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Psychologist Explains How Clothing Color Impacts Attractiveness

August 22, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Physical attractiveness plays a role in finding a partner. It’s one of the best ways for someone to see if they are compatible with someone else. However, clothing color can impact levels of attraction.

Physical attractiveness is different for everyone based on their preference for a partner. Some people want a partner with a specific waist-to-hip ratio or overall body size and mass. Other people prioritize a particular size chest.

Not only are the body shape and size aspects of attractiveness, but clothing color is, too. The color of your clothing can affect how others view you physically. Color also influences psychological factors, including mood and decision making, including choosing a partner.

What Psychologists Say About How Clothing Color Impacts Attractiveness

Psychologists studied how eyes track when looking at another person. They used eye-tracking devices to see how women assess the attractiveness of other women.

The experts used avatars with different body sizes, skin tones, and wearing different colors. They also asked women to focus on judging avatars based on body size and attractiveness. The color choices used were black, gray, white, red, green, and blue.

The Results of the Study on Clothing and Attraction

The study results indicated that the expert’s original thoughts were correct. The colors black and red were rated higher for attractiveness and slim body size ratings.

Gray and green clothing rated lowest, as they decreased attractiveness ratings and overestimated body size guesses. Additionally, avatars wearing black received more extended views on the upper body while those in white attracted views to the waist and hip regions.

This study showed that clothing color impacted attractiveness differently based on the subject’s skin tone. The way the color contrasted with skin tone made a big difference in the judging process. Avatars with darker tones were rated better in white, blue, and green than for paler complexions.

How The Chosen Colors Affect Attractiveness

Red enhances attraction because it is associated with desirability and sexual availability. Women wearing red are considered more attractive than if they wore a different color. They also prefer to wear red because it enhances sexual receptivity.

Black is a popular clothing color because it’s a fashionable option for every style. It also has a slimming effect on body images. The slimming effect is more pronounced on large body types, but it’s effective on everyone.

The low ratings of green and gray could occur for a few reasons. Only four of 31 participants in the study liked these colors, meaning it could be a personal preference for the color. These colors are also associated with low arousal.

Back, blue, and red are colors that caused the participants to underestimate their body size. Green, gray, and white caused overestimation. White led to the largest overstimulation, but it still attracted high body attractiveness ratings.

Other Things Colors Mean

Colors can impact attractiveness, but they can also imply other things. Learning the meaning of colors is helpful because it’ll help you exude the energy you desire.

Red

Wearing red clothing is believed to make women seem more attractive. It is associated with love and passion and can be a subconscious influence you don’t recognize.

Red is a powerful color, and business people often wear red suits or dresses. It makes a statement and helps people notice you. This color also exudes beneficial traits for the workplace, including confidence and superiority.

Standing out from the crowd improves your attractiveness because you don’t blend in. You make people see you and know that what they see looks good.

Red gives off powerful energy, evoking strength and creating a positive visual impact. It increases physical attraction. It grabs your attention and makes you want to stare. However, it can also represent aggression, and you might not want to wear it when meeting your partner’s parents.

Pink

As a soothing color, pink can calm aggression. It’s also tranquil, warm, and loving. It differs from red because it soothes people rather than stimulates them. Wearing pink sends the impression that you want to connect with others. It gives you a playful and fresh appearance.

Yellow

Yellow indicates happiness and optimism. It makes people think of sunlight and can make you cheerful. This color can also help you tap into your creative side and promotes friendliness.

Yellow promotes joy, and it can make you feel better. If you’re experiencing sadness or other negative feelings, consider wearing yellow to cheer yourself up. However, too much yellow or too bright of a shade can be overpowering and make you squint. Yellow can get your attention, which is why it’s the color of many warning signs.

Orange

When you wear orange, it gives the impression of being fun and enjoying parties. It’s a bold statement that’s hard to miss and look away from. Orange makes people think of fun times, ambition, and warmth.

This color can also signify enthusiasm, attention, and energy. If you want to feel extroverted socially, consider wearing orange to help you feel confident.

Purple

Purple makes people think of wealth and wisdom. It also indicates prosperity and sophistication. This color is associated with royalty, so it conveys high quality. It also encourages meditation, contemplation, and spiritual awareness.

Blue

Blue is a restful color associated with calming feelings and serenity. It can help you focus, promoting productivity and efficiency. People also often associate blue with trust and intelligence, although it can portray coldness.

Wearing blue can also make you seem loyal and stable. It can also make you feel confident and ease anxiety. You might want to wear something blue for stressful situations because it helps decrease the stress.

Green

Green is a calming color that promotes generosity and peace. It also hints at balance and restoration and can make you experience a sense of safety. While the abovementioned study indicated it didn’t promote attractiveness, it can still be a beneficial color to add to your love.

Wearing green can make you feel renewed and grounded. Another good time to wear it is when you’re beginning a new project or journey in life. It’s a sign of luck that you’ll feel it when you wear the color.

Black

Associated with power and authority, the color black conveys sophistication in attraction. It also makes people think you’re intelligent but can also be somber. Many people wear it to funerals as it is associated with grieving.

While it’s a beneficial color for attractiveness and authority, you don’t want to wear too much. It can be overwhelming if you wear it head to toe, so pick your favorite item and pair it with another color.

Gray

Gray will give you a neutral look because it is a suppressive color. It gives off vibes of being unconfident, depressed, and lacking energy.

How to Choose the Best Color for You

Bright colors are associated with positivity, whereas dark colors link to negative emotions. Choosing the best outfit takes work, and thinking about the colors is essential. If you want to attract looks, try wearing red or black.

However, you can wear other colors if you like them. Remember that what psychologists found on this topic isn’t set in stone. Wear what you want to and make sure you’re comfortable in it.

Some colors can decrease attraction, so you might want to avoid these colors. These colors include:

yellow
dark brown
gray
green

After reading this list, don’t beat yourself if it includes your favorite color to wear. If you like the color and feel it looks good on you, go for it anyway. Don’t let anything prevent you from wearing what you want to wear.

Consider the Context of Attraction and Fashionable Color Choices

You’ll want to consider the occasion when choosing the color of your clothing. Some experiences require specific colors, while you can have fun getting dressed for other events. If you’re going on a date or to a party, bright colors are best, including red or turquoise. Consider deep, cool hues for a job interview, including gray, navy, or black.

Other Ways Color Affects How People View You

The way your clothing impacts attractiveness also depends on the situation. Conservative and professional colors are optimal for a banker or financial adviser.

People want to know that the person in charge of their money is polished and neat. You’ll notice lots of black, gray, and khaki in a financial institution and subconsciously associate it with professionalism.

However, you don’t want someone who sticks to subtle professional colors in a creative industry. You’ll want someone who can show you their personality and how they bring exciting things together to look good.

Final Thoughts on Psychologist Explains How Clothing Color Impacts Attractiveness

The colors you wear say quite a bit about you and affect how people perceive your attractiveness. It’s a way of branding yourself and gives insight into your identity. With this information, you’ll easily choose your clothing before going out.

Figure out what colors look best on you and fit your personality. You’ll feel good about yourself, and others will find you more attractive. However, remember your opinion and comfort level are all that matter–life is more than physical attraction.

Dad Buys a Too-Small Lawnmower; Entire Community Shows Up to Help

August 22, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

When a dad underestimated the size of his lawn, an entire community rallied behind him with lawnmowers in tow. Blake and Madison Mealy recently moved to the country and weren’t used to having such a large yard. A regular-sized lawnmower worked fine in the city, but it wasn’t a match for acres of grass. However, their new neighbors in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains had the right equipment.

They didn’t even formally meet the community before they pulled up with lawnmowers to help! It just goes to show you that kind humans still exist. If you’ve lost faith in humanity, this story will help restore it.

The generous gesture from the Blue Ridge Mountain community highlights the profound impact of neighborly support, but for those managing extensive lawns, there are other solutions to consider. Garden artificial turf is becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to simplify lawn maintenance and avoid the challenges of traditional grass.

One notable provider in this field is Turf Yard, which specializes in high-quality artificial turf solutions. This transition to synthetic turf not only eliminates the hassles associated with large grass areas but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly landscape. With these advancements, managing a sprawling yard can become a hassle-free experience, allowing for more time to enjoy the beauty of one’s surroundings.

You might wonder what drew the Mealy family to rural Virginia in the first place. They decided they wanted a slower pace of life, like many people these days. Blake had been busy studying to become a doctor over the last few years. However, he needed a change of scenery and wanted more time with his children.

So, he decided to talk to Madison about country living. Luckily, she agreed wholeheartedly, and they began discussing where to move. With two young children to consider, the Blue Ridge Mountains seemed the perfect place to raise a family.

Its breathtaking scenery and tranquility called their names, and they wanted to experience it firsthand. So, they set out for greener pastures and quickly settled into small-town life.

However, having such a massive yard came as a shocker to them. At their previous home in the city, a small lawnmower could cut the grass in thirty minutes or less. But, Blake would soon learn that he needed something a bit more robust.

Whole Community Helps Dad Mow His Lawn

After unpacking and putting away most of their belongings, Blake went out to buy a lawnmower. Little did he know that it would take hours to cut their sprawling backyard.

When he got home, Blake put their youngest daughter in a baby carrier to keep him company outdoors. Madison filmed the cute scene and watched as they walked through the fields.

It soon became clear that the tiny push mower couldn’t handle the untamed grasslands. However, Blake didn’t want his money to go to waste and kept pushing forward. In the meantime, Madison decided to take a shower while her husband persevered with the lawnmower.

When she came back to see what progress he’d made, she couldn’t believe her eyes. It seemed that some community members had noticed their struggle and offered to help.

Several neighbors joined Blake in his effort to mow the yard, even though they’d never met before. They brought riding lawnmowers, weed whackers, and other equipment to lend Blake a hand. The situation didn’t seem so hopeless, thanks to the generous neighbors!

Madison posted the video on TikTok with the following caption: “We don’t know any of these people. They drove by and saw my poor husband with his tiny mower, showed up, and mowed the entire lawn for COMPLETE strangers. Reminder: there’s a lot of good left in this world.”

She also shared the video on her Instagram page. In the caption, she hoped to pay it forward for others, stating: “We need a small fleet of lawn mowers so we can do this for somebody else someday!”

The video went viral shortly after, amassing over 24 million views to date. Commenters said it warmed their hearts that people still have a sense of community in the modern world. It shows empathy and kindness still exist in this world if you know where to look.

A Debate Quickly Ensued About Importance of Lawn Mowing

However, other viewers expressed their concerns about the family’s decision to mow their yard. While most people cut their grass without thinking twice, gas-powered lawnmowers contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Not to mention, trimming grasses can destroy ecosystems by eliminating wildflowers that pollinators rely on. Mowing less frequently, about once or twice a month, allows the ecosystem to recover.

Others commented that mowing the yard improves its health. Unkempt lawns may cause diseases, weeds, and pests to spread. Also, they said that mowing your lawn allows the grass to grow laterally, which increases thickness.

Whether to mow your lawn or not may also hinge on community laws. For instance, if you have an HOA, they may enforce rules and guidelines about keeping your property maintained. They might ask you to pay a fine if you don’t mow your yard regularly. However, if you live in the suburbs or rural areas, you can choose how to manage your lawn.

No matter where you live or what you believe about lawn maintenance, this heartwarming story proves the power of community. When people come together for a common cause and open their hearts, it’s incredible what they can accomplish!

If you look online, you will find no shortage of viral videos showing humanity’s worst traits. However, you can also uncover plenty of footage showing the exact opposite.

Fortunately, studies have proven that most people naturally tend to help others. We all want love, safety, compassion, and understanding at our core. By showing empathy, we can create a more equitable world where everyone feels included.

Final Thoughts on Neighbors From All Over the Community Showing Up to Help Man Mow His Lawn

If you look at the state of the world, you might feel discouraged and hopeless. News and social media would have you believe that humanity has lost its way. However, the video shared by Madison Mealy proves that humans have so much kindness and compassion to offer. When she and her husband moved to rural Virginia, they experienced the generosity of the new neighbors firsthand.

The whole community showed up at their home to help Blake mow after seeing him struggle. He purchased a small lawnmower, only to realize it would take hours to cut the whole yard. However, his neighbors had riding mowers to accomplish the task much faster and didn’t hesitate to lend him a hand. What a beautiful story that shows why we should always see the good in one another.

AI Brain Scan Diagnoses Alzheimers Correctly 98% of the Time

August 21, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Scientists have uncovered a revolutionary brain scan that accurately diagnoses Alzheimer’s 98% of the time. Alzheimer’s disease leads to significant cognitive decline due to the loss of neurons in the brain. Early warning signs of the neurodegenerative disease include memory loss, difficulty completing tasks, and confusion.

Unfortunately, no cure currently exists for Alzheimer’s, although certain medications can reduce symptom severity. In June 2021, the FDA approved a new medication called aducanumab to treat some cases of Alzheimer’s. The drug works to reduce amyloid plaques in the brain and may slow disease progression.

Researchers have also found that cannabis extracts could help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s from developing. However, it’s unclear if it works for advanced stages of cognitive decline.

While researchers continue their quest for a cure, they’ve also developed an AI brain scan to detect the disease. Early diagnosis provides the best chance for slowing or even reversing the debilitating illness.

Luckily, the new brain scan can make an Alzheimer’s diagnosis with 98% accuracy. The technology uses machine learning to analyze structural features of the brain. This also includes areas not previously linked to Alzheimer’s or dementia. Since the disease often goes overlooked in its early stages, the brain scan can help in this regard.

Not only does it allow patients to formulate a treatment plan, but it also helps to slow the disease’s progression. If doctors can identify Alzheimer’s patients early, it helps them gain further insight into what goes on in the brain. And this aids in the research and development of possible new therapies.

The study has been published in the Nature Portfolio Journal Communications Medicine. The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Imperial Biomedical Research Centre funded the research.

AI Brain Scan Diagnoses Alzheimer’s Correctly 98% of the Time

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia worldwide. It affects over 500,000 people in the UK and around 6.5 million in the US, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It develops in most people after age 65, but it’s becoming more common among younger adults. The most frequent symptoms of dementia include memory loss, cognitive decline, and difficulty speaking.

Doctors currently utilize numerous tests to make an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. They may give the patient memory and cognition tests in addition to brain scans. The brain scans can help detect protein (amyloid) deposits in the brain and hippocampus shrinkage. This area of the brain helps with memory recall.

However, getting results from these tests back can take many weeks, making them relatively inefficient. The new brain scans use MRI taken on a 1.5 Tesla machine, which most hospitals have.

Researchers reconstructed an algorithm to classify cancers and applied it to the brain.

Next, they divided the brain into 115 areas and assessed the regions using 660 features, such as shape and size. Finally, they instructed the algorithm to detect where changes to these features could accurately diagnose Alzheimer’s.

The team tested the formula using data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. They analyzed brain scans from over 400 patients with both early and late-stage Alzheimers.

Researchers included healthy patients and those with other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease. In addition, they tested the algorithm on over 80 patients undergoing tests for Alzheimer’s at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

After analyzing the data, the team found that brain scans could accurately detect Alzheimer’s 98% of the time. It could also differentiate between early and later stage Alzheimer’s in about 79% of patients.

Brain Scan Technology Marks Progress in Understanding Alzheimer’s

Professor Eric Aboagye, the lead researcher from Imperial’s Department of Surgery and Cancer, said: “Currently, no other simple and widely available methods can predict Alzheimer’s disease with this level of accuracy, so our research is an important step forward. Many patients who present with Alzheimer’s at memory clinics do also have other neurological conditions. But, even within this group our system could pick out those patients who had Alzheimer’s from those who did not.

“Waiting for a diagnosis can be a horrible experience for patients and their families. If we could cut down the time they have to wait, make diagnosis a simpler process, and reduce some of the uncertainty, that would help a great deal. Our new approach could also identify early-stage patients for clinical trials of new drug treatments or lifestyle changes, which is currently very hard to do,” he added.

The new brain scan detected changes in the brain that weren’t previously associated with Alzheimer’s. For instance, researchers found changes in the cerebellum, the area of the brain that governs coordination and physical activity. Also, they detected differences in the ventral diencephalon linked to sight and hearing.

The team says that this warrants further research into how these regions of the brain impact Alzheimers.

Dr. Paresh Malhotra, a consultant neurologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and a researcher in Imperial’s Department of Brain Sciences, said:

“Although neuroradiologists already interpret MRI scans to help diagnose Alzheimer’s, there are likely to be features of the scans that aren’t visible, even to specialists. Using an algorithm able to select the texture and subtle structural features in the brain that are affected by Alzheimer’s could enhance the information we can gain from standard imaging techniques.”

While the brain scan can’t cure Alzheimer’s, it marks a huge step forward in understanding the disease.

Final Thoughts on How Brain Scan Accurately Detects Alzheimer’s

There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia, although researchers have searched for one relentlessly. However, they have created a brain scan that uses machine learning to detect Alzheimer’s 98% of the time. An early diagnosis could make a marked difference in a patient’s prognosis and help them formulate a treatment plan.

Along with FDA-approved medications to lessen symptom severity, the brain scan could increase longevity for Alzheimer’s patients. Hopefully, scientists will discover a cure for the disease affecting millions worldwide. In the meantime, patients can feel hopeful knowing that an early diagnosis is possible.

15 Signs of Parental Burnout Never to Ignore

August 21, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

Children are a blessing from above, but these little angels can cause their parents to experience a state of parental burnout at an alarming rate. Babies come into this world needing everything from you, and things change when they get past the toddler years. Sure, they can dress themselves and get a juice box from the refrigerator, but their needs only become more significant as your child ages.

As children grow, so do their needs, often leaving parents feeling overwhelmed by the daily demands of raising them. With school, extracurricular activities, and developmental milestones, balancing it all can seem impossible. Hiring a nanny can be a game-changer for families seeking extra support, allowing parents to focus on quality time and self-care. Engaging with My Asian Nanny provides access to professional caregivers experienced in assisting families with diverse needs. By incorporating a nanny into the household, parents gain peace of mind knowing their child is well cared for, reducing the risk of parental burnout.

If you were one of the parents who said things would get easier when they were 18, you probably now know how unrealistic that statement is. As children get bigger, so do their problems. Parental burnout isn’t uncommon and can cause serious mental health repercussions.

According to the American Psychological Association, at least five million parents seek help for burnout. It might manifest as depression, anxiety, or even irrational thoughts of hurting the child or yourself to cope with the pain. Sadly, it’s nothing that can be fixed overnight.

Nine Primary Causes of Parental Burnout

Getting to a place called wit’s end is not uncommon, but what causes people to get to this desperate point? Here are a few things the World Health Organization discovered cause this feeling.

Lack of clear boundaries
Trying to please people
Not communicating properly
Having unrealistic expectations
Demanding and conflicting schedules
Role assumption
Limited resources
No support
Lack of trust in others

Fifteen Signs You’re Experiencing Parental Burnout

How do you know if you’re experiencing burnout? Here are some of the signs that the stress of parenting is exhausting you mentally and physically.

1. Bedtime Procrastination

You put off going to bed because the nighttime is when everything seems worse. It’s too quiet, and you can’t shut your mind down. You replay all the day’s events in a loop you can’t turn off.

Anxiety and depression are often worse in the night hours, and it’s why so many people struggle with their sleep.

2. Burnout Causes Memory Problems

You once had a memory like an elephant, as you never forgot a thing. Now, it seems you overlook the smallest of matters. You feel like you’re losing it and don’t know how to fix things. Your memory issues may cause you to forget a child from school or to pay an overdue bill.

3. Sleep Disturbances

Sleep disturbances affect many people in different ways. You may sleep too much, or you may not get nearly enough rest. It can also fluctuate back and forth depending on what’s going on. One of the signs that depression is setting in from your burnout is your sleep is altered.

4. Isolating Yourself from Others

When you’re experiencing emotional pain, and it’s affecting every facet of your being, you don’t feel like being social. You may take solace in your bedroom and even try to avoid your children as much as possible. Going to work, or getting groceries for your home, may seem like overwhelming tasks that are impossible.

5. Shame and Guilt for Parenting Styles

It’s only natural for you to blame yourself for how your children behave. Parents who manage special needs children tend to have a higher burnout rate than others. You may feel guilt for your child’s differences, and when you’re blaming yourself, it only makes matters worse.

According to a study by Frontiers in Psychology, parents on lockdown with special needs children were seventeen percent more likely to experience parenting-related exhaustion. Things going on in the world were challenging enough, but adding a special needs kid to the mix makes things even more difficult.

You may blame yourself for your child’s condition, especially if it’s genetic. However, you must know that you can’t be responsible for such a thing. What if your child isn’t special needs but has behavioral issues? You can also blame yourself for lacking effective discipline.

6. Burnout Can Lead to Disconnecting from Children

Since the children are causing you to feel emotionally unstable, you may disconnect from them. It doesn’t mean that you don’t love them or care, but you want to be anywhere they’re not. It’s a coping mechanism that many people use to detach themselves from the situation.

7. Decline in Mental Health

A decline in mental health can be sudden or gradual. You may begin having panic attacks, have increased anxiety, or depression may overwhelm you. Any mental capacity alteration due to stress is a red flag.

8. Overwhelming Anxiety

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, there are five different types of anxiety. While you may have struggled with generalized anxiety before, now that you’re feeling burnout, you may find yourself struggling with OCD.

Some people stop driving because they fear being closed in a car and what can happen is overwhelming. Anxiety can signify inward turmoil, and any five disorders can accompany your emotional exhaustion.

9. Frustration Comes From Parental Burnout

Do you jump to conclusions? Are you yelling at your children or perhaps even calling them names? While it’s wrong to resort to such tactics, it’s not uncommon. Parents at their wit’s end and feeling burnout will often feel frustrated.

It’s effortless to take your frustration out on those who seem to be the source of the tension. Even the slightest infraction can make you go off the deep end.

10. Physical Exhaustion

When the mind is tired, the body seems to follow suit. You can sleep for ten hours and awaken feeling unrefreshed. You have aches and pangs with no reasonable explanation, even though your physician has run every test possible.

11. Parenting Leaves Little Time for Self-Care

You must have time to take care of yourself. If you don’t attend to your needs, you’ll find that you’ll wear down quickly. You need time to separate yourself from your partner and children to refresh your mind and relax. One of the hallmark signs of someone who doesn’t get proper self-care is they experience a mental breakdown.

12. Depression

What once were feelings of hopelessness have now become full depression. According to a National Library of Medicine study, around 7.5 million adults suffer from parental depression. The study also found that this puts over 15 million children at risk, as their parents can’t care for them like they should in this state.

13. Violent Urges (Don’t Ignore These Parenting Red Flags)

It’s the dark side of parenting fatigue that no one wants to talk about, but your frustration can grow to the point where you have violent urges. Violent thoughts can be part of anxiety, and these people rarely act on these irrational thoughts. However, with depression and anxiety comes an increased risk for psychosis.

While names like Andrea Yates or Susan Smith dominate the news on mothers who had psychological meltdowns and harmed their children, it happens more often than is reported. According to CNN, around 500 children each year lose their life at the hands of one of their parents.

You want to think that your frustration and feelings of being burned out won’t ever resort to this level of drama. However, if you have any thoughts of anything violent, you need to separate yourself from the children and seek immediate help.

14. Overwhelmed & Exhausted for Weeks

One of the signs that you’re at your mental limit is that you’ve been exhausted and overwhelmed for weeks, and it doesn’t seem to go away. When you don’t feel like you anymore, it’s time to ask for assistance to help you get to a good place.

15. Neglecting Your Child’s Physical, Educational, & Emotional Needs

You may feel like you can no longer care for your child when you’re breaking mentally. You may feel like cooking mac-n-cheese takes significant effort, and providing for their emotional needs seems impossible when you can’t provide for your own.

Six Ways to Seek Help When Parenting Feels Overwhelming

If you feel that you’re at the point of breaking because you’re burned out with life and raising kids, you must seek help. Here are some things you can do.

Ask your spouse to step up and help more during this time.
Seek support from family members, including those who can allow you to have breaks.
Ask friends to help and watch the kids, allowing you to rest.
Talk to a therapist and find effective coping mechanisms to manage your stress.
Hire someone to help with chores and childcare if the children are younger.
Embrace self-care.

Final Thoughts on Identifying and Coping With Parental Burnout

You should never feel embarrassed because you’re having a hard time and frustrated raising your kids. There’s lots of pressure and stress in the world that can be overwhelming. Even the best folks need a robust support system to help them out when times get tough, and it’s not a bad idea to hire someone if you’re load is too heavy.

The best parental figures aren’t the ones who buy their children everything their heart desires. However, they’re the ones who know when they’ve reached their limit, and they put their kid’s overall well-being first, and they get the help they need.

15 Signs of a Romantic Manipulator Never to Ignore

August 21, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

Have you ever encountered a romantic manipulator? Perhaps you’re in a relationship with this type of person right now. This individual, no doubt, is a master, so they’ve learned how to be so subtle with their methods that you might not even realize what’s going on.

Everyone has manipulative ways they use when they feel threatened or to protect themselves. However, the romantic manipulator is different; they seek to gain something from you. And so they will use and abuse you to accomplish this task.

There’s an imbalance of power between you two, as they see themselves as superior in the relationship. They want to make you feel utterly powerless, so you have no option but to turn to them for your every need.

Fifteen Red Flags of a Romantic Manipulator

When you’re in a toxic relationship with constant manipulation, it can cause significant distress. Being on the receiving end of such mistreatment can affect your mental health. This selfish manipulator alters your thoughts and feelings by using tricks to coerce you into doing things you don’t want to do.

This person seeks to control you, and they have an unfair advantage, using mind games and other methods to gain power. Here are fifteen warning signs that you’re involved with an emotional manipulator.

1. The Romantic Manipulator Always Plays the Victim

Being in love and a romance can play with your emotions a bit. However, you’ve noticed that this person tends to be higher strung than most. They always seem to play the victim card in any situation, and this toxic trait is pretty evident from the start.

They think the whole world is against them, and they do nothing wrong. This is a substantial red flag that their recollection of events isn’t accurate. They won’t stop until they destroy your self-esteem and take you to rock bottom.

2. They Use Your Vulnerabilities Against You

This is not the kind of person you can be vulnerable with, as they will use your vulnerabilities against you. Emotional manipulation preys on getting to know intimate things about you and using these things to their advantage. You probably kick yourself after you tell them anything, as you never learn.

3. The Romantic Manipulator Makes You Think You Can’t Live Without Them

The emotionally manipulated person will do many things for you, but they will use them against you. For instance, they might take you to a tropical island, but they will never let you forget how much it cost and that they paid for it.

They might love to cook and volunteer to cook dinner for a week. Sadly, later they will complain that you haven’t lifted a finger to help with the meals or the expense. Everything they do for you goes onto a mental scorecard they will use against you later.

4. You’re Criticized Constantly

It doesn’t matter what you do for them, as it’s never enough. How can this be what romance is supposed to be like, when your emotions are always a wreck? You walk on eggshells around this person because nothing is ever good enough.

You feel like the ugly duckling in the relationship, as they appear superior. This manipulator plays you like a fiddle, and you fall into the trap.

5. There Are Constant Disagreements

When it comes to romance, your emotions are all over the place. However, in this situation, you seem to be more emotional than before. You always feel like you disagree with them, as they don’t truly understand you.

These arguments are orchestrated to gain control, and you’re being manipulated. You feel like you say and do the wrong thing continuously, but you must realize that the problem isn’t you.

6. Pathological Lying is Common for a Romantic Manipulator

Every word from the manipulator’s mouth should be evaluated, as they have a regular habit of lying. They uproot your emotions because you can’t believe a word they say. You’re probably frequently mad at them since they can’t be truthful, which can hurt your romance.

7. They Have a Pessimistic Perspective

A manipulator is a negative person, as they dominate through pessimism. Even in the best situations, they tend to find the bad. For example, they get a job promotion that will give them more money but aren’t happy about it.

They can’t stop focusing on the part where they only got it because their first choice didn’t want the position. They can’t be happy no matter the situation.

8. Dates Are Always at Their House

They want you to come to their house rather than them coming to yours. They feel safe doing their dirty work in their abode, so they have a “home court” advantage. If they don’t want to come to your house for a visit, it’s a big red flag. Since you feel on edge in a new environment, it gives them a leg up in the situation.

9. There’s Gaslighting

According to the National Library of Medicine, gaslight syndrome involves a manipulator with sadomasochistic tendencies. The goal here is to twist and confuse things until you question your sanity. Some people go as far as trying to have their partner committed for mental instability.

10. A Romantic Manipulator Uses Passive-Aggressive Behaviors

You look to this person for romance and safety, but they always have some indirect aggression. They carry a chip on their shoulder of something you’ve done in the past. Though they say they’re over it, they keep making snide comments that prove otherwise.

It’s typical for this person to mask their compliments as insults so that they can keep you confused. They might say, “I think it’s so cute how you’re so immature and childish.” While they’re telling you you’re cute, they’re also saying you’re childish in the same breath.

According to the National Library of Medicine, a passive-aggressive personality disorder is expected but not officially recognized by the American Psychological Association. This person struggles with the internal belief that life isn’t fair and has trouble expressing anger. They dislike confrontation involving their feelings, so they use passive behaviors to get their point across.

11. They Speak for You

The narcissist wants to control every part of you. They want to dominate your emotions and make you putty in their hands. They won’t let you order for yourself at a restaurant, nor will they allow you to make simple decisions about your life. They control every aspect of you to make you feel inferior to them.

12. Mocking and Belittling You Are Commonplace

They can destroy your emotions by constantly putting you down. You won’t feel romance or much love towards someone who mocks your every word. They aim to make you feel less than others, as they can easily manipulate you when they destroy your esteem.

13. They Put You in Uncomfortable Situations

Romantic manipulators love to put their significant other in uncomfortable situations, especially in public. They love to create drama wherever they go, so they yell at you, call you names, and shame you where others can hear.

Don’t think they will stand up for you behind your back, as they will quickly cut you down to your friends and family members. This is the kind of person that has no qualms about showing up at your place of employment and causing a scene, either.

14. The Romantic Manipulator Makes You Feel Like You Live in a Fishbowl

You feel like your every move is monitored. You have no privacy, and they make all the decisions for you. They may talk you into things you don’t want to do, like cosmetic surgeries and other risky ventures.

15. Blackmail is Always Involved

When you’re involved with a romantic manipulator, you will hear statements like, “You better do this, or else….” These selfish people will use blackmail as a weapon to control you. They will threaten to expose your most intimate parts to gain the upper hand. They use these tactics to get you back in line with their wishes.

Final Thoughts on the Romantic Manipulator

Being involved with a romantic manipulator is not an easy thing to do. What started as a blissful relationship has turned towards the dark side. They strive to keep your emotions in an uproar to control you and the situations around you.

When you’re with someone who uses and abuses you, you may feel like your life is in a fishbowl. This is a toxic situation, and you owe it to yourself to get out of it. There’s someone better out there for you, but the real problem is now you have emotional baggage that you must unpack before you can have a healthy relationship.

15 Questions to Ask Yourself to Promote Self-Growth

August 21, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

You ask questions to get to know other people, and you can do the same to understand yourself. Asking yourself questions can promote self-growth as you identify things about yourself and your life that you wouldn’t otherwise. As a result, you will invite positivity and success into your realm.

Asking yourself questions allows for self-discovery and self-knowledge. You’ll understand yourself better and know what to do in the future. As you ask the questions, think deeply about your answers.

You can write your answers down to look back on them later–use your journal. Or you can ponder the questions and answers, thinking about them throughout your day. It helps you get reacquainted with your authentic self.

Self-reflection promotes self-growth because you can get to the root of what holds you back. It also helps you see the journey you want to take, encouraging you to keep working on your dreams. Ask yourself these questions to become the person you want to be.

The Importance of Self-Growth

Personal growth can help you handle difficult situations better. It improves your ability to handle bad situations, conflict, and unexpected experiences.

Self-growth also helps you create beneficial habits, including self-discipline. It improves your mental and physical health as you reflect on what changes you need to make.

Another benefit of self-growth is that it promotes productivity. You’ll be motivated to work hard and more efficiently when you work to improve who you are. It can also lead to less stress as you learn to react better to situations you can’t control.

Self-improvement can improve your relationships, as well. You’ll become a better version of yourself, promoting positivity while socializing. It’ll also help you recognize toxic relationships so you can walk away before it negatively affects you.

What to Ask Yourself to Promote Self-Growth

If you want to foster self-growth, ask yourself these fifteen questions and answer them truthfully.

1 – What do I want in life?

One of the most important things to ask yourself is what you want in your life. You can’t grow with intention or begin your journey when you don’t know what you want. It’ll cause you to keep looking for the next best thing, but you might feel lost without direction.

Making decisions is also harder without knowing what you want in life. You won’t know which choice to make because you’re unsure of the path you should be on. It could cause you to move further from what you truly want in life.

2 – Am I too comfortable in my situation?

Being comfortable can be a good thing but can also cause a problem. While it might keep you happy for a while, it becomes a trap that you can’t seem to escape. If you’re too comfortable, it shows that you aren’t stepping out of your comfort zone or experiencing self-growth.

Consider whether you’re taking on enough life challenges. You must take on new challenges and experiences if you want to develop as a person. When you aren’t sure which challenge to start with, you can begin by researching a topic related to your goals.

You can go deeper with this question by asking yourself how many challenges you took on this week. The challenges can be big or small, but it’s time to get started if the answer is zero.

3 – Is what I’m doing today working toward self-growth?

This question can help determine if your short-term actions align with your long-term goals. If you’re writing your answers, list the things you accomplished. Then, go through your list and put a start next to each action that helps you reach your goals.

You would be on track if you accomplished at least a few things to benefit your goals. However, you’ll need to reassess if nothing you did helped you get closer.

You can’t get closer to your goals without working on small tasks that’ll help you get there. Every minor step helps, so ensure you accomplish a few each day.

4 – What are my top skills and abilities?

Listing what you’re good at can help with self-growth. Recognizing your skills and strengths can help you get better at them and improve other areas of your life. Once you know your skills, you can delve into how you can become better at them.

5 – How am I taking care of my mental and physical health?

When working hard toward your goals, you must remember to take care of your mental and physical health. Ask yourself this question, listing what you do to care for yourself.

If you find that you could do more, set a self-care and physical well-being routine. You might want to stray from the new activities but stick to them until it becomes a habit.

6 – What can I learn next on my self-growth journey?

You can always learn something new, and it’s up to you to figure out what you want to do next. Please don’t ignore your curiosity, as it can help you develop in ways nothing else can. The more you learn, the better you can make decisions and foster self-growth.

7 – What is my motivation for inviting self-growth and positivity into my life?

Spend some time thinking about why you want to achieve your goals. Identifying what drives you can help you act and continue growing. For many people, their children are the motivation. Others find that their motivation is money or helping others. Whatever makes you want to keep going, find a way to keep it in mind.

8 – What negative traits can I let go of?

Everyone has at least a few negative traits, and identifying them can help you let go. Personal growth requires developing better habits and shifting your negative qualities to a place of more positivity.

Think about the things you don’t love about yourself or that hold you back. Then, consider how you can make a beneficial change in your life.

9 – Do I spend my money wisely?

Finances can be a struggle for many people, and it’s worth thinking about in terms of self-growth. Money can keep you afloat and help you do the things you want to experience. If money tends to be an issue for you, address your spending habits and see what you can do differently.

10 – Do I want to change anything about myself?

If you want to change something about yourself, spend some time thinking about what it is. Don’t change for someone else, but you should do it if you want to. Make the decision for yourself rather than allowing life circumstances to force you.

If you want to make a change, ensure it aligns with your goals. It’ll help you determine which areas of life you should work on.

11 – Am I happy today with how my life is going overall?

This question should be about how you feel about your life today. Consider whether you’re happy with your progress and where your life journey is taking you. Plus, think about what happened today that truly brought happiness to your life.

This thought process will help determine if you’re on the right track. If you’re unhappy today, consider whether it’s because of your overall life or misguided thoughts taking over.

12 – Self-growth is a journey, so am I doing better than I was one year ago?

One way to determine how you’re doing on your journey is to ask yourself if you’re doing better than you were a year ago. It helps you put your life into perspective as you look for growth in the past year.

If you’re doing better, determine what you can do to continue the growth. However, if you aren’t doing better, assess what you can change to start making progress.

13 – Am I willing to put in the work it takes to live my dream life?

You can have all the dreams in the world, but they won’t come true if you aren’t willing to do the work.

If you aren’t willing to work toward your dream, you must assess what you truly want. On the other hand, determine where you should begin if you’re eager to do the work. Remember that you can’t wish your dreams into existence.

14 – Am I balancing my life in a way that brings fulfillment and positivity?

There are five areas of positivity in life that you must focus on, including:

career
fulfillment
community
personal health
intimate relationships

When asking yourself if you’re balancing your life, you must address each of the five categories. Make a list of how you contribute to each of the areas. Once you determine your answers, figure out how much time you spend on each part.

You won’t find balance if you put too much time into one area and not enough into the others. Try to balance the five categories as best you can, allowing you to improve your life overall.

15 – What can I learn from this experience?

You can learn something from every situation you experience. Making it a habit to ask yourself this question promotes self-growth because you’ll always look for learning opportunities. It helps you accept things you don’t enjoy while shedding light on areas you could use some growth.

Final Thoughts on Questions to Ask Yourself to Promote Self-Growth and Increase Positivity

Self-growth starts with asking yourself questions about what you need to do or where you want to go. Spend time thinking about your answers rather than writing the first thing that comes to mind. The more honest you are with yourself, the more self-improvement you’ll experience.

You can’t become a better version of yourself or invite positivity into your life without figuring out what must change. Ask yourself these questions regularly, so you always know which path to take.

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