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101 Deep Questions to Ask Your Partner, Boyfriend, or Girlfriend

How well do you know your partner? We don't just mean their favorite color or movie, but really know them. Beyond daily habits and favorite things, have you ever asked the deep questions? Or serious questions that truly matter? Their likes, dislikes, trauma, regrets, passions, dreams and greatest desires. RELATED: Do the 36 Questions That Lead to Love Really Work? These are not meant to undermine your relationship. An honest discussion will benefit you in many ways: Build deeper trust and understanding to get through not only the good times, but also the bad ones. It's a fun (even if it can get heavy sometimes) way to strengthen your bond. It allows you to be vulnerable and learn more about yourself. It encourages active and emphatic listening, which tends to reveal a lot about your partner's character and values. Overall, it's a great opportunity to learn more about your partner, their past, and visions for the future. Asking the right question at the right time can help us realize breakthroughs in many important areas of life, from finding out what we want to do with our life to improving personal relationships. How well do you know your partner? Discover Deeper Connection with Your Partner! Uncover the Secrets of Love and Intimacy with this Couples Card Game Communication will bring understanding and understanding will cause harmonious mutual relationships which can establish peace and stability. – Lobsang Tenzin The Power of Deep Questions in Every Relationship RELATED: How Soon Is Too Soon to Move In? The 5 Most Important Questions to Answer Understanding is the gateway to compassion and love, and questions allow us to obtain that necessary level of understanding, helping us learn why our partner behaves or thinks a certain way. Looking for meaningful questions to deepen your relationship? Here are 101 conversation starters to help you and your partner connect on a more intimate level. Couples Should Have Deeper Conversation about Life1. What’s something you’re glad you’ll never have to do again? When it comes to getting to know your partner on a more meaningful level, it really helps to build an understanding of any experiences they’d like to avoid — and why. Knowing the answers to these questions can be stress-relieving, or help to circumvent awkward situations, as well as cultivate empathy and a deeper understanding of their character. 2. What’s one thing you always procrastinate on?3. What would you do with your life if you were suddenly awarded a billion dollars? While winning a billion dollars is highly unlikely, anything is possible. What this question really reveals is more than their dream vacation, or how they would spend almost unlimited wealth. It reveals where your partner’s priorities lie when the usual obstacles and impediments are removed, and what their biggest dreams will be — the ones they’d like to pursue in their heart of hearts. 4. What should a healthy relationship provide for the people in it? Relationship questions like this one are rather crucial to your expectations and theirs, and can be very helpful in determining whether your relationship needs and goals are aligned or not. If they’re not, you may find there is common ground enough to come together anyway — but knowing comes first. 5. Do you believe everything happens for a reason, or do we just find reasons after things happen?6. Is there anything you consider absolutely unforgivable? If your partner has a deal-breaker associated with unforgivable acts, it doesn’t hurt to know what it is so you can be sure that it doesn’t conflict with any of your unforgivable end zones. Plus, if you disagree on what’s forgivable, that’s worth discussing. 7. If you woke up tomorrow with no fear, what would you do first?8. In your life, what has been the biggest blessing in disguise? This is a great way to understand how your partner’s mind works — how they put things in perspective for themselves, and how they process ‘positive’ vs ‘negative’ forces in their lives. 9. If you could pick one year of your life to do-over, which would it be and why? 10. What is one behavior that you never tolerate? Your partner may not tolerate clutter or messiness in their home, or they may not like the idea of having friends over late into the night. It's worth comparing and contrasting which behaviors you find acceptable and which you can’t stand. How else will you know if you’re well-aligned? 11. If you could write a note to your younger self, what would you say in only three words?12. What is the one thing that makes you feel alive? Whether it’s mountain climbing, skydiving, performing in front of an audience, traveling to new places, or simply being creative on a regular basis, it’s worth knowing what gets your partner’s juices flowing. Because arguably, feeling alive is everything! 13. What would your perfect day look like? Not only can this question help you plan the perfect surprise birthday itinerary, but it can teach you a ton about how your partner likes to unwind and have fun — always useful information! 14. Do you usually follow your head or your heart when making decisions? Contrary to surface-level understandings, "heart people" can be highly compatible with "head people," even helping to balance one another out, so don’t worry about their answer being different than yours, or being overly emotional compared to them. Also, don’t get stuck on black-or-white answers, as these things never are. 15. What is something that never ends well? It prompts discussion about experiences or situations that consistently have negative outcomes. It can reveal patterns to avoid, and potentially add some humor about mistakes to avoid. 16. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?Romantic Questions: Thinking about Your Relationship These are not just random questions to ask your boyfriend or partner. In real life, knowing how they want to spend date night, what the most attractive quality they find in others is, or what their favorite romantic movie is can seem like a silly thing to want to know at first. RELATED: 3 Ways to Beat Relationship Boredom However, they are also interesting questions that reveal much about compatibility, and the sort of romantic things and experiences they want in their lives. 1. What did you think when you first met me? If you haven’t discussed your first impressions of one another, there’s really no time like the present. The answer to this question might be amusing; it might also be romantic. One thing's for sure, it’ll give you an insider's view on the path your partner traveled to choosing you. 2. What about our relationship makes you really happy? Best case scenario: you gain a deeper understanding of what your partner appreciates about you, which can serve as a wonderful anchor in your relationship. Not to mention, regularly communicating what you appreciate about one another is the stuff of strong relationships. 3. If you had one word to describe our relationship what would it be?4. What’s your biggest fear for this relationship? Relationship anxiety is extraordinarily common, but there’s no antidote to this particular brand of fear like talking it through with an empathetic partner. Relationship fear is often based on past experiences, and once they’re out in the open, they have a greater chance of dissipating. 5. What’s one difference between us that you absolutely love? They say opposites attract, and while this is certainly not always the case, having palpable differences is often a source of interest, intrigue and attraction between partners. Why not get some positive feedback on being yourself? 6. What’s one similarity between us that you absolutely love?7. What about me (outside of a physical feature) made you fall in love? If you’re in love, and the feeling is mutual, this is a question that can only feed your mutual affection and appreciation for one another — so don’t be afraid to ask. 8. What’s your favorite memory of us? It's a reflective question that opens up emotional connection and at the same time helps you understand what your partner values most about your relationship. 9. What’s one thing you want to do together that we’ve never done before? This question is perfectly suited to laying sprawled out in a field of flowers, visioning for the long-term with your significant other. It’s really healthy to want to share certain experiences (be it singing a duet at an open mic, entering a marathon, or buying real estate). And it’s even healthier to express it! 10. Where is your favorite place to be with me?11. What’s one thing you’re scared to ask me, but really want to know the answer to? These types of boyfriend questions are important: If your partner actually has an answer to this one, chances are you’ll want to ask the question. Better to get everything out in the open sooner than later. It may end up being an opportunity to hear the hardest truth, but one that strengthens the relationship over the long term. 12. What’s one thing you feel our relationship is lacking? It's a constructive but honest question. Feel free to ask it only when you are both ready for feedback so you can identify unmet needs or areas for growth. 13. What’s your favorite non-physical quality about me? Attraction is often based at least in part on physical traits, particularly at the beginning of a relationship. But if your relationship is a strong one, there is surely more to your bond than looks. Hearing all the other things that fuel your partner’s attraction can be really refreshing, enlightening, even. 14. If our relationship ended, what’s the one thing about it you’d miss the most?15. What do you think was your most vulnerable moment in our relationship? Staying honest (and therefore vulnerable) is integral to any successful relationship. What better way to achieve this than to talk about moments of authentic vulnerability without judgment? 16. What’s one secret you’ve wanted to tell me, but haven’t?17. What’s your favorite way to receive affection? Different people have different love languages, from physical touch, to words of affirmation, receiving gifts, quality time, and acts of service. There’s no better way to give and receive affection than by speaking each other’s language. 18. What’s one thing you think makes our relationship unique from everyone else’s?19. If you could change one thing about our relationship what would it be? It might seem counterintuitive to invite conversation based on the assumption that your partner would, in fact, change something about your relationship, but sometimes, it’s questions like these that make someone feel comfortable enough to raise an issue that's been on their mind. 20. What do you think is your biggest strength in this relationship?21. What’s one thing about your life you would never change for someone else, including me? While the tone of this question may seem a tad negative at first glance, identifying your partner’s non-negotiable traits, habits or attachments can go a long way toward helping you understand what’s most important to them in life. 22. What about us do you think works well together? How do we balance each other out?23. What does love mean to you?24. What do I mean to you? This question is makes both parties vulnerable, so it's natural to want to shy away from it. But at a certain point in your relationship (you’ll know what point — it’s different for everyone), hot and heavy questions like this one are fair — and, hell, they can be extremely romantic too. 25. What was your first impression of me?26. What’s the most romantic movie you’ve ever seen?27. Do you believe in love at first sight?Fun Questions to Ask Your Girlfriend, Boyfriend or Partner Not everything has to be so serious! Sometimes the best relationship advice is to be silly and enjoy cute questions about crazy things. RELATED: The 60 Best Secret Crush Quotes to Help You Thirst in Style Funny questions can sometimes lead to a really good conversation that you guys will be really glad you had. 1. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?2. Would you like to be famous? In what way?3. If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you choose? Although questions like these have a bit of a party-trick vibe, they can also be very revealing of your partner’s core values. What does your partner value more: looks or lucidity? While answers should be taken with a grain of salt, you can learn lots from the inevitable explanations that accompany such answers. 4. Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die? (If their sense of humor is dark like yours)5. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or ability, what would it be? Many of us fantasize about possessing certain "superpowers" or abilities. This is a fun question to ask, but it can also teach you lots about your partner’s deepest wishes (be it to fly above it all, turn invisible on whim, or set fire to things spontaneously) — so ask, ask away! 6. If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?7. Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it? In the spirit of bringing the best out of one another, this question can help you plan a future in which you do just that. Why not encourage your partner to follow their dreams and talk through it with them if they get stuck? 8. If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?9. Share with your partner an embarrassing moment in your life. Think of your most embarrassing moments as a treasure trove of a) good stories, b) hard lessons learned, and c) personal growth signposts. Sharing these with your partner will very likely bring you closer. After all, any partner worth their salt wants to know the real you — not the airbrushed version. 10. Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?11. What’s your favorite karaoke song?12. What is your go-to Halloween costume?13. Who is your big celebrity crush?Questions to Ask Your Partner about the Future1. Where do you see yourself in five years? If your partner hasn’t given any thought to this question, and you have (or vice versa), a discussion wouldn’t hurt. Sometimes all it takes is a little communication for two people to start creating five-year plans together. 2. How do you see our future together? Where do you see it headed? It may seem daunting, but it’s important to have ‘the talk’ with your best friend and potential lifelong mate. If your hearts and paths are aligned, there shouldn’t be much in the way of surprises. If they're not, it’s still definitely worth knowing so you can reassess. 3. What are your goals in the relationship?4. What are your thoughts on having a family? This is not a peripheral question: if you want a big family but your partner would rather limit your dependents to cats and dogs, you need to have a discussion to determine whether there’s enough flexibility to move forward. 5. Where do you see yourself living when you retire?6. What are your financial priorities and goals? Money and love may seem antithetical, but the strongest relationships are transparent on all fronts. In other words, if you couldn’t care less about money or saving for the future, but your partner is steeped in mutual funds and RRSPs (or vice versa), it may be worth talking about to avoid future conflicts or imbalances in the relationship. 7. What is on your bucket list that we can do together this year?8. What’s the one thing you want to achieve the most before you die? If your partner has a goal to end all goals — something they don’t want to leave this earth without achieving (i.e. writing a novel, or opening a café) — you may want to consider getting behind it and supporting them. Because happier people make better partners! 9. Do you have any habits you want to change? Be it quitting smoking and drinking, or curbing a bad temper, knowing your partner’s personal betterment aspirations can help you be a stronger support when they need it the most. 10. What do you most look forward to about getting old? ‘Getting old’ might not be a topic either of you naturally turn to, but talking about it can really help clarify your respective life trajectories (or at least the ones you see yourself following), as well as how your partner imagines life with you in the (distant) future. 11. What are you hoping to learn in the coming year?12. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received in your whole life? It reveals your partner's life wisdom and values, formative influences, or mentor relationships. 13. If you could see into the future, what’s one thing you want to see? Many of us would rather not look into the future and find out things that might rob us of quality of life in the present moment. Then again, your partner may have good reasons to prefer knowing how certain life aspects will unfold. You should probably hear this. 14. How do you want to be remembered?Questions to Ask Your Husband, Wife or Partner about Their Past1. When’s the last time you felt vulnerable? How did you cope?2. What have you accomplished in the past year that you are most proud of? Close as you feel to your partner, you may not actually be aware of how they judge their own achievements and what it is they take real pride in. True intimacy requires learning more about your partner’s inner world when the opportunity presents itself. 3. What were the major turning points in your life? From past trauma dating back to one's childhood, to struggles with anxiety, depression, or addiction your partner may have dealt with before knowing you, ‘turning points’ come in many forms. Learning your partner means knowing their history. 4. When’s the last time you pushed out of your comfort zone? How did it make you feel?5. What is your happiest memory? Sharing the happiest memories of our lives is a beautiful way of getting closer to our partners while opening the door to creating new happy memories together as a couple. 6. How have you changed in the past five years?7. When was the last time you cried and why? Some people cry often, and others rarely. We all have different relationships to shedding tears, and understanding your partner’s will only shed light on their emotional reality. Bonus: asking the question entails sharing a vulnerable moment, and vulnerability breeds intimacy. 8. What is an important life lesson you’ve learned?9. What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? We don’t all have the same notions of courage, or of boldness. You can learn volumes about your partner by hearing them tell of the most daring thing they ever did, and the kind of results it manifested in their life. 10. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from past partners? Not everyone likes to discuss their previous relationships with their current partner, and indeed, there should be a limit to such discussions. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t valuable lessons to be shared. Chances are that learning about your partner’s experiences in previous serious relationships will help you to better understand their behaviors today. 11. What’s the most challenging setback you’ve ever experienced? How did you overcome it?12. If you could change one thing in history, what would it be?13. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?14. If you had to listen to just one of the songs you loved as a kid for the rest of your life, which song would it be?15. Did you have any pets growing up? Particularly if animals are important to you, and/or you plan on having pets in the future, it’s integral you get to know your partner’s attitude toward animals. 16. What is your favorite childhood memory?Heavy Questions to Ask Your Girlfriend, Boyfriend or Partner1. Do you want to have kids? If so, how many?2. When you’re having a bad day, what makes you feel better? This is the kind of question that helps you better understand how to comfort your girlfriend when she's down and just needs a reprieve from life for a minute (or a day). Whether it’s cooking a meal, cleaning the apartment, or giving her a temple massage, these are important life skills, so never underestimate them! 3. Do you consider yourself a jealous person?4. Have you ever cheated on a partner? If your girlfriend has cheated in the past, it’s worth knowing, just as it's worth knowing what led her to it, and how she feels about it in retrospect. People grow and change — they do it all the time. 5. Why did your last relationship end?6. How important is religion or spirituality in your life? Religion and/or spirituality may or may not play a significant role in your life — either way, unless the topic was at the forefront of your first meeting, your partner might have an altogether different relationship to faith. If you want to build a future together, don’t hesitate to ask her. If she’s worth being in a relationship with, she’s worth really knowing. 7. Who was your role model growing up?8. Have you ever been in an emotional or physically abusive relationship? If your partner has coped with an abuser in the past (be it an ex-partner, a parent, or anyone else) getting closer to your girlfriend likely means learning what she’s been through — to whatever extent she’s willing to share. 9. How important are looks to you?10. Do you think a relationship can come back from cheating? In a committed, monogamous relationship, no one wants a partner who strays. That said, your boyfriend might take cheating less seriously than you do — or vice versa. Put your mind at ease by addressing concerns as they arise, and with total transparency. 11. How long was your longest relationship?12. How do you see our future together: do you envision a two-income household, or a different arrangement? Whether you envision yourself as a blissfully content stay-at-home-mom, a high octane corporate executive — or both — finding out what kind of household arrangement your boyfriend imagines for his future (i.e., blissfully content stay-at-home dad) can help circumvent a lot of potential conflict in the future. 13. Have you ever struggled with addiction? While it’s true that our struggles do not define us, your boyfriend’s history with any sort of addiction is something you’re within your rights to ask about, as it may affect you too. Even if this does not represent his current reality, understanding his past struggles can help you become a lot better acquainted with the man you’re sharing your life with. 14. Have you ever been engaged or married? Becoming acquainted with the broad strokes of your boyfriend’s past romantic life can help you better understand his behaviors, interests, and hesitations in your current relationship. 15. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? You might have a very different style of communicating or relating to others than your boyfriend does. This doesn’t make you incompatible—in fact, it might even make you extra complementary. Still, it helps to address these differences so you can better understand and empathize with one another, while also being supportive of your partner even if you can’t directly relate to their difficulties. Why Are Questions in Relationships So Important? Ultimately, when it comes to building and maintaining strong relationships, communication is both king and queen! The more deeply you open up to truly getting to know one another, the sturdier your foundation will be. Nothing can shake you if your version of intimacy includes sharing your best and worst moments with compassion, acceptance, and love. Asking questions (and answering them) without reservation is a surefire way to open up the floodgates of vulnerability—by extension cultivating deeper shared emotional experiences. With additions by MJ Kelly and Maya Khamala KEEP READING: Are You in Love? These 5 Proven Signs Will Help You Know for Sure

Woman Tells Man on Dating App That She Is a Bigger Girl - His Response Shocks Her for All the Right Reasons
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Woman Tells Man on Dating App That She Is a Bigger Girl - His Response Shocks Her for All the Right Reasons

*This story originally appeared on Love What Matters.With just five words, a response on an online dating site crushed a woman's self-doubt and reaffirmed her values.Felicia Naoum was chatting with a new guy on an online dating platform when she decided to give him a heads up that she's "a bigger girl."One Woman Was Vulnerable With Her ‘New Guy'Photo by cottonbro studio"Let's remember: I'm the girl who writes about body positivity. I'm the girl who tells you not to feel ashamed of your size. Yet, I'm not always the girl who is there herself," she wrote on Facebook in a post shared to Love What Matters. "I have moments where I'm not in alignment with my own written words. I'm human. I'm as much the reader on the other end looking for familiarity as I am the writer on the front end trying to give it."In her vulnerability, Naoum was prepared for any response — but what the guy ended up responding completely floored her."So after informing this new prospect about me being a bigger girl, he responded with a short phrase of words that shook my soul enough to make me write this. His words moved me. His words, so profound, will probably live in the category of 'what/who changed my life.' And never die.""I'm a bigger girl," read her message.His response was: "A girl is a girl."Why 5 Words Had Such a Big ImpactNoaum felt completely seen by the man's response. "Yes. Yes. And YES. This man, from internet land, just stripped away stigma with his phrase. He stripped away insecurity with his phrase. He stripped away doubt with his phrase. And he did all of that while telling me, and now you, to not lessen your own credibility in just five words," she wrote. "I don't know if we'll ever become anything more than just two strangers who exchanged words the 21st century way. But I do know one thing: I will never forget him."As a writer herself, Noaum says she understands the power of words to help you see something clearly — and that's exactly what happened here."Yes, new guy, a girl is a girl. Thank you for telling me something I've forgotten. Or may have never known. Thank you for filling me with confidence in a world that loves to fill me with uncertainty because I don't fit a standard," she wrote. "In just one text, you taught me, again, that a girl isn't her size. A girl isn't her shortcomings. A girl isn't her doubts. A girl isn't what they say she is. A girl isn't defined by societal standards. A girl isn't here to remind you of who she is not — not a thin girl, but a big girl. Not a thick girl, but a skinny girl. And, that a girl isn't supposed to carry the loads from the insecure voices who once dumped their loads on to her.""A girl is a girl. Period."Felicia NaoumThe Beautiful Simplicity of KindnessWhile the words were impactful on their own, Naoum felt the need to expand on them for others who are self-conscious about their appearance."There's no 'but, I'm bigger.' There's no 'but, I'm skinny.' There's no 'but, I'm too tall.' There's just you and me, girls, in all that we are wrapped into a girl. No explanations. No lightening the blow. As if there is even a blow to lighten. Just us. Girls. Beautiful girls."We never really know what someone is going through, especially through the veil of online dating, so it's best to always be kind and respectful. Naoum's post proves how important that really is.More from Goalcast:Veteran Spends 70 Years Searching for the Lost Love of His Life – At 91, He Finally Finds Her12-Year-Old Orphan Marries 10-Year-Old Girl – Despite Life’s Struggles, They’re Still in Love 91 Years Later

How Vanessa Hudgens’ Romance With "Elvis" Actor Austin Butler Teaches Us to Handle Failed Expectations
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How Vanessa Hudgens’ Romance With "Elvis" Actor Austin Butler Teaches Us to Handle Failed Expectations

Vanessa Hudgens is finally growing up. In many cases, growth doesn’t occur when we turn 18 and venture out into the world on our own. We’ve seen with former child actors how hard it is to lose sight of innocence when you’ve been thrown into the showbiz jungle of fame, impulses, and excess wealth. As a result, you miss out on the standard milestones of growth and development, and therefore have to rely on unusual markers to guide yourself. RELATED: How Dolly Parton Saved Miley Cyrus’ Life in Her Darkest HourThough Hudgens has done relatively well in maintaining good behavior amid the countless temptations, she still hasn’t achieved the goals she had laid out for herself before commencing her journey. At 33, she had hoped to be married to someone, with a couple of kids in tow. However, reality dealt her something else, and she’s taken those experiences in stride and reframed her perspective on love. Her growth speaks volumes about how we need to adjust our expectations in tandem with our changing conditions. How Vanessa Hudgens Is Dealing With Missing Out On Important Milestones In a recent profile with Shape magazine, the Tick, Tick... Boom! actress digs deeps into the milestones she’s set up for herself at a young age.As her mother had tied the knot at the age of 25, she thought she’d follow suit and begin her happily-ever-after by the same token. However, as Hudgens soon learned, it’s not possible for two people to have exactly the same markers of happiness. Her self-imposed deadline came and passed, and she realized marriage was ultimately not on her horizon in her twenties. “That didn’t happen,” she said honestly, as her long-term relationships with actors Zac Efron and "Elvis" star Austin Butler fell through by the time she hit her thirties. Hudgens and Butler dated for over eight years before their split in 2020. The two cited 'distance and scheduling' to the break.Hudgens has also spoken out on the moment she realized her then-boyfriend should play Elvis after hearing a song on the radio, "I was like, babe, you need to play Elvis. I don’t know how, but I’m serious. You need to play him.”RELATED: This Woman Found Out Her Ex-Boyfriend Is Dating Lady Gaga: Her Reaction Will Surprise YouHowever, Hudgens isn’t deterred by the vision that didn’t pan out, as she’s in a better place than she could have ever imagined. “Where I am now is better than I could have dreamed of. My relationship with myself is something I value deeply, even if things don’t always go the way I expected,” she told the outlet. She’s been dating baseball player Cole Tucker since 2020, and the pair are not rushing their romance; they want to live each and every moment and adequately define what is healthy and satisfying for them as a couple, as opposed to what society determines is appropriate. “He’s just kind of perfect for me. I am [happy]. I really am,” she said. The two met during the pandemic in a Zoom meditation session, a “random” first meeting that inadvertently turned into something more. The Healthy Relationships She's Built With Athlete Cole TuckerSince getting together, the two have been proudly showing off their love on social media, from Hudgens visiting her man’s baseball games to Tucker accompanying his girlfriend to movie premieres. Speaking about what enabled them to get closer, Hudgens told Entertainment Tonight, “It's just easy. We're like the same person, very much the same person, but with different interests,” she said. They’re also quite “goofy” with each other, which means every day is a blast, and they’re continuing to have tons of fun with each other. RELATED: Best Dating Quotes to Keep You Motivated in Your Search for LoveAs for what’s next for the lovebirds? Insiders told US Magazine that while they’re not thinking about marriage at the moment, Tucker is a ‘romantic’ who does hope to get down on one knee in the near future. Despite their busy schedules, they make an effort to see each other as much as possible and value their time together. The source added that they are supportive of each other's careers and understand the need for space, but they also miss each other when they are apart.Hudgens, for her part, doesn’t want to jump into anything she isn’t ready for. The High School Musical star spoke about facing a critical wake-up call at the age of 27, a quarter-life crisis of sorts where she realized that she didn’t know anything about herself or what she wanted. Hudgens turned to shadow work therapy to ask herself difficult questions and connect with her inner self, ultimately leading her to reimagine her personal and professional limits and take control of how much of her life she shares with the world. Through this process, Hudgens has also learned the value of setting boundaries and taking control of her own narrative, as she has experienced "two very long life-changing relationships" that have shaped her. Now, as she savors her thirties, Hudgens is embracing the journey and all that it has taught her. She states that everyone has “ideas” about their future and how they want their life to end up, but “if they don't happen, then there's a reason why,” stated Hudgens. She has embraced learning in all its forms and is incredibly grateful for her current state of affairs, no matter what it looks like from the outside. Hudgens' Realization Is A Conscious Effort In Accepting Your RealitySeeing how Hudgens, in many ways, has had to begin ‘from scratch’ with Tucker, she’s adjusted her expectations accordingly, now hoping to grow her family by her late 30s. Of course, no one can predict the trajectory of your life, so you try your best to meet those objectives in the most sensible way possible. RELATED: Three Women Discover They’re Dating The Same Man – What Happens Next Is ShockingToday, Vanessa Hudgens has embraced a new mindset in which she is confident and self-assured and is not bothered by the opinions of others. She has learned the importance of setting boundaries and living with them, seeing them as simply a part of life rather than an ominous presence. At the end of the day, Hudgens is not locked into any strict timelines as she is merely going with the flow, trusting in her own divine timing. “When you're fully accepting of who you are, and you stop trying to suppress pieces of yourself, you can conquer the world,” she told Shape. Vanessa Hudgen's JourneyVanessa Hudgens’ journey tells us that learning to live with failed expectations and still loving oneself can be a challenging journey, but it is worth your time if you’re invested in personal growth and self-acceptance. It is natural to have expectations for ourselves and our lives, but it is essential to remember that things don't always go as planned, which is okay. RELATED: Jennifer Coolidge’s Shocking Truth on Dating After “American Pie” – And Why It’s So GoodRather than letting failed expectations bring her down, Hudgens chooses to focus on the things that bring her joy and value and work towards building a life that makes her happy. We must practice self-compassion and self-love just like her, even when things don't go as we hoped. By embracing our imperfections and learning to live with failed expectations, we can find peace and happiness within ourselves.KEEP READING: How Miley Cyrus Repaired Her Relationship With Billy Ray Cyrus

​​Jennifer Coolidge’s Shocking Truth on Dating After "American Pie" - And Why It’s So Good
Celebrities

​​Jennifer Coolidge’s Shocking Truth on Dating After "American Pie" - And Why It’s So Good

Jennifer Coolidge is a star. Not only has she played unforgettable and iconic characters over the years, but the actress has that certain trait famous actors have. It’s not just wit, not looks, not even awards and achievements: it’s humanity. There’s a reason actors like Tom Hanks and Jack Black and actresses like Jennifer Garner and Mila Kunis are so universally well-liked, and it’s that they are down to earth human beings; despite all their success and fame, they act like regular people.RELATED: How Emily Ratajkowski and Pete Davidson Prove That Dating Doesn’t Always Have to Be SeriousWhich makes sense because celebrities are, first and foremost, just human beings like the rest of us - though with a number of benefits most of us don’t get to enjoy. But many face the same issues as the rest of the world. In the case of Coolidge, one of those issues was finding luck in love. But don’t worry too much: she handled her romantic follies and foibles with grace and a lot of humor.Who Is Jennifer Coolidge and What Is She Best Known For?Jennifer Coolidge in American Pie (1999)Jennifer Audrey Coolidge's, 61, catapult to fame came in 1999 when she was in her late 30s, even though she had been acting for several years prior. At the time, many didn't know Coolidge by name, but to a whole generation of film fans, Coolidge will always be known as Jeanine Stifler, better known as “Stifler’s Mom” from the comedy classic film American Pie.RELATED: Who Is Chris Evans’ Girlfriend, and What Does His Love Life Say About Dating?Today, Coolidge is also well-known for her work on the TV shows 2 Broke Girls and White Lotus and she has been in many miniseries on Netflix. She has appeared in a number of films, including Legally Blonde and several by director Christopher Guest, such as the famed mockumentary Best in Show, and she has of course reprised her famed role as “Stifler’s Mom” in follow-ups to the original American Pie film, such as American Reunion.Today, Coolidge is also known for being Entertainment Weekly’s “Entertainer of the Year,” an accolade the actress coyly addressed while in conversation with her friend, singer Ariana Grande — Coolidge joked that the voting must have been rigged. That was, of course, just one thing the ladies discussed during an interview in which Grande served as the interlocutor asking the questions, Coolidge as the interviewee. The other major topic was sex and romance, specifically following the American Pie role."And American Pie was just — it helped my dating life in a way that I can't ever explain. If I hadn't had that movie, I don't think… Well, let's just say it would've been a very dull decade."How “Stifler’s Mom” Approached Dating Later in LifeCoolidge was in her late 30s when she played the “Stifler’s Mom” role. While a striking woman then (and now in her early 60s), what Coolidge lacked before her scene stealing turn in American Pie was any real fame. That role would, Coolidge later said, lead her to land literally hundreds of partners — the number the actress hinted at was around 200.RELATED: Why We Need to Talk About the Pete Davidson and Kim Kardashian Dating RumorsHere’s the thing: she was joking. No, Coolidge did not have sex with 200 men following her role as “Stifler’s Mom.” But she surely could have. What starring in that role did for her was to open the gates to dating, as it were, and in many cases she did indeed date — or at least have a romantic encounter — with men many years her junior. Coolidge experienced a rare time when life truly imitated art, as it were."But it did sort of open up the world to a much broader group of handsome men — and younger men."What playing a sexually liberated (slightly) older woman on screen did for Coolidge in real life was allow her to be a commanding presence in the dating world, available to men of all ages and with her own pick of who she would engage with or not. We should all be so lucky, frankly, but it’s refreshing to see a woman who took control of her own romantic life, and stepped out of the usual rules and boundaries.Coolidge Teaches Us Gratitude Even For The Smallest ThingsThe other refreshing thing about Coolidge is her sense of humility and gratitude, and it is these qualities that make her so relatable even when she is talking (and joking_ about sex. Coolidge is genuinely grateful for every opportunity, from the American Pie days to working with Ariana Grande in the music video for the singer’s song “Thank U, Next” to her acclaimed work on White Lotus.RELATED: Why We Need To Take A Hard Look At Miley Cyrus’ Dating HistoryCoolidge expresses a thrill and even a bit of awe that, at her age, she is still relevant and successful and enjoying an expanding career. That gratitude and appreciation can inform us all of how to live our best lives, both in aspiring to do and be our best and in being grateful for what we already have.KEEP READING: Once A Sex Symbol, Sharon Stone Now Reveals Shocking Truths About Her Dating Life

You're Having Terrible Sex - But One Thing Could Help
Dating

You're Having Terrible Sex - But One Thing Could Help

You know how communication is the bedrock of any good and lasting relationship, correct? With communication and trust, you and your partner can make it through just about any challenge. But while trust is built up stronger and stronger and can, in a solid union, eventually be taken for granted, communication takes continuing effort all throughout the many years of a relationship.RELATED: These First Date Tips Will Pretty Much Guarantee a Second DateEven after years or even decades together, you can never truly know what your partner is thinking, feeling, wanting, or needing. That’s why communication always remains key. And when it comes to, shall we say, body language, the same is true. In this case the body language in reference is, of course sex. If your sex is proving less fulfilling than you want, then start talking more and it will get better. Because when your partner doesn’t have to try to read your mind (or your body language) and you theirs and you instead just talk it out, you will begin to be physically in sync in delightful new ways.How to Know When It’s Time to Talk(Unsplash)If you and/or your partner are frequently left unfulfilled by your coupling, then it’s probably time to talk about it – or even if you are occasionally unsatisfied, frankly; this is sex, after all, it’s supposed to be great. First, make sure you rule out any genuine sexual dysfunction issues or other problems that may be interfering with your performance or satisfaction, such a depression, addiction issues, and so on.Once you have ruled those out, you can then begin to see the unfulfilling sex not as a problem between the two of you, but rather an issue for the two of you to tackle. If there are specific things you wish your partner would do – and of course if there are things you wish he or she would not do – these are the most obvious things to bring up. And also, make sure you ask about what he or she wants to start adding in or wants to remove from the bedroom.RELATED: 7 Dating Tips for IntrovertsYes, it can be a bit awkward to start having this chat, but it’s so worth it. And really, if you’re intimate enough with this person for intercourse, you can handle some discourse on the matter, too.Make Communication During Sex the Opposite of Awkward(Unsplash)More often than not in life, the anticipation of something is much worse than the event itself. We may dread a public speaking engagement only to find ourselves energized and excited by the crowd in the moment. We may fear an upcoming review at work only to find ourselves praised and promoted. And we may dread talking about sex – especially during sex – as much as we love the thought of our sex lives improving, but without the talking, things won’t get better in bed.So, how to make the sex talk, so to speak, less awkward? Own it. You need to tell your partner that you want to start communicating more about sex and even talking during the act. Just break the ice directly, and then take a step back and see how the topic sits with him or her. Chances are good that your partner will be equally happy to begin communicating more about and during sex, and that, as is so often the case, you have built up anxiety about the sexual communication for no reason.RELATED: 25+ Fun Date Ideas for Every RelationshipIf the sex talk does seem to be a bit awkward, agree on a time that you will both discuss things in detail and agree to not talk about sex outside of this “safe” time. And during that time, agree on how you will communicate during sex.Create Your Own Love LanguageOnce you have breached the topic of sex and are ready to talk more during sex, know that you don’t have to have a long, in-depth running chat while you are going at it. It may be more than sufficient to use just a few words now and then, such as: “Keep doing that,” “Let’s skip that right now,” “Softer,” “Harder,” “Slower,” “Faster,” and on it goes.If you and your partner are comfortable with more complete dialogue and instructions and requests during sex, then by all means go for it. Think of something like: “OK, now I want you to lie down and start…” well, we’ll let you fill in the blanks however you want – the point is you don’t have to speak in single or few word commands, you can communicate however works best for you.RELATED: 100+ Questions to Ask a Girl You Have a Crush OnYou can also communicate during sex without words. A squeeze of the hand can be agreed to as a sign to keep going, while a gentle tap can be agreed to as a signal to take it easy or to stop a given activity. You can direct one another with your hands, your eyes, and with sounds other than words – just take the time to talk about nonverbal sexual communication at some point to be sure that you are both on the same page.And one final note on talking: it’s a good idea for every couple to have a safe word even if you don’t engage in any sort of highly active, aggressive, or role playing sex. Establishing a word that will immediately lead to a cessation of the given activity is a way to ensure that you both are ready to change or stop the sex without any judgement of your partner, guilt on anyone’s part, or a loss of trust or respect for one another.Don’t Overthink or Over-Talk It(Getty)Better communication will lead to better sex, that’s just a given. But there is also a time to stop talking. If you find being too vocal during the act is killing the mood, dial it down on the talk and consider using physical cues.And also, if you talk about sex during sex for a while and the sex gets better, you can probably stop talking again and it will remain improved.KEEP READING:Is Envy Harming Your Relationship? It’s Time to Understand the Three Dimensions of Jealousy

Do You Think Your Boyfriend Is Special? Science Says You’re Wrong but That’s a Good Thing
Dating

Do You Think Your Boyfriend Is Special? Science Says You’re Wrong but That’s a Good Thing

Even if you have never heard the term “partner enhancement,” chances are good that you have experienced it many times in your life. And it’s a good bet you have experienced it both in a giving and receiving sort of way.What is partner enhancement? Perhaps the easiest way to explain it is to first look at a different relationship in which one might experience what we’ll call “parent enhancement.” Think of all those times when your parents played up an achievement and how good it makes the kid feel. Examples include an outpouring of praise and support after a leap off a swing or a jump off the diving board, a celebration of a “graduation” from preschool or kindergarten, or cheers after a (let’s be honest, rather mangled) performance of a song during a piano recital.RELATED: Are You Being Emotionally Abused? Here Are The Signs To Look Out ForParents amp up the praise and support of their kids in part because they want the child to feel special and valued, of course, but we also tend to genuinely think of our kids as something even more special that most children. Which, statistically speaking, most are not by the very way that averages work.When it comes to partner enhancement, however, the person who is the object of the elevated opinion is not the one who so directly benefits from it: you are. The better you feel about your partner, the more you see him or her as a special, talented, and interesting person, the better your relationship is likely to do. And that’s true even if, frankly, they’re not all that unique of a person. It works even better if they think the same about you.How Partner Enhancement Helps New Relationships Grow Stronger(Unsplash)The early days of a relationship are a make or break time. As you get to know someone, you may soon find that there’s just not a genuine romantic connection, not a shared set of interests or ethics, and no real hope of a future. On the other hand, if you and a new boyfriend or girlfriend start to genuinely connect, you will likely soon begin to engage in what psychologists and relationship experts call partner enhancement.In casual terms, you can think of it as looking at your partner through the proverbial rose colored glasses. You will elevate their accomplishments – from a funny joke or anecdote to a meal he cooks to a project she completes at work and so on – even beyond the objective merits of what they have done, seeing this person as talented, competent, and attractive. In the early days of relationship, we tend to seek out and identify myriad positives about our new significant other, and we also tend to be able to minimize their negative traits and failings – this too is a type of partner enhancement.RELATED: Woman Survives Psychological Abuse And Proves You Can Find Healthy Love AgainAs a relationship progresses over the years, the partner enhancement tends to wear off to some degree. We still care for our partner plenty and see them in a positive light (in a good and loving relationship, anyway) and we still have cause to support and celebrate them often, but we’re not as likely to see every little thing they do as amazing. We’re also much more likely to allow ourselves to be annoyed by their quirks and habits.But that’s OK: assuming you say in a union for the long run, partner enhancement has already done its job.Why It’s OK That Partner Enhancement Fades Over Time(Unsplash)The fact that you celebrate every little detail of your significant other in the earlier days of the romance yet come to see them more as they really are (the old “warts and all” expression is a bit callous but illustrates the point here well) is nothing to be sad about. RELATED: Signs You’re Dealing With Narcissistic AbuseThe fact is that during the early partner enhancement days, you are building your relationship’s bedrock. If you and your boyfriend or girlfriend become close and loving enough in your early partnership, then chances are good that the foundation of the romance will be strong enough to endure for the long run, even after those rose colored glasses may have been traded in for reading glasses.The Flip Side of the Partner Enhancement Equation(Unsplash)If you find yourself always seeing the negative things in your partner – doing quite the opposite of partner enhancement, really – then that’s a red flag for the relationship in the early days, and it may well be a sign that you should not commit to being with this person.On the other hand, if you have been in a long and more or less loving and successful romantic relationship for a long time and yet you now see yourself identifying fewer and fewer positive traits and seeing more negatives about your partner, then that may be an issue that has more to do with you than with your partner. It’s important to do an honest gut check on yourself and determine if you are lacking in satisfaction with your own life and projecting this unhappiness onto the other person and onto your relationship.It’s also entirely possible that your partner is making you depressed or leaving you unfulfilled, and in that case it’s a problem you need to work through together. The larger point is to realize the partner you are with today may not have changed over time, but rather you may have changed how you see him or her. It can take effort, later in the relationship, to look for the good and overlook some of the shortcomings, but this effort is well worth it if it means that you can both continue on happily together, through good times, bad times, and boring times, too.KEEP READING: Domestic Abuse Survivor Marries The First Responder Who Saved Her Life

All Night Long: Is Tantric Sex Right for You?
Just for Fun

All Night Long: Is Tantric Sex Right for You?

No matter how good your sex life is, you might wonder if it can get even better. The answer to that question is likely yes—and tantric sex can help you get there. This ancient spiritual and sexual practice is all about sensuality, intimacy, physical connection and awareness, and a deepening of pleasure. Even if you regularly have enjoyable sex, there are invariably ways to heighten pleasure, new things to discover, and levels of connection with yourself and your partner that you never dreamed of. This is the goal of practicing tantric sex. But is it for real? And can anyone do it?The good news is that the promise of tantric sex is accessible and available to all who wish to explore it—and that includes you. Trying tantric sex can sound intimidating, but once you try it, you’ll likely be hooked. Even better, tantric sex techniques can be practiced alone and with a partner. So, if you’re single or your significant other isn’t excited about pursuing tantric sexuality or you just want to explore a bit before sharing tantric sex with your special someone, you can try this sexual practice on your own. RELATED: These First Date Tips Will Pretty Much Guarantee a Second DateSo, don’t wait to practice tantric sex. In this comprehensive guide, learn what tantric sex is, what it is not, how to practice it, and tips for beginners. Then, have fun practicing the exciting, fulfilling spiritual and sensual art.Sex is a journey. It’s about the destination, sure, but also the adventure along the way that gets you there. Essentially, orgasms and straight-up sexual intercourse are great, obviously, but there is so much more to discover. This is where tantric sex comes in.What is Tantric Sex? (Getty)Tantric sex, which is also called spiritual yoga, is an ancient Eastern spiritual practice with roots in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Instructions for this sensual art were recorded in sacred texts known as the Tantras as far back as the sixth century. Tantric sex books are famous for including drawings of a seemingly limitless array of sexual positions, but this approach to sexual intimacy is about so much more.RELATED: 7 Dating Tips for IntrovertsTantra literally means woven together. And the true emphasis is just that—achieving heightened sexual pleasure and intimacy with your partner. Devotees of tantric sex often enjoy hours of enhanced sensuality, but also deepen their physical and spiritual awareness and relationship at the same time.There is also the practice of solo tantric sex, a way to become more intimate with your own body, in a way that allows you to better translate a healthy sensual relationship to intimate moments with a partner.Myths About Tantric Sex(Getty)It’s helpful to dispel some myths about tantric sex. First off, tantric sex is not just about having amazing orgasms, although you very likely will. Instead, many tantric traditions promote slowing down, getting in the moment, and fully experiencing the sensual and spiritual dynamic of each tantric sex session. In fact, orgasms aren’t the goal, just a potential by-product of spiritual yoga. Often people aim to go to the edge of orgasm and then back off in order to prolong sex and continue enjoying the experience.RELATED: 25+ Fun Date Ideas for Every RelationshipAnother myth about tantric sexuality is that you need to be a super flexible or athletic yogi or spiritual guru in order to engage in this erotic practice. Not true. All bodies, all minds, and all couples can explore tantric sex. Sure, some super bendy, toned bodies can get into complex or physically challenging tantric sex poses that most of us can’t even imagine attempting, but acrobatics and lasting all night aren’t essential—or even necessarily desired.The Benefits of Enjoying Tantric Sex With Your Partner(Getty)While the wow of the sexual part of a tantric sex practice is what gets most of the attention and allure, spiritual yoga is about so much more. Tantric techniques help you harness your sexual chemistry and develop a deeper connection to your partner and to yourself. This practice helps you use your sexual energy to explore pleasure as well as intimacy, sensuality, your bodies (yours and your partner’s), and your spirituality.RELATED: 100+ Questions to Ask a Girl You Have a Crush OnEssentially, enjoying tantric sex with your partner helps bring you closer as a couple as it improves your sex life—and it teaches you about yourself and each other, too. You can both discover more about your true desires, your physical bodies, your hearts, and your spirits. You’ll enhance your physical control and ability to experience (and surrender) to your feelings as you explore the depths, edges, limits, power, and beauty of your bodies, hearts, minds, and orgasms. Sounds amazing, right? Here’s how to get started.How to Start Exploring Tantric Sexuality With Exercises(Getty)Like yoga, tantric sex is a practice that you can access whether you’re a beginner or more advanced. And you can continually learn from and deepen your experience and ability. There is always more to discover, a greater connection to find with yourself and your partner, and heightened levels of intimacy, spiritual awareness, and pleasure to achieve.So, grab your partner’s hand (or your own) and begin exploring tantric sex. A new chapter in your erotic and spiritual life starts now. While tantric sex can be experienced in many different ways, if you’re a beginner it’s ideal to start with the basics. As you develop your practice, it may lead you to more complex tantric sex exercises, poses, and techniques.Set the Environment for PresenceTo begin, you’ll want to choose a private, comfortable space where you and your partner feel safe, relaxed, and uninhibited. You may want to set the tone with soft lighting and romantic music (but ideally something that won’t be distracting). Be sure to set aside an hour or more as tantric sex is intended to be a slow, meditative unfolding. You don’t want to feel rushed. Now, it’s time to begin exploring. There are a number of ways to enter into tantric sexuality, but the keys are going slow, following what feels good, focusing on sensation and your partner, and letting go of preconceptions or any kind of agenda or end result. Your job is simply to feel and connect, to give and receive. And move your bodies in ways (and positions) that feel good.RELATED: How to Flirt With A Girl: Impress Without Being CreepyYou can begin clothed or naked. Tune into your breath and that of your partner. There’s no right or wrong way to touch but aim to disrupt your normal sex routine by trying something different, something less hurried, less geared toward orgasm or sexual intercourse. Instead, try sitting opposite each other and simply looking in your partner’s eyes. Then, slowly begin to touch each other’s bodies. Or give each other massages or pick body parts to focus on and touch each other simultaneously—or take turns. Sit on each other’s laps or get into any other position that allows you to experiment with touch, motion, breath, and connection.Let Go of JudgementsTantric sex is meditative, which essentially means to be in the present moment. So, banish thoughts of what you’ll be doing later or worries you have about this or that. Banish any judgment of what you like or don’t or how your body looks or feels. Instead, think about what your body wants and feels. Notice how different touches make you feel and be responsive to your partner's reactions, too.Go SlowExperiment with using synchronized breathing as you look at each other and/or touch each other’s bodies. Use a variety of touches, such as long, slow strokes, gentle taps, squeezes, or holds, varying the pressure, speed, and motions you use. Aim to start away from the sex organs. Touch the whole body before slowly making your way to the genital areas. You can incorporate kissing, oral sex, and/or sexual intercourse whenever you like. However, again, keep things moving slowly with a focus on being mindful and present, which can heighten your pleasure and connection to your partner. Aim to continue eye contact and rhythmic breathing as much as possible. Your session ends when you both feel ready to stop, which might be after 30 minutes or after a few hours. It’s all up to you and what feels right.Have a Wind-Down RoutineThe cliche of sex being over, and both people immediately switching on the next thing (or smoking a cigarette) is an indication of the transactional nature of conventional, friction-based sex. However, tantric sex is all about deep connection, and sensuality. That's why it's crucial to not jump straight from the experience, into the next thing. Instead, create a wind-down routine with your partner.How that looks will be up to you; maybe you'll cuddle for a while in bed, slowly caressing each other with tantric massage, or maintaining eye contact. Maybe you'll have plans to cook a meal together, and watch one of your favorite shows. What matters more than the what is the how — the key is maintaining intimacy and connection outside of the bedroom.Tips for BeginnersIt can help to talk with your tantric sex partner ahead of time about what you’d like to explore together. Discuss your acceptance of each other's bodies and desires, as well as the assurance that saying no to anything that doesn’t feel good is just as welcomed as saying yes to something new. A tantric practice is all about the mind-body connection, so setting the right conditions is key.To get your ideas flowing (and maybe help you get in the mood), consider reading sex quotes or sex poems together and/or listening to music you find sexy. And talk about your desires, past sexual encounters, feelings for each other, and what you hope doing tantric sex together may bring to your relationship.Enjoy the PlayRemember, you may feel awkward at first as you begin exploring spiritual yoga. Know that with practice, you will enhance your tantric sex skills as well as your awareness of your sexual energy and spirituality. Let yourself laugh, play, and take pleasure. Aim to let go of any negative feelings and/or share them with your partner. Take the opportunity to dive into honesty and exploration together and with yourself. Relish in the sensations your body is capable of and in the loving embrace of your lover. The goal of tantric sex is goal-less, so enjoy the fun, and be curious to the potential of sensory pleasure.KEEP READING:Is Envy Harming Your Relationship? It’s Time to Understand the Three Dimensions of Jealousy

88 Cute Nicknames for Your Boyfriend - And What They Mean
Dating

88 Cute Nicknames for Your Boyfriend - And What They Mean

Nicknames have long been used as terms of endearment toward the people who hold special places in our lives. For example, maybe your parents have a nickname that's stuck with you since childhood – something that spoke to your personality or affinities at that time. Or, your grade school friends might call you something for short, an inside joke that only makes sense to the both of you.Many nicknames are given to us early on in our lives, but cute nicknames for boyfriends are unique in that they can be issued at any point in a relationship. For example, you may have a pet name you give to your boyfriend early on in dating. RELATED: Euphoria Quotes: The Show’s Most Biting and Powerful Quotes – And What They Say about YouEventually, you end up calling your boyfriend by that name instead of his real one for so long that it becomes second nature.If you've clicked on this article, you're likely looking for some inspiration on sweet nicknames for your boyfriend. Here's a look at how to choose adorable nicknames for your boyfriend and some affectionate pet names to consider if you're looking for inspiration.What Do You Call Your Partner?(Unsplash)Deciding what to call your boyfriend can be a process that may take a while to develop and feel comfortable with. While there are less personal pet names you can opt for, some of the more memorable nicknames for boyfriends come after you've taken the time to get to know one another. Some fun nicknames might be more obvious – for example, a nickname you give your boyfriend based on your first impression of him.Nicknames for boyfriends can inevitably take on deeper meaning as the relationship progresses. Some pet names stand as a testament to the longevity of your relationship and become more of a fun call back to a certain point and time in your relationship history. RELATED: 50 Inspirational Quotes to Uplift and MotivateOther affectionate nicknames get utilized when your boyfriend performs a sweet gesture or goes out of his way to show you that he cares.Now that you know the importance of pet names, here are a few categories to explore in order to find the right nicknames for your boyfriend.Pet Names You Can Call Your Boyfriend(Unsplash)This all-purpose list of cute nicknames is a great place to start for new couples or those in relationships who want to change their current pet name roster.-Babe/baby. A classic, this pet name is a great starting place to test the waters with your boyfriend as far as cute nicknames go.-Handsome. There's not a guy out there who doesn't like to be complimented.-Good looking. Same deal here – sometimes you just need to state the obvious.-Captain. Use this when he takes charge of date night plans.-Hot stuff. When he's looking extra good.-Sweetheart. Nice guys deserve sweet pet names.RELATED: 128 Leadership Quotes to Inspire You to Become a Better Leader-P.I.C. For when he's acting as your partner in crime.-Bestie. When he's not only being a solid boyfriend but a great friend who shows platonic love too.-Bae.-My hero. For when he saves the day.Flirty Nicknames for Boyfriends(Unsplash)Ready to spice things up? These flirty pet names for boyfriends are sure to do the trick. These nicknames for boyfriends are meant to make your partner feel strong and desirable, so use them when you're in the mood to take things to the next level.-Stud-Sexy beast-Hot pants-Stallion-King-Casanova-Sweet cheeks-Dreamboat-Beef cake-MusclemanRELATED: Why a Woman and Her Ex’s New Wife Became Best Friends – And Family-Boss-Cowboy-Sherriff-Iron man-Heartstopper-Knockout-Perfect 10-Hercules-Adonis-Eye candyCute Nicknames to Make Your Boyfriend Smile(Unsplash)Looking for something extra sweet to call your sweetheart? These affectionate nicknames will do the trick. Here are some adorable nicknames to call your boyfriend that are sure to make him smile.-Lover boy-Cutie pie-Honey bun-Tater tot-ChipmunkRELATED: Dad Invites Stepdad To Walk Daughter Down The Aisle, Sends Powerful Message About Divorce-Love bug-Sweet pea-Sugar pie-Heartthrob-Cake pop-Champ-Pooh bear-FavoriteNicknames for Boyfriends Who Love to Cuddle(Unsplash)Is your boyfriend a good cuddler? Does he make the best big spoon? These sweet nicknames for boyfriends are a tribute to the guys who love to cuddle – and are excellent at it. To cuddle aficionados – may we know them, may we cuddle with them.-Snuggles-Cuddle monster-Bubba-Love bear-FluffyRELATED: Wife Of 26 Years Brutally Dumped For Younger Woman Gets Ultimate Revenge-McSteamy-Snookums-Papa Bear-Pookie-DumplingUnique Nicknames for Boyfriends(Unsplash)Sometimes, the best nicknames for boyfriends are the ones that the two of you make up together. These may be based on inside jokes and personal to you, or something that came out of important questions to ask your boyfriend. Here are just a few examples of unique nicknames to call your boyfriend.-My lobster-Mr. Big-McDreamy-My preciousRELATED: Wife Of 26 Years Brutally Dumped For Younger Woman Gets Ultimate Revenge-He-Man-Padawan-Schmoopy-Drogo-Dork-Hot potatoActual Pet Names for Boyfriends(Unsplash)Does your boyfriend remind you of a certain animal? Finding a pet name to call him just got easier. Here are some pet names derived from actual animals that can be sweet names to call your sweetheart.-Lion-Wolf-Big bear-Dragon-PandaRELATED: 3 Signals Your Partner Is Making You Depressed – And What to Do About It-Puma-Tiger-Puppy-Bunny-Bug-FoxFood-Related Nicknames to Call Your Boyfriend(Unsplash)Does your boyfriend look good enough to eat? Is he sweet as sugar? Or maybe he's extra spicy. Here are a few mouthwatering nicknames for boyfriends that your significant other is sure to eat up.-Jalapeno-Cookie-Cheesecake-Jelly belly-Chicken nugget-EnchiladaRELATED: How To Handle Emotional Cheating In A Relationship-Meatball-Peanut-Pickle-Pudding-Pepper-Cupcake-Muffin-RavioliSummary(Unsplash)Giving your boyfriend a cute nickname helps foster the connection between the two of you. It shows that you care about him and are fond of him. Keeping the spark alive in your relationship takes work, but one way to do so that's sure to get a smile out of your significant other is to be called a nickname that means something to both of you – one that's become part of the regularly used vocabulary in your relationship between the both of you. Show your partner that you love him by choosing a fun pet name for him, and he just might do the same.KEEP READING:Why Handling Reactivity Is Essential For Healthy Romance

How to Tell Your Friend They Have a Toxic Boyfriend - And What to Do Next
Dating

How to Tell Your Friend They Have a Toxic Boyfriend - And What to Do Next

A true friend is someone who doesn’t tell you what you want to hear, but tells you what you need to hear. This is especially true when it may be the exact opposite of what you want to accept. And when the reality is the fact that your partner is bad for you, you need to hear the facts, and you need to act on them.But what about those times when you’re not the one who needs advice, but you’re the friend who needs to share the hard truth? RELATED: 7 Deep Questions Every Woman Must Ask Her Romantic Partner – And What The Answers MeanIf your friend has a toxic boyfriend, they may not be able to see their own situation clearly. It may fall to you to help them see his many flaws so that they can make their own decision to exit the partnership.But telling your friend that their partner is toxic takes a bit of finesse no matter how well-meaning you are, because if you do it wrong, you may instead push them away, and push them ever farther into his toxic embrace.What Is a Toxic Person? And How Does Toxicity Manifest?(Unsplash)According to WebMD, a “toxic person is anyone whose behavior adds negativity and upset to your life… They [tend to] act in ways that don't present them in the best light and usually upset others along the way.”To be clear, “toxic” is not an official term like “sociopath” and “narcissist,” and it’s not even a term that can be applied universally to a given person. In other words, a person may be toxic to some people but a perfectly good friend or partner to others; the toxicity comes into play when it manifests in a given relationship.RELATED: The 5 Love Languages, How Do You Speak Them – And Which One Is Right for You?The signs of toxicity to look for include manipulation, a lack of comfort in one’s own skin when the toxic person is around, a diminished sense of self-worth and pride caused by the toxic party, and a constant feeling like the person needs to make excuses for themselves and their partner.In short, a toxic boyfriend is someone is just no good for your friend; he doesn’t bring out the best in her (and may even bring out the worst) and never seems to have her best interests at heart. A toxic partner is self-centered rather than focused on an equal relationship, and he may feel and demonstrate a sense of entitlement, acting as if he is owed something merely for existing. But these negative traits may be hard for her to see from within the partnership, so don’t be surprised if she is surprised and defensive when you bring up the topic.How to Tell Your Friend Her Significant Other Is ToxicYes, there is a concern you are going to seem like a nosey person who is overstepping his or her bounds when you tell your friend you think her partner is toxic. Yes, it may be awkward and painful and ugly – at least for a while. If you truly believe your friend is in a bad place with her boyfriend, though, she’ll see your heart through the hurt sooner or later. So go for it.First, make it clear you are coming from a caring place and not a judging place, and make it clear you are giving thoughts and advice, not orders. And when possible, make use of the Socratic Method, asking questions that will lead your friend toward making the conclusions herself. Ask her how she feels about the relationship, ask her if she feels as safe and connected and free as she thinks someone should. Ask her if she has noticed any traits about her boyfriend that worry her.And then, depending on how she answers, you can frame your critiques of him as questions. Think: “Does he ever convince you to do things you don’t really want to?” or “Do you feel like you have to apologize to him a lot even though you’re not really sure why?” or “Are you as comfortable around him as you are around me and your other friends and family?”By asking questions rather than making comments (also known as criticizing) you are less likely to push your friend away and more likely to help her see the truth of the situation. That way, she will have come to her own conclusions which will make her more likely to act on them and less likely to lose her resolve.Just be ready to back down if she pushes back hard – it’s better to stay friends and try again later than to push too hard and lose your friendship.KEEP READING:Why Handling Reactivity Is Essential For Healthy Romance

5 Signs You Have “Daddy Issues” and the Steps You Can Take to Overcome Them
Dating

5 Signs You Have “Daddy Issues” and the Steps You Can Take to Overcome Them

No matter what, a father plays a major role in a child’s life. This is true whether he is a wonderful and devoted dad, it’s true if you had a present but emotionally unavailable father, and it’s true if he was completely absent. Dads have a major influence on their kids’ development and, later, on their adult personalities whether they were perfect or less than perfect. Children are both affected by and, for better or for worse, model themselves based on their parents before any other group or person on earth.All that said, “daddy issues” need not have been caused by a father figure – or by any parent or even by family life, for that matter – in order for them to manifest. RELATED: Are You Being Emotionally Abused? Here Are The Signs To Look Out ForWhat we call daddy issue for short (we’ll define the term more completely in a moment) can also be caused by other family members, as a result of a fraught romantic relationship, in the wake of failed friendships, and from myriad other factors.For our purposes here today, we won’t be discussing potential causes of your daddy issues, but will instead be focused on helping you identify if you have them and, if so, what you can do to get over them. If you do feel that past traumas, abuse, neglect, or other factors have led you to develop current mental health challenges, it might be best if you speak to a trained professional such as a psychologist or therapist who can help you deal with your underlying issues. If you feel that daddy issues are your primary problem holding you back in life, then read on.What are “daddy issues,” anyway?(Getty)The short story is that daddy issues refer to trouble people have forming healthy, lasting, and mutually rewarding romantic relationships with partners. They manifest in several different ways and cause myriad different issues, but writ large, the term refers to relationship issues that prevent the formation of a balanced, stable union.A father complex can wreak havoc on a person’s self-esteem, it can ruin his or her ability to trust others, it can cause a tendency to self-sabotage, and it can preclude healthy relationships even with a partner who would have made a great match. RELATED: Woman Survives Psychological Abuse And Proves You Can Find Healthy Love AgainThus we can see that though the term “daddy issues” may seem casual and even almost flippant, it’s a shorthand term for a raft of potentially major problems.Here are five common manifestations of daddy issues and a few tips for getting over them and learning how to form more successful adult relationships.You are too needy and clingy(Getty)If your father figure or any other major figures in your life was absent or was present but effectively unavailable, you may have developed abandonment issues. As a result, you may too quickly become clingy, possessive, and even obsessive over a partner, fearing – consciously or not – that they may bail out on you if you don’t keep them extra close.RELATED: Signs You’re Dealing With Narcissistic AbuseThe problem, of course, is that clinginess can have the polar opposite effect you want and can push the person away from you rather than drawing him or her closer. To overcome this tendency, you need to establish boundaries that you will be able to respect. If your partner needs a certain amount of space and freedom, you need to respect that. You also have every right to ask for good communication so you both remain on the same page even as you allow that space.You are unable to commit to relationships(Getty)Quite the opposite of being too clingy, many people with daddy issues are unwilling or unable to properly commit to a relationship. This may be because, subconsciously, they fear the other person will abandon them eventually anyway, so it’s emotionally safer not to commit.RELATED: You May Destroy Your Child’s Future and Not Even Know It if You Fall into This TrapIt can be hard to give your trust to another person when a major figure in your own life did not warrant being trusted. However, you need to find ways to let yourself trust your partner, or you will never enter into a truly meaningful relationship. A person who does not feel trusted or committed to will not truly be able to trust and commit to you.You have an unhealthy relationship with sex(Getty)If you suffered any form of abuse as a young person, especially sexual abuse, it’s entirely reasonable that, as an adult, you will have an unbalanced approach to sex. This could come in the form of hypersexuality, wherein you engage in potentially dangerous and/or emotionally devoid sex too often. It could also mean you have an aversion to sex.RELATED: Why the Term “Mutual Abuse” is Complete BS – And How We Can Do Better Right NowBoth of these opposite issues can lead to unhealthy relationships (and to much worse outcomes in the case of a glut of unsafe sex) and merit the support of a trained professional, a support group, or both.You regularly choose bad partners(Getty)Daddy issues caused in youth can manifest in the choosing unsuitable partners in your adult life. If you tend to form relationships with abusers, philanderers, people with substance abuse issues, or other problems, it’s a good bet that you are dealing with daddy issues that preclude you from seeking out and only connecting with safe, suitable partners.RELATED: How to Break the Cycle of a Traumatic Childhood and Save Your FamilyIf people have expressed concerns about your partners, if you have been or fear you will be abused by them, or if you form relationships even with people to whom you’re not really attracted because you just don’t want to be alone, those are all red flags. Read some relationship quotes and if few or none of them seem germane to your partnership, then you may need to consider ending things.You lack self-esteem(Unsplash)You should always be your own biggest advocate, you should believe in your dreams, and you should be willing to look after your own needs along with the needs of others. But if you had a parental figure who did not support and believe in you, as an adult you may be lacking in self-esteem. This can lead you to settle too easily in your romantic relationships, but it can also have a ripple effect out into other parts of your life.When considering your own sense of self-worth, think not about the desultory ways in which your dad related to you, but instead imagine the ways you wish you had been supported, and then direct that positive energy back at yourself. And if you have kids of your own, by all means break the cycle and raise them with the love, attention, and respect you are now aware was lacking.KEEP READING: Domestic Abuse Survivor Marries The First Responder Who Saved Her Life