What Are The 5 Love Languages? Everything You Need To Know

The five love languages are five different ways of expressing and receiving love: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Not everyone communicates love in the same way, and likewise, people have different ways they prefer to receive love. The concept of love languages was developed by Gary Chapman, Ph.D., in his book The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts, where he describes these five unique styles of communicating love, categories he distilled from his experience in marriage counselings and linguistics. 

"We all may relate to most of these languages, but each of us has one that speaks to us the most," marriage and family therapist Sunny Motamedi, Psy.D., tells mbg. "Discovering you and your partner's primary love language and speaking that language regularly may [create] a better understanding of each other's needs and support each other's growth."

Here's an overview of each of the five love languages Chapman describes: 

1. Words of affirmation

People with words of affirmation as a love language value verbal acknowledgments of affection, including frequent "I love you's," compliments, words of appreciation, verbal encouragement, and often frequent digital communication like texting and social media engagement.

"Written and spoken shows of affection matter the most to these people," couples' psychotherapist Fariha Mahmud-Syed, MFT, CFLE, tells mbg. "These expressions make them feel understood and appreciated."

2. Quality time

People whose love language is quality time feel the most adored when their partner actively wants to spend time with them and is always down to hang out. They particularly love when active listening, eye contact, and full presence are prioritized hallmarks in the relationship.

 
"This love language is all about giving your undivided attention to that one special person, without the distraction of television, phone screens, or any other outside interference. They have a strong desire to actively spend time with their significant other, having meaningful conversations or sharing recreational activities," Mahmud-Syed says.

3. Acts of services

If your love language is acts of service, you value when your partner goes out of their way to make your life easier. It's things like bringing you soup when you're sick, making your coffee for you in the morning, or picking up your dry cleaning for you when you've had a busy day at work.

"This love language is for people who believe that actions speak louder than words. Unlike those who prefer to hear how much they're cared for, people on this list like to be shown how they're appreciated. Doing the smaller and bigger chores to make their lives easier or more comfortable is highly cherished by these folx," shares Mahmud-Syed.

4. Gifts

Gifts is a pretty straightforward love language: You feel loved when people give you "visual symbols of love," as Chapman calls it. It's not about the monetary value but the symbolic thought behind the item. People with this style recognize and value the gift-giving process: the careful reflection, the deliberate choosing of the object to represent the relationship, and the emotional benefits from receiving the present. 

"People whose love language is receiving gifts enjoy being gifted something that is both physical and meaningful. The key is to give meaningful things that matter to them and reflect their values, not necessarily yours," says Mahmud-Syed.

5. Physical touch

People with physical touch as their love language feel loved when they receive physical signs of affection, including kissing, holding hands, cuddling on the couch, and sex. Physical intimacy and touch can be incredibly affirming and serve as a powerful emotional connector for people with this love language. The roots go back to our childhood, Motamedi notes, some people only felt deep affection and love by their parents when they were held, kissed, or touched. 

"People who communicate their appreciation through this language, when they consent to it, feel appreciated when they are hugged, kissed, or cuddled. They value the feeling of warmth and comfort that comes with physical touch," says Mahmud-Syed.

Dating with each type of love language.

Love languages are a deceptively simple concept, and understanding them can be trans-formative if you put in the practical work. It invites curiosity, not mind-reading, into the relationship.

For example, you might love words of affirmation, but your partner places a premium on quality time and touch. As a bid for connection, you might text him sweet nothings all day and think you're great at expressing love; meanwhile, he might be wondering why you're never interested in spending time cuddling on the couch together at night and may actually be feeling unloved because of that. See how it's easy for disconnection and resentment to enter the picture? By determining our primary and secondary love language preferences, it can be easier to give each other what we innately crave.

Here are some tips for dating people with each type of love language:

Words of affirmation: Words mean everything, so choose them wisely. Err on the side of positive, and communications will flourish. When you notice the good things, say it and say it often. Try not to engage in nonconstructive criticism—words have an impact and leave a lasting impression.

Quality time: Carve out intentional space in your schedule for time together. It could be as simple as going for a walk together outside (an exciting pandemic activity) and having a good in-depth conversation about your day. Leave the phones at home. 

Acts of service: Go above and beyond with your actions to show your love. Don't always make it about chores—people have different interpretations of what this love language means to them, so ask them directly what they need. Display vigilance by anticipating how you could make their life easier. Those little acts add up and can make all of the difference. 

Gifts: They will remember the special occasions, so make sure to mark it on the calendar and honour the day and your partner with a thoughtful gift. Win extra Brownie points with a "just because" gift. It could be as simple as a hand-picked flower from the garden or getting them a cute key chain from a favourite travel destination. Those small gestures can celebrate the relationship in a big way. 

Touch: Tender caresses and physical affection are everything. This love language is refreshingly straightforward, easy to satisfy, and doesn't involve a lot of planning, exertion, or money. It's as easy as reaching out for connection by squeezing their arm while you're watching a movie or tapping their butt when you walk by them. Simple.

Want to take the quiz for your self? Try it out at 5 Love Languages Quiz

Let me know what you get! Mine is Quality Time

The end of 2020

 

A lot of new things have happened in my life and it's interesting how much I have grown from all these experiences. Oddly enough I found out that someone I thought was by my side through thick and thin betrayed me in one of the worst ways possible, not one ounce of admittance to it and dodged every accusation even with proof. I gave up that fight for it was a long time ago that it happened and I had many happy memories with them since then that I felt were admirable though it opened my eyes to potential deception from there on. My hubby felt another way about the matter all together but at the same time he doesn't tell me what to do just what his views on the matter were and how he would handle it which I love about him dearly and he was right in the end anyways which shows he's a good judge of character and how I deserve better for myself. 

Well either way it worked it's self out as much of my life does. My car ended up breaking down in the end of November which was disheartening but not the end of the world, i'm glad no one got hurt just moderately inconvenienced. Well not to go into to much detail events happened that put my bank account that I opened for a friend into a holding state, this brought out some behaviour that really opened my eyes and I've come to terms that it wont go back to being that same after the way I've been treated through this endeavour. But through all this I've put stress on my boyfriend and that's not alright with what he has to go through everyday where he is, I should be better and therefor I will. This man has lifted my spirits at their lowest points, brought me back to reality when I have lost hope, encouraged me to do better for myself and shown me that i'm worth more than I myself even think. I should do the same for him and I have been selfish. No more will I let that continue so I've made a vow to myself to be better, do better and never give up. I'm going to work on my children book, i'm going to get a career with accountability, I will have order to this chaos and create a better environment for growth. Everything is going to be alright. 

TV List boyfriend

 Amazon TV Links

Pioneer 17"

Pioneer 17" #1

Pioneer 17" #2

Music TV 17"

Music TV 17" #1

Music TV Aliexpress #1 17" 

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

I was Diagnosed with HS back in 2008 by my family physician after I used Axe Deodorant once camping and my armpits became inflamed, the bumps never went away and then it got worse and spread. He sent me to a dermatologist and he found that the event exacerbated what was laying dormant for years which turned out to be HS. It's been hell ever since that day. I manage most days with positive enforcement but It's gotten to my head. Most days I don't feel good about my body and the constant collection of scars and dark markings that I've accumulated. My boyfriend is very supportive and such a beautiful soul who thinks i'm gorgeous no matter what. I just wish I could wear a sleeveless top without someone pointing out the marks on my arms and thinking the worst.

Most days I find myself Going through tedious routines to manage the re-appearance of new and old boils that pop up around my thighs and under breast area that are the most painful. I've had to go through many sensitive skin care routines to perfect the right combination for myself and it changes based of the season. I try to spend my days with my best friend and absolute soulmate Cheryl who keeps me headed in the right path. 

Given what I know now, I would recommend to others, Find a routine that works best for your skin, not all creams work for everyone. Mine is a combination of skin care creams, powders and soaps. Some being; witch hazel, talc powder, penaten cream for baby rash, dove coconut deodorant for women, 90% rubbing alcohol, olive oil, Nivea, Nioxin, Noxzema creme, and crushed tylenol.

My life has changed in this way, My loving man is very positive in reinforcing my beautiful qualities and that he loves me enough for the both of us. I have worked hard over the past few years to loose over 160lbs and having PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) to now not having PCOS and on my way to having my own little family in the future. I breathe better and don't cry (as much) about the little things. The pain gets to me sometimes especially in hotter weather it exacerbates the swelling and joint pains around the soars. Just smile you will get through this.

Have HS? Click Here for Support!

What Is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a condition that causes painful bumps under your skin in the hair roots near some of your sweat glands. It’s also known as acne inversa.

The bumps can get infected. When that happens, pockets form under your skin and fill with pus. They can smell bad when they break open. They can also leave scars.

There's no cure for HS, but treatments and lifestyle changes can bring some relief and cut down on flare-ups.

Because this condition lasts a long time, it can be frustrating, and it can take an emotional toll on you.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Causes

Doctors aren't sure what causes hidradenitis suppurativa, but it’s probably tied to your genes and to things in the world around you.

It's more common in women than in men. It’s also more likely if you’re overweight, if you smoke, and if you’ve had acne. About a third of people who get HS have a relative with it.

The skin problems start when hair follicles get blocked. You often get the first symptoms in your teens or 20s.

You don’t get HS because you don’t wash enough, because you use deodorants or powders, or because you shave your underarms. You also can't catch it from someone else or give it to another person.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Symptoms

HS usually affects both sides of your body. You can get the bumps in one place or in several areas at once.

The first warning sign might be a single painful bump that gets inflamed. It can last days or months. You could have repeated outbreaks of a single bump in the same location or the same general area.

Besides turning into pockets of pus, the bumps can be itchy. Your skin might have small pitted areas with blackheads.

Some people get tunnels under their skin, called sinus tracts, which connect different areas of HS outbreaks.

The bumps and leaky pockets can go away and come back. In severe cases, they don't fully heal.

Common Sites for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The blockages usually happen in areas where you have hair or where your skin rubs together, such as:

• Under your arms
• In your groin
• Between your buttocks
• Between your thighs
• Under your breasts
• In the folds of your stomach
• On the nape of your neck
• Behind your ears

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Stages

HS is divided into three stages, based on how severe it is, called Hurley stages.

• Hurley stage I: A single bump with no sinus tracts
• Hurley stage II: More than one bump but little tunneling
• Hurley stage III: Multiple bumps with a lot of sinus tracts and scars, involving an entire area of your body

Surgery. If your bumps grow deep into your skin, you might have a surgical procedure. If you're having problems in a small area, your doctor can cut open pockets to drain pus. This gives you short-term relief.

In a procedure called deroofing, your doctor turns deep, painful bumps and pockets into scars that won’t hurt. It's an option if you have painful bumps that come back over and over.

Another type of surgery involves cutting out skin in the problem spots. Afterward, your doctor will do a skin graft. They take skin from another part of your body and use it to cover the area where you had the operation.

Laser surgery is another option to clear new, deep bumps. It destroys hair follicles, the shafts in your skin where hair grows. You may need several treatments.

Surgery can help with stubborn or severe cases of HS, but for some people, it may come back in the same area or somewhere else.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Complications

HS that is severe or isn’t treated can have complications over time, including:

• Deep pockets of infection (abscesses)
• Trouble moving because of scar tissue
• Hollow passages inside your body (fistulas)
• Lymph node problems
• Arthritis
• A skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma
• Depression and isolation

Mortician Life

The Embalming Process  

The first step in the embalming process is surgical, in which bodily fluids are removed and are replaced with formaldehyde-based chemical solutions. The second step is cosmetic, in which the body is prepared for viewing by styling the hair, applying makeup, and setting the facial features.

Preparing The Body For Embalming

Before the surgical embalming or cosmetic processes can begin, the body is washed in a disinfectant solution and the limbs are massaged and manipulated to relieve rigor mortis (stiffening of the joints and muscles). Any facial hair is shaved off, unless the person who died wore facial hair.

Setting The Facial Features

The eyes are closed, often using skin glue and/or plastic flesh-colored oval-shaped “eye caps” that sit on the eye and secure the eyelid in place. The mouth is closed and the lower jaw is secured, either by sewing or wires. If the jaw is sewn shut, suture string is threaded through the lower jaw below the gums, up and through the gums of the top front teeth, into the right or left nostril, through the septum, into the other nostril, and back down into the mouth. Then the two ends of suture string are tied together. If the jaw is wired shut, a tool called a needle injector is often used to insert a piece of wire anchored to a needle into the upper and lower jaws. The wires are tied together to securely close the mouth. Once the jaw has been secured, the mouth can be manipulated into the desired arrangement. 

Arterial Embalming

For arterial embalming, the blood is removed from the body via the veins and replaced with an embalming solution via the arteries. The embalming solution is usually a combination of formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, methanol, ethanol, phenol, and water, and may also contain dyes in order to simulate a life-like skin-tone.

Cavity Embalming

For cavity embalming, a small incision is made near the bellybutton and a sharp surgical instrument used for drainage, called a trocar, is inserted into the body cavity. Using the trocar, organs in the chest cavity and abdomen are punctured and drained of gas and fluid contents and then replaced with formaldehyde-based chemical mixtures. The incision is closed, and at this point the body is fully embalmed.

What is Embalming exactly

"An embalmer is someone who takes the measures necessary to preserve a human's remains for a period of time. This may be done so that the deceased will be preserved and make a comfortable appearance for a viewing, or sometimes because state laws simply require that embalming, and the resulting preservation, must be done due to the length of time between the death occurring and the final disposition of the remains. There are also situations when even absent an open casket viewing, a family simply feels better that their loved one's remains be embalmed and preserved prior to disposition."

Tools Used In Embalming

Shaving Materials

Needle Injector

Eye Caps

Cotton

Aneurysm Hooks

Forceps of various sizes

Scissors

Scalpel

Drain Tubes

Drain Tube Hose

Massage Cream

Vaseline

Trocar

Trocar Button

Hypovalve Trocar

Ligature

Needles

Cavity Injector

How A Funeral Home Cosmetically Prepares A Body

After the body is embalmed, cosmetics are applied to the body and the hair is styled to create a more life-like appearance.

Makeup

The amount of makeup that is applied and cosmetic work that is done depends on the condition of the body. In most cases, moisturizing lotion is applied to the face, lips, and hands. Makeup will be applied to the face, neck, and hands in order to make the person look as alive as possible and cover up any blemishes, discoloration, or marks of illness. Powder may be applied in order to keep the body dry and absorb any naturally secreted oils. In some cases, fingernails will be painted with polish.

Hair Styling

The hair will be styled for a life-like appearance. If the person who died wore a wig or toupee, that will be used. The hair may be washed and set, or simply brushed, depending on the situation.

Cosmetic Reconstruction

In cases where the body suffered from a degenerative illness or an injurious accident, cosmetic reconstruction may be necessary. The embalmer will use wax, plaster, cotton, and other materials to return the person's face and body to its earlier form.

Clothing The Deceased

Finally, the body will be dressed in clothing that you have selected and placed in the casket.

How To Choose Clothing For The Deceased

If the person who died will be buried or cremated dressed in clothing or with personal items, you want to collect and bring those items to the funeral home so they can prepare the body. You can choose to dress the body in new clothes that you’ve purchased or clothes that the person who died already owned.

When thinking about how to dress the person, consider what he or she would have liked to have been buried in, such as a favorite or special outfit. While many people are buried in formal attire, feel free to dress the person in any outfits they might have loved, such as a favorite pair of jeans, a lucky hat, or a beloved piece of jewelry.

Religious Considerations

If the funeral will be following any religious or cultural customs, the clothing might be dictated by those rules. Speak to your local religious leaders to learn more about your religion's customs, or see our article Religious Funeral Traditions.

Items To Bring For The Deceased

If the person who died will be buried or cremated with personal items, you’ll want to gather those items before the service and bring them with you to the funeral home before the service or to the funeral service itself. There are no rules or regulations on what a person can or cannot be buried with. Common personal possessions that people are buried with include:

• Family photographs
• Favorite jewelry
• Bibles or other favorite books
• Other sentimental items

If the body will be cremated, remember that all metal must be removed from the body prior to cremation. This includes jewelry, piercings, and belt buckles, which you may have to remove from the body before the cremation.

All You Need To Know About Caskets

Also known as a coffin, a casket contains the body if it's going to be buried or entombed, or as a means of burying cremated remains. It also serves as a respectful and attractive way to transport the body before the burial or cremation.

Casket Materials

Casket materials are primarily stylistic. There is no casket material that can preserve a body forever and no material that improves a casket's basic function.

Caskets are commonly available in the following materials (listed from least to most expensive):

Caskets are also available in alternative materials, such as bamboo, willow, woven banana leaf, and pressed cardboard, among other materials.

Casket Features

Casket features are entirely stylistic. There are no casket features that can preserve a body forever and no features that improve a casket's basic function.

 Common features of caskets include:

• Half couch or full couch, which refers to whether the lid comes in two pieces (half couch) or one piece (full couch). In the case of a viewing, visitation, or an open casket funeral, either the upper half of the body (half couch) or the entire body (full couch) will be on display.
• Interior liners, or fabric lining the inside of the casket, which may be marketed as puncture-resistant and leak-proof, and are generally made out of polyester, satin, or velvet
• Commemorative panels, which are embroidered interiors of the casket lid
• Internal lift hardware, which will tilt the inside of the casket up so that in the case of a viewing, visitation, or open casket funeral the body may be viewed at an angle
• “Memory tube,” which is a small glass tube that screws into the casket. In the event that something should happen to the casket (should the casket become dislodged from its space in a mausoleum or crypt, or unearthed from the ground), the identity of the deceased can be easily known without having to exhume the remains.
• Exterior features, such as handles or ornamentation

Many caskets feature a rubber gasket or some kind of sealer, which provides an air-tight seal between the lid and body of the casket. According to the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule, caskets described as "gasketed," "protective" or "sealer" caskets are designed to protect the casket, not the body, and are features that are never required by law. In fact, a casket that is hermetically sealed increases the rate of body decomposition. And if a casket is to be entombed in a mausoleum or crypt, the cemetery will actually break the rubber seal to prevent accelerated decomposition. The Funeral Rule forbids claims that caskets or special casket features can preserve a body forever.

Cost

Caskets are one of the most expensive purchases of a funeral, and can range in price from $700-$20,000, with average caskets costing between $2000 and $5000. If you will be purchasing a casket from a third-party or online retailer, it’s important to remember that the cost of delivery for the casket may be quite high, and typically ranges from $300-$600.

Rental Casket

If you would like to have a traditional casket at a viewing or funeral service but would not like to purchase the casket, you might consider using a rental casket from the funeral home.

Personal Advocacy

Choosing a casket is entirely a matter of personal choice. Before viewing caskets at a funeral home or casket showroom, you may want to ask for a price list so you can get a sense of the types and prices of the caskets offered, or figure out how much money you’d like to spend before you visit the showroom.

When shopping for a casket, it’s important to remember that you’re being sold a product. Research has shown that when a customer is offered three caskets to choose from, he or she will most often select the casket that is priced in the middle, regardless of how high that price may be. Ask to see a complete casket price list before you are shown any of the caskets; many casket showrooms have less expensive caskets for sale but not for view on the showroom floor. The FTC's Funeral Rule ensures your right to see a complete price list before viewing any caskets.

Where To Purchase Caskets

Caskets can be purchased from funeral homes, casket showrooms, and online retailers. Remember that the FTC’s Funeral Rule guarantees that a funeral home may not refuse or charge a fee for using a casket you purchased elsewhere, including a casket you may have built yourself. 

Life In Quarantine

Been a long while since I wrote here, I haven't been very dedicated to much. Perhaps social media needed a break or I did. I've made a lot of changes in my life, between my journey to happiness and finding love. I've made changes to find the job I want, possibly going back to school and pursuing one of my dreams. 

I spent the summer of 2019 with a boy I thought was my future even though I spent so much time convincing myself he wasn't that I was just going to get hurt again. It was a fun summer not without it's hardships as many things have. We spent time together fishing by the lake, going to the drive in and dancing at the bar while singing together. I suppose I was fooled in the end to thing that when he went back home to Gaspe that I would still have his interest but that faded faster than I thought. 

Someone else found me though; to explain that though I have to explain that I once used a dating site to meet someone and I made a good friend instead. He had spent time in a federal prison and served his time which he thought I would run from but he was a good person in my eyes. From this friend I was introduced to Steve. Someone my friend had spent many year with in prison who has changed his whole life, he's corrected his behavior and we have a lot in common. Now I have to admit I was still in this previous relationship while talking to Steve and that was alright because I never spoke to Steve in a way that would ring any alarms he was a pen pal via phone. We talk for an hour and I wanted to know more about him and he as well wanted to know more about me. 

When things started to decline he confessed to me that he wanted to win me over. I knew part of me really wanted things to work with said previous love but I didn't want to force someone to love me when he didn't have time for me. I spent more time talking to Steve and just let 'other' go on with his life. He never called me, wrote to me, text even and now it's been well over 2 months, it's safe to say that we were done. Steve was quite pleased when I told him he wasn't interested in me anymore. Steve remained empathetic and still let me know that he admired me and wanted to pursue a relationship with me. After a few weeks of calling everyday and writing to each other, I finally decided that I was ready to try. I wanted to wait until I saw him in person and he asked me to be his to say yes but in my heart I wanted the title of being his as well. I'm in a relationship and I'm happy again. 

He's into art and has similar dreams for the future that I have as well as some that I didn't even think of but I'm excited about the changes. He's the closest thing to the one. Since I've been with him I've applied myself more and he even inspired me to follow my dream of writing a children's book for publish. Not only that I did it! It's in the works. With the help of Cheryl I have an Editor reading it for me this week who will give me notes and help me take it to the next level. and Cheryl found me someone who's self published as well so I can't wait to make the connection there. I have a few kids book ideas that I want to see about getting published. 

I'm having some conflicting thoughts though with things, I think my best friend is going through to much. I'm not sure how to handle it or even if I should honestly. I'm worried about everything going on, Steve thinks I shouldn't just recluse myself from it but just be there and listen, but it's getting hard for me to just watch this thing change. I would be fine if it was better but it's a steady decline. I know my friend doesn't fully agree with my decision to be with Steve because he's in prison but there's someone out there for everyone and who would I be living in regret if i walked away from someone I have so much in common with. I want nothing but happiness but there's always something and a friend being hurt even though it's not physical abuse it still makes me mad. The difference is bad, there's so much more going on and I feel there are secrets that I just don't like. 

With this Covid 19 virus and everyone being quarantined i'm going a little stir crazy. Steve is on a different style of lock down so he's going a little nuts without his normal routine. I'm going crazy but trying to find different projects to keep me busy. Looking for things to write, writing new books i've had in my head, making crafts to keep my hands busy, painting, knitting, anything to keep myself occupied. I guess life would be boring if it was easy. Every time I'm finally happy or on that path something comes and shit's on that feeling. Lets see how this goes.

Seventeen is now Eighteen

 So to start on a good note or do you leave on a good note both are sayings but do they conflict with each other? Well either way I will start on life and end on ice cream because ice cream is always good. So as for life I'm trying to live. Life has been hard and I've waited quite a while to write this so I can articulate properly what I have to say. While I'm still not 100% on what to say I'm not going to blow it off anymore. That is what life is about right now for me.

  A personal intro to what's going on right now is that Barry and I are not together anymore due to some personal reasons I don't wish to discuss. But it's been really hard on me yet eye opening at the same time. I didn't realize how much I relied on Barry for things and to be there for me, when I used to be so self sufficient. Even when I was in a 7 year relationship I worked hard and did what I needed to get what I wanted and I didn't really do that with Barry. It's like I was screwed up, and by no means is that Barry's fault at all it's mine for letting that happen. I took a vacation and just never came back from it until it was to late. I had achieved getting a new job with my best friend Dilly at the time and re entered myself into the work force. I met new friends and had so much fun. Eventually Barry's friend Robin got me a better paying job with her at her company which is where I am working now and wouldn't trade for the world. I still see some of my friends from my old job though which is really heart warming.

                                                                                 This post has honestly been a whole year in the making (and then some). So now writing this it's been over a year since myself and Barry have split and we're both with new people which is really great i'm happy again. I really had to pull myself out of some really dark times. My mind was so harmful and not a good place to be. I'm so blessed to have such wonderful friends who were there for me during this time as well like Dubeau and Cheryl. I don't know what I would have done without them.                                                                                             Break ups are honestly hard but I think it's all about how you approach your mindset when it comes down to it. There really are stages to these things and I had to really take a good hard look at what I wanted, where I wanted to be and who I wanted to be. I didn't know who I was anymore and that's never been me. I've never been one to sugar coat things and hide who I am as a person and now I have this new lease on life to just be out there. I haven't smiled so much in such a long time.

I found such a wonderful man to spend times with who has so much passion for life that it gives me hope that I can be that positive as well. My best friend Dubeau is also reinforcing that feeling as well he's so positive about life and makes me feel like I can do anything. You need amazing people like that in your life. cut out the negative vibes and put in the positive ones. Everyone should just uplift others instead of putting them down. I'm excited to see what this year will have in store for me. 

Saying goodbye to 2017 and hello to 2018. I Need ICE CREAM!