‘Tis the Season to Avoid Romance Scammers

Romance scammers profess their love quickly, without actually meeting you. This is the first sign of an online dating fraud. Online dating and sextortion scams can poke a deep hole in your wallet and your heart. Saying he or she loves you can be a tactic to make you give up personal details and answer security questions to open your bank accounts.

Guard your personal details and be wary of your new love interest by following these tips.

#1: BE VIGILANT OF BAD GRAMMAR

It is one thing to use slang and emojis, it is another to constantly commit grammatical errors. Sweetheart scammers are often operating outside of Singapore, so pay attention for grammatical errors and misspelled words.

#2: OFFER A PUBLIC MEETING

A surefire way to get to know someone is by meeting them in person. Choose a safe, public space that will make you feel comfortable. If your sweetheart scammer refuses to meet you in person after asking multiple times, take it as a sign that he or she is probably lying to you.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: DO NOT GIVE IN

Strangers asking you for favors and money send a red flag. Consult your trusted friend and family members if you are unsure of an online relationship. It is best to avoid giving money to strangers.

#4: DO A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH

Do your research by typing his or her name on Google and social media platforms. Your snooping habits should give you a clear impression if the person is real or a catfish. Remember to reverse search their social media profile images through Google.

#5: DO NOT SEND SENSITIVE PHOTOS

Sextortion is a serious crime that involves a perpetrator threatening to publish private and explicit information to others if you do not give in to the perpetrator’s demands. These demands usually involve money or sexual favors. Despite how deep your affection is towards a person, please avoid sending sensitive, personal photos.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Get to know the person better. Cross-check a person’s name, photo, location, email address and other details for legitimacy.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Ease the pain: Tips for wearing high heels all-day

woman in high heels elevating her feet

Are you one of those ladies who love wearing high heels but experience fatigue over the long term?

If so, you’re like most women. Lucky for you, we’ve got some tips to ease the pain but keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this problem.

Below are a few of our favorites.

Opt for heels with padding

When looking for heels, always opt for a pair with some padding.

This will help to ease the fatigue you feel in your feet by providing extra comfort. A good pair of padded heels can make all the difference in the world when it comes to being able to wear them all day long.

Choose the right heel height

If you’re someone who experiences fatigue when wearing heels for an extended period, it’s important to choose a heel height that’s more forgiving.

A lower heel height—around one to two inches—will distribute the pressure more evenly across your foot, instead of concentrating it on the ball of your foot. Platforms or kitten heels instead of stilettos are better options.

Another thing to keep in mind is the width of the toe box. A wider toe box will give your toes more wiggle room, which can be helpful if you’re experiencing pain.

Give your feet regular massages
foot bath

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You might also want to give your feet regular massages. This will help increase blood circulation and keep them relaxed.

Ask your masseur to concentrate on the pressure points in your arches—this is where most of the tension tends to accumulate. If you prefer to DIY, you can also just use your fingers to press or a tool to rub the areas in question. Use a massage oil or lotion to reduce friction.

Consider using insoles or gel pads

When it comes to dealing with discomfort caused by wearing high heels all day, there’s nothing like extra cushioning. Adding a layer of cushioning can provide your ankles and feet with added support and reduce any pain you may be feeling.

One option is shoe pads, which are especially great if you’re wearing pumps or stilettos. Another alternative that works just as well is foam insoles. Foam will not only provide cushioning but also pressure relief and support long walks in those stylishly high heels. You can even use them in combination with other types of inserts to customize your comfort level.

Have a pair of flats or trainers on hand

It’s a great idea to have a pair of flats or trainers on hand for when you need a break from your heels. You can always leave them at the office or in your car.

After a couple of hours in your heels, take a break and slip into something more comfortable. You can increase the length of time you’re able to stand or walk in heels if you rotate between two pairs.

Listen to your body when wearing high heels. If you start to experience pain, give your feet a rest. And, be sure to get a check-up if you have any pressing concerns. Here are a few takeaways you can do to ease the pain and make wearing high heels more comfortable: first, choose the right shoes. Look for shoes with a lower heel and a wide toe box. Second, take breaks often and elevate your feet when you can. Third, stretch your feet and legs before and after wearing high heels. And finally, don’t forget to give your feet some TLC. Massage them, soak them in a warm bath, and moisturize them often.

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To curse or not to curse: The etiquette behind swearing at work

woman angry at work

You’re at work, and someone swears. What do you do?

It’s a question that many of us have faced at one point or another in our careers, and the answer can be a little tricky.

It all depends on your workplace culture and the individual situation. In general, however, it’s probably best to avoid swearing in front of your boss or clients—unless, of course, they happen to be the type of people who don’t mind cursing themselves.

The relevance of context to cursing

There’s a big difference between dropping an F-bomb when you stub your toe and doing so during a meeting with your boss.

And while it might be okay to release a few curse words in the privacy of your workspace, it’s probably not a good idea to do the same in the pantry.

The key thing to remember is that swearing is a form of communication, and like all forms of communication, it should be used in the right context. Think about the words you choose, and make sure they’re appropriate for the situation.

The consequences of letting loose your language

On one hand, it can be seen as unprofessional and indicative of a lack of control.

After all, if you can’t handle yourself in an office setting, what does that say about your ability to represent the company? Swearing can also make you come across as insensitive.

On the other hand, some people see swearing as a way of releasing stress or anger. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s appropriate in your workplace. Just be aware of the consequences of your decisions, both good and bad.

Finding the right balance between casual and professional language
colleagues talking

Image Credits: business.calm.com

Swearing can make you sound unprofessional and like you don’t care about your image.

It can also come across as aggressive or hostile. On the other hand, if you don’t swear at all among coworkers who do, you might seem stuffy or like you’re trying too hard to be a saint.

So where do you draw the line? As mentioned earlier, it depends on your workplace culture and the people you work with. Some offices are more relaxed and don’t mind a few curse words, while others are more conservative and find swearing inappropriate.

Use your best judgment and find what’s right for you.

Pros and cons of having a strict anti-swearing policy

If an organization has a no-swearing policy in the workplace, it sends the message that cursing is not acceptable in the work environment.

This can be beneficial in some ways, as it can create a more professional atmosphere and a more cohesive team dynamic since everyone is playing by the same rules.

On the flip side, creating a strict company policy banning swearing may take away honest communication. It might also lead to employees feeling like they can’t fully express themselves, since their verbal style may be seen as socially unacceptable.

Additionally, having too rigid of a policy may lead people to become even more likely to swear when they are angry or frustrated because they feel like they have already been judged for their language.

Cultural considerations on swearing at work

Depending on where you work, there are likely to be cultural considerations regarding swearing at work.

If you’re working in a foreign country, it’s worth doing some research to find out what the norm there is when it comes to the use of profanity.

That said, cursing should never be aimed at or used in front of those who have a higher rank than you—regardless of the culture. It’s okay to use profanity among peers as long as everyone is comfortable with it.

In the end, it’s up to you whether or not you want to swear at work. If you’re comfortable with it and it doesn’t offend anyone, then there’s no harm in doing so. But even then, we would recommend exercising caution and using your judgment to gauge the mood before using expletives or assuming everyone else will feel the same way about cursing as you do.

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Handling challenging conversations: How to communicate layoffs with empathy

two female coworkers have a serious conversation

Let’s face it: layoffs are never easy.

But when done with thought, they can be a little less traumatic for those affected.

In this article, we will share some tips on how to handle layoffs more compassionately. We will also provide some resources that might help make the process a little easier for everyone involved.

Be prepared for the conversation

When you’re preparing to communicate layoffs, remember that the conversation will be tough for both you and your employees.

Have all the facts at your fingertips and think about your delivery. This is not a time to pass blame or criticize anyone. Your goal is to communicate the news in a way that is respectful and empathetic.

Explain job loss with compassion

Start by explaining the situation straightforwardly without shying away from facts.

Remember that your employees are likely worried about their future and their families. Reassure them that you’re doing everything you can to help them through this tough time.

Be honest about the company’s situation and what led to the layoffs. Let your employees know that it’s not their fault and that you appreciate their hard work. Offer them resources like outplacement services or career counseling to help them transition into their next role.

Acknowledge and validate feelings
talking during an interview

Image Credits: theladders.com

You’re dealing with people. People have feelings. People have families. People have mortgages, student loans, and bills to pay.

Acknowledging and validating the feelings of the people you’re about to let go of is one of the most basic things you can do as a leader. It shows that you understand what they’re going through, and it helps to soften the blow a little.

Give adequate time to the conversation

When it comes to communicating a layoff, the last thing you want to do is rush through it. We encourage you to give yourself and your employees adequate time for conversations. They deserve plenty of time to process and ask questions.

You don’t have to be in each other’s presence for hours, but we suggest at least 30 minutes of conversation that allows room for emotions and reflection before saying goodbye—especially if you have worked together for many years.

This method also sends a strong message that you are still invested in their well-being despite the unfortunate news. Giving a person enough time can make them feel less neglected and ensure closure.

Provide resources to help cope with the change

Provide information about counseling services or financial resources available to them, such as severance packages or job placement assistance.

These resources can help ease the transition for them and provide them with a sense of security, knowing that you are invested in their success even beyond your own business.

Having access to online learning communities, such as webinars or workshops on how to adjust to the new change could be beneficial. Additionally, if you have business contacts that you can direct them to, offer those as well.

Providing tangible support they can use immediately makes the whole process less intimidating and help individuals be in control of their situation.

When you’re handling a challenging conversation like layoffs, be as empathetic as possible. Show that you understand how challenging this is for the other person, and be direct and honest with them. Explain the situation clearly and help them to see how this decision was made. It’s also good to give them some time to process the information and answer any questions they may have. Thank them for their understanding and let them know that you appreciate their contributions thus far.

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Strategies for surviving your next long-haul flight

a female passenger in-flight

Flying can be tiring, especially when it’s a long-haul flight. But it doesn’t have to be unbearable. 

With a little bit of preparation and some handy tips, you can make your next long-haul flight more endurable and maybe even enjoyable. Time to arrive at your destination feeling fresh and relaxed!

Choose the right seat

When it comes to long-haul flights, the key to survival is comfort. And the best way to ensure comfort is to choose the right seat.

There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your seat: first, think about your needs. If you need extra legroom, choose a seat towards the front of the plane. If you want to be close to the lavatories, then pick a seat in the middle or back of the plane.

Second, take into account your personal preferences. Some people prefer to be near the window, while others find it claustrophobic. Some people like to be near the aisle so they can get up and stretch more easily, while others prefer not to have anyone climbing over them during the flight.

Third, consider your travel companions. If you’re traveling with someone else, make sure you select seats that are comfortable for both of you to interact and communicate.

Stay hydrated on board

Water, water, water. It’s the key to staying hydrated during your flight and any time you’re traveling.

When you’re on a long-haul flight, your environment is incredibly dry, and that can zap the moisture from your skin and leave you feeling dehydrated.

Drinking plenty of fluids will help counteract that, so make sure to bring a refillable water bottle with you on board. You can also ask the flight attendant for a cup of water, or purchase a bottle in-flight. Keep sipping on fluids throughout your flight; you will feel better hydrated and comfier overall.

Bring activities for mental stimulation
reading-a-book-on-a-plane

Image Credits: bonafidebookworm.com

Don’t underestimate the importance of mental stimulation during long-haul flights. It may not seem like much but it can help keep you engaged and entertained throughout the flight.

You could bring a good book or puzzles to work on. There’s also usually a good selection of movies available on flights, and some airlines even offer virtual reality headsets to help pass time. Whatever activity you choose, make sure it’s something that will keep your attention for hours at a time.

If you like listening to music or podcasts, then bring along your headphones and create your favorite playlists before you take off. Not only will it give your mind something to focus on but the music can also help reduce travel anxiety.

You could even try learning a new language if you have enough time—download an app like Duolingo for offline use and you’re all set!

Make sure to get sufficient rest before your flight

Lastly, get yourself well-rested before take-off. Sure, the idea of catching up on some sleep onboard sounds awesome, but those little airplane seats are far from comfy for many, and sleeping in them can be challenging.

To get a good night’s sleep before a long flight, create a bedtime ritual and stick to it for a week. Turn off all electronics an hour before bedtime, read a book to help you wind down, and keep your bedroom quiet and dark. Also make sure to limit caffeine, alcohol, and sugar intake before going to bed as this can impact your ability to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep.

You could also try out some relaxing breathing exercises or meditation practices right before going to sleep. This can help calm your mind and body so that you’re better able to relax and more likely to get yourself tuned into the restful zone while onboard.

As we close, know that long-haul flights don’t have to be as bad as you think. By following the abovementioned simple tips, you can make your next long-haul flight more bearable. And who knows, you might even enjoy it!

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