Category Archives: LOVE

8 First Date Faux Pas Every Lady Should Avoid

The dating world is an absolute minefield. While you’re on the search for an authentic connection with someone, you’re certain to have your fair share of awkward first meetings. Or, put a little more crudely, you’ve gotta kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince. So, when you finally do find yourself sitting right across from Señor Charming himself, the very last thing you want to do is screw it up.

We’ve all been on “bad” first dates before now, but have you ever really put your finger on what went wrong? Trust me (because I should know): There’s a whole host of ways in which your date can go from 100% to, “OMG! Get me out of here!” quickly. If you want to avoid just that, here are some of the faux pas you may want to steer clear of.

first date faux pas

1. Forgetting His Name!

It doesn’t matter how many people you’re dating right now — there’s no excuse for forgetting this guy’s name. Sure, it may be a momentary glitch or a slip of your memory; but if this happens to you, you must never let him know about it. It’s not merely the fact that you’ve forgotten that’s offensive here — there’s far more to it than that.

The real core of the problem here is what your poor memory says about how you see your date. Are they simply not important enough to remember? Do you see them as a nameless, faceless piece of man meat? If not, you’d better make more of an effort to recall at least his first name.

2. Talking About Your “Crazy” Ex

Let’s get one thing straight: We’ve all got our fair share of romantic skeletons in the closet. If you’ve gotten to the ripe old age known affectionately as your 20s or 30s, the likelihood is that you will have dated and even had relationships before now. It’s no great shock. That’s not to say that you should spend the entirety of your first date talking about your so-called “crazy” ex. Honestly, your date does not want to hear it.

The fact of the matter is that if you’re talking about how insane, possessive, or boring your ex is, it says a whole load more about you than it does them. It tells your date what you think about relationships and how you view them. It says that you’re the type of person who isn’t mature enough to know that gossiping about your ex is a faux pas. Cut it out.

first date faux pas

3. Getting Tinder Notifications

So, you may not be exclusive with this person just yet (who is on a first date?!), but have a little respect here. While you’re coyly playing the “getting to know you” game, you really needn’t remind the guy that you’re still very much on the market. While there’s actually nothing particularly wrong with having dating apps, those pesky notifications could play havoc with the vibe of your hangout. Switch them off or temporarily delete the apps ahead of time; it may just make all the difference.

4. Drinking to Calm Your Nerves

Like many social situations, dates can be hella uncomfortable at times. Sitting across from a total stranger and chit-chatting about life can feel more like an interview for marriage than a relaxing situation. No matter how anxious you feel in the lead-up to your date, though, you must never make the, frankly, fatal mistake of drinking away your fears.

While having a cheeky vino pre-date may do no harm, any more than that may well be a recipe for disaster. This is the first impression the guy will have of you and you don’t want it to be that you’re a drunken, sloppy mess.

first date faux pas

5. Talking About Marriage and Babies

Your future plans are your business, so let’s keep it that way. At least, for now. You may have a perfectly mapped out idea of how your life’s going to go down. You may know exactly when you want to walk down the aisle, what dress you’ll be wearing, and how many bridesmaids you’ll have. Equally, you may have picked out the names for your future children and know when you want to have them. None of the above matters.

What matters is that you don’t scare the guy half to death by spilling all of this information out onto the table. There’s such a thing as too much information on a first date, you know? There’s a time and a place for those serious future life conversations… it ain’t here and it ain’t now. Instead, stick to subjects that are light-hearted and interesting like, say, popular culture or your general interests.

6. Constantly Talking About Yourself

First dates are all about getting to know one another; they are not all about the guy getting to know you and you learning nothing new. While you may well believe that the subject of you is the most fascinating thing in the universe, it is not. Whether it’s down to nerves or sheer egotism, many ladies make the mistake of using the date itself as a personal platform to share their many stories. Don’t do it.

You’ll have much more fun (and get to know the guy better) if you make a conscious effort to let him speak up and tell you about himself. Learning what he likes, what he doesn’t, and everything in between is the best way to figure out if the two of you are compatible.

7. Ignoring Someone While You Text

The sorry truth of the matter is that we’re all completely addicted to our phones these days. You simply cannot deny it — phubbing is real. Ignoring someone that you’re with in favor of your phone is not only rude but it also sends out the message that you’re less than interested in them.

Of course, I’m by no means saying that you need to turn your phone off altogether. That would be ludicrous. No, just put it on silent and leave it by while you’re chatting away. Doing so will mean that you have a genuine chance to connect with the guy and get to know him. Because, in all honesty, Facebook, WhatsApp, and texts can wait.

first date faux pas

8. Making Inappropriate Jokes

Finally, here’s one for all of you with a weird or dark sense of humor. If you’re the type who loves nothing more than making risqué jokes, you may well want to hold your tongue on this one. Joking about anything a tad racy — from sexist jabs to gory tales — is dangerous AF. Remember, you really don’t know your audience from Adam, and you don’t know what this guy finds funny and what he doesn’t.

A little light humor is cool — it’s actually very attractive; but make sure that you keep things clean. Stick to subjects that are neutral so that you don’t accidentally put your big old foot in it when you say something wrong. After all, offending a guy on the first date is probably not the best way to get a second one.

Floral Chandeliers are the New Wedding Trend Everyone Loves

Incorporating flowers into special events like baby showers, weddings, and anniversaries is nothing new. And these days, florals get a lot of social media love thanks to big names like Beyonce and Kimye. Like most other things in life, though, the trend is coming and going and taking all kinds of shapes. Floral walls looked to be the new “it” thing after Kim K. and Kanye showcased their epic peony-covered backdrop at their 2014 wedding. There’s a new trend in town, though: flower chandeliers. You heard it right. Regular chandeliers are out. Floral chandeliers are in.

True: they’re not totally, 100% new. Wedding pros have been hanging flowers from ceilings for quite some time. But the gorgeous floral feature has experienced a bit of a renaissance lately; and now, floral chandeliers are popping up at weddings all across the world. Check out the gorgeous photos below.

What flowers would you use for your floral chandelier? Let us know in the comments!

This Couple Has Been Married for 75 Years — Here’s Their Advice

Relationships are a lot of work — you’ve heard it a million times before. Divorce rates may be high, but true love lasts a lifetime. Just ask this adorable couple: John and Evie. They’ve been married for more than 70 years, so they know a thing or two. In this heartwarming video, they share their advice for a long lasting marriage. Let’s be honest: these two are major #relationshipgoals.

It’s sounds so simple and logical, but it’s solid advice so many of us forget when our relationships start to get challenging — as they inevitably will. When it comes down to it, putting your partner’s happiness right up there next to your own is nonnegotiable. You can never stop caring about each other, making each other smile, and enriching each other’s lives.

Which piece of advice resonates most with you?

 

Main image: BeerTastingChampion – Danni Munro/YouTube

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Officially Announce Engagement

It’s official: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are engaged to be married, and the newlyweds-to-be are practically glowing. Even Kensington Palace has confirmed the news.

We don’t know for sure when the handsome prince popped the question, although rumors say it was earlier this month. What we do know is that the ring is simply gorgeous. It features a gold band with three stones. The center stone reportedly came from Botswana, where Prince Harry and Markle visited this summer to celebrate her birthday (and also where the prince has traveled to since he was a child). According to some sources, the two outside diamonds come from the late Princess Diana’s personal collection – a touching tribute to a beautiful woman.

The big day will supposedly happen spring of next year. Beyond Words is patiently waiting for an invitation.


Aside from sharing how happy they were and how romantic the proposal, the couple wouldn’t yet reveal more details when asked. Prince Harry told reporters that he knew Markle was the one the first time he laid eyes on her, and we’re all melting. MELTING.


Congratulations to these two lovebirds; and don’t worry — we’re already planning what to wear to your wedding. Cheers!

Main image: The Kit/Facebook

10 Dating No-Nos: Our List of Dating Dealbreakers

Dating can be fun and exciting, especially in the beginning when everything is a mystery; but it can also be work. Sometimes, we question if we’ll ever find the right person. No one is perfect, and finding the right match takes time; there are some behaviors that make us want to run away screaming with our hands above our heads. After experiencing a few of these dealbreakers, staying single doesn’t seem like a bad idea. Which are the worst dating dealbreakers? Here are our top picks.

1. Not Having a Photo

In our internet-centric world, many of us are meeting partners online instead of the old-fashioned way, which is easier in some ways but harder in others. Online, it’s simpler to analyze potential partners without investing too much time, and most of us only agree to meet people we’re attracted to, physically and/or mentally. According to an article from Smithsonian Magazine, the photo you choose for your dating profile can influence how much another person initially trusts you, perhaps becoming the deciding factor over whether they’ll agree to a date or not.

No photo? This goes on our list of dating dealbreakers.

2. Taking Too Long to Reply to Texts

You don’t need to jump at your phone each time it buzzes; but waiting a day or two after each message shows indifference toward the other person. Playing games is never a good idea, and plenty of partners will move on to someone else who isn’t so “hard to get.”

dating dealbreaks

3. Running Late Without Notice or Completely Flaking on Plans

There is nothing wrong with running a bit late from time to time — everyone does it, and five to 10 minutes is completely forgivable. Making someone wait longer and not calling to warn them, or canceling plans last-minute altogether, are different stories. These actions are indirect ways of telling potential partners that their time doesn’t matter to you. Why should they spend any more of it? Many people won’t.

4. Being Rude to Others

On dates, we don’t only watch how we’re treated, but also how our dates treat others. Sure, being rude to the person you’re out with will end the night quickly; but mistreating the waitress (or “forgetting” the tip), the doorman, or anyone else you come into contact with will also ensure that a second date doesn’t happen.

5. Excessive Smoking and Boozing

There are plenty of non-smokers who don’t mind when their partners occasionally smoke, as long as it’s not done in the house or around other people; but getting carried away with cigarettes or alcoholic drinks is another story. When your habits impact your life and the lives of others, it becomes a problem, and healthy people want healthy partners.

men drinking beers

6. Being Needy

At the beginning of a new relationship, it’s easy to get swept up in a world of constant messaging and last-minute dates. Then reality kicks in and we remember we have obligations and routines. It’s important to have your own life, friends, and hobbies so you don’t overwhelm your partner. Living a fulfilling life is also a turn-on and adds to the qualities that make someone interesting.

7. Talking Only About Yourself

Kidnapping the conversation is an easy way to ensure that it’s the last one you will have with that person. Yes, perhaps your job is super interesting, your children are adorable, and your dog did the funniest thing today; but your partner won’t care if he/she can’t get a word in edgewise. People feel important when they are asked about themselves, and listening to someone else is a way of showing genuine interest.

8. A Sloppy Appearance

This may seem like a no-brainer (we only date the people we’re attracted to); but after a bit of time, laziness can set in and some partners begin letting their personal grooming habits slip. The level of grooming requirements will vary from person to person, but at least make sure your clothes, hair, and teeth are all clean when you see your SO.

9. Sexual Incompatibility

The relationship won’t take off if the kissing chemistry is lacking, and it will experience problems down the road if both partners are on a different sexual schedule — one of the most difficult dating dealbreakers of all. Some people like being intimate every day while others are happy with once per week; so it’s important to find someone on the same wavelength as you.

relationship compatibility

10. Poor Communication

Communication is up there with honesty in “things crucial in a relationship.” At first, that can mean talking about/listening to each other’s likes and dislikes; but later it will translate to how you live together and handle bigger issues. Eye contact and other forms of nonverbal communication also matter, as highlighted in a study published in the Journal of Social Psychology.

What Happens When Women Ask Men Out?

Ladies, how many of you have waited around for your crush to ask you out on a date? (I know I have!) It could take days, weeks, months — heck, he might never ask you out because it’s such an intimidating question. Our culture has long discouraged women from doing the asking, lest they appear desperate or aggressive; but one gal was determined to change that. Oloni, an award-winning sex and relationships blogger, challenged her female Twitter followers to ask a dude out and share a screenshot of the response. So, what happens when women ask men out on a date?

What’s wrong with women taking charge? Absolutely nothing. And in many cases, it paid off. Could it be that guys like when women take the reins and ask for that first date?

It wasn’t always a happy ending, though. Men stand the risk of getting rejected when they ask a woman out; and the situation is no different when the tables are turned. Some ladies were met with a brutal NO.

Well, ladies, we give you credit for your bravery. He just wasn’t the one for you (but that’s OK). Don’t let this discourage you, because when asked about the possibility of women asking them out, men seem to be all for it. Take this Reddit thread, for instance. When asked about the idea of the woman making the first move, here’s what some of the fellas said.

women ask men out

 

 

 

women ask men out

 

 

 

women ask men out

 

 

women ask men out

 

 

 

You hear that, ladies? Not only are they OK with it, but they like it. Would you ever ask your crush out on a date? Have you already tried it? Let us know in the comments!

8 Things We Love About Being Single

Coupling up is a big deal. Our culture’s habit of favoring romantic relationships often leads to a frantic push to find someone, anyone with whom to settle. But does it really have to be that way? Frankly, flying solo is underrated. For a second, let’s take a minute to truly appreciate the many things we love about being single.

1. We Learn to Love Spending Time Alone

Spending time alone gets a bad rap. Be it curling up with your favorite novel or treating yourself to a long bubble bath, there’s something utterly relaxing about spending time in your own company. This is something that being single forces you to do, and yet it can be one of the most liberating experiences.

Being truly happy with yourself means looking forward to those times when you don’t need to be social — when you can be on your own and chill out for a while. While some look at this as being antisocial or lonely, we know that’s not the case. Not having to pander to anyone else’s whims is a wonderful feeling.

2. Relationship Drama Just Ain’t a Thing

Make no mistakes, relationships come with a major side dish of drama from time to time. Whether it’s bickering about the in-laws or where to go on vacay, it can be seriously hard going. There’s nothing like hearing your less-than-single friend moaning about their significant other to remind you that the grass isn’t always greener.

Luckily, being single means not having to deal with drama from your other half. It means keeping things simple and straightforward. If you don’t like something or someone, you can walk away from them. That’s your prerogative.

3. We Can Binge-Watch Whatever We Like

things we love about being single

Who needs a relationship when we live in the age of Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu? No one. Binge-watching is a lifestyle and, let’s face it, another person would just complicate that. When you’re single, you get to choose what you want to watch on television 100% of the time. You literally switch on and figuratively switch off whenever you please.

Sure, we’re not denying the fact that people in relationships binge-watch too; of course, they do. There’s just one difference — they compromise. They have to talk about which shows they want to invest their time in and figure out when they can both sit down to watch them together. What’s more, there’s the undeniable tension should one of them dare to watch episodes ahead — *gasps* — without the other. Sheer madness.

4. We’re Just as Happy as Our Coupled Up Friends

There’s a common misconception that single people are sad, lonely, desperate beings — that we must spend our nights weeping and lamenting our singleness. Nothing could be further from the truth. It’s a myth that we need to dispel ASAP because it’s not helping anyone out there.

In fact, research from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology recently found that many single people are just as content with their lives as those in relationships. The reason is simple. While being in a relationship brings a whole host of benefits, it also has its drawbacks. The study found that those who had “avoidance social goals” (i.e. tended to steer clear of conflict) were likely to be happiest being single.

5. We Get to Starfish Every Single Night

Sure, sharing a bed and spooning can be cute from time to time, but there’s one major advantage when you’re single. Sleeping alone means you can starfish (read: spread your entire body out like a starfish) every single night. You don’t need to share that big old double bed. You don’t need to worry about taking more than your fair share of the quilt. You don’t have to stay in one position. Oh no, you’re the master of your own bed.

waking up

6. We Won’t Settle for Less Than We Deserve

While everyone around us is coupling up and playing house, there may be a temptation to grab the nearest eligible date and do the same damn thing. But let’s face it, we all know that settling is not the way to go. A study by the University of Toronto found that the fear of being single often leads people to settle for less than they deserve in a relationship.

With that in mind, there’s something utterly honorable about holding out for the all-elusive soulmate. Being single isn’t always about being alone — sometimes, it’s about refusing to settle down with someone who just isn’t right. And that’s perfectly okay. Scratch that. It’s better than okay; it’s how we should all value ourselves.

7. We Have Killer Social Circles

We get by with a little help from our friends. When you’re not in a relationship, your besties really do count. A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that single people were more likely to reach out to their peer group than married people were. What’s more, it also found that the same people gave more and received more help from their friends than other people. Nice.

So, generally speaking, single people are closer to their friendship circle than those in relationships. That means keeping up with people, long phone calls, and loads of Facebook event requests. Yes.

8. You Can Be Unapologetically Selfish

“Don’t be selfish!” Those are the words that echoed throughout most of our childhoods, whether spoken by teachers, parents, or neighbors. But wait just a darn minute — what’s wrong with being selfish now and then? So long as you’re not hurting anyone else, there’s no shame in putting yourself first and doing what you want to do.

Sugarcoat it all you like but we all know that being in a relationship means compromising and, at times, putting your partner first. On the flip side, singledom means that you get to do you. You don’t have to worry about what anyone thinks, what they want, or how they think you should be. You’re the boss, so you get the final say.

How to Break Up With Your Partner the Right Way

As what was once a loving relationship starts to fade to nothing, coping with the impending doom of your love life can feel impossible. Something’s just not right, and yet knowing you need to end a relationship and doing it are two entirely separate things. You lie awake at night next to a person you respect but no longer love. How can you end it?

The way you call it quits could matter more than you think. In fact, according to one study from Indiana University, how you choose to break up with someone is one of the most memorable aspects of the event. This little scene will play out time and time again for both of you after it’s over, whether you like it or not. That’s why it’s so very important that you get it right. Here’s what you need to know.

Avoid Letting the Relationship Drag On

You know when a relationship is past its sell-by date. You might kid yourself that you’re holding out for things to get better, but let’s be real here. You’re just too afraid to say it aloud. While you may think that staying with your partner out of pity is the nice thing to do, it’s not doing either of you any favors.

The last thing you want is for your partner to feel as though you’ve deceived them and stayed with them when the feelings had long gone. If they get an inkling that you’ve been holding onto this for longer than you’re letting on, it will make moving on nigh impossible. They will begin to question everything about the relationship, since they will no longer know what was “real” or “fake.” When it’s over, bite the bullet and break up.

how to break up with your partner

Choose the Right Time and Place

The setting for your breakup has to be right. Your home together, for example, might not the best place; there’s nowhere for either of you to go after the deed is done, which will make things awkward. It’s far better to meet somewhere neutral. For example, you could meet at a quiet cafe, where you can talk without being disturbed. That way, once you’ve spoken, you can part ways and have some time to think.

Perhaps equally important is the time you broach the news. If you see your partner is busy and their stress bucket is overflowing, it may not be the best time to add more to it.

Be Open and Honest

The idea of confronting the issue may make your stomach do somersaults, and yet it could be the kindest way to end the relationship. Taking a direct approach — speaking to your partner face-to-face — will mean that you’re most likely to remain friends, according to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Research in Personality. What’s more, the same research found that honesty and openness could help soften the blow of the news.

So, while the idea of sending a quick “Sorry, it’s over” text may be appealing, it could spell out trouble for both of you in the future. You want to ensure both you and your ex are able to move on and heal after the breakup is over. The gesture of having a real, honest conversation about the situation is the very least you can do.

Really Listen to What Your Ex Wants

If you want things to be amicable, don’t just say your piece and disappear. Stick around and listen to what your partner has to say too. Now, you obviously want to avoid an argument. Make it clear that you’ve made your decision and that things are not going to change, regardless of what your now-ex says. The key is to be firm, and yet kind and patient.

Note that, if you can’t do this immediately, it may be worth meeting up after the initial wounds have healed to do so. Ask your ex what they want for the future; would they like to stay friends with you or not? This is just as much their decision as it is yours. You need to make sure you’re both on the same page so you know what the future holds for your relationship, or lack thereof.

how to break up with your partner

Have an Exit Strategy Ready

You’ve pulled the trigger and kissed the relationship goodbye once and for all. What do you do now? Your post-breakup self may be a tad confused about how to carry on as normal. This rings particularly true if you’ve been with your partner for years and years or, perhaps worse, if you lived with your partner.

It’s worth having an exit strategy in place beforehand. If you live with your partner, consider where you will stay or perhaps look for a new place to live. You should also think about how the breakup will affect your social groups and your families. Will you be forced to see your ex time and time again? Consider these issues and figure out what will work best for both of you.

Use the Placebo Effect to Move On

There’s a common misconception that the one who does the breaking up magically gets over the relationship in an instant. In reality, though, both parties are likely to find it difficult to move on, especially if the relationship was long-term. So that you don’t make the mistake of going back, against your best judgement, you absolutely need to work on moving on and finding your path as a singleton.

A rather surprising way that you can feel better here is simply by telling yourself it’s so. According to a study by the University of Colorado, using the placebo effect, i.e. faking it until you make it, when it comes to healing a broken heart can work wonders. Simply believing that you’re recovering from the breakup could be the answer to actually doing so. Slap on a big old smile, and act like you’ve over it (because you soon will be).

6 Telltale Signs Your Relationship is Fizzling Out

“The heart was made to be broken,” Oscar Wilde once claimed. He wasn’t wrong. You’d be lucky to live an entire lifetime without ever once suffering the unbearable pain of a breakup. What’s more, there’s no worse way to break up than to watch for signs your relationship is fizzling out, and then see it all come crashing down. You watch this great, big, important something, shrivel and become nothing.

Let’s not pretend that it happens overnight either. You don’t blink and fall out of love. No, there are signs — unmissable, unmistakable signs that appear to let you know the road ahead is anything but easy. If you notice any of the following in your relationship, a disaster could well be on the horizon.

1. You’ve Started to Feel Insecure About Your Partner

You lie awake late at night, troublesome thoughts spinning around your mind. What if this relationship breaks down? Is your significant other a cheater? Do you still love them? Do they still love you? The worries and questions are endless and, frankly, they might be causing your relationship to fizzle out.

While you may think that experiencing nerves here and there is no big deal, they could be having a bigger impact than you realize. In fact, your anxiety about the relationship may be the very thing damning it. It should come as no surprise that research from Florida State University found insecurity in a relationship can lead to its ultimate downfall. Your worries about your partner or relationship may well be self-fulfilling prophecies.

2. You’re Avoiding Having That *Big* Argument

Is there an elephant lurking in the room? Failing to discuss problems, big or small, is a terrible mistake. While most of us are under the naive impression that avoiding arguments is healthy, ignoring the obvious flaws in your relationship is even worse. The more you push those annoyances and irksome issues down, the more they will bother you and destroy your relationship.

In fact, research from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology recently found that the odd argument can do more good than harm. The idea is that speaking out about issues you may have in the relationship helps you to solve them quickly. So, if you’re trying to sweep things under the rug, it could be a bad sign.

3. You Prefer Hanging Out With Other People

signs your relationship is fizzling out

There once was a time, many moons ago, when you’d drop just about everything to have a stolen evening away with your partner. Those days are, sadly, gone. As a relationship starts to fizzle out, one of the major signs that people tend to notice is that they don’t spend as much time with one another as they once did.

Not only that, but they also actively make excuses to avoid hanging out and find themselves “too busy” for their loved one. Remember, they are “bae” for a reason; that cutesy pet name stands for Before Anyone Else. Now, if you’re putting everyone else before your supposedly special someone, it spells out trouble for your relationship.

4. You No Longer Feel Desired by Your Partner

The first few months of any passionate relationship are intoxicating. You want each other all the time; it’s all you can do to keep your hands off one another in public. And then, the flame burns a little dimmer. Over time, it’s only natural that the desire fades a little; but should it fade too much, you could have a serious issue on your hands.

According to a recent study by Chapman University, 59% of men and 42% of women in long-term relationships feel “less desired” by their partners than they did when they first began dating. It’s a serious issue. No one wants to feel as though their significant other is no longer attracted to them. When you start to get an inclination that your partner’s just not that into you anymore, it can be harrowing.

5. You’re Not Afraid to Get Personal and Say Toxic Things

signs your relationship is fizzling out

When you’re truly in a relationship, i.e. when you actively want it to work, you would never dream of getting personal in arguments or saying damaging things to your partner. So, it stands to reason that if either one of you is lashing out during arguments, something is going terribly wrong. What this change in attitude says is that you (or, indeed, your partner) no longer care about salvaging the relationship.

Toxic insults can be anything from calling someone out on their flaws to using their secrets against them when you fight. It’s not healthy. Basically, when you’re throwing insults left, right, and center simply to score points, you have to question something. As the Black Eyed Peas so melodically sang, where is the love?

6. Your Partner Frustrates You More Than Ever

How mad do you stay at your significant other? Couples who are unhappy with their relationship spend their time angry or frustrated with one another in the aftermath of a fight, according to a survey by the National Communication Association — whereas those who are happy with their love life tend to compromise more, and at least one of the people in the relationship will ultimately bend to the other.

Think about your relationship; which type of couple are you? While we all feel a little annoyed after arguing, if these feelings are disproportionate to the problem at hand, they could be telling of a deeper issue. Perhaps the reason you’re so frustrated with your bae has little to do with the fight you’ve just had and a whole lot to do with how you feel about the relationship as a whole.

Spending the Night With Bae: 7 Fears Every Woman Has

So, you’ve done the first date, the second date… Hell, maybe even the third date. You’ve gotten over the lulls in conversation and uncertainties of whether you’re truly “into one another,” and now you’re ready to take things to the next level. It’s time to have your first sleepover with bae — second only to the nerve-inducing feeling of meeting the parents. Forget braiding hair and telling secrets — this one is all set to be oh-so-utterly romantic. At least, that’s what you pictured in your mind. The reality is that this event is a sheer minefield, and there are so many things that may (and likely will) go wrong.

1. Having the Worst Morning Breath

Morning breath is a fact of life. There’s not a single one of us out there who doesn’t wake up with breath that smells as though a small rodent slept in our mouths. Still, it isn’t exactly something we go around shouting about.

The last thing you want to do is ruin your sweet and sensual morning kisses by having the worst tasting mouth in the history of mouths. Sure, dashing to the bathroom before bae wakes up to brush and floss may seem a tad extreme, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

spending the night with bae

2. Holding in a Phantom Fart for Ages

Bodily functions are nothing to giggle about. (Kidding! They’re hilar.) In the first few idealized months of a relationship, you pretend that you’re some kind of non-farting alien. While you both know that this can’t be the case, you keep up the facade no matter how much it makes your tummy gurgle in pain.

Here’s the stinger. When you’ve got to let rip, but bae’s right there wrapped around you, it’s absolute torture. You wriggle and worm your way around the bed, hoping that the feeling will just *poof* and disappear. Ah, if only life were that easy.

3. Snoring Like a Bear

Do you sleep peacefully like an angel or does all hell break loose the minute you shut your eyes? A whopping 24% of adult women snore, according to the Sleep Education Organization, and you may well be one of them. There’s no shame in it but if you haven’t warned bae in advance, it may come as quite the shock.

Trying hard to stay awake until your guy drops off is anything but easy, but at least it’s one way to keep your deep, dark, loud secret under wraps.

4. Waking Up Au Naturel

In a perfect world, we’d all wake up looking the very image of Angelina Jolie. You’d be bright-eyed and bushy tailed from the minute the alarm buzzed. Not a single hair would be out of place, our makeup would be flawless, and there certainly wouldn’t be any sleep in our eyes. Sadly, this is not a perfect world.

The first time you stay at someone’s house, the fear of waking up au naturel is real. For once, they will see you without your having had the chance to preen yourself to perfection. This is the ultimate test — it’s time to see how much bae really cares.

spending the night with bae

5. Making Small Talk With the Flatmates

Let’s be real. Not all of us can afford the luxury of living alone. So, the chances of dating someone who lives with flatmates is high. When you first spend the night with bae, though, you’re there to get to know them and only them. As in, not their flatmates.

Ending up standing in the kitchen making idle small talk with these guys as the kettle boils may be unavoidable. But that doesn’t make it any less awkward. While you’re chatting about their day jobs or the weather, it’s all you can do not to drive yourself crazy wondering what they know and what bae has said about you.

6. Not Being 100% Sure When to Leave

In that early-dating period, it’s hard to know where you stand. Sure, you’ve just spent the night together. Sure, you’ve laid entwined, half naked, speaking passionately about everything from your favorite series to your family history. You’ve shared these intimate moments, but that was last night. This is this morning.

Do you go for breakfast? Do you stick around for lunch? Should you gather up all your stuff right now and leave for fear of outstaying your welcome? It’s a completely disconcerting gray area.

spending the night with bae

7. The Awkward Goodbye Hug Scenario

When you finally decide that it is time to head home, there’s yet more cringingly stilted fun to come your way. While you may be on first name terms with one another’s private parts, that doesn’t mean you’re ready for an ultra passionate “goodbye my one true love” kiss either.

Rather than getting too formal, shaking hands and exchanging business cards, you go for the classic — an awkward AF hug. Similar to the chillingly uncomfortable “bro hug,” this embrace lasts for around 3.5 seconds and sees the two of you barely touching and then swiftly pulling away. It may only happen in the blink of an eye, but the embarrassing memory lasts a lifetime.