that it’s being cooked.

So, how can you tell if you are being gaslighted in your relationship?

If you suspect you are being gaslighted by your partner, there are 3 things that you can ask yourself. If you answer ‘yes’ to these things – we’re sorry, but you are being gaslighted.

  1. When you ask your partner about his whereabouts, and what he was doing, does he usually change his tone and flip the script only to look like it is your problem and not his?

If your answer is ‘yes,’ then you probably have heard him make excuses such as: “I told you not to wait up because I had to work late. You never listen to me;” “Why do you keep asking me if something is up? I feel like you don’t trust me anymore;” “I cannot believe that you are mad because I forgot to call you. I only closed my eyes for a minute, and I fell asleep. You are always getting mad over nothing.”  

  1. Does your partner make you feel like you don’t trust him because you are psychologically and emotionally fragile?

 If this is true for you, here are some of the most common statements that your partner has probably given you: “Why are you so jealous? She is just a friend, and she needs help;” “You are crazy if you think that something is going on with my coworker. She only calls me when there is a problem at work;” “You are insane if you think you saw me with another woman. I was at meetings all day.”  

  1. Do you often deny your perception of reality and your instincts because it is the only way that you can believe in what your partner tells you?

 If you answered ‘yes,’ then probably you are familiar with these statements that your gut tells you they are not true: “I wasn’t looking at that woman. I was looking for the waiter to bring the bill;” “I told you last Saturday that I had to go on a business trip this weekend. Maybe you did not hear me;” “I don’t know who told you they saw me with another woman. All I know is it wasn’t me.”

 If you answered ‘yes’ to all these 3 questions – there might be a problem in your relationship that you are not aware of, or choose to ignore. And you are not responsible for it, despite what your partner makes you believe.

We can all agree that this is a hard bite to swallow. It is not easy to accept that our loved one chooses to betray our feelings in this low manipulative way.

But you can always rely on your friends and your family to give you outside advice, and remember – it is not your fault, you haven’t done anything wrong.

Finally, accept the fact that this manipulative nature is only their reality. It is who they are at their core. Instead of trying to change them, accept the fact that their reality does not have to be yours too, and walk away.

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