Could Dealing With a Pandemic Bring You Closer to Your Partner?

Coronavirus doesn’t have any positives attached to it, but could dealing with a worldwide pandemic bring you closer to your partner?

We’re living in uncertain times, and we’ve never been through anything quite like this before. Hopefully we will never go through it again either. But for now, we’re having to adjust to a new reality that is turning our lives upside down.

I’m not going to sit here and pretend that I can put a positive spin on this situation. There really isn’t one. People are dying. Many people are separated from their loved ones. There’s a huge amount of stress and anxiety going around.

It’s hard to see much hope on the horizon when you’re bombarded with negative news every single day. However, one thought is worth examining and could bring a chink of light to your day.

Could dealing with a worldwide pandemic bring you closer to your partner?

I’ve been thinking about this for the last few days. In some ways, it could.

[Read: The 11 most important things in a relationship to keep it moving forward]

What’s your situation?

Of course, this depends upon whether you’re isolating with your partner or whether you’re separated. There are countless couples who can’t see each other physically due to social distancing regulations. This means video calls and messaging aplenty.

Think about the time when this is over and you can head over and see them in person for the first time. Can you imagine how wonderful that will feel?

[Read: How to fight loneliness while self isolating during a pandemic]

Going through a difficult time can make or break a relationship. When you’re both going through the same thing, and everyone around you is too, there is an argument to suggest that dealing with a worldwide pandemic could actually make you stronger. Look at it this way… if you can handle this, surely you can handle anything? [Read: These are 12 healthy relationship expectations for a good love life]

What do you think? Could dating with a worldwide pandemic really bring you closer to your partner?

You might be smiling and shaking your head right now, having spent x number of days cooped up in your house with your partner. When there is no outlet and no ability to head out and spend time with friends, it’s easy to get on each others’ nerves.

This is a two-sided kind of deal. On the one hand, dealing with a worldwide pandemic could make you stronger as a couple. It could help you reassess and appreciate your love for one another and avoid taking each other for granted in the future. However, it could also be the straw that breaks the camel’s back!

[Read: Are you self-isolating with a narcissist and need help coping?]

Spending a large amount of time with someone, when you’re not used to it, whether you love them or not, can lead to arguments and petty squabbles which could easily bubble up and boil over. It only takes one partner to say something they don’t mean and the entire situation could be flipped on its head.

So, how can you make sure that handling this worldwide pandemic brings you closer to your partner and not further away emotionally?

#1 Recognize that you both still need your space. You might not be able to get away from each other physically if you’re isolating together. You can find your own space in other ways. You’re allowed to go out for some exercise or shop, so make sure that you go alone. This will give you both a little space and time to miss the other.

You’re also able to head into the garden or into another room and spend time on your own. Make sure you do this! We’re just not designed to spend every waking second with each other, no matter how romantic it might sound. [Read: Here’s how not to be boring in your relationship]

#2 Focus on things aside from the news. It’s easy to get caught up in the news. It’s everywhere at the moment. You look on your social media feeds and everything is virus-related. You read the news. It’s the same. The barrage of negativity can easily find its way into your relationship. It’s important to focus on other things.

Have date nights, in the house, of course. If you’re isolating away from each other, have date nights over video call instead. Maintain the connection you need to be a positive and uplifting thing.

#3 Talk about your feelings. Despite the above point, it’s also important to talk about how you’re feeling. This entire situation causes anxiety and uncertainty. Your partner should be the one you open up to, and vice versa.

This can help you both be a support network and sounding board for each other. As a result, you’ll find that dealing with a worldwide pandemic such as this can bring you closer to your partner because you’re helping each other through it emotionally. [Read: How to keep your relationship going while self isolating]

#4 Make the most of the contact you have. If you’re isolating away from your partner, you no doubt miss them. However, when you contact each other make the most of it. Talk about uplifting things, reminisce, and make plans to do fun things when this is all over.

Of course, it goes without saying that when it is all over, you should definitely make good on your plans and enjoy them wholeheartedly! They say that “absence makes the heart grow fonder” and it’s certainly a truth. Keep that in mind. [Read: How to handle social distancing from your partner and not feel lonely]

#5 Understand your partner’s moods. Your partner may be up and down from one day to the next, just as you are. This type of situation is uncharted territory for us all. We can wake up feeling fine one day but full of anxiety the next.

Make sure that you do your best to accommodate their moods without questioning or stressing them out further, whether you’re together or you’re apart. Of course, they should do the same for you. When that happens, you can certainly become closer to your partner.

So, what do you think? Do you think dealing with a worldwide pandemic could bring you closer to your partner or do you think it’s more likely to push you apart? In some ways, it depends upon the couple.

If you’re solid, this could be something which sticks you together like glue. If you’re rocky, it could be the thing to push you further apart. It’s really about your mindset and how important your relationship is to you. For many, being forced to spend time apart can make them realize just how much they mean to one another. [Read: How to have hope and stay motivated during the quarantine]

If you’re isolating with your partner, it’s vital that you give each other time and space alone. And communicate about things other than what’s going on. This situation is stressful enough without everything being deep and negative inside your house too.

Keep things uplifting, distract your minds and do something creative together or apart. You’ll find you’re better able to deal with the situation and become closer to your partner as a result.

[Read: Is relationship stress getting to you? How to fix it or get out]

Could dealing with a worldwide pandemic bring you closer to your partner? Don’t worry if you’re snapping at each other occasionally when isolating together. This is completely normal and doesn’t mean everything is going sour!

The post Could Dealing With a Pandemic Bring You Closer to Your Partner? is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

How to Decode the Texting Behavior of Guys When They’re Into You

The texting behavior of guys and how they text can reveal a lot about their feelings. You’re reading his messages, but you need to look at the right things.

When it comes to texting, it can be such a challenge to figure out how someone really feels. All you’re reading is literally text. You don’t get to see their faces or hear their voices, so you don’t have a lot to work with when figuring out how they actually feel. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn to decode the texting behavior of guys or grasp a sense of how they feel for you.

I get it’s not easy, especially when you have feelings for them. When you like someone, everything they say gets turned into code. When there aren’t any emotions, reading a guy’s text is easy. Those pesky emotions, always getting in the way!

Texting with a guy you like can bring up a lot of anxiety and deep insecurity, preventing you from seeing what’s actually going on. That’s why sometimes we’ll end up chasing a guy who doesn’t like us, for example. It’s hard to see and accept the reality of what’s going on.

[Read: What’s he thinking? How to know if he’s interested through his texts]

But once you have an idea of the texting behavior of guys, you’ll be able to understand how he’s feeling. Okay, you will never really know what’s going on in his head until you guys have an honest conversation about what’s going on between you two. But understanding the texting behavior of guys can help point you in the right direction of what’s going on.

The texting behavior of guys when they’re interested in you

Want to decode the subtle texting behaviors of guys who like you in an instant? Is he into you? You’ll have all your answers as soon as you look at his texts. [Read: How guys text when they like you – 15 things they do differently]

#1 He responds within a decent time. I remember getting upset when a guy I liked wouldn’t reply within five minutes. But listen, that’s unreasonable on my side. You don’t know what’s going on in his life. Maybe he works or goes to school, so he isn’t able to reply to you within thirty seconds. If he’s replying to you six hours later almost all the time, that’s not a good sign. Everyone today has their phone glued to their hip.

[Read: How to handle the annoying wait when he doesn’t text back for days]

#2 He asks you questions. If a guy likes you, he’ll try to get to know you even through text messages. In general, guys aren’t into talking over text; they’d rather hang out in person.

So, if a guy is texting you and trying to get to know you, he’s showing interest. When it comes to texting, men and women are completely different. Women can text and have long conversations via text, whereas men aren’t into it as much.

#3 He’s direct with what he wants. Over text, some guys are more relaxed and subtle, where others are more direct with what they want. If the guy you’re texting is telling you he wants to take you out on a date; then you already know where he stands with you. It’s clear he’s interested in you. But don’t think that if he isn’t direct, it means he’s not into you. Every guy is different; some are more comfortable saying what they want than others.

#4 He’s interested in what you’re doing. Some guys will text you, “what’s up?,” but they don’t really seem interested in your reply. But, if they’re into you, they’ll use your answer as a way to learn more about you.

Also, they’ll try to see where they can fit themselves in and get some time alone with you. If the conversation ends up with them seeing if you’re available to hang out, they like you. [Read: How often does a guy text you if he’s falling for you?]

#5 He’s more attentive. When a guy likes you, he’s going to pay more attention to you. He’ll remember the small things you’ve told. For example, if you told him you have an exam coming up, he’ll message you on the exam day and wish you luck. These are small things but show that he’s paying attention to you.

#6 He asks you to hang out. Guys will really only text a girl they’re interested in with the goal of asking her out and seeing her in person. They don’t want to waste their time texting; they want to take it to the next level. If he’s interested in you, he’s not only going to text you endlessly. His messages are going to end up with a date.

#7 He keeps the conversation going. Even when you’re texting with a guy you like, it’s okay to let the conversation end. Let it take its natural course. Now, some guys, even if they like you, will let the conversation end because they don’t want to look needy. But others will try to keep the conversation going until they reach their goal, which is to ask you out. [Read: How to text a guy to keep him interested and eager for more]

#8 He uses emojis. In general, men aren’t into emojis. Of course, there are some guys that really like using them, so you need to keep that in mind. But, most guys aren’t going to start sending you smiley faces suddenly. But, with time, if he starts using more flirtatious emojis, then that’s something to keep an eye on. The only reason why he would add emojis is if he’s trying to get his flirt on.

#9 He starts the conversation. You can start the conversation if you want, but he should also be the one to start conversations first. If he’s texting you first, that’s a great sign. If you’re always the one sending the first text, that’s not a great sign. If a guy likes you, he won’t be afraid to text you. [Read: What it means if he never texts you first but always replies]

#10 His texts are longer. Now, use this tip lightly. Some guys can really be into you but aren’t great texters in general. But, if a guy is only replying to your texts with one or two words, that’s never a good sign. If his texts get longer and deeper, then he’s starting to open up to you. [Read: Dry texts and the real meaning behind his one word responses]

#11 He sends you good morning and goodnight texts. When you’re trying to decode the texting behavior of guys, remember that these texts are small gestures, but they show a lot. If he’s texting you good morning and goodnight, it’s clear that he’s into you. He wants to be the first person you get a message from in the morning and the last person you talk to before you go to bed.

#12 He tells you about his life. A relationship is a two-way street. He can ask you about yourself and get to know you, but is he willing to share things about himself? If he does share personal things about himself, there’s a higher chance he’s into you. If he keeps the conversation shallow, then don’t get your hopes up. [Read: What’s he thinking? How to read his mind through his texts]

#13 He texts you when he’s with his friends. While he’s out with his friends, his mind is on you. If you really want to know if he likes you, wait and see if he texts you when he’s out with his friends.

Of course, there’s a chance he’s been drinking and will send you a drunk text. But that doesn’t mean he likes you. That does mean there is some attraction, but it’s not easy to tell how deep that attraction goes unless he shows other signs. 

#14 He shares memes, videos, and music with you. A good way to see if he likes you is to look at what he’s sending you. Is it just “what’s up?” texts, or does he send you music, memes, and random content he found on Instagram or Facebook? If he’s routinely sending you things that he thinks you’ll like, that’s because he’s into you.

[Read: How to text a guy without seeming desperate and overly needy]

When you’re texting with a guy you like, it can be tricky to get a feel for how they’re feeling. But once you understand and learn to decode the texting behavior of guys, it’ll be easier to see where you stand with him.

The post How to Decode the Texting Behavior of Guys When They’re Into You is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

Aceflux & Aroflux: Does Sexual Attraction Remain the Same Everyday?

Sexuality can be a tricky subject to talk about. Those who are Aceflux or Aroflux can often find relationships difficult.

Life isn’t as simple as it once was, at least it doesn’t seem to be. There are many subjects like aceflux and aroflux which we tend to shy away from talking about nowadays, because we either don’t fully understand the subject, or we feel strange about it.

Whichever category the subject falls into, feeling ‘odd’ about a particular subject almost always comes down to not understanding it and not accepting it. Every single person on this planet is different, and that means that every single person experiences love and attraction in different ways.

Are love and attraction the same or are they different? Do you believe that you can have love without attraction? There are a few terms which prove you can.

Asexuals, for instance, have no sense of attraction sexually, but that doesn’t mean they can’t love someone for the person they are. It isn’t always about attraction, it isn’t always about sex. Sometimes love is purely a platonic feeling, but just as powerful.

[Read: 15 signs you’re asexual and don’t like getting laid as much as others]

What are aceflux and aroflux?

It seems like every day we have a new term to talk about, and at the moment it is ‘aceflux’ and ‘aroflux’.

These are both terms which are linked to sexuality, and the way in which someone feels and experiences a sense of attraction. We really shouldn’t use the word ‘normal’, because what exactly is normal anyway? Most people assume that in terms of sexuality, ‘normal’ is feeling a strong sense of sexual attraction towards someone you are in a relationship with, or someone you are crushing on. What if normal for someone else is feeling no attraction at all, or feeling it in different ways, on different days?

Normal is different for everyone. If it was the same across the board, life would be very boring indeed! [Read: What it’s like for asexuals in the dating world]

So, aceflux and aroflux, let’s get around to defining these two terms.

Somewhere in the middle of asexual *feeling no attraction at all sexually* and allosexual *feeling attraction sexually* we have a grey area. This grey area includes aceflux and aroflux.

What is aceflux?

Aceflux is someone who experiences sexual attraction sometimes, but not all the time. It tends to ebb and flow over a period of time and is often not at all predictable. At one point, they can feel attracted to someone, another time they can feel a slight attraction, and then they can’t feel attraction at all. This is aceflux.

A person who associates themselves with this term can also be someone who is repulsed by sex, indifference, quite neutral towards it, or someone who actually has a positive attitude towards sex. It simply changes from time to time. [Read: Aromantic asexuality – A guide to understanding this sexual identity]

So, what is aroflux?

Another term you might not have heard of. Aroflux is less sexual and more romantic. A person who is aroflux experiences fluctuations in the same ways as aceflux individuals, but it isn’t about sexual attraction, it is about romantic feelings.

That probably leads you to think that if your partner is not at all romantic, they are aroflux. That’s not the case. A person who is aroflux feels very romantic sometimes, super romantic in fact, but then feels vastly indifferent about it another time. It changes and it ebbs and flows, just as a person experiences attraction when they are aceflux.

How does a relationship between an asexual and an allosexual work?

There are two sides to this point, and I’ll start with the wider angle first. Let’s talk about asexual beings and allosexual beings, before we narrow it down and lurk into the grey area between.

As before, someone who is asexual doesn’t feel sexual attraction. Someone who is allosexual does experience sexual attraction. Does that mean that relationships between the two groups are doomed to failure? [Read: What does sexual attraction really feel like? How to know exactly]

Not necessarily, but there’s no denying that it can be a difficult union. Communication is key in this case. For instance, perhaps it is a male and female relationship and the male is asexual, but the woman is allosexual. The man doesn’t feel sexually attracted to the woman, but that doesn’t mean he finds her repulsive, and he loves her unquestionably. The woman on the other hand experiences both love and attraction. You could argue that she feels her needs are not being met sexually.

This is why many relationships between asexuals and allosexuals, either heterosexual or homosexual relationships, often don’t last the distance. Communication becomes difficult. Emotions get in the way. One party feels undesirable, but that’s not the case, and unless communication is on top, that person is going to leave and find a person who gives them the sexual satisfaction they desire.

Having said that, there are a vast number of asexuals who do have sex, they simply don’t experience the desire and the attraction. [Read: The aromantic dilemma – 16 myths and truths about their love life]

How does a relationship work with someone who is aceflux or aroflux?

That now leads us onto relationships with one partner who is allosexual and another partner who is either aceflux or aroflux.

The hardest out of the two is probably aroflux, because the romantic side of things is much more emotionally charged than the sexual. Many relationships which are tinged with aceflux are quite successful, because the ebb and flow of sexual attraction evens itself out over time, and the emotional connection, e.g. the love and romance, stays constant.

A relationship with someone who classifies themselves as aroflux however can be difficult for the partner concerned. Why? Because during the times when romance is dead in the water, they can feel unwanted, loved, and lacking in TLC. Of course, a little later the romance comes back, but it’s a constant rollercoaster of romantic ups and downs.

The only way that either relationship can survive the long haul is with lots of communication. Talk about how it feels, and the partner needs to talk about how it makes them feel. Reassure the partner that it’s not a personal, that it’s simply a quirk in their personality which they cannot help, it is part of their DNA, their hard-wiring, their mind-set. If someone loves you unconditionally, none of that will matter provided you can be open and honest about how it all makes you feel.

We should also point out that even with a relationship which is considered by social to be ‘normal’, there are variations in sexual attraction, appetite, and romance naturally. During stressful times, it’s likely you won’t want to have sex, I know I don’t! This doesn’t mean your relationships is on the rocks, it simply means you endure it together. [Read: Romantic orientations – Just how many kinds of them do we have?]

Should we have labels at all?

Another question to ask is whether we should put a label on any of this at all. Does it matter if a person doesn’t experience attraction? Does it matter if a person does? Does it mean there is something fundamentally wrong with either side? No. It is part of their personality and something which make them who they are.

With that in mind, should we label it? More and more people are choosing to be gender neutral, e.g. neither male nor female, so why can’t we have the same fluidity with sexuality and romance? Why do we have to label ourselves as having fluctuating feelings? Why do we have to tell people who don’t really matter? Provided you communicate your feelings with your partner, the rest of the world should really disappear into the background!

Relationships which don’t follow what society considers to be a ‘normal’ pattern are no less valid than those which do.

[Read: The list of sexualities and what you need to know about each orientation]

Sexual attraction and romantic feelings ebb and flow quite naturally for many people, but those who are aroflux and aceflux experience larger variations over time. Provided communication takes place, a relationships can survive the so-called storm.

The post Aceflux & Aroflux: Does Sexual Attraction Remain the Same Everyday? is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

23 Quarantine Approved Activities to Have Fun While Staying Safe

I know we are all stuck on some sort of lockdown, but these quarantine approved activities will bring some fun to the house.

None of us ever thought we would be searching for quarantine approved activities in our lifetimes. It is still something most of us haven’t fully accepted. And hopefully, it will be coming to an end soon.

But, while we are still sheltering in place, we need some safe activities. They will keep us occupied and prevent us from going stir-crazy.

I am sure you have already done the basics like puzzles and binge-watching Netflix. If you need a little more stimulation than that, you came to the right place.

[Read: How to keep your relationship going while self-isolating]

NOT Quarantine approved activities

Quarantine, social distancing, and self-isolating means you keep your distance from everyone that does not live with you. And remember, even if you and your friends are willing to take that risk, it isn’t about you. Even if you feel great, you can still be asymptomatic and still carry the virus and pass it on to others.

Every person you come in contact with will contact others. And they would contact others and that can go on forever. Seeing just one person means seeing everyone they have seen and beyond.

In case you still aren’t sure what some of the things you can’t do, here is a list of some things I have seen on the news.

#1 Outdoor parties. No, you can’t invite people inside your home. And you also can’t invite people to your house for a pool party or BBQ. Even if you are roughly six feet apart at all times, you take a risk. [Read: How to fight loneliness SAFELY while self isolating in a pandemic]

#2 Group shopping. If you need to run to the pharmacy or grocery store for essentials, then do so as few times as possible with no more than two people from a household. Just because you want to get out of the house and are allowed to go to the store doesn’t mean you should make it a family outing.

#3  Don’t visit people. Just because you are related to your mom or your sister doesn’t mean you can go visit them safely. If they need supplies, bring them to their doorstep. Do not go inside or interact without the separation of a door or window. I haven’t seen my boyfriend in over a month. If I can do it, so can you.

#4 Do not travel. Unless you are an essential employee or making a supply run, you should not be out and about. That means going for a leisurely drive, booking a cheap flight to Cancun, or riding the train just to see what’s going on.

#5 Group sports. Yes, you can exercise outdoors. And if you want to play catch with your roommate, go ahead. But don’t get the local boys together for a pickup game of basketball.

There are many more activities on the not quarantine approved activities list. Hopefully, your common sense will remind you of the rest. [Read: How to handle social distancing from your partner and not feel lonely]

Quarantine approved activities

Now what you really came here for… The things you can do while stuck at home or, as I like to say, safe at home.

This list is full of everything from basic things that require minimal effort to extravagant projects. See what grabs your attention and enjoy these quarantine approved activities.

#1 Read a book. I know reading a book is just as obvious as doing a puzzle, but have you actually sat down and picked up a book recently? [Read: 12 must-read books to reinvent your life in your 20s]

#2 Nap. There is nothing wrong with adding a few more zzz’s to your at-home time. It is perfectly safe and feels really great. [Read: 15 books every woman should read in their lifetime]

#3 Binge TV shows. I know you probably wanted something a little more exciting, but watching that show everyone has been recommending to you since 2017 is an accomplishment. [Read: The 15 sexiest movies on Netflix for a good turn on]

#4 Catch up on your movie watch list. The same goes for movies. I have a list of about 20 classic movies that I haven’t seen. If I don’t watch them now, when? [Read: The best inspirational movies for when your motivation lags]

#5 Adopt or foster a pet. I’m sure you’ve heard that animal shelters are clearing out left and right which is great news. I know eventually, you’ll be going back to work so if you can’t adopt a pet for good, foster one while shelters are struggling during this time.

#6 Garden. You can pull weeds, plant seeds, or just water the plants you have that have been needing it. Putting energy into your outdoor space is good for the soul.

#7 Pamper yourself. Do your nails, try the face mask Deb from work gave you for Christmas, or take a hot bubble bath. You deserve to relax. [Read: 17 ways to focus on yourself and build your own sunshine]

#8 Organize. I know this sounds like hell to some people. Organizing can give you a fresh perspective. It can also help you love your space. You’ll be there for a while, so you might as well know where everything is and make it feel as welcoming as possible.

#9 Have a group closet clean out. Get on a video call with your closest friends and clean out your closets. Try on stuff you aren’t sure about and make three piles: keep, donate, and trade. You will get new items from friends and they from you.

#10 Try a new recipe. Even if you aren’t the best cook, now is the time to try that recipe you’ve had saved for years. Or recreate that famous family recipe for the first time. Maybe next Thanksgiving you’ll be able to bring it. [Read: Ideas to make cooking with your partner more fun]

#11 Do a Secret Santa. I know it isn’t the holiday season but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little holiday cheer. Get your friends group together for a gift exchange, but instead of gifts, order each other delivery from a local restaurant.

This way you are having fun with friends while remaining apart and supporting small businesses. Win, win, win. [Read: How to socialize while social distancing without losing your mind]

#12 Try a DIY. Even if you think DIY is not for you, give it a chance. You can do something simple with items you have around the house or something a bit more intense like refurbishing old furniture, like me.

#13 Journal. I don’t think anyone will be reading your quarantine diary in 50 years, but getting your emotions out during such a stressful time is healthy. Writing down what you did during the day, how you’re feeling, or even what you hope for or are worried about, can help clear your mind.

#14 Build something. Build a fort in the living room and relive your youth. Or build a safe bonfire in the backyard. Build something cool out of Legos. Creating something feels good and keeps you busy.

#15 Learn something. Go all out! Learn a new language or a song on the keyboard you stashed away since you gave up on piano lessons in grade school. You can even learn how to properly tie a tie or change a tire. [Read: These self-discovery questions will help you learn yourself better]

#16 Help others. Donate to a worthy cause. You can do that online or take time to sew face masks for frontline workers. Order food for the night shift at your local ICU.

#17 Online date. Sure, maybe you can’t meet up in person, but you can get to know someone pretty well virtually. [Read: How to date while social isolating and still feel really close to each other]

#18 Spread thanks and hope. Create a sign for your front-line workers. Thank postal workers, EMTs, and all the other essential workers. Make a sign that says stay strong.

Help create a local food library for your neighborhood where every one can donate canned goods and paper products for those in need. [Read: The art of staying motivated during quarantine]

#19 Master something. Have you always wanted to learn to juggle? Now is your chance.

#20 Support small businesses. Order from your local deli, restaurants, and boutiques. Purchase takeout or delivery or buy gift cards. This way the business is helped, and give the gift cards as gifts once we can go out again.

#22 Play with chalk. Last time I picked up a piece of chalk  I was in high school and babysitting for a four-year-old. But if I have chalk now I would go out and create a masterpiece on my driveway. Activities that bring out the kid inside and are a creative outlet will help you feel calmer. [Read: These positive personality traits that can change your life together]

#23 Try online therapy. Even if you’re staying in good spirits, now is a rough time. There is no shame in asking for help. There are multiple online therapy websites. Make a virtual session with a licensed therapist to talk about ways to manage your anxiety, depression, or anything else you might be struggling with.

[Read: How to be happy again and draw happiness from within]

There are endless quarantine approved activities to make the most of your time at home. What will you try?

The post 23 Quarantine Approved Activities to Have Fun While Staying Safe is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

How to Get Girls Who Seem Closed Off or Impossible

Some girls are closed off when you approach them. Some reject you – HARD! Some might even seem impossible to get. Is there a way to get these girls… or is there not?

Over on the discussion boards, we have of late had a dustup where a collection of several of our experienced members along with some other members led a small 'insurrection' against the most senior, experienced of us on there.

The gist of the insurrection was guys claiming, in effect, "You cannot get certain girls, now you old hands just admit it!"

This thinking seemed to stem from a few things, including (perhaps) my frequent suggestions to readers that most of the time, they should focus on screening for the women most receptive to them and their game.

This screening for receptive women is just an efficient, practical step. It is one every experienced guy employs.

Yet, just because you will usually do this, does not mean you treat non-receptive women as impossibly closed off.

Over the years, in addition to my "screen for girls who are receptive to you" posts, I have also authored many other pieces about getting girls who seem disinterested, or like hard cases, lost causes, or otherwise impossible to get.

The key is to be able to hold both concepts in the mind at once: most of the time, it is simply more efficient to focus on the women most receptive to you. Yet, also available to you are those women who are not at first into you, but whom you are nevertheless able to seduce.

Note before we begin: this article is a guide for advanced players, and should not be used by beginners (or probably intermediates either). HOWEVER... I strongly suggest beginners and intermediates read it, so that it is clear that even while we are suggesting you usually move on from disinterested girls, these girls are not actually totally out of reach, and there will come a time, if you continue down the road to seduction mastery, where these girls enter into your circle.

The 4 Most Common Yet Painful Types of Cheating in a Relationship

Cheating is a heartbreaking thing to discover. It’s not as simple as just sex however, as there are several types of cheating in a relationship.

Cheating isn’t usually black or white, and the grey areas are never easy to read. But however you look at it, there are a few main types of cheating in a relationship that brings the relationship to a grinding halt.

If you’ve ever been cheated on in the past, you’ll know how heartbreaking it is. Everything is suddenly turned on its head and the security and comfort you thought you had in your relationship is gone. You can’t look at your partner in the same way and you have a huge decision to make about whether to continue the relationship, or end it there and then.

What should you do if you’ve been cheated?

There is no right or wrong answer to what you should do about the situation when you discover your partner has cheated on you. It’s a very personal choice and a decision you have to make for yourself.

[Read: Affairs in a relationship and the role of egos in fixing it]

Everyone will interject and try and tell you to leave, and that’s something you should expect, but you should also take the time to work out how you feel, give yourself time, and come to your own final decision in the end.

I’ll be honest, I was cheated on. It broke my heart into a million pieces, shattered my trust, ruined my self-confidence, and took me a long time to get over, but I didn’t leave him. I know, you’re all looking confused right now and shaking your heads.

But my point is, the decision over whether to stay or go is a personal one, and nobody else can make it for you. My decision worked out in the end; our relationship went from strength to strength after a rocky patch, and I actually came out stronger in the end too. I don’t regret my decision to stay, but I can also completely appreciate that some people wouldn’t be able to. [Read: How to survive infidelity without tearing the relationship apart]

I wouldn’t judge either way. If this happens to you, I say do what you feel is right. And those around you, if they love you, they will stand by you and support you regardless. Sure, they’ll let their feelings known, but they’re only doing it because they care.

Cheating is more than just physical

It’s important to realize that there are several types of cheating in a relationship and not just the physical. We tend to think that a partner has had sex with someone else when we hear the word ‘cheating’ but what cheating is to one person, is actually totally fine with someone else.

For instance, do you think that kissing someone else is cheating?

Some people say no, some say yes. For me, yes, it is.

[Read: When does flirting become cheating? The guide to know for sure]

As you can see, you have to figure out what you deem cheating to be and where your boundaries are. You should also realize that if cheating does happen to you, your boundaries and the way you think about it all may shift. That’s fine too, go with what feels right at the time.

To help you figure out where you stand on cheating and the different definitions, let’s check out the four main types of cheating in a relationship in a bit more detail.

The main types of cheating in a relationship

I should point out before I go on that you might decide there are several other types of cheating in a relationship besides the four I’m going to describe. This is because, as I’ve already said, everyone has different boundaries and decides what is cheating versus what isn’t.

However, for the purposes of generalization, let’s check out the four main types most people agree with, and most cheaters would fall into. [Read: Why do men cheat? 3 main reasons and 27 excuses men use]

#1 Physical/sexual cheating. This is by far the most common type and can cause a huge amount of hurt. It’s one of the biggest betrayals possible, but how you deal with it depends on how you see the event. Was it one time? Was it more than once? Was it with one person or more than one person over a series of events? [Confession: I cheated on my boyfriend and feel a lot better now]

This type of cheating can take a long time to repair if the two parties decide to stay together. Building up the trust again and probably even being physical again together will take time. Only you can decide whether the time is worth it.

#2 Emotional forms of cheating. For me, I think this is worse. What do you think? Emotional cheating is when someone forms an emotional attachment with another person behind your back. It may include sex, but not always.

If a partner cheats in this emotional way, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t love you anymore, but you do have to question why they formed an intense emotional connection to another person if that is the case. [Read: 18 emotional affair signs that seem harmless at first]

#3 Online cheating. This is one of the hardest types of cheating to catch, because anyone can be a totally different person online. This type of cheating means talking and flirting, perhaps even having video or phone sex with another person on a dating site or social media site.

The person may have no intention of actually having actual sex with this person, i.e. in a physical way, but the trust is still broken.

From all the types of cheating in a relationship to catch, this is the hardest. But if you do find that your partner has been indulging in this type of activity, perhaps monitoring their internet usage for a long time to come afterwards is the only way to rebuild the trust. [Read: 18 really smart ways to catch a cheater in the act]

#4 Sexting. The final form of cheating is very similar to online cheating, but it usually means that the person knows the other person they’re talking to. Sexting is basically sending sexually charged text messages or social media messages to another person.

There may or may not be actual physical contact and there may or may not be an emotional connection, but the crux of the matter is whether the sexts are a precursor to the person intending to meet up and cheat physically or not. [Read: Is sexting cheating? How to know when you’ve crossed the line]

Cheating is hurtful regardless of the type

Perhaps ‘hurtful’ isn’t a strong enough word, and maybe ‘damaging’ is better. Regardless of the right adjective to use, cheating has the power to completely tear a relationship apart. It also has the potential to tear the person who was cheated on apart too.

Trust is one of the most important facets of any relationship and once cheating comes to the fore, that trust is gone for a long time. It’s not impossible to rebuild it, but it will take time, effort, and it will also take forgiveness. [Read: Micro-cheating and the subtle signs you’re cheating without realizing it]

It can be extremely hard to just let it go. I know this, because it took me far too long. Whenever a small trigger brought it back to my mind, not that it was ever too far away from my mind, I vocalized my frustrations. You would think this is a perfectly fine thing to do, but in many ways it’s not.

If you decide to stay with someone after they’ve cheated, no matter which of the types of cheating in a relationship occurred, you have to leave it in the past. You can’t keep bringing it up. You can deal with it, sure, but don’t keep throwing it back in their face. [Read: The most practical steps you need to take to rebuild trust after being cheated on]

If you’ve recently been cheated on, or if you’ve ever been cheated on, you have my sympathy. I understand your pain. How you deal with it is your choice, and whilst everyone will tell you what they think you should do, you should always go with how you feel and what your gut is telling you. One way or the other.

[Read: How to forgive a betrayer – 8 questions you need to ask them]

There are several types of cheating in a relationship but they are all damaging in their own way. Whilst most people experience sexual or physical cheating, perhaps emotional cheating is more damaging to a relationship and its future potential. Cheating in every form damages trust and self-esteem and you should give yourself time to recover before making any firm decisions.

The post The 4 Most Common Yet Painful Types of Cheating in a Relationship is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

30 Sweet Love Quotes For Wife – I Love My Wife Quotes

Love Quotes For Wife My dear wife. You have made me the happiest man on earth by marrying me. Every day is a privilege to have you by my side…

The post 30 Sweet Love Quotes For Wife – I Love My Wife Quotes appeared first on Events Greetings.

How to Stop Feeling Blue & Get Out of the Comfort of Misery

It’s okay to feel blue, but you don’t want it to become a routine and daily emotion. So, it’s time to stop feeling blue and turn that frown upside down.

Everyone goes through ups and downs. During university, I ended up losing two friends over an argument, and it just happened during exam season. I was really stressed and feeling blue, and not having my two friends around made it even worse.

It started off with me feeling sad and lonely, but instead of going out or doing things to make myself feel better, I stayed at home alone. That was probably the worst thing I could have done. I didn’t leave my house for three months unless it was for school or work. I would sit in front of the fireplace and watch horrible reality television shows, and sometimes cry. Feeling blue spiraled into depression.

Luckily, I managed to pull myself out of it and go to a therapist. But it wasn’t an easy decision to make.

My life became comfortable being alone and miserable; I adjusted to it. I don’t want that to happen to you. Feeling blue isn’t bad, and it’s going to happen from time to time, but you don’t want it to turn into your primary emotion.

It’s okay to wallow in self-pity, eat a bucket of ice cream and cry, but then at some point, you need to take a shower and go outside. So, if you feel like you can’t get out of the blues, try out some of these activities to help you feel better.

[Read: 20 mood boosting things to do when you feel down and alone]

Feeling blue? 15 ways to get out of your funk

Let’s start to feel like gold instead.

#1 Go for a walk. Yes. Alone. Go for a walk alone. You can put music on or walk in silence. It doesn’t matter. What’s important is you reconnect with yourself while breathing in some fresh air. It’ll get your brain going, and give you space to chill out and reflect. Plus, if it’s sunny outside, you’ll get some much-needed vitamin D. 

#2 Get creative. You probably don’t want to start sketching or writing right now, but if you want to get through the blues, you need to push yourself creatively.

Some of my best short stories were when I was in the worst moods. I was upset about this and that, and I pushed myself to write creatively. Turn your emotions into art. [Read: How to motivate yourself to do pretty much anything when you’re depressed]

#3 Clean your room. When I was feeling blue, I was probably the dirtiest person alive. I was living in my own filth. I didn’t clean my room; I didn’t want to *but I did* shower, everything was just a chore for me. But, cleaning your room gives you mental clarity and fresh air. Go through your things, sort them, and just create a fresh space for yourself.

#4 Start eating healthier. You’ve been probably slacking off from eating your greens, and that’s okay. But understand what you put in your mouth also affects how you feel. If you’re gorging on fast food every day, this is also contributing to your feeling sad and blue. Grab a smoothie, or eat a delicious vegetable plate, and nourish your body with healthy food. You’ll feel better. [Read: Why am I so emotional? Science has the answers you may not expect]

#5 Talk to someone you trust. My mistake was keeping it bottled inside of me. What you need to do is talk to someone you trust. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or therapist, talk to someone who will let you be honest with yourself in front of them. When you’re feeling blue, you need support, and that’s okay.

#6 Meditate. It’s really not for everyone. Well, I, for example, don’t have the attention span, even though it’s my dream to be able to meditate. Feeling the blues can spiral quite quickly, and meditation can help you improve your mood by being aware of yourself and thoughts. Now you know why yogis are so zen. [Read: How to be present and find your zone of perfect calmness]

#7 Hang around positive people. They don’t need to be crazy happy, constantly smiling, and telling you that you’re amazing. But you should try to spend time with people you are content and are positive.

Hanging out with a Debbie Downer isn’t going to make you feel better. If anything, it’ll give you an excuse to continue feeling blue. [Read: How to end a friendship when they do nothing but hold you back]

#8 Just dance. If you’re wondering how to stop feeling blue, you need to know that you don’t need to go to the club to shake it off. Turn on the music in your bedroom and pick a song you can get loose to. Crank it up, and go wild. No one’s watching you, just let go. It’ll get your body moving, your blood pumping, and have the endorphins pumping from head to toe.

#9 Appreciate the small things. When we’re feeling blue, it’s easy to feel like everything is coming down on you. But you need to take a step back and admire the small things in your life. When you’re out for a walk, pay attention to the dew on your neighbor’s grass or the old lady who’s crossing the street. There are beautiful things happening around you, pay attention to them.

#10 Get some rest. You may be getting a lot of sleep, or you may not be sleeping enough; it really depends. But when it comes to feeling blue, you need to make sure you’re sleeping a healthy amount. You need to be able to function properly, and if you’re not sleeping enough, it’s only making things worse. [Read: 15 tweaks to alter your sad state of mind from within]

#11 Hug someone. But not a one-armed hug. Go up to your mom, your dad, your best friend, and give them a long, two-armed bear hug. Sometimes, at the end of the day, that’s what you really need, a hug. If you can hold the hug for 30 seconds, you’ll be amazed at how good and warm it makes you feel. [Read: The huge health benefits of hugging that’ll make you want to cuddle more]

#12 Pick yourself some flowers. Who doesn’t like flowers, honestly? Whether you go to the forest and pick yourself some wildflowers or head to a flower shop, pick bright and vibrant flowers for your home. It’s a small gesture for yourself, but you’ll be surprised how flowers can brighten your day.

#13 Cry it out. If you’re trying to keep your emotions sucked in, don’t do it. Just let them out. If you keep them locked inside of you, it’ll only make you feel worse. So when you’re home alone, have a good cry. You’ll feel lighter, and it works to balance hormones, which will help you gain mental clarity. Have a good cry, and then go to bed. [Read: Ready for some tears? 20 movies that’ll make you cry a lot]

#14 Bake some treats. When you’re feeling blue, never underestimate the power of freshly baked treats. Baking is similar to doing something creative, like painting or writing. You need to focus on your attention on creating edible art. It’ll get your mind off of things and keep you occupied until you’re ready to eat them up.

#15 You’re going to be okay. Don’t let the blue fool you; you’re going to be okay. It’s a rough patch, we all have them and struggle to move past them. But with time, you will overcome this, and it’ll just be a distant memory. Don’t think you’re stuck feeling like this forever.

[Read: How to stop feeling sorry for yourself, end the pity party and break out]

It’s perfectly normal to feel blue every now and then. But you don’t want those feelings to take over your life. To get out of your slump, try out these things and see how you feel.

The post How to Stop Feeling Blue & Get Out of the Comfort of Misery is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

40 Thank You Messages for Brother

Thank You Messages for Brother : Would you like to express gratitude to your brother by giving him thank you... More

The post 40 Thank You Messages for Brother appeared first on WishesMsg.

16 Awesome Texting Tips Few Men Know

For many of you sorry bastards, texting a girl can be an awful, anxiety-inducing journey of existential despair. What to text? When? How long should the text be? Should I be funny? What do I do?

Just chillax, brother. Let uncle Tony guide you through the mysterious world of women, texting a girl, and making sense of it all.

How to Socialize While Social Distancing Without Losing Your Mind

Thanks to the internet and some very creative thinkers, we can learn how to socialize while social distancing. Let’s stay safe at home together!

The concept of looking for how to socialize while social distancing may sound like complete opposites. That is probably because they are. But, it doesn’t mean they can’t coexist.

Sure you can’t go to parties or get together with friends or family, but socializing does not have to be physical or traditional.

You can feel close to your friends and family without actually being close to them. You can interact and laugh and cry. Sure, you may not be able to hug, hand them a tissue, or share a sofa, but you can socialize while staying safe and keeping others healthy.

[Read: I feel lonely – how to overcome your feelings of loneliness]

What is social distancing?

Here’s a quick refresher course on what social distancing is and what it isn’t. Social distancing does not mean that you can have a party in your backyard as long as everyone stays six feet apart. Social distancing is the act of limiting face-to-face contact.

This is an important intervention that was put in place over most of the world to prevent the spread of a highly contagious and deadly virus. By conforming to these rules, you are limiting the risk to your health and the health of others. [Read: How to stay motivated during quarantine without losing your mind]

Social distancing, also known as, physical distancing, is necessary to slow the spread of the virus. It has already taken over one-hundred thousand lives worldwide.

It means that if you are able to, you should not go into work. It means you should limit time in public places. You should limit grocery shopping to once a week at the most.

You can exercise outside but must remain six feet apart from anyone that does not live with you. A mask or face covering does help. But it is not a replacement for staying home and away from others.

[Read: How to get your life together with healthy rituals]

If you must go to the pharmacy or to get supplies, wear a face covering that securely covers from the bridge of your nose to beneath your chin.

You can speak to neighbors from across the street or through windows or doors, but the further away you are, the better.

Staying off the roads unless it is complete necessary is also encouraged. You may be stir crazy but going for a drive adds congestion to the roads for essential workers.

Even if your mother lives down the block, if she does not live in your home, you should not visit her nor her you. You can speak on the phone or through a door. However, you should not be visiting anyone for any reason.

I know this seems intense, but we must take it seriously. If we break these rules, this will only go on for longer. The stricter we follow the rules, the better the result will be. And I am not just telling you to do this.

I haven’t seen my boyfriend off of a screen in over a month to protect him, his roommates, and me and my family.

[Read: How to handle social distancing from your partner and not feel lonely]

How to socialize while social distancing

Now that you know the rules, here are creative ways to socialize while following the social distancing guidelines.

#1 Have a virtual move night. We can’t go out to the movies or invite friends over to watch the latest Netflix thriller. Start a movie at the same time and either video chat or have a group chat to make fun of the bad acting.

#2 Send meals to each other from local restaurants. Right now, local restaurants and small businesses need our support more than ever before. Get a group together and do a sort of Secret Santa.

Order delivery for someone else without telling them who or what they are getting. Then once everyone gets it, they guess who it was from.

#3 Memes. This seems weird but memes bring a lot of joy. Quarantine memes, cat memes, and everything in between. Sending memes back and forth can put a smile on your face.

It is how most of us have been socializing digitally for years anyway. [Read: How to cheer someone up and make them feel awesome again]

#4 Play virtual games. Whether you are wearing a headset and playing video games or challenging each other at Words with Friends, you are interacting. You can socialize through games or add games to socializing.

Get a video chat together. Play trivia games, Cards Against Humanity, and a slew of other games that are now available to play via video calls.

#5 Reach out to old friends. Why not use this time to reconnect with old friends. How is your old roommate doing? Feel guilty for never calling your great aunt? Give her a ring and talk about the weather.

#6 Challenge friends and family. Create some friendly competition with friends and family. Film how fast you can stack cups, run a mile, or even fold a full load of laundry.

#7 Make a collective video. Unless you live under one roof, you can’t film a TikTok dance routine, but you can each film your own brief video. Then, edit the clips together. It is like a group project only you pick your own group and are doing it voluntarily.

#8 Use your drone. I’m not sure if you have seen the viral video of a couple getting together *safely* during quarantine due to the involvement of one man’s drone. It was modern-day magic. If you got a drone for the holidays now is your chance to put it to good use. Fly it over the neighborhood. Wave to friends who live nearby.

#9 Share recipes. If you like to cook or have recently taken it up since you’re at home, swap recipes with friends and family members. They can even guide you through the whole process via video chat. [Read: Ideas to make cooking with your partner more fun]

#10 Reminisce. Whether your friends are new or from decades ago, looking back on yearbooks and old photos is always a fun activity. You can flip through your yearbook on video call or just send embarrassing photos of each other to the group chat.

#11 Vent. Yes, it is important to remain positive and have hope right now. But, with all the thought going into that, we can forget to take a moment to really acknowledge how we’re feeling.

We don’t need to be strong and force happiness. Take time to talk to your friends and family about how you’re really feeling. You don’t need to dwell. But share that you are having trouble sleeping, with a friend or family member who can remind you that you are not alone.

Socializing isn’t just for the good times but the bad times too. We all have good days and bad days normally. In such uncertain times, it is more true than ever before.

Be there for each other. You don’t just have to cheer each other up. You can vent, and cry, and complain to each other without judgment.

[Read: How to fight loneliness while self isolating in a pandemic]

Figuring out how to socialize while social distancing can be confusing. As long as you follow the rules and lean on each other *metaphorically*, we will get through it together.

The post How to Socialize While Social Distancing Without Losing Your Mind is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

The Signs He’s Trying to Get You Pregnant Without Telling You

You really like the guy you’re seeing, but he always talking kids. Though you’re not ready, you’re seeing the signs he’s trying to get you pregnant.

I didn’t know this was an actual thing until lately. What guy would try to get his partner pregnant without her knowing? Have you ever seen the signs he’s trying to get you pregnant? Did you realize it was a thing?

Usually, when a couple gets pregnant, it’s either by accident or they sat down and talked about having a baby. But there are some weird trends that pop up out of nowhere, and this, unfortunately, is one of them.

I don’t know who came up with this idea, but there’s a trend going on where men are trying to get their partners pregnant. It’s also known as a baby trap. Let’s get one thing straight; this is not the majority of men. But the men who are doing this are making this trend known.

[Read: Stealth sex – Is your guy sneakily removing his condom midway?]

The 10 devious and alarming signs he’s trying to get you pregnant

So, how do you know if the guy you’re with is trying to get you pregnant? Well, first of all, I hope you never actually have to question your partner on this. It’s such a crazy concept.

But, there’s a chance that the guy you’re dating doesn’t have the same intentions as you. Stop and make sure that you’re on the same page as your partner. Because having a baby is no easy decision, and it’s definitely not something that should be forced upon you. If that’s the case, then I don’t think you found the person you want to be with. So, here are the signs he’s trying to get you pregnant.

Whoa. Double whoa.

#1 He keeps pushing the topic of kids. If you’re married and in your thirties, I understand your partner bringing up the topic of children. But, if you’re just dating and he constantly brings up the topic of children, even after you give him your answer, something isn’t right. He should respect your answer and not force kids on you. [Read: The worrying signs you’re being taken advantage of in a relationship]

#2 You’ve tried to break up with him. Many people, men, and women think having a baby will solve their relationship problems. If you broke up with your partner or tried to, this could be a way for him to stay connected to you. It’s a crazy idea, I know, but sometimes when people feel desperate, they do crazy things.

 #3 You’ve clearly stated what you want, and he ignores it. This isn’t the first conversation you’ve had with him about kids. It’s the 100th conversation, yet it’s like you’re talking to a doorknob. He’s not hearing you and ignores your wishes and even makes you nervous about having sex with him. If that’s how you feel, this isn’t a trusting relationship.

#4 He refuses to wear a condom. Many guys dislike the feeling of wearing a condom, but most are willing to sacrifice the sensation to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. It’s easy math. One condom equals no babies.

But if he refuses to wear a condom after you’ve asked him, then you have a problem. Firstly, it shows he doesn’t respect you or himself. Secondly, he’s not mature enough to understand the consequences. Either way, it’s a bad look for him.

#5 He doesn’t want to pull out. Okay, so let’s say you let it slide and have sex without a condom. Things happen, I get it. When unprotected sex happens, men will pull out to prevent ejaculating inside their partner. But when you have sex, and he’s not willing to pull out, that’s very serious.

Why wouldn’t he pull out? This is a huge warning sign that he either is looking to get you pregnant or reckless. [Read: Why you should never ever trust his pull out game]

#6 He conveniently has sex with you when you’re ovulating. Most men have no idea when a woman is ovulating; let’s be honest. But if a guy is really focused on getting you pregnant, they’ll make sure to do the math and see when your eggs are fresh and ready for action. But, you’re not going to really notice this unless you see other signs on this list as well.

#7 You are in the honeymoon phase. When you’re at the beginning of the relationship, things are hot and heavy. The attraction is there, and you can’t keep your hands off of each other.

When you’re in the moment, and things are heating up, it’s easy to get out of hand and think you want something when you really don’t. In this case, it could be having a baby. This is why you wear protection or use conception, for these unexpected moments.

#8 He comments about being less than you. If you’re noticing some of these signs like he doesn’t want to wear a condom, or he doesn’t pull out, mixed with him making comments about being “less” than you, this is something to worry about. It’s crazy to think this, but there are some guys who will do anything to keep a woman with them, especially if they believe the woman is “out of their league.” 

#9 You aren’t in an actual relationship. You have been played by him since the very beginning, and even though you know he likes you, he doesn’t want to commit. That being said, no matter how much he likes you, he doesn’t want to be tied down. So, what can he do to make sure you’re always around? Ding, ding, ding. [Read: The surefire signs the guy you’re dating is playing you] 

#10 He pokes holes in the condoms. Well, if you ever catch someone doing this, then it’s a strong sign for you to get out of the relationship immediately. Who pokes holes in condoms? Why would you go against your partner like that? If you found out he’s doing this to get you pregnant; this is not someone you can grow honestly with.

[Read: The big and early warning signs of a bad boyfriend]

I’ve never encountered these signs he’s trying to get you pregnant. Honestly, I hope you don’t either. But if he is, consider this a huge red flag. And don’t walk away, run!

The post The Signs He’s Trying to Get You Pregnant Without Telling You is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

The 7 Types of Romantic Hugs that’ll Bring You Closer to Each Other

Connecting with your partner isn’t all about sex, hugging can be just as intimate. But, did you know there are different types of romantic hugs?

Physical intimacy is important in a relationship, but it doesn’t mean you must be rattling the bed posts every night! There are many ways you can be physically and emotionally intimate without taking your clothes off. In fact, these seven types of romantic hugs are totally fine to do in public!

These different types of romantic hugs all mean one thing: I love you, I care about you, I want you to feel safe, I feel safe in your arms.

Hugging is officially certified as being good for your health. It can reduce stress, makes you feel happier and more upbeat. It can also help make your heart healthier too. All the more reason to start bear-hugging your partner whenever you get the chance!

Of course, hugging is also a great way to connect with your partner and helps you to feel supported, and support them at the same time. However, it’s easy for hugging to start feeling the same after a while. So, mix things up occasionally.

[Read: The 25 sweetest romantic gestures for everyday life]

Types of romantic hugs you probably didn’t know had a name!

Hugging is not just hugging. There are many different hugging positions you can try. Just like sex positions, it’s a good idea to mix things up and try new things occasionally! This also communicates different messages to your partner.

#1 Hugging from behind. This type of hug offers a form of protection and basically says “it’s okay.” It doesn’t matter if you’re smaller or bigger than your partner, the effect is the same. All you need to do is hug your arms around their waist and lay your head against their shoulder from behind. You’ll feel safe, they’ll feel safe. Then, squeeze them in reassurance if you need to. [Read: Love and affection: The magic spark in long-term relationships]

#2 Hugging with eye contact. This one is pretty intense. It’s one of the types of romantic hugs which really communicates your feelings. It’s really easy to do.

You just hug them in the normal way and make sure that you look deep into their eyes. You’ll probably be tempted to look away, as most people become a little awkward when there’s long lasting eye contact involved. Do your best to stick with it for maximum effect.

#3 A hug that truly says “I love you.” A forehead kiss is something special and tender. When you combine it with a hug, it really does become one of the types of romantic hugs which packs the biggest punch. Just hug them in the normal way, but lift your head to kiss them on the forehead at the same time. It can often be quite a moving moment too. [Read: What a forehead kiss really means and why it’s so special to everyone]

#4 A hug that says something else. A hug can actually be a precursor to something even more intimate. But you should make sure that you communicate your desires clearly! Hug your partner in the regular way, but pull them closer and rest your hand on the lowest point of their back as you can, or even grab their butt and give it a cheeky squeeze! [Read: Different ways to say I love you without saying a word]

#5 Hugging from the side. Sometimes you’re just not in the right position to give them a full on hug but the moment takes you, and you really want to take them in your arms and give them a squeeze.

In that case, just hug them from the side! Place your arms around their middle and rest your head on their shoulder, if they’re sitting. It’s a “I just wanted to hold you” kind of message. It’s one of the types of romantic hugs you can drop in there quite casually. [Read: 15 non-sexual touches that’ll make anyone feel really connected and loved]

#6 A long lasting hug. Words aren’t needed with this type of hug. The physical closeness communicates everything that is needed. Take your partner into your arms. Stroke their hair or their back as you do so. You can move this into the kiss on the forehead hug from earlier if you want to. This is a great hug to use when your partner is having a bad day.

#7 A playful sitting hug. You don’t have to be standing to hug someone, you can do it sitting down too! When your partner is sitting, straddle them and wrap them up in a big bear hug. It’s protective, calming, loving, and shows that you want to cheer them up in the moment. If anything, it’s one of the most important types of romantic hugs for the message it portrays. [Read: How to create a deeper connection with your partner]

Why you should hug more often

Hugging in a relationship is important. It shows that you are comfortable with one another, and it communicates reassurance and love without words. Sometimes words just don’t do it. These types of romantic hugs certainly tick the box.

Many relationships start off as purely physical *it’s all about the sex*. Then they progress and more hugging takes place, rather than constantly jumping into bed. This shows the relationship is maturing into something deeper. Something with real emotions involved! By hugging your partner, you communicate those feelings without words. It’s ideal if you’re not ready to say those important three words yet, or you just don’t know the words to say. [Read: The health benefits of hugging that’ll make you want to cuddle more]

Of course, hugging isn’t just for partners. There are many types of hugs that aren’t romantic, and instead they’re simply supportive and reassuring. You may hug a friend when they’re having a bad day or when someone tells you that they’re going through a difficult patch. You’ll probably hug your family members.

Hugging is simply a way of communicating a message via the medium of human touch. It doesn’t have to be romantic, but in a relationship, it’s certainly important to have this physical closeness which doesn’t lead to something else. Sometimes we just want to feel close to our partner without feeling like it has to lead towards the bedroom, right?

[Read: A romantic hug vs a friendly hug – How to feel the difference instantly]

The health benefits of hugging are clear to see. When you feel emotionally connected to another person, you’re also giving your mental health a boost too. A relationship cannot last or become deeper when there is no emotional intimacy, but many couples find it hard to put into words how they feel. [Read: 11 types of hugs women give and what each means]

Do your best and explain your feelings from time to time. Using these types of romantic hugs could be enough to help your partner understand what you’re trying to convey, while reassuring them and allowing them to feel the strength of your love. [Read: How to hug a girl and give her the kind of hug she really wants]

If you think about how you feel when your partner hugs you, you’ll know how they feel when you do it back. So, make it your aim to hug your partner more. That doesn’t mean you need to go down the route of over-kill, but a little more than you normally would should do the trick. In that case, you’re strengthening your bond and you’re grabbing the associated health benefits at the same time!

[Read: How to be affectionate with 15 gestures that show how you feel]

Hugging brings a range of health benefits while connecting you to your partner on a deeper level. There are many different types of romantic hugs you can use, so why not mix it up occasionally?

The post The 7 Types of Romantic Hugs that’ll Bring You Closer to Each Other is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

Hustle Porn: What It Is and What Makes It So Bad For Your Life?

Most people enjoy watching porn, but this isn’t the porn I’m talking about. This type of porn, hustle porn, doesn’t belong in anyone’s life.

I wish I was writing about some sort of sexually expressive material that helps you feel relaxed and connected to yourself, but sadly, that isn’t the case. Maybe you never even have heard of “hustle porn,” and if that’s the case, then I hope you never do.

Listen, we all need to work. Unless you managed to be born into a rich family or marry someone with money, odds are you work. And there’s nothing wrong with that. From celebrities to janitors, everyone works. Even though we’d rather be doing other things, the world functions around money, and everyone needs their piece to survive.

[Read: 15 things everyone should know about how to live a happy life]

What is hustle porn really?

There are tons of quotes from successful people saying they worked extremely and made huge sacrifices, which ultimately brought them success. But is that what you need to do?

Sadly, it’s become a social norm to hustle hard to get where you want. And some people do achieve a certain level of success, but working hard doesn’t mean you’re entitled to it. That’s a hard pill to swallow, which is why people choose to ignore that and keep grinding and hustling.

I’ve built the suspense up, but please bear with me just a minute longer. You probably now have a general idea of what hustle porn is, but I’m going to go a step further and tell you some of the things you really need to know about hustle porn. That way, you can make sure not to fall into its trap. Because trust me, it’s an easy trap to fall into.

The basic things you need to know about hustle porn

No, it’s not that type of porn.

#1 There’s nothing sexual about it. I wish there was something sexual about it. It would make things so much easier if hustle porn was about two people who really wanted to please each other, hustlin’ to the end. Imagine if it was about that, this article would have been a breeze to write about. But it’s not that.

#2 The founder of Reddit came up with “hustle porn.” If you’re a fan of Reddit *who isn’t?*, then you know its founder, Alexis Ohanian. As someone who’s in the high-tech industry, and created a platform, he’s well aware of the high-tech environment. He was actually the one who came up with the term “hustle porn” after his own experiences when developing Reddit. [Read: How to make yourself happy? 20 habits of incredibly happy people]

#3 What is “hustle porn?” Okay, before I go any further, it’s time we talked about what hustle porn actually means. Ohanian uses the term to describe the fetishization of people working in the high-tech industry who overwork themselves.

These people are putting in hours and hours of work a day, with hopes of achieving success. This isn’t just for high-level CEOs; we’re also talking about average employees.

#4 Hustle porn is a new concept. Back in the day, we weren’t technologically advanced. Sure, some of us had cellphones, but they’re scanning our fingerprints or connected to apps.

Hustle porn is a relatively new concept, one that’s been developed ever since the high-tech industry boomed. That’s when you started to see people overworking themselves. So, if you haven’t heard of this term before, don’t think you’re falling behind with the times. Hustle porn is a relatively new concept.

#5 Hustling = success. At least in the high-tech industry’s eyes. The idea is that unless you’re grinding and putting in endless hours at work every single day, you’re not working hard enough. Suffering and essentially deteriorating means you’re hustling. And that’s seen as something admirable and encouraged in the workplace.

#6 Work becomes an identity and life purpose. Ideally, you should work to live, not live to work. Do you get the difference? Of course, we all need to work, but your job shouldn’t identify who you are as a person and form your life’s purpose.

But, in the high-tech industry, your job becomes who you are. Why? It’s the only thing you do with your time. There’s no time for you to develop as a person, and do things you enjoy. [Read: How to balance your career, work life and love life]

#7 Hustle porn isn’t healthy for anyone. Even if you think you can do it, you can’t. I’m not trying to challenge you; I’m telling you it’s not healthy for anything. When you’re putting hours into your job, you ignore your mental and physical health.

Most of the time, you don’t realize that until you burn out or have an emotional breakdown. The health risks associated with hustle porn are depression, anxiety, type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal issues, and cardiovascular diseases.

#8 You can work high-tech and not hustle. You are going to need to invest a certain amount of hours, but that doesn’t mean you need to let yourself get sucked into your job. It’s not an easy thing to do because hustling is the culture of the high-tech industry. But, you can do things to create a more balanced life. I’m going to talk about them now.

#9 Define success for yourself. When you think of the word “success,” money, fancy cars, and expensive clothes probably come into your mind. But in reality, success means different things for everyone. But one thing I think we can all agree on is success doesn’t mean sacrificing your family and friends to work non-stop every day. Figure out what your goals are and see how you can shape your life to achieve those goals in a healthy manner. [Read: How to succeed in life – All you ever need to know]

#10 Make sleep a priority. You need a lot of sleep if you’re working in high-tech. Actually, whether you’re in high-tech or not, you probably need more sleep than you’re getting now. If you’re working hard, you need to rest hard. But you also need to work smarter. If that means shaving an hour or two a day off your working day so you can rest, you’ll be more productive.

#11 Balance your passion. Many people who are in high-tech are passionate about the job they’re doing. And that’s perfectly fine. Ideally, being passionate about your job is a positive thing. But, that doesn’t mean your passion should take over your life and burn you out. This is where you need to find balance and create boundaries so that you keep your passion a passion.

[Read: What should I do with my life to make it better?]

I hope you never have to use the term “hustle porn” ever. Everyone works, but remember, you weren’t put on this earth to work your job. You were put on this earth to live.

The post Hustle Porn: What It Is and What Makes It So Bad For Your Life? is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.