How To Support A Pregnant Friend

Being pregnant is one of the best, yet most difficult states a woman can be in. Therefore, it is our duty as her friends to try and be as supportive as we can, and help her through those times.

If you are unsure how best to support your friend during pregnancy, here are some useful tips.

Don’t be frank about childbirth

Whatever you do, do not tell her about your horror birth story, or the one that you heard from a friend. Birth is scary as is, and during pregnancy, women are fed with statistics, and information about what can go wrong with their baby, and the least they need is someone adding to their fear.

Stressing out a mom-to-be is not good for the baby, and you might even end up losing a friend if they do not want to hear the negative sides of the pregnancy.

Stick with the usual by telling her that it isn’t that scary, or that once she holds her baby, all the pain goes away.

Let them be naive

First time parents are always naive. They have no clue what’s in store for them, and better yet. They should wear their look through rose-colored glasses for as long as they can, and enjoy their pregnancy. If they tell you something like “How hard can babies be, anyway? They just eat and sleep.” you just smile and nod your head. If they compare having babies with having baby pets, do not hold it against them, and forget they ever said that when they have the baby.

Give her a complete maternity bag list

A maternity bag list is a little challenging to make if you have no idea what you need. Things like lip balm are not the first item to come to mind when packing for the hospital, but it is one of the most essential.

If you want to support your friend, make a detailed list of all the things they need, and write explanations for items that may not be as common.

Or better yet, go to that friend, and pack their bag with them. They will certainly appreciate your help, and not have to bend over to pack everything they need for the most important stay of their life.

Treat her before the baby comes

As a pregnant woman, you can’t do many things. So, those few things that are available are important. You can make her an appointment for a nice foot rub, or a face massage, something to soothe her and wipe away the stress.

Or you can treat her to some food tasting, or even some wine tasting if the doctor approves.

Take her shopping

One of the most exciting things you can do for your pregnant friend is taking her shopping! Buying all the cute baby clothes for her little one will inevitably make her day. Additionally, you will help her with choosing clothes that are necessary, and avoid piling up on the things that the baby will not even need, or will grow out of quickly.

It goes without saying – carry all the bags for her, and take her for a celebratory cake at the end of your shopping spree.

Plan the most amazing baby shower

Most first time moms don’t really know what they need for the baby, and a baby shower is a great help for that. You can invite all her friends that are already moms, and know what a new mom can use, and don’t forget to invite her mom, aunts, and grandmas.

Sit with your friend and ask her what she would like the theme to be, and don’t accept no for an answer. Most moms think they are being too much for wanting a baby shower, but if you cave and miss out on throwing one, she will regret it.

Get balloons, finger food, favorite snacks and ice cream, and make it a cheat day when all the cravings are totally fine, and she can enjoy it endlessly.

Having a pregnant friend means sharing all the great (and the not so great) moments with them. Hopefully, these tips helped you understand what kind of friend you need to be.

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About The Author

Jasmine Anderson is a Sydney based lifestyle blogger and a toddler mom, with a Fine Arts Bachelor’s degree. Expressing herself through different mediums is what keeps her spirit bright. She loves to spend quality time with her family, go thrifting, and spend just a little bit too much time on the internet. You can follow Jasmine on Twitter

22 Times Your Roommate Saved Your Life

College ain’t always easy. But if you’re lucky, your roommate might also be one of your best friends in the world. And that makes things a whole lot easier. She saves your life on the regular, and you can’t thank her enough:

She agreed to go out with you, even though she’d already settled in to watch The Mindy Project in her pjs, because you needed your bestie to be your wingman and/or emotional pillar.
And then she totally didn’t complain when you ditched her for that cute DJ the second you got to the party.
She let you have the room later that night, after you’d dragged her out and then ditched her. Bless.
But when you just needed to stay in for the night, she was right there with you to make nachos and combine all your blankets into a mega fort.
All those times she made you laugh so hard you might have peed a little.
She let you borrow that perfect dress when you just had nothing to wear. Well ok, she forgave you after you borrowed her dress without asking first. That’s what best roommates are for.
She also forgave you for all the make-up, shoes and granola bars you “borrowed.” And for that one time you accidentally wore her underwear for a full day.
And She understands that you need to live-text her second-by-second updates to get through awkward social situations.
She also understands exactly what your texts mean, even when it’s just the nail-painting emoji ten times in a row.
She was psyched about Facebook stalking the cute DJ with you, even though she had a paper to write, because your hypothetical love life is more important to her than school.
When she took the time to be your mom. Whether that meant getting you medicine, or cupcakes, or just plain telling you to stop whining and get over it.
And when you couldn’t get over it, she was a shoulder to cry on. Always.
When she gently explained that your fringe crop-top looked heinous and you were not pulling it off.
She routinely forgave you for being an undisciplined slob and leaving your crap on her bed.
All the times she let you vent. About your evil professor who hates you, about your acapella group drama, about boys, boys and more boys—she was always ready to listen.
All the times she offered you spot-on, thoughtful advice, and never accused you of reading too much into text messages.
And then when you ignored all her advice and ended up in tears, she never said “I told you so.” Not right away, at least.
She was your biggest relationship cheerleader, even when your beau was hanging out in your room way too much.
But when things went sour, she was the first to tell you that DJ guy was a total douche, and that she’d always known you deserved better.
She took care of you when you were trashed. She didn’t laugh when she caught you rocking out to The Spice Girls. Basically, she never let you feel embarrassed when you were around her.
When she totally covered for you. If you needed to pull an early exit, or get a clingy guy off your trail at a party, she was always there to be your bodyguard/mama bear/fake girlfriend.
All those times she was just the best best-friend-roomie anyone could ever ask for. She let you be you, and she made sharing a tiny space an amazing bonding adventure. Let’s hear it for all the life-saving roommates out there. Header Image Source

How to Broach a Difficult Topic With a Friend

You care about your friends, maybe even love them like family. Because of that, you want what’s best for them. Your desire to help requires you to bring up challenging subjects from time to time.

If you have legitimate concerns about approaching certain issues, your friend might not respond warmly, at least at first. You need to tread lightly to avoid creating a permanent rift.

With that in mind, here are hints for how to broach five difficult topics with a friend because sometimes, love requires tough conversations.

Their Health

You walk a particularly fine line when talking about health. Many people understandably resent health advice that comes from someone other than their doctor. It’s usually better to remain quiet unless their habits pose an immediate threat to their health or that of others.

For example, if you notice your friend’s drinking going from the occasional happy hour indulgence to a nightly bottle, you should express your concern lovingly and tactfully. Please try to avoid triggering words like “alcoholic,” and instead, say something like, “I’ve noticed you are drinking more than usual lately. Is there something going on that you need to vent?”

Try to encourage activities that don’t revolve around problematic behavior. If your friend is in recovery from drugs and alcohol, much of their former existence may have centered around substance use — so help them to keep busy. Create a sober environment and encourage new interests that can occupy their time.

Their Partnership

A person’s marriage, like their dietary choices, is generally off-limits to outside discussion. However, you must act as a loving friend if you suspect someone you care about is caught in an abusive relationship.

If you do, please let your friend know that you are concerned about their safety — when their partner is nowhere within earshot, of course. Reassure them that the circumstances are not their fault and that you will support them no matter what they decide to do. Please don’t pressure them into leaving if they don’t feel ready — even a trauma therapist can’t make that determination for another.

However, you can help them create a safety plan to get out in a hurry if need be. As an outsider, you can assist with finding alternative living arrangements, even job leads, if they decide to flee.

Their Children

“Don’t you love getting unsolicited advice,” said no parent, ever. Assuming your friend isn’t abusing their child, you have to be careful issuing parenting tips.

Please remember that what worked for you and your children may not do the trick for others. Each child is a unique human being — and parents embrace various styles that might not match what you did with your littles. Different doesn’t mean negative.

Instead of offering tips, listen and ask questions. Let your friend broach the topic — they will if they want your help.

Their Career

You might feel most comfortable helping your friends with career advice. They may even ask you for tips on how to succeed if you do well while they struggle.

However, you still need to exercise tact to avoid sounding like a know-it-all. If your friend is struggling to find a position that pays a living wage, it’s not helpful to recite platitudes about “working your way back up the ladder” — especially if they recently lost a lucrative position amid the pandemic and find themselves in today’s market.

However, if they want tips on how to rock their next office happy hour, feel free. Likewise, if you can connect them with available opportunities, they’ll remember your kindness.

Their Behavior

You love your friend for all their quirks — flaws make your pal unique and human. However, if you notice destructive behavioral patterns, please find a caring way to address them. Your friend might not realize that their sarcastic “must be nice” response makes you reluctant to share the news of your upcoming vacation or bathroom remodel.

Instead of avoiding them, first, try letting them know how their behavior makes you feel. Use plenty of I-statements so that you don’t sound accusatory or start an argument. “I feel nervous sharing my good news with you because I’m afraid it will make you feel resentful,” facilitates honest communication much better than, “You’re always such a grouch. What’s the point of even trying to talk with you?”

Know How to Broach These 5 Difficult Topics With a Friend

It’s challenging to bring up the five emotionally charged subjects above. However, sometimes true friendship requires you to have conversations about difficult topics — use these tips to help.

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About The Author

Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded. He writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors, and more. Follow @TModded on Twitter for more articles from the Modded team.

10 Ways to Support Someone in Post-Vaccine Recovery

World leaders, scientists and frontline medical personnel have been hard at work distributing and administering COVID-19 vaccines over the past three months. Now, more than 30% of Americans have received at least one dose, so odds are you know someone who’s recently received their shots. By now, they might even be complaining of soreness, fatigue or fever.

Luckily, these side effects are normal and should only last a few days as their bodies build immunity. Still, feeling crumby is never fun, even when there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thus, if you’re looking to cheer up your friend or family member while they recover, the following ideas will help you offer support and encouragement.

Give Them a Call

If your family member or friend is feeling a little under the weather, give them a call to cheer them up. Share a bit of juicy gossip, talk about the Netflix show they’re binging and ask for an update on their symptoms.

While most people will bounce back and recover from the vaccine within a few days, others may battle fatigue or soreness for more than a week. If they still feel awful after a few days of checking in, encourage them to call their doctor.

Send a Note

Sure, your friend should recover quickly, but it’s always nice to receive a get-well card when you’re sick. Send a note with a funny message, quote or a Bible verse to put a smile on their face and hope in their heart. Hand deliver the note, send it through the mail or drop it in their mailbox with a cookie or some other treat to brighten their day.

Watch the Kids

Does your recent vaccine recipient have children? Offer to watch them for a few hours — or a few days. They’ll be happy to get out of the house and mom and dad will be forever thankful for the chance to recover in a calm and quiet home. Meanwhile, you can explore the zoo, a local park, build a fort in your backyard with their little ones.

Put Together a Gift Basket

Help your friend relax with a personalized gift basket. Include a bath bomb, lotion, eye mask, Ibuprofen and other similar items. Then, think about their interests. Do they love sports? Consider adding something relevant to the basket. Would they rather watch sitcoms while they recover? Include some snack mix, popcorn or candy bars.

Bring Them Food

Sometimes, the vaccine will make the recipient’s arm hurt or cause their muscles to ache. In this case, they probably won’t want to do much mixing, scooping or whisking. Keep them out of the kitchen and on the road to healing by bringing them a meal or two. Consider making comfort foods that freeze and reheat well.

Drop Off Flowers

Practically everyone loves receiving flowers, especially if they’ll be stuck in bed for a few days. Bring a bright splash of color and a fresh scent into their home with a bouquet of flowers. If they’re plant people you might gift them a succulent or houseplant instead.

Offer to Mow Their Yard

Spring is here, which means mowing season is right around the corner. If you notice their yard is in need of a trim — or their garden needs tending to — offer to help. Fertilize their garden, plant some bulbs, water the flowers and cut the grass. This way they’ll have one less thing to worry about while they take some time off from completing their to-do list.

Do Some Chores

You might also offer to help them around the house and complete a few chores. Do their laundry, make a grocery run, clean the kitchen or simply stop by and take the dog for a walk. These small acts of kindness will make a huge difference in their lives and give their mind a chance to rest, too.

Provide Entertainment

Drop off magazines, your favorite book or a funny movie to help your loved one pass the time. Odds are they’ll be more than a little bored if they’re stuck at home in bed all day. Alternatively, you can gift them a subscription to their favorite channel or a video game they’ve had their eye on for a while.

Stay With Them

If you’ve received your vaccine or deem it safe enough to stay with your loved one, offer to keep them company in person. Cook, clean and cheer them up by taking care of them and nursing them back to health. Just remember to respect their boundaries and try not to take it personally if they say no.

Stay Positive

The last thing your loved one probably wants to hear is news about the vaccine or your questions about its effectiveness or safety. After all, the dose is already in their body, so there’s no sense in needlessly frightening them or making them question their decision. Stay positive, be supportive and practice kindness.

About The Author

Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded. He writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors, and more. Follow @TModded on Twitter for more articles from the Modded team.

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Saying Good bye:

Saying good bye to you is something I hoped I wouldn’t have to do for a long time. I’m sitting here by the Lake. Here to honor you. I know how much you loved the Great Lakes and the beauty that Michigan has to offer.

All I can think about is your light. The way that your laugh and energy was absolutely contagious. How we could sit and talk. I knew that I could tell you anything without judgement . You stayed by my side through some rough times. Looked me in the eye and said hat you where there for me no matter what.

I think about all the fun days. The sunset pictures we’d take while sitting on the on the beach in front of Lake Michigan. Singing karaoke “girls just wanna have fun.” The memories of the good times are endless.

Maybe what makes it hardest to stay goodbye today is that you where part of my chosen family. For a girl who has never been close with her actual family, the ones that I choose to be in my life, are so much more important to me. Making it so much hard to lose the people I love the most.

So today as we say good bye, I’m filling my wine glass up and sitting here watching the waves come in from another lake. Celebrating your love and light. Wishing that all of this wasn’t true.

Keep watching over us, we still need you love and light here too.

RIP my friend.

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Read this if you’re the friend who is there for everybody; even at the expense of your own well-being…

I’m the go-to friend. The friend you rant to and you vent to. I am the friend who will always be on your side, but will play devil’s advocate when you need a wakeup call. The one who will validate your emotions, and hold you tight when they escape profusely. Because I am the “Therapist” Friend.

If I had a nickel for every time I have been told I would make a great therapist, well, needless to say I’d be rich. I listen, ask clarifying questions, verify thoughts and feelings, support or test conclusions, and give advice if asked for. All efforts and support that I know I would seek when I myself am in an emotional state.

Every loved one whom I’ve had vent to me has always followed up with “I’m always here for you, too. If you ever need to vent you can come to me.” It’s not that easy though. I am sure they absolutely would listen, some would validate my emotions, a few might hold me if I fell apart in front of them… But I have yet to completely find myself and my efforts in my own loved one.

I convince myself not to bother them anyways, since I know all too well that they have their own problems they’re dealing with. Why would I pile my own issues on top of theirs? I don’t want to be a burden to a loved one. For those who are like me, I get just as emotionally invested in their issues as they are. I make them my own. And I feel their anger, their anxiety, their sadness… I know what it feels like to have too much on your plate, mentally and emotionally. Therefore, I have become a professional at suffering in silence.

It’s no joke when you hear people say “Check up on your Therapist Friend, they’re the ones who actually need the most therapy.” Know why? They have felt EVERYTHING. Everything! Every mood, emotion. Have had every unfortunate thought cross their mind. And they will still feel and think all of it again, if it means they can help relieve a loved one’s pain and anguish in any way.

If you can be there without risking your own mental and emotional well-being, return your Therapist Friend’s effort and support they’ve given you. A little can go a long way.

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About The Author

I’m a girl who has always loved writing. For as long as I remember, I have used writing as an outlet for my emotions. Poetry is usually my go-to; a fairly quick, easy, and intense way to feel emotions all at once. A poem isn’t always the best way to do that, however. Sometimes there’s just too much to feel and to say to fit into a poem. Hence this piece I’ve written for PuckerMob. I’m hoping to reach those people who consider themselves a Therapist Friend, and ease their pain by knowing that they aren’t alone. I hope this article brings peace!

10 Annoying People Sure To Be At Your Thanksgiving Table

With Thanksgiving Day fast approaching, not everyone is looking forward to squeezing around the grown-up table (or worse, trying to balance on a too-small chair at the kid’s table) for an afternoon of forced conversation.

Every year, it’s the same people with the same irksome habits making the same idiotic statements. I really hope you don’t have to experience all of these—but I’m certain that a few of you will definitely recognize these annoying people sure to be at your Thanksgiving table:

1. The Late Arrival.

Does dinner start at three? You can bet that this person will stroll in just after four and wonder why everyone is staring at them as if they’re starving. This person is also sure to blow a gasket if you start without them.

2. The Holy Terror.

Kids, in general, tend to run around, roughhouse, or even yell occasionally. But then there’s the one who hits, kicks, swears, bites throws things, and simply will not listen to instructions. That’s also probably the kid who spills grape juice on the new sofa, and wails like she/he is dying if anyone dares to tell them “No.”

3. The Religious Zealot.

Whether it’s a devout Jesus enthusiast or a militant atheist, there’s always someone at dinner who wants you to know that they would be happy to manage your spiritual journey for you. The idea that you might know what works best for you never occurred to them.

4. The Unwittingly Un-PC.

Political correctness hasn’t reached everyone yet, so don’t be surprised by that one relative who doesn’t understand why they shouldn’t refer to “coloreds” or “illegals” in disparaging terms, or why homeless veterans are more than simply “lay-about freeloaders.”

5. The “I hate football” Guest.

Not everyone loves football—I know I don’t. But not only is it rude to complain about what the host puts on the TV, but it’s also pretty much a given that Thanksgiving means watching the Lions lose at football.

6. The Lush.

If booze is found on your Thanksgiving table, you can bet at least one relative will over-imbibe. This could lead to orneriness, crying, passing out, or having to watch them tell everyone what they “really” think of them.

7. The New Guy.

Whether it’s your Aunt’s new boyfriend or your cousin’s college roommate, there’s bound to be someone at the table who doesn’t know everyone. This can be fine unless/until they ask why Uncle Sappy is missing a foot, or when someone is finally going to make deer hunting illegal.

8. The Politically Active.

There’s sure to be someone who insists on a political rant despite no one else wanting to talk about politics. Watch for dismissive over generalizations, un-sourced ‘facts’, and dickish words like “sheeple.”

7. The Harried Host(ess).

Chances are, there’s at least one person scurrying around like a maniac checking to make sure everyone drink is fresh, hors d’ouvres are hot, and that everyone is comfortable. You might be tempted to offer help, but your best bet is to stay out of their way.

8. The Braggart.

Everyone is glad that little Hannah passed her spelling test, or Trent Jr is on the JV football team—but the braggart just can’t shut up about how much better their kids are than yours. Chin up though, after Thanksgiving dinner is over, you won’t have to hear about it again until you get the bragging Christmas letter!

10 Things You Need To Do With Your Bestie This Fall

You and your bestie literally had the best summer ever! And you’re now so ready for the Fall season. Pumpkin everything is what you’ll see everywhere starting now, so…

1. Before you indulge yourself with your first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season…

…You and your bestie should enjoy your very last, extra large, ice coffee brew and make the last sip be your official transition to the Fall, as you recap all the memories you made together during the summer.

2. You both know that It’s definitely time to move on from your summer flings.

You’ve talked about it A LOT, and deep down know they’ve run its course. You’re both so ready to cozy up with the new flavor of the month, so be blunt little hoes with each other and encourage a little slutty behavior next time you’re out. Go get the new guy!

3. But if you happened to have found real love during your summer fun.

First remember, ’Chicks over Dicks’ then make sure you take advantage of a nice chilly night under the covers to tell your guy “I love you” for the first time. Be ready to text your girl first thing the next day, as you promised her to give her all the deets, and she’ll be there for you no matter what happened.

4. Make Halloween plans like right now.

So whether you decide to spend it low key, watching horror films while stuffing your faces with mini KitKats and Candy corn, or going all out at a costume party with friends. Start planning and “Trick or Treat” yo self!

5. You’ve been probably talking about new hairstyles all summer, so have fun with a little change, be the color or length.

Whatever matches your personality and goes well with the cool autumn vibes. You know you’re dying to cheer each other’s new kick-ass style.

6. You might also wanna update your makeup bag.

Another trip to Sephora is calling your names, so go and have fun watching all the pretty colors that are gonna look so good on you this fall season. Speaking of pretty colors, this Fall you should definitely get…

7. Sweater weather matching sweaters…

…because you both wanna be comfy AF while you binge-watch your new TV show pick on Netflix.

8. Hearty soup anyone? You might suck at cooking or be a master chef wannabe.

Whatever it might be, Fall calls for soup, so plan out a night to make it from scratch or order it from your fave restaurant in town. Either way, pair it with a nice glass of wine and enjoy every spoonful while gossiping the night away.

9. Fall is typically when the unexpected case of the blues hits hard, so like each other’s ride or die, make sure you make it a point to be there for each other a little extra every day during this season.

After all, you’ll take a bullet for your bitch and…

10. Every season is a good time to make a bucket list together and celebrate that you’ll always be best friends forever.

You Say We Were Friends But You Ghosted Me

We WERE Friends Sure..not anymore

Adult friends are hard to keep and maintain because we grow apart from our friends.

But when she is your best friend? It’s so much more heartbreaking.

Best Friend Breakup

Because growing apart from a best friend is one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced.

Even though I have since moved onto other friends who I adore and would not want out of my life for anything, I still think about the past. I still think about you and the conversations we never had.

I want to forgive you and take full blame at the same time. Part of me wishes anything to get our bond back on track. You truly were my best friend. And those memories warm my heart and sting my soul.

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23 Signs You And Your Best Friend Are Meant To Grow Old Together

Your girlfriends will probably outlive your husband, so find good ones.

Here are the legit signs that prove that you and your best friend are literally stuck with each other forever.

You are your absolute weirdest self when your best friend is around because you feel free enough to do and say whatever the hell you please in their company.

That includes making jokes in the most inappropriate situations and never having a filter because you get each other’s sense of humor and know you’re just the silliest people at heart.

If anyone is really serious and pretentious you will mess with them. Like cats with laser pointers. They’re the cat and you guys are the laser pointer.

You actually inspire each other’s weirdness…

Literally, no convo is off limits. Poop.

Since you have zero shame about making fools of yourself in front of each other, your BF is usually the audience for all your crazy accents and impersonations, bad jokes and “stripper whose rent is due tomorrow” dance moves.

There really isn’t a dull afternoon if you two are in the same room – put you guys together and it’s a whole bunch of crazy that’s actually amazing.

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