HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIAH CAREY!!

Mariah Carey (born March 27, 1970) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, and philanthropist.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESSIE J !

Buying Jeans: How to Find the Perfect Pair

Jeans are a wardrobe staple for every woman. Unfortunately, jeans are also one of the most challenging pieces of clothing for which to shop. But with the right mindset and a few simple strategies in place, shopping for jeans can actually be productive and fun.

Viva Variety: Allow Enough Dressing Room Time

The key to denim shopping is to allow yourself time to find the right pair. In most cases you are not going to find a perfect fit at the first store, so remain open minded and confident that even if the first store doesn't have what you are looking for, those perfect jeans are out there waiting for you. Give yourself at least 45 minutes at each store and try to visit 3 or more stores to make sure you try a variety of jeans.

Trying a variety of jeans will help you understand which styles work best for your body. A brand that looks great on your friend might not work for you. Try different washes and cuts. Experiment with the weight of the material and how much, if any, stretch or spandex you want in the mix. Sometimes jeans with a bit of spandex will help lift your rear or hold in your tummy. Too much and it might feel like the jeans are sticking to every curve you have.

Don't Buy Trendy Unless it is Flattering

When you're jeans shopping, you will definitely see a lot of different trends: skinny jeans, jeans with flared bottoms and even jeans with sparkly or textural embellishments. Give these trends a try if you like, but don't buy a trendy jean unless it is truly flattering for your figure and you are OK with purchasing a jean that may only survive a year or so before it becomes outdated.

It's important to not let yourself get upset if you don't look amazing in a trendy jean. Not all trends work for all body types. Curvy women may have a tough time with skinny jeans and petite women may look like they've been swallowed up by the high-rise, wide-leg looks. Trends come and go. Flattering jeans are an essential regardless of current fads.

Be Open to Tailoring

When you are buying jeans, focus on fitting the biggest part of your body first. If that is your thighs, for example, start with curvier cuts. If you have very long legs, start with long, straight styles.

Once you have found jeans that fit the biggest part of your body, inquire about tailoring. Many department stores and denim boutiques will offer tailoring. If not, take the jeans to your own tailor. Jeans can be altered a great deal to fit your body perfectly. Waists can be taken in, legs can be narrowed and hems can be shortened.

One good tip: Wash your jeans before having them tailored so that they shrink before any alterations are done. Hemming a pair of brand new jeans and then washing them can leave you with a much shorter length than you intended.

Buy Jeans for Your Body Type

Take your body type into consideration when shopping for jeans. A boot cut jean is the most universally flattering style, but even boot cut does not work for everyone. If you are petite or have disproportionately short legs, a boot cut can make your legs look shorter. Conversely, boot cut often works well for curvier women because it appears to elongate the leg.

Women with narrow hips and straight figures should opt for straight cut jeans or skinny jeans. These women can also usually pull off lower rises in their jeans. A low rise helps to give the appearance of a longer waist.

Curvier women should stick to jeans with a higher rise. Many brands make a curvy cut that has more room in the hips and thighs. Focus on fitting your jeans through the hip, thigh and rear area and then alter from there. Take in the legs and waist, if necessary.

If you are a plus size woman, the key is to find a jean with higher, larger pockets on the rear. This will help make your rear look smaller. Dark washes are also more flattering, as are long jeans with heels.

Pay Attention to Purpose

When you are shopping for jeans, take into consideration where you will be wearing them. If you need jeans for the office, look for a trouser fit with a high rise and a front crease. The jeans should be business appropriate with no holes or frayed seams.

Purchase a pair of jeans to wear with heels for dressier occasions or to wear at the office. Hem them so that they hit the bridge of your foot when you are wearing heels or boots. You should also buy a pair of jeans to wear with flats or sneakers. If you wear your longer jeans with flat shoes, soon the hem will start to fray and look messy.

Also, pay attention to age appropriateness when shopping for denim. Embellishments like decorations, holes and purposely frayed edges look best on a younger person. Older women may opt to keep it simple with a more tailored, less messy look.

Be Price Point Savvy: The Varying Cost of Jeans

The cost of jeans can run from $30 to $50 per pair to more than $200. Shop a variety of price points and you may be pleasantly surprised that less expensive jeans fit you well. If you have your heart set on an expensive pair, luckily denim is quite durable, and you will usually get years of wear from your jeans. The more expensive the jeans, the more important it is to buy a pair that you can wear for a variety of occasions. Try not to blow your entire jeans budget on a trendy pair that you will only wear for one season.

Jeans are a key wardrobe item for most women. Their versatility and comfort make them the go-to items in your closet. You can dress them up for a night on the town or for a day at the office. They can also be paired with a t-shirt and sneakers for a comfortable weekend outfit.

Finding the perfect pair is tough, but if you spend some time looking, take your body type into consideration and find a tailor who can alter the jeans to fit you perfectly, your favorite jeans can last a lifetime.

Burning Candles: Light Up Your Life!

Nothing warms up the ambience of a room in winter faster than a romantic, deliciously-scented candle.

Although you might be familiar with the fact that you can buy candles smelling of exotic fruits and musk, fresh cake, ginger soufflé, and every sweet flower, you might not be as well-versed in the care and upkeep of these beautiful accoutrements.

For tips on burning candles, read the following: 

• You should never blow out burning candles. Snuffing it out cuts the risk of blowing droplets of wax on the furniture and carpeting.
• The myth that's going around about storing candles in the freezer to help them burn longer and not drip is NOT TRUE! The extreme cold will cause the candle to crack, and the moisture on the wick will make it difficult to light. You can, however, wrap your candles in foil or plastic wrap before storing them in the refrigerator where it is cool and dry.
• If you smell a candle in the store, and it smells just right under your nose, chances are it will not smell stronger when it burns! If you smell a candle that almost smells too strong, it will probably smell just right when burning.
• If you buy a candle and don't like how it smells, burn another right next to it. Chances are the combination will be more to your liking.
• Allow a candle to burn long enough so the pool of melted wax burns almost the full circumference of the candle. Burning candles have a memory. Once the melt pool reaches the edge of the diameter of the burning candles, extinguish it and let the burning candles set. Then you can relight.
• Trim the wicks to ¼ inch and retrim before each burn. How long the wick is determines how high the flame rises. Trimming the wick will also prevent soot from filling the container while burning candles .
• Keep your candles away from drafts that can cause your candle to burn on one side. Rotate your burning candles if you see this is happening.
• Stop using the burning candles when they reach one inch from the bottom. It's unsafe to burn beyond this point because the fragrance oils collect at the bottom and may catch fire.
• Be careful to put your burning candles on a heat-resistant surface—not the top of the TV! And keep them out of direct sunlight or they will fade.
• If you do blow out burning candles, place your finger in front of your lips. This prevents a gust of air from splattering the wax pool.
• To prevent your pillar candle from leaking as it softens, mold the outside layer toward the center of the candle. This allows the melted wax to pool inside the candle instead of on your table.
• To get wax out of candleholders, run hot water over them.
• Use a toenail clipper to trim wicks in jars where scissors won't fit.
• Before a party, light and extinguish burning candles—they will light more quickly and easily later.
• And most importantly, the AVOID list for burningcandles: Avoid walking with lit candles. Avoid lit candles around children and pets. Avoid placing them near flammable objects like curtains, the wall, etc. And, most importantly, never leave burning candles unattended!

Spring Cleaning Tips: Learning to Let Go

Most of us believe all that extra junk and clutter around us in the winter must keep us warm. If not, why do we end up with a ridiculous amount of stuff come spring? The last thing anyone wants once the sun is shining and the trees are turning green is to be stuck inside sifting through mountains of mess. But how and where to start can be more daunting than the actual task at hand, so we've combined a few spring cleaning tips!

The key to beginning what appears to be an overwhelming task starts with a change of attitude. Make it a game. Try listening to music and dance while you're cleaning. Set a timer and challenge yourself to finish one small task in 15 minutes. Take breaks. Play a favorite DVD in the background. You know what it takes to adjust your point of view.

The first spring cleaning tip is to remember to start easy. Begin by tossing things you know you can live without. Throw out all your old cosmetics, lotions, perfumes, and broken jewelry. Freshen your environment by rotating in new posters or pictures and rearranging the ones you have. If something is attached to a negative memory, lose it. Good riddance to bad vibes.

Every closet always needs a spring cleaning, not only to clear out what doesn't fit, is out of style, stained, ripped, and plain embarrassing (what were you thinking?), but to banish the heavy sweaters and boots you won't be needing for months. Store your winter clothes or put them in the back of the closet and drawers. Spring cleaning tips like the three-pile idea—one to keep (your favorites, your staples), one to donate (the things you haven't worn this year), and a third to try on and then decide—seems to work well. If you need some help, invite a brutally honest friend to keep you company.

Other spring cleaning tips to remember include the following: Note what you are getting rid of so you'll remember what might need replacing. Then organize what's left. Hang everything where it belongs. Sort by color to make getting dressed a snap. Don't forget to sort shoes in these same piles.

Take a before and after photo to reward yourself. After this purging, not only will you have given yourself much needed storage space, but you'll have given someone less fortunate a pile of great pieces for their wardrobe. When you're done, notice how light and free you feel. Once you start using the above spring cleaning tips—clearing out the outside—don't be surprised to notice the inside clearing out too. Not only is your closet decluttered, but your mind as well. Getting your life in order allows you to put winter behind you and move forward toward spring. Now both you and your closets have more room for new possibilities!

The Power of Positive Thinking

Have you ever ditched the idea of trying out for the school play because you were sure you weren't good enough? Do you have to stifle the urge to strangle the captain of the cheerleaders because you feel dumpy and ugly whenever she's near? Ever get the feeling that you were just born cranky? Those feelings are called pessimism, and they can weaken the power of positive thinking. 

The opposite of pessimism is optimism. Research shows the power of positive thinking: the more optimistic we are, the happier our lives will be.

Those who have a sunnier outlook about the future have better mental health than those who are pessimistic. Optimists show less stress and depression, have deep friendships, and demonstrate superior coping skills. It's not that they have more friends, but their relationships are close and strong. They see a bad situation as a challenge, not a setback. They benefit from the power of positive thinking.

But how do you tap into the power of positive thinking? First, you have to be more true to yourself. We've compiled a few suggestions you can try to brighten your outlook when pessimism stops by for a visit. 

Just do it. Don't let fear of not being perfect prevent you from trying something new. Even if you don't do as well as you'd like the first few times, keep in mind that just challenging yourself takes guts. Remember the power of positive thinking and you will find your niche.

Analyze your friends. If your friends are not supportive, if you don't feel good about yourself when you're with them, it might be time to explore new friendships with people who share the power of positive thinking. From art lessons or mountain biking to drama club or dance class, spending time with positive people might be a solution to the blahs.

Do good and you'll feel good. The feeling of personal accomplishment that comes with volunteering your time and energies for a good cause has been documented in hundreds of studies. Lending a helping hand is another good way to feel the power of positive thinking.

Get physical. Physical activity is a big-time spirit booster. A good workout releases mood-enhancing hormones that are nature's solution to negativity.

How to Look Good in Pictures

Whether it's because they are more social or have more time, or because they love scrapbooks and collages and photo albums, or because they are so into capturing the companionship and excitement of the next few years, teenage girls are at the forefront of taking—and being front and center in—a huge percentage of the photographs taken each year. And December, with all its traditions and holiday dinners and parties, is the month when it's hardest not to be caught before someone's lens and most teenage girls want to look good in pictures!

With the popularity of throwaway cameras and digital cameras and cell phones with the capability to take impromptu photos, there's a good chance you are going to be immortalized in print sometime soon! For those of you who believe there's no such thing as too many photographs—and those of you who want to ensure that you will live on in posterity looking your best, here are some tips to remember to help you look good in pictures! You won't need a makeup artist or a fashion stylist to help you look gorgeous if you remember to:

• Avoid bright white clothing around your face—it'll wash you out. Also avoid bold prints—you don't want your outfit to overwhelm you from looking good in pictures.
• Keep your chin up to avoid the appearance of dark circles under your eyes. Apply a little concealer to eliminate shadows.To look good in pictures, dust some powder on your forehead, nose, and chin, so your face won't look shiny. Lift your face slightly. Forget smoky eyes and nude lips—you might look great in person but the camera won't be impressed.
• The best time to look good in pictures is outside in the afternoon.
• Act natural. If you feel awkward, that's what the camera will see. Forget about posing when the photographer is taking candid shots. The beauty of these pictures is the emotion of a moment.
• While you should always stand tall and proud, these tricks will help you look slimmer in front of the camera. If you're standing, transfer your weight to your back foot. If you're sitting, slide forward slightly, keeping your knees together and to one side so they're not photographed head on to look good in pictures.
• For those who want to look thinner in photos, position yourself at a 45-degree angle to the camera. Don't press your arms against your sides. Keep them slightly away from your body to make them look svelter. Angling one hip toward the camera can make you shed pounds visually. To make your waist appear smaller, put your hands on your hips with thumbs pointed down in front and you'll always look good in pictures!
• For the most flattering close-up, bring your chin forward, tilt your head down and look up slightly. Although it sounds funny, practice your natural expression and different smile styles in the mirror before any special occasion where you expect to have to pose. Try to remember to change your expression often to prevent looking stiff. Forget about saying "cheese." That'll just get you with your mouth half open.
• If you're feeling tense, take a breath, look away, and then look back at the camera. Smile, you are beautiful and you'll look good in pictures!

How To Find True Friends

8 Qualities of a Good Friend

What are the qualities of a good friend? True friendships can start instantly but they take time to build. Here are a few qualities to look for when making friends as a teen -- and beyond.

1. A good friend is honest.
A good friend may not share every detail of every second of their life, but they do try to be clear about their intentions. This means that they try to present an accurate picture of who they are and of different situations. When something doesn't seem right, they let you know.


2. A good friend is fun, unique and interesting.
OK, this is a given, and probably the reason you became friends in the first place. But there's a lot to be said for chemistry and shared interests.

As for fun, it depends how you define it: Some friends are fun because they're the life of the party, others are fun because they notice every strange little detail about a situation. Some people are fun simply because they see life like no one else does.

3. A good friend is attentive and adaptable.
A good friend is at least a fairly good listener and notices how little, day-to-day things affect you. They can't read your mind, but chances are they can usually tell when you're happy, sad, excited, shocked or upset. If they're aware that they're doing something that annoys you, they try to change their ways or at least talk to you about it.

4. A good friend is supportive of you and your goals.
Sure, your friend may think you're cool, but are they on the same page as you? Do they know what you want most out of life? A really good friend will know what makes you tick and help you become the person you want to be. They won't try to change who you are or drag you into situations that make you uncomfortable or put you at risk of losing something that matters to you.

5. A good friend is a friend you can trust.
A true friend won't try to steal your girlfriend or boyfriend, your job or your personality. They won't gossip about you constantly or try to damage your reputation. They will let you know when they're concerned and do their best to stick up for you when you're in trouble.

6. A good friend makes it clear that they care about you.
Different people may have different ways of letting you know that they care about you. One person may give you a big hug whereas another person might gently tease you. A big clue that someone cares is that they talk to you fairly often and, in general, know what's going on in your life and act interested about it.

7. A good friend sticks with you in good times and bad.
Loyalty is a quality almost everyone lists when asked what they look for in a friend. A loyal friend will stick with you when your new play is a flop, when you bomb the SATs or when your parents get divorced. If you move or switch schools, they'll do their best to stay in touch with you.

8. A good friend accepts you for who you are, even when you're being a butthead.
In friendship, being accepting goes hand in hand with being loyal. A true friend rolls with the punches as you grow and change and know how to deal with your quirks and faults.

They are also patient with you when you make mistakes -- even big ones -- and learn how to forgive you when you hurt them. In other words, they treat you as you'd like to be treated, even when you aren't at your best.

Can I Go To College?

If you are worrying, "Can I go to college?" it may be because you didn't get great grades in high school or didn't get a high SAT score and couldn't get into your first choice of school. No matter what the reason, it's important to never feel that your situation is hopeless.



If you weren't a good student in high school, it doesn't mean you can't go to college. Regardless of past performance in school, anyone can attend community or junior college and make a fresh start. You could even take night classes or just go part-time to start out. Once you've succeeded in community college, and gotten some good grades on a few courses, ask yourself again, "Can I go to college?" You can reapply or even try to transfer to another school.



Money is no object

If you are wondering, "Can I go to college?" because of money issues, don't forget that anyone is eligible for school loans. Yes, you'll have to pay them back—after you graduate and get a job. Also, you may qualify for other types of financial aid that don't have to be paid back, or you could even get grants or scholarships. Don't let money hold you back—there are many ways to pay for your education. See your guidance counselors, find out if any community groups in your area offer scholarships, or contact the financial aid office of colleges you want to attend and get info on the grants and scholarships they offer.



Maybe you can't go to college because of family responsibilities or obligations, getting a job to help support your family, or taking care of younger sisters and brothers. If that's the case, don't worry—there's always plenty of time to go to school. Family is a big priority in life, and you have plenty of time to start your college career. Many college students are in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s. In the meantime, while you're being a responsible daughter or sister at home, you could still go to college part-time, or at night. There are a lot of possibilities!

Don’t Want To Go To College—Now What?

You've probably heard more than once, "Make sure you get good grades now so you can get into a good college." Most parents push their kids towards college starting at a young age, and in America especially, going to college right after high school is the "norm."

But what if you don't want to go to college?

Seeing your friends pick out colleges can be frustrating if you don't want to go to college yourself. If you don't think you want to go to college, it's important to at least look at the reasons why.

Check out your reasons

Some reasons are understandable and acceptable. Maybe you have a plan that doesn't involve a typical four-year college degree. Maybe you want to study art or music privately with great teachers, go to a fashion or cosmetology school, or explore a technical career. The travel industry only requires a two-year program. Or maybe you don't want to go to college because you're just not quite ready to be serious about school, you want to work for a year to save some money or you want to join the military.

On the other hand, if you don't want to go to college because you're afraid—of a new situation and new people, or that you might not do well—these are lame excuses. Never let fear stop you from moving forward in your life. Other college freshman will have the same social challenges as you do, and the classes won't be that hard if you pay attention and do your work. Don't let college intimidate you. Grab the opportunity—you'll see that you can handle it, and that it's actually a lot of fun.

Top 10 Ways Christian Teens Can Make Friends

Are you new to the neighborhood or just moved to a new school? Have your old friends moved away and you wonder how to make new friends? Just because you are a Christian teen doesn't mean making friends is any easier. Making a friend means taking a risk and putting yourself out there to be social and friendly. Here are some ways that Christian teens can make themselves available to find people to hang out with:

1. Know Who You Want to Be Friends With
Before you start trying to make friends, think about who you actually want to be your friends. What types of people do you want to associate with? While most Christian teens like to hang out with other Christian teens, it does not mean all your friends have to be Christian. Just remember that you want your friends to share some of your values and morals. You also want your friends to be uplifting and not drag you down into bad habits or behaviors.

2. Get Involved in Activities
The easiest way to make friends is to get involved in activities at school or in your youth group. It allows you to meet people that share your interests. Find some clubs or a local youth group that is active. As you continue to attend the activities you will find yourself drawn to certain people as friends.

3. Introduce Yourself
A lot of Christian teens don't know how to make the first step in making friends. Sitting in a corner at an event or not saying a word in a club meeting doesn't draw people to you. This is a hard step to take, and a quick prayer beforehand can help. God is a great provider of courage. It is hard to walk up to a person to introduce yourself. If you are really nervous, make the introduction quick and don't expect to much. As people begin to know you are around they will start to include you in conversations.

4. Get Some Help
Youth pastors and leaders area great help in making friends. Many youth pastors are willing to meet with you before you join a youth group and can help introduce you to other Christian teens that share your interests. They may also be able to point you toward student ministries that fit your gifts so you can meet people. This may prevent you from having to take that first introductory step yourself, so it takes some of the pressure off.

5. Work on Your Conversation Skills
How well do you communicate with people? Try practicing conversation skills before you go to youth group or club meetings. Think of some fun topics to discuss and the different ways you can contribute to a conversation. You may feel silly having a conversation with yourself, but you will grow in your communication skills if you do.

6. Be a Good Listener
Listening is a great tool in making new friends. Listening means hearing what a person is saying, while offering support and feedback. Nodding and repeating back what the person just told you makes a person feel like you are being supportive. For example, if a potential friend tells you that he is nervous about playing in the upcoming football game because he just recovered from a sprained ankle, you might say, "It sounds like your ankle sprain was pretty bad. What has the coach been doing to get you ready?" You acknowledge everything he told you and also asked a question that keeps the conversation going.

7. Use Open Ended Questions
Questions are an important part of getting to know people, but you need to ask the right type of questions to keep the conversation going. Using open ended questions are a great tool for finding friends. Open ended questions make people answer with more than a "yes" or "no." Use questions that begin with "who," "what," "when," "where," "why," and "how."

8. Use Good Body Language
Body language can be a pretty unconscious thing, but it is a big deal in making friends. How you stand or sit tells people how open you are to being approached. Avoid "closed" body language like crossed arms or legs. When you are standing around face out toward the group and smile. Also, standing too close to someone can make the other person feel uncomfortable, so keep a two to three foot distance as you speak. Avoid fidgeting and playing with your hair. Maintain eye contact. Your body language tells the other person how you feel about your conversation, so practice showing the right messages with your body.


9. Be Positive
A positive attitude goes a long way in making friends. Most people don't like a sourpuss. There are things that can be rather depressing and other things that make you angry, but try to avoid starting a conversation about those things. If they do come up, voice your anger or sadness in an appropriate manner. Try to be supportive of others without being to saccharine sweet - people can see through the false sweetness easily.

10. Throw a Party
If you have a group of people you are just getting to know and want to get to know them better, why not throw a party? A get-together can be a great way for Christian teens to mingle, have great conversation, and make friends. Parties are also a great way to kick off a new semester so that people can get to know the new students in the mix.

Skin Conditions..

What causes warts? Are they contagious?

A virus causes warts. They can appear anywhere on the body, but are often found on the hands, feet, and face. Warts are contagious at a very low level.

Warts are skin conditions that will often disappear by themselves within two years. Treatment for warts includes over-the-counter medicine that is applied directly to the warts. More persistent warts may require a prescription medicine or a doctor's removal by freezing, burning, or laser treatment. Warts, even treated, can recur.



What is athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a contagious skin condition that results in scales and dead skin on the feet and between the toes. A common fungus causes it, and the infected area can be inflamed and very itchy. You can get athlete's foot in locker rooms or by sharing a shower with an infected person.

Remedies for the skin condition include using a powder two times a day, anti-fungus creams, and wearing cotton socks. To help prevent athlete's foot, wear flip-flops in public showers and locker rooms, and on swimming pool decks.



What causes dandruff?

Dandruff is a skin condition that results in greasy or dry white "flakes," often in your hair or eyebrows, that can itch. Although its cause is unknown, dandruff is associated with oily hair. Stress and hormonal and seasonal changes can aggravate it.

To manage dandruff, shampoo daily with a dandruff shampoo. Leave the shampoo on your head for 5 minutes to let the ingredients work. Scrub vigorously, letting your fingers loosen the scales and rinse thoroughly.



What are cold sores? Are they contagious?

Cold Sores are caused most often by a Herpes simplex virus 1. The result is mouth sores that can be itchy or painful. An outbreak can last from a few days to two weeks. Herpes is very contagious. It can be transmitted through touching a sore, sharing eating utensils or toothbrushes with an infected person, and kissing.

Avoiding certain food, wearing sunscreen, and reducing stress can help control this skin condition. Although sores will heal on their own, medications can speed up the process. There is no cure for the virus.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JHENE' !

Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo (born March 16, 1988), better known as Jhené Aiko or simply Jhené, is a American singer-songwriter and recording artist from Los Angeles, California.

5 Signs He Is the Right One For You

Wish as we might-and despite what romantic comedies would have you believe-there is no magic answer to finding the perfect mate. Discovering if someone is the right one for you usually takes some time. Although we may wish to act solely on instinct-which can be helpful in determining if he is the right one-it is important to give it time before reaching that final decision.

While there is no set-in-stone policy for finding love, there are 5 signs you can use to determine if he is the one.

Sign #1 He Is the Right One - You Respect One Another

When it comes to figuring out if he is the right one, respect should be at the top of the list. Respect is also something that should go both ways. He should respect you and you should respect him, in turn.

You can tell he respects you when:

• He is willing to compromise
• He listens to your concerns and feelings
• He notices when something is wrong and asks you about it
• He values your opinion
• He appreciates you
• He is genuinely happy for you when you succeed

All of these are signs that he has respect for you. You should also demonstrate these same things to him. On the other hand, if you find that either of you are unwilling to compromise, concerns and feelings are dismissed, or you notice something is wrong but don't inquire, then you have some tell-tale signs that there is a lack of respect.

If either of you flippantly dismisses the other's opinions or act as if they are inconsequential, there is clearly a lack of respect. If you greet one another's successes with jealousy instead of enthusiasm and support, you need to take a minute to assess the level of respect that exists in your relationship.

Sign #2 He Is the Right One - He Has the Qualities You're Looking For

Ideally, you should know ahead of time what qualities are important to you in a mate. Trying to figure it out after the fact can lead to serious problems. If you have a good idea of the qualities you are looking for-the ones that are the most important-it will help you determine if he is the right one.

It helps to write a list. Select at least 10 qualities you are looking for in a man. Put that list in the order of importance. Take a serious look at the list and cross off any qualities that aren't so important. Some qualities are probably negotiable. If that is the case, they can likely be removed from the list. The idea is to get down to at least the top 5 non-negotiable qualities that you are looking for.

All of this must be done by keeping 2 important things in your mind. First, no one is perfect. If you are looking for Mr. Perfect, you might as well stop looking and recognize that perfection simply doesn't exist. With that in mind, know that you don't have to just "settle" for "good enough." You want to have the confidence of knowing that he is not someone you have simply settled for but he is the right one for you. The list of qualities you are looking for will help determine that.

Compare your list of top 5 non-negotiable traits and compare it to the man in question. Remember, these were non-negotiable qualities that you selected, so if he doesn't fit all of them, there is a good chance that he is not the right one for you. It's surprisingly easy to fall into the trap of trying to change your standards, but you should never change your standards to fit someone else. You can't make someone be who they aren't.

If he meets every one of your non-negotiable qualities, chances are good that he may be the right one for you.

Sign #3 He Is the Right One - You Share the Same Values

What do you value most? What values make up the life you have chosen to live? These are important questions to ask yourself, as they will help determine if he is the right one for you. Values are usually in-line with those non-negotiable items that will give you a clue as to whether or not he is the right one. If you don't share the same values, consider that to be a red flag.

An important factor to consider is if you find yourself compromising your values for him. Values really make up who we are. If you are changing your values in order to please someone else, then you are essentially trying to change yourself and that is never a good sign in a relationship!

Values are something that should be discussed ahead of time. Don't guess at what he values most in life, ask him! If he doesn't seem to have any values, or he can't articulate them, that might be another red flag to look for. A man of real substance is flexible, but will possess firm, well-reasoned values.

Sign #4 He Is the Right One - Your Intuition Tells You

Your intuition-your gut-should never be ignored. At the same time, it should never be THE deciding factor. Your intuition should serve as a guide, something you rely on when considering whether or not he is the right one.

Intuition is more than just how physically attracted you are towards him. It goes beyond that to a place deep inside where you just seem to "know." It's usually just a sense or a feeling that this person is the right one.

Whether your instincts are saying he is or isn't the one, it's an important consideration. Many times our instincts are right. Of course, our best instincts can be wrong and someone can present themselves to be something that they are not. This is why intuition is only one sign to consider in determining if he is the right one for you.

Sign #5 He Is the Right One - You Can Be Yourself With Him

You will not be appreciated or valued by a man who tries to change you or who cannot love you, flaws and all. So if you can be who you are when you are with him, he might just be the right one for you. This means he not only accepts the good in you, but also your weaknesses and faults. When you can be yourself, you will experience a sense of freedom. You will have confidence in knowing that he accepts you just as you are.

When taking these 5 signs into consideration, you will have a good idea if he is actually the right guy for you.

Top 10 Signs You’re An Adult

10. All of a sudden everyone is taking about their “401k.”


I don’t even know what this is and apparently I have one. Yeah, come at me, I don’t even care — I have business cards, a big stack of them. It seems like everywhere I go, people are saying, “Did you cash in your 401k?” And it seems like everyone is vaguely afraid of touching it, like it’s a sleeping dragon. I just smile and say, “No, I haven’t” because Suze Orman said you shouldn’t unless you really need to and I trust her because I bet she has lots of business cards.

9. You have friends who have houses or really nice apartments.


By which I mean you no longer see unframed Marilyn Monroe posters barely clinging to the wall with painter’s tape or mattresses on the floor. You see real furniture. Real artwork. Real glassware! Nary a red plastic cup in sight. Wine goes in actual wine glasses. It’s like you’re visiting someone’s parents. Spooky!

8. You find your grandparents adorable and your parents hilarious.


You’ll start to see posts on friends’ social media feeds praising their family. Pictures of their grandparents with captions like, “Here they are at 20! Aren’t they so cute?? And they’re still ~~together~~.” They’ll tweet things like, “LOL LOOK WHAT MY MOM DID.” And it’s great! You’re reaching an age where you relate more to your parents and no longer feel the need to rebel against them. They do their thing, you do yours, and all is well.

7. You’re freaking tired.


“You know I work all day, to get you money, to buy you things” sang the Beatles. And how you have a hard day’s night! You work like a dog and it is time for some hardcore log sleeping. After a long day, you just want to go home and shove the closest edible thing into your mouth and watch whatever is on Netflix instant. And on weekends, you try to psych yourself up to go out at night but then you realize you are just so damn tired and Netflix instant sounds awesome. And there’s all that driving and like, having to wear pants.

6. Your health is suddenly a big deal.


In the past when I got sick I’d think, “YEAH, NO SCHOOL TODAY!!! MOM’S GONNA MAKE ME MAC AND CHEESE, YEAAAAHHHH!” Now I think, “Oh, this is just great, now I’m going to get really behind in work.” Also, when you’re older you want to go to the doctor. You wanna get right the eff to the doctor and have them test you for everything and give you vitamin shots and all sorts of wonderful medicines. And new ailments pop up. One day I woke up and my knees ached for no reason. I went to the doctor and got an X-ray and was told, “Your kneecaps are slightly off-center. It’s common for a lot of women.” “…What??? So what do I do?” “I’ll write you a prescription for muscle relaxers and give you a number for physical therapy.” “…to do what? Like, squats?” “Well, squats and…other…strength exercises.” And that’s it, those are my options. And no one is freaked out over this. Everyone’s like, “Yeah, that’s gonna happen.”

5. Christmas is just kind of like, whatever.


If you celebrate Christmas, you’ll remember that when you were a kid, there was nothing better than that time of year. You couldn’t sleep the night before and you’d wake up at dawn and for that entire day you were invincible. But now holidays don’t have the exact same feeling. Now they mean, “I get one day off of work” and “I have no money to buy things for anyone.” Also, Thanksgiving really stepped it up and you realize it might be the best holiday of all. A day about eating? Thanks, bro.

4. You don’t care if you are totally uncool.


You have no problem telling people that Ke$ha’s “Tik Tok” is one of the best pop songs ever written. You proudly wear your 2001 Britney tour tee. You watch movies that are for a demographic 10 years younger than yours. You don’t give a monkey what people think about your tastes. You have no idea what the hot new bands are and you just don’t care. You don’t have the energy to follow trends or to pretend to be cool. And this. Is. Awesome. “And we don’t care about the young folks!” is a joke we would make if we knew this song.

3. Younger people have no idea who the Spice Girls are.


No, seriously, this happened to me. I dressed as Ginger Spice for Halloween and posted a picture on my Facebook and someone commented, “I don’t get it.” I explained, you know, Spice Girls! And he said, “Oh. Whooosh. Right over my head. I dunno.” And no lies no fries, I got annoyed. And then sad. And then hungry.

2. You root for the adults in kids movies.


I love Home Alone (actually I love Home Alone 2: Lost in New York more) but dude, Kevin was ANNOYING. How did his parents not ship his ass to military school? Who the hell does he think he is, anyway? You kind of see Uncle Frank’s point when he says, “Look what you did, you little jerk.”

1. You have no idea what you’re doing.

But you’re hoping it’s all gonna work out.