Latest news with #selfesteem
BBC News
10 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Free haircuts offered at Hart Foodbank in Fleet
A foodbank said it was offering free haircuts after visitors said they had to eat rather than get a trim. Sue Hyland, from Hart Foodbank at Fleet Baptist Church in Hampshire, said they started the free barbering and hairdressing service on Monday and helped six people on the first hairdressers from Marianne's Hair Salon in Basingstoke, including owner Marianne Rolfe, volunteered their services for the Hyland described it as "really emotional", adding: "Someone said they hadn't had their hair cut for over two years." She continued: "One of the clients said just cut it all off, I can't afford to have it done again, so that didn't happen, it was styled and they're going to come back."Ms Hyland believes it is about giving the people who need the support from the foodbank a sense of "self-esteem and self-respect"."Something so simple, that most people might take for granted as having a trim, can actually be really positive for people and make them feel really good about themselves," she foodbank offers 30-minute appointments and can accommodate up to eight clients per sessions will rotate monthly across Fleet, Hook and Darby Green. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
The Sun
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Horoscope today, June 20, 2025: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes. Read on to see what's written in the stars for you today. ♈ ARIES March 21 to April 20 As Mars settles down, life may feel quieter on the surface – but you are growing the deep self-esteem that opens important new doors at work. You have great advice to offer, but make sure it does not sound like criticism. To win the heart that is right for you, set aside power games and focus on pure love games. 2 ♉ TAURUS April 21 to May 21 Pluto, planet of the unexpected, is right at the top of your chart right now. So you could suddenly be so attracted to someone the opposite of your usual type. This could prove such a loving relationship. Work-wise, you can talk about your ambitions and the right person will hear about you. Get all the latest Taurus horoscope new s including your weekly and monthly predictions ♊ GEMINI May 22 to June 21 A reunion with friends you have not seen all year, can prove how strong the bond between you remains – you could even be inspired to build a business together. Your optimism draws lots of people to you, but it's another Gemini who could be The One. When you know you are loved, the passion could be perfection. Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♋ CANCER June 22 to July 22 A new face joining the family may be at first such a surprise – yet you could be so good for each other. While the moon and Venus travel together, you could face too many love choices. Work through these by making clear decisions. At work, you can read a manager's mind – with profitable results. Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♌ LEO July 23 to August 23 Jupiter, the friendship planet, and Neptune, the planet most likely to fulfil dreams, are well-placed to make this a remarkable day for you. But you must expect the best of key people in your life. If you are looking for love, you could walk into a sports shop single – and walk out again connected to someone special. ♍ VIRGO August 24 to September 22 Listening, and giving good advice, are Virgo star skills. With you in charge of the action in your life, cooperation replaces quarrels, and successes swap for delays. You could fall in love fast when you meet a look-a-like of a previous passion interest. A talented member of the family needs some encouragement. Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♎ LIBRA September 23 to October 23 Your gift for making people and places happier can change opposition into cooperation where it really matters. This can point to a new way of earning a living and transform your future. Saucy fun and fancy treats may make it easy to fall in love. But you are ready for the real challenge of building a future for two. ♏ SCORPIO October 24 to November 22 Giving your time, love and (if needed) forgiveness can start a best-ever passion phase – no matter how long you have been a couple. Refresh mind, body and spirit with an exercise plan that involves every aspect of you. Really losing yourself in a story or performance can unlock a creative dream deep inside. Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♐ SAGITTARIUS November 23 to December 21 Saturn is prepping for a productive phase in your talent zone. So a role on the business side of showbiz, or sport, could help you to shine. Making space for equality in long-term love, makes it sexier and more fun, too. If you start the day single, first see your soulmate where pictures are displayed. Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♑ CAPRICORN December 22 to January 20 You always want a project, or a relationship, to be perfect – and it could be very good – but do resist setting a gold standard that is just too high for anyone to reach. If you start the day single, with generous Jupiter in your marriage chart, you recognise genuine love the moment you meet it, even if no one else may seem to agree. Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions 2 ♒ AQUARIUS January 21 to February 18 You think very clearly and won't let emotions get in the way of making clever, but always fair, decisions. This can apply equally to family life and to work. But in the love sphere, try not to play it too cool when you meet an enigmatic Pisces, maybe for the second time. This is love that will be best served hot. Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions ♓ PISCES February 19 to March 20 Your values chart looks stable and strong – and knowing a partner appreciates what you bring to the relationship can deepen the love. If you are looking, The One has family roots on opposite sides of the world. Winning luck can climb to its strongest point, when it is linked to a closer-to-home version of a TV show.
The Guardian
a day ago
- General
- The Guardian
I lost weight and now people treat me better. How do I reconcile this?
I am a woman who has been fat since I was about eight; I am now in my early 50s. I have been on Ozempic for almost two years. I have lost almost 50 kilos and can now do a whole lot of things that I wasn't physically able to do before, which is great. But people treat me differently now. I had my work review and I am doing less but got feedback about how much more I am doing. I have been asked if I am looking to date, and even if I am thinking of having a child, both questions I never was asked when I was bigger. I didn't think people treated me badly before, and still don't, but now I am seeing that there is a difference. It is not comfortable for me. I am not at risk of putting the weight back on but how do I navigate the difference in how people are treating me? Eleanor says: A lot of people notice this after losing lots of weight. You get spoken to in a different key. People turn on a switch you didn't know they had. For some people this feels great. For others it's unnerving: to feel so newly visible and yet somehow so unseen. The trouble is, you know you've been the same you all along. So when people hand over their attraction or attention or approval now that you've lost weight, they simultaneously undermine its value. Oh great, I have more of your esteem – just because of how I look? It's easy to resent being treated better because of what you weigh. We don't want to feel like the deep things in life – being wanted, being respected – are tied to something so superficial. We want to be loved and respected for the deeper 'us'. One of the most moving pieces of radio I ever heard was Elna Baker, a producer at This American Life who also lost 50 kilos, asking her fiance whether he'd have dated her when she was fat. He says he's always thought the real Elna is the 'skinny' Elna. 'That's stupid,' she said. There is no 'fat Elna'. 'It was me,' she said. 'It just, was me.' In navigating this, one place to start might be to notice who has treated you the same all along. You'll know who they are. If the bitter part of this experience is learning how much people react to how you look, the sweeter part is learning who reacts to you for you – who's seen the deeper you all along. Another way to approach this might be to slightly shift what you expect, or hope for, from strangers or colleagues. You mentioned the way work thinks you're more industrious now. Other silly aesthetic signals can produce similar results. If you were a man, a hair transplant might get you seen as more confident, a crisper suit as more effective. At work or with strangers we're interpreted through layers of appearance; people read clues about our merits from our clothes, accent, posture, hair. Maybe 'weight' is part of the costuming we all wear in those spaces and through which we are interpreted. It can be frustrating or bemusing to learn how much these things affect people's judgments. But maybe workplaces and strangers are not where any of us get clear-eyed reactions to our merits unmuddied by appearances. Leaning into the parts of your life that aren't filtered through appearance might make it easier to tolerate the parts that are. Lastly, it might be fun to enjoy your new X-ray vision. Your experience lets you see through the myth that a person's weight is a good guide to their character. Are there other myths you can see through now, too? I think we all do this a bit. We assume old means slow, dishevelled means chaotic, beautiful means virtuous. But lots of people have their version of 'no fat Elna'. What would we see in other people if we looked the way we want to be looked at? It could be fun to experiment.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
14 Signs You're Got A Much Bigger Ego Than You Think
In an era where self-love reigns supreme, the line between healthy self-esteem and a burgeoning ego is often blurred. We're constantly told to pursue our dreams, believe in ourselves, and not settle for less—advice that's undeniably empowering. But what happens when that spirited self-confidence quietly morphs into an overinflated ego? You might be carrying more hubris than you realize, even if the idea of having a big ego makes you cringe. Here are 14 signs that your ego might be taking up more space than you'd like to admit. We've all been there: locked in a debate that you just refuse to lose. But when you're more focused on winning than listening, your ego might be running the show. The unshakeable need to be right can turn every disagreement into a battleground, leaving little room for growth or connection. According to psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, this behavior often stems from insecurity, as people fight to validate their self-worth through perceived victories. When you cling to your stance, dismissing others' opinions becomes second nature. You might not even realize how habitual it's become to brush off viewpoints that clash with yours. This can make you seem closed-minded or even arrogant, obscuring the value of diverse perspectives. Acknowledging you don't have all the answers can be liberating, yet your ego keeps you from embracing this vulnerability. If you find yourself regularly cutting people off mid-sentence, your eagerness to share might actually be a sign of an inflated ego. Interrupting can signal that you value your own contributions over others', undermining the importance of what they're saying. It reflects a belief that your thoughts are more pressing or insightful, which can alienate friends and colleagues alike. People might start to see your behavior as dismissive, even if you don't intend it to be. When you dominate conversations, you miss out on the richness that comes from truly listening. It's in these moments that you might think you're being engaging or enthusiastic, but it can read as self-centeredness. Letting others finish their thoughts can foster deeper connections and show respect for their viewpoints. By becoming a better listener, you can balance your presence within group dynamics, keeping your ego in check. If you often experience a pang of jealousy at someone else's achievements, it could be a sign that your ego is more fragile than you'd like to admit. Rather than celebrating others' victories, your mind races with comparisons and insecurities. This reaction might arise from a deep-seated fear of inadequacy, suggesting you measure your worth by how you stack up to others. According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, this comparative mindset can significantly affect your well-being and relationships. Jealousy can warp your perception, making you feel like life is a zero-sum game where others' success diminishes your own. In reality, embracing others' accomplishments can enrich your own journey, offering insights and inspiration. When you let go of competition, you foster a more collaborative and supportive environment. Celebrating others allows you to grow without the weight of constant comparison dragging you down. Admitting fault can feel like a direct hit to one's ego, which is why many shy away from it. If you find excuses or deflect blame even when the evidence is stacked against you, your ego might be at the wheel. This inability to acknowledge mistakes prevents personal growth and erodes trust in relationships. Owning up to mishaps shows strength and maturity, creating a foundation for improvement and empathy. Refusing to admit when you're wrong builds walls between you and those around you. It sends a message that you value pride over progress, making it difficult for others to approach you with honesty. As you hold tight to your image of infallibility, you miss out on learning opportunities that come with being imperfect. Recognizing your faults can be freeing, paving the way for genuine understanding and connection. If you constantly seek approval from others, your ego might be more fragile than you think. The endless chase for validation suggests a dependency on external affirmation to feel secure. According to Dr. Nathaniel Branden, a leading expert on self-esteem, this behavior can lead to emotional instability, as your self-worth becomes contingent on others' opinions. Without constant praise, you may feel lost, questioning your value and capabilities. This craving for validation can strain relationships, as your neediness becomes apparent. People might start feeling overwhelmed by your demands for reassurance, leading to tension and misunderstanding. Moreover, relying on others for self-worth keeps you in a cycle of uncertainty, never quite comfortable in your own skin. Embracing inner confidence, independent of external affirmation, can break this cycle and nurture healthier interactions. Being the center of attention can feel exhilarating, but it might also signal an inflated ego. If you find yourself steering conversations back to you, it could suggest you crave the spotlight. This behavior can make others feel undervalued and overlooked, as their thoughts and experiences are overshadowed by your anecdotes. Over time, friends and colleagues may grow tired of the one-sided exchanges. When conversations become all about you, you miss out on the richness that comes from engaging with others. You might believe you're just sharing enthusiastically, but it can come across as self-centeredness. Allowing space for others to share their stories creates mutual respect and understanding. By actively including others in discussions, you reduce the risk of your ego dominating social interactions. Criticism can feel like an assault on your identity, especially if your ego is in the driver's seat. If feedback sends you into defense mode or leaves you simmering with resentment, it's a sign your self-image is fragile. Research by Dr. Brené Brown highlights how vulnerability—often avoided by those with big egos—can actually lead to deeper connections and resilience. By seeing criticism as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack, you can foster a more adaptive mindset. When criticism feels like a threat, you might lash out or dismiss it altogether, missing out on valuable insights. This defensive stance can strain relationships, as others feel like they're walking on eggshells around you. Yet, embracing criticism with grace can strengthen bonds and enhance personal development. Learning to accept feedback opens doors to self-improvement and authentic connections. Taking credit where credit isn't due can be a telltale sign of an inflated ego. If you frequently find yourself accepting praise for collaborative efforts without acknowledging others, you might be more self-centered than you realize. This behavior can breed resentment among peers, as you undermine their contributions. Over time, this pattern can erode trust and damage your professional relationships. When you claim others' achievements as your own, you miss out on the joy of shared success. Collaboration thrives on mutual respect and acknowledgment, creating a sense of unity and purpose. By celebrating the team's achievements, you uplift everyone involved, fostering a supportive environment. Recognizing the contributions of others not only elevates them but also enriches your own experience. Apologizing can feel like swallowing a bitter pill, especially if you've got a big ego. If the words "I'm sorry" rarely cross your lips, it might be a sign that you're more concerned with preserving your image than mending relationships. This reluctance can lead to unresolved tensions and festering resentment, as others feel their grievances are invalidated. Apologies are powerful, offering healing and closure that strengthen bonds. When you avoid apologies, you send a message that pride matters more than harmony. This can create distance between you and those who matter most, as they struggle to communicate their hurt. Accepting responsibility and offering sincere apologies demonstrates emotional maturity and empathy. By prioritizing reconciliation over ego, you pave the way for deeper, more meaningful connections. Failure can feel like a direct affront to your ego, especially when you're used to winning. If setbacks leave you spiraling in self-doubt or defensiveness, it might be time to reevaluate your relationship with your ego. This aversion to failure can hinder growth, as you shy away from risks that could propel you forward. Embracing failure as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block fosters resilience and innovation. When failure feels catastrophic, you might find yourself blaming others or making excuses. This pattern prevents you from learning valuable lessons and moving forward with clarity. By reframing failure as an inevitable part of growth, you open yourself to new opportunities and insights. A more balanced view of success and failure can help keep your ego in check, allowing for a more fulfilling journey. If titles, awards, and status symbols are your driving force, your ego might be more prominent than you realize. The pursuit of prestige can overshadow genuine passion or purpose, leaving you chasing external validation. This obsession can lead to dissatisfaction, as the glitter of accolades wears off, revealing the emptiness beneath. True fulfillment comes from aligning with your values and passions, beyond the allure of status. When prestige becomes the focal point, you risk losing sight of what truly matters. Achievements should reflect personal growth and impact, not just recognition. By focusing on meaningful contributions rather than accolades, you nurture a more authentic sense of self-worth. This shift in perspective can release you from the endless pursuit of prestige, offering a deeper sense of satisfaction. Feeling like the rules don't apply to you is a classic sign of an inflated ego. If you frequently bend or break guidelines because you believe you're "special," it could signal a sense of entitlement. This behavior not only breeds resentment among peers but can also lead to ethical dilemmas and consequences. Respecting boundaries and expectations shows humility and integrity, fostering trust and respect. When you operate above the rules, you risk isolating yourself from those around you. It sends a message that your needs outweigh the collective good, creating tension and division. By adhering to shared norms, you demonstrate a commitment to community and collaboration. This shift can enhance relationships and create a more harmonious environment for everyone involved. A lack of trust in others can be a sign that your ego is getting in the way. If you constantly second-guess people's intentions or struggle to delegate, it might be your way of maintaining control. This distrust can stifle collaboration and breed an atmosphere of suspicion and isolation. Trusting others requires vulnerability, challenging the protective barrier your ego builds. When you struggle to trust, you limit the potential for synergy and innovation. It sends a message that you believe you're the only one capable of delivering results, undermining team morale. By fostering trust, you create a foundation for creativity and open communication, enhancing collective success. Letting go of the need for control can liberate you to explore new possibilities and strengthen connections. If hearing great ideas from others doesn't excite you, but instead fills you with skepticism or envy, your ego might be dominating your reactions. This reluctance can stifle creativity and collaboration, as others feel hesitant to share their insights. When you downplay others' contributions, you miss out on the potential for innovation and growth. Supporting and celebrating others' ideas nurtures a culture of mutual respect and inspiration. When you resist celebrating others' ideas, you risk fostering an environment of competition rather than cooperation. It sends a message that individual brilliance outshines collective creativity, limiting the potential for impactful collaboration. By embracing and amplifying others' ideas, you contribute to a dynamic and inclusive space. This approach enhances collective success, reflecting a mature and balanced ego.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Older people sick of lonely and vulnerable stereotype - and feel 'bombarded' by TV ads for funerals, study finds
Older people feel they are 'bombarded' by adverts for funeral services, care homes and mobility aids, a new study by the advertising watchdog has found. The elderly are fed up with being 'reduced to outdated stereotypes' depicting them as lonely and vulnerable in TV ads, according to the poll by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). More than a third of the UK population believe that older people are 'negatively stereotyped' in ads which depict them as 'lonely, purposeless or powerless'. And Brits are concerned about how ads are targeted at them, with people aged 55 and over feeling 'bombarded' by promotions for 'funeral or cremation services, life insurance and care homes', especially during daytime television. Beauty ads that suggest people have to 'fight' ageing were singled out by the public as 'potentially harmful', in particular for the 'harm to the self-esteem of women of all ages' they can cause, the poll of more than 4,000 Uk adults found. One male respondent aged between 65 and 74 told researchers: 'I think [ads about looking young] are very patronising. It's saying that you should admire to look young when frankly, I embrace my wrinkles and bald head.' People of all ages told researchers they wanted to see more 'authentic and realistic' portrayals of older people, avoiding depictions of OAPs 'always being wealthy or grumpy', for example. The study says: 'While Britain may have an ageing population, growing older today looks very different from a generation or two ago. 'Older people are not only living longer, but they're also continuing to lead full, active lives, contributing to workplaces, families, communities, and the economy for longer. 'But people in our study told us that too often, advertising paints a very different and outdated picture.' The ASA has previously banned ads that were 'likely to cause offence on the grounds of age' - including a billboard ad for electronic cigarettes depicting an older woman and younger man that suggested this was socially unacceptable. However the independent body, which regulates all forms of advertising in the UK, said that while it was not currently proposing new rules, it had carried out the research to better inform businesses of public opinion around portrayals of ageing. Kam Atwal, research lead at the ASA, said: 'As a society, we're living longer, richer, and more varied lives. Our research reveals that some of today's portrayals of older people in advertising are not being received positively, and that the public want ads to better reflect the varied lives older people lead today.'
