5 Ways To Spot Someone With Hidden Motives

June 2, 2016 by Power of Positivity

When you suspect someone has hidden motives, you can feel anxious about dealing with them. In this article, we will look at five ways to spot hidden motives and how to prevent yourself from being manipulated.

5 Ways to Spot Someone With Hidden Motives

Do you think that someone is hiding things from you? Maybe you think they are not just hiding a recent purchase but hiding how they feel about you. Do you wonder whether or not they have good intentions toward you?

No one wants to be taken advantage of, and someone with hidden motives is most likely trying to do just that. You are likely correct if you feel controlled, confused, or upset after speaking to someone you think might have hidden motives. Read on to find out if you are right.

A person with hidden motives is likely acting selfishly. In our article Five Signs You’re In A Relationship With A Narcissist, we have discussed the narcissistic or selfish personality in the past.

Let’s look at some easy ways to spot hidden motives. Then we will reveal what you can do to avoid dealing with people trying to undermine you.

1. You’re picking up some unusual body language and eye contact

People who are lying have hidden motives. A liar will try to maintain very steady and slightly uncomfortable eye contact. That’s because they believe that this proves them to be trustworthy.

If the eye contact feels forced or like staring, they try too hard to maintain solid eye contact. They are probably lying. Blinking too much is also a sign of lying, almost as if the liar is trying to clear the cloud over their eyes that keeps them from seeing and speaking the truth.

2. You have negative emotions after speaking to them

When they’ve finished speaking, you feel frustrated, confused, misunderstood, and more alone than you should. One way to spot someone with hidden motives is by how they make you feel. Your negative emotions are a warning sign that something isn’t feeling right in your gut.

You should always trust your gut feelings regarding the signs of someone with hidden motives. When you have negative emotions, it’s a sign that your needs aren’t being met. Check-in with yourself and ask, ‘What do I need that I’m not getting?’ and ‘Is this person trying to keep me from getting what I need?’

3. They always seem to want the same thing

There is a single-minded focus on someone with hidden motives, and they will keep talking about what they are trying to get you to do, over and over again. You feel like you’ve heard it a million times and are about to cave into their demands. Don’t. Instead, try changing the subject as many times as needed until they get the point; you won’t cave in.

4. Use of tactics to persuade you

Your ability to be vigilant against persuasion is tested when you think you spot someone with hidden motives. This is like a game they are playing with you; the goal is to get you to act in a way that benefits the manipulative person. Refuse to act. But pay attention to how many attempts the person makes to get you to do what they want.

Persuasion is a skill that is useful when you are negotiating for the best deal on a car that you can get. It’s not something that you want to be used against you, especially if you aren’t good at resisting pressure.

This persuasion can include sexual coercion. In a study of narcissistic men, researchers found ‘narcissism constitutes a personality trait that may foster tendencies toward sexual coercion, especially given the narcissistic propensity for self-serving interpretations, low empathy toward others, and inflated sense of entitlement.’ Do not allow yourself to be talked into anything you don’t want to do, including sex.

5. You are not the focus of your conversation

A manipulative person with hidden motives is only focused on themselves. Psychologists believe that ‘failure to complete specific essential steps in the identity-formation process results in specific forms of distrust in self and others, leaving manipulative styles in place of normal feelings and expressions of confidence, respect, and mutuality.’ People with hidden motives may be at risk of developing an antisocial personality disorder.

The manipulator may pretend to be interested in your personal life. But somehow, the conversation always returns to focus on them and their needs. Not just their needs, but what they need from you to get what they want.

Final Thoughts on Dealing With Someone Who Has Hidden Motives

Once you spot that the person you are dealing with has hidden motives, you can decide to stop dealing with them. Or, you can muster the courage to tell them that you aren’t meeting your needs. A self-focused, selfish manipulator will not listen to your needs. So it is probably best to avoid dealing with them at all.

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

4 Signs MSG Is Poisoning Your Body

June 2, 2016 by Power of Positivity

MSG, or monosodium glutamate is a food flavor-enhancing additive. Many people assume it onle comes from takeout Chinese food, but that is untrue. Indeed, it could be the thing that is poisoning your body.

‘Chinese Restaurant Syndrome’ or ‘MSG Symptom Complex’ is a group of symptoms related to the poisoning effects of eating MSG. Read below for the four signs that MSG is poisoning your body.

Many processed foods contain MSG, so it’s important to know what to look for on your labels. The following ingredients in your diet always contain MSG:

Glutamic acid
Glutamate
Autolyzed yeast
Yeast Food
Gelatin
Textured protein
Sodium caseinate
Monosodium glutamate
Calcium Caseinate
Yeast Extract
Yeast nutrient

4 Signs MSG Is Poisoning Your Body

MSG was discovered in Japan as an extract from seaweed and has since become a man-made chemical ingredient. With regard to being a food additive, MSG has similar flavor properties as salt in that it seems to boost the flavors of the food that it is added to.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of MSG as a food additive to enhance flavor. Although animal research has shown poor health effects in high doses, the human research is mixed.

Many people report having the symptoms of MSG poisoning due to their consumption of Chinese food with the additive, but the FDA calls these reports anecdotal. The research literature is how they make their food safety determination.

Regardless of what the FDA says, you may find that you experience certain uncomfortable symptoms after eating MSG. These are the 4 signs that MSG may be poisoning your body.

1. Sexual health problems

A safety evaluation of MSG conducted by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) found that MSG caused central nervous system lesions in high doses in animals.

The committee reviewed 59 animal studies on mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, chicks, ducks, rabbits, dogs, and primates and found damage to the hypothalamus and that ‘neural lesions were observable within hours of administration.’

The hypothalamus is in the brain and it helps regulate levels of our hormones that are secreted by the pituitary gland. Reduced function of the pituitary gland can lead to reduced testosterone levels which cause erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass, and hair loss in men. For women, pituitary dysfunction causes decreased estrogen, which is linked to decreased libido, hot flashes, and mood swings.

2. Liver and intestinal problems

The JECFA study also allocated an ‘acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specified’ to glutamic acid and its salts. No specified daily amount was recommended by the committee so food manufacturers can add as much as they want.

Although the JECFA says they failed to confirm a connection between MSG and physical symptoms in humans, they do say that high doses of MSG resulted in elevated liver and intestinal enzyme metabolites in the blood stream.

Elevated liver enzymes may result in symptoms of nausea, fatigue, nausea, pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, and mental confusion. Itching, unusual blood vessels on the skin surface, joint pain, loss of appetite, or bowel movements that are light in color may be a sign of elevated intestinal enzymes.

3. Mental confusion

MSG may be poisoning not just your body, but your brain. MSG negatively affects the glutamate receptors in your body. A quote from the FDA taken from Dr. Merola’s website says ‘Abnormal function of glutamate receptors has been linked with certain neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s chorea.’

These are both neurodegenerative diseases that take time to progress. It is likely that the poisoning effects of MSG are cumulative and take time to damage enough cells to notice that your mental focus is not as sharp as it used to be.

4. Chest pain and/or heart palpitations

Do not delay in seeking medical help if you are experiencing chest pain, regardless of whether or not you believe you have consumed MSG. Chest pain, pressure or abnormal heart rhythms are serious medical symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms that affect a vital part of your health. Please consult a medical professional immediately.

Chest pressure or pain could be a sign of a heart attack. Indeed, these symptoms could indicate MSG poisoning. A heart ‘flutter’ may also come from eating MSG.

After a large meal, you may normally feel pressure in your chest due to the fullness of your stomach which causes outward pressure on your organs. If the meal was suspicious food that may contain MSG, the chest pain could be due to the poisoning effects of MSG.

Cardiac arrhythmias have been linked to the consumption of MSG due to the glutamate receptors located in the heart. Difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat, sweating, and dizziness have also been reported as symptoms related to MSG consumption.

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

This Is For Anyone Who Has Ever Had A Spiritual Awakening

June 2, 2016 by Power of Positivity

The world has entered a time of deep awareness–an awakening. We are no longer standing by and waiting to be told what to believe and what to disregard.

And, once you are awake to your spiritual truth, it’s hard to go back to sleep.

You cannot relate to mass media and how things are manipulated to control us. You are not going crazy because you begin to see things differently! You’re merely witnessing the rebirth of your divine truth. Spirituality is a personal aspect in your life. It has a individual intimate definition to all. There is no right or wrong answer to how it is perceived. Spirituality is a choice on how to live consciously while bypassing the programming that has been passed on from others. You have joined many who are lightworkers.

This Is For Anyone Who Has Ever Had A Spiritual Awakening

You are not going bonkers when you begin to feel more than you can see. You are not delusional when you experience synchronicity, serendipity, and the magic of seeing beyond the veil of this dimension. Awakening is a slow process, and thank goodness for it! As an empath, you will experience illogical matters, witness incredible miracles, and find that there is no need to explain (or find explanations). Judgment is one of those facets that starts to deteriorate. Self-criticism is another. Things just happen because you allow yourself to be immersed in something larger than yourself.

Religion is a foundation to spirituality. You can be religious and not be spiritual. You can also be spiritual and not be religious. It’s all about finding belief and what works for you. It’s perfectly find to bring a deep theology as a practice in your life, as well as philosophies from all over the world. We must study history in order to view the future because there is a pattern to everything. And, when you begin to open up to spirituality, it’s important to have an anchor of belief and faith. Indoctrinated words can be guidelines.

But, what is an awakening?

When you start to awake in spiritual truth, you begin to shed the controlling ego and the fears it creates. Awakening is simply shedding control and manipulation. When you awake to God, the Divine, (or however you call THAT beautiful essence higher than our humanness), fears and anxiety start to diminish. You are still very human, so you will question everything.

After all, we are spiritual beings having a remarkable human experience. We expand by curiosity and questioning that which we don’t know. But, as you grow spiritually, you begin to also diminish the need to be right. Things just are and you accept them. There is more joy in your life. There is an acceptance of something larger than this humanness. Awakening requires the ability to step back and allow for God to guide. And, it’s in that space that you start to notice that everything you were taught was lies.

You’ll get angry and you will resent others. But you will forgive the ignorance. You’re now experiencing something that is beyond exceptional. You begin to see the world as a game and you are the main character. You get to choose how you live your life. Awakening is being mindfully conscious of the world and how you partake in it.

The process is slow during an awakening…but profound

In this slow-moving process, you will experience love. You will feel love for humanity. Sometimes you will find that what you have been doing is not fulfilling. Many folks shift careers, lifestyles, and move to other places that now call for their passion. You become authentic to your gifts, dreams, and desires. Awakening has a way of twisting, turning, and then redirecting you to follow the heart. And, because you have little fears, you trust in the knowing that everything is rigged to your favor. The famous poet Rumi said, “Live life as if everything is rigged in your favor.” This is being awakened: when you can conduct yourself in a manner that is joyous and filled with the knowing that you are creating from Source and love.

There is the matter of being present at all times. As you awaken, you shed the restrictions of time, expectations and authority. The beauty of awakening is also in the allowance that everything and everyone moves to their own lessons. We incarnate to partake in this amazing journey. We learn from one another as we collect stories and experiences. Also, we begin to attract the things that we desire, including like-minded individuals. You don’t go down the rabbit hole, like Alice did, alone. You slowly integrate your awareness with discernment. You’re here to help heal this planet and enrich others with your love. It is then that your perception, in whatever you choose, becomes your living reality.

“Once the soul awakens, the search begins and you can never go back. From then on, you are inflamed with a special longing that will never again let you linger in the lowlands of complacency and partial fulfillment. The eternal makes you urgent. You are loath to let compromise or the threat of danger hold you back from striving toward the summit of fulfillment.” ~ John O’Donohue, Anam Cara: Book of Celtic Wisdom

11 Quotes To Remember When You’re In A Bad Mood

June 2, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Sometimes, a bad mood will strike for no apparent reason, and we feel like just crawling in bed to hide away from the pain and challenges of everyday life. However, we can’t just escape the obstacles and hang-ups that inevitably occur in life; we have to meet them head on, and deal with the bad moods whenever they arise. This doesn’t mean that you can’t feel negative emotions, but rather, learn how to understand what those feelings mean, and work through them in a positive manner. We hope the following quotes will help you to gain perspective and keep your cool whenever you feel in a bad mood.

11 Quotes To Remember When You’re In A Bad Mood

1. At some point you just have to let go of what you thought should happen and live in what is happening.

Life often unfolds very differently than how we imagined it. Next time you feel in a bad mood, just learn to work through it and accept the current reality. The more you fight it, the more the same situation will keep reappearing until you’ve learned the lesson. Let go, and let flow!

2. “She was brave and strong and broken all at once.” – Anna Funder

You don’t have to fight your feelings or put on some front – accept your feelings. It’s okay to be broken and fall down sometimes; bad moods don’t last forever, though, so remember this the next time one strikes. You still have incredible strength and fortitude even in times of despair; being human means feeling a wide range of emotions, so don’t beat yourself up for it.

3. Don’t judge. You don’t know what storms someone has just walked through.” – Kristen Butler

This one goes for yourself, too. Don’t judge yourself too harshly; you’ve made it this far in life and overcome incredible obstacles, so give yourself credit. A bad mood doesn’t make you a bad person.

4. Beautiful things happen when you distance yourself from negativity.

Do you feel that your bad mood came about due to your environment or people you surround yourself with? Remember that you can decide who or what to surround yourself with, so remain mindful of your energy around certain people or places. Distancing yourself from negativity can easily help you to uplift your moods.

5. When life is stressful, do something to lift your spirits. Go for a drive. Go two or three thousand miles away. Maybe change your name.

Okay, so maybe you don’t have to do anything this extreme, but the underlying meaning here is to not allow life to control you. Don’t allow your circumstances to dictate your mood – you get to decide what type of life you want to live. If your current situation makes you feel anything less than alive and puts you in a bad mood frequently, then change something! It’s never too late to make a radical lifestyle change.

6. Time is like a river. You cannot touch the same water twice, because the flow that has passed will never pass again. Enjoy every moment of your life.

Time doesn’t stop for anyone, so enjoy your life while it lasts. Bad moods come and go, but you can still find beauty in even the darkest of places.

7. Life is too short to worry about stupid things. Have fun, regret nothing, and don’t let people bring you down.

In short, cherish every moment. Don’t let your bad mood become a bad week, month, or even year. Stop, smell the roses, and open your eyes to the neverending, beautiful miracle all around you.

8. Positive people also have negative thoughts, they just don’t let those thoughts grow and destroy them.

Before your thoughts give you a bad mood, monitor them to see if your thoughts truly reflect how you want to feel. You can transcend those heavy thoughts and bring positive energy to them so that the bad mood doesn’t even affect you in the first place!

9. Nothing soothes the soul like a walk on the beach.

Nature heals. If a bad mood strikes, try to spend some time outdoors – the fresh air, sunshine, and gentle breeze will wash away your troubles!

10. I have a lot to be thankful for.

Gratitude will quickly diminish any negative thoughts inside your mind. Thankfulness for life attracts abundance, which means that bad mood won’t last long if you remain in your heart space and choose to see the good in all situations.

11. Life is better when you’re laughing.

Above all else, remember not to take life so seriously. Laughing literally stops a bad mood in its tracks, so don’t forget to laugh today!

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

7 Signs Your Body Is In Sugar Shock

June 2, 2016 by Sarah Barkley

(9/13/2024 Editor’s Update: Removed content about lemon boosting alkalizing effects. Research is still ongoing.)

Nutrition experts agree that humans consume no more than nine and a half teaspoons of sugar per day. Currently, the average American adult consumes 22 teaspoons daily. The typical American child consumes whopping 32 teaspoons of sugar every day.

Sugar has become an increasingly ubiquitous ingredient in the average American diet. It’s added to practically anything and everything – coffee, doughnuts, tea, cereal, juice – and even bread, meat, and ketchup. The common ingredient makes things taste better, so it’s an easy selling point.

Sugar also happens to be incredibly unhealthy and highly addictive. Some studies have reported that sugar can be up to eight times more addictive than cocaine, in fact.

The History of Sugar

Before the industrialization of food processes, sugar was an extremely limited condiment. For thousands of years, human beings and their distant ancestors lived off the land by hunting and harvesting animals and natural foods.

The industrial revolution and subsequent population expansion led to a demand for quicker, cheaper, and more effective methods of delivering food to the masses. This demand led to food processing, which led to the proliferation of added ingredients – including sugar.

Fast-forward to today, where sugar is everywhere. Adults and children crave sweets, including soda, candy, ice cream, and more. Despite the insistent warnings of public health officials, many people continue to ingest extraordinary amounts of sugar.

The Results of Consuming So Much Sugar

Americans are among the most obese people worldwide and are the most obese people in North America. Currently, at least 35 percent of Americans are overweight. Research shows that children are being affected by consuming so much sugar, too, with more kids than ever being overweight.

Of course, sugar is not 100 percent at-fault for these rising numbers, but it’s certainly played a significant role. It’s played such an immense role that many legislative bodies have outlawed soda machines in public schools. In 2014, the mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, introduced an initiative to ban the sale of soda in quantities that exceed 16 ounces at fast food establishments.

The human body isn’t designed to ingest a large amount of sugar. This relatively recent explosion in sugar consumption has created a health epidemic that affects millions of individuals.

Of course, myriad adverse health symptoms have increased along with sugar intake. While symptoms understandably vary from person to person, there are many common side effects of ingesting too much sugar.

Seven Signs That Your Body is in Sugar Shock

1. Spurts of Weight Gain

As we’ve discussed, sugar is a catalyst for weight gain. It increases blood sugar levels, which primes our body to store more fat. Furthermore, sugar does little to nothing to make you feel full. The result is we consume more food and store more fat.

2. Constant Cravings

Sugar is a complex carbohydrate – a type of food that not only stores fat but causes sudden cravings. It is common for those that eat large amounts of sugar to indulge in their habit only to be hungry a short time later. If you desire to feel full for a long time, it is advisable to abstain from sugar.

3. Feeling Lethargic

Similar to caffeine on a smaller scale, sugar can stimulate our nervous system. This short-term stimulation leads to a “crash” that has a suppressive effect on our metabolic system. Also known as reactive hypoglycemia, a sugar or glucose crash creates sudden feelings of fatigue after consuming a large number of complex carbs.

4. Liver Problems

Similar to alcohol’s effect on our bodies, sugar can wreak havoc on our liver function. It is known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and excessive sugar intake over a long period can irreparably damage this vital organ.

Interestingly, sugar metabolizes in the liver the same way that alcohol does. The effect can lead to fatty liver, insulin resistance, and abnormal fat levels in the blood.

5. Brain Fog

This symptom can best be described as episodes of suboptimal brain function or “foggy thinking.” There are times when our cognitive faculties are not performing at a level necessary to perform daily tasks.

This lack of performance could be due to several reasons, and sugar is one of them. Many sugar products undergo heavy processing, creating overall feelings of lethargy and periods of “brain fog.”

6. Inflammation

Sugar stimulates the release of free radicals, which adversely interact with proteins in the body. This interaction produces a chemical response that results in inflammation of the joints and other areas of the body. Diabetes accurately represents this reaction because painful inflammation is a common symptom.

7. Other, Unexplainable Health Issues

Granted, this last one is broad, but the truth is that excessive sugar intake is toxic. Anytime a toxic substance is introduced into the human body, countless health problems can surface. These problems are due to sugar directly or indirectly producing systematic, harmful responses in the body.

Many people diagnosed with diabetes visit the doctor with no other complaint than feelings of tiredness. Sugar can be the root cause of anything from obesity to impaired vision or headaches to insomnia. The only way to know for sure is to eliminate or restrict the amount of sugar you ingest daily.

If nothing else, our bodies and minds will become much, much healthier.

6 Natural Sweeteners to Replace Sugar

It can be hard to give up sugar, but there are many replacements to choose from. Using a sugar replacement can prevent sugar shock and other adverse health effects.

1. Honey

Honey is nutrient and mineral-rich, so it comes with many health benefits. This natural sweetener contains phenolic acids and flavonoids, guarding against inflammation. It also decreases your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Some ideas for using honey as a sweetener include:

Drizzle it on fruit
Use it as a glaze
Add it to cereal or toast at breakfast
Use it in coffee or tea as a sugar replacement

2. Stevia

Stevia is extracted from leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, and although it tastes different from sugar, it’s a great replacement. The compounds found in the leaves are sweeter than sugar, so don’t use as much as you usually would. It is low-calorie and loaded with nutrients. Stevia can regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels, too.

3. Monk Fruit Sweetener

This sweetener is extracted from monk fruit, making it all-natural, and it contains zero calories. It contains mogroside, making it sweeter than sugar, and it has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Monk fruit sweetener promotes healthy blood sugar.

4. Coconut Sugar

This natural sweetener comes from the sap of coconut palm. It contains many minerals, including iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium. The best thing about coconut sugar is that it has a lower glycemic index than sugar, making it a healthy substitute.

5. Xylitol

Xylitol is sugar alcohol extracted from corn or birch wood. Its sweetness is similar to sugar, making it an ideal substitute. It contains 2.4 calories per gram, nearly 40% less than sugar. However, xylitol doesn’t contain fructose, preventing the adverse health effects of sugar.

Xylitol doesn’t increase glucose or insulin levels and can promote bone and dental health. Additionally, it supports your digestive tract with a healthy gut microbiome. Xylitol is toxic to dogs, so keep that in mind if you have a pet.

6. Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is made from the sap of maple trees and contains minerals including calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, and manganese. It also contains antioxidants and other health benefits.

However, syrup does contain sugar, but it is a better option. Don’t consume it in excess, or you’ll increase your sugar intake.

5 Steps to Recover from Sugar Shock

A sugar shock is also known as a sugar crash, and it occurs when your blood glucose is too low. The low blood glucose level happens after you consume too much sugar. It doesn’t feel good, can make you extremely tired, and cause an emotional roller coaster.

When this happens, you can return your blood sugar levels to normal levels quickly by following these steps:

1. Recognize the Issue

Before you can remedy the problem, you must realize what’s going on. When sugar floods your bloodstream, your body releases insulin and suppresses leptin. With leptin suppressed, your brain thinks you can consume more sweets, spiking dopamine and causing blood sugar levels to plummet.

Once you’ve recognized the issue, don’t beat yourself up. Stay positive, remember that you deserve a treat sometimes, and do what you can to reverse the sugar shock.

2. Consume Nutrients

Resist the temptation to consume more sugar and opt for something healthy instead. Consider a spoonful of peanut butter, a veggie-rich smoothie, or hummus with vegetables. Consuming healthy foods afterward can stabilize your blood sugar and make you feel better.

3. Get Moving

When you’re active after consuming sugar, it forces your muscles to use the blood sugar. You don’t have to do anything strenuous, but consider taking the stairs or a short walk.

4. Stay Hydrated

Excessive sugar intake can lead to dehydration. Drinking water helps, but adding sea salt or lemon to your beverage may improve hydration by providing electrolytes, supporting fluid balance, and helping regulate blood sugar levels more effectively.

You can also drink tea with lemon, as they are both diuretics. While you’ll have to take frequent bathroom breaks, you’re also forcing your kidneys to pump blood faster. It eliminates the sugar, allowing you to recover from sugar shock.

5. Take a Magnesium Supplement

Magnesium helps your body process sugar, making you feel better after a binge. Magnesium reverses the effects of sugar shock and improves mood, insomnia, and digestion.

Final Thoughts on Signs Your Body Is in Sugar Shock

Consuming excessive sugar can take a toll on your body. If you notice that you don’t feel well after finishing it, your body could be in sugar shock.

Sugar shock doesn’t make you feel good, but it also causes many health complications. Do what you can to reduce your sugar intake, and consider trying some of the sugar replacements. You’ll feel much better overall when you start living a healthier lifestyle.

7 Things That Make You Less Attractive (And How to Reverse Them)

June 2, 2016 by Power of Positivity

First, it’s important to understand some basic tenets about “ being attractive ” and physical appearance.

#1: Our physical appearance tends to mirror how we feel inside. It’s not just the obvious outward display of laughing, crying, and so forth that show how we feel at any given time.

#2: Physical appearance is not the only factor determining our level of attraction to someone else. Our behavior and how we choose to conduct ourselves have a big impact on whether or not people are attracted to us.

#3: “Being attractive” can be intimate or platonic. It can be felt with either a stranger or a close friend. Attraction, at its core, is a manifestation of our personal energy. Our fellow human beings are either attracted to or repelled by this energy –it is that simple. Others want to be around someone that makes them feel positive.

It needs to be said that this article is not meant to critique anyone’s physical appearance – and certainly is not meant for anyone to critique their own harshly. Instead, it’s simply designed to be an educational piece that may be helpful.

As you read through this list, you’ll notice that the things that make us less attractive are more behavioral.

Here are 7 things that make you less attractive – and how to reverse them!

Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful. – Thich Nhat Hanh

1. Making everything into a competition is not attractive

There is no doubt that some competition is good…in the right environment and at the right time. Constantly comparing ourselves to other people, however, is unnecessary. Pressuring others to compete with us when is uncalled for and downright rude.

Why is this not attractive? Because nobody wants to be around someone that is constantly seeking recognition. Success and failure mean different things to different people.

Instead, seek to achieve goals for personal reasons or limit the competition to appropriate areas of life (work, sports, etc.). Remember, goals and achievement should bring about a sense of personal fulfillment, not be used as a reason to feel superior to others.

2. Acting rude toward others

This is a no-brainer: people don’t find rude people attractive. Being polite and cordial is a necessity for any kind of productive relationship. Rude people, for some reason, don’t see an issue with constantly scrutinizing others – and therefore aren’t attractive to many.

Further, it’s not difficult to be moderately respectful to others. As such, there is no excuse to act rudely regularly. No surprise that most people find such behavior far short of attractive.

Even if we don’t “like” someone, we can still be respectful toward that person. If a situation arises, that may cause conflict, simply walk away. There is no need to exacerbate conflict when it can be avoided.

3. Having an attitude of superiority is not attractive

Ever known someone that thinks, for no particular reason, that they are better than everyone else? If so, what did you think about them? Most likely, you didn’t have a favorable opinion.

Someone that looks down on others is not attractive in the worst way. Who wants to be acquainted with such people?

To counteract this, we should remember that each of us is human with different strengths and weaknesses. The odds are that we are more adept in some areas of our lives than others. We’re also likely to have weaknesses that others do not have. Regardless, we shouldn’t judge ourselves or others for perceived strengths or weaknesses.

4. Incessantly complaining

Here’s an experiment: loudly complain about something in public and watch people’s expressions. Yes – that is real disdain on their face.

Not only is obnoxious complaining repulsively not attractive, but it’s also completely pointless. Unless you’re being served somewhere (e.g. a restaurant or bar) and receiving poor service, there are few other reasons to lob complaints.

Instead, seek to have a constructive dialogue with someone. Leave petty complaints and unproductive banter at home. Complaining will accomplish nothing except increase hostility. Not only will you be more attractive, you will lower the health risks associated with complaining.

5. Constantly interrupting others

Interrupting someone is disrespectful and abrasive. As far as behaviors go, interrupting someone is one of the most surefire ways to kill any chances of a relationship. Why would anyone be attracted to a person always inserts themselves into a dialogue or a situation without invitation?

Again…it’s as simple as practicing common courtesy. We should all understand by now how to exercise elementary levels of self-control.

To reverse this habit may be difficult – at least initially. To better ourselves in this respect requires being more conscientious of others. When someone is exercising their right to speak, simply let them finish. Watch their mouth to determine when they’re finished making their point. Also, leave others who appear to be in the middle of something.

6. Not listening when someone’s talking

Communication is one of the most essential elements of any relationship. We expect to be listened to, and others expect us to reciprocate. It’s simply unacceptable (and unattractive) not to listen when someone else is attempting to speak.

Here’s another experiment: when someone is talking – in a meeting, at a table, etc. – look around at what other people are doing. Oddly, at least one or two are shuffling in their chairs, looking at their phones, or chit-chatting with someone else. RUDE!

As with #5, this may be a difficult habit to break. The simplest and most effective way to listen well is to make eye contact while resisting the urge to do something else. Again…easier said than done. Over time, however, the practice of effective listening will become second nature.

7. Making conflict for no reason makes you less attractive

Pretty self-evident here – nobody wants to be around someone constantly stirring up trouble. So, why do some people insist on doing just that? The answer: attention.

Instead of attention, that person is more likely to invoke feelings of disdain. In fact, instead of garnering attention, rational folks will probably just ignore the busybody in the room.

To reverse this behavior, we should all take responsibility for ourselves – and ourselves only. We don’t need to stir up drama to feel important…and it is that simple.

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5 Ways To Spot Someone With Hidden Motives