Oliver Bennett
Emotional blackmail is a hidden form of manipulation in relationships, where someone uses guilt, fear or ultimatums to get you to do what they want. In everyday life, it might sound like “Do this for me… or else.” Unlike normal persuasion, emotional blackmailer’s words carry an unstated threat or heavy guilt. They might remind you
Breakups can feel devastating, especially when you’re handling the pain by yourself. If you’re wondering how to navigate a breakup or how to deal with a breakup alone, this guide is here to help. In your 20s or late teens, going through a split can be overwhelming – maybe it’s your first serious relationship or
National Girlfriend Day (August 1st) is a fun opportunity to celebrate the special woman in your life. Whether you’re planning something romantic or just want to make her laugh, thoughtful gifts for her can show how much you care. In fact, a Cosmopolitan gift guide reminds us that a girlfriend “deserves all the presents” –
Long-distance relationships have become common in our digital age. In the U.S. alone, about 14 million couples (28 million people) say they’re in an LDR. For young adults, work and school often mean loving someone far away. While distance brings unique challenges, it doesn’t doom a relationship. In fact, many research studies and experts show
In any budding romance, the little things often mean the most. Think back to the fluttery feeling before your first kiss or the giddy thrill of planning a secret date night surprise. Small, playful gestures can turn a routine moment into a magical memory. (One BuzzFeed story even showed how a couple kept their wedding
We all know the little thrill when the clock strikes 11:11 PM – an instant tradition for making a wish. But why not turn that moment of magic into a sweet shared ritual? Turning 11:11 PM into a mini event with friends, family, or your partner can add warmth and meaning to an ordinary night.
August 1st might seem like any other summer day, but it’s actually National Girlfriend Day 2025, a special occasion to appreciate the important women in our lives. Whether you’re celebrating a romantic partner or a dear gal pal, this unofficial “girlfriend appreciation day” is all about saying, “You’re amazing, and I care about you.” From
Ever heard of National Boyfriend Day? It’s basically a mini Valentine’s Day for your guy – a fun excuse to shower him with love and appreciation. This year, National Boyfriend Day 2025 lands on Friday, October 3. It’s an unofficial holiday started online in the mid-2010s, but it’s gone mainstream: on October 3 everyone with
Love’s early days feel magical. You and your partner can hardly think of anything else – every touch, every smile seems electrifying. But many couples wonder: how to stay in love longer? The secret lies partly in our brains. The neurochemistry of love floods our minds with chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin during the
Summer weather is made for exploring together. You might think romance requires spending money, but young couples know creativity can make any date feel special. You don’t need fancy restaurants or theme parks—plenty of free date ideas and cheap romantic activities can make this summer unforgettable. Even Psychology Today notes that couples who carve out
Marriage conflict is painful, but it doesn’t have to tear a marriage apart. In fact, conflicts can become catalysts for growth when handled God’s way. The Bible offers wisdom for every disagreement, and these 7 biblical ways to resolve conflict in marriage will help you apply it. By praying together, listening patiently, and showing love
First dates can feel nerve-wracking – you want to skip the awkward small talk and dive into something real. Whether you’re face-to-face or video-chatting, having great questions ready can make all the difference. In fact, research shows that letting your date talk about themselves and their passions builds instant chemistry. In this guide, we’ve rounded