First dates can be scary for most people as there are many expectations that they look forward to. What if their dates don’t meet their expectations and they are disappointed. This is a huge concern to many people when preparing for a date. Here are some Unspoken Rules people should have in mind when going on first dates.

The Venue should be in a Public Place

The world remains highly unsafe despite several precautions put in place by security agencies, that’s why your first date should be in a public location. It will be difficult for anyone to kidnap or hurt you in a public venue.The top recommendations are :

• Restaurants
• Beach
• Libraries
• Waterfronts
• Parks

Inform At least One Person

It will be in your best interests to confide in one person about the date. This could be your friend, brother, uncle, parents, or neighbor. Some information you should tell the person should include :

• Who the Date is
• His/Her Phone Number
• The Date location

After a first date, be sure to let someone close to you know that you’re safe and sound.First Dates can be tricky; you should let someone close to you know how to find you in case something goes wrong.

Wear Something Comfortable

While it’s important to always look good during a first date, it’s best to be comfortable with your desired outfit. A skirt or a nice gown can be a good choice. For men, a pair of jeans and round-neck jeans is an ideal choice. There are some good suggestions from Nordstrom that you should check out. The idea is to make a good first impression and be comfy.

Read Also : How To Accessorise Your Outfit to Look Chic

Get There Early 

When it comes to the first date, it’s important to arrive on time. Lateness should be avoided as this sends a bad signal and makes you seem an unreliable person. Make sure you get there 5-10 minutes before the agreed time. This shows you are someone who keeps to their word and comes out dependable. Getting to the date early also allows you to have a perfect view of the place and choose an ideal seat you are comfortable with.

Come with Your Money

There are two suggestions on who should pay for a first date. While some believe a man should pay for a date, others think whoever asks for the date should pay the bill. The easiest solution is to plan on covering your own expenses. if you are visiting restaurants and bars. If you want to avoid payment issues, you could choose to hang out at parks or the library.

Ask Questions To Show Interest 

You should try to engage in meaningful conversations with your date and ask questions. This will portray you as someone  who is smart and who is interested in something serious. There are an array of topics you could pick your interest like sports, personal and social lifestyle, education, celebrities, and future expectations.

Talk around intimacy and sex may or may not be discussed during first dates. This is because individuals’ upbringing and culture differ when it comes to sexually related subjects. Overall, go to a date to have fun, but ensure that your safety should be a priority.

Being in a relationship with a narcissistic partner can be emotionally exhausting. Their need for constant validation, lack of empathy, and manipulative tendencies can leave you feeling drained, confused, and unappreciated.

But while dealing with a narcissist is challenging, it’s not impossible. The key is to protect your mental and emotional well-being while setting firm boundaries.

If you’re navigating a relationship with a narcissistic partner, here’s how to handle the situation effectively.

1. Recognize the Signs

Before you can deal with a narcissistic partner, you need to identify their traits. Narcissists often exhibit:

• A grandiose sense of self-importance
• A need for excessive admiration
• Lack of empathy for your feelings
• Manipulative behavior (gaslighting, guilt-tripping, or blame-shifting)
• Sense of entitlement in the relationship

If your partner constantly dismisses your feelings, makes everything about themselves, or manipulates situations to their advantage, they may have narcissistic tendencies.

2. Set Firm Boundaries

Narcissists push limits, so clear and firm boundaries are crucial. If your partner constantly criticizes you, belittles your achievements,

or violates your personal space, let them know it’s unacceptable. Communicate your limits and enforce them consistently.

For example:

“I will not engage in conversations where I am being disrespected.”

“I need space when I feel overwhelmed, and I expect that to be respected.”

3. Stop Feeding Their Ego

Narcissists thrive on attention, whether positive or negative.

The more you react emotionally to their manipulative behavior, the more power they have over you. Detach emotionally where necessary and avoid giving them the reaction they crave.

If they try to provoke you, remain calm and composed. Over time, this reduces their control over your emotions.

4. Don’t Fall for Manipulation

Gaslighting is a common tool narcissists use to make you question your reality. They might say things like:

“You’re overreacting, that never happened.”

“You’re too sensitive.”

“You always make everything about you.”

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Keep a journal of incidents if needed to remind yourself of the truth.

5. Focus on Self-Care

Being in a relationship with a narcissist can be mentally and emotionally draining. Prioritize your well-being by:

Practicing self-care (exercise, meditation, or hobbies that make you happy)

Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family

Seeking therapy or counseling to help navigate the relationship

Taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s necessary.

6. Consider Professional Help

If your relationship is affecting your mental health, seeking therapy can be helpful. A professional therapist can help you set boundaries, rebuild self-esteem, and decide whether the relationship is worth saving.

If your partner is willing, couples therapy may also help, though narcissists are often resistant to acknowledging their flaws.

7. Know When to Walk Away

Not all relationships can be saved. If your partner refuses to change and their behavior is causing you consistent emotional harm, leaving may be the best option. Your peace and happiness matter.

If you’re considering leaving a narcissistic partner, plan your exit carefully. Narcissists do not take rejection well and may try to manipulate you into staying. Have a support system in place before making your move.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a narcissistic partner requires strength, self-awareness, and boundaries. You cannot change them, but you can control how you respond to their behavior.

Whether you choose to stay and set boundaries or leave for your peace of mind, always prioritize your emotional well-being.

Remember: You deserve love, respect, and a healthy relationship. Don’t settle for less.

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There is a deep connection between sex and mental health and why it’s not just about the orgasm sex isn’t just a physical act.

It’s tangled up with our emotions, our self-worth, and even our mental well-being. Whether you’re having it regularly, not at all, or somewhere in between, sex (or the lack of it) plays a bigger role in your mental health than you might think.  

1. Sex as a Mood Booster (Thanks to  Science!)

Ever noticed how a good romp in the sheets can make stress melt away? That’s not just in your head, literally. Sex releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals:  

– Oxytocin (the cuddle hormone) promotes bonding and reduces anxiety. 

– Endorphins act like natural painkillers and stress relievers. 

– Dopamine gives you that euphoric, “I’m on top of the world” feeling.  

It’s like nature’s antidepressant, no prescription needed. But here’s the catch: it only works when the sex is good and consensual. Bad or forced sex? That can do the exact opposite.  

2. When Sex is Missing: The Frustration Factor  

Dry spells happen, life gets busy, relationships hit rough patches, or maybe you’re just not feeling it. But when sex disappears for too long, it can mess with your head:  

– Self-esteem takes a hit (“Am I unattractive?”)  

– Anxiety creeps in (“Is something wrong with me?”)  

– Resentment builds (especially in relationships where one person wants it more)  

It’s not just about “getting some.” It’s about feeling desired, connected, and alive.  

3. Bad Sex vs. Good Sex: The Mental Health Divide

Not all sex is created equal. Great sex can make you feel invincible. Bad sex (or worse, obligation sex) can leave you feeling empty, used, or even ashamed.  

– Good sex = mutual pleasure, communication, presence.  

– Bad sex = performance pressure, disconnection, regret.  

If sex leaves you feeling worse afterward, it’s worth asking why. Are you doing it for yourself, or for someone else’s approval?  

4. The Dark Side: When Sex Hurts Instead of Heals 

For some, sex isn’t a happy topic. Trauma, dysfunction, or past abuse can turn intimacy into a minefield. If sex triggers anxiety, shame, or panic, therapy (especially with a sex-positive counselor) can help rebuild a healthier relationship with it.  

5. What If You’re Just Not Into It?

And that’s completely okay. Asexuality, low libido (thanks to stress!), or just personal preference, you don’t need sex to be mentally healthy. What matters is honesty with yourself and your partner(s).  

Read Also: Sex and Relationships: Effective Ways to Deliver Criticism to Your Partner Without Causing Conflict

Sex is Mental, Not Just Physical, your brain is your biggest sex organ. If your mental health is struggling, your sex life will reflect that. And if your sex life is off, your mood will too. The key? Don’t ignore it. 

Talk about it, explore it, and above all make sure it’s serving you, not hurting you.  

So… how’s your relationship with sex these days? (No judgment here.)