Why you should start talking to strangers more often

talking to a stranger in a bus

You’re probably familiar with the feeling of social anxiety.

That sense of dread that comes when you have to speak to someone you don’t know.

It’s common to feel frozen when meeting people for the first time, and it can be tough to break the ice.

But here’s the thing: talking to strangers can be beneficial. In this article, we will discuss some of the reasons why you should start talking to strangers more often and offer some tips on overcoming your social anxiety.

The benefits of talking to strangers

When was the last time you spoke to a stranger?

If you can’t remember, then it’s time to start changing that. Talking to strangers can be a wonderful way to improve your social skills and gain new contacts. Here are some other benefits:

  •  A good mood change

Talking to strangers can change your mood for the better. It can make you feel more connected to the world. We’re all in this together, and talking to strangers is one way of reminding yourself of that.

  • Challenging your comfort zone
talking to strangers in a cafe

Image Credits: ideas.ted.com

Talking to strangers can help you challenge your comfort zone and expand your horizons.

Think about it—most of the time, we only ever talk to people we know. We stick to our little circles, and we’re content with that. But by talking to strangers, we’re opening ourselves up to new experiences and new perspectives.

It can be scary at first, but that’s exactly why you should do it. When you push yourself out of your comfort zone, you’re rewarded with new insights and lessons that you can’t get anywhere else.

  • A decreased sense of loneliness and isolation

Imagine if you didn’t talk to other people.

You would be missing out on all of the amazing conversations that could happen. You would also be missing out on making new friends, and exploring fresh connections. Not to mention, you would be lonely.

But it’s not just about avoiding loneliness. It’s also about gaining new perspectives. When we talk to others, we get to see the world through their eyes. We learn about their experiences, and we learn about their thoughts and opinions on various topics. This can help us understand the world in a whole new way.

How to start a conversation with a stranger

It can be tough to start a conversation with a stranger, but it’s a skill that can come in handy in many different situations. The next time you’re out and about, try these tips:

  • Make eye contact and smile.
  • Start with a question. Ask about their day, or what they’re doing this weekend.
  • Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Just relax and go with the flow.

You should start talking to strangers more often because it can make you feel better. You never know, the person you’re talking to might become a friend or even a business associate. Plus, talking to new people is a wonderful way to learn new things and encounter interesting opinions. So what are you waiting for? Get comfortable with uncomfortable starting today.

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How to Save Money when Shopping for Luxury Bags

Shopping for the perfect Christmas gift can be a stressful affair! You have a ton of things to do, and between all the planning for the family gatherings, there is hardly enough brain capacity left to be thinking of what to put under the tree. In addition, you do not want to spend a fortune on an unpleasant handbag.

Handbag lover or not, it’s something most of us use on a daily basis. The right handbag will surely be put to effective use! To save money on luxury bags, consider the tips on this list.

#1: SAVE CONSISTENTLY

Leading up to the holiday shopping spree, you must cut down the unnecessary purchases. For instance, you can eliminate your daily Starbucks run to save up to S$2,000 a year. Giving yourself a home-brewed morning drink can satisfy your cravings and save your wallet. You can even open a savings account to help you budget better.

#2: STEER AWAY FROM TRENDS

There are so many fast fashion items that go out of style immediately. Who cares if you do not wear it? It was on sale for S$30! Well, think about your purchases next time. Adding investment pieces to your collection can help you create a staple handbag collection.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#3: STORE WISELY

Forgo your lazy inclinations to toss your items in your bag as storing your recently purchased bag can be one of the most important steps to maintain the newness of your luxury item. Most designer bags come with free dust bags – use these! Do not forget to store your liquids in containers to avoid spillage.

#4: SHOP AT CONSIGNMENT STORES

Consignment stores will often carry products at discounted prices. These products might be last season’s handbags or something that is selling as much anymore. However, you may not always be able to find the product you are looking for.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#5: SHOP AT ONLINE AUCTIONS

Online auctions provide you a fantastic opportunity to snag a new product at a much cheaper price. You just need to be patient and diligent in your searches and keep an eye out for the best auctions.

#6: WATCH OUT FOR DISCOUNTS AT DEPARTMENT STORES

Local department stores can help you save money on high-end, luxury handbags. Most stores will have various sales year-round, which they will announce virtually through their websites or newsletters. Stay updated!

Sources: 1 & 2

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How to keep employees happy without breaking the bank

happy coworkers

Your budget may be tight, but that doesn’t mean you can’t offer your employees other forms of compensation and motivation.

There are plenty of things you can give your employees that don’t involve spending a lot of money. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Get to know your employees

What do they like to do outside of work? What are their hobbies and interests? Are they married and do they have children?

The more you know about your employees, the better you will be able to tailor your speech in a way that speaks to them personally.

Employees want to feel appreciated, and you can do so by taking an interest in their lives outside of work. So get to know your employees, and show them that you care.

Create a positive environment

This means ensuring that your employees have a good working relationship with their colleagues, that they feel appreciated, and that they have opportunities for growth and advancement.

You can also offer your employees flexible working hours, or the opportunity to work from home occasionally. And don’t forget to celebrate your employees’ successes—give them recognition in front of their peers, and let them know how much you appreciate their hard work.

Promote a healthy work-life balance
a woman happily knocking off from work

Image Credits: thebalancemoney.com

It’s no secret that work-life balance is crucial.

But it’s not just about giving your employees the occasional early off.

It means letting them take time off when they need it, whether it’s for a doctor’s appointment or to take care of a sick family member. It also means not bothering them unnecessarily with work requests outside of official working hours.

Encourage professional development

Give your employees access to online courses, or you can send them to industry-specific conferences. You can also provide them with the tools and resources they need to do their jobs better.

Even if you’re unable to sponsor your employee for a course, allowing paid time off to be absent from work can show that you support their decision to upskill. Think of out-of-the-box ways that won’t impact your budget directly.

The importance of employee satisfaction

Let your employees know that you appreciate them. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in making someone feel valued.

You can also give your employees opportunities for growth and development. Help them see that they have a future with your company, and they will be more likely to stick around for the long haul.

Finally, make sure your employees are comfortable in their work environment. This includes everything from the temperature in the office to the opportunities they have for feedback. Create a positive workplace culture, and your employees will be grateful for that.

You don’t need to break the bank to reward your employees—there are plenty of things you can offer them that will make them happy and motivated. As mentioned above, get to know your employees on a personal level, create a positive working environment, promote a healthy work-life balance, and encourage professional development. But with that said, if you can afford a salary raise, by all means, don’t skimp on that!

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10 Gifts You Should Never Give This Christmas

There is nothing worse than watching someone opening your gift and pretending to like it! Avoid cringe-worthy moments like this by familiarizing yourself with the following types of gifts that people would rather not receive this Christmas.

Do not waste your money on these gifts!

#1: PETS

Living, breathing creature as a present is a bad idea! Being stuck with them for the remainder of your life can seem scary, especially if you will gift a lizard. Never get someone an animal they may not be able to take care of.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#2: EXERCISE GEAR

What message are you sending by gifting exercise gear? We all have at least one friend who is obsessed with fitness, gifting exercise gear to said friend is acceptable. However, you do not want to risk unintentionally insinuating that he or she needs to lose weight.

#3: WORK DRESS

Gifting a work dress is tricky! You might not get the right size. Can you imagine the look on your friend’s face when you bought a Size 10 and she wears a Size 4?

#4: ROMANCE NOVELS

Not safe for work, novels can be embarrassing to open in front of friends and family. There would be so many shades of red if that happens.

#5: WRINKLE CREAM

It is insulting to insinuate that someone needs anti-aging creams. What about giving a nice, seasonally scented lotion instead? Peppermint or cinnamon lotion sounds delicious to me!

#6: AN OUTDATED CALENDAR

It might seem like an obvious one, but you would hate to receive a calendar that is only good for a month. Do not give a calendar for a year that already happened.

#7: CLEANING SUPPLIES

Your friends and family are going to wonder what you are really trying to say if they were to open a bag filled with cleaning supplies. Your cleaning tools and sprays might put a smile on your face, but you might send a wrong message across.

#8: GYM MEMBERSHIP

Much like giving exercise gear, signing someone up for a monthly gym membership could have a negative connotation. Plus, aside from its potential for offense, a gym membership serves as a reminder that New Year’s resolutions are right around the corner.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#9: SOUVENIRS

Did you just visit Bali or Maldives? Then, they do not need a tacky magnet to commemorate your experience. Look for inspiration elsewhere.

#10: HOVERBOARDS

They were the hottest toy years ago but have proven to be dangerous. Authorities recalled thousands of models all over the world. So, please find a safer toy to give to your favorite nieces and nephews.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Pet care on a budget: Ways to save money

showering a puppy

Keeping a pet can be a costly endeavor.

There are numerous necessary expenses, from food to veterinary care.

With the rising cost of living, many pet owners worry about how they will afford to care for their furry buddies. If that is you, stay on this page as we attempt to do pet care on a budget.

Save on pet-related costs

It’s no secret that taking care of a pet can be expensive.

But there are ways to save money on pet care without compromising your furry friend’s well-being.

One way to save is to train your pet yourself. There are plenty of resources out there, like books, online courses, or even YouTube videos.

Another way to save is by shopping around for pet insurance. Rates vary depending on the company you go with, so compare policies and find the one that’s best for you and your pet.

Reduce the cost of food

You love your furry friend, but sometimes you find yourself spending too much money on them. Well, we’re here to help! Here are two ways to reduce the cost of pet food:

  • Make your pet food

Fret not, it’s not as hard as you might think. There are plenty of recipes online that will show you how to make food for your pet that is both healthy and affordable.

  • Buy pet food in bulk

This can be a smart way to save money, especially if you have a pet with a huge appetite. Talk to your go-to pet store to see if they offer discounts for buying in bulk or look out for special promotions.

Do it yourself grooming
grooming a dog

Image Credits: newsweek.com

Have you tried doing some of the grooming tasks yourself?

There are some simple things you can do to keep your pet looking good without spending a fortune.

For example, most dogs don’t need to be bathed that often. You can save money by using dry shampoo or giving them regular brushing instead. And if your pet needs a trim, there are plenty of tutorials on how to do it yourself online.

Make your toys and treats

Making your toys and treats is our final way to save money on pet care. Not to mention, it’s a fun way to show your pet some extra love.

There are all sorts of instructions out there for homemade toys and treats, but here are a few of our favorites:

For toys, you can make a simple toy out of an old sock. Just stuff it with some fabric scraps and your pet will love the smell that comes with it.

As for treats, you can make your jerky out of chicken or beef, or bake some tasty dog biscuits using flour, oats, and peanut butter. Your pet will adore the taste and you will treasure the savings. Win-win.

As we close, you can save money on pet care by making a few small changes to your routine. Shop for pet supplies online to get the best prices, feed your furry buddy a homemade diet instead of buying ready-to-eat food, and do DIY grooming instead of paying for a professional groomer. Don’t forget pet insurance too!

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