Something happens in your 40’s – a series of shifts cause you to do a double take on what actually matters in a partner and in friends.
This may include:
You choose to take care of a sick/aging parent
More and more friends get cancer
You lose someone you love – due to death, mental illness or simply growing apart
You see friends getting divorced
You get an autoimmune disease or some health issue that restricts your old way of life
The generation after you makes fun of how you dress and you question if you’re now “old”
You stop getting hit on
You get the thing you’d been chasing your whole life, only to realize that you’re still not fulfilled
You fixate on zapping every wrinkle in a war to not let your face reveal your age
Whether some or all of these things happen, you realize that your body is no longer invincible, staying healthy can no longer be passive, and the amount of life left to live is becoming shorter and shorter.
You realize that all the stuff you used to think was so important when evaluating someone – how cool they are, how charismatic, how many times they went to Burning Man, how good looking, how rich…
None of that matters.
What matters is someone who will hold your hand while you grieve your parent dying.
What matters is that they see you and love you for your essence, even when you develop a thyroid issue and gain weight from all the meds.
What matters is that they will advocate for you when you are in the hospital and cannot fight for yourself.
Invest in the people who are loyal, kind, generous, supportive and loving. The people who will genuinely be there for you even if/when the superficial qualities you’re valued for, fade.
And don’t forget to be in integrity with those values yourself.
Do you have an emotional relationship outside your marriage? Something that began as a platonic friendship but now has you emotionally invested? Well, you’re not the only one going through the 7 stages of emotional affairs.
Here are some emotional cheating vs physical cheating findings: 15% of married women and 25% of married men confessed they indulged in extramarital sex. But when it comes to emotional infidelity in marriage, the numbers skyrocket. About 35% of women and 45% of men reported indulging in emotional adultery at least once in their marriage. Let’s find out more on what this means.
What is Emotional Infidelity?
On emotional affairs and divorce, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy wrote, “A new crisis of infidelity is emerging in which people who never intended to be unfaithful are unwittingly crossing the line from platonic friendships into romantic relationships.” If you’re wondering, “Am I having an emotional affair?”, the answer is “YES” if you are:
Sexting with someone/getting aroused from the conversation
Hiding your new friendship with your partner
Confiding in an emotional partner (who isn’t your spouse) for your personal problems
Hanging out alone with someone that you know has a crush on you
Going out (one-on-one) with someone you find attractive that’s not your partner
On emotional affairs and texting, a Reddit user wrote, “If you delete or hide messages/calls from someone, that’s a huge red flag.” But is an emotional affair adultery? Yes! Even if you’re not physically involved with someone, you’re channeling so much emotional energy into this new relationship. You’re neglecting your SO’s emotional/physical needs and even lying to them.
A Reddit user wrote, “Emotional cheating starts in the head. It’s about who comes first. As the one who is cheating, ask yourself who has the first spot in your thoughts everyday. If it’s not your SO, but someone else, it might be cheating.” But why is someone else so irresistible all of a sudden? Here are some possible reasons:
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1. Dissatisfaction with the primary relationship
In a survey, 48% of men rated emotional dissatisfaction as the primary reason they cheated. So, one of you is an emotionally distant spouse. Or you both have started taking each other for granted and the relationship has gotten boring. Here’s why platonic affairs start:
‘Something’ is missing in your relationship but you don’t know what exactly is missing
You know what is missing but are never able to express it in an open, honest, and transparent manner
You have expressed your unmet needs multiple times but the attempts to fix them proved to be unsuccessful
2. Seeking emotional validation elsewhere
The American singer Jessica Simpson confessed in her memoir Open Book that she had an emotional affair with co-star Johnny Knoxville, during her marriage to Nick Lachey. She wrote, “I could share my deepest authentic thoughts with him and he didn’t roll his eyes at me. He actually liked that I was smart and embraced my vulnerabilities.
“First off, we were both married, so this wasn’t going to get physical. But to me, an emotional affair was worse than a physical one. It’s funny, I know, because I had placed such an emphasis on sex by not having it before marriage. After I actually had sex, I understood that the emotional part was what mattered…Johnny and I had that, which seemed far more of a betrayal to my marriage than sex.”
It’s time for some self-reflection. Your attachment style and self-esteem has everything to do with how you navigate relationships. You’re more likely to indulge in emotional adultery if:
Your parents cheated on each other and normalized betrayal for you
You have deep fear of abandonment and hence find ways to avoid intimacy with your SO
Your fantasy world of ‘eternal youth’ helps you escape real life responsibilities
4. Belief that texting is harmless
If you’re an emotional cheater, you divide the world into black and white to justify emotional infidelity in marriage. You view sexual physical affairs as ‘immoral’ and ‘harmless flirting‘ as appropriate. So, you don’t feel guilty and gaslight your partner for being paranoid or jealous. You’re in denial of your shadow side.
5. Need for newness/variety
Psychotherapist Esther Perel emphasizes in her TED talk, “At the heart of an affair lies a longing and yearning for human connection, novelty, freedom, autonomy, sexual intimacy, a wish to recapture lost parts of ourselves and an attempt to bring back vitality in the face of loss and tragedy.” So, there could be several reasons behind emotional affairs turning intimate:
You crave for novelty/excitement that’s not possible to get at home
Keeping secrets gives you a false sense of power
You’re tired of being the ‘good’ person; you want to act badly without being bad
The 7 Stages Of An Emotional Affair
Now that we’ve talked about how do emotional affairs start, it’s time to move on to what comes after. The 7 stages of emotional affairs are very subtle. They start innocently and creep into your life. And before realize, they end up creating turmoil in your long-term relationship. Let’s understand these stages of infidelity in greater detail.
1. Friendship
The levels of emotional affairs start with an ‘innocent’ or ‘harmless’ friendship. Emotional affairs and texting go hand-in-hand. During the involvement stage, the conversations are centered around everyday tasks/hobbies. There may be cursory loving talk on social media but it is at a superficial level, with no real sentiment behind it. Here’s how it goes:
A coworker or a dear old friend becomes your confidante
Your text messaging and Facebook interactions may intensify
You feel lucky to have a person who truly ‘gets’ you
You look forward to making them feel special/important
2.The more-than-just-friends stage
On the second stage of cheating, a Reddit user wrote, “Communication: there is excitement, future Affair Partner is described as cocky/bubbly/funny/anything noteworthy, maybe there is the confession of a slight crush, an acceptance that future AP is attractive…”
You share more with this person than with your partner. You are not sleeping together or anything but there’s an underlying sexual tension. Slowly, you start enjoying the faint flirtation. Inappropriate friendships when married was the last thing on your list. But, the line between emotional cheating vs friendship gets thinner and thinner. If you’re wondering, “Am I emotionally cheating?”, think:
Do you often think of your friend?
Do you wait for spending time together?
Do you try to keep your ‘friendship’ a secret?
3. How to tell if it’s an emotional affair? See if you have crossed the cribbing stage
After blurring the lines between emotional cheating vs friendship, staying in constant contact and cribbing becomes the norm in stage 3. Here are the major emotional cheating signs that are not realized by most people involved. You may:
Complain about your partner’s inadequecies
Tell your friend what you want your life to be like
Share secrets and make them the third wheel in your relationship
4. Sexual stage is one of the 7 stages of emotional affairs
The emotional attachment gets deeper. You start noticing personality traits in your ‘friend’ that are missing in your official partner. You feel like being physically intimate in your long-distance emotional affair:
While having sex with your significant other, you fantasize about doing the same with your emotional companion
He/she flirts more and lures with sexual insinuations
You start wearing fragrances and getting gifts for your emotional interest
5. The deciding-for-each-other stage
You skip a social gathering because you and your ’emotional partner’ are an inseparable team now. This level of emotional affair becomes exasperating for your romantic partner because they fail to understand why you are behaving so weirdly and excluding them, like a relationship bully.
How to tell if it’s an emotional affair? Ponder upon some questions:
Do they decide which outfit suits you?
Do you consult them for advice on switching your job?
Do you trust them even more than your gut instincts?
6. Being indifferent to your home life
The emotional involvement has become so profound that you hate your own home now. Your family members disgust you and you feel like escaping your current life. This is the stage when you go through the worst turmoil because you finally acknowledge the lack of emotional connection in your marriage.
You tend to find a home in your extramarital affair. This person is comforting and soothing for your emotional needs and fulfills those just the way you want. You don’t want it to be a lifelong extramarital affair anymore; you want it to be something more. You know that relationships that begin as affairs are too complex but at this point, you don’t really care.
7. The final decision – do emotional affairs turn into love?
This is why emotional affairs and divorce are related. Out of the 7 stages of emotional affairs, this is the stage wherein the desire to leave takes over. You start seeing signs your relationship is beyond repair. It’s very difficult to overcome this without couples counseling.
So, emotional affairs turning intimate could lead to a breakdown of a marriage. A classic example of that is what was shown in the film Lunch Box. The two characters had not even seen each other but they connected so strongly through letters hidden in a lunchbox that the woman wanted to leave home and start a new life with this man who was way older than her. So, do emotional affairs turn into love? Yes, they can.
Sometimes emotional affairs can also fizzle out. There is no guarantee that your emotional affair is going to be the love of your life. But unlike sexual relationships, emotional affairs are stronger and hence last much longer and have more serious consequences. Also, affairs never end well and hence rebuilding trust is not easy…
How To Repair A Relationship After An Emotional Affair
Is getting over an emotional affair possible? Psychologist Nandita Rambhia answers, “Yes. However, fixing the damage done by 7 stages of emotional affairs takes its time. Healing and forgiving require a lot of effort from both partners. It can only happen if both feel a strong need to rebuild love from scratch. If this need is strong, sincere, and honest, the chances of moving ahead are high.”
Even research suggests that re-trusting a partner who has caused emotional trauma – be it through infidelity, lying, dishonesty, or manipulation – requires openness, the intention to cooperate, sharing, and mutual support between partners. With this, we arrive at some golden rules to follow:
1. Cut off connection and contact
Getting over an emotional affair starts with cutting off contact, no questions asked. It might hurt to say goodbye to the person who made you feel happy. But to work on your relationship, you must follow the no-contact rule with the affair partner.
According to the Gottman Repair Checklist, here are some phrases you can use when trying to show accountability for the damage that you caused:
“I really blew that one”
“I can see my part in all this”
“How can I make things better?”
“I’m sorry. Please forgive me”
“I want to be gentler to you right now and I don’t know how”
2. Fall back on your partner
You have your partner to fall back on for emotional dependency. Prepare your mindset. If any aspect of the relationship is troubling you, your partner is the one who needs to know that. Vent all you want but to your partner. Become best friends with them and try to adjust/accept instead of compromise.
Talking about adjustment (instead of unhealthy compromise), the Gottman Repair Checklist mentions a couple of phrases that can help you heal from the pain of the past:
“I agree with part of what you’re saying”
“Let’s find our common ground”
“I never thought of things that way”
“What are your concerns?”
“Let’s agree to include both our views in a solution”
3. Your partner needs to understand
Now is a great time to talk about why you did what you did. If you were dissatisfied with your partner, felt inadequate or unhappy in the relationship, now is the time to talk to your partner about these issues. But your partner needs to know that unnecessary show of anger or resentment toward you won’t help the healing.
It helps to seek guidance from someone more experienced, mature, and non-judgmental. It can be a family member, friend, or professional counselor. If you’re looking for support, our counselors from Bonobology’s panel are just a click away.
4. Talk about the gaps in your relationship
You should talk about the person you were having an emotional affair with. As guilty as that would make you feel and as angry as it might make your partner feel, this is crucial. What are the things that drew you to this person for an emotional affair – was it his empathetic nature or the fact that they were a good listener?
Sort them out. Spell them out for your partner. These were the inadequacies or the gaps in your relationship. As painful as it might be to bring them up, it is essential to talk about it and understand where your relationship was lacking.
5. Write gratitude letters
Looking for tips on how to fix emotional detachment in marriage? Research shows that expressing gratitude increases comfort in relationships. So, reignite the spark in your love life by expressing gratitude regularly. Here are some phrases that you can use to appreciate your partner, according to the Gottman Repair Checklist:
“Thank you for…”
“I understand”
“I love you”
“I am thankful for…”
“This is not your problem. It’s OUR problem”
This is one of the reasons why a strong friendship and intimate connection in the relationship is one of the best antidotes to an affair. Keep working on the marriage. So, what can you do to make your marriage emotional affair proof? As the first step, you can come together as friends and have a relationship based on trust.
Key Pointers
If two married people cheating with each other was normalized growing up, you’re more likely to cheat
The 7 stages of emotional affairs start with talking about personal feelings
If they’re the first person you think about in the morning, it’s not a good sign
Having more than one partner can eventually take a toll on your mental health
Taking time and couples therapy can help you rebuild trust
Thus, love, respect, and support each other. Communicate openly and frequently. Share your feelings, plans, and any issues that you have with each other. Have fun and genuinely get over hurts at the earliest. These are wise ways to deal with infidelity and have a strong marriage where you have emotional connection with your spouse and none else. Have a blissful relationship!
FAQs
1. How long do emotional affairs last?
Emotional affairs are said to last 6 months to three years usually, as per Denise Bartell, PhD, psychologist at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. However, emotional affairs are not defined well in the first place. Is texting someone else cheating? One major red flag is sexting/sending nudes. Or sharing vulnerable feelings you would never tell other friends. Maybe this is why human beings get angry the most at this, out of the 9 forms of infidelity in marriage.
2. What is the percentage of emotional affairs that turn physical?
There aren’t many studies on the percentage of emotional affairs that turn physical. But, the chances increase, if you don’t maintain physical boundaries in the 7 stages of emotional affairs. A Reddit user wrote, “With all barriers removed, a consummate knowledge of each others desires, having exchanged nudes and discussed what each other like during sex in detail and being in regular 121 situations all it takes now is a glance or a touch of the leg and it becomes physical.”
3. What are the signs your man is texting another woman?
One thing you need to know is that affairs start with conversation. So, when a man hides his phone, that’s a hint that he has an emotional affair with ex/co-worker. But men who have long-term affairs cover their tracks well. So, look for signs he is emotionally attached to his ex (like him blatantly stating his deep feelings for his ex again and again).
If you’ve worked with me, you know I don’t mess around. I want you off to a fast start on dating: on dating sites, apps, etc. for several reasons.
A new client of mine, Claire, 57, widowed, independent and a successful business woman, was aghast when I told her that I expected her to go on 5 dates in the first two weeks. I spoke to her earlier this week and here’s her story:
“I’m a confident person but was nervous after a 20-year marriage—you wanted me on 5 dates! I haven’t gone on any dates in 3 years since my husband passed and here’s what happened:
· I learned I can still talk about things other than business
· By date 3, my confidence level soared
· This was sort of fun and the men I was meeting I would have never run into in my day-to-day life
· Two were terrific men I’ll see again, the other 3, well, I thought what in the world was I thinking when I chose them?!?
· By date 5, I absolutely knew what I didn’t want”
So, why am I insistent on a fast start?
1. You learn much about yourself!
What you like, what you don’t—and we can quickly screen out the singles in the future that will not be a good match for you. As a 25+ year dating coach, I learn much about you from those first 5 dates—maybe even more than I had on our one-hour Zoom call.
2. Confidence soars.
With online dating, yes, it’s possible to meet 5 singles in 2 weeks. In your day-to-day life, no way. Think of it this way—the first time you picked up a golf club or pickleball paddle, were you confident?
3. You learn what you want.
For this particular client, she learned that she was a pretty adventurous traveler. Two men told her their idea of exciting trips this year were a.) driving cross country and b.) visiting battle sights in the US. I’m absolutely not knocking these—but her idea of travel was trekking the Camino de Santiago in the Fall and visiting the Vatican on a Wednesday for a papal blessing. When she mentioned these two things, both men looked startled.
4. Working vs Retirement
Claire loves what she does and has no intention of stopping until she’s in her late 60’s, early 70’s. Several men were content in retirement babysitting grandchildren. It’s just the case of perhaps right person, wrong time in life. We’ve decided no more retired men for her, with little or no passionate interests or hobbies.
5. Comparisons
5 dates give you a great feel for the different types of singles looking for love or a long-term relationship. Claire commented that had she not known she had a coaching call with me this week, she would have quit the dating site after 2 dates.
Accountability works. Having an objective person who is not your brother or best friend reaps benefits. It also works as a cheerleading mechanism—you have someone knowledgeable on your side making tweaks in your profile, the site you are on, the matches you are selecting for first dates, helping you craft messages that get responses, and making the process much more fun.
I think one of my clients said it much better than I ever could:
“Online dating is like going into an unknown jungle with all kinds of wild animals, dangerous plants, and traps….but also gorgeous flowers, sweet animals and revitalizing pools. Andrea is the no-nonsense safety guide who does the briefing BEFORE you go in and then is also the guide who points out things along the way. Sometimes, she has to pick you up after a bad fall and dust you off. Now, imagine going into the jungle with NO guide or briefing…. no wonder people have horrible experiences!”
4th of July Quotes to Celebrate America’s Birthday
Can you hear that sound? That’s the sound of fireworks popping, barbecue grills sizzling, marching bands playing, and freedom ringing! Here in America, we are all about that red, white, and blue holiday, and we’ve got 55 of the best 4th of July quotes to help you celebrate America’s birthday!
55 inspiring 4th of July quotes.
Whether you’re looking for inspiring Independence Day quotes or Fourth of July captions for the perfect patriotic social media post, we’ve got you covered! Take a look at all of our happy 4th of July 2023 quotes below!
2. “We are called the nation of inventors. And we are. We could still claim that title and wear its loftiest honors if we had stopped with the first thing we ever invented, which was human liberty.”
— Mark Twain
3. “America is another name for opportunity.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
4. “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”
— Elmer Davis
5. “Liberty is the breath of life to nations.”
— George Bernard Shaw
6. “We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.”
— William Faulkner
7. “One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one nation forevermore!”
— Oliver Wendell Holmes
Two women with an American flag enjoy Independence Day quotes.
8. “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”
— Frederick Douglass
9. “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.”
— Mark Twain
10. “Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong.”
—James Bryce
11. “I think patriotism is like charity—it begins at home.”
— Henry James
12. “Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all! By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall.”
— John Dickinson
Read inspiring 4th of July quotes about military men and women.
13. “Duty, honor, country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.”
— Gen. Douglas MacArthur
14. “The time is always right to do what is right.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Presidential 4th of July Quotes
15. “Patriotism is easy to understand in America. It means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country.”
―President Calvin Coolidge
16. “In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.”
―PresidentFranklin D. Roosevelt
17. “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty.”
— PresidentJohn F. Kennedy
18. “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.”
— PresidentBill Clinton
These 4th of July quotes honor members of the U.S. military and their families.
19. “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
— PresidentJohn F. Kennedy
20.“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.”
— PresidentHarry S. Truman
21. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
— PresidentJohn F. Kennedy
22. “Independence Day: freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men, and so it must be daily earned and refreshed—else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.”
— PresidentDwight D. Eisenhower
23. “Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity.”
— PresidentHerbert Hoover
24. “I am an American; free born and free bred, where I acknowledge no man as my superior, except for his own worth, or as my inferior, except for his own demerit.”
— President Theodore Roosevelt
25. “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”
— President Abraham Lincoln
26. “We’re blessed with the opportunity to stand for something, for liberty and fairness. And these are things worth fighting for, worth devoting our lives to.”
— President Ronald Reagan
Read these inspiring 4th of July quotes about freedom and families.
27. “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.”
— President Ronald Reagan
28. “The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.”
— President James Madison
29. “The flag is the embodiment, not of sentiment, but of history.”
— President Woodrow Wilson
30.“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches, or its romance.”
— President Theodore Roosevelt
31. “Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.”
— President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Wholesome 4th of July Quotes
32. “On second thought, I do like to brag … ‘Cause I’m pretty proud of the ragged old flag.”
— Johnny Cash
A young girl stands in a field with the American flag while thinking about wholesome 4th of July quotes.
33. “I believe in America because we have great dreams and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true.”
— Wendell Willkie
34. “With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?
— Oscar Wilde
35. “It will be celebrated with pomp and parade, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.”
— John Adams
36. “God Bless America, my home, sweet home.”
— Irving Berlin
37. “Dreams can grow wild born inside an American child.”
— Phil Vassar
38. “No other date on the calendar more potently symbolizes all that our nation stands for than the Fourth of July.”
— Mac Thornberry
39. “The United States is the only country with a known birthday.”
— James G. Blaine
A family watches fireworks and enjoys Independence Day quotes about their freedom.
40. “You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4th, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.”
— Erma Bombeck
41. “When you get to know a lot of people, you make a great discovery … It takes all the people—black and white, Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant, recent immigrants and Mayflower descendants—to make up America.”
— Judy Garland
42. “Only in America can someone start with nothing and achieve the American Dream. That’s the greatness of this country.”
— Rafael Cruz
4th of July Quotes: Freedom
43. “So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania! Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado! Let freedom ring from the curvaceous peaks of California! But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia! Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee! Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
44. “With freedom comes responsibility.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt
A woman waves an American flag and enjoys 4th of July quotes on Independence Day.
45. “May we think of freedom not as the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to do what is right.”
— Peter Marshall
46. “I’d like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free and wanted other people to be also free.”
— Rosa Parks
47. “The red and white and starry blue is freedom’s shield and hope.”
— John Philip Sousa
48. “Who ever walked behind anyone to freedom? If we can’t go hand in hand, I don’t want to go.”
— Hazel Scott
Enjoy inspiring 4th of July quotes about our liberty and freedom.
49. “Freedom is not won on the battlefields. The chance for freedom is won there. The final battle is won or lost in our hearts and minds.”
— Helen Gahagan Douglas
50. “True independence and freedom can only exist in doing what’s right.”
— Brigham Young
51. “May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn’t free.”
— Sgt. Major Bill Paxton
52. “I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.”
— Bob Dylan
53. “Freedom is never given; it is won.”
— A. Philip Randolph
54. “America, to me, is freedom.”
— Willie Nelson
55. “Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom.”
— Albert Einstein
An American woman holds flags while celebrating Independence day with wholesome 4th of July quotes.
Aren’t those just the best happy 4th of July 2023 quotes?! We think so! And we hope you found the best Fourth of July captions and Independence Day quotes that perfectly encapsulate what living in the land of the free and the home of the brave means to you!
If you are looking for more 4th of July fun, we’ve got it right here! Take a look at these festive posts:
What girl is considered ideal for a man? Maybe she has a model appearance, refined manners, or high intelligence? Every gentleman chooses a girl according to his taste, and everyone strives to have the best bride… What about Polish girls? You are a really lucky beggar if you are interested in dating these beautiful brides. They look like unearthly angels, their appearance, charm, and manners adorn our planet. In this guide for men who intend to win the most beautiful Slavic girl, we will discuss how these charming brides look. Do you want to meet the most beautiful girls right now? Here you will be convinced that no girls are more beautiful than women from Poland and you no longer want to look at others and doubt your choice. 👌🏻
👨🏻🎓 Some statistical knowledge about Polish brides:
🧐 Type of appearance
Slavic type
👄 Facial features
Straight small nose, pronounced cheekbones, bright eyes, neat lips
👯 Body
Tightened body, model parameters
👩🏼 Hair
Most often blond, less often – brunettes
💪🏻 Sport
67% of girls go in for sports at least 2 times a week
👗 Fashion style
Stylish, elegant, feminine, sexy
💅🏻 Additional beauty procedures
Manicures, pedicures, spa procedures, cosmetology
What Do Polish Women Look Like? Review of a Typical Slavic Bride
If you have already visited the Slavic dating site, you could see profiles of busty Polish women and their beautiful photos on avatars. But what do they really look like? I met them in real life, to be honest, I couldn’t take my eyes off them. Let’s look closer at Polish girls. Shall we? What makes them stand out from other nations?
💋 Style and ability to dress
Polish girls are used to looking to please themselves and it’s no surprise that they enchant everyone around them. As for traditional Polish clothing for women, they really know how to dress with style. Their bows for every day are necessarily feminine and attractive. Elegant dresses, mini skirts, silk blouses, high heels – all these are attributes of the Polish women’s wardrobe. Of course, they can wear such a bow to work in the office or for some kind of event. And to take a walk in the park or with a dog, go on a picnic, they will put on something simpler, but also tasteful and in line with the theme.
💋 Body shape and type
All of them have different physical characteristics of Polish women, some are slimmer, some have a more magnificent bust, some are higher and some are lower. But I can say for sure that most of these girls take care of their bodies, regularly visit gyms and have a sporty Polish women body type. Polish brides are mostly slender, fit sexy women with beautiful body relief. The average height of women is 164 cm, and their weight at the age of 20 is 55 kg. Many Polish girls adorn world fashion magazines thanks to their figures.
One of the pretty Polish girls from Victoriyaclub
💋 Beauty rituals
The culture of Poland is arranged in such a way that girls are taught from childhood to be beautiful princesses, growing up, they take care of themselves and strive to look their best. In addition to their natural unearthly beauty, they maintain their appearance with the help of various beauty procedures. Their hands always look well-groomed, a manicure once a month is an integral part of their life. Shiny hair and beautiful curls also require maintenance. Most beautiful Polish women go to beauty salons and professionally style their hair. The clean, radiant skin of girls is the work of cosmetologists, which Polish women visit about 1-2 times every three months.
💋 Hair and styling
Perfectly smooth, shiny hair is what Polish girls focus on so much. After all, a hairstyle is the main decoration of any girl. Light blonde strands simply captivate all men with their tenderness and brilliance. Among the famous Polish women there are also hot brunettes who beckon with their grace and luxury. So any man can choose the perfect one according to his taste.
Features of Polish Women: Must Have for Men to Know
These incredible girls attract with their sincerity and kindness, they are the embodiment of all those characteristics of the ideal woman that every single man dreams of. Dating them is what you really deserve. What are the characteristics of these ladies?
🧡 They are very ambitious. This is one of the Polish women characteristics. Poles are not just self-confident, but very self-confident: 81% consider themselves extremely attractive. Apparently, the laughing genes of golden-haired, playful great-grandmothers, who easily captivated kings and emperors, are having an effect. Polish girls are ambitious, sometimes overly. You can often hear them talking about themselves using the standard wording: jestem mioda, ambitna, przybojowa, lubie podruie.
🧡 They are very worried about their appearance. Almost no lady leaves the house, even to the store, without makeup, but not everyone admits this. The best praise, in this case, comes from the lips of her master: “Honey, you are so beautiful, even if you do not makeup.”
🧡 They get married at 27. Compared to American girls, these Polish women are committed to serious marriage from an early age. They believe that a successful union and the creation of a family is the main thing in life.
🧡 They are hospitable. All Polish women love guests at home, so they always prepare for it. They cook deliciously and show their character as tolerant and kind-hearted. And this is one of the Polish women traits that Western men appreciate so much.
🧡 They are religious. If you ever visit Poland, you can walk into their historic churches and cathedrals and wonder how many young women will be there. Polish girls often visit such establishments, as they consider them important and special.
What Is Known About Polish Ladies? Polish Women Stereotypes
There are millions of opinions about Polish girls in the world, but which of these is actually true? Since these Slavic girls are quite popular, there are many stereotypes about them.
⛔️ They want to live off their husband
Some Polish and Western men have an opinion that supposedly these ladies do not want to work and are looking for a chosen one in order to stay at home. In fact, this is not so, real Polish women are quite self-sufficient; they strive to build a career and be independent from others. These crazy Polish women will always be able to provide for themselves and their children.
⛔️ They don’t like foreigners
There is also one myth about the fact that single Polish women are somehow biased towards foreigners. Again, I want to dispel this opinion, because it is not true. Basically, all Polish brides, on the contrary, strive to find a Western husband, because they believe that they are more worthy of them.
✅ They are calm and reserved
This stereotype about Polish women is really true. You will never see a woman quarrel and sort things out with someone in the middle of other people in society. These Polish single women are quite restrained and secretive, so they are not used to making their emotions public.
✅ Polish girls fascinate and beckon to their networks
You might think that this is not true, and these women do not pay attention to the fact that men like? I think after reading this article, you will understand that Polish ladies look very attractive to men. If you are ever lucky enough to visit Poland, you will literally be obsessed with them. But succumb to their influence, be attentive and reasonable.
Polish women images: Best single Polish woman on international dating site
✅ They are more educated than Western women
The Poles pay great attention to education. It is appreciated by almost every person who lives in Poland. That’s why older Polish women are really smart, and don’t be surprised if she knows several languages and has 3 higher educations. Studying is more popular among women than among men in Poland. Their goal is self-development and the emergence of future career prospects.
Implementation into Reality: Where to Meet Polish Women?
There are two effective ways to find pretty Polish women: offline and online. You can choose which one is more convenient for you, now we will look at how a single man can get a Polish woman.
✈️ Offline dating
This option for finding a date and romantic adventure is great for those men who prefer dating Polish women seeking American men in real life. Of course, here you have the opportunity to travel and taste the Slavic country and get acquainted with its culture and customs. The most popular and numerous cities are Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Gdansk. There you can definitely meet one of the Polish women singles, which will be your future chosen one. How to start organizing a trip and what is needed for this?
🎟 Buying the tickets in both ways
800 $ – 1000 $
🏩 Booking a room in the hotel
500 $ for 2 weeks
🌮 Considering the food
300 $ for 2 weeks
🚖 Transfer in the city
150 $
🎬 Dates with brides
200$
📲 Online dating
This way to meet Polish girls is the most efficient, fast and cheap. After all, all you need to do to meet a bride is to choose a dating site ➡️ register ➡️ create a profile ➡️ buy a budget subscription ➡️ chat with a Polish bride.
Today, professional dating sites create all the conditions for comfortable dating. With the help of a security system, communication with girls on the platforms is real and legal. And multifunctional services such as video chat, sending photos, Polish women videos, writing emails, and much more make dating with brides effective, interesting, and varied. In addition, the main advantages of using such love-making sites are communication without leaving home and low rates. That is, you do not need to spend a lot of money to find the perfect bride.
✔️ Dating site subscription
200$ – 500$
💭 Additional services
100$
🌹 Virtual gifts
100$
Polish Women Pictures: Ready to Look at Real Brides?
Do you want to feel the pleasure of communicating with Polish brides? They are simply incredible girls with a fanatical pleasant energy that is transferred even through the screen of the device. Let me introduce you to the best Polish brides I have met on the Slavic dating site.
Anya
Anya is a very gentle and romantic girl who loves to enjoy every moment of her life. She is a positive, kind, and sincere Polish lady who loves to communicate with people, she is used to helping everyone and taking care of her loved ones. Anya is a rather calm and homely woman, but fun and an active form of recreation are also present in her life. She goes in for sports and loves cycling and yoga. The bride is looking for a reliable man with whom she could build a future. She wants to build a happy family and live in harmony.
Karina
This cheerful and purposeful Polish woman sincerely believes that she can find her destiny on a dating site. Karina is a wise and self-sufficient woman who wants to love and give her love and affection to her chosen one. She loves an active lifestyle, children, and dancing. The girl is looking for a strong and courageous man who will be her protection and support. Karina believes that care, support, and passion are the main components of strong love. Ready to share happiness with her? Then write her the first SMS right now.
Marta
Marta is a girl who is not afraid of changes in her life. It should be noted that the girl is Polish by nationality, but now she works and lives in the UAE, Dubai. She works as a surgical assistant and appreciates her work very much. The girl believes that sport is an integral part of her life. Marta also works as a model for photo shoots, which brings her great pleasure. Marta is looking for her love, for the sake of her chosen one she is ready to move to another country. For a girl, the main thing is honesty and mutual understanding. Write to her to get to know her better!
👰 Polish Women to Marry: Why Are They Ideal Wives?
All you want to date a Polish girl for is the prospect of marriage and a happy family with her. Why do these alluring ladies rank among the best Polish women for marriage in the world? And why is marriage to a Slavic girl a good idea?
👉 They conquer with their kindness and care. Polish mature Polish women are so loved by men from Western countries because their character distinguishes them from other nations. These girls will always take care of their family, prepare a delicious dinner, and ask how their day has gone.
👉They are exemplary mothers. Since the upbringing of children is one of the main priorities in the life of Polish girls, they devote almost all their attention to it. They raise their children to be smart, educated, and intelligent. Babies grow up in comfort and happiness.
👉They are excellent hosts. Polish women are very responsible in terms of housekeeping, cooking, and other household chores. They are true homemakers. Their homes are always clean and smell delicious homemade food. It is worth noting that almost all Polish girls have culinary skills.
👉They are loyal and loving. This is one of the important Polish women features. I can say for sure that these beautiful women love once and for all their lives. Their love knows no bounds, they don’t even have thoughts about betrayal. So you will always be calm and confident in their honesty and dedication.
Conclusion
Before you will date beautiful Polish women, you should know everything about them. I hope after reading this guide you will dispel all your doubts and heard stereotypes. You deserve to be loved and happy with the best Polish girls. Start getting to know them right now!
FAQ:
Are Polish women beautiful?
You may not doubt the beauty of these incredible Polish ladies. They have a model figure, shiny hair, and blue eyes. All men appreciate the natural beauty of these Slavic women.
What are the characteristics of a Polish woman?
As I said above, Polish women are ideal wives. They are beautiful, caring, delicious cooks and excellent mothers. Try to be sure of it yourself.
How to date a Polish girl?
You can go to Poland, and meet girls in real life in restaurants, clubs, or shopping malls. Also, you can register on a dating site – this is an easy way to get acquainted with many Polish brides.
What is the Polish dating culture like?
There is nothing special about Polish dating culture, all girls love being taken care of by men, go on dates and receive gifts. Do not rush things, have restraint, and be a gentleman.
How tall is the average Polish woman?
The average height of a Polish woman is 160 cm. But there are girls both taller and shorter, so you will definitely find one to your taste.
Tim Denning is a renowned dating expert and coach with over a decade of experience in the field. He has helped countless individuals around the world find love, improve their relationships, and develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate the modern dating scene. Tim’s approach is grounded in honesty, empathy, and a deep understanding of human behavior. He believes that everyone has the potential to find happiness and fulfillment in their romantic lives, and he works tirelessly to help his clients achieve those goals. Whether you’re struggling with online dating, trying to reignite the passion in a long-term relationship, or simply looking to improve your communication skills, Tim Denning is the expert you can trust to guide you towards success.
Sometimes, relationships don’t wither because there is a lack of love between two people. It happens when there is a communication gap, trust issues, and partners don’t know how to revive their love. That’s when it becomes important to find out how to start over in a relationship because you don’t want to lose out on this person you love and adore so much.
Starting fresh in a relationship means determining that you can still make it work, and without committing the same mistakes again that put your relationship in stagnancy in the first place. With a little bit of faith and a lot of effort, you can write a new story with your existing love life. Learn how to start fresh with the help of the following tips.
What Does It Mean To Start A Relationship Over?
Joel Block, Ph.D, psychologist and author of The 15-Minute Relationship Fix, says here, “Couples who are struggling are wise to consider therapy early on, since it will only get worse over time and without intervention, will likely end badly.” As per this Forbes article, research shows that relationship counseling positively impacts 70% of people.
Clearly, facing turbulence in relationships is common. The relationship can turn sour because of things like:
Now that we know some of the reasons we might need a fresh start, let’s find out what starting fresh in a relationship really means. It means to be happy in a relationship again by letting go of negativity, unhealthy behavior, and past issues. It means you are willingly and consciously agreeing to give your relationship another chance.
You and your partner have decided to focus on the brighter side by agreeing to work through the problems. You can also start over in a marriage after infidelity if you and your spouse do your best to ensure that the recovery process won’t be one-way. Both of you must put in the energy to revive your love life.
How To Decide If You Want To Start Over In A Relationship
Before you find out how to start over in a broken relationship, find out why you want to do so. You need to be in a healthy emotional state to be able to decide what you want from your partner. Here are some bad reasons for starting over with someone:
You think you will be alone forever if this person leaves you
You can’t start over with someone you love because you selfishly want them in your life, even though they don’t love you back
You can’t start over in a relationship just because you have no other place to go, and you want to continue living with them
It’s one of the relationship red flags if you don’t care deeply about this person but you don’t want to break up either just because they fulfill your sexual and financial needs
You can’t start over in a marriage after infidelity only because you are afraid of what people will think of a broken marriage
On the other hand, your relationship is worth fighting for if:
Both of you sincerely love each other and see a future together
You are ready to meet halfway and talk about expectations
You have forgiven yourself or your partner for betraying or hurting you
You and your partner have taken accountability in the relationship for the things that went wrong and have mutually decided to starting new in the relationship
You genuinely believe there is miscommunication between the two of you that can be fixed
How To Start Over In A Relationship — 13 Tips
New relationship same person — sounds a bit challenging, doesn’t it? But don’t worry. We have compiled a list of things you can do with your partner that will revive your relationship:
1. Practice self-compassion and self-love
Scientific data shows that self-criticism makes humans weaker in the face of failure, more emotional, and less likely to learn lessons from failures. Studies are finding that there is a far better alternative to self-criticism: self-compassion. Here are some things you can do to be kind to yourself while you navigate this relationship turmoil, even if you’ve caused hurt to your partner in the past:
Avoid negative self-talk. Whenever it happens, replace it with a positive thing about yourself and the efforts you’re making
Don’t make your past actions and judgments your identity
Try to journal your negative thoughts
Set boundaries with people who hurt you, bring you down, and make you question your self-worth
Allow yourself to make mistakes, this self-compassion will extend to your partner too
If you care deeply about your partner, you’ll need to care for yourself too
2. Identify past mistakes in your current relationship
How to start over in a damaged relationship? Try to identify what went wrong. Here are some questions you can answer about your long-term relationship:
Did the two of you have a habit of fighting just to win and prove the other person wrong?
Did you always speak to each other in a condescending way?
Did either of you stop making efforts toward intimacy?
Were they unsupportive of your ambitions?
Did they try to control you or vice-versa?
Was the relationship heavily codependent?
Any of these recurring problems could have caused your relationship to fall apart. Once you find out the mistakes and agree to talk openly about your emotions, you can be happy in a relationship again.
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3. Don’t dwell on past mistakes
You have decided to let go of the negative thoughts and negative feelings. Then what’s the point of dwelling on the things that drove you both apart? Thinking about them makes you feel worse about your relationship even after you have apologized to each other.
When asked on Reddit how to stop dwelling on past mistakes, a user replied, “Accept that you are human and will screw up … sometimes spectacularly. Mistakes are an opportunity to learn something. If you keep making the same mistakes, you haven’t learned the lesson.
“Staying in the present moment helps. I’ve found that not only do I not think of past mistakes while embracing the present moment, I rarely make them while I am focused on the present. Just try making peace with the past. The brain is not our friend. It is only trying to keep us alive on a basic level. We have to train our minds to maintain our perspective.”
4. Stop the blame game right away
According to extensive research conducted by Harvard Business Review, “People who blame others for their mistakes lose status, learn less, and perform worse relative to those who own up to their mistakes.”
You can’t solve your problems and, in fact, make them worse when you don’t stop pointing fingers at each other. Here are some ways you can stop blaming your partner:
Look at the situation from each other’s perspective
Don’t take everything personally
Think about your own actions that have led to this predicament
Recognize that you’re both trying to solve the issue
Try using “I” statements more. For example, say “I feel unloved” instead of saying “You don’t love me anymore”
Tips on how to start over in a relationship
5. Partake in each other’s interests
When you are starting a relationship over as friends, take small steps. Don’t rush into the hot and heavy stuff like moving in together, constantly having sex, or getting engaged. Try to be friends before lovers. Take an interest in the things they like. If they love working out, try going to the gym with them.
If they love watching movies, stay in and watch their favorite movie. Celebrate each other’s hobbies. Take an art class together if they love making art. If you don’t have anything in common and their interests don’t interest you, then find a middle ground. Here are some other things you can do:
Use words of affirmation to remind them that you love them, no matter what
6. Practice compathy
Compassion and empathy are your best friends when you start over with someone you love. The problem with clearing problems and misunderstandings in a relationship is that people sometimes focus more on who was more wrong and how to hold it against them.
Nobody can go back in time to change what happened. Accept and embrace the impact of the hurt and, slowly, let go of it. You’ll need to stop replaying the old story at one point and focus on writing a new one with compassion, empathy, forgiveness, compromise, and positivity.
Why is it that when some think of rekindling love, they think about grand gestures and expensive gifts? This is where they go wrong when starting from scratch in a relationship. Those grand occasions are undoubtedly exciting and fun. However, this doesn’t keep two people together in the long run. Love always lies in the little things. Remember your partner’s meaningful small gestures for you over the years.
Even research backs this theory. In a survey that included over 5,000 participants, it was found that small acts of kindness were greatly valued. Those simple acts were as trivial as making a cup of tea for one’s partner. Gifts like flowers and chocolates were considered less important than the thoughtfulness behind the gesture. The survey also found that simply saying “I love you” helped provide affirming feelings and reassurance that made couples feel more loved and wanted.
8. Set boundaries with your partner
If you want to know how to start over in a broken relationship, then try setting boundaries. Many people assume that setting boundaries is unhealthy but it actually helps you love each other better. Setting boundaries is the best course to find happiness in a relationship again.
Here are some examples on what healthy boundaries look like when you start talking again with the intention of getting back together with your partner:
Spending time with friends and family, or even time by yourself, without your significant other
Not texting/calling/snapchatting/etc. each other every waking minute of the day
Not going through their phone/diary/emails/belongings/etc. Especially when there’s no good reason to be suspicious
Talking to them about major life decisions that impact both of you (i.e. taking a job that would involve relocating, having a child or more children, or marriage)
Giving each other space when needed, to deal with problems and bad moods
9. Don’t involve others in your relationship
If you let other people inside, you will only weaken the foundations of your relationship. It will also break your partner’s trust when you tell your private affairs to the world.
A relationship is about two people only. Avoid talking about your relationship drama with others who have nothing to do with your relationship, except when you need guidance from a trusted friend/family member on a recurring issue. However, it’s important to note that you should get help immediately when your romantic relationship is physically or mentally abusive.
10. Keep your demands on the table
Here is how to start over in a relationship — be precise about your wants and needs. You can’t expect your partner to be a mind reader. Let it all out. Talk about your negative thoughts and the things you are expecting from them when you are trying to revive a relationship.
Do you want more time and attention from your partner? State it clearly. Do you want them to stop criticizing you constantly? Let them know that these criticisms hurt you and your self-esteem. Do you want your partner to join support groups for their alcoholism? Tell them that you can’t see them suffering and that it’s affecting your bond severely. Demand what you want, gently.
11. Support each other in achieving goals
Ever heard of the phrase “grow together and glow together”? That’s exactly what you need to do when you are trying to start over with someone you love. Many couples fail to support their loved ones and try to undermine their goals and ambitions. Don’t be that person.
Their goals and dreams may not be relatable to you but they mean a great deal to them. It’s what gives their life a purpose and meaning. Stand by them and even if you can’t do anything to help them achieve their dreams, just use some positive words of affirmation and encourage them throughout their journey.
12. Express appreciation when they change for the better
When you have decided to move forward and let the conflicts stay in the past, then you need to acknowledge their new changes. If you sense them changing even a little bit for the better, then appreciate that. You can even thank them for trying to become a more understanding partner and for growing along with you in the relationship.
According to research, expressing appreciation toward one another increases mutual regard and comfort in voicing relationship concerns. This helps both parties express their thoughts and perspectives freely in a comfortable setting.
13. Follow the three C’s for a healthy relationship
When you are trying to find out how to start over a turbulent relationship, inculcate these three C’s in your dynamic. Communication will help you and your partner avoid misunderstandings. Compromise will build the relationship stronger and will help you value each other. Commitment is all about letting your partner know that you will be there for them in sickness and health, and through thick and thin.
Key Pointers
Starting over in a relationship means letting go of the feelings of mistrust, negativity, and resentment
You can try starting a relationship over as friends where the two of you can spend quality time together and go on date nights
Don’t start over a relationship just because you can’t see them with anyone else, or for the fear of being alone, or because you are jealous that they will move on before you
You can start a relationship over by having healthy communication and by learning how to trust without inhibitions
A state of happiness is important in a relationship. If you aren’t happy with them, it’s time to find out how to start over in a relationship or to let go of them. Both of you should be willing to compromise, communicate, and be willing to accept that no relationship or human is perfect. It’s all about finding peace in each other’s chaos.
FAQs
1. Is it okay to ever start over in a relationship?
It’s absolutely okay to start over in a relationship if you genuinely love them and can’t stand the thought of being without them. If you know in your soul that they make you a better person and that the two of you are perfect for one another, then go ahead and try to find contentment in a relationship again.
2. Does starting over in a relationship ever work?
It can only work when both the partners are willing to do their share of the work. You can’t be the only one putting in your all or vice-versa. This is a major red flag and soon you will realize you are sacrificing a lot to keep this person in your life. Relationships, especially starting over in one, should be 50-50.
3. Can you start over in a relationship?
Yes, you can. You can start over if you genuinely see a happy future with them. If you believe you are meant to be, then try to let go of the past. However, don’t start a relationship if you think you won’t find anyone better than them.
Have you ever listened to a problem that a family member or friend was sharing and immediately started giving them ideas for what they should do to make the situation better? “Read this book,” “Take this supplement,” “Buy this course,” “Get more exercise,” “Drink more water,” and on and on it goes. The person listening to you acknowledges your suggestions, leaves the conversation, and never takes your advice. Your suggestions may be beneficial, but they fall short.
How about sharing your own experience when you hear about another person’s difficult situation? Hoping it will help, you quickly tell your story relating to the current struggle. While the story may have merit, it puts the focus on you and takes the focus off the person sharing who just needed a listening ear and some encouragement.
Your desire to help and support those you care about is rooted in love, compassion, and empathy. It’s difficult to see your friends and family walk through hard things. However, it’s important to understand the limitations of your role in addressing the problems and struggles of others. You can better navigate these situations by focusing on active listening, self-reflection, respecting personal journeys, and relying on God’s wisdom and sovereignty.
In your human-ness, you cannot fix anyone else’s problems or struggles, and here’s why:
1. Listening Should Be Your First Response
In your eagerness to assist, you may jump into fix-it mode before truly hearing the full story. There is immense power in being an attentive listener. Sometimes, all someone needs is a listening ear and an empathetic heart.
By refraining from imposing your own ideas and stories, you can create a safe space where others feel heard and valued. This involves deeper listening to truly hear, not just surface listening to respond, and this is a rare gift to the other person.
Proverbs 18:13 reminds us that speaking before truly listening is unwise and leads to shame. Instead, let’s practice being quick to listen and slow to speak, recognizing that sometimes the best thing we can offer is our undivided attention and encouragement.
2. You Have Limitations
While your intentions may be genuine, it’s important to recognize that you cannot fix someone else’s problems or struggles. You must avoid coming across as judgmental or condescending by assuming you know what is best for someone else.
Instead of attempting to fix another person, you can humbly acknowledge that you have your own areas of growth and challenges to navigate. Matthew 7:3 warns against focusing on the speck in your brother’s eye while ignoring the plank in your own.
You can redirect your focus inward on yourself. By cultivating self-awareness and striving for personal growth, you become a living example of the transformation you desire to see in others.
3. The Situation Is Complex
Each person and their issues are complex, and rarely is there a simple, one-size-fits-all solution. It’s vital to acknowledge that you do not possess all of the information needed to offer a comprehensive solution.
The only person who knows all of the details about the situation at hand is the person dealing with the situation. Consequently, they are the best person equipped to find a solution.
Rather than providing quick fixes, you can be curious and ask thoughtful questions that help your friend or family member explore various possibilities to discover a resolution. This empowers them to find their own way with God’s guidance.
In being curious and asking questions, you create an environment of trust and collaboration that allows for deeper exploration and growth.
4. You Must Honor Others’ Personal Growth
God created each one of us with free will and the capacity to make our own choices. Every individual is on a unique journey of personal growth and transformation. While it may be tempting to bear the burdens of others, you must respect their path and allow them the opportunity to learn, make mistakes, grow, and mature.
Galatians 6:5 reminds us that each person must bear their own load. Instead of trying to fix someone else, you can offer your support through prayer and genuine empathy. Trusting in God’s sovereignty, you can release your desire to control the situation and allow His perfect plan to unfold.
5. You Must Honor God’s Sovereignty
You must remember that you are not God. He has a purpose and plan for everything that occurs in your life and the lives of others. When you feel compelled to intervene, you can surrender the person and their situation to God, trusting Him to work in ways beyond your comprehension.
His plans are always good, even when you can’t see that now. Think about how much you care about the person you want to rescue from their pain. Remember that God loves them more than you do. This always helps me when one of my adult children is having a hard time, and I start to get caught in fix-it mom mode.
As humans, we have limitations. We cannot change another person or situation. God is the only one who can bring lasting transformation to any person or situation.
Exodus 14:14 reassures you that “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” You can rest in this promise and let God be God.
It’s in moments of surrender that you can experience a profound sense of peace and faith. By acknowledging your limitations and placing your trust in God, you invite His wisdom and power to work in the lives of those you care about.
In your journey as a Christian, it’s essential to recognize and respect the boundaries of your role in helping others.
What would happen if you did not quickly try to fix other people’s problems? What would happen if you asked a few questions instead of offering a quick-fix solution? What would happen if you really listened when others were sharing their struggles?
James 1:19 tells us that we should be quick to listen and slow to speak.
What can you do instead of trying to fix a person or situation?
While you can’t fix someone else, you can support and encourage them through prayer and offering a listening ear. By learning to be an attentive listener, you create a safe space for others to share their hearts and find solace in being heard.
Offering encouragement and understanding can foster a deeper connection with others and demonstrates Christ’s love in a tangible way. Our role is to point others to God and His transformative power. Trusting in God’s sovereignty and understanding that change and growth are ultimately in His hands can provide comfort in challenging situations.
Ultimately, each person is responsible for their own actions, and until they take ownership of what needs to be done to move forward, there’s nothing you can say or do that will affect change or growth in their life.
Position yourself as a mom, spouse, friend, or family member who desires to understand the struggle that your family and friends are experiencing. Learn to ask good, clarifying questions that help them explore how they feel, verbally process, and formulate their next steps around the situation they are facing.
This is the best gift that you can give another person–to truly listen to them and walk alongside them as they walk through hard seasons. May you be known as a person who listens with compassion, trusts in God’s plan, and offers unwavering support.
Every new relationship begins with a promise of love, intimacy and affection. Over time, expressions of love change form and that unbridled passion can begin to dull down. A dip in intimacy can be brought on by several factors – new responsibilities, changing priorities, biological and physiological changes. Are you in a similar place in your relationship? Could it be that your wife avoids intimacy and shuns the idea of making love?
If you’re living with a gut feeling that your wife avoids intimacy on purpose, it may be time to take matters into your hand to rejuvenate your relationship. However, unless you know why your wife is avoiding sex or any forms of physical intimacy, you won’t know what you need to work on.
With the help of psychotherapist Gopa Khan (Masters in Counseling Psychology, M.Ed), who specializes in marriage and family counseling, let’s unravel the reasons behind why there’s no intimacy in your marriage from your wife, so you can ascertain the difference between an unloving wife or one who has subliminally been trying to send you a message.
Is Your Wife Not Interested In Intimacy?
“My wife avoids intimacy” — a vast majority of married men live with this nagging feeling, sometimes for years on end. So, while some continue to coax and prod their spouses to “get them in the mood,” others resign to fate and either make peace with a sex-starved existence or look for gratification elsewhere.
However, whenever one spouse withdraws from the other, there is always a risk of your marriage being almost over. This can be a disheartening situation to cope with. But, you must remember that this rejection of your sexual advances is often triggered by some underlying reasons.
“In most cases, I’ve seen that men don’t realize and acknowledge the needs of their wives. That can happen because of a lack of communication, a lack of understanding or just misinterpreting what their spouse is thinking. The reasons behind why a wife avoids physical contact can range from marital discord to just being burned out,” says Gopa.
Not addressing the problem out of fear of confrontation will only make matters worse. If your wife avoids intimacy and this lack of intimacy is beginning to take a toll on your marital bliss, it is time to have an honest conversation with your spouse.
So, before you start saying things like, “My wife never touches me anymore,” and misunderstand the problem that you’re actually facing, it’s vital that you try to focus more on why your wife never initiates physical contact.
The first step toward addressing this oft-tricky issue is to understand why your wife is acting distant and avoiding being intimate with you. As Gopa points out, the reasons can stem from resentment to communication gaps or personal issues. The sooner you understand what it is you’re going through, the quicker you’ll be able to address it. Here are the 15 most probable reasons behind your wife’s lack of interest in intimacy.
1. If your wife is avoiding sex, the emotional connect is missing
For most women, sexual desire is fueled by romantic feelings for their partner. If your wife avoids intimacy constantly, paying attention to the emotional bond you share with her may be a good starting point.
It is possible that a lack of sex may have shifted your focus on physical intimacy whereas a lack of emotional intimacy may be driving your wife away from the idea of sex.
“If physical intimacy is missing and one partner is complaining about it, you know there’s something going on. Invariably, it’s a case of emotional intimacy missing. There is a disconnect, a lack of communication and a lot of arguments.
“In my experience as a marriage counselor, I’ve seen that men can have an argument with their wives the whole day and romance their partner in the end. But for women, it’s quite different. If they’ve been fighting the whole day, physical intimacy is the last thing on their mind. The wife never initiates physical contact if she’s unhappy with the strength of the relationship,” says Gopa.
A lack of emotional connection can make it hard for women to establish physical intimacy, even with their own life partner. Therefore, building and maintaining an emotional rapport is extremely essential not just for a robust sex life but also for the overall health of the relationship.
The emotional connect is missing
2. Sex is routine and monotonous
This is especially true of couples in their 40s and 50s, or those who have been married more than 10-15 years. We received a relationship query from a man who wanted to spice things up with his wife of 29 years, but was struggling to make headway because of the spouse’s inhibitions. He wanted to break the monotony in the relationship, but she simply wouldn’t open up. Our experts helped them improve their sex life by advising a bit more spontaneity.
It’s no secret that sex after marriage tends to become monotonous, especially if neither partner makes an effort to keep the fire of passion burning. If your sex life is devoid of experimenting with new sexual positions, role play, dressing up, creating a sensual ambiance, there’s a chance that the same sexual routine has become boring and tiresome for your wife and she has started avoiding all physical contact.
Try to keep things fun and adventurous between the sheets so that your wife is unable to resist you. Instead of asking yourself something along the lines of, “What to do when wife won’t put out?” ask your partner if they’d like to experience something different in bed.
Couples can even have a thriving sex life during their 40s, if they wish to do so. The first step is to communicate with your partner about what you think you might be lacking.
A woman who feels that she’s living with a man who can’t regain her trust after cheating will most certainly have problems connecting with him on an emotional as well as physical level. If your wife seems distant, take a step back to analyze where you may have gone wrong or why you feel like she cannot trust you again.
Gopa explains how having a partner who has severe trust issues can also be the reason why there’s no intimacy in marriage from the wife. “The gender doesn’t matter here, but if you have trust issues, it’s eventually going to lead to resentment. If she’s got a spouse who is extremely suspicious, she’s not going to feel trusted or respected. How is she even going to want to have a relationship?”
In other cases, it can also be if you’ve betrayed her trust in the past. “My wife avoids spending time with me.” If this is a real concern for you then ask yourself – was there ever any infidelity or cheating on your part? An emotional affair or even a one-night stand that you think your wife doesn’t know about?
Maybe, she knows of your infidelity, but hasn’t spoken about it?The distance could be her way of punishing you and teaching you a lesson. If that’s the case, try to build a successful relationship after cheating; own up to your mistakes, have a heart-to-heart conversation with her and assure her that it’s all in the past. Perhaps, some counseling might even help.
4. She is genuinely exhausted
“The woman is doing two jobs, especially during the pandemic. She’s taking care of the house and she’s working as well. After all of that, the thought of intimacy at night becomes almost like another chore,” says Gopa.
“When women say that they’re exhausted, men can often take it as a personal rejection without realizing that she woke up at 5 a.m. If you want to romance her at 11 p.m., you need to understand that she needs time to sleep!” she adds.
Even with all the gadgets and hired help, modern women have a lot on their plate. Juggling household and professional responsibilities single-handedly is no easy feat. This could be a reason why your wife avoids sex. From work deadlines to zoom meetings to bosses to deal with, teams to manage, kids to raise, meals to cook, chores to do, errands to run and the billion other things your wife has to handle, she may just be too exhausted to even think about sex.
In this case, you can turn the tide for your sex life by simply becoming more involved in running the household and making your wife feel special by going the extra mile to reduce her burden.
You can clearly see that she is overworked and avoids intimacy. It might be time for you to be more responsible and let your wife have some “me-time.” Pamper her with a spa day or take her out on a nice vacation for two, to break the monotony and give her the relaxation she truly needs and deserves.
5. When your partner won’t touch you, there could be infidelity involved
If the lack of interest in physical intimacy came on suddenly and caught you unawares, it is possible that your wife is involved with another person. It is one of the classic signs of a cheating wife and if your gut tells you something’s up, it may be worth investigating it a bit further.
“When emotional intimacy dies a slow death in your relationship, it’s possible that it could signal an affair. The precursor for any affair is emotional intimacy,” says Gopa. Adding, “However, just because your wife avoids physical contact doesn’t necessarily mean there’s bound to be infidelity involved. As I mentioned before, the lack of physical contact can be due to a myriad of reasons.”
On the flip side, it could be that your wife suspects you of infidelity and hence has lost her trust in you. If your wife avoids intimacy, this could be her way of punishing you for something she suspects you of. In case you have nothing to hide, work on communication exercises with your partner to be able to tell her that there is no need for trust issues.
However, if the unfortunate situation arises where your wife never initiates physical contact because she’s having an affair, you need to deal with it gently. The aftermath of an affair is never easy for a marriage, but if life has thrown you this curveball, you’ve got to learn to deal with it. There is simply no point in brushing the problem under the carpet.
6. Your wife has become conscious of her body
Marriage, pregnancy, childbirth, coupled with a sea of hormonal changes at different stages of life, can make a woman gain weight and send her self-esteem nosediving. Being uncomfortable in their own skin and ashamed of the extra weight is a common reason why women start avoiding physical intimacy with their spouses.
“Women are very conscious about their bodies in general. I had a few clients who had a baby and found it difficult to start getting physically intimate with their spouses again because they’re not comfortable with their bodies,” says Gopa.
“If the husband happens to be insensitive, it ruins the relationship. If you put her down and belittle her confidence, you can’t hide behind something like, ‘My wife rejects me all the time’,” she adds.
She doesn’t like the image she sees in the mirror and that quells any sexual desire within. Your wife avoids intimacy because she feels neither desirable nor sexy. If your spouse has been going through such a patch, you must be a supportive husband post-pregnancy. Help her through this transition and ensure that she feels confident, no matter what changes her body has gone through.
Now that you know that this could also be the reason why your wife avoids physical contact, you need to be her rock and convince her that you still think she’s as beautiful as the day when you first met her.
7. Family problems may be troubling her
Women’s inherent nesting instinct naturally shifts their focus to family and kids, and this may, in turn, affect the mind space she can allocate to you and sexual desires. If there are other underlying problems such as financial constraints or strained relationships with the in-laws, the stress could be killing her libido and be the reason why your wife avoids sex.
“When a woman has to live with her in-laws, it’s a major change from the way she had been living before. She needs someone to act as a buffer, to provide support and not make it seem like she’s in it alone. When the support isn’t there, the emotional intimacy and the physical intimacy are going to suffer. In other cases, when the in-laws are constantly meddling the resentment may make it seem like you have an unloving wife but she’s actually just frustrated at the lack of privacy,” says Gopa.
You can help by mediating such issues or chalking a way out of the problem together, to restore her peace of mind and bring back the passion in your bedroom.
Think back to the time when you were dating. In all likelihood, you went the extra mile to dress up for her, look good, smell good and stay groomed in anticipation of getting some action.
If the marriage has made you take your personal hygiene for granted, this lax attitude could be a total turn-off for her. In such a case, it could be the reason why your wife avoids intimacy. You can’t really blame her, can you?
Sometimes, the answer to, “My wife rejects me all the time and I don’t know why,” can be the simple fact that you’re not taking care of yourself anymore. So, get your act together, start showering in the evenings, put on some cologne for her and, most importantly, keep things well groomed and hygienic down there.
9. Depression or mental health issues
An underlying, undetected mental health issue can affect sex drive. For example, depression, as well as the medication used to manage it, can take a toll on one’s libido. Gopa explains how such mental health issues can affect your physical intimacy. “Obviously, if a person is feeling low and they’re feeling depressed, they’re not going to want to interact with others, they’re going to want to isolate themselves. In most cases, I’ve seen that when one partner is depressed, after a period of time, the other starts to feel depressed as well.
“When your partner won’t touch you, it’s important to take a look at any mental health issues that may be affecting them.” In such cases, it is imperative to get the right kind of help and hold your wife’s hand through this extremely challenging journey. The sexual spark will return when she emerges out of it, stronger and healthier.
If there’s no intimacy in your marriage from your wife and you’ve realized that she may be suffering through mental health issues, Bonobology’s panel of experienced therapists can help guide your partner through this turbulent time, and perhaps re-establish the harmonious relationship you yearn for.
10. Underlying medical problems
Just like mental health, physical well-being is also essential for women to feel sexually charged up. An undiagnosed, underlying medical condition can also be the reason for a decreased sex drive.
Gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, PCOD, uterine fibroids and pelvic pain can make it difficult for women to enjoy sex. This causes them to shy away from physical intimacy. If you think your wife avoids intimacy because of an underlying condition, it’s best to seek medical help at the earliest.
11. The kids have become a priority
Your wife may have become so involved in raising the kids that her relationship with you takes a backseat. This can lead to her becoming physically and emotionally distant in the marriage.
“My wife never touches me anymore after we’ve had our child,” Greg told us. “Since this is our first child, I don’t even know what’s normal and what isn’t. Friends and family say there’s going to be a decrease in libido, but it’s been almost a whole year since she has even initiated anything,” he added.
If that’s the reason why your wife avoids intimacy, you have to drive home the importance of intimacy between a couple for a happy, healthy marriage. She may not understand the first time around, but if you keep trying, perhaps she’ll understand the need to maintain a balance between her roles as a mother and a wife.
12. When your wife avoids physical contact, it could be because of resentment
“If there’s resentment in the marriage, it’s bound to manifest itself in a sexless marriage. I had a client recently who was so angry at her spouse, she said she didn’t want to have any physical intimacy with her husband, “If he wants to get divorced, let him get divorced,” she said. When there’s a disconnect and communication gaps that lead to resentment, the hostility will make itself apparent in some way or the other,” says Gopa.
Resentment in the marriage eventually leads to conflict and arguments. It’s easy to see why such discord will eventually manifest itself in the bedroom. Instead of focusing on harmful sentiments like, “What to do when wife won’t put out?” try to work on the issues you two are having.
13. You are not catering to her sexual needs
If the sex is all about you, it’s no surprise that your partner may not want to indulge in it. Introspect a little and see how invested you are in her pleasure. Remember it’s never too late to start. Cater to her needs, indulge in some foreplay, and stop being selfish!
Sex is not just about giving what you get, it’s about an experience that both partners should enjoy equally. Take time to learn about the secrets of sex all women wish men knew, learn your way around her body and plan a special evening together.
14. You are unable to give her time
You may have become so engrossed in your work or friends that you just don’t spend quality time with your wife. A lack of time and attention will naturally cause distance to creep into the marriage, which will take its toll on your sex life too.
You can set things right on this front by planning special dates and mini-vacations so that you can both focus on each other and your relationship without worrying about work, finances, kids and other things.
15. She may be coping with baby blues
Postpartum depression can be difficult
Childbirth is a life-altering experience that’s not just hard on a woman’s body but also her mind. Almost all new moms experience what is medically described as the baby blues – a sudden feeling of sadness after giving birth, coupled with mood swings and irritability, among other symptoms.
In some cases, this can escalate into postpartum depression, which is a common reason why many women experience a lack of sexual desire after childbirth. Gopa explains how it can be detrimental to your physical intimacy. “Most women who go through postpartum depression also find it increasingly difficult to get physically involved. Not getting the right treatment, not knowing how to deal with depression and then having the pressure to get into physical intimacy is not a good mix. “
A woman’s lack of interest in physical intimacy can be quite an intriguing puzzle to solve. While some of the underlying factors can be weeded out with the right approach and mindset, others can be more damaging to the entire relationship. Whatever the case, do your best and work with your wife to restore that spark in your marriage. Don’t hold it against her. Talk to your wife about the lack of intimacy and work through your issues together, as a team. Hopefully, you now know just what to work on, with the help of the reasons why your wife never initiates physical contact.
In a Christian home, family devotion is vital. It is a time when family members gather together to worship God, study His Word, pray for one another, and encourage each other with faith. For believers, family devotion is not only a duty but a privilege and a blessing, as it strengthens the bond of love and unity among the family members and helps them grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible teaches us that God has instituted the family as the basic unit of society. And He has given parents the responsibility to train their children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6). Therefore, parents can fulfill their God-given role as teachers and good examples for their children through family devotions.
By worshiping God as a family, you demonstrate that you belong to Him and that He is your highest priority. This practice also shows that your home is not conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of your minds (Romans 12:2). Family devotion also serves as a testimony to the world of the reality and power of the gospel. If done right, family devotion can serve as a means of witnessing to neighbors, friends, relatives, and others who may observe or hear about it. It may even lead some to seek the Lord and His salvation.
Unlike what most people might think, family devotion is not a burden but a joy. It is not a legalistic ritual but a spontaneous expression of love and gratitude to God. It is a creative opportunity to connect with God and each other and can be done at any time of the day, in any place, and in any way that suits the family’s needs. The important thing is that the family devotes time regularly to honoring God.
Family devotion is a precious gift from God; it is a means of grace and growth for every Christian home. It serves as a source of peace and comfort in times of trouble and a fountain of joy and hope in times of despair. It is a treasure that we should cherish and guard with all our hearts.
Your Role as Parents in Family Devotion
Devotion acts as a method of strengthening the links of love and solidarity among family members while also growing in faith, so the Christian parents’ roles as spiritual leaders in the family are critical.
Parents have the responsibility and privilege of leading their children in the ways of the Lord and modeling a godly lifestyle for them. As a Christian parent, you are the major spiritual instructor and influence in your children’s lives. You have the chance to inculcate in your children a love for God and His Word, respect for His presence, a passion for His purpose, and a desire to do what He says. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 reminds us, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
You have the ability and power to encourage spiritual talents in your offspring. You must pray for the protection, guidance, healing, and prosperity of your children. You may give encouragement to your children, as well as reveal God’s promises to them. You may even lay hands on them to receive the anointing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, it is your ultimate goal to make family devotion a priority and a habit by designating a certain time and location for it. You may choose resources and ways for family devotion that are suited to your children’s ages and interests. It is also important for parents to make family devotion pleasant and engaging by including their kids in the planning and participation.
Learn to share your experiences and testimonies with other families and encourage them to do the same. This may encourage them to join or start family groups that gather regularly for family devotion and encourage one another on their spiritual path.
Benefits of Family Devotion
Regular devotion time together is one of the most satisfying and joyful activities a Christian family can participate in. It is an excellent method to develop the bonds of love, trust, and faith among household members while also growing closer to God as a family unit.
Here are some of the advantages of family devotions and why Christians must make them a priority:
Family devotions allow you to study and apply God’s Word to real-life circumstances. Families may acquire knowledge, insight, and direction from God’s Word by reading and debating it together and then applying it to their personal and family difficulties. It may also assist families in memorizing and reflecting on significant Scriptures that will encourage and inspire them throughout the day.
Family devotions develop a prayer and worship culture in the home, during which families may express their gratitude and needs to God by praying and thanking Him together and feeling His presence and peace in their midst. Family devotions may also assist families in interceding for one another, family, friends, neighbors, the church, and the world. Praying and worshiping together may help enhance the family’s love and regard for God and foster a desire to honor Him in all they do.
Family devotion also boosts each family member’s spiritual growth and development. They may assist each other in their knowledge, understanding, and connection with God through spending time with God together. It also helps parents model and teach their children how to follow Jesus, live according to His will, and share His love with others. Family devotions may also assist kids in developing a personal faith and a virtuous character that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Psalm 133:1 says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Family devotions ultimately help families develop a strong sense of togetherness, identity, and purpose as a God-honoring family. They may experience the gifts of God’s grace, love, and power in their connections with Him and with each other by making family devotions a priority and a routine in their homes.
Practical Tips for Family Devotions
A wonderful way for a Christian family to develop faith and love is through family devotion. Though devotions can be difficult to keep up with, here are some helpful suggestions to make your family devotions more enjoyable:
Pick a regular time and location. Your family may prioritize devotions and stay focused by following a pattern. Whether it’s early in the morning, just after supper, or right before bed, find a time that works for everyone. Choose a calm, comfortable location, like the living room, dining room, or lawn.
Make use of various resources. There are numerous books, software programs, websites, and podcasts that you can use to give your family devotional content. Use your Bible, hymnal, or prayer book if you choose. Use different resources for various days to vary things. This can maintain your family’s interest and involvement.
Include all parties. Family devotions involve more than just the parents leading and the kids following. Everyone is welcome to take part and make contributions in various ways. You can alternate between reading the Scripture passage, picking a piece of music, sharing thoughts, asking questions, and praying aloud. Additionally, you can designate roles like leader, reader, prayer leader, or singer.
Be adaptable and imaginative. Family rituals don’t have to be strict or monotonous. You can modify them to fit the requirements of your household. Depending on your schedule and attention span, you can make them shorter or longer. Through the use of games, crafts, activities, or stories, you can also make them entertaining and engaging.
Concentrate on the main idea. Family devotions shouldn’t be treated as a lesson or test. They are intended to assist your family in learning more about God and His Word and practical ways to incorporate truth into your daily lives. Avoid getting caught up in the minutiae or disagreements. Keep your attention on the passage’s or lesson’s major topic and how it applies to your family.
Be transparent and truthful. Family devotions provide a secure forum for communication between members of your family and with God. Be open and honest about your difficulties, your uncertainties, and concerns, as well as your compliments and requests. Encourage one another to listen respectfully and communicate truthfully.
Pray for one another. Family devotions are a fantastic time for everyone to pray for one another. You can offer prayers for the members’ individual needs or requests and for general blessings or direction. Outside your family, you can also pray for missionaries, friends, and relatives. Praying for one another can deepen your relationship and demonstrate your concern.
Emmanuel Abimbola is a creative freelance writer, blogger, and web designer. He is a devout Christian with an uncompromising faith who hails from Ondo State in Nigeria, West Africa. As a lover of kids, Emmanuel runs a small elementary school in Arigidi, Nigeria.
The rise of the internet and social media has introduced unprecedented challenges into our lives. The issues range from addiction to poor time management, from skewed work-life balance to chronic backaches. Another aspect of our life the internet has infiltrated is our romantic relationships and the issue of social media cheating.
While traditional forms of cheating were primarily associated with physical intimacy, social media has expanded the possibilities of betrayal. Emotional affairs take place through DMs, through intimate exchanges of photos or videos, and even by forming deep connections with strangers online. This has begun to redefine the boundaries of fidelity and trust within relationships, making it difficult to navigate through blurred lines.
In this article, we look at the expanse of the problem at hand and find out how to deal with it. By the end of the article, you should have answers to questions like:
Is Facebook flirting cheating? My girlfriend is on it all the time
Is it normal for your boyfriend to look at other woman on Instagram?
My husband compliments other woman on social media? Is it considered cheating?
What should I do if I find out my wife has a virtual affair?
What Is Social Media Cheating
Social media cheating or internet cheating is exactly what it sounds like. It is an act of engaging in romantic or sexual interactions with someone other than one’s partner through various social media platforms. According to the findings of the Pew Research Center, Over 72% of the American population is a social media user. As per another study by OOSGA, as of 2022, on average there are about 470.1 million active social media users in India on a monthly basis with an annual growth rate of 4.2 % in 2021-22.
These numbers are only increasing, directly affecting the numbers on social media cheating statistics. If dating sites for married people are to vouch for anything it is this. But, has infidelity merely converted from physical cheating to digital infidelity, or have the overall cases just increased? And more importantly, what is it about social media that makes it so easy to cheat over? The thing is:
Accessibility: Social media platforms provide the possibility to interact with many more people in much less time, with much more ease (just a click of a button), than it would ever be possible to do in real life
Privacy: It’s a fertile ground for individuals to create hidden online identities, allowing them to engage in shady behavior
Anonymity: Moreover, anonymity on the internet allows even reserved and introverted people to feel confident about approaching other people
Now, it is important to note that blaming social media for trust issues in your relationship is not a healthy approach. SM is not inherently responsible for cheating. It is the choices and actions of individuals that lead to infidelity. Understanding the dynamics and impact of online affairs can help individuals and couples navigate the complexities of digital relationships. But the real work towards building trust and maintaining healthy partnerships goes much deeper than avoiding SM platforms.
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What is considered cheating on social media?
The most common questions people struggling with this issue face, look something like this:
Is looking at pictures cheating?
is sending pictures cheating?
Is saving pictures cheating?
Is acting single on social media cheating?
Is online flirting considered cheating?
Is deleting messages considered cheating?
If he hides you on social media, is your boyfriend cheating on you?
Are all these signs of micro-cheating?
The point is, there is a lot of self-doubt people have when it comes to being cheated on, and a lot of leeway people wish to take when they are presented with an opportunity to cheat. Which is why so much confusion around things that are considered cheating.
If you paid attention to what is considered cheating in a relationship – offline or online – you would know that even if you are literally not having a physical connection with someone other than your partner, you are engaging in a behavior that you wish to hide from them, breaking several tenets of a healthy relationship: communication, honesty, and trust. You are engaging in emotional infidelity. Then there is another question, “is online cheating really cheating?” We would like to reiterate what we just mentioned. Cheating is cheating, even if it is online
We know now how the accessibility, privacy, and anonymity of the internet can simply provide you with the opportunity to cheat, making it easier to engage in digital infidelity. We are no longer limited to a friend’s friend, or your partner’s acquaintance, or a coworker. Literally, the entire world is at your finger tips when it comes to interacting over social media.
But social media and cheating do not need to go hand in hand. Let us look at social media habits that simply increase the chances of engaging in adulterous behavior online which you should strictly try to avoid. You don’t want to be caught red-handed hurting your partner, because cheaters exposed on social media face harrowing ordeals.
1. Excessive time spent on social media
This is probably the most obvious but crucial piece of advice. Social media effects on relationship might not always be directly related to infidelity. But spending excessive amounts of time on social media can lead to neglect of one’s partner and relationship, creating an opportunity for emotional connections with others.
2. Engaging in secretive online behavior
Engaging in secretive behaviors such as using private messaging apps, deleting chat histories, deleting search history, deleting text messages, changing passwords, or hiding online interactions from a partner can be a red flag for potential social media infidelity. If you are feeling the need to hide your activities from your spouse, it is clear that something is amiss, such as a lack of affection and intimacy. You need to talk to your spouse right away or else you will slowly inch your way toward internet cheating.
3. Flirty or inappropriate online interactions
Engaging in flirty or sexually suggestive conversations with others on social media platforms can blur the lines of fidelity and open the door to emotional or physical infidelity. This may include responding to, liking, commenting, saving, sharing, and engaging in any way with suggestive pictures or posts, or other similar social media flirting signs. Such behavior can easily be clubbed under micro-flirting and can eventually lead to adulterous behavior.
Creating multiple social media accounts, especially ones that are kept hidden from a partner, can indicate a desire for secretive connections or interactions with others. Having fake profiles or fake accounts on FB is one of the most common Facebook cheating signs your partner can catch you red-handed with.
5. Seeking validation from people online
Relying on social media interactions with strangers or exes for validation, compliments, or emotional support can create a sense of emotional distance within a relationship and pave the way for emotional infidelity. Many people end up reconnecting with an ex online to see how well (or not) they have been doing to secretly feel good about themselves. This is unhealthy behavior to say the least and makes you feel stuck in the past.
6. Following or liking inappropriate content
Consistently following or liking explicit or provocative content on social media platforms may indicate a desire for sexual stimulation outside of the committed relationship, and is one of the most prevalent social media flirting signs. While you may think you are not yet engaging in adulterous behavior, you are not far from it.
Keeping active dating profiles on dating sites while being in a committed relationship is a clear indication of seeking potential romantic or sexual connections outside of the partnership. It couldn’t get clearer than this, that you are tipping toward inappropriate behavior that may hurt your partner and your relationship if it were to come out in the open.
8. Sharing intimate or personal details
Sharing intimate or personal details about the relationship with strangers or online acquaintances can breach the trust and privacy within the partnership and lay the tombstone of emotional cheating. That married man you met online who totally gets how monotonous married life can get, and who you tell how your partner arrived home tired once again last night, is not just an opportunity for you to vent. You are creating emotional intimacy with this person without the knowledge of your spouse and hence are engaging in emotional cheating.
9. Ignoring real life relationship boundaries in the virtual world
Social media boundaries in relationships are usually very specific to social media usage. But before that, normal healthy relationship boundaries can work as a guide to how to behave online. Disregarding agreed-upon boundaries or crossing the line between platonic and romantic interactions on social media is not much different than doing so in the real world. Cozying up with someone online or bad-mouthing your partner to someone else over Insta DM is Instagram cheating! After all, these behaviors can create emotional connections that may evolve into infidelity.
Trampling of social media boundaries can lead to a virtual affair
How To Spot Social Media Cheating In Your Relationship?
Looking for signs your girlfriend is cheating on social media, or reasons to believe your boyfriend has a secret relationship online? No one here is booking a hotel room you can send your private investigator to, to fetch you intimate photos from. Then, how do you spot signs of an online affair and are they any different from signs of cheating? This is how:
1. Notice changes in social media usage patterns
Pay attention to any significant changes in your partner’s social media habits. A social media cheating spouse will become secretive about their online activities, spend excessive amounts of time on social media, or consistently prioritize their virtual interactions over quality time with you. A sudden change in the way they spend time online could be a sign of potential social media infidelity.
2. Look for hidden or secondary social media accounts
Check if your partner maintains multiple social media accounts that they keep hidden from you. Having secret profiles or using aliases can indicate a desire to engage in deceptive or illicit online interactions without your knowledge. This behavior indicates a clear connection between social media and infidelity.
3. Observe flirtatious or inappropriate interactions
Be vigilant for any flirty or sexually suggestive comments, messages, or interactions your partner engages in with others on social media. If you notice consistent patterns of inappropriate behavior, such as liking provocative posts or engaging in explicit conversations, or cheating text message codes, these may be a warning sign of internet infidelity.
Even coming across non-suggestive interaction that suggests that your partner is bonding with someone else online while growing distant from you, can hit you in the stomach. This indicates emotional intimacy which ideally your partner should be sharing with you. Here is an emotional affair texting example:
Sender: I have been looking at my phone all day long, waiting for your reaction to this!
Recipient: Lol. Why?
Sender: I don’t know. May be coz you get me?!
Recipient: Haha. I know! I feel the same way.
Sender: I mean, we are alike in more ways than one.
Pay attention to changes in your partner’s emotional availability and openness. If they become emotionally distant, secretive about their online interactions, or reluctant to share their social media activities with you, it could indicate that they are fostering emotional connections with others outside the relationship. A growing lack of emotional connection in your own relationship can also indicate toward the same thing.
5. Trust your gut instincts and intuition
You always don’t need literal signs your girlfriend is cheating on social media. If there is one thing you can rely on, it’s your gut. Intuition can be a powerful indicator of potential social media infidelity. If you have a persistent feeling that something is amiss or that your partner is being unfaithful through social media, it is crucial to trust your instincts. Validate your concerns by gathering evidence and having an open and honest conversation with your partner about your suspicions.
Remember, while these signs can raise suspicions, they do not guarantee that an online affair is taking place. It is essential to approach the situation with empathy, open communication, and a willingness to work through any issues that may be affecting the relationship. If you find something fishy, it is essential to address this discovery with open communication and clear the air. A deeper understanding of your partner’s motives and behaviors, can resolve any misunderstanding, if there is.
How To Deal with Social Media Cheating? 5 Tips
Discovering that a social media affair is happening in your relationship can be a challenging situation to navigate and can make you question what has been lacking in your relationship. While there could be underlying issues, social media and infidelity, unfortunately, go together for chronic cheaters. Merely the opportunity to cheat, or getting attention, or the lure of quenching boredom can draw many people to the act.
Dealing with social media and infidelity is not different than any case of infidelity in a relationship. Here are five tips on how to deal with it:
1. Confront the issue directly
Once you have observed Facebook cheating signs or suspect Snapchat cheating, it is crucial to address the issue directly with your partner. Initiate an open and honest conversation about your concerns, expressing how their behavior on social media has affected you and the relationship. Listen with an open mind. Maybe this has to do with a difference in value system, commitment levels, or understanding of infidelity. Talking openly can help bring you both on the same page.
2. Assess the relationship
Take time to reflect on the overall health of the relationship. Evaluate whether internet infidelity is indicative of deeper issues within the partnership. Consider factors such as trust, communication, and emotional connection. Assess whether both partners are willing to work towards rebuilding trust and addressing the underlying relationship problems.
3. Establish clear boundaries
Set clear boundaries regarding social media usage and behavior within the relationship. Discuss clear cut expectations, such as what is considered appropriate and inappropriate online interactions. Talk among yourself and see if you are both on the same page. Is following an NSFW account on Reddit, Reddit cheating? Is liking an old post of an ex considered Instagram cheating? Establishing social media boundaries in relationships can help rebuild trust and provide a framework for healthy digital behavior moving forward.
Educate yourself about internet cheating and the impact of social media on relationships. Research articles, studies, and resources by relationship experts on social media and cheating to gain insight into the topic. You may also consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who can provide guidance and help you navigate the complexities of the situation. Should you need to consult a relationship expert, Bonobology’s panel of counselors is here to help you.
5. Focus on healing and growth
Rebuilding trust takes time and effort from both partners. It is essential to prioritize healing and growth as individuals and as a couple. Engage in open and honest communication, attend couples therapy if needed, and invest in activities that promote emotional connection and trust-building. Remember that healing is a process, and it is essential to have patience and commitment during this journey.
Key Pointers
Social media cheating is becoming more and more prevalent
If you are developing physical or emotional intimacy with anyone other than yoru partner without their consent, be it online or offline, you are engaging in infidelity
Online affairs often start with exes looking up each other on social media. An urge to connect with an old flame can quickly escalate to an emotional or physical affair
Social media also gives you a chance to connect with countless like-minded people, increasing the likelihood of cheating
Even if there is no cheating yet, secretive social media activity can trigger insecurity and trust issues in a relationship
As technology continues to shape our lives, it becomes crucial to recognize the potential risks and have open conversations about boundaries and expectations within relationships. By fostering communication, consent, trust, and mutual respect, we can navigate the complexities of social media and preserve the foundations of committed healthy loving relationships.
FAQs
1. What is considered cheating on social media?
Social media cheating is everything from sending heart emojis to an ex-flame online, texting them all day, sending fire emojis to their Instagram stories, and then, actually making plans to meet them. No matter how harmless it might seem in one’s head, it is indeed a tricky path to go down.
2. Is online infidelity cheating?
Absolutely. Social media infidelity is a standalone phenomenon, but at the end of the day, if it is something that is happening without your partner’s consent, it would hurt your spouse and is considered cheating.
Life is finite but love is infinite. Love outlives us all. It lives on in the past even when two people have moved on. When someone loves you, their world revolves around you. They will want to fetch the stars for you, they will effortlessly bring out the best in you and themselves.
According to research, hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin are the reason that you feel a surge of positive emotions when you are attracted to someone. That’s why your happiness knows no bounds when you are around them. They make you feel stronger. They make you feel like you could achieve anything you desire in this world. But how do you know someone loves you genuinely? We bring you all the signs someone is in love with you to add more clarity to your love life.
18 Surefire Signs Someone Loves You With All Their Heart
If you are wondering whether the person you are seeing loves you or is just faking it, you have come to the right place. We have listed below all the signs someone loves you deeply.
1. Notice how they look at you
One of the first things that happens when you fall in love with someone is that you want to keep gazing at them. You want to notice how their lips twitch when they are listening to their favorite songs. You want to notice how their body language changes when they talk about the things they love. You just want to keep looking at them.
Eye contact attraction is very real. The way someone looks at you when they love you will be completely different from the gaze of someone who doesn’t love you. Here are some of the things the former will do differently:
They will lock their eyes with you for a longer period of time
They will stare at you when you aren’t looking. And when you catch them staring at you, they won’t look away
Their eyes will smile when they look at you
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2. Their body language is different around you
Body language is yet another sign that will let you know about a person’s feelings and intentions. Even if their lips hesitate to confess their feelings, their body language will speak volumes:
They will give you longer hugs. According to a study, longer hugs were found to give people an immediate pleasure boost as compared to shorter ones lasting for a second
They will mirror you
They will angle their body toward you
They will maintain eye contact
They will constantly smile even when you aren’t talking to them
If it’s a shy person, then they will act a little nervous and jittery around you
How to know if someone loves you secretly? They will be protective of you. But there is a thin line between being protective and controlling. A person who is protective of you will hold your hand when you are trying to cross a busy road. However, a person who is controlling will go crazy when somebody else tries to touch you or talk to you.
Jenna, a 27-year-old tarot card reader from Manhattan, says, “I knew he was the one for me when I noticed how protective he got. He would advise me on what’s right and wrong but would never expect me to comply. He never once asked me to stop talking to one of my guy friends whom I used to date. He is so secure in our relationship and makes me feel the same. I’ve never felt love like this before and I’ve never been happier.”
4. They compromise equally
One of the signs someone loves you deeply is when they compromise equally. It’s one of the most essential keys to a healthy and peaceful relationship. It’s one of the indirect ways your partner is showing you respect. So, how do you know someone loves you? When they won’t let you go out of your way to sacrifice yourself for the betterment of the relationship.
Your desire will be as important as theirs. If you purchase movie tickets, then they will buy popcorn. If you travel to the place you always wanted to visit, then let them select the hotel you both will be staying at. If you spent Thanksgiving with their family this year, the next year will be spent with yours. These are some basic yet meaningful ways you can compromise to keep each other happy.
5. You feel safe with them
What does it feel like to have someone love you truly? You feel safe with them. Both emotionally and physically. You feel relaxed around them. You don’t have to hide your insecurities and pretend to be perfect. You will put your guard down and be your authentic self.
Feeling safe in a relationship means not being with someone who constantly criticizes you and puts you down. Emotional safety in a relationship is where your concerns will be heard and addressed. If you are with someone who makes you feel secure, you are with the right person.
6. They prioritize your needs
When someone is crazy about you, they will make you and your needs their priority. They will take quality time out of their schedule to spend with you. They will make sure you fit into their world as well as they fit into yours. Their individual needs will align, or compromise in a healthy way, with yours.
Some of the signs that show they prioritize your needs include:
They will check in with you to see if they are able to fulfill your emotional needs
They’ll ask you if your sexual needs are being met
They will not treat you like a last resort
7. They care for you
One of the clear signs someone loves you deeply is when they care for you. They won’t just look after you when you are sick but they will also care for you when you are in good health. Here are some things that will prove they care for you:
Cooking for you
Helping you with chores
Asking how your day went
Showing up at your door when you are feeling low
Trying to make you laugh when you are down
Not damaging your self-esteem and self-worth
Driving safely and responsibly when you are with them
One of the physical signs someone is in love with you is when they value your opinions, perspectives, and judgments as much as they value their own. They won’t make fun of your flawed judgment and they will make sure your perspective is seen and understood even if not implemented.
Dominic, a 32-year-old anthropologist from Boston, says, “I have never felt love the way I feel it with my current partner. He values my opinions and has never tried to disregard them or made me feel invalidated. I am going to propose to him soon, as I can see myself spending the rest of my life with him.”
9. They listen to you properly
When someone has fallen head over heels in love with you, they will listen to you intently. A good listener won’t try to cut you off when you are speaking your heart out or trying to influence you. You will feel content after sharing your woes with them, and your world will seem less burdened. They will accept you on your good and bad days.
Even research backs this theory. It was found that attentive listening while the other partner expressed stress was significantly linked with better dyadic coping behaviors and higher relationship satisfaction. When a person displays less attentive listening when their partner is expressing their woes and worries, it resulted in a negative interaction between them.
Surefire signs someone likes you with all their heart
10. They offer the last bite of a delicious meal
How to know if someone loves you secretly? They will offer you the last slice of pizza or the last bite of that heavenly chocolate cake. This is a little silly but trust me, this is one of the sweetest ways a person shows love. You can see it on their face that they love you when they let you have the last bite of a meal they were drooling over a second ago.
A Reddit user shares what makes them feel loved, “It could just be that he’s full, and it really may not be that deep, but food is the way to just about anyone’s heart. Thus, it shows he’s always thinking of you and cares if he offers you the last bite. I know love is multifaceted and I’m not that shallow, but it just gives me all the feels when my SO offers me the last bite off his plate. Surely I’m not alone in this thinking.”
11. They don’t use your vulnerabilities against you
Every person has vulnerabilities and insecurities they fight with on a daily basis. When you share them with someone, it’s because you love this person enough to trust them with your vulnerabilities. When someone has fallen for you sincerely, they will never try to use those aspects to hurt you.
They will help you embrace your weaknesses. Research supports this theory and says people who self-disclose and become vulnerable with a romantic partner and perceive their partner’s response as supportive, tend to experience increased intimacy with their partner.
12. They support your dreams
A person who loves you will encourage you to chase your dreams. They know you have the potential to achieve your end goal. This is the way someone looks at you when they love you. Some more signs of a supportive partner include:
They understand your schedule and won’t force you to hang out with them
They celebrate your big and small accomplishments alike
They offer advice when required, and don’t expect you to follow it
They are your biggest cheerleader
13. You can communicate with them freely without any hesitation
Research has found that communication is the bedrock or the “heart” in supporting and promoting relationship satisfaction. When communication deteriorates, a couple enters into an inevitable decline.
What does it feel like to have someone love you? You will feel like you can talk your heart out without the fear of being judged. You can talk to them about the fight you had with your friend even when you were the one at fault. You can talk to them about your family situation if things have turned sour between you and your sibling. You know you are being heard and you won’t worry about the conversation leaving the room.
The more you talk to them, the more easygoing the relationship becomes. Furthermore, better communication in relationships helps two people understand each other. It strengthens their bond because it gives more clarity into one another’s thought process. When you communicate clearly and freely, there is less room for assumptions, conjectures, and misunderstandings.
14. They respect you
A study was conducted to find out how the presence or absence of respect affects intimate relationships. It was found that in relationships where respect was present, the results correlated with several love and sexual attitudes, relationship satisfaction, commitment, and self-disclosure, as hypothesized.
A lack of respect in relationships will eventually create problems between partners. The way someone looks at you when they love you is with the utmost respect. It’s not just about talking to you with a gentle voice or opening the door for you. Respect can also look like this:
They will show up on time and respect your time in other ways as well
They will respect your physical boundaries. If you don’t want to be touched, they will respect that and maintain a safe distance
They will be proud of you and won’t make you feel as if you are inferior to them even if you earn less than them. They will be proud of you no matter what
They will be honest with you
Being loyal is another sign of their love and respect
Adversities are a part of life. When this person doesn’t leave your side at your lowest, it’s one of the clear signs they are serious about you and that they see a future with you. For example, you just got fired from your job and you don’t know how you are going to get back on your feet.
A true partner who loves you will make sure you don’t lose hope. They will help you find a new job or whatever it is that your heart wants. They won’t dump you just because you are going through a financial crisis.
16. They will try to take an interest in your interests
It’s a rare thing to be in a relationship with someone where your interests match. It’s great if you are with someone who likes the same things as you do. However, if you are in a relationship with someone who is your polar opposite, then you might have a tough time trying to find a common ground in which you can connect with your partner on a deeper level and collaborate.
Some people end their relationships based on such incompatibility. On the other hand, some try to take an interest in your likes. If you like baking, then they will try to learn a thing or two about baking as well.
17. They fight to resolve
You will have conflicts because you are two different people with different personalities. However, you will know they are the one for you when they fight to resolve, not to win. Some of the ‘fighting fair in a relationship‘ rules include:
When they are mad about you, they won’t say mean things just to hurt you when they are angry
They will make sure you both are on the same team and are fighting a problem
If you start to blame them, they will remind you that you are a team and you need to work this out together
One of the signs that someone is in love with you is that they won’t bully you during the conflict
They won’t stonewall you or give you the silent treatment after or instead of the conflict
18. Your gut tells you they love you
Intuition is one of the biggest tools that help you make the right decision. When your gut tells you that this person loves you sincerely, go with it because your gut works based on intuition, logic, and information available at your disposal. It’s one of the physical signs you experience when you suspect someone of having a romantic interest in you. If you have enough evidence to suggest that this person loves you truly, then your instincts will let you know. Even your friends will tell you that you’ve been looking and behaving differently.
Key Pointers
One of the signs someone loves you is when they give you all their attention when you’re speaking to them
Some other signs of true love include prioritizing each other’s needs, communicating openly, and overcoming relationship challenges and problems together
A person who truly loves you will make sure your opinions and feelings are heard and validated
When someone loves you deeply, they won’t keep you in the dark. They will introduce you to their friends and family. They will make you feel validated and never try to change you. They will acknowledge your differences and instead of mocking them, they will respect and accept you.
FAQs
1. Can you feel that someone loves you?
Yes. You can feel that someone adores you when they put their phone down while you are talking to them. They won’t be able to keep their eyes off you. They will be considerate, compassionate, and empathetic, especially on your bad days.
2. How long does it take to feel true love?
There is no time frame for this. Each relationship has a different pace. Some fall in love after 3 months of being in a relationship and some do as soon as they start dating.
Don’t get me wrong. The man who courted and later married me isn’t just a Christ follower. John also exemplifies the love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, on a daily basis. Get to know my husband, and you’ll see how the above description fits him like a tailored suit. There’s no way I would’ve nodded yes if John weren’t a Christian, to begin with.
Yet here I am, toiling to see if there could be any loophole that might sanction dating a nonbeliever. This is partly because I abhor adding yet more bad rep about Christians or Christianity. But the main reason is that I don’t want anyone to mistake God for a grouchy killjoy.
At the same time, I won’t be doing you any good by lying to you. So, can we talk about this? One tip to help you make it through this article is to keep an open heart. (Especially if you’re already dating an unbeliever.) Let’s review possible reasons why you might consider relaxing your standards by dating just anyone.
1. Compromise
As the people of God, we are set apart for His use (1 Peter 2:9). Because of this, God draws a boundary around who we are allowed to marry: “Stop becoming unevenly yoked with unbelievers. What partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? What fellowship can light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14, ISV).
Dating is meant to serve as a precursor to marriage. As such, dating an unbeliever means you’re endorsing the possibility of sharing the rest of your life with someone who doesn’t share your faith.
Which is a risky business.
As Jesus said, “even if you were to gain all the wealth and power of this world—at the cost of your own life—what good would that be? And what could be more valuable to you than your own soul?” (Matthew 16:26, TPT).
Compromise poses significant risks. Before compromising your convictions by dating outside biblical boundaries, weigh things carefully.
2. Nothing Serious
But perhaps you’re just having fun. Maybe you’re not ready to settle down and are only in the market for free food. Flirting. What’s the harm in dating a nonbeliever if this is your mindset?
Plenty. Even if you set out to date with a pure heart because we all influence each other, dating a nonbeliever might sway you to their way of thinking.
Here’s how the Living Bible puts it: “If you listen to them you will start acting like them” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Besides, someone with little to no regard for God’s Word may thoroughly welcome unwholesome and destructive activities. After all, while Scripture serves as our compass for what’s edifying and what’s not (1 Corinthians 10:23), non-Christians don’t necessarily view it this way.
A nonbeliever may embrace everything as fair game, regardless of how it might impact you. For instance, what if your non-Christian date wants to cap off the evening sexually? Mix your drink with a dangerous substance? Force you to abandon your moral convictions?
Will you suppress your conscience and sin for the sake of your date?
3. Loneliness
Do you feel lonely? You’re not alone. Post pandemic, 58% of Americans share your sentiment.
But if loneliness drives you to date just anyone, think twice. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a date as “a usually romantic social arrangement to meet with someone.” But no romantic undertone is necessary if the goal is to cure loneliness. Adding romance to the mix—especially when the other party isn’t a believer—is begging for trouble. At best, you might get your heart broken, and at worst, you might walk away from your faith.
You can enjoy a meal or a movie with another. Even while keeping things strictly platonic.
4. Evangelistic Dating
Perhaps the person you’ve been dating isn’t just a knockout but also caring. So what if they don’t confess Christ? You can evangelize them while dating. Right?
I have a cousin whose love story took this trajectory, so yes, this route may pay off. However, for every successful evangelistic dating story, there are even more stories of Christians who lost their convictions after dating nonbelievers. In one case, a devout atheist married a Christian woman, and while both retain their respective worldviews, their kids and grandkids are agnostic.
Ultimately, the next generation is why dating an unbeliever is inadvisable. Malachi 2:15 explains it this way, “Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring.”
We don’t just get married for our sakes. We marry fellow believers so that together, we can reproduce and raise the next generations for God.
5. Sexual Health
Can we be brutally honest? Some single adults date for the companionship. Others, for sex.
I heard about one such man. When his friends asked how this guy, who professed to be a Christian, could justify sleeping around, he explained it’s for the benefit of his “sexual health.” This kind of logic finds no backing in Scripture. In fact, God commands the exact opposite: “But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:13, NLT).
God designed sex to be practiced only within marriage (1 Corinthians 7:2). Anything that violates His perfect standard will yield future heartaches because His Word carries a protective function for us (Psalm 81:14).
If remaining single and celibate is tough, remember how Jesus roamed the earth in a male body while maintaining sexual purity. Ask Him for the secret. Plus, reread the end of 1 Corinthians 6:13, the verse we passed by a couple of paragraphs ago. The Lord cares about your body; as such, pray for help so you can “control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable” (1 Thessalonians 4:4).
6. God Takes Too Long
Maybe you’ve been holding out for that compatible Christian to date, but that person is still absent. Perhaps it’s the arid—not to mention long—waiting that drives you to date a nonbeliever.
I get it if your patience wears thin because time seems powerless to shift your single status.
Nobody who waits on God will be ashamed (Psalm 25:3). He hears your petition for a mate. Not only that, our compassionate Father has flawless memory. God remembers your need and will come through no matter how long it has been.
Habakkuk 2:3 says, “This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed” (NLT). Use this verse to bolster your commitment to never settle for less—even if it may feel like your God-given spouse will never arrive.
The Only Yes
Found it! While I stand by everything we have just discussed, there’s indeed a yes to the question we started off with.
Is it okay to date a nonbeliever? The only yes is if God says so.
Whether or not you hear Him correctly, however, is something we can tackle another time.
Audrey Davidheiser, PhD is a California licensed psychologist, certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist and IFSI approved clinical consultant, as well as author of Surviving Difficult People: When Your Faith and Feelings Clash. After founding and directing a counseling center for the Los Angeles Dream Center, she now devotes her practice to survivors of trauma—including spiritual abuse. Visit her on www.aimforbreakthrough.comand Instagram @DrAudreyD.
“How do I trust someone with my body after domestic violence?” “What if sex triggers me?” “What if I’m unable to please my spouse sexually?” “What if I’m too damaged to have a relationship?”
These are practical questions and real concerns from abuse survivors. Some of us were married to our abuser. Others were abused by a parent, teacher, pastor, or sibling. Whatever the case, the distortions of love and sexuality – the lies that constrict our hearts and minds – leave echoes of fear and shadows of insecurity long after we’ve broken free. We may desire a romantic relationship, yet fear our past will sabotage our future.
Because every abuse survivor is different—different personalities, different experiences, and different triggers—it’s impossible to write a one-size-fits-all solution. Nevertheless, while I encourage you to speak with a counselor about your unique situation, I will give you a general response and pray it sets you on the right path.
God Made Sex
When I was a kid, I felt like walking cancer. I thought I was a trigger for the sins of my father. Like a spiritual Typhoid Mary, I feared I was infecting men with sexual perversion wherever I went. People I loved, even my own dad, were falling sick with sin because of me. I was afraid to get too close to Godly men, like my pastor or elders, because I feared causing them to stumble.
But one Sunday, our pastor preached a sermon about sex. It was one of those services where they send out all the kids, and warn adults to grab their smelling salts because things are about to get awkward.
Rather than daunt me, these warnings made me curious. I sat in on that sermon and I listened well. I learned that when God made Adam and Eve, he told them to, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it,” Genesis 1:28. After God created man and woman, he said, “It is very good,” Genesis 1:31. Because of this, we know that sex is good. Sex was invented, designed, and purposed by God for good.
Adam and Eve were intended to have a loving, physical, marital relationship; one man and one woman, faithful and affectionate. Had they not become sinful, their marriage could have lasted forever. But sex existed before the Fall; before sin entered the world.
While sinful people may use sex in sinful ways, sex itself is not sinful or anything to be ashamed of. It is only when sex occurs outside marriage and without love that someone has sinned.
That sermon threw a wrench in my abuser’s mind games. The lies my father shouted and that Satan whispered began to unravel. I started to realize that my dad’s perversion was entirely his own creation. It was nobody fault but his. Not mine. Not God’s. Not maleness as a gender. Not even Satan’s. My abuser’s sin was totally my abuser’s fault.
End the Guilt-Trip
Abusers often try to convince us that all sexuality, even loving sex within the bounds of marriage, is shameful or evil. Transversely, they may claim that all sex—even violent or non-consensual sex—is acceptable within the bounds of marriage. My father taught me both these lies simultaneously, and the effect was confusion and despair.
Abusers may claim that our anger at their evil is just as sinful as their violence. They may misrepresent our justifiable fear, revulsion, or indignation, by accusing us of being unforgiving, disrespectful, self-righteous, or unsubmissive. They minimize their own sin, while piling shame on us. They may hope we’ll feel too embarrassed or guilty to seek help or report them.
Understanding this pattern—that evil people falsely accuse to maintain control over us—is vital. Seeing through their lies is like ripping off a blindfold. Rejecting their patterns of thought is like severing the fetters which chain us to misery.
We may feel confused because we found our abusive spouse attractive. But of course we found them attractive! It’s not sinful to be attracted to your spouse. On the contrary, it’s good and healthy. At some point, we loved our violent or perverted husband.
But love is not a sin, nor does it make us complicit in theirs.
We may have felt flattered by a parent’s inappropriate attention, but it is not wrong for a child to want to please their father or mother, or desire to impress a teacher, pastor, or family “friend.” Children are supposed to trust adults.
Innocence is not a sin, nor does it make us complicit in theirs.
Love Is Not Lust, Truth Is Not Shameful
And hope is not weakness. As survivors, we have to redefine concepts our abusers have wrongly defined. We need to reorient our perspective on fundamental concepts like romance, sexuality, masculinity, and marriage. Slowly but surely, we need to learn to differentiate our natural instincts and wholesome desires from sinful choices and evil intent.
For example, lust is inappropriate thoughts which a person meditates on, obsesses over, and develops. Lust may start as a small idea, but it’s fed over time until it grows into fantasies and obsessions. Eventually, lust can impede our ability to think pure thoughts or feel wholesome love. It affects how we treat others.
To lust is to choose and chase temptation. Simply finding someone attractive or sexually desiring a spouse is not the same thing.
Attraction is a natural feeling that happens to healthy adults. We know this because, like sex, God made it. The chemicals he incorporated into our bodies react to stimuli resulting in emotional and sometimes physical responses. For example, if an attractive person smiles at you, you may blush. That doesn’t make you evil. It makes you human.
But unlike abusers, when we see an attractive person, rather than lusting, we recognize them as God’s creation. Meaning we treat them with honor and dignity. We don’t fantasize about them, take advantage of them, try to seduce them, or intentionally make them feel awkward. Basic emotions and chemical reactions are not sin in and of themselves. It’s how we act upon them (both in our imaginations and in real life) that may be sinful. That’s why one of the fruits of the Spirit is “self-control” (Galatians 5:22).
Nevertheless, the guilt-tripping and trauma from past abuse can inhibit godly and loving Christians who desire a wholesome sexual relationship, yet fear sin.
If this is you, consider reading through the Song of Solomon. Remember, these words were inspired and ordained by God himself. They are not just good; they are holy. They are the divine ideal for how a loving groom romances his bride, and an honorable wife flirts with her husband. It’s OK.
There’s no shame in expressing the feelings and desires God designed you to enjoy. Your sexuality is not “dirty” or anything to be afraid of. Rather, it is a gift from God intended that you may glorify him through your love, life, and marriage.
Identify Your Triggers and Create Anti-Triggers
Many survivors fear that sex or flirtation may trigger their anxiety or PTSD. Triggers are strange things. They may be the layout of a room, the scent of a particular aftershave, a song, or a particular pick-up line. Work on narrowing down what exactly triggers you. Often, you’ll find it’s not sex in general, but something much more specific. A hand on your shoulder from behind. A particular room in the house. The act of getting undressed in front of someone.
Once you recognize your triggers, you can hopefully avoid them, work around them, or at least mentally prepare yourself for them. Tell your spouse what they are, so they can avoid them too.
Decorate your home so it looks nothing like the place where you were abused. Use scented candles, laundry detergent, and other fragrances that are different than what you might have smelled where you were abused. Create a new environment for your new relationship that won’t reminded of your old relationship, even subconsciously.
One trigger of mine was the smell of freshly mown grass. Obviously, I couldn’t expect our neighbors to let their yards run wild, and I couldn’t cloister myself indoors to avoid such a common scent. So, I came up with an anti-trigger. I selected a good memory—the day my mom gifted me rose perfume—and leveraged it to combat my PTSD. I bought a small rose-scented candle and kept it in my purse. Whenever I began to feel depressed or anxious, I pulled it out and smelled my memory. It took me back to that happy moment; that feeling of being loved and safe.
While triggers create panic, anti-triggers bring calm. Think back to your own happy memories; a time when you felt safe, cared for, and at peace. It doesn’t have to be monumental, just sentimental. Now think of a little thing (a song, smell, activity, or item) that you could use to create an anti-trigger. Use that anti-trigger to relax when you feel stressed. You may have to try several before you find one that works well, but don’t give up. When this technique works, it’s a game changer.
Look for Jesus in Your Loved One
Like all people, abuse survivors understand the world based on what we know. We see people and situations through the lens of our experiences, many of which were negative. Past events have informed our expectations and perception of others. But our fear is a learned behavior.
Abusers taught us to fear abuse. To fear sex. To fear trust. The good news is, if you could be taught to feel afraid, then you can also be taught to feel loved and safe. And you can teach yourself.
So, in closing, I’d like to encourage you to practice thinking about your godly spouse—not through that learned lens of abuse, but through the lens of Jesus. At first, it may feel awkward or unnatural, but after a while, equating your loved one with God’s love will begin to happen instinctually.
Is your loved one patient? Think about The Good Shepherd, patiently tending his sheep (Psalm 23, John 10).
Is your loved one great with kids? Meditate on how Jesus loved the little children and blessed them (Matthew 19:13-15).
Do they help with housework? Recall how Jesus washed the disciple’s feet (John 13).
Are they the life of the party? Jesus was quite popular at that wedding in Cana! (John 2).
By doing this, you’re replacing painful triggers with new and positive emotional triggers. You’re turning your spouse into an anti-trigger.
So, practice emotionally linking your spouse with Jesus. The goal is to slowly unravel negative thought patterns and reknit your mind in patterns of grace and joy. We’re throwing out those old relationship blueprints of fear and shame, and replacing them with blueprints drafted by God himself.
It’s a process, but eventually, your new method of thinking will become ingrained. I had to make intentional repeated efforts to equate my husband with Jesus to avoid being subconsciously reminded of my abuser.
It took years, and I still work on it, but the result is ongoing spiritual growth and an increase in love, trust, and a feeling of safety.
I pray that this article, albeit a brief overview, encourages you as you grow and progress away from the mindset of abuse and into the mindset of God’s love. He created you. He created your spouse. He loves marriage and affection and family.
You are not defined by what others have done to you. In fact, you’re not defined even by what you yourself have done.
If you place your faith in Jesus, you are defined by the perfect and holy love of God.
Jennifer Greenberg was abused by her church-going father. Yet she is still a Christian. In her courageous, compelling book Not Forsaken, she reflects on how God brought life and hope in the darkest of situations. Jenn shows how the gospel enables survivors to navigate issues of guilt, forgiveness, love, and value. And she challenges church leaders to protect the vulnerable among their congregations. Her reflections offer Biblical truths and gospel hope that can help survivors of abuse as well as those who walk alongside them.
Hey, hey, May is National Masturbation Month! This is a great opportunity to talk openly about masturbation. There is so much shame placed on exploring your body, but masturbation is neither “disgusting” nor “sinful.” It’s completely normal and even healthy!
In honor of National Masturbation Month, here are some more reasons to feel good about masturbating.
Sexual Self-Care
Many people masturbate, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, age or cultural background. Not only is it a great way to get to know your body and de-stress, it’s also a safe way to have sex without risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. Self-pleasure is a way to give yourself some love. Think of it as sexual self-care.
It Isn’t New
Over the years, people have spread misinformation about masturbation. You might have heard that “masturbation will make you go blind,” or “lead to erectile dysfunction,” but these claims are not based on facts.
These misconceptions lead people to believe that masturbation is wrong and against our nature when in reality, masturbation is nothing new! Not only was it depicted in prehistoric cave paintings but also as a ritual of honor in Egyptian mythology.
The long history of self-pleasure is just one of the many pieces of evidence that show masturbation comes naturally to us. It’s a biological urge that can make us feel good.
Physical and Psychological Benefits
Masturbation can lead to a release of endorphins (hormones that promote positive emotions), which may be helpful if you’re stressed or just want to clear your mind. It can also help reduce menstrual cramps and promote better quality sleep.
Masturbation can also be a helpful tool in learning to love yourself and increasing confidence in your body. When you masturbate, you’re putting aside time to understand your body better and what you do and don’t like.
Being comfortable in your own skin can then allow you to feel more comfortable when with a partner. Getting to know what you enjoy can help you communicate that clearly to someone else as well as set boundaries about what you don’t want. In other words, building a healthy connection between you and your body can lead to more fulfilling relationships with others!
So, this month and any month, know that masturbation is completely normal. If you choose to try it, that’s great. If you choose not to, that’s fine, too. It’s up to you. But know that there’s no shame in getting to know your body better.
This piece first appeared in our weekly newsletter, The Fallout. Sign up for ithere.
I have good news and bad news out of Wednesday’s federal appeals court hearing on attempts to pull mifepristone from the marketplace.
Let’s start with the good news first.
No matter what decision comes from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals hearing, mifepristone—one of two drugs used in medication abortion—will remain legal and safe to use for the immediate future. The legal risk to medication abortion is real, but the potential harms from this fight are delayed. That’s because the order issued by the Supreme Court in this case last month prevents any lower court decision from taking effect until the justices ultimately weigh in—a process that could take months, if not longer. Practically speaking, mifepristone access is safe through at least the fall.
Now the bad news.
It would be hard to choose a panel of judges more hostile to abortion rights and access than the three on the Fifth Circuit—two of whom are Trump appointees—who heard Wednesday’s arguments. I’ll start with the non-Trump judge on the panel, Jennifer Walker Elrod. While she may not be a Trump appointee, she’s as openly hostile to abortion rights and access as any judge on the federal bench right now. A George W. Bush appointee, Elrod has a long history of opposing both abortion rights and federal regulatory power as a Fifth Circuit judge.
Then we have the two Trump appointees. Judge Cory Wilson was appointed to the Fifth Circuit in 2020 and is a former Mississippi appeals court judge and Republican member of the state legislature with a deep record opposing abortion rights. Second, Judge James Ho is a former Texas solicitor general and Justice Clarence Thomas law clerk who has referred to abortion as a “moral tragedy” in one of his judicial opinions.
Don’t think for a second this panel of ideologues was ever interested in a debate on the merits—or complete lack thereof—of Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine’s legal arguments over the mifepristone case. They weren’t. Instead, they were looking for the clearest path toward an opinion that at least five Supreme Court justices can endorse to upend medication abortion access.
Judge Wilson is incredulous that a nurse-midwife could ever be in a position to provide mifepristone — love it when the stigma and sexism just cozy up in public like that
— Rewire News Group (@RewireNewsGroup) May 17, 2023
It could be months before the Fifth Circuit issues a ruling, but when they do, I suspect they’ll find a way to at least turn medication abortion access back to the pre-2016 era, when more onerous restrictions existed. Elrod asked several questions suggesting the possibility of it—Justice Samuel Alito had also suggested he would be amenable to it when he dissented from the Court’s previous stay in this case. Elrod also seemed very upset with how Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s district court order had been characterized by attorneys for Danco (one of the manufacturers of mifepristone) in their briefs, going so far as to call it a “personal attack” (which, truly, there’s no response to that nonsense). The attorneys called Kacsmaryk’s decision unprecedented—which it is. That’s a statement of fact, not a personal attack.
But what really stood out from the arguments was how partisan they were. The Fifth Circuit panel’s disdain for the Biden administration specifically and Democrats generally was palpable. They were openly hostile to the FDA’s attorney while having a nice leisurely chat with Erin Hawley, the Alliance Defending Freedom attorney arguing to pull mifepristone from the market—and yup, Sen. Josh Hawley’s wife. We may not have the Fifth Circuit’s decision yet, but the writing is on the wall.
I cannot stress this point enough: Mifepristone approval will not be upended immediately, but it may be eventually. The conservative legal movement has gone rogue and taken much of the federal judiciary with them. These are lawless power grabs emboldened by the success of the overturning Roe v. Wade and blessed by the most corrupt elements of a captured Supreme Court. Nothing about the challenge to mifepristone approval is legitimate. We don’t need to treat it as such.
There are lots of options available to you when you are feeding your new baby, and working out which one is right for you comes down to your personal choice and preference. Breastmilk is ideal for your baby as it gives them natural protection and increased immunity from the moment that they are born. If you are looking at pumping exclusively to give your baby breastmilk, you may have questions.
Getting all the information that you need at the start of the process will allow you to make the right choice with confidence, so read on for some helpful advice on breastmilk and using a pump to ensure you maintain an adequate supply for your baby.
Why Breastmilk is Best for Your Baby
Breastmilk is sometimes referred to as liquid gold, and this is because it contains properties and antibodies that are hugely beneficial for a new baby. Breastmilk is best for your baby—especially in those early weeks and months—as it contains the right amount of sugar, fat, and protein that they need to grow.
Key Moments and Establishing a Supply
When your baby arrives, your supply may take a little time to come through. In those first few days, your body will produce colostrum, and this is enough for your baby’s tiny stomach. However, as they grow, they need more and this is why it is important to establish a supply.
When you are looking to breast pump exclusively, those first few weeks are crucial for your supply. Pumping at least every three hours both day and night will help you get the quantities your baby needs. It will also hopefully help you produce enough for you to store (to use as and when needed).
Getting in Touch with a Lactation Consultant
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Even though you might know you want to pump exclusively, it is always beneficial to reach out to a lactation consultant. These are useful, especially if you are a first-time mom. Lactation consultants can guide you through how to use a pump, and they can tell you how to get the most out of your milk. This extra help and support will ensure that your baby has the best start in life.
Looking at Breast pumps
Breast pumps can be positive for the health of the mother and the baby, as they allow the baby to take all the key nutrients and nutrition the mother is providing them. Breast pumps allow breast milk to be given if there are health concerns, or restrictions that stop the mother from breastfeeding.
Pumps such as the Elvie Stride feature new technology that allows them to be used easily and discreetly, and they can be used while a new mom is getting used to caring for her new bundle of joy. Wireless pumps mean that you have flexibility when and where to pump. This is key, especially if you are looking to exclusively pump and feed.
Choosing a Pump
When you are choosing a pump it is important to look at reviews. See what other moms have had to say about a particular brand or model; see if a pump will meet your expectations.
There can be an overwhelming choice of models and brands on offer, and it is important that you choose one that is trusted and reputable. When you are choosing a pump think about cleaning, and think about use, and how you want to pump. For example, do you want to always pump hands-free? Is it easy to clean after use? How noisy is it when in use? Some pumps can be very noisy and loud, and this can disturb your baby.
Why You Should Use a Breast Pump?
Breastfeeding can be hard both mentally and physically as everything your baby needs is coming from you. It is very demanding on your body, especially in those first few weeks, and anything that you can do to ease the strain and pressure is important.
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When you use a breast pump (ideally a double one) you take control of your milk supply, and you relieve some of the stress and anxiety you may be feeling surrounding breastfeeding. You also give other people the opportunity to help you feed your baby.
Another reason for using a breast pump is if you are looking at going back to work (but still want your baby to have breast milk). When you pump, express, and then bottle feed your baby they get used to taking milk from a bottle, which is good for you as it will free you up.
How Long Should You Pump For?
If you are wanting to build up a constant supply of breast milk, you will find that regular pumping is essential. As previously mentioned, ideally, you will be pumping every three hours for at least 15 minutes (if not longer).
Regular pumping will help to stimulate your milk production and helps keep a healthy supply flowing. If you are not pumping for long enough your supply will change. It will most likely decrease as your breasts don’t think as much milk is needed. If this happens you will find that your baby will be unsettled and hungry (as you are not giving them enough milk).
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Once the milk supply has decreased it can be hard to build up again, so make a conscious effort to pump enough. Set an alarm on your phone that reminds you when you need to pump—and for how long.
Storing Breast Milk
Sometimes when you are pumping, you may find that you have an excess supply of breast milk. To stop this from going to waste you can look at storing your breast milk. It can be stored in the fridge for up to five days, or for several months in the freezer.
When you are storing breast milk for use at a later date, you must always ensure health and safety is a top priority. Milk storage bags and containers can easily become cross-contaminated. Therefore, make sure all bags are new, and straight out of the packaging when being used for the first time.
Incredibly there are things that we can learn about a person’s character by looking at their taste and choice in artwork. What we learn can prove very important.
5 ways to measure personality types
There are five major yardsticks for measuring a person’s personality type. These are:
Openness
Conscientiousness
Extroversion
Agreeableness
Neuroticism
These are referred to as the Ocean. These ways of measuring someone’s personality type have been around for years, and a person’s character is measured according to these concepts but along a sliding scale. So, it is fun to learn where you and your personality fit in this Ocean of characteristics.
If you are at all interested in art shows then you are at least somewhat prone to openness. Also, playing at a Golden Euro Mobile Casino could be an indication. However, the type of art that interests you may also have some bearing. If we look at the ‘meaning’ of art, it can help to determine conscientiousness and colors, whether strong colors or soft tones can tell us something about extroversion. Whether you exhibit strong emotional responses of praise or dislike towards certain art can tell us about your agreeableness or your neuroticism.
Do you prefer traditional art forms or more avant-garde?
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Your character is going to impact whether you prefer traditional or avant-garde art. That being said, there will always be exceptions to the rule. But assuming you were looking to purchase artwork for your home. Are you likely to go for modern, minimalist, or more classic, traditional forms?
Generally speaking, the more open you are, perhaps more liberal-minded, the more likely you will choose modern pieces, perhaps more complicated with underlying meanings. Someone with a more traditional conservative personality is more likely to choose more traditional pieces that “make sense” when you view them.
The Journalist, Brianna Randall agrees when she says “Open personalities are partial to more complex paintings while conservative personalities like more straightforward, traditional pieces.”
The type of artwork that you favor may reflect how agreeable you are as a person. If we use the Ocean model – are you attracted to more ‘agreeable’ solid and consistent pieces or more abstract, unusual forms of art that often require you to ‘figure them out’.
90,000 people were studied in 2005 and it was found that people who “were less agreeable and more neurotic tended to like abstract, jarring and unusual artwork…” People who preferred more traditional artwork, impressionism, for example, tended to be more agreeable.
How do you perceive the world?
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The way you see the world is also reflected in your taste in art. This also explains much about you, about your character and personality traits.
The Journal of Eye Movement Research carried out a study in 2018 and learned that the majority of people view art by focusing first at the top right-hand corner and then moving their eyes across the painting, from right to left. This makes sense as we know that the right side of the brain is in charge of understanding and processing visual and spatial things.
There were people in the study who began looking at the painting or art form from the left-hand side, and they were found to be more anxious and neurotic personality types. So, we are able to learn more about someone’s personality by the way in which they actually physically view art and not only their personal taste in art.
Is a piece of artwork meaningful to you
Your taste in art can also reflect your personality and character by how much meaning it has for you. A painting can have different meanings for different people, depending on what in the painting you are focused on or interests you.
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For each person looking at the same painting, it will likely be very different. Looking at Renoir’s painting “Luncheon of the Boating Party” will mean different things to different people, depending on their personalities. They will focus and be drawn to different aspects of the painting. The way you interpret a painting will say a lot about you and the way you think. There is no right or wrong.
The author, Ilona Polinovsky says, “When we see a piece of art that catches our attention on a street, in a store, or at the doctor’s office, we try to understand it by analyzing details and try to grasp the idea behind the painting. Everyone has their unique interpretation and very often this interpretation is based on our personality and emotional intelligence.”
There has been a lot of research done into why people choose particular types of art but it is not absolutely conclusive. There are those that say that the Ocean model, the Big 5, is suitable only for people living in the developed world.
Another criticism is that the studies that have been carried out focus on art in the form of paintings and don’t look at the many other forms of art currently on display all over the world. It should also be noted that our preferences do change as we grow and develop and are faced with a multitude of life experiences.
We all see, feel, and think differently. The Rorschach Test, introduced by the Swiss psychoanalyst in the 1920s, looks at the way in which people perceive images of ink blotted on paper. In this way, he was able to analyze a person’s emotional state of mind by the way in which they perceived these images. These tests are still used today.
From this, it would be fair to extrapolate that your taste in art goes beyond a superficial liking but is connecting with something about you on a much deeper level.
Have you ever found yourself wondering what holding hands means to a guy? Imagine you are on a first date and he suddenly holds your hand while he is driving. Does this mean that there is something special cooking between you two? Do you have someone specific in your life vis-a-vis whom you’d like to crack this mystery? Look no further!
We’re here to tell you all about what holding hands means to a guy, covering different scenarios, stages of a relationship, and intimacy. Because it can have different connotations. For instance, the answer to what does it mean when a guy holds your hand and you are not dating isn’t the same as what it means when your boyfriend of five years holds your hand while driving. So, let’s explore what this gesture signifies and what it means for your future with this fine fella.
Broadly put, holding hands is a form of reassuring someone by affirming your presence in their life. However, it could have more than a million interpretations which could leave you confused. While decoding all of them would be impossible, let’s try to find out what it means when a guy holds your hand, especially the one you have in mind!
What Does Holding Hands Mean To A Guy?
Intimacy comes differently to all of us. Everyone chooses to show their affection in a different way or form. What holding hands means to a guy is a question we’ve all asked ourselves at least once, especially at those initial stages of a relationship where you don’t know where you stand and where things are going to lead.
For instance, the question of what does it mean when a guy holds your hand and you are not dating is sure to keep you up at night, as you come up with different interpretations of this fleeting but unmistakably intimate action. Holding someone’s hand could be for the most intimate or the most platonic reason that there is. Being one of the mutual attraction signs, we look for the one we love, to hold onto when we’re scared or feeling low. It gives us comfort, security and a sense of being home.
“Can somebody tell me what holding hands means to a guy?” asked Jocelyn, a reader from Alabama. Adding, “It was just our second date, and it honestly didn’t seem like he was too interested. To my surprise, he decided to lock his fingers with mine while he was walking me home. I was left baffled, more so because it took him a day to text me after that!” Similarly, understanding what it means when a guy holds your hand while interlocking fingers can get a bit confusing. Especially if he throws in some mixed signals with it as well.
Whose hand do you look for when you desperately need someone? What does it mean when he looks for yours? What does it mean when a guy holds your hand? Does holding hands mean dating? Or is he just doing it without thinking much of it? Let’s look at different circumstances and try to understand what holding hands means to a guy and answer all your questions:
1. Have you noticed if he holds your hand in public?
Don’t we all hope for people in our lives who are proud of us and want to show us off to the world? We all deserve someone who screams off roof-tops about their love for us. Okay, not literally, because that might be a little overboard. But you get our point, right? Getting a guy who isn’t afraid to hold your hand in public isn’t a lot to ask for.
Does holding hands mean anything? It sure does, especially if it’s out in public. Public display of affection can be intimidating for a lot of people and not everyone can or wants to engage in it. While that is understandable and quite normal, if a guy usually seems to show no hesitation in displays of affection with his friends, he shouldn’t shy away and must hold your hand in public at the very least. Right?
Holding the hand of the one you love in public proclaims your love for them louder than you think. It shows other people that you’re comfortable with accepting your love and that you are confident about it. Think about it, would a guy hold your hand if he wasn’t interested, that too in public? Most definitely not! So, if he reaches for your hand when you’re surrounded by people, count it as a sign that he’s fallen for you, head over heels.
Pro tip boys: Do not ever let go of her hand in public, especially if she reaches out for yours!
He holds your hand and gives it a squeeze
2. Is your guy holding your hand while driving?
Does he often reach out for your hand while he’s behind the steering wheel? That has to be one of the best feelings ever, right? According to us, if you have someone who holds your hand while driving and humming his favorite tune to himself, you’ve got yourself a keeper!
When you’re trying to figure out what holding hands says about your relationship, the situation it’s happening in can tell you a lot about what’s going on. If he holds your hand while driving, it probably means he thinks about you subconsciously as well. Maybe he thinks of you as a particular song comes on the radio and he grabs your hand without a second thought.
Men who hold onto your hand even as they switch gears are guaranteed to never switch their lovers. He’s definitely in it for the long haul. You may even count it as a sign he wants to marry you someday. Okay, that might be taking it too far, but how can you not get blown away at this romantic gesture?
If your guy is into holding your hand while driving, the next time you go out on a drive, take his hand in yours as a gesture to show that you notice the little things too. Couple holding hands while driving is a flex. You know as well as we do that it’s one of the best feelings ever too. So soak it in, cherish it. Maybe make holding hands while driving your ritual as a couple.
3. When a guy holds your hand while crossing the road…
A little extra care and love never hurt anyone, did it? Crossing busy roads can be confusing and scary but if there’s someone who holds on to your hand amidst the chaos, it feels easier. If he holds your hand while crossing the road, it tells us how much he cares for your well-being, even in confusing situations. If the vibe is right, crossing the road can also be the perfect opportunity for holding hands with someone you’re not dating.
If you want to test the waters and see if he’s crushing on you as hard as you’re on him, maybe try reaching for his hand the next time you’re in the middle of a busy street. If he reciprocates and clutches your hand right back, you know you’ve got yourself a love story in the offing. After all, would a guy hold your hand if he wasn’t interested?
Of course, if he doesn’t reciprocate or initiate it, maybe you’ve got to pay a bit more attention to the question, “What does holding hand mean to a guy?” Perhaps he doesn’t like doing it, or maybe he doesn’t see you in that way. So, if he holds your hand almost every time you get down the car to cross the road, you’ve got to thank your lucky stars. This would definitely be someone who would always be there for you as a situation goes out of hand or messy.
So, what does it mean when a guy holds your hand while walking? Judy said, “I knew he was the one for me as soon as he held my hand while crossing the road and switched sides with me to shield me from the heavy traffic.” For her, it was the ultimate declaration of love and care.
4. When a guy squeezes your hand while holding it…
As children, we often clung to our parents’ hands after watching a horror movie and squeezed them tight. When a guy squeezes your hand while holding it, it signifies just how much you mean to them or that they’re afraid to lose you in the future. If your man squeezes your hand while holding it, you should try asking him if everything is okay, since the answer to, “What holding hands means to a guy?” could have very different meanings for the guy.
It could just be his way of expressing the intensity of his love for you, but it never hurts to check in. Moreover, studies suggest that holding hands with someone can decrease stress and relax a person. So when you’re wondering what holding hands means to a guy, you must consider the possibility that perhaps he just needed some comfort.
If you feel that something is amiss, a few follow-up questions are always good in a healthy relationship. Needless to say, when someone gives your hand a gentle squeeze, you should return the romantic gesture if you feel the same way.
Maybe if he’s holding hands while driving and then squeezes it tightly, you can pull this hand closer and plant a kiss. It is one of the many ways to show how close you are to a person or how intimate your relationship is. When your feelings for each other are genuine and intense, you don’t always need words to express them.
So, the next time he holds your hand and squeezes it a bit, don’t concern yourself with questions like, “Does holding hands mean anything?” he’s clearly trying to be as cute as he can, go ahead and give his hand a little kiss.
5. When a guy holds your hand while interlocking fingers…
Interlocking your fingers with someone has to be the most intimate form of holding someone’s hand. If a guy holds on to your hand and interlocks the fingers, he’s all over you! We reach out to our friends for a lot of reasons, but when someone holds on to your hand and interlocks the fingers after a while, it cannot be subconscious. If it’s your boyfriend, there isn’t a surprise why he’d want to interlock the fingers.
If you’ve ever wondered what does it mean when a guy holds your hand while kissing, pay attention to how he’s holding it. If you’re in the midst of an intense makeout session, in all likelihood, he has his fingers interlocked with yours. This is a clear sign of passion and desire. He wants to be closer to you, and not just physically.
What does holding hand mean to a guy? Well, if someone you’ve just started dating is holding your hand with your fingers interlocked, it definitely means they feel good with you and want to establish some sort of physical contact to convey that. If it’s a guy you’ve had your eyes on for a while, it’s good news. In all likelihood, the feelings are mutual. However, it is always good to be sure about what the other person wants by clearly communicating your feelings to avoid any future awkwardness.
If he tries interlocking the fingers, he’s falling for you!
6. What does it mean when he holds your hand while sleeping?
Amelia said, “I do not remember a time when John did not hold my hand while sleeping. I thought it would only last a couple of weeks, but it has been eight years, and here we are, he’s still doing it.” Amelia is a lucky, lucky girl, we’d say. After all, if he holds your hand while sleeping, it can mean only one thing — you both share a deep attachment that can stand the test of time. A fact reinstated by a poll that tells us that more than 80% of people consider holding hands to be romantic.
What holding hands means to a guy can be tricky to understand in certain situations but if he holds your hand while sleeping, there isn’t a sweeter way to let you know how much he cherishes your company. A lot of couples also stated that it was their way of showing their partners how much they’ve missed them the entire day at work. It’s a sign that you’ve successfully fostered different forms of intimacy in your relationship and truly connected to one another.
Regardless, if your man holds your hand while sleeping, let him, and don’t worry about what holding hands says about your relationship. Trust us, it’s the cutest sign ever. It talks of their innocence and a simple need for a physical touch even as they’re dozing off after an exhausting day. It might also indicate that they’ve had a rough day and want your support to get through it.
A guy holding your hand around family hits different. A lot of girls we spoke to reiterated this. A display of affection in front of our families may or may not be welcome. This puts a lot of pressure on you if you’re the one meeting his family for the first time, no?
If you’re lucky enough, your man will help you navigate your way into his house and help you connect with everyone present. What’s to notice is if he holds your hand through the process. Holding your hand around his family could tell you a lot about how sure he is of your relationship. Perhaps, this means he is ready for an exclusive relationship.
A couple holding hands while driving, interlocking fingers in their private space, or even holding hands in public is one thing, but him holding your hand in front of his family, there is not a shred of doubt that his feelings for you are genuine and intense. He’s not embarrassed to express how he feels about you and doesn’t care if his siblings and his mom are going to tease him about it over the next five Thanksgiving dinners.
Claire said, “My dad loved the way my sister’s boyfriend held her hand as she went around introducing herself to his family members.” It gives a sense of support and validation in a foreign environment. Holding your hand in front of his family shows that he is fully committed to you and would never let you down.
8. What does it mean when a guy holds your hand on the first date?
It isn’t uncommon for people to hold hands the first time they meet. It isn’t the 1950s anymore! However, there’s still a lot that can be concluded about the future of the relationship when he holds your hand on the first date. Holding hands generally shows affection and a gesture of welcoming someone into your personal space. Moreover, studies suggest that holding hands with someone can help reduce any nervousness or anxiety. So, if he’s the kind who is suffering from first date nerves, he could be holding your hand to calm himself down.
Does holding hands mean dating? Though the answer to that requires a conversation instead of just holding hands, it’s definitely a good sign. Some people find the act of holding hands more intimate than anything else. When a guy holds your hand on the first date, it signifies his comfort with physical touch. It tells you that he is a confident individual, who is not afraid of showing his affection. He is communicating that he is into you and would love to go out again. The question is, are you?
If you’ve been wondering what does it mean when a guy holds your hand and you are not dating, the same logic holds. Given that he is making such an intimate gesture, it’s safe to assume that it is with the intent of conveying his interest in you. Now is the time to have a conversation with him and see where you stand.
9. What it means when he holds your hand and rubs his thumb…
When he holds your hand and rubs his thumb, girl, allow your heart to skip a beat. This is usually when the guy you’re with cares about you deeply and wants you to know that he’s there for you. If a guy you’re close with, holds your hand and rubs his thumb, it could be seen as a physically intimate gesture, signaling that he is into you and isn’t afraid to show his interest.
Ruby, who has been with her boyfriend for over 5 years said, “When Daniel held my hand and gently rubbed his thumb on our second date, I was elated. The chemistry felt electric. He got me there.” Holding hands with someone you’re not dating or have just begun dating is without a doubt a sure-fire way to speed things along.
What does it mean when a guy holds your hand while walking and rubs his thumb? It’s a clear way of showing that he cares about you and that he wanted to communicate that via a physical touch. Enjoy it while it lasts, holding hands with someone is criminally underrated, we’d say.
See how simple and easy that was? We hope we have solved the question of what holding hands means to a guy for you. So the next time he starts grazing his hand over yours or slips his fingers between your hand, you will know exactly what is going on in his mind and heart.
FAQs
1. Why do guys want to hold hands?
Holding hands is the first step of physical intimacy and holds different meanings for everyone. It can be considered as one of the most common gestures to let someone know that you’re there for them. Guys generally do not engage in holding hands as much as girls do. If a guy does usually reach out for your hand, it could signify less of a platonic relationship and more romantic.
2. Is holding hands a sign of love?
What holding hands means to a guy can be subjective and a little personal. However, not all forms of hand-holding can be taken to be a sign of love. Friends often engage in holding each other’s hands in a platonic way. Therefore, it is not advisable to assume that holding hands with someone means that they’re in love with you.
3. Does holding hands mean you’re in a relationship?
No, merely holding hands with someone does not guarantee or give birth to the tag of a serious relationship. It might be the start of something wonderful or be purely platonic. The best thing to do in such situations is to communicate with the person and figure out your feelings for each other.
4. How to tell when holding hands means more?
If your relationship is that of something more than friends or if you’ve just started dating this person, holding hands can mean something more than just the mere act of holding hands. It may signify care, affection and a desire to get physically closer to you.