| How to Season Shrimp Posted: 23 Jun 2022 01:00 AM PDT Shrimp is a versatile and delicious seafood used in a variety of cuisines. Although you can simply use salt and pepper to season them, you can create a variety of flavors for your meal. Whether you want a buttery garlic sauce, a spicy kick, or a creamy and fresh marinade, you can easily make your shrimp the star of the dish! [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Garlic Butter Shrimp - of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 tablespoons (113.4 g) of butter
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- of chicken stock
- of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Makes 4 servings [Edit]Spicy Shrimp - of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- of olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon (1.05 g) of ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon (1.35 g) of chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon (0.6 g) of onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g) of salt
Makes 2 servings [Edit]Yogurt Marinated Grilled Shrimp - of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup (245 g) of plain full-fat yogurt
- of lemon juice
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 5 large, fresh mint leaves, chopped
Makes 6 servings [Edit]Making a Basic Garlic Butter Shrimp - Melt 2 tbsp (28.4 g) of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cut the butter into 2 smaller slabs so it melts faster and more evenly on the pan. Move the butter by tilting the pan so it doesn't burn.[1]
- Standard-sized sticks of butter are 8 tablespoons (113.4 g). Cut the entire stick into 1 tbsp (14.2 g) sections to make it easier to use throughout the recipe.
- Work with butter or any preferred substitute you have.
- Cook the shrimp in the butter for 2-3 minutes. Stir the shrimp occasionally with a spatula or wooden spoon so they cook evenly. The shrimp will turn pink when they are finished cooking. Set them aside on a hot plate when they're finished.[2]
- Make sure your shrimp is peeled and deveined. These parts are inedible and will affect the overall flavor.
- If your shrimp is frozen, allow it to thaw before you start cooking it.
- Add 5 cloves of minced garlic along with the lemon juice and chicken stock. Stir the garlic in with of lemon juice and of chicken stock in the skillet. Make sure they are thoroughly mixed.[3]
- You can either mince garlic at home or purchase a jar of minced garlic from your local grocery store.
- Replace chicken stock with any other stock you prefer, such as vegetable or seafood.
- Bring the marinade to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer for 2 minutes. Turn the heat to high and allow the mixture to start boiling. Once it reaches temperature, turn the heat down to medium-low so it simmers. The marinade will reduce by half in about 2 minutes.[4]
- Continue stirring the marinade so it cooks evenly.
- Stir in 1 tbsp (14.2 g) of butter at a time until you've added 6 tbsp (85.2 g). Drop in the slab of butter and stir it until it completely melts in the marinade. Continue adding butter 1 slab at a time until you've used the full stick.[5]
- The butter will add creaminess to your marinade so the flavor isn't too heavy.
- Put the shrimp in the marinade and coat them evenly. Put the cooked shrimp back in the skillet and stir them with a spoon. Once they are coated in the marinade, serve them on a warm plate.[6]
- Top the shrimp with a garnish of fresh parsley leaves if you want.
- Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
[Edit]Cooking Spicy Shrimp - Combine the ingredients in a mixing bowl with a whisk. Pour the olive oil into the bowl first, then add the minced garlic, cumin, chili and onion powder, and salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix the spicy marinade together.[7]
- You can either purchase minced garlic from the grocery store or mince it yourself with a knife at home.
- Toss the shrimp until they are completely coated. Place the raw shrimp in the bowl and mix them in the marinade until they are completely coated. Use your hands to toss the shrimp in the sauce.[8]
- Make sure your shrimp are completely thawed if you purchased them frozen.
- Wash your hands after handling raw seafood.
- Cover the bowl and let them refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Put a lid or a layer of plastic cling wrap on top of the bowl and keep it in the refrigerator. Let the shrimp rest in the marinade for at least 10 minutes so they absorb the flavor.[9]
- The shrimp can be marinated for a full day before cooking them.
- Cook the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes. When you're ready to make your meal, heat the skillet to a medium heat for 2 minutes before putting your shrimp in. Let them cook until they are pink.[10]
- Serve the shrimp while they are hot. Put the shrimp onto a warm plate so they don't lose any heat before you eat them. Squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice on the shrimp to add some zest and extra flavor.[11]
- Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
[Edit]Making Yogurt Marinated Grilled Shrimp - Chop the mint leaves. Roll the leaves into cylinders and use your chef's knife to cut them into small pieces. Continue to cut the mint leaves from opposite sides until they are finely chopped.[12]
- Remove most of the stems if you can since they could have a bitter flavor.
- Whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and mint. Pour the yogurt and the lemon juice in first, followed by the garlic and the mint leaves. Use a whisk or a mixing spoon to combine all of the ingredients thoroughly.[13]
- Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to mix in any of the ingredients that you may have missed.
- Use minced garlic from the store or mince your own at home.
- Coat the shrimp in the mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking them. Place the raw shrimp in the yogurt mixture and mix it together with your hands. Once they are thoroughly coated, place them in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill before you cook them.[14]
- Make sure any frozen shrimp is completely thawed before you mix them in with the marinade.
- Skewer through the thickest part of the shrimp. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers so there are 6 to 8 pieces of shrimp on each piece. Keep them on a large baking sheet you can easily carry out to your grill.[15]
- Leave the excess yogurt marinade on the shrimp since it will drip and cook off on the grill.
- Place your skewers on the grill so they're apart. Make sure your grill is completely heated before you place your skewers on it. Keep the skewers over direct heat so they can cook thoroughly.[16]
- Grill each side of the shrimp for 2 minutes. Use a pair of tongs to flip the skewers over. As they cook, the meat should look pearly white and the outside skin will turn pink. Once the shrimp are cooked, set them aside on a baking sheet and cover them so they retain heat.[17]
- Let the shrimp get a little char from the grill to add to the flavor.
- Serve the shrimp while they're hot. Eat them while they are still on the skewer or remove them from the skewer to place them on a plate. Enjoy them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.[18]
- Leftover shrimp can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days after you cook them.
- Experiment with different spices and flavors you like to create a whole new shrimp seasoning.
[Edit]Warnings - Make sure you cook the shrimp so the flesh is opaque and pearly white. Undercooked shrimp can make you sick.[19]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Making a Basic Garlic Butter Shrimp - Skillet
- Stove
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Hot plate
- Measuring cups and spoons
[Edit]Cooking Spicy Shrimp - Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Lid or plastic cling wrap
- Skillet
- Stove
[Edit]Creating a Yogurt Marinade - Cutting knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden skewers
- Baking sheet
- Grill
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Core a Pineapple Posted: 22 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT Nothing is quite as a delicious as fresh, juicy pineapple, but that hard fruit with the spiky leaves can be a little daunting! Coring it is easier than it sounds, as you just need to slice out the center in some way. If you want to use the pineapple halves, try coring it with the skin still on. You can also try a pineapple corer or take the core out of individual slices if you want pineapple rings at the end. A simple method is to just skin the pineapple and quarter it, then slice out the core on each quarter. [Edit]Slicing the Pineapple in Quarters to Core It - Cut the top and bottom off your pineapple. Lay the pineapple on its side. With a very sharp knife, slice off the top of the pineapple about into the brown part. Toss the leaves and top of the pineapple. Turn the pineapple around, and slice off the bottom the same way.[1]
- Grasp the pineapple while you're cutting so it doesn't slide around on the board, and make sure to get your fingers out of the way!
- Place the pineapple on one of its flat ends to cut off the skin. Use one of the cut sides as a base, and then slice down the edges of the pineapple to chop off the skin. Keep turning the pineapple, slicing a strip of skin each time you turn.[2]
- Try not to cut too much of the fruit off with the skin.
- Cut the pineapple into quarters. Moving from top to bottom, slice the pineapple in half lengthwise. Cut each half in half again, also lengthwise, until you are left with 4 quarters.[3]
- Remove the core by cutting along the inside of each slice. The core is in the very center, so cut along the inside of each slice. As you cut off the inside edge, you'll get a triangle shape. Move from top to bottom to cut it all out.[4]
- You can toss the core or save it for other uses.
[Edit]Coring a Pineapple Half with the Skin Still On - Chop off the top and bottom of the pineapple. With the pineapple on its side, slice off the top of the pineapple where the leaves are, coming about into the main part of the pineapple. Flip the pineapple around and cut off the bottom the same way.[5]
- You should have a flat top and bottom now, which makes it easier to cut the pineapple.
- Slice the pineapple down the middle. Set the pineapple on one of the ends you just cut off so that it stays upright. Run your knife through the pineapple from top to bottom, cutting it in half.[6]
- Use a large, sharp chef's knife for this process.
- Identify the core by its fibers. The core is easy to see, as the fibers run up and down through the center of the pineapple, while the rest of the pulp runs horizontally. The core is the long piece in the middle, which will be a slightly different color than the rest of the pineapple.[7]
- The core is a slightly paler yellow.
- Cut a wedge in the pineapple half to remove the core. Place the pineapple on a cutting board skin-side down. Cut from the outer edge of the core on one side of it, going down and towards the middle as you do. Cut from the other edge of the core, and go down and towards the middle, ending up in the same spot you did when cutting from the other side.[8]
- You'll end up with a triangular-shaped wedge that has the core in it. You can just pull it out with your knife or your fingers.
[Edit]Removing the Core with a Pineapple Corer - Slice off the top of the fruit. Turn the pineapple on its side, and use a sharp knife to cut off of the crown where the leaves are. Slice the fruit into the main part of the fruit.[9]
- A large, sharp chef's knife works best for this process.
- Try to get the top as level as you can. If it's slanted, the corer will have a hard time moving straight down through the fruit, and it may want to push out through the left or right side.
- Set the base of the corer on top of the pineapple. It should go along the cut you just made with the handle at the top. Press down on the corer slightly to get it started in the pineapple.[10]
- The base of the corer is the round circular part with the blade.
- Turn the handle and press down to cut and core the pineapple. Grab the pineapple with one hand, and twist the corer clockwise with the other hand by turning the handle at the top. As you do, apply light pressure downward so that the corer continues to move through the fruit. Keep going until you hit the bottom.[11]
- If your corer tries to move off center, gently redirect it back to the middle.
- Take the pineapple out of the skin by lifting out the corer and slices. Pull upwards on the handle while holding on to the fruit with your other hand. The corer will bring out the core and the sliced pineapple all in one go.[12]
- Release the core and the slices by taking off the handle. The handle of the corer should have 2 small buttons. Push the buttons at the same time to pop the handle out. Slide the pineapple off the center pole, and use a butter knife or other handle to push the core out of the center.[13]
- Sometimes, the core will just stay attached to the inside bottom of the pineapple as you pull the slices out, so you can just toss it with the skin.
- You can slice down one side of the pineapple slices from top to bottom to make rings, as it comes out of the corer in one, long curlycue.
[Edit]Coring Individual Slices - Slice off the top and base of the pineapple. Turn the pineapple on its side, and cut off the crown about into the fruit part. Flip the pineapple around and cut off the base, as well.[14]
- Use a sharp chef's knife to slice it.
- Cut off the skin in long strips. Place the pineapple on one of its flat sides. Cut from top to bottom along the outer edge, slicing off the skin in strips. Turn the pineapple and keep cutting off strips as you turn.[15]
- If any eyes are left in the pineapple, use the tip of your knife to dig them out.
- Slice the pineapple into coins. Turn the pineapple on its side. Cut the fruit into thin coins by slicing into the side of the pineapple. Each one should be about wide or slightly less.[16]
- Take the core out with a knife or icing tip. Look for the round circle in the middle of the coins you just made, which is the core. Run the knife tip around the core and then push it out with your finger.[17]
- You can also use a wide icing tip or a very small, round cookie cutter to cut the center out.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Sharp chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Pineapple corer, optional
- Wide icing tip or small, round cookie cutter, optional
- Try using the core in smoothies or in the juicer.
- Add the core to soups you're making for a sweet and sour flavor. It's especially good in Thai or Chinese soups.[18]
- Make crisps from the core by slicing them into very thin pieces. Lay them out flat on a parchment-lined baking tray, and place them in the oven at the lowest temperature your oven can be set at. Bake them for 4.5-5 hours, turning 2-3 times. They'll turn crispy for a light snack.[19]
[Edit]References |
| How to Deal with a Bossy Coworker Posted: 22 Jun 2022 09:00 AM PDT Do you ever feel like you have two bosses? There's your actual boss, and then there's a coworker who acts like they're your boss. Getting told what to do is frustrating enough, but it's even harder to deal with when it comes from a peer and not someone in charge. Fortunately, there are ways you can deal with your coworker without making a huge scene. Read this article for a comprehensive list of tips for dealing with a bossy coworker that you can use today. [Edit]Treat your coworker with kindness. - Being calm and nice will lead to a more productive workplace environment. It can be tough to keep your emotions in check when your coworker bosses you around. If you find yourself getting frustrated or worked up, take a few deep breaths and count to 10 before responding.[1]
- Bossy people tend to look for situations where they can play the victim. The more you treat them with respect and kindness, the less fuel you'll add to the fire.
- However, being kind doesn't mean letting them tell you what to do forever. You can still be kind and civil while also being assertive about your own needs.
[Edit]Call out their behavior in the moment. - Calling them out now will help prevent a big blow up later on. If you feel like your coworker is being bossy, calmly but firmly tell them that the way they just talked to you wasn't okay. They might just take the hint and stop bossing you around, especially if they don't do it often.[2]
- "I'm not sure you can assign that task to me, since you aren't in charge of this project."
- "I feel like you don't trust me to do a good job on my own. Is that the case?"
- "I actually don't need your help with that, I can tackle this on my own."
[Edit]Tell them no gently. - Decline their orders without starting a fight. When a coworker demands that you do something, it can feel tough to tell them no without sounding rude. Try skirting around the issue by telling them you aren't going to do that while still being professional. Use phrases like:[3]
- "That's a great idea, but I have a lot on my plate already. Why don't I focus on my work, and you can focus on your own?"
- "I'm going to follow the guidelines set by the boss."
- "Let's check in with the boss first to see what they say."
[Edit]Have a private conversation with them. - Talking to your coworker one-on-one can help settle your differences. If your coworker has bossed you around a few times already, it's worth having a conversation with them. Invite them out to coffee or go out to lunch together to have a chat. Talk to them about how you've been feeling, and use "I" statements to bring up issues without your coworker getting defensive or angry.[4]
- "When you micromanage my work, I feel like you think I can't handle it on my own."
- "When you tell me what to do, it makes me feel frustrated. We're coworkers and peers, so we're on the same level here."
- "When you walk me through things I already know how to do, it makes me feel belittled."
[Edit]Set clear boundaries. - Boundaries will tell your coworker what is (and isn't) okay. In a private conversation, spell out exactly what you'd like your coworker to stop doing, and how you'd like them to treat you in the future. That way, they know their behavior is unacceptable, and they can work on making changes in the future.[5]
- "I'd really appreciate it if you didn't tell me what to do anymore. I'll focus on my work, and you can focus on yours. If you have concerns about my work, feel free to ask me questions about it."
- "In the future, let's work on collaborating with each other instead of trying to tell each other what to do."
- "I like working with you, but I'd like it even more if we could both focus on our own work."
[Edit]Focus on your common goals. - Direct your coworker's attention toward your workplace, not you. Chances are, your coworker is being bossy because they want everyone to put their best foot forward. Remind your coworker that you're both working toward the same goal, and you care about your work just as much as they do.[6]
- "I understand that you want our projects to be polished—so do I! We all want our work to look good so that our clients trust us."
- "We're both working toward the same goal. I also care about this company and doing the best I can do."
- "I've worked here for 5 years, so I know just how important the deadlines are."
[Edit]Lead by example. - Show your coworker how you can make requests, not demands. Maybe your coworker isn't sure how to approach you when they have a question or a concern. You can give them an example by treating them with respect and never bossing them around. That way, they know what's expected of them, and they can follow your lead going forward.[7]
- If you need them to do something for you, you might say, "Hey, do you have time to take this on later? No worries if not; I know you're busy."
- If you want to work together on something, you could say, "Hey, just checking to see if you wanted to collaborate on this report. With some team effort, I think we could knock this out of the park."
[Edit]Try not to take their bossiness personally. - Let their comments roll off your back to help you move on. Bossy people rarely single out one person in particular—if you pay attention, you'll probably find that your coworker is bossy toward everyone, not just you. When you find yourself getting fed up, remind yourself that it's nothing to do with you and everything to do with them.[8]
- Bossy people often feel the need to control everything around them, which can be exhausting. There's a good chance that your bossy coworker doesn't enjoy telling everyone what to do, but they don't really know how to stop.
[Edit]Give your coworker the benefit of the doubt. - Thinking about their good traits can help calm you down. Your coworker might not mean to be bossy—maybe they're trying to be assertive, or they care a lot about the workplace. Try to keep these points in mind, and don't assume that your coworker is out to get you.[9]
- Some people talk with a harsher tone, which can make them sound bossy when they don't mean to be. Your coworker might just have a different communication style than you do.
[Edit]Get close to your other coworkers. - Lean on your peers so you can all be assertive together. If you notice that you're not the only one being bossed around by your coworker, sit down and chat with your other coworkers about it. Try not to be rude or gossip about them—stick to the facts, and then talk about what you can all do together about it in the future.[10]
- "Have you noticed that Sarah is a little bossy? Maybe the next time she tries to tell one of us what to do, we could stick up for each other."
- "I noticed that Sam was telling you what to do yesterday. He does the same thing to me. Should we talk to him about it?"
[Edit]Talk to your boss if you need to. - Your boss can help mediate if nothing is changing. If you've tried talking to your coworker one-on-one and they still tell you what to do all the time, escalate the situation. Approach your boss or the HR department and ask them to have a chat with your coworker. They can help you deal with the conflict and get things resolved quickly.[11]
- Treat your meeting with the boss or HR as a chance to go over peer-to-peer relations rather than a coworker-bashing session. Keep your comments professional and respectful to get the higher-ups on your side.
- "Jeremy does great work, and I can tell he cares a lot about this company. However, I've noticed that he tends to take on a leadership role often, even when it's not required of him. I'd love to chat with you and Jeremy at the same time to go over his role and how he fits into this team."
[Edit]References |
| How to Eat Salsa Without Chips Posted: 22 Jun 2022 01:00 AM PDT Salsa makes a great snack since it's loaded with healthy vegetables, but tortilla chips may contain a lot of sodium. If you want to find alternatives to chips or just want to incorporate salsa into more meals, you can easily use it with other foods. While you can dip other pieces of food into the salsa, you can also use it as a condiment or topping to add more flavor. Otherwise, you can use salsa as a marinade or sauce in your meals to make them more delicious! [Edit]Using Salsa as a Dip - Enjoy vegetables with your salsa for a healthy alternative. You can use any vegetables you want for your snack, but try carrots, celery stalks, green peppers, radish, or jicama since they'll complement the flavors well. Wash and cut the vegetables into sticks so they're easier to dip. Scoop out the salsa with the vegetables or use a spoon to put some onto the end of the vegetable stick.[1]
- This works best with thicker salsas since loose salsa may not stick on the vegetables as well.
- You can also try using cut peppers, sugar snap peas, or cucumber with your salsa as well.
- Try eating salsa with saltines or buttered crackers for a crispy snack. Choose your favorite crackers and opt for low sodium varieties if you don't want them to contain as much salt. Dip the cracker in the salsa so some of the chunks stay on top of the cracker. If you're worried about the cracker breaking when you dip it, use a spoon to scoop the salsa onto it instead.[2]
- Put small slices of cheese on your crackers before dipping them if you want a richer flavor.
- Substitute salsa for cocktail sauce if you're having shrimp. Stir the salsa in a small bowl and add fresh cilantro, hot sauce, and avocados if you want to make it chunkier. Use shrimp that has been cleaned, cooked, and chilled with your salsa. Dip the shrimp in the salsa mixture before eating it. Be sure not to eat the shrimp's tail since it's inedible.[3]
- You can also combine salsa with cocktail sauce if you want to mix the flavors together.
- If the salsa feels too loose or doesn't stick to the shrimp, try draining some of the liquid or chilling it in your fridge until it's thick.
- Mix sour cream or ranch dressing with your salsa for a smooth, zesty dip. Pour your salsa into a large mixing bowl and stir in an equal part of either sour cream or ranch dressing. Combine the ingredients with a rubber spatula until the dip has the same consistency throughout. Use your new dip for vegetables, crackers, or chicken wings whenever you want more flavor.[4]
- Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 1–2 weeks.
[Edit]Topping Food with Salsa - Scoop the salsa on tacos or burritos for traditional flavors. Put your meat or beans on the bottom of the taco to use as a base. Then add the rest of your toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, rice, and tomatoes. You can either put the salsa inside your taco, or you can smother the outside of a burrito if you want to use more sauce. Eat your taco as normal, making sure you're careful not to spill any of the salsa.[5]
- Putting salsa inside your taco could possibly weaken the tortilla so it's more likely to rip or break.
- You can use any type of salsa with your taco.
- Add salsa into scrambled eggs for a spicier breakfast. Scramble the eggs in a pan over medium heat until they're cooked through entirely, which should only take you 2–3 minutes. Put the eggs in a bowl before putting your salsa in the pan. Warm it up on your stove for 1–2 minutes and add the eggs back in so they stay warm.[6]
- You can also put salsa on top of eggs prepared any other way as well.
- Spread salsa on a burger to give it some spice. Choose a mild or hot salsa depending on how spicy you want to make your burger. Scoop out a spoonful of the salsa and set it directly on top of the cooked burger. You may also evenly spread the salsa on the top bun if you don't plan on using another type of sauce.[7]
- Avoid putting the salsa on the bottom bun since it will make it more likely to break apart.
- This works best with a thick or chunky salsa rather than one that's loose or has a lot of liquid.
- Dress a baked potato with salsa to make it more flavorful. Poke holes in the raw potato with a fork and put it in your microwave on high for 10 minutes to cook. Cut the baked potato lengthwise to split it in half and fluff it with your fork. Scoop your salsa and any other toppings, such as sour cream, cheese, or bacon, into the potato before serving it.[8]
- Try adding other ingredients, such as grilled peppers or green onions, for a stronger flavor.
- Put fruit salsa on fish to add some sweetness to the dish. Use salsas that have tropical fruits, such as cantaloupe, pineapple, or mango, since they'll complement the flavor of the fish best. Season the fish well with salt and pepper and cook it any way that you want. Add a spoonful of the fruit salsa on top of the fish before serving it.[9]
- This works well with fish that don't have as prominent of a flavor, such as cod or whitefish.
- You can also try using regular salsa if you want a savory-flavored fish.
- Try salsa on a Southwest salad for a lighter alternative to dressing. You can use salsa on any type of salad, but it will complement the flavor best if your salad contains beans. Stir a spoonful of your salsa into the salad until it's mixed thoroughly. If you want a stronger flavor, add more salsa to your salad.[10]
- Sprinkle cheese on top of your salad if you want to add more flavor.
[Edit]Incorporating Salsa into Your Meals - Cook a taco casserole with a layer of salsa if you want a simple, flavorful meal. Preheat your oven to . Spread a layer of cooked ground beef or chicken on the bottom of a baking pan. Then cover the top with layers of salsa and cheese. Put cut tortilla strips on top and bake the casserole for 30 minutes. Serve the casserole with sour cream as a topping.[11]
- Add jalapenos if you want your casserole to have a spicy kick.
- You can also use beans instead of meat if you want a vegetarian option.
- Put meat and salsa into a slow cooker to infuse the flavors more. Put 4 chicken breasts in a slow cooker and pour in enough salsa to completely submerge them. Leave the chicken in the slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours so the salsa absorbs into the meat. Shred the chicken with a fork and use it for tacos or any recipe that uses shredded chicken.[12]
- Store the chicken in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Try meats like pork or beef if you want a different taste.
- You may also add other herbs or spices to the slow cooker if you want to add more flavor.
- Mix the salsa into ground turkey to make juicy burgers. Since turkey usually dries out quickly, you can use salsa to add more liquid and some spice to your burgers. Combine the ground turkey meat with the salsa along with any other spices you want to use. Form the meat into patties before cooking them in a pan for 4–5 minutes on each side.[13]
- Use more salsa as a topping on your burger if you want a stronger flavor.
- Make a meat sauce with salsa to create with a Tex-Mex pasta. Cook ground beef in a large skillet until it's browned. Add chili powder, salt, pepper, and your salsa and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes. Boil a pot of water and cook your pasta until it's tender. Drain the pasta and toss it in the meat sauce before serving it.[14]
- You can use any pasta you want for your dish.
- Add salsa to homemade chili to help thicken it up. Start by cooking the meat in a large pan and draining out the grease. Then add your spices, vegetables, salsa, and beans and leave it on your stove on low so it can simmer. Allow the chili to thicken up over 1 hour and stir it occasionally.[15]
- You don't need to use meat in your chili if you don't want to.
- Try adding salsa to random meals to see if it tastes good with them. That way, you can cook those dishes with salsa in the future.
[Edit]Warnings - Always cook your food through completely and wash your hands after handling raw meat.
[Edit]References |
| How to Balance Your Relationship and Studies Posted: 21 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT Do you want lots of success in school and your love life? You might think that's a lot to ask for, but it's actually totally achievable. With the right habits, you can stay on top of your classes and still have time for some romance. If you want to learn how to balance your relationship and studies, read on. Here, you'll discover that you truly can have it all!
This article is based on an interview with our life and relationship transition coach, Leah Morris, owner of Life Remade. [Edit]Talk about your goals for school. - Share what academic success looks like for both of you. It's important to be clear about what your goals and boundaries are. Before the semester starts, sit down and discuss what you'd both like to achieve. Also point out obstacles you need to steer clear of. You and your S.O. will have a game plan you can stick to. You can say something like:[1]
- "I want to get on the Dean's List, so I'll have to get above a 3.75 GPA."
- "I want to double major. That means I'll balance a heavy course load."
- "Sometimes, I won't be able to hang out on the weekends. I'll have to focus on term papers."
[Edit]Study together. - Meet up in a public place and be accountability buddies. If you choose a spot like a library or a college cafe, you'll be able to get in the right mindset and focus. Everyone else around you will be busy with work, too. Sit together, then get out all your books and notes. You'll be able to inspire each other right away.[2]
- It'll be easier to stay on track if you go somewhere that discourages talking.
- While you study, you can pat your S.O.'s hand or give them a side hug once in a while.
[Edit]Grab your meals together. - Sneak in some quick quality time since you both need to eat, anyway. Chow down on nutritious meals with your S.O. and fill yourselves up so you can focus. Head to the cafeteria or a campus restaurant. You'll make sure you have at least three periods of the day to cozy up to each other. [3]
- When you talk together, you'll be able to enjoy your meal and not rush when you eat it.
- Make a date out of preparing healthy snacks together. For example, you can make no-bake peanut butter balls.
- If your dorms have a shared kitchen, you can even cook together sometimes.
[Edit]Catch up during breaks. - Hang out only when you really have free time. Sit down together and compare your schedules. Find gaps between classes and homework sessions that are up for grabs. Reserve these slots for reconnecting as a couple. Then, give your S.O. your full attention. You'll be able to go back to your studies recharged.[4]
- Mix up the ways you unwind with each other. You can chill in your dorm on a weekday, then go for a walk around campus over the weekend.
- Look at all the time you have blocked off in your calendar for your S.O. It'll help you feel secure that you'll see them again.
[Edit]Send each other encouraging texts. - These sweet messages will make you smile all semester. Agree to silence the notifications on your phones. Whenever either of you are inspired, you can send a cute note that your S.O. won't see till later. When you two go to bed, check your texts. Each of you will feel adored. You each can say something like:[5]
- "You amaze me every day, and I think about you every night. 🌙 ❤️"
- "Loved seeing you study so hard in the library! I have such a crush on you. 🤤"
- "Miss you a bunch. We'll get through this semester! 💪"
[Edit]Share tips and tricks with each other. - Swap study techniques to learn how to be more successful. Maybe you know some productivity "hacks," like making a list of key ideas and reviewing them 1 hour a day. Chat about how you'll both try to master your subjects. You'll lift each other up and get an extra edge in your classes. You can start off with something like:[6]
- "I love color coding my notes! It helps me keep track of all the different concepts."
- "I like 'mind mapping.' I put one big idea in a circle, then connect every related idea to it."[7]
- "I study one key concept for 1 hour a day. On the weekend, I do a deep dive of my subject for 3-4 hours."
[Edit]Go on some special dates. - Carve out time for romance, even if it's just a quick moment. Make plans to get your minds off school and focus on just each other. Instead of chill hang outs, get more warm and sentimental. Even a couple hours can leave a lasting impression.[8]
- Grab coffee together at a local cafe and cuddle up to each other in the morning.
- Set up a picnic on your campus courtyard on a warm afternoon.
- Go downtown and share dinner or dessert together in the evening.
[Edit]Remind each other to take your health seriously. - Put your wellness above everything else to succeed in school. So you can both be at your best physically and mentally, get at least 8 hours of rest. Also make sure to eat nutritious meals that will keep you energized. When you take care of yourselves, you'll both reduce stress and boost your academic performances.[9]
- It's better to catch up on sleep than to skip it. You'll both be more refreshed.
- You both can exercise together. You'll stay more alert throughout your classes.
- Eat "whole" foods, like whole grains and veggies, to improve your moods and energy levels.[10]
[Edit]Keep positive attitudes about school. - Remember that you both can overcome any challenge with enough effort. In order to get the most out of your studies, keep a "growth mindset," an optimistic outlook that lets you see any difficult topic or task as an opportunity to learn. Just spend more time on the content that you two usually get stuck on. Then, acknowledge all your determination and hard work.[11]
- You and your S.O. can give each other pep talks. For example, you can say, "Asking a lot of questions is proof that you're learning!"
- When you get together, make a list of the topics that are a little confusing. You'll both know what to focus on.
- Tell each other that it's okay to reach out for help. You both can go to a tutoring center or to your professor's office hours.
[Edit]Bond over what's making you both busy. - Chat about how you're both moving even closer to your goals. When you're free and weeks have gone by, discuss what you've been focused on all semester. Explain how any recent exams or projects are really necessary. You'll both motivate each other, and it'll be way more exciting to go into more detail about your course load. You can say something like:[12]
- "I'm doing all these research projects so I can get all the experience I need for med school!"
- "I'm really focused on acing my English classes and getting to know the faculty so I can apply to an MFA after undergrad!"
- "Studying the GMAT will help me get my MBA! I'll get a career in finance and bring in the big bucks one day."
[Edit]Take entire days off when you can. - Unwind together as a reward for staying on track. Coordinate with each other and schedule a date after any important tests or assignments. Then, enjoy each other's company without any distractions, including schoolwork. You'll both see you can share special moments with each other throughout the semester.[13]
- You'll come back to your studies in a way better mood.
- You'll both get practice maintaining a work-life balance. After school, you'll also have to balance important tasks and relationships.[14]
- Fun days off will help you learn to keep your support system even when you're busy.[15]
[Edit]Prioritize exams and finals. - Give each other space during more intense periods. When you and your S.O. are in the middle of a finals week or have a huge assignment to prepare for, that should come first. Block out times on your schedules that need all your focus. You'll both be really thankful that you buckled down even if you missed each other.[16]
- Reassure each other that you'll reconnect after you've made it through the toughest periods.
- A "good morning" and "goodnight text" is okay.
- You can eat breakfast together before your tests to stay energized for them.
[Edit]Celebrate together during breaks from school. - Heap on affection and praise when you've made it to the finish line. Hug your S.O. and tell them how proud you are of all their discipline. Also thank them for their patience and for supporting your studies. Then, make some exciting plans with each other—you both deserve it.[17]
- Throw a tiny party right away. For example, you can toast sparkling cider in your dorm room.[18]
- Invite all your friends and family to a larger event, like a big dinner at a restaurant.
- Go on a romantic outing just for the two of you and put school off your mind for a little while.
[Edit]References |
| How to Heal a Ruptured Eardrum Posted: 21 Jun 2022 09:00 AM PDT The eardrum is fairly fragile, and trauma to the ear can cause the eardrum to tear, which is known as a ruptured or perforated eardrum. They're more common in children who develop middle ear infections, though they have multiple causes and can happen at any age.[1] Most ruptured eardrums heal on their own without medical intervention, but it's important to see your doctor to make sure there's not a possibility of hearing loss or infection. In the meantime, focus on protecting your eardrum from further damage, and treating any potential infection that might occur alongside it. [Edit]Medical Treatment - Recognize the signs of a ruptured eardrum. Perforated eardrums can share symptoms with middle ear infections or other ear damage, so it can be hard to tell them apart. If your eardrum ruptures, you may experience:
- Ear pain (that may stop suddenly)[2]
- Discharge or bleeding from the ear[3]
- Hearing loss[4]
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear[5]
- Nausea or vomiting[6]
- Dizziness, wobbliness, or vertigo[7]
- Seek emergency care if you experience excessive bleeding or total hearing loss, are in extreme pain, are abnormally dizzy, or have something stuck in your ear[8]
- Know when a ruptured eardrum is more likely. Injury or damage to the eardrum is typically caused by a sudden change in pressure, which can result from several different circumstances. The eardrum is more likely to be damaged or torn due to:[9]
- Fluid from a middle ear infection breaking the eardrum (this is more common in children, but can happen at any age)
- Small and/or blunt objects being inserted into the ear
- Rapid shifts in air pressure (for example, being on a plane)
- Exposure to extremely loud sounds, like explosions or concerts
- Injury to the ear, head, or neck
- See your doctor as soon as you can. Because a ruptured eardrum can cause permanent hearing loss in serious cases, it's vital to see your doctor if you suspect any kind of injury or damage to your ear. Tell your doctor:[10][11]
- The symptoms you're experiencing
- What happened leading up to the symptoms
- If you've had problems with your ears in the past, like recurring ear infections
- Whether you were sick
- If anything has been in your ear
- Anything you did to treat it
- Allow your doctor to examine your ear. Your doctor might check your ear themselves, or they may refer you to a specialist. They will look for any damage in the ear using an otoscope, and likely test your hearing to see if it's intact. If necessary, they may also check how your ear reacts to shifts in air pressure, and check any drainage for signs of infection.[12]
- Your doctor might have to clear out your ears to examine them, depending on whether there's drainage.[13]
- Recognize that most times, no intervention is needed. The majority of eardrum ruptures will heal on their own with minimal or no treatment. You may be prescribed antibiotics if there are signs of infection, but you likely won't need any interventions beyond protecting your ear as it heals.[14]
- Get surgical intervention in serious cases. Some ruptures can be serious or slow to heal and require medical intervention to heal properly. If your doctor determines your eardrum is severely damaged or is recovering too slowly, they may literally patch up your ear, or have you undergo surgery.[15]
- Your doctor might apply a patch to the eardrum to close the hole. This can sometimes be done in the doctor's office and doesn't require anesthesia, though it might take several patches to fully repair the damage.
- If surgery is required, it will be performed while you're under anesthesia. Most people can leave the hospital the same day.[16]
[Edit]Home Care - Stay home if needed. A ruptured eardrum alone typically won't prevent you from going to school or work, but if you have a fever, are in excessive pain, work in a high-intensity field, or are regularly exposed to loud noise, your doctor will likely recommend you stay home until you've recovered. Ask them whether or not it's best to stay home.
- If you had to have surgery on your ear, ask your doctor when it's safe to return to school or work.[17]
- Take any medication your doctor has prescribed. Perforated eardrums don't usually need medicinal treatment. However, if your ear shows any signs of infection, your doctor might prescribe you antibiotics to treat it. You'll likely be given either oral medication or antibiotic eardrops, though in some cases you might take both.[18]
- Be sure to take all the antibiotics as prescribed. Stopping the medication too early can cause the infection to come back.[19]
- Only use eardrops if your doctor prescribes them, as fluid in the ear can slow down the healing process.[20]
- Use heat to reduce pain. Warmth can help relieve the earache that can come with a ruptured eardrum. You can try holding a warm, dry piece of flannel or cloth against your ear.[21]
- Make sure the packs or compress is warm, not hot. You don't want to burn yourself.
- Avoid sleeping with your ear or face up against an electric heating pad, as this can result in burns.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers. If heat isn't enough to soothe your ear, try taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (like Tylenol) to reduce the pain. If you're unable to take NSAIDs, ask your doctor for recommendations.[22]
- Only take one type of pain reliever at once. Don't combine them if your doctor hasn't recommended it.[23]
- Don't take more than the maximum recommended amount. If you have taken the maximum amount and are still in pain, see your doctor.
- Avoid putting pressure on an infected ear. An infection in your ear can hurt and cause pressure when you lay down, which isn't good for a ruptured eardrum. When you go to sleep, lay in a way that doesn't put your infected ear directly against the pillow. (For example, if your right ear is infected, sleep on your left side.)[24]
- Some back sleepers recommend using extra pillows to raise the height of your infected ear. While there isn't clear evidence to back this up, it doesn't hurt to try it.[25]
- Protect your ears from water. If water gets through the tear in the eardrum, you can develop an ear infection and slow the healing process. Take precautions to keep your ears dry and free of water.[26]
- Before you bathe, apply petroleum jelly to a cotton ball and put it in your ear to block water.
- If possible, take baths rather than showers—the water is less likely to accidentally trickle into your ears.
- Be gentle when washing your hair so nothing enters your ear.
- Don't go swimming or scuba diving until your doctor says it's okay.
- Keep things out of your ears. Anything placed in your ears—like earplugs, earbuds, cotton swabs, fingers, and so on—can introduce bacteria into the wound or worsen the tear. Avoid inserting anything into your ears, and try not to poke or prod at your ear, even if it's itchy or painful.[27]
- Over-the-ear headphones are technically safe. However, exposing your ears to loud noise can cause pain and permanent hearing damage. Skip the headphones where possible, and if they're truly necessary, keep the volume low.
- Do not attempt to clean your ears. If they feel plugged or are draining excessively, contact your doctor.
- Try to steer clear of blowing your nose. Blowing your nose puts pressure on your ears and can further injure the internal workings of your ear. While gently blowing your nose is less dangerous than using excessive strength, it's best avoided when possible.[28]
- Call your doctor if there's no improvement or the problem worsens. Perforated eardrums generally take up to 2 months to heal.[29] However, if your eardrum is healing extremely slowly or is showing signs of worsening, medical care is needed. Contact your doctor if:
- You notice signs of infection, like warmth, redness, pus, drainage, or a newly-developed fever[30]
- You feel a lot of pain or dizziness[31]
- Your hearing isn't improving, gets worse, or otherwise changes[32]
- You're still experiencing signs of eardrum rupture after 2 months[33]
- Younger children are more likely to get middle ear infections, so they're more at risk for a ruptured eardrum. However, adults can have them too.
- There's no way to guarantee that a middle ear infection won't break the eardrum. However, treating an infection early can reduce the risk of severe infections and perforation.[34]
- If your sinuses or ears are congested for any reason, try to avoid anything that requires changes in altitude, like flying or driving up into the mountains. The change in air pressure can put your ears at risk.[35]
- If you are regularly around loud noises, wear protective ear coverings to lessen the chance of hearing damage and eardrum ruptures.[36]
- You may have "watery" like sounds in your ear. This is discharge and is normal in ruptured eardrums.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Fix an Emotionally Draining Relationship Posted: 21 Jun 2022 01:00 AM PDT When a relationship you care about is draining you emotionally, you might feel desperate to fix it. Maybe you spend every free moment worried about your partner or about when your next fight is due to erupt. After dealing with so much stress, it makes sense that you'd be looking for answers. We've outlined tons of tips that can help you improve your relationship's negative patterns. To learn how you can fix your emotionally draining relationship, read on. [Edit]Figure out the problem. - Relationships are defined by patterns, so it's important to identify them. Try to pinpoint when you started feeling drained so you can determine what caused it.[1] Set a time to speak to your partner in a place that feels safe for both of you. Express your feelings, observations, and worries clearly, without placing blame on either you or your significant other. Remember, they'll have their own ideas too, so be prepared to listen with patience and understanding.[2]
- Try to keep the discussion's focus on the relationship's themes, instead of getting into the back and forth of a specific fight.
- When you and your partner identify an ongoing issue together, make sure the solution you decide on works for both of you.
[Edit]Take care of you. - To bring your best self into the relationship, prioritize your needs. A draining relationship can steal your time and energy, so practice self-care to feel replenished. By making sure you feel your best, you'll be able to bring more patience, understanding, and effort into your relationship.[3]
- Prioritize getting enough sleep.
- Take time each week to enjoy the things you love to do.
- Try to take the time to plan healthy, balanced meals.
[Edit]Talk about your needs. - In a healthy relationship, both partners should get back what they give. In an emotionally draining relationship, though, you might be investing tons of effort without actually having your basic needs met.[4] Before either of you can take care of each other's needs, you need to communicate them with each other.
- Come up with a list of basic requirements that you need in order to be happy in the relationship.
- This may be loyalty, a certain level of physical affection, mutual independence, and maybe a bit of reassurance.
- Encourage your partner to come up with their own list.
- Share your lists with each other. Together, you can brainstorm how to meet each other's needs in an emotionally sustainable way.
- This way, the two of you are more likely to put in effort that has positive effects on the relationship.
[Edit]Make compromise a habit in your relationship. - At the end of the day, a draining relationship needs fixing on both sides. If during a fight, you're both only focused on your own individual interests, it's going to be really tough to get things resolved. When you're fighting or falling into a negative pattern, try to center your relationship's goals first. Encourage your partner to do the same.[5]
- If you're fighting about who will unload the dishwasher, don't think of your interests as competing.
- One of you might insist that their day was more tiring, and so they shouldn't have to. The other might say that they did it last time, so they shouldn't have to.
- Combine your interests and focus on compromise. For instance, you could say, "The dishwasher needs to be unloaded regardless. I get you're tired, so I'll do it. But next time, I'd like you to, so we're sharing an equal load."
[Edit]Make sure you're working on the same issues. - Communication is the key to fixing tough relationships. When the two of you really want to be great for each other, sometimes the only actual barrier to that goal is the misunderstanding of needs and expectations. To start a conversation about both partners' perceptions of your relationship, try this exercise below.[6]
- Consider six core parts of your relationship: communication, connection, investment, enjoyment, growth, trust.
- You and your partner should take time to reflect. Then, assign each category a score, 1-10, depending on how well your relationship does in that area.
- Use your scores' similarities and differences to start a conversation about your relationship's strengths and weaknesses.
- Commit to working on one area of weakness each week and check in on how you both feel you did.
[Edit]Learn about attachment styles. - Mismatched attachment styles can cause emotional drain. Attachment styles can be secure, anxious, or avoidant. Combinations of two of the three styles exist as well, though they're uncommon. A person's attachment style comes from their experiences early in life, but they can be altered with therapy and hard work.[7]
- Secure attachment style refers to an individual's ability to feel connected to partners, secure in those connections, and still capable of independence.
- Anxious attachment styles indicate a person's insecurity and emotional hunger in relationships. They can become clingy, demanding, or possessive.
- Avoidant attachment styles refer to a fear of closeness with their partners. They ignore relationships' significance, shut down emotionally, and avoid intimacy.
- Other combinations exist, and you can identify your style through online quizzes, research, and reflection.
- Attachment styles can be excellent tools to talk about patterns in your relationship. They can also help you reflect on your own needs.
[Edit]Defuse fights when you can. - If you can avoid big arguments, you both save emotional energy. Constant spats don't need to be the end of the world, but if you can't find a way to de-escalate your arguments, that could cause major emotional drain. If every little disagreement ends up being a giant, hurtful argument, both of you will end up feeling deflated. Try out these helpful tips and tricks below to defuse your fights.[8]
- Use humor. When a fight pops up, try using a little silliness to keep things light.
- For example, if you do an impression that makes your partner laugh, respond to a question in that voice.
- Try touching. Go in for a hug, reach for your partner's hand, or throw an arm around their shoulder.
- Take a break. If you feel things escalating, spend a minute cooling off in separate rooms. Even just a quick pause can make a huge different!
[Edit]Admit when you're in the wrong. - When you fight, owning up to your actions can defuse the situation. Sometimes, when you and your partner are in the thick of an argument, the last thing you'll want to do is admit you were wrong. In that moment, it may feel more like admitting defeat. But in reality, to end your fight (and emotional drain) in a healthy way, letting your guard down is the key.[9]
- First, tell your partner that you understand what you did to hurt them.
- Next, let your partner know that you are sympathetic to how they feel.
- The more fights that you can end quickly and positively, the less emotional drain you and your partner will feel.
[Edit]Keep complaints on the backburner. - Too much complaining can harm an otherwise healthy relationship. It's great to know your partner can rely on you as a sounding board, but too much negativity can leave one of you feeling drained and the other, unheard. When complaints from one partner wear out the patience, energy, or attention span on the other, the listening ear can end up feeling totally emotionally burnt out.[10]
- If you tend to be the complainer, try screening some of your worries out. Ask yourself if you need support, or if you're complaining to complain.
- If you really need help, you should be able to share with your partner. If not, find a positive spin to your comment instead.
- If you're the listening ear, try to be there when you sense that your partner really needs it.
- On the other hand, don't make a big deal out of every little complaint. Offer a simple, supportive remark without opening up an entire discussion.
[Edit]Reach out to loved ones. - Support systems help people feel supported and stay positive. When your relationship is draining your emotional reserves, leaning on the people who love you can help you feel understood and uplifted.[11]
- Reach out to a parent, sibling, cousin, or friend, and offer to buy them a cup of coffee and chat things out.
- Pick someone who makes you feel heard.
[Edit]Give counseling a try. - A professional can help you navigate your relationship's issues. It's never a bad idea to get an expert's opinion if you're struggling in your relationship.[12] Reach out to your primary care doctor to get a referral for a great therapist in your area or try asking friends and family for a recommendation. It may be helpful to interview different therapists before you settle on one.[13]
- Remember, if you'd prefer it, you can go to see a professional on your own instead.
- Similarly, keep in mind that your partner may end up wanting to attend therapy longer than you will. This is totally normal!
[Edit]Spend time away. - By taking a break from the relationship, you and your partner can find time to reflect. When you're with someone, working towards improving your relationship, and constantly answering to your partner's needs, it can be really hard to get a good sense of whether or not the relationship is working.[14] By stepping away from your relationship, the two of you can decide whether or not you're happier and healthier on your own.[15]
- Set clear expectations and boundaries before the break begins. No one should be getting hurt over a miscommunication.
- Know that taking a break can be a bit of a risk. There's always a chance that you or your partner will gain clarity during a break that leads to a breakup.
- However, sometimes the relationship just isn't working. Make sure you spend your break genuinely reflecting on your needs, desires, and relationship's patterns.
- Trust that if you come back together, your relationship will have a healthier, more secure foundation to build from.
[Edit]Ask yourself whether or not it's worth it. - Even without a break, you can ask yourself questions to gain clarity. No relationship is going to be without issues, and you should make sure your evaluation reflects that. But at the same time, you should always ensure that your relationship is, overall, a source of more positives than negatives in your life.[16] Try to kick off your reflection using some of these questions below.[17]
- Do you feel both of you care enough about the relationship working out?
- Are you flexible with each other and within reasonable expectations, willing to change for each other?
- Are you typically able to resolve disagreements in a friendly way?
- Does the time you spend together add or detract from your happiness?
[Edit]References |
| How to Date Someone Who Works Nights Posted: 20 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT When you or your partner works nights, it can be hard to find time for a quick meal together, let alone romance and intimacy. How do you maintain a happy and healthy relationship when one of you is working odd hours? Fortunately, it's still possible to keep the romance alive. Keep reading to learn how to have a strong relationship even when one works the night shift. [Edit]Respect each other's sleep schedule. - Getting enough sleep helps you both stay in a better mood. It can be really tempting to stay awake so you can spend more time with your partner, but not sleeping enough can make you feel irritable. Talk to your partner about what times you'll both be sleeping and when you'll both be awake. When your partner is asleep, avoid disturbing them or trying to wake them up so they can feel refreshed.[1]
[Edit]Plan creative dates around your schedule. - There's plenty you can do during the odd hours when you're both awake. Since whoever works nights will want to catch up on sleep during the day, you'll have to find dates for the early morning or late afternoon. Look over your schedules and pick a time when you're both awake and available to get together.[2] Some fun and creative date ideas you could try include:
- Watching the sunrise together
- Taking an afternoon trip to a museum
- Catching a matinee at the movie theater
- Enjoying a meal together before or after the shift
- Hitting the gym for an early or late workout session
[Edit]Prioritize time for intimacy. - Maintaining your physical connection is important for a healthy relationship. If you feel like you haven't had a lot of time to be intimate with your partner because of your schedules, plan times to bond and keep that spark alive. Look for times where you can cuddle, have sex, and work on your physical chemistry without distractions so it doesn't feel like you're growing more distant when one of you is at work.[3]
- It's really important to set aside quality time together in your relationship.[4]
[Edit]Send texts to each other throughout your shifts. - Checking in helps your partner feel connected in the relationship. Try to send your partner a loving message when you have a chance. Keep them updated on your day and ask how they're doing so they know that you care. Even if they don't have time to reply, they'll appreciate you checking in whether they're at work or waiting for you to get home from your shift.
- "Hey you ❤️ just woke up and I'm missing you! Hope your shift has been easy so far 😘"
- "I'm just about to go to bed, but I wanted to say goodnight and have fun at work! I'll be dreaming of you 😉"
- "I hope you've been sleeping well. Work has been crazy, but it's made the night go fast. I can't wait to see you in the morning!"
- You can even send an especially sexy or romantic message to really turn up the heat.[5]
[Edit]Leave each other love notes. - Occasional love notes keep the spark alive and bring you closer together. Even if it seems old-fashioned, a short and sweet love letter gives your partner something to read and remember you by for the whole day. If your partner is leaving for a shift, pack a small note in their lunchbox or set it near their keys. If you're the one working at night, leave a note on a bedside table or another place your partner will see it when they wake up.[6]
- "Just a little reminder that you're amazing and I love you!"
- "Go make it a great day at work! I'm rooting for you!"
- "Good morning! I can't wait to see you when you get home!"
- Feel free to leave long love letters, too! When your partner gets home, read it out loud and share all the different ways you appreciate and love them.[7]
[Edit]Take advantage of holidays and days off. - Making the most of the time you share together strengthens your bond.[8] You'll probably have a few days and major holidays off that will line up with your partner, so take advantage of your off-time when you can. Plan to see each other and hang out doing something fun so you can stay connected with them.
[Edit]Plan a vacation together. - Scheduling some time off helps you and your partner recharge. If you both have some vacation time to use or can afford a day off, plan a long weekend or a day trip where you can get away with your partner. Vacations are really important for when you're feeling physically and emotionally drained, and they can help you refocus on your relationship if work has been stressing you out lately.
- You don't have to travel when you take time off. A relaxing staycation will work just as well to help you feel refreshed.
[Edit]Be present when you're together. - Prioritize your partner when you have time between your busy schedules. When you have limited time to see your partner before or after their work shift, just spending time in the same room together isn't enough. Put your phones away, get rid of any distractions, and focus on bonding with one another. Have some deep conversations, do an activity together, and show affection towards your partner to make the most of your time.[9]
[Edit]Make time for self-care. - Different schedules can start to take their toll on you mentally and physically. Working nights or supporting a partner that works nights can start taking its toll on you emotionally, so look for relaxing ways to recenter yourself. Make sure you maintain a healthy diet, practice stress relief, and take care of your health so you're feeling 100%. Some things you can do to unwind and recharge include:[10]
- Reading your favorite book
- Meditating
- Doing yoga
- Going for a walk
[Edit]Focus on your goals and interests when you're alone. - Working toward your own goals distracts you from missing your partner. Take your mind off of your partner to work on some personal projects. Put time and energy into something you want to achieve or rekindle your interest in an old hobby. That way, you stay productive and focus on another thing you love while you're taking your mind off of missing your partner.[11]
[Edit]Talk with your partner if you're still struggling. - Be honest with your partner so they know how you're feeling. If it still feels like you're having trouble connecting or balancing your time together, sit down and have a conversation about what's going on. Use "I" statements to focus on your emotions so it doesn't feel like you're blaming them. Once they hear how you're feeling, you can brainstorm or ask for ways to make it work together.[12]
- "I start to feel lonely when you leave for work at night without saying goodbye. I know you don't want to wake me up, so is there another way you could tell me before you go?"
- "I feel like we haven't had a lot of time to focus on us lately. Can we carve out a weekend just for us so we can reconnect a little?"
- "I've felt that there's been some distance growing between us over the past couple of weeks. Has something changed at work that we should talk about?"
[Edit]References |
| How to Deal with a Mother in Law Who Hates You Posted: 20 Jun 2022 09:00 AM PDT Dealing with a toxic mother-in-law can be frustrating and confusing. You might wonder what you've done to deserve her hatred or if there's anything you can do to make her like you. Thankfully, there's a lot you can do to address this situation, even if you can't control her behavior. This article is here to help you find common ground with your mother-in-law, set boundaries if she is mistreating you, and protect your mental health. After following these tips, you'll likely see an improvement in how you feel about the situation, no matter how your mother-in-law responds. [Edit]Keep an eye out for signs that your mother-in-law is toxic. - There are several red flags to watch out for. It can be hard to accept that your mother-in-law doesn't like you if you haven't done anything wrong. Unfortunately, it's possible that she doesn't like you for reasons completely out of your control. She might be dealing with personal issues of her own, resulting in toxic or hateful behavior. If you're not sure, here are some signs that your mother-in-law might be toxic:[1]
- She dismisses your point of view
- She expects you to do everything she wants
- She badmouths you to other people
- She holds grudges against you
- She makes you feel rejected or excluded at family gatherings
- She is manipulative and plays mind games
- She's not interested in getting to know you
- She doubts your intentions or assumes the worst of you
- She tries to control your behavior or your relationship with her adult child
- She undermines your authority as a parent
[Edit]Be kind and avoid stooping to her level. - Matching her hatred may make the situation worse. Though it's tempting to fight back when someone mistreats you, try to be the bigger person in the situation. Be as kind as possible to your mother-in-law, and try your best to be oblivious to her insults or negative comments. You'll end up feeling better about yourself, and it might encourage your mother-in-law to leave you be.[2]
- Greet her with a smile every time you see her, try to engage in friendly conversations, and avoid reacting if she insults or mistreats you.
- If she makes a negative comment about your vegetarian diet, for example, avoid getting upset. You might say, "That pot roast you made is tempting, though!" and change the subject.
[Edit]Set boundaries and stick to them. - Setting boundaries can help you gain control over the situation. Let your mother-in-law know when she has crossed a line, and don't be afraid to kindly, but firmly, stick up for yourself. This can help you establish some ground rules regarding how involved your mother-in-law is in your life, your relationship with your partner, and your parenting decisions.[3]
- Perhaps your mother-in-law wants to come over multiple times a week, but you're not comfortable with that. You could say, "How about we schedule dinner at our house once a week?"
- If she presses you to come over more often, simply say, "Our schedule is pretty hectic throughout the week. Once a week would work best for us."
[Edit]Address the issue with your partner in a gentle manner. - Your partner might be able to give you some help and support. Let your partner know how your mother-in-law's treatment is affecting you in a respectful, non-accusatory manner. To do this, use I-statements and address your mother-in-law's behavior (not her character).[4] This will help your partner become more aware of the issue, and they might end up coming to your defense next time your mother-in-law is out of line.
- You might say, "When your mom disregards my authority in front of our kids, it makes me feel a little disrespected. I understand that she is their grandmother, but my perspective matters, too."
- If you need to vent, talk to a friend or trusted family member first. That way, you can let out your feelings without saying anything you might regret. You can also try journaling to express your emotions in private.[5]
[Edit]Talk to your mother-in-law kindly, but directly. - It might be worth it to ask why she is treating you this way. Before you do this, assess whether you're ready to hear what she might have to say. If you think you can handle it, talk to her privately and ask if she could tell you why she is upset with you. This gives the two of you a chance to connect and air your grievances. It can also help you address any misunderstandings that might be influencing her behavior.[6]
- You might say, "Last time I came over, you seemed a little frustrated with me. I really would like us to get along, and I was wondering if there was anything that I did that might have upset you?"
- If she says no or seems unwilling to have a respectful conversation, let the subject go. Getting into a heated exchange might not help the situation, and you're under no obligation to listen to her insult you if that's how she responds.
- You could invite her to coffee or lunch so you can talk directly.[7]
[Edit]Limit the time you spend with her if she is mistreating you. - Sometimes, it's just not feasible to spend time with your mother-in-law. If she is particularly unkind or toxic, it might be best to keep your interactions to a minimum. You can do this by remaining friendly but limiting your interactions to small talk, having a clear start and end time set for your engagements, and even opting out of family gatherings when you're not feeling up to it.[8]
- You might try sitting at the opposite end of the table as your mother-in-law during family dinners. Say hi and be nice, but spend most of your time talking to other family members.
- Make concrete plans with a definite start and end time. You might say, "Would you like to come over for lunch from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm?" If she presses to stay longer, let her know you have other plans later that day.
- Politely let your mother-in-law know that you have a previous engagement if you can't or don't want to attend a family gathering.
[Edit]Accept your mother-in-law for who she is. - Let go of trying to change your mother-in-law. As frustrating or confusing as her behavior might be, there may be little you can do to fix the situation. If she's really set in her ways, trying to change her mind and get her to like you might just leave you feeling exhausted and upset. Focus on being the best person you can be on your own terms, and remind yourself that her treatment has little to do with you.[9]
- You might be tempted to adhere to all of your mother-in-law's wishes and demands so that she will like you. Though it's totally okay to want to please her (you're only human), avoid doing so at the expense of your own mental health.
[Edit]Empathize with her perspective. - Your mother-in-law's hatred likely has very little to do with you. It's possible that she's jealous or threatened by your presence in her adult child's life. If she blames you for things out of your control, puts her needs above yours, or invalidates you, it's also possible that she's dealing with a mental health issue like Narcissistic Personality Disorder.[10] This is not an excuse for her behavior, but it can help you understand and empathize with her point of view.
- Next time she insults you for no reason or blames you for something out of your control, think to yourself, "My mother-in-law's behavior has nothing to do with me" or "That hurts to hear, but she is going through a lot of pain right now."
- It might be helpful to learn more about toxic parents and narcissism to remind yourself that her treatment is not your fault.
[Edit]Try to emotionally detach from the situation. - You can't control her behavior, but you can control how it affects you. Anytime your mother-in-law does something to get a rise out of you or hurt your feelings, remind yourself that her treatment is not a reflection of who you are. If you remember this, it may get easier to get through interactions with her without feeling guilty or bad about yourself.[11]
- Next time your mother-in-law says something rude, you might think, "That's just how my mother-in-law treats people. It is not a reflection of me" or "That wasn't a very nice thing to say, but it has nothing to do with who I am."
- It might be beneficial to practice mindfulness. This can help you focus on your surroundings and the present moment anytime thoughts about your mother-in-law are distracting or upsetting you.
[Edit]Take care of your mental health. - This can be an emotionally exhausting situation. Practice self-care by getting plenty of sleep, making time for your hobbies and passions in life, and spending quality time with your support system (your friends, your family, and your partner). All of these activities can give you a relaxing and restorative break from your difficult relationship with your mother-in-law. It can also help you remember all of the good things going on in your life, completely separate from her.[12]
- Other things that can help you destress include going out for a long walk, any type of exercise, or listening to calming music.
- You might also try writing down what you're grateful for in life. This can help you focus on the positive when things are tough.
[Edit]Love yourself no matter what. - Having a difficult mother-in-law can take a toll on your self-esteem. Avoid letting her treatment get you down by reminding yourself of all of your positive qualities, talents, and accomplishments. That way, you'll feel good about yourself no matter what your mother-in-law says or does.[13]
- Try writing down everything you like about yourself on a piece of paper. Next time you're feeling sad about something your mother-in-law said to you, read over that list.
- If you're really struggling, you might try talking to a therapist. They can give you some tools to build up your confidence and develop healthy self-esteem. If you're interested, get a referral from your doctor or search online for a therapist in your area.
[Edit]References |
| How to Match Lipstick to Your Skin Undertones Posted: 20 Jun 2022 01:00 AM PDT This wikiHow will show you how to find the best lipstick shade unique to you, based on your undertones! After finding your undertones, read on to learn which shades of lipstick are suitable for you and your face. These instructions are easiest to follow during the day and should take around 10 minutes. [Edit]Determining your Skin Undertones - Wash your face, and wait 10 minutes.
- Wash your face with your preferred face wash. Dry your face with a towel by patting dry and wait 10 minutes before looking at skin tone. Waiting 10 minutes will give your face time to relay back to its original tone after washing.
- Find a natural light source.
- Walk to your nearest window or place of natural light so you can accurately view your skin color. Use a handheld mirror to get the truest shade to observe your skin. If needed, you can also use a front-facing camera on your phone. Your face and wrist will be viewed to find your undertones.
- Use a white sheet of paper to identify your undertones. Stand in front of a mirror and hold a white piece of paper up to your face. Now, compare your skin color to the whiteness of the piece of paper.
- If your skin looks pink or rosy by comparison, you're cool-toned.
- If your face looks more yellow, your undertone is warm.
- If your skin looks peachy, neither yellow nor pink, you have a neutral undertone.
- Look at your veins to confirm your undertones. Another way to identify your undertones is by viewing the color of your veins. Stand near natural light and hold your wrist up to the light, palm up. Look closely at the color of the veins in your wrist. This step is helpful for darker skin tones.
- If your veins look blue or purple, you have a cool undertone.
- If your veins appear to look green, you have warmer undertones.
- You have neutral undertones if your veins appear to be in between or have a mix of green and blue colored veins.
- Evaluate how your skin color responds to sunlight. If you're still having trouble determining your undertones, you can also find them by noticing how your skin reacts to the sun. Sun exposure is very telling when it comes to determining your undertone.
- If you tend to burn easily, you have a cooler undertone.
- If you tan easily, you have a warm undertone.
- If you burn and tan, you have a neutral undertone.
- Try on some jewelry. Undertones can also be identified by how jewelry looks on you. Comparing how gold jewelry vs silver jewelry looks on you can be a helpful way to confirm your undertones.
- Gold jewelry tends to be more flattering on warmer skin tones
- Silver jewelry tends to be more flattering on cooler skin tones
- If you don't discriminate between gold and silver jewelry based on how it looks on you, you may have neutral undertones.
[Edit]Matching Lipstick to Cool Undertones - Look for lipstick with blue or purple-shaded hues.
- The best lipsticks for cool undertones have blue or purple undertones. Like going for a deep bluish-red (cherry red) versus a red lip that seems more orange. Another example of a purple toned shade is a berry lip. For nude lips, you can enhance the natural flush of your lips with a rosy, pink nude, or a taupe beige for a more subtle look.
- Apply Lipstick.
- Grab lipstick of the above shade and hue and apply to your lips. Tap a tissue to wipe off any excess color. Admire how it looks on your face and have fun!
[Edit]Matching Lipstick to Warm Undertones - Search for lipstick with red or orange hues.
- The best lipsticks for warm undertones are lip colors in warm shades. Bold oranges, brick reds, or terracotta browns would look best! When looking for a nude shade, correspond it with your skin shade. For a light overall skin tone, go for a pale nude, and for a dark overall skin tone, go for a rich nude.
- Apply lipstick.
- Grab lipstick of the above shade and hue and apply to your lips. Tap a tissue to wipe off any excess color. Enjoy the accent to your skin tone you have now applied!
[Edit]Matching Lipstick to Neutral Undertones - Find any lipstick of your liking! It's a free for all with neutral undertones.
- From a light nude shade to a dark berry, with neutral undertones, any shade flatters your skin. Choosing a color of your liking will make you look good and feel good!
- Apply desired lipstick and have fun!
- Take your lipstick and apply a light coat onto your lips. Dab your lips with a tissue to remove any excess product. Enjoy your easy search and success on finding a flattering lip color!
[Edit]References
|
| How to View Instagram Without an Account Posted: 19 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT Do you want to be able to look at Instagram without having an account? While you won't have access to all Instagram features, there are a few ways you can check out someone's profile and Instagram Story if their account is public. This wikiHow article will teach you how to view someone's Instagram without an account. [Edit]Viewing Profiles using the Instagram Website - Find the username of the Instagram account you want to view. This method allows you to view a specific account, so you should first find the profile's username.
- Open up your preferred web browser on a computer. You aren't able to use the mobile app without an account, so you'll need to use a computer.[1]
- We recommend using private mode, as you will likely run into fewer website blocks.
- Type the profile URL into the address bar. The only way to view Instagram is to go directly to a profile, so you should type in a profile-specific URL. Simply type in the username right after instagram.com/
- For example, if you wanted to view Beyoncé's Instagram, you would type in: instagram.com/beyonce.
- Scroll through their Instagram. Now that you've arrived at the page, scroll through their posts!
- Keep in mind that you will have limited functionality. For example, you won't be able to view Stories or click on a post to see the caption, comments, or likes. Follow the next two methods for more viewing options!
[Edit]Using a Third-Party Website to View Someone's Instagram Story - Type https://storiesdown.com into your preferred web browser. On your mobile device or computer, open up your preferred web browser and type this into the address bar.
- Type an Instagram username into the search bar. At the top of the website, there's a white search bar. This is where you can type in the username of the profile that you want to view.
- Tap or click on . This is the black button inside of the search bar.
- View their Instagram Story. After the website loads, simply scroll down to view the user's Instagram Story.
- Keep in mind that this function is only available if the user has a public account. Also, you won't be able to view anything if the user doesn't currently have anything on their Story.
- Click on (optional). If you want to download the Instagram story to your device, simply click on Download underneath the Story.
[Edit]Using a Third-Party Website to View an Instagram Account - Type https://imginn.com into your preferred web browser. On your mobile device or computer, open up your preferred web browser and type this into the address bar.
- Type an Instagram username into the search bar. This is a white search bar at the top of the website.
- Tap or click on the magnifying glass icon. This is to the right of the search bar.
- Tap or click on the correct profile. A list of profiles similar to the one you typed in will appear on the website. Simply click on the correct one.
- Keep in mind that this function is only available if the user has a public account.
- View their posts. Now just scroll through the user's page to view all of their posts. If you want to see the caption or comments on a particular post, simply click on it.
- Click on (optional). If you want to download a certain post to your device, simply click on the red Download button underneath the post.
- While these three methods are easy ways to view someone's profile, you will still have relatively limited functions without an account. You may want to create an Instagram account to have more autonomy, such as viewing a private account.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Deal with Fake Friends Posted: 19 Jun 2022 09:00 AM PDT Fake friendships can sometimes be difficult to spot, as people who are fake friends tend to be very good at manipulation and deceit. Friendships where you do not feel your needs are fully supported or acknowledged are usually fake. In some situations, you may have to deal with a fake friend. This may be a person you work with or someone in your social group. Try to interact with these people in a way that does not exhaust you emotionally. Work on identifying troublesome behavior and disengaging with it. If the friendship is becoming too much, find a way to gracefully end the relationship. [Edit]Interacting with Fake Friends - Set limits regarding time and emotional space. It's not always realistic to give a fake friend a lot of your time and energy. Be aware of how much you can tolerate this person and manage your time with them accordingly.[1]
- Give carefully in your relationships. You should not give someone a heavy amount of time or consideration if they consistently violate your boundaries, blow you off, or otherwise disrespect you. Fake friends tend to engage in these behaviors.
- You are not required to respect someone who does not respect you. If a fake friend is difficult to make plans or spend time with, it's okay to disengage. You can still be around this person, especially if you have to in groups, but it's okay to stop reaching out on a one-to-one level or engaging this friend's drama. You should focus your emotional energy on true friends.
- Try to surround yourself with people who have the same values as you.[2]
- Have realistic expectations regarding a fake friend's behavior. Fake friends are unlikely to change their behavior, and in some cases may eventually turn into outright bullies. Therefore, manage your expectations carefully when interacting with a fake friend. Keep in mind this interaction may very likely be negative. Preparing yourself for bad behavior can help you feel less stung or confused when it occurs.[3]
- If your friend Samantha consistently gives backhanded compliments or subtly puts you down, expect as much when you're getting drinks with her. Say to yourself, "This is just how Samantha is."
- Try not to want too much from this person. If you were invested in the relationship, and it turned out to be fake, this can be a major letdown. However, it's important you accept you cannot rely on this person for your emotional fulfillment or wellbeing.
- Monitor the nature of the friendship over time. Fake friendships can take an ugly turn at times and may be difficult to manage longterm. Consistently take stock of a fake friend's behavior. Watch for signs that the behavior is becoming worse, to the point it borders on bullying.[4]
- You should periodically take stock of a fake friend's behavior. Ask yourself if their behavior has made you more uncomfortable or stressed lately. Has this friend been getting increasingly difficult to deal with? Is this person creating more drama for you and your other friends?
- Friendships do change over time. It's possible a fake friend will change over a long period of time. Fake friends can turn into true friends over time. It's important to take stock of any changes in your relationship. If you feel someone is becoming a better friend, you may be able to continue to have this person in your life.
- Make sure you care for your own emotional needs. When dealing with fake friends, it's easier to put your needs and wants on hold. You may find yourself bending over backwards to accommodate someone who is difficult to please. If you're having more bad times with a person than good times, make sure to put your emotional needs first. It's okay to temporarily disengage altogether, or simply give this person slightly less time and energy, if the relationship is becoming too exhausting for you.[5]
[Edit]Becoming Aware of Troublesome Behavior - Identify what behaviors are unacceptable for you. You should not engage with people who treat you in a manner you find personally unacceptable. When coping with fake friends, work on identifying what behaviors you will not tolerate. If your fake friends behave in these ways, disengage with them right away. You can identify unacceptable behaviors by the way they make you feel.[6]
- An unacceptable behavior might be splurging a secret that you shared in confidence.[7]
- If you continually experience arguments with this person that are not resolved, they may be seriously violating your boundaries. A fake friend may negate how you feel regarding their treatment, and insist you're being hypersensitive.
- You should also not tolerate any behavior that makes you feel tense, anxious, or uncomfortable. Behaviors that hurt your self-esteem or sense of self-worth are also unacceptable.
- Watch for signs of bullying. Fake friends can sometimes cross the line from frenemies or competitive friends to outright bullies. If a relationship has become bullying in nature, it's important you strongly consider ending it. Learn and watch for the signs of bullying in a friendship.[8]
- Bullies tend to have very low self-esteem. Therefore, they seek out people to dump their insecurities and frustrations on. If a friend is becoming a bully, he or she will be increasingly critical of you. He or she may also become temperamental and consistently say and do things that hurt your feelings.
- It can be hard to tell when someone has crossed the line into bullying, but it's important to be vigilant. Bullies can do great damage to self-esteem over time. Pay attention to how someone treats you. If they repetitively violate your boundaries and do not offer an apology, this person is probably bullying you. These kinds of relationships are usually best severed.
- Pay attention to how real friends treat you. You want to identify true friends so you can better identify the poor behavioral patterns of fake friends. True friends are genuinely caring and supportive. They can help you identify how you deserve to be treated.[9]
- A friend should make you feel consistently happy. Friends should be exciting to be around and should always be kind and respectful of your boundaries. Unlike fake friends, friends value you simply for being the person you are. They do not expect you to be anyone you're not.
- Friends may offer constructive feedback on occasion, or let you know when they're worried or concerned about your behavior. Unlike fake friends, however, friends do not actively want you to feel bad. They just want what's best for you and always speak out of genuine concern for your wellbeing.
- Watch for co-dependency. Fake friends are often co-dependent people. They may be manipulative emotionally. They crave friendships for their own sense of stability and do not understand how to truly value others. You may not notice someone is a fake friend as codependency can often be masked as love or concern, and is rarely aggressive. If you're in a codependent, somewhat fake friendship, you need to take steps to address the issue.[10]
- A codependent friend will rarely be directly assertive. In fact, they may often agree to do what you want to do. However, later on there will be consequences for their compliance. They may complain later about disliking the things you did together and may begin to make increasingly unreasonable demands during social events.
- A codependent friend will have difficulty accepting responsibility for their actions. They may lash out at you or deny culpability if you call them out on the ways they hurt you.
- If you're in a codependent relationship, you need to strongly consider whether this relationship is worth your time. Codependent relationships can be exhausting and, in the long run, damaging.
- Protect yourself from emotional blackmail. Fake friends will often engage in behaviors known as emotional blackmail. It's very important to tune out this kind of behavior and focus on your own sense of happiness and security. Emotional blackmail is a form of manipulation in which someone uses anger, rage, or shame to get you to behave the way they want.[11]
- Fake friends can be particularly savvy at emotional blackmail, as they may hide negative comments under the guise of compliments. For example, you may do something your friend dislikes and he or she may say, "I really thought you were better than that. I can't believe you of all people would engage in that kind of behavior."
- Emotional blackmailers may also threaten you with anger or warnings if you don't behave the way they want. For example, your friend may say something like, "I don't know what I'll do if you don't come to this party with me. Your rejection may sting so much I'll end up drinking too much." Emotional blackmailers try to make you feel like you are responsible for their behavior.
- If someone is blackmailing you emotionally, do not engage. End conversations that are manipulative in nature and refuse to return texts or emails attempting to blackmail you.
[Edit]Setting Boundaries when Necessary - Be aware of yourself and your needs. The first step to setting healthy boundaries is being aware of your own needs in a relationship.[12] Everyone has certain rights going into a relationship or friendship. Identify what your rights are so you can decide whether or not a fake friend is worth your time.
- What makes you feel comfortable in a relationship? What do you look for when seeking out a friend? Is it shared interests, kindness, compassion? Does this person meet those qualities?
- Does this person violate your boundaries? Are they not concerned with you and your emotional wellbeing? You may need someone in your life capable of more compassion than a fake friend.
- Setting boundaries really helps you develop a sense of self-compassion and self-worth.[13]
- Decide whether the friendship is worth keeping. It's not always worth it to keep up with a fake friendship. It's okay to walk away if someone's behavior is becoming increasingly troublesome for you.[14]
- Think about the effect this relationship has had on your self-esteem. Do you feel worse about yourself when you're around this person? Have you internalized some of their criticisms and complaints about you?
- Do you ever actually want to see this person anymore? You may be hanging out due to a sense of obligation. You may also find yourself feeling tense going into meetings with this person. If this is the case, this may be a fake friendship.
- Figure out a graceful way to end a toxic friendship. If you've determined this friendship is not worth keeping, find a graceful way to end it. You should let this person know directly you no longer want him or her in your life.[15]
- While it may feel cold, it may be easier to send a text or email. This can be especially helpful if the person in question is stressful to be around. You do not have to be caustic or lay out a list of grievances. A simple email should be sufficient. Try saying something like, "I'm sorry, but I don't think this friendship is really working for either one of us."
- Keep your emotions in check. Even if you're right to feel you were being treated poorly, blaming can escalate the situation. You want to get out with as clean a break as possible and avoid unnecessary drama and animosity.
- Lessen contact with fake friends without terminating the relationship. You may not need to end every fake friendship.[16] If this is someone you have to see on occasion, cutting ties may not be realistic. You may have mutual friends, for example, or you may work together. Simply accept this is not someone you will see frequently one-on-one. Do not invite the person out to hang out with just you, or to attend smaller get-togethers. Keep him or her on the periphery of your life.[17]
- Don't let negative people bring you down. If you feel sad, anxious, or frustrated after spending time with a fake friend, engage in self-care.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Sign a PDF on iPhone Posted: 19 Jun 2022 01:00 AM PDT Have you been sent a PDF to sign and return? Or do you want to add your signature to that artwork you have in a PDF format? Fortunately, this is easy to do with a built-in tool called Markup! For a more secure e-signature, you can pay a subscription fee to use Adobe Sign. This wikiHow article teaches you how to sign a PDF on an iPhone with Markup and Adobe Sign. [Edit]Using Markup - Open your PDF in Markup. To do this, open the Files app and long-press on your PDF. Once the menu slides up from the bottom of your screen, tap Markup.[1]
- If you quickly tap the file instead, it will open and you'll see a marker-tip icon in the top right corner. You can tap that to open Markup.
- Tap . You'll see this plus sign in the bottom right corner of your screen.
- Tap . If you already have signatures, you can drag and drop the one you prefer onto your document. If you don't have signatures, draw on the screen of your phone to create a signature that you can later drag to reposition on the PDF.[2]
- Tap . It's in the top left corner of your screen and will close Markup and save your changes.
[Edit]Using Adobe Sign - Open the document you want to sign in Adobe Sign. This app icon looks like a stylized "A" next to "Sign" on a purple background.
- You'll need a subscription to use this service, which offers more secure e-signatures (like certificate-based digital signatures). If you're starting an Acrobat Standard DC or Acrobat Pro DC subscription for the first time, you can get a 7-day free trial.
- If you don't have the Adobe Sign app, you can get it for free from the App Store.[3]
- Tap . You'll see the pencil icon at the bottom of your screen, towards the right.
- Tap . This will allow you to add your signature to the PDF.
- Select . The screen will adjust to allow you to use the entire screen so you don't have to create a small signature. Tilt your phone in landscape mode (it'll be longer than it is tall) to continue.
- Tap . You'll see this option at the top of your screen, which will allow you to use your finger or stylus to draw on the screen of your phone.
- Tap . You'll see this in the top right corner of your screen and your signature will be saved for any future documents.
- The app will try to place your signature at the appropriate size and in the right spot, but you can drag and drop or pinch it to move it around or make it bigger.[4]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Compliment a Strong Woman Posted: 18 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT Want to compliment a strong woman in your life who lifts you up? Maybe she's your relative, your friend, or your colleague. However she's connected to you, it's important to make sure she feels valued for all that she does. Since she'll love to hear about her inner beauty and best qualities, we've compiled a list of sincere praise that's sure to make her smile. If you want to compliment a strong woman, start with what's beneath the surface—read on for examples of exactly what to say and tighten your bond with her!
This article is based on an interview with our dating coach, John Keegan. [Edit]"I'm so proud of everything you've done." - Celebrate her accomplishments. Even when her achievements seem effortless, she still devoted a lot of time and energy into getting where she is today. Point out the triumphs she should be proud of and cheer her on for making her dreams a reality.
- "Congrats on your acceptance to grad school! 🎓 I'm not even surprised!"
- "You passed your CSA! 🎉 Guess you'll be doing my taxes soon!"
- "Of course your wedding planning business is thriving! I always believed in you."
[Edit]"You are so genuine!" - Praise her personality traits. Remaining honest and authentic to who she is requires consistency and courage. Tell her that you see how she's developed her character and held onto the inner values or qualities that define her. She'll feel fully recognized and appreciated.[1]
- "I don't know anyone with more conviction than you. 💪"
- "You're so honest and transparent. 🪞 I know I can trust you."
- "I appreciate how open-minded you are. You think about every perspective."
[Edit]"You have so many skills!" - Point out her talents. All strengths and abilities demand a lot of patience and discipline. If she has any special capabilities that really "wow" you, then congratulate her for them. You'll give her a spark of motivation to push past her limits and discover new heights.
- "You sing like you're classically trained! 😮! I can't believe you're self-taught!"
- "You're an amazing powerlifter. 🏋️♀️ Your IG account definitely inspires others!"[2]
- "Your graphic design blows me away! Those landscapes look so real."
[Edit]"You're incredibly insightful." - Value her intelligence. Her cleverness is the result of focus and determination. Compliment her study habits, her thoughtful comments, and her observational skills. When you analyze how witty she is, she'll glow with pride.[3]
- "You have the best social commentary. I learn so much about the world. 🌎"
- "You're so perceptive. 🧐 I don't think you miss a single detail."
- "It feels like you've read every bestseller and know every pop culture reference!"
[Edit]"You're so caring." - Appreciate her kindness. She expresses so much empathy and thoughtfulness because she concentrates on what everyone needs. Honor that she thinks outside of herself so often and bring up how valuable her heart is. She'll know that her generosity matters to you.[4]
- "I love seeing you with your students! 👩🏫 You must be their favorite teacher."
- "You're always looking for ways to help. 🔍 I see how thoughtful you are."
- "Your heart is so radiant. Your compassion really shines through."
[Edit]"You're such a risk-taker!" - Marvel at her bravery. She pushes past her comfort zone because she has causes she truly believes in. Acknowledge how much boldness it took to announce what she finds acceptable in this world. When you praise her for standing up, she'll feel renewed faith in her actions.
- "It was courageous of you to speak so clearly and passionately at the town hall!"
- "You're such a bold director. Your documentary was really eye-opening. 🎥"
- "It was very brave of you to speak so vulnerably about your upbringing. 💛"
[Edit]"You're an amazing role model." - Tell her she's a positive influence. Since she's so inspirational, she knows that others watch her and take notes. Reassure her that she's doing an amazing job and that she always leaves a great impression. She'll be relieved that she's made her mark in her community.
- "It's cool you're off social media and just call people! I'll try that!📱"[5]
- "Your commitment to health inspires me. Now I'll take up running! 🏃♀️"
- "I appreciate your mentorship. You've driven me to really push myself!"
[Edit]"You make everyone smile!" - Say her happiness is contagious. She's a force of nature that manages to remain optimistic in every situation. Describe the wonderful effect she has on people and the way she adds joy to their day. She'll be glad to know she has so much power over a crowd.
- "Your laugh brightens up the whole room! ☀️"
- "That enthusiasm of yours is incredible! 💎"
- "The world seems brighter thanks to your presence!"
[Edit]"You express yourself so well." - Speak about her eloquence. Admire how she puts a lot of thought into every answer or comment. Discuss how much she has a way with words and provide details about why you were so moved. You'll encourage her to keep saying what she has on her mind.[6]
- "You find the best words for any situation. Your speech was so moving. 🫂"
- "The way you describe the world around you is so poetic! 🪶✨"
- "You're so creative and precise when you make your case!"
[Edit]"I know I can count on you!" - Thank her for being reliable. Express gratitude for how dependable she is and point out how much she contributes to any project she's a part of. Also share all the valuable teamwork skills she has. She'll feel nourished by your kind words.
- "I appreciate you bringing so much research to the presentation! 📚"
- "We're all grateful that you're always willing to organize events! 🙏 🎉"
- "Our team can always depend on you to offer a fresh outlook!"
[Edit]"You're such a hard worker." - Praise her work ethic. Even if she's tired or stressed, she still looks within and finds the drive to take on any task. Give her a sincere pep talk and tell her that her follow-through is incredible. It might just give her the extra boost she needs to get through the day.
- "Your discipline is unmatched! 😊"
- "I'm in awe at how you stay energized all day! 🔋"
- "You have such a positive attitude about your job!"
[Edit]"Your friendship means the world to me." - Treasure her for being a good friend. Despite all that she juggles, she always looks out for her loved ones. Say that her friendship is a true prize and that you'll always treat it as precious to you. You'll warm her heart and remind her that you're one of her greatest allies.
- "You are the most amazing confidante. 💖 Thank you for listening."
- "Our friendship has such a big impact on my life! I cherish it. 🙌"
- "Anyone who can count you as a buddy is truly lucky!"
[Edit]References |
No comments:
Post a Comment