Hi all,
I want to share with you this truly inspirational TED Talk video about Supergays around the world. This video shows positively what life is like for LGBT people around the world. Enjoy and be inspired:
Blog soon,
Antony
How do you know if you’re in a healthy relationship or not? Find out more below.
Relationship Gender Symbols. Copyright © Antony Simpson, 2018.
If you are in a healthy relationship you should tick most of the boxes on the checklist below:
You can do things independently, without getting a hard time from your partner. You can explore interests, have hobbies, etc.
You can communicate openly and honestly with your partner without negative judgement or fear.
You never have to hide anything from your partner.
You get support from your partner when you are vulnerable.
Your partner encourages and supports you in everything that you do.
You have shared your dreams and hopes with your partner.
You and your partner have shared ambitions for your life together.
You feel safe: physically, mentally and emotionally.
You have regular contact with friends and family members.
Your partner never makes you feel bad for spending time with others.
Your partner always shows you respect.
You and your partner laugh together.
You and your partner listen to one another.
You and your partner both approach the relationship as a learning experience.
Your relationship adds something to both you and your partner’s life.
Your partner speaks to you with kindness.
Your friends and family honestly think your relationship is a healthy one.
Your relationship started with vulnerability, connection and intimacy.
You would use these words to describe your relationship: trust, warmth and attachment.
Your partner never belittles you.
Neither your partner or yourself displays contempt for the other. No eye rolling. No squinting at them as if to say what are you talking about?
You don’t feel controlled or manipulated.
Your partner is never aggressive or violent towards anyone or anything. This includes: you, any children and any pets or animals.
Your partner knows where the line is and doesn’t cross it. Either accidentally or purposefully.
You feel equal to your partner in the relationship.
You like the way you grown and changed while you’ve been in the relationship.
You and your partner express appreciation and admiration for one another.
You have fun together.
Your partner offers comfort, love and support when you’re upset, stressed or fearful.
You make decisions jointly.
You are intimate. By intimate I mean hugs, cuddles, kisses, holding hands, being close to one another and sex.
You and your partner don’t argue constantly.
Your partner loves and likes you when you look and feel at your worst.
Your family and friends like your partner.
If you think or feel that you maybe in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, the following websites have useful information on:
- NHS Choices – Domestic Violence and Abuse
- Relate – Abusive relationships
- Woman’s Aid – Am I in an abusive relationship?
- National Domestic Violence Helpline
Blog soon,
Antony
Saturday 26 May 2018
Recently I was asked: What would your ideal man be like?
I wish I had a quick and funny answer. But I didn’t. I wasn’t able to answer it at all. I couldn’t answer because I haven’t thought about a relationship, or even considered the idea of having a man in my life for a long time. Too long.
But the question sparked something inside of me. It made me check-in with my heart and head. It made me think, wonder and to my surprise hope for love. With the right man of course.
A man that is kind, interesting and funny. As I thought about my ideal man and what I would want and be able to give in a relationship, I realised something:
That I am feeling ready for love, once again.
Take care,
Antony
Wednesday 11 January 2017
Book Review: You’re The One That I Want by Giovanna Fletcher
By AntonyBooks & Authors, Love & Relationships, ReviewsNo Comments
| You’re The One That I want by Giovanna Fletcher is the beautiful love triangle story of three childhood best friends.
Maddy has been best friends with Rob and Ben ever since her family moved to Peaswood when she was nine years old. Together they were an inseparable trio, calling themselves the tripod. That was until puberty hit. You’re The One That I want starts on Maddy’s wedding day. Waiting for her at the altar is Rob, but it could have just as easily been best man Ben. This is the dilemma: Rob and Ben both love her and Maddy loves them both back. Is Maddy marrying the right man? As butterflies flutter around in her stomach, Fletcher goes back to the start of their story and tells it tenderly. You’re The One That I want is filled with charm and seeping in romance. |
Fletcher writes in first person perspectives of Maddy, Rob & Ben and switches perspectives brilliantly. The use of first person perspectives is the best way to tell this sort of story. The first few chapters felt fictional because characters were describing meeting one another (at nine years old) and going into far more detail than most people would remember from when they were that age.
Maddy, Rob & Ben are good, likeable characters, that are well-rounded and have flaws. Through use of first person perspective and good characters Fletcher achieves an emotionally resonant connection between the characters and the reader.
The level of detail in description is perfect and Fletcher cleverly uses descriptive references that will take readers in their late twenties to early thirties back to their own childhood’s.
The plot is comfortably predictable and enjoyable. It centres around Ben’s secret love for Maddy. The relationship dilemma and love triangle will split readers, with readers finding themselves taking a side. Some readers will be Team Rob and others will be Team Ben. Personally, I was a Team Ben.
Overall You’re The One That I want is a wonderful book that will have you hooked from the first page to the last. Fletcher should be highly commended on this warm, engaging and delightful read.
Review soon,
Antony
Friday 6 May 2016
About
Antony Simpson - Author, Blogger, Nurse & Witch.
Author of eight books.
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