Category: Dating & Love

Staying in a marriage without trust is like deep sea diving without an air tank. You’re not going to get very far.

Trust can be everything to a marriage. When couples have trust, they can fully give themselves to each other and build a strong foundation of love and marital friendship.

Without trust, intimacy falls to the wayside and even something as simple as making eye contact becomes a struggle.

If there has been a betrayal in your marriage, you know the pain of trying to pull the broken pieces of your heart back together.

Is it worth it to try and fix a marriage without trust? If you want to stay together, how can you fix marital trust issues when your heart is broken?

5 reasons why complete trust in marriage is important

A study published by Northwestern University found that couples who trust each other enjoy more fulfilling relationships. Here are just some reasons why trust in marriage makes partners happier.

1. It allows a marriage to grow

When you and your partner can trust each other, you give your relationship a chance to grow.

Trust allows you to open up and learn more about each other. Knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses is a special bond that only happens when you truly trust each other.

2. It creates safety

When you trust your spouse, you feel safe and taken care of. You feel like you can tell your spouse anything without being judged or left. You know you can rely on your partner for care, support, and love.

Related Reading: The Importance of Feeling Safe in a Relationship and Tips

3. It generates love for your spouse

When you trust someone, you can completely let your guard down, and that allows you to love them with your whole heart. This improves romantic love and marital friendship, which studies show can boost happiness and marital satisfaction.

4. It contributes to respect

Respect blooms when your partner shows you that they are accountable and reliable. You begin to hold them in high esteem and never have fears of rejection.

The respect born from a deep trust in marriage allows you to have your own opinions, feelings, and interests without worrying about intimidating or irritating your spouse.

5. It lets you be vulnerable

Trust in marriage allows you to be vulnerable, which boosts emotional intimacy.

Emotional intimacy is essential to a strong and lasting marriage. Studies show that couples who have high levels of emotional intimacy do better in stressful situations and feel higher sexual attraction to one another.

10 reasons why rebuilding trust in marriage is hard

Trust in marriage, when it is broken, can be incredibly hard to repair. The couple usually has to work together to address the problems within the relationship to truly reestablish trust. 

Check out some effective ways you can rebuild trust using practical and healthy ways:

1. You’re stopped believing in your partner

Can you have a marriage without trust? A lack of trust in marriage can make you lose respect for your partner, which can be difficult to come back from.

Rebuilding trust becomes nearly impossible when you no longer believe your partner is a good person or that they are truly sorry.

2. Your head is fighting your heart

Can a marriage survive without trust? Not when your head is fighting your heart.

Your head may understand that your spouse is sorry, and you know that you should forgive them and rebuild your relationship – but your heart isn’t ready.

3. You’re not giving your relationship attention

Staying in a marriage without trust is hard when you’ve been betrayed.

Healing a marriage is all about communication and spending time together. Research shows that couples with a regular date night increase their communication skills, bring excitement back into their relationship, and increase sexual satisfaction.

However, when you feel hurt and betrayed by someone, the last thing you want to do is spend quality time with them.

4. The break in trust has created complications

Can a marriage survive without trust? It gets harder to make a marriage work after there is no trust in a marriage, especially if the betrayal has left complications in its wake. Such complications include such things as:

• A pregnancy created out of an affair
• Severe psychological trauma caused by the betrayal (such as PTSD or an emotional breakdown)
• A sexually transmitted infection/disease

Such complications can enhance the anxiety and anger the betrayed spouse may feel from staying married without trust.

5. Your partner doesn’t want to seek therapy

Trying to heal from a betrayal can be hard when your partner isn’t interested in talking things out.

Therapy can be incredibly healing for both partners, as can pre-marriage counseling – but if your partner isn’t interested in getting help, you may feel trapped.

Remind your partner that a few moments of discomfort in therapy or pre-marriage counseling is preferable to staying in a marriage without trust.

Even if you are already married, pre-marriage counseling can do wonders for restoring your communication skills and teaching you to deal with trust issues in marriages.

6. You’re angry

Feeling angry is a natural reaction to infidelity or other forms of betrayal – and trust issues in marriages are difficult to fix when you are angry with your spouse.

When there is no trust in a marriage, you may start to feel furious about:

• The betrayal
• Your spouse’s mishandling of your heart
• Any situation (not spending quality time together, putting sex on the backburner) that may have led to the lack of trust
• The stress of having to decide whether to stay together or not

Related Reading: 20 Signs your Man Has Anger Issues and How To Resolve Them

7. You no longer want to be vulnerable

Living in a marriage without trust makes it hard to want to show vulnerability to someone who hurt you.

The more you shut away your heart, the harder it is to maintain emotional intimacy with your partner.

Without emotional intimacy, your relationship is dead.

8. You’re embarrassed

Even if only you and your partner know what happened to break the trust between you, you may still feel embarrassed. You might feel like you should have seen this coming or wonder why your partner was so easily able to hurt your feelings with their actions. There may even be a small part of you that blames yourself for what happened. 

Times this embarrassment and confusion by about a hundred if other people, such as family, friends, your partner’s friends, or your children also know the details of the betrayal.

9. You have friend/family opposition

Staying in a marriage without trust can be especially complicated if your family or friends know the dirty details of what broke that trust.

Your friends and family can strongly impact how you deal with relationship issues. Their love for you makes them naturally protective, and they may encourage you to leave your marriage instead of working things out.

10. You’re going too fast

Can a marriage survive without trust? It can, but you need to take your time.

When you love your partner, you may be eager to get things back to normal, but the healing of a heart doesn’t adhere to any specific timeline.

Instead of trying to force forgiveness to move things along, take your time in processing the grief you feel. Your mind and heart need to grieve the lack of trust in marriage, the betrayal, and the intense way you’ve been disrespected.

Once you have processed your grief, you’ll be able to truly forgive your spouse and focus on making your relationship wonderful again.

6 ways to rebuild trust in your marriage

Can a marriage survive without trust? No. Not if you want a happy marriage, anyway.

If you are thinking about staying in a marriage without trust, you need to learn how to navigate the hurt feelings and heal the broken trust in your relationship.

While it’s easier said than done, here are some essential steps to rebuild trust in your marriage.

1. Decide to forgive your partner

Building trust in a marriage starts with forgiveness.

Decide in your soul that you’re ready to forgive what happened and move forward. Only with forgiveness will you be able to heal your relationship.

Related Reading: How to Forgive Your Partner Who Has Hurt You

2. Sincerely apologize

If you were the one who broke your partner’s trust, you need to take responsibility.

Apologize to your spouse. Do it from the heart, and don’t make any excuses. Avoid saying so out loud, even if you feel your partner played a part in your betrayal.

Tell them you are sorry and explain why. Only if your spouse feels that you are sincere with your apology will they be able to truly forgive you.

3. Take the time you need to heal

As previously mentioned, if you try and force yourself to move on before your heart is ready, your marriage will struggle.

Take the time you need to heal from your marital trust issues before trying to fix the issues in your relationship actively.

4. Communicate clearly

Communication is the foundation of a healthy, strong marriage. Start your healing journey from staying in a marriage without trust by being open about how you feel.

You can also communicate with your spouse about limits that can help you from breaking trust boundaries in the future.

Watch this video to learn how to fix poor communication in a relationship:

5. Be transparent

If you are the one who broke your partner’s trust, now is the time to be transparent. For the next little while, it will help your partner heal for you to be honest about where you’re going, who you are spending time with, and who you’re getting a text from.

Related Reading: 5 Benefits Of Transparency In A Relationship and how To Show It

6. Go to couple’s counseling

Staying in a marriage without trust is one of the hardest, most frustrating things you can do.

Take a positive step in the right direction by attending couples counseling or a marriage course.

A marriage course can help you work out your differences, work on communication skills, and empower you as a couple to build better compatibility.

Related Reading: Couples Counseling and Why It is so Important

Commonly asked questions

Trust is an important building block of any relationship. A marriage is more healthy and fulfilling if the couple can trust each other.

• What are signs of lack of trust?

Staying in a marriage without trust can breed a host of problems.

Are you worried you don’t trust your partner or suspect they don’t trust you? These telltale signs can spot a lack of trust in marriage:

• • You always assume the worst of your spouse
  • You constantly accuse them of something
  • You never let yourself feel comfortable in love
  • You check your spouse’s phone (either openly or behind their back)
  • You demand passwords or track them on your phone
  • You can’t seem to forgive even small mistakes
  • You feel lonely when you are with your spouse
  • You are suspicious of your partner’s friends or family
  • You avoid intimacy with your partner

• Is there a cure for marital trust issues?

You don’t have to keep living without trust in marriage. You can overcome trust issues with the assistance of a couples counselor, communicating openly with your spouse, and giving yourself time to heal from your relationship betrayal.

Final takeaway

Can a marriage survive without trust? No. Staying in a marriage without trust is both frustrating and heartbreaking.

Yet, rebuilding that trust is difficult. You may feel like your partner isn’t giving you reasons to forgive them, you may still have a broken heart, or you may be too angry to think about restoring trust.

From work to raising children, marital trust issues can affect every aspect of your life.

You don’t have to feel lonely in your marriage. Rebuild trust in your marriage by seeking couples counseling, communicating openly with your partner, and taking the time you need to heal.

Are you a newly engaged couple preparing for the big day? With tons of best wishes turned in daily, it should be a reminder that there are lots of preparations to make toward the wedding date. If you’re looking for a guide to help you plan properly, here you have it. This article has all the important wedding planning activities to engage in as you are preparing. 

How to Plan a Wedding? 10 Steps

Planning a wedding can get overwhelming for most couples. There are so many things to take care of that you may find yourself at a loss on where to begin. To make the process easier, we’ve put together this step-by-step wedding planning guide for you:

1. Pick a date

The first thing you should discuss as a newly engaged couple is the season, time, and date of the wedding. A lot of couples would prefer to jump to other activities while tossing this aside. However, it has significant benefits and contributes to the planning process. With a date picked, you can proceed to hire vendors to cater for the event. When selecting a potential date, ensure you pay attention to the specific season and understand the peculiarities. 

Related Reading: How To Have A Non-Religious Wedding – Some Awesome Tips!

2. Select a location

Once the wedding date is fixed, the next is selecting a preferred location for the wedding. This is very important and should be secured to keep your proposed wedding date a reality. If you’re contemplating having a destination wedding, then you have to make plans keeping your chosen destination in mind at this stage. 

Popular destination sites like Santorini, Maldives, etc may require booking a year in advance. While working on this, inquire about the other requirements to hold a wedding at the venue, and familiarize yourself with these ahead of time. 

3. Hire a wedding planner

Planning a wedding comes with a lot of stress. But the best part is that you can hire a wedding planner to handle all the running around at an affordable cost. If you’ve decided to hire a wedding planner, you need to be sure it’s the best person for the job. 

A good way to find a professional wedding planner around you is to ask your colleagues and friends. If you’ve got a newly married friend in your circle that made use of a planner, ask for a referral. Ensure you make the necessary background checks properly before committing your activities to the planner. Remember it’s the happiest day of your life, so everything should run smoothly. 

4. Draw a budget

The next step is to draw up a budget for the wedding. Even if you’ll be planning a super expensive wedding, draw a budget using the various estimates you have already. The budget helps you work in line with your financial strength and prevents overspending. 

From the wedding planner’s list, you can ask for an estimate of the prices of hiring the various vendors that will be rendering services at the wedding. This estimate will guide you to calculate a rough amount you’ll need for the wedding. While drawing up the budget, however, you may have to mark some extra amount for miscellaneous costs. You may not have to shell out this extra money, but it helps you prepare for unforeseen spending. 

5. Select a caterer

If you’ll be working with a caterer for your wedding, finding one would be the next step. To avoid confusion or scouting for the best around, ask your wedding planner for a suggestion list. With this, you can decide to visit them for brief discussions or mini-interviews. Then, you can select the right person for your event. Fulfill all your wedding dreams by having the best food.

Before selecting the caterer, take some time to discuss the food menu. If the same caterer would be handling the dessert and cake too, then you may schedule a series of appointments for this aspect. In all, ensure the caterer is capable of delivering well on your wedding day. 

Related Reading: Here’s A Checklist of What Not To Do On Your Wedding Night

6. Book an officiant ahead

Another professional you should book ahead for the wedding is the officiant. This may also require you to have physical or virtual meetings with the professional. Inquire about any payments and other requirements that will be needed for the knot-tying ceremony. 

7. Design the wedding invites

If you’ve taken this process gradually till this point, then the wedding date should be approaching fast already. It’s now time to design wedding invites. To do this, select a color theme for the ceremony and use the same colors for the invite as well. You can search for a professional designer to handle this. However, a good tip to cut costs is to handle the invites yourself. Using free design templates online, you can make your invites without payment of any kind. 

8. Book a makeup artist and hair stylist

Another vendor that you need to book at this stage is the makeup artist. This is very important, especially if you’re getting married during the peak season when most professionals will be busy. Also, last-minute bookings attract extra fees, which will affect your budget. So, tick the makeup artist off the box as soon as possible. 

9. Search for wedding attire

As the bride and groom, everyone will expect your dresses and attires to be unique, beautiful, flawless, and breathtaking. So, you need to carefully search for the best dress that’ll make a memorable fashion statement and also keep you comfortable throughout the day. 

As you’re doing this, take some time to search for accessories and shoes to go with your wedding attire. Take your bridesmaid into consideration here too and get something they’ll wear. Friends can be a vital support system in the wedding preparations process. Seek your girls’/guys’ help in selecting your wedding dress/tux.  

10. Buy wedding rings

You’re tying the knot, right? You’ll need to buy rings and other jewelry for the occasion. Together with your partner, decide the types you’ll like to wear and then proceed to search for stores around that sell. On the other hand, you can decide to divide and conquer by buying the rings individually once you’ve decided on the kind you want.

So, as the groom, you can enlist the help of one or two friends in searching for the best men’s wedding bands. Likewise, the bride-to-be can do this with her girlfriends. Before buying the ring, make sure the size is perfect and you understand the best ways to maintain the material your ring is made of. 

Preparing for a wedding is a journey that involves a lot of decision-making. In this article, you have read the most important preparations to make ahead of your wedding. With this followed as a guide, you’ll worry less and achieve more. 

15 Best 25th Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas For Couples

Pre-Wedding Blues: 8 Ways To Fight The Pre-Wedding Depression For Brides

10 Things Nobody Tells You About Marriage After The Wedding

The feeling of falling in love is unparalleled. It’s as if a switch turns on and suddenly makes everything beautiful. But there is one feeling that is even better than falling in love — having those feelings reciprocated. But the situation becomes extremely precarious if you think that your partner does not feel the same way. Especially if it’s a man because, more often than not, it’s a little tricky to get a read on what men are feeling. Hence, it is important to be on the lookout for hidden signs a man is falling in love with you.

The age-old teaching of ‘men don’t cry’ that is instilled in them from birth prevents them from talking about their emotions. Even so, according to this research in 2022, men are more likely to confess their feelings of love before the other person. Clearly, there are many ways guys hint they like you. With our help, you will be able to spot the signs that a man likes you romantically or gauge if the guy you love is also falling in love with you.

23 Hidden Signs A Man Is Falling In Love With You

Even though this study shows that men are just as emotional as women, they are still conditioned to appear tough and strong in front of others. They think, and rightfully so, that feeling ‘feminine’ emotions makes them vulnerable to hurt or mockery. But there are times when they let their guard down and let others in. And usually, it is someone they’re falling in love with.

There may be several signs he’s falling for you, but hiding it. This is why we have with us a list of 23 hidden signs a man is falling in love with you. If you’re trying to gauge whether the guy you want wants you back, here’s how you can check if he has love on his mind.

1. You are his priority

This makes it to the top of the list of hidden signs a man is falling in love with you. Priorities are nothing but a list of things/people sorted according to the hierarchy of perceived importance. And if you suddenly find yourself on top of that list, then it could be because he’s falling for you. He’s starting to catch those pesky little things called ‘feelings’.

He makes sure to check in with you in the morning and then again at night before you both go to sleep
If you have a problem, he will have a solution ready before you even finish telling him the problem
He takes your opinion before making important decisions and actually listens to your input

If you’re wondering how to tell if someone loves you but is hiding it, this is your answer.

2. He wants your advice about his life

This is one of the major ways guys hint they like you, so don’t miss out on this one. It is also one of the cutest things men do when they’re falling for someone. He will start asking you for your thoughts and advice about his life and the things that are important to him. This is because he values your opinions.

This is an important sign because usually, men prefer to have autonomy in their decision-making. So if the special man in your life suddenly starts involving you in his decision-making process, that means you’ve become an indispensable part of his life.

Related Reading: 15 Signs A Commitment-Phobe Loves You

3. He starts to remember little things about you

Ah, the universal sign of love — remembering little things about your loved one. It is also one of the most important signs he’s falling for you but hiding it. So, if your man has started to notice the little inconspicuous details about you, details even you never noticed, it is time you realize he likes you.

• He notices that you tend to frown when you’re stressed
• He knows your favorite song from when you were in high school
• He knows that ice cream is your comfort food
• He notices what sets you off and avoids doing that
• He notices your fashion style and gets the perfect gifts for you

Remember, true love is not always about huge gestures like rushing to the airport to propose to your partner, it is more about the little things. So, if the man in your life starts to remember such details about you, it should be time for you to dance around in happiness. After all, you only remember this stuff about the people you love, right?

4. He starts being protective of you

If he starts trying to protect you from even the smallest of things, it’s a sign he’s falling for you. Accordion to a study, men tend to protect their loved ones from everything since they’re naturally protective. And if this protection has extended to you as well, this is the sign you’re looking for. You now occupy a place on that list of loved ones.

It doesn’t matter if he’s doing it to make you feel more comfortable in the environment you’re in or if he’s trying to shield you from oncoming traffic, both situations have one thing in common – he is developing feelings for you. One of the clearest signs a man is falling in love is his tendency of protecting his partner.

5. He compliments you

According to a study from the University of Kansas — The Verbal and Nonverbal Correlates of the Five Flirting Styles – every person has a different tactic for communicating attraction and a different flirting style. There is a fine line between complimenting and flirting, but that doesn’t mean you should mistake one for the other. If your man is complimenting you, don’t jump to the wrong conclusions and misunderstand it as flirting.

That said, you do need to figure out if your man is leaving a genuine sign that he secretly likes you, or if it is aimless flirting. Compliments that are directed toward things about you that very few people notice usually portray genuine interest. Such compliments can surely be taken as hidden signs a man is falling in love with you.

6. He drops everything just to meet you

When you’re in love, you find ways to be with your loved one no matter what. If your man spends all his free time with you, he surely has a soft spot for you. But if he starts to prioritize meeting you over everything else, to the point of dropping everything just to meet you, it’s a sign he’s falling for you but hiding it. He might even subconsciously pencil you in amidst a busy schedule because he “just wanted to see you”.

Also, notice how he reacts when you’re in distress. Nothing is more important than when the person you’re in love with needs you. So, if he starts to push everything aside to offer you support, he has fallen for you.

Related Reading: 50 Double Date Ideas That Are Fun

7. He wants to know your future plans and supports your dreams

If in the middle of a stupid conversation, he stops and asks you about your future plans, it’s because he thinks you guys are meant to be together and he’s planning to have you in his life permanently. He is planning his future around you and is trying to see if you’re on the same page as him.

Not just that, he will also care about your goals and help you feel more confident about achieving them. He will start investing in them too. So, if he’s starting to take a newfound interest in your ambitions, it’s time to sit and talk about your future together.

8. He tries his best to make you happy

Liv, a reader from Ohio, recalls how they realized their partner is in love with them, “No matter his mood or how he was feeling, his first priority would be to ensure I’m feeling better. It didn’t matter if I’m sad, mad, stressed, or depressed, he would free up some time to help me when I’m struggling.”

When a man loves you, he will help you overcome your pain and do his best to improve your mood like this:

• He will goof around just to make you laugh
• He will send you long paragraphs with cute texts to get you in a good mood
• He will bring you your favorite snacks and chocolates to cheer you up
• He will hug you tightly and try to get you to smile
• He will listen to your problems and let you vent to him

Do you want to know why he does this? It’s because a man will stay restless as long as the person he loves is upset. So, the first thing he’ll do is to ensure he’s there to support you and he knows how to make a girl laugh.

9. You feel a deeper connection forming in your relationship

True love involves connection, that’s a no-brainer – a deep and wide connection that ensures you both understand each other intimately. This usually manifests in multiple facets of his life and will not always be very obvious. Men tend to integrate their partners into their lives if they see potential in a relationship.

For example, he might ask you to meet his friends or family, start bringing you to his favorite activities and ask you to stop by the office. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it limited to just these actions.

10. He picks up thoughtful gifts for you

According to a study, gift-giving is a means through which individuals communicate the value they assign to their loved ones. When someone loves and values you, they tend to show it by picking up thoughtful gifts for you. So, this happens to be one of the many things guys do when they secretly like you.

He also keeps himself up to date on these little things about you to ensure the gifts are truly thoughtful and something you will actually appreciate. When a man falls in love, he tries to spoil the person he is in love with to the best of his ability.

If you’re unsure of whether he is exhibiting this sign, just lay out all the gifts he’s given you and see if they’re meaningful or not. If they’re a result of something you mentioned to him in passing and he turned up at your doorstep with that thoughtful present in tow, then we don’t need to explain anymore, do we?

Related Reading: 16 DIY Gifts For Girlfriends — Homemade Gift Ideas To Impress Her

11. He tries to enjoy the things you love

One very obvious way to show you care about someone is to try and take part in their hobbies and interests. So, if your man is trying to enjoy the things you are into, then this is one of the hidden signs a man is falling in love with you.

One of the many things guys do when they secretly like you is to enquire about your passions and hobbies. Participating in your favorite activities with you will make him happy as he gets to see you smiling and content. This means that if he has to sit through a 2-hour documentary on penguins and their varied habitats just because you want to watch it, he will happily do so.

12. You’re the one who receives the good news first

When something good happens, his first instinct is to call you. Even if it’s as small as him finding a dollar on the floor, you’re the first person he will want to tell about it. So if you find yourself suddenly bombarded with calls or texts so he can tell you what happened that day, it’s your sign to understand he likes you.

13. He can tell you’re upset without you saying it

He will always be able to tell whether you’re sad or happy just by your tone or your body language. And then, he will make an effort to ensure your bad mood doesn’t linger. One of the hidden signs he is possessed by love is that he is picking up on the subtle signs to gauge your emotions.

When Roxanne started falling for Steve, she would spend days agonizing over whether he liked her or not. But when he started being able to tell when she was upset without her having to say it, she knew he reciprocated her feelings. “When a man starts to fall for you, he becomes more connected to you. And so he will start showcasing this superpower of recognizing your mood without you having to utter a single word. You only pay this much attention to someone you’re in love with, right?” she says.

14. He loves to spend quality time with you

Craving your presence becomes the norm when a guy starts to fall in love with you. And if he expresses the need to spend some more quality time with you, it’s a huge sign he’s falling for you. In a world full of people governed by unrealistic expectations, his wanting to spend quality time with you is a spectacular sign of his feelings.

He will find ways to talk to you, he will find excuses to be with you, and he will plan activities you both can do together. All these are ways of spending quality time together with you and a sign that he is falling in love with you.

Related Reading: Quality Time Love Language: Meaning, Ideas And Examples

15. He starts to look at the bright side

One of the greatest signs a man is falling in love with you is that he suddenly develops a brighter outlook on life. A study on the neurobiology of love indicates that the feeling of love deactivates regions of the brain associated with negative emotions, social judgment, and ‘mentalizing’.

Love happens to be one of the most powerful and optimistic forces on the planet. So even if he used to be a moody and grumpy man before this, he’ll suddenly turn into the happiest man on earth, a man who never sees the glass half empty. Because as the positive emotions start to take a hold of him, the negative ones would start to bid adieu.

16. He rarely uses his phone around you

This is one of the best ways to figure out if he is romantically interested in you or not. When someone is trying to avoid conversation with you, the first thing to come out will be the phone. But if someone cares deeply about you, about what you have to say, and about having a quality conversation with you, the phone will never leave their pocket.

So, if he only brings out the phone in case of emergencies, it’s a pretty sure sign that he is falling in love with you. His focus will be on you, never on his phone and he will be completely engrossed in talking to you.

17. He loves your quirks

Everybody has their quirks. If he doesn’t run as fast as he can after hearing that you drink ketchup straight out of the packet, he’s the one! If he finds it endearing and charming, that is even better.

Plenty of guys will find your first date nerves cute and funny. But if you reveal your weird quirks on the fifth date and he still finds you cute and funny, it’s because he’s starting to fall for you. And if his reaction is laughing his head off at all the weirdness, it’s a telling sign that he is starting to fall in love with you and understands you very well.

18. His future plans include you

When he starts to talk about his future goals with you and asks what you think about them, he’s trying to see where you stand. He’s checking to see if you’d place yourself right next to him in those plans or not.

• Does he tell you about where he pictures himself in the next five years?
• Has he started talking about what his career goals look like?
• Does he talk about raising his own family?

When men talk about their plans, they’re giving a sign that they’re ready to move forward and settle down with you. So if your boyfriend has started mapping out his future and talking to you about it, it is because he sees you with him.

19. He doesn’t play games with you

You know what they say: Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. That’s what happens when someone resorts to games and dirty tricks in relationships. If a guy is actually in love with you, he will be straightforward with you. He won’t make you jump through hoops and baskets to understand whether he loves you or not.

He will leave clear signs that he likes you, and he will make the necessary effort and ask you out. He will do everything to include you in his life and will be honest if he doesn’t have the time to answer your calls or texts.

Related Reading: 12 Warning Signs Of Gaslighting And 5 Ways To Deal With It

20. He understands your love language

Some people love receiving hugs, and some hate it. Some find it endearing when their partner gives them gifts, while some prefer words of affirmation instead. All this is just to say that everyone has a different love language and if you truly care about your partner, you make an effort to learn what it is. So, if you find a guy speaking your love language often, and intentionally, it is one of the hidden signs that a man is falling in love with you.

Men pay attention to your love language when they want to make you feel content and comfortable. Whether your love language is acts of service, words of affirmation, or physical touch, if he’s speaking it, he’s trying to send a message that he cares about you.

21. He can be himself around you

When we love someone, we tend to be completely comfortable around them. So, if your partner is not afraid to be himself around you, it’s a pretty good sign that he’s starting to fall in love with you.

If he’s truly in love with you, he will not hesitate before dipping his fries into ice cream. He knows he can be himself around you without worrying about you judging him.

22. He starts to be more present

When a man really falls in love with you, he will start paying more attention to you. He will be more present with you and his focus will be completely on you. You’ll get out-of-the-blue kisses, you’ll find him giving you all his attention even if you’re just telling a joke. All these are signs he’s falling for you.

An increase in his presence means an upgrade in your relationship. Men don’t usually invest in people unless they’re interested in them. So, if he starts to be more present with you without you having to pester him about it, it’s because he sees a future with you.

Related Reading: 30 Things To Do To Make Your Girlfriend Happy

23. He gets a little jealous

We saved the trump card for the last — he starts to get jealous. If you need to be absolutely sure about his feelings for you, try to bring out his jealous side and see what happens.

Does he get jealous just because some other man wants to spend time with you? Does he get jealous every time you talk to your ex? Jealousy can be a great tool in your arsenal if you don’t know how to tell if someone loves you but is hiding it. So, use this tool (but just once) and be doubly sure whether he likes you or not.

The purpose of this blog is to help you identify the signs he secretly loves you. So, when you spot even a few of these, communicate with him so you both can take the next step in your relationship.

A word of caution though: Don’t take these signs to be the ultimate proof of his love for you. You can’t confirm your suspicions without proper communication. After spotting the hidden signs a man is falling in love with you, talk to him and find out if it’s true.

12 Signs That Say Your Best Friend Is In Love With You

27 Sure Shot Signs Your Crush Likes You

7 Things You Can Do When A Guy Acts Interested, Then Backs Off

The only constant thing in life is change. You can try your best to avoid it but it is inevitable. Humans, by nature, are resistant to change. We prefer to stay in our comfort zone and so change can feel messy and stressful at times. However, embracing change is exactly what makes us more resilient and helps us thrive in the presence of adversities.
We’ve curated a list of 20 quotes about change in life to help you accept the twists and turns your future holds and help you come out on top

While singles in Vancouver live in Canada’s Lonely City, many have named Montreal as one of the happiest cities in the World. So, if you’re a mingling single, you have that going for you.

Regardless, it’s still challenging to meet that one special someone that makes your heart race.

While you might be content sticking to dating apps (and we have some great recommendations!), we have a feeling this blog attracted your attention because you’re ready to try something new. So, if you need some inspiration and direction on how to meet singles in Montreal, we’ve got ten ideas that’ll jumpstart your quest – and you’ll have fun trying!

Be Adventurous

Swimming, canoeing, cross-country skiing – do any of these activities catch your attention? Whether you’re an avid outdoor lover or want to try a new activity, you’ll make new friends and possibly a love connection through TripLeve.

No, it’s not an outdoor dating club. It’s a group for training and participating in activities that bring you joy. And, when you meet others with the same interests, those shared passions could lead to something passionate! 

TripLeve is one of many outdoor enthusiast groups in the Montreal area. 

Cook and Date

TripLeve might not be “love focused,” but Cook and Date is, as it’s right in the name. Cook and Date provides cooking classes for Montreal area singles, and we especially like a few things about this service.

First, the classes are scheduled based on age group so that you won’t be a solitary 21-year-old amid 50-somethings. Also, the ratio sticks to 50/50 men and women.

A little wine, some delicious food, and built-in conversation starters – it’s a recipe for success (and has been for eight years!).

Throw on a Jersey

If you’re a sports fan, you can use that to your benefit when connecting with other singles in Montreal. Going all in on what you love is one of the best ways to meet people, especially ones who share your interests.

Stadiums might not be conducive to finding dates easily, but bars and pubs are different. Become a regular at a place like L’Barouf that attracts hockey and soccer fans. Then, get your game on while the game is on. It’s a lively atmosphere and easy to talk to people. 

Oh, and you might attract attention wearing a Boston Bruins jersey to L’Barouf, but it won’t be the right kind! 

Add an App to Your Phone

I think we fooled you on this one! Were you expecting a Montreal dating app recommendation? We have plenty of those, so you don’t want to exit this site without checking out the best Canadian dating apps – they provide you with the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

But, if you’re a dog parent, you know your little fur baby is the best sidekick when you’re out to meet someone new. So, we recommend adding Dog Pack App to your phone. It has all kinds of info and products for your pup, along with a handy-dandy dog park finder. 

Visit a few of the pet parks in your area. When you find one with more possibilities to chat someone up, become a regular. Your dog needs the exercise, anyway!

It’s Epic (or EP1X)

Gyms are hit or miss for meeting singles in Montreal. But if you’re passionate about fitness and hope to meet someone who feels the same, it doesn’t hurt to give it a go.

You could select any fitness centre that strikes your fancy, but we think EP1X is worth a peek because it specializes in group fitness classes. The boot camp approach is challenging but caters to all levels. Maybe you’ll end up sharing a refreshing after-class green drink with a cute class member.

A Secret Invitation

You’re probably aware of (and might have even tried) real-life speed dating, but we propose a slightly different IRL dating approach.

We’re talking about Secret RSVP, which starts with a party of singles who secretly express interest in other attendees. Based on those selections, the event divides into smaller groups with games and other conversation starters more conducive to learning more about each other and, hopefully, making a love connection.

Secret RSVP calls it the “World’s 1^st Live-Matched Singles Event,” and it’s definitely an effective way to meet other singles in Montreal.

From English to French or Vice Versa

One of the challenges of being single in Montreal is the language barrier. You’re limited to a smaller dating pool unless you speak both French and English.

But you can change that, and maybe meet “the one” with English or French classes. The YMCA’s Montreal Campus has adult courses in both (and others, too!) through its International Language School.

My love or mon amour? You could be saying both in no time.

A Touch of Shakespeare

Do you love theatre? How about Shakespeare-in-the-Park? If you have a passion for the arts, immerse yourself in it. And, no, we don’t mean on stage (although that could be an option?!).

Repercussion Theatre has a volunteer force that handles ushering, concessions, and programs. It’s a great way to meet others (some single) in Montreal’s arts and entertainment community – and you’ll probably catch some free shows, too!

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Joining a group is always an excellent way to connect with new people and, possibly, other singles in your community. And, if you love being outside but don’t want to go all in with an adventure group like TripLeve, Montreal is home to several hiking groups.

The Montreal Hiking Group schedules hiking or walking excursions through the city’s parks and trails. So, there’s nothing too challenging – and plenty of time for conversation.

The Perfect Place for a Drink

Plenty of “how to meet singles in Montreal” blogs stick to lists of the best bars and clubs in the area. While we’re promoting some different tactics, we know that a few cocktails could make it easier to approach or be approached by someone who catches your eye.

Unless you’re looking for a quick fling, we suggest trying some pubs, even trendier ones, like Pub Distillerie. You still get your delicious drinks (served in mason jars at Pub Distillerie!), but it’s easier to talk to people than at a nightclub or overcrowded bar.

Two Final Tips for Meeting Singles in Montreal (or anywhere!)

We’ve provided our top ten places for meeting singles offline in Montreal. Regardless of which ones you pursue, keep in mind the following two things:

1. Going solo or with just a friend or two instead of a big group makes you more approachable.
2. Be authentic and pursue activities that you enjoy rather than just trying to get a date. You’ll meet people with the same interests and, even if they’re not potential partners, they might have some single friends.

It was an honor to be interviewed in the Wall Street Journal in an article, in the print edition, “Speed Dating Finds New Love”, published on Singles Awareness Day.

The digital version of the story can be read here:

Julie Spira, a Los Angeles dating coach, says her clients are clamoring for old-school speed dating and singles mixers. “If you don’t RSVP when one was just announced, you can’t get in,” she says. 

5 Reasons You Should Add Speed Dating to Your Regime

While speed dating was popular in the mid-1990s and then waned with the introduction of dating apps, there’s a rebirth going on right now. Here are the reasons I recommend adding a speed dating event to your calendar.

Quick Chemistry: With the exciting rush to get back to live events, speed dating events help you determine if you have offline chemistry quickly (like in seconds).

Great for Flirting: It’s also a great way to brush up on your flirting skills with ten 3-5 minute mini-dates because we’re all a bit rusty right now.

Helps Fill an Empty Date Card: Speed Dating in 2023 is the perfect match for singles wanting to get back out and date, especially when your friends aren’t fixing you up.

Helps With Swipe Fatigue: Attending speed dating events or mixers helps break up the routine of swipe fatigue on dating apps, and everyone needs a break from time to time.

It’s Affordable: Speed dating events and singles parties range in price from $35-$50 per event.

Dating Apps Are Joining the Speed Dating Bandwagon

In my conversation with the WSJ, I mentioned how several apps, Bumble, Tinder, and The League have added speed dating or IRL events to help speed up your search.

I like The League Live on Thursdays at 7pm local time. As a member of The League, if you sign up in advance, you can go on up three video dates in nine minutes.

The League claims a three times match rate, and you’ll be 3.5 times more likely to swap phone numbers and meet in person, so put on your lipstick and check your lighting.

Bumble has introduced Speed Dating, also on Thursday nights at 7 pm..

How it works is you must sign up for speed dating within the app. You won’t see your date’s photo, but you can chat for three minutes. At the end of your “blind” speed date, you can decide whether to match or continue playing. If you select “match,” your date’s complete profile and photo will appear in your match queue.

Tinder introduced Fast Chat: Blind Date, where you can chat with other members from 6pm – midnight local time in the experience tab. It’s a rapid-fire blind dating experience where you can answer a few icebreaker questions before moving on to another match.

Group Singles Events

Match has a full calendar of Match offline group events to sign up for, but remember to sign up quickly because they often sell out. You’ll find many to choose from, including cooking classes to museum events in major metropolitan cities.

If your city isn’t on the list, check MeetUp and Eventbrite in your local town for singles events. But remember, singles move for love, so you should expand your search and cast a wider net.

At the end of the digital day, the winning combination to fill your date card combines online and offline activity.

Julie Spira is America’s Top Online Dating Expert. She’s an award-winning dating coach who’s been helping singles find love online for 25+ years. Follow @JulieSpira on IG.

In March 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, I realized I might be pregnant. My uterus felt heavy. My period was only two days late, but something felt off. I was alone and didn’t have a ride, so I called an Uber to the nearest grocery store to buy a pregnancy test. When I got home, I hurried to the bathroom and took the test. It was positive.

All of that was already a costly decision. I had set aside money for my bills and groceries that month, and as a full-time student and Medicaid recipient, I didn’t have the financial resources to pay for an abortion. In fact, the cost of a first-trimester abortion in the state of Ohio, where I live, was more than one month’s rent for my apartment. Luckily, I received financial assistance from the Abortion Fund of Ohio.

The isolation and loneliness I felt during my abortion made me decide to become an abortion doula and help others. I had already been doing the work—like consoling folks before abortion appointments, researching nearby clinics, and sharing information about local abortion funds. I had hoped to receive more training, but as the state of abortion access continued to erode nationwide, I found myself providing emotional support to friends, acquaintances, and strangers.

My favorite part of my work is when people tell me about the abortions they’ve already had or about the ones they want or need. It made me realize there’s significance and meaning in being someone who is loud and proud about the abortions I’ve had. I tell my story so that others getting an abortion know they are not alone.

For young people by young people

Last March, a few months before the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion, five fellow youth activists at Advocates for Youth and I helped develop a six-week abortion doula course by and for young people, as we knew that young people would continue to be affected by abortion bans and restrictions once Roe v. Wade fell.

More than 100 Youth Abortion Support Collective members gained physical, emotional, and informational support skills to support young people before, during, and after an abortion experience, like building their own abortion doula collectives on their high school and college campuses. Though 2022 may go down in history as the worst year on record for attacks on bodily autonomy, I am really proud of the work done in the face of such grievous circumstances.

Young people are also picking up the pieces on college campuses and online communities alike and addressing the barriers that exist when we access abortion care. Just in the past year, organizers on college campuses have demanded—and won—access to medication abortion at campus health centers to ensure students living on campus without the ability to travel to or pay for an abortion at a clinic are able to receive the care they need.

In July, five weeks after Roe was overturned, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed HB 5090, which made the state the second in the nation (behind California) to require public colleges and universities to offer medication abortion at their health centers.

The fight to bring medication abortion to campuses isn’t stopping there. After two years of pressuring their college to do so, a group of Barnard College students who co-founded the Reproductive Justice Collaborative successfully pressured college administrators to provide medication abortion on campus by the fall, becoming the first private college to do so. They are also taking part in a larger legislative campaign to ensure that medication abortion is available on publicly funded SUNY and CUNY campuses in New York through the passage of a statewide bill.

Living out reproductive justice values

On June 24, I woke up around 7 a.m. Pacific to my phone vibrating under my pillow. A text read “It’s overturned.” Without replying or reacting to the message, all I could do was use Google to confirm what happened. I closed my eyes and yelled aloud, “No fucking way,” and wanted to go back to bed immediately. But I knew it was going to be a long day.

It had already been a long year prepping for this very moment. The messages I received that day ranged from “We’ve been saying this would happen for how long?” to “Can they actually just take this away from us?” and “How can I get involved in whatever you’re doing? I want to help.” And while the sentiment was appreciated and I am always hoping that more people become involved in the fight for reproductive justice, at times it can be extremely exhausting to level with people’s sense of urgency in the face of massive events such as Texas SB 8, the abortion bounty hunter law, or the overturn of Roe when you already know that abortion is inaccessible nationwide. And has been for quite some time.

The three core values of reproductive justice are the right to have a child, the right to not have a child, and the right to parent children in safe and healthy environments. Reproductive justice is very personal to me as someone who has had adverse reproductive health-related experiences, belongs to exploited communities, and has had multiple abortions.

My experiences have taught me that the only path to inclusive, comprehensive, and accessible abortion care is organizing through the lens and framework of reproductive justice. I am able to see the value that having abortions has had on my life, and how abortion access, or the lack thereof, is at the heart of my experiences as well as those of my community.

To me, reproductive justice also means having access to reproductive health care. It means no one is criminalized for any pregnancy loss outcome including abortion, restricted, or discouraged from seeking reproductive health-care services. When I envision a world where reproductive justice is realized, some things that come to mind are: access to clean drinking water and air, quality and affordable education, childcare, housing, police abolition, and universal health care.

For marginalized communities, none of this is new

I often think about how my abortions and the reasons for which we mourn the fall of Roe signify a common issue: the need to liberate abortion. I want to create a world where our reproductive fates aren’t determined by how much money we have or where we live. I’ve been there. I’ve been met with the ridiculous barriers when accessing abortions in two completely different places both geographically and politically, and my experiences affirmed that Roe has never been enough. My hope is that we all protect abortion access and continue to fight to make sure everyone has access to abortion care at any time and for any reason.

In the aftermath of the overturn of Roe, there have been renewed conversations and attention focused on the impacts of banning and restricting abortion in certain states. These barriers and restrictions are not new. Low-income, undocumented, queer, and trans BIPOC folks have had to endure the brunt of sweeping bans and restrictions taking effect over the course of the almost 50 years that Roe was the law of the land.

I incorporate a reproductive justice framework into my work by seeking to address the forms of reproductive oppression that exist within my community, like forced sterilization and high Black maternal mortality rates, through my work as an advocate and doula. One of the primary aspects of my work is challenging folks to think and speak beyond “the right to choose” in regards to abortion and begin thinking about ways in which race, gender, sexuality, language barriers, class, and more also contribute to a lack of choices and access for exploited people in our communities. This framework also informs how I organize and interact with others in the work, knowing that the identities and experiences people hold impact how they show up.

The loss of Roe was absolutely devastating, but we now have the opportunity to create a future where access to abortion is fully liberated and not solely on the basis of a right to privacy.

Abortion should not be a word that we whisper in secret. It is about ensuring equity and autonomy for every person who can become pregnant. It is about reminding everyone that abortion is health care. We do not have to revert to back-alley abortions and forced pregnancies because we now have a very safe and effective method to terminate pregnancies: abortion pills.

The future I envision allows people to self-manage their abortion without fear of criminalization or imprisonment. Moving into a future beyond Roe is about remembering what we endured, how we organized, and the ways we will continue to advocate for access to abortion. Young people nationwide have been and will continue to lead that charge and the time for others to follow suit is long overdue.

Rain. The ultimate downer for a date? Think again! When the weather gets bad, you might think your choices are limited and there’s not a whole lot you can do about it. Don’t worry though, there are still plenty of options out there. You just need to be a little flexible and get creative!

Have a first date planned and looking for some great backup options in case the weather doesn’t work in your favor? We’ve got you! Here are eleven of our favorite rainy day date ideas to try!

Rainy Day Date Ideas: 11 Top Picks for Every Occasion

A bit of soggy weather doesn’t need to stand in the way of two people forming a genuine connection on a date. So, if you’re looking for some inspiration on how to have a special time even when the weather is refusing to play ball, check out our top rainy date ideas picks below!

1. Host a board game night

More often than not, the name of the game on a rainy day is staying. There aren’t many better ways to kill time under a roof than playing a good board game. There are several great board and tabletop games that are great to play with two people, like Bananagrams, Codenames: Duet, and Rivals for Catan.

2. Cook a romantic meal together

Crafting a romantic dinner together is always fun, regardless of where your culinary skills are at! If you’re both terrible, there’ll be a lot of laughter and it offers a great chance for you to bond and form a deeper connection. Or, if one of you is a great cook and the other is still learning, one person can lead and the other can teach.

If you’re both great, well, the prize is a tasty meal at the end! Either way, an activity that you can both work at like cooking can be one of the most romantic rainy day ideas.

3. Grab dinner and a movie

If cooking isn’t your thing, this one’s a top choice. Of course, dinner and a movie is the classic romantic date combo and it still holds up today. It has all the makings of a good rainy day date: You’ll have plenty of things to talk about and it’s indoors. You’ll catch a few droplets driving from location to location, but we’re sure you’ll survive.

4. Try an escape room

This rainy day date idea might be better for couples who’ve been dating for some time already. For the uninitiated, escape rooms are puzzle challenges where you have to use a series of clues at your disposal to — you guessed it — escape from a room.

There are tons of escape rooms throughout the country and it’s genuinely one of the most fun date ideas on a rainy day. While they can be a little on the pricey side, they’re almost always a memorable experience and, of course, you’ll stay dry.

5. Go to a museum

One of the all-time great rainy day activities for couples, a museum visit is a top choice all round. Educational betterment aside, they give you something to talk about and they’re interesting regardless of how interesting your date is!

They also take the pressure off the conversation because you’re not directly seated across from each other the whole time. Art museums and science museums are both great, so you can’t really go wrong with either.

6. Visit a nearby coffee shop

You know this one already and for good reason. Coffee dates are a great way to kickstart real, meaningful connections. Not to mention, when it’s cold and rainy, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of drinking a warm cup of coffee. It’s comforting and it will perk you up on a day you might otherwise have preferred to spend in bed.

Pro tip: You’ll win points if you pick a coffee shop closer to them.

7. Head to a sporting event

One of the more memorable rainy date ideas is to hit up a sporting event together. Sports games take place pretty much every day in big cities across the US, from ice hockey to volleyball. Even if your date isn’t really into sports, heading out to watch something you’ve never seen live before can make for an unforgettable afternoon!

8. Attend a class

Some of the most romantic rainy day date ideas involve attending classes together. Find a common interest and find out what’s available in your local area. Maybe you both want to brush up on your drawing skills, or you’d love to attend a cooking class together. Or you could try a theatre group, a pottery class, a climbing lesson, or learn an instrument in tandem. Dance classes, martial arts, watercolor, singing, life drawing, speaking a foreign language – the sky’s the limit.

Learning anything new makes us feel fantastic, and as a couple, it can be a brilliant bonding experience that gives you fun new topics of conversation to chat about in the future.

9. Listen to some live music

One of the best rainy day activities for couples is watching live music. Pick a genre you both enjoy (classic love songs anyone?) and browse the evening’s listing for gigs. In any decent-sized town or city, you’re sure to find live music, whether it’s a stadium-filling rock band or an atmospheric jazz bar.

Live music is good for the soul, and will help you feel closer to your partner – so head out together and follow the good vibrations.

10. Head out on a mini road trip

Sometimes when you want the sun, you want the sun. Maybe, all you have to do is drive for it. Take your date for a drive into the neighboring town where the forecast reads clear skies. Little day trips like these can be great, not only for escaping the rain but also for the simple feeling of adventure!

11. Visit the local bookstore

When it’s raining, few things sound better than snuggling up with a book and hot cocoa. Why not turn this into a date? Book shopping can be fun, because, not only will you stay dry, but your date’s taste in books will give you some insight into the kind of things they’re into. Do they head straight for the romance novel section? Are they lured toward crime fiction?

As well as giving you an insight into your date’s character, singles aren’t often asked to go to a bookstore for a date, making this a unique and cute rainy day date idea!

Rainy Day Date Ideas: Start Making Meaningful Connections Today!

When it comes to making real, lasting connections, rainy day date ideas offer something a bit different. It’s time to take a deep breath, grab an umbrella, head out there, and try out some of our favorite ideas to start connecting with someone who really gets you!

How to reassure your boyfriend about your relationship? The answer to this question lies in understanding why the reassurance is needed and what will eventually clear the doubts for which the reassurance is required. It sounds simple enough, but the answers are more complicated than that. Usually, the reasons for his insecurity, fear, or anxiety appear within statements like “He’s possessive about me” or “He is scared because of previous experiences”. But beneath these statements lies the real reason that he needs reassurance in the first place.

It is often said, “Confidence is silent, insecurities are loud”. Men who have insecurities are often defensive and overcompensate – whether in action or words – and are more likely to deny it if someone tells them that they’re the ‘insecure boyfriend’. Now, human beings have self-doubt in a range of areas. So, it’s fine to reassure your partner about their anxiety if the need arises. But when your guy goes a step further and has to be pacified for everything that goes beyond his control, then it’s important to get help.

18 Things To Say To Reassure Your Boyfriend About Your Relationship

Alexander Pope said, “To err is human” in the eighteenth century. However, in today’s world, “To be insecure and have crippling anxiety is human” would be the right idiom. Everybody feels the need for reassurance at some point in time. Even the most secure people experience moments of insecurity and anxiety. There’s nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of while seeking some validation. 

So, how to reassure your boyfriend? To answer this, one must consider that insecurity in a person is not a result of external factors around them. It’s a response from the person to certain events in their life. A major feeling that results from insecurity is a feeling of inadequacy. Psychologists say that insecure men often believe that others do not respect their knowledge or opinion. Insecure people think or rather obsess over what others think about them. Dealing with insecure people needs effort, probably more so than in any of your other relationships, but love is complicated. And worth it. When you love someone, reassuring them is not just about building their self-esteem, it’s also about strengthening your bond with them. 

Related Reading: 13 Reasons To Never Take Back An Ex Who Dumped You

1. I love you

An insecure boyfriend needs constant reassurance that his partner loves him. Blame it on low self-esteem, neglected or abusive childhood, or any other factor, but timely reassurances will slowly help him leave those demons behind. Knowing how to reassure your boyfriend that you love him comes easier with practice. Saying “I love you” the first time can be daunting, but could do the trick. It isn’t something that one says to just anyone. But one shouldn’t shy away from expressing their feelings to their partner.

2. I need you

One of the things that is often assumed in the relationship is the need for one’s partner. But it is important to communicate the emotion. “I need you” could mean different things to different people. Sometimes, it communicates the emotional intimacy one already has in the relationship, other times it communicates the companionship they crave. Validation is one of the most critical emotional needs in a relationship. Reassuring your boyfriend that you won’t leave by confessing your need for him is the ultimate act of validation you can do for him.

3. You’re the only one for me

Confessing your sole interest in your boyfriend is another way you could reassure him. He will read it as a sign that he has a faithful and loyal partner, especially if he values monogamy. This is our simple note on how to reassure your boyfriend you won’t leave him – through expressions of loyalty. To prove yourself as a loyal partner, you’ve to be empathetic and begin to prioritize his role in your relationship. Active listening and sharing experiences could be a great start to this. You have to make him feel that he can depend upon you. This can be done by making him a priority in your life.

4. I can’t stop thinking about you

Telling someone that you think about them is a positive affirmation, unless it’s done by a creepy man standing in rain outside your building. When we bond with someone, it triggers a release of dopamine in the brain, a feel-good chemical. Thinking about that person triggers a dopamine response, which is why we think so much about the people we love. This dialogue will tell your partner that you care about him and that he’s constantly in your thoughts. You could also communicate this by getting some thinking-of-you gifts for your partner.

5. You make me feel like I’ve never felt before

Here’s how to reassure your boyfriend about his worth in your relationship. Tell him about the things that have improved in your life and within you by being in a relationship with him. Tell him that you’ve seen how life changes for good when you’re dating someone as special as him. Life feels hopeful when you’re in love. Share that feeling with him and let him know that he’s responsible for making you feel that way. 

6. I don’t want to change anything about you

Love is not sincere if it comes with conditions or strings. The need for privacy or independence is understandable. Still, conditions that instruct a person to dress a certain way or behave in a certain manner are nothing more than a cold agreement. If you want to know how to reassure your boyfriend you won’t leave him, then tell him that you don’t want to change anything about him. It is an example of unconditional love, and being loved by someone unconditionally is nothing short of a treasure. 

7. You make me proud

We live in a world where everyone is told to go through the grind to earn a place. In such a scenario, being told that someone is proud of us is great motivation. Tell him you’re proud of his achievements and how hard he tries to keep you happy. This will do wonders where validation is concerned for your insecure boyfriend.

Related Reading: What Does ‘Holding Space For Someone’ Mean And How To Do It?

8. You look amazing

Another way insecurity manifests in a person is self-deprecating behavior. People who have been conditioned to believe outdated ideas of beauty often rank themselves as unattractive. This may result in them being extra careful with their looks or clothes. They rarely relax, even in a casual setting. An insecure boyfriend will often obsess over the reason you’re with him since he thinks you are more attractive than him. These thoughts, if not curbed, can lead to overwhelming jealousy. If you want to know how to reassure your boyfriend about his looks, tell him often that he is attractive, more than he thinks. Compliment him sincerely and tell him you love everything about the way he looks.

9. You heal me

Love is great because it makes us want to be better people. Everyone is carrying some sort of emotional baggage from the past, either from childhood, relationships, or traumatic events. But being with the right person can help in overcoming those barriers from your earlier life. Tell your boyfriend how he has helped you move on from the past.

10. Why didn’t I meet you earlier?

Though it’s a rhetorical question, it will always earn a smile as an answer. It’s no one’s fault, because it’s a matter of fate or the inner workings of the universe or whatever you call it. But it tells him how grateful you are for his presence in your life. Another note on how to reassure your boyfriend with something concrete is to say it with a customized sentimental gift for your boyfriend that will melt his heart.

11. I can’t imagine my life without you

Telling your guy that you do not think of him as a mere option in your life is a big deal. You are telling him that he is not one of the many you chose from just because he had the better body or could cook. Tell him that he’s the person who you connect with spiritually and emotionally and that in him, you have found your soulmate.

12. I miss you

Now, here’s one for long-distance partners – How to reassure your boyfriend that you love him and miss him when he is away? Though you can make use of romantic ‘miss you’ messages for your SO, saying it directly to him on phone or in letters (if you’re an old-world romantic) works better. You are telling him how much you crave his presence around you and his absence is getting difficult for you to bear. Do not underestimate this sentence. Ballads and movies and songs, you can’t imagine the amount of art that has been created around this sentiment. 

13. You make me a better person

Though it is said that love shouldn’t require one to change, love must encourage a person to become a better version of themselves. When you tell him that he has inspired you to become a better person and partner, you’re telling him that not only do you want the relationship to grow, but dating him is like having found tips to be a better lover.

Also, if your relationship has gone through the storms of your infidelity, and you’re wondering how to reassure your boyfriend after cheating, then you must tell him you want to become a better person for him. Many apologies and amends will follow, but this promise might just help you heal your broken relationship.

14. I’m sorry

It is important to acknowledge your mistakes in a healthy relationship. An apology tells your partner that you’re aware of the hurt you’ve caused him and that you will not repeat the act in the future. Unresolved conflicts can be sources of stress that may drive a wall between you two. Apologizing is an admission of regret for causing your significant other pain, even if it was unintentional. 

Here’s how to reassure your boyfriend that you see his pain and have understood your part in the hurt you caused – Do not beat around the bush. Apologize sincerely. Acknowledge what you did, and its emotional impact on him. Make the repairs. You can even use a cute little way to say sorry after a fight, like a note in his bag.

15. I want to be with you

Confessing a desire to be with your partner is a way of telling him that you’re committed to him. With this statement, you’re telling him that you visualize a future with him. Since commitment is a big step in any relationship, you’re telling him that you find him trustworthy to invest in a long-term dynamic with him. If you’ve shied away from relationships previously, then this will be a sign for him that you’re over your fear of commitment.

16. You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me

It always feels great when someone acknowledges and appreciates one’s presence in their life. Especially when one’s suffering from self-doubt. Saying that he is the reason your life feels so good will brighten his day. Starting a day with such a positive acknowledgment will give him the confidence to take on any challenge. I tell anyone who asks me, “How to reassure your boyfriend when he’s low?” Tell him he has made you the happiest you’ve ever been in your life and you will rejuvenate him.

17. Reassure your partner with anxiety: Your love is all I need/I would be so happy to take care of you

Of course, we are all a bit materialistic and love is never the complete solution. You need money to survive. But if he’s going through a rough financial patch, saying these statements along with promising him that you will work out the problems together will be a great relief to him. Insecure men who are conditioned to cater to the traditional role of a breadwinner may find it difficult to become dependent on their partners. Many might consider it the end of their relationship if they are unable to fulfill that role anymore. Assure him that you will take care of him if the need arises. Tell him that he doesn’t have to feel embarrassed by that prospect and together, you can overcome any financial stress in the relationship.

18. I want to grow old with you

No one can predict the future. Though this unpredictability is one of the charms of life, it can lead to an overwhelming panic in someone with anxiety. In such cases, you can provide him with a ray of predictability by saying that you envision a future with him. This not only tells him that you find him trustworthy to make such a long-term commitment but also that you love him and feel secure enough about him to make such a statement.

How to reassure your partner with anxiety? By building a strong communication channel with him. But do remember that reassurances are only good if they can help in one’s insecurity. At Bonobology, we have an extensive panel of experienced counselors to help in your journey of healing from insecurity. If you find yourself in a vicious circle where his insecurity keeps getting worse and you’re constantly pulling reassurances, then the relationship may not work out. Unless he works on his fears and insecurities without depending so much on you. 

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Like anything, your dating profile will become dull and dusty if you don’t give it a little spruce up every now and then. Though you may think that once it’s complete you don’t need to do anything else, there is a lot to be said for making changes on a regular basis. People who have seen your profile before but not get in touch may change their mind if they see new photos or narratives. Here’s how to give your profile a boost for springtime.

change YOUR PICTURES

Updating your profile is a surefire way to freshen up your profile. Even if you think the one you’ve had as your primary shot for ages is the best photo that was ever taken of you, it’s time to change it. People who have previously passed you by will have their interest piqued and you’ll gain a whole new audience.

BE SPECIFIC ABOUT what you enjoy

If your profile currently states that you like drinking wine, going to the gym or enjoy ‘culture’, it’s time to get specific. Do you enjoy lifting weights or doing kettlebell classes? Have you been on a vineyard tour around California? Do you love visiting modern art museums? Adding detail makes it easier for people to start a conversation with you.

ASK A FRIEND TO WRITE YOU A NARRATIVE

The beauty of MySingleFriend is that you don’t have to do all the hard work as a friend can write about you too. It’s a unique feature of our site so make sure you use it! Having someone else chip in some stories and details about you really makes your profile come to life.

be specific about WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR

It really helps potential dates to know what you’re looking for and what you’re likely to respond to. We don’t recommend including too many dealbreakers, such as ‘must be brunette’, but saying you’d like to meet someone who loves being outdoors helps potential dates picture themselves with you and will be more likely to get in touch.

STAY IN A POSITIVE MINDSET

It’s important to make sure you’re a shining beacon of positivity when online dating, rather than adding doom and gloom to someone’s life. Of course there’s always room for a bit of a moan but save it for when you meet someone in person, rather than putting them off you by including it in your profile.

If you’re looking for long term love, sign up free to mysinglefriend.com and get searching!

Phone sex free is a form of sexual communication where two or more individuals engage in sexual or intimate conversations over the phone. It has become a popular way for people to explore their sexuality and sexual desires, especially in a world where physical intimacy may not always be possible. Whether you’re in a long-distance relationship, exploring your sexuality, or just looking for something new and exciting, phone sex free trials can be a fun and satisfying experience.

Hot phone sex free can take many different forms, depending on the individuals involved. Some people prefer to engage in explicit conversation, while others may opt for a more subtle approach. It’s important to communicate with your partner about your preferences and boundaries before engaging in free phone sex free trial, so that both parties are comfortable and satisfied.

One of the benefits of phone sex free is that it allows people to explore their sexuality in a safe and controlled environment. They can explore themselves and their sexual desires and fetishes without fear of judgment or rejection. Local phone sex for free also provides a sense of anonymity, which can be especially appealing to people who may be shy or afraid to express their sexual desires in person.

However, it’s important to remember that gay phone sex free trial is still a form of sexual communication, and it’s important to treat it with the same respect and consideration that you would any other sexual encounter. This means being mindful of your language, avoiding bullying or aggressive behaviour, and respecting the boundaries of your partner.

Advantages of Phone Sex

 Phone sex offers many advantages to satisfy your desires:

• Comfort and convenience. Phone sex free trial numbers can be done from the comfort of your own home, at any time, without having to worry about the logistics of in-person sexual encounters.

• Anonymity. Adult phone sex free can provide a sense of anonymity, which can be especially appealing to individuals who may be shy or intimidated about expressing their sexual desires in person.

• Safe exploration. Live phone sex free allows individuals to explore their sexuality in a safe and controlled environment, without the fear of judgement or rejection.

• Maintaining long-distance relationships. For couples in long-distance relationships, free phone sex free can be an intimate way to maintain a sexual connection even when physically apart.

• Enhancing sexual experiences. Phone sex free number can be a way to enhance sexual experiences and add some excitement to an intimate life.

Disadvantages of Phone Sex

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to have phone sex:

• Limited physical sensations. Phone sex free for women does not provide the physical sensations and physical intimacy that are associated with in-person sexual encounters.

• Technical issues.Technical issues, such as poor phone connections or dropped calls, can interfere with the experience and make it less enjoyable.

• Legal and ethical considerations. It is illegal to engage in explicit conversations with minors, and both parties must be consenting adults.

• Difficulty with communication.If communication is not clear and open, the experience can be unsatisfying and unfulfilling. Issues with dating anxiety may also prevent you from having a nice experience.

• Lack of physical connection.For some individuals, the lack of physical connection can make phone sex free trails unappealing and unsatisfying.

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Phone Sex: Legal, Ethical, and Intimate Considerations

Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind the legal and ethical considerations surrounding nasty phone sex free. Engaging in explicit conversations with minors is illegal and can result in severe legal consequences. It’s also important to make sure that both parties are consenting adults and that the try phone sex free is being done voluntarily.

Phone sex allows loved ones to maintain a sexual connection even when they are physically away from each other. For many married couples, phone sex with milfs for free can be a way to keep the spark alive and strengthen the emotional connection between them.

Another important aspect of phone sex is creating an environment that is conducive to a sexual experience. This may include setting the mood with dim lighting, comfortable clothing, and even background music. It’s also a good idea to remove any distractions, such as pets or children, so that you can fully focus on the experience.

Open and honest communication with your partner is important for successful gay phone sex for free. This includes discussing your sexual desires and boundaries as well as being open to feedback from your partner. Being able to listen and respond to your partner’s needs and desires is the key to a satisfying experience.

Is Phone Sex Still Around?

Phone sex free numbers can be a way to enhance your sexual experiences and add some excitement to your intimate life. It can be especially beneficial for those who may have difficulty connecting sexually with a partner due to physical limitations or anxiety. Phone sex provides a safe and controlled environment for individuals to explore their sexuality, and can be a great way to build intimacy and strengthen emotional connections.

Phone sex free trial can be a fun and exciting way to explore your sexuality, maintain sexual connection in a long-distance relationship, or add some excitement to your intimate life. However, it’s important to approach it with respect and consideration for your partner, and to take the necessary precautions to ensure that it is a safe and enjoyable experience for both parties involved.

Tips to Make Phone Sex Experience More Enjoyable

Here are some tips to make your phone sex experience more enjoyable:

1. Be prepared. Have a list of fantasies or ideas ready to share with your partner. This can help get the conversation started and keep it flowing. It would be great if you know a few pick up lines and use them properly.

2. Use your imagination. Is phone sex free all about using your imagination? Surely! Encourage your partner to do the same, and be open to exploring new and exciting scenarios.

3. Experiment with different techniques. Try using different techniques such as role-playing, dirty talk, or describing physical sensations. Experimenting with different techniques can help keep the experience fresh and exciting.

4. Set boundaries. Make sure to discuss your boundaries and comfort levels with your partner. Knowing your own boundaries and communicating them to your partner is important in order to ensure a positive and satisfying experience.

5. Get in the right mindset. Take some time to relax, get comfortable, and get in the right mindset for phone sex. 

6. Be present in the moment. Focus on the conversation and the sensations you are describing. This can help create a more immersive and enjoyable experience.

7. Practice good hygiene. Make sure to practice good hygiene before engaging in gay phone sex free. This can help ensure that the experience is as pleasant as possible.

8. Use technology to enhance the experience. Consider using technology, such as Bluetooth devices or video conferencing, to enhance the experience. 

9. Be open to feedback. Be open to feedback from your partner. Listening to and responding to your partner’s needs and desires is key to having a satisfying phone sex experience.

10. Have fun. Remember to have fun and enjoy the experience. Phone sex should be a fun and exciting way to explore your sexuality and build intimacy with your partner.

Conclusion

Phone sex can be a fun and exciting way to explore your sexuality, maintain a sexual connection in a long-distance relationship, or enhance your intimate experience. By following these tips and being open to experimentation, you can guarantee that your phone sex free will be enjoyable and fulfilling.

If you are sick of your 9-5 job and are thinking about starting your own business, you have come to the right place. This article has been crafted to help you out in this regard.

Many people think about starting their businesses but are unwilling to do so. There are many reasons why one should consider entrepreneurship. You can be your boss, meaning you would be at liberty to work according to your will. Besides, the independence that comes with ownership spreads across various strands of life.

Moreover, some people are driven by their passion and want to turn their hobbies into careers. Many renowned companies in the world followed this path. Apple and Microsoft are among the most notable of names, where Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, respectively, followed their passions and led their companies to the top.

Lastly, there is no limit to how much you can earn if you are a business owner. The more effort you put into steering your company toward growth and success, the more it benefits you. While you may have a well-paying and stable job, your income is limited to the financial brackets your sector or company follows.

So, if you identify with the reasons mentioned above, you can read ahead to learn about the traits you need to develop to become a successful entrepreneur. While education certainly plays a role, and there are various advantages of an MBA degree, there is more to entrepreneurship, and this article will explain why.

1. Passion

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As suggested earlier, passion is the key driver of entrepreneurship. People who are passionate about something tend to give their all to it. This, in turn, helps brings out their best for the larger good. If a flame within you drives you to wake up in the morning and pursue your goals, passion fuels it to keep it burning.

If you are passionate about something, you would be eager to learn all about it and build your business on strong foundations. This is crucial because many simply focus on the goal and ignore how inspiration fosters innovation.

2. Creativity

Creativity is another important personality trait in entrepreneurship because it allows you to think out of the box. When you are caught up in problems, you are tempted to resort to historical examples of resilient companies. Sometimes these examples help you evade crisis, but there are times when all that is tried and tested fails.

In these moments, creativity can help you get around the situation. A successful entrepreneur thinks out of the box and comes up with creative ideas when faced with challenges. This has been the cornerstone of the business strategy of various successful entrepreneurs throughout modern history. So, work on this and make it a part of your active thought process.

3. Resilience

There are moments when nothing goes according to plan. Even those out-of-the-box solutions mentioned earlier fail, and the business is on the brink of collapse. Situations like this can stress out many people, and it is certainly a natural response to a crisis. But some people tend to have an easygoing attitude in the face of these troubles.

They are confident they would be able to navigate the dangerous field. Even if the business fails, they are confident enough to rise back and build everything up from scratch. Therefore, resilience is a must-have trait for an entrepreneur because many people give up too early. One should always struggle till they are capable of doing so.

4. Decision-making

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You cannot run a company if you cannot make the right decisions at the right time. There are moments when, in the face of complex situations, you can struggle to make decisions. Those decisions may cost you a fortune if things do not go well and may bring you a fortune if everything aligns with the plan.

But, if you have the traits mentioned in the previous points, you can decide on merit. For example, if you are passionate about your business, think creatively, and are generally resilient, you can decide on a complex situation and let things play themselves out. Having good decision-making skills is a key component of strong leadership skills.

5. Leadership

You need to be a leader to run your business successfully. Being a leader is not merely about being the one who calls the shots or someone on the top of the corporate ladder. On the contrary, a leader is someone everyone in the company can relate to. A leader is a guide everyone follows and is responsible for the success or failure of the company.

So, as an entrepreneur, you should have good leadership skills. Not only will this allow you to engage with your company’s workers personally, but it will also help you pick the right person for the right job. When you approach this with the right mindset, things can get significantly easier.

6. Risk-taking

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When it comes to entrepreneurship, not everyone is willing to take risks. Most people are comfortable with their 9-5 jobs as long as it helps them maintain their lifestyle. To each their own. But if you want to channel your energies into doing something grand, you need to understand that this is risky. There is generally a 50:50 possibility of success and failure in the beginning. The ratio can be different for different circumstances.

So, be willing to take risks because you will regret missed opportunities later. If you run into a promising prospect, evaluate it from all perspectives and decide whether you want to risk investing your time and money into it. Similarly, if you believe your company has a good product, you cannot be sure of its outcome unless you risk bringing it into production. Of course, feasibility studies can minimize risks but cannot eliminate them.

Conclusion

You can be a better entrepreneur if you are passionate about your business, think out of the box, behave resiliently, make the right decisions at the right time, exhibit good leadership skills, and are willing to take risks. There are certainly other traits successful entrepreneurs have. If you would like to highlight some of them, let us know in the comments below.

The world is a confusing and uninviting place for an aromantic person who hears their friends, family, social media pages, and fictional characters echo this sentiment every single day: “We’re all looking for romance and a love life!” While an aromantic person, by definition, may not experience romantic attraction, they do desire an intimate relationship. Yes, an aromantic relationship is not an oxymoron. However, it does look pretty different from the one involving alloromantics – someone who experiences romantic attraction. 

An aromantic person on Reddit shares that when they were younger, they thought they would lose their romance aversion. But even after realizing they are aromantic, they still waited four or five years, hoping that they would “magically get romantic attraction”.

Aromantics might not experience, understand, like, or need romance, but they do pursue relationships that are rooted in non-romantic love and are intimate, lasting, and joyful. Romance is not a precursor to a fulfilling, healthy life after all. Let’s talk about aromantic relationships and unravel the negative bias against people who belong to this spectrum.  

What Is Aromantic? 

Romantic love is just one of the many kinds of love out there. And if someone feels little to varying to no romantic attraction at all, that person would be aromantic. The aromantic definition is different for every aro. Aromantics may:

• Not desire romantic relationships with anyone
• Not experience romantic attraction at all 
• Feel romantic feelings selectively and be able to have a romantic relationship
• Have romantic feelings toward someone only to have the feelings fade away 
• Never fall in love and be completely okay with that
• Maintain happy, committed, and platonic relationships
• Be repelled by a romantic relationship or anything that constitutes romance
• Not like to hold hands, kiss, or cuddle with romantic intent
• Have any gender or sexual orientation (you can be aromantic bisexual, heterosexual, lesbian, etc.)
• Keep romance and sex separate, and not be romantic toward the person they have sex with
• Keep their aromantic dating casual or they may look for commitment or anything in between
• Be found on apps catering to their romantic orientation – like aromantic dating sites or dating app for asexuals – to find people with shared interests
• Prefer to get to know a person through online dating as it allows them to filter out arophobic people
• Feel pressured to pretend to understand stories of romantic love, and lie about having had romantic crushes – in order to not be alienated/mocked 
• Experience feelings of guilt for “not doing enough” in the relationship even though they have nothing to be guilty about

Aromantics are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. The A stands for asexuals (aces) and aromantics (aros). Aces feel little to no sexual attraction, but can be alloromantic, i.e., they can have romantic feelings without sexual attraction. Meanwhile, aros feel little to no romantic attraction, but they can be allosexual, i.e., they can feel sexual attraction without romantic feelings. And of course, there are people who are both aro and ace, regardless of sexual orientation and gender. 

This aro-ace distinction is important as people often confuse one with the other. So, what does it mean to be dating someone if you’re aromantic? Well, dating for asexuals and aromantics can be a minefield, as we’ll soon find out.

What are the different identities on the aromantic spectrum?

If you identify as aromantic, you may have some questions: What does it mean to be dating someone if you’re aromantic? Am I aromantic or do I just hate dating? There are many, many aro terms that you can read about here. See if your dating experience resonates with any of these labels. 

Below are a few of the aro identities from that list — just to give you a glimpse of what aromantic dating looks like:

• Grayromantic: Someone who experiences very limited or rare romantic attraction
• Demiromantic: It’s a romantic orientation in which someone can only feel romantically attracted to a person they have a strong emotional bond with
• Recipromantic: Someone who only feels romantically attracted to someone who is romantically attracted to them first
• Akioromantic: Someone who can feel romantic attraction but doesn’t want those feelings to be returned 
• Frayromantic/Ignotaromantic/Protoromantic: Someone who experiences romantic attraction toward strangers and acquaintances, which fades away when they get to know them more

If you’re here to learn how to date an aromantic person, you need to first know about their struggles in an amatonormative world. Let’s talk about this so you’re prepared to be a compassionate partner in your aromantic relationship.

Related Reading: 21 LGBTQ Flags And Their Meanings – Know What They Stand For

What is amatonormativity?

To understand why aromantics are discriminated against or willfully misunderstood, it is vital to understand amatonormativity — which is a set of societal assumptions that everyone prospers with an exclusive romantic relationship. 

Elizabeth Brake, American philosopher and Professor of Philosophy at Rice University in Texas, described the term amatonormativity as:

• A disproportionate focus on marital and amorous relationships
• Based on assumptions that exclusive relationships are normal for humans, and it’s a universally shared goal
• Trivializes friendships, family relationships, and solitude, and the care you invest in them because non-romantic relationships are not considered as important as romantic ones
• Fosters the cultural norm that romantic partners complete us
• Makes it difficult to imagine a happy life without romance, and creates enormous pressure to find a romantic partner

An aro user on Reddit shares that amatonormativity is “identifying with a fictional character that doesn’t want to date anyone, only to find the general audience demonizing the character for declining a date request.”

Aromantic Dating – What Kind Of Relationships Do Aromantics Choose? 

Aros may not feel romantic love for their partners. But we all know that people get into relationships for a lot more than just romance. Intimacy, consistency, safety, reliability, sharing expenses, sharing a home, building a life and support system together, having a child, desire for sex, etc. are all valid reasons to have a partner.

These are the kinds of aromantic relationships a person might choose:

• Squishes: Aromantic dating can start with platonic crushes. These are called ‘squishes’ and they might develop into a meaningful queerplatonic relationship
• Queerplatonic relationships: These are intimate/advanced friendships where people seem to be in traditional, loving relationships, but without the romance and sex. They might even have shared responsibilities, a child, or a home together too
• Friends with benefits: Some allosexual aros prefer to have sexually intimate friendships. This way, they have a beautiful, loving, emotional connection with someone they cherish but without the commitment or gestures of romance
• Casual dating through aromantic dating apps: Since some aros don’t need romance, they are happy to fulfill their sexual needs through casual dating in a safe, healthy manner
• Polyamorous relationships: The scope of polyamorous relationships is so large and so personal that anyone can create a novel relationship structure within its confines. This gives aros a lot of freedom to explore, find intimacy, and nurture a support system
• Aromantic dating can also lead to marriage/partnership: Aromantics do marry or partner with someone based on sustainable values, affection, and goals

According to this thesis by an aro-ace individual, in our society, a hierarchy of relationships is created in which romantic relationships are at the top, and non-romantic relationships exist below that. Aros challenge that quite well and frequently.

Related Reading: Different Types of Relationships | Find Out Yours!

11 Things To Keep In Mind Before You Enter An Aromantic Relationship

So you’ve decided: “I’m dating an aromantic.” And if you’re an alloromantic, then dating an aromantic person will come with its unique set of challenges. Most of them have to do with the rewiring of your own hopelessly romantic mindset. Here are some things you need to keep in mind before you enter an aromantic relationship:

1. Make sure your aromantic partner wants to be in a relationship with you

Yep. Some aromantic individuals, due to the unbelievable pressure to fall in love, enter romantic relationships just to fit in. Like the protagonist of Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata. If they haven’t accepted their romantic orientation yet, your relationship with this person would look like this:

• Even if they feel romantically disconnected from the partner, even if the performance of it makes them miserable, suffocates or repels them, they try to stay in a committed relationship with you for as long as possible
• Your aromantic partner might feel pressured to tell you that they are in love with you just to keep you happy and keep the relationship going

So once you get to know about their romantic orientation, ASK them how they actually feel in this committed relationship, and what they need. If your needs align, tell them that it’s okay if they don’t feel any romantic and sexual attraction. Reassure them of your commitment regardless of their romantic orientation.

Related Reading: Platonic Relationship Vs Romantic Relationship – Why Are Both Important?

2. Aromantic dating would require you to learn, learn, and unlearn

Asexuality and aromanticism are relatively new identities and are often misunderstood. There are a ton of myths and stigmas around aromantic individuals. It’s your responsibility to start deconstructing your ideas and conditioning around romance, intimacy, and sexual identity. To navigate dating as an aromantic person’s partner, you can also read up on relationship anarchy.

Learn as much as you can about the aro community through online platforms, ask questions, read books with aromantic characters and articles, watch videos, look up aromantic and asexual sites, listen to people in aromantic relationships, and destigmatize aromantic dating.  

3. Don’t be arophobic in the relationship under the guise of ‘concern’

Don’t invalidate your crush/partner’s identity, and then add, “I’m saying this because I care.” Here’s a list of what NOT to say to them when they come out to you:

• “You’ll get over it, it’s just a phase”
• “You’re just sad because your previous relationship didn’t work out”
• “You’re just afraid of heartbreak”
• “You’re scared to be in a relationship, isn’t it?”
• “Of course, you can feel romantic attraction! What normal person can’t? Be serious”
• “You just haven’t met the right person yet”
• “This isn’t normal or natural, don’t talk like this”
• “You are not making sense, you should speak to a therapist or a doctor”
• “No one will date you if you continue to believe such things about yourself”

4. You’ll need to be your aro partner’s fiercest ally

If your partner is unable to take part in a group conversation regarding the types of love affairs and crushes everyone seems to be an expert on, they might be judged, alienated, or sympathized with because of their ‘brokenness’. Stand up for them if this happens in front of you. Educate others too. In an aromantic relationship, be your partner’s ally privately and publicly. 

Take inspiration from the Netflix series, Wednesday. The central character has always been an aro-ace icon. In an episode, she says, “I will never fall in love” in her matter-of-fact, unapologetic manner. This scene instantly became a hit among the ace-aro communities. They were happy to see someone in an aromantic relationship and exist without the need for falling in love. Your partner is basically your Wednesday, just less murderous.

Related Reading: Platonic Soulmate – What Is It? 8 Signs You Found Yours

5. Establish needs, boundaries, and expectations before you enter an aromantic relationship

Talk endlessly before you decide to commit to each other. Is this a casual or an exclusive relationship? Are you both friends with benefits? What are the expectations and needs? Also, ask: 

• Do they like to hug? Does it require a specific circumstance?
• Do they like to kiss in a non-sexual setting? 
• What are their boundaries related to these gestures?
• What would your date ideas look like, say, on random weekends or romantic situations/days like Valentine’s Day? 
• How okay are they with romantic displays of love?
• What about sexual activity?
• What is a relationship for them? 
• Do you need verbal reassurance of their commitment to you once in a while (if they are not in love with you)? 

Sexologist Carol Queen (Ph.D.) says, “It’s a really good idea for an aro person (or any person) to be as clear as possible about what they want out of dating and life. That way, they’ll be able to find compatible partners, be clear with their wants, focus, and boundaries, and build the life they want with informed consent for others.”

6. Talk about polyamory/open relationship before you start dating an aromantic person

If you’re alloromantic and wish to come up with a mutual arrangement for your romantic needs to be fulfilled elsewhere, talk to your partner beforehand. You can both decide upon an open relationship or try polyamory. This would be a great way for you to be romantically intimate with one partner while continuing to build a life with the other. If you’re married, there are ways to make a polyamorous marriage work as well.

7. Know what you’re getting out of your aromantic relationship

Why are you committing to this aromantic person? Amatonormativity WILL hit you at some point even after all the unlearning and learning. When you see your friends doing cheesy things that couples do, you’ll need to remind yourself why you’re in this relationship.

If you’re dating someone who is aromantic, be clear about your needs, priorities, and relationship goals. Define a committed partnership for yourself and don’t get influenced by others. Which of these are you looking for?

• Simple companionship based on shared interests
• A beautiful, intimate friendship
• Sexual compatibility 
• A partner in health and sickness, in joint finances, and someone with whom you take care of the logistics of life
• A support system 
• A consistent relationship with someone you are in love with

8. Aromantic relationships might have sexual intimacy, just no romantic love  

“Desiring sex and not romance does not make someone predatory. Romance isn’t inherently good or pure, and sex isn’t inherently evil or dirty. Putting sex and romance on an equal, neutral level and either destigmatizing or deromanticizing them respectively, is the only way to truly support allo-aros and confront negative biases,” Magpie, a follower of the Instagram page, @theaceandaroadvocacyproject shares their thoughts in one of their posts. 

Here’s how to navigate dating as an aromantic person’s partner. Remember the following:

• Your partner is not heartless, they are capable of love. They do love you in their own way; they are simply not falling ‘in love’ with you
• Their natural inclination to not associate romantic love with sex has nothing to do with you and your worth
• Their lack of romantic attraction has no bearing on the amount of affection, care, and loyalty they feel for you. They may experience emotional attraction but not in the quintessential romantic sense
• They are not using you for sex just because they are sexually attracted to you and stay away from romance

9. Know that they might fall out of love with you

Brace yourself. This could happen. But being in love may not even be a reason for an aro to stay in a relationship, so them falling out of love with you may have nothing to do with their commitment to you. 

Talk to them. Find out where you both stand before you panic. Some aros are perfectly content in emotionally and sexually intimate relationships without romance. Phoenix, an aro and a follower of the Instagram page @theaceandaroadvocacyproject, shares on the page, “I don’t want a sickly-sweet love story. I want a good friend who wants to be sexually intimate.”

Related Reading: Falling Out Of Love In A Long-Term Relationship – Signs And What Should You Do

10. Be okay with the fact that your relationship may never see an ounce of romance

This would happen if your partner is romance-averse. If you can’t change the fact that you are an alloromantic, they can’t change the fact that they are a romance-averse aromantic. Don’t think, “But they desire sex frequently. Maybe they will also become more romantic with time. Maybe I can change them.” 

No. You can’t. What this will do instead is demean and hurt them, and create huge trust issues in the relationship. Either tell them you can only date them casually and stick to sexual activity, or accept them the way they are in the relationship.

11. If your partner discovers they are aromantic ‘during’ the relationship, discuss the next steps

They might have been masking and putting themselves through the discomfort of pretend romance when all they wanted was a consistent, intimate relationship. If your partner has finally come out to you, validate and hear them out, and then introspect about your own needs.

• Can you be in a relationship with an aromantic person, especially someone who is romance-averse?
• How important are romantic gestures to you?
• Is it fair to you to be in a relationship where your basic need isn’t being met?
• Is it fair to them that their basic need isn’t being met either?

As hard as it is, if your needs are incompatible, the best way forward is to part ways and wish each other well. Find a relationship that both of you deserve. 

Jennifer Pollitt, an assistant professor and assistant director of gender, sexuality, and women’s studies, shares in this interview, “There is so much that people can learn from asexual and aromantic people because these individuals are teaching us entirely new ways of creating relationships that are not founded on systems of oppression.”

FAQs

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Many effective methods are present that are effective, evidence-based treatment therapy options for a person struggling with alcoholism.

Many rehab facilities will utilize some treatment methods that will help to get out of this issue. An inpatient program for alcoholism will offer a great variety of treatment options. With an alcoholic spouse, people can understand how bad it is for life. 

The following are the types of therapy that are used for treating alcoholism.

Behavioral Therapy 

Behavioral therapy is one of the most widely used methodologies that are present in addiction treatment. The alcoholic spouse is mostly effective and can be used in different individual, group, and family settings.

In approaches focuses on the different aspects of addiction, it includes motivation toward recovery, developing relapse prevention skills, and substituting negative and destructive behavior with others.

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In behavioral therapy, it leads to having relaxing moments for the person, and then it leads to having a peaceful life. 

Also Read: How to Pick Between the 5 Most Common Types of Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy was first developed as the clinical approach to control mood disorders. But later on, it was adapted to treat alcohol that uses disorders and other forms of addictions as well. CBT works as the theory that certain thought patterns can contribute to maladaptive behavior. Still, it can decrease such behavior, which can be achieved by identifying and changing negative thoughts and emotions. Many studies have shown that this type of treatment has benefits that will continue even after the treatment has concluded. 

A variety of CBT techniques can help reduce substances used to manage cravings and avoid relapse. In cognitive restructuring, you are guided to examine your thoughts, discuss everything with one therapist, understand any unhelpful patterns that appear, and substitute more helpful thoughts that are possible. You can learn to identify the situations that involve people, places, or things that are likely to tempt you to drink or use substances.

Also Read: 9 Tips to Stay Healthy During Addiction Recovery

Another aim of CBT for the alcoholic spouse is to help develop coping skills that can help to manage cravings and better navigate circumstances that will not be avoided that can become comfortable saying no. You can be encouraged to participate in positive and constructive activities to fill the time that would otherwise be spent drinking or engaging in other non-constructive behaviors.

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An important aspect of CBT is building or strengthening various skills, family or other social relationships, managing emotions, and occupational or problems solving skills that people may require. This approach combines education, role-playing, individual and group counseling, and at-home practice. 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical behavioral therapy was initially developed to treat people with the long terms suicidal behaviors, but it has become the most well-known for treating borderline personality disorder with mental health issues that are commonly associated with concurrent substance abuse. The technique is since effectively applied for treating substances that abuse themselves.

DBT ultimately aims that helps the patient improve their lives by synthesizing the balance between the urge to avoid painful experiences and the need to accept some of the unavoidable pain associated with life’s alcoholic spouse. DBT technique works with the promotion of two opposing goals, change, and acceptance. 

Also Read: The Therapist Suggested Signs Of Cheating And Infidelity

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DBT is typically conducted with a therapist through the combination of an individual counseling session; group therapy focused on skill building, and telephone sessions.

Treatment that focuses on reducing substance use, reducing discomfort due to withdrawal or sobriety, managing cravings, avoiding triggers that can lead to substance use, cutting back or eliminating behaviors associated with substance use, increasing social support, and encouraging positive and healthy behaviors activities.

In parallel with the aims of CBT, a key tent of DBT is identifying triggers and either avoiding them with possible or developing effective coping skills. 

Sobriety is much more engaged, but if relapse occurs, it is addressed with acceptance than judgment. Problem-solving skills that are used to identify ways to prevent the same thing from happening in the future.

DBT helps in learning how to communicate more effectively, which helps in building a network for social support and distress tolerance that involves managing stress and increasing acceptance of things that cannot change. 

Also Read: The Therapist Suggested Signs Of Cheating And Infidelity

Motivational interviewing

Motivational interviewing was developed to increase individual engagement with recovery and is effective at reducing substance use. It helps to build for stages with change, helping people move from thinking about making a change to actively working towards it. Motivational interviewing is a short-term therapy that can be offered in individual group settings.

The focus is on why you want to make the change and then on the positive and negative aspects. You can explore for any discrepancies that arise between where you are present, where you want to stay, or how the substances used hold you back. The resistance that change is addressed to resolve any ambivalence towards recovery. 

Contingency Management

In contingency management that uses rewards to reinforce behavioral changes. Small prizes or vouchers for the items offered in return for positive behaviors like negative drug or breathalyzer results. In reward values that stay the same or increase with ongoing abstinence. The rewards stop in the event of different negative behavior like a relapse.

Different studies it is shown that this type of alcohol addiction therapy for becoming effective at encouraging abstinence. Contingency management works within a framework for operating conditioning, the practice of altering voluntary behaviors through negative or positive reinforcement for the behaviors.

Alcohol and drugs use for themselves have the best quality of reinforcing. CM can be used to offset the likelihood of that behavior by instead reinforcing abstinence through token rewards.

Conclusion 

All the therapy that is given in above is really helpful for everyone who wants to come out from alcoholism. In different methods, it will help the addicted person to come out from every type of addictive thing easily. All the rehab facilities will help the person can let you for having a beautiful life.