37 Simple Ways to Love a Woman

 Is this your first time having a girlfriend? Are you getting married soon, and you want to be a better husband to your wife? Or do you simply want to know how to properly love a woman because you want to prepare for your future relationship?Wanting to be a better man for a woman you consider special is a noble desire. But, of course, you know she deserves the best, so you have to work on becoming better. Thus, if you want to be a better boyfriend or husband, you can instill the following ways to love a woman.

Treat Her Like A Queen

1. Be A Gentleman To Her.

Always treat your girl like you would want your mom, sister, or daughter to be treated by others. For instance, carry the heavy stuff for her and always let her choose from the menu first during dates.

2. Cook Her Favorite Food.

Most women love eating, so make it a habit to cook your girl’s favorite meals. She would love you all the more for them!

3. Give Her A Massage After A Stressful Day.

Does she always come home exhausted from work? Give her a relaxing foot and body massage before going to sleep.

4. Serve Her When She Is Tired.

Aside from the massage, she will surely appreciate it if you prepare breakfast or dinner for her during tiring workdays.

5. Give Her Presents.

Simple gifts during ordinary days, such as chocolates, comfy slippers, or lipsticks of her favorite shades, will make her eyes sparkle for sure.

6. Help Her With Chores, Especially The Heavy Ones.

Do the laundry and clean the bathroom if you want her to see you as a superhero. Washing and drying the dishes every meal will also make her smile.

7. Take Care Of Her.

Pamper your girl whether she is sick or not. For example, encourage her to get enough sleep, buy her vitamins, and deliver lunch to her office.

Be Proud Of Her

8. Hold Her Hand In The Public.

Holding her hand while walking in the mall or strolling around the park will make her feel how proud you are of your relationship.

9. Flex Her On Social Media.

You do not lose privacy by simply posting your photos together on social media once in a while.

10. Encourage Her To Pursue Her Dreams.

Make your girl feel that you believe in her capabilities. Be supportive of her dreams.

11. Praise Her Infront Of Other People.

Whether you are with your social circle or hers, do not forget to mention something good about your partner, like how a thoughtful or hardworking woman she is.

12. Compliment How She Looks.

Before going out, tell her that you like her dress or how she looks good with her hairstyle.

13. Introduce Her To Your Family And Friends.

If you are new together, do not hide her from your peers or family. Bring your girlfriend to your friend’s party and invite her to your parents’ house for dinner.

14. Celebrate Her Achievements.

Be her no. 1 fan. Take her out on a celebration date whenever she has accomplished a goal.

Value Her Trust

15. Do Not Lie To Her.

Never ever lie to her about anything. Once she caught you lying even once, it would be hard for her to believe you again.

16. Never Flirt With Other Girls.

There is no such thing as harmless flirting. It is still cheating, which you will not do to someone you love.

17. Give Her Access To Your Phone And Social Media Accounts.

Transparency will help your girl trust you more since she is assured that you do not hide anything from her.

18. Be Open To Her About Your Temptations.

Being open about your weakness is another way of telling her that you are fighting your demons for her.

19. Share Your Secrets With Her.

Your girlfriend or wife will feel honored to be trusted.

20. Do Not Badmouth Her To Other People.

Even if you have a misunderstanding, avoid criticizing your girl in front of others. You cannot take your words back once you have reconciled.

21. Keep Your Intimate Moments To Yourself.

Your partner would not be too happy once she finds out that you share your private moments with your friends.

Give Her Freedom

22. Do Not Stop Her From Seeing Her Friends.

You would not want her to keep you from your friends, right? So then, do not do it to her too.

23. Avoid Being Easily Jealous.

While a bit of jealousy can spice up your relationship, too much can be toxic. So avoid being jealous of every guy she talks to.

24. Do Not Be Possessive Of Her.

She may be your girlfriend or wife, but you do not own her. She still has the right to decide for herself, have her own social life, and pursue what she wants.

25. Respect Her Opinions And Beliefs.

You should not impose your principles, beliefs, and preferences on her. You have to respect your differences.

Protect Her From Yourself

26. Avoid Being Rude To Her In Words Or Actions.

As a gentleman, you should avoid raising your tone and using harsh words to your woman even if you are angry. Instead, do your best to treat her gently all the time.

27. Never Hurt Her.

No matter how intense your fight is, be careful not to hurt your girl physically or emotionally. Just leave the scene if you feel like losing your patience.

28. Do Not Embarrass Her In Public.

Do not argue with your girlfriend or wife in front of other people. If you want to correct her, do it privately.

29. Be More Understanding.

Women are prone to mood swings due to hormonal changes, so be more patient and understanding.

30. Do Not Compare Her To Other Women.

Your girl is unique. You cannot inspire her to be better by citing other women you admire. It would only make her insecure and jealous.

31. Be Humble And Apologize When You Are Wrong.

Do not let your pride ruin your relationship. Admit it and apologize sincerely when you know you have committed a mistake.

32. Avoid Doing The Things You Know Can Upset Her.

To avoid hurting your girl’s feelings, be sensitive to her dislikes.

Be A Positive Influence On Her

33. Lead Her To Be Closer To God.

In a spiritual realm, the man is called to be the family leader. So, bring her to church, initiate prayer and Bible study time with her, and make it your relationship goal to be more Christlike.

34. Change Yourself For The Better.

If you love your girl, you should pursue being the better version of yourself. Get rid of your bad habits and attitude.

35. Inspire Her To Take Care Of Herself.

Why not introduce some health and fitness goals to her? Then, plan your workout schedules together and decide on having healthy meal plans.

36. Encourage Her To Focus On Her Priorities.

Instead of being a distraction, help her focus on her priorities and responsibilities.

37. Correct Her Gently.

Love does not tolerate mistakes. So if you know your partner is doing something wrong, you have to rebuke her gently.

Love With All Your Heart

Women, in general, are complex beings. You need enough patience and understanding to love a woman. But, more than all the abovementioned ways, you can be the best partner to your girlfriend or wife if you fully commit yourself to the relationship. So, be ready for sacrifices and compromises along the way.

Cyril Abello

Is Online Dating Worth It?

 The search for love in the digital age tends to stir up a lot of anxiety. If you've ever heard stories from your friends about their bad dates, you might reasonably approach dating apps with caution. But just as online dating can foster some comically bad experiences, there are plenty of benefits as well. Many of us know couples who seem so perfectly matched that it's almost impossible to believe they met on opposite sides of a screen. When it comes down to it, does online dating actually work? While you might be worried it's not a good idea (or even a waste of time), like all matters in love, it has its pros and cons. We decided to bring the question to licensed marriage and family therapist and relationship expert Lisa Marie Bobby, Ph.D., of Growing Self Counseling and Coaching.Dating apps can lead to superficiality and ghosting, but there are also many positives. "While online dating has some potential for pitfalls compared to meeting people in real life, the volume of possibilities is much higher," says Bobby. "That increases the chances that you'll meet someone you're truly compatible with." So let's put the fears to rest—and put the internet to the test. Read on to learn expert advice on how well online dating really works.

What Research Says About Dating Apps

Research shows that online dating is on the rise. A Pew Research Center study conducted in October 2019 found that 30 percent of Americans have used online dating, compared to just 11 percent in 2013.1 Of those, 12 percent have gotten married or been in a committed relationship with someone they met through online dating—a notable increase from just 3 percent in 2013.Online dating appears to be a practical way to date for most people. According to the study, roughly 60 percent of participants have had positive experiences with dating platforms. Many people have success finding romantic partners online, whether they're looking for something casual or long term. Overall, the majority of participants found it relatively easy to meet potentially compatible partners in terms of those they found attractive or with whom they shared hobbies and interests.Research shows, however, there are negative side effects of online dating, particularly for young women. According to the survey, 60 percent of women ages 18 to 34 say someone on an app or dating site kept contacting them after they said they weren't interested while about the same percentage of women in that age group reported that they were sent unsolicited sexually explicit pictures or messages.Bobby says the reason for many of the negative aspects of online dating could be a lack of what she calls a "shared community." "Connecting through online dating feels much more like meeting a virtual stranger and having to establish points of meaningful connection with little real-world experience to go on," she says. "Furthermore, the absence of a shared community or relationships make it easier to ghost or be inconsiderate without concern of consequences to your reputation or comfort in your community." 

How to Get the Most Out of Online Dating

Before you download an app or two and create your profile, Bobby recommends some soul-searching. The last thing you want to do is start matching with people online, get to talking, and realize you have no idea what you're looking for out of a partner or a relationship. "Spend time and energy getting clear about who you are and what you really want in a relationship, and think about who your ideal partner is," says Bobby. "Also, think about what your ideal partner is seeking in a prospective mate and how you can connect with them authentically."It's also important to do some research about the app you decide to download and find out how it works. Then, spend some time and energy on your profile. Choose pictures and prompts that show who you are, what you like, and how you present yourself to the world. If it's clear you haven't put any thought or effort into your profile, potential partners might assume you'll take the same approach in a relationship.Once you've created your profile, don't expect to meet "the one" right away, and prepare to spend a significant amount of time vetting potential partners. But since we don't have all the time in the world to swipe, having a system to weed out those with whom you are incompatible is key. "Develop a process to help you cut through the fluff and get to know who someone really is as quickly as possible," she says. "A five-minute call will often tell you all you need to know."

What to Avoid When Using Dating Apps

Odds are, if you've participated in online dating, you have a few bad date stories. Often the cause of these negative experiences is that your expectations don't match up with reality. Bobby says that while online dating requires some "marketing savvy" and the ability to, in essence, sell yourself online, you shouldn't sacrifice the truth to come across as what you perceive to be "better.""Never misrepresent yourself or try to appear as something you're not," she says. "You might get online interactions, but they'll quickly fizzle when it becomes apparent that you are different than what your potential partner was expecting." If you're looking for a truly meaningful relationship, concealing aspects of yourself that you're afraid others won't like or accept on your profile is counterproductive. Be authentic, and you'll attract those with similar values.On the other hand, avoid falling victim to someone you suspect is being deceitful on their profile by noticing red flags. Not everyone has social media or updates it regularly, but most people who do will be glad to share their profiles with you when asked. And most of the time, if someone is truly interested, they'll hop on a phone call or video chat with you before meeting up, even if they feel a bit awkward. Going into a date "cold" with someone you aren't entirely sure about can often end up being a waste of time and lead to disappointment. Lastly, when you do get that match or first date, it's important for you and a prospective partner to feel a certain chemistry, but don't rely on it completely. "When you are evaluating potential partners, do not make the mistake of prioritizing 'chemistry' over character," says Bobby. Too much wit and charm may give you butterflies, but it can also be a sign that the person is a "player" or even a narcissist.

How Likely Are You to Find "The One" Online?

A healthy relationship is totally possible whether you're meeting people in person or online, but the two methods differ for a variety of reasons. The fact is, there are positives to meeting IRL. When two people meet organically, it's probably because they already have something in common, like friends or hobbies. "This natural convergence of circumstances, relationships, or interests is a strength for a new relationship," says Bobby. "They provide a budding couple with more opportunities for authentic connection as well as more social pressure to treat each other decently, even if it's not ultimately a good match." But that doesn't mean online dating can't be equally as successful. Since everyone on a dating site is (presumably) available, you have ample opportunities to put yourself out there and find a good match. When you engage in social events where you're likely to meet new people, the pool of those who are single and looking is much smaller than when you're on an app or dating site where everyone is in the same boat as you."Singles seeking relationships are looking to connect online," says Bobby. "That reality means that it's highly likely of finding 'the one" because they're in the same place, also looking for you!" If you're straightforward about what you want, it increases your chances of finding a good partner even more.No matter your intentions, there seems to be something for everyone when dating online—just be clear about your expectations. Embrace new experiences, learn a little about yourself, and don't forget to have fun. You may even meet your dream partner.

Hadley Mendelsohn

If You Notice This in Your Fridge, Throw Out Your Leftovers, Experts Warn

 This is a major sign that your leftovers may not be safe to eat.

Most people's refrigerators have seen their fair share of leftovers. Leftovers can serve as a quick and easy meal, not to mention significantly reducing food waste—that is, if you get to eating them instead of letting them waste away in your fridge. But are all leftovers safe to eat? Experts say there's one thing you should check in your fridge before warming up last night's meal that will let you know if you can safely eat it or should throw it away. Read on to discover a major sign you should toss your leftovers.

If your fridge temperature is higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, throw away your leftovers.

Your leftovers should be left in a refrigerator that is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for them to be safe enough for you to reheat and eat. "The key to safely reheating food is to ensure it was cooled and stored properly prior to reheating," explains Alexis Martinez, a nutrition coach and founder of the nutrition and wellness website Healthy Brown Girl.According to Lisa Richards, a nutritionist and author of The Candida Diet, this is because most microbes and pathogens that cause foodborne illnesses end up present in certain foods due to improper cooling or handling. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that Listeria, one type of bacteria that causes these illnesses, is particularly prone to growing in refrigerators where the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.Martinez says pathogens are most likely to grow when food is between 70 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit. "As a general rule it is best to reheat all food to 165 degrees Fahrenheit throughout and allow it to have been at that temperature for at least 15 seconds," Richards notes.

You can check your refrigerator temperature with an appliance thermometer.

The FDA says you should be keeping your refrigerator temperature at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and checking the temperature periodically. According to the agency, you can check your refrigerator temperature by using an appliance thermometer. "Appliance thermometers are the best way of knowing these temperatures and are generally inexpensive," the FDA states on its website.The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that appliance thermometers should still be able to indicate the temperature in your fridge, even if your power is out. "If you're not sure a particular food is cold enough, take its temperature with a food thermometer," the USDA advises. As long as it reads below 40 degrees Fahrenheit as well, the food should be safe enough to refreeze or reheat.

You could end up hospitalized if you eat food contaminated with Listeria.

Listeria is the one of the biggest bacteria risks possible with refrigerated leftovers. "Unlike most bacteria, Listeria germs can grow and spread in the refrigerator," the FDA warns. "The germs not only multiply at the cool temperature, they could contaminate your refrigerator and spread to other foods there, increasing the likelihood that you and your family will become sick."Unfortunately, this bacteria is also one of the most dangerous, as eating food contaminated with Listeria can make you so sick that you have to be hospitalized. Certain people, like pregnant women, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals, are even more at risk for listeriosis—the illness cause by Listeria—and getting infected can be fatal for them. According to the FDA, listeriosis has a high mortality rate of 20 to 30 percent, with more than 90 percent of people who develop the illness needing to be hospitalized.Listeriosis can cause a variety of symptoms depending on who is infected and where in the body the bacteria has invaded. Some common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsion, per the FDA. If you're pregnant, you're not likely to have gastrointestinal symptoms, and your only sign of listeriosis might be fever.

You should never eat leftovers than have been left in your fridge for more than four days either.

Your fridge temperature is not the only safety indicator for leftovers. No matter the temperature, most leftovers are only safe in your refrigerator for three to four days. "Leftover cooked food may be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. During this time, you can reheat the leftovers to 165 degrees Fahrenheit," the USDA explains.The only exception to this rule is if you have already reheated them. According to the USDA, you can extend the life of your leftovers by reheating them before the four days are up. "After each reheating, leftovers will be safe in the fridge for an additional three to four days," the agency says. But the quality of your food will decrease every time it is reheated, so the USDA advises that you reheat only the amount needed each time.

"Cooked foods that cannot be used within four days should be frozen for longer, safe storage," the agency states. "Leftovers are safe in the freezer indefinitely, but they are at best quality for a few months."

Kali Coleman