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Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Anxiety: What You Should Know

Anxiety affects nearly everyone in one way or another. Now more than ever, we’re living in uncertain times that may cause you more anxiety than you know how to handle.

Thankfully, there are quite a few ways to ease stress and anxiety without resorting to prescription drugs. Two of those ways are hemp oil and CBD oil.

If you’re wondering about the benefits of hemp oil vs CBD oil for anxiety, you’re at the right place. Read on and decide for yourself which is best for you.

Ingredients and Production

We’ll start at the core of the differences between hemp oil and cbd oil: what they’re made of.

Hemp oil is oil that’s been extracted from the industrial hemp variety seeds. It’s cold-pressed in order to extract the oil from the seeds.

On the other hand, CBD oil can be made from any cannabidiol-rich strain of cannabis, not just hemp. It’s also made using the entire plant, rather than just the seeds.

Both products are derived from hemp and can contain up to 0.3% THC, but no more than that. Since they are often both advertised as hemp products, make sure you read the label carefully to confirm what you’re actually getting.

Because hemp oil is made from cold-pressed seed extraction, it generally has a nutty flavor and a dark to clear light green color. CBD oil, on the other hand, has an earthy flavor due to its solvent-based plant extraction. CBD oil usually has a gold color.

The Benefits and Uses

Both CBD oil and hemp oil provide a lot of health benefits. The way they are used and what they’re used to treat have some similarities, but in general, they are quite different.

Hemp seed oil is usually found in products for hair and skincare like specialty shampoos or body wash. It’s also commonly used in cooking. It’s high in antioxidants, vitamin E, protein, and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.

CBD oil, on the other hand, is most often used as a tincture like the ones sold at www.cbdrho.com. These are usually taken sublingually by putting drops under the tongue. CBD oil is also commonly used in cannabidiol products such as CBD gummies or CBD sodas.

Hemp seed oil is most beneficial as a body health supplement. It’s great for your hair and your skin, and it’s a tasty, healthy addition to food. However, it doesn’t provide much in the way of medicinal benefits.

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil for Anxiety

Hemp oil provides a lot of benefits, but treating anxiety is definitely not one of them. However, CBD oil is a different story.

Several studies have shown that CBD oil has both anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. It can help treat multiple forms of anxiety, including social anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.

So if you’re debating hemp oil vs CBD oil for anxiety, go with the CBD.

If you’re looking for more interesting news stories, keep reading Express Digest. From up to date news to more health tips, we have what you need to know, today.

An Expensive Treat: What Are Truffles?

Truffles have been part of the human diet for a long time: we’ve traced truffle-eating all the way back to nomadic hunters and gatherers. From ancient history on, people have enjoyed truffles as part of countless different cuisines. But what are truffles, anyway? 

You may have seen truffles on menus. You may have even eaten them in various forms. However, the experience becomes even more enjoyable when you learn about these fascinating foodstuffs. 

Whether you love to cook or simply love to eat, we’ve put together the basics about truffles so you can expand your foodie knowledge. Keep reading for answers to your truffle questions!

What Are Truffles and Where Do They Come From?

You may have seen chocolate truffles in fine candy stores before. These confections actually get their name from the true truffle, a type of fungi with a rounded shape. Chocolate truffles share the name and shape, but that’s where the resemblance ends. 

Real truffles grow underground, typically in the shade of specific trees, such as oaks. Certain species of these truffles are beloved as food. Trained pigs and dogs (today, dogs are used more often) help harvest them by sniffing them out from the ground. 

These edible truffles are mostly found in certain regions, which is why they’re associated with the cuisines of France and Italy. You’ll see both black and white truffles on menus, which have very different tastes. 

What Do Truffles Taste Like? 

Truffles have a strong, earthy taste, but black truffles taste stronger than white truffles. Their savory flavor is sometimes described as musky or even gamey. However, many foodies agree that it’s impossible to describe the taste of truffles — you just have to try it for yourself. 

Since truffles are a fungi, many people compare their taste to mushrooms. However, truffles aren’t mushrooms: they’re a different kind of fungi, and they taste different too. They’re richer and earthier than mushrooms, and are used in much smaller quantities because the truffle flavor can quickly overpower a dish. 

Popular Uses for Truffles 

How do people eat truffles?

One of the most common truffle products out there is truffle oil. However, this flavored oil typically doesn’t contain real truffles. Instead, it’s flavored with the same chemicals that are found in truffles. 

For the full experience, you’ll want to track down a dish made with real, fresh truffles — even though they’re expensive. Truffles are often used to add flavor to rice or pasta dishes, but they can also elevate many other simple meals, such as scrambled eggs or steaks. They can also be used to make delicious truffle butter. 

How to Enjoy Truffles at Home

Ready to give truffles a try for yourself?

It is possible to buy fresh truffles in some areas, but they’re very expensive and don’t last long. So, if you want to get a taste of truffles at home, it’s best to look for a truffle oil made with real truffles.

Although high-quality truffle oil can be costly, a little bit goes a long way, so it’s a worthwhile investment. If you’re feeling creative, you can also make truffle butter at home. While most people associate truffles with fine dining restaurants, oils and butters are a great way to recreate the fine dining experience in your house. 

That said, restaurants are always an option for when you want truffles and don’t feel like cooking. For the latest restaurant news, don’t miss our Food + Drink Restaurants section! 

7 Must-Know Healthy Eating Tips to Improve Blood Circulation in Men

Did you know that fatigue, digestive issues, joint pain, cold hands and feet, muscle cramps, and numbness in your extremities are all signs of poor blood circulation? 

Poor blood circulation is a common side-effect of an unhealthy lifestyle. For most people, poor blood circulation is a direct result of unhealthy eating habits.

Now, you’re probably wondering what you can do to improve your blood circulation.  

Keep reading to discover 7 must know healthy eating habits that can increase blood circulation and help you live a healthier life. 

What Causes Poor Blood Circulation? 

Your heart is responsible for pumping blood through your body. As your blood circulates, it delivers oxygen and nutrients to your cells and removes waste (deoxygenated blood) from your body. This process is called blood circulation. 

When blood is not properly circulated through your body, your cells are not getting the nutrients they need and can’t function properly. 

Common side effects of poor blood circulation are: 

• tingling and numbness in extremes
• pain in your limbs
• muscle cramps
• fatigue
• cold hands and feet
• digestive issue 

Poor blood circulation is not always a sign of underlying disease BUT if you often feel any of the above symptoms it’s important to work with your doctor to find the root cause of your discomfort. 

Some of the most common conditions that cause poor blood circulation are obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and arterial issues.

If you want to increase your blood circulation there are many simple ways to do so. A healthy circulatory system is highly influenced by your eating and lifestyle habits. By implementing some of the following tips you are sure to live a fuller and healthier life.      

7 Healthy Eating Tips to Increase Blood Circulation 

1. Eat More Greens – Especially Spinach 

Spinach and other leafy greens like kale, chard, and collard greens are full of folate – a B vitamin – which is known to boost blood flow. Folic acid is extremely important in male and female reproductive health.

We stress eating spinach because it is not only high in folate, but also in iron and magnesium which boosts blood flow and testosterone levels.

2. Spice Up Your Meals With Warming Spices

Warming spices like cayenne, ginger, turmeric, garlic, and cinnamon have immense effects at increasing blood flow and even reducing inflammation in the body. These delicious spices can be easily added to any dish and are affordable and accessible at your local grocery store.

A delicious way to get your share of warming spices for the day is drinking golden milk – a traditional Indian drink combining turmeric, black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, and honey with warm milk for a great midday pick-me-up. 

3. Coffee and Tea Can Boost Blood Circulation 

Any excuse to drink coffee is a good excuse, right? 

Now you can stop feeling bad about your second (or third) coffee of the day – studies show that drinking 2-3 cups of coffee a day can help increase blood flow. How? The caffeine! 

The caffeine we all know and love in coffee helps boost blood circulation and relaxes the circulatory vessels – leading to better blood flow.  

If you don’t like coffee, caffeinated teas like matcha and chai can have similar benefits. 

4. Spicy Foods For Better Blood Flow  

If you eat spicy foods you’re already boosting your blood circulation. Studies show that men who eat more spicy food have higher testosterone levels and better blood flow to essential organs. 

Capsaicin, the chemical found in chili peppers, is known to boost your endorphin levels giving you more energy and resulting in more testosterone production. The effects of spicy foods on your body are similar to working out.

Exercising increases your endorphin levels and results in more energy and testosterone production. So if you don’t like spicy foods, you can exercise to achieve that endorphins high and boost your blood circulation. 

5. Vitamins and Supplements Can Be Game Changers  

If you want a quick fix to increase blood circulation you can use supplements like Alpha Male Plus. This supplement can support healthy blood flow as you work on incorporating these healthy diet changes into your life. 

If you don’t want to drink coffee twice a day, eat lots of spinach, or add warming spices into your diet you can get iron, caffeine, turmeric, and basically anything in a capsule at your local drug store. Although, it is always recommended to get your vitamins and nutrients from real foods as your body can better absorb them this way. 

6. Eat Omega-3 Rich Foods

Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can help increase blood circulation, especially to muscles during exercise. 

You can eat foods high in omega-3 like avocados, salmon, nuts, and broccoli before a work out to increase blood circulation and maintain your energy as you exercise.

Like we said before – increasing endorphins (through exercise and spicy food) can increase testosterone production and help increase blood circulation.  

7. Drink Water – A Lot of Water 

Drinking enough water per day has an array of health benefits, including increased blood circulation.  

Staying well-hydrated is extremely important in avoiding poor blood circulation. When your body is well hydrated, your blood can easily circulate, improving blood flow. 

Drinking enough water (about 3.7 liters or 15 cups a day for men) is essential to your well-being and is the key to physical health. 

If you find yourself having a hard time drinking water throughout the day try buying a reusable water bottle and keeping it on your desk as you work. You can also set an alarm on your phone every hour to remind yourself to drink water throughout the day.  

Are You Ready to Change Your Life? 

Constantly feeling tired and in pain is hard on your mental and physical health – don’t give up on feeling healthy and comfortable in your skin again. 

By implementing these natural ways to increase blood circulation throughout your body, and working with your doctor to uncover any underlying issues, you can experience the vibrant pain-free life you deserve.   

The pressure to be beautiful has been present for as long as the concept of beauty was known to humans. Physical attractiveness often earns people preferential treatment. But beauty isn’t just about what’s on the outside, you know!

There are many different kinds of beauty, and most people carry at least a few tidbits of those kinds within their bodies. But with all the pressure on women to be conventionally attractive, it’s hard to remember that it’s not all about appearances.

Here are 15 things a beautiful woman is made of, besides looks!

1 – Curiosity

Beautiful people are often curious. They want to learn more about the world around them, and their interest in the world shines through. As funny as it sounds, being interested in things can make you more attractive! Beautiful women may be curious about:

• Other people
• The world
• New subjects and topics
• Objects and how they work
• Philosophical questions

This curiosity pushes them to seek answers, ponder possibilities, and explore the world, expanding their horizons, and always striving for even more. There’s no limit to what one can be curious about. A love of learning and a drive to ask questions is beautiful in anyone, regardless of gender!

2 – Uniqueness

Someone who only follows the crowd isn’t going to be particularly interesting. A beautiful woman is proud of her uniqueness. She boldly stands out without trying too hard, just by being her unapologetic self. She doesn’t care about trends and only follows them if she likes them, and outside of that, she’s happy to pave her path and go her own way.

That’s not to say that you can’t like ordinary or necessary things and be beautiful. Of course, you can! After all, the reason “basic” characteristics are considered as such is that they’re so easily likable. But don’t be afraid to showcase your weird side, too!

3 – Intelligence

Intelligence is attractive. Numerous studies (and personal accounts from people in the dating scene!) state that knowledge can have positive effects on perceived physical attractiveness. Being smart is sexy! 

Do note that intelligence doesn’t have to refer to book smarts, philosophical discussion, or scientific subjects. After all, it is commonly believed that there are multiple different kinds of intelligence. Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences lists the various forms of intelligence as:

• musical-rhythmic
• visual-spatial
• verbal-linguistic
• logical-mathematical
• bodily-kinesthetic
• interpersonal
• intrapersonal
• naturalistic

Intelligence can refer to many different things. This includes:

• Street smarts 
• An ability to hold a conversation
• Knowledge of specific subjects
• An ability to learn quickly
• A quick wit

4 – Genuineness

Authenticity is beautiful. It makes someone trustworthy, as you know that what you see is what you get from them. Though there’s much to learn about them, you know that you can take them at face value. A genuine person will:

• Tell the truth and be honest
• Communicate openly
• Not pretend to be someone they’re not
• Offer only sincere words and praise
• Be upfront and direct, but tactful
• Do as they say they will do
• Keep promises and secrets

One of the most prominent features of a genuine person is their unapologetic ability to just be themselves. They show off their personalities and quirks, not seeking to hide their true selves. Authenticity also goes hand-in-hand with uniqueness!

5 – Open-Mindedness

The ability to put one’s self in the shoes of another can be difficult, but beautiful women have mastered this skill. They are never judgmental, and they know that the world is full of different cultures, each one teeming with people who have unique thoughts, beliefs, personalities, dreams, and goals. 

Beautiful women embrace these differences. They are open-minded and eager to learn about those around them. They would never write someone off just because they don’t agree with them. Instead, they leave their preconceived notions at the door and listen, seeking to understand others.

At the end of the day, there’s a good chance that no opinions will be changed on either side. But that doesn’t matter to a beautiful woman. Tolerance of other views and decisions is part and parcel of open-mindedness, and they appreciate the opportunity to learn different perspectives with positive thinking.

6 – Passion

Passion is not limited to any narrow definition. It can encompass many things at once or just a few things. What matters is that passion, as a trait, is inherently attractive, and it’s something most beautiful women have in common. Here are some examples of ways such a woman may show her passions:

• She becomes very excited when talking about specific subjects or areas of passion
• Cares for others with a deep and meaningful passion
• May give their all to things they enjoy or give their all to try new things
• Go above and beyond in their daily tasks, errands, or endeavors
• May simply live life with a sense of excitement and joy, as though they are passionate about being alive 

7 – Kindness

Compassion can change one’s entire demeanor. A kind person looks more open and often happier than those who are selfish or mean. Studies have found that positive personality traits, such as compassion, can significantly impact the perceived attractiveness of a person. 

On top of that, compassion is a trait that represents inner beauty, to begin with, so it goes without saying that lovely people have kindness ingrained in their personalities. They may:

• • Volunteer at charities or for causes they believe in
  • Be happy to lend an ear to friends or family members in need
  • Offer assistance within their means to people who need it
  • Smile and greet people who they meet with genuine feeling
  • Be forgiving and accepting (within reason)

8 – Self-Love

We already know beautiful women are kind – but that kindness is also extended inwards. Beautiful women know that they must cherish themselves – their minds, their bodies, their souls, and their emotions must all be well-kept. Here are some ways a beautiful woman may practice self-love by doing the following:

• Pampering themselves now and then
• Setting aside me-time
• Acknowledging their growth and improvement
• Exercising to maintain physical health
• Eating healthily to maintain overall health
• Being aware of their feelings and needs
• Seeking help when they need it

Of course, we aren’t saying that you’re ugly if you’re still learning to love yourself. That’s a journey many of us go on, after all, and it doesn’t determine your worth! But what we will say is that when you can care for yourself well, it shows, and it adds a new dimension to the beauty you already have.

9 – Energy

Beautiful women have a high energy about them. Yes, they are energetic, but that energy is productive, effective, and positive. They tackle obstacles head-first. They have efficient days full of tasks that they are eager to complete. Their power goes on to energize others. It’s incredible, and it’s hard not to like a woman like that!

And then, at the end of the day, when it’s time to rest, a beautiful woman does so her way. She’ll do whatever helps her wind down, and she’ll be happy to do it all over again tomorrow!

10 – Positive Thinking

Pessimism can be a severe drain on beauty. The negative energy that comes with it can drag anyone down and make even the most physically pretty people seem unattractive or not worth spending time with.

On the other hand, optimism and positive thinking have been found to improve the attractiveness of a person. A beautiful woman isn’t blindly positive, but she is optimistic and looks at the world with hopeful eyes.

11 – Groundedness

A beautiful woman is grounded. She’s level-headed, and her feet are firmly on the ground. What does this mean? She’s humble. She doesn’t feel that she needs to sing herself praises, or brag to others about her experiences.

Remember, humility and insecurity are not the same things. Therefore, a beautiful woman is not insecure. She simply doesn’t feel the need to make herself the center of attention or to demand praise from those around her. She lets her actions do the talking!

12 – Pride

This sounds like it contradicts our previous point, but we promise that it doesn’t! A beautiful woman is proud of herself where she deserves to be. She’s proud of her accomplishments, how far she’s come, how she’s overcome failures, and everything in between. 

This pride shines through in conversations, and it’s obvious enough that it can up someone’s level of attractiveness. In other words, a beautiful woman knows what she’s worth and isn’t going to stop being proud of that value. She would never brag, but she wouldn’t dismiss her abilities, either.

13 – Goals

A beautiful woman has ambition. She’s a woman on a mission, with all that energy and passion propelling her forward. She’s independent, and her goals are all her own – many of which she has already accomplished!

We don’t mean, of course, that beautiful women have their entire lives figured out and planned from top to bottom. Instead, these individuals have goals and dreams, and even if they haven’t figured out how to reach them yet, beautiful women let their ambition motivate and drive them.

14 – Laughter

Laughter causes you and those around you to smile, and a beautiful woman loves to put smiles on other people’s faces! She laughs loud and true, appreciating humor and finding the good in relevant situations. 

This also means that beautiful people are great at relieving tension. If things get awkward, they can just pull out a joke or two and get right back on track. Laugh with a confident woman, and you’ll enjoy a release of positive hormones, both from you and from them!

15 – Confidence

Confidence is undoubtedly a beautiful woman’s most stunning straight. She is unabashedly herself, so she does what makes her happy. She accepts risks and challenges. She’s proud of herself. Most importantly, she’s honest. What else could someone want?

Let’s face it: confidence is the most commonly loved trait that is considered very attractive across all genders. A beautiful woman’s confidence speaks for itself, and you’ll be impressed by it!

Final Thoughts On Some Things A Beautiful Woman Is Made Of

A woman is so much more than just her looks. She is her personality, her hopes and dreams, and the way she carries herself. She is her values, her ambition, and her energy. A beautiful woman isn’t beautiful just because of her appearance, but because of what’s within.

Not everyone is comfortable opening up about their affections and feelings. Men have faced social conditioning to hide their feelings, so it can sometimes be tough to tell if a man is into you. Additionally, men show love differently than women, demonstrating it in action instead of speaking the words.

Luckily, body language and nonverbal communication can often speak louder than any words can! Here are 20 ways men show love without saying it.

20 Ways Men Show Love Through Actions

1 – Being Close Physically

Men often express themselves physically. Someone who is always close to you is taking comfort in the knowledge that you are with him. 

Men also like the feeling of protectiveness that comes from being close to you. He might even be sending a subconscious message to the world: She’s with me, so back off! He may:

• Have his arm around you regularly
• Hold your hand 
• Hug you at random times
• Always want to cuddle you
• Walk or sit very close to you
• “Accidentally” touch you

2 – Providing Gifts Of Affection

People have been giving gifts as a method of showing their affection for centuries. It’s not surprising, then, that men continue to do so today to make the people they love happy!

Gifts don’t have to be materialistic or expensive – in fact, they don’t need to cost any money at all! Here are some examples of gifts a man may give you when he loves you:

• Love letters or love notes
• Little trinkets that he thought you would like
• Gifts for online games that you play
• His time and effort

3 – Eagerly Listening To You

It’s not unusual to hear complaints that men don’t listen. Of course, this isn’t factually true, to begin with, but someone’s rapt attention is always a sign of affection! 

If a man very eagerly and happily listens to you, even about very small details or through long rants, he’s definitely showing you some love! He values your words and wants to be there for you – and to pick up new information about you, too!

4 – Smiling After Kissing You

Kissing is romantic and feels great thanks to the rushing release of hormones that comes with it – but those boosts to positive thinking are even more obvious when the people who are kissing are really into each other!

A man who can’t stop smiling after a kiss – even from a little peck on the cheek! – is feeling giddy because of his love for you. This is especially true from men you’ve just started to date, but also for men you’ve been dating for a while. No one can resist the charm of a kiss from the person they love!

5 – Remembering Details About You

A man who remembers as much as he can about you is likely motivated by more than just platonic emotions. He may remember:

• Your favorite things
• Random little details about you
• Details of your conversations or dates
• What you were wearing on certain days

Even with people you platonically like, you’ll probably forget a couple of things about them as time passes – and we’re not saying a man in love has perfect memory! But he will make an effort to remember things about you, even when they don’t seem important or memorable to you!

6 – Shifting Posture

Watch what happens when you enter a room with this man in it. When he sees you, does his posture change ever so slightly? He might:

• Straighten up
• Puff out his chest
• Square his shoulders
• Seem more alert
• Seem more lively

If a man behaves this way around you, you’ve made him perk up because he’s happy to see you! He’s also posturing in a subconscious effort to impress you – he wants you to think well of him.

7 – Taking An Interest In Your Interests

Each individual is different and unique, with their own set of interests, likes, and dislikes. This means that there’s a very good chance that the man in your life won’t really like the same things you like!

But if this man loves you, then he’ll show it by taking an interest in your interests, even if he doesn’t understand them. He’ll:

• Be supportive of your interests
• Ask questions about your interests
• Agree to participate in some way in something involving your interests
• Learn about your interests
• Listen to you rave about your interests

8 – Including You In Future Plans

Men who love you will talk to you about their futures and those futures will always have you involved. He will even take your own plans into account so you can line your goals up and be together as you work towards them!

9 – Never Staying Angry

Your relationship with a man is not going to be conflict-free. There will be times when you fight and disagree, or get mad at each other. But a man who loves you can’t stay angry at you for too long. He’ll eventually stop being angry and will want to talk it out so your relationship can be positive again.

Here’s a little disclaimer: if you mistreat or do harmful things to a man, of course, he’s going to stay angry at you; if you’re the person fully at fault for something significantly worse, it’s your job to apologize and earn back his trust! 

10 – Giving You Space

A man who loves you, no matter how clingy he usually is, will respect your need for space. He will understand that you are a unique, special individual who needs their own time – just like he needs his! He won’t be controlling or possessive, which is really bare minimum!

A lot of romantic ideology forces the idea that an ideal couple needs to be together forever in a physical sense; any time spent apart should feel “intolerable” and ruin your positive thinking. It doesn’t take much to figure out that this isn’t a healthy mindset! So embrace the space and don’t forget to be your own person!

11 – Chivalry

They say chivalry is dead, but they haven’t been looking for it very hard, evidently! A man who acts like a gentleman around you is doing a number of things:

• Caring for you
• Showing off his strong side
• Trying to impress you and show that he can be a good partner

Chivalrous acts include:

• Walking you to the door
• Cooking for you
• Holding open doors or pulling out chairs for you
• Checking to make sure you got home safe
• Sharing a coat or umbrella with you

12 – Eye Contact

Eye contact is a very intimate form of affection for something that’s non-physical! It’s a way to build a bond and hold your attention while sharing a moment with you. It can also be a sign that he can’t stop looking at you, or it may be an intentional attempt at seduction!

13 – Introducing You To Friends

If his friends know about you and have heard positive things about you, that can only mean one thing: he talks about you to them, and men rarely do that unless they’re in love!

A man who introduces you to his friends is saying that he thinks you’ll be a part of his life for a long time, so he wants his friends to know about you. He also wants to show you off to them!

14 – Little Touches

Small little touches often indicate love and affection. It shows that a man constantly wants to touch you, even in little ways. That physical contact can be electric! He might:

• Kiss the back of your neck as he walks by you
• Squeeze your hand or knee under the table
• Brush up against your shoulder “accidentally” as you walk together

15 – Meeting Your Needs

A man who loves you will also care for you delicately. He will make sure that your basic needs are met and will even go above and beyond to care for other needs. He might:

• Help you when you need help
• Look after you when you’re ill
• Give you his jacket when you’re cold
• Whittle down your to-do list
• Pamper you
• Anticipate your possible needs
• Strive to do nice things for you to make you happy

16 – Protecting You

Men often feel the need to protect those they love. Even if you think his protectiveness is a little annoying, as long as it’s not to a point of possessive or controlling behavior, know that this is a sign of his love! He may:

• Walk on the side of the road when you stroll down streets
• Provide backup support when you are telling someone off
• Step in when people are potentially harassing you

17 – Smiling A Lot Around You

When a man is in love with you, he is happy to be around you. He often won’t be able to control those emotions of his and will wind up grinning from ear to ear whenever you meet! So if he can’t stop smiling when you’re with him, it may be a sign of his love.

18 – Mirroring

Mirroring is a common part of nonverbal communication. It lives in our body language and when done can make others like us more, or make us more favorable towards others. It’s powerful stuff when used in a positive way!

A man who loves you will be watching you a lot, and as a result, their bodies will naturally mirror or copy your actions due to how in tune they are to you. If he moves his arm after you do, he’s mirroring, and he’s into you.

19 – Becoming Flustered

When you have feelings for someone, you can get nervous or anxious around them. If a usually confident guy is suddenly flustered when you come around, it’s likely because he is struggling to keep “cool” around you. He might:

• Blush a lot
• Mess with his hair
• Have trouble meeting your eyes
• Bite his lip
• Fidget or shift

20 – Just Liking Spending Time With You

A man who loves you simply wants to be around you, and it doesn’t matter what you’re doing together. As long as you’re with him, it’s a good time for him. This means that he’ll find any excuse to spend time with you! He may:

• Accompany you on your grocery shopping trips
• Head out with you when you go shopping
• Come over just to chill 
• Plan dates all the time, or just ask you to hang out
• Enjoy doing domestic things with you, to just share your everyday lives

Final Thoughts On Some Ways Men Show Love, Without Saying It

Love is a complicated thing, but thankfully, the ways that we express love aren’t all too complex. Men show love through these 20 signs. So it’s a huge indicator of his true feelings for you. Do with that information what you will!

4 Tips to Help You Find a Vegan Catering Company

More and more people are realizing that veganism is the best choice for their health, the planet, and the welfare of innocent animals. Even the most recent Oscars after-party had a wealth of delicious vegan options.

If you’re throwing an event for vegans or people who are curious about improving their lifestyle, then you’re probably wondering where you can get the best vegan food catering.

Keep reading to learn about 5 tips to help you find a vegan catering company.

1. Find Out If They’re Fully Vegan

There is a range of catering companies out there that offer non-vegan food as well as vegan food. If a catering company is not fully vegan, then there might be a much higher chance of cross-contamination.

What you should do is pick up the phone and ask the catering company what measures they take to ensure that their food doesn’t become infected with unhealthy animal products. You might be glad to know that they use separate utensils and pots, for instance.

If you’re still worried about cross-contamination, then your best bet is to go with a fully vegan caterer. You should also double-check their policies and procedures related to specific food allergies, such as gluten. That way, everyone on your roster is taken care of.

2. Compare and Contrast Reviews

When you’re searching for vegan caterers, you can expect those with solid experience to have reviews online. A great way to narrow down your list is by comparing and contrasting those reviews.

That way, you can get a better idea of the quality of their vegan food and more. Just be sure that the reviews are recent because any business can change for the worse or for the better with enough time.

For the most accurate assessment, it helps to read at least a few reviews of each catering company before keeping them on your list or crossing them out.

3. Look at Their Menu

Some vegan catering companies might specialize in sushi, barbeque-style food, Indian dishes, or all of the above.

Depending on the event you’re throwing, you’ll want to make sure that the company you decide on can deliver the perfect vegan catering menu.

It can also be worthwhile to call up the catering company and ask how much flexibility they offer when it comes to creating a menu.

4. Ask Your Family and Friends

If you have any friends or family members who are vegan, chances are they’ll know a lot about where you can get the best catered vegan food.

Reviews online could come from untrustworthy people, but when you can talk with people you know and love, the information will be much more reliable.

Are You Ready to Get Vegan Catering?

Now that you know all about 5 tips to help you find a vegan catering company, you make sure any event you throw is a delicious success.

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An occasional fight is normal in any romantic relationship. It can even make couples stronger and bring them closer together, so they’re far from a bad thing!

But some fights are so intense and hurtful that they leave behind trauma, pain, and a rift between you and your partner. Here’s how therapists explain 5 ways couples can recover from a fight.

1 – Think About And Understand The Fight

A lot of people believe that their fights would work better if they just stuck to rationality – but that’s not always possible. That’s why processing the fight is so crucial. Here’s why you need to stop and think after arguments:

Yes, logical issues are the cause of fights a lot of the time. But a fight itself, when escalating into one that needs intensive recovering from, stops being that. The brain rushes into fight vs flight mode, resulting in a flurry of incoherent actions and words that don’t reflect your real opinions or feelings – it’s all defensive! You need to take the time to pause and rewind.

• Identifying Unintentional Abuse

Emotional abuse is a terrible, terrible thing – and in times of fights, unintentional emotional abuse is common. Name-calling, gaslighting, lying, and other similar actions done in fight-or-flight defense mode are all considered unintentional emotional abuse. These actions must be addressed and apologized for after the time-out. (Of course, do note that any physical abuse or intentional emotional abuse means that the victim should leave the relationship and seek safe living elsewhere.)

A lot of fights seem to be over small and insignificant things, but the reason they erupt into full-blown shouting matches is because those small things are the tip of a very large iceberg. Find the root cause of the argument. Retrace your steps to what ignited the flames and reflect on why that issue was so heated and difficult.

2 – Give Each Other Space

A lot of couples feel that taking a breather and getting space to process the argument is “giving up” – but it’s not. When you have a big fight, your mind is scrambled, and as we previously said, it’s not a logical process. Repeatedly exposing yourself to things that make you go into panic mode is not going to increase rationality! 

Remember, this isn’t just you giving your partner space – it’s you taking space for yourself, too, says psychologist Dr. Hal Shorey. You both need time to think on your own, process your thoughts, and reflect. Allow the most aggressive of the negative emotions to settle and rest so they are no longer raging and dictating your every mood. 

It can be especially frightening if your partner needs more space than you do, or if you don’t feel like you need the space but they’re asking for it. Do keep in mind that they aren’t necessarily asking for space because they dislike you, or because this is all leading to a breakup. They are communicating their need to process the situation in a clear and concise way, and you should respect that – and take advantage of the time to do your own thinking.

Here are some things to keep in mind while you’re each getting your own space or giving your partner theirs:

If your partner needs space, don’t punish them for it. Don’t give them the cold shoulder, judge them for not being “in it” with you, or hold it against them. Remember, the need for space is conveyed through honest communication. Respect that!

Some people naturally feel more clingy after fights. They feel a desire to be physically close to the other person. That’s fine and valid, but if it’s not a manner shared by your partner, you will have to restrain yourself. Clinging can harm your partner if they need a breather. Distract yourself with things that make you happy instead.

Even if you feel fine, there are likely to be some issues to reflect on. While you’re both getting space, find those issues and think about them. Is there something that made you say what you said? Are there things your partner did that really rubbed you the wrong way? What can you both do to avoid this in the future?

If you’re the one who asks for space, reassure your partner first. Tell them you love them and that you will get through it together and be alright, but for now, you need to manage your thoughts. Be honest and remember how much you love them as you speak.

Giving each other space doesn’t mean spending a week apart. You should aim to try and reconvene after a short time thinking about it. Studies show that short time apart is positive and healthy after fights, but too long, and the fights fade to half-remembered emotions and amplified feelings. Set a time limit and agree to come back and talk things through once that time is up – and keep that promise!

3 – Communicate In A Positive Way

As old of a saying as it is, the fact remains that communication is the number one solution to most if not all relationship problems, says Dr. Ron Burriss, an evolutionary psychologist who studies human attraction. Though there are differences between men and women in terms of the ways they prefer to make up after a fight, there’s one uniting factor that all genders rate in the most positive way: communication.

But you can’t just start talking and hope for the best. You have to communicate in a positive way. Here’s how:

When it’s time to start talking again, work hard to be open to your partner. It’ll feel difficult at first but push through it. You have to meet each other halfway with an open mind and heart.

If multiple issues came up during the fight, go through them one by one, and only move on when you’re both ready to. Don’t bring up other issues outside of the fight unless it is very relevant to the specific issue at hand.

There will still be tensions and emotional unrest when you try to resolve the issues from the fight. Keep your emotions in check, aim to understand your partner, and don’t fall back into old patterns that could reignite the fight.

You know your partner very well, and you know what buttons to push to get to them. Don’t push those buttons. Fight fairly and never hit below the belt. Respect your partner or your relationship will become toxic.

Accusations come in the form of “you” language. “You never do…” Or, “You always…” “You just don’t…” These all sound like accusations and will put your partner in defensive mode. Use “I” language instead so they understand where you’re coming from: “I felt (blank) when you did (blank).” “I didn’t like it when…” “I feel like…”

Take turns speaking about your perspectives and feelings. When it’s your partner’s turn, listen quietly. Don’t spend that time thinking of what you’ll say next. Focus on really trying to understand them and what they’re saying.

4 – Accept Responsibility

No fight is purely one person’s fault. You are responsible for it, too. You need to accept responsibility and realize that you hurt your partner. Here’s how to do so:

• Accept It’s Not A Competition

You don’t have to be “right”. You don’t have to “win”. This is a relationship – a partnership that means it’s you and your partner versus the problems, not you versus your partner.

It can be distressing to hear your partner talk about how you made them feel. Whether you meant to or not, you did those things. Think about it: even when you accidentally bump into someone in public, you apologize. So when you accidentally harm your partner, you should apologize, too.

• Acknowledge How They Feel

Even if you disagree with your partner, acknowledge that their pain is valid. Work to understand where they’re coming from and really put yourself in their shoes.

When your partner expresses their feelings, respond in kind. Start with a phrase like “It sounds like you felt…” and then repeat their statements in your own words to show that you understand.

Don’t forget that sincere apology can go a long way. Truly, genuinely apologize for what you’ve done and make sure your partner knows that you mean it, and promise to work towards preventing it from happening again.

It’s very easy to apologize without really taking steps towards change, says licensed marriage and family therapist Anita A. Chilapala. Acknowledge your wrongs and reflect on them, focusing on how to better yourself to avoid this in the future.

• Schedule Further Check-Ins

Once you think you’ve gotten to the root of the problem, schedule a check-in time where you both come together to reflect on both of your progress, discuss what’s going really well, and talk about what needs more work. That way, the points you bring up don’t end up getting forgotten.

5 – Make Up

Now that the fight is over, you need time to heal the relationship. After especially difficult fights, this can be very difficult. Here are some things you can do:

• Take Time To Spend Together

Schedule a simple, no-stress date night: going out for dinner, watching a movie in the cinema, cooking together at home… anything at all where you only focus on being together. This helps you begin to bond again and reconnect.

It can be hard to find humor after a fight, but laughing together can trigger positive thinking due to the release of feel-good hormones.

Intimacy after a fight can help both of you feel closer, and for some people, it’s their favorite way to make up. Just make sure that you’ve already dealt with the issues from the fight before heading to the bedroom!

• Do Things You Love Together

You don’t need to plan a date night to spend a little time doing things you both like. Order takeout from your favorite place. Bond over a shared hobby. When you feel good doing things you love, you release tension, says Dr. Holly Parker, author, a lecturer at Harvard, and psychologist. Studies show that emotions from positive thinking can work wonders for resolving fights and conflict.

Final Thoughts On Some Ways Couples Can Recover From A Fight

It’s not unusual for couples to fight. What matters is that you and your partner are committed to working together to overcome your arguments. At the end of the day, love, commitment, communication, and effort can work together to heal any relationship.

The world of dating and flirting can be a complex one. While plenty of people enjoy the single life, many want to find a relationship or at least a person to connect with at the end of the night! But that’s easier said than done, and it can be tough to attract a man.

If you have trouble enticing a man? Don’t demean yourself so quickly. You may be sending subtle signals that indicate you aren’t available, or you may just be having trouble with the complicated universe of dating. Here is how to attract a man – without saying a word!

1 – Speak With Your Expressions

Certain facial expressions reveal your attraction to another person. Whether through indirect or straightforward means, you can convey your feelings and thoughts through a variety of positive expressions. The key is to be flexible and playful.

No matter how nervous you may feel, look at the man you are attracted to directly in the eyes. Some of the ways you can flirt with your eyes are to check him out, hold his gaze, flutter your eyelashes, or open your eyes wide. What he says and how he responds will tune you in on how to change up your expressions. Studies have also found that many people react in a positive way to direct eye contact – it grabs the other person’s attention quickly and facilitates bonding and interest!

Let your eyes meet just long enough to let the other person know that you are interested, avert your gaze briefly, then look back while raising both eyebrows ever so slightly. It is the flirtatious equivalent of a non-verbal hello.

There is nothing more beautiful than a smile, so the saying goes. And different smiles suit different intentions and occasions. For the best leverage, be authentic with your smiles when showing someone that you are attracted to them and want them to approach. Remember, being unique, you will create the most beautiful smiles, whether it is an open smile, a playful smile, a seductive smile, or a chuckle.

2 – Speak With Your Body Language

If you want to attract a man, there are many examples of body language that you can use to communicate your feelings and intentions. Gesturing with your hands, positioning your body, licking, or parting your lips are a few strategies that you can pull off to show that you fancy the person.

• Put Your Hands Where Your Hips Are

Indicate that you are approachable by putting your hands casually on your hips. Or show that you are available by uncrossing your arms and positioning them down on your sides in a relaxed way.

Mirroring his movements and how his torso is angled is a clear body language that you are into the guy. Facing forward and pointing your feet toward his direction also express that your full attention is on him.

Keep your hands where I can see them, is a popular tagline in the police force. And for a good reason. Research suggests that hiding your hands inside your pockets or under the table makes it difficult for people to open up to you. On the other hand, displaying your hands to the person you are attracted to is a positive sign that you are trustworthy. If you are feeling insecure about how your hands look, apply lotion regularly, and keep your nails well-groomed to boost your confidence.

Be aware of how your body is positioned when you are with someone that you are interested in. If you intend to entice the guy, keep your body posture open by uncrossing your arms and propping them on the table while leaning your body forward. Overall, research also indicates that an open posture creates more positive levels of attraction to complete strangers.

3 – Use Subtle, Flirtatious Hints

Deploying the more subtle art of flirting needs a delicate approach and some positive thinking to woo your potential romantic interest. Flipping or twirling your hair, tilting your head, and smelling good are some of the finer ways to attract a guy without confusing him with mixed signals.

Slight gestures to your hair, like stroking, twirling, or tucking it behind your ear, can be appealing to the person you are attracted to when the movements appear natural.

Another non-verbal message that you can send out to the person you are attracted to is with your head tilted to one side while exposing an enticing view of your neck. Tilting your head shows that you are interested in the guy, willing to be in his company, and paying attention to what he is saying and doing.

Whether it is body wash, post-shower mist, or perfume, the key to smelling good lies in using scented products with a balanced hand. It is particularly easy to go overboard with fragrances. And too much can turn off the people you are attracted to. While most people love healthy hair that smells incredible, they are not too keen when it comes to overpowering perfumes.

4 – Use Touch

Physical touch, when done at the right time, duration, and frequency, sends a clear signal that you are attracted to someone. Briefly caressing his arm, gently patting his hand, or brushing your leg against his, are examples of touches that undoubtedly show that you are interested in him.

• Use Non-Intimate, More-Than-Friendly Touch

Test the waters by gently squeezing his upper arm or resting your hand on his back or shoulder. Check whether he is receptive, reciprocal, or responsive to them and let that lead you.

The accidental-not-accidental touch is a subtle yet potentially effective method of enticing the person you are attracted to. Allowing your hands to collide while reaching for the same thing and letting your leg brush against his are delightfully saucy examples that can seduce even a sophisticated man.

Reciprocal touches lead to increased moments of touching. And these touches become more and more familiar and intimate as they progress.

5 – Consider Appearance-Related Methods

You don’t have to make yourself look conventionally attractive to reel a guy in, and it’s up to you what you do with your body. But the fact remains that human beings are naturally more attracted to people who look conventionally nice or put-together, no matter what gender you are.

Studies show that all genders are more likely to date people they personally feel have a positive or attractive appearance. The chances are that you feel that way about the people you’re attracted to, too!

Choosing the right outfit can make anyone feel confident and look attractive to others. Find clothing that fits your body well and suits your preferences. Whether the date is casual or sophisticated, you cannot go wrong with a combination of sexy and tasteful that makes you feel good.

Whatever you want for your hair, focus on the length and style that makes you feel attractive. Make an effort to keep your mane clean, healthy, and great smelling, too.

However, different our preferences might be; people generally agree that less is more when it comes to makeup. No matter the gender, cosmetic products are meant to enhance natural features and make everyone look more attractive. Be fearless in trying out various makeup looks and choose the ones that suit you best.

Of course, take all this with a pinch of salt. Different people find different things attractive, and there’s nothing wrong with deciding not to follow these tips in your mission to attract a man. After all, you want them to like the real you, too!

6 – Let Your Personality Shine

There are ways to radiate your one-of-a-kind personality without saying a word. Show off your unique traits. Be comfortable in your own skin –it’s a turn on to the opposite sex.

Straight up, confidence is attractive. Owning your attractiveness means you do not need validation. You are neither clingy nor desperate, which makes the person you are interested in want to pursue you.

• Show Off Your Intelligence

Research supports the idea of sapiosexuality that people can be turned on by intelligence. So, go ahead and let your mental ability seduce the one you fancy.

Being comfortable in your own skin makes you desirable and irresistible to whoever you are attracted to. Accepting and integrating all aspects of who you enable you to become the best version of your authentic self.

7 – Get Into The Right Mindset

Positive thinking can literally transform your life. Prioritizing your health and wellbeing is an important step toward having the right mindset and reducing stress.

Happiness is the most attractive trait that works like a diffuser of positive energy for the benefit of all humans. Prioritizing your mood can make you more sociable and help with your mental and physical health.

• Never Compare Yourself To Other Women

Always remember that your uniqueness is incomparable to others and unparalleled in the world. Focus on accepting everything you are, developing healthy self-esteem, and improving yourself.

Self-discovery is the journey of a lifetime, and humans are ever-evolving. Being able to identify your strengths and weaknesses, then utilizing your positives and improving on your negatives make you attractive.

It is attractive to see someone pull off something effortlessly and naturally. No matter what you do, make sure you are comfortable with doing it. Trust your gut instinct to guide you toward doing what makes you feel comfortable and help you avoid anything that does not feel right to you.

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Attract A Man Without Saying A Word

Attracting another person can be a confusing process. Though these tips are geared towards women hoping to attract a man, do know that either gender can use most of them. 

Regardless of your gender, remember: never dull your shine for someone else! We aren’t telling you to change who you are in order to make others like you. You should always be your authentic self. But if you need tips on standing out in a crowded room – or letting gentlemen know you’re interested! – these tips can help with the process. Good luck!

The past is a part of who we are. It shapes us, teaches us, and affects our character development and growth. But remembering your is only beneficial if we learn from and leave it behind.

Many people find that they live somewhat in the past. They can’t stop thinking about what happened before, and it traps them in a perpetual rush of negativity that you can never really fix. It’s not healthy, even if its familiarity is comfortable.

Here’s how therapists explain 13 reasons to stop remembering your past.

1.    Remembering The Bad Is A Tough Cycle To Break

When you think about bad moments from your past, you form a clearer idea of them in your head – one often conflated with more negativity. This energy feeds into your mood, causing you to lose positive thinking, thus increasing the chances of you recalling your past this way again.

According to Amy Morin, a licensed clinical social worker, author, and psychotherapist, rumination can become so deeply ingrained in you that you struggle to break out of these destructive thought patterns. It’s like a wound – it scabs over as it begins to heal, but you pick at it again, causing it to reopen.

2.    It Stops You From Moving On

Recalling your past too much causes you to live in it emotionally, trapping you in a time that has long left you behind. Here’s why always remembering your past and living in it stops you from moving on:

• Living in the past means you’re stuck in it. It’s not possible to move on when you live inside a remembered past in your head.
• Living in the past means you never close the door behind you. You’re always taking peeks back through it, as if you want to go back inside – and even though you never can go back inside.
• Living in the past means ignoring new open doors. If you’re so fixated on the doors that you refuse to close, and you’ll miss new ones opening up all around you. This means you’ll let new opportunities pass you by!
• Living in the past is rejecting the present and, therefore, the future. Spend all your time in the past, and the present will move on without you, leaving you behind.

3.    There’s No Healthy Outcome

Remembering your past is a doomed effort from the start – there’s simply no healthy outcome to continue thinking about what’s happened before. There are several ways that this behavior can go, and they’re all negative, including:

• Burying emotions and feelings attached to the past, resulting in pent-up emotional stress and damage
• Being unable to let go of the past at all, resulting in changes to everyday actions and thoughts
• Experiencing profound, severe, triggering pain at anything that jobs memories of that past
• Refusing to face events of the past for what they indeed were, becoming stuck instead in what-ifs, leading to an inability to learn from it or be aware of its lessons
• Over-identifying with the events of the past, resulting in a personality shaped only by history, unable to grow and improve over time

None of these behaviors, primarily if rooted in childhood, have any sort of positive effect on your current life. They cause you to be unable to live your life on your terms, says Glendon Association Director of Research and Education, clinical psychologist, and author Dr. Lisa Firestone.

4.    The Past Isn’t Real

The past happened and existed, but it’s gone now. It’s not tangible. You can’t access it with your senses, and it merely is no longer real. Everything you think and feel about the past lives only in your mind – meaning it’s a part of your imagination.

In your imagination, which is exceedingly powerful, things can get blown out of proportion. That imagination can transport you “back in time” to a fake version of the past that now lives only in your head. That’s not a very productive way to spend your time at all!

5.    It Can Damage Your Relationships With Others

Excessive focus on your past can lead to damaging relationships, further isolating you when what you need most is support. Here are some of the ways it can damage those relationships you have with others:

• You blame others for what happened to you
• You lash out due to unprocessed emotional baggage
• You feel distrustful of others due to past pain
• You expect those around you to fill spaces that were occupied in the past
• You actively seek out relationships that remind you of the past
• You perform toxic behaviors that make others distance themselves from you

A great way to overcome these boundaries is with mindfulness, says therapist and psychologist Elyssa Barbash, Ph.D. Mindfulness involves learning to live in the present, which can lead you to be aware of your emotions, thoughts, actions, reactions, and sensations.

6.    Remembering The Past Wastes Precious Time

When you spend all your time thinking about the past, what you’re doing is just wasting the short amount of time we have on this planet. Life is much too brief to be spent trapped, unable to move forward.

Living each day like it’s your last can be difficult advice to put into practice, but it’s good advice nonetheless. What if you were going to die tomorrow? Would you still spend your time in the past?

7.    It Doesn’t Define You

Sometimes, people stay in the past because they believe that it defines them. Sure, you may not say “I am my past,” but you may:

• Believe that you must spend the rest of your life atoning for the past
• Spend your time trying to get back to the “old you,” who you perceive as happier or better
• Consider the person you remember being to be the person you always will be
• Judge your current actions based on your past
• Believe that you are undeserving of certain things because of your history.

These things are all ways that you allow the past to define you. Yes, the past has changed you, but it has become a part of you and shaped you into your current self – it’s not something you must abide by forever.

8.    It Causes Disappointment

If you worry all the time because you can’t live in the present, you’re setting yourself up for dissatisfaction. This is because you don’t know how to take each day as it comes. All you do is think of the past, and that past becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Learning to go with the flow is one of the keys to removing disappointment. When you enjoy the current moment for what it is, you’re always grateful and full of positive thinking.

9.    It Masks Present Need

When you dwell on the past, there’s a good chance that the emotions dredged up from there are masking something you need or want in the present. This is according to licensed marriage and family therapist Faith Deeter, who is also a speaker, author, and transformational trainer.

But if you remember only the past and keep dwelling on it, you will be unable to separate yourself from it and realize how it affects you today. So the next time you find your thoughts shifting to the past, refocus. How are your present needs linked to these thoughts? What do you need? To be understood? To feel secure? Work to understand what triggers the negative patterns, and you can meet your real needs in the present.

10. It Leads To Unhealthy Coping Skills

The act of brooding can be terrible for your ability to cope. After all, instead of confronting your past issues, you’re stewing in them and failing to deal with them, to begin with. Studies have indicated that this offers less than positive risks for the future.

As an example, individuals who tend to ruminate in their pasts or emotions face heightened levels of distress emotionally. This dramatically increases their chances of developing unhealthy or toxic coping methods. These may include:

• Eating disorders
• Substance abuse
• Self-harm

11. It Prevents You From Trusting In Or Being Kind To Yourself

Think about it – how do you usually react when negative thoughts that are rooted in your past surface? The chances are that you criticize yourself and engage in negative self-talk. The emotional baggage from the past can affect your thought patterns, leading to a constant cycle of self-blame.

Licensed marriage and family therapist Lisa Olivera expresses the importance of understanding that, while pain and hurt cannot be prevented, you can make the active choice to be kind to yourself when that pain comes around. This also includes giving yourself treats and rewards, setting aside a few hours for me-time or self-care, and learning that you deserve better than to trap yourself in the past.

12. It Can Cause Mental Health Issues

If you spend too much time focusing on the negative, your mental health will suffer for it. Research indicates that dwelling over problems, hardship, errors, and past pain results in an overall loss of positive thinking and an increased risk of developing mental disorders. This can include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

13. You Can’t Fix Or Change It

The past is set in stone. There is no way to go back in time and find a way to undo what has been done. Revisiting and remembering the past, again and again, will not yield anything positive for you.

According to a psychologist, author, media figure, and keynote speaker Dr. Judith Sills, the desire to cling and brood is natural and alright when the event first happens. But after a while, continuing to maintain that emotional perspective will only harm you in the long run.

You will never be able to rewind time, whether to visit the past or to change it. But you know what you can control and fix right now? Your present, and the trajectory you’re on for the future. Focus on the now and what is to come, and you’ll feel like you’re getting somewhere!

Final Thoughts On Some Reasons To Stop Remembering The Past

The past can hang over you painfully, but you don’t have to allow it to consume you. Letting go of your past doesn’t have to mean forgetting it – it just means taking the lessons you’ve learned and moved on, focusing on the current moment and the possibilities that the future holds.

Most of us have been in a situation where we seem to be having a friendly conversation one second, only for it to grind to a halt the next abruptly. The ensuing awkwardness and discomfort are nothing short of unpleasant, and it’s terrible for positive thinking.

But why does this happen? As it turns out, there are certain things that, when done, tend to bring conversations to a painful stop. You need to be aware of them so you can avoid them. Here are seven things that kill a conversation.

7 Ways You’ll Kill a Conversation

1 – Being Controlling

A typical conversation aims to engage in a fair exchange of words and statements in a neutral setting. Attempting to exert power over such a situation by being controlling will put an immediate end to the conversation.

No one wants to talk to someone who is attempting to control them. The chances are that you hate being controlled, too, so you can’t expect anyone to stick around when they feel you’re doing that to them. Here are some examples of controlling behavior:

If your requests involve the idea that “no” is not an acceptable answer, you’re not asking. You’re making demands. There’s no place in a standard conversation for being demanding, so dial it down.

• Telling Others What To Do

When someone presents or mentions a problem to you, you are free to advise them, but you shouldn’t be telling them what to do. If you’d be upset if they don’t listen to you, then you’re telling, not advising. If they haven’t asked you to instruct them, don’t do it!

• Dictating What Can And Can’t Be Said

Of course, it’s okay to mention boundaries that you don’t want to be crossed, but doing this in the extreme by deciding which topics can and can’t be discussed to suit your whims is a big no-no.

2 – One-Word Responses

One-word responses mean that your conversation partner will be left hanging. They’ve contributed something, and you’ve decided to respond by adding nothing. Most people won’t want to continue doing all the heavy lifting in a conversation and will opt to end it. Examples of one-word responses include:

• Okay
• Sure
• Yes
• No
• Alright
• Fine
• Whatever

One-word responses can also signal boredom, annoyance, or a desire to end a conversation. Naturally, those who hear them may assume you don’t want to continue talking and will take the first step in dropping the speech.

Similarly, you should take care not to ask closed questions. Closed questions involve queries that typically are responded to with one-word answers. These closed questions force a conversation partner to struggle to figure out what else they can contribute to the conversation beyond that typical response, and some may decide it’s not worth the effort.

3 – Being Insincere

Sincerity is all about positive intention, and therefore a lack of it is entirely your fault. If you don’t feel authentic in what you’re saying, that will shine through, and people will pick up on it. Insincerity is a big turn-off and can kill conversations. Here are some examples of insincere behaviors:

• Pretending To Know What You Don’t

If you don’t know something, say you aren’t sure or that you don’t know. Tell the truth! For some reason, there’s an idea going around that the act of talking nonsense just to deceive someone is a valuable skill. It isn’t, and people won’t want to talk to you if you keep doing it.

• Praise That Isn’t Genuine

It’s fairly obvious when someone’s praise isn’t real. Some may be fooled, but those who aren’t will see that as their cue to end the conversation. Worse still is any praise you do with ulterior motives!

Sure, not everyone will notice when you tell white lies. But once someone does, they’re going to doubt everything you say and will likely not see the point in talking to you any further. No one likes deceptive people, after all. Remember, you can be honest without being tactless, so white lies aren’t needed!

4 – Focusing On Yourself

Conversations are a two-way street. No one wants to be a part of a one-sided conversation. Yes, particular friendship dynamics involve one friend who would rather talk and another who would rather listen. But for the most part, healthy, positive conversations need to include a fair amount of give and take. Here are common behaviors in this vein to avoid:

• Aiming To Get Something Out Of The Conversation

Are you only taking part in a conversation because there’s something you want to get out of it? You might think you’re subtle, but people know that you’re doing this, and it’s not a very nice way to behave.

• Continually Making Everything About You

Fair exchange is essential in a healthy conversation. If you redirect all topics to something related to you or use someone else’s talking points to jump off of into your tales and experiences, others aren’t going to want to talk to you as you come off self-centered.

• Speaking More Than You Listen

We have two ears and one mouth, so we should be doing twice as much listening as talking. So really, truly listen to what the other person is saying and understand their point of view. Feel free to ask questions to understand it further. Then, once you’ve genuinely listened thoroughly, you can speak about your opinion.

5 – Drawing Everything Out

Good conversations start and end naturally. Prolonging a conversation through force can, ironically, cause it to shorten instead. Here are some ways that drawing everything out kills a conversation:

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to share everything about a subject, including tiny details, but unless you’re speaking to people with a passion for that subject, there’s a good chance they’ll get bored. Don’t talk for ages about something small – keep it short, sweet, and attention-worthy!

Beating around the bush due to nervousness or anxiety is understandable, but most people don’t want to have to wait for ages to get to crucial information. Unless you want the conversation to end, keep your disclaimers very brief and get to the point.

Rambling is fun and good among certain groups, but there will be people whose conversations are a little more clear, with an obvious goal or topic to discuss. Going off-topic and prattling about for minutes and minutes can kill a conversation quickly.

• Providing Too Much Information

Most people don’t want to hear too much about your personal, romantic, familial, or medical life – that falls under TMI, or too much information. Oversharing can make things awkward, and it’s a reason many conversations die.

6 – Acting Like An Expert Undeservedly

No one likes a pretentious person. To act as an expert in situations where that is not warranted or on subjects that you are far from an expert about is a guaranteed way to kill a conversation. Here are some ways you may be doing that:

Armchair psychology isn’t real psychology. No matter what you think you know about human nature and behavior, you aren’t qualified to analyze someone. People don’t like being treated like case studies and will likely shut down a conversation if you make them feel like one.

Among peers in your field, jargon is fine. But among others, simplifying your language makes the information accessible to them. If you insist on using technical terms, you’re alienating your conversation partners and acting high-and-mighty. 

Unless someone asks for your judgment, you are in no place to make assumptions and draw conclusions based on the limited scope that a conversation and some observation gives you. You don’t know the reality of anyone else’s situation, so don’t judge them!

There’s nothing wrong with a verbose vocabulary, and there are many people who enjoy communicating with more mindful word choices. But if everything you say is an obscure word that sounds like you looked it up on a Thesaurus, you’re just pretentious. Language is designed as a tool for communication, and using ridiculous words defeats that purpose.

It’s nice to lift yourself up, and you don’t want to seem like you’re showing off. Humblebragging is a very common tactic to find balance but is very ineffective. If you must share your accomplishments or talk yourself up to other people, be transparent in what you’re doing – express your pride and positive thinking happily; don’t try to mask it with false humility that just sounds arrogant.

7 – Using Unhelpful Clichés Or Advice

It can be tough to think of what to do or say when someone comes to you with a problem. Responding to these things, the wrong way can be an immediate conversation killer.

The use of clichés and so-called wise sayings is quite common when someone is going through a rough spot. But they can come off as patronizing or belittling to people with real and complex problems. Examples of clichés are:

• It’ll all be for the best.
• Things happen for a reason.
• Everything will be just fine.
• Things will get better.
• The right opportunity will come soon!

While they sound nice and kind, these statements are fillers. They don’t really mean anything, and for people who are going through a tough time, they can be even less meaningful because they’re superficial. Of course, we know that these words are often said with the best intentions – just regulate your use of clichés!

You may also kill a conversation by offering unhelpful advice, especially when not asked for it. A lot of people just want to vent to others when they talk about their problems. Don’t offer unsolicited criticism or advice!

Sometimes, the best option is to be honest. Instead of offering advice and half-baked popular phrases, say:

• I really don’t know what to say, but I’m here to listen.
• That sounds like a difficult situation. Is there any way I can help?
• Would you like suggestions from me, or would you prefer I just support you?

Final Thoughts On Avoiding the Things That Kill A Conversation

Most people don’t directly intend to kill a conversation, and chances are, you don’t, either. Avoid doing these seven things, and you won’t find yourself in an uncomfortable situation like that one again!