#2 — They know the difference between self-confidence and an overinflated ego. — Confidence is sexy. So is respect — both to others and to yourself. We each have our own hopes and dreams and goals and plans. Each of us wants to feel heard, listened to, valued, and appreciated, and each of us wants to love and be loved, in some capacity. …

And why we all want to be around her. — True authenticity is rare. It’s something that many — if not all — of us are working on, but in a world that so often pushes images of “perfection” on us, it can be hard to avoid self-doubt. …

For the men who love us, but don’t understand what it’s like to be us. — One of the most terrifying moments of my life was in a tent. I didn’t plan for it, but at that point in my life I’d signed up to volunteer for three months working on trails across California. Sometimes we’d work in campgrounds, too, either doing maintenance, helping the rangers…

Because confidence is contagious. — How many people — especially women — go through life worrying how people see us, thinking we might never be enough? We’ll never be that successful, that smart, that funny, that likeable, that loved. …

What it means to be sensitive in a world that doesn’t always understand. — Have you been told you’re too sensitive? Or, maybe you’ve heard the terms “empath” and “Highly Sensitive Person” and wondered what they meant. …

Know the signs and raise your standards. — When we’re feeling vulnerable and alone, it can be hard to ignore when someone says they would do anything for you. The flattery and grand gestures somehow make it easier to sweep the uncomfortable moments under the rug. It’s tough to recognize a toxic pattern when you’re in the throes…

Because you don’t have to believe everything you think. — We’ve all probably experienced overwhelm at some point. After all, life is busy and it often feels like there’s so much to do and so little time to do it. In the moment, it’s hard to take a breath and remember that there’s only so much that’s in our control. …

And how to accept that he’s now gone. — How do you pay tribute to someone who you greatly appreciated, admired, disliked, resented, and loved at a distance for most of your life? And how do you describe the feeling of them being gone? Throughout my life, I harbored a lot of resentment towards my grandfather, and became used…

The person you love doesn’t have to complete you. — Your beliefs shape your life, and therefore should be reflected in your relationship as well. If it’s important to you, being with someone else shouldn’t necessarily change it. Most people would probably agree that part of sharing your life with someone is compromise. …