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A Sob Story Upfront? Good—He’s Telling You Everything You Need to Know
Read more: A Sob Story Upfront? Good—He’s Telling You Everything You Need to KnowWhen a man shares personal misfortunes right from the start, especially without prompting, it’s usually a tactic to gain sympathy. He’s hoping you’ll feel sorry for him, drop your guard, and emotionally invest without getting to know him as a person first. This isn’t about building trust through shared experiences; it’s about creating an emotional…
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You Get What You Accept: The Power of Not Being a Guaranteed Option
Read more: You Get What You Accept: The Power of Not Being a Guaranteed OptionI’m loving, kind, honest (perhaps a little too much so), and empathetic. These are qualities I pride myself on. But, all too often, people mistake these qualities for naivety or think they can manipulate me. What they fail to realize is that my superpower is knowing exactly when to remove myself. The moment I pick…
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The Calm One Doesn’t Always Win — Here’s Why
Read more: The Calm One Doesn’t Always Win — Here’s WhyWe’re often taught that the person who remains calm in an argument is the one who’s in the right. That emotional control equates to having the moral high ground. That composure is the badge of wisdom, strength, and even virtue. But, let’s talk about the flip side of that narrative. Because sometimes, the calm one…
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Let’s Talk About Pick-Me Behavior — And Why It’s Not Your Final Form
Read more: Let’s Talk About Pick-Me Behavior — And Why It’s Not Your Final FormI already know how this sounds. Another woman talking about “Pick-Me” behavior like she’s never been there. Oh, how I’ve been there, journaled it, and even wrote songs about it. I had a full-blown Pick-Me phase, and looking back, it was less about being liked and more about being afraid that who I really was…
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It’s My Birthday Month—Here Are the Best Birthday Freebies (Especially for Michigan Folks)
Read more: It’s My Birthday Month—Here Are the Best Birthday Freebies (Especially for Michigan Folks)August is my birthday month, and you know what that means: freebies are coming my way from restaurants, beauty retailers, coffee shops, and beyond. I combed through the massive Slickdeals list and curated a mix of freebies that are truly worth your time, especially if you live in Michigan, but also some national offers that…
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Small Habits, Big Shifts: 14 Everyday Rules That Changed My Life
Read more: Small Habits, Big Shifts: 14 Everyday Rules That Changed My LifeI’m not the type to always learn things the easy way. Unfortunately, trial and error has been one of my greatest (and most humbling) teachers. Some lessons hit me like a brick. Others were whispered to me in passing by people who’d already been through the fire. And a few? I had to stumble through…
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Why It’s Okay for Single, Child-Free Women to Prefer Men Without Kids
Read more: Why It’s Okay for Single, Child-Free Women to Prefer Men Without KidsIn a culture that often demands women be endlessly nurturing, endlessly flexible, and endlessly available, the idea that a woman, particularly a single, child-free one, might choose not to date a man with children is often met with criticism or guilt trips. But, here’s the reality: it’s perfectly okay to know what you want and…
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How to Learn to Code in 6 Months—Even With a Busy Schedule
Read more: How to Learn to Code in 6 Months—Even With a Busy ScheduleLearning how to code can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling work, school, parenting, relationships, or all of the above. But, here’s the reality: you don’t need a computer science degree or 10 hours a day to become a confident, competent coder. With the right strategy, structure, and resources, you can learn how to code…
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The Cost of Beauty: Why I’m Critical of Products Marketed Specifically to Black Women
Read more: The Cost of Beauty: Why I’m Critical of Products Marketed Specifically to Black WomenI’m a Black woman who deeply values wellness. I care about what I eat, how I move, and yes, what I put on my skin and in my hair. But, there’s one thing I’ve stopped doing: I no longer blindly buy products that are marketed specifically to women who look like me. It’s not about…
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You Can Be a Good Person — and a Terrible Partner
Read more: You Can Be a Good Person — and a Terrible PartnerOne of the most common misconceptions in relationships is that being a “good person” automatically makes you a good partner. It’s an easy assumption to make. After all, if someone is kind, responsible, and generally well‑liked, why wouldn’t those qualities translate into their intimate relationships? But, the truth is…you can be a good person and…
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How to Become an Online Consultant (& Get Paid for Your Expertise)
Read more: How to Become an Online Consultant (& Get Paid for Your Expertise)Online consulting has opened the door for professionals of all kinds to build careers on their own terms. Whether you’re a researcher, writer, data analyst, strategist, or creative professional, there’s a place for your expertise in the digital marketplace. This path allows you to turn what you already know into income, solve meaningful problems for…
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Stay Safe Out Here: Essential Safety Protocols for Dating (and Beyond)
Read more: Stay Safe Out Here: Essential Safety Protocols for Dating (and Beyond)It’s a sad truth, but an unavoidable one: when you’re a woman, you have to think about safety in ways that men simply don’t, especially in dating. Whether it’s your first, third date, or even once you’re in a relationship, there are basic precautions you should take. Not because you’re paranoid, but because you’re wise…
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Why an Insecure Friend Is Worse Than a Full-Fledged Enemy
Read more: Why an Insecure Friend Is Worse Than a Full-Fledged EnemyMost of us know how to handle an enemy. They’re clear, open, and predictable in their opposition. You know where you stand, and you know they mean you no good. But an insecure friend (“I.F.”)?That’s far more dangerous. Because an insecure friend wears the mask of love while planting seeds of harm. They sit in…
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Beyond the Bonnet: Why Presentation Still Matters
Read more: Beyond the Bonnet: Why Presentation Still MattersWe hear it all the time: Don’t let what other people think of you define who you are. It’s solid advice. Your value doesn’t magically vanish because someone else refuses to see it. But, here’s what we don’t say enough: just because you don’t need anyone’s approval doesn’t mean how you show up doesn’t matter.…
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What’s Really in Your Lotion? Why It Matters for Our Health
Read more: What’s Really in Your Lotion? Why It Matters for Our HealthIf you’ve ever wandered through any big beauty store, or one that starts with ‘B’ and ends with what every man should be doing before he even *thinks* about approaching a woman romantically, you know the pull. The warm, sweet scents, rows of colorful bottles, and candles glowing like little jewels can feel irresistible. For…
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Grown Folks Dessert: Bourbon Brownies Made for Summer Nights
Read more: Grown Folks Dessert: Bourbon Brownies Made for Summer NightsConfession: I don’t really like chocolate (and to be clear, I’m only talking about food here, lol.) But, for some reason, brownies are different. I will absolutely destroy a batch of brownies. I tend to crave them most in summer and winter. Something about those seasons calls for a rich, gooey square of happiness. Over…




