love
A Quick Guide To Safer Online Dating
Despite widespread skepticism, I still believe that online dating is one of the best ways to meet someone special, especially for those whose lifestyle limits their ability to meet other singles in their daily lives.
Statistics back up the success of online dating. According to the Pew Research Center, for example, approximately 5% of Americans who are married or in a committed relationship met their partner online.
A study by the National Academy of Sciences found that more than one-third of marriages in the U.S. begin with online dating, and these couples report slightly higher levels of happiness than couples who meet through other means. In fact, Match.com reports that only 9% of women and 2% of men find relationships in clubs or bars.
Clearly, the Internet plays a crucial role in bringing people together!
However, it’s important to realize that no form of dating is completely risk-free. Meeting strangers online always carries some risk, but there are ways to minimize these dangers and protect yourself.
The reality is that most people who engage in online dating do so safely, which is why these platforms remain popular. Still, it’s wise for online daters to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions.
I know several friends and clients who have had unsettling or even frightening experiences with men they met online. For example, one friend found herself being followed home after a date by a man on a motorcycle. She acted quickly, running several red lights to lose him and eventually pulling over in front of a police station, where he fled. Another friend escaped a potentially dangerous situation by convincing a man to let her return to a restaurant to retrieve her phone, where she asked the manager to call the police.
Tarot Forecast September 2024: Two Of Cups
The card that came up for this month is the Two of Cups, which carries the symbolism of connection, balance, harmony, mutual affection, and partnership.
In the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, this card depicts a couple standing face to face, each holding a golden cup in one hand. They extend their cups toward each other as if in a toast or exchange, symbolizing a mutual offering of affection, love, support, or a celebration of their shared success. Their gaze is locked, indicating a deep connection and understanding between them.
Above their heads is a caduceus, the ancient symbol of healing, two serpents intertwined, representing their powerful union and the personal and spiritual healing they find with each other. At the top is a winged lion’s head, symbolizing spiritual strength and divine protection in the sacred union of their souls.
The core meaning of this card is the coming together of two individuals. This can be romantic, platonic, or business-related. The emphasis is on mutual respect, harmony, understanding, and a balanced give and take.
The cups also represent emotion. It’s a card of deep emotional intimacy, connection, and a harmonious union based on mutual respect and love. This card often signifies the beginning of a new chapter in a partnership or committed relationship, full of potential and growth.
As we enter this new month, the energy of the Two of Cups will take center stage, guiding us through various aspects of life with themes of harmony, emotional connection and mutual understanding.
Do You Know If Your Partner Is Cheating?
I often have married people call me for insight into whether their spouse is cheating on them. In some cases, I also consult with clients who are having an extramarital affair themselves.
It has become increasingly common for clients to confide in me about their infidelity, revealing that while they are married, they are also dating or having sexual relationships with others outside of their marriage.
One trend I have noticed in recent years is that more women seem to be engaging in infidelity, at least among those who come to me for counseling.
What I often find particularly intriguing is that in many cases people believe, for the wrong reasons, that the person they are having an affair with is more compatible with them than their current spouse.
Despite the morally complex situations in which my clients find themselves, I make it a point not to judge them. My job is to provide the best possible insights and information to help people navigate their circumstances for their highest good; not to question their life choices.
My clients often express their appreciation for my nonjudgmental approach, noting that I don’t lecture or impose my personal opinions. This is a given for me, as it is considered essential and non-negotiable among reputable, ethical psychic advisors. Also, I haven’t walked in their shoes. Life is complex, and none of us are without flaws.
Always Pay Attention To The Signs
Paying attention to divine spiritual signs is essential to aligning with one’s highest good and purpose.
These signs, often subtle and easily overlooked, guide us along the paths that resonate most harmoniously with our true selves. By attuning ourselves to these spiritual signals, we can navigate life more effectively, avoiding pitfalls and embracing opportunities for growth and love.
But the journey is not always straightforward. Sometimes our desires and obsessions can cloud our judgment and lead us astray from the divine guidance that is trying to guide us.
One of the most common distractions is becoming obsessed with a person of interest. This obsession can create a narrow focus that blinds us to the signs and messages that point us toward true love and fulfillment.
It is easy to mistake intense attraction or infatuation for destiny and ‘meant to be,’ but these feelings are often the result of unmet emotional needs or unresolved past experiences rather than a genuine connection orchestrated by divine forces.
I have experienced this firsthand. There was a time when I was hopelessly in love with a man who, in retrospect, was not aligned with my highest good. My obsession with him was all consuming. I interpreted every little gesture, every word he spoke, as a sign that we were meant to be together. I convinced myself that our connection was fated, despite numerous red flags and gut feelings that suggested otherwise.
Begin By Loving Yourself Unconditionally
The first person each of us learns to love is ourselves. And that’s exactly how it should be, although many of us seem to forget this fundamental truth as we navigate the complexities of life.
But if we don’t cultivate self-love, how can we expect to show genuine love and care for anyone else?
In our society, love is often misunderstood as an abstract “thing” that we either have or don’t have. This view is fundamentally flawed. Love is not just a passive state or a fleeting emotion; it’s an active, conscious choice. We must make self-love an integral part of our daily thoughts and actions.
Unfortunately, our culture is often harsh, judgmental, and narrow-minded. This societal backdrop can deeply affect our self-perception, making it easy to forget how to love ourselves. Many people experience moments of self-doubt or feel less than perfect.
This self-criticism can snowball and lead us to constantly put ourselves down. But this doesn’t have to be our reality. The foundation of all healthy relationships – romantic or otherwise – is unconditional self-love.
So how do we cultivate this essential self-love? It begins with simple affirmations. Remember that you are you – and that’s more than enough. Create a mantra that resonates with you and repeat it regularly. When you’re comfortable, try speaking directly to your reflection in the mirror. It may feel awkward at first, but it’s a powerful way to reinforce positive self-esteem.
Tarot Forecast August 2024: Seven Of Wands
The card for this month is the Seven of Wands, which predicts the need for determination, resilience and facing challenges head-on.
The Seven of Wands depicts a figure standing on higher ground, holding off opponents below with a single wand. The imagery conveys a sense of defiance and unwavering determination, suggesting that despite the challenges and competition, victory is possible through perseverance and courage.
As we enter this month with the Seven of Wands as our guiding influence, we are reminded of the importance of staying true to our values and beliefs, even in the face of significant obstacles. The Seven of Wands encourages us to adopt a warrior-like spirit, ready to defend our positions and protect what we hold dear.
This card signals a time when we must be prepared to encounter resistance and opposition, whether in our personal, professional or spiritual pursuits. It serves as a reminder that while challenges are inevitable, our strength lies in our ability to remain steadfast and resilient. The Seven of Wands teaches us that through determination and unwavering focus we can overcome adversity and emerge victorious.
We are likely to find ourselves in situations this month where we need to defend our position or beliefs, but remember that your courage and inner strength will see you through. Our resilience and positive attitude will inspire those around us, creating an atmosphere of motivation and progress.
Thanks, Mom, For Teaching Me Love And Kindness
We all know people who have come in and out of our lives saying or doing just the right thing, at just the right time. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Some of these wonderful messengers and wayshowers may stay in our lives, or leave just as quickly as they came.
I have had several experiences with such earth angels. When I think of ‘earth angels,’ I think of one person in particular: my mother. She taught me many things that have helped me so much in my life. In particular she taught me the fruits of the spirit by applying them in her own life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Children don’t do what adults say…they do what we do. Parents who are great role models and truly involved in their children’s lives raise kind adults, who in turn gift the same values to their own children. I was very fortunate to have a mother who didn’t leave me to fend for myself when I was growing up. She was very active in my life and taught me to be kind and courteous to everyone; to respect the elderly; and to always smile and be positive because we attract what we put out in the world.
My mother also made sure that we ate all our meals at the table until we left home as young adults. My husband pointed out once that when my mother calls us, she always asks how everyone is, not just me. She is very supportive and interested in how everyone is doing. I know a lot of people like her who would walk right up to you and give you a hug and ask you how you are.