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Category: Self

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Unlock the Secrets to Being a Supportive and Caring Friend

“No one to hear the voice of heart, longing for a companion to share, a friend, who’s always there for you, and who cares.”

When you are at the lowest of your time, the only person you run to is your best friend—one who understands you, would never judge you, and supports and motivates you.

You are very lucky if you have that one person in your life who is always there for you when you need a caring hand to calm, guide, or even tell you when you are in the wrong.

A true friend is not the one who will support you no matter what you do; a true friend is someone who will not judge you for your actions but guide you through the right path in your life.

Now, the real question is, have you ever been a true friend to someone?

Have you ever cared for or been empathetic to your friend to a level when his troubles will make you suffer as much as your friend does?

If you are still thinking and have no idea whether you have been a good and caring friend or not, then don’t worry. There is still time to show that you are a true friend and you actually care. 

Let’s learn more about the traits of a good friend and how you can become one by taking small yet effective steps.

What Does It Mean to Be a Good Friend?

Friendship is one of the greatest gifts that life has given you. But sometimes, we forget to appreciate it and show how grateful we are to have some good and caring friends.

A good friend is not someone who just shows up when the times are good. It is more about being someone who can deeply understand, connect, and offer support. Friendship is an emotional bond built on mutual trust, empathy, and shared experiences. 

If you are really looking forward to being a good friend, it is not necessary to have all the answers, but you must have the ability to truly listen when your friend opens up. 

👉 Pro Tip
Being a good friend starts with being present. Try setting a regular “check-in” reminder on your phone—it’s a simple way to make sure you’re consistently showing up for the people who matter most in your life.

Studies suggest that 1 in 5 people experience feelings of loneliness even when surrounded by others, meaning your presence alone can make a bigger impact than you think. 

It is important to be aware of your friend’s emotional and mental state and offer support, even if you cannot give a solution. The human brain naturally mirrors the emotions of people around them; it is a process called empathic attunement, which is important for deepening friendships. 

Small Actions that Strengthen Your Friendships

True friendship is not all about grand gestures; it is about the small actions that truly strengthen your relationship with time and effort. When you send an unexpected message or remember an important detail about your friend’s life, it shows you care.

Here is a list of small actions that you can take to strengthen your friendship:

#1: Be There, Even When It’s Not Convenient

If your friend is going through difficult times, being a true friend means being there for him. It will make your bond stronger. If you are making some time and effort to check in, even when you are busy or distracted, it shows that you care for your friends and they matter. This act of being emotionally available helps you strengthen your trust and closeness.

#2: Remember the Little Things

Friendship is when you have shared memories and remember the details that matter to your friend, like their favorite songs, childhood stories, or dreams. It will create an emotional bridge to bring you closer. According to psychological studies, people who recall positive memories with their friends feel significantly more connected in the long term.

🎭 Interesting Fact

Sharing a simple laugh together boosts your mood and strengthens your friendship. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, creating a positive emotional connection that helps build resilience in your relationship over time.

Small acts count when you do them from your heart; they touch the souls of people close to you and foster a strong and lifelong bond. 

How to Be a Friend Through the Good and the Bad?

If you are wondering how to make a difference and be empathetic during your friend’s good and bad, then here are some of the tips that can help you show that you actually care:

#1: Accept Differences and Respect Boundaries

It is important to understand that every friendship comes with its own uniqueness, which makes it essential to respect your friend’s viewpoint, lifestyle choices, and personal boundaries. It is natural to have disagreements, but what matters the most is how you handle them. As a good friend, you accept your friend’s traits and shortcomings; you create an environment where both of you feel safe and comfortable to be yourself. 

Research shows that respecting boundaries strengthens emotional intimacy, as it demonstrates that you value your friend’s autonomy. 

#2: Show Genuine Appreciation

Another great way to strengthen your friendship is gratitude. You can send a short message to your friend saying, “Thank you for being there for me,” or for something your friend did. According to some studies, expressing gratitude not only increases the well-being of the person receiving it but also enhances your own happiness.

Mutually appreciating each other will strengthen the emotional foundation of a friendship. You can keep a journal where you can write down the things your friend has done to you and things that you appreciate about your friend and read them later to analyze how these small steps have brought you closer and made your friendship stronger.

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#3: Offer Help Without Being Asked

Sometimes, we tend to wait until our friend actually asks for help. You can be proactive here and offer your help without asking when you know your friend is in trouble. Even in small ways, extending your hand for help will leave a great impact. It could be as simple as offering a ride, helping with a task, or being available and support during stressful times. 

When you offer your help without asking, it helps build trust and shows that you are paying attention to your friend’s needs. 

#4: Share Your Own Vulnerabilities

Friendship just doesn’t go one way. When you are there for your friends and support them, you can also share your vulnerabilities to bring a deeper sense of closeness. It will show your friend that you trust them and value their emotional support as well. 

The mutual exchange of feelings and challenges will strengthen the sense of empathy and the bond of your friendship.

#5: Create Shared Rituals

Creating rituals together, like a weekly coffee catch-up or an annual road trip, can take your friendship to the next level with a sense of continuity and tradition. These routines could be small, but they act as the pillars that keep your relationship strong, even when life gets busy. 

When you are creating these rituals, you are making sure that you value friendship and are willing to invest your time and effort to keep it thriving.

👉 Quick Question 
 When was the last time you checked in on a friend just to see how they’re really doing, without any specific reason? How did it make you both feel?

These simple yet powerful acts will help you keep your bond strong and let you know that you are there for each other in the good and bad times.

Conclusion

You do not have to be perfect to be a good friend; all it requires is intention. Your every small act of kindness, shared experience, and carefully listening to your friend build a foundation for your friendship. 

The best part is that you have everything you need to cultivate a meaningful friendship. You can focus on empathy, being present, and emotional availability, and it will help you create a meaningful and deep-rooted friendship that can last a lifetime.

Having a good friendship and cherishing it are beautiful experiences that enlighten your life and fill it with joy, laughter, and happiness.

“Spreading arms wide open, sowing with care, a friendship seed; looking out for you through the storms, cause a friend in need is a friend indeed.”

Activity: The Friendship Jar

1. What You Need: A jar, some small pieces of paper, and a pen.

2. Instructions: Every week, write down one small, kind action you’ve done for your friend on a piece of paper. It could be anything—sending a supportive message, listening without judgment, or planning a fun day together. Fold the paper and place it in the jar.

3. Reflect: At the end of each month, open the jar and read through the notes. Reflect on how these small actions have impacted your friendship. How did they make your friend feel? How did they make you feel?

👉  Pro Tip: 
This activity will not only remind you of the efforts you’re putting into your friendship, but it will also inspire you to continue nurturing those bonds with intentional, caring actions.

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How Can You Strengthen Your Ability to Feel and Connect

“Lost the touch of emotions that once were flowing like the wind; silent feelings, like a sand, slipped through the hand.”

One of your close friends comes to you with his troubles, and you understand his situation but fail to express and connect deeply?

You might have been in the same situation when you are trying to share all your burdens with someone close to you, and that person fails to connect with you by heart, making you feel less valued.

This shows how important it is to be empathetic and show that you care and are there for your loved ones in need. It not only encourages them to stay strong but also ensures that you are there for them.

Let’s learn more about how being empathetic matters and what the effective ways to develop it are.

What Does It Mean to Be Truly Empathetic?

Have you ever wondered why people around you keep saying how empathy has moved them and how they can cope better with the empathetic people around them?

If you truly desire to understand empathy and how to become empathetic, you must know that it is not just about acknowledging someone’s feelings but also feeling them. 

When you are finally able to fit yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand what they are actually experiencing, you are sharing the feeling of empathy. You will be able to connect deeply with them and walk with them emotionally, even if you are on an unfamiliar path. 

You may think that when you are saying, “I know how you feel,” you are being empathetic. However, true empathy is beyond that; it is acknowledging that the emotions experienced by everyone are unique, even when they are in a similar situation. 

Making this kind of connection allows you to offer your actual support without any judgment and creates a safe space for openness. 

Empathy is neurological, not just an emotional experience. The mirror neurons in your brain activate when you witness someone else’s emotions or physical pain. It allows you to feel something similar to their experience. 

👉 Pro Tip
Next time you listen to someone share their feelings, don’t just say, “I understand.” Instead, try to mirror their emotions in your tone and body language. This subtle shift deepens your empathetic connection and shows you’re truly tuned in.

It is an inherent part of human response, which you can improve like any other skill. 

How Does Your Brain Connect with Others?

Your brain is naturally designed to understand and share the feelings of others. 

Neuroimaging studies have shown that areas like the anterior cingulate cortex and the insula light up when you observe others in distress. These regions are linked to emotional and social processing, which create an inner map of emotions, making it easier to relate to others. 

Oxytocin, the love hormone, plays an important role in enhancing your empathetic feelings. When your oxytocin levels rise, especially when you are trying to establish an emotional connection, your ability to empathize increases. 

 🎭  Fun Fact
Did you know that simply making eye contact with someone can trigger your brain’s empathy circuits? It’s a small gesture, but it releases oxytocin, making it easier for you to connect and share feelings with others.

Research shows that about 1 in 5 people struggle to understand why they feel stressed, anxious, or upset, which can make empathy even more challenging. But when you make a conscious effort to connect, your brain’s capacity for empathy strengthens over time.

Why Empathy Is Essential for Building Stronger Connections?

To better understand why empathy is essential for building a stronger connection, here are some of the key points to help you deepen your grasp:

  • Empathy is the foundation of trust; it not only encourages open communication in both personal and professional relationships but also deepens the connection.
  • If you are empathetic, people around you will feel seen, heard, and understood. It will help strengthen the emotional bond between you.
  • According to a study done by Stanford University, teams that actively practice empathy are more productive and cohesive, demonstrating a positive impact on workplace dynamics.
  • Empathy helps bond personal relationships, enabling emotional intimacy and allowing us to build deeper and more meaningful connections.
  • When you are showing empathy, you make other people feel supported and understood, making it essential for resolving conflicts effectively.
  • When you show empathy, you validate others’ emotions, making them feel supported and understood, which is crucial for resolving conflicts effectively.
  • Empathy also reduces feelings of isolation, helping you easily understand emotionally complex situations, whether with a partner, colleague, or friend.

Bonus Point:
Empathy creates a ripple effect. When you show genuine empathy, it often inspires others to do the same, fostering a more compassionate and understanding environment in both personal and professional circles.

The above points will help you understand how important it is to be empathetic to build strong connections.

Practical Ways to Develop Empathy in Your Everyday Life

Being empathetic does not require you to show grand gestures; the small steps you take daily can lead you to build the deepest connections. 

Here are some of the practical ways to develop empathy in your everyday life:

  • Practice Active Listening   
    To begin with empathy, you must learn active listening, not just hearing the words. It involves truly paying attention to what someone is saying. Try putting your own thoughts and distractions aside when someone speaks to you next time. You have to focus on what they are saying and how they are saying it. Make your goal to listen with the intent to understand, not just to respond. 
  • Observe Non-Verbal Cues   
    There is a lot of non-verbal communication that you must learn to understand. If you are able to understand them, you can learn a large portion of someone’s emotional state through their body language, tone of voice, and facial expression. You can get a clearer picture of their inner experience, even if they are not able to express it. 
  • Use Empathetic Language
    You can use phrases like “I can see that you are really upset” or “That must have been difficult for you” to confirm someone’s experience. Make sure you are not rushing to solve their problem but verbally acknowledging their feelings. It will help you deepen the conversations and provide emotional support. 
  • Ask Open-Ended Questions
    Another great way to show empathy is by asking questions and encouraging other people to share their feelings and thoughts. You can ask, “How are you feeling about this situation?” instead of asking, “Are you okay?” It will help you show them your empathy and that you are interested in understanding their emotional position.
  • Practice Empathy with Yourself
    Before you start being empathetic with anyone else, you must practice empathy with yourself. You cannot truly empathize with others when you are not with yourself. You must take time to acknowledge your own emotions, especially those that are complex. Self-compassion will help you build a foundation to be more aligned with others. You can keep a journal and write positive affirmations to start practicing self-compassion.
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Empathetic Question: When was the last time you paused to truly listen to someone without thinking of how you would respond? How did it change the way you understood their emotions?

According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, nearly 40% of adults report feeling overwhelmed or anxious without understanding why. Practicing empathy with yourself first can help you better connect with others in a more genuine and grounded way.

Conclusion

Empathy is just like any other skill that you can improve with time. It is important to continuously try to understand the other’s perspective; it will eventually help you grow your relationship stronger and more fulfilling. 

You can start by observing non-verbal signals, using empathetic language, or practicing active listening to bring you one step closer to building a connected world, which includes understanding and compassion. 

Empathy not only helps others feel better but also improves your life too. Every time you are able to truly feel someone else’s emotional experience, you expand your own ability to love, compassion, and connection. 

“Empathy making its way, riding in a wagon of hopes, making it easier to build a connection, walk you through the tides and slopes.”

🎭 Activity: The Empathy Walk

Next time you’re in a public place—a park, a café, or even a busy street—take a 5-minute “Empathy Walk.” 
As you pass by people, try to imagine their stories. What might they be feeling at this moment? Why? 
This simple exercise helps you practice stepping into someone else’s shoes, broadening your perspective, and enhancing your empathy in everyday life.

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How to Deal with Jealousy: Practical Tips for a Healthier Mindset

Experiencing jealousy is like holding a burning ember in your hand. The longer you grip it, the more it hurts. The practical solution to rid yourself of all the pain and burning is to let go of it.

We know it’s easier said than done!

You might not be able to gulp it for now but believe us, the discomfort and unwanted feelings you feel will vanish once you read the entire article.

This article will help you identify the root causes of your jealousy and guide you to a better place where you can overcome it without falling into its grip.

Let’s dissect it point by point and see how you can work around this complex emotion called jealousy.

What is Jealousy?

Jealousy is an emotion that emerges when we perceive a threat to someone or something we value. It could be a possession, person, status, or relationship. It is natural for us to feel jealous, and we must handle our emotions with care and sensitivity.

Why? Judging ourselves for feeling the way we feel is very tempting, but trying to understand the whole situation and remaining compassionate towards ourselves takes real courage. This is where we evolve and grow in terms of dealing with our own emotions in a constructive manner.

Envy Vs. Jealousy

We often interchangeably use the words jealousy and envy. But understand there’s a huge difference between these two. Jealousy arises when we fear losing something we already have, while envy occurs when we desire something that someone else possesses.

These two emotions have different notions and point to different standpoints. Jealousy reflects the outside focus, where we entirely focus on the other person causing the trigger. On the other hand, envy is inward-focused, where our entire focus is on ourselves.

Upon closer inspection, you’ll realize envy is a more manageable emotion (though we can’t always control what we feel). Envy allows us to focus on our own desires. In contrast, jealousy shifts our focus outward, sometimes leading us to act in unjustified ways.

Ways To Overcome Jealousy

You often hear strong voices and opinions against jealousy, but know that an emotion is an emotion; it can never be categorized as being good or bad. There can only be ways to deal with it in a constructive or destructive manner.

#1: Acknowledge Your Feelings

Experiencing jealousy is never a pleasant experience. You may feel compelled to react to your compulsions, but understand there are better ways to navigate through this emotion. The place that you need to start is remaining non-judgmental towards your emotions. When you realize that judging your emotions should be the last thing on your mind, you’ve won half the battle already. Accept your jealousy, no matter how bad of a person it makes you in your eyes, and recognize that it’s a natural emotion that everyone experiences.

Once you become comfortable with your emotions, you can tune your emotional frequency to the feelings that you really want to experience.

#2: Dig Deeper and Challenge your Emotions 

The next step is to go a little further and question your own feelings and address the underlying fear, threats, or insecurities. It is imperative to be your own critic at this stage. Why? Because it is essential to expand your horizons and see the bigger picture. Jealousy often contracts our perception, and we only see what we want to see.

When acknowledging our jealousy, we must try to find its origin. Most of the time, it erupts due to some unresolved past trauma, low self-esteem, ingrained fear or insecurity following our past experiences, etc. When we use jealousy as a mirror, we make the best possible use of this emotion (jealousy) for our evolutionary growth.

#3: Practice Self-Compassion

The whole world is going to judge you anyway. Would it be fair to add one more critic to your life? Not really. We must understand the relevance of being our greatest well wishes. And this doesn’t come from giving ourselves the harshest judgments and opinions. In fact, we must learn to accept our feelings and emotions the way they are and try to find the reasons behind them.

To break the loop of negativity, try to treat yourself with the same compassion and concern as you would a friend. Instead of saying in your mind, ‘ You are being horrible for harboring jealousy,’ say, ‘It’s Ok to feel this way (for a given set of reasons), but you are bigger than this and can access a better range of emotions—following your personal growth and expansion.’

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#4: Open Communication

An effective step to deal with jealousy is to have open communication. Believe it or not, our minds often magnify negative emotions and situations. It isn’t surprising that it even lands us into thoughts and feelings that are delusionary. To bring ourselves closer to reality and find practical ways to move away from jealousy is to have an open discussion.

It may help us broaden our perspective and find practical solutions to our actual concerns. Also, it opens a brand new window of empathy and deeper understanding for the relationships to get better and stronger. Don’t hesitate to exercise the option of having a transparent and honest conversation and watch the transformation in your relationships like never before.

#5: Indulge in Mindfulness and Meditation

Staying unaffected by negative emotions and letting them pass through us requires a strong sense of stability. Whenever it comes to solidifying your ground, mindfulness and meditation will always top the list. They help you go deeper into your thoughts and feelings and allow yourself to know your deeper secrets.

For instance, you might feel jealousy in your relationship due to low self-esteem. Here, the solution is to work on your limitations rather than acting upon your impulses and making your relationship suffer its consequences. To get a clear vision and understanding of life, you must invest a significant portion of your time in activities like yoga, meditation, sound therapy, and so on. When you go deeper into your practice, you’ll notice a visible difference in your conduct and overall well-being.

Quick Tips to Deal with Jealousy

  • Don’t fall into the trap of making comparisons, as it can make you vulnerable to experiencing emotions like jealousy.
  •  Don’t delay in shifting your focus to your personal strengths, goals, and achievements whenever you catch yourself experiencing jealousy.
  • Limit social media consumption, as it often fosters jealousy by showcasing curated, idealized versions of others—leading to unfounded comparisons.
  • Reflect on triggers that often make you slip into the emotions like jealousy. Emotions are often the carriers of information that we often miss—fighting them off on the outside world.
  • Distracting yourself from the activities can also help you shift your focus from feeling unwanted emotions. If you genuinely despise experiencing jealousy, try engaging in physical activities, following a hobby, or connecting with an old friend.

Conclusion

Dealing with jealousy can be tricky. It takes a perspective shift to realize that we can channel this emotion for self-discovery and personal growth. Remember, it’s natural to experience jealousy, but what matters is utilizing it constructively. Setting healthy boundaries and focusing on your strengths can have a huge impact on transmuting it in the positive direction. The worst decision is to act on our impulses and continue to view life from a limited perspective.

FAQs

Yes, it’s perfectly alright to experience jealousy. Everyone experiences it at some point in their lives. The only thing that makes a difference is how we choose to navigate through this emotion. When we choose to get to its core and deal with it in a constructive way, it turns into a blessing in disguise.

Jealousy occurs when we fear losing someone or something, often stemming from our insecurities. The other factors that cause jealousy within us are past traumas, low self-esteem, drawing comparisons with others, and so on. Once detected, jealousy must be addressed with proper care and attention. When we choose to reflect upon our internal limitations following our jealousy, we take the constructive route to address our jealousy.

Jealousy is about feeling insecure about losing something. If it’s a person, you can straightaway go and talk about your concerns. It will help you find the real picture and receive an outside perspective on your problem. If it’s about a job, title, or position, you can dive deeper into the matter and find the actual cause making you jealous about them. The bottom line is addressing the underlying cause, which will help you elevate your emotional frequency. 

If you aren’t able to navigate through jealousy, you can always seek an expert’s help. Therapy is a great way to express yourself without any hindrance and allow the expert to guide you to a better range of emotions—expanding your perspective. In times when you aren’t in your best mind frame and emotions, you can choose to fall back on the expert’s guidance and get rid of jealousy once and for all.

Yes, we can. Understand that whenever we get jealous of someone or something, we are shifting our focus to the outside. We always have a choice of bringing it back to ourselves, and when we do this, we are bound to feel empowered. This is, in fact, the best way to deal with any dense emotion, let alone jealousy.

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Finding a New ‘You’ After a Breakup

You clicked on this article; chances are you had a breakup. Breakups are difficult, and they hurt like hell. Even if it’s only for a while, they make us think that this is the end of the world and we won’t be able to experience the happiness and contentment we once had in life.

If it isn’t your first time with a breakup, you’d know that this is not how it works. You might be feeling doomed at this moment, but this isn’t a permanent thing. Your friends and family aren’t lying when they say, ‘The best is yet to come.’ 

After the roller coaster ride of your emotions, when you get back to your sanity, you won’t be seeing the situation as you are seeing today. There are going to be a hundred different realizations and epiphanies that will bring new hope and perspective into your life.

Let’s dive deep into this topic and understand why you feel the way you feel and what you can do to navigate through it.

Why does a breakup hurt so bad?

Breakups can hurt as bad as losing someone to death. Scientists have provided sufficient evidence to support this claim, and we’re grateful to them for this. Imagine how tormenting it is to go through a breakup and not get the support and empathy of our people. Isn’t it the worst experience we can think of?

The general science behind breakups hurting so badly is that it triggers the feeling of loss, mourning, and anxiety within us that we feel when we lose someone in our lives. We tend to feel lonely, sad, and angry over it, and the pain multiplies when we don’t find the person around us to bring us ease.

Also, this is when we contemplate the future—thinking the worst possible thoughts. What if I don’t find anyone? Do I have to live like this forever? Am I good enough to hang on to a person in life?

Let’s see how to stop this chain of thoughts and deal with a breakup in a constructive manner. 

How do I get over a breakup?

After a breakup, don’t shy away from feeling your emotions. No matter how difficult or bad they seem, don’t step back. The first and foremost step is to process how you feel. And folks! There’s no shortcut to it. When we get stuck in our minds and try to feel what seems right to us, this is where the misery goes deep. Allow your emotions to lead for a while, and you’ll notice that you’ve started moving on the route of healing.

Here’s what you must do to completely heal from a breakup and transform into a new being.

#1: Process Your Emotions

As discussed above, it is important to process your emotions immediately after a breakup. Do what makes you feel good. It could be going out for walks, talking to a friend, indulging in therapeutic activities, sleeping for long hours, and so on. When we do this, we give ourselves the required support and warmth after going through a traumatic experience in life. It causes our system to calm down and break our biggest misconception that everyone would leave us.

Stay by your side, and you’ll see your healing happening at lightning-fast speed (don’t fake it, though; be unconditionally present for yourself, and it will pull you out of your sorrow). 

🎭 Activity
“Take a pen and a copy and journal your feelings and emotions. You may also set your intentions for the future.”

#2: Build a Support System

Just as we need a plaster to mend and support our broken bones, we need a support system of our friends and family to mend the emotional wounds that we get from a breakup. Try to surround yourself with friends and family members that understand your situation. It will help you come out of your negative chain of thoughts. Also, it will act as a motivation to find a new direction for yourself. 

A study from the American Psychological Association found that social support plays a critical role in emotional recovery after a breakup. Individuals with strong support networks tend to recover more quickly and experience less emotional distress.

You may also seek professional help if that helps.

👉  Pro Tip
“Plan travel trips with your friends. When you explore a new place with your people, it will help you gain a new perspective on things and give you new hope in life.”

#3: Cultivate Self-love

When you start to gain a hold of yourself, don’t lose the opportunity to invest in yourself. After a breakup, your mind becomes a blank canvas and requires new directions. Don’t indulge in self-care in the form of distraction. Try to sink into the emotion of taking genuine care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. It will help you ease your pain & hurt and will help you instill a strong sense of self.

How well are you taking care of yourself? Let’s find out.

  • Are you eating balanced meals?
    • Yes
    • No
  • Are you taking time to exercise?
    • Yes
    • No
  • Are you indulging in self-relaxation activities?
    • Yes
    • No

If most of your answers are ‘Yes,’ you are on the right path to recovery from the breakup.

Make sure you are getting enough sleep to calm your mental state after a breakup. If you are unable to find a way, you can start with a wellness journal. It comes along with prefilled sections that will bring forth contemplative questions for you to vent out your emotions on a piece of paper. Try it, and you’ll know that little exercises like these can help you ease your anxiety.

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#4: Build New Habits 

Among the constructive ways to deal with a breakup is to build new habits. You can start to do things that you’ve always wanted to do, whether it’s waking up early to go for a jog or joining the swimming classes that have always been on your mind.

However, a breakup is a time when you can easily fall prey to destructive habits like alcoholism. Avoid falling into the pitfalls of destructive habits; instead, take sufficient time for your body, mind, and soul to heal from a breakup and find progressive ways.

Another important step is to resist behaviors that drag you back to your ex. Avoid dwelling on their thoughts, checking their social media, or reminiscing about memories that get you back to the breakup trauma. Along with taking progressive steps, it is equally crucial that you disconnect from your past.

👉  Pro Tip
You can start a new hobby or activity to channel your energy. Sign up for yoga sessions; they will help you attain emotional balance. An hour-long session on a yoga mat will heal your physical, mental, and emotional body all at once.

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#5: Introspect

Last but not least, try to introspect on this entire episode. Here’s where you must bring your conscious awareness and logical thinking into the play. Try to contemplate the matters and find how you may have dealt with them differently. This is the best time when we can be 100% honest with ourselves. Reflect back on your behaviors and standards, and you will carve a new way based on your new understanding.

Ask yourself questions like,

Am I repeating a pattern?

Is there something constant that keeps happening to me every time?

Is my emotional response valid and justified in the given set of events?

Do I need to reset my standards in a relationship?

When you ask yourself such questions, you are putting yourself in the right mindset. You are neither being hard on yourself (which we often do after a breakup) nor trying to escape your responsibility. The only thing that matters is following it in the right sequence.

Quick Tips to Deal with a Breakup

  • Try to follow a busy routine. The more busy you remain, the less time you are giving yourself to dwell on past thoughts and memories.
  • Limit your social media contact. Scrolling people’s social media accounts will anyway increase your stress levels. When going from a sensitive phase of a breakup, try to avoid it altogether.
  • Try to connect with yourself. Remaining busy with daily routines and chores seldom allows us to reflect on our true selves. When going through a breakup, utilize this time for self-discovery.
  • Feel happy emotions. Try to remain happy consciously, and happiness will be cultivated as a habit. Make a conscious effort to stay in the happy zone, which will magically change your zone.

Conclusion

Breakups are unpleasant, but they give us the opportunity to have new beginnings. It might be difficult to understand this at first, but life never shies away from bringing us what we truly want. When going through tough times of breakup, remember to stay on your side and deal with patience and empathy. Don’t block your negative thoughts; instead, channel them to build new habits. Allow your emotions to take the normal course and take one day at a time. Follow the simple steps, and you will have a quick comeback from the feelings of loss and pain.

Remember: Whatever happens happens for a reason, and it’s always for our good.

FAQ’s

The thought of staying friends with your ex itself lingers in the hope of reuniting with your ex someday. When you and your ex have decided to part ways, it’s better to stick to your decision and choose ways that strengthen your path of moving on.

Yes. Experiencing feelings of anger, sadness, loneliness, and rejection is quite normal. Try to journal them from time to time and process them in constructive ways. Do not suppress them, and try to be present with yourself unconditionally.

There’s no fixed time to recover from a breakup. It’s a gradual process and depends upon how quickly you are able to get over the thoughts of despair and hopelessness. When you take a constructive route and build positive habits, it is likely that you will quickly get back to the place where you used to be before your breakup.

The simple answer to this is, ‘You’ll know’. Till the time you are asking this question, you are somewhere uncomfortable within you. As you naturally heal from the trauma of your breakup, you’ll naturally incline towards somebody at the right time without having to raise this query.

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How to Cultivate a Mature Mindset

If you think maturity comes with age, you are highly mistaken. You might have come across young people who are quite mature in their understanding. On the flip side, you may have met people who do not reflect the maturity expected of their age.

What is the mystery? What is it that creates the difference? How do some people become better players (of life) while others struggle to stay in the game?

We have answers to every question you have. Stick by as we unravel the science behind it and elaborate on the ways in which you can correct them.

What is emotional maturity?

Emotional maturity is when we don’t act upon our impulses; instead, we keep a balanced and focused approach to everything that life throws our way. And if you think it only comes on its own and there’s no other way to cultivate it in our conduct consciously, think again.

Has it ever happened that you have witnessed a similar situation twice but chose to respond differently? Well, this is what’s called evolution. When we learn from our experiences and change our responses based on our understanding, we become emotionally resilient.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), emotional maturity is closely linked to emotional intelligence (EQ), which is a better predictor of success in personal and professional life than IQ.

When we reflect back on the people, situations, and instances before we decide to act, this is when emotional maturity finds its way.

Ways to Become More Mature

Maturity doesn’t come from staying at the surface level. It demands commitment and sincerity. There are ways in which we can learn to become mature before life throws us into difficult situations.

According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, emotional maturity is associated with higher life satisfaction, better relationships, and greater resilience.

Follow the below-mentioned steps to cultivate maturity within your being.

#1: Patience is the Key

When we embark on the journey of developing maturity and a deeper understanding of life, we must develop patience. Have you ever noticed how easily you slip into the temptation of speaking out loud during fights and arguments? It’s easy to raise our voices and react impulsively, but maintaining calm and composure when we have a lot to say reflects a different level of self-control and maturity.

When you are in difficult situations, learn to control your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Take a pause to have a fair contemplation on the matter, and then choose to act. When you do this, you’ll be amazed to find that keeping patience helps you gain a bigger perspective of things and often changes your perception as you stick by it.

#2: Self-Reflection is Crucial

The journey of becoming mature and resilient starts with reflecting on your actions and reactions. It is vital that you introspect and observe your actions to gain a sound understanding of yourself. Reflect on any previous instance that revealed a truth about you. For instance, your attention was brought to the fact that you act defensive when someone pinpoints your mistake.

It doesn’t always have to be the case where you learn your lessons the hard way. You can adopt a proactive approach toward life and try to understand the real intentions behind your actions. When you do this, you’ll see that with the help of self-reflection, you have started to shift your beliefs and thoughts, and eventually, it shows up in your reality.

#3: Commit to Personal Growth

Finding maturity comes with remaining committed to your personal growth. You’ll often see—life has a way of knocking you down whenever you are at the top. Isn’t it?

The real intent is not to make you fall off the ladder. It’s when life sows the seed of resilience within you. This is when you must commit to your personal growth and don’t step back from taking the progressive steps. You can practice self-compassion and take steps towards building a positive relationship with yourself. Try journaling your daily events in a wellness journal, and you’ll see how it changes your life for good.

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#4: Cultivate Humility

Humility is necessary to cultivate if you want to dive deeper into emotional resilience. Understand the mechanism of life and see how it operates. Pick your life experiences, and most definitely, there’ll be an instance where life must have taught you to remain humble. Isn’t it?

As kids, we were all obsessed with our own needs. It takes maturity to learn how to be patient and humble toward others. Also, it is equally essential when we have to coexist in a world where we are dependent on others. When we ingrain this virtue in our behavior, following a deep understanding of how the world operates—and our role in it—we become emotionally mature.

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Reflect on the event when you practiced humility in response to a particular action. How did it make you feel? What are the thoughts that ran through your mind?

#5: Stay Persistent

Maturity isn’t for people who struggle to remain persistent. In fact, persistence is one trait that you’d commonly find in all those who have mastered the art of living with maturity and resilience.

It is crucial that you work toward your growth and don’t hide when situations get tougher. Showing up in the face of life is where you start understanding its true meaning. This is when virtues like resilience and persistence become a way of life. Until life puts you in situations where you grasp the significance of persistence, don’t step back from contemplating this subject. By doing so, you’ll smoothly transition from being impulsive to becoming an emotionally intelligent person. 

Characteristics of a Mature Person

#1: Responsible

A mature person knows how to shoulder his responsibilities. He owns up to his actions, mistakes, and shortcomings and tries to mend them to build harmonious relationships.

#2: Non-Judgmental

Mature people are often non-judgmental in their conduct. They understand the importance of remaining neutral to people, circumstances, and situations. 

#3: Empathetic

People who have mastered the skill of maturity understand the importance of empathy. They know how being empathetic is crucial to establishing trust and building deeper connections.

#4: Resilient

Only a person who can bounce back from his setbacks and keep a positive attitude in the face of adversity deserves to be called mature. Mature people are often resilient and convert hardships into opportunities.

#5: Patient

Patience is a crucial trait of maturity. A mature person knows the value of practicing patience, especially in situations of delay, difficulty, and frustration. A patient person understands that not everything happens on their timeline.

#6: Open-Minded

Mature people listen and try to understand everyone’s perspective. They know the importance of being flexible and don’t hold onto their opinions and viewpoints. They embrace change and are willing to mold as the situation demands.

#7: Committed

Mature people demonstrate commitment. They are dedicated to their roles and responsibilities and never step back from their word or commitment.

Conclusion

Maturity comes as we deepen our understanding of life. As we begin to approach our life situations with patience, empathy, and resilience, we start getting different results. Try to be observant towards your actions, and maturity will become part of your way of life. Try to make some conscious efforts with respect to cultivating maturity within you, and you’ll make an easy transition from being immature to being a highly mature individual. 

FAQ’s

Emotional maturity is when we resist the temptation of acting upon our impulses and try to understand the totality of the situation—looking beneath the surface. Emotional intelligence is a broader term that suggests managing and regulating our emotions as well as the feelings of other people. Overall, we can conclude that an emotionally mature person is on the path to becoming emotionally intelligent, as they navigate through life’s problematic instances with resilience and determination.

Emotionally mature people are well-equipped to handle difficult situations easily and gracefully. Also, it’s a vital life skill we must learn to smoothly sail through life. When we learn to manage and regulate our emotions and bring ourselves into sync with life, we live a life of fulfillment and contentment.

Yes, undoubtedly. The more you learn to manage your complex emotions, the more mental peace you are likely to attain. When we increase our awareness, we strive to lead a stress-free life. Our mental state is responsible for our emotional responses, and how we manage our emotional state is what determines our mental state. 

Yes, most certainly. If you are determined to work towards your emotional growth and stability, you’ll most likely learn through the instances that you experience in life. All you need is to adopt a learning mindset and observant behavior, where you scan everything from your behavior to your responses based on your emotions and impulses. Once you learn to remain watchful of your conduct, nothing can stop you from mastering your own emotions.  

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How to Replace Suicidal Thoughts with Hope

You are reading this blog; it’s a sign that the word ‘suicide’ is somewhere in your psyche. It could be curiosity to read about this topic, or you are actually going through a traumatic event in your life that you are considering ‘suicide’ an option.

If you are in the latter category, know that your perception is shrunk at the moment. There’s absolutely no denying the fact that your emotional turmoil is making your life a living hell, but understand that it won’t last.

Stick by because a brand new sunrise is waiting for you on the other side of this dark thought.

Read the article. Who knows, you may find something that can change your perspective about suicide once and for all.

What are Suicidal Thoughts, and Why do they occur?

Suicidal thoughts occur when we think of taking our own life. They can be categorized into two types: passive suicidal ideation and active suicidal ideation. Passive suicidal ideation is when we keep ‘suicide’ in our passive thoughts and wish we weren’t alive in the moment. This generally affects us psychologically and often occurs when we feel dejected in life.

Active suicidal ideation is when we actively think about how to materialize the suicide. We engage in active planning on how to take our lives and get rid of the emotional hurt or pain that’s going beyond our tolerance.

We often fall into these categories when we are faced with an overwhelming emotional upheaval and don’t find any way to deal with it. When we get into the clutches of hopelessness and powerlessness, we feel the urge to end our lives and relieve ourselves of all the pain and anxiety that we are facing.

Practical Strategies to Stop Suicide Thoughts

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 800,000 people die by suicide every year, and for each suicide, there are more than 20 suicide attempts.

If you have read this far, it shows your hope of finding light at the end of the tunnel. Go through the suggested ways, and you’ll find the next step to guide you toward life.

#1: Give a Last Chance to Life

Whenever you are flooded with suicidal thoughts, turn to this quick resort of delaying it to the next hour or maybe the next day. Think for a while; you can always commit suicide the minute you decide, but isn’t it a valid point to give life a last chance before you quit?

It is the deep pool of sorrow and hopelessness that is triggering your suicidal tendency. Before you can solve the entangled mysteries of life that are pushing you to despair, try to live for that one hour, and you’ll find that you’ve crossed a difficult junction. It could be anything from listening to inspiring music to spending time with your pet.

When you engage in something that makes you feel better at that moment, you have walked past the urge to get over with your life, and now you can start afresh.

Note: You do not have to think of time ahead of you. Restrict your planning to the next hour or the next day. Also, drop everything from your plan for a while that’s making you drown in helplessness or misery.

#2: Bring Temporary Distraction

It is understandable that giving you any thought or advice at the time when you are feeling suicidal is futile. But think for a while: isn’t it a psychological play that is overpowering you in the given moment? No matter how extreme the scenario is, suicide can never be the way out.

The best way to deal with it is to step outside the mental territory and not try to find any solution for the disruption you are experiencing. Instead, take a deep breath and abandon your mind as if you’re already outside your body. Observe your thoughts with a non-judgmental attitude. It will serve you in two ways: first, you’ll be able to reduce the intensity of negative feelings. Second, you’ll step into the power and access a dimension where you do not have to a slave of your thoughts and emotions.

It may sound weird, but it’s most efficiently performed when we are already feeling helpless in our current state.

Note: When you choose to distract from your pain, know that it is a temporary solution to get a tiny bit of relief to surpass the suicidal thought. Once you gain a hold of yourself, try to create a permanent resolve to all that you are facing in life.

#3: Seek Help

It is always advisable to seek outside help when you are not able to deal with the emotional distress. It could be joining the community to help you through your difficult times or sharing your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional.

When you are in the low phase of your life, don’t deprive yourself of the sources that can pull you out of this torment. Also, it will give you proof that life isn’t as bad as it seems at this moment. Pain has a tendency to make you feel that you are alone and there’s no end to what you are feeling at the moment. The best way to dodge this illusion is to surround yourself with people who genuinely care for you. And when you do this, you’ll be able to break your shackles of limited perception and carve a new life for yourself.

#4: Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol and drugs are the most difficult temptations to resist when we are drowning in the sorrow of hopelessness. Also, they are the most readily available resorts that we generally choose to get rid of our pain.

When we get under the influence of drugs and alcohol, it might bring us temporary ease and relaxation but block our ability to make sound decisions in life. When we think of committing suicide, we are already acting according to our impulses, and alcohol and other intoxicants are known to increase our impulsivity. So, how can it be a helpful resort for a person planning to commit suicide? 

Our ability to think clearly is compromised when we are caught in suicidal thoughts. The least we can do in this situation is to stay away from alcohol and other intoxicants to help ourselves a little more.

#5: Contemplate

When you’ve reached this extreme stage where you are planning to commit suicide, understand that you are disconnected from yourself. The permanent solution to deal with the suicidal tendency is to contemplate the reasons behind it and try to understand the source of your pain.

When in a calm mood, ask yourself questions like, Is it the unrealistic expectations you have of others, or a dysfunctional relationship, or Am I being a victim of self-sabotaging behaviors that went unchecked for long?

When you commit to yourself and get into self-inquiry, you can slowly and gradually unwind the layers of your unresolved wounds. This is when you’ll start to build a connection with yourself and move towards a better life.

Conclusion

Overcoming suicidal thoughts is not easy, but take one step at a time, and you’ll be fine. Know that you are not alone, and there are practical ways and strategies to deal with it.

You can start by delaying the action when stuck in suicidal thoughts, reach out for help, and step aside your mind to feel like a completely different entity for the time being. On gaining calm, have the courage to step into the dark territory and process your pain and unresolved trauma.

Remember, temporary distractions will work only for a while. So, prepare yourself to work through your pain and hurt to reverse this thought process of escaping life. One important thing: never try to change the way you feel. It will add insult to injury. Embrace your true emotions and transform them with time. We wish you hope and healing.

FAQ’s

When you are going through a time when the mind is hijacked by suicidal thoughts, rely on external support. It could be your friend you can trust, any family member, or call the immediate helpline number 988.

Try to give them your unconditional presence. Throw your judgment out of the window and allow them to confide in you with their pain, emotions, and distress. When you do this, you comfort them and negate their belief that ‘everything is out for themselves.’

Yes, therapy can be an effective resort to reverse suicidal thoughts. Suicide is triggered when pain overpowers coping resources. When a person is overwhelmed by suicidal thoughts, therapy, where you can openly talk to a therapist, can ease your pain and provide directions and courage to navigate through it.

While it’s not uncommon for people to think about suicide when stressed, persistent and intense suicide ideation can be a cause of concern. Seek professional help if you find yourself having suicidal thoughts on a frequent basis.   

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How to Tell if Your Partner Really Loves You

Finding true love is often a matter of luck. If you believe you’ve found “the one” and are looking for signs to confirm his love, you’re in the right place. Read on to discover if these signs are present in your relationship.

He Knows You Better Than You

We often take it at face value. Knowing someone better than they know themselves doesn’t mean learning their likes, dislikes, and favorite colors. It means taking a closer look at their actions and understanding the patterns behind why they do what they do.

If you are with the right person, rest assured they will take the pain of understanding the motivations and reasons behind your actions and contribute to your overall growth and wellness.

Let’s see how it works in real life.

Suppose you have a habit of getting into comparison, and you unknowingly jump into the comparative analysis that further sabotages your state of mind. When you enter into a relationship with the right person, it will take them only a short time to identify this pattern. And once they do, the ideal course of action for them is to support you through this limitation.

If you’re hurting your mental peace by comparing yourself with your ex, they’ll not shy away from giving you the assurance that you need and help you find coping strategies to deal with it maturely. Also, if you hurt them in the process by drawing their comparison with others, they would understand it and help you find a different perspective altogether.

He Keeps Respect Above Love

Prioritizing a partner’s respect is a precondition to having a healthy and nurturing relationship. If your partner respects you in ways that make you feel special, he is a keeper. There are instances where we see love overshadow respect for the other person. Sometimes, in ways where there is an ego-play under the pretense of love. This is where it becomes important to understand how the other person sees us.

If he respects your opinions, your decisions, your likes, preferences, and dislikes—he is qualifying to be a partner who’d appreciate you for who you are even through the rough patch of your relationship. Relationships that stood the test of time are those that keep respect above love.

He is an Open Communicator

To know if a person is genuinely invested in you, see if he’s having open and honest conversations. We all have reservations where we like to keep particular talks or subjects to ourselves. It could be anything from opening up about your fears to talking about matters that are too sensitive or personal to you. When you find a genuine effort from their side to discuss almost anything and everything, there’s no harm in assuming that they really value you and don’t want to leave any room for confusion or second thoughts.

When your partner is genuinely in love with you, you’ll often find him communicating his fears, concerns, and future plans to you. He won’t shy away from being vulnerable in his talk and would lend his ear to you in an equal proportion. Not to miss—active listening would be a thing. Also, he’ll do all it takes to carry out effective communication.

He Walks an Extra Mile for You

Do you find him putting in extra effort for you? We often take such gestures for granted but don’t realize that we only make adjustments for those who matter. And if your partner is among them who doesn’t mind walking an extra mile for you, consider yourself lucky. You can find hints of care in actions like adjusting his plan to accommodate your needs, cooking your favorite meal to make you feel special, sharing the household chores so he can share your burden, attending the events or movies that you enjoy, and so on and so forth.

When he exhibits these signs and doesn’t step back from expressing his love for you, it is a true indication that he loves you and wants you in his life. Also, it’s a significant love language to show that he cares for your happiness.

He Respects Your Individuality

Even if your partner is head-over-heels about you but doesn’t celebrate your individuality, you have a reason to give second thoughts. Respecting a partner’s individuality is imperative if you are looking to create a strong relationship foundation. It shows up in his actions, where he respects your qualities, opinions, and decisions. Additionally, he encourages you to follow your passion and never second-guess your instincts. It is also a confirmation from his side that he is far from being controlling and is standing in your support, no matter what. It is among an integral trait that, if you find in your mate, he is worth keeping for a lifetime.  

He Supports You in Every Situation

It isn’t something that we don’t already want to see in our partners. Remaining supportive of your goals and aspirations to the point where you feel strengthened is almost everyone’s wish who has ever walked on earth. And to find it in your partner is a matter of pride and happiness at once. If your partner stands in your support, whether it is household matters or your office concerns, he is speaking the language of love. Love is often tested in times of difficulty, and a partner should be there for you to offer you encouragement and practical help. If your partner truly loves you, he will always respect your decisions and ensure that you don’t get suppressed by negative people or circumstances.

He is Willing to Compromise

An integral trait to find in our partner is his willingness to compromise. When we see in his actions that he’s being flexible in his approach, it’s a prominent sign that he is rooted in you.

Perfection is an illusion, and if you think your relationship will only see rosy sequences of some romantic Hollywood movie, you are chasing rainbows. There has never been and never will be, a relationship without disagreements or misalignments. The goal is to handle these issues and disputes with maturity.

Also, if your partner has a deeper understanding and never hesitates to compromise when necessary, hold him tight.

He Plans His Future With You

When your partner shows a keen interest in discussing his future with you, it’s a sign that he’s already envisioning a life with you. Do you often find yourselves talking about the future or creating a bucket list of things you aspire to check off together? If yes, consider it a big green flag and know your partner is invested in you.

Also, it is important to note how proactively he is working towards the dreams and goals that you have discussed. Again, all talk and no work would be a big put-off where you must give second thoughts. It isn’t difficult to figure out if they are using these talks as fillers or demonstrating their love and commitment through their words.

He Makes You a Priority

Being a priority of your partner isn’t just about the feel factor; it’s a prerequisite of a healthy relationship. Are they available whenever you need them? Are they making adjustments in their plan to accommodate yours? If the answer is yes, it shows you matter to them. When you prioritize a person in your life, it is reflected in their commitment and devotion. It doesn’t necessarily have to be shown through grand gestures; in fact, it often appears in small, everyday actions.

Say you cancel a friend’s meeting to spend quality time with your partner. Or, you stay alert about their doctor’s appointment even if it means canceling your gym session. If you notice your partner showing their care through actions like these, consider yourself lucky and hang on to your partner till eternity.

He is Consistent

If your partner shows consistency in everything he does, never leave him. Being consistent is a prominent sign that cannot be ignored when it comes to choosing the right partner. How consistent a person is in his endeavors shows his dedication and devotion to you. Say, if he greets you with a good morning text, and there has never been a day when you didn’t receive the text, it shows that you matter to him and he cares enough to send you the first-morning text.

On the contrary, if you’ve been with a partner who, on some days, showers you with undivided attention and appreciation but remains lost for the other half month, would you be able to place your trust in him?

Conclusion

Love isn’t about making grand gestures and following the illusion of romanticizing life. Love is about sticking together and respecting each other’s individuality, being their biggest supporter. If your partner demonstrates the above signs and love language, know that you’ve been blessed  in life. Also, it is something that naturally progresses when we are deeply in love with someone. When you recognize these signs in your partner, it is bound to give you a sense of security and happiness. So, feel confident about your love, and know that it will endure every test of time when your partner is ideal in his ways and loves you beyond measure.

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Rebuilding Trust in a Toxic Relationship

If a relationship has become a millstone around your neck, it may be time to revisit its dynamics. Don’t shy away from taking a step back and reflecting on the expectations, boundaries, and communication within the relationship.
Relationships are meant to double our joy and should stand in support whenever we face adversities. It shouldn’t be the other way around and become the monkey on our back.

If you have been in a relationship that has been a constant source of stress and anxiety, here’s your chance to break free from the toxic cycle.

What Makes a Relationship Toxic?

A toxic relationship is where you aren’t receiving the treatment and respect you deserve. Or, the most appropriate way to say it is that you are moving to a point where a relationship is strangulating your peace, happiness, joy, and freedom—leaving you in an emotional void.

Usually, every relationship has its journey and experiences its own highs and lows. However, there are instances where relationships get stuck in the doldrums. We may start to feel that it is depriving us of the happiness we were expecting. Also, it can sometimes be detrimental to the point that it can make us fall into the black hole of self-doubt, stress, anxiety, and even depression.

Is your relationship toxic? Let’s find out.

  • Do you often feel emotionally burdened or drained?
    a) Yes
    b) No
  • Do you feel illegitimately manipulated or controlled by your partner?
    a) Yes
    b) No
  • Do you struggle to find your place in the relationship and often feel disrespected?
    a) Yes
    b) No
  • Are you suffering from emotional or physical abuse in a relationship?
    a) Yes
    b) No
  • Do you lack the confidence to place your complete trust in your partner?
    a) Yes
    b) No

If you mostly answered ‘A’s, you are in a toxic relationship, and it’s time to set the rules.

Why do Relationships become Toxic?

Relationships become toxic when we try to exercise control over our partners. Everyone wants to enjoy freedom and do as they like. When we burden them with undue expectations and try to make them do things our way, we damage our relationships and create room for toxicity.

The reasons can be both conscious and subconscious. Sometimes, our desire to control and manipulate is so intense that we compromise on the relationship terms that we agreed upon. It generally comes from factors like unresolved past trauma, low self-esteem, unmet needs, and even poor communication skills.

When we come from a background of having childhood traumas, chances are that we either contribute to the toxicity or play the role of victim. When this happens, it’s important that, aside from being protective of ourselves, we reflect on our behaviors and make adjustments to cultivate healthy relationships with others.

Let’s understand it with the help of an example:

Christina and William were a married couple. In place of clearly communicating his concerns, William slipped into passive-aggressive behavior. When he didn’t like Christina going out with her friends, instead of clearly communicating his concern, he started to build resentment within and expressed his dissent in unrelated matters. Christina felt the heat but failed to understand its origin. It started a trail of events where actions and reactions flared, and they both grew apart.

Here, the toxicity is about not being expressive and causing confusion in the partner’s understanding of you and your relationship. When we don’t take responsibility for our actions, we are being toxic in ways that we may not realize.

How to Fix a Toxic Relationship?

Fixing a toxic relationship doesn’t mean trying to repair it at every cost. Sometimes, the level of toxicity is so intense that it goes beyond repair. It is crucial that you identify the stage that you are in and then try to work towards improvement.

To illustrate, let’s say there’s a couple with a severe imbalance of power, and the husband tortures his wife in almost every way possible. He beats her, takes away her money, and spends it on his alcohol addiction.

Here, the solution doesn’t lie in removing the toxicity. In fact, the need of the hour is for the wife to remove herself from this relationship. She should completely withdraw herself from the relationship and put her entire focus on herself.

#1: Build Healthy Boundaries

The most effective way to heal from a toxic relationship is to build healthy boundaries. Identify areas where you aren’t ready to compromise or negotiate. If you look closely, you’d know that the whole chain of cultivating unhealthy relationship terms began when you gave up on your terms and allowed the other person to infiltrate the boundaries.

A boundary could be as small as requiring a cool-down period after a fight. Or, say, asking for decent and civilized conduct during a fight. Also, it could be a social boundary where you want to manage your friendships and social circle without any intervention or control. When we build healthy boundaries and respect them, we move towards healthier relationships and enjoy greater satisfaction.

#2: Effective Communication

Communicating our personal truths and desires to our partners is equally important to let them know about our hopes and expectations in a relationship. If we aren’t already informing them about it, it’s our lack. We have to give due importance to our truths, boundaries, and preferences; only then can we expect them from our partners.

Try to communicate all that you feel within, even if it means discussing the hard topics with your partner. Not touching the sensitive topics may save you from the conflict. But not discussing them at all would place you in the toughest spot. It is better that you find ways to ease your tension and speak out about your concerns. Even if it doesn’t resolve the matter, it will get the ball rolling and help you navigate through the tough phase.

Active listening is part of the process, too. Sometimes, we can be so stuck in our ways that we fail to understand our partner’s perspective. So try to open the communication channel, as there’s nothing that cannot be resolved when it’s on the table.

#3: Focus on Personal Growth

Whenever you feel you aren’t in the best time of your relationship, try to shift your focus on yourself, and you’ll see the complaints and negativity wading away. Why? Because sometimes, it is our attitude that needs to be fixed. If we aren’t focusing on ourselves and placing the entire onus of our happiness on the relationship, we are to blame.

Focus on your personal growth, and you’ll find yourself moving toward happiness. Even if you are in a highly toxic relationship where you are burdened with the other person’s hopes, wishes, desires, and expectations, it’s still important to follow the path of personal growth. It will give you the confidence to rely on yourself and make the other person realize that you can be your own driver.

👉  Pro Tip: 
Create a habit of writing your thoughts and feelings in a journal. It will help you cultivate a positive relationship with yourself. Also, writing a gratitude journal will help you shift your focus and make you feel happy from within.

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#4: Learn to Forgive and Let Go

When we’re stuck in a toxic relationship, the key lesson is often to learn how to forgive or let go of hard feelings. This doesn’t mean forgiving someone forcefully; rather, it involves taking an introspective journey and softening our stance towards the person by trying to understand their perspective. Allow it to happen in due course, and do not rush into the process.

However, it’s important to understand that this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, you need to let go of the person rather than the grudge you’re holding onto. Deciding whether it’s time to forgive and forget or detach from the person with whom we’re in conflict requires careful judgment.

Follow your intuition, and it will guide you in the right direction. If you decide to follow any act, advice, suggestion, or command that is in discrepancy with your inner knowing, you are likely to commit a mistake or choose the wrong path.

Final Reflection

Finding a certain level of toxicity in every relationship is a common stance, but rebuilding it with trust, commitment, and dedication is the real catch. Be aware of the emotional triggers that you find in your relationships and try to make them the stepping stones to a fulfilling relationship. Understand that toxicity isn’t always intentional. It is sometimes the result of us acting in our subconscious capacities.

Bringing concerns to the surface and resolving them is the solution. When it comes to resolution and redressal, effective communication is critical. Stay committed to your journey of healing relationships, and you’ll overcome any challenges that once seemed overwhelming. 

FAQ’s

Yes, we can fix a toxic relationship. When both partners are committed to their growth and ready to acknowledge the issues, it is easy to resolve the issues that have already surfaced. Also, you may seek the resort of consciously going into introspection to find unhealthy behaviors. You can even work towards correcting them before they appear problematic and cause trouble in your relationship.

If you are not able to derive the joy out of your relationship and feel drained, chances are you are in a toxic relationship. It generally stems from the tendencies of control, manipulation, emotional abuse, gaslighting, and other tactics that are practiced to keep the other person in your control. This often leads to distrust and a lack of empathy towards the other person. 

If your partner isn’t supporting you in the relationship work and making no effort to resolve the issues that stand in your way, it’s better to focus on your things. There’s absolutely nothing that you can do other than work on yourself. Either it will make him realize your value, or you’ll reach the understanding that the relationship itself is not worth your time and energy.

Healthy boundaries are the boundaries that you prefer to safeguard your personal interests. It could be anything from asking for alone time to pursue the activities of your choice to not allowing the other person the space to interfere in your financial matters. It strictly varies from person to person depending upon the gravity of their needs and preferences in a relationship. However, it is essential to discuss it with your partner and analyze if there’s any conflict of interest. 

There’s no strict timeline for it. It strictly depends upon the severity of the issue that you are facing. If there’s something that has impacted you and your partner on a core level, it might take a little longer than the usual instances. All it takes is patience, commitment, and consistent effort from both ends.

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Unlock Your Confidence With Proven Tips to Become More Attractive

“Living in the shadows, never understood the worth; a mirror for one, can never be the same for another.”

Have you ever been hiding in the shadows just because you thought you were not worth this world? All you thought was that your appearance would judge you and would not be accepted.

If this is what you have been thinking all your life and have lived only in fear of rejection, then it is time to change that. It is time to take control of your own life and make it worthwhile.

It is not true that only the appearance of a person matters; there are a lot of other things and qualities that actually matter. 

Here, you will learn how to make your life perfect and live a happy and content life without any fears and complexities. Let’s get into it!

Why Is Attractiveness More Than Just Looks?

If you are wondering why attractiveness is so important in today’s world and how it can impact someone’s life majorly.

Then, you must understand that attractiveness is not just about looks or your physical appearance. Many people think that your physical appearance is the most important factor to become attractive. 

Attractiveness is a multilayered concept that goes beyond just looks. A well-groomed appearance certainly contributes to the essence of attractiveness, but it is not everything. The essence of true attractiveness lies in a combination of personality traits, body language, communication skills,  and, above all, carrying yourself with confidence.

Think and Answer:
Think about someone you find attractive who isn’t conventionally good-looking. What makes them stand out to you? Write down three traits you admire.

According to some studies, 1 in 3 people believe that kindness and a positive attitude make someone more attractive than physical appearance alone. 

The qualities you carry within you, such as empathy, integrity, and emotional intelligence, play a significant role in how others perceive you. Focusing on these traits creates a magnetic aura around you and draws people in, making you even more appealing. 

Think about it: someone who radiates positivity with confidence must have influenced you at some point. You find the words coming out of that person mesmerizing, and you tend to listen actively. That person will always be ready to hear what you say and respond to you with genuine interest. Doesn’t it feel great? I bet it does!

🎭 Fun Fact
Did you know that 1 in 3 people prioritize kindness and a positive attitude over physical looks when considering someone attractive? It’s a reminder that being genuinely nice can make a significant impact!

The Science Behind What Makes You Attractive

You must understand the science behind what makes you truly attractive to bring those qualities into your life. It will help you leverage your strengths and work on the areas in which you might need some improvement.

If you think that attractiveness is just a social construct, then you should understand that it is rooted in evolutionary biology. For example, someone with symmetrical facial features is often considered attractive because they give the essence of good health and genetic fitness, making it a good factor for selection.

Attractiveness is not all about genetics. It is more about how you carry yourself; your posture and even your scent can influence how others see you. The chemical signals called pheromones are released by your body that can subconsciously affect how others perceive your attractiveness.

According to some research, certain pheromones can trigger emotional responses and make you more appealing to the people around you. 

How you express yourself and your verbal and nonverbal communication can significantly impact how you express yourself. According to a psychologist study, people who maintain good eye contact, use open body language and speak in a confident yet warm tone are perceived as more attractive.

🎭 Activity
Try this self-assessment: Stand in front of a mirror and observe your posture. Are your shoulders back and relaxed? Is your head held high? Good posture can make you instantly more attractive. Practice this daily and note any changes in how others respond to you.

Practical Tips to Enhance Your Attractiveness

If you are looking for practical tips to become more attractive, you must understand that it is not just undergoing drastic changes. 

Here are some of the simple yet effective practical tips that can significantly enhance your attractiveness and make you more appealing:

  • Cultivate a Positive Attitude
    If you are someone who focuses on the positive aspects of life, you must know that positivity is contagious, and people will be naturally drawn toward you. So, make sure to carry this positive attitude and make it a habit to see the good in every situation, and you will see that positive energy attracts others.
  • Practice Good Posture
    Having a good posture is another trait that makes you attractive and confident. How you carry yourself gives a volume to your self-esteem and dignity. For example, standing tall with your shoulders back not only improves your physical appearance but also makes you feel more confident and ultimately enhances your attractiveness.
  • Develop Active Listening Skills
    Someone who actively listens to others shows that person values and respects others’ thoughts and feelings. Incorporating this quality will make you more likable and appealing to others.
  • Dress for Success
    The choices of your clothes can have a significant impact on how others perceive you. If you are wearing well-fitted, appropriate clothes, it will not only boost your confidence but also make you appear more attractive and put-together.
  • Maintain Good Hygiene
    Maintaining your hygiene might seem obvious, but if you at some point fail to maintain it, you might get judged for that. Good hygiene is a fundamental part of attractiveness. So, make it a habit to regularly groom and breathe fresh and clean clothes to make a positive impression.

👉  Pro Tip
Start practicing active listening today. In your next conversation, focus entirely on the other person—no interruptions, just listening. This small change can make you significantly more attractive to others.

Habits to Boost Your Confidence and Appeal

Attractiveness is when you are confident enough to carry your traits beautifully. You can build certain habits mentioned below to boost your confidence and have a profound impact on how others see you:

  • Embrace Self-Care
    It is important to take care of yourself and embrace your qualities. Taking care of your mental and physical health is important in maintaining confidence. You can practice regular exercises, include a balanced diet, and have sufficient sleep to build a foundation for a healthy lifestyle.
  • Set Personal Goals
    Setting personal goals and achieving them, whether big or small, gives you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. This helps you boost your confidence and makes you more attractive to others. 
  • Practice Mindfulness
    Being present in the moment with the people around you is as important as your other traits, as it makes you interact more with people more genuinely and meaningfully. You can practice mindfulness, such as meditation, to help you stay grounded and focused, enhancing your overall appeal. 
  • Develop a Growth Mindset
    Having a growth mindset, embracing the challenges, and seeing them as opportunities for growth can help boost your self-esteem. A Growth mindset fosters resilience and confidence and makes you more attractive to others. You can get help managing your tasks effectively using some self-help books to enhance your mindset and progress.
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  • Surround Yourself with Positivity
    It is important to surround yourself with people who are positive and supportive, as the company you keep influences your mood and behavior. It not only enhances your own positivity and confidence but also distinguishes you from others. 

Quick Question:
What’s one habit you’ve always wanted to develop but haven’t started yet? Today is the day—write it down and take the first step toward making it a reality.

Conclusion

Taking attractiveness just as a physical appearance is not exactly what it must be. We, as human beings and a part of society, must understand that it is a complex blend of physical, emotional, and psychological traits. 

Physical appearance may play a role, but it’s internal qualities like your confidence, kindness, and emotional intelligence that truly make you stand out. 

Once you are able to understand the science behind attractiveness, you can easily adopt the habits that boost your confidence and make you appear more attractive in meaningful ways. 

Keep in mind that true attractiveness comes from within, and it’s your unique combination of traits that makes you special and appealing to others. 

“Impacts made by an appearance never lasts too long; a heart that’s pure and content keeps the spirit so strong.”

3-Day Challenge to Boost Your Confidence
Day 1: Start your day by writing down three things you genuinely like about yourself. Carry this list with you and read it whenever a negative thought arises.

Day 2: Practice active listening in every conversation today. Focus entirely on the other person without interrupting or thinking about your response.

Day 3: Stand in front of a mirror and maintain good posture throughout the day—shoulders back, head held high. Notice how this change affects your confidence and interactions.

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Overcome Your Alcohol Addiction With Effective Methods?

Overcome

“Finding comfort in dizziness, never want to be sedated again; an existence that’s only to say, otherwise a faint sane.”

As the sun sets, your desire for alcohol consumption rises. If this is you, and you are tired of this addiction and cannot get rid of it, then it is time you make some effective changes in your lifestyle.

Many people across the world are going through the same situation. Most of them have tried various solutions and failed, whereas some people are not able to do more than just think.

If you genuinely want to get rid of this unhealthy lifestyle and habit of yours, you need to understand the root cause you are craving this and what are highly effective strategies that can work for you. 

Let’s dive into it more deeply and get a better understanding of alcohol addiction and how you can quit it.

Why You Must Understand Your Alcohol Addiction?

It is not easy to overcome a habit that has influenced your life more than you can imagine. However, with constant effort and dedication, you can break the habit and have a healthy routine.

You must understand that overcoming alcohol comes with acknowledging that it is a major issue. Many people are trapped in a cycle that might seem impossible to break.

If you are wondering why alcohol holds this powerful grip on your life, you must recognize that it is not just about your willpower but the complexity of biological, psychological, and social factors. 

Alcohol impacts your brain’s reward system and creates a strong connection between your drinking and pleasure, making it even more challenging to resist the urge, even when you are aware of its harmful effects on your body. 

🎭  Fun Fact
Did you know that the brain can begin to rewire itself for recovery just a few weeks after quitting alcohol? Neuroplasticity allows the brain to adapt and change, helping you build healthier habits.

According to some research, about 1 in 10 people who drink alcohol develop a dependence even after knowing the seriousness of the issue. At this stage, it becomes even more important to tackle the problem and live a healthy life.

  • The Role of Dopamine in Addiction

    When you are drinking alcohol, your brain will release this “feel-good” chemical called dopamine. This chemical will change your behavior and eventually make you drink more. The cycle of craving alcohol and rewarding yourself will become endless, turning it into a hard-to-quit habit. 

Why Do You Have Alcohol Cravings?

Do you sometimes wonder what it is that makes you crave alcohol even more when you know the consequences of drinking it?

Well! The answer resides in various triggering factors such as stress, environmental effects, or, sometimes, a social situation. Your brain has been trained to relate these triggers with alcohol, and you fail to resist the urge to drink.

At this point, it becomes even more crucial to understand why you need to overcome this addiction. There are many people who believe that this craving is just a sign of weakness, but in actuality, it is the natural response to your addiction.

  • Psychological and Environmental Triggers

    Your alcohol cravings are often linked to your psychological states, like anxiety, sadness, or boredom. Not only that, there are several environmental triggers, such as being in a place where you used to drink or around your drinking partners, which can intensify the desire. 

👉  Pro Tip
Keep healthy snacks or drinks like herbal tea on hand to satisfy cravings in a more nutritious way. Cravings often pass in just 15-20 minutes.

Strategies to Quit Drinking and Stay Sober

Are you looking for the most effective strategies that will help you quit your drinking habit? Then, you must understand that quitting alcohol is not as easy as it might seem. However, with the right strategies, you can overcome this challenge and develop strong willpower. 

Here are some proven strategies that can help you stay sober and maintain your alcohol addiction in the long term.

#1: Building a Strong Support Network

The very first and most impactful step towards your journey of quitting drinking is to surround yourself with a strong and supportive network of people who understand your challenges. It could be your friends, family, or structured groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to help you overcome the habit. These people not only support you emotionally but also keep you motivated towards your goals. According to some research, people who have reliable support systems are significantly more likely to maintain sobriety for the long term. 

#2: Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms

It is not easy to stay on track when you see alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or emotional pain. If you actually want to quit drinking, then it is important that you do not use it as a coping mechanism and replace it with healthier alternatives. You can also get engaged in activities that bring you joy and relaxation to quit drinking, such as working on your creative hobbies, spending time in nature, or simply exercising. Practicing these activities helps you divert your attention from alcohol and provides you with a healthy mind and body. Doing physical activities regularly releases endorphins, which are your body’s natural mood lifter and help you become emotionally strong. You can also opt for some alternative foods or supplements that can help you reduce the craving by providing required vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Zinc, calcium, magnesium, etc.

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#3: Mindfulness and Meditation

Another best way to keep you mentally strong when you are on your journey to quit drinking is mindfulness and meditation. When you are mentally strong, you can overcome your alcohol cravings. These practices not only boost your mental health but also manage your emotions more effectively. Even a few minutes of mindfulness meditation can significantly enhance your ability to take control of your thoughts and impulses.

#4: Seeking Professional Help

If you are extremely suffering from alcohol addiction and the things or practices are not that effective for you, you can seek professional help to quit drinking successfully. It could involve medication, therapy, or staying at an inpatient treatment program, according to the severity of your addiction. One of the most effective therapies to treat the drinking habit is Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which will help you recognize the pattern contributing to your drinking and prepare strategies to reduce the addiction effectively. 

#5: The Role of Therapy in Recovery

There are therapies like CBT and motivational Interviewing (MI), which are specially designed to change the way you perceive alcohol and motivate you to stay sober. With the help of these therapies, you address the symptoms and promote long-term recovery. 

👉  Fun Fact
Studies show that people who stay sober for a full year have a much higher chance of maintaining sobriety long-term. The first few months are the toughest, but it gets easier!

Conclusion

If you are already on your journey to recover from alcohol addiction, you must understand that it is not an easy path. However, if you are consistent and have strong willpower, you can successfully achieve your goal. 

It is important to understand the nature of your addiction and recognize the triggers that empower your cravings. It makes it easy to implement highly effective strategies to quit drinking and take control of your life again.

You need to keep in mind that you are not alone in this journey; you have support from your friends and family, which is one of the most important steps towards a healthier and happier life. 

“Dizziness slowly fading away, a new sun to rise; the choices that I made, only to embrace the wise.” 

🎭 Activity
Create a Sober Bucket List: Write down 5 activities or goals you want to accomplish now that you’re living alcohol-free. This could be anything from taking up a new hobby to planning a trip.

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