I Couldn't Understand Why I Was Saving So Little. Then I Tallied All My ‘Beauty' Expenses.
After graduating from college in 2017 and making my first foray into full-time employment, it didn't take long to notice I badly needed to get a better handle on my expenses.
I had a good job, a roommate and an affordable car, so I had to dig deeper into my spending. Despite living comfortably within my means in many ways, there was one area where my outlays were proportionally staggering: all the products and services I bought in order to look good.
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Self-Absorbed People Often Display These 12 Traits Without Realizing It, Psychologists Say
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They also reveal helpful ways to overcome these Experts reveal subtle traits and behaviors to look out for. Asking for help and communicating your needs is important. However, psychologists stress the importance of balance."If most of your communication is need-based, it can signal that you're being self-absorbed," says ., a psychologist with Thriveworks. "People tend to notice when they are being used rather than valued."A just-because text or follow-up to chat about a pal's recent vacation are great ways to show you care about someone. Dr. Saidi says self-absorbed types are often more focused on how relationships look rather than how they feel."People who are self-absorbed tend to be highly focused on how they are perceived, often through social media posts, curated stories and self-promotion," she explains. "These matter more to them than vulnerability and mutual sharing, which creates authentic connections." Some way, somehow, a self-absorbed person will figure out how to make a conversation about them—even if the path there is a winding one. However, this trait can make relationships rocky."When someone constantly redirects the focus to their own life, they send the message that other people's experiences don't matter," points out Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind. "Over time, this can leave friends and loved ones feeling invisible or dismissed."Related: Sometimes, it's challenging for someone to get a word in with a self-absorbed person, which can also wreak havoc on connections."Cutting people off or talking over them makes others feel unheard," Dr. Hafeez adds. "It shuts down authentic dialogue and creates an environment where people feel unsafe expressing themselves." The blame game is always on with many self-absorbed people, but they're never "it.""Feedback may feel like a personal attack, so they respond with defensiveness," Dr. Saidi reports. "They may even turn it around and blame the other person to protect their ego."Related: The issues with criticism and accountability can also lead self-absorbed people to treat saying "Sorry" like a dirty word. When they do say it? It's often not a "real" apology."They may say things like 'I'm sorry you feel that way' instead of acknowledging their impact," says Dr. Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, Ph.D., a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor. 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May's full flower moon is arriving: What it means for your zodiac sign According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, which began publishing full moon names in the 1930s, some Native American tribes referred to June's full moon as the "strawberry moon" to mark the short but sweet strawberry harvest season. An alternative name from old European traditions is the "honey moon," as honey was often harvested around the same time in late June, NASA notes. This may be one reason why the term "honeymoon" became associated with weddings traditionally held during this month. NASA also points to another theory, that the word "honeymoon" stems from the custom of giving newlyweds mead -- a fermented honey drink -- to enjoy during their first month of marriage. Additionally, the Old Farmer's Almanac mentions that other tribes gave June's full moon names like the "birth moon," "egg laying moon," and "hatching moon," all referencing the season's themes of fertility and new life. The zodiac sign of each full moon is determined by the moon's position in the night sky relative to the astrological signs. Each year, this placement shifts slightly, influencing the energy and characteristics associated with the full moon, according to Thomas. This year, the strawberry moon falls in the sign of Sagittarius -- a fire sign known for its adventurous spirit. Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the zodiac and sits on the same axis as Gemini, an air sign. Thomas explains that these two signs rule over communication, including media, publishing and our global connections -- both personal and professional. "Sagittarius is a zodiac sign that encourages us to learn more about the world and expand our perspective of life, often through travel, academics or spirituality," Thomas added. "We are encouraged to pursue adventure, charge into the unknown, and learn about how we relate to others and philosophize our place in the cosmos." Many ancient cultures and religions celebrate celestial cycles, including finding ways to honor and harness the power of the full moon. To make best use of this intense energy, many astrologers believe that a full moon is a great time to manifest your dreams. Due to Sagittarius being a fire sign, Thomas said incorporating fire into your rituals can be particularly powerful such as using candles, incense, or sage smoke. "Since full moons are excellent times for releasing, cleansing or letting go, writing down things you'd like to release from your life or spirit on paper and then burning them can be a cathartic way of working with the energy," Thomas added. Potential meditations, mantras or journal prompts: I expand my horizons and pursue new adventures. My mind, spirit, and life are limitless like the sky. I choose to be an eternal sojourner. I am curious about new ideas and lifestyles and am open to unique perspectives. Aries (March 21 - April 19) Spread your wings and expand your horizon, Aries! "You may feel invigorated to switch up your routine and move in new directions," Thomas said. "Some of you may decide to focus on a long-distance travelling journey or international business or relations. If involved in the media or eager to be, you may also see opportunities to grow now." Taurus (April 20 - May 20) It's time to reassess your relationships, Taurus! "If you've been feeling unfulfilled, you could speak up or instead decide to part ways," Thomas explained. "Another way this could affect you is around financial matters, bringing a shift or the arrival of a bonus, venture capital, new credit line, inheritance, or settlement. Assets and investments are favored." Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Transformation or chaos are approaching, Gemini! According to Thomas, "You are at a time where you will be facing the truth in a significant partnership. On one hand, this could bring you closer, allowing for more synergy, collaboration, and happiness. Moving in, making promises, getting engaged, or even being wed could be up for conversation." Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Get ready to be booked and busy, Cancer! "You may realize that you're busier than ever, juggling many projects and plans for your employer as well as all of the responsibilities in your personal routine, too," Thomas added. "You may be taking on more for your job or even leaving one job to start another. If out of work, this lunation could bring your resume to the top of the pile, so get applying!" Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) It's time to literally live, laugh and love, Leo. "Romance, dating, and courtship could all be particularly enjoyable now, regardless if single or attached," Thomas said. "If ready to meet someone new, download an app, mingle amongst friends, or ask someone out near this time. It could be a fantastic match! If committed, use this energy to reignite your spark. Fertility, pregnancy and children could also be themes that pop up near this time." Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) Reflect and grow, Virgo! According to Thomas, "Emotional stability and security are important themes near this time. In fact, you may be quite reflective on your past, your heritage and your traditions now too. An important shift around your domestic life, home, or family may also pop up, such as a desire to move, renovate, or redecorate." Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) Get out and mingle, Libra! "You will likely feel especially curious, social and eager to step out of your comfort zone," Thomas added. "On one hand, this could be in regards to intellectual pursuits, such as getting involved with or debuting a writing, speaking or advertising endeavor. A significant contract could also manifest as if out of thin air!" Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) There might be some changes in your finances, Scorpio. "Money will be a major factor on your mind as you plan out things now and in the months ahead. A raise, new job offer, or side hustle could also present itself," Thomas explained. "Some of you may also leave one job or income stream to pursue a new one. If spending cash on important possessions, watch your bank accounts." Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) Claim your spotlight, Sagittarius! "You will feel like all eyes are on you!" Thomas added. "An important personal or professional goal that you've been building toward for six months or longer could now be at your fingertips. You will be especially fired up, so make sure that you assert yourself and your dominance so everyone knows what you desire and how you'd like to proceed." Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) Sit back and reflect, Capricorn. According to Thomas, "You may feel a desire to rest, recharge, and recuperate. Pushing too hard against the grain now would only burn you out more, so finding time to meditate, nap, and heal are paramount. However, you may instead be feeling a bit haunted by baggage, dreams, trauma, or the past, so working with a therapist or engaging with spirituality could help you ultimately find closure and peace." Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) Flow with your chosen family, Aquarius! "This is an excellent period to join groups and communities, volunteer, or become actively engaged with a cause that you believe in," Thomas said. "However, there's plenty of fun likely on the menu, too! You may attend events, expand your network, or even find success in online dating if you are single and looking." Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) Big career moves are on the table, Pisces! "You may receive praise, success, or recognition for work that you've been building toward for six months or longer," Thomas explained. "A new job offer, promotion, or award may now fill you with pride. However, if you aren't in the right job or industry, you may quickly realize it and need to pivot in a new direction." June's full strawberry moon: When to see it and what it means for your zodiac originally appeared on
