Meeting new people can be a thrilling adventure or a daunting task. Whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, the principles of chatting with strangers are pretty much universal. Here are a few dos and don’ts that can help in making new connections fruitful, enjoyable, and safe.
Navigating New Connections: Dos and Don’ts of Chatting with Strangers
Do: Approach with Openness and Positivity
When initiating a conversation, approach with a smile and open body language. Positive energy tends to attract the same, making the conversation flow easily and allowing for a pleasant exchange of thoughts and ideas.
Don’t: Invade Personal Space
Respect the personal space of others. Invading someone’s bubble can make them uncomfortable, leading to a strained and unproductive conversation.
Finding Common Ground
The beginning of any great conversation usually starts with finding mutual interests or shared experiences.
Do: Ask Open-Ended Questions
Open-ended questions encourage detailed responses and can lead to more in-depth conversations. For example, instead of asking, “Do you like to read?” you might ask, “What kind of books do you enjoy reading?”
Don’t: Dominate the Conversation
While being engaging is important, avoid monopolizing the conversation. Allow the other person to express their thoughts and opinions freely.
Safety and Privacy: Guarding Your Information
When meeting strangers, it’s paramount to prioritize safety and privacy, especially in the digital era, where the conversation often begins online.
Do: Set Boundaries
Establish what information you are comfortable sharing. Avoid giving out personal details like your home address, phone number, or financial information.
Don’t: Overshare
While being open is crucial in forming connections, refrain from sharing too much too soon. Keep the conversation light and friendly initially, delving into deeper topics as trust is built.
Navigating Online Conversations: A New Realm of Interaction
The online sphere presents its unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to connecting with new people.
Do: Keep Conversations Respectful and Polite
Whether online or offline, maintain a respectful and polite tone. The absence of physical presence in online conversations doesn’t diminish the need for courtesy.
Don’t: Ignore Red Flags
Be alert to any signs of discomfort or inappropriate behavior and be prepared to disengage if necessary. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.
Managing Expectations: Keep Them Realistic
When forming new connections, it’s essential to keep expectations in check to avoid disappointments.
Do: Be Yourself
Be genuine and present your true self. Authenticity is key in forming meaningful connections and avoiding unnecessary pretense.
Don’t: Expect Too Much Too Soon
Building a rapport takes time. Don’t rush into forming a connection; let it develop naturally.
Embracing Diverse Conversations: Learning from Differences
Interacting with people from various walks of life can be enriching and enlightening, offering new perspectives and insights.
Do: Be Open to Learning
Approach every conversation as a learning opportunity. Embrace the diversity of thoughts and be receptive to differing viewpoints and experiences.
Don’t: Judge or Stereotype
Avoid making assumptions or passing judgment based on appearances, accents, or backgrounds. Everyone has a unique story to tell, and embracing diversity enriches our understanding of the world.
Humor and Lightness: Keeping Conversations Enjoyable
Infusing conversations with humor and light-heartedness can make interactions more enjoyable and memorable.
Do: Use Humor Wisely
A well-timed joke or a funny anecdote can break the ice and make the conversation more engaging. However, gauge the mood and be mindful of the other person’s sense of humor.
Don’t: Make Offensive or Insensitive Jokes
Steer clear of humor that might offend, hurt, or alienate the other person. Be particularly mindful of jokes that touch on race, religion, gender, or personal experiences.
Refining Your Approach: Continuous Improvement
Every conversation is an opportunity to refine your approach and become a better communicator.
Do: Seek Feedback
Be open to feedback and be willing to adjust your approach based on the reactions and responses of others. This is particularly relevant in professional settings where effective communication is key.
Don’t: Be Discouraged by Rejections
Not every conversation will go as planned, and that’s okay. Learn from the experience and don’t be discouraged by rejections or less-than-positive interactions.
Navigating new connections, especially with strangers, requires a blend of openness, respect, curiosity, and caution. By following these dos and don’ts, one can experience the joy of meeting new people while maintaining safety and building lasting, meaningful connections. The journey of chatting with strangers is filled with endless possibilities and learning opportunities—so go ahead and start a conversation today!
In the world of online dating, your profile picture is your first impression. It’s the digital equivalent of making eye contact and giving a warm smile. To help you stand out in a sea of profiles, here are some tips for choosing profile pictures that pop.
Profile Pictures That Pop: Capturing Attention in Online Dating
1. The Power of a Great Profile Picture
A Visual First Impression: In online dating, your profile picture is often the first thing potential matches see. It can determine whether someone decides to click on your profile or keep scrolling.
Personality Preview: Your photo should give viewers a sense of your personality, interests, and style. It’s a chance to express who you are beyond words.
2. The Types of Photos You Need
The Headshot: A clear, well-lit photo of your face is essential. Avoid heavy filters or extreme close-ups. You want to look approachable and genuine.
The Full-Body Shot: Include at least one full-body photo that shows your physique and style. This helps potential matches get a sense of your overall appearance.
The Lifestyle Shot: Showcase your interests and passions through photos of you doing things you love. This could be hiking, playing an instrument, cooking, or any other activity that defines you.
The Social Proof: Including pictures of you with friends or engaged in social activities can signal that you’re sociable and fun to be around.
The Travel Shot: If you’re a traveler, a picture from an exciting destination can pique curiosity and show your adventurous side.
3. Picture-Perfect Tips
Good Lighting: Natural light is your best friend. Choose well-lit environments for your photos, whether indoors or outdoors.
Background Matters: Pay attention to what’s behind you. A cluttered or messy background can be distracting. Opt for clean and uncluttered settings.
Dress the Part: Wear outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Your clothing should reflect your style and personality.
Genuine Smiles: Authentic smiles are more appealing than forced ones. Think about something that genuinely makes you happy when taking your photo.
Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with the camera. It creates a connection and makes you appear more approachable.
Variety: Don’t limit yourself to just one type of photo. A mix of selfies, full-body shots, and candid pictures can provide a well-rounded view of who you are.
Avoid Sunglasses: While sunglasses can be stylish, they hide your eyes, which are a crucial element in making a connection.
Steer Clear of Selfies in the Bathroom: Selfies taken in the bathroom mirror can come off as tacky. Choose more natural settings.
Include Your Furry Friends: If you have pets, including them in a photo can add warmth and charm to your profile.
4. What Not to Do
No Group Shots: Avoid confusion by making sure your main photo is of you alone. Group shots can make it unclear which person you are.
No Filters: Heavy filters can distort your appearance. Stick to minor enhancements or none at all.
No Exes: Don’t use photos with your ex-partner cropped out. It can send the wrong message.
No Party Pictures: While it’s okay to include social photos, avoid images that suggest excessive drinking or partying.
No Extreme Close-Ups: Photos that are too close to your face can be off-putting. Aim for a balanced view.
5. The Importance of Regular Updates
Stay Current: Make sure your photos represent how you look now, not how you looked five years ago.
Rotate Your Selection: Change your photos periodically to keep your profile fresh and engaging.
6. Ask for Feedback
Seek Opinions: Don’t hesitate to ask friends for their honest feedback on your photos. They might notice things you’ve missed.
7. Final Thoughts
Your profile pictures are a vital part of your online dating journey. They can be the key to making a memorable first impression and sparking meaningful connections. Remember that your photos should reflect the real you, so be authentic, confident, and have fun while capturing your best angles.
Online dating is a modern-day matchmaking tool that has connected countless individuals. It offers a world of possibilities, but it’s essential to approach it with realistic expectations. Let’s explore the ups and downs of online dating and how to manage your expectations for a smoother journey.
The Ups and Downs of Online Dating: Managing Expectations
1. The Ups: What Online Dating Can Offer
Increased Access: Online dating expands your dating pool, connecting you with people you might never meet in your everyday life.
Convenience: It’s accessible 24/7, allowing you to browse profiles and message potential matches at your own pace.
Filtering Options: You can specify your preferences, from age and location to interests and values, making it easier to find compatible partners.
Initial Icebreaking: Online messaging provides a low-pressure way to get to know someone before meeting in person.
Success Stories: Many people have found meaningful relationships, even love, through online dating.
2. The Downs: Navigating the Challenges
Misrepresentation: Some individuals may exaggerate or misrepresent themselves in their profiles.
Ghosting: Sudden and unexplained silence from someone you’ve been talking to can be disheartening.
Rejection: Not every conversation will lead to a date, and not every date will lead to a relationship.
Overwhelming Options: An abundance of choices can make it difficult to commit to one person.
Time-Consuming: Scrolling through profiles and maintaining conversations can be time-consuming.
3. Managing Expectations: A Balanced Approach
Be Realistic: Understand that online dating isn’t a guaranteed pathway to love. It takes time and patience.
Stay Safe: Prioritize your safety by following guidelines for meeting in person, such as choosing public places for initial dates.
Communication is Key: If you’re not interested in someone, it’s okay to communicate that politely. Similarly, if someone isn’t interested in you, respect their decision.
Focus on Growth: Use online dating as an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.
4. Online Dating Profiles: The Dos and Don’ts
Do Be Honest: Represent yourself authentically in your profile, including recent photos.
Don’t Exaggerate: Avoid exaggerating your achievements or qualities.
Do Stay Positive: Highlight your interests and the things that make you happy.
Don’t Be Negative: Avoid venting about past relationships or making negative statements.
Do Proofread: Make sure your profile is free of spelling and grammar errors.
5. Online Dating Etiquette: Building Meaningful Connections
Be Respectful: Treat others with respect and kindness, even if you’re not interested in pursuing a relationship with them.
Communicate: Clear and open communication is crucial. If you’re interested in someone, express it. If you’re not, communicate that respectfully.
Set Boundaries: Protect your personal information until you’re comfortable sharing it.
6. Coping with Rejection
Remember It’s Not Personal: Rejection is often about compatibility rather than your worth as an individual.
Stay Positive: Focus on the potential for better connections and experiences ahead.
Learn from Rejections: Use rejection as an opportunity for self-improvement and reflection.
7. Success Stories: Inspiration and Hope
Real-Life Love: Many couples have found lasting love through online dating. Success stories are proof that it can work.
8. When to Take a Break
Recognize Burnout: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, it might be time for a break.
Recharge: Take time to engage in other activities and hobbies to recharge your emotional energy.
9. Seeking Professional Help
Therapy or Coaching: If online dating is causing significant stress or anxiety, consider seeking guidance from a therapist or dating coach.
10. Celebrating the Journey
Enjoy the Process: Focus on the journey of self-discovery and growth that online dating can offer.
Online dating is a mixed bag of experiences, but with the right mindset and expectations, it can be a valuable tool for finding meaningful connections. The key is to approach it with patience, self-awareness, and a healthy dose of optimism. By managing your expectations and staying true to yourself, you can navigate the ups and downs of online dating with resilience and grace.
Figuring out your sexuality can take time, and it’s not something you should rush. It’s completely normal to be unsure about your orientation.
How to Know If You Are a Lesbian
LES stands for Leave and Earnings Statement – the military pay stub that shows all entitlements, deductions and allowances. It is a vital part of a service member’s monthly paycheck.
1. You’ve had one relationship with a woman
One of the most common ways to know if you are a lesbian is to have had a relationship with a woman. This may be a romantic relationship, or it may be just a platonic friendship. It doesn’t matter if the relationship was short or long, just that you had one with a woman.
You also might be a lesbian if you find yourself fantasizing about women in bed with you. While many people think of this as a sign that they are bisexual, it can actually be a sign that you are a lesbian.
You might even notice that you are attracted to women when you look at other people, such as in the way you stare at them or the way you touch their arm. This is known as gaydar, and it can be a great indicator of sexual orientation.
2. You’re attracted to women
If your eyes glaze over when you see a cute girl and you start to fantasize about her curves, luscious skin, ruby red lips, and blonde hair—well, that’s probably a sign that you’re not straight.
Women often find themselves attracted to other women — it’s just part of being sapphic. Usually, these feelings are paired with jealousy. If your female friend shows signs of being clingy or jealous of you spending time with your other female friends, that’s another clear-cut sign that she may be attracted to you as more than just a platonic friend.
While it might be easy to roll your eyes at these signs, remember that many people who identify as lesbians struggle to understand their sexuality. Understanding your sexuality takes time and self-exploration.
3. You’re a part of a lesbian community
Gabrielle Kassel (she/her) is a wellness journalist committed to helping people feel good in their bodies. Her work has been featured in Shape, Cosmopolitan, Well+Good, and Healthline. She also coaches CrossFit and enjoys eating kale, playing with her border collie, and reviewing pleasure products.
You may feel like a lesbian in part because you are surrounded by people who are. You know lesbian friends, you’ve seen lesbian porn, and you watch shows or read articles about lesbian couples, relationships, and sexual experiences. You might even be part of the growing group of women who identify as late-blooming lesbians — discovering same-sex feelings at older ages. It’s okay to be a lesbian. It’s a beautiful thing! The best way to determine whether you are a lesbian is to listen to your heart and trust your intuition.
4. You’ve kissed a woman
Kissing a woman does not necessarily mean that you are a lesbian. However, if you enjoyed it and want to do it again, this could be a sign that you are attracted to women.
It’s important to remember that sexuality is fluid and can change over time. If you kissed a woman and did not enjoy it, it may be that your attraction is more to men or that you’re bisexual.
You can also listen for hints from her body language. How she reacts to casual touching such as sweeping her shoulder while you hold her hand or the way she leans into your arm when you walk her to the table can tell you a lot about how she feels about you. She may not be ready for kisses, but she’s probably open to more physical closeness.
5. You’ve gone down a lesbian rabbit hole
Gabrielle Kassel (she/her) is a queer sex educator and wellness journalist who works for Healthline. She also writes for a variety of other outlets including Cosmopolitan, Well+Good, Self, and Women’s Health. In her spare time, she enjoys watching TikTok lesbian porn, drinking a pint of IPA, and hiking with her border collie.
While it may take time to work out, if you feel attracted only to other women and don’t experience sexual attraction towards men, then it’s likely that you are a lesbian. It’s important to remember, however, that sexuality is a fluid spectrum and it’s perfectly normal for some people to feel attracted to multiple genders over the course of their lives. If you’re still unsure, try spending some time with the LGBTQ community.
Greenville has so much to offer when it comes to fun activities. You and your date can have a relaxed night out with drinks or something more interactive like an escape room.
Fun Things to Do on a Date in Greenville SC
Nothing brings couples together better than a night of laughs. Check out the Comedy Zone or the Greenville Theater.
1. Dinner at Soby’s
Greenville is a bustling cultural hub that’s filled with artistic attractions, endless entertainment and impressive eclectic eats. Among the many restaurants found here, Soby’s stands out as a culinary destination that offers a unique experience with its contemporary continental cuisine blended with traditional Southern ingredients.
The restaurant is set in a renovated cotton mill from the 1800s, bringing a warm and rustic vibe to the dining area. The menu here is diverse, with a variety of options from seafood to new American cuisine and more.
The best part about this eatery is that it has something for every palate. So, whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner with your partner or a fun group outing, this place is sure to please.
2. Comedy Zone
Nothing brings a couple together like belly laughing all night long. That’s why Greenville has a comedy club called The Comedy Zone that attracts touring comedians and local comedians.
If you want to buy tickets for a future show, they’re available online. The Comedy Zone also sells a cookbook and other merchandise. The cookbook is a great gift for anyone who enjoys the comedians at the comedy club.
After the laughs, you can head to a bar for drinks and food. Grill Marks is a great spot for good old-fashioned American cuisine and some of the best shakes you’ll ever have. Luna Rosa is a delicious option for pasta and pizza and Menkoi Noodle House offers a unique ramen experience. The Swamp Rabbit Trail is another Greenville attraction that’s fun for couples and their dogs.
3. A Greenville Drive Game
Seeing a Greenville Drive game is a great way to spend some quality time with your friends or family. The Greenville Drive are a class High-A minor league baseball team that plays at Fluor Field in Greenville’s West End. The team is the South Atlantic League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.
Greenville Drive games are fun for all ages. In fact, you can bring your dog to the game on “Bark in the Park” nights! Just make sure your pet is well-behaved and up to date on all of their vaccinations.
There are also a number of special events throughout the season at Fluor Field. For example, the first Saturday Drive game of each season features “Saturdays on the District,” which activates District 356 with inflatable games and food and beverage offerings from Greenville vendors.
4. Wine Tasting at City Scape Winery
There is no better way to bring out your date’s inner wine connoisseur than to take them to a local vineyard. City Scape Winery is a great choice in Greenville that offers tastings and tours.
If you and your date love to grab some ice cream, there are plenty of great options in town. Jeni’s in the Camperdown Plaza serves a variety of flavors and has a beautiful outdoor seating area. If you prefer pastries and chocolates, try Kilwins in NOMA Square or Old Europe Desserts in downtown.
There are also many craft beer breweries in the Greenville area that offer brewery tours. Make a day of it by visiting a few and sharing a flight or pint. If you’re interested in trying mead, the Wandering Bard Meadery is a great option.
5. An Escape Room
Whether you want to take your date out for a romantic dinner or something a little more lighthearted, Greenville has a wide variety of options to choose from. From a laid back coffee shop to a quaint tea shop, there is sure to be something that both of you will enjoy.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, book a hot air balloon ride and take your date to new heights. You can also stroll around charming downtown Greenville, which offers a variety of al fresco dining and boutique shops.
You can always catch a hilarious comedian at the Comedy Zone, or if you’re more of a musical person, check out a performance at the Greenville Theatre. For winter enthusiasts, Ice on Main brings ice skating under twinkling lights to downtown Greenville every winter.
Cross-dressing served practical purposes in the Old West, such as disguises for criminals on the lam. It also helped women take jobs that were normally reserved for men. One example was Mrs. Nash, who served in the Seventh Cavalry as a laundry worker and was well-liked by her male colleagues.
How Old Crossdressers Aged
Age catches up with everyone
A crossdresser’s body ages just like anyone else. It can suffer from back and knee problems, and it can also be affected by weight gain. However, some of these issues can be alleviated by using what is referred to as shapewear.
This type of clothing makes a man look thinner and more feminine, which can help him pass as female in public. In addition, it helps him keep in shape and explore different clothing styles. A crossdresser’s friends and family may be in shock when they learn about this lifestyle. However, it is important to remember that this is not a secret to keep.
The best part about being a mature crossdresser is the freedom of choice. Younger crossdressers who live with their families often struggle to find privacy, but older ones usually have their own homes, which gives them more freedom to practice and dress up more often. Moreover, older crossdressers can choose the type of dress they prefer to wear, which is not always possible for younger people.
Weight gain
As people age they can start to put on weight. This can make it harder for them to fit into the clothing that they enjoy wearing when cross dressing. It is important that they watch their diet and do what they can to maintain a healthy weight. This will help them enjoy their Cross Dressing even longer!
In the 21st century individuals have the agency to define and express their gender, sex, sexuality, and appearance in any way they want (Gainer 2000). Fashion has become more gender fluid and with modern medicine it is possible to change the biological sex of a person.
It is known that male cross dressers can reduce the testosterone levels in their body by taking female hormones, but it may also make them less sexually active and less prone to back and knee problems. Regardless of what hormone therapy they choose it is important that they maintain a good healthy lifestyle to avoid complications.
