Finding Your Soulmate: What Does the Moon Say?

No scientific proof exists that moon phases can identify how you’ll get along with your date or whether that person could be your soulmate. However, the moon’s influence does provide insight into how people’s personalities may gel based on its phases. Who knows? Finding out your moon phase couple compatibility might give you the insider knowledge to face an upcoming date more confidently. What are Moon Phases? Astrologically, the moon has eight phases per lunar cycle, with each representing a stage and lasting for around 3.5 days. You’ll be familiar with some phases, like New Moon and Full Moon, but what about those in between? The eight moon phases are: New Moon Waxing Crescent First Quarter Waxing Gibbous Full Moon Waning Gibbous Last Quarter Waning Crescent You must know these for what’s coming up, as assessing your moon phase and that of your prospective soulmate for couple compatibility depends on them. How to Find Out a Moon Phase Knowing your moon phase will help you determine your compatibility with someone else, but you’ll also need to know theirs. That means you’ll subtly need to ask them their birthdate, including the year they were born. Sometimes, that can be daunting, especially if you ask a lady you’ve just met.  Obviously, it depends on her character type, so gauge this before you ask. If you have a mutual friend, try finding out some information from them first if you’re worried about offending your potential match.  Once you’ve found out the details of the target of your affection, visit one of the many websites that provide moon phase information. Then, individually enter the relevant dates of birth to find out your respective moon phases. Note them both down for future reference. It’s that simple. Moon Phase Couple Compatibility Before looking at how moon phase websites generate couple compatibility based on two dates of birth, you’d be better off knowing how astrologists explain and determine couple compatibility by identifying your moon’s phase.  The premise is that if your moon phase and potential partner’s one fit together to make up a full moon, you’ll be very compatible. The greater the section left incomplete, the less compatible you’ll be as a couple. Alternatively, being born under the same moon phase as another also makes you highly romantically suited for each other.  There’s more that goes into determining full astrological compatibility, like your Venus sign, which identifies your love language, and your seventh-house placement, which delves more into partnerships. Your zodiac sign also plays a role. You’ll find out more about these other astrological compatibility influencers another time. Concentrating on what the moon says about your potential romantic partnerships should be your focal point at this stage.  So, if you’re born under the first-quarter moon phase, you’ll link best with another first-quarter moon phase newborn or somebody born under a third-quarter phase. Likewise, as a new moon baby, meeting your ideal moon phase partner means bumping into somebody with either a new moon or full moon phase birthdate. You call these complete matching phase combinations “twin flames.”  Twin Flames  Astrologers consider twin flames opposite halves of the same soul, with a predestined reunion ahead of them. Even if they don’t acknowledge it, the bond they’ll have is profoundly strong and deep. This bond could be in the form of a romantic or platonic relationship or even an unexplainable connection to somebody you’ve just met.  While astrologers generally anticipate twin flame soulmates between people born under the same moon phase, it also happens between those with matching phases. So, according to the moon, if you’re about to date somebody in the same phase, you’ll possibly be meeting a soulmate in some shape or form. There are potential drawbacks to believing too firmly in twin-flame relationships. Always ensure you approach your belief rationally with your eyes open. Believing too strongly can open you up to relaxing your boundaries, co-dependency issues or being taken advantage of by a manipulative partner. Remember the lessons you’ve learned in life and apply them. What the Moon Says About Personalities Astrology assigns different personality and character traits to each moon phase, so identify your moon phase and gauge how you match up.  New Moon: You’re an explorer by nature and find holding in your emotions difficult. You’re an outgoing go-getter in love with a keen sense of adventure. Waxing Crescent: You’re bold and assertive and say things as you see them. You’ll not shy away from being open with your love and affection. First Quarter: You’re courageous and tend to prefer looking after yourself. You long for a partner who will challenge and motivate you to improve. Waxing Gibbous: You’re an adaptable type who is level-headed and practical. You’re compassionate and understanding as a partner but will be blatantly honest. Full Moon: You’re initially reserved and guarded when meeting new people but passionate in life. You’re immensely devoted and loyal in relationships. Waning Gibbous: You’re comfortable in your skin and logical and grounded in life. You’re an incredible communicator and listener and will admire the right partner unabashedly without judging them for minor faults you observe.  Last Quarter: You’re authentically easy-going and unflustered in life. You’ll love a partner who’ll always try something new but may struggle with commitment. Waning Crescent: You’re passionate and will intensely follow your heart. You aren’t happy feeling vulnerable and would instead leave a relationship than feel boxed in. If you know anybody else’s phase from their birth date, including your upcoming potential better half, read through what the moon tells you about their phase characteristics and draw your conclusions on its accuracy. Establishing Moon Phase Couple Compatibility Online The website you accessed for the individual moon phase information may also have a page where you can see how well you match with your potential soulmate. Otherwise, use your faithful search engine to locate a site that does.  The website asks you to enter both birthdates and then quickly calculates a matching score while explaining how it arrived at its conclusion. Depending on your astrological beliefs and what you’ve gleaned from the personality descriptions, this result could hold a significant bearing for you or practically none at all.  However you receive the result, remember that it comes from a site looking for traffic. You should only use the generated data as a guideline and not despair if the results aren’t what you hoped for.  You Find Your Ideal Mate, Not the Moon  Remember that whatever the moon phases say, your happiness within relationships depends on what you put into them, not what the moon says. You can use moon phases or other astrological methods to guide you in finding that special someone but have faith in your intuition before deciding you’ve found your soulmate.  Be patient and bide your time instead of rushing in. You'll know when the time and person are right, and that should depend entirely on you and not on outside influences. Enjoy the experiences and journey you’re on, and have fun finding out what the moon and its phases predict.

First dates are fairly standard. Coffee or drinks help you ask the get-to-know-you questions and see whether there’s a spark. Some may even opt for a movie, just so they have a sure talking point throughout that first meeting. Then, what exactly comes after? Dive into the second date ideas that could score you a third tryst.  How to Set Up a Second Date Generally, one of the best ways to set up a second date is right after the first one. You need to express your feelings to avoid guessing games. Say “Hey, I enjoyed our date today. I’d like to see you again when you’re free.” It verbalizes your interest and showcases your consideration of the other person’s schedule.  If you only figured out how much you enjoyed yourself after, you can still bring it up. The best way is to call them and communicate. If you lack the means to ring them up, text them and gauge their interest. Ensure you have your second date ideas ready when the person you’re interested in asks what the game plan is. It’s all best to avoid using pet names and save them for when the relationship becomes more serious. Best Second Date Ideas The first date is for first impressions. When coming up with second date ideas, make it a goal to know that person beyond face value. Here are several suggestions on what to do with them. 1. Head to a Museum A museum is a great place to have constant talking points. Pick galleries based on common interests to ensure you and your date have a good time. You can also opt for interactive exhibits instead. Some utilize augmented reality to project images and animations, transporting both of you into what seems like a whole new environment.  2. Visit a Botanical Garden Botanical gardens are fun to visit. You can just stroll and talk to one another about recent life events and get to know them better. If you want to have fun with it, try foraging different flowers and fruits. Make a mission to build a mini bouquet. Give it as a token of appreciation for agreeing to the date and take pictures if they’re comfortable.  3. Organize a Picnic at the Park A picnic at the park may seem old-fashioned, but it still holds so much novelty. You can get takeout from their favorite restaurant or make something yourself. Make sure to bring it all in an insulated picnic basket so that everything stays at its optimal temperature. Have a blanket large enough to lie down and enjoy the scenery together.  4. Play at the Arcade The arcade is the perfect place to gauge just how competitive your date is. You could also see how they would handle losses and any embarrassing moments that come their way. Compete in all the fighter and shooter games. You can also impress them by trying your hand at the claw machines, though you must show that you’re a good sport if you ever fail.  5. Take a Cooking Class A cooking class is a nice second date idea. About 29% of people find recipes overwhelming and ask other people to prepare it for them instead. Let you and your romantic companion take the leap of learning it with the watchful eye of a professional. Who knows, it might be your favorite recipe for future stay-in dates with them.  6. Go to a Mini Golf Course Mini golf courses are ideal for almost every hangout, and a date is no exception. You could compete with one another to see who gets the lowest points during each round and at the end of it. Plenty of room for banter and friendly conversation as you take turns or walk from one obstacle to another.  7. Walk Through Ikea Together The Ikea scene in “500 Days of Summer” is bittersweet, but it’s undeniably fun to browse endless aisles and showrooms. Invite your date to just explore and daydream about sharing a place. It could help you gauge how they like their interior design and how detail-oriented they seem about life.  8. Run Errands Together Running errands is often viewed as one of the more mundane second-date ideas, but it’s just refreshing to have company. Head to the grocery or get clothes from the dry cleaners together. Volunteer your car and become your date’s personal driver for the day. You can let them take control of the music and see whether your tastes match. Second Date Rules After sorting out your ideas, you and your date should be good to go. However, there are unspoken rules about second dates that every person needs to know.  1. Make It Differ from the First Date Some people think they just need to emulate everything that happened on the first date to have a successful second date. However, you need to see it as an opportunity to show another side of you they haven’t seen yet. If you’ve done one of the ideas above during the first date, you can cross them out or save it for when you’ve made the relationship official.  2. Remember What You’ve Learned Small mistakes like ordering food they dislike or buying flowers they’re allergic to are understandable on the first date. Make sure you avoid them again on the second date. You can even use the information to your advantage and bring them something. Gift them chocolate-covered strawberries if they’ve talked about how they love them. 3. Go for Deeper Questions You’ve already become acquainted during the first date. Once you’re on the second date, target the deep stuff. You can’t jump straight into cohabitation after this meeting, but you could always ask their thoughts. Question where they see themselves traveling to or settling down. 4. Allow Awkwardness To Happen There are times when awkward silence occurs throughout the second date. Let it happen. Chances are they feel nervous about what to say too. You can acknowledge and laugh about it together before opening up a conversation and diverting their attention away from it.  5. Don’t Expect a Second Date Kiss If you didn’t lock lips on the first date, don’t worry. A study finds that 45% of Americans favor the second date to have the first kiss. Granted, about 26% think the third date is ideal. Focus on getting to know them. If you feel like they’re in the mood for it, ask outright for their consent and go for it.  Secure a Third Date It’s natural to be nervous about going out with someone you’re interested in again, even if you hit it off during the first meeting. Take a deep breath and recollect yourself. Figure out what second date ideas are suitable and ask them out again at the end of the night when things go well. 

Great friendships make life more fulfilling. You should always have a best friend who listens to you, values you and loves you without expectations. Unfortunately, it’s easy to fall into toxic dynamics with people as you open your heart to new friendships. Learn about the five signs of a bad friendship to better care for your well-being and fill your life with people who make each day better. 5 Signs of a Bad Friendship It’s hard to see the five signs of a bad friendship while you’re caught up in it. Take a moment to step back from the dynamic and see if any of these red flags appear in your relationship. 1. They Don’t Respect Your Boundaries Everyone deserves to have boundaries. They tell people how to treat you with respect and support you. Think of the friendship you’re questioning. If you asked that friend not to talk about a topic you find offensive, would they agree? If you think their reaction would most likely be laughing at you, dismissing your request or only respecting that boundary for a short time — like a day — you’re likely in a bad friendship. Disrespecting boundaries is one of the most common unhealthy friendship signs. It means your friend doesn’t respect you as an individual. They might see you only as someone who exists to support them. If nothing changes, your self-esteem could deteriorate. Never having boundaries erases a person’s sense of self and their inherent worth. 2. They Never Let You Talk About Your Life When was the last time your friend asked you about your life? Were you able to talk in-depth about something that’s concerning you? A quick 10-second recap of your life doesn’t feel like much if your conversations revolve around your friend all the time. Someone who genuinely values you will care about what’s happening in your life. Otherwise, you’re only there to listen to them. It can cause emotional distress as you feel isolated and exhausted. If you’re always tired, feel disconnected from people and feel guilty for talking about yourself, you’re experiencing one of the five signs of a bad friendship. 3. They Criticize Everything You Say and Do Friends can playfully poke fun at each other if they feel equally respected. When you’re in an unhealthy friendship, your friend might criticize everything about you without thinking twice. Think about how often your potentially toxic friend makes negative comments about: What you say How you dress Your values Your lifestyle Your daily routine Your other friends Your family members Your dreams Living with constant criticism can cause you to question your ability to make sound decisions without your friend’s approval. It could also make you feel isolated. You might not feel like you can talk about anything with them, which is the opposite of a healthy friendship. 4. They Dismiss Your Feelings Empathy is the ability to feel another person’s emotions while they recount their feelings or experiences. It connects people on a deeper level, but it isn’t a guarantee in every relationship. Some people have less empathetic abilities due to their childhood experiences or past trauma. A toxic friend might dismiss your feelings whenever you’re not in a pleasant mood. They could forget about your most pressing problems, downplay whatever’s happening in your life or focus the conversation on themselves when you need a listening ear. It’s one of the unhealthy friendship signs that’s easy to dismiss. You might think your friend is just in a bad mood or too stressed to listen. When it lasts a long time, it’s a red flag that your relationship isn’t a two-way street. 5. They Use Manipulation Tactics Frequently People can manipulate others both consciously and unconsciously. A toxic friend will use manipulations to retain power or control in a relationship. See if any of these examples feel familiar to the friendship you have in mind: Blackmail: “If you don’t do this thing, I’ll tell your secret to your parents.” Guilt trips: “You wouldn’t have your nice life if it wasn’t for my help.” Flattery: “You’re the best person I know when it comes to organizing. How about you unpack my moving boxes? Projection: “I’m not jealous — you’re the one who’s jealous of me!” Gaslighting: “I was just making a joke. You need to apologize for getting upset about something I didn’t even say.” Manipulation strategies wear people down over time. You might fear conflict with your friend if you call them out or gently push back. A toxic person will start explosive arguments or give you the silent treatment rather than hear your concerns, apologize and change their behavior to treat you with more respect. Ways to Respond to an Unhealthy Friendship Once you know the five signs of a bad friendship, you can determine the best way to move forward. Whether you keep that person in your life or not, the outcome should be continual daily peace for you in the relationship. Communicate Your Needs and Boundaries When you’re in a toxic dynamic, the first thing you need to do is communicate your needs and boundaries. Some people may present unhealthy friendship signs without realizing it. If you state what’s hurting you and ask for a specific, healthier solution, someone who values you will actively make those changes. Take Some Time Away From Your Friend Distancing yourself from a toxic person is a crucial part of gaining a better perspective. People who take this step reduce the frequency of their contact with their friend so they can focus on their own needs.  There are multiple ways for this step to play out. Your friend might recognize your distance and contact you to ask how they make the friendship work. They’ll realize they miss you and don’t want you out of their lives. Your friend might also get mad. If you’re their only form of emotional support, they’ll feel attacked by your distance. If they don’t listen to your side of things and actively change what they contribute to the friendship, you might not need to go back to them. You could also step back from the friendship and feel like you can breathe again. Feeling free by leaving someone behind means they weren’t a good connection to have at all. You can meet with a licensed therapist to determine your next steps if you’re unsure how to structure your life without your toxic friend. Gently End the Friendship If you realize you’re better off without your bad friendship, there are numerous ways to end it. You could tell your friend in person that you’ve outgrown each other and you’re ready to part ways. You might end it over text if there’s physical distance.  It’s also possible to let the friendship fade over time. If you communicate less and your toxic friend doesn’t notice, let the distance do the work for you.  There’s also the option to block them. You might have to block their number if your friend harasses you to pull you back into their life. You may also only feel a sense of peace if you block them on social media.  The best move will be whatever restores your sense of peace. A licensed therapist can help you figure out your next steps if you’re not used to prioritizing your needs over your friend’s. Find and Respond to Unhealthy Friendship Signs Learning about the five signs of a bad friendship makes it easier to protect your peace. Support your well-being by surrounding yourself with people who would never give you the same red flags. You’ll feel happier, more confident and able to enjoy each day without a toxic friend in your life.

Self-love might seem like the latest buzzword, but it’s actually the foundation of a fulfilled life. However, in a world where you’re constantly bombarded with expectations and comparisons, truly loving yourself can feel like a challenge. The way you see yourself shapes everything — from your relationships to your daily happiness. That’s why cultivating self-love is essential. These powerful self-love tips will uplift your spirit and transform how you view yourself. Why You Need to Practice Self-Love Every Day A long-standing statistic reveals that roughly 85% of people globally suffer from low self-esteem, and showing yourself love is one way to boost your confidence. Self-love forms the foundation of your mental and emotional well-being. When you take the time to appreciate yourself, you set the stage for a healthier, more positive mindset.  This daily practice helps you combat negative self-talk and embrace a kinder, more compassionate view of who you are. It’s about acknowledging your worth and treating yourself with the same respect and care you’d offer a close friend.  Daily self-love empowers you to handle life’s challenges with greater resilience. When you put yourself first, you build emotional strength, making it easier to deal with stress, setbacks and disappointments. By regularly practicing self-love, you develop a solid support system within yourself. This intentional support allows you to bounce back from tough situations with confidence, knowing that you have your own back no matter what. Self-love can also benefit your relationships with others. When you love and value yourself, it reflects in how you interact with the world. You’re more likely to set healthy boundaries, engage in meaningful connections and attract positive energy into your life.   9 Essential Self-Love Tips: The Best Ways to Show Yourself Love Embracing self-love is about more than just feeling good — it’s about nurturing your well-being and recognizing your worth. When you make a conscious effort to love yourself, you create a healthier, happier life. Below are some of the best self-love tips to build a stronger relationship with yourself.  Prioritize Your Needs Without Guilt Putting yourself first isn’t selfish — it’s necessary. Often, we’re so focused on pleasing others that we neglect our own needs. You affirm your worth by prioritizing what truly matters to you — whether it’s taking time for self-care, pursuing a passion or resting when you’re tired. It’s okay to say no to things that drain your energy and yes to activities that recharge you. When you prioritize your well-being, you’re also equipped to show up for others.  Celebrate Your Wins Every achievement deserves recognition, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Whether it’s completing a project, sticking to a new habit or getting through a tough day, take a moment to acknowledge your efforts. Celebrating your wins boosts your confidence and reinforces positive behaviors. It’s a fantastic way to tell yourself how proud you are of your achievements. Over time, this practice builds a positive feedback loop, making it easier to tackle bigger challenges with the belief that you can succeed.  Nourish Your Body With Kindness Your body is your home, and treating it with kindness is a powerful act of self-love. Nourish yourself with foods that make you feel good, both physically and mentally. Listen to what your body needs — it could be a balanced meal, a tasty treat or simply a glass of water. Pair this with movement that energizes you, such as a brisk walk, yoga or even dancing around your living room. By honoring your body’s needs, you’re showing appreciation for all it does for you.  Practice Mindfulness and Be Present It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of life and miss out on the present moment. Practicing mindfulness allows you to slow down and fully experience what’s happening right now. Savor your morning coffee, enjoy a walk in nature or take deep breaths during a stressful moment, mindfulness brings peace and clarity.  Step Away From the Screens Taking a break from the digital world — especially social media — is a powerful act of self-love. Constantly scrolling through curated photographs and highlight reels can chip away at your self-esteem, leading to unrealistic comparisons and feeling inadequate. Taking time away from screens allows you to reconnect with the real world and give your mind the space it needs to recharge. Set Boundaries to Protect Your Peace Setting boundaries is one of the most powerful ways to show yourself love. It’s about recognizing what you need to maintain your well-being and having the courage to enforce those limits. Setting boundaries may look like saying no to additional responsibilities, limiting time with draining people or carving out time for yourself to protect your peace. They’re not there to shut people out but rather to ensure you have the energy and space to thrive.  Invest in Your Personal Growth Personal growth is a lifelong journey, and investing in it is an act of self-love. Whether you learn a new skill, explore a fun hobby or work toward a goal, growth challenges you and helps you evolve. Growing is about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new experiences that enrich your life.  Speak to Yourself With Compassion The way you talk to yourself shapes your self-perception. Never say something to yourself you wouldn’t say to a good friend. Replacing self-criticism with compassionate self-talk is a fantastic way to practice self-love. Start by saying three affirmations each morning to start your day on a positive note and help you reach your goals. Try out some of these affirmations:  I am confident. I am successful. I am living with abundance.  I am getting healthier every day. Each day I am closer to achieving my goals. I am going to make myself so proud. Happiness is a choice and today I choose to be happy. When you slip up, treat yourself with kindness — recognize that everyone has challenges, and it’s okay not to be perfect. By speaking to yourself compassionately, you create a supportive inner dialogue that builds self-esteem and encourages an optimistic outlook. Create a Sanctuary Your environment influences how you feel, so creating a space that feels like a sanctuary is a wonderful way to show yourself love. Design a cozy corner for reading, a clutter-free desk for work or a bedroom that’s perfect for restful sleep to bring you comfort and joy. Surround yourself with things that make you happy — soft blankets, plants, fresh flowers, calming scents or inspiring art. This is your personal haven, a place where you can relax, recharge and feel at peace.  Give Yourself the Love You Deserve Transforming how you see yourself starts with small, intentional acts of self-love. Each of these self-love tips is a step toward building a more positive, compassionate relationship with yourself. By making these habits a part of your daily routine, you’ll begin to see yourself in a new light — worthy, capable and deserving of all the good things life has to offer.

In short, yes–dogs can love you back. Dogs have an unmatched ability compared to other animals to identify and form emotional connections with humans. Dogs are a man’s best friend for a good reason–they are loyal and beautiful creatures that love us no matter what. Having a dog has myriad benefits. Let’s explore some ways dogs can show their love.  Dogs Hug With Their Eyes When your dog stares at you when they don’t need anything, that is one of the ways they show their love. The human oxytocin levels that typically increase during your bond with an infant work with your canine as well.  The oxytocin love and happiness hormone spikes in humans and dogs when you pet them, play with them or stare at them. This strengthens your bond and reinforces your connection to one another. Dogs hug us with their eyes to show us their admiration. Have you ever heard anything cuter? Dogs dream about their daily lives, so chances are that their dreams consist of you too.  They Can Sense Stress Dogs can sense stressful situations and identify your emotions—dogs pickup on visual cues that their owners are in distress and can sniff out some diseases. Breath and sweat samples from humans during stressful situations show that dogs can detect the stress hormone comparatively with baseline level participants. Stress odors are distinguishable by canines, so they can tell when you are under the weather and can often sense how you feel before you can.  Dogs can also form such strong attachments to their owners that they can experience separation anxiety when they are away from their humans. When you leave dogs without the person they love, they can experience separation anxiety and feel isolated and alone.  Your dog may refuse to eat or drink in your absence or constantly howl or bark while you are gone. Traumatic experiences or changes in ownership can cause separation anxiety in doggies. Talk with your vet to rule out medical issues and consider an anti-anxiety medication to reduce your dog’s symptoms.  Ways They Express Their Love Dogs show their love by wagging their tails and getting excited when they return home, but dogs can show their love in myriad ways. When they bring you their toys, they show that they trust you and want to share something they love with you. When they lean against you, they show their affection and show you that you make them feel safe and secure. Your dog can learn how to smile at you to express their love through your behavior.  Reinforce their smiles by smiling back at them and talking to them in a positive tone. Some dogs can raise their eyebrows to show affection and try to communicate with you. Rolling over and exposing their belly can mean that your dog loves and trusts you. If your dog tries to herd you or follows you around, they want to show their companionship and consider you their leader.  They also want to ensure that they are guarding and protecting you from outside forces. They want to show you that they care, so they jump and lick and do everything they can to ensure that you know how much they love you.  Can Dogs Love You? The answer to this controversial question is a resounding yes, your dogs can love you, although they may show it differently. Your canine companion can reciprocate your emotions and if they aren’t already, become your very best friend.