13 Must-Follow Rules of Texting a Guy for the Response You Want

You just exchanged numbers with the guy you like—great! But before you start texting him, here are some rules of texting a guy.

You finally exchanged numbers with the guy you have a crush on. It’s a pretty big step. Who knows what will happen! When you like someone, it’s easy to take things too seriously and apply unnecessary pressure on yourself. These rules of texting a guy will help you navigate it and get the response you want!

I had a big crush on this one guy, and texting him was torture for me. I would re-read my texts one-thousand times and double-check with my friends if what I said was funny or witty. It was exhausting. If I were more secure in myself and didn’t place my crush on a pedestal, things would have gone much smoother.

[Read: How to be emotionally independent and stop using others for happiness]

13 rules of texting a guy that make all the difference

You have his number, but that’s just the beginning. However, your experience doesn’t have to end up exactly like mine. I really hope it doesn’t. So, I included a couple of rules of texting a guy to help you successfully text him. You don’t need to follow them strictly, but they’re a good guide to follow when you feel like you’re in over your head.

Just remember, he’s a human being. He’s just like you. Don’t get it in your head that he’s above you, because he’s not. Let’s get to it. [Read: Totally crushing? Must-know secrets to text a guy you like]

#1 Remember, he’s just a guy. You came here to get some help, I understand. I did the same thing when I was single. I needed guidance and help when it came to talking to guys. But, you need to remember, he’s just a guy.

Don’t get it in your head that he’s above you. There’s no need to take this too seriously. Take it easy on yourself and be kind. [Read: How to stop being shy around your crush and get their attention]

#2 Text him according to his effort. Here’s the thing, often, we’ll do more than what the other person does when it comes to texting. If we like someone, we’ll go the extra mile to text them good morning and ask them how they are. This isn’t bad, but he has to meet you halfway.

If he doesn’t text you, don’t text him. If he only gives you one-word answers, why should you ask him questions to get to know him? Give him what he gives you.

 #3 Are you enjoying the conversation? This is something you should check in with yourself. You’re talking to a guy you like, but are you actually enjoying the conversation? It’s easy to get wrapped up in the thoughts of this guy without realizing you actually don’t like him as much as you think. Is there a connection? Be honest with yourself. [Read: Falling for someone? The biggest signs of an emotional connection] 

#4 You don’t need to text him eight hours later. I know you want to look like you’re really busy, so you send him a text hours later. Really, you don’t have to do that. You also don’t have to text him 30 seconds after he texts you.

Text him when you feel like texting him, there’s no rule to this. Do what feels right, and not because you want him to think you’re so busy.

#5 Don’t overthink your texts. I know you want to text him the perfect message, but that doesn’t mean you should sit on a text for 20 minutes before sending it. Whatever you want to say, say it. The point is, whatever you want to say needs to be genuine to you. If he doesn’t get the joke or disagrees with what you say, that’s okay. 

#6 You don’t need to play games. We’ve been taught that playing games are the only way to get a guy to like us, but that’s not true. You shouldn’t have to play games to get a guy to like you. If he likes you for you, then no games need to be played. [Read: Why playing hard to get with a guy is pointless] 

#7 Don’t be pushy. You want to hang out with him, and that’s great. If you asked him out and he can’t go, that’s okay. Don’t be pushy and pressure him into doing anything. If he chooses to go on a date with you, awesome. If he doesn’t want to, then don’t waste your time. 

#8 You don’t always need to be talking to each other. Yesss. Can we say that again for the people in the back? You don’t need to always be talking to each other. It’s okay to talk every other day or every three days. Constant communication doesn’t necessarily mean you will be more connected. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. It’s corny but true. [Read: How guys text when they like you – 15 things they do differently]

#9 Know when to end the conversation. You don’t need to keep talking to him all day and night. It’s perfectly okay to end the conversation and go on living your life. If you feel the conversation is dying, end it. You can start the conversation up again later that day or the day after. It’s okay; silence isn’t a bad thing.

#10 Focus on your tone. When it comes to texting, it’s easy to miscommunicate because we can’t see the other person’s face while they’re talking. So, it’s easy to mistake a sentence as being something other than what it is. Read your message out loud to double-check if there’s a chance for him to take it the wrong way.

#11 Go easy on the emojis. Everyone enjoys emojis, but you don’t need to have your message an entire sentence of emojis. When people see messages like that… it’s not exactly a turn on. Use emojis to show sarcasm or a joke, but don’t go crazy with them. Use them within reason, regardless if the text is for a guy you like or not.

#12 Don’t keep the relationship via text. If you like this guy, you don’t want to keep this relationship only on text. You want the relationship to evolve and grow into something. So, after some time, focus on trying to meet each other for coffee or dinner. If you like him, there’s nothing wrong by asking him out. [Read: How to ask a guy out over text and get the answer you want]

#13 If you’re not into him, let him know. You may be texting with him and realize that he’s not really the one for you. This is perfectly okay; you don’t need to fall in love with every guy you talk to. But a sign of maturity on your end is letting him know how you feel. It’s hard to tell someone you’re not interested in them, but it cuts the chance for any games to be played.

[Read: Why you shouldn’t ghost someone and the 5 situations where it is okay]

When it comes to knowing the rules of texting a guy, there aren’t really any concrete ones. But there are some things you can do to help you get to where you want to go.

The post 13 Must-Follow Rules of Texting a Guy for the Response You Want is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

Musings on How to Keep Your Wife or Girlfriend

A seduction doesn’t end at marriage. Let’s illustrate by tearing down a mediocre poem written by a man who’ll never keep his wife – a man who just doesn’t get it.

Contents

I. The Game Starts at Marriage

II. What About Pity?

III. Children Make excuses; Men Create Results

IV. The Lesson

I was browsing a men’s forum and found this sad but educational letter penned by a heartbroken divorcé. It offers insight into how a man, lacking a foundation in female psychology, was able to destroy his marriage within seven years.

It’s not an easy read. It’s the lament of a victim on his ineptitude with women. It’s the poetry of a beta male, worshiping at the feet of a woman he sees as above him.

How to Tell If You’re in a Low Key Relationship or a Secret Affair

What is the difference between a low key relationship and someone who simply wants to hide the fact that you’re together? Then decide what you want.

We’ve all been there. Out of nowhere, someone tells you that they’ve having a great time with you, but they want a low key relationship for now. What does that even mean?

You have a major crush on someone and can’t help but think about them every second of the day. Finally, they notice you and you end up seeing more of them. Things advance a little and you’re spending even more time together.

You’re walking on air at this point. Then, they share this low key relationship desire with you. You can be forgiven for pulling a confused face.

[Read: What is casual dating? How to know for sure if you can handle it]

What is a low key relationship exactly?

There are two ways to look at this.

Firstly, it’s perfectly fine to be in a low key relationship if that’s what you both want. This means that you’re taking things slow, not rushing into anything, casual about it all, and not declaring your love for one another on every social media platform that you’re a member of.

You might be seen out in public together occasionally, but it’s not a regular thing. You might have mutual friends and hang out as a group. But you’re not introducing them to other friends and family just yet.

Some low key relationships are exclusive, others aren’t. That’s something you should decide between yourselves. Of course, the problems begin when that conversation isn’t had and one of you thinks that things are progressing more officially than the other.

[Read: 10 things you must always remember when you’re in a casual relationship]

There is another way to look at the low key relationship idea. If you’re crazy about one another, if you love spending time together and you’re enjoying the ‘can’t keep your hands off one another’ stage, why hide it?

That is where you need to draw the line. Sometimes the line between low key and hidden relationships can be extremely blurry.

Where does one end and the other start?

If the person you’re seeing lies about being with you, panics when people see you together, and completely avoids any admission that there might be something more than friendship going on between you when asked by other people, you’re a secret.

However, if they’re not hiding it per se, and when asked they talk about it quite openly, it’s a low key relationship.

[Read: How to take a relationship slow but not so slow that it ends]

Is a low key relationship ever a good thing?

Sure, it can be. But it has to be what you both want. If you’re someone who wants to shout it from the rooftops and can’t help but burst with excitement and tell your friends about your latest date, you’re going to struggle with the low key relationship idea.

The point here is that you’re both laid back about it. You’re not rushing. You’re not keeping track of how many dates you’ve been on, or what everything means. There is no label on a low key relationship, because you’re seeing how things go. [Read: 15 hurt-free rules to date casually without getting hurt]

If you’re happy to be that relaxed, then maybe you’ll find freedom in a low key relationship. To have a healthy and functioning union with someone you love spending time with, while having another altogether separate part of your life without them too.

It’s personal choice. Some people want to take things slowly. Maybe they’ve been hurt before and they want to take their time. Maybe they have children from a previous relationship and want to keep everything on the down low for now, until they’re sure that the relationship is actually going somewhere.

There are a myriad of reasons why someone may want a low key relationship to begin with, but that’s the point – to begin with. When it’s constantly low key and never really develops into anything else, you should question what’s going on. [Read: Relationship of convenience – What it is and why people get into one]

What if you’re a secret?

If you’re pretty sure that there isn’t a low key deal going on here, but you’re hidden away, it’s time to wave goodbye. Seriously! You deserve better.

Sit down with them first and ask why they feel the need to hide your relationship, or whatever it is. The chances are you’re not going to get a very reasonable answer to your question, because there isn’t one in existence.

If someone wants to spend time with you, wants to sleep with you, wants to share intimate and personal moments with you, this should not be hidden away. Of course, that doesn’t mean oversharing and telling everyone every single detail. But it does mean that it’s not the world’s biggest secret either. [Read: What it could really mean if someone wants a secret relationship]

I mean, come on, how does it make you feel? That they’re ashamed or scared what people will say? How ridiculous a fear is that? I want someone I spent time with to be pretty happy about it, to be more than able to tell people “yeah, she’s my boo.” Or whatever the line is these days. If someone you’re spending time with wants to hide the fact, then, sorry, but they have to go.

Raise your hand and wave it in a goodbye gesture. It’s the only way to go.

[Read: The signs you’re wasting time in a one sided relationship]

When should a low key relationship turn into something more high key?

That’s the million dollar question.

We all move at different speeds when it comes to love. If you’ve had a conversation and identified the reasons for wanting to keep things low, then you’ll be fine with that for a while. However, there will come a time when perhaps one or both of you wants to move things up a gear.

If your partner doesn’t want that to happen and they’re happy with the low key relationship you’ve already got, think carefully about the future. The fact that you want to kick things up a notch means that you’re not happy with the low key thing anymore. Continuing with it isn’t going to answer the problem, is it? Identify the reason why they’re not happy to move things into a higher drive. Then, assess whether you’re happy with their explanation. [Read: How to read the signs when your casual relationship is starting to get serious]

There should be a certain amount of give and take here. At the end of the day you still need to be happy at the speed your relationship is moving and how visible or otherwise it is to others. You don’t have to be one of those couples who constantly posts cute photos on social media or declares their love for one another at every turn.

But you do should have a certain amount of identity as a couple that goes beyond the low key version after a while. If this doesn’t happen, maybe this relationship isn’t the one for you in the end. [Read: Are you two a couple? 14 clear signs it’s going in the right direction]

The only way you can figure this out is to sit down and talk about it. Be honest and open about how you feel and what you want. You can’t be shy here. Be truthful to yourself. Maybe you’re happy with the low key relationship mold and it’s fine. But if you’re not, it’s time to speak up.

[Read: Casual dating vs. serious dating: What’s your dating speed for now?]

A low key relationship is usually a short-lived thing before it develops into something a little more high profile. But there is a very big difference between being low key and being a secret.

The post How to Tell If You’re in a Low Key Relationship or a Secret Affair is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

How to Win a Guy Back When You Messed Up a Perfectly Good Thing

You messed up, and you messed up so good your man doesn’t want to be with you anymore. But here’s how to win a guy back. There is hope!

You want to learn how to win a guy back because you messed up and feel guilty for what you did. And, I’m going to help you win him back, but ultimately, it’s up to him whether or not he wants to be with you.

BUT, before you go through all of this, you should want him back because you know he is the person you want as a partner.

I know it’s tough to hear, but what you did may have genuinely hurt him, and he’s unable to move past that. Whatever you do, don’t force him to be with you. If he decides he wants to be with you, great. If not, you should move on.

[Read: How to win your ex back in the healthiest way possible]

How to win a guy back – The steps that really matter

There have been some moments where I thought I messed up to the point I would end my relationship with my partner. I’m only human; I make mistakes just like everyone else. No, these mistakes had nothing to do with cheating. Either I did or said something that really hurt my partner, and it was difficult for him to move past it.

What’s important from all of this is that I chose to work on myself and understand why I behaved the way I did. And to win a guy back, you’ll need to put in some hard work and soul searching of your own.

Now, if you’ve cheated on your partner, there are deep-rooted issues in your relationship you need to process. Right now, you may be feeling bad and want him back, even though, deep down, you know the relationship wasn’t healthy. [Read: How to forgive yourself for cheating and stop beating yourself up]

#1 Did you give him some space? Okay, you had a fight yesterday, and you said some horrible things. And now, you’re calling him ten times every hour to talk with him. Stop. Instead, think of time as your friend, because it really is. Give him some space and time to think about things and let him come to you when he’s ready. [Read: How to give him space without losing him… or your confused mind!]

#2 Reflect on yourself. If you want to know how to win a guy back, you’re going to have to do a lot of self-reflection and figure out what you did wrong and why it was wrong. It’s not fun to accept responsibility for your actions, but it’s crucial to move forward in your relationship. Look at the real issue and how you need to change your behavior.

#3 What’s the problem? Whatever it is that you did, really consider the root problem. There’s usually something deeper under the surface that we suppress, but now’s the time to bring it to the surface. Once it’s on the surface, you can’t ignore it. [Read: Healthy relationship expectations to define a good love life]

#4 Talk to him about what happened. Communication is the key to getting him back. If you really want him, then you need to talk about what happened. It won’t be an easy conversation to have, and you’ll need to be 100% honest with yourself and him. But if you are, there’s a chance you’ll win him back.

#5 And apologize for what you did. This isn’t an easy move for anyone to make. No one likes to admit they did something wrong openly. If you value and want him back in your life, you need to grow up and apologize for what you did. But only say sorry if you mean it. 

#6 Don’t try to make him jealous. Oh god, I don’t even want to talk about this. You posting pictures with other guys or when you’re on a night out with your friend isn’t what you need to do when you’re looking for ways on how to win a guy back. You don’t need to make him feel jealous. But you should apologize and have a genuine conversation with him.

#7 Don’t use sex to win him over. When it comes to sex, it’s an easy tool to use, and one card both women and men try to move past a situation. But come on, using sex to get him back is just sad. You hurt this guy, and sex isn’t going to take away what happened. You’ll need to talk about what happened, so sex will only delay the inevitable conversation. [Read: The most obvious thirst trap signs that scream “I want attention”]

#8 Admit your faults. Oh yes. You may have admitted your faults to yourself, but now you need to admit them to him. That’s right. It’s not easy telling someone you screwed up and admitting blame, but if you want a chance to have him back, you need to tell him what you did wrong. He needs to hear it from you. [Read: How to get your ex back and earn their forgiveness]

#9 Don’t beg. Oh god. I saw this happen once to my next-door neighbor. His girlfriend cheated on him and went on her knees, begging for him back. It was really quite an event to watch, but obviously, not a good look for her. Listen, whatever happens, don’t beg. If someone wants you, you won’t need to get on your knees for them.

#10 Give him more space. Did I mention he needs more space? Well, he does. After you talk to him and tell him you are sorry and want him back, you need to give him more space. Don’t suffocate him just because you said sorry. Now, he needs time to think about what he wants and whether that includes you. [Read: How to regain your partner’s trust after you’ve lied to them]

#11 Don’t play games. It’s easy to manipulate him into coming back to you, but it won’t be genuine. You shouldn’t play games and manipulate someone to get them to want you. If you screwed up, then the last thing you should do is play games. You screwed up, and now you have to wait for him to make a decision. 

#12 Avoid social media. I know you want to stalk his social media, watch all his Instagram stories, and like all his posts, but don’t do it. Stay away from his social media and avoid any engagement. Give the guy some space! When I mean space, that includes social media. Don’t be the girl who stalks him online.

#13 Work on yourself. During this time, you should continue to work on yourself and grow as a person. We all make mistakes, but what’s important is that we work on ourselves and learn from our flaws. You’re not perfect; no one is. But, you can try to be the best version of yourself. [Read: How to be a better person and continue growing into a kind soul]

#14 Know when it’s time to move on. There’s a chance he’ll come back to you, but there’s also a chance that he won’t. What’s important is when you see he’s not interested in being with you, you move on. I know it’s easier said than done, but it’s really something you need to do for yourself.

[Read: 10 strong signs your ex is over you and it’s time for you to move on]

Learning how to win a guy back will require you applying these tips. But, remember, if he doesn’t want to be with you, there’s nothing more you can do.

The post How to Win a Guy Back When You Messed Up a Perfectly Good Thing is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

35 Best Good Night Prayer For Peaceful Sleep

Good Night Prayer Father, thank you for always keeping me safe and letting me see another beautiful day. Thank you for showing me the rays of hope even when it…

The post 35 Best Good Night Prayer For Peaceful Sleep appeared first on Events Greetings.

How to Tell If Someone Is Asexual: 5 Hints They’re Not into Sex

Not everyone wants sex. Sometimes it’s a passing phase, other times it’s not. If you want to know how to tell if someone is asexual, read on.

There are many sexual identities on the planet: gay, straight, bisexual, to a range of other identities besides. One identity that can cause a little confusion is asexuality. Learning how to tell if someone is asexual is hard, and it really comes down to communication. Perhaps, that is why there is so much misunderstanding around this particular sexual identity.

So, what’s normal?

Every single person on this planet is different. And there is no solid definition of what is considered ‘normal.’ Normal can be anything. It’s what makes life so wonderful! You don’t have to adhere to a set of norms if you don’t want to. What are norms anyway?

Of course, there is a certain amount of pressure to fit into the mold. For those who may not follow the pattern of those around them, it can be easy to feel like something is wrong.

The truth is, nothing is wrong. As long as you’re happy with who you are, what you’re doing, and how you feel, that’s normal for you.

[Read: What does it really mean to be asexual?]

What is asexuality?

A person who identifies as asexual doesn’t feel sexually attracted to other people, or they feel an extremely low desire where sex is concerned. They can appreciate that someone is attractive, but they don’t have the urge to have sex due to that attractiveness.

Of course, asexuality can create a range of problems with a relationship if the issue isn’t discussed early on. Most people would go into a situation that you hope will become a relationship probably expecting sex to appear on the menu at some point. An asexual person will not want that to happen.

As a result, the other person, if they don’t understand what’s going on, may feel like the other one isn’t into them, that they’re not attracted to them, or that there is something wrong. Truthfully, there is nothing wrong with either party! It’s simply that sex doesn’t matter to a person who is asexual. They don’t feel the need. [Read: Asexual people and what it’s like for them in the dating world]

It’s not easy to learn how to tell if someone is asexual, because the cues are subtle. Of course, the main issue is that the person just won’t want sex, but you could also attribute that to stress, tiredness, and several other problem too.

It’s not possible for a person who has a high sex drive to be totally happy in a relationship with a person who is asexual. You might like to argue otherwise, but some people place a large amount of importance on sex. They love sex, they enjoy it, they want it, and they feel happy and attractive when it’s happening on a regular basis. If they don’t feel like they can be in a relationship where sex isn’t part of the deal, it’s not going to work. In order for any relationship to work, both parties have to be happy. [Read: 10 communication techniques to help someone open up to you]

Of course, an asexual person is also not going to be comfortable with a person who they know wants sex. They’re going to feel like they’re not providing something to their partner that they know they want. This can breed resentment and cause problems.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Provided both parties talk about it and come to an agreement that they’re both happy with, an asexual relationship can be extremely loving and fulfilling on a different level.

[Read: Healthy relationship boundaries to help you live your best love life]

How to tell if someone is asexual

So, how to tell if someone is asexual? Well, sit down and talk to the person you’ve been seeing. Try and get to the bottom of the problem. Is it that they are asexual or is it something else? Just because they’re not showing an interest in sex doesn’t necessarily mean they’re asexual.

It could be that they’re shy, maybe they had a negative experience in a prior relationship, and they’re really keen on taking it slow. Don’t simply assume.

However, a person has to feel comfortable before they open up about their sexual identity and in this case, before they sit down and tell you that they’re asexual. Before you get to that point, there are a few clues that might lead you towards a well-informed assumption. [Read: How to build trust in a relationship and make it last]

#1 They try to avoid intimacy or make excuses. At the start, it’s not likely that they’ll be happy to tell you straight out that they’re asexual. In that case, you’ll probably find that they come up with several excuses to avoid being intimate.

#2 They might become annoyed or seem embarrassed when you talk about sex. Asexuality can be a source of frustration for some people, because they want to tell you but they don’t know how. They might also simply not understand why sex is such a big deal for you. This could cause annoyance.

If someone you’re seeing doesn’t seem interested in sex, makes excuses, and then seems embarrassed or even annoyed when the subject comes up, it could be one of the steps in understanding how to tell if someone is asexual. [Read: What makes someone a demisexual? And how they experience lust]

#3 They show you affection in other ways, but never in a sexual manner. The start of a relationship is normally the part where you can’t keep your hands off each other and you’re always jumping into bed. Of course, it’s not always the case, but if you find someone you’re seeing is quite affectionate with you in other ways, such as holding your hand, touching your skin, and hugging, but it never moves towards a sexual place, they may be asexual.

 #4 They don’t understand sexual flirting. One of the nuances of learning how to tell if someone is asexual can’t be achieved by just one particular sign, there must be several clues that add up. However, an asexual person doesn’t understand or ‘get’ sexual innuendos or sexual flirting.

They don’t understand because they don’t feel the sexual attraction that perhaps you do. Therefore, they don’t really know what you’re trying to tell them. [Read: Understanding grey asexuality in a world of sex]

#5 They may question your need for sex. If they ask you why you need to have sex, questioning your desire, that’s a pretty big sign. The start of a relationship is, as mentioned, usually full of sexual activity, so if a person is questioning why you need it, it could be that they simply don’t feel it in the same way as you.

Remember that asexuality isn’t a choice. It’s not something that a person chooses or decides for themselves. It’s simply that they don’t feel sexually attracted to people, therefore, can’t and don’t want to indulge in sexual activity. [Read: The list of sexualities and what you need to know about each of them]

You cannot try to change someone who is asexual. I’s something they need to either work on themselves or accept. In most cases, it’s about acceptance, and it also has to come from you as their partner.

If you choose to stay in a relationship with someone who is openly asexual, accept that sex won’t be a big part of your union. You have to be okay with this. If you are, find other ways to become close. Relationships aren’t all about sex, after all.

[Read: Is platonic marriage real? 10 reasons you should marry just as friends]

Understanding how to tell if someone is asexual is a risky business. You can’t simply assume, and you need several clues to add up to see a pattern emerging. But all said and done, always be supportive and accept them for who they are.

The post How to Tell If Someone Is Asexual: 5 Hints They’re Not into Sex is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.

Beauty Is the Reward of Valor

Women don't respond to timorous men. But they respond (in almost shocking ways) to strong, driven, valiant ones… with beauty as valor's reward.

Writing of the invasion in 396 A.D. of Alaric and the Goths into Greece (not long before the fall of Rome, and well after Greece had declined as a regional power and slid into decadence and decay), Edward Gibbon notes:

The troops which had been posted to defend the Straits of Thermopylae, retired, as they were directed, without attempting to disturb the secure and rapid passage of Alaric; and the fertile fields of Phocis and Boeotia were instantly covered by a deluge of Barbarians who massacred the males of an age to bear arms, and drove away the beautiful females, with the spoil and cattle of the flaming villages.

...

The vases and statues were distributed among the Barbarians, with more regard to the value of the materials, than to the elegance of the workmanship; the female captives submitted to the laws of war; the enjoyment of beauty was the reward of valor; and the Greeks could not reasonably complain of an abuse which was justified by the example of the heroic times.

The descendants of that extraordinary people, who had considered valor and discipline as the walls of Sparta, no longer remembered the generous reply of their ancestors to an invader more formidable than Alaric. "If thou art a god, thou wilt not hurt those who have never injured thee; if thou art a man, advance:—and thou wilt find men equal to thyself."

The Goths had finished sacking Asia Minor, yet, unable to breach the walls of Constantinople, had wheeled about, crossed back into Europe, and burned a path through Greece.

The Greeks, no longer the manly warriors of their forebears, retreated, leaving the pass of Thermopylae unguarded. 900 years earlier, the Spartan King Leonidas I had for three days resisted a 100,000-man Persian army with a force of 300 Spartans and 700 Thespians at Thermopylae. And even only 140 years earlier, circa 250 A.D., the Greeks halted an earlier Gothic invasion at Thermopylae. This time, however, the soft and timorous Greeks retreated from the pass, and the Goths carved through, slaughtered the young men like pigs, and took the females as their prizes.

You might at first pity the Greeks.

Poor soft, unwarrior-like, decadent Greeks, invaded by the savage Goths, the quivering young men of Greece murdered, the fair young women of Greece carried away as war brides.

Yet, the people and land of Greece were hers to lose. Her soldiers shrunk back in fear of the invading Goths, and the Goths claimed their spoils, of blood, gold, and women.

And as Gibbon says, the enjoyment of beauty is the reward of valor.

Beauty is not something enjoyed by the man too cowardly to earn it.

In your own life, too, if you wish to enjoy beauty, you must behave with valor.