Thursday 4 April 2024

What Makes The Perfect Engagement Ring?

Choose The Perfect Style!
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of engagement rings is the stone, specifically the shape of it. There are so many to pick from that even I would be torn in hundreds of directions. The key to figuring out what is best for you is to think about the person's general personality and what they would think. A more traditional person would appreciate a more modest, rounded gemstone, a romantic may opt for a heart-shaped stone, and someone with a love for jewellery might prefer a larger, more unique type of shape that will get noticed and stand out from the rest of their gems!

Next of course comes the metal used. Thankfully, it is usually quite easy to gauge just what metal is best, if it hasn't already come up in conversation, have a sneak peak in their jewellery stash and see what their favourite pieces to wear are, or what the majority are made from. Popular choices are gold, white gold and platinum, which are all equally as beautiful in their own right. Just make sure you are aware of any possible allergies to certain types of metal before purchasing to avoid any disappointment and nasty side-effects!

Things get a little more complicated when it comes to the details... Carat size is rarely thought of but it really ought to be. Not only will it depend on your budget but many people (including myself) wouldn't want to wear a ring that has too much value for fear of losing or damaging it, or it being stolen. Those with smaller hands would also need to have a smaller size to avoid it being too heavy or seeming out-of-place. Remember, carat size is not a reflection of how much you love them, but how much thought you have put into what you think would be most desirable to your other half.

Get measured correctly! As difficult as this may be if it is a surprise, there are a few ways to tackle how to figure out the size you need to buy without asking them directly. The first way is to ask around to friends, family members or even colleagues that you trust not to give the game away, it's unlikely they will be able to know off of the top of their heads but they can certainly take a closer look next time around for you. The second way is something I am guilty of when buying jewellery for someone else, is waiting for them to remove it (typically before a shower) and then taking a quick look while they aren't there. It's important to try your best not to get caught as you will definitely have some explaining to do - I'm not sure what's worse, confessing you're preparing to propose or attempting to convince them you wasn't trying to steal it!

Ever thought about how the engagement ring will look with the wedding ring side-by-side? No? Don't worry, most people skip over this part too... Although it doesn't seem important right now, you're not married just yet, it is important to consider. For example, having two rings of different metals isn't always a good look. Don't get me wrong, I know a few friends that have done this, but it is a risky move as not everyone will feel the same way. If the engagement ring is too plain, it may be easily confused with the wedding ring, particularly if the band width is the same size and the gemstone is similar in colour or size.

Always buy certified products, no matter what. You think this would be a given, but in the age of online shopping and convenience, there are many fraudsters out there trying to claim they have valuable jewellery when it's anything but that. Authentic online goods will have certification and all of the details visible for you to see. When your rings arrive, it's worth checking the certification to make sure they match up with the actual ring you have purchased, specifically the gemstone. It's not unknown for sellers to try their luck by sending out an incorrect certificate which has no relevance to your purchase at all. If anything is missing or the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Steer clear!

Sunday 24 March 2024

Famous Codebreakers Throughout History!

Bletchley Park
Codebreakers are among a handful of people responsible for solving crimes, discovering the meaning behind ancient texts or even helping to end world wars. As this line of career is rarely on the frontline, their work can sometimes be pushed into the shadows with no real mention or recognition for their efforts, so here we can appreciate just that!


Elizebeth Smith


Born in 1892 with a family of nine other siblings, Elizebeth Smith or Elizebeth Friedman is noted for cracking hundreds of ciphers during her career as America's first female codebreaker. Known for her logical thinking and hardy nature, she was one of the most famous codebreakers of her era and managed to uncover a Nazi spy ring which was detrimental to the Nazi war efforts. She was fond of Shakespeare and studied English literature at Hillsdale College before becoming an author and then a pioneer cryptologist.



Together with her husband, William Friedman, Elizebeth was the beginning of development for codebreaking methods to be used for generations to come. She died on the 31st October 1980 in Plainfield.



William Friedman

William Friedman was born on September 24th 1891 and died on November 12th 1969. He is most famous for being a US codebreaker who specialised in the research of the Army's Signal Intelligence Service.


One of Friedman's greatest achievements was his breaking of the notorious Japanese 'Purple' code during World War II. His family moved to the United States when he was just a baby and he ended up studying genetics at Cornell University before moving on to cryptology. In his later years, William Friedman also contributed to the development of a cipher machine, leading many experts to believe that he was one of the greatest codebreakers in our history. Friedman was so well-known for his work, that alongside his wife Elizebeth Smith, they helped to train up the next generation of codebreakers in and around Aurora, Illinois and were lovingly labelled the nation's 'First Cryptographic Couple'.



Ada Lovelace


Ada Lovelace was an English mathematician and writer best known for her work alongside Charles Babbage for the Analytical Machine, which was to become the world's first computer. She was born as an only child on the 10th December 1815 in Piccadilly Terrace to parents Annabella Milbanke and famous poet Lord Byron.
To remember her efforts, since 2009, October 13th has been annually recognised as Ada Lovelace Day.



Alan Turing


Alan Turing, now Alan Turing OBE was born on the 23rd June 1912 in London, England and died on the 7th June 1954 in Wilmslow, Cheshire. He was an English mathematician, computer scientist, and cryptanalyst. As one of the most famous codebreakers to walk this planet, since his death, The Alan Turing Institute has been opened, specialising in artificial intelligence and data sciences.

Alan Turing's early ideas led to the creation of modern computing and was able to decode encryption. Despite his great accomplishments in the field, many refused to acknowledge him due to his open homosexuality during a time where this was not accepted.

As one of the most famous faces on this list, it's not hard to see why. He took a front-centre role in breaking Nazi ciphers during World War II and has been estimated to have saved over 9 million lives as a result, as well as the possibility that we may have lost the war entirely.



Joan Clarke


Joan Clarke MBE was born on 24th June 1917 and died on 4th September 1996. She is best known as an English cryptanalyst who worked on breaking ciphers in World War II and together with Turing, saved millions of lives. Despite being a woman in a very male-centric area, her skills were respected by all and many have named her as the one who cracked the Enigma cipher at Bletchley Park.


Here are some informative videos about Joan Clarke and her life:






Tommy Flowers


Tommy Flowers was born on 22nd December 1905 and died on 28th October 1998. He was an English engineer with the British General Post Office and during World War II, created the Colossus code-breaking machine which helped to decipher Enigma. He was granted a scholarship that enabled him to study engineering at a technical college and moved on to specialise in electrical engineering and thus creating the first programmable computer and code-breaker, Colossus at Bletchley Park along with William 'Bill' Tutte.
He was responsible for both the design, and co-development of Colossus, which turned out to be a great success in the leading up to breaking the Enigma code and is considered to be a technical genius. Tommy Flowers is credited with creating the world's second electronic computer (after Atanasoff's ABC machine).

Friday 23 February 2024

The Best Puzzle Games You Can Play Online!

It's cold, it's rainy, not many of us feel like trekking outside so would much rather remain in the warmth of our own homes with our comforts, a warm blanket, a cup of tea and Twinkle the cat resting on our lap. In these times of boredom it's not uncommon for us to turn to our devices for some entertainment, and one of my go-to things to do is challenge myself with a puzzle game! Here's a comprehensive list of some of my favourites!


Puzzle Games For The Nintendo Switch

Mahjong Solitaire


Mahjong Solitaire is a timeless snap-style game invented in 1981 in which the player has to clear a board by matching two of the same tile together. Beware though, as not all the tiles will be available to match when you start. As the board is cleared, the tiles beneath will be revealed allowing for more ways to play! There are many online sites where you are able to play Mahjong Solitaire for free without any installing of applications or extra downloads, just by typing it in on your search engine! It is an easy game to understand, making it engaging for children and adults alike and is really fun to play either by yourself or with other people in a race to see who can clear their board first! Mahjong Solitaire is one of those strategy games that you have a hard time putting down once you've gotten started! Ask any veteran computer player, this is one of the classics!

 Arkadium - Free  | Installation Needed  | Multiplayer Mode  | Timed Gameplay 

 Washington Post - Free  | Installation Needed  | Multiplayer Mode  | Timed Gameplay 

 Google Play - Free  | Installation Needed  | Multiplayer Mode  | Timed Gameplay 

 Solitaired - Free  | Installation Needed  | Multiplayer Mode  | Timed Gameplay 

 Independent - Free  | Installation Needed  | Multiplayer Mode  | Timed Gameplay 

 AARP - Free  | Installation Needed  | Multiplayer Mode  | Timed Gameplay 

 Mahjonged - Free  | Installation Needed  | Multiplayer Mode  | Timed Gameplay 


Online Jigsaws


Frogtastic Puzzle Game
With millions of free jigsaw puzzles available to find online, it may make choosing just one a tricky task.
Most sites have pre-set puzzle designs of landscapes, animals, plants and so on, whilst other sites allow for user-created designs and even your own photographs! There is a dedicated community of 'puzzlers' who create these puzzles to be enjoyed all over the world and on some websites, you are even able to compete with them for the quickest puzzle solving time! Multiplayer mode is available so friends and family can join you on your race to finish first. With websites being update regularly, even if you manage to finish them all, there will always be new content for you to try. Opt to make puzzle-solving a regular hobby, or if you wish to challenge yourself further, you can use one of the sites that instead offers one free puzzle a day in which you have just 24 hours to complete. There are various difficulty levels on many websites which allow you to decide what size puzzle you want to complete, making this a good choice for all ages and skill sets.

 Jigsaw Planet - Free  | Custom Puzzles  | Multiplayer Mode  | Daily Puzzle  | Able to Choose Difficulty  

★ Jigsaw Explorer - Free  | Custom Puzzles  | Multiplayer Mode  | Daily Puzzle ✓ | Able to Choose Difficulty  

★ The Jigsaw Puzzles - Free  | Custom Puzzles  | Multiplayer Mode  | Daily Puzzle  | Able to Choose Difficulty  

★ Online Jigsaw Puzzles - Free  | Custom Puzzles  | Multiplayer Mode  | Daily Puzzle  | Able to Choose Difficulty  

★ Daily Jigsaw Puzzles - Free  | Custom Puzzles  | Multiplayer Mode  | Daily Puzzle  | Able to Choose Difficulty  

★ Jigidi - Free  | Custom Puzzles  | Multiplayer Mode  | Daily Puzzle  | Able to Choose Difficulty 

★ Jigzone - Free  | Custom Puzzles  | Multiplayer Mode  | Daily Puzzle  | Able to Choose Difficulty 

 JS Puzzles - Free  | Custom Puzzles  | Multiplayer Mode  | Daily Puzzle  | Able to Choose Difficulty 


Fun and Free Puzzle Games For PC

Tetris


Tetris is a fantastic, typically free-to-play puzzle game which was invented by Alexey Pajitnov back in 1984, the concept being that the player has to arrange falling blocks of various shapes to fill in the line at the bottom of the screen. Since its creation, multiple companies have taken on the idea and have published it on their own platforms. With both single-play and multiplayer modes available, it is a highly competitive tile-matching game with unlimited levels, which are sure to get anyone's minds racing. It has good compatibility for keyboard use and mobile use for those that prefer to play on the move. Overall, it is a popular classic game that is perfect for strategy game lovers with even more options than ever before.

 Tetris - Free  | Multiplayer Mode  | Unlimited Levels  | Mobile Compatible 

 Free Tetris - Free  | Multiplayer Mode  | Unlimited Levels  | Mobile Compatible 

 Maths Is Fun - Free  | Multiplayer Mode  | Unlimited Levels  | Mobile Compatible 

 Lumpty - Free  | Multiplayer Mode  | Unlimited Levels  | Mobile Compatible 

 Tetris Effect - Free  | Multiplayer Mode  | Unlimited Levels  | Mobile Compatible 

 Google Play - Free  | Multiplayer Mode  | Unlimited Levels  | Mobile Compatible 

 Apple - Free  | Multiplayer Mode  | Unlimited Levels  | Mobile Compatible 


10 x 10


Play Free Puzzle Games Online
10 x 10 is a puzzle game very similar to Tetris, the gameplay is slightly easier, but over time it becomes more difficult to complete as you progress. Whereas Tetris has constant movement on the blocks you are given on a time restrain, for 10 x 10, the blocks are always stationary and you are able to put a little more
thought into where you place them before you do so. These types of games are typically free to play and are a great choice for a more relaxing way to train your brain.

 AARP - Free  | Timed Gameplay 

 Arkadium - Free  | Timed Gameplay 

 Independent - Free  | Timed Gameplay 


2048


2048 is yet another classic tiles game which is compatible on both keyboard and touch-screen devices. The aim of the game is to merge two blocks together with the same number to form a different numbered tile, and then merge these different numbered tiles together and so on, until you reach block number 2048. It is an easy-to-understand and fun puzzle game suited for all ages, even those not particularly keen on mathematics will love this one! Like other applications, most of the 2048 games are free to play and available in offline mode for when you're on the move, some more modern version of the game even have modifications for you to enjoy!

 Play 2048 - Touch-Screen Compatible  | Free  | Offline Mode  | Modifications 

 Maths Is Fun - Touch-Screen Compatible  | Free  | Offline Mode ✗ | Modifications 

 2048 Game - Touch-Screen Compatible  | Free  | Offline Mode ✗ | Modifications 

 Github - Touch-Screen Compatible  | Free  | Offline Mode ✗ | Modifications 

 Apple - Touch-Screen Compatible  | Free  | Offline Mode  | Modifications 
 Gleb Bahmutov - Touch-Screen Compatible  | Free  | Offline Mode  | Modifications 

 Google Play - Touch-Screen Compatible  | Free  | Offline Mode  | Modifications 

 Razzle Puzzles - Touch-Screen Compatible  | Free  | Offline Mode  | Modifications 

 Chrome - Touch-Screen Compatible  | Free  | Offline Mode  | Modifications 


Online Word Searches


Word searches are a beloved thinking puzzle where you are given a grid of seemingly random and jumbled letters in square formation, hidden within this grid are words you have to try and find and then mark off when you've spotted them. With a library of thousands of word searches online for you to test yourself with right now, most without downloads, why wouldn't you give them a try! If physical word searches are more your style, most websites allow you to print out worksheets which you can complete later on. With both fun and educational topics, these are perfect for school-age children to attempt as a less strenuous piece of homework, you can even create your own! Some websites offer a daily free puzzle, giving its users 24 hours to complete one per day if you wish to challenge yourself further. Both desktop and mobile applications are available so you can pick back up where you started, even away from home!

 The Word Search - Installation Needed  | Printable Worksheets  | Educational  | Custom Design  | Daily Puzzle ✗ | Mobile Compatible 

 Razzle Puzzles - Installation Needed  | Printable Worksheets  | Educational  | Custom Design  | Daily Puzzle ✗ | Mobile Compatible 

 Lovatt's Puzzles - Installation Needed  | Printable Worksheets  | Educational  | Custom Design  | Daily Puzzle  | Mobile Compatible 

 Word Search Puzzles - Installation Needed  | Printable Worksheets  | Educational  | Custom Design  | Daily Puzzle  | Mobile Compatible 

 247 Word Search - Installation Needed  | Printable Worksheets  | Educational  | Custom Design  | Daily Puzzle  | Mobile Compatible 

 Free Word Search - Installation Needed  | Printable Worksheets  | Educational  | Custom Design  | Daily Puzzle  | Mobile Compatible 

 Arkadium - Installation Needed  | Printable Worksheets  | Educational  | Custom Design  | Daily Puzzle  | Mobile Compatible 

 Discovery Education - Installation Needed  | Printable Worksheets  | Educational  | Custom Design  | Daily Puzzle  | Mobile Compatible 

 Ducksters - Installation Needed  | Printable Worksheets  | Educational  | Custom Design  | Daily Puzzle  | Mobile Compatible 

Wednesday 17 January 2024

Cute Relationship Ideas That Don't Require Much Preparation!

Paragraphs For Her
Our lives are so busy nowadays that it is hard to find the time to spend with our other halves. I'm lucky in the sense that in my current relationship, there is no worry about not having time for each other because we always make the time, but I understand in other circumstances this isn't possible and it can be quite debilitating on a relationship. If this sounds like something that would appeal to you, look no further. Here are some cute relationship ideas that don't require much preparation!

Strawberries and Chocolate!


As cliché as it may be, rekindling that flame with your other half could be fixed easily with a bit of intimate food tasting. Obviously it doesn't have to be strawberries and chocolate, but something else you both enjoy. There are businesses littered around the world who dedicate their organisation to food tasting to help couples rekindle their romance. If you aren't keen on the idea of going out, it can be done in the comfort of your own home. A delicious chocolate fountain and a plate of strawberries, see where the evening takes you!


Try Out A Sport With Your Loved One


This may require more time than the others on this list, but if you have a spare day with nothing to do, taking them to the local gym, leisure centre, or park could be the answer to spending some time together. You don't have to be a sports fanatic to carry out this idea as there are so many different sports to choose from, you can find one right for you. If your partner is particularly fond of a sport, try and show your appreciation by joining in with them. If you're unsure, try something new together, being active is not only healthy for your bodies, but your minds too, it's something that won't cost you a penny but will do wonders for your relationship.


Enjoy The Great Outdoors


There is so much to experience around us which we don't take a second glance at if we're busy. You don't need to book a holiday or travel distance to enjoy the outdoors, chances are there are places to visit just minutes away with the best nature can give. The weather is a great driving factor to get outside. Jumping around in piles of leaves in autumn or having snowball fights in winter is a great way to take a break from the stresses of daily life, and have some one on one time with your other half. It's okay to release our inner child every now and again, and let's be honest, you've always wanted to propel a few snowballs at your partner for all the times they've annoyed you.


Have Photoshoots


You don't need professionals to be able to snap some of your most memorable moments together. Most of the time, professional shoots miss out on the things that make your relationship special, the things nobody else gets to see: you not feeling your best and having your partner take care of you, or a cosy night in cuddled on the sofa. Those little moments that nobody else sees is something to cherish with a photo or two. If you are feeling particularly sentimental or even as a great gift idea, place all of your photos into a memory book or photo album to go back to every time you get a quiet moment together.


Dedicate A Weekend (Or Weekday) To Doing Nothing


Depending on which days you find yourself free, you could definitely benefit from having a stay-in day dedicated to doing absolutely nothing with your other half. In the whirlwind of life we forget to keep in check with our partners, how has their week been, what plans would you have in the next few days etc. Sitting down and talking is worth more to a relationship than all else just because without it, being in a relationship becomes more of a process than something to enjoy. You will never have any issues if you are all on the same page, and even better, it's an excuse to put your feet up, but they don't need to know that.


Cook A Homemade Meal Together


Food-experts or not, cooking a meal you've made together yourself is not only great fun but a good way to improve on communication and the bond you share. Even if the worst happens: the meal was burnt, dessert fell to pieces and the drink went flat, it's something to laugh about (and secretly feel happy about because you can just order takeaway instead). Despite taking a while longer than other relationship ideas, you forget how much time you are spending on making the meal simply because of how much enjoyment you get from it. If you can't find a day where the both of you will be at home, surprise your partner with a home-cooked meal, even if it isn't perfect, the gesture alone will have them falling head over heels for your efforts.


Binge Watch On Romance


Handling Valentine's Day
If this isn't an ideal genre for you or your partner, you can switch it up to what you would benefit from most. Romance will more likely be effective however. Light-hearted and fluffy, how could someone ever be anything but romantic when watching so much love unravel in front of their very eyes. When watching romantic movies or reading romantic books, we all imagine us and that special someone being in their place, so why not get them to join us on the journey. You never know, you may get some ideas for later on..


Give A Five Star Massage


It's stupidly easy to book up for a spa visit, but where's the fun in that? Take advantage of the fact that your partner is yours to touch and give them an intimate massage anywhere they desire. You would have to be crazy to turn down a massage as there is no consequence, your muscles are loosened up and you generally feel better after it's over. A massage doesn't have to take long at all, but still gives the results you're both looking for, give it a try!


Picnicking


The weather is warming up now and you're sick of being cooped up inside. Why don't you and your loved one head outside for a picnic? Do it the old fashioned way, make sandwiches, buy a few snacks, crack open some champagne if you're feeling fancy and don't forget the blanket! Make the most of your spare few hours to enjoy a lunch break in the summer air with the person you love. You will find that the best things in life are free, including the love that you share with your other half.

Sunday 10 December 2023

Signs It May Be Time To End A Relationship:

Relationships have always been a central part of our existence. As a species we value being loved and giving love in return, but sadly not all relationships are meant to be. If a trickle of doubt has brought you here today but you are unable to make a decision, or perhaps you are worried for another couple who may be going through some turmoil that seems never-ending, here are some signs that it may be time to move on.


Your Needs Aren't Being Met

5 Ways You're Being Led On
This is an important thing in a healthy relationship because without it, things begin to spiral very quickly. If your needs are not met, you will feel unloved and unappreciated, which in turn leads to feelings of anger or resentment of your lover and even upon yourself if you self-esteem is knocked back. Many sufferers of not having their needs met tend to have less self-importance or confidence than a typical person, as those who are more strong-willed find it easier to notice when they are being neglected in this way. It isn't uncommon for the less-confident in a relationship to downplay their own needs in order to focus on the needs of their partner whom may make them feel like they no longer matter as much as themselves. In most cases, this isn't a clear cut break for a relationship as many couples have been through the phase of feeling unloved and a quick conversation about this can fix things, so feeling this way doesn't mean it's the end of the road, only that some obstacles in the way need to be spoken about. Communication is key when you feel this way, by the reaction of your partner, you can tell how receptive they are and how likely it is they will make the effort. If you are shut down or your other half remains distant, it's probably time to move on.


You Are Seeking Those Needs From Other People

This doesn't necessarily mean cheating on your partner, but using friends, family or pets to get that affection and reassurance you are so desperately needing. A sense of belonging is an instinct felt by many in the animal kingdom, including humans, we want to feel safe and secure, and if you are having to go elsewhere for these kind of feelings, it may be worth taking a look at what is going wrong in the relationship. If you successfully find your needs are being met by other people, it will make the fight for your relationship to become happier and healthier less important as motivation is no longer needed - you have gained what you wanted, just not in the way you wanted it. In some ways, having your needs met by other people is a beneficial process to be able to see that perhaps the relationship isn't all that you thought it would be, any close friends and family members will be able to notice your behaviour and may even offer advice on what to do next.


You're Scared To Be Honest With Your Partner About How You Feel

If you have concerns and your partner truly loves you, bringing up these concerns should be no more than a mild inconvenience. If you are dreading the conversation and fearing how they will react, this may be a red flag. When problems are left to fester, they will grow, mostly in your own mind until when it is finally brought up in conversation, you are filled with such anger or hatred that it becomes a bigger issue that it initially was. A worthy partner will always want to solve issues as quickly and as honestly as possible, true love is all about being an open book and being able to be unapologetically you. It is always beneficial to catch problems early, but if you find yourself dreading the conversation to come or you have both begun avoiding strategies because it will cause inevitable conflict, the relationship may not be a healthy one.


Friends and Family Are Against The Relationship

As much as friends and family giving their opinion on a relationship is controversial and may have a number of motives, if there is an outstanding majority who believe you are not right for each other, they may be right. I believe it is important that our loved ones appreciate our significant others', and if they don't, it may be worth having a sit-down conversation about their concerns. If anyone is going to be completely and openly honest, it's those closest to us. Typical red flags when it comes to family and friends are that it seems that all your time is spent with your partner, and you are beginning to see less and
less of them, this is one of the early signs of someone with a possessive nature, which can quickly snowball into issues that are much more serious. Remember that our loved ones will always be there for us, no matter what hardship falls on the relationship.


You Feel Trapped

Signs To End A Relationship
Many aspects of our lives can make us feel trapped, whether it's a job you feel you can't progress in or an awkward situation with a friend that seems to never end, but it's good to know that most if not all of these situations can be solved. If you are feeling trapped in a romantic relationship, it's time to make a decision. Whether your partner is being visibly obstructive (locking you in the house, asking where you are at all times, etc.) or you get the nervy, guilty feeling every time you leave the house, it should raise some questions. It is abnormal behaviour for a partner to feel obsessive to the point of making you feel uncomfortable, or like you have no other choice than to comply, even if they insist that everything is fine. These feelings alone should be enough to really think about what you want from the relationship or if it's even worth staying in. This is tell-tale behaviour of a jealous and manipulative individual. Thankfully this isn't the end of the road for you, if you are able to spot this behaviour, there is always the choice to leave. No matter what guilt-provoking stories they tell you, ultimately if you are unhappy, you are in control of your own choices and freedoms - sometimes we have to make tricky decisions and we know deep down it's for the best.


You Discuss Change, But It Never Happens

If you have already been courageous enough to communicate your problems, great! Unfortunately, not everyone is particularly receptive to these and those who have no real motivation to change their ways will just brush it off like the conversation never happened. The problem with this is that a conversation about a relationship and its future is not a one-and-done event; the main conversation happens, but it's always beneficial to keep tabs with each other to see how you are feeling and what more can be done. Someone who gives false promises is likely to be a frequent liar, something that nobody would be truly happy with. Those who love you will acknowledge your thoughts and feelings, and not only promise change, but make an active effort to change. It may be impossible to completely change a person, but the act of trying is enough to make someone feel loved and listened to. So, even if your partner doesn't get there first time - if the effort is there, keeping pressing forward!


You Are Told That You Are The Problem

She Doesn't Want A Relationship
It's easy to shift the blame, isn't it? It's also easy to just take that comment with the tiniest pinch of salt and forget it ever happened... If this is what you have been told, it's important to stand up and find out exactly what is meant by this. In most cases, this is simply a throwaway comment to guilty-trip the other person into feeling like the failures of the relationship (and sometimes even outside of that) are entirely on their shoulders. By talking through your other half's problems which they are 'blaming' you for and offering reassurance, it should trigger an emotional response and an apology. If they are still insistent that you are to blame, be wary, as this is a sign you are in a relationship with a toxic person. Those that tend to use this tactic are master-manipulators and they can easily create an argument out of something that happened well over a year ago just to make you feel bad about yourself. Although this may not be a relationship-breaker, it is definitely worth having a think over - toxic people are not the best type of people to fall in love with, so contacting a therapist to speak with you both should always be an option.


There Are Clear Trust Issues

Everyone has uncertainty when it comes to trust, this is completely normal. What isn't normal is when it becomes an obvious daily chore to have a conversation or discuss plans without a barrage of questions coming your way. It's not always clear when trust issues begin, but nearly everyone can admit it's a gut feeling. As much as we are told to 'listen to your gut', it isn't always the right way to go, particular when trust issues are involved. In most cases, there has been no breakdown of trust in a relationship at all, just the fear or paranoia that something is happening which comes from within rather than evidenced by an actual event. If your partner rarely opens up to you and avoids meaningful conversations, it's likely that they have a trust issue, whether it is them that is up to no-good or you that they believe they can't trust, it is a tricky obstacle to solve, but once it begins, the results can make a relationship stronger than it ever was. Trust works two ways, try giving your significant other more space, don't ask what they're doing or where they're going, talk them them about your day openly, even add in extra details if you want to. Giving more of your trust to the other person can sometimes be enough to get a response and re-establish that bond!


Jealousy and Anger Are Manifesting Physically

Jealousy is a catalyst for much larger problems, it begins with resentment and ends with seething anger, usually directed at you. When someone feels jealous and resentment at the same time, these are two very strong emotions that can cause an angry reaction at any time, making the person highly reactive and unpredictable. Everyone feels jealous at some point, I know I have! It becomes unhealthy when it is an obvious pillar in your relationship and although it can only start as verbal conflict, it can quickly turn physical. The reason jealousy can make a person react in this way is because they feel threatened, whether they are nervous you will realise how much better you can do with somebody else, or are afraid they are being pushed out of a family gathering, they will try to worm their way in to every aspect of your life in order to gain that control. Jealous relationships can easily become abusive ones and if you are suffering, it's time to walk away.


There Is Abuse In The Relationship

Following on from my last point, if there is any type of abuse in the relationship, from emotional to physical - it is important to seek help right away. Abuse is not always physical, it can simply be arguments that are consistent and are never allowed to be forgotten, or spoken attempts to frighten or threaten you. Abusers have a need for control and will try and isolate you from your loved ones in order to gain that control, they will promise to change but this never happens. It may be hard to recognise if you are in an abusive relationship because they will most certainly downplay it or even blame you for suggesting it, so getting advice from authority or even being honest with trusted friends and family members is the way to go. Nobody deserves to feel afraid or experience abuse at the hands of another person.

Signs A Relationship Is Going Bad

You Are Unable To Be Your True Self

For someone who has a good sense of who they are, this will be an easy realisation. For those who are still struggling, it may be a little more difficult. Being your true self is all about authenticity, honesty and being able to express yourself as freely as you can and sticking to your morals and values. If you don't feel you can do any of those things in your relationship, it may not be a good one. Being true to yourself can be controversial, feelings will get hurt and others may react differently to you. As long as being yourself is beneficial to you, someone who loves you should support it, even if they don't completely agree with your values. They say that finding you true self can make you more vulnerable, but I don't think so. What greater feeling is there than being absolutely, unapologetically you!


You Have Different Values

Being different is all part of life, but being a relationship can be challenging with these differences. Most couples are able to talk about their differences and move on, but when they involve serious topics surrounding the law or priorities, it may be time to have a think about the future of the relationship. The most common obstacle here is the choice of getting married or having children, if one person is keen and one isn't, it can make the relationship challenging, as the prospects are so very different. Talking things through should open up conversation and even other options can be discussed for a compromise. Values are not always about the future however, our values are key to determining the difference between right and wrong, the opinions you have and they way you behave. Someone with wildly different values to you may not be a good fit, arguments may be common and it may be difficult to maintain a conflict-free environment.


You No Longer See A Future Together

If you are putting in all of the effort and your partner is not, it's a clear sign that there is no future in the relationship anymore. Whether recent, or months previously, somewhere along the line the love has been lost and the relationship has become stagnant, meaning even if you did stay together for years to come, there would never be any progress. A person who wants a future with you will always go above and beyond to make you feel special - so if that is lacking, it's worth having time apart to decide how you want to proceed. Pushing it to one side in the long-term is not only detrimental to your partner, but it begins to limit your options too, so try to make an informed decision when you can. It's a difficult conversation, but one that has to be had.


You Are Genuinely Considering Leaving Your Partner

Seeing as you're here today, that alone should raise some questions. It shouldn't be a swift decision, but based off of everything you've read so far, you should be able to gauge nicely how healthy your relationship is at the moment. If this is swirling around your mind, it seems that a conversation needs to be had as just the two of you, nobody else should be involved in such a private matter. Sometimes we just feel a little overwhelmed by it all, and that doesn't necessarily mean it's time to say goodbye, but if you've found yourself relating to a lot of the information given in the rest of the post, discuss this with them. However, if they are known to lash out or be abusive, make sure the discussion is made in a safe place, whether this be in public or over the phone. Making a decision to leave a relationship you're no longer happy in is one of the most empowering things we can do, so if you are successful in making that difficult choice, the world is now your oyster!


You No Longer Like Yourself

We all talk about the importance of loving ourselves, but what happens when it seems like nobody does? See a relationship with yourself as much like a relationship with someone else, if you are told time and time again how terrible someone is, even if you've never met them, you begin to believe it. Being in a toxic relationship with someone who puts you down or forces you to change your ways regularly may lead to you feeling this way - you should never have to have a complete personality overhaul for another person. It's scientifically proven that is is difficult to be truly happy unless you like who you are, and it's not hard to see why, we only have one body in this life, so we need to make the most of it! If you're feeling a bit rubbish about who you are and are finding yourself missing who you once were, your relationship may be to blame here. You are worthy of finding happiness and deserve to fall in love with yourself again!

Realising What You've Lost

Effort From Both Sides Is Lacking

As much as everyone wishes we had the happy-ever-after, sometimes this isn't always possible, particularly when effort in maintaining the relationship is gone and forgotten. A one-sided relationship is unequal and manipulative, a no-sided relationship is one not worth saving, particularly if there is no communication, attention or respect. A great deal of effort for keeping a relationship healthy is motivation that you want this person in your life for as long as possible, and if that motivation disappears, it's hard to come back from it as relationships can't blossom without the balance of two people. If you feel that there is hope for the relationship, try prioritising it for a few days. Book the week off, take the trip you've been waiting for, paint the shed you promised to a few months ago or enjoy just the intimacy of one another, make a dedicated effort to make each other happy just for that short amount of time and see how things go!

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