10 Reasons Why People Who Stop Seeking Approval Are Happier Souls

Basically, from the time of our birth we are constantly sent the message that what others think of us matters. It isn’t long before we realize how we behave, how we look, what we say, and the choices we make can draw the approval or disapproval of others. In society, certain behaviors are obviously needed in order to show respect and consideration for others. However, the problem occurs when we require others to approve of us in order to validate how we feel about ourselves.

According to research reported in Time magazine, the part of the brain associated with reward is activated when we receive approval, more so in some people than others. Therefore, receiving approval can make us feel better, at least temporarily. However, a constant obsession with seeking it certainly does not. Some people have learned to stop seeking approval and found that this brings its own rewards.

1. They know that it isn’t someone else’s responsibility to make them happy

By constantly seeking approval from others, you are effectively handing over the responsibility for controlling your happiness to them. It’s not their job. Take it back.

2. They love the freedom they feel when they stop worrying

Getting rid of that need for approval is very freeing. You no longer have those imaginary boundaries around you dictating how you should live your life.

3. They’ve discovered that trying to seek approval from others takes time and energy

Thinking about what everyone else’s opinion might be of you, and working out how you might best receive favorable responses from them is draining. Consider how much more time and energy you would have if you only worried about pleasing yourself.

4. They refuse to keep setting themselves up for disappointment

Aiming to get approval from others takes a certain amount of guesswork. You can’t know for sure what others will think, you can only speculate. This means you can often get it wrong and end up disappointed by their reaction.

5. They understand that everyone will view them differently

When we talk about others, we are referring to a whole range of people with differing likes, dislikes, and opinions. Everything we do could be viewed in contrasting ways by different people. We can’t possibly please them all.

6. They know that everyone else is too busy seeking their own approval to notice

Seeking approval from others is widespread, so while you’re worrying about how you will be judged by people, those people are busy worrying about how they will be judged too and may not even notice your efforts.

7. They realize they deserve to focus on their own needs

Who are these other people that think they know how you should run your life better than you do? They don’t exist. Only you know what you really want and need. You deserve to receive your focus and attention in meeting those.

8. Their anxiety decreases

According to the Social Anxiety Institute, around 7% of the US population are suffering from Social Anxiety at any one time. One of the key aspects of this is a fear of being judged negatively. If you find your anxiety about what others think of you feels out of control, there’s a chance you could be suffering from Social Anxiety and might need to seek help. However, even those of us without the condition can experience symptoms of anxiety if we’re continually worrying about how to gain the approval of others.

9. They grow in confidence

A big part of confidence is being comfortable with yourself. It’s pretty hard to feel comfortable with yourself if you let the opinions of others define you.

10. They’ve discovered that the less they worry about seeking approval the more likely they are to get it

It is somewhat ironic, but when you stop seeking approval, you are more likely to receive it. Being confident and comfortable with yourself is an attractive quality. By becoming self-assured, rather than self-obsessed, you will more likely gain the approval that you no longer crave.

Featured photo credit: They just LOVED him/Paul L Dineen via flickr.com

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Advice For Dating A Woman Who’s Used To Being Single

Women who are single are used to being independent. They find joy in the things they accomplish alone. Dating independent people like this comes with its own unique set of challenges. It is not as if they do not need companionship. They just might believe in playing their cards their own way, without any external support.

Here are some things you need to remember when you date someone who has always been single and is trying to adjust.

1. She does what she wants without letting you know first

She is so comfortable with being independent. She feels she can do her own thing without letting you know first. She would love to let you know, but she is okay with doing what she wants to do without asking for permission from anyone.

2. She can be rigid at first

She has always been determined and steadfast on her own while navigating through situations. When you come in it may mean that a little of her territory has been encroached upon. Expect her to be stubborn at first. Although this will fade, be willing and patient to help her realize that you are partner rather than a “stealer” of territory.

3. She will appear tough

She uses a strong appearance to intimidate others and protect herself. Eventually, they could pull down this veil of supposed strength. It is your responsibility to be patient and understanding. They know what they want. This characteristic they possess could help them filter through the process.

4. She will have overprotective friends

Her friends will be a shield for a while. They will be suspicious of you at first, although they only want to be protective of her. It is just that they are not used to seeing her with someone special. They just want to be certain that she is going out with the right person.

5. She will want to take things slowly

She is so used to being with herself that she wants to take things slowly, rather than dive right into a serious relationship. It doesn’t mean she doesn’t like you, it’s just that she’s slowly absorbing the idea and trying to figure out a way to plug herself into the relationship.

6. She will have a hard time letting you do things for her

She is used to taking care of herself. It isn’t likely that she’ll see you being some sort of Superman coming to her rescue. She has lived so long in her single world that she would find it difficult to have someone else simply looking out for her. So don’t take it personally.

7. She can be afraid

Beyond the tough persona there is some fear and caution that exists within her. She is afraid of being loved. and being in love. She may have been hurt before, and just might be afraid of being hurt again.

8. She will question your motives

She wants to get into your thoughts. She would love to know why you do the things you do for them. Since she is used to figuring things out by herself, she will like to figure you out whether you are real deal or not.

9. She will need her space sometimes

You may consider this strange, but she will need her space sometimes. She is used to spending most of her time alone in solitude. Such space and time allows her to think independently and figure things out. And this space makes her see you in a clearer light.

10. She will be reserved

She won’t want to reveal everything important about her life to you right away. It may take some time, especially for her to share the things that matter most and are dearest to her. She will want you to wait for such vital information. Perhaps when you do get to know her better, she will open up the raw version of her beautiful self for you to discover. It will be well worth the wait.

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She used to hate math, but now she teaches it for a living

Like so many school-aged children, Saundra Carter hated math growing up. The subject just wasn’t applicable to her life, so she didn’t see the point in becoming a master at it. Fortunately for her, that all changed when she entered 11th grade and was placed in Mr. Frank’s Algebra 2 class.

Carter’s outlook on the world of mathematics changed because her teacher did was so many teachers before him never did: made math matter in Saundra’s day-to-day life. He used real-world situations that 15-year-old children would actually encounter in their time outside of school, rather than hypothetical situations that no real human has ever found themselves in. Using “real-world examples and things kids like “such as sports,” Saundra says, Mr. Frank was able to change her perspective on the subject completely.

Now, Saundra owns a tutoring business called Math 1 on 1 LLC. The premise is simple: Pass on the excitement for math Saundra had passed on to her that fateful year in high school. In doing so, you’ll help unleash the mathematical wizard hidden in even the most reluctant students.

The Atlanta-based business consists of college students and recent graduates who help tutor children and adults of all ages in the various stages of mathematics. Each student is provided with a two-hour screening process which helps tutors identify strengths and weaknesses pertaining to their mathematical ability. Through careful analysis of a student’s initial performance, an individualized learning plan is created, putting each student on their own path to success. Saundra reports that students’ SAT scores in math increase an average of 50 points after their tutoring sessions are complete.

Saundra is the author of How to Help Parents and Kids Get Over the Fear of Math, a book with tips for parents and kids who want to get over their fear of math (sorry, I had to!). In all seriousness, the book has gained rave reviews on Amazon, with parents and children alike praising Saundra’s hints and tips that “make the process of learning math easier.” Adults that read it in order to better help their children actually reported that they learned more about a few concepts they thought they had previously mastered. One reader said, “I learned a few new things and refreshed knowledge that has long been dormant.”

Along with helping struggling students through Math 1 on 1 LLC, Saundra also hopes to tackle some of the stigmas surrounding the world of mathematics, like the idea that girls aren’t good at math

If a girl isn’t good at math, it’s most likely because she was told she isn’t good at math. While it’s no secret that men make up the majority of people working in math-related industries, this is simply because young women are dissuaded from becoming math wizards at the elementary level. A combination of factors affect girls’ interest (or lack thereof) in the world of mathematics, such as the fact that math-related toys and games are usually advertised to boys. Parents and teachers should ensure they don’t unintentionally place gender biases on their children, and give them a choice of what, and how, they want to study.

Some people just “aren’t math people”. This statement piggybacks off of the last point made. So many children (and adults, for that matter) just throw their hands up and say, “I can’t do this.” Of course, nothing can be accomplished with such a negative attitude. Again, this idea of being incompetent in a specific subject or area stems from experiences in childhood in which a teacher may not have given a child enough time or attention to help them understand a certain concept, which led to them falling behind for the remainder of the year. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy, in which children who are told they aren’t good at math don’t try to get better, and grow into adults who really aren’t good at it.

By sharing her story with the world, Saundra aims to eradicate these two misconceptions, and foster a love of math in all children in the Atlanta area and beyond.

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10 Very Practical Questions You Should Ask Your Friends Before Going On A Trip Together

Do you plan on taking a trip with your friend? Taking trips with your friends can be exciting, fun-filled adventures, but it is important to talk about a few things first. From planning events to treating yourselves, check out 10 very practical questions you should ask your friends before going on a trip together.

1. How much money do you want to spend?

If you plan on travelling with someone, one of the first things you need to discuss is money. If you are planning to live off canned beans and your friend wants to visit expensive restaurants and spas, then you may have a problem. While they may not be able to give you an exact answer, they should be able to give you a rough idea of how much they are planning on spending.

2. Do you want to stay in hotels or hostels?

Once you and your friend know how much you both want to spend, it is important to address how you want to travel together. Do you want to stay in hotels, or are you both happy to save some money by staying in hostels? If one of you enjoys home comforts, you can discuss how to make sure you are both happy with the final decision.

3. How well do you handle stress?

Even with excellent planning, it is possible that things will go wrong on your trip, and it is important to prepare for stress. Some people thrive under stress, and find the situation challenging but fun, while others can become upset or distressed. Discuss what stresses you both out, and if you need space or comforting when you feel stressed. This will help you both to deal with a stressful situation if it arises.

4. Are you a picky eater or not?

It is important to ask your friend these questions: Are you a fussy eater? Do you have any dietary needs? Food is often a big part of going on a trip, and it is important to discuss any funny food habits before you travel, so you both know what to expect from each other.

5. Do you want to plan the trip or just go with the flow?

Many people who love planning find people who go with the flow frustrating – and vice versa. Discuss if you want to plan each day or not, and if you both want different things, discuss a compromise. For instance, you could plan the first half and go with the flow during the second half.

6. Do you want to relax or have an adventure?

Before going on a trip, it is essential to decide what kind of trip you both want to take. Some love to have an adventure every day, while others prefer to take it slow and relax. Discuss your thoughts, and choose a happy compromise if you enjoy different things.

7. How shall we treat ourselves?

There are lots of ways to treat yourselves while you travel, from surfing to buying an expensive, delicious meal. You will both have a few ideas of how you want to treat yourselves, and discussing these treats will help you to work out your budgets and what you get to look forward to.

8. How do you want to spend the evenings?

It is possible you both have different ideas of a fun evening; maybe one of you likes to drink and dance until the early hours, while the other likes to relax with some food and friends. If so, you both need to decide if you both do a little of each or if you will spend the evenings apart.

9. What is your sleeping schedule like?

Some people are night owls and some people are early birds, and these people can still have lots of fun travelling together. If you have different sleeping schedules, come up with a fair compromise; your friend will be quiet when they come in late if you agree not to wake them up before 9.30AM.

10. Where do you definitely want to visit?

You may both have agreed on France, but it is important to discuss where you both definitely want to visit. Maybe your friend wants to visit the snowy mountains, but you have always wanted to visit Paris. Planning in advance means you both know if you need extra money, or to add an extra few days to your travels.

What do you think of these questions? Share this list with the person you want to travel with and see what they say!

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Just Another Awesome Stage: 20 Incredible Things You Only Realize When You Turn 30

There are some incredible things you have to realize when you reach age 30. Here are some of them.

1. You will have fewer friends.

The quality of your friendships improves as you reach 30. You are not concerned with having a lot of friends; rather, you are more concerned about having the right friends.

2. You will have more weddings to attend.

You’ll be attending more wedding ceremonies than you did you were younger or perhaps you’ll be visiting families more rather than going on vacations.

3. You will become more selective.

You will find it easier to say “No” rather than trying to please everyone by saying “Yes.”

4. You will become more interested in purposeful work.

Unlike when you were younger, and you just had to tolerate and do anything to get by, reaching 30 will mean that you want to do something you enjoy.

5. You will find more pleasure in the simple things.

Reaching the age of 30 makes you realize that golden moments are lived during periods of simplicity. You will take pleasure and appreciate the simpler things better.

6. You will focus on yourself more than on the opinions of others.

You won’t be consumed by the perception of others around you. Rather, you will find more excitement in focusing on yourself and how you can become a better person.

7. You will be referred to as Uncle or Aunt.

You are now older and people see you that way. Younger ones, who you may not be related to, will refer to you as Uncle or Aunt.

8. You will value every item you buy.

You become responsible for yourself and find value in everything you buy to make yourself more comfortable, from the bed to the TV screen.

9. You will be more focused on your health.

You are concerned about your lifestyle and how it will affect your health. You are more cautious about what you eat and drink.

10. You will understand that life is fickle.

Some of the people in the course of your life may have passed on or are facing serious health issues. You start understanding that what is may be gone in the blink of an eye.

11. You will pay more attention to your romantic relationships.

If you are married, you will give attention to your husband or wife. If you are single you will pay attention to the romantic ties you have.

12. You will become a better philosopher.

They say experience is the best teacher and reaching the age of 30 must have provided you with some experiences to make you think smarter.

13. You will have become disappointed by those you love many times.

People that you care about must have broken your heart and made you disappointed enough to make you more cautious any time you approach a new relationship.

14. You will appreciate knowledge.

You understand that knowledge goes further than you thought. You find that life is a wonderful teacher.

15. You will be let down by people.

The best favors come from the most unexpected sources. And the people you expected to be there for you fall short.

16. You will appreciate your family.

At the end of the day, family will be the closest people in your life and you will start cherishing them.

17. You will get better at forgiveness.

There is no point in holding onto resentment or grudges. You understand that letting go is the best way to aim for progress.

18. You will understand that life will not turned out as planned.

Maybe you wanted to be a doctor and then you ended up as a model or comedian. Life never turns out as planned—this you realize.

19. You will find peace with yourself.

You understand that nothing is gained from worrying. You know that things will turn out okay after all.

20. You will realize that words have power.

You become more cautious about what you say because you understand that words are powerful.

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Inspirational Quotes About Happiness From Dalai Lama

The current Dalai Lama is the principal monk of Tibetan Buddhism. He became the political leader of Tibet at the age of fifteen. The fourteenth Lama, is the longest Lama to hold such a position of influence.

According to Buddhist beliefs, the present Dalai Lama (born with the name Tenzin Gyatso) is believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Buddhists claim he chose to be re-born again because he wanted to continue bringing peace to everyone all over the world.

Below are some of the Dalai Lama’s most inspirational quotes about happiness. These phrases will help show you to lead a happy life. I hope you find them comforting and helpful!

1. “If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”

2. “Everything you do has some effect, some impact.”

3. “Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”

4. “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”

5. “When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.”

6. “People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.”

7. “We don’t need more money, we don’t need greater success or fame, we don’t need the perfect body or even the perfect mate. Right now, at this very moment, we have a mind, which is all the basic equipment we need to achieve complete happiness.”

8. “Human happiness and human satisfaction most ultimately come from within oneself.”

9. “The purpose of our lives is to be happy.”

10. “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

11. “Choose to be optimistic. It feels better.”

12. “Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.”

13. “I believe compassion to be one of the few things we can practice that will bring immediate and long-term happiness to our lives. I’m not talking about the short-term gratification of pleasures like sex, drugs or gambling (though I’m not knocking them), but something that will bring true and lasting happiness. The kind that sticks.”

14. “Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.”

15. “The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your action will be.”

16. “We need to learn how to want what we have, not to have what we want in order to get steady and stable happiness.”

17. “It is felt that a disciplined mind leads to happiness and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.”

18. “Happiness is determined more by one’s state of mind than by external events.”

19. “Happiness is the highest form of health.”

20. “What is the meaning of life? To be happy and useful.”

21. “When you are discontent you always want more, more, more. Your desire can never be satisfied. But when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself ‘Oh yes, I already have everything that I really need.’”

22. “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

23. “The ultimate source of happiness is not money and power, but warm-heartedness.”

24. “There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.”

25. “Everyday, think as you wake up ‘Today I am fortunate to have woken up. I am alive. I have a precious human life. I am not going to waste it.’”

26. “The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being..”

27. “The ultimate source of a happy life is the attention we pay to our inner values.”

28. “In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.”

29. “Great love and great achievements involve great risk.”

30. “Whenever there lives a compassionate person, there is always a pleasant atmosphere.”

31. “When you think everything is someone else’s fault, you will suffer a lot. When you realise that everything springs only from yourself, you will learn both peace and joy.”

32. “Without your effort, it is impossible for blessings to come.”

33. “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

34. “If you have a basic concern for others, even failure cannot disturb your mind.”

35. “What unites all beings is their desire for happiness.”

36. “You have to start giving first and expect absolutely nothing.”

37. “We must all live harmoniously with our neighbours. Your happiness depends on it.”

38. “We have to make a sustained effort, again and again, to cultivate the positive aspects within us.”

39. “The more you nurture a feeling of loving kindness, the happier and calmer you will be.”

40. “Smile if you want a smile from another face.”

41. “Happiness comes through taming the mind.”

42. “Don’t let a little dispute injure a friendship.”

43. “Compassion and happiness are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.”

44. “By changing our outlook towards things and events, all phenomena can come friends or sources of happiness.”

45. “The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self.”

46. “It is important to generate a good attitude, a good heart as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short-term and the long-term for both yourself and others will come.”

47. “Open your arms to change but don’t let go of your values.”

48. “It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.”

49. “With realisation of one’s own potential and self-confidence in ones ability, one can build a better world.”

50. “The happiness of one person or nation is the happiness of humanity.”

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Travellers Voted For The 10 Best Cities In The World

The influential Travel + Leisure website has announced their list of the 10 best cities to visit in 2015, and there are a few surprises. London is lovely, Paris is peachy, New York is neat, but it’s a big world out there. The site compiled the list as a result of their reader’s votes, and so while it was a fairly democratic process, there’s also a fair amount of subjectivity. All ten cities are remarkable destinations in ways that are obvious, and can also feel intangible – the place just gives you a magical feeling.

10. Jerusalem, Israel

While both Israelis and Palestinians lay claim to the holy city of Jerusalem, it’s the official capital city of Israel. This is a relatively recent development in an ancient city that dates back almost 6,000 years. Contemporary Jerusalem is a bustling modern city that has a skyline of tall gleaming office buildings right next to sites of profound holy significance. Religion is intertwined with day to day life in the city, and this is evident when you visit the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, which showcases species featured in the Hebrew Bible. The Israel Museum is also worth a visit to take in their most popular attraction, the Dead Sea Scrolls. If your time in the city is short, spend as much time as possible walking the streets of the Old City. It’s here that you’ll find the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock. Regardless of your religious beliefs, you’ll find the experience to be profoundly moving.

9. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, and indeed all of South Africa, received a significant smartening up for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Naturally, stadiums across the country were upgraded, but the lingering effect that is of most benefit to visitors is the improvement in public transportation. Cape Town is the most popular destination for visitors in South Africa, and it’s easy to see why. Start your Cape Town day with a visit to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, which is the city’s primary harbourfront attraction. It’s a shopping complex that has both established retail outlets and temporary market stalls. The food is astounding, and much of it comes from the fishing boats that dock here. You also need to take a leisurely stroll along Long Street, where the cool kids come to spend their days in the bars and book stores.

8. Barcelona, Spain

It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, you’re going to have to share Barcelona with a lot of other travellers. Start with a walk along the Ramblas – a long and rambling pedestrian mall that stretches from the central city to the harbour, which is always teeming with people. Much of the Ramblas is geared towards tourists, with street performers and caricature artists earning a living. Climb up Montjuïc, which is a small hill that overlooks the city and is the home of the 1992 Olympic stadium. The views are worth the minor effort, and you can also catch a cable car that will take you out over the harbour itself. You also have to see Sagrada Família, the (as-of-yet unfinished) cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudí. You have to pay to go inside, but it’s enough to admire its exterior. It looks like a mammoth sandcastle.

7. Krakow, Poland

Poland’s second largest city is often visited by backpackers on their way to or from Italy or the Czech Republic. It deserves to be the focal point of any European trip, although even when it comes to Poland, Krakow is often overlooked in favour of Warsaw. It’s a major city, and yet almost feels like a hidden treasure. It has the biggest medieval square in all of Europe (known as Rynek Glowny) and it’s remarkable to think that traders have been hawking their wares there for centuries. The square is the gateway to Krakow’s Old Town, which is remarkably well preserved. Look for the entrance to the Rynek Underground Museum, which is located beneath Rynek Glowny. It shows you more than a thousand years of the city’s history, much of which was only discovered when excavating the ancient parts of Krakow.

6. Bangkok, Thailand

Every now and then, Thailand will receive some negative publicity when its government is overthrown by the military. This has happened 12 times since 1932, with another 7 unsuccessful coups. The country is used to it, and quickly stabilises. Bangkok can blow your mind unlike any other city and you will find yourself staring out the window as you drive from the airport to the city. Traditional buddhist temples stand next to ramshackle apartment buildings that look barely inhabitable and yet are all lit up. Further into the central city, there’s some obvious wealth and opulence, particularly when you visit the Siam Paragon shopping mall which has a Ferrari dealership on its upper levels. Traditional life meets capitalism at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, where you can buy a live chicken to take home for slaughter, or a pair of fake Levi’s. It’s probably not a good idea to buy a snake to take home, though.

5. Rome, Italy

While Rome attracts fewer visitors than other European cities, it really is the Eternal City. There’s a magic to the city, particularly during the warmer months when an extended dusk bathes the city in an achingly beautiful soft light. Of course you need to see such landmarks as the Colosseum, and you should arrive early if you don’t want to be waiting for hours to get inside. Ignore the men dressed as Roman Centurions who look like they’ve just come from an Asterix costume party. They will annoy you into having your photo taken with them… for a fee, naturally. Rome attracts so many people that many restaurants and stores can feel a little “touristy” with prices to match. Head for Via del Governo Vecchio – a shopping street that is less upmarket but infinitely more lively and authentic.

4. Florence, Italy

You can look out across Florence and see a city that doesn’t seem to have changed much in centuries. Modern intrusions are rare, and it’s possible to imagine the city as it used to be. It’s easy to do this by climbing to the top of the Duomo for a 360 degree view of Florence. Linger in Piazza della Signoria – a square with so many statues that you’ll feel like you wandered into an open air gallery (not that there’s a shortage of galleries and museums here). One of the most curious things about Florence is how the city survived, despite the fact that much of it was built in medieval times. It’s not as though the loveliness was destroyed in the vague name of progress, so that a wide highway or something similar could be built to accommodate modern life. The ancient city simply exists, and modern conveniences were added if it was possible. This is obvious when you take a stroll along Costa San Giorgio, a street where many houses date back to the 1600’s.

3. Siem Reap, Cambodia

You’ll probably arrive in Cambodia via a flight to Phnom Penh, and this city is a true gem. Siem Reap is where you will want to spend most of your time in the country, and you can even catch a boat here from Phnom Penh. Siem Reap is where ancient history meets modern comfort, and is the gateway to the ancient cities and temples of Angkor. Due to the number of visitors who come here, there are a huge number of accommodation options from backpacker hostels to 5 star luxury. Siem Reap combines traditional Cambodian architecture with French colonialism, which is a throwback to when the region was part of French Indochina. Spend an afternoon browsing in the Psah Chas market where the price of produce will be a pleasant surprise (and will make you wish you had a kitchen to use). You should also visit one of the floating villages on the Siem Reap River, where entire communities live and work on a succession of boats and barges, all roped together.

2. Charleston, USA

Charleston in South Carolina is not often spoken about in the same terms of other global cities, and yet it made the number two spot on Travel + Leisure’s best cities of 2015, with good reason. There is something alluring about the southern states of the US, and it’s easy to imagine sitting on a porch, sipping a mint julep while watching the wind rustle through the magnolia trees. I imagine you could do this in Charleston, but there are better ways to spend your time. To sip that mint julep, you should get up high to enjoy the views. There’s a rooftop bar at the Market Pavilion Hotel, and you can look left towards Mount Pleasant, right towards James Island or Morris Island, or out across the harbour to the Atlantic. You should also line your stomach, so go to Shem Creek. This is where the shrimping boats dock, and many of the local restaurants serve seafood that was nonchalantly swimming through the water just a few hours before.

1. Kyoto, Japan

To see the birthplace of Kyoto, and perhaps even the birthplace of Japanese society, you will need to visit the Shimogamo Shrine. It’s the first Shinto shrine in Japan and dates back to the 6th century. It’s possible to have feelings of romanticism in Kyoto, and think of a clichéd Japan where Samurai warriors roamed the hills. These thoughts are reinforced if you walk the streets of Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka, where you might wonder if you’ve been transported back in time. Kyoto was Japan’s capital city from 794 until 1868, because this is where the Emperor lived. There are still some royal palaces that can be visited, namely the Kyoto Imperial Palace. When the sun goes down, it’s time to see Pontocho. This alleyway used to be where gentlemen would find a geisha companion for the evening, but is now where ladies and gentlemen find a cool bar for the evening.

Featured photo credit: Joshua Earle via download.unsplash.com

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10 Signs That You Care Too Much About What Others Think

It is human to desire what goes around your environment. Such knowledge gives us some level of consciousness and acceptance of our environment. However, taking such desire too far can be detrimental because it hurts our self-esteem, and in certain occasions could heighten our anxiety. We do not need to commit our thoughts and activities to the opinions laid down by others.

Here are ten signs to tell you if you have begun thinking too much about what others think.

1. You don’t know how to say “No”

People ask you for favors or jump into your life to forcefully be a part of it. You really need to know how to say “No” to what will not benefit your well-being because saying “No” is just as important as saying “Yes”. Perhaps you do not want to disappoint other. In reality, if you want to become a happier person you shouldn’t focus on the external, but rather on the internal.

2. You don’t set boundaries

This means setting boundaries for yourself and for others. Your life is not a park where everyone comes to play. You should be able to set boundaries if you really do not want to be caring about the opinions of others so much.

3. You are concerned about what others have to say

You want to know what others are thinking or saying about you. You scroll through magazines and spend so much time on social media it practically becomes a sickness. You don’t have that power to ignore gossip or comments. Instead, you give others the power to rule your thoughts.

4. You always play the victim

You want the world to care or sympathize with you. If something is wrong, you blow a trumpet about it because you feel that the world should listen and share in your problems.

5. You are a people-pleaser

You feel validated by trying to please everyone, when in the truest sense you can’t please everyone. You can only please yourself. As much as it satisfies you to do this, you are only giving others a key to start determining your actions and deeds.

6. You seek attention

You want to be seen and want others to be attracted to you. You do not know that it is not possible for everyone to like you. Yet you keep on taking actions and making decisions that will draw everyone to you.

7. You are indecisive

You do not know how to make decisions. You hesitate and you’re slow to taking actions. Most times, you would rather wait and listen to what everybody has to say before making decisions.

8. You don’t follow your guts

There is an intuition within us all that tells us “Yes” or “No”. When we care so much about what others have to say, we will ignore what our guts tell us to do most of the time.

9. You always play it safe

You don’t want anyone to get hurt because of your deeds or words. You also don’t want to stir negative emotions and make people feel bad. You try to play it safe and revolve your life in a cocoon. Such safety zones demonstrate that you are averse to taking risks and stepping out of the conventional boundaries.

10. You are boastful

You exaggerate your accomplishments and sometimes you go way overboard to publicize your accomplishments. You like to talk about yourself and want everyone to listen to what you have to say. Whether you are the loudest person in the room or try to seem the smartest, you are only doing this to make others aware of you.

Caring about what others think shows a kind of inferiority. Most times, this can lead to disappointment. We all should be complete and be proud of who we are. Our happiness and our success should not depend on what others think about us.

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30 Really Smart Summer Parenting Hacks

Summer is in full swing, but it’s never too late for some tips and tricks to get you through the dog days of the year. Check out these life hacks to help make your life a little easier while you’re sweating your butt off:

PVC Towel Rack

Tape and Sidewalk Chalk Game Board

Rainy Day Mission Impossible Game

Altoid Tin DIY Travel Game

DIY Sundial

Activity Picker

White Sheet Artist Canvas

PVC Pipe Sprinkler

Bubble Recipe

Giant Bubble Recipe

DIY Cereal Station

Bead Container Food Storage

Magnetic Cups

Egg Carton Fruit Container

Gelatin-filled Ice Pops

Frozen Water Balloons (for drinks)

Frozen Aloe Vera for Sunburn

Shoe Rack Storage

Vacation Storage

Cupcake Liner Drip-Catcher

Cupcake Liner Drink Covers

Press’n Seal Drink Covers

Apple Cider Vinegar for Mosquito Bites

Bug Repellent Bracelets

Inflatable Pools Keep Blankets Dry

Fitted Sheet at the Beach

Diaper Decoy

Baby Powder to Get Sand Off Your Body

Cupcake Tin for Condiments

Can for Grease Catcher

Aluminum Foil as a Sauce Pot

Featured photo credit: Flickr via farm9.staticflickr.com

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