Welcome to Charley’s Blog Life
Welcome to Charlene Eckstein's blog, where love, relationships, dating, attraction, and romance take center stage. Drawing from her experiences as a writer and author, Charlene explores the psychology and everyday experiences behind romantic connection—from recognizing the signs of attraction and understanding sexual chemistry to navigating relationships, dating, and finding love.
You'll also find lifestyle content, books, food and recipes, and videos along the way. Whether you're trying to understand your own relationship, decode someone's behavior, or simply enjoy a good conversation about love and attraction, you'll find something here to explore.
Signs Someone Secretly Doesn't Like You (Even If They Hide It)
Dealing with people is unavoidable. Some of these people you may like and others not so much. The same applies to them when it comes to you. Not everyone is going to like you and that’s okay, but knowing who doesn’t like you and who is not your friend is helpful as it will impact how you deal with them.
If it’s a coworker then keep it professional and polite. If they are an associate or a friend of a friend, limit interactions or avoid them altogether. Regardless of the role they play in your life, always choose your own mental health and well-being over trying to win them over because who cares, you’re amazing.
Here are the signs to look for and be aware of when someone dislikes you.
7 Signs Someone Dislikes You
Their Body Language Is Off
When someone does not like you they tend to keep their body turned away from you. Or their body language may seem openly hostile or threatening, including balled fists and unpleasant facial expressions. We often tell on ourselves with our body language and usually when we don’t like someone our body will send out cues, even if we are unaware that it is happening.
They Avoid You
Usually, when people dislike someone they tend to avoid any interaction with them as much as possible. However, on occasion, it may be difficult to avoid some individuals altogether if you are colleagues, have the same friend circle, or perhaps are even related.
They Give You Frosty Energy
When they cannot avoid you directly and interaction is forced, you may notice their behavior is cool towards you. They stand or sit far away from you and refuse to engage in any conversations you are part of unless they are forced to.
They Avoid Eye Contact
When someone does not like you they do not even want to look at you. People who dislike you will avoid eye contact with you. And when they are forced to make eye contact, they will give you the dead-eyes stare.
They Are Passive Aggressive
They may offer backhanded compliments or be overly sweet with you at times but with this behavior, you have to be on high alert and watch your back. They may also make jokes at your expense or try to embarrass you in front of others and pretend that it is all in good fun.
They Seem To Try To One Up You
Someone who dislikes you may be subtle or directly in your face with their attempts of showing you up or making you look bad. It may seem like they are in an unspoken competition with you and they will take great pleasure in beating you.
They Are Short With You
When someone dislikes you, their tolerance level for any mistake or imperfection from you is very low and they will show it. They may verbally express their displeasure with you or display negative body language towards you with deep sighs, rolled eyes, and crossed arms.
While it is important to recognize when someone does not like you, it is also important that you can accept that fact. Not everyone deserves your energy and is not worth your time. There is no need to launch an investigation into why someone doesn’t like you because not everyone has to and what purpose is really served. We cannot make someone like us.
You may not be for everyone, just like not everyone is for you. The moment you accept that you don’t have to be liked and that life is not a popularity contest, you will feel a weight lift. The desire to be liked is a desire for validation and your sense of worth should not be externally generated.
What are your thoughts on being disliked and recognizing the sign? Please share your thoughts and experiences!
“Better to be disliked for being you, than being liked for being someone else.” - Matt Haig
Twin Flame Or Soulmate? How To Tell The Difference?
Whether you are a hopeless romantic, a believer in astrology and the zodiac, or just someone curious about the mysteries of the universe and how everyone and everything may be connected, you may find the terms twin flame and soulmate intriguing. If you believe in fate, and love, and that some of us are just meant to cross paths, be together, or are destined to be intertwined, forever, then this blog is for you.
I think most people know what a soulmate is but some have never heard the term “twin flame” before. The two terms are often used as interchangeable but actually have different meanings.
What is a twin flame?
Twin flames are believed to be part of the same soul but divided into two separate bodies. These two individuals form a powerful bond that transcends time and space when they come together. When meeting, a twin flame will remind you of yourself and you will be able to form a bond effortlessly.
What is a soulmate?
Soulmate has many definitions. The basic definition is a person ideally suited to another as a close friend or romantic partner. The true meaning of a soulmate is to have known and loved one another in many lives. Relationships between soulmates are magical and when romantic with passion that is off the charts. You cannot explain it, but there will be a connection between you and your soulmate that exists whether you two are together or apart.
What’s the difference a twin flame and soulmate?
The main difference between a twin flame and a soulmate is that you only get one twin flame while you may have multiple soulmates. The twin flame is literally your other half. Your twin flame may make you feel complete and feed your soul.
Soulmates are cosmically linked. You are meant to be and being together or being around one another just feels right. You may have a bestie who is your soulmate, while also having a lover or a partner who is a soulmate as well.
Which is better, the twin flame or the soulmate?
Many would say, myself included, that neither the twin flame or soulmate, is better or worse than the other because they each bring something similar, yet unique, to your life. There is room for both and if you are fortunate enough to find your twin flame or soulmate in this life, cherish them.
What are your thoughts on twin flames and soulmates? Have you found your person or person yet? Please share!
“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.”— Maya Angelou
5 Signs He’s Deeply In Love With You
When you think you have found the one, you want to know if they feel the same way. It may be hard to tell if the guy you have fallen for is feeling the same way, and while you may crave to hear those three little words, just remember actions always speaks louder than words.
There are always signs early on and throughout relationships that are excellent barometers for determining the health and status of your partnership. Whether those signs are indicating a strong commitment from a loving man or red flags telling you to run the other way. The truth is plain to see if you are paying attention and know what to look for. Here are 5 signs he is deeply in love with you.
5 Signs He Is Deeply In Love With You
He Is Always Team You
A man deeply in love is always team “wife or partner”. He takes the you and me against the world to heart. He is not taking his family’s side over yours and he is definitely not taking his friend’s side over yours. He always thinks about your thoughts and feelings first because he loves you and wants to make and keep you happy. Even if he disagrees with you, that is a private conversation between the two of you and he never entertains outside interference in the relationship.
This man is also your biggest supporter and cheerleader. He wants to see you succeed, even if that means your success outpaces his because he views it as a win for you as a win for you both.
He Won’t Let You Struggle
Marriage and relationships can be tough at times and when you add children to the mix life can become extremely challenging. Whether you are a working mom or a stay-at-home wife or mom, the man who deeply loves you will pull his share and then some when needed. He does not wait to be asked or directed, but instead, he steps in to be a reliable helpmate because he cares about your mental and emotional well-being.
He’s Mentally and Emotionally Present
A man deeply in love does not make a habit of coming home from work and plopping down in front of the television or hopping on video games and not engaging with his partner. Sure, we all need and are entitled to some “me” time, but you will not have to compete with your partner’s phone to get their attention or just to spend time with them. In fact, a man deeply in love cannot wait to spend time with you and to talk and share, or just veg out watching Netflix with you.
He’s Honest With You
A man deeply in love is open and honest with you. He communicates with you about how he is feeling and what he is thinking. He is willing to share his fears, his concerns, and his pet peeves in your relationship in a respectful and constructive manner.
He is also honest about the who, what, when, where, and why. He’s not keeping secrets or being sneaky. If you wanted to see his phone, messages, or emails he would let you because he has nothing to hide and he wants you to know that you can trust him.
He Is Putting In The Work
A man deeply in love wants his relationship to last and for that to happen, he knows it requires work and dedication on both your parts. If that means listening more, putting in more effort, or even going to couples therapy he is willing to do it because to him it is worth it.
There are ebbs and flows in most relationships. Passion may wane but I believe love should still be present if the relationship is to survive. There should be no expectation of perfection but if he consistently has your back, is a great helpmate, is present for you, is honest, and is doing his best to maintain a healthy and loving relationship with you then he may be a keeper.
What are your thoughts on signs a man is deeply in love? Do you agree with my list? What would add or remove? Please share your thoughts and experiences!
"The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves." –Victor Hugo
5 Signs He’s Emotionally Immature
Emotional maturity usually comes with time, age, and life experiences but that is not always the case. Some people have arrested development and maturity stops prematurely.
Emotional maturity is defined as a tendency to express emotions without restraint or disproportionate to the situation. Someone who is emotionally immature may not take situations seriously or may overreact to what others consider normal circumstances.
Emotionally immature people tend to make everything about them and struggle with rational and critical thinking.
5 Signs He Is An Emotionally Immature Man
Liar Liar
Liar liar pants on pants on fire. Emotionally immature men lie all the time. They cannot help themselves because well…they’re immature. They fail to grasp that while their tendency to lie and over-exaggerate used to work years ago when the women they dated were young and immature as well, most of those women have matured and can see right through them.
The lies literally fool no one. It’s embarrassing.
Cheater
Emotionally immature men tend to be cheaters because often like a child, they are selfish, entitled, and don’t think things through, including what the consequences might be for their actions.
These men also tend to be impetuous and poor communicators, falling in and out of love easily. A mature man can say I don’t love you any more or it’s over, or say I’m not interested so move on. You know, like a mature adult.
No Accountability For Behavior
Elements of their personal and professional life are a mess. They have bad relationships with family and exes, but let them tell it, it was them, not me.
What he doesn’t understand is the common denominator factor. He will complain about family, friends, and exes without failing to see that while people and circumstances changed, he continues to have the same issues. Why is this? Because he’s the problem. He’s emotional immature and lacks self-awareness.
Self-Centered
He thinks everything revolves around him. While not nearly as charming or handsome as he thinks he is to women, his personality and lack of maturity leave something to be desired.
The emotionally immature man makes everyone else’s feelings and situations about him. How will it affect him, he often wonders.
Defensive and Easily Offended
The emotionally immature man is a big baby. He whines, he pouts, and he lashes out if he doesn’t get his way. You didn’t want to do what he wanted, how dare you? Don’t his feelings and desires come first?
Not giving him his way? Prepare for gaslighting. He feels disrespected, or unappreciated that you want what you want and are not catering to him.
A relationship with an emotionally immature man is exhausting and not worth it because if you recognize the signs now, he will never catch up to your level of maturity.
What are your thoughts? Recognize the signs from a past or present relationship? Please share your thoughts and experiences!
Immature people always try to win an argument, even at the cost of a relationship. - Unknown
Emotional Affairs 101 - 7 Signs You're Having An Emotional Affair
Emotional affairs are more common than many of us would like to think. They happen quite often in the workplace and friendship groups. They can start at any place people spend time with others and have an opportunity to develop non romantic relationships. Those non romantic relationships may take an intimate or romantic turn, and that is where things can get complicated.
The term emotional affair describes a type of relationship between people. The term often describes a bond between two people that mimics or matches the closeness and emotional intimacy of a romantic relationship while not being physically consummated. An emotional affair is sometimes referred to as an affair of the heart. An emotional affair may emerge from a friendship, and progress toward greater levels of personal intimacy and attachment.
Wondering if you or your partner may be having an emotional affair? Here are 7 signs to look out for.
7 Signs of An Emotional Affair
You’re Very Close
You are very close to your opposite-sex friend. You two are besties. You share thoughts, feelings, dreams, and even secrets. Your relationship is closer than the typical friendship and has a level of intimacy that mimics a romantic relationship.
Talking All The Time
You two talk all of the time. Whether it is face to face, on the phone, via text, or through emails. The communication between you two is frequent and has an element of angst. You talk more to each other than you do to your significant others and no topics are off limits.
You Think About Them All The Time
They are always on your mind. When you are not talking with them or texting them, you are thinking about them. It is almost obsessive. You may find yourself resisting the urge to reach out to them to share your good news, or bad news, or to just hear their voice because you miss them and crave contact.
The Relationship Is A Secret
Intentional or not, there is a level of secrecy to your relationship. Your partners and other friends are unaware of just how close you two are because you keep a large portion of your relationship hidden. And that’s how you both prefer it because the secrecy makes your relationship feel more special, and you realize others may not approve of your closeness.
You Share Secret About Your Partner
You share secrets about your partners with one another. You vent about your partners to each other. They seem to get you better than your partner, so when your partner does not react or respond to news or situations as you would prefer, the first person you think to go to is your emotional affair partner.
You Compare Them To Your Spouse or Partner
You may or may not be in love with your partner but when you compare your romantic partner to your emotional affair partner, your romantic partner doesn’t measure up. While things feel hard with your spouse or girlfriend or boyfriend, it feels lighter and easier with your emotional affair partner.
You Feel Like Time With Your Spouse Is A Betrayal
The more connected and attached you feel to your emotional affair partner, the more you question your relationship with your spouse or partner. As your emotional relationship grows, the more you secretly want to be with them, and the more not being with them feels like a betrayal of the relationship you two have. Sounds crazy but love and emotions can make us reckless and irrational.
An emotional affair will make you feel alive when you are missing something or feel dead in your committed relationship. But if you’re not willing to lose what you have with your current partner, and an emotional affair will blow that up, you need to change course and stay away from the temptation, and end the emotional affair. Or at least end one of the relationships.
Many people would rather their partner commit a physical affair over an emotional affair because sex is one thing but feelings and love is hard to come back from. The intimacy of an emotional affair goes deep and a partner accepting the fact that their spouse or partner fell in love with someone else is a hard pill to swallow and they may never get past it.
What Should You Do About Your Emotional Affair?
I cannot tell you what to do about your emotional affair because it’s your life and every situation is different. What I will advise is that you take a step back to figure out why you were vulnerable to an emotional affair in the first place.
Are there problems in your marriage or relationship that you are avoiding addressing or struggling with feeling trapped in your relationship? Do you bore easily in your romantic relationships and are always looking for something new? Or is your emotional affair partner the person you were always meant to be with?
There are no easy answers but how do you envision your life in the future? In your mind, is your future with your current partner or with someone else? Only you know what’s in your heart and mind.
What are your thoughts on emotional affairs? Have you ever been impacted by an emotional affair? Have you ever had one? Are you currently having an emotional affair? Please share your thoughts and experience!
“If a man, who says he loves you, won’t tell you the details of a private conversation between him and another woman you can be sure he is not protecting your heart. He is protecting himself and the women he has feelings for. Wise women simply see things as they are, not as their low self-esteem allows.”
― Shannon L. Alder
10 Traits Of A High Value Man
A high-value man may be hard to come by but when you find him you may not want to let him go. A high-value man has many traits, and while he is not perfect, he definitely is a catch, and he just may be a keeper.
“A high-value man is defined as the epitome of masculinity, leadership, charm, and sophistication. He is a man of means and influence, loved by women, revered by men, and moves gallantly through the challenges of life with courage and pride.” - Andrew Ferebee
If you are trying to figure out if you have found your high-value man, here are the traits to look for.
10 Signs Of a High-Value Man
Assertive
A high-value man is assertive. He knows what he wants in his life and is focused on getting it, and if that want includes you, prepare to have your mind blown.
He is assertive but not aggressive. Assertiveness is sexy, aggressiveness is not.
Honest
He says what he means and means what he says. He is honest, he is trustworthy, and he is a man of his word. You can believe in and trust a high-value man.
Consistent
A high-value man is consistent. He is unwavering in his wants, needs, desires, and goals. His consistency and determination is the reason he is so successful in both his personal and professional relationships.
Confident
A high-value man knows what he brings to the table. He is confident but not arrogant. A high-value knows what he is capable of and what he deserves and he goes for it, and that may include his pursuit of you.
Knows His Worth
A high-value man knows his worth. He is not seeking approval or validation from others because he knows what he has to offer. He does not look to others to affirm his worth but focuses inward while holding himself to a higher standard.
He Understands People
A high-value man understands people. He has a high level of emotional intelligence. He is compassionate, he understands how people work, why people do what they do, and how to communicate and meet them where they are.
He reads the room and situations like no other, which often gives him the upper hand.
Wants A High-Value Woman
A high-value man wants a high-value woman. A high-value man wants a woman who is confident, assertive, successful, and honest and he does not feel threatened by her ambitions, goals, and self-reliance. A high-value man wants a relationship with his equal.
Successful
A high-value man is successful. He is a professional or a businessman, and he is pulling in at least six figures in his annual salary. He is heading to the top of his field or is already there because he is ambitious, determined, and focused.
Reliable
A high-value man is reliable. He is a man you can count on. He is dependable, he is responsible, and he is a safe place for you.
Charming
A high-value man is a charmer. His effortless charisma pulls people in. He knows how to make you feel seen and leave you feeling all gooey inside. He has a knack for making everyone around him feel special, especially the certain woman in his life and the woman he is pursuing.
A high-value man is not just one of the listed traits, he is all of them. It is a high bar to meet the standard of a high-value man, but that is what makes them so exceptional. That is what makes them such a catch. They are the unicorn of men. Rare and hard to find but rewarding and magical when you do.
What are your thoughts on the high-value man? Do you believe they exist? Do you have one? Please share your thoughts and experience!
"A good man will want you to shine. He wants you to be your amazing self. A good man loves to show off his happy, intelligent, amazing, powerful woman." — Anastasia Netri
Narcissistic Behavior 101 - 5 Narcissist Traits To Recognize
Narcissists are…well, they’re narcissistic. With a narcissist, it is about them all the time. Everything revolves around them, at least in their mind.
The term is based on the Greek myth of Narcissus. Narcissus was a very handsome hunter who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. He sat in that spot, staring at himself until his death. Odd, right? But the point is that someone so in love with themselves will be oblivious to everything else around them.
A narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others.
5 Signs of A Narcissist
Inflated Sense of Self
Narcissists think they are the most valuable player, the MVP, of whatever they do. No one else is better. No one else is more deserving. And they are sure to let you know this “fact”. Not only is this mentality not factual or rooted in reality, but things can also get problematic when they are faced with defeat or not the chosen one.
They are sore losers and will tear others down to build themself up. It’s not them, it’s you.
No Respect for Boundaries
It is all about them. They want to see you, they want to talk, then they should be able to do so, regardless of your plans or wishes.
You’re busy at work or in class? Too bad, they need to vent. You’re tired or don’t feel well? Oh well, they are not going to the event alone or canceling.
They don’t respect boundaries. They will trounce all over them and still demand more because they are selfish and greedy.
Needs To Be the Center of Attention
A narcissist expects to be the center of attention all the time. Why? Because they are the best looking and the smartest, most charismatic person they know. How could everyone not be drawn to them and want to hear what they have to say.
They are doing the world a favor by just existing.
Fragile Ego
Talk about big babies who are easily offended. If you decline a date with them or break up with a narcissist you will feel their wrath and be told that you were never worthy.
Their ego cannot take any rejection or feedback that informs them they are not perfect. It is never their fault and they will not hear otherwise, unless it benefits them to use it as a tool for manipulation.
Lack of Empathy
A narcissist lacks empathy. If it does not serve them, they don’t care. Their feelings come first. Their needs come first. And your feelings, thoughts, and needs are not their problem regardless of how many times you may have prioritized them.
Narcissists are known to be brutally “honest” and downright cruel at times and will expect a thank you for just speaking the truth. A truth they would never tolerate directed at them.
After reading this list, you should recognize the traits of a narcissist, and likely a few narcissists in your life. Narcissists are toxic, draining, and suckers of joy. They are people who you may not want in your life.
What are your thoughts on the traits of a narcissist? Any dealings with a narcissist? How did it go? Please share your thoughts and experience!
“Since narcissists deep down feel themselves to be faultless, it is inevitable that when they are in conflict with the world they will invariably perceive the conflict as the world’s fault.” ― M. Scott Peck
5 Signs Your Relationship Is Over
Not all relationships last. Many relationships run their natural course and end amicably, while others crash and burn. In some relationships, you walk away from it a better person than when it started, and with other relationships, you leave thinking “what the heck” just happened.
In my opinion, no one should ever be blindsided by the end of a romantic relationship because the signs are always there. Always. But if you are unsure that what you are seeing are signs that your relationship is in trouble and heading towards its demise, here are the signs to look for.
5 Signs Your Relationship Is Over
Avoidance
You don’t spend time with them or they don’t want to spend time with you. Time together is no longer enjoyable. Time together is an annoyance; a burden. So what do you do, you avoid them altogether. You spend time with others. You focus on your kids, your work, or your hobbies. Anything to distract from your dissatisfaction with your relationship.
Avoidance is passive-aggressive behavior and the most common sign that a relationship is on its last legs.
Annoyance
Every little thing you or they do annoys the other person. The tolerance level for imperfection is extremely low and the person cannot seem to do anything right in the eyes of the partner who wants out.
The annoyance sign tends to be extremely hurtful because you feel like you cannot do anything right and your partner will basically tell you so. They become dismissive and often verbally or emotionally abusive.
Do not tolerate abuse.
Infrequent or No Intimacy
Any intimacy feels forced and like a chore. They don’t want to hug, kiss, or show any form of affection, and when they do, it feels cold and insincere. They may have trouble even saying “I love you”.
Maybe you have very long dry spells of no bedroom action, or perhaps you have started to sleep separately. Someone conveniently sleeping on the couch or not coming to bed until long after their partner has gone to sleep is a big sign.
No Communication
Communication is terrible at best and non-existent at its worst. You two are not communicating your feelings, emotions, or desires. You are doing whatever you want to do, without discussion or consideration for your partner.
In the past, you would text if you were running late or double-check with your partner before making plans. However, in your new relationship reality, the courtesy discussions and agreements do not happen.
This is a sign that they are starting to see themselves as a “me”, not a “we”.
Personality Changes
Maybe they have not changed but you are certainly seeing a different of side them. You are seeing a side that is not interested in your happiness, your opinions, or your feelings. You wonder where the old them have gone, but they make no apologies or excuses for the change, and instead just tell you “this is who they are” and expect you to accept it or not.
This sign may consist of a lot of gaslighting but it is also laced with invitations to end the relationship so they don’t have to.
When you know, you know. And when it’s over, it is over. Relationships can get to a point of no return, and it is important to recognize when you are there. And once you recognize it, tell yourself it is okay to let go. You will need to let go for your own mental and emotional well-being. Remember your worth and know that sometimes being alone and happy can be the most fulfilling relationship you will ever have.
What are your thoughts? Have you experienced any of these signs or issues in a relationship? Please share your thoughts and experience!
“How can I be reasonable? To me our love was everything and you were my whole life. It is not very pleasant to realize that to you it was only an episode.” ― W. Somerset Maugham, The Painted Veil
Relationships…5 Types of Men To Choose Your Own Adventure With
Despite popular belief, humans do not have to mate for life. The thought of being with the same person sounds comforting, or horrendous, depending on where you fall on the commitment scale, but given the frequency of cheating and divorce, is mating for life natural?
Many people are waiting longer to get married or choosing not to tie the knot at all. For those on the fence about long-term committed relationships, marriage or not, I recommend the “choose your own adventure” tactic to try out mini relationships.
The goal is to try out guys with different personalities and interests, instead of the types you usually go for. Experiment, have fun, and find out what type of relationship brings you the most satisfaction, emotionally, mentally, or physically.
5 Different Types of Men… Choose Your Own Adventure With One Or All Of Them
The Adventurous Guy
The adventurous guy is the one you travel and you try new things with. He is fun and exciting but not too keen on commitment. He may be an adrenaline junky but fresh, new, and exciting is what he craves.
He’s perfect for getting you out of your shell and getting you to try new things without any pressure. He doesn’t take himself or life too seriously. And you shouldn’t take him too seriously either. This guy won’t settle down and has a short attention span. Enjoy him while it lasts because it will not last long.
The Bedroom Guy
It’s pretty obvious what you would do with the bedroom guy. He’s your booty call on speed dial. He comes when beckoned, is very eager to please, and always leaves you satisfied. If he leaves you with more to be desired, lose his number.
But otherwise, enjoy the carefree, no strings attached bedroom adventures with a man who loves to give, as much as he loves to receive in the bedroom. Now, the bedroom guy may not be a keeper, but he may be worth a repeat visit.
The Proper Guy
The proper guy is smart, and successful, and makes for a great date to a work event or something you have to attend with someone who will blend in. The proper guy is aloof, private, and not particularly affectionate, especially in public.
Where the proper guy lacks in excitement, he makes up for in reliability. He is dependable and honest, and he is a gentleman. These are not bad qualities to have in a mate but if you are easily bored, he is not the one.
The Fun Buddy
The fun buddy is the guy you go out to get drinks with, have over to veg out in front of the television or take as your plus one to a wedding. The fun buddy is a good time, always makes you laugh, and there is never any drama with him.
The downside with the fun buddy is that he can be irresponsible, immature, and unfocused. He’s a good time, but not the most reliable guy. He does not do serious situations very well and is uncomfortable with complex emotions. He likes to keep things light, which can be a good thing, most of the time.
The Polyamorous Experimental Guy
The polyamorous guy likes to spread his affection around. Polyamory would never be for me because I do not like to share but I do see the advantages of the relationship. Relationships can be tiresome, demanding, and boring, so having someone else there to take up the slack or step in when you need a break might be nice. Although I’m still not sharing someone I call my man, I can’t lie and say I don’t see the appeal.
A relationship with two men at once and everything is out in the open sounds like an interesting concept. But as a woman, and a wife, it also sounds like a lot of work. A guy who is polyamorous is greedy and not likely to be satisfied for very long with the love of just one woman, so you should always expect to share him.
To be clear, this is not an anti-marriage blog. Do what you want! But since conventional wisdom is changing on the concept of monogamy, marriage, and committed relationships, I think it is worth it to have the conversation. Of course, this is not Divergent, and people are multi-faceted and layered, but they all have prevailing traits. Find out which is more for you, or you can just keep trying them all. Do you!
What are your thoughts on trying out the 5 types of men? Do you already know your type? Or are you perhaps open to seeing who else is out there who you have not considered that may fulfill you in a new and different way? Please share your thoughts and experience.
“There are three different types of men in this world: There are weak men- men who run and hide when life slaps them in the ass. Then, there are men- men who have a backbone, yet occasionally, then life slaps them in the ass, will rely on others. And then, there are real men- men who don't cry or complain, who don't just have a backbone, then are the backbone. Men who make their own decisions and live with the consequences and who accept responsibility for their actions or words. Men who, when life slaps them in the ass, slap back and move on.” - Madeline Sheehan
7 Subtle Signs You're More Than Friends
Relationships are complicated, and so are friendships sometimes. Add to that, a friend with someone of the opposite sex whom you have amazing chemistry with. You have fun together, can talk to them forever, and you never get bored with one another. You feel comfortable and safe with them.
To muddle the waters even more, you find them attractive. They’re cute, sexy, or perhaps a ten on the hotness scale. However, you love your friendship and would never want to risk what you two have by bringing romance into the picture. Unfortunately, you’re getting a nagging feeling that romance has been there for quite some time between you two, just under the surface.
If you’re wondering if what you and your friend have is more than friendship, here are the signs to look for.
7 Signs You and Your Pal Are More Than Friends
Your Friendship Creates Issues In Your Romantic Relationship
The biggest telltale that a friendship is more than just friends is when it causes problems in your romantic relationships.
The age-old question “can men and women be just friends?” will often rear its ugly head when your significant other finds your friendship too close for comfort. Some partners will not be comfortable or secure enough to be okay with their boyfriend or girlfriend or spouse having a close friend of the opposite sex, especially if they are attractive.
Although you and your friend may be oblivious to your attraction and affection for one another, your partner will hone in on your behaviors towards one another when you all are together. Your partners will recognize the same signs of romantic affection you displayed toward them while courting. Or perhaps there are no signs of flirting or attraction but the relationship makes your partner uneasy, which you disregard when they mention it to you.
You Two Like To Snuggle Together
You don’t realize it but you two cannot keep your hands off each other. You hug, tease, poke, and high-five all the time. You find comfort in each other’s presence and each other’s arms.
When watching a movie, you two snuggle up. Listening to music you get close so you can share AirPods. And you gaze at the stars together, laying side by side, and it feels right.
You Prefer To Be Alone Together
You enjoy talking and spending time with them, preferably alone. Whenever other people are around it feels intrusive. You really just want to talk and laugh with one another but with others present, you feel obligated to politely interact with them as well. All the while, biding your time until you two can stand back next to each other.
Even with others present, you two still find your own way to secretly communicate by using your eyes and facial expressions. And don’t forget your non-stop inside jokes.
People Think You’re A Couple
You are compatible and a solid fit for one another and when around others you two give off a couple vibe. You are affectionate and so in tune to one another that you come off as a unit.
You don’t need to say pass the ketchup, he just does it, because he knows you. Just like you grab his hand when he’s over salting or over drinking. You know he’s going to be miserable the next day if he keeps going, because well…you just know him.
You Get Jealous
When you see him in a relationship or giving other women attention it bothers you deep down. You brush off the feeling as you are just being protective of your friendship but you know it’s more than that.
He’s yours or she’s yours is what you’re thinking but you lie to yourself, denying that your feelings are any more than friendship. Platonic friends do not get jealous of romantic partners.
You Miss Them When They Are Not Around
Although you two are “just friends” it feels like they are your other half. When they are not around, you miss them and desire to be with them.
Since you two are not physically together but missing each other, you text and try to connect virtually as much as possible to the annoyance of others around you.
You Choose Them
If you had to choose them over your partner, you would choose them and have chosen them over and over again. Even though it creates relationship drama, and your partner expresses their displeasure with your “friend”, you still choose to call them, text them, and hang out with them, in spite of the relationship consequences.
In some cases, regardless of the subtle romantic traits in your friendship, it may be best to just stay friends. But, in many cases, when it’s right it’s right. And when you fall in love with your best friend I recommend you shoot your shot and don’t let them get away without giving it a go.
What are your thoughts on the subtle signs of being more than friends? Have you experienced this? Is so, what did you do? How did it work out? Please share your story or experience!
Love is blind; friendship closes its eyes. - Fredrich Nietzsche