21 Ways to Keep a Strong Woman Satisfied

Many men are drawn to strong, empowered women. Few know what to expect once they manage to catch one. A confident and independent woman acts differently from others. She may want you, but she doesn’t need you. She respects your needs, but she won’t let her own be forgotten. She will not compromise her values, ambitions, and morals for anyone’s sake. She will not be your doormat, and she does not want you to become hers.
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Strong women terrify men, because they are not afraid to leave.

Here’s some advice for keeping the empowered woman in your life happy.

1. Expect you will have to work for her trust. Earn it by being honest, dependable, and respectful.

2. Allow her to be vulnerable with you, but don’t demand it.

3. Show her that she can trust you to keep her deepest secrets. Make it clear that her most private thoughts, feelings, and moments will stay that way with you.

4. Don’t play games. Operate with honesty.

5. When she takes responsibility for her part in an argument, you should do the same. It is rarely a one-way street.

6. When she challenges your ideas and opinions, don’t get defensive. This is a sign that she respects you.
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7. Practice gratitude together.

8. Reassure her that even if she doesn’t need you, you are always there to help her. Make it clear that you do not think any less of her when she asks for your support.

9. Celebrate her accomplishments.

10. When she fails, praise her efforts. Help her identify what she learned and gained from the experience.

11. Help her to make a positive impact in the community. Volunteer together. Strong women love passionate men.

12. Give her spiritual practices a chance. Be honest if they do not ring true to who you are. Respect and support her in pursuing them, even if you do not share her beliefs.

13. Respect her boundaries.

14. Realize that actions speak much more loudly than words. Don’t just apologize when you are wrong. Change your behavior.

15. Share your ambitions with her. Allow her to help you reach them.

16. Ask about her career goals. Keep track of the progress she is making. Praise and recognize her hard work, no matter what the results.

17. Be clear about your expectations. Discuss the future of your relationship with honesty and transparency. Strong women appreciate straightforward men.

18. Get to know her friends and family members.

19. Don’t be offended when she asks for alone time to recharge.

20. Encourage her to care for herself.

21. Refuse to gossip about other people. This looks petty and weak to a confident woman.
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“Do not bring people in your life who weigh you down. And trust your instincts … good relationships feel good. They feel right. They don’t hurt. They’re not painful. That’s not just with somebody you want to marry, but it’s with the friends that you choose. It’s with the people you surround yourselves with,”explained Michelle Obama. Be a person who makes your empowered woman feel good. She will do the most incredible things with you by her side.

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20 Body Language Tricks that Make Others Like You

Most of us are conscious of the words we say. So why do we often send messages we didn’t mean to? Our body language can influence how confident, trustworthy, and likeable we seem to the world.
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Did you know that over half of what we communicate is nonverbal?

Here are 20 things you can do to make sure you are sending the right message:

1. Mirror people’s movements.

2. Smile often. Think of something happy so it will feel genuine, rather than forced.

3. Step closer to someone who wants to feel close to you.

4. Step back from someone who indicates they need space.

5. Mirror posture in a subtle way.

6. Don’t cross your arms over your chest. This makes you seem closed off or unhappy.

7. Maintain eye contact for at least three seconds. Smile warmly while you do so.

8. Be conscious of having good posture. Avoid slouching.

9. Don’t lean on things.

10. Point your shoes toward the person you are speaking with.

11. Don’t fake a laugh. If someone makes a joke and laughter doesn’t come naturally, trust that a smile will suffice.
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12. Maintain eye contact for the duration of a handshake.

13. Shake hands with light but firm pressure. Use the same force as you would to lift the handle of a pan.

14. Smile when you enter a room.

15. Take your time when greeting people. Don’t rush on to the next person.

16. Stand with your feet hip width apart.

17. Try to keep tension in your core when you walk, sit, or stand. This will help you to maintain graceful movements and good posture.

18. Relax, but don’t slouch. Imagine a string is pulling the top of your head.

19. Resist the urge to push back your shoulders and puff out your chest.

20. If you are nervous, remind yourself of something impressive you have done. Keep it to yourself. This will help you to project confidence.

“Think of good posture as your body’s projection of a positive message to those you meet,” wrote Cindy Ann Peterson. Consider the message you are sending about yourself. Is it accurate? Could it be improved? Use the tips above, and see if people react to you differently.

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How Sensitive Is Your OCD Radar?

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Can You See All Six People In This Picture?

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4 Signs Your Job Is Crushing Your Spirit

You went to school and got good grades. You behaved yourself. You got into college. You graduated and got a job. You settled down. You bought a house and saved diligently for your retirement…
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Did you ever stop to ask yourself why?

All too often, we get caught up in our short term goals in a way that blinds us to the big picture. The average American will spend nearly 100,000 hours at work over the course of their lifetime. For those who work beyond a nine to five schedule, it will be much more. This is very disheartening when we consider that 80 percent of people do not like their jobs.

Should you take a second look at your career path before you go any farther?

Here are four signs you should reconsider your job situation:

1. You’ve lost sight of your personal goals and aspirations.

Your work should not be the only component of your identity. Where do you want to travel? What athletic feats do you strive to accomplish? Do you have any artistic projects in the works? These are the things that make us who we are. If you are drowning in your job, it’s likely you need to form an identity outside of work. Consider your talents. Ask yourself what makes you come alive. Then, go for it. Train for a marathon. Learn to cook Chinese food. Plan a trip to Cuba. Build a tree house for your kids. Learn Italian. Coach your daughter’s soccer team. Start a garage band. The possibilities are endless.

2. Your work is stopping you from enjoying your life.

Did you know that 64 percent of Americans canceled their vacations this year? Of those who did go, a quarter checked in to work remotely on an hourly basis. Vacations, and other breaks from work, are critical to our mental and emotional health. If you are never truly off the clock, you are missing out on a wonderful chance to enjoy being alive. Travel is one of the great thrills of life. Exploring our world is magical and inspiring. It rejuvenates the spirit. It is also a unique chance to bond with your family. The memories you build together will stay with you long after your job has ended. This brings us to our next point…

3. Your relationships are suffering.

“In workaholic marriages, there’s more marital estrangement. Couples are emotionally distant from each other. There are often thoughts of separation and divorce,” noted Bryan Robinson. This could explain why couples in which one partner spends more time than usual at work (by ten or more hours per week) divorce at twice the average rate. This figure is sad on its own. When we consider that most people work to provide for their family, it becomes tragic. Think hard about what exactly it is you want to give your loved ones. Most likely, they would prefer your presence to your presents.
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4. You only work for the money.

Most people would not choose to work if they did not have bills to pay. However, this shouldn’t be the only thing that ties you to your current job. Does your work give you a sense of purpose? Does it stimulate your mind? Do you like and respect your co-workers? Do you feel invested in your professional goals and accomplishments? Are you proud to work for your company? Do you get a sense of personal satisfaction when you do your job well? If you could not answer “yes” to any of these questions, it might be time to seek out a more rewarding work life.

“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion,” wrote Simon Sinek. Don’t let your work stress destroy your capacity to seek out passion and joy in your life. Remember what it is you are working for. Then, invest time and energy in the parts of your life that awaken your spirit. Spend time with your loved ones. Pursue a passion project. Live your life in the greatest way possible.

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7 Signs Your Partner Is Ready to Commit

Falling in love is one of the greatest joys life has to offer. Most people look forward to settling down with their one true soulmate. Unfortunately, in our rush to fall head over heels, we may overestimate our partner’s affection and commitment. This is an error that’s bound to end in heartbreak.
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So, how do we protect ourselves from emotional disaster without blocking our hearts off from love? The answer is right in front of you. Observe your partner’s behavior. Listen to what they say. Read between the lines. What are they not saying? Do their actions align with their words? Be honest with yourself about what you see. Don’t clutch so tightly to a fantasy that you let the real thing pass you by.

So – is your partner ready for the long haul?

Here are seven ways you can tell:

Your partner says “I love you” in a casual context.

The ability to say these words in the course of everyday life shows certainty and comfort. Watch out for a partner who says it only in romantic situations. They might be using these words without meaning them, to meet your expectations and cultivate an amorous atmosphere. A partner who only says “I love you” in response to you saying it first may be unsure of their feelings. Look for sincerity and comfort in your partner’s declarations of affection.
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Your partner mentions building a family.

A person who asks how you feel about marriage and children is trying to envision a future with you. One who does not might not be ready to commit. They might also be afraid of scaring you off. Either way, it is likely that they feel your relationship is not yet at a point where they are looking towards a permanent commitment.

Your partner has introduced you to their family and friends.

This is a big step. If your significant other wants you to meet their inner circle, it is likely that they already see you as an important part of their life. They are committed to the relationship, and they are proud of the person you are. It also shows that they value their relationships with family members and close friends.

Your partner is willing to compromise.

When your significant other goes out of their way to make you happy, they are showing you that they value the relationship more than their own comfort. It also demonstrates a sense of maturity that is necessary in a long term commitment. Be sure to return this courtesy by making sacrifices of your own. This is good practice for marriage.

Your partner goes out of their way to spend time with you.

Time is our most strictly limited resource. Anyone can spend money on you, or shower you with compliments and praise. It takes a truly committed person to sacrifice their time for you. This is a sure sign that your partner is looking toward building a future together.
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Your partner asks lots of questions.

In a happy relationship, you and your significant other should strive to constantly learn more about one another. A partner who asks lots of questions is deeply interested in who you are. This shows curiosity, care, and affection. These qualities will keep your relationship alive.

Your partner likes to hold hands.

Non-sexual touching shows a level of fondness and comfort that goes beyond simple physical attraction. These little bits of contact deepen your emotional connection and keep you in sync with one another. If your partner likes to hold hands in public, they might be proud to show you off. They may also be nervous and looking to you for security. Either way, frequent hand holding is a very good sign.

“To say that one waits a lifetime for his soulmate to come around is a paradox. People eventually get sick of waiting, take a chance on someone, and by the art of commitment become soulmates, which takes a lifetime to perfect,” wrote  Criss Jami. Don’t wait for a perfect person. Choose someone who is imperfect, and build a perfect love. Just make sure they are committed to doing the same.

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4 Ways To Handle Passive-Aggressive Behaviour Without Being A Jerk

Finding a way to handle passive-aggressive behaviour that doesn’t make you seem like a jerk can be tricky.

You’re probably familiar with passive-aggressive behaviour, even if you don’t recognize it for what it is. It’s rampant on social media. I’m sure you’ve seen the posts and comments on Facebook that are obviously showing hostility, albeit through the veil of a smile. “You usually look tired in your pictures, but you look nice in this one.” Jeez, thanks, aunt Judy.
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Usually, the passive-aggressive person says something with a hint of rudeness to it as a response to conflict they are avoiding. Combine that with a feeling of powerlessness and helplessness, and you have the recipe for an internal power struggle that results in passive-aggressive behaviour.

I remember one instance when I was out shopping for a sweater with a co-worker of mine who was up for the same promotion I was. After making the mistake of asking her opinion on one of my selections, she responded with, “It looks like your diet might not be working. Maybe if you try a size up you’ll be more comfortable.” Said sweetly, with a smile, of course. I’m not certain she was really concerned with my health, or my level of comfort. What was really going on was she wanted me to initiate conflict so she could release her anger and frustration.

These are verbal signs of classic passive-aggressive behaviour, but there are other ways people exhibit this as well. When someone gives you the silent treatment, is intentionally late, doesn’t do what is asked of them, or withholds intimacy, they are also being passive-aggressive.

So how do we handle this type of frustrating behaviour without coming across like a jerk?

1. Stay focused on the current moment.

It’s easy to fall for the trap of bringing up all the other times they’ve acted like this, but don’t do it. Stay in the now.

So they said something that hurt your feelings or made you angry. Don’t contribute to the endless cycle of passive-aggressive behaviour by reliving the numerous other times they did the exact same thing.

Instead, focus on what they said in this instance and let them know how they made you feel. These people act like this because they are avoiding something. If you avoid the issue of their passive-aggressive behaviour, you’re only contributing to the cycle.

2. Use “I” instead of “you” when expressing yourself.

When we say things like “you do this” or “you make me feel this way” it comes off accusatory, and defense mode is engaged. You want to deflect aggression, not trigger it.

Use phrasing that incorporates the use of “I.” As in, “I feel hurt when things are said about my weight,” or “I prefer if remarks like that weren’t made.”

3. Make it clear that there are consequences for their actions.

You should probably expect them to deny ever doing anything wrong, or they’ll make excuses for their behaviour. Regardless of what tactics they try to deploy, stand your ground and respond accordingly.

If this is the third time you’ve invited John to join you and your friends for drinks, and he says yes but never shows up, then it’s time to instill some consequences. Kindly let John know that if you invite him in the future, and he says he will be there, then he needs to show up. Otherwise, someone else will be asked in his place, and he probably won’t be given much consideration for future gatherings.

4. Understand that not everyone is going to be approachable.

Sometimes we need to weigh the pros and cons of confronting this type of behaviour.

If you work for someone who is passive-aggressive towards you, it might not be as beneficial for you to confront them as it would be for you to approach your friend. There are pros and cons to everything we do. While it might feel great to finally tell your boss how you feel about his snotty remarks, it probably won’t serve you very well in the long run. If they use sarcasm and “thank you for your hard work,” then you can respond with a genuine “you’re welcome.” That’s about as good as it gets in those situations.

Overall, be mindful of how you speak to others and pay attention to what triggers your frustration and anger. Acknowledge how you feel and process that information in the healthiest way you can.

Whatever you do, don’t hold on to it and let it stew in your mind. That’s how you end up being passive-aggressive.

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