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6 Ways to Escape the Friend Zone

Matt Christensen — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Tired of being just friends with someone you’ve secretly got a crush on? One of the more self-defeating relationship patterns today is the dreaded “Friend Zone,” which is basically the equivalent in dating of consigning yourself to a museum — you can look, but don’t you dare touch. If you’ve been confined to this prison, don’t fret, though — the game isn’t over yet, and there are escape routes. And, much like the ending of The Shawshank Redemption (spoiler alert), the way may be messy, but well worth the smell of freedom. Here’s how to fast-track your way to more romantic success.

TIP	TIP
Start Saying “No”	If you want her to see you as more than a friend, you’ve got to put up walls she’ll want to peek over. Don’t be available at her every beck and call. Saying “no” will also make her appreciate the times you do say “yes,” which will inevitably work in your favor.
Be Independent	One of the least attractive traits is clinginess. If she sees you as nothing more than a pesky dryer sheet, there’s no way she’s going to exile you from the friend zone. Show her you can be independent by making and keeping plans without her, then telling her how awesome they were the next day. Jealousy is a stinky cologne, but it works.
Don’t Get Desperate	This one should be obvious, because it’s the simplest of the six ways to escape the friend zone — sometimes you get trapped in that ethereal relationship feedback loop where you’re trying to dig yourself out of that spot, but you keep digging yourself deeper. The point is: Don’t beg, and don’t be afraid to take a step back, set some boundaries, and be more aloof – you know what they say about people wanting what they can’t have, and a little distance can help. What’s more, if you show too much desperation, you might not even survive the position you are in to begin with.
Don’t Complain	Sure, you can vent to your other close friends — maybe they’re stuck in similar predicaments. But keep things close to your chest when it comes to your frustrations with her. It’ll get real awkward real fast if you start complaining about your relationship with her — so awkward that you might even completely vaporize it off the face of the Earth.
Hang Out With Other Girls	See, now this one sounds fun, doesn’t it? And, it works! Just like showing your independence, showing you can have your own female friends will entice her with your sudden desirability. So, go out of your way to make some! Just don’t end up a friend zone local with them, too.
Surprise Her	No, not with flowers, candies or small puppies. Surprise her by showing her a different side. Create some mystery. Do things she doesn’t expect. Does she assume you’ll be home on a Friday night? Go out! Does she assume you care what happened on This Is Us? Don’t watch it this week. The point is, she’s already gotten to know a side of you that’s been confined to the Friend Zone–show her that another one exists. She might like what she sees.

Cheat Sheet

There are more than just six ways to escape the dreaded friend zone. Strategize your way out at these links:

Psychology Today — Escape The Friend Zone: From Friend to Girlfriend or Boyfriend
Men’s Fitness — Is There a Safe Way to Escape the Friend Zone?
Complex — Here’s How to Escape the “Friend Zone,” According to Science

How to Take Advantage of Your Layover

Suzanne Ciechalski — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 05:00:00 +0000

If you’re a frequent traveler, learning how to make the most of your layover is an essential skill – downtime, connections, and waits are all part of the vacation or business trip experience. Sometimes layovers are planned (when you get a discount price or tickets) and sometimes they come as a surprise to us (a missed connection or reroute no one saw coming), but nothing’s stopping you from turning them into opportunities to explore and have fun. Here are several expert hints and on how to get more out of potential downtime, and how to make the most of your layover.

Pick the Right Destination

You’re probably saving a pretty penny by choosing a flight with a layover, so why not try to at least pick a layover destination where you’ll enjoy being stuck? Make the most of your time by planning to spend downtime in an interesting city where you can check out award-winning local restaurants or hit up some signature stores and collect one of a kind souvenirs. Just don’t forget to leave yourself some time to make it back to the airport for your next flight.

Get Your Grub On

Yes, the point of accepting a connecting flight and dealing with a layover is to save money, but if you’re going to sit around twiddling your thumbs for a few hours, you might as well treat yourself to a delicious and filling meal. Airport cuisine isn’t typically known for its quality, but that doesn’t mean you can’t eat like a king – many terminals at major cities now offer high-end restaurants and fine dining establishments to frequent. A little up-front research online can help you locate great spots to eat.

Allow Room for Rest

If you’re traveling for work or going on vacation, make sure you allow yourself time to grab a little extra rest and relaxation. You can even rent a room or AirBNB nearby to get some peace and quiet. Sometimes, overnighting at a destination can save you a considerable amount of cash (especially if you pair a couple of value-priced one-way flights) and give you some much-needed downtime while on the road.

Read Up

Nothing is better than curling up with a good book — even if you’re curling up in an airport and digging in (don’t think of it as a layover at all, but an opportunity). Save a book you’ve been dying to read for this moment, or grab something fascinating off Amazon or iTunes on-demand to make the most of your layover. Grab a snack, find a quiet area (hint: lounges make a great pitstop), and start turning pages.

Explore Your Environment

Why not have a little adventure at an airport you’ve never visited before? Oftentimes, a brief walk through different terminals will help you discover art exhibits, arcades, massage stations, gardens, restaurants, play areas for children and more. You can kill a decent chunk of time just exploring any given airport’s various amenities.

Window Shops

Many airport kiosks and storefronts for shopping. Why not take the time to check out all their wares? Some even offer premium shopping outlets to browse and buy high-end clothes and accessories at. You don’t even have to spend money to have fun: Sometimes, window-shopping can be just as fun as breaking out your credit card, and help you burn hours of time rather than sitting around bored.

Cheat Sheets

Don’t let downtime kill your wandering spirit. Learn more about how to make the most of your layover.

Lonely Planet — 10 Ways to Kill Time at the Airport
The New York Times — How to Make the Most of a Layover
Smarter Travel — Airport Layovers: 9 Ways to Make the Most of Your Layover

Best Hotel Brands in the World

Christina Elia — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 05:00:00 +0000

What are the best hotels in the world? When it comes to booking a stay at a property, there are several top brand names that you should keep an eye out for. After all, features like great service, picturesque locations, modern architecture, and unique amenities and activities help define these organizations and their properties, and you don’t want to settle. Fortunately, the best hotels in the world – e.g. St. Regis, Aman, and Belmond – won’t leave you disappointed.

Aman	Aman means peace, safety, or security in Sanskrit, and that’s exactly the type of service that Aman hotels provide. The chain has 31 hotels in over 20 countries, and with worldwide locations like India, Tokyo, Japan, Greece, Sri Lanka, and those a bit closer to home like New York, the possibilities are endless. Plus, when you book through a website like Virtuoso, you can get amenities like a room upgrade, a daily continental breakfast, early check-in and late check-out, and even a free massage.
The Peninsula Hotels	When it comes to traveling in Asia, The Peninsula Hotels ranks among the best hotels in the world. Locations include Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, Bangkok, Manila, and more. There’s also some properties that are U.S-based, such as those in New York, Chicago, or Beverly Hills. Amenities usually include complimentary transportation, spa trips. Occasional specials include free room upgrades, breakfast, and other perks like late check-out times.
One & Only	One & Only remains one of the best luxury hotels around the globe, and not only does it offer impeccable service, but the ambiance is always on-par and authentic to the location. You’ll find must-see hotels in places like the Maldives, Cape Town, Bahamas, Los Cabos, Dubai, Rwanda, and more. Activities like horseback riding make it a great option for the whole family, and you’ll be able to taste food from some of the best chefs in the world. Other features include a spa and deals like 10% off 3 night stays up to 35% off 10 night stays if you book during the holiday season.
Rosewood	Rosewood hotels focus on environmental sustainability, hospitality, and a “sense of place” environment. All of the properties are resident-style, in an attempt to seamlessly blend into the surrounding countries. Famous locations include The Carlyle in New York and Hotel de Crillon in Paris, but there are also others in places like Bermuda, Riviera Maya, Abu Dhabi, Hoi An, Bangok, Vienna, Tuscany, Hong Kong, and more. Enjoy golf courses, spas, family-oriented boat rides, and a program called a Sense of Taste, available at all branches, that explores genuine cuisine and dining experiences both on property and off property locations.
Six Senses	The name Six Senses is practically synonymous with a unique hotel experience. Locations are exquisite, the designs are always a distinct mixture of eco-friendly and chic, and the service and attention to detail can’t be beat. These resorts can be found worldwide, with locations in Thailand, Vietnam, Oman, Portugal, Turkey, China, and Maldives. The main focus here is wellness, with eclectic features like in-house stress tests and discussions of sleep health. And, all of the locations put a heavy focus spa services. Get pampered with hot stone massages, 24k gold facials, and even cleansing rituals like the Detox Cleansing Ritual, which uses salt, seaweed, and lemon to detoxify the body.
Belmond	Belmond isn’t just limited to hotels – the brand also offers river cruises and train rides, making it a good option when it comes to traveling in general. Stay in hotels in places like St. Petersburg, Venice, Botswana, go on train trips through Peru, Ireland, or Scotland, or take a river cruise through France or Myanmar. Either way, you’ll find the experience goes beyond what you’d expect from a luxury hotel, with attentive service and amenities and activities like a Lemon Tour on the Amalfi Coast, kayaking in Thailand, and painting and farm tours in Cape Town.
Auberge Resorts	Rejuvenation is key at Auberge. All the properties boast five-star spas, complimentary yoga classes, hot springs, and soaking pools for you to relax in. And, you can’t forget to take advantage of the world-class dining, like the Peach Ceviche bar, which showcases citrus-cured seafood with Latin American and Asian inspiration. Locations include Los Cabos, Nicaragua, Aspen, Fiji, and Napa Valley.
St. Regis	St. Regis is the only hotel brand that still offers butler service at every single location. The ambiance is sophisticated and classic, while still managing to be modern; extra touches like fresh flowers or jazz music make the experience unforgettable; and the personalized service here is unprecedented. Butlers will unpack your suitcase, iron your clothes, and even deliver you food and drinks. Locations include New York, Aspen, Abu Dhabi, Dublin, Tel Aviv, and more.
Four Seasons	With more than 100 properties on five continents, Four Seasons is one of the most well-known luxury hotel brands, and offers some of the best hotels in the world. There are locations scattered across the U.S, like New York, L.A, Miami, and Seattle, as well as international locations situated at hotspots like Budapest, Kuwait, Singapore, and Sydney. You can even book a trip to places like Dubai or St. Petersburg on a luxurious jet, which comes with personal concierge service, an onboard chef, a valet, and more. Amenities at most locations include a spa, an in-house gym, a pool, and dining from restaurants like Charlie Palmer Steak or Mei Ume.
Ritz-Carlton	The Ritz has been dedicated to giving patrons outstanding service since it opened its doors in 1983. At the New York location, guests are greeted by carriage horses, and many other locations around the world have elegant touches like Czechoslovakian blue chandeliers. Locations include Bali, Kairo, Vienna, Moscow, Milan, and more, in addition to U.S cities like Boston, NYC, L.A, Philadelphia, St. Louis, etc. There’s even a reward system where you can accrue points for airline miles or room stays and put them towards your next purchase. Plus, members get reduced rates.

Cheat Sheet

For more on the best hotels in the world, also see:

Travel + Leisure – Top 15 Hotel Brands
The Luxury Travel Expert – Top 10: Best Luxury Hotel Brands in the World
CNN Travel – Top 10 Hotel Brands

8 Ways to Be More Organized and Effective

Suzanne Ciechalski — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 05:00:00 +0000

New year, new me — we all know how it goes. Everyone wants to believe that they’ll make changes, to be more on the ball when the New Year rolls around, and a “fresh start” comes with it. But why wait until January to get more organized, and get your life in order? In fact, studies show that 80% of New Year’s resolutions go down the drain by February. How can you ensure that you don’t become another statistic this year? Here are some tips to get more organized and effective to make those resolutions stick, no matter if you choose to make them year-round.

Make a Routine

Even if it’s simple — work, gym, dinner, sleep — it’s helpful to follow one. If you have to be up for work by 5AM, aim to be in bed by 9PM to get as close to eight hours of sleep. Bring your workout clothes in a separate bag and leave in your car so you can go from work to the gym (or vice versa) to keep you on track of your fitness goals.

Plan Ahead

Your trainer says this to you while you’re struggling through burpees, but when you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Try to make any major plans for the upcoming week by Sunday. Prep your weekday meals by grocery shopping and cooking over the weekend, so you’re not spending extra money —or going off your food plan—with takeout.

Set Short-Term Goals

Having something to strive for is way more helpful than you think. But entering a marathon might seems daunting if you haven’t run one before. Take baby steps. Think about what you’d like to accomplish for the week—even if it’s going to the dry cleaner—and build from there.

Stay Positive

Being a pessimist is incredibly detrimental to your self-growth. The moment you doubt the process, chances are you probably won’t achieve that goal. Positive reinforcement is crucial, especially for yourself: Be sure to surround yourself with people that are positive and supportive of you as well.

Eat the Frog

In other words, stop procrastinating. Delaying the inevitable can throw off your schedule. Tackle that report that’s due in two weeks today. Make that phone call you’ve pushed off for the last few days. Actually make plans with that person you text “Let’s hang out soon!” every few months.

Clean Up

Having an organized space will help you think better. Throw out old junk that you don’t need anymore. Put important papers away, or in a place for safekeeping. Every few weeks, do a deep clean in all of your spaces at home or at work.

Manage Your Money

If there’s one thing that causes infinite amounts of stress, it’s money. There are tons of money-saving apps to help you budget and save. If your job offers a 401K, sign up for it (and if they match your savings, take full advantage of potential contributions). On a short-term base, set aside a little bit of your paycheck (like 10 or 20 percent) for play.

Don’t Forget to Breathe

As much as planning ahead will be helpful in the long run when it comes to being more organized and effective, sometimes you just need to cool off and take a break. Make time to do something you enjoy, whether it’s reading a book, watching Netflix, or baking – a recharge will come in handy on a routine basis.

Cheat Sheet

Need more tips to a better you? These links can help you.

Inc. – 6 Powerfully Effective Hacks to Get Organized Right Now
U.S. News – Why 80 Percent of New Year’s Resolutions Fail
Keep Inspiring.Me – 20 Ways to Organize Your Life Now

10 Best Travel Websites That Can Save You Money

Suzanne Ciechalski — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 05:00:00 +0000

While the thought of planning your next getaway is exciting, there’s nothing worse than looking up a flight online and seeing a price you so totally can’t afford. Sometimes, it seems like a vacation is impossible. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The internet gets your pain. There are some sites out there made to help you save. You just need to know where to look. Bookmark these sites the next time wanderlust strikes (or when you’re about to lose your vacation days at work.)

Name	Description
Kayak	Enter your destinations into Kayak’s search engine, and watch the price and travel aggregator go to work for you. The website takes your information and searches through tons of flights throughout the Internet to find the cheapest one. It can also help you find one-way tickets that end up being cheaper than a round trip ticket.
Google Flights	Google Flights takes the Internet search engine’s sleek design and turns it into an easy-to-navigate flight search engine. You can browse for whatever flight you wish, or take a swing through the site’s various destination suggestions that also show the best deals on airfare.
Hopper	Hopper’s tagline says it all: “Know when to fly and buy.” This popular app – among the best travel apps and websites that can save you money – lets you enter where you want to travel into its system and then tells you whether you should buy the tickets then or keep waiting for a lower price. In the meantime, it will keep track of prices for you and alert you when deals arise.
DealRay	If you fly frequently for work, and have to get reimbursed for your travel, then this is your website. Use DealRay to sign up for instant notifications on deals for flights nationally and internationally. However, the site comes at a price of $9.99 a month. But being the first to know about cheap flights may prove a bargain in the head.
Airfare Watchdog	As soon as you log onto Airfare Watchdog, the website will display tons of cheap flights from the nearest city. Enter your email address to get alerts on the cheapest airfare the site can find or check out the top airfare deals of the day in case you’re traveling on a whim.
Fareness	For people without set plans (or who hate planning) this site could be just the solution you need. Fareness actually lets you select different travel themes, such as beaches, US cities, or continents, and then shows you the best flight deals available from your location to various areas.
Momondo	Use Momondo to check and compare different airline rates to find the best deal. It’s entirely free and browses through “billions” of prices. It also shows you the most searched-for destinations, airlines and more.
WebFlyer	Calling all frequent flyers — this one’s for you! Use the mileage converter here to figure out whether it’s worth it to transfer your miles or points to a new program. Or, calculate how many miles you’ll earn shuttling between different airports.
The Flight Deal	The Flight Deal will show you various locations to travel to, along with cheap airline fare. It suggests which airlines to fly, and how to purchase tickets. Then you can compare/contrast how you want to fly without all the tedious research.
Yapta	Yapta tracks airline pricing and, according to its website, claims it has already “identified over $550 million in savings for travelers.” It will let you know if a flight price goes down within 24 hours and if it makes sense financially to rebook and save money.

CHEAT SHEET

To find out more about the best travel websites that can save you money, check out the links below:

The Points Guy – 10 Best Websites to Find Cheap Airfare
Insider – The Only 3 Websites You Should Use to Save a Ton of Money on Flights
Kiplinger – 31 Best Travel Sites to Save You Money
Thrillist – 8 Cheap Flight Sites That Save You the Most

Top Dating Tips For Men

Suzanne Ciechalski — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 05:00:00 +0000

When it comes to dating, there are almost no wrong or right answers — but what women want is the eternal question, so we put together a list of 7 dating tips from women for men to help things along. We all wish there was a secret book full of answers to all of our dating questions. Luckily for guys, when it comes down to it, there are some things that pretty much all women can agree on when it comes to dating. Some of our girl friends stepped up to the plate, and we have put together a short list of things you may want to consider next time you meet someone. Here’s what women want: 7 dating tips from women for men.

1) Communicate

This isn’t a hard one, but it isn’t always easily executed. Sometimes it feels like guys can be closed off, and we end up being the only one expressing ourselves. It’s super important for men to be open about what they think and feel, too. It’s better for everyone in the long run.

2) Be honest

You’re dating, not married, which means you’re likely just getting to know each other. Don’t try to make yourself seem like someone you’re not, and don’t agree to things you aren’t comfortable with. All we want is to know the real you, and we’d rather not drag you around to events or make you watch things you aren’t interested in. There’s no need to pretend; just be real.

3) Listen

Like communicating, listening is key. What women want, at least according to our 7 dating tips from women to men has something to do with something a friend once said: “Nothing is worse than a guy who can’t make conversation.” Pay attention while she’s talking, and try to hold your own in conversation; ask a few questions, too, based off of her answers. You’re getting to know each other, after all.

4) Don’t be possessive

Especially when you first begin dating. Being possessive is one of the worst attributes and no one enjoys it, men or women. Trust is the foundation of all relationships, so don’t start out by acting controlling or possessive. She had a life before you, and she isn’t going to stop living that life just because you’re in the picture now.

5) Make plans

Some people are homebodies and would prefer to stay home watching Netflix and ordering in; that’s fine. But you should make the effort to plan a date or some type of night out for the two of you to enjoy. Not having to make decisions or be the one to plan a cute date is a win in our book.

6) Pay attention to what she likes

Obviously this is important because you’re dating and want to be able to connect with her. But it really does make a difference. Maybe it’s her style, or the type of books she likes to read. If you’re able to make connections and say “Hey, I think you’d like this book,” or “I saw these socks and felt like they’re something you’d like.” It may seem small, but it goes a long way.

7) Just be you

Don’t try to make yourself seem like someone you’re not. There’s this whole idea that women eventually find out everything so you better not lie to us, and let’s be real, it’s pretty true. We aren’t dating you for the person you pretend to be; we’re dating you for you. So don’t worry about coming off as the “cool guy.” Just be yourself.

Cheat Sheet

We aren’t the only ones trying to give out some dating tips. Here are a few more places to help you out, beyond our list of what women want: 7 dating tips from women for men”:

Cosmopolitan — 10 Things Every Woman Wishes Guys Would Notice About Her
Thought Catalog — 10 Things Girls REALLY Want From Guys
The Guardian Soulmates — Top Dating Tips for Men (By a Woman)

10 Ways to Be More Likeable at Work

Victoria Cairl — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Unlike your mom, not everyone is going to love you unconditionally, especially at the office — but there are several to be more likeable at work if you’re willing to put in just a tad more effort. Sometimes our roles as taskmaster can make us seem villainous in a colleague’s eye; other times we have a disagreement with a co-worker that we think has been resolved, but is met with lingering resentment. In all cases, not all is lost. Here are 10 hints, tips, and pieces of advice you can apply to be more likeable at work, to win over the people in your office, and be a better communicator and leader overall

Be Kind: Everyone needs to work together. Be the person people want to work alongside. Say good morning. Smile at someone when you see them. Hold that elevator door.

Be Calm: Try to stay centered while the world swirls around you. When a crisis arises, step back from it and offer perspective. Be the shelter in the storm, the rock for the team. Everyone needs that person.

Be Genuine: Fake compliments get you nowhere (and are not one of the top 10 ways to be more likeable at work). If you like something that someone has done, said, or contributed, let them know. Say it to them personally or drop them a note. If you disagree with someone, say so and explain yourself. Be yourself and others will respect it.

Be a Contributor: What can you bring to the team that no one else can? How can you help make your business grow and succeed daily? Figure it out and do that. There is always one person in a company and no one is quite sure what they do. Don’t be that person – bring your best work to the table.

Be Reliable: Answer that email. Come through on that presentation. Don’t forget to pick up the pies that you promised you would pick up for the party. We are all busy and can present our best work to the outside world or our superiors. Let your peers know you have their backs no matter what.

Be a Connector: Everyone has a friend who can recommend the best bars or the neighbor who knows the best plumber. Be that person at work. Do you know a former intern who’s looking for a job and a manager who needs a new assistant? Make that connection and change two people’s lives for the better.

Be a Good Listener: Always be ready to hear someone out. Often, the people who come to you won’t want advice, they just want someone to pay attention. Listen and you will be loved.

Be Vulnerable: We spill coffee on ourselves far too often. That’s why stain sticks were invented. No one’s perfect. We are all human, and so are you. Don’t hide it. It’s in the imperfections that we become approachable and relatable.

Be a Team Player: You are only as good as your team. You don’t have to be best friends with everyone on it, but you do need to show up when everyone needs you and support your teammates.

Be There: If you can’t make the meeting, be in the open space alongside everyone else. Make yourself available for your direct reports by taking their calls and answering their emails. Be around physically or mentally if they need help and there if someone simply needs advice.

Cheat Sheet

To find out more ways to be more likable at work, and a better leader, also check out:

The Muse — 12 Ways to Become a More Likable Person at Work—Starting Right Now
Business Insider — Psychologist Shares the Secret to Making Friends at Work
Inc — 7 Easy Ways to Become More Likable at Work

Internet Slang and Online Terms: A Dictionary

Tim Stanton — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Abbreviated messages have been a part of our language since the Pony Express, but they’ve experienced a massive resurgence with the advent of high-tech communications tools like instant messenger programs, texting, and social networks. As with previous generations who sent telegrams, users of modern technology often try to compress as much information into as little space as possible. Some solutions, like Twitter, are actually specifically designed to facilitate the exchange of short messages, while others, like phone-to-phone texting, are limited in length by necessity because transmitting each character literally costs the carrier money.

The most popular messaging services today oftentimes happen to be some of the newest, but the lingo has changed very little from the earliest days of the Internet. Following is a guide to common high-tech slang, shorthand and abbreviations that should help you translate these missives back into common English.

Here’s a sample of several common terms you should be aware of, as we discuss in bestselling book Parenting High-Tech Kids: The Ultimate Internet, Web, and Online Safety Guide:

- ABT: About
- Addy: Address
- BBL: Be back later
- BFF: Best friends forever
- BFN/B4N: Bye for now
- BRB: Be right back
- BKA: Better known as
- BTW: By the way
- CYA: See ya
- CYE: Check your email
- FB: Facebook
- FUBAR: F***** up beyond all recognition
- FML: For my loss (something happened that negatively affected me)
- FTW: For the win!
- FYEO: For your eyes only
- G2G: Got to go
- GTFO: Get the f*** out
- GTK: Good to know
- IDK: I don’t know
- IMHO: In my humble/honest opinion
- IMO: In my opinion
- J/K: Just kidding
- K: OK
- Kewl: Cool
- L8R: Later (as in good bye)
- LMAO: Laughing my a** off
- LMK: Let me know
- LOL: Laughing out loud
- noob: A newbie, or amateur
- OMG: Oh my gosh
- OTL: Out to lunch
- Pix: Pictures
- ROFL: Rolling on the floor laughing
- RT: Real time
- SMH: Shake my head
- Srsly: Seriously?
- STFU: Shut the f*** up
- Thx: Thanks
- TL;DR: Too long; didn’t read
- TTYL: Talk to you later
- WIIFM: What’s in it for me?
- <3 :Shape of a heart – love
- : Smiley face
- : Big grin
- : Frown
- : Silly face
- : Surprise or shock

(For more lists like this, make sure to check sites like NetLingo and NoSlang.com.)

How to Plan a Last-Minute Vacation

Damon Brown — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Getting out of town used to require lots of planning, details, and maybe even a travel agent — but today, we can show you how to plan a last-minute vacation in minutes. Trust us, these days, you can leave now — like, right now — and pop up in a different city, if not a different continent, with little hassle. The rub is that without some advance planning and research, you could be dropping significant cash to support your last-minute itch. Instead, use technology as well as smart strategy to get on the road while keeping your wallet intact as you learn how to plan the perfect last-minute vacation.

Go During the Off-Season

You can get to destinations much faster and cheaper if everyone else isn’t trying to get there at the same time! It may mean traveling to Paris in winter rather than springtime, or to Seattle during the rainy season instead of the summertime. You’ll beat the scramble, easily see the usually-crowded sights and, of course, save serious money by doing so.

Here’s the big question to ask yourself: What can you do at these hotspots during the off-season? Paris offers incredible museums and food culture, neither of which require beautiful weather to experience, for example, and Seattle rains most of the year, so the entire city is built to be enjoyed year-round despite cloudy skies.

Use Points and Awards

Last-minute trips can get super expensive because airlines, trains, hotels and other travel companies price trips based on how many options you have. Booking a ticket a year in advance means you have months to check out competitors. Scheduling one a few days in advance means having to pay whatever they are charging.

This is where frequent traveler points come in handy. Unlike cash, the points required to grab a specific seat or room rarely fluctuate as the date of travel gets closer. You will likely pay, say, 25,000 points for the same seat whether you’re looking at booking it for next year or next week. The big caveat is that often only a certain number of seats or rooms are reserved for points purchasers – which means once they are gone, you’ll have to pay out of pocket.

Grab Last-Minute Discounts

Planning your hotel at the last minute can be a huge asset, especially if you start using smart technology. Hotels don’t get paid for an empty room, and, similar to cheap Broadway theatre tickets that are available at the last minute (pro tip: check various apps and websites for discounts), companies are often quick to give you a bargain to get some money in-hand.

Apps like Hotel Tonight let you book as late as the night of your stay, as do well-known travel portals like Travelocity. Leveraging these tools is key in learning how to plan a last-minute vacation just right. Sign up for notifications to make sure you’re aware of any short-notice deals. Hotel chains themselves have become more savvy, too, offering cheaper prices to traveler points members as well as users of their proprietary apps.

Be Flexible

Need to leave town for a little bit? Focus on the price and a few key experiences you’d like to have. If you’re flexible on where you’re headed and when you can travel, it may be possible to hit the same highlights, like laying on the beach in Long Beach as you could in Miami Beach, at a fraction of the price and hassle to get there.

Decide on your intentions and then take your time to narrow down your destination choices. The more you focus on the desired experience, the more options you’ll have based on your resources.

7 Worst First Date Mistakes to Avoid

Regina Bresler — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Deal breakers: We’ve all got them, and while there are many more than seven first date mistakes to avoid, we’ve set the most common traps out here for you, so you can plan ahead and be prepared. Most people know them when they see them, but even more fall into them – don’t be that guy or girl others are on the hunt to avoid. Here’s a quick rundown of vibe-killers and first date faux pas that are easily avoided with a little forethought and effort. Read on to learn more about the most common first date mistakes to avoid.

Being Late — Being a few minutes late to work or meeting friends for brunch on occasion happens, but being late for a date counts as bad behavior. When you stroll in 30 minutes late, you’re signaling that you’re not taking the date seriously. Pull it together (or leave early) at least for date Number One – you know what they say about making a first impression.

Talking About Your Ex — No, just… no. No matter how you put it, bringing up your ex will make you sound like you’re either bitter or hung-up on a lover. Either way you’re verbally creating a forcefield around yourself. A first date is your first chance to build a romantic connection: Don’t waste it by focusing on an already failed relationship. If the date goes well, you’ll have plenty of time to reveal your hang-ups and compare notes on exes and regrets later.

Monopolizing the Conversation — It’s really hard to to connect with someone who is busy conducting a monologue. While you may live a fascinating life, you don’t have to perform a one-man-show to prove it. Conversations should be an open exchange of ideas and information, so share some things about yourself, but also make sure to engage your date and ask questions about them so that they’re able to share their own thoughts with you. Amazingly, this is one of the biggest and most common first date mistakes to avoid.

Being a Drag — Worse than monopolizing the convo? Not really saying much at all. Dates aren’t mandatory attendance work seminars, you can’t just get away with showing up and nodding occasionally. If you’re not talking, asking questions, or really even paying much attention to your date, you’re being a total bummer. If you don’t feel the vibe, be gracious, thank your date for meeting up, and excuse yourself. You’re not doing anyone any favors by sitting across from them looking bored.

Bragging About Money — Did you just finance a Wraith? Do a month of Michelin-starred tasting menus as a New Year’s resolution? First of all: That sounds awesome. Second: Stop bragging. There are ways to talk about your accomplishments and points of interest in your life without sounding like a total tool. Name-dropping every celebrity you’ve ever met and referencing how much aspects of your outfit cost isn’t endearing.

Wandering Eye — It’s only a first date, not a committed relationship, but don’t be impolite. Be present. Catching a glimpse of an attractive stranger is one thing, but scanning the room for a better option is just rude.

Phone Fetish — Speaking of being present, staring at your phone is almost worse than flirting with the bartender. Your phone will be there after the date ends. Don’t spend the whole time you should be getting to know that someone special scrolling through your feeds and checking to see if the sexy stranger across the room is on the same dating app as you.

Cheat Sheet

Are you afraid of making rookie mistakes on your upcoming first date? Avoid them by reading more about the worst first date mistakes to avoid below:

Lifehacker — The Worst First Date Mistakes and How to Bounce Back
Business Insider — The Biggest Mistakes People Make on First Dates
Bustle — The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make On First Dates, According To Experts