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10 Traits of Strong Women That Most Men Can’t Handle

Every woman wants to grow up to be strong, and they certainly make very desirable partners for men, other women, and everyone in between. Strong women also make great mentors and role models.

But then a new problem arises, as some men feel intimidated by these types of women, or don’t know how to deal with them. On top of that, strong women are well-known for putting their foot down and choosing a partner who they know can keep up with them.

Of course, strong women couldn’t care less about those who don’t know how to react to them. In our ever-changing world, women are feeling more and more empowered and taking on more and more roles of leadership and authority, and that’s something to be celebrated.

Here Are 10 Traits Of Strong Women That Most Men Can’t Handle

1.    Strong Women Demand and Give Back Honesty

A strong woman values honesty in every relationship. She knows that it is necessary for excellent communication, and communication is how they can conquer things in life quickly and easily. As such, she has a vast amount of respect for those who are open, vulnerable, and honest. This honesty also means that:

  • They embrace good and bad emotions and learn to process and accept them so that they can move on.
  • They have no time for dropping hints or playing mind games. They say what they want and expect others to inform them of their desires, too.
  • They never gossip, spread rumors, or backstab. If they have a problem with someone, they will tell them to their face.
  • They love constructive criticism and constructive praise equally and will take both in stride.
  • They want their partners to be emotionally open and vulnerable to them.
  • They communicate their needs clearly and directly and will not waste their time trying to decipher the needs of those who will not speak clearly.
  • They can be straightforward in their speech, causing some to feel like they are rude or cold.

These are all very positive things – but there’s no denying that some would find these traits intimidating. Someone who’s going to tell you the truth unabashedly and expect the same from you is someone you can’t mess with!

2.    They Know When To Walk Away

A strong woman is a fighter, but she fights smart. She knows when something is a lost cause, or when something is not worth the mental and emotional energy. This intuition applies to many different situations, such as:

  • Toxic friendships and relationships
  • Bad job situations
  • Arguments, debates, or discussions

Whatever the case, whatever the situation, a strong woman is confident in herself and knows she shouldn’t be mistreated. So if she thinks it’s time to walk away, she will. End of story, no looking back.

3.    They Can Be Picky

Strong women tend to be perfectionists. Naturally, this lends itself to a certain pickiness. As such, a strong woman may come across as cold and dismissive, or like a pessimist who needs a lesson in positive thinking. But don’t be fooled!

A strong woman’s supposed pickiness is never for the sake of being difficult. She simply knows what she wants, what she deserves, and what she can achieve. She also sees the best in others and is aware of their potential. As such, she always expects 100% from herself and others.

4.    They Recognize Negative Treatment and Won’t Tolerate It

A strong woman is often a pretty good judge of character. She’s able to easily tell if someone is a jerk or not based on their actions. If she gets a feeling that your intentions aren’t the most favorable, she won’t hesitate to kick you to the curb.

This stance isn’t to say that she knows everything, but she goes through life intelligently. She may make mistakes – as everyone does – but she learns quickly with positive thinking, and her intelligence makes her less likely to fall for silly tricks. So she’ll roll her eyes at your bad pick-up lines because she’s more interested in who you are – a tall order for many casual flirters!

On top of that, a strong woman will not take any bad treatment from anyone in her life, even those she cares about. If she knows she is being treated any less fairly than she deserves with no sign of improving, she’ll be out of these immediately.

5.    Strong Women Demand Equality From Partners

A strong woman demands equality in all aspects of her life where it is applicable – in her family, in the workplace, and from romantic partners. She will not settle for anything less than that.

Of course, she doesn’t necessarily need a strict 50/50 split in the relationship, and she’s not going to be overly calculative about it. But she does want is to be treated as she treats her partner, and for each partner to pull their weight. This logic applies to:

  • Planning romantic events, like dates and vacations
  • Emotional vulnerability and openness
  • Intimacy
  • Financial responsibilities (in committed relationships)
  • Performing chores and working hours (in committed relationships)
  • Childcaring (in committed relationships)

On paper, equality sounds great. It’s a surefire recipe for a positive partnership. But it’s a very different dynamic from the stereotypical, traditional one that most people grow up hearing about and expecting, so that’s enough for a good amount of men to be unable to handle it.

6.    They Are Independent and Want Independent Partners

A strong woman cannot stand a controlling partner. She has no interest in needing other people. She wants to be in a mutually enjoyable, beneficial relationship with a partner – one where both people want each other but don’t need each other. Some men may dislike the fact that they can’t be the stereotypical “big strong man” in a relationship with her.

An independent woman is also not going to be bogged down by needing to mother her partner. If she feels like she’s playing babysitter for an adult man who seems to be incapable of performing basic tasks, or if her partner becomes too needy or requires her constant help, she won’t be interested in sticking around.

7.    They Need Their Alone Time

A strong woman doesn’t fear the prospect of being alone. In fact, she values it. She wants to have moments of the day to herself because she respects herself and enjoys spending time with herself, too.

She understands the importance of taking a step back and allowing herself to be alone. She knows that it is healthy to be her person and take care of herself. She puts her wellbeing first. Her alone time may come in the form of:

  • Participating in a class
  • Indulging in a hobby
  • Setting aside daily time for meditation or relaxation
  • Spending a day treating or pampering herself

Try to keep a strong woman away from her alone time, and she’ll have to decide which is worth more: her time for herself, or her time for you. (Spoiler alert: it won’t be you she chooses!)

8.    They Know Everything That They Want

A strong woman has done a lot of self-analysis. She uses critical thinking to reflect on herself, so she knows what her goals and desires are. Sure, there are some things she still needs to figure out, but for the most part, she understands that she needs to have a direction in life if she wants to be her best, most positive self.

This woman would also never be afraid to go after what she wants most. She’ll happily bulldoze through any obstacle in her way to achieve her goals. She doesn’t have time for doubting herself or hesitating – she’s here to grab her dreams. So if you’re in her way, she’ll have no problems going around you and leaving you behind.

9.    They Are Well-Informed

A woman of strength keeps herself informed. She reads up on current events and is always working on improving herself. But she isn’t just well-read. A strong woman is also a critical thinker. She digests information from all sides and multiple different sources, practices nuanced analysis, and then make a well-educated decision.

Essentially, this type of woman is an intellectual force to be reckoned with, and it can be a pretty big blow to your ego when someone always knows more than you, and some men may be unable to handle that from a woman.

strong women10. They Might Overwhelm Others

Many people consider strong women to be very intense, especially since women have been historically unable to show their full personalities and strengths in public spaces. It’s not unusual for them to earn titles such as loud or intense, and they refuse to give in to trials and troubles. Their passion and honesty of emotion and intellect make them unstoppable.

As such, these women know that their best bet is to be open and direct about their feelings, complaints, commands, and compliments. They want to get things done, no-nonsense wanted, and they can barrel through anything in their way. It’s not surprising that some people find this overwhelming.

Besides, to get to high positions, a strong woman knows that she has to be unabashedly herself. They have learned that people will criticize them whether they are demure or confident. So, they might as well be as passionate as they want!

strong womenFinal Thoughts About Loving Strong Women

If you find that men are intimidated by you and can’t handle you, should you try to bend to a more malleable shape? Absolutely not! The traits of strong women are positive ones! But it does mean that these are progressive steps forward for women, and, as with all forms of progress, it can take a while for the world to adjust to the new status quo.

Still, being a strong woman is something to strive for and be proud of. Strong women are incredible and amazing, and all women are strong in their ways, and there’s no reason to stop being strong for any men! The right relationship will arrive in due time.

So if you aspire to be the strong woman you’ve always wanted to be, don’t let the idea of intimidating a man stop you. The right partner is one who will not only “handle” your strength, but love and respect it – and that’s the kind of partner you deserve.

10 Traits of Strong Men That Most Women Can’t Handle

The definition of masculinity and manhood is ever-changing and evolving with the times. Gone are the days when only males who drove rugged cars and were eager to square up and fight were considered strong men. And with this steadily shifting narrative on what strength in men entails, there are, naturally, people who are unable to deal with it.

Strong men make amazing partners. They are fantastic friends, family members, and more. But some women may have difficulty accepting the new trend of masculinity, and all the things that make men so strong.

Here Are 10 Traits Of Strong Men That Most Women Can’t Handle

1.    They Prefer To Promote Peace Over Violence

Violence is seldom the answer, and a strong man knows that he doesn’t have to use his muscles to showcase his problem-solving skills. When faced with an awkward situation, he uses his mind and heart to overcome it, instead of turning to aggression.

Of course, some women may be unused to this approach to problems from men. It may cause them to perceive these men as weak, which is a very misguided view of the situation. Regardless, a strong man knows that there is wisdom in picking battles, finding compromises, and promoting understanding and peace.

2.    Strong Men Are Ambitious

A strong man is highly ambitious. This ambition can often mean putting their careers and goals above any romantic attachments. It’s a highly respectable and positive decision, but it’s one that some women may take issue with, as it automatically lowers their position on the ladder of priority.

Of course, a strong man knows the value of balance, too, so they will be happy to balance their ambitions and family life once a relationship is more committed. But it is unlikely that the relationship will be anything more than of equal priority to their other goals, which is something that some women may dislike.

3.    They Want Equality From Partners

There’s a misconception that all men want to rule over women in their relationships. There’s an opposite misconception that men are often “whipped” in their relationships, bowing to the women in their lives. Well, a strong man doesn’t want either of these things. He wants equality, plain and simple.

A strong man will intend for him and his partner to evenly split responsibilities reasonably, depending on working hours and other factors. This workload applies to:

  • Financial obligations, like who pays for dates or handles housing bills
  • Planning events, including dates
  • Intimacy, ensuring healthy give and take
  • Childcaring, meaning he will put effort into raising children equally
  • Chores and work, ensuring both parties spend similar amounts of time working
  • Emotional openness, so he expects his partners to be as vulnerable as he is with them

We aren’t saying that men are calculative and demand precise 50/50 splits or else. But what we are saying is that men know that the most positive relationships require balance and equity, and they will not settle for less than that. (1)

4.    They Know What They Want

Being wishy-washy is a historically weak quality, no matter which gender is performing it. That’s why a strong man knows what it is that they want and have no qualms about gunning for it without hesitation.

A strong man analyzes his wants and needs, reflecting on his wishes and actions, to discover what he wants. This doesn’t mean that he has everything figured out. Instead, it shows that he is aware of his direction in life, and he knows what the heart of his desires are.

On top of that, a man’s strength will not let anything stand between him and his goals. His positive thinking has no room for pessimism. Someone who slows him down or stops him from getting where he wants to be isn’t going to be kept around for long. (2)

5.    Strong Men Demand And Provide Honesty

A strong man doesn’t see any point in beating around the bush. He wants clear communication at all times. He sees no point in obscuring the truth with buttery, flowery speech. This is because he wants the honest, constructive truth quickly, and he believes that others would benefit most from receiving such honesty. As such, men of strength will also:

  • Avoid speculation and rumor, aiming instead to find out the truth about a situation before commenting on it
  • Steer clear of gossiping or believing rumors, instead directly asking the person concerned about the issue
  • Tell someone directly if they have a problem with them
  • Welcome any form of constructive criticism
  • Know how to accept and take constructive praise
  • Be honest about their emotions, feelings, needs, and desires, without fear of judgment
  • Dislike mind games and hint-dropping, aiming instead to make it clear what they want and receive similar treatment for others.

It’s not unusual for women to occasionally desire a gentler type of speech from their partners. As such, the blunt directness of a strong man may be off-putting to them. But at the heart of it all, this is a man who wants clear communication and easy understanding, and that is a positive thing for any relationship in the long run. (3)

6.    They Take The Reins

A strong man does not shy away from leadership roles. They are more than happy to take the reins and all the responsibility that comes with that. They can take the initiative and put in all the effort needed for that to work.

But lots of women have bad experiences with being wrongfully mansplained to, or being treated as incompetent. As such, some women may misinterpret a strong man’s natural leadership abilities and command as an act of sexism.

But hang around him more, and you’ll realize that he merely has a desire to take the initiative, regardless of the genders of everyone else in the room. All you need is a little positive thinking!

7.    They Are Emotionally Open And Vulnerable

Some men believe that crying is a sign of weakness, and they try to hide their emotions as a result. But a strong man knows that the best way to process a difficult time is being honest about his feelings. They allow themselves to feel the emotions, knowing that this is necessary for understanding them.

This also means that strong men are often happy to be vulnerable with their partners. They open up about themselves, they cry when they feel like they need to, and they talk to their partners about their fears and problems.

For some women, this is a sign of weakness. But the healthiest, most positive thing someone can do is confront their feelings and issues, facing them head-on.

8.    They Know What They Are Worthy Of

Many times, men are reduced to having to be “grateful” for the women they date. They have to express that they feel “lucky” and as though they should be thankful for a woman to want to date them at all.

But a strong man doesn’t have time for this type of self-deprecation. They know what they are worth, and they know what they deserve. They refuse to stand for adverse treatment and will not settle for less than what is fair for them.

Sure, a strong man will feel lucky to have found their significant other, but they will also realistically know that they are valuable to the relationship, too. They have something to offer just as much as their partner does. It is this type of positive thinking that keeps their self-esteem healthy and balanced.

9.    They Value Time They Have Alone

It’s a common joke that men want to be left alone sometimes in their basement or “man cave,” or whatever other stereotypical statements exist. This is somewhat true for strong men, but not in the way you may think.

These types of men genuinely see the importance of being comfortable with being alone for their self-improvement. This means that a man of strength will always want a little time to themselves once in a while.

In this time alone, they can meditate, reflect, and be his person, and that’s very important to a strong man. They want to be free to explore their hobbies and interests, and they also want to have time to explore themselves. If someone takes his desire to be alone personally, he will cut them off.

strong men10. They Are Independent And Desire Independence In Partners

Strong men are fiercely independent. They don’t need anyone to tell them what to do. They know how to care for themselves and don’t wish reliant on anyone. Neither do they want anyone to be reliant on them, nor do they want to be controlled. Independence is essential to them.

For some women, this can be quite intimidating in relationships. They won’t be able to feel like they are nurturing or caring for this man in the traditional sense, and they won’t be able to allow themselves to be “taken care of” by him.

Of course, this is not to say that they don’t offer compromises, or that he does not welcome discussion regarding long-term relationships in terms of work and financial distribution. If the best option is for his partner to raise their children while he works, for example, he will not hold that against his partner. However, he still wants to be with those who have relative independence to match his own.

strong men

Final Thoughts on Understanding Today’s Strong Men

Strong men have much to offer, whether it is to relationships, to their workplace, or to themselves. Women who can’t handle them are certainly missing out, but these men don’t care about that. Instead, they’re happy waiting until the right person comes along.

If you’re a man who aspires to emanate these qualities, don’t let the fear of women being unable to keep up stop you. Your strength comes from within, not from the people around you. Besides, do you want a partner who doesn’t want you to be strong?

Being strong is something to be celebrated and appreciated, and you’ll find that this strength propels you through life in ways no external person can do for you. So take that strength, hone it, and wear it proudly!

7 Ways to Be More Interesting

We all want to be interesting. You want to be the kind of person that everyone wants to spend time with or hang out with. Great people would surround you, and you’d feel secure in the knowledge that you can keep them around easily just because of your personality!

But that’s all much easier said than done. Being appealing doesn’t come naturally. Yes, you’re a unique individual all on your own, and those you care about probably already consider you interesting, but being perceived as attractive by others relies heavily on your ability to convince others that you are worth listening to.

So how can you become a fascinating person? What can you do to make others enjoy your company more? The answers might surprise you, and they’re pretty simple steps to do on your own!

Here Are 7 Ways To Be More Interesting

1.    Become A Better Listener

People often don’t spend enough time listening. You may wonder why you have to hear what others say to be interesting. But the truth is that some of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet don’t talk nearly as much as they listen. Here’s why:

  • Those who listen well tend to retain more interesting nuggets of information
  • They don’t wind up rambling or boring people by dominating conversations
  • People love to talk about themselves; when you allow them to do so, they will find you more interesting because they get to talk about what they love

Being a good listener is one of the hallmark positive traits of a likable person. But how can you hone your listening skills? Here are a few ideas: (1)

  • Ask questions and genuinely listen to the answers
  • Learn to create curiosity in other people’s lives and ask them about their days, hobbies, and other topics
  • Genuinely take an interest in the other person’s talking points
  • Consider the possibility that you can learn something new by listening to different people

2.    Learn New Things

A new year comes, but you’re still the old you. Nothing’s changed in your life for a long time. You do the same stuff and stick to what you know. It’s safe, sure, but it’s also ridiculously dull.

Learning new things gives you new skills, hobbies, and experiences to talk about. It also gives you new ideas to have in common with other people. Combined, this allows you to be much more interesting! Here are some tips.

Seek Out Topics That Are Not Career-Related

It’s easy to fall into the trap of only ever pursuing subjects and areas that are related to your work. Unfortunately, this can get you stuck in just one set of skills, preventing you from progressing and finding a life outside of your work.

Find things that interest you and see if you can turn them into hobbies. Not sure what to do? Look up nearby events and give something a try, even if you’ve never done it before. You never know – you might find your new favorite pastime!

Read New Books

Reading books is how we expand our horizons. Make it a point to read new books regularly. Read about different subjects, issues, and topics, and read books in all sorts of different genres. Slowly, you’ll absorb the information you’re engrossed in, and it’ll make you much more enjoyable.

Satisfy Your Curiosity

Curiosity is a natural human emotion, and yet so many of us repress it. The next time you feel curious about something, ask about it or look it up. Immerse yourself in the world by finding out about something that’s brand new to you.

Learn A New Skill Each Month

If your skills never change or evolve, you become very dull. What else is there to talk about if you only do the same things again and again?

Every month, make it a goal to learn something new. It can be something as simple as figuring out how to cook in a new way or as complex as teaching yourself to play an instrument. Even if you end up not keeping it up, you’ll have a little bit of experience to joke and talk about later.

3.    Learn How To Tell A Compelling Story

You could have the coolest life experiences in the world, but if you tell monotonous, uninteresting stories, those experiences will just put others to sleep. That’s why you need to learn to tell good, compelling stories. That way, even the most standard daily life tales can become hilarious and fascinating.

Why is storytelling so integral to human culture? Well, narrative psychology indicates that humans naturally observe and pay attention to stories more than analytical statements. Essentially, the people around you are more likely to respond in a positive way to stories that you tell. (2)

The trick, then, is learning how to share them in the best way possible! Here are some tips to help you do so:

  • Ground your audience by setting the stage so they can keep up
  • A central conflict to a story keeps an audience interested
  • Remove certain mundane details
  • Don’t overdo your embellishment; a good story is a believable one
  • Make sure your tales aren’t overly convoluted
  • Use body language to emphasize the story and keep everyone engaged
  • Speak expressively and with good rhythm or intonation; don’t just drone on
  • Your tale needs a proper resolution; don’t just end it awkwardly, find some type of message or lesson to be taken from it
  • Prepare three stories from your life that you know are engaging and can be told again and again to different people with ease
  • Uniquely tailor your stories to your audience; figure out which type of story your current audience would like best and appeal to those preferences

4.    Learn Some Joke-Telling Skills

Alright, now you can tell stories – but can you tell jokes? A story without a couple of laughs thrown in can get pretty dry. Besides, you don’t need to be telling a tale to show your funny side.

Humor often makes people much more interesting very quickly. Studies have also found that humor can make others view you in a more positive light. It makes you likable, and it shows those around you that you’re fun and easygoing. Here are some tips to tell better jokes: (3)

  • Watch comedy shows, especially standup comedy
  • Figure out which jokes you’re good at sharing and add them to your repertoire of go-to’s
  • Learn how to tell jokes in an engaging way
  • Listen to podcasts
  • Make sure you deliver your punchlines with that named punch in it!
  • Learn about improvisation, and take an improv class if you’re up for it

5.    Give In To Your Weird Side

Everyone’s got a weird side. It’s what makes them unique. Most of us are taught to hold it back. But suppressing it isn’t just unhealthy and harmful to positive thinking – it also ruins a lot of what could make you enjoyable.

Fitting in is highly overrated, but it can be difficult to unlearn the desire to match standard conventions. That’s why learning to say “yes” to those more unusual parts of you can take a while. It’s worth it, though, as it’s those quirks that will make you interesting to others.

Here are some tips to allow the weirdness within you to come out to play:

  • Stop aiming for generic fitting in
  • Learn to be comfortable with the idea of other people truly knowing who you are
  • Share your thoughts, feelings, and likes that are unique
  • Stop being judgemental towards other people who showcase their “weirdness.”
  • Push through your comfort zone
  • Have fun in your everyday life
  • Try new things that scare you

6.    Pursue Your Interests

Sometimes, we ignore the things we are interested in because we feel that we are too busy, or because we fear poor performance at these interests. But pursuing them can make you so much more enjoyable. Becoming good at a unique hobby makes you a more fascinating and complex person automatically.

On top of that, having positive thinking and being passionate about something you like is inherently attractive by default. Ever listened to someone happily talk about the things they love? It’s exhilarating to watch them, and the topic they’re discussing is often something you’re eager to know more about because of how infectious their energy is.

You can pursue whatever passion you like – but pursue it with all your heart, no matter what it is! Whether you’re learning a new art, enjoying a new show, or taking a new class, make sure you’re enjoying what you’re doing!

interesting

7.    Have New Experiences

One of the easiest ways to gain new experiences, aside from learning new skills (which we talked about earlier), is to widen your usual social circle. Your friends are great, but they’re likely the same ones you’ve had for a while. The company you keep will influence your overall personality, so surround yourself with interesting people.

To be interesting, you have to be exposed to different perspectives regularly. Given the fact that many of your friends likely have a lot in common with you, you probably don’t hear diverse opinions, participate in varied group activities, or do anything out of your comfort zone.

Work on branching out and hanging out with a wide range of different people from all walks of life. You’ll expose your mind to so many new thoughts, values, and ideas. And even if you don’t agree with them, you’ll come away with an understanding of where their opinions stem from.

Traveling can also have a similar effect, as it exposes you to different cultures and their respective values and perspectives. You don’t have to burn through your wallet to travel, so keep your positive thinking. A local road trip alone can give you experiences to talk about, and lots of new information to add to your arsenal of knowledge.

Final Thoughts on Becoming More Interesting

It is valid to want to be interesting. You want others to like you and enjoy speaking to you, and you want to feel like you have something to offer to the world. As such, you can take steps to become more interesting to those around you.

But remember, the person you are right now is valuable and unique in its way, so don’t change yourself to be interesting! Instead, move towards self-improvement, and the interest will come naturally.

Has Time Travel Arrived? Scientists Discover How to Travel Across Space In a Split Second

Has the future of time travel finally arrived?

Recent theories from two distinguished Princeton University physicists suggest we might be closer than we think.

They state, “We have constructed a traversable wormhole solution in four dimensions.”

But what does this mean?

First, let’s understand the concept of a “traversable wormhole solution.” Second, how is this “traversable wormhole solution” related to the idea of time travel? And third, does this mean scientists are on the brink of discovering instantaneous space travel?

A brief overview of the history and theory of time travel is essential to grasp these developments fully.

The History of Time Travel

“There are really four dimensions, three which we call the three planes of Space, and a fourth, Time.”  ~ H.G. Wells, “The Time Machine.”

time travel

The words time travel describe the act of “moving” from one point in time to another. As a notion, time travel has been depicted as occurring at multiple points between the ‘past-present-future’ continuum.

Where did it come from? A science fiction book, naturally.

As strange as it sounds, the words time travel weren’t prominent in the English lexicon until around 1895. For this was the year when H.G. Wells “The Time Machine” hit dusty, old bookshelves.

Soon after, time travel would become something of an obsession for theoretical physicists.

Before the publishing of Wells’ book, the conceptual history of time travel was limited. In Hindu and Buddhist philosophies, the relativity of time is mentioned. In literature, short tales from Israel and Japan also mention the concept of time travel to some degree, although the term time travel is never used.

But things got interesting when the famous scientist Albert Einstein wrote something called The Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity.

First, let’s discuss an important – though oft-overlooked – aspect of time travel: the illusion of time.

The Illusion of Time

“The distinction between the past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion.” ~ Albert Einstein

We don’t need to be Einstein to understand that time is relative. That is, “time” as it is generally understood, is an illusion.

But wait? We get old. Right?

Yes, we do. But we get old in the now, not “in time.” Just as you were once young in the now, and not “in time.” There is nothing tangible about the past or future. Physical appearances and the world of materiality have nothing to do with time.

Aside from the fact that time was invented by (granted, a really smart) human being, time does not ever coincide with our dualistic perception of physical reality. Here’s a quote from the article “The illusion” in Nature that pretty much says it all:

“The malleability of space and time mean that two events occurring far apart might even happen in one order when viewed by one observer, and in the opposite order when viewed by another.”

You get old in space, not in time. Actually, you get old in spacetime. Another quote; this one from a British particle physicist Brian Cox: “You have to get old because of the geometry of spacetime.”

As Einstein’s relativity theory demonstrates, the passing of time fluctuates relative to how fast one travels. In theory, then, one can relocate across space and be in a different time.

Wormholes and Time Travel

Things just got weird – and they’re about to get a lot weirder.

Enter wormholes.

Theoretically, a wormhole makes it possible to travel between two points in the Universe in an instant. Hop in a wormhole, and you may just end up at the edge of the Universe for all we know. Or maybe you’ll move right next to yourself. Or on top of yourself.  Ok, you get it.

And if you guessed wormholes to be the working of Einstein, you’re right. More precisely, wormholes are the brainchild of the Einstein-Rosen bridge theory. An Einstein-Rosen bridge is a theoretical structure – a wormhole – connecting two points in spacetime.

To help us visualize a wormhole, think of space as a two-dimensional (2D) plane. The hypothetical wormhole would look just like a big hole on the surface of this plane. But underneath it is a 3D “tube” connecting to another 2D space.

And, just as tubes can serve as a slide at your local waterpark, the tubes of a wormhole can, in theory, spit you out the other end too.

According to a scientific paper titled ‘Traversable wormholes in four dimensions,’ three theoretical physicists, including two from the prestigious Princeton University, constructed a travelable wormhole. In a laboratory.

The Einstein-Maxwell Theory

The research team credits their success to the Einstein-Maxwell equations, which attempt to explain the “geometric and causal structure” of spacetime. It is on the causal side where “vacuum” anomalies, such as black holes and wormholes, are thought to reside.

According to the researchers, only through the entanglement of two black holes via a large magnetic charge were they able to devise the wormhole. Further, these holes must be kept apart, at least for a while, until the electromagnetic radiation causes them to lose energy and eventually merge…”

The problem? Well, no one actually knows what happens on the other side of a black hole. One must dive in and hope for the best. Any volunteers?

A Quick Recap

If everything sounds like a bunch of gibberish, there’s nothing wrong with you. Trying to explain something as abstract as spacetime and wormholes with always lead to confusion and frustration for almost everyone.

Here is a recap summarizes nicely and neatly into four bullet points:

  1. Time is relative to one’s position in space, as demonstrated by Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity.
  2. The Einstein-Maxwell equations introduce the theoretical existence of “vacuum anomalies” – black holes and wormholes.
  3. The Einstein-Rosen bridge theory further elaborates on the existence of “bridges” that connect two different points in space-time, in theory, creating a shortcut to points in space.
  4. A research team claims to have constructed a travelable wormhole in a lab setting.

time travel

Final Thoughts: The Point of Time Travel?

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.”~ Albert Einstein

Our planet has got a lot of problems.

Unless addressed post-haste, climate change’s effects threaten Earth’s very existence and its inhabitants.

Rogue states like North Korea and Iran have nuclear warheads. The former think it’s cool to fire one anywhere they please.

Rapid technological advancement, which we once thought was a panacea to the world’s ills, is instead being used to oppress and interrogate innocent citizens.

This all begs the question: where does time travel fit into all of this?

Honestly, it appears to be challenging to come up with an answer. Instead, an inquisitive retort comes to mind. Namely: do we not have more pressing things that require our attention and resources?

While scientists are cooped up in some obscure lab building wormholes, our planet’s fate hangs in a precarious balance.

Should we blame these scientists for their work? Of course not. They’re doing their job and, presumably, the intellectual work sought after by the powers that be.

Meanwhile, many of us have drastically underestimated our individual power to make a difference in this world. Many of these same people are fascinated by news of wormholes.

Of course, “these same people” implies most of us.

Hey, maybe time travel could offer up some planet-saving solutions in the future.

Meanwhile, we have the technology needed to make the Earth cleaner, greener, and less dangerous now. Things like solar panels, biodegradable plastic bags, portable water sanitation systems, and much more.

Does the latest and greatest scientific discovery so transfix us that we lack the wherewithal, the vision, to use the technology we have to make the world and the planet a better place?

The answer to the question “What is the point of time travel?” is now quite apparent.

It’s entertainment.

When will we not be okay with being entertained while our fate and that of the planet rests in the balance?

Scientists Explain Why Stomach Issues Could Be a Sign of Bacterial Overgrowth

Digestive health has received more and more attention in the last decade or so. People are more aware of which foods to eat to aid in digestion, the importance of prebiotics and probiotics, and their role in preventing stomach issues. Additionally, they consider the effects of processed foods and excessive sugars on gut health. One subject that is now coming to the forefront is bacterial overgrowth syndrome or small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

What do you need to know, and how do you know if it explains your symptoms? Scientists reveal why stomach issues could be a sign of bacterial overgrowth.

What is Bacterial Overgrowth or SIBO?

Bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, is precisely as it sounds. It is an overgrowth of bacteria in your small intestines due to a variety of reasons. Most often, this bacteria is not the bacteria that should be found in the small intestines. They are migrants from the large intestine or colon. In a few instances, it is an overgrowth of the bacteria from the small intestine.

This overgrowth may occur due to your small intestine not moving along the waste as quickly as it should. This results in waste staying in one place too long, allowing excess bacteria to form.

Your small intestine is what connects your stomach to the large intestine or colon. It is close to 20 feet long and comparatively contains far fewer, and of a varied type of bacteria, than the large intestine. Its role is to aid in digesting food and creating and pulling out the nutrients. The bacteria that are present there are designed to protect against bad bacteria and yeast.

They are also designed to support the muscular walls, which create the mild waves of spasms that move the food onto the next destination. When this fails to happen, it causes stomach issues.

Symptoms of Bacterial Overgrowth

The initial symptoms of bacterial overgrowth are vague. They consist of:

  • Nausea
  • Pain in your abdomen area
  • Extreme tiredness or fatigue
  • Change in bowel movement toward diarrhea or constipation
  • Bloated or distended in the abdominal region
  • Belching and gassiness

When it starts to get worse, you will absorb fewer nutrients, resulting potentially in anemia, or other signs of nutritional deficiencies, and weight loss.

What causes Bacterial Overgrowth?

Identifying the cause of bacterial overgrowth can be complex. Our small intestine has various protections in place to prevent this from happening. We have stomach acid, mucus that lines the intestines, one-way functioning valves to only allow waste to go out, and flexing of muscular activity in the wall. In order for bacterial overgrowth to occur, at least one of these must become faulty.

Some of the causes may be:

  • A decrease in stomach acid
  • Diagnosis of IBS – Irritable Bowel Movement
  • A long history of celiac disease
  • History of Crohn’s disease
  • Previous bowel surgery
  • Antibiotics used multiple times for extended periods
  • Previous bowel surgery
  • Major damage or failure of the liver, pancreas, or renal failure.
  • Chronic diseases like lupus, diabetes, HIV,
  • Older age
  • Poor intestinal structure
  • Certain medications, such as narcotics and proton pump inhibitors.
  • Moderate to high use of alcohol
  • Long term use of birth control pills

Diagnosis and treatment of Bacterial Overgrowth

Diagnosis of bacterial overgrowth can be difficult because many people don’t report their symptoms; doctors are unaware of the frequency of the occurrence, and the test is not accurate.

In order for a doctor to diagnose bacterial overgrowth, a patient must breathe into a tube that measures the levels of hydrogen and methane gas. Unfortunately, this test is not very accurate and results in false negatives, or shows you don’t have it when you actually do. In a few instances, the doctor may take a sample from the small intestine and culture the fluid. This is particularly useful in determining which bacteria are overgrown. When doctors feel that the cause is related to the structure of the intestines, then they will order an x-ray.

Upon a positive test result, and depending on what bacteria levels are elevated, you will be placed on antibiotics. Rifaxim is the most common. Treatment of antibiotics still results in almost 50% of all patients having a reoccurrence within a year. Therefore, it does require multiple treatments. Some doctors are trying out a medication that aids the small intestine in moving the waste through creating more muscular contractions.

Many specialists feel that the antibiotics are only treating the symptoms and not the cause. They feel that it is important to get to the root of the problem to completely treat the problem.

Additional forms of treatment of stomach issues

Most stomach issues are resolved through diet, probiotics, and certain lifestyle changes.

Some of those lifestyle changes may include staying away from sugary or high processed foods and drinks. This includes sugary, syrup medications.

Attempt to identify which foods are creating the reaction, and then remove them from your diet for three days and slowly add one at a time back in. It’s important to do it that way because it could be the food, or it could be how one food interacts with another.

Some doctors are strongly recommending “Low-FODMAP” diets. FODMAP, as odd as it sounds, is the acronym for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. These are types of carbohydrates and sugar alcohols that our bodies do not absorb well. These are present in a variety of fruits, vegetables, dairy, etc. This diet is recommended for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Acid reflux/GERD, and other digestive disorders.

Some of the foods permitted on a diet include lactose-free milk, hard cheeses, specific fruits and vegetables, certain beans and legumes, gluten-free bread and pasta, and small amounts of nuts and seeds.

An individual who is prescribed this diet starts off with a 3-8 week elimination diet of their regular foods. Then, they gradually begin the LowFODMAP diet to see if they tolerate it or have any interactions. It is not a long-term method due to the restrictiveness of the diet. It does aid in letting both the doctor and the patient know which foods are triggering the digestive symptoms.

Prebiotics and probiotics

Taking prebiotics and probiotics are usually recommended for bacterial overgrowth. While it is possible to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to take in your prebiotics, supplements are also available. It is recommended to check with your doctor if probiotics are allowed.

There may be certain probiotics that will exasperate the problem because it is the bacteria that is already overgrown. Ingesting fermented foods, certain yogurts, or kefir are all good natural sources.

stomach issuesFinal thoughts about why stomach issues could be a sign of bacterial overgrowth

Scientists are revealing that your stomach issues may be bacterial overgrowth could be the answer you’ve been seeking for your undiagnosed digestive issues.

Many stomach issues can be very similar and can make diagnosing one over another difficult. In many ways, it is a process of elimination, both for the patient in their food choices and the doctor in the tests they run. The good thing is that for some of the most common digestive ailments, the treatments can be very similar, as they usually require an adjustment to your diet. Bacterial overgrowth is no different. While you may need to get specific antibiotics, the balance and maintenance of it require experimenting with better food choices.

Researchers Reveal How Mental Health Issues Could Be a Sign of Thyroid Problems

Diagnosing any mental health issue is not as easy as just looking at the emotional symptoms.  Our bodies are very complex. Additionally, one system plays off of and interacts with a multitude of other systems. So it can be easy to overlook potential simple physical ailments if the symptoms mimic a mental health issue.  Thyroid issues are one such possible diagnosis.  Researchers reveal how mental health issues could be a sign of thyroid problems.

Thyroid function and purpose in our body

Our thyroid is a gland that sits in our throat near our larynx.  It works closely with our pituitary and hypothalamus glands as a part of our endocrine system. That’s important because that system makes, stores, and distributes hormones throughout our body.  Furthermore, the thyroid releases two particular hormones called T3 and T4, which aid in regulating multiple functions in the body.

A few of those purposes are:

  • Metabolism
  • Rate of your heartbeat
  • Strength of your muscles
  • Body heat
  • Cholesterol
  • Menstrual regularity
  • Breathing rate
  • Nervous system

The amount of T3 and T4 released by the thyroid is dependent upon how much TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) releases from the hypothalamus.  Thus, the TSH acts as a trigger for the pituitary to communicate to the thyroid how much T3 and T4 to release.  Proper release of these hormones through the communication of these glands is what keeps the above functions operating correctly.  Therefore, a miscommunication via a defect of the thyroid gland may create a chain reaction of too little T3 or T4.  This will alter how your body works.  Too low T3 or T4 will result in a slower heartbeat as an example.  Conversely, if too much is released, then your heart rate will speed up.

Signs of thyroid problems

1- Hyperthyroidism

When too much T3 and T4 is produced, a condition called hyperthyroidism is created.  The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:

  • Anxiety
  • Mood swings or irritability
  • High energy and nervousness
  • Sweating or reactive to heat
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Hair loss
  • Menstrual periods become lighter or skip altogether
  • Frequent bowel movements

2 –  Hypothyroidism

When too little T3 and T4 is produced, it creates the disorder called hypothyroidism.  Hypothyroidism is characterized by symptoms of:

  • Sleep difficulties
  • Fatigue
  • Focusing difficulties
  • Hair and skin become dry
  • Depression
  • Feeling cold easily
  • Menstrual periods become frequent and heavy
  • Pain in your joints and muscles
  • Irregular bowel movements or constipation

Your thyroid and the mental health connection

Our hormones play a direct role in our moods, especially for women.  When the thyroid is not performing adequately, it strongly affects our reproductive hormones; estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.  These particular hormones don’t just play a factor in our reproduction and sex drive, but also in our cognitive ability and moods.

Hormones and the thyroid

Estrogen is recognized as increasing serotonin and those receptors in the brain.  It also acts to control the number of endorphins and their effects on the brain, while also keeping the nerves from damage and encouraging additional nerve growth.

Serotonin is a hormone produced by our nerve cells, which among its many roles, is responsible for regulating the balance of your mood to prevent swings of emotions.  It also plays a role in our sleep, digestion, ability to heal from a wound, ability to remember things learned, anxiety, and relaxation.

Progesterone and estrogen both play a role in how serotonin is released.  High levels of progesterone can decrease one’s serotonin levels.  Testosterone, while gender-dependent, also can raise or lower the level of serotonin that binds in the brain.

Endorphins, produced by the pituitary gland, attach themselves to our brain’s receptors.  It affects how much pain we feel and aids in relaxation.  We usually attribute endorphins to the “rush” we get after working out, but this can happen doing any activity that makes us feel good.

The link between hormonal imbalances and mental health

Upon understanding how thyroid disease can alter our hormonal balance, we can see where it alters our mood and cognitive functions.   We then need to look at where related symptoms of both thyroid disease and depression, anxiety, or bipolar symptoms demonstrate a similarity.  In the instance of hyperthyroidism, some of the symptoms are parallel with indicators for anxiety and bipolar depression:

  • Unable to sleep
  • Anxiety
  • Heart rate increased
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Mood fluctuations
  • Irritable

Hypothyroidism demonstrates a similarity to depressive symptoms, including a decrease in cognitive function:

  • Processing information is difficult
  • Loss of memory
  • Low energy or fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Bloating
  • Difficulty with concentration

Researching thyroid issues and anxiety

One study performed at the MM Institute of Medical Science and Research in India by Manish Bathla, Manpreet Singh, and Pankaj Relan, examined the occurrence of anxiety and depression within a group diagnosed with hypothyroidism.  They tested a total of 100 volunteers, of which 70% of the group were women, using the Hamilton depression rating scale or the Hamilton scale for anxiety. A total of 60% of the group reported depressive symptoms, and about 63% reported anxiety.  In both instances, the women made up a slightly higher percentage than the men.

The overall conclusion was that one could develop coinciding cases of both thyroid disease and depression and anxiety, brought on by the thyroid disorder, which can then result in ongoing co-existing disorders.  This comorbidity can create a fractured image of the actual diagnosis, especially if one has already been diagnosed previously with one condition.

It was expressed that someone with a mental illness diagnosis should be checked to rule out thyroid disease.  Conversely, if one is diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, it’s suggested that the patient should see both an endocrinologist and a psychiatrist for treatment of depression or anxiety.

Studying bipolar depression and thyroid issues

Another study was performed by researching and analyzing the multitude of previously performed studies related to hypothyroidism and bipolar and depressive symptoms.  Additionally, they looked at the connection between hypothyroidism and bipolar disorder with a special concentration on rapid cycling bipolar.  Rapid cycling bipolar is when the patient flips from hyper or manic symptoms to depressive symptoms quickly in a relatively short period of time.

In this study, the scientists didn’t just look at the thyroid.  They looked at the interplay of the thyroid, pituitary and hypothalamus (HPT) that then affects our mental and emotional abilities as a whole.

The study states that hypothyroidism often proves to be a common factor in those diagnosed with bipolar. In particular, that’s a fact for those with rapid cycling bipolar and similar conditions.  That’s because Lithium, a medication often prescribed for bipolar conditions, works against the functioning of the thyroid and create or worsen hypothyroidism conditions in people who already have a tendency toward the condition or have already been given the diagnosis.

The findings suggest a strong connection

The conclusion was that there is a distinct effect on the brain from the thyroid or the HPT hormones. This correlates directly with the malfunctioning thyroid and the course, treatment, and outcome of bipolar disorder.  Moreover, even small deviations in the hormonal release of the HPT can create changes in displayed symptoms of bipolar.

As a treatment, Lithium can act to exasperate this in those predisposed to HPT imbalances.  It suggests that medical professionals should maintain a tight watch on the HPT hormonal balance, especially if prescribing lithium.  While this was the conclusion, the researchers are still studying the exact reason behind this outcome.

thyroid issuesFinal Thoughts on Linking Thyroid Problems to Mental Health

The functions of all the elements which make up our beautiful bodies and minds are extremely complex.  Think of a pond. For instance, it only takes dropping a pebble to have a large ripple effect.

Of course, it’s possible your doctor could reach a conclusion that may only be partially correct based on given symptoms. Because of the overlapping symptoms that can complicate reaching the correct diagnosis, such is the case with mistaking thyroid disease for mental illness.

So with the knowledge that mental health issues could actually be a sign of thyroid problems, make a note of all of your symptoms, not just the most obvious ones.  Ask your family doctor to check your thyroid once a year and stay vigilant about your health and wellbeing.

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