Sometimes, the nicest gift you can give to someone is a few positive words. — I’m a bit of an introvert — and yet, I’ve learned to love meeting new people and engaging with strangers. My secret? I’ve got a mental cheat sheet of go-to phrases that almost always provoke positive reactions with people. These are icebreakers and enablers. They can help even the most…

Here’s what you should do instead. — Too bad, there was no class in school on how to be in a successful relationship or a crash course in finding a relationship that makes you happy. So instead, I got all my relationship advice, expectations, and wisdom from Nicholas Sparks. Or maybe for you, it was the will-they-or-wont-they…

How to actually react when your child comes out of the closet. — Justin knew his parents were the last people he would ever want to come out to. He realized it was probably going to be uncomfortable, but he never expected to see them crying, not out of joy, but out of frustration and of shame. Initially, he was too terrified to…

Start with creating a self-love ritual. — Falling in love with yourself is a difficult concept to wrap your head around. You’re probably wondering, “Why the heck would I want to fall in love with myself?” For a lot of good reasons, actually. The truth is, your relationship with yourself is the most important — not in…

Believe it or not, there are words more powerful than “I love you.” — In the beginning stage of a relationship, it’s easy to praise your partner on the regular. Your feelings are on a high and it seems like the words just pour out of you easily. But over time, it’s normal for things to get a bit stagnant and that includes those…

Remove these damaging phrases to improve your relationship with others. — In our closest relationships, it’s easy to speak without thinking. It seems like a good thing: We’re so comfortable with each other that we can share whatever is on our minds. But sometimes, it can have a negative effect, especially when our loved ones are looking to us for support…

#6. You don’t actually agree on everything. — Mention the word “soulmate” to a group of people and you’re bound to get a few eye rolls. The idea that there’s one magical person for you who you will fall in love with instantly and never disagree with is just not realistic. What does exist — at least for…

You can think of it as your sexual love language. — Let’s cut to the chase: We all want to be having the best sex possible, right? That’s why we’re always in search of new tips and tricks to up our bedroom game. Well, I recently learned about another method that could take things to the next level, and obviously, I…

On the contrary, they can even make for a much better love story. — My grandparents met when they were kids. They grew up down the street from each other, and my grandfather asked my grandmother out when he was 21 and she was 19 because they both didn’t have a valentine. I love this story. I love hearing about how two people are…