Latest news with #selfishness
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
Designer Karen Millen forced to issue an apology after sparking backlash by calling breastfeeding mothers ‘selfish'
KAREN Millen has been forced to issue an apology after causing backlash with her claim that breastfeeding makes mothers "selfish". The fashion designer was on Channel 5 show Vanessa on Tuesday when she made the controversial comments, as she weighed in on a viral story about a U.S. mum breastfeeding her three-year-old. 3 3 3 "There's no benefit, is there, for a child to be breastfed beyond six months, really," Karen said when asked for her opinion on the story. "I think it's quite a selfish thing on the mother's part." "Do you?" host Vanessa Feltz asked. "Why do you feel that?" "I do, actually, yeah," Karen continued. "I just think, you know, that's not good emotionally for that child." Influencer and mum-of-two Imogen was among those slamming Karen for the interview, as she said she "can't even bring myself to watch it" because she's "so angry and upset". Calling her a "woman bashing women", Imogen continued in her TikTok video: "Breastfeeding is incredible for your children. "The amount of antibodies, the goodness, everything that comes with that. "We can say how amazing something is without offending every single person in the world. "I just think comments like that should be kept to your own Whatsapp chat." Following the backlash surrounding the interview, Karen issued a statement to Vanessa, as she insisted it wasn't her "intention to upset a lot of your viewers". "The question was aimed at a three-year-old being breastfed, and my thoughts on that," she said. "And my answers reflected that, not the subject of breastfeeding. "I have three children, and I breastfed all three of them up until six, seven months, despite it being incredibly painful. "I got mastitis each time, and cracked and sore nipples. But I did it because I knew it was the best thing for them for at least six months. "So, you know, I think my issue was more on the fact that, you know, as a baby, breast milk is the best. What are the recommendations around breastfeeding? The NHS recommends breastfeeding your baby exclusively (feeding them breast milk only) for the first six months, but it's completely up to you to decide when you want to bring it to an end - and there's really no right or wrong way to do it. The NHS says weaning often happens gradually as your baby begins to eat more solid foods. They note that solid food shouldn't replace breast milk, as there is evidence to suggest breast milk helps a baby's digestive system when processing solid food for the first time. "Once they are eating solids, your baby will still need to have breast milk or formula as their main drink up to at least their first birthday," recommends the NHS. "Cows' milk isn't suitable as a main drink for babies under one, although it can be added to foods, such as mashed potatoes." You can also combine breastfeeding with formula, too and the NHS says "phasing out" of breastfeeding is often the easiest way. For example, dropping one feed in the day or at night time. After around a week, you can begin to think about dropping another. "If your baby is younger than one year, you'll need to replace the dropped breastfeed with a formula feed from a bottle or (if they are over six months) a cup or beaker, instead," they say. You can breastfeed for as long as you want, and while the NHS recommends breastfeeding your baby exclusively for the first six months, you shouldn't feel like you cannot continue for longer. The World Health Organization says: "Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond." "And beyond being a baby, growing into a toddler, I just found it more difficult to come to terms with how that would benefit a three-year-old, a toddler. "So anyway, everyone has their own personal choice and decision in these things, and I respect that. "And as a woman, to women, I do respect your choices, and I do want to support you. "So my apologies once again - I hope you forgive me." But many people in the comments section were unwilling to accept the apology, with one writing: "This issue was that there was no balance and it was factually incorrect. "As a programme you should know better. Very disappointing. "Karen Millen came across as really smug and was quite rude, there was no compassion from her!" "We don't accept her apology. Cancel Karen Millen," another urged. "Well that's not an apology is it," a third sighed. As someone else called it the "most pathetic apology ever". "Karen Millen specifically mentioned breastfeeding past 6 months," they added. "She likened it to an addiction. She is completely uneducated and ignorant of the FACTS and recommendations by WHO (the World Health Organisation). "That is what she should apologise for. Not a half hearted back peddle. "She judges parents that breastfeed past 6 months - shameful." Vanessa concluded by saying: "The World Health Organisation recommends that children be breastfed exclusively for the first six months of their lives, and then up to the age of two and beyond that, if it suits the family." Others insisted that Karen is entitled to her own opinion, with some agreeing with her. "Apologise for your own opinion?? Why?" one questioned. "I don't see why she she should apologise," another added. "Karen is 100% right," a third insisted.
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
Your daily horoscope: June 11, 2025
A birthday full moon means you have to become more of a multitasker. With practice you will find that focusing on two things at once is not only possible but can even be beneficial. When you get bored with one you can switch to the other. Do only what you want to do today and let those who are trying to push you in a new direction know you won't be playing ball. It's okay to be a bit selfish, especially when the moon is full, so only do what brings you personal advantage. The more you try to understand a situation that has little to do with you the more complicated it seems to get, so be smart and put it out of your mind completely. You did not cause it, you cannot change it and it is not your responsibility. As today's full moon takes place in your opposite sign you cannot expect others to agree with your plans and ideas. That could become a big deal if they actively try to modify them for you. Be smart, and tough, and refuse to change a single thing. Don't worry if you find it hard to get through to friends and loved ones today, because everyone will be having communication issues under the influence of the full moon. Give it a day or two and you will be on the same wavelength again. Sometimes you can be a bit too rigid in your thinking and that can cause problems when events don't work out the way you expected them to. If what you expected to happen today does not take place just give it a few more days. Full moons can be dangerous because they pull us in opposing directions and make it difficult to make sensible decisions. For the next 48 hours or so the best decision is probably no decision, so take a raincheck and come back to it later. Your confidence could take a bit of a dent today, especially if the full moon wrecks your travel plans. Take the hint and sit tight for a while but be ready to move again when the cosmic outlook changes toward the end of the week. There is so much confusion at the moment that you may be having a hard time working out which way is up and which way is down. Don't worry. Gravity will sort things out over the next 24 hours. Hopefully it won't be too hard a landing. It's not like you to believe you need to prove yourself but the full moon in your sign has brought a few doubts to the surface and now you are looking for ways to make an impression. But why? The people who matter know what you can do. Stop looking back at how things used to be and start looking forward at how you want them to be in the future. You have a lot more control over your destiny than you imagine, so focus your mind on your number one desire and make it happen. A minor setback could easily develop in your mind into a major catastrophe, so you need to remind yourself that in the greater scheme of things all events have their essential place. Whatever your current problem may be, it's really no big deal. Today's full moon will encourage you to put the worst possible interpretation on what is taking place in your life. Stand back from both your family life and your career and take a look at the bigger picture. It's actually rather pretty. Discover more about yourself at
Forbes
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Moral Ambition By Rutger Bregman — Review
Greed and selfishness are failing humanity: can 'moral ambition' save the day – and us? Helping hand. getty Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?Tell me, what is it you plan to dowith your one wild and precious life? – The Summer Day by Mary Oliver I have eagerly followed Dutch historian Rutger Bregman's career online ever since I saw a video clip on twitter of him speaking truth to power at the Davos CEO Greedfest Conference. In this video, Mr Bregman admits to the audience that he was bewildered by the economic scolds at Davos who talked about participation, justice, equality and transparency, but 'nobody raises the issue of tax avoidance and the rich not paying their share. It is like going to a firefighters' conference and not talking about water.' After I had been won over by that charming introduction to his moral philosophy, I simply had to know more. I'm most pleased to tell you that, a few years later, I finally managed to get a review copy of his hot-off-the-presses book, Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference (Little, Brown and Company, 2025). This impassioned book is incredibly readable – I read it in one go. It uses crisp, energetic prose and interesting examples to argue that it is possible for all of us to live meaningful lives. Additionally, reading the opening credits in this book that quote numerous book reviews already published, I felt like I was in an online book club with some of my favorite famous people, from Trevor Noah and Timothy Snyder to Stephen Fry, and I was determined to read this book that they all were talking about, so I could be part of the conversation, and an active participant in this social movement, too. Mr Bregman opens Moral Ambition by discussing how most people waste their talents on bullshit jobs, when they could instead focus their talents, energy and time on how to live a meaningful life that is useful to society. We learn how our conventional definitions of success harm us, animals and the planet, and Mr Bregman uses numerous examples to demonstrate how we can shift our focus from personal gain to societal benefit. This, in a nutshell, is moral ambition; the willingness to devote one's life to solving the world's biggest problems – globally pressing threats like climate change, pandemics, or the energy crisis. In his book, Mr Bregman describes the four categories of people as he sees them. First are people who are neither ambitious nor idealistic. This category includes those who work at meaningless 'bullshit jobs' and those people who only seek to retire. Second are people who are ambitious, but not idealistic. This group includes consultants, bankers, many tech employees (and I'd suppose, most politicians.) Third are people who are idealistic, but not ambitious. Most protesters and activists fall into this group. Fourth are those incredibly rare people who are both ambitious and idealistic. Mr Bregman moves on to discuss his concept of 'zeroes', 'ones', and 'twos'. Zeroes are those rare people who start things, the trailblazers – or troublemakers, if you prefer. Ones are the people who help the zeros in their crusades. Twos are those who join in and follow after things have gotten started. According to Mr Bregman, regardless of whether you are a zero, a one or a two, the ultimate goal is doing something that's useful for humanity. As an example, he points to how the young law student, Ralph Nader, got his start back in the day, by successfully suing General Motors for making unsafe cars. Nader's actions led to LBJ signing the Highway Safety Act and Traffic Safety Act. Following on that success, Nader then started the 'Radical Nerds', a group of talented and idealistic law students who were recruited by Nader specifically to focus on solving societal problems. Mr Bregman discusses the idea of the 'Noble Loser' – someone with ethical intentions but unable to make a difference. This is often because Noble Losers don't know how to make a difference. According to Mr Bregman, one way to overcome this deficit is to join a group centered around moral ambition, that relies on a cult-like mentality to identify and accomplish their goals. (I disagree with the author here because a cult can so easily go wrong, as we've seen far too often.) Some of Mr Bregman's examples include the Against Malaria Foundation, the Abolition of Slavery movement and even 'ordinary people' hiding Jewish people in their homes during WW2. Using these examples and more, Mr Bregman discusses what is necessary to make a substantially positive social impact. He concludes that it really doesn't take much. For instance, many of those who hid Jews did so simply because they were asked to. And anyone who knows this can have similarly powerful social impacts. In the book's final chapter, Mr Bregman introduces three global challenges (in addition to climate change) that could serve as worthy, solvable threats for those with moral ambition who are seeking to improve society: nuclear war; artificial intelligence and biological warfare. Despite some of my reservations, I think Mr Bregman's argument to think carefully about the impact that your actions and life have on others is critically important. Taking deliberate actions to live a meaningful life, a life that is useful, and impactful, is the most fulfilling way to live your best life. An inspirational guide to finding that path for ourselves, Moral Ambition reminds us that the real measure of success lies not in what we accumulate, but in what we contribute, and it shows how we can build a lasting legacy that truly matters. Highly recommended for absolutely everyone from the ages of 15 to 115, I think this powerful, well-argued book would be an especially thoughtful and transformative graduation gift for your high school or university students. © Copyright by GrrlScientist | hosted by Forbes | Socials: Bluesky | CounterSocial | Gab | LinkedIn | Mastodon Science | Spoutible | SubStack | Threads | Tribel | Tumblr | Twitter
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
15 Things You Do That Make You A Selfish Partner Without Realizing
In relationships, we're often quick to blame our partners when things go sideways. But what about the times when we, unknowingly, may be contributing to the problem? It's easy to overlook certain behaviors that quietly chip away at the emotional balance of the relationship. Here are 15 ways you might be acting selfishly without realizing it, along with the subtle changes that could make all the difference. It's natural to want to take care of your own needs, but when this becomes a routine, your partner may feel left in the shadows. If your decisions are always based on what's best for you, with little regard for how it impacts others, that's a red flag. Relationships are about give-and-take; when your needs consistently outweigh theirs, it can create resentment. Your partner deserves the same attention and understanding you expect for yourself. When you put yourself first too often, it sends the message that their feelings or needs don't matter as much. This doesn't mean you should completely ignore your own desires, but rather consider how your choices affect the dynamic. Start asking yourself if you're being considerate of your partner's needs before acting. It might be as simple as giving up a little comfort for their happiness. We've all been there—excited to share our thoughts, but cutting someone off in the middle of their sentence. While it may seem harmless, constantly interrupting your partner can make them feel like their voice doesn't matter. Getting caught up in the moment is easy, but your partner deserves a chance to speak and be heard. When you interrupt, it tells them their thoughts aren't valued enough to complete. Listening is a crucial part of a relationship, and interruptions create an imbalance. Taking a breath before responding and allowing them to finish their sentences can work wonders. It not only makes them feel heard, but it also allows for more thoughtful, meaningful conversations. This simple adjustment can build a much deeper connection. Life doesn't always go according to plan, but if you're someone who insists on having everything go your way, it can become exhausting for your partner. Relationships require flexibility, and the inability to adjust to change can make your partner feel disregarded. Whether it's a dinner reservation, a vacation, or how you spend your weekends, being rigid can be draining. Sometimes, it's about bending without breaking and learning to embrace spontaneous moments. Being flexible doesn't mean you always give in to their preferences, but rather showing a willingness to meet in the middle. It's a chance to create new memories and experiences that both of you can enjoy. If you let go of the idea that things must go exactly as planned, you'll discover that relationships thrive when both partners are open to adjusting. Try to approach your plans with a little more flexibility next time. In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to let time with your partner slip through the cracks. But when you're constantly busy, prioritizing everything else, it's a clear sign of neglect. Relationships need quality time to thrive, and without it, your connection weakens. Saying "I'm busy" might be true, but it doesn't absolve you of the need to carve out time for your partner. When you stop making time for each other, it can make your partner feel unimportant or undervalued. Even if it's just a few minutes of uninterrupted time, showing that you're present and focused on them speaks volumes. Life gets busy, but when your partner feels neglected, it's easy for that gap to widen. Try scheduling regular moments to reconnect, whether it's over a cup of coffee or a quiet walk. Your partner's feelings are their reality, but if you're the type who brushes them off or invalidates their emotions, you're unintentionally being selfish. It's tempting to tell them to "calm down" or "get over it," but this only makes them feel unheard. Emotional support is one of the most important things you can offer in a relationship, and dismissing their feelings is the opposite of that. When your partner opens up about something that's bothering them, give them the space to express themselves without judgment. Empathy goes a long way, and sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply listen. Being dismissive only alienates them, making it harder for both of you to connect. Show empathy, and allow room for emotions to be shared without shutting them down. Whether it's comparing your partner to an ex or a friend's significant other, doing so is a surefire way to breed insecurity. Constantly bringing up how others behave or how things were "better" in the past can erode your partner's self-esteem. Every relationship is unique, and comparing them only highlights perceived shortcomings. Rather than focusing on who they're not, celebrate the unique qualities that make them who they are. Every person has their strengths, and your partner deserves appreciation for the things that make them, them. Shifting away from comparisons fosters an atmosphere of respect and love. Recognizing your partner for their individuality strengthens your bond. If you're constantly keeping a mental tally of who did more in the relationship, you're setting yourself up for failure. The idea that every action has to be reciprocated or that there's a right and wrong amount of giving can cause tension. Relationships are not about scoring points but about nurturing each other, both emotionally and physically. When you keep track of favors or sacrifices, it becomes less about love and more about competition. Let go of the need to quantify what you've done for each other and instead focus on supporting each other without expectations. When giving becomes about love, it feels less like a transaction and more like a mutual exchange of care and respect. If you're waiting for your partner to intuitively know what you want or need, you may be setting them up for failure. Expecting them to read your mind is a form of selfishness because you're not giving them the chance to meet your needs in a clear, direct way. Communication is the foundation of any relationship, and assuming your partner knows your desires without speaking them out is unfair. Instead of waiting for them to figure it out, express your needs openly and respectfully. Clear communication can avoid misunderstandings and ensure that your partner feels empowered to fulfill your needs. When you take the time to articulate what you want, it builds understanding, which strengthens your relationship. Try to speak up instead of hoping they'll guess. It's easy to blame your partner when something goes wrong, but failing to take responsibility for your actions is an act of selfishness. Relationships require both partners to own up to their mistakes, apologize, and work toward solutions. If you're quick to point fingers instead of admitting where you went wrong, you create an unhealthy dynamic. When you refuse to take responsibility, it undermines the trust in the relationship. By admitting your faults and seeking to make things right, you show maturity and a willingness to grow together. Taking ownership of your actions creates an atmosphere of accountability, making your connection stronger. Acknowledge when you're wrong and move forward together with honesty. When you shut down emotionally or retreat when things get tough, it can leave your partner feeling isolated and disconnected. Emotional availability is key to deepening intimacy, and when you're emotionally distant, it can create a void. It's not just about being physically present but also being emotionally engaged and open to the ups and downs that come with a relationship. If you're struggling to open up, it's essential to recognize that your partner's need for emotional connection is just as important as yours. Being emotionally available means creating a safe space for both of you to share feelings and vulnerabilities. When you embrace this openness, it fosters deeper trust and intimacy. Allow yourself to be emotionally present, even when it feels challenging. While spending time together is essential, not respecting your partner's need for space is a form of selfishness. Everyone needs some time alone, whether it's for self-reflection, pursuing hobbies, or simply recharging. If you're constantly in their space, demanding their attention, it can lead to burnout and resentment. Respecting personal space isn't a sign of disconnection, but rather an understanding of each other's individual needs. Giving your partner room to breathe allows them to come back to the relationship feeling refreshed and recharged. When both partners can thrive as individuals and come together to connect, the relationship becomes stronger. Be mindful of their need for space and honor it. Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, but avoiding it altogether can create long-term problems. When you dodge difficult conversations, it leaves issues unresolved, often leading to frustration and bitterness. Healthily addressing conflict is vital for growth, both individually and as a couple. By avoiding confrontation, you allow issues to fester, creating a bigger divide between you and your partner. Instead, approach conflicts with a mindset of resolution, not avoidance. It's about working together to find solutions and understanding each other better. Remember, healthy conflict is an opportunity for growth, not a sign of failure. No one is perfect, and if you're expecting flawless behavior from your partner, you're setting them up for failure. When you demand perfection, it only creates pressure, leaving them feeling inadequate or resentful. Every person has their quirks, and accepting them is part of building a solid relationship. Instead of focusing on their imperfections, appreciate the things that make them unique. Perfection isn't the goal—acceptance is. Loving your partner for who they are, flaws and all, creates a deeper, more authentic bond. Let go of unrealistic expectations, and you'll find a stronger, more fulfilling connection. Relationships should be a space where both partners grow and evolve. If you're not supporting your partner's personal or professional growth, it shows a lack of investment in their future. Whether it's their career, education, or personal goals, true partnership involves cheering each other on and being their biggest supporter. When you don't encourage them to pursue their dreams, you're limiting the potential of your relationship. Support can come in many forms, from a simple word of encouragement to actively helping them achieve their goals. When you make their growth a priority, you're creating a foundation for success for both of you. Start being their cheerleader, and watch both of you rise together. After being together for a while, it's easy to start assuming your partner will always be there, no matter what. This assumption can cause you to take their presence, support, and affection for granted. When you don't acknowledge their efforts, it can leave them feeling invisible or unappreciated. Recognizing the small things your partner does for you each day can transform how you show up in the relationship. Gratitude and appreciation are the antidotes to taking your partner for granted. Take a moment to acknowledge their efforts and let them know they're valued. A little appreciation can go a long way in keeping the love alive.
Globe and Mail
15-05-2025
- General
- Globe and Mail
Your daily horoscope: May 15, 2025
Sometimes it's okay to be a bit selfish and there will be times over the next 12 months when you really must put your own interests first no matter what that might mean for other people. What you do for yourself will benefit them too later on. You must not allow your heart to rule your head today, not even if friends and loved ones beg you to see things their way. If their way is clearly the wrong way you have a duty to point that out to them. It's to their long-term benefit. If you have to tread on a few toes or put a few noses out of joint today then so be it. You may be a nice guy by nature but you have important things to do and cannot afford to let other people's stupidity stand in your way. You may have no end of duties and obligations to fulfil but you need to make time for fun and games as well. You do your best work when you have a smile on your face, so remind yourself what a wonderful life this is and get cracking. Don't worry if you feel a bit down in the dumps today because what happens over the weekend will liven things up and present you with the type of opportunities that make you glad to be alive – which is what you should be every day. Because others trust your judgment so much whatever you say to friends and family members over the next 24 hours will be seen as the truth, so make sure you know what you are talking about. And if you don't know something just say so. You need to stop tormenting yourself about something that happened in the dim and distant past. You may have been partially to blame but the consequences were minor and there is no need to punish yourself for it. It's all part of the rough and tumble of life. Don't try to ignore a situation that clearly needs to be dealt with in a forthright and forceful manner. The fact that someone made an error no longer matters. What does matter is that you help them to find ways to make it right again. Try not to push yourself too hard today because if you do you will quickly discover that the more effort you put in the less you will get back in return. Also, a more relaxed approach to daily events will do wonders for your mood. You enjoy a good debate but if you don't feel this is the right time for a deep discussion then don't force it. Even a curious and quarrelsome Sag sometimes needs to switch off their mind and let the events of the world pass them by. If you cannot be bothered to defend your own interests then you really cannot expect other people to do it for you. You need to snap out of your current lethargic mood and get busy making sure your position in the world is secure. You have never been the sort to give up on something just because it is difficult so why are you considering it now? The planets suggest you are very close to making a breakthrough and will hate yourself later on if you stop trying now. If you need to ask someone to do you a favour today then come right out with it and don't worry that they might refuse. Chances are they have been hoping you will call on them to assist you and will help out with no questions asked. Discover more about yourself at
