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Students Steal Starving Classmate’s Empty Lunchbox And Fill It Up With Love And Kindness

July 8, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Sadly, food insecurity remains a worldwide issue, and one that every country should strive to abolish. In the U.S. alone, for instance, 42 million people, 13 million of those being children, suffer from hunger. This equates to roughly 1 in 6 children in the U.S. going hungry, an issue that frankly shouldn’t exist in ANY first-world country.

Even more startling is the fact that those are 2015 statistics, which means those numbers have likely risen in the U.S. and in other countries around the world.

As you can imagine, poverty and food insecurity go hand-in-hand. However, most parents simply do what they can to make ends meet, and buy whatever food they can afford for their children, even if that means purchasing unhealthy food.

Luckily, federal programs exist to help underprivileged families get their needs met, but not everyone can qualify. Some families make just enough to where they can’t qualify for the program, but they still don’t have the funds to purchase what their family truly needs to thrive.

Making this situation worse is the fact that we throw away or waste approximately one third of the food we produce in any given year worldwide. This equates to about $680 billion in the U.S. alone, which is absolutely appalling no matter how you look at it. So, if we simply grew or produced within our means, composted the waste, and shared with others, the world would likely look very different than it does now.

The video below sheds light on this growing problem, and shows a possible solution for humanity’s food crisis.

Students Steal Starving Classmate’s Empty Lunchbox And Fill It Up With Love And Kindness

In the opening scene of the video, a boy sits in a classroom surrounded by his classmates. Everyone opens their lunchbox to a nourishing meal, while the boy opens his to empty space. He asks the teacher if he can leave the room while the other kids eat, so he doesn’t have to endure the torture.

The young boy wanders aimlessly through the halls before eventually returning to the classroom. He sits back down and opens his lunchbox again, but this time, he’s pleasantly surprised.

His classmates truly know the meaning of the phrase “sharing is caring.”

More than ever before, it’s become clear that working together is key to humanity’s survival, and we desperately need people who can act as compassionate leaders toward a new way of thinking and living. It’s hard to know exactly what to do in these times, but if you happen to see someone struggling with hunger, consider giving whatever you can to them, whether that be food or financial help. Or, even better, donate to a charity that aims to end hunger worldwide.

Let’s lift one another up and work collectively rather than tear each other down by working against one another and humanity’s greater good.

EVERYONE deserves fresh, nutritious food, regardless of income, job status, or socioeconomic factors.

Check out the video below, and share it if the message resonates with you!

https://www.facebook.com/fosterhjem.no/videos/1906064669407333/

Sources:
https://www.bufdir.no/fosterhjem/
http://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/hunger-and-poverty-facts.html
http://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/child-hunger-facts.html

10 Signs of Serotonin Syndrome

July 7, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Serotonin is a chemical found in the human body that’s a natural mood stabilizer. But it’s not just involved in regulating your mood. It also plays a significant role in some bodily functions, such as sleeping, eating, and digestion. Still, most people know it as the chemical that makes you happy. Serotonin is also closely tied to substance abuse. Part of the reason people get addicted is that they need to keep their serotonin levels up. Otherwise, they experience symptoms of depression and withdrawal–serotonin syndrome.

But for most people, serotonin is something they boost naturally. Exposure to light, exercise, healthy diets and meditation can increase serotonin levels. That said, some people suffer from serotonin deficiency. That means they must take medications and supplements. For example, people with anxiety and sleep issues often take medicine that boosts serotonin. Even some migraine medication increases serotonin levels.

10 Signs of Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome happens when you take a new drug or mix medicines that increase serotonin levels. Most people aren’t even aware that this can be a side effect of medication. So, when they suffer from this syndrome, they won’t know what’s happening to them. And they probably won’t know what to do to solve the problem and relieve the symptoms. Here are the most common ten signs of serotonin syndrome you need to be aware of.

1. Nervousness

One of the mildest signs of experiencing serotonin syndrome is a shift in mood. Because serotonin helps regulate your mood, it can make you jittery and nervous when it gets too high. While it’s true that low levels of serotonin connect to depression, that doesn’t mean that very high levels will always make you feel good. For any hormone in the human body, a level out of the normal range indicates something wrong.

When your serotonin levels get too high, you feel agitated and restless for no apparent reason. If your mood changes just a couple of hours after taking your medication, that’s a clear sign you are experiencing serotonin syndrome. Still, if nervousness is the only symptom you are experiencing, you don’t need to worry. You are probably experiencing a mild case, and your serotonin levels will go back to normal in a day or so.

2. Insomnia

Many factors influence the sleep/wake cycle. One of these factors is the level of serotonin in the human body. It’s clear that this hormone plays a role, but scientists still argue what precisely this role is. Lately, research proves that serotonin plays a big part during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. It seems that serotonin plays both facilitatory and inhibitory roles.

While it might seem like too much serotonin might put you straight to sleep, that’s not exactly the case. If the serotonin levels are over the standard limits for a few days or even weeks, then it might be the case that you always feel sleepy. But, in the short term (the first few days), too much serotonin leads to wakefulness. That’s because your mood changes and you become agitated, but also because your sleep/wake cycle gets messed up.

3. Rapid Heart Rate

It’s still not clear if serotonin syndrome causes an increased heart rate or if it’s a side effect of other symptoms. Still, evidence suggests that most people who suffer from this syndrome experience increased heart rate. This might be because they enter a state of panic or nervousness or are restless. Or it might be because of how serotonin interacts with all areas of the human body. It seems that your heart rate heightens because serotonin syndrome leads to arterial hypertension.

In some cases, the increased heart rate could even lead to arrhythmia, leading to heart failure. Also, the rapid heart rate increases the risk of stroke or heart attack.

4. Headaches

Medication that boosts serotonin can counteract migraines and headaches. The ironic part is that when your serotonin levels are way too high, you might experience migraines as a symptom. This paradox is the case because serotonin can cause blood vessels to narrow. In that case, not enough oxygen reaches the brain, thus causing a migraine. Additionally, contractions of blood vessels can cause throbbing pains, which can feel like you are getting stabbed in the head.

As a result of migraines, you could also experience dizziness. Fortunately, this symptom is also a mild one. While migraines are uncomfortable, they can’t lead to more severe issues.

5. Diarrhea

This symptom seems to be the least likely to happen. Since serotonin is most commonly called the “happy hormone,” how does it connect to gut health? Well, that’s because serotonin plays an essential part in digestion, however unlikely that might seem. Serotonin is released into the blood or the lumen of the gut. It inhibits gastric acid secretion and can be an endogenous enterogastrone. It appears to stimulate the production and release of gastric and colonic mucus.

But when serotonin levels are out of ordinary bounds, the gastric system is affected. Over time, too much serotonin increases the amount of fluid in the gut. It also speeds up the function of the stomach, which causes frequent or unpredictable diarrhea.

6. Vomiting

Vomiting is a symptom that also happens because serotonin levels are related to gut health. But this symptom can also appear because serotonin syndrome makes people nauseous. Serotonin is tasked to push out noxious or upsetting foods quickly. But the chemical also stimulated the part of the brain tasked with controlling nausea. That can only happen if the hormone levels are in normal bounds.

When you have levels of serotonin that are way too high, the functions to control nausea won’t work as they should. As a result, you will probably vomit or generally feel sick to your stomach.

7. Dilated Pupils

Dilated pupils are probably the most common and well-known symptom of serotonin syndrome. This is something that most people associate with illicit drug consumption. And while it’s true that illegal drugs lead to dilated pupils, that’s because serotonin levels increase. When dealing with serotonin syndrome, the same thing happens. Your pupils dilate because of how the hormone interacts with your body.

Serotonin plays a part in controlling the muscle groups around your irises. When serotonin levels are outside normal bounds, the hormone can’t correctly control the muscles. Thus, the muscles get looser, and the pupil gets bigger. Again, this is a mild symptom that will go away in days. But that doesn’t mean you aren’t suffering from a dangerous case.

8. Shivering and Sweating

Shivering and sweating are pretty common symptoms when dealing with serotonin syndrome. They do not result directly in an increase in serotonin levels. Instead, they are secondary effects of the condition. When dealing with serotonin syndrome, you will likely experience random muscle tremors and contractions. This, coupled with the changes in blood pressure, leads to fluctuations in body temperature.

As you probably know, shivering and sweating are ways the body tries to regulate its body temperature. When you are too warm, your body sweats to cool you off. When you are too hot, your muscles contract to warm you up. Thus you start shivering. So, when dealing with serotonin syndrome, you will experience both sweating and shivering because your body temperature will fluctuate.

9. Muscle Twitching or Rigidity

Serotonin is a neuromodulator. That means it can change the rhythm and behavior of single cells in the nervous system. It can cause neurons to fire more often than they should. For example, a neuron might fire once every second. But, when serotonin is involved, it might fire ten times every second. Serotonin can affect motor neurons that are tasked with muscle contraction. So, when serotonin levels get too high, those motor neurons start firing more than they should. Thus, you can experience muscle twitching.

But serotonin doesn’t always cause twitching. Sometimes, the neurotransmitter confuses the motor neurons, even blocking their activity. Because of that, you can experience muscle pains and rigidity. This can lead to difficulty moving and reduced motion range.

10. Seizures

Potentially one of the most life-threatening symptoms of serotonin syndrome is seizures. These seizures can be caused either by the combination of drugs you take or by other effects of the syndrome. For example, a high level of serotonin leads to a high fever. If left untreated, that fever can cause seizures. Again, because serotonin is a neurotransmitter, it can affect the nervous system and inhibit normal functions.

As the nervous system is affected, the chances are that random bursts of electromagnetic signals will affect and interrupt standard brain signals. As the standard connections between brain cells are severed, you risk experiencing seizures. Seizures can be lethal. But even when they are not, they still cause some damage. You risk losing consciousness and even passing out.

Final Thoughts on Some Signs of Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a condition that doesn’t get the attention it should. It is pretty standard among people who take drugs for depression, anxiety, migraines, etc. Still, not many people know what this condition is and what dangers it poses.

Serotonin syndrome happens when people take a drug (or even mix a few drugs) that boosts serotonin levels. When the hormone levels shoot through the roof, it affects many body functions. Symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on how high your serotonin levels are. In most cases, you will get over the issue in a couple of days after you stop taking the medication that caused it in the first place.

But, in some cases, you might even need to be hospitalized. Some milder symptoms are nervousness, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, sweating, and shivering. But you could also experience a rapid heart rate, high fever, and even seizures. As soon as you notice that you are experiencing some symptoms, you should contact your doctor and stop taking the medication that caused the problem.

Psychologists Explain How to Stay Calm In An Argument

July 6, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Emotional intelligence (“E.I.”) is defined as “the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others.” A low E.I. generally leads to an inability to stay calm, resulting in more conflict, while a high E.I. leads to less conflict and an ability to stay calm during an argument or heated exchange.

Conflict is an inevitable part of life. Even the coolest, calmest, and most collected person in the room will experience some degree of interpersonal turmoil at some point. In most cases, people don’t have any control over what happens next.

The only aspect of a conflict we can control is how we react. This isn’t to say that overriding this “automatic and unconscious” process is easy; it’s not.

But we can learn to recognize, acknowledge, and manage our negative emotions. We can override, to some degree, this innate physiological response.

We can learn to stay calm during any conflict, including in the midst of an argument.

Tips to Stay Calm During a Stressful Time

“Conflict wreaks havoc on our brains. We are groomed by evolution to protect ourselves whenever we sense a threat. In our (world), we don’t fight like a badger with a coyote or run away like a rabbit from a fox. But our basic impulse to protect ourselves is automatic and unconscious.” – Diane Musho-Hamilton

1. Take Deep Breaths

Why: The ability to remain relaxed and centered during a conflict depends on your ability to de-tense the body. Shallow breathing is the body’s innate response when confronted with stress. Quashing this natural response and practicing deep breathing instead helps the body to remain calm.

How: Deeply inhale through the nose before slowly exhaling through the mouth. Smooth, deep breaths will cease the production of two stress hormones – adrenaline and cortisol.

2. Concentrate on your body

Why: Concentrating on any physical sensations that arise in a conflict permits you to mindfully change them. When your focus switches to the body, you can feel the tension, shallow breathing, etc. that accompanies stress.

How: When you notice your body beginning to tense, return your posture to a neutral state by relaxing your shoulders and hands. This open position communicates positivity using body language – and often diffuses conflict.

3. Actively Listen

Why: A person will initiate an argument, or some other kind of conflict if they feel they’re not being heard. Furthermore, it’s impossible to diffuse a conflict without attentive and active listening.

How: When someone is talking, focus all of your attention on what the person says. Ignore any thoughts of constructing a response. Once the person finishes speaking, you have the necessary information to respond intelligently.

4. Ask open-ended questions

Why: Open-ended questions are invaluable in conflict resolution. First, open-ended questions demonstrate that you are attentively listening. Second, these types of questions show respect for the person by allowing them to articulate their thoughts.

How: Learning to ask open-ended questions can be a bit tricky for some people. The easiest way to avoid asking “Yes” or “No” questions is not to use the words “Do,” “Don’t,” “Did,” and “Didn’t” when asking a question. Instead, use the words “What,” “Why,” “When,” and “How.” Try it now. Notice the difference?

5. Keep your voice down

Why: The easiest way to escalate conflict is by raising your voice. On the flip side, one of the easiest ways to diffuse conflict is by lowering your voice. Voice level is also linked to blood pressure. When BP reaches a certain point, it becomes more difficult to understand what’s being communicated.

How: The first step is to diffuse the initial anger of the other person. You can’t do this by raising your voice. On the other hand, you can quickly impart a sense of calm by making the conscious decision to lower your voice.

6. Agree to disagree

Why: Not every conflict will produce amicable or mutually agreeable results. However, you can avoid deepening the conflict by politely disengaging from the conversation.

How: One law of interpersonal conflict is that it takes two participants. Separating yourself from an argument is appropriate under one of two circumstances: (1) the person becomes increasingly hostile, or (2) the conversation, despite your best efforts, is not going anywhere.

Final Thoughts on Learning to Stay Calm When Emotions Run High

In closing, unless you happen to be a self-awareness guru, you will become angry in an argument at some point. Human beings are emotional creatures. Indeed, this ability to feel can be used to either our advantage or our detriment. It’s also important to forgive yourself if you should act in an unbecoming manner. We all do – and anyone who says otherwise is either a fool, a liar, or both.

By following one or more of the six tips given, you will assuredly feel more confident in any conflict. As a result, you’ll use your emotions and self-regulation to your benefit. Doing so, you will gain the trust and confidence of people in your good and even temperament.

To our non-argumentative better selves!

Do You Work More Than 25 Hours A Week? Researchers Reveal What It Does To Your Brain

July 5, 2017 by Power of Positivity

“This (study) suggests that in order to maximize your cognitive function of people, part-time work is better.” – Colin McKenzie, economics professor at Keio University

According to a recent Gallup poll, the average American worker tallies 47 hours weekly at the workplace. In other words, full-time workers in the U.S. spend the equivalent of about six days per week at the office.

Many economists will look at this number and see productivity. Indeed, U.S. productivity – as it is measured – has increased year-over-year for the past few decades.

Investors and companies see higher returns and higher profits; workers may even get a bump in pay. But at what cost?

Well, researchers from Australia and Japan conclude that long hours at work correlate with lower cognitive function abilities. In other words, toiling away at the office negatively impacts our ability to think. For those people who value their thinking abilities (everyone?), such news is troubling.

The study specifically observes the cognitive health impact of workers over age 40.

In this article, we’ll briefly discuss the study, its implications, and proposed solutions.

How Working More Than 25 Hours A Week Changes Your Brain

Researchers from Meisei University and Kaio University in Japan (a country known for its unforgiving work culture), and The University of Melbourne in Australia, studied and analyzed the employment practices and cognitive test results of 6,500 Australian workers; 3,000 participants were men, 3,500 were woman, and fell into one of three groups: unemployed/retired, working less than 40 hours weekly, or working 40 or more hours per week.

Prior research has already been conducted that finds “vocabulary test scores which measure crystallized intelligence are relatively lower among workers with long working hours…(and) that long working hours may have a negative effect on cognition in middle age.”

To build upon prior research, the rationale behind the study, called Use It Too Much and Lose It? The Effect of Working Hours on Cognitive Ability, appears to be two-fold.

First, to examine the correlation, if any, of working hours and impact on cognitive functioning. Second, to determine the number of working hours that produced a negative, neutral, or positive impact on cognitive functioning.

Researchers used data derived from a survey (termed ‘HILDA’) conducted by the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economics and Social Research. Data included within the study are:

– Economic and subjective well-being

– Family structures

– Labor market dynamics (e.g. employment status, hours worked)

Researchers focused on three main areas to test the subject’s cognitive abilities:

– Working memory span

– Motor speed, ‘divided attention’ span, and visual scanning

– Reading ability

The Results

Professor Colin McKenzie at Keio University puts it this way:

“Work can be a double-edged sword, in that it can stimulate brain activity, but at the same time long working hours can cause fatigue and stress, which potentially damage cognitive functions.”

After analyzing the data, researchers concluded the following: (1) individuals working zero hours per week (unemployed, retired) had lower scores on the tests than 40-hour workers, (2) 40-hour worker scored higher than the zero hour workers but lower than the “part-time group,” (3) individuals working part-time hours (approximately 25 hours) tended to have the highest scores across all tests.

Consider the differences between “part-time” workers and nonworkers. The latter group, on average, scored 15 to 20 percent lower on all three tests than the former.

Working 40 hours weekly “was linked to a smaller cognitive deficit,” than nonworkers, but the difference was “slight.”

How about those who reported working 55-plus hours? They tended to score lower than the retired or unemployed group across all three tests. This observation may in fact be the most significant of the study.

Potential implications

Cognitive health should be considered a top priority, not only for benefit of the individual, but for society as a whole. Using empirical evidence, this study demonstrates that a fine balance ought to exist between productivity and cognitive heath (thus, mental health) across stakeholders.

First, this study further advances the notion that hours worked does not necessarily translate to productivity. Second, this study demonstrates that individual stakeholders (companies, investors, governments) should take into consideration their current work culture and tangible benefits thereof. Third, workers devoting 55-plus hours per week to work-related tasks ought to give consideration to alternative options.

This study may also have implications on a country’s retirement system. In almost every developed country, a minimum age requirement must be met before any benefits are distributed.

Indeed, many countries have already increased the age at which people may retire; thus delaying entitlement benefits for millions of people across the world. While we’re not here to debate the morality or effectiveness of such actions, it is fair to state that allocating more hours to tasks that involve cognitive effort (through a part-time job or otherwise) may help our seniors to maintain, and even improve, their mental abilities.

References:
Kajitani, S., McKenzie, C., Sakata, K. (2016). Use It Too Much and Lose It? The Effect of Working Hours on Cognitive Ability. Retrieved from The University of Melbourne website: http://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/publications/working-papers
The Telegraph Staff. (2016, April 18). Three-day week best for over-40s. The Telegraph. Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/17/3-day-week-best-for-over-40s/

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

Do You Eat Turmeric? Researchers Reveal The Truth About What It Does To Your Body

July 5, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Thousands of scientifically validated papers attest to the almost “magical” healing properties of turmeric. The main spice found in curry, turmeric, is one of the most potent herbs in existence, both for its preventative and treatment capabilities.

Of course, scientists being scientists, and researchers being researchers; sometimes the most compelling evidence isn’t enough.

The scientific method, defined as “a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge” demands continuous challenging, revalidation, and – if necessary – alterations of previous conclusions.

The above info brings us to the point of this article: a team of scientists who’ve claimed to rebuff the claims (thousands) of other scientists have made. Namely, the numerous assertions about turmeric’s health-promoting properties.

Let’s take a look at the study – and we’ll let you be the judge!

“Turmeric has become popular recently, with individuals experimenting with using turmeric in new ways…Sometimes when foods/nutrients gain popularity, their impact on human health tends to get overexaggerated.” – Nicole Osinga, Registered Dietitian (R.D.)

New Research Reveals The Truth About Turmeric

“This manuscript (study) reviews the essential medicinal chemistry of curcumin and provides evidence that curcumin is an unstable, reactive, nonbioavailable compound and, therefore, a highly improbable lead.” – Nelson, K.M., et. al “The Essential Medicinal Chemistry of Curcumin.”

An important thing to remember: Curcumin is an ingredient of turmeric, comprising about 3 to 5 percent. Curcumin might be the element that provides turmeric most of its medicinally useful properties.

Definitions From the Turmeric Study

In grasping the rationale behind the study’s observations, it is necessary to understand a couple of related definitions. Please use the following definitions as a reference to follow along:

Double-blind: “of or relating to an experiment or clinical trial in which neither subjects nor the researchers know which subjects are receiving the active medication, treatment, etc., and which are not: a technique for eliminating subjective bias from the test results.”
Placebo-controlled: “…a way of testing a medical therapy in which, in addition to a group of subjects that receives the treatment to be evaluated, a separate control group receives a sham “placebo treatment which is specifically designed to have no real effect.

Key Points Regarding the Study

First, the study’s team states that, after reviewing “>120 clinical trials of curcuminoids (molecules or chemical derivates of curcumin) against several diseases,” no Double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was successful.

This is a tremendously powerful statement, as rigorous scientific testing demands use of double-blinded and placebo-controlled methods. As noted in the definitions above, the use of such techniques eliminates subjectivity. Any valid, near-universally accepted scientific conclusion (example: Einstein’s Theory of Relativity) is completely objective in its methods, observations, and conclusions.

Second, most of turmeric’s medicinal benefits reported in the studies came from “in vitro” testing – or lab tests, as opposed to “in vivo” testing – or tests involving living organisms.

Obviously, lab-controlled test results are far less credible. “Successful” exposure of any substance – especially those with real human ramifications – demands in vivo testing; which is why we see numerous publications using mice or rats as subjects.

(Use of mice or rats is common in lab testing, as they are both mammals with similar behavioral, biological, and genetic characteristics as humans. Further, any symptoms from a tested compound manifest in both mammals as they would in humans.)

Third, the researchers (and others) have concluded that curcumin is unstable, reactive, and is nonbioavailable.

Any substance that enters the body deemed “unnecessary” is eliminated. Any substance that is “unacceptable” is quickly disintegrated and discarded. Our body’s innate, biological intelligence is phenomenal; it will quickly rid itself of anything toxic – real or perceived.

Study Limitations

This particular study (and others) have discovered that curcumin is not “accepted” by the body. Nonbioavailable is the key term, as the chemical makeup of the substance. In this case, curcumin does not allow it to enter the bloodstream. Of course, if curcumin cannot enter the bloodstream, it cannot have any significant effect.

This new research will probably lead to a “counter-response” experiment sooner rather than later. Though scientists involved in the study do not eliminate turmeric or curcumin as a potential benefit; they (vehemently) disagree about curcumin’s healing properties as previously reported.

Instead, the researchers conclude that turmeric may possess health benefits – and encourage future testing on the spices’ other, diverse elements.

Final Thoughts on the Turmeric Study

Stepping away from the study for a moment, some scientists and other experts have reportedly found a way to improve the stability of curcumin. Indeed, they may be onto something.

“Have (curcumin) with a quarter teaspoon of black pepper…if the (metabolic) process is suppressed by taking a quarter teaspoon’s worth of black pepper…you see curcumin (bloodstream) levels skyrocket…the bioavailability shoots up 2,000 percent,” says Registered Dietitian, Nicole Osinga.

Osinga sees the benefit of turmeric, along with its limitations.

“Can turmeric cure cancer? Not likely,” she concludes. “But can it reduce inflammation in the body that leads to chronic diseases such as cancer? Yes.”

(Love ending an article with an optimistic message!)

What do you all think? Any personal stories of your own to share? Please do!

15 Behaviors Someone Displays In A Relationship When They Want to End It

July 4, 2017 by Power of Positivity

We have all witnessed how the weather transitions from bright, cheerful, sunny skies to gray, ominous clouds warning of an impending storm. So, too, can the atmosphere of a romantic relationship change when one partner wants to end it. Sometimes these changes are gradual, like gathering storm clouds on a distant horizon. Other times, they are sudden and unexpected, like a bolt of lightning on a clear and sunny day.

As we navigate the weather patterns of our relationships, it’s crucial to recognize when someone is displaying behaviors indicating they may want to end it. Understanding these signs can help you confront the issue, communicate openly, and find a resolution.

But if you cannot avoid the storm, recognizing the signs prepares you for the impact. It also helps you take proactive steps toward healing.

“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” – Marilyn Monroe

15 Behaviors of a Partner Who Wants to End a Relationship

Here are the fifteen behaviors someone might display when contemplating ending a relationship.

1 – They Become Emotionally Distant

The person you once found easily emotionally connected may start to seem distant and closed off. They may not share their feelings or thoughts as openly as before. This emotional distance might hint at a change in their feelings toward the relationship.

2 – They Spend Less Time with You

Time spent together is one of the most prominent indicators of a healthy relationship. If your partner suddenly starts opting for more alone time or makes plans without you, it may indicate they’re reconsidering the relationship.

3 – The Romantic Part of the Relationship Grows Less Affectionate

Physical affection tends to dwindle when someone is considering a breakup. Has your partner stopped holding your hand, hugging you, or kissing you as often as they used to? Then it might be a sign they’re emotionally checking out.

4 – They Stop Planning for the Future

People who are thinking about ending a relationship often stop making plans. If your partner is reluctant to discuss upcoming vacations, moving in together, or other long-term plans, they might question the relationship’s future.

5 – They’re Constantly Irritated

Everyone has bad days. But if your partner seems perpetually irritated or frustrated, it could indicate they feel trapped or unhappy in the relationship.

6 – They Avoid Serious Conversations About Your Relationship

When a person wants to end a relationship, they may start to avoid conversations about commitment, love, or problems between you. This avoidance is a red flag. It could mean they’re pulling away emotionally.

7 – Communication Diminishes

Regular, meaningful communication is vital to a thriving relationship. If texts, calls, or face-to-face communication become less frequent or feel forced, it signifies a growing disconnect.

8 – They’re Secretive

Keeping secrets or becoming overly protective of their privacy could suggest a change in your partner’s feelings towards the relationship. While everyone deserves privacy, unusual secrecy can often indicate a problem.

9 – Their Friends Act Differently

Friends often know about a person’s feelings before their partner does. If mutual friends act awkward or distant, it could mean they know something you don’t.

10 – They Don’t Include You in Their Plans

So you notice your partner starts making plans. They look forward to social events, family gatherings, or weekend outings without considering you. That could indicate that they’re starting to visualize their life without you.

11 – They’re Less Interested in Your Life

A significant sign of someone losing interest in a relationship is when they become less involved in your day-to-day life. They might not ask about your day, show interest in your activities, or seem detached from issues that concern you.

12 – Their Habits Change Dramatically

It could be a sign that they’re trying to distance themselves if they start changing their habits out of the blue. These changes could include changes in their daily routines or hobbies. They might also change their eating habits, lose weight, or change their appearance.

13 – They Become More Independent of the Relationship

While independence is healthy, a sudden shift towards doing everything alone can sign that they are preparing for a life without you. They might insist on doing things they’d typically do with you alone.

14 – They Don’t Apologize or Try to Resolve Conflicts

In a healthy relationship, conflicts heal through communication and compromise. If your partner no longer apologizes when they’re wrong or shows no interest in resolving disagreements, they may be withdrawing from the relationship.

15 – They Often Mention Ending the Relationship or Divorce

If your partner frequently mentions breaking up or divorce, even jokingly, it could be a way of testing your reaction or easing into the idea. Regularly mentioning the end of the relationship can be a clear sign they’re considering it.

Staying in a Relationship You Know Will End Can Damage Your Soul

Knowing that your partner wants to end, it hurts. Badly. But staying to try to save it when they truly want to leave can destroy you. So know the nine consequences that can happen if you convince a checked-out partner to stay:

Emotional turmoil: Staying could inevitably lead to significant emotional turmoil. The constant awareness of an impending breakup creates a sense of unease and uncertainty, making it difficult to find peace and happiness in the present.
Suppressed growth: Stagnation is an inevitable consequence of staying in a relationship with a checked-out. You may find yourself hindered in your personal growth. As a result, you might not pursue your dreams and aspirations. This suppression of personal development could damage your evolution.
Lack of authenticity: Continuing a relationship bound to end often requires one or both partners to wear masks and suppress their true feelings. This lack of authenticity erodes the core of your being. Moreover, it stops you from fully expressing yourself and finding support.
Lost opportunities: By clinging to a partner who wants to end it, you miss opportunities for growth, love, and happiness. Remaining committed to a doomed partnership can prevent you from exploring new things.
Diminished self-worth: Prolonged exposure to a deteriorating relationship can have a detrimental effect on self-worth and self-esteem. When you knowingly remain in an unhealthy relationship, it sends a message to them that you’re unworthy of love, happiness, or a better future. This belief can take a toll on well-being.
Wasted energy and time: Continuing to invest time and energy into a doomed relationship can leave individuals feeling drained and exhausted. It takes a considerable emotional and mental toll to sustain a failing partnership, leaving little room for self-care and pursuing activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
Delayed healing and growth: By prolonging the inevitable end of a relationship, you delay the healing process. You also hinder your ability to move forward. Acknowledging and accepting the end of a relationship that no longer serves their well-being is crucial for healing and growth.
Loss of trust and intimacy: Trust and intimacy often suffer in the end. Knowing your partner wants to leave can create distance and diminish your emotional connection. This loss of trust and intimacy can cause lasting emotional scars. It can also damage future relationships if you cannot form deep connections later.
Emotional dependency: Staying in a relationship that will end can stem from emotional dependency, fear of being alone, or the belief that the other person completes you. However, relying on someone else for emotional fulfillment ultimately hampers your self-esteem.

If Your Partner Refuses to Work on Things, Splitting Up Becomes an Act of Self-Love

Yes, it hurts to end it. You cannot force your partner to participate, even if you want to fix things to the core of your being.

So leaving a relationship that will end can be a powerful act of self-love. By prioritizing your well-being and recognizing your intrinsic worth, you can create space for personal growth, healing, and the possibility of finding a more fulfilling and authentic love. After your heart heals, of course!

Final Thoughts on Recognizing the Warning Signals of a Stormy Relationship

Just as the impending storm warned by gray, angry clouds may bring a chilling wind and driving rain, seeing these behaviors in your relationship can be a forewarning of an emotional storm. But remember, storm clouds do not always result in a storm. Recognizing these signs is not an absolute prediction of a relationship’s end. Instead, it is an opportunity to open communication lines and address issues. Of course, you should also brace for impact.

Remember, every relationship has sunny and stormy days. Storms can sometimes clear the air, helping relationships grow stronger. So, face those gray clouds with courage and honesty, and you may find your relationship coming out the other side, back into the bright sunshine.

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Sources: https://www.bufdir.no/fosterhjem/ http://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/hunger-and-poverty-facts.html http://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/child-hunger-facts.html

10 Signs of Serotonin Syndrome

1. Nervousness

2. Insomnia

3. Rapid Heart Rate

4. Headaches

5. Diarrhea

6. Vomiting

7. Dilated Pupils

8. Shivering and Sweating

9. Muscle Twitching or Rigidity

10. Seizures

Final Thoughts on Some Signs of Serotonin Syndrome

Tips to Stay Calm During a Stressful Time

1. Take Deep Breaths

2. Concentrate on your body

3. Actively Listen

4. Ask open-ended questions

5. Keep your voice down

6. Agree to disagree

Final Thoughts on Learning to Stay Calm When Emotions Run High

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The Results

Potential implications

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15 Behaviors of a Partner Who Wants to End a Relationship

1 – They Become Emotionally Distant

2 – They Spend Less Time with You

3 – The Romantic Part of the Relationship Grows Less Affectionate

4 – They Stop Planning for the Future

5 – They’re Constantly Irritated

6 – They Avoid Serious Conversations About Your Relationship

7 – Communication Diminishes

8 – They’re Secretive

9 – Their Friends Act Differently

10 – They Don’t Include You in Their Plans

11 – They’re Less Interested in Your Life

12 – Their Habits Change Dramatically

13 – They Become More Independent of the Relationship

14 – They Don’t Apologize or Try to Resolve Conflicts

15 – They Often Mention Ending the Relationship or Divorce

Staying in a Relationship You Know Will End Can Damage Your Soul

If Your Partner Refuses to Work on Things, Splitting Up Becomes an Act of Self-Love

Final Thoughts on Recognizing the Warning Signals of a Stormy Relationship

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Sources:
https://www.bufdir.no/fosterhjem/
http://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/hunger-and-poverty-facts.html
http://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/child-hunger-facts.html

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