The Evil Called Love

When it comes to relationships, emotional manipulation is a tricky, under-the-radar kind of mistreatment that can leave you feeling confused and drained. While both men and women can be manipulative, emotional manipulation doesn't discriminate; it can happen to anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.  So, how do you know if you're being manipulated? Here are three major signs to watch out for.  1. Guilt Trips Are a Regular Feature Ah, the guilt trip—a classic go-to for emotional manipulators. Ever had someone make you feel like you've committed a cardinal sin for choosing a restaurant they didn't like? Guilt trips often start small but can grow into a giant web of emotional turmoil.  Example: > “I mean, sure, I guess dinner was OK. It wasn't what I was hoping for, but I guess as long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.” Notice how the manipulator subtly flips the situation to make it about them, insinuating that you've failed in some way? Th...

Guess what? Valentine's Day is right around the corner!  So, I have a question for you... are you feeling a bit Valentine's-phobic? If you're single, do you ever cringe at the thought of walking into your favorite places only to find them decked out with heart-shaped decorations and couples indulging in PDA?  Are you maybe gritting your teeth at the idea of every hotel room being booked because it seems like everyone is planning a romantic getaway?   If you're in a relationship, are you dreading the guilt that sneaks in because you really don't feel like joining in on the Valentine's Day festivities like everyone else?  Perhaps you're worried that your gift won't hit the mark (if you've even prepared one in the first place)? If you answered yes to any of these questions, welcome to the Valentine's-phobic club!   Now, I didn't write this post to convince you that Valentine's is the ultimate test of romance or to change your feelings abou...

We see the phrase "you are seen, you are heard, you matter" everywhere in social media now. But do we really know how it feels? I do.  For so long, I've been a ghost. A flicker in the background, a fleeting image in the periphery of people's lives.  Nobody really looked, did they?  They saw a facade, a veneer of who I wanted to be, who they wanted me to be.  Smile, nod, laugh at the right moments—play the part, and then vanish.  I perfected the art of being pleasantly forgettable.  But he... oh, he sees me.  When I'm with him,  I can't just blend into the wallpaper. My camouflage fails.  He strips me of my invisibility with a mere glance, a simple question:  "How are you really doing?"  He'll ask, and I'll falter. Because he's not asking to fill the silence. He's asking because he genuinely wants to know. It's unsettling but liberating.  When I think something, he notices; he reacts.  He catches that fleeting shadow across...

So, you're in a situationship. You text all day, share memes, spend time together, but when it comes to defining things? Well, that's where it gets blurry. It's like being on a boat drifting in a lake, no oars, just floating wherever the wind decides to take you. And honestly? That’s a place many of us have been before.        What Makes It So Confusing? The tricky part about a situationship is the lack of clear boundaries. You’re more than friends but not quite in a committed relationship. There are unspoken rules, which can make things awkward and uncertain. You may catch yourself wondering, "Can I be upset if they don't text me back?" or "Is it wrong to feel hurt seeing them spend time with someone else?" In these moments, it’s easy to feel confused about what you can or should expect. Without a defined label, you're stuck in this in-between space where emotions get tangled and boundaries remain unclear.        Are There Any Ground Rules? One...

Kissing is an art, and like any art form, it requires practice and finesse. Sometimes, despite your best intentions, you might not be hitting the right notes when it comes to smooching. If you're worried that your kissing skills might need a little improvement, here are three signs that you might be a less-than-stellar kisser. 1. Your Partner's Lack of Enthusiasm: Read the Signals    One of the most telling signs that your kissing technique might need some work is your partner's enthusiasm, or lack thereof. Pay attention to their body language and verbal cues. If they seem distant, disengaged, or avoidant when it comes to kissing, it's a clear sign that something might be amiss.    Instead of brushing off their behavior, communicate openly and honestly. Ask your partner for feedback about what they enjoy and what they might want you to do differently. Remember that kissing is a two-way street, and it's essential to be attuned to your partner's desires and comfor...

The Fascinating Paradox of the Gemini Guy  The Magician of Multitasking  I remember the first time I saw My Gemini Guy in action. He was juggling a phone call with a client, scrolling through a presentation on his laptop, and somehow also managing to make himself a sandwich—all without breaking a sweat. It was mesmerizing and a tad overwhelming.  To many, multitasking can be a chaotic affair, but not for My Gemini Guy. His mind worked like a well-oiled machine, capable of toggling between tasks with a sense of ease I could never quite understand.  Here's the kicker:  Despite his knack for handling multiple things at once, My Gemini Guy was never one to settle for mediocrity. The guy was a born dreamer. Always striving for a higher position or a loftier goal, contentment seemed to elude him.  His ambition didn't stop at climbing the corporate ladder, either. It spilled over into his personal relationships, always pushing those around him towards self-improve...

Love is an elusive beast, hard to catch but even harder to keep. In a world where everything moves at the speed of a tweet, the notion of a lasting relationship may seem like a relic of a bygone era. Yet, some relationships seem doomed from the get-go, crumbling under the weight of inattention, indifference, and sometimes, an unfortunate surplus of pride. While it's tempting to blame fate or circumstance, there are often clear indicators that a relationship is on the rocks before it even takes its first breath. Let's examine three tell-tale signs your relationship was over before it really began. 1. Monologue Over Dialogue: The Solo Planner Ah, planning—the bedrock of any functional relationship. It's not just about choosing the right Netflix series or deciding who gets the last slice of pizza. It's about joint decisions that symbolize a shared journey. If you find yourself making plans for the weekend, picking out restaurants, or even planning trips without considering...

When I saw him, I knew he's different.  He doesn't just look at me; he sees me. Really sees me.  There's this intensity in his gaze that's almost intimidating but comforting at the same time.  It's as if he's peeling back layers, sifting through the façade I’ve so carefully built over the years, and finding the person underneath.  A person I didn't even know existed anymore.  When I talk to him...   His eyes don't glaze over.  He's not waiting for his turn to speak, but listening—every word, every pause, every breath.  He hears the things I don't say, the things I'm too afraid to voice.  He senses the hesitations, the fears, the unspoken dreams that I've buried deep.  And he reacts...  He asks questions, not out of mere curiosity but from a desire to understand—to know me better.  No one has ever made me feel this vulnerable, and yet so safe at the same time. I can’t be a liar around him; he'd call me out in an instant....

Navigating the Dynamics of Love: Recognizing a Relationship Power Struggle In the realm of modern relationships, the dynamics between partners can sometimes resemble an unspoken tug-of-war. Power struggles often arise, affecting the harmony and satisfaction of the relationship. Whether you're in a budding romance or a long-term commitment, it's crucial to identify signs of a power struggle. Here are three common indicators that you may be caught in this challenging dynamic: 1. Controlling Communication One significant sign of a power struggle within a relationship is an attempt to control communication. This can manifest in various ways, such as insisting on immediate responses to texts or expecting constant updates on your partner's whereabouts. Such behaviors can stem from a desire to assert dominance or to feel secure in the relationship. Instead of trying to control communication, focus on fostering open and healthy dialogue. Encourage your partner to express their thou...

Have you ever wondered if the constant bickering in your relationship is a sign of trouble or just part of the journey? We've all been there. Some days it seems like you can't go a single day without a spat. But is it all doom and gloom? In this article, we'll explore whether bickering is a healthy aspect of relationships or a potential relationship hazard. Let's dive in! 1. The Evolution of Conversations: Picture this: You've been with your partner for a while, and those once-frequent romantic moments now feel as rare as a blue moon. Does this mean your relationship is in trouble? Not necessarily. It signifies that you've transitioned from the honeymoon phase into a more grounded, authentic relationship. In this "real relationship" stage, your conversations take on a new rhythm. You can discuss anything and everything; even quirks like snoring aren't relationship deal-breakers anymore. While this change may seem disheartening at first, it's a ...

Are you curious about what makes a Libra guy so captivating? Known for their charm and unique personality traits, Libra men have a way of winning hearts effortlessly. In this article, we'll explore three distinctive qualities that make Libra men stand out and how they can capture your heart. 1. Irresistible Charisma and Social Grace  A Libra guy is often hailed as the most charming among the male zodiac signs. From the moment you meet him, you'll be drawn in by his magnetic personality. His soft-sounding voice and melodious laughter create an atmosphere of comfort and ease, making you feel right at home in his presence. Dimples One of the telltale signs of a Libra man is his endearing dimples, whether they grace his face or appear elsewhere on his body. He exudes a friendly demeanor that welcomes you with open arms, but there's a fine line between friendliness and familiarity that he's careful not to cross. Too much intimacy too soon can turn him off, so he maintains a ...