Category: Dating & Love

Danielle Lambert is a researcher focused on “crisis pregnancy centers,” or anti-abortion centers. Imagine her frustration when she searches a federal government directory of sexual health services and the top hit is… a crisis pregnancy center (CPC).

“I live within minutes of the Department of Public Health and within minutes of several comprehensive family planning clinics,” said Lambert. But when she searches in the National Prevention Information Network (NPIN) database, a nearby CPC tops the list.

CPCs are primarily known for their main purpose, which is to convince people not to have abortions, often using deceptive tactics. However, over the last decade or so, some of them have begun to offer limited medical services, perhaps in an attempt to counter the “fake clinic” moniker that many advocates have applied to them. It’s also a ploy to gobble up more government funding.

Increasingly, these medical services include STI testing, and that’s why many CPCs are appearing in directories maintained by divisions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These include the main NPIN database, which is aimed toward public health professionals, and the public-facing Get Tested directory, which is populated by the same data set. Advocates and researchers like Lambert tell Rewire News Group that they’ve been raising concerns about this to the CDC for years, to no avail.

Lambert is an assistant professor in the epidemiology and biostatistics department at the University of Georgia College of Public Health. She co-developed the Crisis Pregnancy Center Map, an interactive directory intended to increase public awareness of CPCs and facilitate academic research related to them.

Prior to that, Lambert’s work dealt primarily with HIV prevention, and NPIN provided data for some of her research regarding accessibility of HIV services in the Deep South. It was then, around 2016 or 2017, that she first noticed CPCs popping up in the database and initiated a conversation with NPIN staff about it. They told her that the information in the database is self-reported, she said. Since then, Lambert added, she and her fellow CPC Map researchers have had several follow-up conversations with the CDC. No apparent changes have been made.

The CPC Map team aren’t the only ones to have noticed: Lidia Carlton, a sexual health educator who previously worked for the California Department of Public Health in its STD control branch, said she and her supervisor raised the same issue to the CDC in 2016 or earlier.

Cross-referencing results between the CPC Map and NPIN, you can see just how easy it would be to unknowingly select a CPC if you were looking for a place to get tested. Many of them have nondescript names that sound like any other sexual or reproductive health clinic, and they often obscure their religious affiliations. They’re largely indistinguishable from other results in the NPIN database unless you know what you’re looking for.

Lending CPCs legitimacy

How many CPCs are offering STI testing and treatment services, exactly? In 2018 and 2019, Lambert and some colleagues set out to determine just that, conducting the first national analysis on the subject. First, they identified 2,524 CPCs operating in the United States. Then, they combed through the centers’ websites and attempted to contact them directly, reaching almost all of them on the phone. Their findings were published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases in 2021.

Their study found that just over 21 percent of CPCs advertised STI testing on their websites. However, fewer than 5 percent advertised HIV testing specifically, and only about 12 percent advertised any kind of STI treatment. Of the centers contacted by phone, most offered testing for only two STIs. Only about 15 percent offered any STI treatment. More than one-fifth of the CPCs that offered testing didn’t even offer treatment referrals.

In other words, the number of CPCs advertising STI-related services isn’t particularly large. But the fact that so many of those that do appear in federal government directories—maintained by the agency meant to control and prevent diseases, no less—lends them legitimacy. And given what researchers, advocates, and patients know about how CPCs operate, there are a lot of reasons to be concerned about people being directed there for sexual health services.

Red flags

First, Lambert points to the fact that most CPCs tested for only one or two STIs. The CDC’s own guidelines encourage more comprehensive testing than that for most people. In particular, they recommend that anyone who presents for “evaluation and treatment of STIs” be tested for HIV, even when other risk factors aren’t present.

The fact that so few CPCs offer STI treatment onsite, or even referrals, also runs afoul of best practices for treatment and prevention, Lambert said.

“If people are coming to a CPC to access testing services, but then they have to go somewhere else for treatment, especially if they have to find that place on their own, that could be a drop-off point for some people, or just delay them in getting treatment,” she said.

Many states have made it possible for providers to offer a CDC-backed approach called expedited partner therapy, Lambert added. This means that when a person is diagnosed with certain STIs, a health-care provider can give them prescriptions or medications to give to their partner directly, without that partner having to come into a clinic themselves. This saves time, helps prevent further spread of the STI, and prevents partners from reinfecting each other. In Lambert’s study, however, very few CPCs—under 6 percent of those that offered STI services—said they offered expedited partner therapy.

“Even above and beyond that, in terms of the quality of services that are likely to be offered by CPCs, many of them are run by lay volunteers,” Lambert said. “So there aren’t licensed health practitioners on site. And they are anti-contraception, including condoms. So if you think about what kind of information someone’s getting if they come in for HIV or STI testing, there are a lot of public health concerns.”

All of this is happening as the United States fails to turn around or even stem the tide of rapidly rising STI rates. This trend began before, but was accelerated by, the pandemic: Since 2017, syphilis cases have increased by 74 percent, and cases of gonorrhea—which is rapidly becoming more and more resistant to antibiotics—have risen by 28 percent. After several years of declining HIV rates, the United States saw a 16 percent increase in new cases in 2021. That’s despite a dramatic decrease in testing rates during the pandemic, suggesting that more new infections could have gone undetected.

Tempting as it might be to think that CPCs are responding to community needs by providing testing services, that doesn’t seem to be the case—Lambert’s study found no correlation between STI rates in a given community and the likelihood that CPCs there offered testing.

How CPCs cause harm

Some experts doubt that CPCs are even offering the testing and treatment services they advertise.

“If you were actually to show up to one of these CPCs, I’m skeptical that they would even be ready to test you, because the tests are kind of expensive,” said Maria Gallo, associate dean of research and professor of epidemiology at the Ohio State University College of Public Health.

Services at CPCs are generally offered free of charge (though “free” isn’t always free—clients are often required to watch videos, attend classes, or participate in church activities to get what they came for). Still, advertising free services is a tactic that helps CPCs attract patients who might otherwise choose a legitimate medical facility, particularly in low-income areas. However, STI tests are more expensive than, for example, urine pregnancy tests, meaning they’re not a particularly cost-effective way of drawing clients.

“It’s also not something that’s aligned with their mission. So you might go to all the trouble of going there instead of, say, going to your health department to be tested, and you could arrive and discover you can’t actually get tested for STIs there,” said Gallo, echoing Lambert’s concern about potential delays in care.

Another concern, she said, is that CPCs are known to propagate misinformation and lean heavily into stigma. This isn’t necessarily because CPC volunteers intend to mislead people; in fact, many of them may believe that the information they’re sharing is accurate. However, while they appear to be community-based organizations, most CPCs are either run by or affiliated with a handful of large, national networks. It’s these organizations that provide volunteer training materials rife with disinformation.

For a forthcoming study, Gallo and her colleagues conducted in-depth interviews with CPC volunteers. They also reviewed the training materials the CPCs in question were using, and found that volunteers were repeating inaccurate health statements found in the materials. Examples include the medically invalid and potentially dangerous idea that medication abortion can be “reversed,” claims that contraception is unsafe, and even the false statement that using contraception can cause you to get an STI.

“So I would be concerned about someone going to a CPC for testing because they’re not going to receive accurate information, and … the CPC will use stigma to try to influence how that person behaves,” Gallo said.

Lambert pointed to another example from a study in which she and her colleagues interviewed people who went to CPCs.

“One of the interviews that we did was with a young person who went to a CPC thinking that she could get birth control there. And after one appointment, she had changed her mind and felt that birth control was no longer a good option for her, not realizing that they actually didn’t even provide any type of contraception there,” Lambert said.

“There’s a real lack of trauma-informed and patient-centered care,” she added. “For example, volunteers and staff members telling victims of sexual violence that it was a blessing that this happened to them or to see the ‘silver lining.’”

Given that most of them have conservative Christian affiliations, CPCs also tend to espouse anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. Exposure to these intersecting forms of stigma and misinformation could affect people’s health and lives for years to come. And because most CPCs aren’t real medical facilities, they’re also not subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and have been known to surveil patients and misuse the information they collect about them.

It’s also not just the CDC pointing people toward CPCs: Gallo notes that many states, including Ohio, require abortion providers to distribute state-provided resource booklets to patients, which often include CPC websites and phone numbers. More than that, numerous states directly fund “crisis pregnancy centers” through a combination of state tax dollars and even by diverting money from federal programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Can CPCs be regulated?

Experts agree: There’s no reason for CPCs to appear in CDC resources.

“The CDC is the United States’ public health protection agency. Its National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention is supposed to work to confront the root causes of the country’s STI epidemics and crises, and improve access to care and treatment for our most underserved populations,” said Madeline Morcelle, a staff attorney with the National Health Law Program. “And just one of the ways it does that is through its Get Tested program. But including CPCs there really runs counter to that mission.”

Lambert said that, at a minimum, she’d like to see a process in place for vetting the facilities listed in NPIN. Morcelle thinks the CDC needs to go further.

“In addition to removing CPCs entirely, the CDC should make clear that they will not include clinics that provide medically inaccurate and misleading information in any service context,” Morcelle said. “I think they should make a public statement about the removal of CPCs and the fact that they do not provide medically accurate information and are not actually real health centers.”

“I think in determining standards going forward for what kinds of health-care organizations should be included, the CDC should consult and work closely with reproductive justice and LGBTQI+ rights organizations that best understand what’s at stake for, and the kinds of issues encountered by Black women, LGBTQI+ people, and other underserved populations that are most harmed by CPCs,” Morcelle added.

It would certainly be a powerful statement for the federal government to take such a stance, especially given that efforts to regulate CPCs were hamstrung by the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in NIFLA v. Becerra. In that case, which largely flew under the radar in terms of public discussion, the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates—one of the major CPC umbrella organizations—sued the state of California over a law that required CPCs to disclose that they weren’t real medical facilities and give clients information about the state’s free and low-cost family planning resources. NIFLA won. The law was struck down.

However, some advocates and lawmakers are beginning to try new regulatory approaches. Last summer, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren introduced a bill that would direct the Federal Trade Commission to create new rules requiring CPCs to be truthful in their advertising. Shortly thereafter, Los Angeles adopted an ordinance with a similar “truth in advertising” angle, and late last year, New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin issued a consumer alert about CPCs.

The HIV/AIDS-focused reproductive justice organization SisterLove, which provides direct services in addition to its advocacy and education programs, is working with legislators in its home state of Georgia to introduce a similar bill in the next legislative session, according to the organization’s policy and advocacy program manager Christopher Reed.

“If we can’t eradicate CPCs altogether, we can at least find a way to eradicate some of their practices,” he said.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, a total of 21 bills to regulate CPCs have been introduced on the state level so far in 2023. However, even when signed into law, these policies face an uphill battle given the willingness of large and well-funded anti-abortion organizations to litigate them. Take, for example, Colorado, which recently enacted a law banning CPCs from engaging in false advertising and from offering medication abortion “reversal.” The law has already been challenged in court and is temporarily blocked.

It seems that the very least the federal government could do in this area—after President Joe Biden promised a “whole-of-government effort” to protect abortion access—is to stop legitimizing CPCs by listing them in federal databases.

In response to a request for comment, however, a CDC representative did not acknowledge the presence of CPCs in the NPIN database. He shared a link to the criteria for inclusion, but the linked document does not include information about how or whether the CDC vets self-reported information from listed facilities.

Dating a man with kids can be a tricky situation and a big responsibility. But at the same time, it’s a rewarding experience. And that is why a whopping 92% of single ladies are open to dating single dads, with 55% being “very open” to the idea, according to a survey.

As overwhelming as it may seem, dating a busy man with children isn’t impossible. To guide you, we have with us today emotional wellness and mindfulness coach Pooja Priyamvada (certified in Psychological and Mental Health First Aid from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the University of Sydney), who specializes in counseling for extramarital affairs, breakups, separation, grief, and loss, to name a few.

Dating a man with kids – Pros and cons

The moment you feel attracted to a man holding toddler, your heart will start racing faster than ever. But your mind will instinctively spot the red flags when dating a man with a child. And every logic will try to convince you that you are putting a lot at stake for this man.

While some part of that argument is valid, most of it is your relationship insecurities. I am sure you are wondering, “How to date a man with kids?” To resolve all the confusion, let’s put the pros and cons down in black and white and you can decide for yourself if dating a man with a child and ex is a good idea or not.

21 Things To Know When Dating A Man With Kids

Perhaps, there is a single parent whom you’ve known from the get-go (a friend/coworker). Of late, you find yourself drawn to him. Or, you have connected with someone on the dating scene – thanks to online dating, social media, or a friend’s recommendation – and they lead by telling you that they have children.

So, you’ve come to a point where you do want to go ahead but just don’t know how to handle it the right way. You’re wondering: Should I even be dating a man with a child? Keep these 21 things about dating a single father in mind, and you’ll sail through.

Related Reading: 12 Tips To Be A Successful Single Mother

1. His children come first ALWAYS

So, this man has been upfront with you about having kids and you choose to date him anyway. Know that one of the first rules for dating a man with a child is to set and manage your expectations realistically. That means knowing and accepting that for him, his children will come first, ALWAYS.

Pooja says, “If you’re wondering what to expect when dating a man with a small child, know that the responsibilities and emotional attachment of a single parent are very high. Raising children single-handedly takes a lot of quality time, space, and effort.” No matter where you both are or what you’re doing, if his children need him, he will leave everything at the drop of a hat and rush to be with them.”

2. Dating may not be his priority

Leah, a nurse practitioner, was dating a man with kids and feeling left out. Her partner was a senior doctor at the same hospital. Between the demanding nature of his job and responsibilities at home, he hardly had any time to devote to Leah. That bothered her to no end initially but she gradually began coming to terms with the fact that even though he wasn’t able to prioritize dating, it wasn’t a reflection of how he felt about her.

When dating a guy with kids, you have to be mindful of the following facts:

• He may have gone from “I never want to date again” to “let’s give it a try” after years of careful consideration
• You have to be mindful of the fact that you’re dating a busy man with children
• It just may not be practical for him to put everything aside and plan dates with you or spend all his time in your company

3. You won’t make it to the inner circle easily

Here are some things you should already know about dating an older man. Well, it’s not unusual considering he has a tiny little world of his own – him and his children. And it won’t be easy for you to penetrate and be accepted in that inner circle. Perhaps, you will always be somewhat of an outsider.

Pooja says, “You have to understand the situation from the perspective of the kids. Accepting that the only/primary caregiver in their life has found someone else can be threatening for them. They may fear that you, the new partner, may try to replace their other parent. This insecurity can be very real, irrespective of whether the other parent is present in their life or not, and could become a cause for conflict.”

4. Patience helps when dating a man with kids

From canceled dates to unreturned phone calls and messages, there will be many moments of disappointment. Since both of you have your hands full, making time for each other can get hard. On the other hand, if the two families blend in like pieces of a jigsaw, it can lead to a more fulfilling relationship. This is undoubtedly among the top benefits of dating a man with a child when you’re a single parent too.

So, weigh the situation pragmatically and decide your future course of action:

• Before you react or blow your top, take a moment to put yourself in his shoes
• If he is on the same page as you, all the patience will all be worth it in the end
• Keep yourself busy with ambitions/hobbies so that you don’t spend all your time waiting around for him

5. You won’t have to worry about mind games

If you’re starting to feel like this relationship is just bad news, think again. There are many upsides to dating a man with a small child. One of them is that you’ll never have to worry about him playing mind games just to control the narrative in the relationship. He won’t:

• Disappear just to make you miss him
• Manipulate you with hot-and-cold, push-and-pull dynamics
• Make you feel jealous or insecure

Linda shares with us her experience, “My boyfriend has a child from a previous relationship. Meeting his child for the first time was no cakewalk for me. But gradually, I realized both of them are doing everything to welcome me with open arms. When a guy is patient with you, you don’t mind going on a playdate.”

Related Reading: Single Vs. Dating – How Life Changes

6. He will be sensitive to your needs

Your man will be surprisingly sensitive to your needs and will always treat you with kindness. This is especially true if you’re dating a man with a teenage daughter. There is a young woman in his life who is the center of his world. Raising her and doting over her all these years will definitely have polished his sensitive side.

That alone makes being with him worth all the effort you’re putting in to keep the relationship afloat. Again, if you’re a single parent, this is one of the unmistakable benefits of dating a man with a child. Since he is in the thick of the parenting rigmarole, he will not only be understanding of your compulsions and commitments as a parent but also your children’s needs.

7. The other woman factor

If you’re dating someone with kids, it goes without saying that there is bound to be a mother in the picture. In case, they are divorced/separated, they will talk and spend time together every now and then. The precarious dynamics of dating a man with a child and ex need to be handled delicately. On the other hand, if she is deceased, you may feel her presence in your life even though she is not physically around.

Whatever the specifics of the situation, feeling like the other woman or dealing with one can make you territorial, insecure, and jealous. Looking for tips on how to date a man with kids? Process these emotions the right way to not let them hamper your relationship or wreak havoc on your mental health.

8. He will give you stability

It’s very easy to notice relationship red flags when dating a man with a child, but if you look closely, it has its fair share of green ones too. A relationship with a man who has children may not be the most spontaneous or passionate but you can count on it to be a stable one because of the following reasons:

• This man is mature and settled in his life. He knows what he wants
• Since he has gone back on the dating scene, he’s ready to turn over a new leaf
• He has chosen you to be his partner in this journey, means you’re special to him

9. He may be rusty at romance

If you’re dating a divorced dad, chances are that you’re his first rodeo since he donned the single dad hat. He may hesitate to express his feelings toward you. He may struggle with something as simple as saying “I love you”. You have the ability to change your romantic life by showering him with love and affection to a point where reciprocation comes organically to him.

Pooja says, “Sexual intimacy and privacy can also be affected when you’re dating a man with a kid in your 20s. If the child is young and is still co-sleeping with your partner, making room for intimacy can be hard. Even if the children are older, being intimate with your partner, especially when you’re in his house or once you start cohabitating, can be awkward.”

10. He may not have dealt with women in a long time

If you’re a woman and dating a man with a son, he may not have interacted with a woman intimately in a long, long time. His home may well be a boy’s pad and he might just be totally clueless about a woman’s needs and expectations. All these years, they have been set in their own ways without the feminine touch.

Even the most predictable things like a woman getting a little edgy and moody while PMS-ing can catch him off guard. At times, it may make you wonder, “Is dating a man with a child worth it?” Well, you’re just going to have to rewire his outlook, slowly and steadily, and everything else will fall into place.

11. Your man comes with emotional baggage

A marriage/relationship that didn’t work out. Losing the love of his life. A casual hook-up that culminated in his partner getting pregnant. Whatever the story, you have to prepare yourself for the emotional baggage. Not to mention the gnawing feeling of not doing enough. So, tread around these trigger points carefully and be empathetic when dating a single father.

Carlos, 35, says, “After I started dating Matthew, I knew he was hiding a scar from the past. He never opened up about his ex-wife. I didn’t even know if she was alive or not. I was patient for a long time but this mystery was bugging me inside and one day, I snapped. What he revealed was beyond my expectations. His wife was with her lover on the day they met with a car accident and she passed away shortly after.”

12. He may not tell his kids about you instantly

While dating someone with kids, you might notice his lack of enthusiasm in telling his children about you. You’re not wrong in expecting this. But he wouldn’t want to disrupt his children’s lives until he is sure that this thing you’ve got going is rock solid. That’s why another important rule for dating a man with a child is to never rush him into making that decision.

Pooja says, “Since my partner and I both had children from our previous relationships, we understood this conundrum perfectly well. To make the transition smooth for them, we meticulously planned outings where our kids got a chance to interact with and get to know each other without the pressure of their parents dating. Once a certain rapport was established, only then did we tell them about our relationship.”

13. His kids may not like you

Since they are children and to their innocent minds, you may seem like the intruder who is taking the place that once belonged to their other parent, the onus of breaking the ice the right way is on you. And of course, your partner. “One way to ensure that you don’t get off on the wrong foot with his children is to not make them feel excluded at any point, in any way. This new relationship should not make the children feel insecure or threatened,” advises Pooja.

Related Reading: What Does Dating Mean For A Man?

14. He has too many obligations

It’s pretty obvious that leisurely time may be a luxury for him. But it helps to check how much of a luxury. How do you know a man is in love? Think about the following questions when dating an older man:

• Can he take out at least a couple of hours over the weekend or mid-week to be with you?
• Will he be able to call you at least once a day and speak at length?
• Can you communicate through regular texts?
• Is he open to setting certain ground rules for dates, calls, and texting while dating?

If not, then this person may be too unavailable to have a relationship with. No matter how desirable he seems in the moment, things won’t pan out well in the future.

15. He may want to take things slow

When you’re ready to say “I love you”, he may just only be getting comfortable telling you that he likes you and cares about you. The thing about dating a divorced dad is that the baggage of his past relationship and the reality of the present make him a tad too cautious.

Like we said before, patience is your best friend if you really want this to work. Before taking the plunge, you must introspect on questions like:

• Should I date an older man with a child if I am in a hurry to commit to someone, or even marry?
• Why do I want this relationship? Am I dating him for the right reasons?

16. Moving in together can pose challenges

Something as simple as moving in together can become a challenge when your partner has kids. They have to be onboard with the plan. You may also have to change your sleep schedule. And prepare for financial implications like:

• The impact of him paying for child support/alimony on your shared finances
• Vacations/expensive date nights may not be viable for him
• If you both are up for it, you can help with the college fund/other expenses

17. You have to build a relationship with his children

“Meeting his kids for the first time can be overwhelming. If you assume the role of a parent from the get-go, it might send out a message that you’re trying to erase their other parent’s place in their life, which can backfire. The correct approach is to engage with the children as you would if they were any other friend’s kids. Slowly, build a bond and connection with them,” says Pooja.

Yes, you find guys with babies attractive. But marrying a man with kids is a totally different thing altogether. To help you, here are some simple questions to ask 13 year olds when you’re dating a widower:

• What is your favorite subject in school?
• What is the worst food in the world?
• Rate your day on a scale of 1-10; 1 being awful and 10 being the best day ever 

18. You have to adapt to their traditions and routine

Say, you’re dating a man with a son and they spend their Sunday morning playing soccer. Or dating a man with a teenage daughter and they both spend weekends going on treks. Once you become a part of their lives, you will be expected to be a part of such routines. If the kids feel that their father is abandoning family time for your sake, they may start resenting you for it.

That can open a can of worms and lead to a lot of unpleasantness. You can prevent the situation from turning messy by simply including his children in things to do as a couple. When dating a kid in your 20s, you have to make room for a family outing, picnics, and movies, in addition to your date nights. Being a father changed his life for the better, maybe the same will happen to you.

19. PDA may not be welcome

Let’s say, you’re having dinner with your boyfriend and his children. And he says or does something that makes your heart skip a beat. Your first instinct may be to kiss him and tell him you love him or find him adorable. But you have to think about how this will go down with his children. They may feel uncomfortable with such gestures. This means you’ll have to learn to rein in your most instinctive reactions around them.

Related Reading: Exclusive Dating: It Isn’t Surely About A Committed Relationship

20. He may not want marriage or kids

If you’re dating a man with a baby and thinking long-term, you need to keep in mind the uncomfortable kid questions to ask your boyfriend. Yes, it can seem premature to bring up these topics when the relationship is still new and no commitments have been made. But it will stand you in good stead.

What if he just isn’t open to the idea of getting married and having any more children? And what if that’s something you really want for yourself? Naturally, this will become the undoing of your relationship at some point. So, it’s best to clear the air at the onset by asking the right questions about marriage and children to make sure that you’re both on the same page.

21. Your friends and family may not approve

It may be the 21st century and all that, but there is still a stigma attached to dating a man with children, especially if you’re not dating as a single mom. Expect some unpleasant reactions from friends and family members. They may not approve of your relationship or suggest that you find someone who is in the same place in life as you.

If you’re already debating whether dating a co-parenting dad is a good idea or not, such reactions can add to your confusion. If you’re convinced that you and your man belong together, your decision may strain your ties with the people closest to you, even if temporarily. That can be hard to deal with.

Finally, if you’re struggling with dating a man with children, know that it’s totally natural. As far as the complexities of relationships go, this one ranks quite high up in the order. But, if you feel in your gut that this is the right choice, don’t let the effort needed to make it work or societal prejudices get in the way. Marry the guy who treats you like a queen.

Also, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution when it comes to dating a man with a daughter. So, you should take couples therapy to know where you stand and why you are standing there. A therapist will give you objective advice and will maintain confidentiality (unlike your relatives/neighbors/friends). If you are looking for support, our counselors from Bonobology’s panel are just a click away.

FAQs

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What Is New Relationship Anxiety? 8 Signs And 5 Ways To Deal With It

Want to know one tip that most of us avoid or don’t execute well so you can have a sexy and powerful partnership that lasts? It isn’t going on more dates, and it isn’t getting really good at repair. Find out how to transform your romantic relationship with Jayson and Ellen in this week’s episode, and leave a comment below with your response/experience.

Timestamps:

• 1:43 – 1 tip to have a sexy, powerful partnership over time
• 5:11 – What’s holding couples back?
• 9:19 – Having a plan
• 15:54 – What does co-creation mean?

Links:

• Get 50% off your first month of relationship coaching with the promo code “First50”
• U.S. listeners, sign up for relationship tips and support direct to your phone by texting this number: 720 704 4850

When love is for everybody, why shouldn’t dating be? If you’ve been toying with the idea of senior dating and wondering whether you should dip your toes into this pool of adventure, we’re here to help with all the information you need to take that leap. Today, dating for seniors is easier than ever!

It’s true that younger individuals in the online dating world often have different areas of interest than seniors. Therefore, as an older adult, you may find it intimidating or overwhelming to start dating. Not to mention, at this stage of life, most people carry some emotional baggage or the other – you’re likely looking to start dating again because you’ve lost a life partner, either to death or divorce, or have spent a major part of your adult life as a single person – which can make it harder to connect and hit it off with just anybody. 

What if I tell you, there are some wonderful dating sites for seniors that are built specifically for all that your heart desires? So, without any further ado, let us look at the best senior dating sites that will bring back the sweetness of companionship and love into your life! 

8 Best Dating Sites For Seniors 

Are you wondering if online dating apps with countless swipe right, swipe left, match, and meet buttons are solely for the younger generation? Here’s some wonderful news for you. According to Pew Research, the share of 55- to 64-year-olds who use online dating has doubled (from 6% in 2013 to 12% in 2015) and has been rapidly increasing since then. In addition to this, 41% of Americans know someone who uses online dating. 29% of them know someone who has met a spouse or long-term partner through online dating. 

This spark in app-based or mobile dating is especially remarkable for a group that hasn’t historically used online dating – singles in their late 50s and early 60s. So now that you know there’s plenty of fish in the sea of online gray dating, let us dive straight into it and figure out which options are the best for you. Here is our pick of 8 best dating sites for seniors:

1. DateMyAge 

The name itself explains it all. DateMyAge is an online dating service for singles like you who want to, well, date their age. Due to this age-oriented approach, this platform stands strong against the stigma of online dating for seniors. Whether you’re looking for dating sites for seniors over 60 or dating sites for seniors over 70, DateMyAge is your go-to place. You can narrow your potential dates based on the age group you’re interested in. 

Now, what if you want to date someone from a new city or a faraway country for a change? You can do that as well because DateMyAge has a wide user base in several countries. Just create an account, answer a few personality questions, and get the best options tailored only for you. 

Also, are you looking for international dating sites for seniors? You may love this site because of the international dating pool that it offers. But this also means, when you decide to match with someone, just make sure it’s a genuine profile. 

Available on: The App Store and Google Play

Paid/Free: You can send introductory messages on DateMyAge for free. There are no premium membership packages available. You can only use premium subscriptions through credits on the site. You’ll need to purchase these credits for basic actions such as reading your messages and starting a video chat with your match.

2. Adult FriendFinder 

If you want casual relationships and some fun, this site is your best friend. With over 80 million members, Adult FriendFinder is greatly in demand and one of the largest casual online dating sites for seniors. It allows all types of arrangements, such as polygamy, monogamy, couple sharing, friends with benefits for seniors, and so on. 

While it’s not exclusively for seniors, it’s got a lot of them in its huge dating pool. Do note that Adult FriendFinder is not for you if you are looking for deep connections and serious relationships. 

Available on: The App Store and Google Play

Paid/Free: Free accounts on this site are accessible with minimal benefits. It offers three premium membership packages with discounts. People on this site are more responsive to Gold Members. Therefore, it is one of the best dating sites for wealthy seniors.

Related Reading: 13 Sure-Shot Signs A Casual Relationship Is Getting Serious

3. OurTime

You may have been through a rough divorce and feel scared to date again. Your spouse may have passed away and you want to give love a second chance, but you don’t know where to begin. In such a case, you will find this app greatly beneficial because it has the right dating experts to help you navigate your journey. 

OurTime users can search for partners, pen-pals, friends, dates, serious relationships, and even future spouses. It has some exciting features such as ConnectMe and Virtual Gifts. Another great aspect of OurTime is that it’s exclusively for people who are in their 50s or older, and is widely popular in the senior dating world. It’s also emerging as one of the popular Christian dating sites for seniors.

Customize your dating profile just the way you want it to appear and answer some questions on a personality test to get the perfect matches, and you’re all set to get started. With OurTime, it is your time to go out there and get the best of the dating world.

Available on: The App Store and Google Play

Paid/Free: You can join it for free as a member and also subscribe to access some of its best features.

Related Reading: Dating In The 50s – 15 Tips To Do It Right

4. Coffee Meets Bagel 

If you are looking for meaningful relationships and not just going on dates, Coffee Meets Bagel is a winner. Based in San Francisco, it was launched in 2012 with a focus on creating valuable matches. Going by the reviews of dating sites for seniors, this is a great option to explore.

Instead of letting you browse dating profiles and chat with everyone endlessly, this site uses your Facebook information to find suitable matches. Potential matches are updated daily and that is how your options widen. Instead of mindlessly swiping left and right, this app allows you to take it slow. 

This site is not recommended if you want casual relationships, quick romance, or hookups. On the other hand, if you seek few quality matches, Coffee Meets Bagel is the close-knit community you need. If you stick around patiently, you may just meet the right person – again!

Available on: The App Store and Google Play

Paid/Free: This site allows free registration for basic use. In order access to premium features, you need a paid membership.

5. Senior Sizzle

Are sizzling romance and hot sex only for people in their twenties? As an older adult, your desires may be different from what society expects them to be, but you have every right to explore your interests and fulfill your needs. Don’t let anything hold you back from what gets you excited.

If you’re looking for a senior dating website to spice up your life, try Senior Sizzle. Whether you’re looking for dating sites for seniors over 60 or dating sites for seniors over 70, this platform has something in store for you. Likewise, whether you want a fling or a long-term relationship, you can find a connection here. As the name suggests, it’s exclusive for seniors and it’s super fun.

Available on: Website

Paid/Free: Senior Sizzle has a free version. You can explore interesting features with a paid membership for a month, three months, or a year.

Related Reading: Online Flirting – With These 21 Tips You Will Never Go Wrong!

6. SilverSingles 

SilverSingles is an online senior dating site for people over 50. Create an account and take a personality assessment test. Based on the result of this assessment, you’ll be matched with other singles looking for a similar dating adventure. Built exclusively for seniors, SilverSingles is really easy to use and you can access it through your computer or mobile app. It is also one of the most popular dating sites for wealthy seniors.

Interestingly, it offers services meant to enhance your dating experience. For instance, you may approach a dating coach to seek tips for building an impressive profile or starting a conversation with your matches. This is undoubtedly one of the best-rated dating sites for seniors.

Available on: The App Store and Google Play

Paid/Free: SilverSingles has a free version but it does not allow you to see user photos. To leverage the full experience offered by this site, you need a premium membership.

7. SeniorMatch 

Designed exclusively for people over 50, this site is not really popular for flings, hookups, or other casual relationships. Instead, SeniorMatch is committed to helping senior singles like you find meaningful love, marriage, and long-term relationships. It offers you a mature dating pool. You can also interact with other members by writing about your own experiences in the blog section of this app. 

So, if you’ve been wondering, “What dating site is best for seniors?”, keep SeniorMatch on your radar. It works on a location-based matching algorithm. If your location has a great pool of people over 50 looking for serious relationships, SeniorMatch may be the best option for you. However, if your area does not have a lot of members, you are likely to get limited matches.

Available on: Google Play

Paid/Free: You can try this app for free and find out who is available in your area. If you see potential matches, you can choose to upgrade to a premium membership. A paid membership allows you to browse anonymously and have your personal account manager.

Related Reading: 13 Tips To Date Online Successfully And Find Your Ideal Partner

8. Senior FriendFinder

Should I try senior dating? Should I start dating in my sixties? Can I find true love in my golden years? The answer is: if you want to, yes, and of course, yes. Your age is only a number. You shouldn’t feel lonely or deprived, especially with so many online dating options available these days. Speaking of options, one of the best-rated dating sites for seniors is Senior FriendFinder. 

It is specifically geared toward seniors over sixty looking for a life partner. Apart from a mature dating pool, it has strong security and fraud detection algorithms. Reviews of dating sites for seniors state that every dating profile on this site is carefully reviewed at the time of registration. 

And if you’re interested in international dating sites for seniors, here’s some good news. With an international dating pool, Senior FriendFinder gives you a fresh start to explore the warmth of love and the sweetness of companionship. So go ahead and try it, give love a chance, and discover what happens next! 

Available on: The App Store and website; no app for Android devices 

Paid/Free: You can sign up and create a dating profile for free. However, you will be able to use limited features as a free member.

Now that you’ve read this detailed guide on dating for seniors, I hope you feel confident and ready to take that leap of faith. To make your senior dating experience even more joyful and safe, let us look at a few golden tips that’ll help you along the way.

Online Dating Tips For Seniors  

A survey was conducted with 2,000 seniors over the age of 55 in America about their experience with relationships, online dating, heartbreaks, and love interests. They were asked to rank 9 common relationship factors in order of their significance: trust, communication, honesty, empathy, emotional intimacy, physical intimacy, sexual attraction, loyalty, and common interests.

Can you guess which factor had the highest average ranking? Trust. 47% of these senior respondents said that trust is the most important factor they are looking for in a relationship. As a senior, who may not have dabbled in the virtual dating space before, it’s important to be mindful of the fact that on the internet not everything is what it seems to be. 

The dangers of catfishing and romance scams are very real. So, it’s vital that you’re not quick to trust anyone. Remember that no matter how wonderful a match appears on an online dating app, it’s a stranger you’re interacting with. 

Now, is online dating safe? Yes, but you need to keep a few things in mind. You must take some time, meet in person and get to know them better before you can really trust them. Here’s a list of safe dating tips that’ll make your senior love experience a cherishing one:

1. Select a reputable dating site

Make sure that the dating website or app is absolutely secure and the information you’re putting out there is not vulnerable. Check all the privacy features and lock options carefully.

2. Avoid sharing extra personal details 

Is online dating safe? Are senior dating sites safe? These are common questions that seniors grapple with as they contemplate whether or not to dip their toes in the online dating pool. While many senior dating sites are considered secure, your safety, ultimately, depends on your online behavior. No matter what, do not put out extremely personal information such as where you live, your children’s names, or your office address on your dating profile. If you want, you may hide your last name in chat rooms as well.

Related Reading: 13 Major Disadvantages Of Online Dating

3. Maintain a chat record 

Even if you feel a great connection with your match, limit the first few conversations to the dating website or app. Try texting on the platform at first, instead of going for a video chat or sharing your contact details. Do not delete the chat right away, especially if you feel someone is lying to you over text. This ensures there is a clear record of your communication, which can come in handy if you need to report the issue.

4. Tell someone you trust about your date

Are you worried about your safety even on the safest dating site? Well, it never hurts to err on the side of caution when you’re in the process of establishing an intimate connection with a stranger. One way to ensure that you’re not left in a vulnerable sport is to always inform your family members or a close friend when you’re going to meet your match in person. Preferably, share your live location with them so that they can keep track. 

Related Reading: Dating Etiquette – 20 Things You Should Never Ignore On A First Date

5. Meet your date in a public place

In the initial in-person dating days, choose a nice restaurant, park, or library to meet. Before you have been on a few dates and know the person you’re dating reasonably well, do not invite them to your home or visit theirs regardless of what they say. 

6. Be aware of romance scams 

An FTC report on older adults found that romance scams lead to the biggest losses for victims over the age of 60. More than 80 million dollars in losses were reported by seniors in the 60–79 age group and 3.3 million dollars by people in their 80s or older. So never send money to a person you met on a dating website. They may weave a believable story and ask you for financial help or a temporary loan. This is a clear online dating red flag and you must never fall into this trap.

With these options and safety tips, you’re ready to explore the online dating world in your golden years and enjoy the benefits of senior dating. Senior dating helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness. It gives you a happier and healthier heart, and we hope you give that heart of yours a fresh start to love and be loved.

FAQs

How To Write A Dating Profile – 8 Tips To Make It Stand Out

21 Dos And Don’ts When Dating A Widower

First Relationship After Being Widowed – 18 Dos And Don’ts

Are you over 50 and unsure about returning to the dating game? Whether you find yourself alone for various reasons or are simply looking for a new chapter in your life, the thought of finding a partner and starting to date again can be daunting. Consider seeking companionship as a first step towards a deeper relationship instead.

It can be exhausting constantly judging potential partners and experiencing the ups and downs of dating. However, it’s important to remember that dating doesn’t necessarily have to be your first step.

Companionship is a type of relationship where two people enjoy each other’s company and engage in activities together without necessarily pursuing a romantic or sexual relationship. 

It can be a pathway to a deeper relationship, or it can simply be a way to enjoy someone’s company without the added stress of trying to find a life partner. By starting with a companion or life friend, you can still grow into a relationship without it feeling like an artificial process. 

So if you’re feeling lonely, consider seeking out companionship as a first step. It can help you feel less alone and may lead to a deeper relationship down the line.

What Does Companionship Offer?

Companionship is a broad term and can impact your life in many ways. So let’s explore how companionship can be beneficial.

Emotional Support

Companionship can be incredibly beneficial for emotional support, particularly during challenging times. Having a companion who is there to listen, offer encouragement, and comfort can significantly affect a person’s mental and emotional well-being. When we have someone we trust to confide in, we can feel less alone in our struggles and more capable of coping with stressors and adversity. 

Support from a companion can also provide a sense of validation for our emotions and experiences. When we share our feelings with someone who accepts and understands us, we can feel seen and heard in a deeply affirming way. This validation can help reduce feelings of shame, self-doubt, and isolation, contributing to improved mental health outcomes. Additionally, emotional support from a companion can provide a sense of hope and motivation, as we are reminded that we have people in our lives who care about us and want to see us thrive.

Social Connection

Companionship is an essential component of a fulfilling social life. Having companions or friends to share experiences with can lead to enhanced feelings of happiness and well-being and a decreased likelihood of loneliness and social isolation. Companionship encourages socialization and forming new relationships, as it often involves participating in activities and events together. Through companionship, individuals can build deeper connections and maintain valuable social skills, ultimately improving their overall well-being.

Activity

Companionship can be a powerful motivator for getting out and about, as it provides opportunities for individuals to get together with a partner or group. Having a companion to do things with can make the activity more enjoyable and less daunting. It allows individuals to share the experience and support each other.

It can also provide a sense of accountability, as individuals are more likely to show up and participate in an activity when they have made a commitment to a partner or group. If the activities extend to something more rigorous, such as exercise, companionship can provide encouragement and friendly competition, further motivating individuals to push themselves and achieve their goals.

Travel

Companionship can greatly enhance the travel experience by providing opportunities for shared exploration and enjoyment of new destinations. Travelling with a companion can create lasting memories and deepen connections through shared experiences, conversations, and, most importantly, laughter!

It can also provide a sense of safety and security, as individuals are less likely to feel vulnerable or lonely in unfamiliar surroundings when they have a companion to rely on. Additionally, companionship can enhance the planning and decision-making process, as individuals can work together to create an itinerary that suits both their interests and preferences. Companionship can greatly improve travel by providing a shared sense of adventure and support, making it a more fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

Support During Difficult Times

Companions can provide invaluable care and support during difficult times like illness, grief, or other challenging life events. Having a companion to share burdens with can provide a sense of comfort and understanding, as well as practical assistance with tasks or responsibilities.

It can also offer a distraction from difficult situations by providing opportunities for enjoyable activities or simply spending time together. Companionship can provide a sense of normalcy and routine, as individuals can rely on their companions’ consistent presence and support. Companionship can offer a source of stability, comfort, and practical assistance that can help individuals cope with challenging situations.

Financial Support

Companionship can offer several financial benefits, particularly if you are willing to share expenses and resources. For example, sharing living spaces with a companion can significantly reduce housing costs, making it more affordable. Furthermore, companionship can provide opportunities for sharing skills and resources, such as carpooling or sharing equipment for hobbies, which can reduce the need for costly purchases.

Determine What You Are Looking For

Are you simply avoiding being alone?

Consider how you feel when you’re alone and whether you desire emotional and physical intimacy. By assessing your motivations, you can make a more informed decision about pursuing a relationship or seeking companionship.

Think about the complexity of relationships

When deciding between a relationship or companionship, consider the complexity of relationships, particularly the investment of time, energy, and emotion required for a healthy romantic relationship. Reflect on your readiness for commitment, communication, and problem-solving skills before deciding.

How do I see my future, and what role does a partner or companion play in it?

It’s important to ask yourself how you see your future and what role a partner or companion plays in it. Consider what you want to achieve long-term and whether a romantic relationship or companionship can support those goals. 

Reflect on your vision for your future and whether a partner or companion aligns with that vision. 

By reflecting on how you see your future and the role a partner or companion plays in it, you can make a more informed decision about whether to pursue a romantic relationship or choose friendship first as a path towards a meaningful relationship.

Stitch

It can be a real challenge to find like-minded companions, even though it’s something that many people over 50 need. That’s where Stitch comes in – a community dedicated to helping people over 50 find the companionship they’re looking for.

Stitch has a big goal: to make life better for older adults all around the world by tackling the social isolation and loneliness that can come with getting older. But what really sets Stitch apart is that it’s a community created by members, for members.

Much of the Stitch community, such as local and virtual events and, online discussions, are created and maintained by members themselves. Our members are the driving force behind the community, and their contributions and efforts make Stitch the unique and supportive community that it is.

Because Stitch members know firsthand what it’s like to need companionship, everyone has a role to play in making life better for each other. As a community, Stitch sets high standards of behavior for members, with kindness, supportiveness, and friendliness as top priorities. And through the community, members build social connections that often translate to real-world interactions, all with the goal of boosting health and well-being.

If you’re seeking companionship as a first step towards a deeper relationship or just looking to make new friends, why not sign up for Stitch and learn more? No matter where you live, there are Stitch members who can introduce you to the community and help you feel right at home. 

We look forward to meeting you!

Republican lawmakers in North Carolina are legislating a horrible abortion ban in the shadows that could eventually make its way up to the Supreme Court. And we know these justices just love to legislate on the shadow docket, so that’s a bad sign. And the even bigger issue? The First Amendment violations.

Join Jess and Imani this week as they break down what’s going on in North Carolina.

Transcript (coming soon)

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And sign up for The Fallout, a weekly newsletter written by Jess that’s exclusively dedicated to covering every aspect of this unprecedented moment.

Let’s imagine a scenario. You are enjoying a conversation with someone you’ve met on a dating app. You guys are discussing where to have your first date. They suggest coffee.

How would you respond?

Some think coffee dates are cheap and low-effort; others think they are fine. But unfortunately, this is just one of many instances in the current era of online dating where we haven’t quite figured out how to navigate.

Other areas of ambiguity and contention:
What is an appropriate first date?
How long should you chat before taking it to a face-to-face meetup?
Should you vet the person via a video call before meeting up?

In navigating this uncertain, confusing, and sometimes treacherous terrain of online dating and making your experience a lot more bearable, I share some tips on what has worked for me in my online dating experience.

#1 Reduce the texting; take it to a face-to-face

Personally, a two-week window is just enough time to discern if the texting chemistry is going well enough that I’d like to take it up a notch and meet in person.

If one is uncomfortable meeting so soon, there are also phone or video call options. But ultimately, those options should ease into an in-person meeting at some point.

Why?

Some people are amazing texters – confident and witty over text but utterly different in person. There is always room for preparation and editing with readers, less so when facing a living, breathing person and where interactions are spontaneous.

In-person meetups also offer clues about someone technology can never replicate – body language, how they treat people around you, chemistry, and whether you both vibe.

Another purpose of the in-person meetup is that you weed out the “forever-texters,” those who have absolutely no intention of ever meeting up. They prefer spending so much time typing pages of text to conversing.

I consider these types to be relationship-avoidant and time-wasters who have little to no intention of ever making things severe.

#2 Keep the first date quick and cheap (hence coffee)

This serves two aims.

It not only helps to lighten the atmosphere of date – which can be anxiety-inducing and stressful. But it also lets you get to know the person without the pressure of sitting through a long meal or event.

When things aren’t working out, a coffee date makes it easier to end the evening quickly and part ways. But if you are having a long dinner and your date is annoying, you are stuck with them; leaving is not as easy.

There is also the cost issue; coffee dates are a lower financial investment, which may not feel so bad if the date turns out poorly.

#3 Check your comfort levels and boundaries

I’ve always made it a point to be wary of two things on dates – where I was being taken to and the topics they discussed. It is sometimes incredibly easy to be lulled into a false sense of comfort, especially if you have been vibing well with your date – some of them take advantage of that.

I’ve had dates which seemed gentlemanly but would suggest meeting up late at night in poorly-lit areas and others who would bring up sexual topics barely 20 minutes into the date, despite saying they weren’t looking for a hookup.

It can feel difficult to leave situations like that, especially if you are in the middle of a meal (hence why coffee dates always work!). But what I’ve found works is to call out the behavior and to tell them to stop.

This may sound paranoid to some, but we do not know this person at all yet, so a degree of caution still needs to be exercised. We may vibe well with them, but they are still practically strangers.

#4 If you aren’t feeling it, don’t force it

I’ve known people who went on dates with people they did not feel much attraction to but were doing it because the person was “nice” and they should like them. I think what is genuinely “nice” is to let the person know you aren’t feeling the same way and free both of you to date other people who might be a better fit.

You can’t force yourself to have feelings for others, and prolonging the date when you aren’t vibing with someone will make you feel empty after a while.

Conclusion

Online dating is here to stay, and as we try to figure out what is acceptable dating behavior, we all can keep in mind a couple of things that will make our experiences more enjoyable and safe. It is also worth paying attention to our date’s behavior and seeing if it aligns with what we seek in a partner.

How to punish a cheating boyfriend emotionally? Comedian Tiffany Haddish admitted, “My boyfriend cheated on me on videotape on my birthday. I felt like he had pooped on my soul, so then I decided to poop in the sole of his shoes.”

Pooping in your unfaithful partner’s kicks would be too extreme (or is it?). But, if you’re not in the mood for pranks to play on your cheating boyfriend, don’t worry, we’re here to help you with some smart ways to get back at the person who betrayed your trust and broke your heart.

10 Smart Ways To Punish A Cheating Boyfriend Emotionally

Here are some interesting statistics on infidelity:

• 30-40% of unmarried relationships and 18-20% of marriages experience infidelity
• One survey noted that 37% of women and 31% of men admitted to revenge cheating

You may also be tempted to cheat on your boyfriend to get back at him. But, emotional wellness and mindfulness coach Pooja Priyamvada says, “There are healthy ways of coping with shock or hurt, and there are unhealthy ways of doing it. Adopting a partner’s unhealthy behaviors can never do you any good.

“Before your act of revenge cheating affects your partner — which it may or may not — it will affect you. In my opinion, revenge cheating is not advisable, it is a way of emotional self-harm. This will seem to be good for a while due to the adrenaline rush. But in the long run, it’ll do more harm than good.” 

Clearly, methods like cheating on your partner to even the score aren’t the healthiest way to deal with the setback you’ve just suffered. But that doesn’t mean you have to take his transgressions lying down. Here are some other smart ways to seek revenge on a cheating boyfriend:

1. Go out with that male friend he hated

Looking for pranks to play on a cheating boyfriend? Just wear a cute dress and call your hottest male friend that he so hated. Tell him you need cheering up since the cheating debacle. Let your hair down and make sure the cute ‘couple goals’ pictures end up on your social media. 

Related Reading: 15 Smart Ways On How To Make A Guy Jealous

2. Get rid of his stuff

Rapper Iggy Azalea revealed she torched ex-fiancé Nick Young’s clothes in a fire pit after she found out he was cheating on her. She admitted, “I burnt it all, darling. Every designer you could think of, I’ve burned. I sent him a video and I was like, “Hey, I’m burning your s-. I don’t know where you’re at – probably with some girl. I hope you get home quickly because we’re progressing on the spectrum of cheap to expensive”.” 

If burning his stuff is too extreme, at least clear all the clutter that reminds you of him. If you’re looking for tips on how to punish a cheating boyfriend emotionally, know that it’s time for some cleansing! Get rid of the following stuff:

3. Be honest

Tori Woodward posted photo evidence of then-boyfriend Alex Pall cheating on her. Yes, she leaked the residential CCTV footage of the Chainsmokers singer kissing another woman. Woodward wrote on the surveillance shots, “Alex is disgusting. Men are trash. Don’t ever forget it. They’ll look you in the eyes and tell you they love you. Then destroy you without a second thought.”

But, punishing your partner is not always about playing games. Confronting him and making him feel guilty is enough to hurt him. Just tell him how angry you are and how betrayed you feel. Be honest and express how one moment of lust destroyed years of trust. You can forgive your cheating boyfriend eventually but as Tori rightly said, “Don’t ever forget it.”

4. Follow the no-contact rule

Looking for tips on how to punish a cheating boyfriend? A Reddit user wrote, “Acting like they never existed. If you find out they cheat, don’t engage. Ignoring people is the most effective, most painful mental trick you can play with someone. 

“You’d be surprised how many people you can manipulate if you just simply pretend they’re not there. Egos are fragile.” So, stay calm and give him the silent treatment. There can be no better way to punish a cheating partner than no social media contact. Ignore him, period.

5. Tell people about it

Looking for tips on how to handle a lying and cheating boyfriend? A Reddit user wrote, “Breaking up with them and healing. Healthy people don’t seek revenge on a cheating boyfriend.

Related Reading: The 6 Infidelity Recovery Stages: Practical Tips To Heal

“But if you’re like “yeah yeah I’m toxic af, give me some suggestions anyways”, then I’d say maybe publicize their infidelity to their social and work circles if possible. Basically, the plot of the Scarlet Letter. You can never go wrong with good old-fashioned public shaming.” But, if you don’t want to go so low by bad-mouthing him everywhere, that’s fine too. You do you!

6. How to punish a cheating boyfriend emotionally? Hit the gym

Yes, it’s time to get that body rockin’ to make him jealous. Instead of wasting your time on why your boyfriend cheated, go to the gym and channel all that angry energy. His heart will crumble into a million pieces when he looks at your abs on Instagram. Oh, sweet revenge!

As Khloé Kardashian said, “The best form of revenge is a good body. It’s a little silly but true. There is literally no downfall to working out your blues in the gym! You’ll feel better, and the by-product will be a fierce body that’s bound to make your ex do a double-take.”

And if you think going to the gym is too boring, here are some research-backed ways to boost your brain health:

• Turn up the music at home and dance
• Do squats/march in place in between TV programs
• Walk your dog

7. Go on dates

A Reddit user wrote on punishing the offending partner, “Get over the hurt. Move on without closure, rarely think about them, be happy, and hopefully meet someone great if that’s what you want. Life is too short to hold grudges.”

If you’ve already broken up after infidelity, you can go on a couple of dates. No, we are not telling you to get into a serious relationship right away. But, just having coffee with other guys will make you realize that anyone would be lucky to be with you. 

8. Channel the pain into your work

According to research, being cheated on can take a huge toll on your mental health in the following ways:

• Heightened depression (loss of interest in activities/feelings of hopelessness)
• Anxiety symptoms (excessive worry and restlessness)
• Post-traumatic stress symptoms, lower self-esteem

So, what you can do is take all this anger and frustration and channel it into your work/career. It will give you happiness, satisfaction, and a sense of empowerment. How to punish a cheating boyfriend emotionally? Make constructive use of your breakup grief by becoming professionally successful. Trust me, your success will make him regret his actions. 

Have you seen the music video of Flowers? Miley Cyrus recorded it in the same mansion where Liam Hemsworth cheated on her with more than 14 women. Not only did she get back at her cheating partner in the most interesting way but also created a legendary piece of art on self-love. This is what we mean when we tell you to channel your pain constructively.

9. Celebrate yourself

Being betrayed can crumble your self-esteem. It can instill feelings of self-doubt in you. This is why you need to go the extra mile to remind yourself how amazing you are. How to punish a cheating boyfriend emotionally? 

Related Reading: The Role Of Self-Esteem In Relationships – Take This Test To Assess Yours Today!

• Reward yourself with some new clothes
• You can even get the haircut he so hated
• Get your nails done/eat your favorite ice cream tub

A Reddit user wrote, “OP, don’t do anything against the partner for revenge. That won’t help anything. Leave them, and do something for you and you only. Always wanted a motorcycle? Go get one. Have you ever wanted to go to Vietnam? Go and backpack around for a few weeks.”

10. Sign up for therapy

How to punish a cheating boyfriend emotionally? A Reddit user wrote, “Going no contact after break up, getting some therapy, and then building a wonderful life for yourself is the way to go. You deserve better than someone that is damaged. Maybe there will be tearful voicemail messages, maybe you’ll never hear from them again because they know you know who they really are. Either way, why waste your energy? You have better things to do, and a new life to build.” 

So, it’s time for a glow-up. Find a good therapist, who will help you get rid of all those grudges/bitterness. If you’re considering getting help, our counselors from Bonobology’s panel are just a click away. 

Finally, the best way to punish someone who has cheated on you is to move on and live a wonderful life. Be the one that got away. You’re the gem he had but lost. Sit back and let Karma do its job. Spend time with yourself and the friends you so dearly love. 

FAQs

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Sure, I can adjust the tone and split it into two paragraphs. Here it is:

In today’s world, it’s not uncommon to encounter people who put on a facade to mask their true selves. Whether it’s in real life or on social media, we’ve all come across individuals who seem fake and inauthentic. Dealing with these people can be a real challenge, leaving us feeling disappointed, confused, and sometimes even betrayed.

In this article, we’ve gathered a collection of powerful quotes from various individuals that will help you identify fake people and give you the strength to steer clear of them! These fake people quotes will help you realise who you want to surround yourself with. Whether you’ve had personal experience with fake people or simply want to gain a better understanding of the issue, these quotes are sure to provide some food for thought.

1. “Fake people have an image to maintain. Real people just don’t care.” – Hachiman Hikigaya

2. “I prefer to surround myself with people who reveal their imperfection, rather than people who fake their perfection.” – Charles F. Glassman

3. “Make no mistake about it, people who say they love you but cannot be happy for your success do not love you.” – Germany Kent

4. “Most people want to see you do better, but not doing better than them.” – London Mond

5. “You will never have to question the intentions or integrity of people who have your best interest at heart.” – Germany Kent

6. “Someone who smiles too much with you can sometimes frown too much with you at your back.” – Michael Bassey Johnson

7. “It’s funny how the people who know the least about you, always have the most to say.” – Auliq Ice

8. “Friends are supposed to make you feel better about yourself. Just remember that.” -Unknown

9. “I love fake people provided they are mannequins.” – Pushpa Rana

10. “True friends are like diamonds, precious and rare. Fake friends are like autumn leaves, found everywhere.” – Ari Joseph

11. “An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.” – Buddha

12. “Make sure the lions you roll with aren’t snakes in disguise.” – Genereux Philip

13. “The most dangerous among us come dressed as angels, and we learn too late they are the devil in disguise.” – Carlos Wallace

14. “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” – Oprah Winfrey

15. “One fake friend can do more harm than 10 enemies… Be smart choosing your friends.” – Ziad K. Abdelnour

16. “Stay away from people who makes you feel like you are wasting their time.” ― Paulo Coelho

17. “People only throw shade on what’s shining.” ― Genereux Philip

18. “Hard times and fake friends are like oil and water: they don’t mix.” ― Nkwachukwu Ogbuagu

19. “A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.” – Arnold H. Glasow

20. “Fake friends are like shadows. They follow you in the sun but leave you in the dark.”

21. “Letting go of toxic people in your life is a big step in loving yourself.” – Hussein Nishah

22. “It makes no sense to try to extend a friendship that was only meant to be a season into a lifetime.” – Mandy Hale

23. “Some people think that the truth can be hidden with a little cover-up and decoration. But as time goes by, what is true is revealed, and what is fake fades away.” – Ismail Haniyeh

24. “A friend who stands with you in pressure is more valuable than a hundred ones who stand with you in pleasure.” – Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

25. “What greater wound is there than a false friend?” – Sophocles

26. “Weeding out the harmful influences should become the norm, not the exception.” – Carlos Wallace

27. “Sometimes, it is not the people who change; it is the mask that falls off.” -Unknown

28. “Letting go means to realize that some people are a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny.” – Steve Maraboli

29. “Growing up means realizing a lot of your friends aren’t really your friends.” -Unknown

30. “Faking your own death is illegal, yet faking your own life is celebrated.” ― Dean Cavanagh

31. “Better an honest enemy than a false friend.” – German Proverb

32. “Fake friends are with you today and against you tomorrow, whatever they say defines them not you .” ― Shizra

33. “Nobody wants to know how you feel, yet, they want you to do what they feel.” ― Michael Bassey Johnson

34. “Having fake friends is like hugging cactus. The tighter you hug, the more pain you get.” — Riza Prasetyaningsih

35. “If I doubt your intentions I will never trust your actions.” ― Carlos Wallace

36. “If you want to be my friend, I prefer honesty to fake praise.” – Christina Strigas

37. “Sometimes the person you’d take a bullet for ends up being behind the gun.” – Tupac

38. “It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.”― William Blake

39. “If you’re absent during my struggle, don’t expect to be present during my success.” ― Will Smith

40. “Fake; it’s the latest trend, and everyone seems to be in style.” ― Haleigh Kemmerly

41. “I hate those who play with feelings of others.” – Dominic Carey

42. “Spend your time with those who love you unconditionally, not with those who only love you under certain conditions.” – Suzy Kassem

43. “Fake friends believe in rumors. Real friends believe in you.” – Yolanda Hadid

44. “One should have the ability to distinguish between real and fake. Specially Real and Fake Love.” – George Femtom

45. “True friends esteem you of greater worth than you feel deserving. False friends demand you prove that worth.” – Richelle E. Goodrich

46. “There are few things worse than mistaking an enemy for a friend.” – Wayne Gerard Trotman

We all feel a little low from time to time. Staying on top of your mental health can be difficult with all the other things you have going on. So much goes into feeling good in your brain: eating the right foods, feeling good in your body, processing traumas and difficult situations, and of course – genetics!

The world of wellness is full of biohacks, tips, and tricks to help people support their mental health and combat depression. Before you grab another bottle of Omega-3s while on your way home from your heated yoga class, you might want to keep reading about a potential tool for dealing with depression (albeit a surprising one). Semen.

The Chemistry of Semen

Most people think of semen and sperm as synonymous, but that’s not true. Sperm are cells that travel up the female reproductive tract in hopes of a pregnancy. But that’s not all that’s in semen. 

Semen is composed of water, mucus, minerals, fructose, enzymes, and hormones like prostaglandins. It also contains certain “happy chemicals” like oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin, all of which can help boost someone’s mood. 

Some studies have found that people exposed to semen had fewer depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts. Part of this may be thanks to how absorbent vaginal tissue is, along with its many blood and lymph vessels. This gives those happy chemicals plenty of opportunity for absorption through the vagina, although this effect might work for oral sex as well. 

One of these studies was a survey of college students at SUNY Albany. Researchers found that 20% of women who usually or always used condoms reported suicidal thoughts. That figure was only 5% for people who reportedly never used condoms, and 7% for those who used them sometimes.

Not the Whole Story

Another hormone found in semen is melatonin. Yes, the same one that helps support your sleep and is vital for a balanced circadian rhythm. Better sleep typically means an overall more balanced mental health. 

While these studies are interesting, most of them have had limited sample sizes or lacked long-term follow-ups. So while the science is interesting and supports the idea of semen as an antidepressant, they’re not conclusive or widespread enough.

One of the first things you should remember when looking at scientific data is “correlation does not equal causation”. While it is true that semen has mood-boosting hormones, and some studies support this idea, they’re too limited to make any conclusive statements.

Outside of the chemical composition of semen, having safe, pleasurable, and consensual sex can be incredibly beneficial for your mental health. Yet another benefit to this whole theory. 

Depression Is No Joke

Semen as an antidepressant leaves plenty of room for joking and innuendos, that being said, we don’t want to make light of depression. Clinical depression is a serious disorder affecting approximately 5% of adults globally. Cis-women are almost twice as likely as cis-men to be diagnosed with depression.

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Fatigue and general lack of energy
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Difficulties with work and school
• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
• Trouble with concentration and memory
• Unexplained physical issues like headaches, stomach or back pain
• Sleep problems
• Irritability or anger
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider and get a referral for a mental healthcare practitioner. You can also use resources like Psychology Today to find a therapist near you. 

Other steps you can take to support your mental health include getting regular physical activity, meditating, practicing breathwork, eating a balanced diet, and spending time with loved ones. You’re not alone, there is support out there for you. Sometimes it just takes time to find the right tools.

A Word on STIs

We’re all about safer sex here, so we figured this is a good time to throw in a friendly reminder when talking about other people’s bodily fluids. Coming into contact with semen, whether it’s through your mouth, vagina, or some other body part puts you at risk of contracting or giving someone a sexually transmitted infection. 

STIs like HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia can all be spread through semen. Whether or not semen may help with depression, it’s just as important to protect yourself and your sexual partners from the transmission of STIs.

Be sure to avoid exchanging genital fluids unless you’ve both been tested since your last sexual partner. Otherwise, you’ll want to use a barrier method like condoms – which also help protect from unwanted pregnancy. 

It’s also important to note that some people do have semen allergies, called seminal plasma hypersensitivity. This can result in symptoms like red and itchy welts, swelling at points of contact, and gastrointestinal symptoms in some cases.

Semen As an Antidepressant: Overview

While studies do support the theory that semen has antidepressant qualities – mostly thanks to the hormones it contains, it’s probably not a viable depression treatment for most people.

The risk of contracting STIs or having an unwanted pregnancy is higher than any potential benefits consuming semen may offer. Not to mention, if you’re experiencing serious symptoms of depression, it’s important to seek outside support. 

That being said, if you have a partner that you feel safe and comfortable having sex without condoms with, then by all means – see if it makes a difference to your mental health and report back! Just be sure to take measures to prevent unwanted pregnancy when having vaginal sex, unless you’re trying to get pregnant. 

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Answers to EVERY SEX QUESTION YOU’VE BEEN AFRAID TO ASK!

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This is where you can get REAL answers to all of your sensitive questions- without any awkwardness!

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We have rounded up 31 sex-perts to reveal the sex secrets that every married couple should know!

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Leading experts in the field of marriage and sex are bringing you 31 separate presentations with their best advice, practical tips, and steamy strategies that are available to TRANSFORM your sex life.

For a lot of couples, sex is a point of stress, tension, & frustration. It can be hard to navigate mismatched sex drives, unmet expectations, unspoken desires, bedroom boredom, or even more serious intimacy issues.

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With education, effort, & intention- it can be one of the BEST parts of your marriage!

31 experts, including professional marriage counselors & sex therapists, will be presenting classes on 31 different sex-related topics.

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• The Female Orgasm
• How to Feel Sexy 
• How Often Should You be Having Sex
• Sex & Periods
• How to Talk About Sex 
• How Hormones Affect Drive
• 5 Types of Intimacy
• How to Naturally Increase Libido
• How to Rekindle the Passion in Your Sex Life
• Sexy Date Ideas
• How to Ask for What You Want in the Bedroom
• Using Vibrators Together
• Sex Therapy
• Role-Play
• Honeymoon Prep 101
• How to Teach Kids About Sex
• AND MUCH MORE!

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PRIVATE, ONLINE SEX CLASSES

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Invite your spouse to this couples sex class & watch your connection and intimacy grow. 

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Lesson TOPICS Covered in the 2023 Sex Seminar:

• #1- 5 Sexy Dates to Spice Things Up by THE DATING DIVAS– Creative & Fun Bedroom Date Nights
  • Miss the passion from your newlywed days? Has your sex life become a little boring or routine? Learn how to ban bedroom boredom and put the fun, excitement, and PASSION back into your love life with creative & SEXY date ideas! This class will share 5 FUN dates to spice up your love life! From bedroom games to role play romance- you’ll get all the tips and tricks you need to easily initiate & enjoy more intimate at-home date nights!
• #2- Why Do I View Pornography Even When I Don’t Want to?  by DR. CAMERON STALEY – Understanding the Common Factors Underlying Compulsive Sexual Behavior
  • Too often individuals continue to struggle with pornography as they focus on attempting to get rid of pornography viewing without fully understanding the reasons why they are viewing in the first place. Unwanted pornography viewing is often a symptom of other underlying concerns. In this presentation you will learn ways to better navigate these underlying factors through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). On average, individuals who battled pornography for years were able to successfully reduce their viewing over 90% in 10 weeks with ACT. With the right approach, overcoming unwanted pornography viewing doesn’t need to take months or years of your life!
• #3- Build Intimacy In & Out of the Bedroom by DR. KIM KIMBERLING – 5 Types of Intimacy That Make for Great Sex
  • If you want a great sex life, intimacy has to be a part of the equation. As a counselor, I often hear couples use the words “intimacy” and “sex” interchangeably. Intimacy can certainly lead to sex but it can also stand on its own. Intimacy is the key to a deep connection in the bedroom. In this session, I’ll teach you the 5 types of intimacy your marriage needs, how to build them into your marriage, and practical ways to build the intimacy you need to have the connecting sex life you want.
• #4- What NOT to Say by DR. CAMDEN MORGANTE – Teaching Your Young Kids About Bodies & Sex
  • Many parents feel lost when it comes to answering their kids’ questions about bodies and sex. How much is too much to share? What information do kids really need to know? In this seminar, you’ll learn how to talk about sex and bodies shame-free. You’ll come away with guidelines for having “sex talks” with your young children (infant through elementary school). And best of all, you and your spouse will have scripts that you can tailor to share your family’s sexual values. Avoid what NOT to say and leave this presentation confident and equipped to have these conversations with your young kids.
• #5- How to Make Your Wife More Interested in Having Sex With You by DR. MIKE FRAZIER– The #1 Trait Your Wife Is Looking For
  • Do you feel like you’re doing “all the right things,” but your wife still isn’t interested in having sex with you? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything, but nothing has worked? There’s a simple reason for this: Your wife has lost attraction to you. In our presentation, we’ll cover: The top things you’re doing that are REPELLING your wife, the #1 attractive trait your wife is looking for, and how to become the strong, attractive man that creates a strong, passionate marriage.
• #6- Understanding the Roots and Fruits of Your Sexual Relationship by DR. DAVE SCHRAMM– The Emotional Anatomy of a Healthy Relationship
  • Feeling stuck in a rut? Then it’s time to take a deeper look at your relationship roots! Too many couples are unhappy with their sexual relationship (fruit). The root is much deeper than new sex positions and toys. Couples forget to focus on the root of relationship issues – deep unmet needs. And guess what? Most of it is not about sex! Come learn the 8 D’s of disconnection and discover what lies beneath a happy healthy sexual relationship!
• #7- Women’s Cycles & Sex by AMANDA LOUDER – How to Navigate Changes to Create a More Fulfilling Sexual Experience for Both of You
  • Does your wife shut down sex the week of her period? Does sex sound like the last thing you want to do? In this class you will learn why many women feel the way they do about sex while she’s on her period and HOW sex can be beneficial to both of you during that time.
• #8- Cyclical Intimacy by ASHLEE SORENSEN– How the Menstrual Cycle Can Deepen Marital Intimacy In and Out of the Bedroom
  • Do you ever feel like a woman’s hormones really put a damper on creating intimacy in your marriage? What most women AND men don’t know is that the menstrual cycle is actually an amazing tool for creating more intimacy and connection within a marriage. Learn how fluctuating hormones affect a woman’s desire and pleasure throughout the month, and how you can create a stronger marriage and more intimacy in and out of the bedroom!
• #9- Keeping Sex Sexy by LAIR TORRENT– Gaming the Mind Body Connection and Staying Tuned in and Turned On Over the Long Haul
  • Has sex become mundane or boring? Are you afraid of losing your sexy spark to the difficulties and stressors of a long term relationship? Learn to fight flame fatigue and how to stay sexually connected to your partner for the long haul. This class will share 5 mindfulness based practices that will keep you tuned in and turned on in the bedroom. Sure date nights, toys and lingerie can help, but studies show 80% of sex happens in the mind. Keeping sex sexy is all about knowing how to game the mind body connection. This class will teach you the tips and tricks to fight the dreaded familiarity demons that kill sexual tension, and help to keep your love life alive!
• #10- Help! My Hormones Are All Out of Balance by DR. MEGHAN SCHOENING– Common Hormone Issues and How You Can Start Fixing Them
  • Do you wonder if you suffer from hormone issues or were you told by your doctor that your hormones are causing symptoms? Women often feel lost because their health symptoms can be all over the place. In this class we will identify common hormone issues and discuss how you can start fixing them.
• #11- From Boring to Soaring by MONICA TANNER– 5 Things You Can Do to Rekindle a Love That Has Grown Cold
  • Are you longing for the passion and excitement you once felt for your sweetheart, but find yourself feeling disconnected, resentful or living like roommates? Here are 5 things you can do right away to rekindle the spark and livelihood of your relationship, even if it feels hopeless. Whether you have been together for days or decades, these simple practices will help you keep that flame alive and add new dimension to your emotional, physical, recreational, intellectual, spiritual and sexual intimacy. Tune into this presentation to give your marriage a tune up!
• #12- You Matter Too! by AMBER A PRICE– How Self-Silencing Sabotages Sex (& What to Do About It)
  • Do you feel like someone always wants something from you and all you ever do is take care of others? And maybe it feels like this translates over into the bedroom too? Sometimes sex can become just one more thing on our to-do list or one more person to take care of and it can be easy to deprioritize our own sexual interests and pleasure. And unfortunately, too many of us are hesitant to speak up for what we want because we either don’t really know, or we feel “selfish” if we do. Learn why it matters so much (for both of you) that you stop silencing your sexual desires, and 3 specific things you can do to figure out what you want and how to start communicating them to your partner.
• #13- Sexy Selfish Benefits by NAKETA REN THIGPEN- How Being Intentionally “Selfish” Lovers Deepens Intimacy
  • In less than 30 minutes, learn how you can amplify intimacy, boost communication, and create more play in your relationship – all while being Intentionally “selfish!” When it comes to relationships, especially marriage, we’ve been taught that we need to be selfless. But the truth is, being intentionally selfish is the key to a healthy and thriving relationship. When was the last time you asked for exactly what you want, they way you want it in the bedroom? Did you ask through an edited filter, minimizing your true desire by compromising because of what you felt your lover would or wouldn’t be interested in doing with or to you?

• #14- The Porcupine Dilemma by RHONDA FARR – What’s Beneath Your Sexual Relationship
  • What does your marriage have to do with a couple of porcupines? In this interactive presentation you’ll learn why intimacy is something we simultaneously crave and repel. Intimate relationships expose us to uncomfortable emotions and it can feel a bit painful. If we aren’t careful, we’ll pull away and sabotage the intimacy we desire most. Come learn what your emotional pain points are and deepen your sexual intimacy along the way.
• #15- The Value of Sex by TREY & LEA MORGAN– Why Sex Should Matter in Your Relationship
  • Yes, sex is for pleasure and it’s for procreation, but it’s for SO much more than just those two things. It’s what connects and reconnects you as a couple. There is a lot of power in a healthy sex life. You will learn fourteen practical ways to really bless and increase the value of your sex life.
• #16- Ugh! What Even Is Sex Therapy? by LISA ELIESON, MA, LPC-S, CST– Learn What a Sex Therapist Can Do for You
  • Sex life in trouble? How do you know when to get help? Learn what a sex therapist can do for you! Join us in this behind the scenes peek at how a sex therapist can reignite the passion with couples. Share in the expertise of how to make sex FUN by connecting emotionally and physically with your partner. This class will answer the most common questions clients have about attending sex therapy. And find out what the most common issue seen in sex therapy is.
• #17- Vibrators 101 by BAT SHEVA MARCUS LCSW, MPH, PhD– Everything You Wanted to Know About Vibrators but Were Afraid to Ask
  • Vibrators may be the most underused tool in a woman’s sexual toolkit! And you know why? Because so many of us find the idea of a vibrator overwhelming, confusing, embarrassing and, let’s be honest, maybe even a bit shameful. Well this course will put an end to all that by introducing and guiding you through the world of vibrators. I promise it is all way less confusing than you think. I’ll talk about why using a vibrator might be helpful, how to choose a vibrator and how to use it in a partnered relationship. So what are you waiting for?
• #18- From Duty to Delight by DANIELLE SAVORY– Saying No to Duty Sex and Increasing True Desire
  • Are you tired of feeling obligated to have sex? Or like maybe you’re letting your partner down? Ready to learn how to tap into your true desires and experience pleasure like never before? It’s time to break free from obligation and embrace pleasure! When you say “yes” to sex from your entire being, your pleasure will be magnified beyond measure. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your sex life from obligation to ecstasy!
• #19- Keeping It Spicy While Raising Littles by KINGDOM SEXUALITY – Reignite the Passion in Your Relationship While Navigating Parenthood’s Ups and Downs
  • Having trouble keeping things hot and steamy in the bedroom with little ones running around? Well, we’ve got just the thing for you! Let our expert panelists, Alana, Kyle, and Tiera, spill the beans on how they keep the fire burning through the ups and downs of family life. From navigating hormonal rollercoasters to getting creative with location ideas, we’ve got all the practical tips and tricks to reignite the spark in your love life. Don’t wait- rediscover the passion with your partner!
• #20- How Often Should You Be Having Sex in Your Marriage? by AMBERLY LAMBERTSEN– How to Find Your Normal Throughout Every Stage of Marriage
  • Do you ever wonder if the amount of sex you and your spouse have is normal? Have you ever found yourself wondering how often other couples around you are having sex? Find out how often couples are having sex and how often you should be having sex. You will receive actionable tips to help you find that normal in your marriage and create more opportunities for physical intimacy, including sex, in your relationship.
• #21- Falling in Love With Your Body Again by KEELIE REASON – Feel Sexy and Comfortable in Your Skin
  • Look in the mirror and feel unhappy with what you see? Learn to change your mindset and create habits that will help you accept what you look like today…no matter what. Worry less about the way you look naked and enjoy sexual intimacy more! These tips and mindset shifts will help you at every stage of your life as your body changes.
• #22- Honeymoon Prep 101 by CARLIE PALMER WEBB – 5 Things You Need to Know Before Your Honeymoon
  • Prepping for a wedding and your sexual debut as a couple? Learn how to make sure your transition to sexual activity is 100% worth the wait. This session will provide five specific things you need to know in order to create a healthy, happy, and mutually pleasurable sexual relationship. From honeymoon must-haves to healthy sexual beliefs, you’ll get practical, actionable honeymoon help. If your sex education has been limited and you could use some serious help, I’ve got you covered (or… uncovered).
• #23- No Time to Do It? by SARAH BELZER – Calendar It!
  • Remember the beginning of your relationship when you would drop everything for time with each other? In a healthy, mature, relationship, your partner is still your first priority, but other things compete more successfully for your time than they used to. This doesn’t mean the thrill is gone, it just means that you have to approach your sex life like the other goals in your life: if your physical relationship is a priority – and it should be – then you need to treat it like one. Add it to your calendar! Learn how you can make scheduling sex work for you and enjoy the domino effect!
• #24- The Female Orgasm by SHARON WILLIAMS – What Wives and Husbands Need to Know
  • Remember when you were younger and daydreamed about marriage and intimacy? Wives, could you ever have imagined how much you DIDN’T know about sex, and your own pleasure and orgasms? Husbands, does her clitoris and orgasm seem like a mystery to you? Learn some strategies for working together to prioritize her pleasure and orgasm! This class will teach couples what they need to know about female sexual anatomy, how it works, and what it needs to experience pleasure. Ladies, you will learn tips for taking care of your vulva, mind, and body that will help you in everyday life as well as in sex. Husbands, you will learn how to support your wife and specific techniques for giving her pleasure.
• #25- Role-Play Date Nights by JON AND KATIE RUNYAN – Add More Fun, Flirting, Fantasy, and Foreplay to Your Marriage
  • Are you ready to add some excitement, playfulness and novelty to your marriage? Do you love the idea of creating new memories, being adventurous, building connection, experiencing pleasure, having fun again and breaking free from your typical routine? We hope the answer to these questions is an enthusiastic YES! In this lesson you will learn how exciting having a role-play date with your spouse can be for your next date night! We will teach you all about the benefits of role-playing, classic scenarios, how to ask your spouse, tips and tricks of getting into character, and how role-playing can be just the thing to spice up your sex life! You’ll be inspired to plan your next date and we hope to leave you excitedly wondering… Who will you and your spouse be tonight?
• #26- From Frustrated to Fulfilled by ALEXANDRA STOCKWELL, MD – Learn to Say What You Want so it’s Appealing to Try It
  • Want to know the KEY to creating long-lasting, erotically gratifying sex? Wondering how to talk about what you like/don’t like, what turns you off and what new things you’d like to try? The answer to both questions is the same and in this class you will learn it all! You’ll discover how to have conversations that leave both of you excited and intrigued, rather than disconnected and hurt. You’ll access the surefire way to bring up new sexual topics that is respectful, connecting, and also exciting. Using the communication tools from this class will expand your ability to enjoy your sex life forever!
• #27- Sex Is a Language by COREY ALLAN – We Are Always Communicating Something
  • Ever wonder why connecting romantically, emotionally and sexually is a struggle at time? Ok, perhaps all the time? Learn about how married life means there is always communication happening and it’s actually the messages that are the problem. This class will explore how the natural dynamics of every relationship have very particular rules and aspects, then discover how to use these rules to help grow yourself up, then your marriage so you both will be able to experience deeper and more meaning connections during sex and every other aspect of the relationship.
• #28- Talking Openly and Comfortably About Sex by DR. CHELOM LEAVITT – We Can’t Communicate What We Don’t Know and We Can’t Be Mind-Readers
  • Do you struggle to talk about what you need in sex or what you love about sex? Is sex talk uncomfortable? Learn how to avoid some common mistakes and eliminate problem behavior from how you and your partner talk about physical intimacy.
• #29- How To Embrace Your Eroticism by DAN PURCELL – 100% Shame Free and How to Share and Receive It With Your Spouse
  • Every person has an erotic side, even if they haven’t discovered or cultivated it yet. Sometimes our erotic side gets buried under the mundane part of life. Our erotic natures draw us to our spouse and make lovemaking fun and exciting! In this seminar, learn the A-B-C-D-E process for finding more joy, connection, excitement, and maybe a little more naughtiness to your bedroom!
• #30- Relationship Tools You Don’t Know You Need by TONY OVERBAY – Tips and Tools Born From 15 Years of Practice With 1500 Couples
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Have you ever deeply fallen for someone only to feel them gradually fading away?

In today’s new video, I’ll show you the best strategy to give yourself the maximum chance of salvaging the relationship (or help you move on to find the RIGHT person for you).



Get The Text Messages That Lead Your Love Life in a New Direction
Learn More About The Momentum Texts . . .
TAP HERE

Matthew:

Have you felt someone in recent memory or very recently in your life pull away? What was your reaction to them pulling away? In fact, what do you feel was the reason that they pulled away in the first place?

In today’s video, I’m going to tell you a quick story about someone who came to me about someone pulling away and what they did, and I’m going to show you a very, very common three-part pattern that happens in situations like these. And as I go through each of these three parts, I want you to just see where you might be able to see your own pattern aligning with that because it might be that you see exactly this pattern show up frequently in your life.

The woman who came to me told me a story of a marriage that she had recently left, an eight-year marriage, which for five of those eight years had become devoid of passion, there was no sex, there was no real intimacy or romance. It was essentially a relationship of two roommates. And she left that relationship, went back out there into the dating scene, and then met a guy that she felt an intense chemistry with. Now, in feeling all of this chemistry and the excitement of it and how important that felt, she suddenly started to give an awful lot to this situation, and she said herself that the text messages from her got longer and longer and his messages got shorter and shorter. There was a strong initial interest from him, but it started to fade. And as it faded, as she felt him pulling away, she felt this urge to make it work. Then when she happened to see that he was hanging out with another woman, she tried to reach out and assert a boundary and say that she wasn’t comfortable with that.

He said, “That’s way too much control for me at this stage.” He wasn’t willing to oblige and then suggested they go their separate ways. This is the point at which I entered the dynamic. And she said, “Matthew, what do I do here? I really like this guy. I feel something extraordinary with him that I didn’t feel in my marriage. Why did this happen when he showed all of this initial interest and then faded away? And what did I do wrong in trying to assert my boundary about this other woman that he was hanging out with?” Now, let me explain the three-part pattern that this aligns perfectly with that happens to so many people when they feel an intense chemistry.

The first part is that we overvalue something in the situation. Now, let’s take her story. She was in a marriage for eight years where for a very long time she was not feeling that chemistry and they weren’t having sex. So now the first person that she really meets and connects with, when she feels an intense chemistry, it feels like the most important thing in the world, that this is exactly what was missing in my marriage. Now, when we feel like we’ve been missing something for a long time, we can hyper focus on that thing and not all of the things that perhaps a marriage is important for and provides. In other words, when we find someone new, we still have to have the good parts of that marriage, the teamwork, the mutual respect, the thinking about each other, all of the ways we show up for each other, the consistency, the stability. We still need all of those things. It’s just that we were missing a very, very important component of a long-term relationship, which is intimacy.

But when she felt chemistry, it made her forget about all of these other things someone would need to have and massively overvalue that chemistry. So that’s part one, and that happens to so many of us when we meet someone. There is something they have that we overvalue. And because we overvalue it, we put them and the possible relationship that may emerge with them on a pedestal. 

The second part of the pattern is this. When we overvalue something, based on that overvaluation, we begin to give way too much. So for her, her effort that she was putting into this was effort that corresponded with how important she thought it was because of the chemistry she was feeling. It did not correspond to how important he was making it or how important it really was. She had just decided that because she was feeling something intense, this was a really important thing to hold onto, and she gave in accordance with that. That made him feel like he was getting way too much for what he was giving.

And I’m not suggesting that this person would’ve been capable of a real relationship had she given the appropriate amount, but what is guaranteed is that he got way more than he was giving, and that only lowers her value in his eyes, that this effort is cheap. I don’t need to do much to get this amount of investment. And what was the investment based on? It wasn’t based on real qualities. It wasn’t based on character. It wasn’t based on how much he was investing. It was based on some attention that he’d given her that had resulted in some chemistry. I see this pattern a lot where someone says, “But Matthew, he seemed to really like me. In the beginning, he was giving a lot.” And we have to almost stop thinking of someone liking us as meaning one thing. Someone liking us can be they really like having sex with us because we’re good in bed.

Someone liking us can mean they like not feeling alone. They like the feeling they get when they have companionship around us. Someone liking us can be that they like that we’re a really great person, but maybe they don’t feel romantically about us, but they do like being around us because we have great values and they feel secure around us. Someone liking us can mean they’re just having a great time right now, the same great time they’re having with five other people. So what does liking us really mean? Not a lot on its own. Liking us just gets us some of a person’s attention, but attention is not intention. It’s not the intention to have a relationship with us, the intention to build something with us, the intention to be a permanent feature in our life, and even intention doesn’t mean real investment because not everyone who has the good intentions can back it up with real investment over time.

In her case, she didn’t have intention or investment. She just had attention, attention that she was vastly overvaluing, and that overvaluation was making her give way too much. 

Now, here’s the third part in this pattern. Her giving so much and him realizing, “Oh, I really don’t need to do a lot to get this amount of investment,” which naturally makes someone go, “Well, maybe I can give a little less. Oh, I still get the investment. Maybe I’ll give a little less. Oh, I still get the investment.” When he feels that, he’s giving less, and she’s feeling more and more out of control. So in response to feeling out of control, the third part of the pattern is: “I now try to exert control in the wrong way because I don’t feel in control of how much this person is giving, but I can be in control of trying to tell them I’m not happy with them hanging out with this person in this case.” So we try and exert control there.

The problem with exerting control in a way like that is that, A, it doesn’t show control over the right things. It doesn’t show that I’m just simply controlling whether my perception of whether you are right for me, or I’m controlling how much I give to this situation. Those are higher-value ways of controlling, but a low-frequency way of controlling is, “You can’t do that. I don’t feel powerful right now. I feel like I’m trying to get you, and I can’t get you, so I’m going to try and control you in this way.” Often when we do that, and it’s coming from a place of desperation and insecurity, we are trying to make a demand at a time where we don’t have leverage. In life, when we ask for something, we usually need some form of leverage. In dating, if I say, “You have to commit to me,” I have to have some form of leverage. And I know that may sound like a crude way of looking at it, but what makes someone commit?

I don’t want to spend time without you. I don’t want to lose you. I want this to continue. You represent so much importance in my life that I couldn’t have you not in my life. I really like you, or I love you. That’s a form of leverage. We don’t think about it like that because it sounds too kind of manipulative almost. But the truth is, we ask when we have leverage. It’s the same as in anything in life. In business, if you are asking someone to pay for something, the leverage is that you really want that thing. If you ask someone to pay for something they don’t want, there’s no leverage there. In her case, what I gather from this situation is this is kind of a charming guy enjoying himself, enjoying creating chemistry, maybe doing it with multiple people, enjoying that freedom. And the fact that he had chemistry with her wasn’t enough leverage on its own, but she was treating it like it was.

In order to make an ask, someone has to really want us in that moment. They have to be asking for something. The right time to say, “Hey, something’s making me uncomfortable,” is when that person is actually asking to see you again, when that person is asking for more of your energy, when that person wants to keep dating you. That’s a great time to say, “Hey, I’d love to keep dating you too, but there’s something that’s making me a little uncomfortable, or I just want us to establish the rules going forward of what we are not going to do or what we are going to do.” Those are the right times to ask for something. But if we don’t have leverage, there’s no point asking. In that moment, what could she have done differently? Well, ultimately, if she feels like she’s texting more and more and more and him less and less, that’s a good time to step back. And the next time he reaches out to her, she shouldn’t ratchet up the energy she gives him until she feels a ratcheting up from his side.

So there should be a reduction in her energy, a reduction in her investment. And if he questions that reduction like, “What’s going on?” That’s the time to say, “Well, I felt like there wasn’t any progression with you, and because there was no progression, I just kind of felt like . . . I didn’t feel excited in giving much more to this.” 

He could at that point say, “Oh my God, but I want to keep seeing you.” 

“Well, if you want to keep seeing me, you need to show me.” 

And if he does show her, then she can increase her energy in accordance with that. But what was happening instead was he was decreasing his energy. And right as he was lowering his energy, she came in and said, “And here’s what I want,” and he’s saying, “But I’m not even asking for anything from you right now and you’re telling me what to do.”

No leverage to three parts to that pattern that people fall into. If we ever want a shot at pulling them closer, we have to reverse this pattern, value appropriately, give appropriate to the investment that I’m getting, and then make our asks at times when I have real leverage because this person is seeing me as someone they want in their life more, but what I’m showing them is that there’s a price to having me in your life more. 

How to do this in reality, because I’m giving you a conceptual model here, but what we need is, “Okay, how do I actually apply that? Like, walk me through from the moment I meet someone on a dating app, to getting on a date, to what I do after a date, between date one and date two, what do I do when I don’t hear from them for a week after date two, how do I communicate with them at each juncture, when I do ask for more, what’s a great way of doing it in a powerful, confident way?

These are all things that I’ve created for years of my life now in very practical ways that are easy to follow, and I’ve put them in a program called The Momentum Texts. And The Momentum Texts is 67 specific ways to increase momentum in the early stages of dating so that a situation like this doesn’t happen, so that when you apply energy to your dating life it actually goes somewhere instead of always petering out, instead of always fading out. And by the way, a copy of The Momentum Texts is seven bucks, so it’s a very, very accessible program. There’s no excuse for everyone not to have their hands on this. To get your copy, go to MomentumTexts.com. Whether you are on day one of texting someone, or you’re on month six of seeing someone, this program will give you something for every part of the dating process. Go check it out, and thank you as always for watching the video.

Being on a dating app can be equivalent to a trip to the haunted house. You feel nervous, apprehensive, and lost. However, there are ways to turn this experience around. For instance, the right Bumble conversation starters can turn this nightmare into a dream.

The essence of starting a conversation is remembering that, on the other side of the screen, is a person as human as you are. You want to catch their attention without creeping them out. While you can always message them with a simple ‘hey’, taking things a notch higher and using fun conversation starters can put you above the rest. 

Don’t know where to begin your message? Fret not! We have done the homework for you. Keep reading for a list of 50 conversation starters on Bumble served with a side of friendly advice.

50 Bumble Conversation Starters To Yield A Reply

Never again will you be left on seen because you have us – the dating savior. When it comes to online dating, first impressions are everything! That’s why the first message – or even the first few – you send a match can make or break a connection. If you lack a natural flair for saying the right thing at the right time or spontaneity isn’t your strongest suit, conversation starters on Bumble can be a huge asset to your online dating game. 

Good Bumble conversation starters are well thought out, catch attention, and do not make the person feel like burning their eyes. So, without much ado, let’s get started!

1. Start by highlighting commonalities 

The best way to start a conversation on Bumble is to show the other person how much you have in common. This gives you a starting point to dive into and keep a conversation going. 

Good conversation starters are the key to unlocking a person’s mind and getting them interested in you, particularly on a dating app. Here are some Bumble conversation starters and messages that prove useful: 

• Hey! I see ____ is your favorite song. Mine too! What a coincidence! 
• I see, you and I both love traveling…
• Funny! We both share the same hidden talent 
• My favorite movie is the same as yours, we should get together and watch it sometime 
• Hey! I see we both like ___. Wanna go on an ice cream date and see what other things we have in common? 
• How did you know I like _____ too? 
• I love [their listed favorite food] too. Have you ever been to [local restaurant]?
• Small world, I also went to (their high school/college). What did you study? 
• Hey! I grew up in ______ too! When did you move to the city? 
• What a weird coincidence, I was at that concert too! 

Related Reading: Online Dating: 8 Relationship Tips To Make It Work For You

If you are ever wondering how to start a conversation with a girl or a guy, this is one of the best tips to follow. Highlighting commonalities is always a good conversation starter to get someone intrigued. After all, aren’t we all in the search of someone who understands us a little bit? 

2. Ask meaningful open-ended questions 

Wondering how to start a conversation with a guy/girl you can’t stop thinking about? Well, apart from an impressive dating profile, the key is asking open-ended questions, giving them a chance to really open up to you and not limit their answers to a yes or no. 

Your opening lines shouldn’t be a close-ended statement or a question because this paves the way for a boring and dry conversation. Here are some examples of opened-ended questions and messages that serve as some of the best conversation starters: 

• What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
• What kind of music do you listen to?
• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
• What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
• What would be your dream job if money wasn’t a concern? 
• What’s that one food item you can eat at any given moment? 
• What’s your favorite song to jam to while in the shower? 
• If you were super hungry, what is the first restaurant that’d come to your mind? 
• Do you think the world is full of mythical creatures? 
• What’s one place you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t yet?

Related Reading: 21 Flirting Signs From A Woman You Never Knew About

Asking open-ended questions is a clever way to ensure that you are giving the other person space to take the conversation forward and is better than asking a random question and getting left seen. 

3. Begin with flattery 

Everyone likes flattery, especially on a dating app. Flattery is the sincerest form of validation when it comes to Bumble conversation starters and goes a long way in making the other person interested in what you have to say. If you constantly find yourself asking how to start a conversation with a girl/guy, here are some examples of messages and conversations starters for Bumble to help you: 

• Hey! I’m sure I’m not the first person to tell you that you have the face of an angel. 
• Hey! My dating coach says I need to look for a girl that’s good for my heart. And I think I’ve found her! 
• Hey! Is calling you gorgeous a good opening line or should I try something better? 
• Hey! My dating coach said that a brown-eyed guy would be my good luck charm. And, you have the most beautiful brown eyes. 
• Fancy meeting you here! Shouldn’t you be gracing a fashion runway instead? 
• Hey! You look like someone who would prefer deep conversations over small talk. 
• Most people will say you are beautiful. I say the definition of beauty was created just for you. 
• I like guys who make the first move, but you seem special…
• Never have I ever….seen a smile as bright as yours 
• Your bio is so unique, what inspired you to write it?

4. Ask about their interests 

More often than not, the ideas for the best Bumble conversation starters are hidden in the bio of the person you’re talking to. If you look closely, you will find something about the last song they heard or a million ways to make them laugh, or even something as simple as the best concert they have ever attended.

All you have to do is look for their interests and ask them about them. Confused? Here are some good conversation starters and messages to get the ball rolling:

• Hey! If we were to go on a first date, what would be the ideal place for you? 
• What’s a secret talent that only you have? 
• Your holiday photos are amazing! What is the most memorable holiday you have been on? 
• What is the best advice you have ever received? 
• What is a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon, according to you? 
• What is the weirdest thing you want to try? 
• If there were a million ways to say I love you, which one would you choose and why? 
• What is the worst thing a person can say to you?
• What are some of the best opening lines you have heard on a dating app?  
• Which is your favorite song from your teenage years and why? 

Related Reading: 11 Dating Tips For Beginners – Make Sure You Follow These!

When you message a person, you have to ensure that you are asking them about their interests and actively taking a part in contributing to the conversations. Starting a conversation is not enough. You need to know how to take the conversation forward. Don’t limit yourself to random questions. Ask something meaningful instead. 

5. Tickle the funny bone 

Bumble conversation starters are funny yet smart – now that’s a tricky balance to strike, but if you can nail it, it’s the easiest way to make a favorable impression. And you’ll realize, starting a conversation and sending messages on a dating app is not as intimidating as it sounds. You don’t always have to say something serious or flattering. 

The way to a person’s heart is through their laughter. Light-hearted and fun Bumble conversation starters are a good point to catch the attention of the other person. If you are not looking for a serious relationship and just want to make friends on Bumble, you can also try bumble BFF conversation starters, which are funny and thus not intimidating or off-putting.

Ain’t got a funny bone in your body? No worries. Here are some fun conversation starters and messages which are sure to get a chuckle:

• Do you believe in love at first swipe, or do I need to swipe right again?
• What’s your favorite cheesy pickup line?
• Two truths and a lie, go!
• What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
• What’s the best prank you’ve ever pulled?
• What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever bought?
• Do you think aliens exist? Prove it.
• What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?
• What’s the most unusual talent you have?
• What’s the funniest joke you know?

These Bumble conversation starters’ funny examples will come in handy whenever you want to make the other person smile. Even if you aren’t downright hilarious every time, fun Bumble conversation starters can be disarming and ensure that the other person replies to your message. 

Starting a conversation on a dating app is not a herculean task if you have the right message for the right person. Talking about shared interests you find common ground on which you can build your connection. Likewise, showing genuine interest in the other person can make it easier for them to open up to you. Just make sure that you set the ground for a fun conversation. They may or may not respond but it is important to shoot your shot!

13 Major Disadvantages Of Online Dating

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First Date After Meeting Online– 20 Tips For First Face To Face …

Opening a medical spa is an exciting venture that comes with its own unique challenges. Unlike traditional spas, medical spas offer clinical treatments that require specialized training and equipment. However, once you’ve honed your craft and developed your services, building a loyal clientele is key to the success of your business.

A loyal clientele is one that repeatedly seeks out the services offered by the medical spa and promotes the business to others, becoming a valuable asset to the business. In this article, we will explore practical tips that can help in building a loyal clientele for your medical spa.

To help the business founders map out a clear and defined path to building a loyal clientele, highlight the key strategies to attracting and retaining clients in the business plan. For a solid plan, use this medical spa business plan pdf for guidance.

Deliver Excellent Service

Excellent customer service is the cornerstone of a successful business and medical spas are no exception. Ensure that the staff is well-trained and knowledgeable about the offered services and products. Listening carefully to the needs of the clients is also essential, as this can build strong, long-lasting relationships.

To create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, understand the nuances that make a medical spa distinctive from a regular spa. Ensure that the ambiance is sterile, sleek, and designed to promote relaxation. Clients who feel appreciated and valued are often more likely to return.

Follow-Up Service

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After every appointment, follow up with the clients. A phone call, email, or text message to thank them for their time and encourage feedback can go a long way. Ask them if they have questions or concerns after their treatment. Encourage clients to inform the staff if side effects occur after their treatment, and be available after the treatment to talk them through any issues.

Also Read: 60 Loyalty Quotes To Prioritise Your Commitments

Additionally, use follow-up messages to promote the products and services. For instance, if a client has had a skin resurfacing treatment, send them an email promoting a specialized serum to use during the healing process. Staying connected with the clients can help build strong relationships and also boost sales.

Personalize Your Services

Another way to build a loyal clientele is to personalize your services. Get to know the clients, their preferences, motivations, and skincare goals. Create individualized treatment plans that cater to their needs and keep track of their progress. This strategy can also help in up-selling additional services because clients are more likely to trust recommendations from someone who understands their skincare needs.

Promote Your Business

Marketing is essential to the success of every business, including medical spas. A well-planned marketing strategy can aid in attracting new customers and retaining existing ones. Utilize social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, to advertise your products and services. Consider forming partnerships with social media influencers who can provide valuable brand exposure.

Leveraging delighted clients is an additional effective marketing strategy. Provide incentives, such as discounts, free services, and rewards for referrals to motivate satisfied clients to recommend the business to their friends and family.

Offer Specials and Promotions

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Another great way to build a loyal clientele is by offering specials and promotions. Reward clients for their loyalty with discounts or free treatments and products after a certain number of visits. Promotions can also be offered to attract first-time clients so they become loyal customers in the long run.

Keep in mind that specials and promotions need to be carefully considered to avoid overspending and to ensure that the offers match the business goals. Offering too many promotions can have an impact on the bottom line, so find a balance between attracting new clients and retaining existing ones while being financially sustainable.

Maintain Communication

Staying in touch with clients, even when they’re not visiting the medical spa, is essential to building a loyal clientele. Use social media platforms to keep them informed about upcoming treatments, promotions, and events. For instance, upon launching a new service, posting teasers on social media can create buzz and excitement around the launch.

Additionally, use email newsletters to communicate with clients. Share skincare tips, product recommendations, and other relevant information that can help them achieve their goals. Regular communication keeps the brand front of mind and lets clients know that their ongoing support is valued.

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Also Read: Reviews and Recommendations for Best Spa Breaks in the UK

Follow these Strategies for Success

Building a loyal clientele is a crucial aspect of running a successful medical spa business. Providing excellent customer service, personalized treatments, effective communication, and following up after appointments are some of the key strategies that can help build a loyal clientele. By implementing these strategies consistently, the clients will feel appreciated and valued. A loyal clientele will respond to efforts to maintain a healthy relationship, even as they help boost the profitability and growth of the business.

Yes, how you self-talk creates your success …or failure. In life. In dating. In everything, right?

Quick example: I have a new 56-year-old client who told me she wasn’t sure anyone would want to date her—after all, she was widowed. I’m looking at her on our Zoom call thinking, “What? She’s darling! Dimples, gracious Texan accent and in great shape”.

And, I said, directly and bluntly (graciously though), don’t ever say or think that again. (Otherwise, she was quite confident on the call—just married so long and nervous about her very first date). Science has proven we have something like 80,000 thoughts a day—-and 60-70% are negative. OMG! Startling. And no, I have absolutely no idea how someone figured that out!

Upward and onward on how you should be talking to yourself:

1. I make my own decisions, take the actions and am responsible for the results.
You betcha. So, last week you played a lot of golf or tennis, binged The Diplomat, and went online once for 20 minutes. You now have no dates this week. Decision + Actions = No Dates.

2. My past needn’t be my future.
Sure, the past shapes us and has a huge impact on who we are today. Is change possible? My Mom (thinking/missing you, Mom on Mother’s Day) once told me the only certainty in life is change. She wasn’t talking about dating, just life in general. You may have been in an unhappy marriage. You may feel you wasted 5 years on a man who couldn’t commit.

Intelligent people learn from these mistakes. And guess what? When I’m working with them, they see red flags after one or two or maybe three dates and cut it off immediately. The past did affect the future in a great way in dating!

3. I’m not easily influenced by other’s opinions.
OK, I can’t stress this one enough! How many clients have told me horror stories their friends have told them about online dating? Tons. I always laugh. Oh my gosh, this isn’t 2005 or 2010 when the online dating world was still figuring out safety features. How about this one: My married friends tell me online dating is for losers. And you’re married friends solution is….??? And they know this how?

4. Self-care is not the same as selfish.
If you’re not taking care of yourself, who will?

5. Optimism leads to achievement.
If you think you are going to meet someone, you will. If you don’t, you won’t.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you Mom’s, those with Mom’s and those who are missing their Mom’s.

You know what? Last year (I looked), I had 6 children (well, adults) give their Mom a gift card to my service for Mother’sDay. I was thrilled. One Mom was not thrilled, 3 are dating someone seriously and the other 2 Moms are still dating.

Love,

Andrea McGinty and Luna
33000Dates.com
Dating Counselor and Dating Coach