Emotional Neglect

Emotional neglect can happen at any stage of a relationship or in a marriage. Usually, emotional neglect occurs more in women. Yet, it can occur to men who are in an exclusive relationship. Emotional neglect is ignoring their partner's needs, ignoring their opinions, and dismissing them in all of their household decisions. Often women are not offered the opportunity to communicate that they are being neglected by their partner. 

In most cases, the man closes off and does not allow enough communication with his partner. He is only affectionate during intimacy. The lack of support, care, and romance during the relationship makes emotional neglect occur more. Furthermore, he or she is more withdrawn and unable to communicate their emotional needs. He or she might spend less time together and do activities by themselves. 

Emotional neglect is a negative factor in any relationship. This can transpire in the relationship because one person is busier than the other. Also, it can be brought into the relationship because of childhood experiences. At the same time, it can be a reaction out of uncertainty and out of fear of being rejected. Therefore both partners' emotional needs have to be discussed.  

Slowly opening up about how you feel about your partner. Doing activities other than intimacy to rekindle that bond in your relationship. Showing support, and trust, and not being afraid to express each other's emotions. Avoid withdrawing from your partner while bringing romance into your relationship. Seek counseling and therapy to discuss more ways about preventing emotional neglect. 

Include your partner's opinions in household decisions. Do not pretend that everything is okay just for your partner's happiness. Always be honest with your partner about your emotional needs. Practice gratitude together and express your emotions in a nonjudgemental manner. Here are more websites about emotional neglect. 

14 Signs of Emotional Neglect in a Relationship- A Conscious Rethink: 

14 Signs Of Emotional Neglect In A Relationship (aconsciousrethink.com)

Emotional Neglect-Signs of Emotional Neglect in Relationships and How to Deal with It (The Soulmate)

EMOTIONAL NEGLECT: Signs of Emotional Neglect in Relationships & How to deal with it (the-soulmate.com)

10 Red Flags of Emotional Neglect in a Relationship-Psychology Today:

10 Red Flags of Emotional Neglect in a Relationship | Psychology Today

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Thanksgiving Coloring Pages 2022

 

Today, I created three coloring pages for Thanksgiving. One coloring page has a pumpkin. The second coloring page has a cornucopia. While the third coloring page has a teacup with flowers. Each coloring page is ready to be downloaded and to be printed on xerox paper or colored paper. 

These coloring pages are for Thanksgiving but they can also be used in the autumn season. You can put these coloring pages in the front of your binder. Also, these coloring pages are free and for your personal use. You can take a picture of your coloring page and use it as cell phone wallpaper. Enjoy!

* Fonts and borders from Photo Collage Editor Maker 

* Fonts from LunaPic

Healthy Benefits of Eating Guavas

The health benefits of consuming guavas are endless. Guavas can help you with occasional constipation because of the fiber content. It also helps your cardiovascular system. This fruit can help lower your blood pressure. Additionally, it is beneficial for your immune system. 

If you need to include more iron and potassium in your diet, you can add this fruit to your grocery shopping list.  This fruit has vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium which may help lower your bad cholesterol levels. Guavas are tropical fruits that have a distinct aroma. You can find guavas in the form of juice, tea, and in smoothies. However, be careful with the added sugars in juices and ready-made smoothies.

The whole fruit is considered edible including the seeds. You can remove the seeds with a knife if you are using them for your homemade smoothies. Guavas can be pink or white inside. To me, the pink flesh of the guavas is sweeter than the white flesh. Furthermore, one guava makes a good snack. 

It is beneficial for your skin. Due to the antioxidants, it may prevent wrinkles. You can also use it to treat acne. This fruit by itself might help you adjust your sugar levels. Here are websites with health information about eating guavas. 

Health Benefits of Guava-How to Use it, Nutrition, and Risks-Medical News Today:

Health benefits of guava: How to use it, nutrition, and risks (medicalnewstoday.com)

15 Amazing Guava Benefits-Heart Healthy, Weight Loss Friendly, and More-NDTV Food:

15 Amazing Guava Benefits: Heart Healthy, Weight Loss Friendly and More - NDTV Food

Guava-Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Information, and More-Web MD: 

Guava: Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Information, and More (webmd.com)

* Fonts, background, and borders from Photo Collage Editor Maker 

DIY Boat Neck Collar for a T-shirt

Boat neckline t-shirts are so comfortable to wear during the summer and warm months. Also, it is easy to wear at home on a relaxing day. Today's sewing tutorial is a continuation of restyling t-shirts. Sometimes it feels uncomfortable wearing t-shirts because the neckline is too high. Therefore I was inspired by Pinterest's upcycling section for t-shirts. 

If you get bored easily by wearing the same style, then you might like this tutorial. I used the same pink t-shirt from the previous sewing tutorial. However, I focused on changing the neck collar of the t-shirt. The boat neckline is not difficult as it seems. Here are the instructions for the boat neckline collar. 

Materials: 

Fabric marker or a ballpoint pen 

A paper plate (optional) 

Thread

Needle

Scissors 

Safety pins or sewing pins 

Begin by tracing the paper plate onto the t-shirt. Cut the fabric by following the lines that were traced. Then turn the t-shirt upside down.  Next, insert the thread into a needle and begin sewing by folding the edges of the fabric. Sew the fabric from both sides. 

Use safety pins or sewing pins to hold the folded fabric. After you are done sewing, turn the t-shirt over. Also, you can sew the tag on the side of the t-shirt for the washing instructions. Then you can iron it and wear the t-shirt. Below are links for restyling t-shirts.

How to Cut T-shirt Neck-7 Ideas to Try-Riverism Blog 

How To Cut Tshirt Neck: 7 Ideas to Try - Riverism Blog

How to Cut a Boat Neck-Make a Boat Neckline on a Shirt-Easy DIY T-shirt Tutorial-YouTube: 

How to cut a boat neck - Make a boat neckline on a shirt - Easy DIY Tshirt Tutorial - YouTube

* Fonts, collage, borders from Photo Collage Editor Maker 

DIY Cold Shoulder T-shirt (Sewing Tutorial)

The cold shoulder t-shirts are fun to wear. But you can save money by making your cold shoulder t-shirt. This sewing tutorial is about cutting out the middle part of the sleeves. You can leave the collar of the t-shirt or remove it to create a comfortable t-shirt. In this example, the collar was left intact. 

This sewing project will take an hour or an hour and a half. If you are sewing by hand make sure you have enough thread. If you crop the bottom portion of the t-shirt it will take longer to sew it. Nonetheless, focusing on the sleeves is the main item for this sewing tutorial.  Here is the sewing tutorial. 

Materials: 

One t-shirt 

Thread

Needle

Coffee lid (optional)

Scissors 

Safety pins or sewing pins (optional)

Fabric marker

First, fold the t-shirt in half. Use a coffee lid to make the cutout shape for the sleeves. Next, trace the coffee lid with a washable fabric marker. After that cut the shape with scissors. Use pins or safety pins to help you sew the sleeves by hand. 

Sew the edges of the cutout. Before you begin sewing the cutout area, make sure you turn the t-shirt backward. Fold the edges of the cutout area. Continue sewing and repeat the sewing in the second sleeve. Below are links to make a cold shoulder t-shirt and more ways to restyle a t-shirt. 

How to Cut the Sleeves of a T-shirt-5 + Cute Ways and Ideas:

How to Cut The Sleeves of a T-shirt (5+ Cute Ways And Ideas) (sewingiscool.com)How to Cut The Sleeves of a T-shirt (5+ Cute Ways And Ideas) (sewingiscool.com)

DIY Cold Shoulder Shirt-4 Steps-Instructables:

DIY Cold Shoulder Shirt : 4 Steps - Instructables

* Fonts from Photo Collage Editor Maker 

Pocketing

 

Pocketing is not a good aspect of a serious relationship because your boyfriend sets you aside during family events. You are also separated from your boyfriend's adventures with friends. It makes you feel left out and not important to him. Yet, you are always there for your boyfriend when he needs companionship. Pocketing can also be done with girlfriends who feel that their boyfriends will not have a nice time at those events. 

Being set aside causes emptiness in a relationship. As well as making you feel hurt, disappointed, and not knowing how to discuss this topic with him or her. Pocketing is often done while dating for many months or in a marriage. Also, it can be done when you are living with them without being married. Pocketing creates a negative effect on any relationship.

No matter what your gender is and who you are with, pocketing is damaging to your self-esteem. It might make you feel doubtful about his or her feelings toward you. You may feel unloved, unwanted, and like a dirty dish towel. Being hidden from his or her private life will create many questions you may want to discuss. Furthermore, pocketing creates unneeded stress in the relationship.

There may be many reasons for doing this to someone and each relationship has challenges. The problem is not you but your partner. Do not feel it is your fault. But knowing the reasons for being pocketed will put you more at ease. Here is a brief list of why you are in a pocketing relationship. 

1. You might be in a friends-plus relationship without knowing it. 

2. You might be his or her lover while he or she is seeing someone else. 

3. You might be his or her lover while he or she is married. 

4. It might be fear keeping you aside. 

5. It can be due to family issues or the family might disapprove of the relationship. 

6. He or she is not comfortable with you due to bad experiences, or trauma, or is unsure of their feelings. 

7. He or she prefers to have a secret relationship with you due to privacy. 

8. It might be too early to put you on Social Media. 

9. He or she might be possessive and does not want you to mingle. 

10. He or she is embarrassed being seen with you. 

Pocketing can be done for different circumstances that need to be communicated with your partner. Depending on the situation, pocketing may end or not. Pocketing has become a popular trend that needs to be avoided. It is an unhealthy relationship that may end in domestic violence and abuse.  Here are more resources about pocketing. 

What is Pocketing in Dating:

https://www.distractify.com/p/what-is-pocketing-in-dating

Pocketing Relationship: 

https://www.bonobology.com/pocketing-relationship/

Pocketing Toxic Dating Trend and Advice on Hiding Relationships: 

https://hypebae.com/2022/4/pocketing-toxic-dating-trend-expert-advice-hiding-relationships

* Fonts and artwork made in Photo Collage Maker and  Editor 

National Depression Education and Awareness Month

Depression affects your mood, your sleep, your work, and your eating habits. This mood disorder can occur at any time of the year. Depression might not fully develop until there is a major event in someone’s life or a medical condition. Also, it might occur during or after a medical diagnosis, after experiencing a traumatic experience, after having a baby, or after a family issue that cannot be resolved. There are many types of depression that someone may not detect while speaking to someone who is depressed.

Consequently, depression changes a person’s speaking ability which often does not match their personality. Their mood and their personality do not line up making it difficult to understand someone who is depressed. It is a struggle trying to understand someone who is depressed especially if he or she is your partner, your friend, and a relative. It hurts more when they say things that they do not intentionally mean but it is part of their depression phase. The pandemic has made a lot of people feel more depressed due to the isolation, economic circumstances, and the way that society has been evolving.

Furthermore, the abuse of substances, alcohol, sexual promiscuity, hate, and other issues have increased because of the pandemic. Depression gets worse with alcohol, substance abuse, and out of fear. Depression may last for two weeks or more depending on how severe it is. It can be persistent, or it can be short-term based on the changes in the seasons. Depression and a medical condition combined make someone feel worse such as Alzheimer’s, Bipolar Disorder, Parkinson’s Disease, and other serious medical conditions.

Even without a medical condition, depression can become permanent in some cases. Depression can be genetic, produced by too much stress, lifestyle changes, and certain medications. It is necessary to get the proper treatment for treating Depression, Postnatal Depression, Major Depression, Manic Depression, Persistent Depression, and Seasonal Affective Disorder. Additionally, it is needed to have more education and awareness about Depression by promoting National Depression Education and Awareness Month. You can wear a green ribbon, a green shirt, or something in green to create a consciousness about Depression.

Although you might not fully understand Depression, it is an effective way to show your support for someone you know who is struggling with this mood disorder. Every year in October, you can learn more about depression and help others to understand it. It may not feel enough but more people should be educated about depression, especially in the medical field. Sometimes in the medical field, it might feel that some medical professionals are ignorant about depression and its many symptoms. Here are more resources about Depression. 

National Alliance on Mental Illness:

Home | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

10 Subtle Signs of Depression-Very Healthy Life:

10 Subtle Signs of Depression (veryhealthy.life)

14 Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression-Medical News Today:

14 common signs and symptoms of depression (medicalnewstoday.com)

 

* Fonts, background, and more from PiZap

*Quotes from GoodReads

Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga is not Restorative Yoga. It requires a lot of flexibility and stamina because the postures are held longer than two minutes. Yin Yoga is a slower type of exercise that makes a person do postures for about twenty minutes or more. This type of yoga is not recommended for pregnant women, people with poor circulation, and people who have osteoporosis. However, when practiced for two weeks or more, this type of yoga will help you be self-controlled with your posture and help you dance better.

Yin Yoga is a traditional exercise with Chinese principles. It uses the yin and yang concept. Yin is an energy that is considered dark, feminine, and cold. While the yang energy is light, hot, and masculine. Together the Yin and Yang energies are part of a cycle.

This type of yoga can be practiced in the morning or at night before going to sleep. Because this yoga practice is slower, you can practice meditation while you are holding your poses for a long time. Make sure you are in a comfortable area to sit down for twenty minutes. You can also lie down. Yin Yoga can be done as a beginner.

If you have a hard time staying in one yoga pose, you can use the wall to help you do Yin Yoga. The wall helps you align your spine while you lie down with your legs up. Always use a cushion to lessen the muscle tension of your neck. After twenty minutes of the first pose, slowly move on to the second pose. Yin Yoga takes a lot of practice and patience. 

You might be able to lose weight after many weeks of practicing Yin Yoga in addition to a healthy diet. Yin Yoga helps you use your muscles that have not been used for a long time. You can use one bolster or one cushion for your neck and knees. Before practicing Yin Yoga consult with your primary doctor. Here are more resources about Yin Yoga. 

What is Yin Yoga-Yin Yoga

What is Yin Yoga? | Yin Yoga

What is Yin Yoga-Web MD:

What Is Yin Yoga? (webmd.com)

Yin Yoga 101: Everything You Need to Know About the Practice-Mind Body Green:

Yin Yoga 101: Everything You Need to Know About The Practice | mindbodygreen

* Fonts, stickers, and background from PiZap

* Orange Meditating clip art: 

Orange Meditating Silohette Clip Art at Clker.com - vector clip art online, royalty free & public domain

Thank You Quotes (Coloring Pages)

 

Thank you for reading my blog since my blog started in April 2017. Today, I have created two coloring pages with thank-you quotes in the center of the page. These coloring pages can be used for Thanksgiving or anytime you want to say thank you to someone. Also, these coloring pages can be used as a reminder for saying thank you. You can color them and frame them in your office or your child's bedroom. 

Furthermore, you can color them and print them out for your binders. These coloring pages are free and for your personal use. I hope to continue adding new coloring pages, especially for Thanksgiving. Nevertheless, you can save these coloring pages and print them out anytime. Enjoy!

* Fonts from PiZap

* Quotes from Goodreads

Different Types of Bullying

There are different types of bullying that parents are not aware of until it happens. Bullying leaves emotional and physical scars that a child might not always overcome psychologically. It makes them feel there is something wrong with them. Most of the time, bullying is not managed and monitored in schools or daycares. Therefore it is critical for more awareness for National Bullying Month.  

The familiar form of bullying is through cyberspace. Cyberbullying continues at a young age and it is impossible to end it on the internet. Also, there is verbal bullying. Hateful messages online or nasty comments that make them feel bad about themselves. Yet, there is also sexual bullying which some parents are not aware of. 

Sexual bullying is the worst kind of bullying for anyone to endure. This type of bullying leads to child abuse especially if the bully is older than the child or teen. Sexual bullying occurs through sexting or sending nude pictures to the bully. Additionally, the bully sometimes uses those nude pictures for keeping the teen or child quiet. The bully has more power and control over the person he or she is bullying. 

Other times the bully forces them to be intimate which leads to rape. It makes the bully feel tough thinking that he or she can do anything without getting caught. The bully might do sexual comments or sexual jokes to them. Similarly, he or she might post videos or images of sexual bullying. Last, he or she might send them to their classmates for entertainment purposes. 

The other form of bullying is by excluding someone from a group, team, or club. Sadly, some can not endure the pain caused by bullying which makes them end their life. Every year in  October and throughout the year, parents should be informed about bullying prevention. The color orange is used for National Bullying Month. Below are websites about bullying. 

Pacer Kids Against Bullying-Join the Cause-Awareness Month:

https://pacerkidsagainstbullying.org/join-the-cause/awareness-month/

Stop Bullying: 

https://www.stopbullying.gov/

Sexual Harassment and Sexual Bullying:

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/harassment.html

Common Types of Bullying:

https://www.parents.com/kids/problems/bullying/common-types-of-bullying/

*Fonts and artwork made in Photo Collage Editor

Different Types of Infidelity

Infidelity is the number one concern among women who have experienced rejection, a traumatic experience, and a distrustful partner. Although most women worry about emotional infidelity, more men are concerned about physical infidelity. The reason is that women are more perceptive of their emotions. On the other hand, men are more sensitive when it comes to a woman having physical intimacy and being unfaithful to them. Yet, these are only two types of infidelity.

There are other ways a man or a woman can be unfaithful such as waiting for an opportunity to have intimacy with someone else. There are times when the person is obliged to be intimate with someone even though they are in a committed relationship with someone. Most of the time this occurs without having any feelings for the other person. Often, they want to experience something new in intimacy that they do not get from their partner. Other times they might feel lonely or afraid of their partner which might make them unfaithful.

The other types of infidelity are complex to understand. Sometimes, the unfaithful person has a conflict with himself or with herself. They love their partner, and they love someone else at the same time. Alternatively, they may no longer have feelings for their partner. They find emotional and physical satisfaction in their new love interest.

However, he or she still finds it tough to explain to their current partner why they are cheating on them. Some men cheat because their partners had gained weight over the years along with more added responsibilities in their homes. Their partners are too busy for them because they are taking care of their children or lose interest in being intimate. Furthermore, women lose interest in dressing up for their husbands and spending time with them. This might seem shallow as an excuse for unfaithfulness since there might be other deeper reasons for doing this to their partner.

For most women, the painful aspect of cheating is emotional infidelity. Emotional infidelity usually makes them do vengeance against their partner which makes their relationship more damaging than it was before. The sign of emotional infidelity is being neglected of your needs emotionally and physically. Your partner calls you by someone else’s name while you are having a conversation with them or during intimacy. Also, your partner loses interest in romancing their partner with messages, affection, and other items that made the relationship flourish.

It is better not to revenge on your partner who has cheated on you. It might feel gratifying at first but in the end, you are the one that gets hurt more by doing this. If you feel you can save your marriage or your committed relationship with your partner, together you must have open communication without any judgment. Additionally, together you should heal as a couple and work on what needs to be done to improve your relationship. Here are more resources about infidelity.

Emotional Infidelity-Psychology Today: 

Emotional Infidelity | Psychology Today

Physical Infidelity-Mend Infidelity:

Physical Infidelity – Mend Infidelity

What is Infidelity-Very Well Mind:

What Is Infidelity? (verywellmind.com)

* Fonts and artwork made in Photo Collage Editor and Maker 

Breadcrumbing

Breadcrumbing is leading someone on romantically without having the desire of making it into a relationship. It might feel like you are in a relationship with this person but, you are not. The person that does breadcrumbing gives you mixed signals letting you that he or she wants to be with you romantically. Other times he or she might feel distant and might not want anything at all from you. This makes you feel confused and lonely.

Sometimes this occurs when the person has another woman on the side, a wife, or a friend-with-benefits relationship. Even though not everyone who does breadcrumbing is in a committed relationship but continue doing these actions based on fear. Some do this because they have doubts about selecting a person to be with romantically, especially if they have more than one person to choose from. Breadcrumbing has risen with the use of WhatsApp, Snapchat, Dating Applications, and other messengers which has facilitated people to infidelity. Additionally, more people use these dating services and do breadcrumbing to others because it gives them a higher state of self-esteem.

While other people do this to get personal pleasure without realizing that they are hurting a person behind that computer screen or cell phone. The signs of breadcrumbing are not replying to messages on time, keep making promises of meeting, exchanging pictures, and making comments about your looks. Also, showing a lot of interest in seeing you but no plans are made. It takes them days or weeks to reply to your messages. It is a horrible experience and might seem like a waste of time dealing with breadcrumbing.

Breadcrumbing is different than Benching. Although the signs are similar because in Benching a person disappears and reappears again through messages and telephone calls. There is less communication with Breadcrumbing and with Benching. The difference is that with Benching the plans might be made but they get canceled without a valid excuse. Whereas Breadcrumbing makes the person decide to go out but there is no definite day for the date.

People who do this tend to have insecurities about themselves and fear being rejected. It is most likely that these people had many rejections and could not manage their emotions. In these situations, it is best to move on or at least try to get clarification about why he or she is doing this to you. Always respect yourself, keep a positive mindset, and move on to another more balanced relationship. Below are links about breadcrumbing.

 

What is Relationship Breadcrumbing: 

https://www.thezoereport.com/wellness/what-is-relationship-breadcrumbing

Relationships and Breadcrumbing:

https://www.thehealthy.com/family/relationships/breadcrumbing/

Breadcrumbing in Dating:

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/breadcrumbing-in-dating

* Background, fonts, and bread from Photo Collage Editor

Eat Better, Eat Together Month 2022

 

Now that the weather is changing, it is the perfect time to eat together as a family. October was chosen as the month to eat better and to eat together as a family. Eat Better and Eat Together Month is celebrated every year in October. Your family can spend less time using their cell phones and other electronic devices by helping you to make a family dinner together. Keep in mind the age of your children and how they can help you prepare a meal.

If they are too young to use a knife and other sharp kitchen tools, they can help set up the table and fold the napkins. Also, one can be a music DJ and play music while the others are helping to set up the dinner table. Another way is by having them watch you cook, and they can write down the ingredients on a piece of paper. Then, they can write down the instructions on how to prepare the meal and make their handmade recipe book. Be creative when having your children together in a kitchen and spend time with them by asking them questions.

Make sure you do not ask them too many questions and have a conversation about the importance of healthy eating. After you and your children are done making your meal, you can have them wash and dry the plates. The mother or father can wash the pots and pans while the children go and play in the backyard. Depending on their age level, your children can make a simple chicken meal with vegetables and with plantains. Here is the recipe.

Ingredients:

One packet of chicken tenderloins

Extra virgin olive oil

Chicken broth or chicken bouillon

One bell pepper (any color)

Spices:

Paprika

Tajin chili and lime mild classic seasoning

Rosemary crushed leaves

Oregano leaves

Lemon and Pepper

Vegetables:

2 Chayote squash

1 Yellow squash

1 to 2 Carrots

1 Dark Plantain

½ onions

Cilantro leaves

Preparation and Cooking Time:

Begin by peeling the green chayote squash and slice it in half. Then slice the half pieces into smaller pieces. In one big pot throw the sliced chayote squash into the pot. After that peel, the carrots and slice them. Peel half of an onion, slice it and add to the pot. Add the carrots inside the pot with the chayote squash. Next, wash and peel the yellow squash and slice it into several pieces. Also, add the yellow squash inside the same pot with the carrots, chayote, and sliced onions.

Cook the vegetables with chicken broth or with chicken bouillon. Wash and remove the cilantro leaves from the stems. Add the cilantro leaves on top of the vegetables and let everything cook. While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the chicken with the spices. Add lemon and pepper, paprika, rosemary, and oregano to the chicken. Wash and slice one bell pepper. In this example, one red bell pepper was used to make this basic chicken meal. Add the bell pepper to the skillet with the chicken.

You can cook the chicken in water or in cooking oil. In this recipe, the chicken was cooked in extra virgin olive oil after the bell peppers were cooked in water with the chicken. Once the chicken is golden brown, remove the olive oil from the skillet. After that, peel one dark plantain. The darker the plantain the sweeter it gets.

Plantains can be sliced in diverse ways, but I decided to slice the plantains in a round shape. In another skillet with extra olive virgin oil, add the sliced plantains and cook each side. Once the chicken, vegetables, and plantains are ready; You can serve them on several plates. I used a small bowl for the vegetables and a little bit of chicken broth at the bottom of the bowl to give the flavor to the vegetables. Next, Serve the chicken with bell peppers and plantains.

Next, you can turn off the music or play softer music in the background while you have your dinner as a family. Put everyone’s cell phones on silent mode for one hour while you are having dinner together. Tell your children that they will eat together at the dinner table and not in front of the television set. Have a variety of topics that you can discuss with your children while you are together eating at the dinner table. Below are websites for ideas on how to make kid-friendly meals and about Eat Better, Eat Together Month. 

 

Eat Better, Eat Together Making Mealtime Family Time-Eat Wheat:

Eat Better, Eat Together. Making Mealtime Family Time | Eatwheat

60 Easy, Awesome Kid-Friendly Dinner Ideas-The Spruce Eats:

60 Easy, Awesome Kid-Friendly Dinner Ideas (thespruceeats.com)

100 Plus Easy Kid Friendly Recipes-Cooking & Meal Ideas for Kids to Make:

100+ Easy Kid Friendly Recipes - Cooking & Meal Ideas for Kids to Make (delish.com)

* Fonts from Photo Collage Editor Maker 

How to Take Care of Allergies in the Autumn Season?

 

Allergies in the autumn season occur often due to the dust, ragweed, leaves piling up in the yard, and indoor allergies to your pets. Other times too much stress causes allergies on the skin such as an allergy rash and other allergy symptoms. The symptoms range from watery and itchy eyes, a dry itchy cough, nasal congestion, sneezing, and a postnasal drip. Rubbing your eyes and rubbing your nose makes your allergies worse. Also, you might find yourself having a difficulty in getting enough sleep due to your seasonal allergies.

Sometimes, you might have to change your allergy medication through the seasons to find relief. Depending on your allergy symptoms, your doctor might recommend an inhaler, nasal spray, antihistamine medication, and medications for decongestion. Additionally, you can try using essential oils in diffusers, humidifiers, and onto your skin to help relieve you from your allergies. This does not take the place of your nasal spray, inhaler, or allergy medications. But this will help you to breathe better especially if you have nasal congestion and relief from an itchy allergy rash.

Always consult with your dermatologist and with your primary doctor before using essential oils on your skin. As well as getting your skin rash examined through your medical doctor because some skin rashes may not always be due to allergies. Some skin rashes are due to insect bites, an immune system response, or a skin condition. These are the most recommended essential oils for allergies which are Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, Eucalyptus, Ravensara, Sandalwood, and Frankincense. Also test a little bit of the oil mixed in a carrier oil on a small area of your skin before using the essential oil.

Another way to control your allergy symptoms is by reducing your stress levels. Practice meditation which helps to strengthen your immune system. Using a guided sound meditation for ten minutes will slow down breathing and make you feel less tension in your body. Doing light stretches with soft instrumental music also helps to relax. Use a humidifier with an essential oil while you relax for ten to fifteen minutes.

Get evaluated to know what you are allergic to. Read the labels before buying clothes especially if you are allergic to wool, polyester, or other mixed fabrics. Put on lotion in the morning before you put on your clothes to avoid itchy dry skin during the autumn and winter season. Last, give allergy shots a try if you have tried everything for your allergies. Here are more resources about allergies. 

Fall Allergies:

Fall Allergies (webmd.com)

Fall Allergies-Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment-Very Well Health:

Fall Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment (verywellhealth.com)

Essential Oils for Allergies-Which Ones to Try and When and How to Use-Arom Essential:

Essential Oils for Allergies | Which Ones to Try & When and How to Use! (aromessential.com)

* Fonts, borders, background, and flowers from PiZap

Benching (Unhealthy Relationship)

 

When you are dating someone be careful about benching. Benching is when someone puts you as a second option in their dating. Being a backup choice is not a healthy relationship. He or she might be interested in you but not willing to commit to you. It is hurtful to know that you are not part of his or her life and you are there just for entertainment. 

Benching has increased since the pandemic of Covid-19 because more people started using dating applications. It is interesting to browse through potential dating partners on dating websites, but benching has been common these days. Yet, make sure you are knowledgeable about this dating trend. When a person does benching, he or she makes everything feel marvelous with false pledges, false compliments, and a lot of mental mazes. What are mental mazes? 

The mental mazes of a bencher will have you confused, worried, and not knowing what will occur next in their dating game. You might be waiting for days or weeks without hearing from him or her. Ultimately, you will feel lonely, concerned, and wondering if you did anything wrong. Also, you might feel stuck in a relationship while he or she is dating several people at once. You might feel foolish for wanting to be in a relationship with this person. 

Overall the one that gets hurt is the one that falls for the person who does the benching. You might have hopes that he or she might change and run toward you for a long-term relationship. Yet, the anxiety, heartache, and tension in the benching relationship are not for anyone. To be in a mental maze in someone's mind that does the benching is damaging and destroys a person's self-worth. It is wise to leave the person who does the benching. 

Benching does emotional harm. Every so often the person that is benched is in a one-sided relationship with someone who can not devote time to them. It is the most painful experience, especially when he or she disappears and returns without having any intentions. Safeguard your heart, mind, and body if you come across a person who does benching. Here are websites about benching and what to do.  

What is Benching in Dating and How to Avoid It:

https://j4l.com/blog/relationship-tips/what-is-benching-in-dating-and-how-to-avoid-it

Benching-Dating Signs:

https://www.bonobology.com/benching-dating-signs/

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Jealousy (Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention)

Jealousy occurs frequently in the beginning of a relationship and during the middle stages of a committed relationship. It is common to see someone going through an hour or more of jealousy through an argument or through comments. However, jealousy is a bad sign when it transpires in the relationship and before the relationship begins. A partner might stay silent when his or her partner does a jealous tantrum in front of everyone. It is embarrassing to see a couple go through that in public, in their partner’s family gathering, or with their friends’ parties.

It is uncomfortable but not because of what people might say behind your back. Jealousy is a possessive and a manipulative action to make their partner afraid of them. When it is done in public, with friends, or with family members, it is a wake-up call for the partner to realize what is going wrong with their relationship. The partner that does the jealousy does not realize what he or she is doing. Going through a moment of jealousy in a relationship is unhealthy.

Other times jealousy outbursts are done on purpose where their partner want to know if he or she still loves them. This cycle of envy is continuous, and one partner is usually vulnerable when this occurs in dating and in marriages. Often it is a case of wanting attention and a fear of being abandoned by their partner. The issue of abandonment might arise from their past relationship with their parents and other times when a previous boyfriend or girlfriend left them for someone else. Yet, a person who is jealous about their partner has insecurities which he or she may not admit it.

Other times their partner might be obsessed with them which makes them be confused and make them believe that it is love. When jealousy enters in the relationship, the relationship becomes unstable. Although there might be other reasons for a person to be jealous such as finances, education, or social status; Jealousy is the worst factor a partner can do to damage their relationship in dating or in a marriage. Sometimes there is no excuse for dealing with someone’s jealousy. It must be tackled before the jealous person becomes abusive and violent.

Occasionally a person might be jealous because of what other people tell them about their partner. There might be a feeling of mistrust when there is no need to be suspicious of their partner. This might be due to their self-doubt, lack of trust, and their past experiences from their boyfriend or girlfriend. Nevertheless, being with a jealous partner might lead to domestic violence and abuse because it is a reaction to make them feel in control. Below is a list of signs that your partner is jealous in your relationship.

1. A jealous person might continue calling their partner every minute of the day to know where they are at, what they are doing, who they are with, and what time they will come home, what time they will see them.
2. He or she might look on their cell phones to see who they have been speaking to or text messaging to.
3. He or she might want their passwords, financial information, and other personal information to know what their partner is doing online.
4. Also, a jealous person might want to check their social media accounts and may do a second profile under a fictious name to see what they are doing in social media.
5. A jealous person might get paranoid when they do not hear from their partner through the cell phone or through a text message.
6. Other times a jealous person might visit their partner at work and make a tantrum in front of everyone.
7. A jealous person might follow them while their partner is driving somewhere.
8. He or she might see the items that their partner buys online and might see what is inside their shopping bags.
9. He or she might look inside their purse, inspect their clothing pockets, and smell their clothes.
10. A jealous person might do anything to get their partner’s attention even insulting people they speak to. 

Furthermore, envy creates conflict in a relationship due to emotional infidelity from the past or intimate infidelity from their past relationships. If you are partner is jealous of you all the time, you must revaluate your relationship. Look for professional help if you want to stay with your partner. Also, if your partner is jealous, it has nothing to do with your personality, behavior, or what you do as a profession. Here is more information about how to manage a jealous partner. 

What's Really Behind Jealousy, and What to do about it-Psychology Today:

What's Really Behind Jealousy, and What to Do About It | Psychology Today

How to Deal with a Jealous Partner-Healthy Place:

How to Deal with a Jealous Partner | HealthyPlace

How to Deal with Jealousy and Insecurity in a Relationship-Very Well Mind:

How to Deal With Jealousy and Insecurity in a Relationship (verywellmind.com)

Unhealthy Relationship Behaviors Series-Jealousy-One Love Foundation-Join One Love:

Unhealthy Relationship Behaviors Series: Jealousy - One Love Foundation (joinonelove.org)

 

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