The signs of physical abuse are pretty cut and dried because they always involve unwanted bodily contact or physical force of some kind that’s meant to harm or intimidate.

If he touches you physically in any way that harms or traumatizes you, it’s physical abuse. The most obvious example of physical abuse is hitting, but other forms of unwanted contact also apply, such as pushing, grabbing, kicking, pinching, restraining, and even unwanted sexual contact when you’ve said no or are being coerced into doing things with your body that you don’t want to. Physical abuse often starts with the use of less immediate violence meant to intimidate, such as reckless driving, throwing things, and hitting walls, but this is usually a prelude to more direct violence against you like hitting.

MORE: 5 Warning Signs You’re In a Toxic Relationship (And It’s Killing You) 

Emotional abuse takes a much more subtle form and isn’t so easy to detect. Since there isn’t physical evidence, we can rationalize and reframe experiences to fit the reality we want instead of the reality we have, keeping ourselves in a state of denial.

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There is no weaker or more vulnerable time in our lives than that following a breakup. Staying strong after a breakup can feel impossible. You see other people who do it and think they must be the types of people who wake up at 5 am every day to work out and never touch a carbohydrate, they have super-strength willpower that mere mortals can’t hope to achieve!

It’s hard no matter what the circumstances, although some circumstances make it significantly harder than others, like being cheated on or left for another woman. It doesn’t always matter who broke up with who or if it was a mutual decision, it’s painful and it’s far too easy to get sucked back into a situation that you know isn’t right. This is why breakups rarely stick after the first attempt. You usually need to hurt each other several times before it finally becomes permanent. It’s torture, and the sad thing is … we do it to ourselves.

MORE: How to Get Over Even the Worst Breakup 

So what are the secrets? How can you stay strong after a breakup so you can move on to better things?

Here’s how:

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Everyone loves to laugh, that’s just a given. Humor is a great way to connect with anyone- from a guy you’re seeing to a friend to an employer. It is one of the best ways to bond and just let loose and have some fun.

Being funny comes easily to some people, and is not as easy for others. And everyone has a different scene of humor. Some people are silly, some are raw, some have a dry sense of humor, some have a perverted sense of humor, different strokes!

You don’t need to be a natural comedian to be funny. Sometimes asking the right questions can lead to some belly-aching laughter.

MORE: The Ultimate List of Questions to Ask a Guy to Get Closer

To help you connect with a guy, or anyone really, using a little laughter, we came up with a list of the best funny questions to ask. They’re pretty universal, but you should also use your judgment and tweak as needed based on your relationship and the person’s sense of humor.

These questions are open-ended enough to spark some great conversation. You can either slip these questions into a conversation or tell him you found an awesome list of funny questions to ask someone online and why don’t you give it a try?
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Let’s talk about how to make a man happy and how to have a happy relationship.

If you do a quick Google search, you’ll find countless lists telling you what to do in order to please your man.

They will tell you the following:

• Wear sexy lingerie.
• Compliment him in front of other people.
• Cook him his favorite meal.
• Be spontaneous.
• Be supportive.
• Buy him thoughtful little gifts.
• Ask for his advice.
• Etc.

I’m not knocking any of these suggestions. In fact, they all work and will make your man happy, at least in the moment. But none of these tips give you insight into what it takes to have a genuinely happy relationship, one where both parties are fulfilled and deeply happy, and isn’t that the real goal?

MORE: 5 Things Every Man Wants in a Woman

Small gestures of love will definitely enhance happiness. And love is a verb, it requires continuous actions. But there is a core foundation that needs to be in place first, and that’s the part no one really talks about. So let’s talk about it!

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There are a lot of jaded women out there. They come to our site every day. The reason they feel so jaded is they feel as though they gave and gave to their man and it wasn’t enough. And the reason is a lot of women don’t know what it is that men really need from a woman.

We make assumptions based on our own needs and what we hear, but very few actually know. And it doesn’t help that so many men have a hard time articulating their needs. A lot of men don’t even know what they are, they just know when something is “missing” in the relationship.

The fact is, relationships aren’t that complicated. If it’s the right match, it will usually work out pretty effortlessly. If you feel perpetually stressed and it feels like you need to force things along, or if it feels like everything is a struggle and you take one step forward and two steps back, then it probably isn’t the right relationship. Or maybe you aren’t in the right place emotionally to be in a relationship.

MORE: 5 Things Every Woman Needs to Know About Men

All you can control is yourself. If you’ve worked on yourself and addressed your issues and it doesn’t work out, at least you know there is nothing more you could have done.

However, it’s also very important to understand the male psyche and understand what men need from women in a relationship. If you don’t know, how can you ever do it right?

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Relationships can be scary places. You sometimes don’t even want to know the truth about what’s going on even if you really want to know the truth. Did that make any sense?

Let’s take being exclusive with him. You’ve been spending tons of time together, you’ve met each other’s friends and families, you enjoy each other, you have great chemistry… but you haven’t had the infamous “talk” yet to find out if you’re exclusive.

You really want to know where you stand but you’re afraid to ask for fear of rocking the boat. You’ve also heard that doing so would mean giving your power away and you certainly don’t want that! So you keep going along for the ride, but the question eats away at you.

MORE: The Top Signs He Is Never Going to Commit

You pay attention to his social media with the precision of a surgeon — you’re on the lookout for signs that he’s possibly seeing other girls, for signs that he isn’t as invested as you are. It feels like you’re a couple, but you don’t want to be blindsided as you’ve been so many times in the past, so you’re dying to know exactly where you stand.

So what are the ways to tell if you’re exclusive with him?  [continue reading…]

[noinsert]ANM was essentially built on one epiphany: women are desperate to understand men!

This site started out as a fashion and beauty blog, but quickly evolved once Eric and I saw the widespread, voracious demand for quality relationship content that focused on explaining male behavior.[/noinsert]

And I fully get it because I was once the classic girl who was left confused time and time again by the way men behaved. I was perpetually trying to piece my broken heart back together and trying to understand where it all went wrong and what I missed and how I didn’t see it coming.

It’s exhausting and painful and has caused so many of us to become closed off and jaded. But men really aren’t that complicated (as the title of our first book so bluntly puts it!). Once you understand a few key things about male behavior, it all will make a whole lot go sense and then you will have the gift of clarity, and clarity is empowering!

MORE: 5 Things Every Woman Needs to Know About Men

Maybe you want to know what men want in a relationship, what they want in a girlfriend or wife, what makes men fall in love, or why they do the hurtful things they do. I understand that burning need to know. And while there are universals to explain male behavior, there are of course always exceptions. I just want to throw that out there because I know everyone knows someone who defies the norm.

But generally, there are universal differences between men and woman that can apply to most men and most women. And here they are:

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So you met a great guy, he got your number, you were really excited about all the possibilities … and then you never heard from him. Ouch.

A lot of women make the mistake of blaming themselves. They wonder if they did something wrong, if they turned him off somehow, if they were too desperate or too cold or too aggressive and so on.

I get it. Rejection hurts no matter what your gender or who you are.

I hate to admit it, but I’ve gotten numbers and never called more times than I could even recall. It’s not because I’m a bad guy, it’s because I’m human. I don’t always know how I’m going to feel about something a day from now or even an hour from now. A lot of the time a guy will get your number because he thinks maybe this is something he wants to pursue, but then for whatever reason, he changes his mind, or something comes up. That’s really what’s at the heart of it, not him being a jerk or a player.

MORE: When a Guy Never Calls

I’ve had girls give me the wrong number (I always like to pretend they did this by accident because self-deception can come in handy when it comes to protecting the old ego!), and yeah it hurts, but you move on.

So let’s take a look at why a guy will get your number, and then never call or text you.

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The 21 Questions game is a fun and easy way to get to know someone. The rules are pretty simple. You just ask someone 21 random questions and enjoy finding out the answers. Then they can follow by asking you 21 random questions.

You can play it in a group, but I personally think it’s much better one on one, or maybe with three people max. If you go beyond that, it can get a bit tedious. The best way to play if you are going to do it as a group is to just go around the circle with each person having to answer one question.

But like I said, that’s not as fun. Games like Truth or Dare or Never Have I Ever or Would You Rather are much better suited for groups.

MORE: 225 Amazing Questions to Ask a Guy

21 Questions is the perfect game to play with a guy you like, I think it’s the ideal. It’s a great way to break outside the typical flirty banter and really connect on a deeper level.
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It’s easy to know what makes a man fall in lust. It’s also not hard to know what makes a guy like a girl. But what makes a man fall in love?

That seems to be the elusive million dollar question. But … it’s not so elusive.

Love doesn’t grow from a checklist for most men. In fact, it’s not always something he can explain or describe. Most men don’t go out seeking love or commitment, it just kind of happens and envelopes them and all of a sudden he realizes he’s in love with an amazing woman, a woman he wants to commit himself to for the long haul.

MORE: These Are the Undeniable Signs He’s In Love With You

Studies have found that men often fall in love faster than women.  Men usually know right away. Women are the ones who get stuck in their own heads analyzing endlessly … until she finally figures out where she stands.

Women can’t always see it clearly because women typically have a goal from the start, the goal being to get a commitment and have that rare, once in a lifetime, loving relationship.

But what causes men to fall in love with a woman? What makes one woman special and unique? Read on to find out.

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It seems like pulling off the “cute” look comes naturally to some women. For those who have a harder time with that particular look, it can be bewildering trying to figure out how they are doing it.

The reason it’s hard to pinpoint is that it’s not just about finding the perfect shoes or styling your hair a particular way. It’s a vibe you send out, and that begins with your mindset.

MORE: How to Be Irresistible to Men

Be yourself, even if there are parts of you that wouldn’t quite fit under the label of “cute.” In fact, some women recoil at the very idea of being “cutesy.”

But some women would love to be perceived as an adorable heart-melter. If this sounds like you, here are some handy tips for upping your “cute factor.”

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One of the most important relationship skills is knowing when it’s time to move on and let go.

Most people don’t have this skill and can waste years of their life trapped in a relationship that makes them miserable. You almost forget that you have a say in the matter and that you’re choosing to stay in this relationship.

Being stuck in something that is not right for you is a miserable feeling. It stifles your growth as a person and crushes who you are. You may not even recognize the person this relationship has turned you into.

MORE: 5 Warning Signs You’re in a Toxic Relationship (And It’s Killing You)

The trouble is, it all happens so slowly. There isn’t a switch that flips one day turning a great relationship into a terrible one. It happens slowly over time, and this is why it can be so hard to see the situation for what it is.

To help you get some clarity, I’m going to share the biggest signs that it’s time to let go and move on from a relationship.

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“It is absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either charming or tedious.” – Oscar Wilde

Everybody wants to be charming. When you see someone who seems to easily captivate the attention of anyone in a room, it’s natural to want to emulate that. While it can seem like something that you either have or you don’t, the reality is you can become that person if you want to.

People who are magnetic don’t just roll out of bed and attract others like moths to a flame. It takes effort, and the better you get at it, the more effortless it will look. This doesn’t mean manipulating anyone – in fact, forcing false qualities or playing mind games will repel others.

MORE: How to Seduce a Guy

If you want to become one of those people who seem to be able to talk to anyone, and charm any man you meet with ease, you can. Some people are effortlessly charming, others need a little help, and that’s where this article will come in.

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So you have been broken up with, which sounds only slightly better than saying you have been “dumped,” and you want to know how much time you have to get your ex back before he/she moves on to a rebound relationship or something more long term.

So often in life, we find ourselves in situations where timing is crucial. To get the best deal we have to be at the store before they sell out of what we want to buy. To be seriously considered for the job, we have to at least be there on time and excuses for being late will get us nowhere but maybe even make us look worse.

We are taught that being “on time” and reaction time are of the utmost importance. So when the person who is now your ex appears to be “moving on” or is spotted with someone else, we fall back on our training and feel that we have to pounce or else risk losing the one we love forever.

MORE: How to Get Your Ex Back in 5 Steps

How wrong that line of thinking usually is.

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You’re seeing a new guy and everything is going great, but then something shifts and he seems to start pulling away.

This happens to a lot of women and it can be incredibly frustrating. You have no idea what could have caused him to behave this way or how to fix it.

Your first instinct is probably to pore over every detail of your last few interactions, looking for clues. You consider all the possibilities: is he losing interest? Did I say something to turn him off? Does he think I’m not interested in him? Is he just testing me to see what I’ll do?

[noinsert]
MORE: Exactly What to Do to Stop a Man From Withdrawing

That last question really gets you spinning. You don’t want to pretend like nothing’s wrong and just accept him pulling away as the new status quo, but you don’t want to bring it up and make a big deal out of something that could end up being nothing.

Basically, you don’t know what to do or how to react—you’re terrified of making it all worse.

I’m going to cover what to do, but here is one thing to always remember before anything else: the more you chase, the faster he’ll run.
[/noinsert]
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What does it take to be a good girlfriend?

We all know what a bad girlfriend looks like. She’s the classic needy, clingy demanding, irrational, difficult woman who makes her guy’s life pretty miserable. We’ve seen this portrayed many times over in movies and on TV.

But what does a good girlfriend look like? She brings far less drama than the bad girlfriend, so maybe she doesn’t make for great dramatic TV, but she makes a much better life partner!

MORE: What it Takes to Be An Amazing Girlfriend

No woman sets out to push a guy away, but a lot do because they let their fears and insecurities wreak havoc on the relationship. I’ve had countless experiences where I dated a woman who seemed amazing at first, but then it was almost like she flipped a switch and became someone else. This is why following rules to get a guy doesn’t work. Sure, you can attract him initially, but you can’t keep him unless you have the right internal foundation.

But enough talk. Let’s look at exactly what it takes to be the best girlfriend he’s ever had:

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Some women naturally attract men, it’s easy and effortless for them. Others don’t no matter how hard they try. So what’s the secret?

It’s not a matter of looks. It’s not always the most traditionally beautiful woman that seems to effortlessly ooze charm. Copying her hairstyle or buying the same brand of mascara isn’t going to do the trick.

In fact, some gorgeous women take great efforts to beautify themselves and still find it difficult to bewitch men in the same way others can. This is because attracting another person goes deeper than that. It goes beyond your physical appearance.

MORE: Exactly How to Seduce a Man

And the good news there is that it means it’s mostly under your control! The mindset that will enable you to do this filters into various parts of your life. It’s not just a matter of changing your lipstick. It’s about a vibe and energy that is effortlessly transmitted.

To learn how to adopt the persona of an easily magnetic woman, the woman who can attract any man, check out the steps below.

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Flirting is one of those things that seems to be second nature to some, but is an entirely foreign language to others. Unfortunately, like with kissing, if you get too “in your own head” about it, it only becomes harder.

Try to remember that flirting is supposed to be fun. Don’t take it too seriously. If you award it too much weight, it becomes downright scary – so relax. (I know, easier said than done.)

A playful, flirtatious banter is like a tennis match. It can feel exhilarating when you get into a good groove with someone. If you’re interested in a guy who is a little nervous, some mild flirting can be the push he needs to make his move.

MORE: Foolproof Flirting Tips

Here are some savvy tips to step up your flirting game.

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Let’s talk about when a man pulls away just when things seem to be getting serious.

Everything seemed to be going great. You felt positive he was going to say those three not so little words at any moment, or maybe he has said them … but now things just seem off.

Something is different. He’s more withdrawn and seems to be pulling away.

And it all happened so suddenly. One day you were ecstatic over the relationship, you were bubbling with excitement over all the possibilities … and the next, you’re panicked at the prospect of losing him, which seems like a real possibility.

MORE These Are The Best Ways To Stop Him From Withdrawing If He’s Pulling Away

First things first, women tend to preemptively panic when things seem like a bad sign … even when nothing is actually wrong! So before you try to figure out why he’s pulling away, make sure he’s actually pulling away. Give yourself a few days to see what happens. You might be surprised when things just go right back to normal.

If not, these could be the reasons why…

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The only people in life who don’t have a story about being rejected are unsuccessful, lonely people who have never tried at anything. Anyone who has succeeded in anything has also failed. This is just as true in relationships as it is in business, sports, or any other area where you have to put yourself out there.

Being rejected means you are in excellent company.

Despite knowing that rejection is a part of the human experience, it’s still really tough not to internalize it. It’s hard not to take it personally, even though when we have to reject others in life we hope they don’t take it personally. You can’t help but feel like it’s a reflection of your flaws.

MORE: How to Handle Rejection Flawlessly 

Rejection can come in small packages or grand lessons. It could be as simple as a guy not messaging you back on a dating app. Other times it’s as awful as a long-term partner telling you he doesn’t love you anymore.

Regardless of the cause of the rejection, you absolutely have to learn how to deal with it. If you don’t, you won’t be able to live the full life that you deserve. Here’s some advice on how to do exactly that.

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Why do men pull away after getting close?

Is it something I did? Something I said? Is he losing interest? Is he going to break up with me? What’s doing on?!

Any of those questions sound familiar? You’re not alone. I’ve asked them many a time and so have countless others!

The fact is, men pull away sometimes. It can happen early in a relationship, it can happen further down the line. And it isn’t necessarily a bad thing! Relationships have ebbs and flows, just like everything in life.

MORE: These Are The Best Ways To Stop Him From Withdrawing If He’s Pulling Away

Most men deal with things by retreating, that is just the nature of a man and something about men that completely baffles and frustrates women. The big mistake here is making is all about you when really, it’s about him. But we all do this!

Women tend to take way too much responsibility in a relationship and we blame ourselves whenever anything goes wrong. If a guy is pulling away, it must mean we did something to cause it. And then we become little detectives trying to piece together clues as to what we did to cause his sudden shift and we participate in this whole drama that is fully fictional and self-generated!

Rather than torturing ourselves, let’s take a close look at what’s really going on and how we can handle it the right way.

“You have to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince!”

How many times has that phrase been cheerfully offered after a bad date (or three)? Dating can be so stressful that it sometimes feels like you’re taking a year off of your life every time you put yourself out there. There may be many times when you’re tempted to quit. Times when you want to just call the whole thing off, where you resign yourself to the fact that maybe you’ll just end up alone.

You may commiserate with your single friends by swapping dating horror stories. While these can be comical when told to an audience afterward, living through them is boring, at best. At worst – it’s frightening and sometimes downright torturous.

MORE: The Truth About Playing Games and the Chase

We come up with positive clichés to pass around in the hopes of making the exhausting struggle seem commonplace. Sometimes this works, and other times it just feels more depressing.

But the truth is, there is a way to make dating more enjoyable and to gain from the experience, rather than feeling like you’re losing your dignity and your mind. With the right tips and the right things to keep in mind, you can actually learn a lot about yourself, and maybe even find that special someone.

Here are some tips for navigating modern dating.

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“It is the differences between men and women, not the sameness, that creates the tension and the delight.” – Edward Abbey

Men and women are, undeniably, different. While these differences are something to be celebrated, it can make communication a challenge. It takes empathy and a desire for connection to break through these barriers.

MORE: 5 Things Every Woman Needs to Know About Men

You can’t routinely expect a man to want to hear the same things as you do. What makes you feel happy and loved is not always going to be what does the equivalent for him.

If you’re feeling a little lost about what your man wants to hear, here’s a list of suggestions to get started.

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Let’s talk about an issue almost every woman will face in her relationship: He pulls away and then comes back.

What’s the deal?

It could be a guy you’re casually seeing, or maybe it’s your long-term partner. No matter what the case, it’s disconcerting and you can’t help but feel panicked and on edge.

Did you do something to upset him? Is he losing interest in you? Does he want to break up with you?

These are all terrifying questions to ask … especially when it’s a man you really care about.

MORE: How to Stop a Man From Withdrawing

The fact is, men do pull away and come back in relationships. It’s a naturally occurring cycle and happens for important reasons. Men and women are different and as such, the way they deal with emotions and stress can be different.

I know it feels confusing, but it’s actually pretty simple when you understand it, and that’s where I come in.

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So you want to know how to get a guy to like you, how to be more interesting and appealing to the opposite sex.

I don’t blame you for any confusion you might be feeling. Most of the information out there on this topic is horribly misguided. It tells you to hide interest, to play games, to make him chase you. This isn’t an effective long-term strategy. Sure, it might pique a guy’s interest, but it isn’t enough to sustain it, and isn’t that the goal? Where did we get the idea that men want aloof women who play hard to get? It’s one thing to have a little mystery around you, but it’s an entirely separate thing to act distant and cold to the man you’re interested in.

MORE: The Top Signs A Guy Doesn’t Like You

Here is a key thing to understand about men: men move toward what feels good. If it feels good to be around you, he’ll want to be around you a lot.

Try to remember this when you are interacting with the guy you like. Being kind and lively is going to serve you well. Being an ice queen, meanwhile, will leave you lonesome. This is the core understanding that underlies all the points in this article.

But let’s dive a little deeper and look at what it takes to get a guy to really like you:

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That inevitable moment when a guy takes space in a relationship can be terrifying.

You thought everything was going great. The chemistry is strong, you guys get along, you like each other, you connect … so why is he suddenly pulling away? What happened? Is it something you said? Something you did? You replay every moment of your last few interactions in your mind trying to figure out what went wrong, and how you can get things back on track.

More: Why Do Men Pull Away?

You’d be more OK with him pulling away if you knew for certain he would come back … but there are no guarantees and that’s what’s worrying you. You’re worried that his pulling away is a precursor to him leaving you completely. And the thought of that is terrifying and you can’t help but feel a little panicked.

You really don’t want to lose him, but you don’t know how to keep him. The real question is, what should you do now?

And I’m here to help with that!

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Much of the time, when a guy likes you he makes it clear and obvious. That’s why it can be so perplexing when you think a guy likes you, but you’re not 100% sure. You don’t want to waste time pining after someone who’s not interested, but it really seems like he’s interested, so you can’t let it go either.

There are a few reasons a guy would hesitate to make a move. It could be that he can’t tell if you like him and he doesn’t want to put himself out there until he has some evidence that he won’t be rejected. Some guys are just naturally more shy and need more time than others to get the ball rolling. Additionally, it could be that he’s not in the right headspace for a relationship.

MORE: These Are the Biggest Signs a Guy Doesn’t Like You

If you feel like you’re getting mixed signals and need help deciphering them, this article will clear up the confusion. Read on for clues that a guy likes you, no matter how hard he might try to hide it.

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You landed here because you want to know what it takes to keep a man in love.

Maybe you’re single and want to know what it takes to get and keep lasting love. Or maybe you finally have the love you’ve always wanted and you’re terrified of losing it.

Either way, there are key things you need to be aware of to create and keep an amazing, fulfilling relationship.

One of the most important things to bear in mind is that love is a verb. It’s less about feelings and more about actions.

MORE: Exactly How to Stop a Man From Withdrawing

How is your love conveyed? Not through your thoughts or feelings, but through what you do when it comes to the person you love. An equally important thing to remember is that love isn’t about crossing some finish line; it’s a journey and a process. Love grows and flows and evolves and it can be lasting, but only if it’s nurtured.

Knowing how to create the right environment for love to flourish will help you better cope when times get tough, as they inevitably will. It will strengthen you as a couple so you can weather any storm and tackle whatever obstacles come your way. They say love conquers all, but that’s only true if you take the right steps to have a strong sort of love that is capable of conquering.

[noinsert]To help you get there, I’m going to share some specific actions you can take to nurture your love and make sure it lasts. Once you’ve found love, these secrets will keep him in love with you forever. But don’t wait until you’ve found love to start using them. Knowing them and making them a part of your lifestyle and mindset now will actually make you more emotionally ready for a good relationship and help you find the right person, too.

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Is there anything more relatable than listening to a girl wonder aloud if a guy likes her? That particular human experience is universal. Everyone knows the vulnerability of liking someone. Just the very idea of confessing your feelings is alarming enough to make a team of energetic butterflies swirl pirouettes in your stomach.

MORE: Know Exactly How He Feels (Or Doesn’t Feel) With the 11 Biggest Signs He Doesn’t Like You

Just like women, guys want to do their best to avoid the crush of rejection. Eventually, one of you has to be the first to admit their feelings. To make this prospect a little less terror-inducing, guys will look for signs that you like them beforehand. Sure, sometimes signals can be misread. But a little evidence is better than nothing when summoning the courage to make your intentions known.

Here are the signs that he’s in the process of gauging how you feel about him.

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