Tag: LGBTQ

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How Do I Get My Ex Back After A Messy Breakup?

How Do I Get My Ex Back After A Messy Breakup?

How do I get my ex back? Every now and then we face that question from heartbroken souls. Rekindling a relationship with an ex-partner can be a delicate and complex process, and success is never guaranteed. Breaking up is never easy, and when it happens under messy circumstances, the emotional toll can be particularly challenging to overcome. The aftermath of a tumultuous breakup often leaves individuals wondering if there’s a way to mend the broken pieces. In this blog, we’ll explore the delicate art of rebuilding a connection with an ex-partner after a messy breakup. that left both hearts bruised. 

From self-reflection to effective communication strategies, we’ll delve into the steps that can help pave the way. Remember, every relationship is unique, and the decision to pursue reconciliation should be made with thoughtfulness, respect, and a genuine commitment to positive change. Join us as we navigate the complexities of post-breakup dynamics and discover whether the journey back to each other is a path worth exploring. So here is the possible answer to your question – “How Do I Get My Ex Back?”

1. Reflect on the Breakup:

Understand the reasons for the breakup and reflect on the issues that led to the separation. Honest self-reflection is crucial to identify areas for personal growth and improvement. The initiative always begins with the identification of the reason for the breakup. Why did you break up with your partner? Identify the true reason for the breakup and pave a plan to deal with the issue. 

2. Give Both of You Space:

After breakup what to do? After a breakup, it’s essential to give both parties some space and time to heal. Rushing back into a relationship without addressing underlying issues can lead to the same problems resurfacing. Personally, I feel this is the worst time to initiate another relationship. Never consider taking breakup therapy from your next love interest.

3. Focus on Personal Growth:

Use the time apart to work on yourself. Focus on personal development, addressing any issues that may have contributed to the breakup. This could involve self-improvement, pursuing hobbies, or seeking therapy. Start a skill development course and give your undivided attention to it for the next six months. Add a few extra income streams with your existing ones. Concentrate on your study and your career. Just do something productive, you would not feel like a looser anymore.

4. Communicate Openly:

If you decide to reach out to your ex, communicate openly and honestly. Express your feelings and thoughts, but be mindful not to pressure or manipulate. Your attempt should not look like stalking. Don’t behave like a crepe. Discuss what went wrong in the past and how both of you can work on improving the relationship.

5. Apologize and Forgive:

If mistakes were made during the relationship, apologize sincerely. Similarly, be open to forgiving your ex for any past grievances. A foundation of understanding and forgiveness is essential for rebuilding trust. However, never blame yourself for the mistakes that you have not committed. Similarly, whenever it comes to forgiving then be generous but not a fool. 

6. Take It Slow:

Rebuilding a relationship takes time. Start by reconnecting on a friendship level. Rushing into things can lead to repeating past mistakes. Always remember, the decision of breakup can be a one-sided decision; but it always takes a mutual wish to rekindle a relationship. Take the time to rebuild trust and assess if the relationship is worth pursuing.

7. Show Consistency:

Demonstrate through your actions that positive changes have occurred. Consistency in your behavior is key. If you had trust issues in the past then learn to trust your partner. If you had anger management issues in the past then learn to control your anger. Words alone may not be enough; your actions should align with your intentions.

8. Seek Professional Help:

Consider couples therapy or counseling to work through past issues with the guidance of a neutral third party. Instead of friends and family, it is always better to hire a non-biased relationship therapist while navigating that tricky path. Professional help can provide valuable insights and communication strategies.

9. Be Prepared for All Outcomes:

Understand that reconciliation may not be possible, and both you and your ex may have moved on. Or your ex has moved on and really not looking forward to rekindling that relationship. Be prepared for the possibility that your efforts may not lead to getting back together. Always remember it’s always a mutual process and your own initiative has very little outcome.

10. Respect Their Decision:

If your ex is not interested in reconciling, respect their decision. Pushing too hard can create additional stress and damage any chance of rebuilding a friendship in the future. Getting back your ex as a romantic partner is always difficult. Meanwhile getting back your ex as a good friend is always quite possible. Be that person and move on with new hope.

It’s crucial to approach this process with sincerity, self-awareness, and a genuine desire for positive change. It requires careful reflection, personal growth, and sincere effort from both parties. While reconciliation is not guaranteed and may not be the right choice for everyone, still the journey to getting your ex back after a messy breakup is a  process worth trying. Remember that, ultimately, the decision to get back together lies with both individuals, and it’s important to prioritize the well-being of both parties involved. Finally, try and accept the result without any grudge. 

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6 Signs That A Relationship Is Toxic

6 Signs That A Relationship Is Toxic

Relationships are meant to be sources of joy, support, and growth, but sometimes, they can turn toxic. Recognizing the signs of toxicity is crucial for maintaining emotional well-being and fostering healthy connections. Every week we receive many calls from people dealing with toxic partners. As a counselor, I try to identify all the key signs of a toxic relationship. What are the key signs that a relationship is toxic? Based on my own observation I have noted down 6 key signs of a toxic relationship. Take a look in the following section to identify a few key signs that a relationship is toxic. In this blog, we will explore six key indicators that may suggest a relationship is toxic. 

1. No Respect For Your “Yes”:

One of the major toxic relationship signs is absolute disregard for your every “yes”. If you prefer to go North then your partner will make it a target to go Southward, no matter what. This can manifest as constant arguments, constant disagreement, passive-aggressive behavior, or silent treatment. Even if that means unnecessary discomfort between you two or something more serious, despite that their behavior never changes. You might be wondering what they get by doing so, but the answer is simple. They are toxic. Do you observe such kinds of constant disregard from your partner? If so, then you are doomed.

2. No Respect For Your “No”:

Just like your every “Yes” your partner also does not acknowledge your any “No”. Effective communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship. In toxic relationships, however, communication often breaks down or becomes toxic itself. Healthy communication involves expressing feelings, active listening, and finding solutions together seem impossible. If communication in your relationship is marked by avoidance, hostility, or an unwillingness to address issues, it’s a clear sign of toxicity.

3. Control and Manipulation:

Toxic relationships often involve an imbalance of power, with one partner seeking to control the other. Control can take various forms, including manipulation, gaslighting, and imposing unrealistic expectations. Another way of control and manipulation is the constant threat of abandonment. If you feel like you are constantly walking on eggshells, have to justify your actions, or are made to feel guilty for expressing your needs and desires, these are signs of a toxic dynamic. Healthy relationships thrive on mutual respect, trust, and the freedom to be oneself.

4. Lack of Personal Growth:

A healthy relationship should support the personal growth and development of both partners. In a toxic relationship, personal growth is often stifled. This can happen when a partner is overly critical, dismissive of your goals, or actively undermines your aspirations. Are you constantly sacrificing your dreams, passions, or self-esteem for the sake of the relationship? Are you constantly wasting time for an uncertain future? Are you constantly chasing apparent unattainable goals in fear of losing something great? Then, it’s time to reevaluate whether the dynamic is toxic.

5. Constant Feelings of Draining Emotional Turmoil:

Toxic relationships are characterized by a consistent emotional rollercoaster. Partners may experience extreme highs and lows, with intense periods of affection followed by explosive conflicts. This emotional turmoil can lead to stress, anxiety, and a general feeling of instability. Healthy relationships involve emotional security, where partners feel safe expressing themselves without fear of judgment or reprisal.

6. Repeated Boundary Violations:

Respecting boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship. In toxic dynamics, boundaries are often ignored or deliberately crossed. This can manifest as a partner invading your personal space, disregarding your need for alone time, or engaging in behaviors that make you uncomfortable. Asking for your login ID and password to monitor your activity. Recognizing and enforcing boundaries is crucial for maintaining a sense of autonomy and self-respect within the relationship.

Identifying signs of toxicity in a relationship is the first step toward fostering positive change. It’s important to remember that toxicity can manifest in various ways, and each relationship is unique. If you recognize multiple signs mentioned here, it might be time to evaluate the overall health of your relationship and consider seeking professional guidance. Ultimately, prioritizing your emotional well-being and cultivating healthy connections is essential for a fulfilling and satisfying life.

One of the most evident signs of a toxic relationship is the presence of persistent negativity. If interactions with your partner consistently leave you feeling drained, anxious, or unhappy, it’s a red flag. Toxic relationships are characterized by a lack of positive communication, emotional support, and encouragement. When negativity becomes the dominant force in a relationship, it can hinder personal growth and create a toxic cycle that is difficult to break.

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Palestine – Israel Conflict: 5 Facts LGBTQ Community Need To Know Before Taking Any Stance

Palestine - Israel Conflict: 5 Facts LGBTQ Community Need To Know Before Taking Any Stance

It’s been almost one month since we have been getting the horrific terrorist attacks on Jews in Israel by Hamas. Amidst the Palestine – Israel conflict when truth, ethics, logic, and morality are the frontline casualty of the war then what else do we need to know? Around the world when LGBTQ community members are picking sides left right and center what do we need to know?  Being members of the LGBTQ community we need to know 5 facts before picking any side in this Palestine – Israel conflict. 

1. Israel Normalized Homosexuality Even Before American Psychiatric Association

After years of studies in 1973, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) removed the diagnosis of “homosexuality” from the second edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). On the other hand, in 1953, the Attorney General of Israel issued a directive ordering and ordered police to refrain from taking any action against homosexual acts between consenting adults. Later, in 1963 the Israeli Supreme Court ruled in favor of homosexuality and decriminalised homosexuality between consenting adults in private. Finally, in 1988 the Knesset repealed the ban on consensual same-sex sexual acts between two adults. 

2. Israel Is The Only Middle Eastern Nation Where LGBTQ Rights Are Recognized

Israel is the only Middle Eastern Nation where many LGBTQ rights are acceptable. Here is the list of all the rights that have been granted to the LGBT community in Israel. In Israel, though same sex marriage is not legal same-sex relationship between consenting adults is legal. The age of consent is 16 and this is the same for both heterosexual and homosexual. Not only that, changing gender is permissible without surgery. LGBT couples can adopt child, and join the military. The community does not face any type of censorship they can live and work everywhere without any discrimination. As a matter of fact, any type of homophobic initiative including conversion therapy, and workplace discrimination is totally prohibited in Israel. No wonder Tel Aviv has emerged as the LGBTQ paradise of the Middle East.

3. Palestinians Openly Hostile Towards Entire LGBTQ Community

Meanwhile, Palestinians are openly hostile towards the entire LGBTQ community. Though left-wing libertarians support Palestinians, but the members of the LGBTQ community must know a few details. In Palestine homosexual community does not get any fundamental legal rights and all sorts of discrimination are socially acceptable. You really don’t have to dig the internet too deep to find numerous instances of atrocities against the lesbian, gay, and transgender in Gaza and the West Bank. The people of Palestine are terribly homophobic and time and again many surveys have proved the hate of the ordinary Palestinians towards homosexuals quite vividly. 

4. Hamas Executed Their Gay Commander Merely For His Sexual Orientation

In the Gaza Conflict “Gays for Gaza”, demonstrations around the developed world are getting attention. Mostly left-wing political parties are echoing that narrative and a portion of the LGBTQ community is supporting it blindly. At the same time here are a few information that we really need to know from different news sources. Let’s give it a close look. Hamas has been the undisputed ruler of the Gaza Strip since 2006 and they openly punish homosexuals. Despite immense Jew-hatred, many Middle Eastern Arabs seek asylum in Israel.

If you think this is the epitome of hypocrisy then you have not scratched the surface yet. In February 2016 Hamas executed their commander Mahmoud Ishtiwi in a classic manner by firing three shots in his chest. He was accused of homosexuality toppled with theft. Let’s not make it a right-wing vs left-wing issue. Rather, think logically about it. Being a persecuted minority who deserves your support the most. Another persecuted minority who protects your rights at any cost or the aggressors who do not spare a single opportunity to execute you.

5. Hamas Is The Ruler Of The Gaza Strip And Israel Provides Basic Amenities For Free

Many pro-Palestine news media always spread the news about how Israel is constantly occupying lands from Palestine. Meanwhile, very conveniently they fail to mention how Hamas is looting the ordinary people of the Gaza Strip. Hamas is the terrorist organization that violently seized power in the Gaza Strip in 2007. 

Since then, instead of basic amenities including water, electricity, education, and health the leaders of Hamas have used billions of dollars to fight Jews. That terrorist organization has developed a huge network of underground tunnels in the Gaza Strip. Those tunnels are their safe heavens and they have developed those tunnels right under civilian properties. All these Hamas tunnels in the Gaza Strip are open secret now. Though Hamas tried hard for years to keep it under wrap by executing journalists, activists, and social workers.

Finally, imagine you are a member of the LGBTQ community and are open about your orientation and gender identity. Now what would be your possible safe haven in the Middle East? Israel? Gaza Strip? West Bank? Or any other Middle Eastern nations? Please, do your due diligence before answering this question. Can you afford to burn all bridges? Should you support those who prefer to kill you just because of your sexual orientation and your gender identity? Should you support the genocide of your supporters? Please think a trillion times before taking any stance in this Palestine – Israel conflict.

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6 Signs of A Toxic Relationship

signs of a toxic-relationship

Do you think, you are in a toxic relationship? Actually, I have been giving online counseling for many years now. During the course of my interaction, I have noticed an extreme level of depression among the members of the LGBTQ community. Therefore, talking about that issue became so important to me. In my quest, I lent an ear to the people that I meet through these sessions. On this article I am going to highlight few red flags that are the signs of a toxic relationship. 

Based on my study and hands-on experience of working with the community members, I have noticed I can offer my absolute non-judgmental listening and my compassion. As a result, I learn about an aspect of LGBTQ relationships. These are some of the signs of a toxic relationship that queer people should be wary of when entering a relationship.

1. Is your partner looking for someone of opposite sex?

Ans. Nobody wants to live in a hostile environment with the vulnerable minority. It’s evolutionary to seek “safety in numbers”. We understand your need for a devoted and faithful partner, though, you can’t have that “dream partner” when you are just an “experience” for them! In order to fit-into the society if your partner is looking for someone of the opposite sex then you are just a disposable item for them.

2. Is your partner already in a steady relationship?

Ans. I have noticed many married people are scouting online for that particular kind of “experience”. They start scouting especially when their initial glittering coating of “blissful married life” is worn-out from their marriages. Though you will be just an experience for them, still they would never be honest enough to admit their true intention to you. As a mater of fact, when you enter a relationship with these kinds of people, they would expect utmost love, attention, intimacy, faithfulness from you. In return, they are never going to give any of these to you.

Now, if you are in such a relationship where your partner is already in a steady relationship then definitely they are not going to sacrifice their social security for you. It may sound brutal, but these kinds of people would only enjoy your ‘offerings’ for them without making little to no effort. Under such circumstances, once that ‘honeymoon period’ is over you are not going to gain anything out of that relationship except pain. I’d say you’re destined for misery when you’re in an extra-marital relationship with someone who wants the ‘best of both worlds’! 

3. Do they easily blend into society without any second thought about you?

Ans. Your partner may fulfill all the conditions of the society to be seen as “normal”, and perhaps you do not enjoy the same social status. I have seen many queer people treating their closeted partners like sidekicks, while their partners are maintaining that relationship faithfully yet secretly. These kinds of people generally prefer to hide their partners in public as if their orientation is tattooed on their forehead.

4. Is your partner after a threesome fantasy?

Ans. On many occasions, men and women worldwide join online sites to fulfill threesome fantasies for a partner they are committed to. Those with some degree of maturity will make their intentions clear, and won’t disturb unwilling people unnecessarily. However, there are a few young heterosexual couple as well who don’t mention things on purpose.

I can remember one particular incident where a queer woman I know narrowly escaped a situation like this. It was sheer luck and presence of mind. She was lured by a woman at her flat. After arriving at the spot she realized she had been trapped and isolated, and there were two people waiting for her. Not something she agreed to. However, she managed to escape the bedroom and locked herself inside the bathroom. She could not call the police because the perpetrators threatened her to expose her sexual orientation at a time when Section 377 was still in effect. So, she called her friends and they came at once to rescue her. Watch out for such red flags!

5. Is your partner over cautious about their social image?

Ans. Is your partner not even ready to introduce you to his friends as a partner as if your sexual orientation is written all over on your face?

When a person doesn’t want to be seen with tomboys, butches, or femme men, watch out. They want to maintain dual slates; one for themselves and another for society. The second one is as ‘clean’ as the autumn sky.

Generally, they want to hide their sexual orientation, so desperately, that they become extremely paranoid. I am sure nobody would like to be treated as a ‘forbidden activity’. You don’t want to be with someone who is basically ashamed of your presence.

Start respecting yourself first and stay away from all those kinds of people who are causing you harm. Living alone is a far better choice than living in an abusive relationship and emotional abuse can be equally unbearable. 

6. Do you think they won't choose you over their family and society?

Ans. If any of the above-mentioned points are applicable to your relationship, then no matter how hard you try your partner will always play to the whims of their family and society. A person once clearly said to someone else, “As long as it’s about a physical relationship, I am okay with you. But whenever it comes to spending life together, then definitely I will settle with someone who is ‘normal’ like me. I want a ‘normal’ life.” These kinds of people would never choose you over society and family. Therefore, never ever get into such a relationship where you will never get treated with dignity.

These are the clear toxic signs of a relationship that not only applicable to the queer society rather everyone should be wary of. These issues needed to be addressed at the beginning. We have been giving online counseling to members of the LGBTQ community since February 2019. So far we have gathered many such mind-numbing stories of suffering and we will be sharing those stories on this platform along with relationship hacks. Apart from that, we will also give you much-needed opportunities for freelancing with our another platform Remote Owls. 

Our sincere request to you if you can relate to these toxic signs of a relationship topic then please like, share, and comment on the blog. Also, participate in our programs and also refer the platform to others. Let us make this initiative a great success. Always remember TOGETHER WE GATHER MORE!

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What Are The Differences Between Romance and Relationship?

Romance and Relationship

The magic phrase ‘romantic relationship’ is quite popular, but I feel that the two notions are two different phenomena. Now imagine, like an expert Sushi chef, if you take the tiniest slice out of a huge chunk of a ‘romantic relationship’, then you should get an exact quantity of ‘romance’. So the question is – what’s the difference between ‘meaningful romance’ and ‘meaningful relationship’? 

Well, you can share that tiny piece of romance with many (however, eventually the entire chunk would be finished in that process, at least logic says so). On the contrary, if you plan to maintain a ‘meaningful relationship’ then you should share that entire chunk with one person only. I know that the entire introduction was quite confusing, but I hope the rest of this blog will be able to clear my point.

Before I continue, I would like to mention that this piece is my personal opinion, on the basis of my observation and that this is not a thesis. Any person can go through all these experiences irrespective of their age, race, sex, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, etc. I am writing on the basis of my personal experiences; experiences, I have accumulated as a real living and breathing human being in the course of my social studies and later with hands on experience.  

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and they may feel “a person can have multiple meaningful romantic relationships with multiple partners”, and that doesn’t necessarily make one ‘romance-phobic’. This article is about those confused people who often ask themselves ‘is that a relationship or not’? Here are 7 signs that you are in a ‘meaningful romance’ and not in a ‘meaningful relationship’

You Both Are Not On The Same Page Of Life:

I am not talking about the ‘pace’, here I am talking about ‘page’. Professionally, you might both be polar opposites; one of you may be more successful than the other; but, what about your personal lives? 

To be more precise, say one partner is running from pillar to post all alone to arrange money and other necessary resources in order to fix a personal crisis (e.g health). Meanwhile, the other partner is enjoying life with family and friends. Although that person is sending romantic texts frequently (probably out of guilt or just as a formality), would you call it a ‘meaningful relationship’?

Popular media always trying hard to feed us a myth and that is “opposite attracts each other”; whereas, the truth is “opposite never attracts each other”! For instance, if both of you fundamentally lives pole apart then nothing on this planet can bring you closer.

Under such circumstances, you should never indulge in such hallucinations; because, despite your best effort believe me, it is definitely a ‘meaningful romance’, since ‘meaningful relation’ implies ‘in sickness and in health’.

You Are Only Remembered Seasonally:

Yes, it’s another vital red flag. Never ignore the scenario when your partner only remembers you seasonally. It could be birthday, Valentine’s Day, anniversary (e.g. anniversary of your first meeting, the first hug, the first kiss, the first time you made love, etc.). On these occasions, both of you would see each other, exchange gifts, shower lots of affection and attention for some time, and once the season is over, you would find yourself all alone in your own world, and your partners would be busy in their lives. Well, if you are experiencing something like that then you are in a ‘meaningful romance’ since a ‘meaningful relationship’ is not a celebration of seasonal festivities.

You Are Not Prioritized:

I can remember one man who went to Sikkim to see the mesmerizing orchids blooming, while his wife was giving birth to their only child. Now, that man had two choices but he made the decision according to his priorities. I know, that was a slightly cruel example. However, think practically, as human beings, we have very limited abilities, we just can’t be at two places at the same time. Therefore, you should observe whether you get first priority in your partner’s life.

Does your partner manage to spend time with you on some ‘not so special occasions’ or does his or her schedule get in the way?

Basically, it’s very important to know how much you mean to your partner. If you are prioritized only according to your partner’s convenience then you are definitely in a ‘meaningful romance’, since a ‘meaningful relationship’ is never about one’s own convenience.

You Are Not 'Fulfilling' The Basic Conditions:

Yes! When your love is not unconditional then it’s romance. A common condition that I have heard is –“I love traveling and I am looking for someone who would travel with me”. It may sound weird but it’s true. However, my question is – “Would you choose your partner on the basis of ‘common hobbies’ or on the basis of ‘common values’?” Therefore, if you are listening to the same complaint constantly, that you could not fulfill the basic conditions, then you are in a ‘meaningful romance’.

You Prefer To Avoid Your Partner:

You are lonely, but despite that loneliness, you prefer avoiding your partner; because, in your life, now your partner’s presence is nothing but empty noise. You don’t enjoy his or her company the way you used to. Somehow you have realized you are nothing but an accessory for your partner. At that position, you can assure yourself that you are in a ‘meaningful romance’ and not in a ‘meaningful relationship’.

You Have Stopped Fighting For The Relationship:

We don’t fight to break our relationships, in fact, often we fight to save them. We shout because we want to be heard, we crave for minimum attention. However, when you stop fighting and slowly start praying for a ‘natural end’ to that relationship then finally, congratulations! This time you were in a ‘meaningful romance’ and not in a ‘meaningful relationship’. You have reached that point where you are desperately seeking an ‘amicable evaporation’ of the entire façade. Perhaps you are taking one of the most sensible decisions of your life and trust me, that decision would leave a very positive impact on your life.

I don’t know whether I missed something or not? I would love to hear your opinions too. If you feel you can relate to that article to some extent then I would recommend please like, comment, and share that article. Smiling Rainbow platform belongs to the LGBTQ community and my sincere urge to all of you please endorse the platform and give your valuable suggestions. 

We consider economical independence as an important target that every member of our community should achieve. Therefore, we are in the process of launching to another platform as Remote Owls. The purpose of that platform is creating freelancing opportunities for our community members. We will keep you posted regarding the progress of these two platforms.