1. Their Instagram is full of cat photos. Photos and videos tagged with #cats and #catsofinstagram fill their Instagram feed. Chances are they regularly contribute to these hashtags by uploading their own cat photos. In rare cases where their Instagram profile is not brimming with cats, you can bet that their cats will make cameo appearances in their uploads.
2. They watch cat videos on YouTube. You shouldn’t judge your date’s loyalty based on this behavior, but they do watch other cats on YouTube–often together with their own cats. A cat owner’s YouTube app is packed with cat video recommendations: videos about cats, videos that have cats in it, and even videos for cats. Cat videos are entertaining and can boost your energy according to one study.
3. Being good around cats makes you much more dateable. It’s so much easier for cat owners to date someone who shares their interest in cats. Say you’re a cat owner yourself or you’re good at playing with and petting their cats, you’re basically a marriage candidate. If you fall on the other end of the spectrum, i.e. you absolutely despise cats, a cat owner might still date you but don’t expect the relationship to be serious.
4. Cat owners are patient and attentive. One of the reasons for pet abandonment is the lack of patience. A cat, especially in its adolescence, will test your patience consistently. This means that long-time cat owners carry the seal of approval in the category of being patient, tolerant, and attentive.
5. Get yourself a lint roller and a ton of refills ready. Cat hair can get everywhere. So get a lint roller on standby because you’re going to need it. If you’re in a long-term relationship with a cat owner and you’re staying over more and more, you will run out of refill faster than you can order them from Amazon. Not to mention the amount of trash it create. A better option is to get yourself a reusable lint remover such as the ChomChom pet hair roller or the traditional nylon lint brush. These reusable tools are surprisingly effective at removing pet hair and also they don’t create tons of trash. Hint: these items are excellent just-because gifts for pet owners.

6. Dogs and cats can live in harmony. In popular culture, dogs and cats are often portrayed as sworn enemies. In reality, however, cats and dogs can get along just fine, they will need plenty of time to warm up to each other but eventually they’ll get used to each other and live in harmony. Also it helps if your dog is a people-pleaser breed like the golden retriever or Labrador retriever.
7. Staying over at your place is impossible without planning. In the early days of dating, a cat owner may seem unspontaneous. To some, they may even appear suspicious, as if they’re hiding something. They can never stay over even if the night is going really well. Well, in the case of a cat owner, they need to return home to take care of their furkids: filling their bowls with food, changing their water (cats dislike stale water), and giving the kitties the attention and playtime they need.
8. They may want you to stay over at their place instead. Cats are independent but beneath their uncaring exterior, they yearn for attention and affection. Like dogs and children, cats can get lonely too. This is why some cat owners may prefer that you come over to their place instead. This way they can spend quality time with both of you.
9. Their cats might stare when you get intimate. Getting the feeling that you’re being watched when you and your date get intimate? Don’t worry, that’s just the cat observing you from its favorite spot. Some cats may even decide it’s the best time to stiff your feet and rub its face against you. Of course, every cat is unique in its own way but these are some of the things that have happened to other cat owners.
10. Cat lovers are more likely to be introverts. Studies show that cat lovers are more likely to have introverted personalities. So your date will appreciate you for giving them the me-time they need to recharge. They’ll also prefer dating in low-key settings. Avoid places that are loud and crowded. You know who else are introverts? These zodiac signs.
11. They will want you to meet their cats. One reason your date may seem eager to invite you over to their place is that they want you to meet their precious kitty. This is a milestone in the relationship. Don’t worry if you aren’t invited yet. Maybe their kitty is very private or it’s still too early to meet the family.

12. You will get scratches and love bites from these feline creatures. Like children and dogs, cats need to be taught the proper way to behave. Their owners are also responsible for keeping their nails neatly trimmed. However, even the best-behaved cat will bite and give you scratches. But don’t go punishing them, for they don’t have any malicious intentions. You simply have to give them a stern no and remove yourself from the interaction to let them know what they’re doing is wrong.
13. Unlike dogs, cats hate belly rubs. If you’re consistently getting kicks and bites from a well-behaved cat, you might be rubbing them the wrong way–literally. One common misunderstanding for someone who comes from a dog background is the belly rub. Most cats detest belly rubs and you should only do that if you’re ready to get bitten by the beast. When a cat trusts you, it will roll on its back exposing her belly to you but that is for eyes only–no touching! If you took it as an invitation to rub its belly you will soon discover that you’ve made a grave mistake.
14. The way to a cat’s heart is through its tummy. Get your date’s cat (or any cat) to like you with this simple trick–food. Not just any food. The cat’s favorite treats. Any cat will be cautious when you’re new to them, but it can never say no to delicious treats. It will try to fight that gluttonous urge but they always give in when tempted by food. So if you want to get buddy-buddy with the cat quickly, remember to bring some cat treats.
15. You will be jealous of their cat but you really shouldn’t. There will be times when your date seems to care more about their cat than you.
16. Do not date a cat lover if you’re allergic to cats. Do not knowingly date a cat owner if your body reacts negatively to a cat. You’re just putting yourself and the cat owner in a dilemma that is avoidable otherwise.
17. Never make them choose between you and their cats. Cat abandonment is a horrible thing to do. As a human, you can move on and find another person to date and fall in love with. But abandoned cats don’t move on as easily as you do. Many cats suffer miserable faith after they are abandoned. Adult cats are less likely to get adopted and they will stay in the shelter forever if they’re lucky to live in a no-kill shelter. However, in a regular animal shelter, cats that are not adopted are euthanized (that’s a fancy word for put to death).
18. You’re off to a great start if you’re a cat owner yourself. All cat owners secretly prefer to date one of their own. Sure, dogs and cats get along just fine but you’re so much more dateable when you’re also a cat parent yourself. And it will be so cute to have a double date with your cats.
19. Cats are “Cold on the outside, warm on the inside.” Never judge a book by its cover and never judge a cat by how it looks. Cats typically look cool and aloof but their appearance doesn’t reflect their feelings inside. You really need to get to know them and pay attention to the little things they do to find out what they’re thinking.
20. Cats are typically gentle and timid creatures. They become extremely cautious in the presence of something new. For example, if you’re seeing the kitty for the first time, they aren’t being unfriendly by avoiding you or, in some rare cases, hissing. They are just having some social anxiety that takes time to overcome.

21. Cat owners are proud to be “crazy cat ladies” and “crazy cat daddies”. Some may find these labels repulsive but many cat owners wear them with pride. What’s wrong with owning a dozen cats and giving them the love they deserve anyway.
22. Mistreating their cats is the best way to ruin the relationship. Cat abuse is a big no and will get you the boot you so very deserve. Remember, “treats, not mistreat.”
23. They love being sent cat memes. Want to text your date but not sure what to talk about? How about nothing at all? Just send them the latest cat meme you find on Reddit. It doesn’t matter if they have already seen it because they will never get bored of cat memes.
24. They will send photos of their cats. The cat may start off in the background by making cameo appearances in the selfies your date sends you. Before you know it they’re sending you photos of their cat and its various shenanigans.
25. Cat people are more likely to be tired. According to this Facebook study, cat owners are more likely to say that they’re tired. Admittedly, looking at the comfortable sleeping positions of your cat does make you feel sleepy and it’s been scientifically proven that your body releases the oxytocin hormone (the happy hormone that relaxes) when you hang out with a cat. But in this case I think the causation goes the other way. People with lower energy levels for whatever reason, for example, due to work and other commitments, are drawn to the cat companionship because cats require less work compared to dogs.
26. Understand that there are times when their cats take priority over you. As a responsible cat parent, your date will need to satisfy their cat’s needs. Take this as a positive trait. It indicates that they’re a responsible and reliable individual who is capable of commitment.
27. Cats have different sleeping patterns. Some people say cats are nocturnal, some say they’re crepuscular. One thing is certain, they don’t share the same biological clock as humans. So get ready for surprises when you’re sleeping over. Sometimes these surprises are happy incidents, for example, a cat might seek warmth by curling up in your arm at night.
28. It’s the greatest feeling when a cat purrs for you. Cats aren’t as good as dogs at expressing happiness–at least not in ways that humans can easily understand. That is why it’s so satisfying to hear a cat purrs for you. It’s like it can’t hide its happiness underneath their strict face–its purr has sold it out for being a warm, emotional, and content kitty.
29. Cat lovers will want their cats in their wedding photos. All cat lovers want their cats to take part in their wedding photos. So be ready for this conversation when you’re getting married. Or if you want to surprise your partner, bring it up as a suggestion yourself. I’m sure your partner will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Of course, you haven’t started dating yet… but still I feel like this is a cute thing you should know.
30. Keep an open mind. When you’re dating someone new, whether they’re a cat owner or not, it’s a good policy to keep your mind open. A relationship is a great way to experience different aspects of life and to learn something new. In your case, you’ll learn more about cats and the people who love cats. You might even decide to adopt a cat and become a cat owner yourself in the process.

And those are some of the things that are good to know before you start dating a cat owner. There are plenty more that didn’t make the list, for instance, many cat owners feel that they’re cat parents instead of owners. But we thought this list will help set the right expectation when you’re going out with cat person.

The post 30 Things You Should Know Before Dating a Cat Owner appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

Wondering what is it like to date a cat parent who seriously loves cats? Or perhaps you’re a cat lover yourself and you’re curious about what is it like to be in a relationship with you? Well, here are 15 things that happen when the person you date is a cat owner.

1. They’ll talk about their cats. In general, there are two kinds of topics people enjoy talking about. First is the things that irk them. Second is the things that they are passionate about. In the case of a cat lover, their passion is their feline companion. So you can be certain that the cat lover will talk about them–such as how cute they are and their peculiarities.
   Cat Lover Lynn GIF from Catlover GIFs

2. Spontaneous sleepover is impossible. Say the night is going really well in your apartment and you’re thinking that your cat-loving date might stay for the night. Unfortunately, that kind of spontaneity just won’t happen. Before the clock strikes twelve metaphorically, your date must leave. No they are not Cinderella, there is no pumpkin carriage waiting for them nor have they left you a glass slipper. The truth is, being a responsible cat parent, they have to go home to attend to their cats–to fill up their water bowl, clean their litter box, and most importantly, give their cats food.
3. Texting involves a lot of cat emojis. Texting is a core part of modern dating. Whether you’re in a long-distance relationship or a conventional one, texting’s instant and asynchronous nature makes it the most flexible way for couples to communicate. When it comes to texting, emojis are an essential component. The use of emojis in texting allows you to say more in fewer keystrokes (or taps). Like regular people, cat lovers also use emojis during texting. But one difference sets them apart. Instead of the regular emojis like 😍😀, you’re more likely to get the cat version 😻😺 from them. They’re also likely to be heavy users of cat memes and GIFs.
4. They will show you photos and videos of their cats. Cat lovers love to show off their cats. Nobody can really say if this tendency is due to nurture or nature. The internet has an informal cat tax which obligates cat owners to post photos of their cats whenever they talk about their cats. So social pressure could be playing a role in a cat lover’s tendency of taking too many photos and videos of their cat. Whatever the reason may be, you can be certain that they will be eager to show off their cat to you.
5. You’ll be sent photos of other cats. While you shouldn’t have to worry about their loyalty, a cat lover is usually also intrigued by cats other than their own. So you should expect seeing other cats in your inbox too. For example, the cat lover might send you cat news, cat memes, cat GIFs, cat videos.
6. At some point, you will see them wearing cat ears. I’m not joking. The cat lover may hide their true self when you’ve just started dating. But once they open up to you… sooner or later you will find them wearing cat ears in one way or another. It may be in the form of a cat-ear hoodie, headphones with cat ear design, a cat-ear hairband, Halloween cat costume, or if you’re lucky–a cute and naughty costume for intimate moments.
7. They will want you to meet their cats and spend time with them. There are a few reasons why this will most definitely happen after a few dates. One, when you’re interested in (or in love with) someone, you’d want to share what you’re passionate with them. In this case, a cat lover’s passion is their cat. So naturally they’d want two of their favorites to meet. Two, the cat owner will use this opportunity to judge you based on your interaction with their cat. Are you good with cats? Do you hate cats? Perhaps you’re allergic to cat hair or cat smell. How their cat reacts to you matter. And you’ve just scored yourself some brownie points if their cat is friendly to you.
8. They will take care of your needs. It’s impossible to take good care of a cat without being patient, empathetic, dependable, and attentive. An experienced pet owner with proven track record (of not abandoning their pets) usually possess some, if not all, of these positive traits. Of course, their expectation for you and their cat will be different, and they won’t treat you exactly like they treat their cat. But you can be certain that a cat lover will be attentive to your emotional and physical needs.
9. You’ll always find cat hair on you. The thing about cat hair and pet hair in general is that you can never get rid of them completely, ever. No matter how many times you roll the lint roller on your shirt, some amount of cat hair will always stay with you. As if they’re saying “I’m never gonna give you up.” Even if the relationship doesn’t work out, the cat hair is here to stay until the end of time.

“One cat just leads to another.” – Ernest Hemingway, Famous Cat Lover / Owner

10. Their cats might stare when you two get intimate. Cats are cute. They are also little loveable weirdos. Human rules and courtesy don’t mean a thing to these furry creatures. As such, they may decide that they need attention when you two are going at it. Or that they may become curious or concerned about their humans because they’re acting strange and making weird noises. Fortunately, this wouldn’t be a huge problem, you simply have to shoo them away–they act all high and mighty but cats are quite understanding.
    คิมโรโระ Cat GIF from คิมโรโระ GIFs

11. Buying gifts for cat lovers is easy. Getting someone a gift that they actually like can be a challenge. But not when that someone is a cat lover. When in doubt, just buy them a gift that is cat themed, like these lapel pins. Thinking of getting them a bracelet but not sure what kind of bracelet would appeal to them? A bracelet with a rose gold cat charm, of course! Thinking of buying pajamas for your partner? Get them some pajamas with cat print and they’ll be on cloud nine!
12. You’ll want to bribe their cats to get their approval. For real cat lovers, their cats are considered part of their family. Their cats’ opinion of you matters to them. So you’re in a better position if their cats approve you. And it’s not like you have a real choice. It’s one thing if your lover’s cat ignores your existence, it’s another if their cat hates your presence. All the hissing and scratching and biting wouldn’t be very enjoyable. Lucky for you, unlike common belief, cats are usually quite chill if you just let them be. To gain a cat’s trust and love, understand that they are some of the most corruptible little creatures. Just feed them their favorite snacks and soon you’ll be BFFs. Here are some additional tips on how to get a cat to like you.
13. You’ll learn a lot about cats. There are so many myths about cats that are simply untrue. For example, in some cartoons or films, cats are often fed with milk, but did you know that most adult cats are lactose intolerant? So don’t go feeding a stray milk because that may upset its tummy and give it diarrhea. You might also learn some interesting cat facts like the cat’s ability to rehydrate itself by drinking seawater (but only when necessary, processing seawater burdens their kidneys) or that cats are actually trainable–you just need to know the right way to do it. All in all, when you date a cat enthusiast, you can expect to learn more about what they’re enthusiastic about.
    Cute Cat Oh Yeah GIF from Cutecat GIFs

14. It’s a deal-breaker if you’re allergic to or hate cats. Owning a cat is a commitment. When you adopt a cat, you accept the responsibilities of taking care of the kitty’s well-being from that point onward until its passing. So if you have started dating a cat parent and later found out that you’re seriously allergic to cats or that you really despise these little soft and (at times) cuddly fur balls, a responsible cat parent will break up with you for the better good.
15. You might become a cat lover yourself. It’s easy to double-tap on a cute cat photo online. But coming into contact and interacting with a cat and actually liking it are definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. All cats have their own unique personalities but they do share certain some common qualities that put off some people. That said, once you get past their quirks and learn to accept them as who they are, cats are surprisingly awesome companions. In interacting with a cat up close in person, you might just discover that you’re a cat lover all along.

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The post 15 Things that Happen When You Date a Cat Owner appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

The Ultimate Guide to Coffee Date: Why It’s Awesome and Tips on How You Can Make It Even Better

1. Definition
2. Advantages
3. Disadvantages
4. Etiquette
5. Location
6. Time
7. Seating
8. Conversation
9. Flirting
10. Outfits
11. Virtual dating

Definition: what is a coffee date?

A coffee date is a social meeting where two individuals who might be interested in a romantic relationship meet over a cup of coffee. Because of its casual and stress-free nature, it makes an excellent first date.

Despite its name, you can replace coffee with any other drinks you prefer. For example, it could be a boba tea date or even a juice date. However, I feel that none of these terms are as catchy and as sticky as the term coffee date. So we’ll be using coffee date as a blanket term for all these other beverages.

So what’s so great about it?

Pro’s: advantages of coffee date — reasons why this is a great date idea

Here are some reasons why you should consider asking your date out for coffee.

1. It’s casual and stress-free. Unlike a picnic date that requires you to prepare food and drinks and a picnic blanket, there isn’t really any preparation for a coffee date. You don’t have to make a reservation and you don’t have to prepare your own food. While you should still wear something nice, there’s no need to dress up, wear jewelry, or wear makeup. It’s like meeting up a friend but with the expectation that it might blossom into a romantic relationship.
2. Your safety is ensured. The cafe staff is nearby and you’re surrounded by other patrons. If the date turns sour, you know where to get help. In fact, because you’re in public, your date is less likely to go seriously wrong. That means you can observe and understand your date in a safe environment. The sense of security also extends to your date, allowing them to feel more at ease which encourages them to enjoy themself better.
3. Coffee is inexpensive. As long as you avoid high-end coffee chains, grabbing coffee is one of the more inexpensive date ideas. Even at an upscale coffee shop, you are unlikely to spend more than $20 on a handcrafted cup of coffee (by the way, that price tag is outrageous). So if everything goes well and you want to stay for a second or third cup of coffee, you can do so without hurting your wallet. Another implication is when your date buys you coffee, you wouldn’t feel like you’re taking advantage of them.
4. You are not getting drunk. Coffee heightens your senses and makes you more aware of your surroundings. Your memory and focus improve when you consume coffee. Unlike alcohol, you won’t get drunk on coffee. There are many reasons why getting tipsy on a first date is a terrible idea. Among the reasons are you’re not being your normal self, you might overshare, and worst of all — things might get sexual prematurely.
5. You can easily cut short or prolong the date. It’s flexible. If the date isn’t going the direction you’re expecting you can always make up some excuse and leave. On the other hand, if your date is exactly how you want it to be and more, you can stay longer or go somewhere else with your date.
6. They work with your schedule. A coffee date can be a long and as short as you want it to be. The ideal times for a coffee date are during weekends in the morning or afternoon – because you can stretch the date afterward by inviting your match for lunch or dinner. However, the best thing about the coffee date is that it can happen whenever both of you are free. That could be during lunchtime or a quick 30 minutes the two of you manage to squeeze out during a weekday morning before heading to work.
7. You get to have meaningful conversations and understand each other better. The great thing (and also the bad thing, more on that in the Cons section below) is that you’re seated across from each other at a small table with nothing to do besides sipping coffee and just talk to each other.
8. You can learn so much from a coffee date. You won’t learn everything there is to them from just one date, whether it’s a coffee date or not. But compared to, say a movie date, you get to observe their behavior. Do they raise any red flags? For example, how do they treat the cafe staff? Do they act like a million dollars? Are they respectful and friendly? What kind of drinks do they prefer? Are they more of a Frappuccino person or do they prefer their coffee to be bold and black? Perhaps they aren’t a coffee person at all, they are just really interested to meet you, and that says a lot about their interest level.

Read also: Ideas for a Double Date

Cons: disadvantages of coffee date — areas where it doesn’t work so well

Meeting for coffee is a terrific first date but it isn’t without its own shortcomings. Below are some reasons why it sucks and solutions to make it better.

1. It’s not the most romantic date idea. A cafe or coffee shop provides an ideal venue for you to talk to your date. But you don’t normally associate these places with romance. I mean, do you find your local Starbucks romantic? I don’t. Solution: find a cozy coffee shop with a romantic atmosphere. Ideally, the music should be relaxing but not too loud. More tips on finding the best venue here.
2. You’re forced to talk to each other, almost continuously. People say silence is golden. But when there are the two of you at the tiny table, seconds of silence feel like decades. Couples who have been together for a long time get away by reading and playing their phones but when you’re on the first date, everything other than paying attention to your date is a taboo. Solution: accept that silence is a natural part of a conversation. Be prepared before the date, ask open-ended questions, talk about your date’s interests, talk about yourself but in moderation.
3. Coffee can have some unpleasant side effects. While it’s true that coffee doesn’t get you drunk, it isn’t without its own side effects. For instance, too much coffee can make you feel jittery. Some people also get nervous from drinking coffee. When you’re jittery and nervous, it might give off the wrong impression to your date. Coffee can also cause frequent urination, although a toilet break can provide some breathing room for each other. Last but not least, it gives you coffee breath. Solution: know your limit. Switch to a different beverage after a cup of coffee or order something other than coffee to drink in the first place. Get water for you and your date to stay hydrated and reduce coffee breath problem.
4. Not everybody is a coffee person. You might be making assumptions that your date drinks coffee. Coffee is a very popular beverage but not everyone enjoys it. Solution: find out if they drink coffee before you ask them out. Go for tea or a cafe that offers beverages other than coffee if they don’t enjoy coffee.
5. It doesn’t feel like a real date. Does your date even know that it’s a date? It’s fine if the two of you are new to each other but if you are friends, meeting over coffee may feel like a one-on-one hangout instead of a date. Solution: make it known that the meeting is a date. If you failed to mention it when you ask them out, try your best to get personal and subtly hint at the nature of the meeting when you’re at the cafe.

How to behave: coffee {date} etiquette

Because coffee is such a casual thing to do, there aren’t really any hard etiquette rules to follow. Below is some common courtesy you should show your date.

• Don’t be late. Time is the most precious commodity. Every one of us gets the same limited amount of the time each day. By agreeing to meet with you, your date is sharing a piece of their life with you. So make sure you respect their time by showing up when you’re supposed to. Speaking of respecting each other…
• Pay attention to your date. Attention to each other is crucial whether you’re on your first date or your 1000th date. Listen and contribute to the conversation. Avoid checking your watch and your phone every minute or worst — keep texting someone else when you’re on a date.

Selecting a venue. Where to grab coffee?

While you can grab coffee virtually anywhere (which includes having coffee literally virtually – as in via a video call), you should avoid locations like your own house or a busy restaurant. Meeting someone new at your house for a first date feels weird and may be dangerous. Restaurants tend to be noisy and make you smell like grease. They aren’t the best place to hold a conversation.

A Starbucks works just fine for this purpose if not a little boring. You’ve been to a Starbucks. You know they aren’t the most romantic place on earth. An ideal meeting place would be an indie boutique coffee shop that is cozy and has great music.

Decide a meeting time. When to meet, how long should it last?

You can do it whenever your schedules open up. But some meeting times are better than the others. For instance, you won’t be able to extend the date if it happens during lunchtime on a workday; you’re prone to insomnia if you meet for coffee in the evening.

The best time for a coffee date is weekend mornings.

Do it after breakfast or have breakfast together. Coffee and morning go hand in hand. Another advantage of doing it in the morning is you can stretch the date if it goes well. “Oh it’s almost noon, do you want to grab lunch?” It’s a natural progression. Perhaps there’s a new movie both of you are interested in watching. Watching a movie after having lunch together sounds like a great way to spend a weekend afternoon with a love interest.

How long should a coffee date be? Well, it is as long as you want it to be. It ranges from minutes to hours. For the first date, I would suggest 30 minutes to an hour.

Picking table, choosing seats

Avoid bar tables. It doesn’t matter if the bar table is facing a window that offers a great view. Why? Because you’re forced to sit side-by-side. This kind of seating arrangement makes it weird to have a proper conversation. It’s like you’re talking to the air or to your own reflection in the window 2 feet in front of you. Pick a table where you don’t have to sit side-by-side. You can either sit across from each other or sit diagonally. Sitting opposite each other gives you a good look at your date, it also encourages eye contact but it can feel too interview-like. Sit diagonally instead. Why? First, it takes off some pressure by not having to look at each other throughout the date. Second, eye contact is as simple as turning your head slightly to the left or to the right. Third, sitting diagonally gives you the option to let your bodies get closer or move away — so if you decide to touch knees or brush against your date’s arm (not in a creepy way), you can.

If the date happens on a crisp spring morning, you and your date might find it pleasant to sit outside. Other times when the days are too cold or too hot, you will be more comfortable staying inside.

What to talk about? Conversation tips and suggested topics

Start by introducing yourselves. Followed by pleasantries. Let the conversation carries you. The more you try to force it the more it feels like a job interview. Nobody likes to feel that way on a date. As you talk, find out if there is anything common between you two and try to explore that particular area where you intersect. That could be anything from school to work or where they live or even their love for a particular app. Anyway, here are a few casual conversation topics to break the ice and to keep the conversation going.

• How was your week? This may sound lame in a dating article but sometimes real-life conversation topics are boring; it’s the people who make them interesting. Ask them how was their week, what did they do, etc. Ask and share. What about you? What did you do? Did you learn a new yoga pose? Share with your date.
• How do you spend your time? You can find out a lot about a person from the answer to this question. Observe their body language as they reply. If they spend a dispropriate amount of time working, do they seem enthusiastic about it?
• How do you spend your free time? Many of us work because we have to. But what happens when there’s free time? What does your date do when they’re free? This is a great opportunity to find out if you share any common interests. A common interest is an excellent conversation topic.
• Talk about yourself. Don’t forget to talk about yourself! Dating and conversation are a two-way street. While you seek to understand your date, your date would also be interested to find out more about you. You can talk about yourself or any topics that interest you.
• Talk about coffee. There are many coffee lovers out there! Maybe your date is one of them. If you’re passionate about coffee and your date is a coffee aficionado, it could mean the start of a caffeine-fueled romance.

How to flirt properly in a cafe: flirting tips

When the date is going in the right direction, how can you spice things up? Granted, you might be sitting in a Starbucks. How can you flirt with your date surrounding by dozens of other customers and cafe staff? Below are some tips to help you out with your coffee flirting needs.

The ground rules for flirting are don’t be creepy and don’t overdo anything.

• Smile strategically. Imagine you’re dating someone. And they’re smiling non-stop. Doesn’t that feel kind of creepy? You know who never stops smiling? Pennywise. So avoid smiling like a maniac. The opposite, though, is just as bad. Don’t be all stoic and cold, show some enthusiasm by smiling from time to time when it feels right. And when you do that, remember to…
• Make eye contact. People say the eyes are the windows to one’s soul. So look your date in eyes from time to time. Not all the time, staring into someone’s eyes for longer than 10 seconds feel creepy no matter what the business article you’ve read says.
• Tease your date. I’m not a believer in negging (offering negative feedback). I think in some cases it does work, but no one should be on the giving or receiving end negging. So tease your date, but do so in a positive way.
• Offer genuine praise. A little flattery goes a long way whether you’re on a date or at a business networking event. The trick is, the praise has to be genuine. It has to come naturally as a response to a certain impressive aspect of your date. There’s no point faking it.
• Nobody is hugging it out or caressing anyone intensively in the cafe. But touching is a crucial part of flirting. If your date is going exceptionally well and you guys are hitting it off, It may be a good idea to sprinkle a little physical contact in your interaction. Start small and remain small. For example, let your knees touch for a second, brush your date’s arm. Come up with an excuse like want to check out their ring or bracelet to hold their hand for a few seconds. Do not overdo it — especially when you’re a guy. It’s like adding salt to your food, the right amount elevates the taste, but adding too much and your food is ruined. The same applies to touching as a flirting strategy on your first date. Touching your date once too many makes you a creep.

What to Wear: Coffee-Date Outfit Ideas

Coffee Date = Casual. So wear something casual and comfortable but make sure that you look like you put some effort into it. Don’t overdress either! No tuxedo, no gown, no ties, no suicide heels. Hoodies and t-shirts and shorts are fair game. But if you want to make it more special, here are some coffee outfit ideas that will work well for a casual date at the cafe.

Outfit Ideas for Women

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDkdU5nlznZ/

1. Sundress + a pair of flats. The perfect outfit for spring, summer, and fall. A fitting sundress instills self-confidence in you and makes you look irresistible. Throw on a pair of flats for extra comfort.
2. Fit & Flare dress + heels. The magical dress type that works for all body types including curvy women. A pair of kitten heels to boost your posture and self-esteem without sacrificing comfort.
3. Button-down shirt, jeans + sneakers or loafers. Casual with a little edge. Go with a top that is soft and comfortable.
4. Bodysuit + high-waist jeggings + ankle boots or a comfortable pair of sneakers. The bodysuit has a slimming effect and visually flattens the extra fat around your waist. High-waist jeggings elongate your legs, making them look longer and slender.

Outfit Ideas For Men

1. White / navy blue button-down shirt and khaki pants – throw on a jacket or hoodie in spring or fall. Complete this outfit with a sports watch and a pair of sneakers.
2. White / pink / blue button-down shirt and jeans – add on a sports jacket if you live in a more dressy neighborhood. Wear something on your hand — ring or bracelet or watch for potential conversation topics. Avoid formal-looking shoes.
3. For a real casual look, wear a plaid button-down shirt with a solid colored t-shirt underneath. Leave the top 1-2 buttons undone. Shorts are OK especially when the weather is great and you guys are sitting outdoor.

Virtual Coffee Date: Alternative During Pandemics

The first draft of this article was written during the Covid-19 pandemic. During a pandemic, it’s not safe to meet in areas where the risk of infection is high. To work around this problem, dating has turned virtual. A virtual coffee date is when two people meet virtually for coffee from two different locations. This usually happens in the form of a video call through a smartphone or a webcam.

Why not just do a video call? For one, a phone call is not a date. It lacks the ritualistic aspect and it also doesn’t have a natural time limit. Meeting virtually for coffee gives you a sense of an actual date. The time you spend drinking a cup of coffee is the subtle time limit for this date. When the time is up, you get a good excuse to say bye if your date isn’t what you expect. Another advantage this has over a coffee-less phone call is that you don’t have to talk non-stop. You can sip some coffee when you think of what to talk about next.

Couples who are in a long-distance relationship will find this kind of date a welcoming change to their routine video call. It’s a cute and fun thing to do with your partner.

A virtual date will never replace a date in real life but it’s a pretty good compromise if you can’t meet in person, for one reason or another.

Coffee as a Date: Yay or Nay?

Meeting over a cup of coffee is a great way to get to know someone new. It’s casual, stress-free, and safe. It excels as a first date because it’s inexpensive and flexible. Not without any shortcomings but you can overcome its weaknesses if you put a little effort into it. Now that you know the ins and outs of the coffee date, do you think it would work for you and your date?

Related Articles

Coffee Quotes

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Technology has given us the gift of connecting with others from all over the globe. No longer limited by physical proximity, couples are finding each other and falling in love, without needing to be in person. This kind of relationship is wonderful, but it takes time, energy, and communication to work well.

Over time, these relationships may grow or shift, either together or apart. Distance is a real challenge, and it can be hard to process a significant relationship when there are limited, in-person consequences.

Detecting the Subtle Signs That A Relationship May Be Headed for a Breakup

When handling a potential breakup in person, there is generally some form of communication involved. You can gauge the health of your relationship from the little signals, such as the amount of physical time spent together, hanging out, or going on dates.

However, when the relationship is built online (we’ve come a long way from LDRs maintained through snail mail correspondence), things become much more complicated. Here are some signs that your relationship might be headed toward a breakup.

Your relationship may be in trouble if you experience one or more of the following symptoms.

6 Long-Distance Relationship Breakup Signs

1. They don’t return your texts
2. They ignore you on social media
3. They don’t have time for you 
4. “Nothing’s wrong”
5. They are increasingly unavailable

1. They won’t return your calls or texts

This is an obvious, early sign that something is wrong. Texting and calling are typically primary forms of communication in long-distance relationships. It’s worth giving your partner some space for a couple of days, and checking back in. The distance could have very little to do with you, and everything to do with that’s going on in their lives, but you won’t know until you hear from them directly.

If they’re still not responding after a few days, it might be time to send a more detailed message explaining your concerns, and requesting an update. When this happens consistently, it may or may not mean that he is cheating on you; but one thing is certain, his interest level in you and the relationship is very low and that a breakup is a possibility in the near future.

2. They’re opening up messages on social platforms, but not responding

Yes. Your partner is ghosting you. Social media provides us with rich, immersive ways to share parts of our days with others. We’ve been given an incredibly powerful tool, which can also misrepresent the truth in our own lives, and in the lives of others. If the two of you are consistently connected through social media and they are not responding or replying to messages like they normally would, consider reaching out through other methods, just to check-in. It could be something simple, or there could be a bit more to the radio silence. If your partner is ghosting you, or if you’re ghosting your partner, maybe that’s a sign that one of you isn’t as interested as the other anymore.

3. They’re not taking time to listen to your concerns

Healthy partnerships are built upon communication and trust. If your guy is not taking time to understand or listen to your concerns about your relationship, it could be an indicator that there are deeper, unresolved issues that need to be addressed.

Your partner might not understand how important this conversation or these concerns might be to you, so do your best to calmly explain why you’re feeling the way that you are. If things stay the way they are even after you try to approach the problem in a mature manner, chances are the other party is just not that interested anymore and that your relationship may be heading towards a breakup.

4. They are making you feel as though nothing is wrong

There are times where couples experience miscommunication, but in general, there are clear explanations as to why something may have shifted in your relationship dynamic.

Pay close attention to the way these changes are explained. Don’t allow someone to tell you that nothing is wrong, or try and convince you that you’re looking too far into something. Trust your instincts, and be willing to have a tough conversation if your concerns are not being addressed as they should be. Don’t allow your counterpart to gaslight you (convincing you of an alternate truth) and go with your gut.

5. They aren’t respecting your previously set boundaries

Boundaries exist to support the limits and comfort of each partner. If you’ve set boundaries in the past and your other half is not respecting those limits, ask them why. Those who push against boundaries are generally ones who will “suffer” from those limits being enforced.

No one should push you to do things that you don’t want to do. You should never feel pressured to send content or to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, for the sake of your relationship.

6. They are increasingly unavailable, with no explanation

Life happens, people get busy, work or homework piles up. But over time, if you’re noticing more significant spaces of unaccounted for time (entire evenings, days, weekends with no communication), it’s worth checking in to see what’s going on.

If no explanation is offered, share your concerns, and ask for some clarification or insight into how things are progressing. If they aren’t offering time and space to talk, or even just a simple, truthful reason why they’ve suddenly become unavailable, consider that there might need to be more serious conversations in the future.

You are worthy of love, thoughtful attention, and care in your relationships. Every relationship dynamic will look a little different, however, there are some standards you should uphold when building a long-distance connection. Take time to communicate and express your concerns; if things do end, remember that there are still so many bright things ahead, and that time is a necessary ingredient when mending a broken heart.

Articles about Long-Distance Relationship

1. What are some of the most common challenges in a distance relationship? If you’re starting a new LDR, or if you’re looking for ways to fix your problematic partnership, you will find this list of problems and fixes helpful.

2. Many LDR lovers are college students who are looking for ways to make their long-distance love work. Here is some advice for students who have to juggle both challenging college coursework and a distance relationship.

3. What better ways to keep you and your partner inspired than some beautiful and meaningful quotes about LDR? Check out these illustrated quotes that you should share with your SO.

4. Looking for a gift to surprise your boyfriend or girlfriend with? Check out these gifts that are perfect for LDR lovers.

5. Is the person you’re going to distance with your boyfriend? Whatever the occasion is, surprise him with one of these gifts for guys.

6. And if that special occasion is the V-day, here’s an LDR gift guide dedicated to Valentine’s Day Gifts.

7. Unfortunately, sometimes things won’t always work out the way you want them to be. When that happens, here are some tips on how you can break up with them gently.

The post 6 Signs A Long-Distance Relationship Is Headed for A Breakup appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

1. Communication

The first part of rebuilding your relationship will depend on how much you are willing to communicate with each other. Having honest and open communication is one of the first steps that you and your partner should take. Without the willingness to communicate with each other, the relationship will stay broken — or worst, things appear to have improved superficially. It’s important to note that communication is a two-way street. This means that you don’t just have to explain yourself fully. You will also have to listen to what your partner says and vice versa. Be sure to be non-judgmental and respectful in your communication.

2. Forgive

Your partner may have done you wrong or have had some lapses when it comes to your relationship. But after you hear his side of the story and make known what’s yours, take time to heal. You can’t expect your healing to happen overnight, especially if you have been significantly hurt. You and your partner might need some space to breathe. Make sure that once you have already forgiven your partner, you won’t throw his past mistakes at him. Sincerely forgiving him doesn’t mean that you have already forgotten what has happened. Of course, the best way to go is for you to forgive still but never forget. However, you shouldn’t use resolved problems as a way of attacking your partner in the future once again. Once done, it’s done.

3. Fall in love again

Now, this may sound cliche. It’s one of those phrases you hear straight of the movies. But it’s true. Since you’re rebuilding your relationship, there might be some things that you have already forgotten about your partner. After you have been hurt, chances are the hatred that you’re feeling is the most overwhelming emotion you currently have. It doesn’t happen overnight. It will take a lot of work. But you can definitely start by reminding yourself why you fell in love with your partner the first time around. Reread old messages or letters, look at your pictures from before and see how happy you were back then. Let yourself be reminded of the feeling you once had. Times might have changed, but your partner is still the same person after all.

4. Acknowledge your shortcomings

It takes two to tango. With this in mind, you should also know that it takes two to break a relationship. Prevent putting all the blame in your partner. I’m sure you have had lapses in the relationship too. What’s important is the two of you should acknowledge your own mistakes. Although your actions may not be the primary cause of your damaged relationship, you would have to know that you have contributed to why it has broken down. Own up to your mistakes. Your partner will very much appreciate this gesture from you. It also goes to show how much you’re willing to do your part in moving on and rebuilding the broken relationship.

5. Go on a date

Sure, you’re not the lovey-dovey couple who’s in their honeymoon phase. Perhaps that’s the reason why problems came up in your relationship in the first place. A broken relationship doesn’t become broken overnight, it’s caused by the accumulation of little problems. Once you’ve been in a relationship for many years, it’s easy to become too comfortable with our lives and for us to ignore the needs of each other. Some of these needs are the need for romance, passion, love, and attention.

You can jumpstart a dead relationship by going on a date. A great date idea is for you to recreate your first date, only that this time around, it’s better. Through this, you’re hitting two birds with one stone – you get to go on a date, and you’re rebuilding your relationship with your partner.

6. Vacation

Perhaps it’s the repetitive daily chores that are getting in the way of you and your partner. Revitalize and rebuild your relationship with a relaxing vacation. A vacation will help you rekindle your love, and it’s a way for you to bond with each other too. After a huge emotional setback, you both deserve a break – from everyday life, other people and everything in general. Hopefully, this trip with your love will make you feel fresh and renewed as a couple and as individuals.

7. Be Proactive

When we say that you should be the better version of yourself, this goes for you as an individual and as a partner in a committed relationship. The best thing about making up or rebuilding your once broken relationship is that you have nowhere to go but up. Think of it as you’ve already hit rock bottom with your partner. There’s nothing else that could get more painful than that when it comes to your relationship. Take it as a consolation that your relationship is going to get better from that point on. Of course, this won’t be a sure thing. You and your partner will both need to put in extra effort to make this happen. It’s a chance for you to mend what was once broken and learn from your mistakes.

What will you do to rebuild the relationship?

Fixing a broken relationship may be a hard thing to do. In fact, there’s no assurance that you can make it work the second time around. This is a risk you are both going to take. But once you have established with your partner that you’re willing to try again, there’s a great possibility that the two of you can make your relationship even better than before.

The post 7 Ways To Rebuild A Broken Relationship appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

So you’re ready to move on from this chapter of your life and you’re looking for a clean and preferably painless way to break up with someone you were once in love with. This giant break up tome is exactly what you need. In this article, you’ll learn the ins and outs on how to break up with your boyfriend or girlfriend while inflicting minimal pain.

How To Break Up Without Hurting Anybody

Breakups can be extremely painful especially when you are on the receiving end. When someone breaks up with you, you feel sad, insecure, and confused. Although this time you are the one calling the shots, it can be just as difficult. You might also be a little paranoid before the breakup, thinking what if he cries or begs you not to leave him? What if he eggs your house after the breakup? What if he destroys your image online?

Don’t worry. We have put up this breakup guide so you can break up with someone in the most effective and painless way (for both of you). First, we will start off with some breakup preparation tips you can follow so that everything will go as planned, then go on to what to expect so you won’t be caught off guard. Tips on picking the right location and time to break up are included in this guide too.

If you’re looking for a way to break up with someone without anyone getting hurt, below are some tips that will help reduce the emotional pain for both parties down to a minimum.

1. How to Prepare Yourself Before A Breakup

Some people say that breaking up with someone doesn’t need any preparation. But you should know better. Since breaking up with someone can be really painful and may result in emotional distress, it’s best to be prepared. It is easier to deal with the pain of a pending breakup by first emotionally distancing yourself from your partner. This way, you prepare yourself for the pain your breakup will cause and ease the tension you feel as you remain in the relationship that often leaves you unhappy.

While there is no specific time frame as to how long the preparation stage should last, you have to take note that you shouldn’t use this stage to prolong the relationship that makes you feel dissatisfied. In fact, it’s best if you can prepare yourself as soon as you make the decision. Below are some tips on the preparation before you break up with someone.

a. Love Yourself More

The first thing you can do to prepare yourself for a breakup is to love yourself more. Direct your attention to yourself and stop giving too much attention to your partner. If possible, start visualizing what it feels like to be your own person, outside of your relationship. By doing this, not only are you preparing yourself for the breakup, you are acknowledging your own strengths and weaknesses. You will be more confident in breaking the news to your partner because knowing your strengths will enable you to say goodbye to the insecurities that might stop you from breaking up with him.

b. Get Rid of the Emotional Hooks

Another thing that you have to do to prepare yourself for a breakup is getting rid of all the emotional factors that hinder you from totally breaking up with someone. Of course, this is not like a simple on and off switch, so you can do it gradually. Start by avoiding being intimate with your partner. By doing this, you are slowly easing in the breakup by giving him some signs of the impending breakup. Another emotional hook that you have to eliminate is guilt. Remind yourself that what you’re doing is for the best, and that leaving him won’t ruin his life. In fact, that frees him up to find the love he truly deserves. Lastly, you have to stop romanticizing everything he does by thinking that every caring gesture is a sign that he is changing for good.

c. Turn to Friends or Family for Support

Being in a relationship, especially a long-term relationship, means that you are used to relying on your partner for support. When your car breaks down, when you need an opinion about something small, or when you feel stressed at work, you turn to your partner for help. However, you have to stop doing that if you want to effectively prepare for an upcoming breakup. Learn to be independent and fix all your problems by yourself. Or turn to your friends or family for help when you need it. This way, you can emotionally distance yourself from your boyfriend because you are not relying on him for support anymore.

2. What to Expect During And After You Break Up

Knowing what to expect from a pending breakup can save you from overwhelming grief. Though we cannot fully predict what will happen when you break up with someone, here are some things you can expect when you end a relationship:

a. The breakup conversation will be hard.

Breaking up with someone will be difficult, no matter how much you assure yourself that things will go smoothly. You also can’t predict what your partner will say once you utter those breakup words. Telling someone that you want to break up with him will never be easy, no matter how many times you’ve done it in the past. Looking at their picture on the wall won’t make it easy either. You just have to own the fact that breaking up with someone will always be difficult.

b. You might be hesitant after seeing his reaction.

Your partner will probably look so sad or even burst into tears when you break up with him. You will probably have doubts and start asking yourself whether it is really the right thing to do. You might wonder if you truly gave him enough chances to prove himself worthy or not. However, it is normal to be hesitant about your decision. Many people who have to be the ones to break it to their partners always find themselves in the same scenario. So don’t panic when you feel doubts and just go on with what you have planned to do.

c. Your social circle might have to change.

You and your partner might have mutual friends. His friends might have grown so close to you that breaking up with him might mean not being friends with his friends anymore. Social gatherings after the breakup can be awkward, especially when the two of you have been together for a very long time — your mutual friends will need some time to adjust to the change too. The truth is you may lose some friends in the process. But take heart brave girl, because you will get over it soon.

d. Changing your social media status & posts will be a must.

After breaking up with someone, expect to change your relationship status on social media from “in a relationship” to “single”. Inevitably people will comment on the change and start sending you messages saying that everything will be fine or asking why you broke up with your partner. You might also have to explain things to people close to you such as your best friends or your relatives. If you are the type of person who likes uploading photos in social media, then get ready to browse through all of them to delete you and your ex’s photos.

e. Your partner might bargain.

Bargaining is dangerous since it can lead you back into the arms of the person whom, for whatever reason you have, you have decided to break up with. A lot of people go through this stage, especially the ones who were dumped. There might be a point when your ex cannot resist contacting you and asking for another chance. If you don’t respond, he might resort to stalking you on social media, calling you in the middle of the night, or sending you dozens of text messages until you respond. When that happens, you should take the necessary actions to stop your ex.

3. How To Pick The Right Location For The Breakup

Now that you already know how to prepare for a breakup and what to expect, it’s time for you to know one of the most overlooked considerations when breaking up with someone: the breakup place.

When you’re breaking up with your boyfriend or girlfriend, don’t forget to carefully choose the place where you’re going to break the news. Some places are better than others, especially if you want proper closure.

When choosing the right place to break up with your partner, here are the things you should consider:-

a. Pick a place where the two of you really feel comfortable.

Choosing a location that fits your needs is important. If the breakup conversation will take hours, choose a place where the two of you can sit comfortably without any disturbance. It would be also great to choose a private place because breakups can be very emotional and you, your partner, or both might shed some tears.

Another rule of thumb: avoid inviting your partner to your place to break up with him. While you might think that your place will be a good venue for the breakup because it is comfortable enough for you, well, sorry to say, but it is not. If you break up with your boyfriend in your place, you cannot leave when needed. It might also end up with him staying at your place because he is too sad to go.

b. Take note of your history when choosing a place for breaking up with him.

There are places where the two of you had very special moments. For example, places where you had your first date, where you celebrated birthdays, etc. Choosing any of these places of significance is inadvisable. Doing this would just ruin the great memories you and your partner had at those special locations.

Even if your relationship is coming to an end, it doesn’t mean that the good memories you had should be tainted. So, choose a place that doesn’t hold any emotional significance for you or for your partner.

c. If you think that he’ll get violent, choose a place where someone else can be near to protect you, just in case.

It is crucial for you to pick a place based on your partner’s past behavior. Is he the kind of person who gets emotional? Does he throw tantrums? Does he break things when he gets too angry? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then choose a place where someone else can look out for you. Ask a friend or a family member to be nearby the breakup location in case things get messy.

4. How To Choose The Right Time To Break Up

As the famous saying goes, “Timing is everything”. This is also applicable to breaking up with someone. Choosing the right time to break up with your boyfriend is crucial so that you can make it as seamless as possible.

Breaking up with him when he is going through a major heart-wrenching event is a terrible idea. It would be cruel to break up with someone who just lost a parent. The same thing goes for someone who just lost his job. If you are stuck in this situation, try to extend your patience for as long as possible. Try to stick by your partner’s side as a way of honoring the good times you had with him. But being there for him doesn’t mean that you have to change your mind or back out. You can give him a few weeks or a month if possible, so that he can have enough time to catch some breaths.

This leads us to the next big thing: set a specific date for your breakup. A trend in which couples schedule their breakup is emerging nowadays. These couples set a date for their breakup to enjoy each other’s company to the fullest before calling it quits. This is actually not a bad idea, especially if the two of you have some important events to go to such as a friend’s wedding or a long-awaited vacation. After all, it does not hurt if you try to be punctual and organized. So this doesn’t work for all couples, but you should know if it would work for you two.

5. How To Actually Break Up With Someone

After all of the preparations needed for the breakup, the only thing missing now is how you’ll actually do it. It is difficult, and it always will be, but taking note of these things will make it easier.

a. Be as clear as possible.

If you are breaking up with someone in person, you’re in the position to convey your intentions to him clearly — as opposed to doing it over the distance. Having a small list of the things you want to say will be helpful too. If you are breaking up with him over a text message, be as clear as you can since texts are subject to interpretation. Remember, the best breakup conversations are those that are clear and concise.

b. Express your feelings honestly.

It is highly important for you to be honest with your feelings so that your partner won’t have to keep on looking for answers in the dark after the breakup. You surely have valid reasons why you want to break up with him. Perhaps you have been living together for so long, and he is not showing any intention of marrying you, so you just want to end the relationship. No matter how small or big your reasons may be, letting them out really helps relieve you of some emotional burdens.

c. Avoid pointing fingers.

You have to choose your words carefully when breaking up with someone. Avoid blaming your partner, you’re breaking up now — that’s all that matters. Most breakups are neither the woman’s nor the man’s fault. Things just simply did not work out. That’s it. There’s no need to blame anyone. Implying or directing the blame will just make things worse, so watch out.

d. Give him time to feel what he has to feel.

During the breakup conversation, you might want to give your partner some time to process his emotions. After breaking it to him gently, you can pause for a few minutes, or as much as you want. If you two are in a long distance relationship, you can put the voice or video call on hold and let him breathe and process his thoughts. Don’t rush into it. Acknowledge that your partner is hurt, and giving him time to feel what he has to feel is crucial. Stopping him from doing so will just lead to more heartbreak.

Breakups Can Be Tough

The truth is, breaking up with someone is not and never will be easy. No one is a pro at breaking up with someone, given everyone truly loved his or her partner. But preparing properly, knowing what to expect, picking the right location & timing, and following the right tips will help you make the breakup process less awkward and painful.

How to Break Up With Someone You Live With

Thinking of breaking up with your live-in partner? In this breakup guide, you will find the preparations you need and things to do before, during, and after the change.

More and more couples are finding themselves living together under one roof nowadays. There are many reasons behind this trend: financial issues, desire to know each other deeply, independence from respective families, preparation for marriage, and a whole lot more.

Sadly, living together with your partner does not guarantee that you two will be together forever. As much as it pains us to say this, it doesn’t matter how long you two have been living together because at this point, you are ready to break up with your live-in partner.

How To Break Up With A Live-In Partner

Breaking up with someone you live with is one of the most difficult decisions someone has to make, relationship-wise.

Not only you have to go through the emotional pain of breaking up with him, but you also have to go through the hassle of moving out and finding a new place. To save you from these struggles, we made a guide that will help you in breaking up with someone you live with as smoothly as possible. Here are some things you can do before, during, and after the breakup.

Before Breaking Up With Your Live-in Partner

Things to get ready before you’re ready for the breakup talk.

1. Take the time you need to make sure what you exactly want.

You might have had amazing memories with this guy but it’s just not working out anymore. It is normal to have doubts before breaking up with your live-in boyfriend, especially if you have been living with him for a long time. Pretty much everyone has doubts before spilling the beans. That’s why it’s important for you to take as much time as you need to make sure of your decision.

2. Plan the details of your breakup accordingly.

Where are you going to break up with him? Are you going to do it at your place? Is there a pet you have to consider? How about your stuff? His stuff?

As you can see, there are a lot of questions you first have to address before breaking up with someone you live with. Make sure that these questions, at least those that need to be prioritized the most are addressed before you and your live-in partner have the breakup conversation.

You also have to keep in mind that breaking up with someone does not mean that either one of you should be booted out of your place in a whim. Living on the streets is not an option, so make sure the logistics and other important details are dealt with first.

During the breakup

Things to do and what to expect when you break up with someone you live with.

Step 1: Sit down for a healthy talk.

Having the dreaded breakup conversation is never easy, but you have to consider making it as healthy as possible. Choose a place where you two can sit down comfortably for a healthy conversation. You can start the talk by saying to your partner that you need to talk about something very important and for that, you need his full attention. Ask him to put his phone away and any other things that might distract him.

Step 2: Spill the beans.

After sitting down and making sure that you have your live-in boyfriend’s full attention, it’s time to tell him that you want to break up with him. It is best to be straightforward, but if you want to ease him into it, you can first thank him for all of the great memories you had together. You can say that you will always be grateful of him taking care of you and helping you around the house. Don’t try to exaggerate things though — a simple thanks will do.

Step 3: Tell him the reasons why you want a breakup.

The next step to take is to clearly tell him why you want to break up with him. You have to be as honest as possible, but have to be respectful as well. Make sure that there is as little blame as possible when you are telling him the reasons, especially because these reasons might be negative or offensive to him.

Step 4: Provide clear explanations

Giving the reasons why you want to break up with your boyfriend is not enough. You have to explain why you think these reasons are the dealbreakers. Be as clear as you can, doing so will let him know that you have given serious thought into the breakup. This will also prevent him from hanging onto you, and help him accept your decision.

After breaking up

In the aftermath.

1. Take action

Ending a relationship is nerve-wracking, especially if you broke up with someone you live with. Given the difficulty of the breakup, you have to take immediate action after the breakup. This means that you have to tell your former live-in partner all of the things you have planned for (as stated in the before the breakup section).

2. Have an agreement

After telling your ex about your plans, you have to arrive at an agreement which can enable you to settle things like who gets which, who should move out, who pays for which, and many more. Make sure that both parties are treated fairly in the agreement.

Breaking up with someone you live with is probably one of the hardest things you have to do in your entire life. Despite the pain and hassle caused by it, make sure that you remain compassionate and polite after the breakup. Always take into mind that your ex was a person you’ve spent every single day of your life with for the past months or years. Additionally, consider this as an opportunity for you to grow and develop your character.

Perhaps, he is not just the one, or this is not the right time for both of you. After all, no one really knows what the future may hold.

How to Break Up Over Text

Breaking Up Over Text – Is It A Good Idea?

Almost everyone who has experience in dating has been through this: wanting to break up with someone but not having the courage to do it. Breaking up over text offers an easier alternative compared to breaking up in person.

While breaking up with someone over text is probably not the best idea for most, it has its benefits. For one, it prevents things from getting haywire. Breakup is an emotional process, both you and your partner can get confused, sad, and angry. And when people don’t make the best decision when they’re emotional. Two, it forces you to think before you say anything. Unlike verbal communication, the acts of typing your words and hitting the send button to deliver a message force you to consider if you’re saying the right thing.

That’s why we have compiled this guide for you to break up with your partner through text gently but effectively. By following these guidelines, you can use technology to your advantage and let bygones be bygones.

Before the Breakup

Breaking up with someone over a text message might leave that person confused. And confusion often leads to anger. That’s why it is very important to make sure that you are properly prepared before breaking up over text.

1. Make sure that you really want to break up with him over text.

Before sending the “I want to break up with you” text message, make sure that this is really something you want. Take some time to consider your feelings and the reasons behind your desire to break up with your partner. If you have any doubts about the breakup or the way you want to break up with your partner, you can take as much time as you need to reassess your decisions.

2. Try to think about your partner’s reaction after you send him the breakup text.

Thinking about your boyfriend’s potential reaction is also important in preparing for the breakup-over-text. Will he be mad? Will he be shocked? Will he cry? Will he take it seriously? Trying to answer these questions and thinking about how your boyfriend will feel can help you prepare by being more sensitive and knowing how to handle his reaction.

3. Have a backup plan

What do you plan to do if he calls you? What if he requests for a face-to-face meeting? It’s common courtesy to not be a total jerk when you’re breaking up with someone, but you know your circumstances better than anyone else. Think of what to do if 1. he calls you 2. he requests a meeting or 3. he knocks on your door 10 minutes after the breakup text.

During the Breakup

What happens during a gentle text message breakup.

Step 1. Start with a genuine greeting

It will be awkward to start your text with “Hello! I just want to say that…”, so it is best if you start with a simple hi or hello without any exclamation point because it might make the guy feel that you are so ecstatic about the text message breakup. Use a neutral voice.

Avoid saying “Good morning” and the like too, because what you are about to say might ruin his day. Also, it is very important to include the guy’s name in your greetings so that he knows that your text has to be taken seriously.

Step 2. Follow up with a simple compliment.

After starting with a nice but not exaggerated greeting, a genuine compliment is necessary because it eases into the blow of the breakup statement. Make sure that your compliment is objective and true to the core. Exaggerating is also a no-no because this might make the guy think that he still has a shot if he uses those overly good traits.

Avoid saying “You are so lovely, sweet, and understanding but…” then say you want to break up with him. The two statements contradict each other so your compliments should center on the times you have spent together or a general description of his personality. Something like “I had a nice time with you but…” or “You seem to be a nice guy but…” will suffice.

Step 3. Tell him the reasons clearly.

This is where things can get tricky. Text messages change the way we communicate so your text message has to be as clear as it can get. Of course, the reasons should be known between you and your boyfriend but it is actually up to you whether you want to go as specific as you want. After all, you are the one breaking up with him over text.

Just a word of caution: be as kind and graceful as you can with your narrative. Having someone break up over text with you is as hard as it gets, and sounding angry to your future ex might make him feel worse.

Step 4. End the text by thanking him.

After doing the three previous steps, thanking him is a good way of closing your text message because it makes him know how much you appreciate him. This might not erase the pain brought by the breakup, but it shows that the time you spent with him was not wasted. In addition, you can thank him for being a mentor figure for you to learn valuable life lessons that you will cherish forever. If you think that this experience made you a better person, you can also thank him for that. However, don’t overdo it. You don’t want to be sending a mixed message to your now ex.

And of course, do not forget to send that text you just constructed.

After Breaking Up Over Text

You have done it. Now what?

1. Deal with his reaction calmly.

Chances are your future ex-boyfriend will text you back or demand explanations. If he gets mad, try not to be mad as well. If he accepts it, thank him again and say that you should give each other some time to move on. Whatever his reaction is, just do your best to deal with it as calmly as possible.

2. Hold your position

If he asks you for another chance, you can close the door on any future possibilities with him or you can consider him as a friend. After all, there are many exes that remain as friends after breaking up over text messages. Just keep in mind that you have to do what’s best for you.

Finding a way to break up with someone is all up to you. You can do it over a text message, a call, or in person. Whatever way you choose, just remember this: your life, your rules.

Ending a relationship with someone hurts. Additionally, being in a long distance relationship is difficult. Add the two together and what do you get a long-distance breakup which is probably one of the most difficult breakups you have to go through. But don’t worry, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to break up with someone in a long-distance relationship.

How to Break Up with a Long-Distance Relationship Partner

Not knowing how to properly break up with someone can be a nightmare― one that will be hard to get over. Since you and your partner are in a long-distance relationship (LDR), breaking up with him in person may not be a viable option. The next best option is doing it through a voice call or video call. Thanks to various apps such as Facebook Messenger, Skype, and WhatsApp, breaking up with someone over long distance online is an option that you should definitely consider.

How To Break Up (Gently) With Someone Long-Distance

Depending on the circumstances, it’s possible that you haven’t seen your partner for months or even years. Throughout this period of time, you might have felt the heavy weight of not having him physically around. Which is why we totally understand if you want to break up with him as soon as possible. After all, giving a heads up can benefit him especially if he wants to plan things for the two of you get back together (physically). No matter what your reason is for your long-distance breakup, good for you for having made up your mind.

We know it’s hard, but don’t fret because we put up a guide to breaking up with your long-distance boyfriend or girlfriend.

Related: 10 Relationship Red Flags To Watch Out For

Related: 10 Long-Distance Relationship Problems & Fixes

Things To Do Before The Long Distance Breakup

Preparation is key to a successful and gentle breakup.

1. Open up to a confidant.

Before the breakup call, it’s best to talk to someone you truly trust–for example, your mother, your best friend, etc. Doing this will help you process your thoughts and feelings before the breakup. You can get some advice from them, too. This is great because they are people who care for you and they can also look at your long-distance relationship objectively.

2. Schedule the breakup call.

While this may sound cold, scheduling your breakup is a good thing, especially when you live in different time zones. Make sure that you and your boyfriend are both awake at that time, and are not tired from work or school — or worse, at work or school. So the weekend is probably the best time for the long-distance breakup call.

Also, if your boyfriend or girlfriend has a big exam or work presentation coming up, try to schedule the breakup call after that so the breakup won’t affect his studies or work. It’s best if you hold the breakup for a couple of days. After all, you will want the same courtesy extended to you if you were in his or her position.

3. Prepare a script.

This step might sound awkward but doing this helps make the process a little bit less hurtful for both parties. It doesn’t have to be a detailed script, but rather an outline of the things you have to say during the call. Chances are, even if you are the one who initiates the breakup, things will still be emotional for you. The script can help you remember everything you want to say and stay on course.

During the Long-Distance Breakup

Things that happen when you ask for a breakup.

1. Start by saying directly what you think.

Being in a long-distance breakup call can be dreadful. That’s why you need to be direct in sharing what you think about your relationship. Factor in the limited time that you and your boyfriend might have for this breakup call, so you need to be concise and get to the point.

You can go with something like this: “This is hard to say, but I have to tell you that I cannot be in this relationship anymore.”

2. Give your partner some time to process his feelings.

It’s best to be silent after saying that you don’t want to be in a relationship with him anymore. You have to give him time to feel what he has to feel. More often than not, he will react by asking questions and might even displaying strong emotions, which lead us to the next step.

3. Explain your decision.

In order not to leave your boyfriend or girlfriend confused, you have to state the reasons why you decided to break up with him. The long distance between the two of you might probably be the main reason. If there are other reasons, you have to tell him as well, no matter how small or petty they seem.

4. Keep calm.

Even after your explanation, your boyfriend might still cry or get angry at you. If this happens and you cry or get angry, too, you can pause the call. This will allow you and your boyfriend to have some time to get your composure back. But don’t forget to call him back at a later time to end the breakup talk properly.

5. Express gratitude.

The best way to end a long-distance breakup talk is thanking him for all the moments you spent together. You can say that you will always be grateful for everything he has done for you, but it’s time to let go now since things are not working out anymore. A rule of thumb: do not thank him excessively because this can backfire on you.

After the Long-Distance Breakup

What is done is done, now what?

1. Clearly say where this breakup is headed.

Your long-distance ex-boyfriend might ask for a second chance and try to get you back, but you have to be firm with your decision. If you think he cannot be your friend after the long-distance breakup, then tell him so, but gently. You can say something like: “I don’t think we should contact each other anymore.”

But if you think you can be friends in the future, you can say that too. Saying something like: “Though we did not work out as a couple, we can still be friends in the future. But for now, we have to give each other time to recover.”

2. Care for yourself.

Focus on yourself this time. Love yourself more by doing things that make you happy. It could be shopping, going to the gym, traveling, etc. Whatever it is that makes you happy, do it without doubts, because it will really help you in dealing with the aftermath of your long-distance breakup. Again, even if you’re the one initiating the breakup, it doesn’t mean that you are cold-hearted and don’t feel the pain. Give yourself time to heal by doing something you enjoy.

A Guide Is Just A Guide

Each couple has a unique relationship, and breakups are no different. There is no universal way to break up. Just trust yourself, because deep down there, you know what’s best for you.

And remember, time will heal every wound. Eventually, you will realize that there is something better in store for you.

Bonus Content

Long-Distance Breakup Stories

There are some LDR breakup stories at www.youbrokeuphow.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2_u_7WDmKg

All articles related to long-distance relationship on Metropolitan Girls.

Breakups Are Always…

They are almost always emotional for both parties. Sometimes it can be a freeing experience if you’re getting out of a toxic relationship, but it will always feel like you’ve lost something. In any situation, feel free to clear out your schedule as you see fit to give yourself some alone time to recharge and let your feelings settle down.

The post How To Break Up appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

Are You Ready to Move On From Your Crush At Work?

Everyone goes through the dreaded Monday spell. It’s when it’s so hard to pull yourself out of bed to go to work. But there are certain things in work that makes it a lot bearable. There’s the pay, your co-workers (for some), and your work crush. Sure, everyone probably has their respective “work crushes” or “happy crushes.” It’s really nothing serious, and you don’t expect much from happening, but they just give you the boost you need to survive another day at work.

But what will happen if you finally want out from this situation? How, then, can you get over a crush when you see him or her every day at your workplace?

7 Steps To Get Over A Crush You See Every Day At Work

Step 1. Maintain professionalism

Yes, we believe that you’re acting professionally in the first place. You should continue doing this and exert more effort in completing your day-to-day tasks. Sure, it’s hard not to completely ignore the person especially if you’re in the same area the majority of the days. A true professional will always be able to set aside their differences with any other employees, and yes, that’ll include your crush.

Step 2. Minimize contact

This is probably one of the hardest things to do, especially when it comes to working. It’s not best to completely ignore your crush since it can affect your work. But the key is, you can make sure that you make minimal interaction as much as you can. If, before, you try to stretch out the supposedly short talks into a full-blown conversation, then it’s time for you to stop doing that. Limit your communication to anything that has to do with work. If your crush tries to strike up a conversation, you can always put up, the “I’m busy” card. Doing this will help you tremendously as you work through your feelings.

3. Stop going to after-work events.

Maybe you’re the social butterfly who’s going to find this tip a bit hard to do, but it has to happen. You can at least do it for the first few months you’re trying to get over your crush. Getting over someone you’ve had feelings for won’t happen overnight. It also certainly won’t happen if you always see that person and even manage to hang out with them. That’s not the right way to start getting over a crush.

It’s not bad to miss out some after-work dinners or lunches! Or maybe you can come when you’re sure that your crush won’t be there. Just give yourself a matter of time to breathe peacefully without your crush standing in the way.

4. Look for a friend whom you can talk about the situation.

If you don’t trust yourself completely to ignore your crush off altogether, then ask one of your closest friends to keep you focused on your goal. It will also help to talk to your friend about how you feel, and they might even give you real-time advice that you’ll need!

5. Keep yourself busy!

You’re at work. It’s the best distraction you can ever find. If you’ve been sloughing off before because you’ve been slightly distracted thinking about your work crush, then now is the perfect time to focus on your tasks. It’s the best thing you can do. It doesn’t only keep your mind away from your crush, but you’ll also be able to focus on your improvement as an employee. Work harder! You’ll never know, your boss might even see how much work you’ve put in and give you a raise or a reward.

6. Meet other people.

It doesn’t work well for everybody, but you can try to do this. Go out there, don’t confine yourself in your workplace.

Also, don’t restrict your feelings for just one person. There are many more interesting people you’re going to meet. You just have to give yourself the chance to do this. Meeting someone new doesn’t mean that you have to invest any feelings for them, either. All you have to do is to enjoy the thrill of meeting another individual who you might just click with.

7. Focus on yourself.

This is the best solution to all of your worries. You’ve given too many feelings for a person without even getting it back. Maybe it’s time for you to sit back and realize that you should love yourself a little more. It might be cliche, but it works! You can try learning up a new hobby, or going to the gym, reconnecting with your old friends – there’s really a lot more to do!

The key here is you should keep yourself busy. Divert your attention to another person, activity, task, or even yourself. The mind is a powerful organ which you can control. If you choose to distract yourself from your ex-crush, then you’ll be so much better than you’d ever think you would be.

Articles Related to Love Crush

• Topics to Talk to Your Crush – things to talk to your crush about
• Questions to Ask Your Crush – conversation starters
• Ways to Tell Your Crush That You Like Him – subtle way to let your crush know that you like him
• How to Get Over Your Crush At Work (This Article)

The post 7 Steps To Get Over a Crush At Work appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

Related: 15 Doctor Day Gift Ideas that Are Amazing

Not everyone can say that their boyfriend is a doctor. Only a few percentages of the population can do this. Maybe it’s because they’re too busy to date, or they’re dating other doctors as well. But there’s something about dating a doctor that makes you want to be proud of telling the world that you’re doing so. It’s only logical since they work to save lives. That alone is more than enough to amaze someone. However, with this considerable bragging power comes a great responsibility of dating someone like a doctor. If you’re still new to the scene, better read on and know what you should expect when you’re dating a doctor.

Things to Expect When You’re Dating a Medical Doctor

What kind of expectations should you set when you date a doctor? What are the perks and common difficulties? What about the pros and cons?

1. Being a doctor is not an eight-to-five office job.

This is probably one of the more obvious reasons when you’re dating a doctor. There’s an emergency room available 24/7 that’s designed to cater to anyone who’s needing any medical emergencies at any time of the day. And yes, that includes when you’re at a date with your partner or sleeping beside him comfortably at 2 in the morning. If he’s needed in the hospital, don’t expect that he will skip it for you. There are only quite a few times that this can happen.

2. They’re always going to be busier than you.

If you think you’ve done enough for one day, your boyfriend will always be busier than you. Their schedule and everything they do will make you want to question if you’re busy in the first place. However, you’d have to be a hundred percent more understanding with their schedules because the busier they are means there’s a high chance that they’ll likely to be more stressed, which brings us to number 3.

3. Doctors are always stressed!

Sure, it’s such a great responsibility to be able to save or look after someone’s life. May they be on the verge of dying or not, their health is a doctor’s primary concern. There may be days wherein it’s a little bit harder for your boyfriend than the usual to cope up with the needs of the patient. Often, they could lose patients, and it may affect them emotionally. Being a doctor isn’t only a physical job, but it’s also an emotional one, as well. It’s essential that you understand that they’re not just tired physically, but they can be trained emotionally too.

4. You will be the one planning in your relationship.

May it be as simple as a casual date or as big as a holiday trip, you are going to be the one who’s in charge of the scheduling. But of course, you have to keep in mind his schedule and whatever emergencies he might encounter along the way. It’s going to be tough for you at first to adjust with this kind of set-up, but if you manage to stay with him for quite some time, you’ll eventually get the hang of it!

5. It will take a lot to gross you out.

If before, you’re easily grossed out by even the sighting of a single drop of blood, then dating a doctor may increase your tolerance for gross things. When you’re dating a doctor, expect not only to see a single drop of blood. You’re also going to see a lot of body organs and fractured bones. Consider yourself lucky because not everyone has this privilege!

6. You’ll learn to be selfless.

Dating a doctor will surely give you some sense of personal growth and character development. You’ll learn how to be selfless and more understanding. You’ll be shocked to see yourself not only going through lengths to understand your boyfriend, but you can also see yourself understanding other people a lot more. It’s a good feeling, actually. Even though you think you’re not doing anything as noble as your boyfriend is, you are doing quite a lot!

7. Expect to learn more about medicine.

Whether you like it or not, it seems like you are going to have to learn a lot about the medical field. But don’t let this overwhelm you. Think of it as a regular exchange of conversation about the jobs of a typical couple. You can talk about your work, and he talks about his too. Eventually, your boyfriend is going to learn some technical terms from your field, too. But expect that you’re going to learn A LOT MORE in the medical field.

8. You won’t need to go to the hospital for your health needs.

You need a prescription for your headache, or you need to get your surgical stitches removed? Your boyfriend can do just that without putting you through the hassle of going to the hospital. It’s because the hospital is wherever your boyfriend is at. If that means you are in a restaurant for a date, he could easily give you a diagnosis and a prescription right then and there. Talk about being handy, right?

9. Doctors are tired most of the time

Again, it’s not just a matter of physical exhaustion but an emotional one, as well. If you’ve planned a dinner date for the evening, you might want to just cook for him instead. It will save him the hassle of going out and traveling but you might be a bit disappointed with the set-up. But all you have to do is to understand your boyfriend.

10. Everything seems a bit more romantic and thrilling.

It’s not every day that you get the chance to enjoy sweet nothings with your boyfriend. You’re not always with each other majority of the time, and it makes you appreciate the time you have together even more.

The Hard Truth About Dating Someone Who Is A Medical Doctor

Dating a doctor is hard. We’re not going to sugarcoat it for you. But you’ve probably known his profession even before you started dating. You know that it’s a huge part of his life. All it takes is a tons load of understanding on your part and compromise on his part to make your relationship work.

Share This Post: 10 Things You Should Know Before You Date a Doctor

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The post 10 Things You Should Know Before You Date a Doctor appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

The Pros: The Advantages of Dating Bodybuilder

Bodybuilders can be intimidating — especially the types that go extreme bulking. But what happens when you’re dating them? Will you be overwhelmed by all the attention that you are getting or will you feel protected at all costs? It’s like your dating any other person, only they are more visible than all other guys. Below are some pros and cons of dating a bodybuilder.

1. Bodybuilders are hardworking and dedicated.

The gym is a bodybuilder’s second home. There’s always a pack of them in the gym. If you’re looking for your bodybuilder date, he’s probably hitting the racks, trying to gain some muscle. Being a bodybuilder isn’t something that one can do overnight. It takes years of strict muscular training and proper dieting for them to achieve the kind of body that they have. They aren’t kidding around when they say that they’re serious about one thing. Bodybuilders value the hard work and won’t let it go to waste for something they did. This could be a positive trait because he’s not letting go of your relationship without a proper reason!

2. Bodybuilders have superhuman strength.

They are called bodybuilders for a reason. Of course, this would mean that they have built up or are building up muscles. Most guys will get surely be intimidated by their size and no one will ever bother wanting to harass you. You can use this to your advantage especially since there are a lot of guys out there who thinks that they could hit on any girl.

3. Bodybuilders are super health conscious.

Bodybuilding isn’t just about hitting the gym. A considerable portion of it can be attributed to the fact that they have been watching over what they eat for the longest time. These are the real people who strictly follow their diet. They value their health above anything else. He might even influence you, and you’ll be more serious in going to the gym once and for all.

4. You can expect them to be cheerful and happy most of the days.

This is one great positive effect of being able to exercise every day. It relieves stress and releases endorphins or “happy hormones”. You won’t see your guy acting all slumpy and sad. They are always energetic! And it’s quite refreshing to experience this. Almost everyone these days are stressed over everything.

The Cons: The Disadvantages of Dating a Bodybuilder

Dating someone who’s into bodybuilding isn’t all rainbow and sunshine though. Below are some common problems that you may run into.

1. Bodybuilders can be obsessive (not about you though).

So maybe you met this guy when he has established his personal workout routine. It doesn’t guarantee you that just because you are dating him, you’d expect his workout routine to change. No, that won’t be the case. He had dedicated almost all of his time in building his body even before he met you. So, what will make him change this time around? Plus, your guy knows that once he missed even just three days of training, it’s going to have a significant impact on his bodybuilding journey. Hence, he may be a little bit too obsessive about staying in shape and eating lean. After all, he isn’t going to build his muscle overnight.

2. They might come off as narcissistic.

Admit it, bodybuilding impacts one’s physique greatly. It suddenly becomes a definition of who they are. The moment they lost a few muscles or grew a little fat, they will genuinely obsess over it! There might be even times when they’d weight almost every after a meal or flex their muscles in front of the mirror. Bodybuilders usually suffer from eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia. It’s when guys think that their bodies are becoming slimmer. Hence, they would need to work out and bulk up more on their proteins. For some girls, this will be such a turn off because they like guys to obsess over her body and not his.

3. They can be moody.

Although they can be energetic most of the time, their moods can change, too! This is because their body is going through a lot of hormonal imbalances whether they are exercising or not. Even the slightest alteration to their routine can change their mood big time.

What do you think?

If you’re thinking of dating a bodybuilder, these are some of the things you should consider. But at the end of the day, they’re still just like another guy or girl out there! Take some time to get to know the person underneath all the muscles. You’ll never really know unless you take the time to get to know them.

Share this article: Should You Date a Bodybuilder? 7 Pros and Cons To Help You Decide

Other Dating Articles For You to Check Out

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• 5 Cute Ways to Tell Your Guy Crush that You Like Him
• 7 Things That Happen When You Date A Pilot

The post Should You Date a Bodybuilder? 7 Pros and Cons To Help You Decide appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

Common Long-Distance Relationship (LDR) Problems And How To Fix Them

When two people who live in places distant from each other start dating, or when one of them has to move somewhere far, a long-distance romantic relationship begins to blossom. When I was a kid, my father had to go abroad because of his job. I saw the challenges that he and my mom had to go through. But their relationship survived so yours can work, too!

We are lucky enough to live in a digital era where we can communicate easily through Skype or Facebook. Gone are the days of suffering from expensive long-distance calls, going to the post office, and having to wait for many days to receive a letter from someone stationed overseas.

Related: Long Distance Relationship Advice for College Students

Yet with all of the technological marvels the world currently offers us, one thing remains true to the core: Technology can’t make up for everything. Long-distance relationships still pose challenges, and it’s up to you and your partner how to make things work out.

Will your relationship come out stronger despite the distance between the two of you? Here are some common problems found in long-distance relationships and how you can deal with them.

1. No Physical Contact

This tops the list because everyone in a long-distance relationship sees it as a challenge.

You will be missing his comforting hugs when you feel down, the way he pats your shoulder for a job well done, or how he holds your hand tightly as you walk around the park. It is hard not being in the presence of your special someone, and it hurts.

The fix: Take your LDR as a new opportunity of seeing your partner in a way that does not simply rely on the physical aspect. You can get to know him more and see how he reaches for his hopes and dreams. Try to avoid thinking that he is not with you now, but instead, be hopeful and prepare for the day you will see him again. Get each other a matching pair of couple bracelets as a stand-in for each other’s physical presence.

2. Constant Jealousy

Getting jealous is normal in a relationship. The problem arises when it becomes overwhelming.

It could be due to another girl, a friend, or even a pet you think your man is giving too much attention to. Sadly, this jealousy can be more intense especially when your partner is far away from you. You will tend to overthink things, call or text him all the time, and get jealous over innocent posts in social media. However, please take note that too much jealousy can break your relationship.

The fix: Express what you truly feel, but do so in a careful manner. Tell your partner that there are certain things making you jealous, and ask him if he can try to avoid those things. Don’t force him though. Additionally, you can work on your own insecurities. Increase your self-confidence and accept that your boyfriend is not your property.

3. Different Schedules

Distance and Time is a killer combo of a problem for couples in long-distance relationship.

You’re lucky if your partner only lives in a different state because him living in a different time zone is a bummer. Living in different continents is worse as you might just be starting your day, while your partner is already ending his, or vice versa. Add to that your different work or school breaks, hobbies, and sleeping preferences.

The fix: Schedule your time with each other. This may sound monotonous, but it works. Find a time when you and your partner are both free and make it a priority to call each other during that period. If you two are too busy, devote this time to focusing on each other, without any distractions. Keep yourself inspired with one of these quotes about long-distance relationship.

4. Missing Him A Lot

This issue is related to the previous one. Since the time you virtually spend with your partner can be limited to a few hours or even minutes per day, you will surely miss him a lot. This can be very challenging but with the right coping mechanism, you can get over it.

The fix: Keep something that belongs to your partner. It could be a piece of clothing or a symbol of your love. Don’t forget to put his picture in a frame, too. By doing these, the pain of missing him will eventually subside. You can spice things up by sending each other postcards or gifts from time to time. This way, you two will always be reminded of each other.

5. Various Misunderstandings

All couples have fought at one point in their lives. But it gets harder when you are far away from each other because you cannot simply run to him and hug him when you fight. Arguing also gets harder as you cannot see each other’s facial expressions in real-time. Chances are, one of you will hang up when an argument heats up quickly.

The fix: Communication and understanding are the keys to solving this problem. You are each other’s confidants, so you know each other well enough to understand what you two are going through. When you feel like your boyfriend’s getting mad over something little, take deep breaths and do your best to understand him. Ask him what’s bothering him and avoid saying things that might make the argument escalate.

6. Boring Conversations

The longer you spend time away from each other, the more not so interesting conversations you’ll have. After all, talking is the main thing you do with your partner in an LDR. Uninteresting conversations can manifest because it mainly consists of what you did during the day. There might also be a point where the fun stops and you do not know what to say next. Hence, the dreaded awkward silence.

The fix: Try to expand the topics you talk about. You can go outside at night and tell him how much you like the full moon, or how you cooked your dinner today. Tell him the funny things which happened during the day, no matter how small they may seem. You can also play games or sing to him (try to hit all the notes though) during a video call.

7. Trust Issues

They say that a relationship can’t work out without trust. This is true but it gets more difficult when you just started being in an LDR. Distance can make feel paranoid about what your partner is really doing while you’re away. You have doubts about whether your lover tells you the truth all the time. This is normal, especially for a relationship bound by geographical limitations. However, a lack of trust is a relationship red flag and can be toxic to your relationship.

The fix: Try not to be paranoid all the time. Do not let that paranoia make you stalk or smother him. If your partner does not give you reasons why you shouldn’t trust him, then you have to take a leap of faith. The more you believe in your relationship, the more relaxed you will be.

8. Growing Apart

Another problem of being in an LDR is the tendency of the couple growing apart. Sometimes, this happens without a couple noticing it. It can start as small as not replying to text messages, or canceling video calls. Then, it becomes bigger and before you know it, the relationship is over. You are both hurt and blame it on the distance between you two.

The fix: You have to make sure that your relationship is founded on strong ground. Many people in a long-distance relationship grow apart because they do not know themselves that well. So allow yourself and your partner to know yourselves more. Go to the mall alone or find new hobbies. Acknowledge that you are two different people in your own right. That’s totally okay because being in a relationship means that you are two whole individuals, who happen to be right for each other.

9. Occasional Loneliness

Imagine this: Valentine’s Day is coming up. Your partner is a thousand miles away and that makes you feel alone.

You cannot go on a date nor exchange gifts in person. That is understandable, but you cannot let it break your spirit.

The fix: Spend time with your family of friends instead during special occasions when your boyfriend is not around. Sprinkle that loneliness with positivity. Take it this way: You now have extra time to spend with other people you love, which allows you to grow not just as a girlfriend, but as a family member and a friend as well.

10. Lack of Intimacy

The last but not the least is the issue of intimacy. Intimacy plays a key role in the sustenance of a strong relationship. After all, you are sexual adults who crave intimacy at times. However, being intimate is not that conventional for people in an LDR.

The fix: Be open about your sexuality. If you want to be intimate with your partner, you can send him an intimate text, and a flying kiss or a virtual hug during a video call. If you want to take it up a notch, there’s always room for pictures and costumes (wink). Lastly, get him a naughty gift to remind him of you.

What is the biggest problem you face in a long distance relationship?

An LDR is not for the faint-hearted. It is a test of true love between two people who are willing to choose each other despite the continents and oceans between them. When your love is real, nothing can separate you.

Long-Distance Relationship LDR Articles

1. 12 Long-Distance Relationship Gifts
2. Long-Distance Relationship Boyfriend Gifts
3. Valentine’s Day Gifts for Long-Distance Relationship Boyfriend
4. Long-Distance Relationship Quotes
5. Long-Distance Relationship Advice for College Students
6. 10 Long-Distance Relationship Problems & Effective Fixes (This Article)
7. How To Break Up With Someone Long-Distance

All articles related to long-distance relationship on Metropolitan Girls.

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