If there’s one thing we’ve learned from years of reading celebrity gossip, it’s that there’s no such thing as a ‘friend’ date. No matter how many times you deny it, the truth is that even when you think the person you’re dating isn’t interested, they always have eyes for someone else. It’s just a matter of time before things inevitably end in tears.

Thankfully, we live in an age where it’s easier to determine whether or not a girl is ‘the one’. Thanks to social media, it’s now possible to determine the level of interest before even stepping out on a date. Did she like your profile photo? Did she comment on it? Are her friends talking about you? With the right information, it’s possible to ascertain whether or not you should be dating someone at all. Better to find out early on than to waste your time and tears in the end.

‘Til Death Do Us Part’

“Til death do us part” is a phrase that’s been around for hundreds of years but, sadly, it still feels relevant today. No matter how many times you say goodbye to someone you love, it’s never easy. Even after years apart, parents of a separated couple will still say things like, “I wish they would just get a divorce.” Unfortunately, the phrase “til death do us part” comes with a catch: it doesn’t always mean the end of the relationship. It can sometimes just mean that you’re living together until something happens to end the marriage. Perhaps one person feels unsafe, vulnerable, or unsatisfied about the relationship and thinks it’s time to end things. Who knows? It could even be a situation where both parties are in agreement that it’s not working out and decide to end things. In any case, it’s better to find out now than to assume and be hurt later.

Let Me Get This Straight

Another phrase that still feels relevant today is “let me get this straight.” Sometimes, we want to say something but we’re not quite sure how to phrase it. We mumble, “let me get this straight,” and the person we’re talking to either understands immediately or asks us to repeat ourselves. Let me get this straight: did you write, “I love your hair” or “I love your hair”? Did you say, “You’re so pretty” or “You’re pretty”? Let me get this straight: does he like me or does he just want something from me? Sometimes, we want to say so much but we’re worried about over-expressing ourselves or saying the wrong thing. Let me get this straight: are we doing this because he’s the best or does he have something more to offer? We want to make sure we’re clear about what we’re both after before we get into anything. It can be hard to figure out how to phrase something so that the person you’re talking to knows exactly what you mean. If you’re not sure whether or not you’re phrasing things correctly, it can be helpful to ask a friend or family member for a quick translation. You can’t always trust the logic of an automated translation tool. Sometimes, even the best translation can miss the nuances of a conversation.

Why Bother?

Why bother? Sometimes, we wonder if it’s even worth initiating a conversation with someone. It’s easy for everyone to just stay in their bubble and enjoy their solitude. Why bother? Why not just stay away? One of the most effective ways to make a connection with someone is to engage with them. Even if it’s just to say hello or goodbye, it’s still worth it. It’s not like you’re going to lose them as a friend because they didn’t respond to your initial ‘hello.’ People are more likely to respond to conversations than interactions through social media. Letting someone know that you noticed them is a small but effective way of making a connection. Believe it or not, even a simple ‘hello’ can be enough to make someone feel special. This is especially important if you meet someone at a party and you don’t know them well. Even if it’s just to say ‘hello’ and smile at them, it can make a huge difference. It shows them that you noticed them and that you want to make a connection. Sometimes, all it takes is one small gesture to make someone feel important.

You’ve Got This!

Sometimes, we think that someone else has a problem and it takes a while for them to realize it. It’s important to recognize your own strengths and how you can overcome challenges. Sometimes, it’s easy for us to forget that we have problems because we’re so used to seeing them. When we stop and think about them, it’s often not until then that we realize how much they affect us. Did you forget to pack your toothbrush? Did you forget to buy milk? Are you having trouble sleeping? These are just some of the things that could be bothering you but you might not even be aware of them. You’re the best judge of whether or not you’re satisfied with your life. Sometimes, it’s good to remind ourselves of our strengths and the things we’re grateful for. If you’re going to complain about something, do it to yourself or someone else. You’ve got this!

It can be hard to find the right someone to share your life with. Whether you’re meeting through a friend or a family member, it can be difficult to know what to expect. You may wonder if this person is going to be good for you or if you’re even compatible. It takes a little bit of luck but a lot of patience to find the person who will make your life feel complete. Once you do find that person, you’ll know it in your heart and you’ll never be able to show them how much you care. Sometimes, all we need is for someone to believe in us, even if we don’t fully believe in ourselves.