The Benefits of Collagen Supplements and Why I Love Them
Have you ever discovered something new and asked yourself how it was that you never knew about it before? That is how I felt when I first found out about the benefits of boosting collagen levels and collagen supplements, The purpose of this blog is to share how I have personally benefited from increasing my collagen levels and why I am now recommending it to you.
Collagen is a protein in our body. The collagen in your body helps maintain your bones, muscles, tendons, skin, and ligaments. Many consider collagen to be the glue in our bodies. Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies produce less collagen and our natural collagen levels decrease.
If you are looking for ways to reduce joint pain, grow your hair longer, and smooth out those fine lines on your face, you may want to give collagen supplements a try.
The Benefits Of Collagen Supplements
Joint Pain
Collagen is bountiful in the body, but as levels decrease as you age you may start to notice more joint aches and pains. As someone who has had multiple knee injuries and suffers from chronic knee pain, I noticed a significant reduction in pain in my knees and back when exercising and going up and down the stairs,
Skin
Collagen is a beauty secret for many women. Collagen supplements definitely benefit the skin but the changes are subtle at first so you really have to be looking to notice. Over time you will notice more supple, plump skin which will reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Collagen has helped give me a more youthful appearance and glow.
Hair and Nails
If you are struggling with brittle nails or dull hair that doesn’t seem to grow very fast collagen supplements may help you. Just a short time after increasing your collagen levels by supplements or food you will start to see the faster hair growth and longer, stronger nails.
How To Increase Your Collagens Level
There are several ways to increase your collagen levels. The first method, which is the preferred method is to just eat collagen-rich foods. Obviously, this is easier said than done for many, but not impossible if you make collagen-rich foods a priority in your diet.
Collagen Rich Foods
Collagen-rich foods include proteins, fruits, and veggies. But my number one got collagen-rich food is bone broth. You can buy bone broth, or make your own. I make my own bone broth and keep it in freezer-safe containers until ready to use when I want soup or as a flavorful addition to a sauce.
Other foods that include high collagen levels include citrus, berries, eggs, tomatoes, chicken, beans, and of course leafy greens. Replace a meal with a nice green salad with some fruit or beans and tomatoes on top, and wash it down with some citrus-infused water and you are well on your way to increasing your collagen intake and levels.
Collagen Powder
Collagen powder is a great way to increase your collagen levels and see great results in a short period of time. You can get collagen powders that are completely tasteless and you can add to your water, smoothies, or even food. I usually add a scoop to my morning coffee because I find that the powder dissolves much better in hot drinks than cold.
One downside with the powder, besides it not dissolving well, is that you may miss out on some of the collagen if you do not completely finish your beverage. I am currently using Vital Protein collagen and have seen great results.
Collagen Capsules
Collagen capsules work just as great as the powder but it comes down to a matter of preference. With collagen captures you will usually need to take at least six horse-sized pills daily to get your appropriate collagen dose and see results. But the good thing is that you will see results. My preferred brand for collagen capsules is Youth Theory.
Besides having to deal with the large capsules, collagen supplements may cause some gastrointestinal distress as you get used to taking them.
As I have aged and done lots of research on beauty and aging gracefully, I have learned the collagen was the best thing I never knew I needed. I recommend collagen supplements to family and friends because they work, but you will have to decide which brand works best for you. Whichever brand you choose, I recommend you give it at least 90 days to see results.
What are your thoughts on collagen supplements? If you take collagen supplements, do you prefer powder or capsules? Please share your results!
Here's Why Love Alone Isn’t Enough
Relationships will always have ups and downs and challenges over the years, but can love conquer all?
You can love your partner deeply and still be miserable in your relationship because your mental, emotional, or sexual needs are not being met.
You can love someone deeply but still choose not to be with them because sometimes love just isn’t enough. When elements are missing from your relationship, despite your love, you know it’s not going to work, and that it may be time to move on.
Reasons Why Love Isn’t Enough
Trust
It is very hard to continue on in a relationship once trust is lost. Trust is everything in a committed relationship, and without it you really have nothing. Unfortunately, your love will not make a cheating partner more faithful or honest. They are who they are and will only be true and trustworthy if it’s in their character.
Yes, people make mistakes, and sometimes forgiveness is warranted. Trust can be regained but it is a slow process, and much like a fractured bone it is forever fragile.
Communication
Poor communication is the cause of most fights and unhappiness in many relationships. Having a partner who is able to communicate their feelings, wants, and desires is extremely important. Just as important is a partner who is able to listen and receive what their partner is communicating to them.
Attraction
Call it shallow, but the reality is people want to feel attracted to their partner. Are looks the most important thing in a relationship? Of course not, but losing attraction for your partner, or even worse, feeling repulsed by them can mean the end of your happy union.
Commitment
Love is just a word without action behind it. A commitment is an obligation. A relationship commitment is an obligation of choice. We choose to be with that one person and we choose them again and again.
The problem is that sometimes the commitment feels like a burden, which is a sign that something is not working.
Determination
Once you are knee-deep into a relationship, with the honeymoon phase over, you have to want it to work to keep it going.
Relationships can be challenging, even hard at times. If you love someone and you want your relationship to work you have to be determined for that to happen.
Love alone will never be enough to sustain a healthy relationship when all or most of the key elements are missing. The important word being healthy. And remember that love will not make him change, and love does not hit, or use, or abuse. Love yourself first.
What are your thoughts on love alone being enough to keep going in a relationship when all the other elements appear to be missing? Please share your thoughts and experience!
"You can love them, forgive them, want good things for them ... but still move on without them." — Mandy Hale
8 Signs He’s Crazy About You
Being in love is a wonderful feeling but when you are truly loved by that special someone there is something just magical about it. Crazy in love makes you feel, well a little crazy, but in the best way possible. And having that love returned by your crush or the guy you love makes you feel all gooey inside.
Sometimes you can be dating a guy or in a relationship and it feels like he is just going through the motions. Other times you can feel completely and totally loved even though the words may not have been spoken. If you are trying to figure out if he is as crazy about you as you are about him there are signs to look for.
8 Signs He’s Crazy About You
He Can’t Stay Away
When a man is crazy about you he cannot stay away for very long. He wants to see you, every day. He misses you when apart and if he can’t see you face to face he will want to FaceTime with you, talk on the phone, or just text with you. Anything to be near, talk to, or to see the face of the woman he’s crazy about.
Needs To Connect With You
A guy who is crazy about you will want to continually connect with you in some way. Whether it’s a physical connection and in person, or just a phone call or text, he desperately craves interaction with his love. His desire to connect is also about the mental, intellectual, and emotional connections you two have created.
Wants To Touch You
When a guy is crazy about you he will want to touch you a lot, and the touching will not be just about sex. When together he cannot keep himself from just kissing you or holding your hand, or just touching your hair. He wants to physically connect with you and express his feelings through touch. He would also love for these actions to be reciprocated.
He Can’t Stop Talking About You
A guy who is crazy about you will talk about you constantly without him even realizing it is happening. Your name comes out of his mouth constantly. He’s not doing it on purpose but he cannot help himself.
You are always on his mind. Plus he just likes talking about you and saying your name. Others tend to notice how frequently he mentions you.
He’s Willing To Change For You
None of us are perfect and a guy who is crazy about you may recognize he has some work to do if he wants to be with you. There could be some things about him that don’t necessarily mesh well with you and out of care for you, he is willing to change some behaviors or at least compromise to meet you halfway.
He’s Tolerating Your Crazy
When crazy about someone we tend to give them a pass on behaviors that we would find annoying or dealbreakers in others. You are far from perfect. You can be indecisive, moody, and you also snore, but he doesn’t care because he is crazy about you and loves you for you.
He Tells You
A guy who is crazy about you will have a hard time keeping his feelings to himself for long. A man who is serious about a future with you will never make you question where you stand with him. A guy who is crazy about you and in love with you will tell you his feelings because he doesn’t want to risk losing you.
You Just Know It
A man’s body language and actions will tell you everything you need to know about how he truly feels about you. The way he looks at you says it all. His eyes will show the depth of his feelings, as will his behavior. A man who is crazy about you will be consistent in his courtship and treatment of you.
When a man is crazy about you, he will be willing to be vulnerable and all in. He knows that letting you know how much you mean to him may give you the upper hand, but he won’t care because you are not a game to him. He cares about you and being with you, and expressing his feelings for you will start a new chapter in your relationship.
So while you will be able to tell how he feels about you, he won’t keep you waiting on confirmation.
What are your thoughts on the signs of a man crazy about you? Do you agree with the signs? How do you tell if a guy is crazy about you? Please share your advice or experience!
When you find someone, who can make you laugh. Smile. Grow. Lust. Want. Crave. Feel. Make you mad but happy. Keep that. That’s euphoria. - Unknown
Rekindling A Romance...Should You Fan Old Flames?
Life and love have lots of ups and downs and tend to leave many people wanting a do-over. If the Hallmark channel has taught me anything, it is that returning home and high school reunions are for rekindling old love and romance.
If you could go back and do it all over again, would you? Some old flames needed to be put out, but others burned so hotly that years later the embers still smoldered. There are pros and cons to rekindling an old love. As time has passed, you may be remembering more of the good and forgetting a lot of the bad.
If you are considering reigniting an old flame, here are the pros and cons to consider.
Pros Of Reigniting An Old Flame
It’s Familiar
No matter how much time passes, you never forget your first love. Coming back together years later may feel like coming home. The relationship feels familiar and comfortable, and comforting in many ways. You came back together and it was like you were never apart.
It’s Feels Good
Somehow the rekindling of an old flame takes you back in time and makes you feel all giddy and silly again. The excitement and passion are crazy. You have been transported back to being that gushy twenty-something girl who doodled his name over and over again.
You’re Both Different
Whether it has been ten years or twenty-five years, you have both grown and changed. The relationship ended for a reason in the past, but people can change, and perhaps the obstacles faced before are no longer an issue.
Cons Of Reigniting An Old Flame
Both The Same
While some things change, other things also stay the same. Yes, you are both older and hopefully wiser, but you are basically still the same people. Perhaps once you get past the newness of your old relationship, old issues and problems will resurface.
Your Lives Don’t Mesh
You may have reconnected at a reunion or on Facebook, but you live thousands of miles apart and your lives don’t fit together. You both have responsibilities and neither are capable nor willing to just pick up and leave your current life to chase a possibility.
Unrealistic Expectations
While you were once the hot “it” couple, neither of you was perfect, but you may be remembering things differently. You may be disappointed to find that you no longer share the same interests, that they are not as attractive as they used to be, and you may not actually be compatible anymore.
At the end of the day, I think many of us would love a do-over with a lost love. Whether you choose to give it a go should depend on why it ended the first time and if the current man or woman before you seems worthy of a second chance. If they have a history of abuse of any kind I say absolutely do not let them back in your life but otherwise, I recommend going for it. If your heart is open and you are available, what do you really have to lose?
What are your thoughts on rekindling an old flame? Romantic or ripe for disaster? Please share your thoughts and experience!
Some of the biggest challenges in relationships come from the fact that most people enter a relationship in order to get something: they’re trying to find someone who’s going to make them feel good. In reality, the only way a relationship will last is if you see your relationship as a place that you go to give, and not a place that you go to take. - Pietro Aretino
7 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT ORGASMS
I am very much aware that this is taboo and perhaps a very uncomfortable topic for some, although I don’t think that it should be. But let’s be honest, it’s also an interesting and fascinating topic too, which is why you are reading this blog.
Clearly many people are having orgasms since the world continues to be populated. But say the word orgasm out loud and we get all shy and embarrassed. Of course, orgasm talk isn’t for the church, work, or the family dinner table, but it is definitely something adults should be able to comfortably discuss with their partners and in the bedroom.
Orgasms are wonderful and maybe if people were having more of them there would be a lot more smiles on people’s faces and joy in their hearts. And on that note, here are some interesting facts about orgasms.
Fascinating About Orgasm Facts
Most Women Need More Than Just Intercourse To Orgasm
Oral or digital stimulation of the clitoris is helpful and needed in most sexual interactions for a woman to orgasm. If a man properly stimulates a woman prior to penetration, she will be more likely to orgasm. Know that the stimulation can also consist of mental arousal with fantasy, dirty talk, and sex play.
The bottom line though is if there is no foreplay before intercourse, she will not likely orgasm and if it does seem like she is always having orgasms without it she is probably faking it. Just saying.
The Clitoris Is A Pleasure Center
While women can and do have vaginal orgasms, the clitoris is definitely a woman’s sexual hot button. The clitoris is estimated to have over six thousand nerve endings, which is very sensitive and a key component when it comes to her sexual arousal.
Orgasms Have Many Prompts
Orgasms can be brought on by not only intercourse, but also by physical touches such as a massage, and mental stimulation. You can also orgasm from deep relaxation, pressure to the right spot and orgasms can even be prompted by tension in the body
Men Orgasm Faster Than Women
Not sure if this fact comes as a surprise to anyone, but I do think it’s worth noting. Hence the importance of foreplay. It typically takes a woman longer to orgasm than it does a man, so providing her an orgasm during foreplay or priming her body before penetration is very important to her ultimate pleasure and climax.
One-Third Of Men Are Pre Ejaculator
This does not mean that a man is done when he pre ejaculates, but there will be some sperm released during his erection and excitement. So just a tip, if you are trying to avoid pregnancy, a condom and or a form of birth control is recommended.
Orgasm Are Great Migraine Relievers
Not sure if it’s the fact that your body is flooded with endorphins, but over sixty percent of migraine sufferers reported some or complete migraine relief after experiencing an orgasm.
Multiple Orgasms Are A Thing
Multiple orgasms are orgasms that occur in close proximity to one another. Both men and women can experience multiple orgasms from intercourse, but the ability for this to happen will vary from person to person.
Orgasms can last up to two minutes and if have you the good fortune of being above-average in this category, I salute you for being able to get anything else done. The right orgasm with the right person can give you an out-of-body experience and literally make you feel like you are floating.
They say the best orgasm are the ones you really wanted. The one you really craved. Maybe your wedding night, or your first time with the man or woman you desired for so long. I say the best orgasms come from being with someone you have an intense attraction for and chemistry with.
What are your thoughts on the orgasm facts? Anything to add? Do you disagree with any of the facts? Please share your thoughts and experience!
“The difference between a self-induced orgasm and an orgasm given by a man is like comparing a rainy day and a rainstorm. Rain was a sure thing, you knew exactly what you were going to get: a clean and crisp, both sweet and refreshing experience. But rainstorms were unpredictable, they were riddled with surprises, messy and wet; they were something you had no control over.” - Madeline Sheehan
When Love Turns To Hate Then Murder
Love is the ultimate goal for many of us. We meet our perfect mate, and after some wining and dining we are in love, envisioning the white picket fence and a happily ever after.
We are all allowed to dream and have romantic goals, but unfortunately when it comes to happily ever after the odds are not in your favor. Marriage takes work, more than many want to deal with, especially if the love you once had has turned to dislike, resentment, and even hate for your partner.
When Love Turns To Hate Then Murder
Divorce Rates
Marriage can be hard, even when you are with the right person. But if you were unfortunate enough to end up with someone with whom you were not really compatible with, or who changed significantly after the “I Do’s” were said, trouble is likely on the horizon.
Divorce rates are staggering, and many marriages are likely to end in divorce. In fact, the current divorce rate in the United States approximately 40 to 50 percent of marriages will end in divorce. Of course, the number does not include the couples who are separated, no longer cohabitating or couples who decide to remain married while living separate lives.
While the end of a marriage is very sad, if two people cannot make it work and do not want to be together, it is a better option than wasting your life being miserable in an unhappy marriage. Let’s be honest, sometimes divorce is necessary for the mental and emotional well-being of the couple and the children if there are any.
While divorce may be the right choice, some spouses decide to take a different, more violent, final path to end the marriage. Some spouses would rather kill their partners than get a divorce.
Is There Always Abuse Before The Murdering of A Spouse Or Partner?
Statistics show that most people, usually but not always women, who were murdered by their spouse had reported verbal or physical abuse to their friends, their families, or the authorities in the past.
But to be clear, there are not always signs of abuse or that someone is capable of murder. Some of the most high-profile cases of spouses being murdered showed that friends and family were shocked by the crime. While they thought the couples were very happy and in love, the husbands were living double lives and in love with other women, and plotting to get rid of their wives, and in some cases their children.
Murder Statistics
It’s a scary thought to think that the person sleeping next to you, that person who you love most in all the world could someday hate you enough to take your life. Rest assured that odds are that spousal murder will not be your fate, but for an astounding number of both men and women, that is exactly what happened to them.
According to Department of Justice statistics, approximately 9 percent of murders in the United States are spousal murders, primarily the murder of the wife with 83 percent of family murders being committed by the male. Alcohol is often a factor in the murders as well.
The Motivation To Murder
Unfortunately, the reason for killing the spouse usually comes down to money, one way or another. They don’t want to pay child support, or split assets, or pay spousal support. The opposite mentality of “cheaper to keep her”. Greed and selfishness take over any thoughts and sense of decency and morality.
Money is not the only motivating factor when spouses are murdered. The murder motivation can also be about control. The spouse is leaving and killing them is their last act of control over them. If I can’t have you, then nobody can type of crap.
The last motivating factor is another man or woman. They want a fresh start with their new love and do not want to deal with divorce, or custody battles, or losing anything, especially money. Falling for someone else can happen, especially when someone is unhappy in their current relationship, but Prince Charming murdering his wife isn’t romantic or attractive to a new partner, it’s scary and psychotic.
Many of us will never understand the decision to kill someone we once loved rather than just get a divorce. I’m not sure the killers always understand their actions either, but the important thing is your safety. Don’t hide abuse and be willing to walk away from crazy, even if that means not getting everything you feel you deserve from the divorce.
If you or someone you love are in danger or need help please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you believe in making a marriage work at all costs? Would you be willing to walk away from it all if it meant you could leave your spouse in peace? Please share your thoughts and experience!
“Nice people don’t necessarily fall in love with nice people,” Jonathan Franzen, Freedom
How To Stop Settling In Relationships and Sabotaging Your Own Future Happiness
We all know someone who seems to have settled for someone who does not treat them right or give them the love or respect they deserve. Or maybe in this case you are the someone. Either way, settling is not something most people want to do but what they feel they “have” to do.
Settling is about accepting less than what you want or need in a relationship, with the hopes that things will get better, hopes that he will change, and hopes that you will eventually be happy in your circumstances.
There are two major ways women settle in relationships. Society puts a lot of pressure on women and we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to find a partner, get married, and have children. Of course, it doesn’t help that that internal clock is ticking with our fertility years closing in on us.
Although many women are choosing to have children in their late thirties and early forties or have children on their own using a sperm donor, these are not necessarily options for the masses.
With a limited pool of good, available men looking for committed relationships some women start to settle for the “next best thing”. Here are the ways women settle.
Ways Women Settle In Relationships
Settling For The First Man Who Gives You Attention
Maybe you were the shy girl or the awkward girl, or chubby insecure girl who never thought any guy, let alone a cute guy would give you a second glance. Then one day a cute and charming guy comes into your life and gives you the romantic attention you always craved. The problem is he’s really not that great of a catch.
Waiting Around Hoping He Will Wife You
Many of us go into relationships with hopes of a future life together. That future life may just mean a happy partnership of cohabitation for the rest of your lives. But for many others, that future life includes a house, a dog, and two and a half kids with a ring on the finger.
Allowing Fear To Rule You
You fear being alone or starting over so you tolerate and accept crap. We all have fears, but allowing fear to control you will ultimately be the difference between a life of happiness and a life of regret.
Very few choose to completely go it alone in this life, but choosing a partner because you fear that no one else better or right for you will come along is a great way to be in a relationship and feel lonely and sad. Being with the wrong person will do that for you.
How To Not Settle In A Relationship
It all comes down to knowing your worth. There are certain things we all settle for in this life but the man you cohabitate with, the man you marry or the father of your children should not be in that category. You deserve better and so do your future children.
Desperation has a horrible stench and is a real turn-off to men. Take a breath. Is it really the end of the world if you don’t get married until you are forty or if you ever get married at all? Why? Because society has made up arbitrary rules of what a happy, successful life looks like?
Or maybe you find many wonderful men but they just don’t seem to want to marriage or a serious relationship with you. Yes, that sucks, but you cannot force a connection or love where there isn’t one and you cannot make someone truly commit if they are not ready or do not view you as the one.
What are your thoughts on settling? Have you ever settled in a relationship? Would you ever settle again? Please share your thoughts and experience!
“This is what I know. Don't settle for 40, 50, or even 80 percent. A relationship-it shouldn't be too small or too tight or even a little scratchy. It shouldn't take up space in your closet out of guilty conscience or convenience or a moment of desire. Do you hear me? It should be perfect for you. It should be lasting. Wait. wait for 100 percent.” ― Deb Caletti, The Secret Life of Prince Charming
Here's Where You Will Meet Your Future Husband....Based On Statistics
As much as things seem to change they also seem to stay the same. Not every woman is necessarily looking for a husband but many are looking for a partner or husband to spend their life with. Unfortunately meeting a quality mate is not easy, and many women have no idea where to start their search.
New to the dating scene? Back on the market after a breakup or divorce? Chances are you have been strongly encouraged to try a dating app. The online dating game is strong for many but how many of these relationships turn into happily wedded bliss? Well probably a lot less than you would guess…or maybe you know that a lot of online dating is about playing the game and just running up the scoreboard.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not putting down online dating, but statistics show that the majority of people, both married and in relationships, met their current partners through other, more traditional methods.
Here Are The Most Common Ways People Are Meeting Their Forever Mate
At Work/School
Work and school are the places we spend most of our time as adults. Whether it’s college, the business world, or a small office, spending time together gives love time to grow. It’s no wonder over 30% of people report meeting their current mate or spouse at work or school.
People are going to be people and we cannot help who we fall for sometimes. Yes, it may be asking for trouble to date someone you work with or you may just end up with the man of your dreams and finding your happily ever after.
Through Mutual Friends
Being set up or introduced by friends is a great way to meet your next guy or forever mate. Nearly 20% of people met their current spouse through mutual friends. Your mutual friends know you both and can make great matchmakers.
They can also vouch for each of you and your character. They are like a built-in background check.
Random Run-Ins
Whether it’s the bar, the club, a sporting event, or the grocery store, public places are still popular places for meeting your forever guy. Your church is a great place to meet someone with shared values. And the gym is great for finding a mate who shares your love of fitness.
Approximately 11% of couples met in public places. This just proves you can find love anywhere.
Dating Apps/Online
Yes, people do meet, fall in love, and get married thanks to dating apps. Meeting online and dating apps can lead to long-lasting relationships and love for approximately 8% of people. Are those odd great, no, but just like the lottery, if you don’t play you can’t win. Right?
Family Fix-Up
Your meddling, I mean well-intentioned, mom knows his well-intentioned mom and they cannot wait for you two to meet. Or maybe Mr. Right is your brother’s co-worker or college friend.
Either way, family fix-ups are cute and another great way to meet a mate. And it’s also nice to have someone close to you be able to vouch for the character of this new guy in your life. Approximately 7% of the love birds out there met through a family member.
So just in case you are out there thinking you are never going to get married or that your ex-husband is the last man you will ever have, think again. People are meeting and falling in love every day. If you want love for yourself, don’t give up. It is out there. Just live your best life and it will happen.
What are your thoughts on where to meet a mate? Where did you meet yours, past or present? Please share your experience!
“I can’t sleep, I can’t eat, I can’t do anything but think about him. At night I dream of him, all day I wait to see him, and when I do see him my heart turns over and I think I will faint with desire.” - The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
15 Signs Your Behavior Is Toxic
After the year we all had with 2020, I think many of us are wanting to move forward in a more positive, self-reflective way. It all starts with looking at ourselves, acknowledging faults, and putting in the work to do better.
I think it’s pretty easy to recognize toxic behavior in others, but not so much when it comes to our own actions and behaviors. Toxic people are well, toxic, and unfortunately, it is possible that you actually the toxic person in many people’s lives.
No one wants to believe they are toxic, but sometimes the facts are just undeniable. Recognize the signs and knock it off.
15 Signs Your Behavior Is Toxic
You Anger Easily
You can go from zero to one hundred over the smallest thing and lose your mind on those closest to you and even strangers. Sticking up for yourself is one thing but talking to people in your life disrespectfully or making a habit of going off on people is toxic behavior.
Friends and Family Hold Their Tongues
If your friends or family dare try to hold you accountable for your words or actions it is a known fact that it will turn into a huge fight or gaslighting session. So instead they hold their tongues or start avoiding you altogether.
You Lose People In Your Life
People are always breaking up with you both literally and figuratively, anything to avoid dealing with you and your toxic behavior.
You Treat People Like Crap
Being nice and sweet sometimes does not give you a free pass to treat people like crap whenever you get upset or have a bad day. The minute you get upset or lose your temper your nice mask falls off and you show your true colors.
You Always Have To Be Right
No one likes being wrong, but with a toxic person even when they have been proven wrong they want to argue or find a way to be right. If that doesn’t work then anger or gaslighting is sure to follow.
You Are Never Happy
You are the ultimate drama queen with always something going on in your personal or professional life that tends to be over-inflated problems blown out of proportion. You seem to look for reasons to not be happy and you drag others into your self-created problems, leaving them shaking their heads at your first-world issues.
You Are Overly Critical
If you are a toxic person, you will always find a way to criticize. You are far from perfect, but want to hold everyone else to a standard of perfection and are always sure to let them know that they are failing.
You Don’t Take Responsibility
It’s never you, it’s always someone else. You seem to always attract drama and have problems but to have you tell it, it is always someone else’s fault. You take zero accountability for anything, especially the ramifications of your own actions.
You Are Insensitive To Others Feelings
Maybe you are a straight shooter or maybe you are passive-aggressive, but either way, you always manage to say something insensitive or insulting because you are insecure and toxic. Of course when they are offended or hurt you try to laugh it off because they are not entitled to feel insulted by your rude comment or joke at their expense.
You Are Rude
You tend to say rude and thoughtless things. You speak to people in the service industry in a rude manner and tend to be inconsiderate and thoughtless when irritated.
You Are Negative
You are Debbie downer and the sky is always falling to hear you tell it. We all have the occasional negative thought or feeling, but if you are toxic, being negative is a way of life. You are that friend that tells her happy and in love friend that you hope this guy doesn’t cheat on her like all the others.
You Are Not Supportive
You cannot stand to see anyone doing better than you, even if it’s your bestie or your partner. It’s all you and if your life isn’t going how you want it to then you can’t be happy for anyone else. You are toxic.
You Are Always Complaining
Even when things are good you always find something to complain about. The food wasn’t great, the music was too loud or not your preference, it’s too crowded or you are bored. Complain, complain, complain.
You Are Petty
Your tit-for-tat attitude when it comes to relationships is never going to be a winning strategy. You are childish and do not seem to learn from past mistakes. You think you are scoring big at the moment with your words and insults, but your tantrums consistently turn into big losses for you in the long run.
You Feel The Need To “One Up” Others
You cannot stand when you are not the center of attention and it is not about you. You can just never let someone else have their moment or shine. It always has to be about you so you go out of your way to try to show others up, even those you claim to be friends with or love.
It is never too late for you to grow and change. Actually believing otherwise is just an excuse to not put in the work needed to be a better friend, spouse, daughter, or sibling. If you recognize most or all of these traits in yourself or someone else, you have identified a toxic person.
What are your thoughts on toxic behavior? Do you recognize these characteristics in someone close to you or even yourself? Are you willing to cut the toxic person out of your life or change your ways? Please share your thoughts and experience!
Is It Shaming or Attention-Seeking Behavior Gone Wrong?
A lot of crazy, sad, and surprising things have happened this year. There are big problems facing many people, from illness and death to job loss and financial ruin. The struggle is real, but so is online bullying and narcissistic behavior.
Social media plays a major part in many lives, especially for celebrities, those who want to be famous, and millennials. Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram can provide a great platform to share your talents, quirks, random thoughts, and smokin hot selfies, but what happens when the feedback from friends or strangers is less than flattering?
It’s no secret that celebrities are often bullied on social media, oftentimes for, well let’s be honest, just for being famous. Bullying is not cool at any age, whether you are five years old or fifty years old. Hurtful words hurt.
But my question is, is some of the rude or nasty backlashes some receive online easily avoidable? The term shaming is used for any negative comment received, often after your own online sharing of personal business.
Mom shaming and body shaming seem to be the most common forms of shaming I see online. You want to post pictures or videos of yourself breastfeeding, or using formula to feed your baby then have at it, but expect people to have an opinion because you opened that door.
Sure, the old adage “if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all” always applies. But on the other end of the spectrum, to quote Mohedesa Najumi, “The woman who does not require validation from anyone is the most feared individual on the planet.”
Two Rules To Live By For Online Behavior
When it comes to social media there is are two schools of thought for me. The first is, your negative thoughts or opinion does not need to be posted to someone. We are all entitled to our opinions, but is it really necessary to tell someone that they are fat, ugly, talentless, or stupid? Probably not. No real purpose is served by cruel, although honest in your opinion, words that make people feel crappy.
The second thought and the biggest lesson of all is to expect criticism online. If you put your life on display, whether it’s vacation pics, relationship photos and intel, or sexy or shirtless pics, then you should expect to be scrutinized, and maybe have your feelings hurt.
Do you think your friends, family, and followers really want to see selfies of you every day? Maybe you are seeking validation in the form of compliments and likes, but not all responses will be flattering or what you want to hear.
I am of course not condoning saying hurtful things to strangers or anyone online, but I am realistic. Some may be jealous or just plain old mean, while others may find you annoying or a conceited braggart. With the Internet, a person can be as anonymous as they want to be, sitting at home behind their screen. You control what you put out there in the social media realm, but you cannot control how people react once it’s out there.
At the end of the day I say do what you want, but be prepared for the consequences. If you don’t share enough, then you are boring or elusive and will not get as many followers or likes. Share too much and you are a self-centered narcissist lacking in self-awareness and desperate for attention.
Sometimes there is no winning in the social media game, but it’s up to you to decide if you want to play or not.
What are your thoughts on online shaming and attention-seeking behavior? Do you think it’s okay to say whatever you want to people online who share their lives with the world? Are you a big sharer or do you keep it private? Please share your thoughts and experience!