‘What Is Wrong With Me?’ What to Do If You Feel This Way


Key Takeaways

  • If you feel like something is wrong with you, you’re not alone, as these feelings can come from stress, loneliness, or trauma.
  • To help manage these feelings, you can practice self-care, build new habits, and reach out to a mental health professional.

“What is wrong with me?” is a question almost everyone asks from time to time. Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or stuck can create moments of self-doubt or even long-term feelings of not measuring up or not being good enough. In some cases, you may ask this question because you’re in a situation that has you wondering whether you can make it through.

Whatever the cause of your feelings that something is wrong with you, know that there are actions you can take to start to feel better. It’s also important not to push that feeling away when it comes. Instead, take the time to sit with them and explore them. If the thought of doing that feels overwhelming, consider talking to a mental health professional about what you are going through. 

Why You Feel Like Something Is Wrong With You 

Do you ever have that sinking feeling that everything is just off? Life’s happening so fast it seems like you can’t keep up, and you start to think, “Maybe *I’m* the problem. What’s wrong with me?” From temporary life setbacks to enduring a long physical or mental illness, there are multiple potential reasons why you might feel that something is wrong.

Whatever the cause, it’s easy to fall into a spiral where you feel like you can’t function, can’t do anything right, and will never find your way out. It’s important to remember that we all have this feeling sometimes. Getting to the bottom of why it’s happening can help you figure out how to tackle it without blaming yourself.

Check the list below and see if any of these resonate with you.

Feeling Overwhelmed 

When you think about something being wrong with you, is it mostly a feeling of being overwhelmed or that you can’t think straight? Or do you feel like you can’t keep up with all your obligations and the things you need to do? You may even be so overwhelmed that you feel like you’re drowning.

Feeling overwhelmed is a common experience. Sometimes, the feeling that something is wrong with you might reflect that you simply have a very challenging set of life circumstances. It might mean that you have an overly demanding job, heavy family responsibilities, financial stress, or any other number of situations that would lead to feeling like you can’t keep up with the pace of life. 

Feeling Stuck 

Do you feel somehow stuck in your life, as though everyone else has things figured out, but you don’t? Or are you struggling to get over a breakup, move on from a job you hate, or free yourself of a toxic relationship?

It isn’t uncommon for people to feel stuck in the same place. You might feel like you’re just going through the same motions every day but not making any progress, which can leave you feeling bored and unsatisfied.

If you have specific ideas of what your life should be like, and you feel as though you are not living the life you want, this could lead you to the thought that something is wrong with you. 

Feeling Lonely 

Loneliness has been linked to chronic health problems like heart and lung disease and is a major risk factor for mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

A number of factors can leave you feeling alone or lonely. Perhaps you have strained relationships with family or anxiety about making new friends. You may even feel lonely when you are with your friends or family.  

Usually, feeling that there is something wrong with you because you are lonely means that you struggle to make the right social connections.

Personal Relationship Issues

Problems in your social life can lead to feelings of unhappiness. You may feel like your parents or close family aren’t supporting you. You may be having trouble finding a significant other, or perhaps you’re still feeling the loss of the relationship with a former partner. You may even feel like it’s difficult to relate to your friends or other people in your close social circle.

Problems at Work

Your job can create a lot of stress, especially if you’ve just taken a new position or changed employers.

It’s common to feel stress at work. Taking on too many responsibilities, working too many hours, or having a lot of outstanding tasks to complete can contribute to feelings of stress or inadequacy. Co-workers can sometimes also contribute to these feelings.

Experiencing Trauma 

If you’ve been asking what is wrong with you, it may be because you are experiencing trauma or recovering from a traumatic experience. This could be obvious trauma, such as losing a loved one, being the victim of violence, or experiencing a tragic life circumstance such as a house fire.

However, trauma can also come about in more insidious ways, such as living with a narcissistic abuser. Trauma in all forms can have a significant impact on your mental state.

If this is what is happening to you, seek help from a professional. 

Experiencing Physical Illness 

Are your feelings of something being wrong related to your body? Whether you have a diagnosed illness and are experiencing new symptoms, or you have symptoms that have yet to be understood or diagnosed, you are probably feeling confused and worried about what is going on with your body.

In this case, it’s perfectly normal to think, “What is wrong with me?” Often, the answer lies in getting to the bottom of the problem through help from a medical professional. 

Lacking Self Worth 

Sometimes the feeling that something is wrong with you can originate in low self-esteem or low self-worth. Whether or not this feeling reflects reality isn’t really important; it’s your perception of yourself that impacts your mindset.  

When you have a lack of self-esteem or self-worth, it will permeate every area of your life, leaving you feeling as though you don’t feel you just don’t measure up.

Often, the solution is to identify the core values underlying your self-esteem problem, which might be rooted in feelings of shame or guilt. 

Facing Mental Health Issues 

Sometimes, feeling this way can be a symptom of something deeper, like a mental health concern. One last potential cause of feeling like there’s something wrong with you could be a diagnosable mental illness such as depression, an anxiety disorder, or a personality disorder.

Just as with a physical illness, the best course of action in these cases is to speak to a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. However, it’s also important to develop coping skills to manage your mental health on your own as much as possible. 

How to Cope

Regardless of the reason why you feel like there is something wrong with you, there are things you can do to reduce those feelings. Your choice of coping method will depend on the specific cause. 

Plan to Calm Down 

Sometimes, the thought that something is wrong with you can come on suddenly and provoke anxiety and negative emotions. In this case, the best first step is to do something to calm down.  

To set this in motion, put together a list of “calm down activities” that you can reference whenever this happens. Below are some ideas of things that you can put on this list of calm-down activities.

Then, remember to pull it out and start working through the list whenever feel down on yourself or you feel as though you can’t calm down. 

Calm Down Activities

  • Go for a walk somewhere in nature.
  • Write in a journal about your feelings.
  • Call a supportive family member, friend, or another empathetic person.
  • Write down a ‘to-do’ list (if feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to start).
  • Use a meditation app such as Headspace.
  • Inhale some essential oil (e.g., lavender).
  • Do an online yoga class or other relaxation class.
  • Read a book (something light-hearted or intriguing to take your mind off your feelings).
  • Watch a favorite television show or movie (preferably one that is calming, funny, or both).

Forgive Yourself

Forgiving yourself isn’t always easy, but showing yourself some grace can go a long way toward helping your feel better. Sometimes, we expect too much from ourselves, and it can be helpful to remember that no one is perfect.

Try not to beat yourself up when you make a mistake or because you’re unable to meet your own expectations. Instead, try to learn from your mistakes and remember that everyone else is imperfect, too.

Make an Action Plan 

If your feelings are tied to specific problems in your life, make an action plan. While it might feel easier to get stuck in a negative mindset, taking action will create more motivation to keep going when things get hard. 

The actions that you plan to take will depend on your circumstances but could be any of the following: 

  • Seek help from a mental health professional.
  • Find a different job that is better suited to your talents.
  • Set attainable goals that will help you feel like you’re moving forward.
  • Focus on achieving one thing at a time. This can help you feel less overwhelmed.
  • Work to improve your relationships (e.g., family relationships, friendships, romantic relationships).
  • Develop hobbies or passions (e.g., taking up a sport, learning how to knit).
  • Read self-help books on topics that interest you.
  • Finding an accountability partner to keep you moving forward.

Observe Your Body 

Now that you’ve calmed down and made an action plan to deal with the problems you are facing, it’s important to monitor how you are feeling so you can stop the negative spiral before it gets out of control.

When you are more in tune with the feelings in your body, you’ll be better able to do things that improve your mood and outlook. 

Below are some feelings you might be having and some things that you can do about them. 

  • Overwhelm/brain fog: Do a brain dump and make a to-do list or plan of action to take everything out of your head and put it down on paper.
  • Tired: Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time each day; make sure you are getting enough sleep (not too little but also not too much).
  • Restless/can’t sit still: Go for a walk or get some exercise (e.g., high-intensity interval training, treadmill walking, yoga).
  • Pain/soreness: Pinpoint the problem and look for solutions (e.g., call your doctor).
  • If you feel tense or unable to relax, Practice deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation (PMR).

Schedule Time to Worry 

Now that you’ve started to monitor your body, you’ll also want to monitor your mind. You can do this by scheduling a worry period each day, during which you write down everything that is worrying you the most.

Then, you can either make a plan of action on how to solve each problem or change the way you are thinking about the problem (for example, you may feel as though you are blowing it out of proportion or creating a catastrophe out of nothing). 

In order to plan a worry period, select a specific time each day that you will write down all your worries. Set a time limit for your worry period, and then don’t think about your worries the rest of the day.

During the worry period, make sure that you are not just focused on the problems. The goal is to come up with actionable solutions or ways to deal with what’s on your mind. Make a list of worries, come up with solutions, or change your thinking about the problems.  

Practice Self Care 

You should specifically schedule self-care time into your day. Self-care refers to anything that keeps you feeling good (both physically and mentally). Below are some things you can do to practice good self-care during your day. 

  • Get enough sleep (7-8 hours a day; no more than 10 or you will feel more tired).
  • Eat a healthy diet (enough protein and fiber) and avoid junk food, caffeine, alcohol, etc.
  • Get regular exercise. Get your heart rate up and stretch your muscles. Taking 10,000 steps a day is a good goal, but 5,000 should be the minimum.
  • Plan time for rest each day (e.g., take breaks if you are working in front of a computer, and make sure you have screen-free time).
  • Plan time for things you enjoy each day (e.g., reading your favorite book, or watching a favorite television show).
  • Get outside in nature (this helps you get vitamin D and take a break).

Press Play for Advice on Feeling Better

Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares an exercise that can help you feel better when you feel depressed.

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See a Mental Health Professional 

Do you have a traumatic past, or are you dealing with a difficult life situation? Do you think you may be struggling with a mental health disorder? In that case, your best course of action will be to seek the help of a mental health professional. 

Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, a personality disorder, or other issue, there are very helpful forms of treatment (including medication and talk therapy) that can make a significant difference in your life.

Medication can help you to feel better as well as make it easier to practice the skills you will learn in therapy. Therapy can help you to dig through your past and change how you view your present. 

Get Help Now

We’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain. Find out which option is the best for you.

Cope With Anxiety 

Beyond seeking help from a mental health professional, there are also things you can do on your own if you believe you are living with anxiety. Below are some ideas to get you started. 

  • Take a supplement such as Ashwagandha to feel calmer. Research evidence suggests that this herb may be helpful for a number of brain disorders.
  • Use essential oils such as lavender.
  • Engage in relaxation exercises such as progressive muscle relaxation (PMR).
  • Take breaks from social media and the news.
  • Read self-help books or listen to podcasts from experts on reducing anxiety.
  • Get regular exercise, such as going for walks, doing yoga, or stretching. 

Cope With Depression 

What if you are living with depression? Be sure to first see a mental health professional to see if medication or therapy may be helpful in your situation. Depression can interfere with your thinking and make you feel as though there is no use in getting help or that others have problems worse than yours, so you do not deserve help.

If that is your situation, try talking to someone you trust about how you are feeling. See if they can make an appointment for you. 

Beyond seeing a professional, here are some things you can do if you are living with depression: 

  • Avoid alcohol: Alcohol is a depressant and can make depression worse.
  • Get regular exercise: Exercise releases endorphins that can make you feel better, if only temporarily.
  • Keep a regular sleep schedule: Too much or too little sleep has been associated with depression.
  • Challenge your negative thought processes: Find a self-help book about cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression to help you do this.
  • Take baby steps every day: If you feel overwhelmed, try to take one small step toward whatever you are trying to accomplish; this will help you to get momentum to start moving and doing more.
  • Track your mood daily: Rate it on a scale from 1 to 10, and write down daily stressors.
  • Keep a happiness journal: Write down things you are grateful for and the small successes. 

Accept Unhappiness 

While there is an ideal of happiness, it is true that nobody can be happy all of the time. We will all experience good and bad times in our lives, whether that is from one day to the next, or one year to the next.

If you are constantly wondering why you aren’t happy, it could be that you need to accept your unhappiness for a little while.

Of course, if you are struggling with a mental health issue, that should never be ignored. But, it’s safe to reject the idea that everyone needs to be happy all of the time.

If a particular situation has caused unhappiness, recognize that your feelings right now aren’t necessarily going to be your feelings forever. When you let go of the idea of eternal happiness, you allow yourself to accept your feelings and emotions, which paradoxically might make you feel a little bit better. 

What to Do When Nothing Is Wrong 

Wondering “what is wrong with me” can be most perplexing when it seems like there is nothing objectively wrong with your life. If, to the outside observer, your life appears to be going well, what could possibly be causing you to feel this way?

Beyond the possibility of depression or another mental health issue, there could be a number of different reasons you feel this way. Below are some possible causes: 

  • You might be trying to live up to the ideals of others rather than following your own values.
  • You might not feel challenged in your job or wish you had chosen a different path.
  • You might have achieved a big goal or milestone and now feel aimless about your future path.
  • You might be bored with some aspect of your life and wish you could change.

The common thread across these factors is that there is something missing in your life that is making you feel that something is wrong. This can be the hardest problem to solve, because to the outside objective observer, you should be perfectly happy.

However, there doesn’t have to be anything catastrophically wrong with your life for you to feel that there is something wrong with you. In cases like this, writing in a journal could help you get to the bottom of your feelings. This is especially true if there is no mental health concern that would nudge you toward seeing a therapist. 

When writing in your journal, be curious and ask yourself questions about what would make you feel better. Keep digging until you start to find some answers. The process of free writing can be a helpful way to unearth emotions that you might not be in touch with during your daily life.

Just because other people don’t notice that something is wrong doesn’t mean that your feelings aren’t valid. It’s also important to be aware that you might be experiencing high-functioning depression, where people feel depressed even though other people might not notice or recognize the outward signs.


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What Does It Mean When You Dream About Someone Dying?

Key Takeaways

  • If you dream about someone dying, it often means there is a big change or ending happening in your life.
  • Dreams about death can reflect fears about losing someone close to you or signify unresolved issues with them.
  • If recurring dreams about death are upsetting, consider talking to a mental health professional for help.

Each of us spend about two hours each night dreaming, and dreams typically occur in the REM portion of our sleep cycle. While the purpose and meaning behind our dreams isn’t entirely understood, the basic theory is that dreams help us process and understand our emotions. As such, if you are dreaming about someone dying, this is likely reflective of an emotional and mental health state you are in.

“Dreaming about someone dying can have a variety of meanings, depending on your life situation,” says Carolina Estevez, PsyD and a clinical psychologist at Infinite Recovery. “These dreams can be unsettling, but ultimately represent a positive change in direction and potential growth in the future.”

Here, we’ll take a closer look at what dreaming about someone dying may mean, including different versions of this type of dream, and what help is out there if your are finding these dreams upsetting to experience.

Why Do You Dream Of Someone Dying?

When it comes to understanding the meaning of our dreams, there isn’t one definitive way to interpret dreams, and there are several theories out there to explain what our dreams might mean.

The interpretation of dreams goes back to ancient history, with figures like Hippocrates theorizing that dreams signal an underlying disease we may have. Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, believed that dreams were symbolic of our unconscious impulses and emotional conflicts. Carl Jung believed that dreams represent certain archetypal symbols and believed that dreams could help us learn more about ourselves and offer solutions to some of our personal conflicts.

When it comes to dreams about deaths specifically, Dr. Estevez says that the meaning behind these dreams depends on the context and will vary from one person to another.

It could symbolize the end of an important relationship or phase in your life, like graduating, moving, or breaking up with someone


CAROLINA ESTEVEZ, PSYD

“It could also represent the act of letting go of something like an old belief system or habit.” Sometimes dreaming about death is associated with a fear of mortality, Dr. Estevez adds.

Tzivia Gover, certified dreamwork professional and the author of three books on sleep and dreams, says that dreams about death usually have hidden metaphors in them, and that dreams about dying are often a metaphor for some type of ending or completion. “For example, you might dream about death at a time of transition in your life, when a job, a relationship, or your attachment to an old way of behaving is ending and you are on the verge of something new,” she says.

We asked these dream experts to help us analyze a variety of different types of dreams about death. Here are their comments on some common types of death dreams.

What Does It Mean When You Dream Of Death Of A Family Member?

“It’s not surprising that when we dream of death, the dream usually centers on someone we’re close to, such as a family member or intimate friend,” says Gover. “That’s because most of our worries about loss stem from our closest relationships, and these are the people who are on our minds, and about whom we have strong feelings.”

What these dreams symbolize depend on the relationship you have with the person you are dreaming about, says Dr. Estevez. “These dreams may symbolize unresolved issues with that person, or the wish for more closeness and understanding between you,” she explains. Sometimes, these dreams suggest fears of abandonment or rejection from this person. They would also express a desire to protect them from harm, Dr. Estevez says.

What Does It Mean When You Dream About Your Partner Dying?

There are many ways to interpret a dream you have about your partner or spouse dying. Again, it all depends on your particular relationship and the contents of your dream.

“These dreams could indicate that some kind of change is coming in your relationship—either good or bad—and that you need to prepare yourself emotionally for what’s ahead,” Dr. Estevez describes. Gover agrees that often dreams about intimate partners dying mean that some type of change is on the horizon.

A dream about the death of a spouse might indicate that you’re letting go of—or you are ready to let go of—some aspect of your marriage or that your marriage is entering a new phase


TZIVIA GOVER, CERTIFIED DREAMWORK PROFESSIONAL

What Does It Mean If You See Someone’s Corpse?

Having a dream about a dead body can be eerie and quite scary. “Seeing a corpse in your dream may symbolize fear of death, as well as fears associated with mortality such as aging and loss,” says Dr. Estevez. Alternatively, it may represent the end of something that was important to you, she says, such as a relationship or career.

What Does It Mean If You Attend Someone’s Funeral?

Finding yourself attending someone’s funeral in a dream can also be disturbing. Often, these types of dream represent a type of rite of passage, Gover says—a way of saying a final goodbye. And these goodbyes may not always be directly linked to the person whose funeral you’re dreaming out. “Ask yourself, what are you saying goodbye to in your life?,” Gover suggests. “Is there a relationship, a life phase, or a job whose ending you are mourning?”

What Does It Mean If You Witnessed Someone’s Death?

Watching someone die is one of the scariest dreams that people have, especially if it’s someone you love deeply or who you are trying to protect. There are many ways to interpret these dreams, and they aren’t always necessarily about the person who died in your dream.

You can get clues about the dream’s meaning based on how the person in the dream died. Gover explains. “For example: if they are suffocating, ask how you might be feeling like you ‘can’t breathe’ in a situation or in a relationship,” she says. “If someone is being attacked, ask what part of your life you are feeling attacked in.”

What to Do When You Dream About Someone Dying

For some people, having a dream about someone dying can be upsetting, but they are able to move past it after waking up and going about their day. But for others, having dreams about someone dying can be distressing.

The first thing to do if you have an unsettling dream about someone dying is to take a deep breath and remember that as scary as the dream felt, it can also be viewed in a positive light—as a helpful message to you, says Gover. It’s also helpful to keep it in perspective: it doesn’t mean that someone is actually about to die.

“Your dream is most likely speaking in metaphors—rather than predicting the untimely death of yourself or a loved one,” Gover assures. She recommends writing the dream down in a journal or talking about it with a friend as a way to process it and understand its meaning.

Sometimes, though, if the dreams recur, or if they are extremely upsetting, you might need further help. In these cases, connecting with a mental health professional can be helpful.

“A qualified psychologist can help you gain insight into the meaning of the dream and gain more insight into your thought life and subconscious,” says. Dr. Estevez. “They can also help you work through any fears or unresolved issues that the dream is bringing up, as well as develop new coping strategies to deal with them.”

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep.

  2. Scarpelli S, Bartolacci C, D’Atri A, et al. The Functional Role of Dreaming in Emotional Processes. Frontiers in Psychology. 2019;10. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00459

  3. Sikka P, Pesonen H, Revonsuo A. Peace of mind and anxiety in the waking state are related to the affective content of dreams. Scientific Reports. 2018;8(1):12762. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-30721-1

  4. APA Dictionary of Psychology. Dream Analysis.

  5. APA Dictionary of Psychology. Dream.

Additional Reading

Wendy Wisner

By Wendy Wisner

Wendy Wisner is a health and parenting writer, lactation consultant (IBCLC), and mom to two awesome sons.


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Generativity vs. Stagnation in Psychosocial Development


Key Takeaways

  • Generativity is about making a mark on the world by caring for others and being productive.
  • Volunteering and engaging in community work can increase feelings of generativity.
  • People who feel generative are more likely to maintain healthy behaviors as they age.

Generativity vs. stagnation is the seventh stage of Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. This stage occurs during middle adulthood, between the approximate ages of 40 and 65. It comes before the eighth and final stage of development in Erikson’s theory, which is integrity vs. despair.

During this stage, middle-aged adults strive to create or nurture things that will outlast them, often by parenting children or fostering positive changes that benefit others. Contributing to society and doing things to promote future generations are important needs at the generativity vs. stagnation stage of development.

It’s important to note that life events at this stage tend to be less age-specific than they are during early- and late-stage life. The major events that contribute to this stage (such as marriage, work, and child-rearing) can occur at any point during the broad span of middle adulthood.

Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee


What to Know

  • Psychosocial Conflict: Generativity vs. stagnation
  • Major Question: “How can I contribute to the world?”
  • Basic Virtue: Care
  • Important Event(s): Parenthood and work

What Are Generativity and Stagnation?

To understand this stage of middle adulthood development, it’s helpful to know what the terms generativity and stagnation mean.

Generativity

Generativity refers to “making your mark” on the world by caring for others, as well as through creating and accomplishing things that make the world a better place. Key characteristics of generativity include:

  • Developing relationships with family
  • Making commitments to other people
  • Mentoring others
  • Contributing to the next generation

These sorts of actions are frequently realized through having and raising children. Those who are successful during this phase feel that they are contributing to the world by being active in their home and community.

Stagnation

Stagnation refers to the failure to find a way to contribute. Stagnant individuals may feel disconnected or uninvolved with their community or with society as a whole. Some characteristics of stagnation include:

  • Being self-centered (narcissism)
  • Failing to get involved with others
  • Not taking an interest in productivity
  • No efforts to improve the self
  • Placing one’s concerns above all else

Those who fail to attain the generativity skill feel unproductive in and uninvolved with the world.

What Contributes to Generativity?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of either generativity or stagnation during middle age. Here are a few to consider.

Pride in Work and Family

This aspect of the generativity vs. stagnation stage is centered on the sense of pride that adults take in their families and children. In many ways, it mirrors the autonomy vs. shame and doubt stage of early childhood.

Pride can occur through parenting, although not all people who produce offspring become supportive and giving parents. Plus, those who do not have children are still able to give to the next generation in meaningful ways.

Feeling Included

Feeling part of something, whether it is a family unit or a larger group or community, is essential for the development of generativity. This centers on the scope of caregiving activities and on what and who an individual is willing to include in their life.

Research indicates that participating in social organizations can assist with developing generativity by providing feelings of inclusion. This reflects the trust vs. mistrust stage of early childhood.

Taking Responsibility

As people go through adulthood, they must choose whether to take responsibility for their lives and choices. This reflects the initiative vs. guilt stage seen earlier during childhood.

People who take responsibility are more likely to feel empowered and in control of their lives and destiny. This helps lead to a sense of making a contribution to the world.

Feeling Productive

Work plays a major role in adulthood, so it’s no surprise that an individual’s sense of pride and accomplishment in their work can lead to feelings of productivity. This stage mirrors the industry vs. inferiority stage of childhood.

Making Contributions

As the generativity stage draws to a close and people approach the final stage of life, finding meaning plays an increasingly critical role. People reach a point where they are beginning to reflect back on their lives and accomplishments, making it important to feel that these achievements have left a lasting mark on the world.

Benefits of Generativity

When adults develop a sense of generativity, they benefit from several important advantages, including better health, improved relationships, and a feeling of fulfillment.

  • Better Health. Research suggests that generativity can provide a greater motivation to initiate and maintain healthy behaviors. People who feel that they have the power to make a difference may be more likely to pursue health-promoting activities because they believe that such actions can be meaningful.
  • More Positive Relationships. For many adults, parenting plays a key role in the development of a sense of generativity, but it is not the only path. Erikson himself suggested that participating in the lives of others (whether they are one’s children, friends, or others) is an important way to gain a sense of making a contribution and difference in the world.
  • Greater Community Involvement. During the early part of adulthood, parenting and family tend to be the dominant factors contributing to the development of generativity. However, research has also found that giving assistance to others, often in the form of civic engagement, plays a role in generativity as people age.
  • Enhanced Productivity. The actions required to develop a sense of generativity involve taking an active, participatory role in the world. Generative people are productive in a variety of ways, including teaching, mentoring, and volunteering—both in their personal lives as well as at work.
  • Achieving a Sense of Fulfillment. Because generativity is focused on making contributions, people who are able to develop this skill are also more likely to experience a greater sense of satisfaction with themselves and with life in general. They are able to look at their life, family, and work and feel that they have lived a life of consequence and joy.

Consequences of Stagnation

When people fail to achieve generativity, they instead develop a sense of stagnation. Such feelings can have an impact on how people manage the later years of their lives. Some of the potential outcomes linked to stagnation include:

  • Reduced cognitive function. A 75-year study found that less successful psychosocial development at this stage is correlated with weaker cognitive function later in life, potentially increasing the risk of depression, which leaves individuals more vulnerable to cognitive decline.
  • Poorer health. Generativity has been linked to health outcomes in later life, so those who are left with a sense of stagnation may face worse health as they age.
  • Lower-quality relationships. Because the development of generativity is linked to healthy relationships with others, stagnation may result from poor-quality social connections. This can be a problem as people age since social relationships play an important part in healthy aging.
  • Decreased life satisfaction. People who don’t achieve a sense of generativity are less likely to feel satisfied with their lives. They may look at their lives with regret, a sense of boredom, and overall dissatisfaction.

Midlife Crisis

Some people might experience what is often referred to as a “midlife crisis” at this point in life. They may reflect back on their accomplishments, consider their future trajectory, and regret missed opportunities such as going to school, pursuing a certain career, or having children.

It is important to note that the way people interpret these regrets influences their well-being. Those who feel that they have made mistakes, wasted their time, and cannot change may be left feeling bitter. Others might use this crisis as an opportunity to make adjustments in their lives that will lead to greater fulfillment.

How to Improve Generativity

There are many ways to improve feelings of generativity vs, feelings of stagnation during middle adulthood. You can:

  • Participate in your community: Research suggests that civic engagement helps foster generativity. So, look for ways to get involved in your community. Help out an organization, take part in community projects, or get involved in local activism. 
  • Assume responsibilities: Since feeling productive in your work can help improve generativity, look for new ways to take on new tasks and roles. Take on a big project at work or explore ways to improve some aspect of your household.
  • Learn new skills and share them with others: Take the time to learn a new skill, then share this skill with others via a teaching or mentoring opportunity.
  • Volunteer: Making a difference in the lives of others can also build generativity. Your child’s school, your church, and community organizations are good places to look for volunteer opportunities.

People who have positive relationships with others, good quality health, and a sense of control over their lives often feel more productive and satisfied.

How to Decrease Stagnation

Those who suffer from poor health, poor relationships, and feel that they have no control over their fate are more likely to experience feelings of stagnation. If you are feeling this way, there are things that you can do to feel more productive and involved.

  • Explore a new hobby. Finding a new passion is a great way to feel more creative and inspired.
  • Learn something new. Acquiring and then applying new skills can help you feel more productive.
  • Find new sources of inspiration. When you are feeling stagnant, seek out things that help you feel inspired. You can then use these sources as a way to build motivation to tackle new things.
  • Look for new opportunities. Even if you have become settled in your role at work or home, it is important to look for new ways to feel challenged, useful, and productive.

Finding ways to combat stagnation can help you stay more active, engaged, and satisfied with your life as you age.

Frequently Asked Questions


  • At what age does the generativity vs. stagnation state occur?

    This stage generally occurs between 40 and 65 years of age. It is preceded by the intimacy vs. isolation stage in young adulthood (19 to 40 years) and followed by the integrity vs. despair stage, which occurs during maturity (65 years and up).


  • What is an example of generativity?

    Caring for your children by guiding them through life is an example of generativity. Volunteering, mentoring, engaging in community activism, and fostering other people’s growth at work are additional examples of generativity.


  • How do adults in the generativity vs. stagnation stage deal with healthcare?

    Research indicates that middle-aged adults who develop a sense of generativity are more motivated to make positive health decisions. Thus, they would also likely tend to their healthcare needs regularly.

    Conversely, someone with a sense of stagnation may experience less motivation to look after themselves, resulting in less stringent healthcare routines—and a lower level of health later in life.


  • What is the virtue of generativity vs. stagnation?

    The basic virtue of generativity vs. stagnation is “care.” This involves caring for others who are close to the person (family, co-workers, friends, etc.) as well as caring for the community or the future generation as a whole. If generativity is not developed, “rejectivity,” or a failure to find a sense of meaning in life, can occur.


  • How can you cope with generativity and stagnation?

    If you have a sense of stagnation, doing something you’ve never done before can help turn it around. This could involve learning a new skill or taking on a new hobby.

    If you have a sense of generativity, you can maintain and even promote this sense by finding additional ways to take part in your community or by increasing the amount of responsibility you have at work or home.


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Cymbalta Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment


Key Takeaways

  • Stopping Cymbalta suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and irritability.
  • Tapering off Cymbalta gradually is the safest way to stop the medication and may reduce withdrawal symptoms.

If you stop taking Cymbalta suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, dizziness, headache, irritability, and tingling skin sensations. Abruptly stopping your medication can also lead to a return of symptoms, so always talk to your doctor before changing your dose or stopping your medication.

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is a prescription medication used to treat depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and diabetic neuropathy. It is what’s known as a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). SSNRIs have a powerful effect on the brain, working to increase the activity of neurotransmitters called serotonin and norepinephrine.

When SNRIs are discontinued, some people experience withdrawal symptoms. This article discusses withdrawal from Cymbalta, including symptoms, how long it lasts, and how to cope.

Experiencing Cymbalta Withdrawal

When you stop taking Cymbalta, your brain has to adjust to lower levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. It can take days or weeks for your brain to settle into its new normal.

Although these symptoms are typically mild, they can be alarming when they come as a surprise. Many people are not warned about the potential for withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking antidepressants. If your doctor did warn you, they might have used the term “antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.”

How Long Does Cymbalta Withdrawal Last?

Based on the duloxetine (Cymbalta) studies, 65% of those who experienced withdrawal symptoms, said their symptoms went away in about one week.

Signs & Symptoms of Cymbalta Withdrawal

Symptoms typically appear within two to four days of stopping your dose and may last for a few weeks. While tapering—slowly decreasing—your dose is a common treatment strategy, some research suggests that even with this strategy, you still may experience some withdrawal symptoms.

A pooled analysis of six different placebo-controlled research studies found that 44.3% of people quitting duloxetine (Cymbalta) reported withdrawal-like symptoms, compared to 22.9% of people in the placebo group. The most commonly cited symptom was dizziness, followed by nausea and headache.

There is one report of a withdrawal seizure and one report of withdrawal symptoms coming and going over a period of ten months. 

Compared to other SNRIs, Cymbalta withdrawal is relatively mild. If you have read elsewhere about an intense withdrawal syndrome from SNRIs, the authors were most likely referring to venlafaxine (Effexor).   

Recap

Headaches, nausea, and vomiting are common in the days and weeks following your last dose of Cymbalta. More distressing symptoms include nightmares or disturbing dreams and a pins and needles sensation that comes and goes throughout the body. Withdrawal symptoms may be more severe if you quit taking your medication abruptly.

How to Taper Off Cymbalta

To help make it easier to come off Cymbalta, your doctor will likely recommend a taper lasting two weeks to several months. Tapering a medication means working with your doctor to develop a plan to take progressively smaller doses of a drug over an extended period.

It is unclear whether or not a slow Cymbalta taper will always prevent withdrawal symptoms, but it is generally considered the safest way to stop an antidepressant. 

Experts recommend reducing antidepressant dosages over a minimum of four weeks. However, your doctor will make specific recommendations based on how long you’ve been using your medication, your current dose, and your medical history.

An example of a tapering schedule for Cymbalta might be:

  • Starting dose: 90 mg
  • 1st dose reduction: 60 mg
  • 2nd dose reduction: 30 mg
  • 3rd dose reduction: 20 mg

After the third dose reduction, the individual would stop taking their medication and monitor their symptoms. While they may still experience some withdrawal symptoms, they will typically be milder and easier to manage with self-care strategies.

Work with your doctor to develop a tapering schedule that fits your needs. Your doctor may want to switch you to a different antidepressant or provide medical support for your withdrawal symptoms.

Coping With Cymbalta Withdrawal

There are also self-care strategies and lifestyle modifications that may help you cope with withdrawal from Cymbalta. Other ways to ease the withdrawal experience include: 

  • Working with a therapist. Talk therapy can help ease anxiety, soothe irritability, and even reduce physical discomfort.
  • Seeking support from friends and family. Letting your loved ones know that you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms can help prevent conflict and reduce confusion.
  • Practicing self-care. It is important to keep your body and brain in good shape by eating healthy and working out at least three times per week.
  • Trying herbal remedies. If you are having trouble sleeping, try taking an OTC supplement like valerian root or melatonin at bedtime.
  • Treating pain and nausea. You can treat headaches and stomachaches with OTC pain relivers and anti-nausea medications. 
  • Avoiding relapse. If you see signs that your depression or anxiety is coming back, talk to your doctor about alternative treatment options.  

Cymbalta Withdrawal Warnings

Although quitting Cymbalta cold turkey is rarely dangerous, it is best to consult your doctor before attempting to do so. Tell your doctor why you are interested in quitting and ask about tapering options

Long-Term Treatment

After Cymbalta, you may require ongoing treatment. The nature of that treatment will depend on a variety of factors, including the state of your mental health and your reasons for stopping the medication.

Unlike other medications, like antibiotics, that work for almost everyone, antidepressants can be really hit-or-miss. A medication that your friend calls a lifesaver, might make you too dizzy to play with your kids or too foggy to work.

Brain chemistry is an incredibly complex system involving not only neurotransmitters like serotonin, but also nerve cells, genes, and brain structures. If it were as easy as turning up the dial on one neurotransmitter and turning down the dial on another, depression would be much easier to treat.

If Cymbalta doesn’t work for you, ask your doctor to recommend something else. Treating depression can involve a process of trial and error.

If you are quitting Cymbalta because you feel your depression has lifted, that’s fantastic. However, it is important that you keep in touch with your psychiatrist or therapist to be sure that stopping the medication doesn’t cause a reemergence of your depression. Depression is a disease with a very high reoccurrence rate.

About 50% of people who recover from one episode of depression will have more depressive episodes in their lifetime. If you have had more than one episode, there is about an 80% chance you will have another.

Get Help Now

We’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.

Consider Maintenance Therapy

If you have had one or more episodes of severe depression, you may be a good candidate for maintenance therapy. Typically, this means continuing with a therapeutic dose of antidepressants to reduce the risk of relapse. Other forms of maintenance therapy include psychotherapy.

In the meantime, keep an eye out for symptoms that your depression is returning. Common symptoms include:

  • Experiencing outbursts of tearfulness, anger, or frustration
  • Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless
  • Feeling anxious, agitated, or restless
  • Feeling tired all the time
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Fixating on perceived failures or faults
  • Losing interest, pleasure, or excitement for enjoyable activities
  • Moving, speaking, or thinking slowly
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Resources

If your doctor isn’t helping, consider finding a new psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist in your area. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a searchable directory of qualified providers. You can also call them at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

If you have health insurance, you can also search the company’s list of local providers who accept your insurance.


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What Are Your Dominant Traits?


Key Takeaways

  • Personality tests can help you learn more about yourself and the way you act.
  • This quiz identifies six personality traits but does not explain everything about you.

Personality is a major part of what defines us as human beings because it combines all the emotional, behavioral, and intellectual components of how we interact with the world. 

Take the Free Personality Test

While there may be certain fixed elements of our personalities, they generally develop as a result of our environments, meaning our experiences throughout our lives have the power to influence our personas. Take this personality test to find out your dominant traits.

The ‘nature vs. nurture’ argument is still being hotly debated, but we do know for certain that past experiences shape the way we react to things in the present. These baked-in responses can then contribute to what we’d call a ‘personality’ —patterns we notice and perpetuate over time that come to define us.

Who Is This Quiz For?

The funny thing about personality is that we might have an idea about our own, and our friends could have an entirely different perspective. That’s why we as humans are drawn to tests like these because they can give us more objective information about who we are. 

So basically, when we take the time to understand ourselves better, it can also help us acknowledge our own strengths, sensitivities, and things we’d like to work on.

The truth is, there are numerous ways to assess your personality and plenty of reasons to do so. Whether it’s Myers-Briggs, DISC, the Big 5, or your astrological birth chart, a single personality quiz certainly can’t provide all the answers, nor are they hard science.

This quiz includes six different personality types or general character categories you could classify yourself as, but it is by no means an exhaustive explanation of who you are. 

That being said, if you’re on the journey of learning more about yourself, it’s a good place to start. Our goal is to provide a little clarity around a certain aspect of your personality that you add to your self-discovery toolkit. 

“Because there are so many aspects of our lives that shape our decisions, opinions, and feelings, no one personality quiz is going to illuminate them all,” says Owens. “But it’s a jumping-off point if you’d like to learn more about why you make the choices you make, why you react to certain things in certain ways, and what your tendencies might be in the future.”

What This Test Actually Says About Your Personality

Sorry to get a little cliche, but it’s worth saying: We are all multidimensional beings made up of a million pieces of colorful glass glued together. These complex and beautiful mosaics look different depending on the lighting, so it’s tough to find the exact words to describe them.

This quiz is just one lens of analysis, but it’s helpful if you’re aware of the larger picture and curious about reflecting more closely on certain aspects of yourself. 

For instance, this quiz may tell you you have more introverted tendencies. Does this mean you are a shy, timid little mouse incapable of being social or going to parties? Hell no! But it could highlight a more dominant part of your personality that could be influencing your day-to-day life.

Being on the shy side isn’t a bad thing, but it’s important to have confidence as well—perhaps that’s something you could get better at!

Conversely, this quiz might confirm that you’re usually the most enthusiastic and charming person in the room. This is a good thing, certainly, but it could bring up some points of introspection. Are you taking enough time for yourself to rest and recharge? Could any of your charm be rooted in people-pleasing tendencies?

Again, there’s nothing wrong with having dominant elements of your personality—no one is perfectly balanced—but it’s healthy to ask yourself these kinds of questions from time to time. 

“We’re all experts about ourselves, but even experts still have things to learn,” adds Owens. “Digging deeper into your personality can only lead to more self-awareness and more self-empathy.”

You can also have your friends and family take this quiz for you and see what results they come up with (or vice versa). This is a fun and interesting way to see if the way you view your own personality is comparable to how others see you.

Try Our Other Personality Quizzes

If you’re interested in some of the other tests mentioned above, try one of our other free quizzes to see how you respond to different personality metrics:


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11 Dating App Red Flags That Signal It’s Time to Swipe Left


Key Takeaways

  • Whether you’re swiping for a soulmate or just dipping your toes into the dating pool, red flags like ghosting, monkey branching, negging, and others are just a few of the ones to keep in mind.
  • While you can’t control how others behave, you can control how you respond.
  • Remember, you deserve to be treated with respect. Set boundaries, swipe smart, stay safe, and protect your peace at all costs. Don’t settle for anything less than you deserve.

Let’s be real, dating apps can be a wild (and exhausting) ride. At best, they can be fun and exciting, leading to genuine connections and lasting love. At worst, they can bring out some seriously sketchy behavior that can leave us feeling hurt, confused, or frustrated.

“The anonymity of dating apps allows people to hide, pretend, string us along, never get back to us, tell us they’re looking for something different than what they really want, and just create plain overwhelm and confusion,” says Claudia de Llano, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist and author of “The Seven Destinies of Love.”

As you interact with people on apps and set up dates, watch out for these potentially harmful behaviors—they don’t bode well for the potential for lasting love.

Monkey Branching

Monkey branching is when someone lines up a potential partner to “test the waters” before breaking things off with their current partner, or swinging from one relationship to the next.

For example, you may be talking to someone for a while who you thought had recently broken things off with their partner. Turns out, they’re still with their partner, but keeping you warm while trying to figure out if it’s worth the jump—a subtle move that many experts believe is essentially cheating.

Ghosting

Ghosting is essentially when someone suddenly cuts off all communication without any explanation.

For example, you’ve been chatting with someone for weeks, or even dating them, and then—poof—the person disappears, ignoring your calls and texts. They’ve suddenly vanished, like a ghost.

Ghosting can be incredibly hurtful. It leaves you feeling rejected, confused, and wondering what you did wrong. If you’ve been ghosted, you may be tempted to believe the other person doesn’t value you enough to provide closure or an ending, says clinical psychologist Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD.

Breadcrumbing

Breadcrumbing is when someone gives you just enough attention to keep you hooked, but never actually commits to anything.

They might send flirty texts or like your pictures occasionally, but every time you try to make plans, chances are they conveniently “forget” or bail on you at the last minute.

Breadcrumbing can be incredibly frustrating because you’re unsure of where you stand with the person. It often feels like a rollercoaster of suspense—the highs when the person makes contact feel euphoric, keeping you pecking along the trail for the crumbs of affection the person gives you, says Dr. Romanoff.

Ultimately, you waste a lot of emotional energy waiting for something that’s never going to happen.

Love Bombing

Love bombing is when someone overwhelms you with excessive affection, compliments, and promises early on to gain your trust quickly.

For example, someone you’ve just started talking to online is constantly showering you with compliments, bombarding you with gifts, telling you they love you, and planning their future with you. 

While it might seem flattering at first, love bombing is a manipulative tactic used to gain control. It often leads to emotional manipulation or disappointment when the person pulls away just as suddenly.

Benchwarming

Benchwarming is when someone keeps you as a backup option while pursuing other people more seriously.

For example, the person may only text you sporadically, either when they’re bored or when their primary interest is unavailable.

This behavior can make you feel undervalued, like you’re not a priority but just a placeholder in their dating life.

Ghost-Lighting

Ghost-lighting is a mix of ghosting and gaslighting, where someone ghosts you and then pretends it never happened if they resurface later.

The person may disappear for weeks, then suddenly pop back in like nothing happened, acting confused if you bring it up.

This can leave you feeling manipulated and questioning your own perception of the situation.

Cheating

Unfortunately, some people use dating apps despite being in committed relationships, which can be a form of cheating

The person may tell you they’re single, but they may actually be using the app behind their partner’s back.

This behavior is dishonest and disrespectful to both the person they’re dating and to you.

Negging

Negging involves giving backhanded compliments or subtle insults.

For example, someone tells you they like your dress, but then adds, “It’s a little last season, but you pull it off.” 

Negging is a form of emotional abuse that can chip away at your self-worth and make you feel insecure.

Catfishing

Catfishing occurs when someone creates a fake profile or pretends to be someone else to deceive you.

For instance, someone may use heavily edited pictures that don’t look like them at all, claim they’re a doctor when they’re not, or even pretend to be a completely different person.

Catfishing makes you question your judgment, doubt your ability to pick a partner, lose faith in others, and avoid emotional vulnerability in the future, Dr. Romanoff explains.

Trolling

Trolling is when someone intentionally provokes, insults, or upsets you, just to get a reaction out of you.

On dating apps, this could involve sending rude or offensive messages, making derogatory comments about your profile, cracking inappropriate jokes, or even sharing suggestive images. 

Trolling can be deeply upsetting, making you feel humiliated, attacked, and even unsafe.

Bullying

Cyberbullying can occur on any digital platform, including dating apps. Bullying on dating apps is very common unfortunately and tends to happen early on, says Dr. Romanoff.

It could involve harassment, insults, or comments that are designed to make you feel bad about yourself.

When you experience dating-related trauma, dating apps can feel like a negative, scary, and dangerous place.


SABRINA ROMANOFF, PSYD

Bullying can cause people to experience immense shame, says Dr. Romanoff. “In these situations, they tend to not share what they’ve experienced with loved ones, which only entrenches them further with their bully, making it harder to leave.” 

If you’re experiencing bullying or abuse, it’s important to talk to someone trusted, get support, and seek safety, says de Llano.

Bottom Line

Trust your gut, says de Llano. If something feels off—like someone’s profile seems fake, their behavior is inconsistent, or they’re pushing you too fast—listen to your instincts. Don’t ignore red flags just because you’re excited about a match.

If someone’s behavior is throwing up red flags, don’t hesitate to unmatch or block them. You’re in control of your experience.


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17 Fun Couple Activities to Enjoy Each Other’s Company


Key Takeaways

  • Get creative with a unique date idea to keep things exciting.
  • A weekend escape can recharge your relationship with quality time.
  • Try a new hobby together to bond and explore shared interests.

We know the feeling. The one where it begins to feel like Groundhog’s Day with your partner, every day. Maybe you both come home from work, have dinner together, watch TV, sleep, then rinse and repeat. It’s easy to fall into a relationship rut, especially if you don’t take time to carve out a little fun together. Looking for things to do as a couple to bring adventure and/or romance to your relationship can help strengthen your bond and make things exciting again.

“It’s helpful for couples to savor the positive aspects of their relationship together,” says Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, clinical psychologist. “This is a form of gratitude conditioning as there are many things in the relationship both large and small for which you may be grateful.”

Stuck on ideas for things to do together? Read on for some fun activities to help you connect as a couple, share quality time, and create new memories.

Press Play for Advice On How to Incorporate More Fun Into Your Life

Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast featuring psychologist Dr. Mike Rucker shares how you can start having more fun in life. Click below to listen now.

Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / Amazon Music

Get Creative With a New Date Idea

The typical dinner-and-a-movie date night is always great, but sometimes you also need a spontaneous break from your routine. Think outside the box: brunch, karaoke, or a lazy day at the park count as dates, too. Date nights don’t have to be expensive to be fun, either.

Things to Do on a Date

  • Take a walk in nature
  • Visit a museum
  • Go thrift shopping
  • Join a trivia team
  • Go to an escape room
  • Visit the zoo
  • Go to an arcade or amusement park
  • Try a new restaurant
  • Make a new recipe together
  • Have a spa night at home
  • Take a dance class
  • Make a craft together
  • Go to a concert or comedy show
  • Take a new workout class together
  • Go to an open house
  • Tour a brewery or go to a wine tasting
  • Try roller skating
  • Host a party

These activities involve shifting attentional resources to things to be thankful for and ways to savor that appreciation instead of getting caught in daily arguments or banal routines.


SABRINA ROMANOFF, PSYD, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Verywell / JR Bee


Escape for the Weekend

Pack your suitcase and get away for the night, a weekend, or a week. A romantic getaway recharges you both and gives you some quality time together away from your normal routine.

If your budget is tight, opt for a one-night excursion that’s close to home, and consider booking a home rental through a website such as VRBO, Airbnb, or HomeToGo.

Dine Off the Beaten Path

Bored with your local restaurants? One fun thing to do as a couple is to plan a trip to explore an acclaimed restaurant you never tried before. Pick a city that’s not terribly far from home or splurge and stay one night at a nearby hotel. Dining off the beaten path can provide a romantic and new experience for both of you.

Explore the Nearest State Park

Spending time outdoors comes with a world of benefits, including bonding and creating lifelong memories. Pack a backpack and head to the nearest state park for the day. Get those endorphins going and go for a long hike together. Or, set up camp for the night and lie side by side gazing at the stars.

Recap

Going on a trip together doesn’t have to involve a big budget or a long journey to an exotic location. Visiting off-the-beaten-path spots in your own town or nearby sights can also be a great way to enjoy the benefits of traveling and exploring together.

Get Active Together

Engaging in physical activities together can also be a great way to spend time together. Fortunately, there are plenty of great ideas that will help you connect.

Exercise

The benefits of exercising together are plenty. Not only will you get to spend more time together, but you’ll also improve your overall health, get in better shape, and even enhance your sex life. Exercise has been linked to improved body image, reduced sexual and erectile dysfunction, and short- and long-term arousal in women.

This might mean taking a walk together, going to a yoga class, using an exercise app at home, or playing a fitness game on a video game console. Exercising together can also be in the form of a strenuous activity like painting a room, cleaning out a basement, or planting a garden.

Dance

Play those old records (if you still have them) or put on your favorite playlist. Ask your partner for a dance in the kitchen. Or, take your moves out on the town and hit a dance club.

Pick Up a New Hobby Together

Another option if you’re looking for things to do as a couple, and a way to connect, is to spend time together exploring a hobby. This can be something that you both enjoy doing, or you might enjoy helping each other explore your individual interests.

Start a New Hobby

Find common ground and look for hobbies you would enjoy together. If you can’t agree on an activity you both enjoy, choose to do separate hobbies in the same room or on the same couch. For instance, if one person likes to scrapbook, they can do that while their partner plays video games.

Cook Together

Consider breaking out the measuring cups and cookbooks to spice things up in the kitchen. If you have children, take at least one night a month to eat dinner after the kids go to bed. Cook together and enjoy a nice quiet meal for just the two of you.

If you can get out of the house, taking a cooking class together is a fun way to learn some new recipes and cooking techniques.

Redecorate

Pick a room to redecorate together. It could be a room that needs an organizational makeover or one that you want to freshen up since you use it often.

Decorating isn’t about being a master interior designer. It’s about the time you and your partner spend together while reorganizing, repurposing, or reevaluating the needs you have for a particular room or space in your home.

Recap

Trying a new hobby or activity together can be a fun way to bond and do something you love with the person you love.

Relax and Unwind

Getting active and exploring hobbies can be fun things to do as a couple, but sometimes you might want to do something more relaxing or low-key. This can be a great opportunity to destress and unwind while enjoying each other’s company.

Share a Book

Curl up on the couch or in bed and read a book together. Read out loud or read together quietly. Start your own private book club for the two of you. Discuss the books you’re reading over coffee or your favorite meal.

Listen to a Podcast or Audiobook

Snuggle on the couch and tune into a podcast or audiobook together. Pick something funny to add a little mood-boosting laughter to your life, or something motivational that can strengthen you as individuals and as a couple.

Play Games

Whether you’re hitting the Xbox together or sitting down with a good card game, board game, or puzzle, games can be a great stress reliever. Playing games with your partner will present you with plenty of moments to laugh and test your competitive spirit.

Games can be sexy, too. Think strip poker or Twister. Why not? Game on!

Watch TV and Movies

Watching TV and movies together is one of the simplest activities you can do after a long day of work. But be sure it’s just the two of you, sitting together and holding hands. No gadgets. No status updates or Instagram posts.

It’s a great time to snuggle and get closer while doing something as simple as watching a Netflix series or movie.

Try a Couples Massage

Turn on some relaxing music, dim the lights, and take turns giving each other a massage. If you don’t want to commit to a full-body massage, you can try a hand or foot massage and see where it takes you.

Recap

The activities you enjoy together don’t need to be a lot of work. Just spending time together relaxing, reading, or watching television can be enjoyable.

Focus on Your Connection

Doing things together that are centered on your relationship can also be a great way to improve your bond.

Some relationship-centered things to do as a couple include:

Take a Walk Down Memory Lane

You’ve spent a lot of years together and there are many more to come. Take some time to review your life together. Scroll through your smartphone camera roll, Facebook photos, or Instagram shots, and take a look at your first pictures together.

Reminisce about all of the things you’ve done and places you’ve been together over the years, and keep looking through until you reach your most recent photos together as a couple.

Renew Your Vows

Looking for something to do together that’s a little more elaborate? Renew your vows in front of friends and family or have a private ceremony in your living room. Renewing your vows is a great reminder of the bond you have with each other. If you have kids, it’s a fun way to incorporate them into your ceremony, especially if they missed it the first time around!

Visit Your Partner’s Hometown

Heading to your partner’s hometown is a great way to learn more about their childhood. Even if you feel like you already know everything about your partner, seeing them in their hometown setting will help you connect deeper. Swap embarrassing childhood stories or meaningful family memories as you explore old hangouts together.


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