10 Conversational Tips That Take The Stress Out Of Small Talk We’ve all been there: you’re at a party and trying to find an “in” to start an engaging conversation with someone you just met. Or, maybe it’s a professional conference, and you want to make an impression on a new contact you’d love to have in your network. You want to say the right thing, but your mind feels blank, like you’ve completely forgotten how to communicate with other human beings. Making small talk is a skill, and it’s not easy, but the good news is that there’s always time to learn. Think about the conversations you have with the people you like and know well. When talking with these people, you likely practice good conversational skills without even realizing it, like: Listening attentively. Being present. Trying not to repeat yourself. Showing interest. Going with the flow. The trick to making great small talk is to find ways to call upon those same friendly conversational skills, even when you’re speaking with someone you don’t know well, in a brand-new environment, or in an awkward or high-pressure situation. How do you do that? We’ve got your back. Here are 10 tips to improve your small talk game and make it look easy. 1. Start with an introduction. Sometimes the best way to break the ice is simply to introduce yourself. “Hi, I’m Pete, the groom’s brother. How do you know the couple?” “I’m Allison Smith, the head of sales at Office Corp. What company are you representing?” “My name’s Lupita. I’m in the theater program here at NYU. What’s your major?” It seems easy, but you’d be surprised how quickly people can forget a simple introduction when they’re fumbling for the best thing to say. If you start with your name and some information related to the event or something you might have in common, you create opportunities to learn something about them, which can help you launch effortlessly into a longer conversation. 2. Have some topics in the bank. It’s easy for your mind to go blank when you’re asked a question about yourself or trying to pull topics out of thin air, so make sure you always show up prepared. Think of three to five interesting things you’ve done recently that might make good conversation starters, such as: A new restaurant you’ve tried. A book you loved. A movie you’re really excited about. The last trip you took. What you did over the weekend. Your most recent professional development opportunity. Your favorite hobby. The unique origins of pasta names. (Well, we like dictionary talk …) While you’re at it, brush up on current events that might be interesting to discuss. If you’re attending a work event, make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest industry news and goings-on at your company. 3. Use open-ended questions. Asking a “yes or no” question is one of the fastest ways to kill a conversation because it doesn’t give you anything to build on. Instead, try to ask open-ended questions. These are questions that can’t be answered with a single word, and that means the other person has to expand on what they’re saying, giving you plenty of opportunities to latch onto something they say and keep the words flowing. 4. Agree, then add something. If you’re at an event and someone makes an observation about your surroundings, the host, or even something totally unrelated, go with it. Their statement can be a good opportunity to add your own observations, establish a connection, and move forward into a conversation. First, affirm what they’ve said, then add your own take, and follow it up with an open-ended question that leaves room to move to a new topic. Here’s how it might look in action: Them: “This signature cocktail is pretty good, huh?” You: “It is. It really complements the appetizers. Have you tried them yet?” If you don’t happen to agree with what they’ve said, that’s okay! You can still politely acknowledge it and forge ahead. Them: “This signature cocktail is pretty good, huh?” You: “It’s very unique. My attention has been on the appetizers. Have you tried them yet?” 5. Be complimentary. If you want to seem friendly and approachable, find nice things to say about others. (We happen to have some helpful synonyms for the word nice and tips for delivering sincere compliments.) People are more likely to be drawn to you if you’re open about pointing out how funny something they said was, how much you admire their sense of style, or how interested you are in their work. Compliments can also be a way to begin a conversation. Try something like this: “I just had to tell you, I love that tie! It’s so bold. I’m Eric, by the way. What’s your name?” “Dr. Stein, I’m Lexi Jones. I’m so thrilled to meet you. Your book was fascinating. Are you studying anything new?” “I’m Shawn. My sister said you’re an amazing artist. I’m so glad we ended up at the same table. Tell me about your work.” 6. Let them teach you something. No one is an expert on every topic. If they mention something you don’t know much about, don’t let the conversation die there. Use it as an opportunity for conversation. People love to talk about themselves and things they’re passionate about, so express your curiosity and allow them to share more knowledge with you. Here are some ideas for how to do this: “I’ve never been fly-fishing before. What is it like?” “I’m not familiar with that program yet. Is it difficult to learn?” “I’ve been meaning to check out that band. Which album should I start with?” 7. Use the ARE method. If you’re the kind of person who wishes there was an easy equation for small talk, we have good news. Some psychologists recommend the ARE method. ARE stands for anchor, reveal, and encourage. First, anchor yourself and the other person in the moment by making an observation about your shared location or experience. Next, reveal something about yourself in relation to the anchor, like how it makes you feel, something you’ve noticed, or something you’re interested in or excited about. Lastly, encourage participation from the other person by asking a related question. It will look like this: Anchor: “There are so many new faces at the conference this year.” Reveal: “I’m really inspired by all of the talent here.” Encourage: “Have you met anyone interesting so far?” 8. Be real with it. If you’re feeling rusty at small talk, guess what? You are not alone. Most people struggle with talking to and getting to know new people, and it’s okay to admit that it’s hard. If you express that you’re not very good at small talk or feeling nervous in the situation, many people will find this relatable and it can start the conversation—which is the goal! It can be as simple as saying something like: “I’m terrible at small talk, but I’m really interested in speaking with you.” “I apologize in advance for any awkwardness. Small talk isn’t my strong suit, but I’m really curious about your work.” “Nothing like trying to make small talk with a table full of strangers, huh? How’s your night going?” 9. Have an exit strategy. Sometimes you just need to get away. That’s okay. Making a smooth exit is also a part of being skilled at small talk. You could excuse yourself to the restroom or the buffet, but the easiest way to get out of a conversation is to be polite and direct. Let them know you enjoyed speaking with them and that you’re going to direct your attention to something else now. “It was lovely meeting you. I’m going to refresh my drink and check in with the host.” “Excuse me, but I just saw someone I need to speak with. It was nice chatting with you.” “I’m so glad we met. I hope to run into you again later on.” 10. Practice often. For many of us, hating small talk also means avoiding it at all costs. The only problem is, this makes small talk harder when it can’t be avoided. Instead of fleeing from every situation that might require you to banter with strangers, try to see those as opportunities for more practice. Most small talk conversations have fairly low stakes. Practice introducing yourself, asking a few questions about the other person, and politely excusing yourself after a few moments. Before you know it, you’ll be a pro, and awkward silences will be a thing of the past. Copyright 2024, AAKKHRA, All Rights Reserved.

21 Contemplative Quotes From Muslim Americans About The Month Of Ramadan Ramadan is one of the holiest times of the year for Muslims around the world. It’s a time when Muslims fast, reflect, pray, give charity, and come together as a community. Ramadan is observed in different ways around the world, but the bedrock of this holiday is the same; the Qur’an directly states that followers should fast upon the first sight of the new moon in the month of Ramadan to glorify Allah to commemorate when the Qur’an was revealed. During Ramadan, observant Muslims abstain from eating and drinking (yes, that also means water) from sunup to sundown. Ramadan culminates in a celebration known as Eid al-Fitr, or the festival of breaking the fast. To better understand what Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr mean to the Muslim community, here are 21 quotes from prominent Muslim Americans and the key words that highlight the significance of this time. Here you will see reflections on their faith, community, and the meaning of this holy month. 1. The most rewarding part of being a Muslim athlete is my faith in God paired with my faith in myself. I approach every match with positivity and the belief that I can beat anyone on any given day. And in the face of defeat, I am able to learn from my mistakes and work on my weaknesses to prepare for next time. —Ibtihaj Muhammad, interview, Yahoo.com, 2016 faith Ibtihaj Muhammad made history by being the the first Muslim-American woman to wear a hijab while representing the US at the Olympics in 2016, where she won a bronze medal in fencing. Her mother encouraged her to get into fencing because it was a sport she could participate in while respecting their religious beliefs. In this quote, she describes her faith, or “belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion,” and how it helped her meet her athletic goals. 2. And in the process of restraining ourselves from the blessings so readily available to us, we naturally develop empathy for those who aren’t as fortunate. It’s a special type of worship that is incredibly both sacred and fulfilling. It gives a spiritual dimension to being unapologetically Muslim in America. —Omar Suleiman, “Why 80% of American Muslims Fast During Ramadan,” CNN.com, 2018 empathy Omar Suleiman is an American imam and academic who is here describing the purpose of fasting during Ramadan. He notes that it is a way to develop empathy, or “the psychological identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.” In this case, fasting helps one develop empathy with those who may not have enough to eat. 3. Ramadan is not just predicated upon eating or not eating or drinking or not drinking. It’s a state of mind. And it’s an attempt to achieve God consciousness that carries on throughout the day. —Wajahat Ali, interview, “Revealing Ramadan,” On Being podcast, 2009 state of mind While many focus on the fasting element of Ramadan, writer Wajahat Ali is describing how it is more than just refraining from eating and drinking. It is a state of mind, a term that means “mood or mental state.” The goal is to take on fasting as a way of thinking and feeling throughout the month. 4. Ramadan, Muharram, the Eids; you associate no religious event with the tang of snow in the air, or spring thaw, or the advent of summer. God permeates these things—as the saying goes, Allah is beautiful, and He loves beauty—but they are transient. Forced to concentrate on the eternal, you begin to see, or think you see, the bones and sinews of the world beneath its seasonal flesh. —G. Willow Wilson, The Butterfly Mosque: A Young American Woman’s Journey to Love and Islam, 2010 eternal Author G. Willow Wilson, best known for her work on the Ms. Marvel comic book series featuring Muslim-American teen Kamala Khan, describes in her memoir The Butterfly Mosque how she understands the meaning of the ritual of holidays such as Ramadan with respect to the lunar calendar. She connects it to the eternal, or something “without beginning or end.” 5. At the end of the day we’re all spirits having a physical experience. … And that really comes from my relationship with Islam because it just makes me really conscious of my action. —Mahershala Ali, interview, NPR, 2017 conscious Actor and rapper Mahershala Ali also picks up on the connection between the spiritual and physical world that G. Willow Wilson is discussing. Conscious is an adjective with a variety of meanings, including “aware of one’s own existence, sensations, thoughts, surroundings, etc.” The word conscious in English comes from the Latin conscius meaning “sharing knowledge with.” 6. It’s about meditation and prayer and thinking about those who are truly less fortunate, feeling that hunger and thirst and observing it day in and day out, sunup to sundown. It’s quite an experience, yeah. —Mo Amer, quoted in the Austin-American Statesman, 2018 meditation Palestinian-American stand-up comedian and writer Mo Amer is best known for his role in the sitcom Ramy. In this quote, Amer describes what Ramadan means to him. He says it is about meditation, meaning “continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation” or “devout religious contemplation or spiritual introspection.” 7. I think a big part of my faith teachings is to work together towards equality: that we’re all created equal, and under the eyes of God, we all have a right to freedom and to access our rights equally. —Ilhan Omar, quoted in Huffpost.com, 2016 equality Representative Ilhan Omar, one of the first two Muslim women to serve in Congress, represents Minnesota’s 5th congressional district. Here she describes Islam as a religion that promotes equality, “the state or quality of being alike.” Her language here also connects her faith tradition to the preamble to the Declaration of Independence in this quote: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” 8. And you see this humanity and camaraderie and brotherhood that I think is deeply touching, deeply gratifying, and I think in so many ways humbling, and really, kind of helps you reset your emotional and spiritual compass, to know what is important in life, not to take these moments or granted. —Ayman Mohyeldin, quoted in BuzzFeed.News, 2018 camaraderie Egyptian-American television and news anchor Ayman Mohyeldin reflects in this quote on the importance of sharing and experiencing iftar with the less fortunate. Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast at sunset during Ramadan. He notes the feeling of camaraderie among people at that meal, a word that means “a spirit of trust and goodwill among people closely associated in an activity or endeavor.” 9. We use the fast to try to purify and cleanse our souls, and to ask forgiveness for our sins. We also learn self-restraint and we become much more aware of those less fortunate people around us for whom “fasting” is not a choice, for whom hunger is part of daily life. The fast is an act of worship and a spiritual act; it is also an act of social solidarity. —Mehdi Hasan, “What Is Ramadan and Other Questions Answered,” The New Statesman, 2016 social solidarity Mehdi Hasan is a British-American journalist and television host who is here describing what he understands as the purpose of fasting during Ramadan. He says it is a form of social solidarity. Solidarity means “union or fellowship arising from common responsibilities and interests.” Social solidarity specifically describes a kind of fellowship with other people in a community, in this case the Muslim community and greater community at large. 10. The older I get, the more grateful I am for those reminders to stop, be still, reflect, and be grateful. I find those moments can be really restorative like returning to a power station. —Tahereh Mafi, interview, Coveteur.com restorative Young adult author Tahereh Mafi, best known for her Shatter Me series, describes her spiritual practice as a restorative time. Restorative here means “capable of renewing health or strength.” Believe it or not, restorative comes from the same Latin root as the English restaurant. 11. We start the fast in the morning strong. By noon we start to get weaker. By the afternoon, we really begin to feel the fast. By sunset, right before we break it, things get difficult. Our lives mirror this. We start our lives strong as youth until we reach noon time, our 30’s and 40’s, we start to get weak. Once we reach old age … our physical abilities are greatly reduced until we leave this life. Fasting shouts to us our own mortality. —Imam Suhaib Webb, Facebook post, 2013 mortality Imam Suhaib Webb in this quote connects the daily fast of Ramadan with the life cycle. Part of the life cycle is death, which reminds us of our mortality, “the state or condition of being subject to death.” The word mortality itself ultimately comes from the Latin mors meaning “death.” 12. Ramadan is a time to control one’s desires and get closer to God. The self-discipline that we learn carries on to other areas of our lives so we can be better family members, friends and, yes, co-workers. —Linda Sarsour, quoted in HuffPost.com, 2016 self-discipline The word self-discipline means “training of oneself, usually for improvement.” Political activist Linda Sarsour describes Ramadan, particularly the fast, as a time to work on one’s self-discipline. Discipline comes from the Latin for “instruction.” In this way, self-discipline is a kind of autodidacticism. 13. It’s not a chore, but it is a discipline. And what I mean by that is it takes self-control, it takes some willpower, but it’s a great pleasure and a joy. —Ingrid Mattson, interview, “The Meaning of Ramadan,” NPR, 2017 joy Activist and academic Ingrid Mattson also notes that Ramadan is a time of self-discipline. She describes this practice of self-control as a joy, “a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something greatly valued or appreciated.” The positive connotation of the word joy makes us think of the Ramadan fast as a beneficial exercise of willpower rather than as something negative. 14. While fasting, understand the whole picture. Remember that fasting is not just about staying away from food. It is about striving to become a better person. And in so striving, we are given a chance to escape the darkness of our own isolation from God. But like the sun that sets at the end of the day, so too will Ramadan come and go, leaving only its mark on our heart’s sky. —Yasmin Mogahed, from YasmineMogahed.com, 2012 striving Yasmin Mogahed is an educator who teaches people about Islam. In this quote, she encourages people to think of the Ramadan fast as an opportunity to strive, a verb with a variety of meanings including “to exert oneself vigorously; try hard” and “to make strenuous efforts toward any goal.” This word captures the difficult nature of a fast; it comes from the Old French estriver, meaning “to quarrel, compete.” 15. As for fasting, it is a spiritual mindset that gives you the stamina required to play. Through Allah’s mercy, I always felt stronger and more energetic during Ramadan. —Hakeem Olajuwon, quoted in Andscape.com, 2017 stamina Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon was a center in the NBA in the 1980s and early 1990s. He describes the Ramadan fast as giving him increased stamina, or “strength of physical constitution; power to endure fatigue, privation, etc.” According to some (including his teammates!), he was thought to play especially well during the month of Ramadan. 16. Ramadan for me is this reset where spirituality becomes the core, and I try to build the world around that. —Hasan Minhaj, “Ramadan Reflections and Reset,” YouTube, 2021 reset Television host and comedian Hasan Minhaj sees Ramadan as an opportunity to reset, a noun meaning “an act or instance of setting, adjusting, or fixing something in a new or different way.” In other words, it is a chance to put things in a new order or to see the world in a new way. 17. As we welcome the final iftar of #Ramadan this evening, which marks the beginning of Eid—I urge us all to still find joy in our holiday. I know it’s hard with everything going on right now, but our joy is also our resistance. They want to break our spirits. We can’t let them. —Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, Twitter (@xoamani), 2021 resistance Ramadan is a time of submission, but for some, like activist and founder of MuslimGirl.com Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, it is also a time of resistance. Resistance means “the act or power of resisting, opposing, or withstanding.” 18. If there’s anything Muslims can do during this global pandemic [during Ramadan], it is to have our compassion shine. —Rashida Tlaib, interview, MLive, 2020 compassion Representative Rashida Tlaib serves Michigan’s 13th congressional district. At the height of the coronavirus pandemic, she gave an interview saying that Ramadan was a time for compassion, meaning “a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.” This is connected to the third pillar of Islam, zakat, meaning “charity.” 19. I’m a person of faith, and the language that I use to define my faith, the symbols and metaphors that I rely upon to express my faith, are those provided by Islam because they make the most sense to me. The Buddha once said, “If you want to draw water, you don’t dig six 1-ft. wells, you dig one 6-ft. well.” Islam is my 6-ft. well. —Reza Aslan, quoted in Time, 2013 language Iranian-American writer and public academic Reza Aslan has written and spoken a great deal about the Islamic faith and religion in general. He notes that his language, or “a body of words and the systems for their use common to a people who are of the same community or cultural tradition,” when expressing his faith comes from Islam. 20. Remember that the main purpose of this month of fasting is to actually increase our remembrance and closeness to Allah. —Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), “Message from Yusuf Islam,” YouTube, 2020 remembrance The legendary folk musician Yusuf Islam, also known as Cat Stevens, encourages others to see the fast during the month of Ramadan as an opportunity to practice remembrance, or “commemoration.” In other words, one should be mindful of God’s presence during this time. In fact, the word remembrance ultimately comes from the Latin root memor, meaning “mindful.” 21. There is always a big emphasis on what children wear for Eid. Growing up, I remember my mother having my outfit ready and laid out a month in advance. One year, I even recall sleeping in my fancy attire, as I was so excited to try it on the night before and knew I would be waking up early for prayer. I remember so much of that time, from the ages of about eight to ten, when I would go shopping with my mom. —Halima Aden, quoted in CNA Luxury, 2020 attire Somali-American Halima Aden is a high fashion model, so it’s heartwarming that her memories of Eid (al-Fitr) include clothes. She describes the fancy attire, a word meaning “clothes or apparel, especially rich or splendid garments,” that her mother would get for her and her siblings for the celebration. Maybe hearing from all these high-profile people talk about the importance of the month of Ramadan and their faith has got you wanting to learn more about the holiday and its celebration. We have you covered. You can learn more about the important practices, values, and meanings of this time with our article The Major Facts About the Month of Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak! Copyright 2024, AAKKHRA, All Rights Reserved.

“เฉพาะผู้ที่มีวินัยเท่านั้น จึงจะเป็นอิสระในชีวิต หากคุณไม่มีวินัย คุณจะเป็นทาสของอารมณ์ และความลุ่มหลงหลงใหลของตัวเอง (Only the disciplined ones in life are free. If you are undisciplined, you are a slave to your moods and your passions.)” --- Eliud Kipchoge . ไม่ได้ไปลงงานวิ่ง ATM กับเขาหรอกครับ (เพราะถนัดวิ่งแถวบ้านมากกว่า 555) แต่รู้สึกชื่นชมและยินดีกับความสำเร็จของนักวิ่งทุกท่าน ในทุกระยะ ทั้งที่รู้จักและไม่รู้จัก ขณะเดียวกันส่วนตัวผมก็ชื่นชอบ "คิปโชเก" มาหลายปีแล้ว (นอกจากชื่นชอบมุราคามิ นักวิ่งชาวญี่ปุ่นที่เขียนหนังสือได้นิดหน่อย 😆) . ทั้งนี้ทั้งนั้น ผลได้มากที่สุดจากการติดตามคิปโชเก ไม่ใช่สถิติ หรือเทคนิคการวิ่งของคิปโชเก (เพราะเราคงทำไม่ได้) แต่เป็นแนวคิดที่สร้างแรงบันดาลใจในการใช้ชีวิตได้อย่างดีเยี่ยม ขอบคุณคำพูดของแกที่เป็นแรงกระตุ้นให้เราตื่น และออกไปวิ่งได้ในทุก ๆ เช้า 🙏🌄

สิ่งที่คุณหลงใหล (Passion)

Chill out music long play เพลงฟังสบายๆในทุกวัน ฝากไลค์ กดแชร์ กดติดตาม ด้วยครับ 🙏🙏🙏 -Chill out music long play -Music by Changyai Elephant Key -Produced by Puri #changyai #elephantkey #chilloutmusic #musicfrompassion #musiclongplay https://youtu.be/ZwHi42rlC78?si=-k9aakZ7TBStffwD

Special Words To Describe Someone You Love There are so many reasons why we love and value the people in our lives, but sometimes it can be hard to find the right words to describe just what it is that makes those people so special. If you’re working on the ultimate love letter, preparing a special birthday toast, or even just talking someone up to a friend, you don’t want to fall back on broad terms like funny, kind, or cute. That’s the time to say what you really mean. Talking about the people you love might mean talking about a significant other, but it can also mean describing a friend, parent, sibling, or other special person, too. No matter who you’re trying to describe or shower with praise, here are some handy alternatives to the most overused words to use when talking about someone you love. Other ways to say: talented Celebrating someone’s talent is usually a welcome compliment, but talent describes a pretty broad pool of qualities, abilities, and skills. What does that special person really excel at that makes them so, well, special? Here are a few other options to try. accomplished Accomplished is the word to use when someone is “highly skilled” or even “expert” at something. It demonstrates appreciation not only for their skills, but also for the time, energy, and hard work they put into acquiring those skills. artistic You can call someone artistic as a way of complimenting their skill and execution in art or their excellent taste and style. Someone who’s artistic likely has a unique, creative approach to many things, and this word calls that out. capable Have you ever been around someone who just seems to be good at everything? Those people are highly capable, which means “having power and ability; efficient; competent.” inspirational Sometimes a person’s gift is inspiring others around them to shine as well. Calling someone inspirational says they don’t just do great things, but they also motivate the people around them just by being who they are. brilliant Brilliant is the right word for someone you see as “shining brightly; sparkling; glittery; lustrous.” It might describe their distinguished abilities in one particular area or their bold and awe-inspiring approach to everything. Other ways to say: kind Kindness is an important quality, and a great way to acknowledge someone’s kindness is by pointing out all of the specific and meaningful ways they express it. Here are some words to do that. affectionate Affectionate means “showing, indicating, or characterized by affection or love; fondly tender.” Some people are more affectionate than others, so if someone’s outward displays of affection mean a lot to you, use this word to let them know it. considerate Considerate is the word to use for someone who is always looking out for other people’s feelings, performing small acts of kindness, or putting thoughtfulness on display on a regular basis. big-hearted Someone who is big-hearted is generous and kind. You might love a big-hearted person if you see that your special someone is always thinking about what they can do to show care and concern for others. friendly Sometimes being kind means treating everyone like a friend. Friendly people are “favorably disposed; inclined to approve, help, support.” It’s a way of explaining that your loved one isn’t just kind, but they also never hesitate to lend a hand or a shoulder to lean on. gentle Gentle is another way of saying “kindly” or “amiable.” Someone who could be described as gentle isn’t just nice, but is also likely a calm, compassionate, and steady figure in your life. Other ways to say: attractive Looks aren’t everything, but there’s nothing wrong with finding a few fresh ways to let people know they’re looking great. Rather than pulling out a bland word like attractive, here are some other options that get to the heart of what really draws you to someone. alluring Alluring doesn’t just mean someone is nice looking. It also means they have a charisma or charm that draws you towards them. Someone who is alluring is “very attractive or tempting; enticing; seductive.” elegant Whether it’s a special occasion or you admire someone’s style and grace every day, elegant is a word to use when describing someone who is “tastefully fine or luxurious in dress, style, design, etc.” bewitching Does someone in your life just have that special “it” factor that makes people want to be around them? They could be described as bewitching. This magical sounding word means “enchanting, charming, fascinating.” charming When someone is delightful or pleasing to be around, it’s usually because they’re charming. Someone might have charming good looks, but charming also extends to their sparkling personality and the way they make people feel in their presence. lovely Isn’t he or she lovely? This adjective means “charmingly or exquisitely beautiful.” It’s the perfect word to describe someone who is lovely in looks but also wonderful to spend time with. Other ways to say: funny A sense of humor is a great quality, but there are so many ways to be funny. Is the person more of a George Carlin, an Ali Wong, or a Jim Gaffigan? Here are some words to talk about the funny people in your life. playful If someone’s specialty is keeping things light and always finding humor in people and situations, you might describe them as playful. It literally means “full of play or fun.” whimsical A childlike or even off-the-wall sense of humor might be called whimsical. This word means “given to whimsy or fanciful notions; capricious.” Think: Robin Williams. clever Some people always know the right thing to say. You might describe them as being clever. These quick thinkers always find a way to get laughs by being both charming and bright. hilarious Hilarious means “arousing great merriment; extremely funny,” and it’s reserved for the people who are truly laugh-out-loud funny. These folks might be the life of the party or they might reserve their best jokes just for you. Either way, the fun never stops. witty Someone who is witty sees the world a little differently, and their sharp observations and clever comebacks can be very entertaining. They also might be funny in several mediums. Witty means “possessing wit in speech or writing; amusingly clever in perception and expression.” Other ways to say: smart If you value intelligence, then you’ll probably also value having more than one way to talk about it. Pull out one of these bonus words when describing the brainiacs in your life. astute If someone wows you with their keen perceptions and spot-on observations, you could say they’re astute. This word describes people who are shrewd, intelligent, and always the first to connect the dots. crafty While crafty can mean that someone is great with a sewing machine, it also means “cunning; deceitful; sly.” This doesn’t mean a crafty loved one is up to no good. It just means you want them on your team on game night. wise Wise describes the person you go to for advice, support, and to talk about the deep stuff. Wise means “having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true or right.” These people are like the lighthouses in the storms of life. shrewd If that special person in your life always knows how to get the best deals or how to convince people to be on their side, they might be shrewd. Shrewd means “cunning or tricky; artful,” and it’s a word for people who know how to use their deep intelligence to their advantage. bright No, we don’t mean the person you love is shining like a light bulb. Bright means “quick-witted or intelligent.” It’s a word that describes people who have many skills, catch on quickly, and are always capable of learning something new. Copyright 2024, XAKKHRA, All Rights Reserved.

The only way to do great work is to love what you do.’ - Steve Jobs. What’s something you love doing every day? #LoveWhatYouDo #Passion #MondayMotivation

เพลง chill out ฟังเพลินๆ ฝากพ่อแม่พี่น้อง กดไลค์กดแชร์ กดติดตาม ด้วยนะครับ🙏🙏🙏 Lofi chill out : Miss | Music by Changyai Elephant Key | Produced by Puri #changyai #musicfrompassion #lofimusic #elephantkey #bandlab https://youtu.be/lNAHeO-XeOs?si=6JeVbgTd7_-EBfNj

Words That Capture The Beauty And Charm Of English What makes a word beautiful? Often, it’s a combination of factors. It might be that the word is especially fun to say, or maybe it evokes a feeling or image that is particularly pleasing. The meaning of the word itself might also be beautiful, or it could refer to a beautiful idea. And, of course, sometimes you just really like a word for reasons that can’t be entirely explained. The author Henry James once said that summer afternoon was the most beautiful phrase in the English language. Ray Bradbury liked the word cinnamon. Tessa Hadley has expressed admiration for cochineal. Which words strike your fancy? Keep reading to learn more about 15 of the most beautiful words in English. Who knows? You might even find a new favorite. ephemeral Ephemeral means “lasting a very short time; short-lived; transitory.” It’s both a lovely sounding word and one that’s frequently used to describe things that are beautiful or wonderful, but short lived. The painter tried to capture the ephemeral beauty of the autumn leaves. The word comes from the Greek word ephḗmeros, meaning “short-lived, lasting but a day.” Lucky for us, the word itself has lasted much longer than that. It’s been in use in English since the late 1500s. idyllic If you need a word for something beautiful and quaint, idyllic is here for you. Idyllic means “suitable for or suggestive of an idyll; charmingly simple or rustic.” An idyll is a poem or prose describing pastoral or appealingly simple scenes. She returned home to the idyllic small town where she grew up. The word was first recorded in English in the late 1800s, though the noun form, idyll, has been in use since the 1590s. They derive from Greek eidýllion, or “a short pastoral poem.” serendipity How fortunate that serendipity just happens to be on this list. Serendipity is “an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident.” The pirate knew that finding the treasure would require hard work and a bit of serendipity. This word was coined by author Horace Walpole. Serendipity is the ability possessed by the heroes of The Three Princes of Serendip, a fairytale he published in 1754. Fun fact: one of Walpole’s other stories, The Castle of Otranto, is believed to be the first Gothic novel. Seems Walpole was working with a bit of serendipity himself. gossamer Gossamer has a lovely sound and is used to describe lovely things. It means “something extremely light, flimsy, or delicate.” The butterfly fluttered on gossamer wings. Gossamer was first recorded in English in the late 1200s from the Middle English gos(s)esomer or gossummer, which means “a filmy substance made of cobwebs; fine filament; something trivial.” It’s still frequently used to describe delicate spider webs, like those seen covered in dew on a crisp fall morning. incandescent Incandescent means “intensely bright; brilliant,” and it’s been lighting up the English language since at least 1785. The night sky glittered with incandescent stars. Incandescent comes from the Latin incandēscere, or “to glow.” Of course, incandescent doesn’t have to something literally glows or is intensely bright. It can also be used to describe someone or something that has a brilliant, electrifying presence. diaphanous With its bright long i- sound and its soft ph-, diaphanous is one of those words that just feels nice to say. Diaphanous means “very sheer and light; almost completely transparent or translucent.” The morning sunrise glowed through the diaphanous curtains. The word has been in use since the 17th century, and it works especially well for describing fabric or textures that are so thin and sheer they almost seem to glow with the light passing through them. sibilance Sibilance is one of the more pleasant-sounding words to say, and it’s used to describe sound. It means “a hissing quality of sound, or the hissing sound itself.” I dozed in the hammock to the ocean’s gentle sibilance. You could use this word to describe unpleasant hissing sounds, like malfunctioning electronics, or for something more beautiful, like in the example above. Plus, the word itself has a gentle hissing quality. Say it with us three times: sibilance, sibilance, sibilance. Ah, so soft and soothing. gloaming Gloaming is another word for “twilight; dusk,” and not only does it describe one of the most beautiful times of the day, but the word itself is also nice to say. It sounds very similar to glowing, and it has a magical quality. We walked through the forest and watched fireflies twinkle in the gloaming. The magical quality might have something to do with its age and origin. The word has been in use since before the year 1000, and it’s believed to be related to Old Norse glāmr, meaning “moon.” halcyon If you’re gazing out over a tranquil lake, halcyon might be the word that comes to mind. It means “calm; peaceful; tranquil,” and this word has a fascinating origin story. The halcyon weather made for a perfect day at the beach. Halcyon can be traced back to the Greek halkyṓn, a variant of alkyṓn, or “kingfisher.” In Greek mythology, Alkyone, or Alcyone, is the daughter of the God of the winds, Aeolus, and she was transformed into a kingfisher after throwing herself into the sea. ebullient Some things are just too wonderful to be contained. Ebullient is an adjective that means “overflowing with fervor, enthusiasm, or excitement; high-spirited,” and it’s a word that practically sounds as joyful as its meaning. The ebullient young scientist couldn’t wait to share their latest discovery. Ebullient was first recorded in English in the late 1590s. It is associated with happiness and optimism. What’s not to love about a happy word like that? quixotic Quixotic is a charming word that means “extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary, impractical, or impracticable.” It comes from Miguel de Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote about a noble from La Mancha, Spain, who reads so many heroic romances that he becomes obsessed with the idea of being a knight. Her actions may seem quixotic, but they also speak to her courage and passion. By 1644, Quixote was used to describe “a person inspired by lofty and chivalrous but impractical ideals.” By the 18th century, the derivative adjective quixotic, which applies to both persons and actions, appeared. vivacity It’s infectious when someone has great enthusiasm and a zest for life. The word vivacity is similarly attractive. It means “liveliness; animation; sprightliness.” The legendary Julie Andrews may be best known for her inexhaustible vivacity. Vivacity is also a word English speakers have enjoyed for a very long time. It was first recorded in English in the 1400s. scintilla Scintilla doesn’t have the most beautiful meaning, but it’s certainly a satisfying and pretty word to say. The beginning syllable makes a hissing sound that is both soft and soothing, and the rest of the word seems to roll off the tongue. We don’t have a scintilla of doubt that words are powerful. Scintilla means “a minute particle, spark, trace.” It is a loan word from Latin, in which it means “spark.” It was first recorded in English in the late 1600s. lilt A lilt is a “rhythmic swing or cadence,” and the word has a soft, musical quality that matches its meaning. The origins of this word are unclear. It’s thought to come from the Middle English lulte, perhaps akin to the Dutch lul, meaning “pipe,” or lullen, “to lull.” She spoke with a soft Southern lilt that put me at ease. Lilt first appeared in English as early as 1300, and we’ve been swaying along ever since. Copyright 2024, XAKKHRA, All Rights Reserved.

Greek Words For Love That Will Make Your Heart Soar What is love? People have had a hard time answering that question for a lot longer than you might think. In Ancient Greece, love was a concept pondered over by some of history’s most famous philosophers, including Plato and Aristotle. Greek philosophers attempted to explain love rationally and often categorized the different kinds of love people could feel. Because we love them so much, we brought together some Greek words—and a Latin one, for good measure—for the different kinds of love you might find out there. eros Original Greek: ἔρως (érōs) Eros is physical love or sexual desire. Eros is the type of love that involves passion, lust, and/or romance. Examples of eros would be the love felt between, well, lovers. Eros is the sensual love between people who are sexually attracted to each other. In the Bible, eros was synonymous with “marital love” because husbands and wives were supposed to be the only people having sex. Eros was also the name of a love god in Greek mythology—better known by his Roman name, Cupid—and was the guy responsible for shooting magic arrows at people to make them fall in love. The word eros is still used in psychology today to refer to sexual desire or the libido. The words erotic and erogenous, which both have to do with sexual desire or arousal, are derived from eros. philia Original Greek: ϕιλία (philía) Philia is affectionate love. Philia is the type of love that involves friendship. Philia is the kind of love that strong friends feel toward each other. However, it doesn’t stop there. The Greek philosopher Plato thought that philia was an even greater love than eros and that the strongest loving relationships were ones where philia led to eros: a “friends become lovers” situation. Our concept of platonic love—love that isn’t based on physical attraction—comes from this Platonic philosophy. The word philia is related to the word philosophy through the combining form philo-. Philia itself is the source of the combining forms -philia, -phile, and -phily, all three of which are used to indicate a figurative love or affinity for something. agape Original Greek: ἀγάπη (agápē) Agape is often defined as unconditional, sacrificial love. Agape is the kind of love that is felt by a person willing to do anything for another, including sacrificing themselves, without expecting anything in return. Philosophically, agape has also been defined as the selfless love that a person feels for strangers and humanity as a whole. Agape is the love that allows heroic people to sacrifice themselves to save strangers they have never met. Did you know ... ? Agape is a major term in the Christian Bible, which is why it is often defined as “Christian love.” In the New Testament, agape is the word used to describe the love that God has for humanity and the love humanity has for God. Agape was also the love that Jesus Christ felt for humanity, which explains why he was willing to sacrifice himself. storge Original Greek: στοργή (storgé) Storge is familial love. Storge is the natural love that family members have for one another. Of all of the types of love, storge might be the easiest to understand. It is the type of love that parents feel toward their children and vice versa. Storge also describes the love that siblings feel towards each other, and the love felt by even more distant kin relationships, such as a grandparent for a grandchild or an uncle toward a niece. mania Original Greek: μανία (manía) Mania is obsessive love. Mania is the kind of “love” that a stalker feels toward their victim. As a type of love, mania is not good, and the Greeks knew this as well as we do. Mania is excessive love that reaches the point of obsession or madness. Mania describes what a jilted lover feels when they are extremely jealous of a rival or the unhealthy obsession that can result from mental illness. The Greek mania is the source of the English word mania and similar words like maniac and manic. It is also the source of the combining form -mania, which is often used in words that refer to obsessive behavior such as pyromania and egomania. ludus Original Latin: Bucking the trend, the word ludus comes from Latin rather than Greek. In Latin, lūdus means “game” or “play,” which fits with the type of love it refers to. One possible Greek equivalent is the word ερωτοτροπία, meaning “courtship.” Ludus is playful, noncommittal love. Ludus covers things like flirting, seduction, and casual sex. Ludus means “play” or “game” in Latin, and that pretty much explains what ludus is: love as a game. When it comes to ludus, a person is not looking for a committed relationship. People who are after ludus are just looking to have fun or view sex as a prize to be won. A “friends with benefits” situation would be an example of a relationship built on ludus: neither partner is interested in commitment. Of course, ludus may eventually result in eros—and hopefully not mania—if feelings of passion or romance emerge during the relationship. The Latin lūdus is related to the playful words ludic and ludicrous. pragma Original Greek: πράγμα (prágma) Pragma is practical love. Pragma is love based on duty, obligation, or logic. Pragma is the unsexy love that you might find in the political, arranged marriages throughout history. This businesslike love is seen in relationships where practicality takes precedence over sex and romance. For example, two people may be in a relationship because of financial reasons or because they have more to lose by breaking up than staying together. Pragma may even involve a person tolerating or ignoring their partner’s infidelity, as was common in politically motivated royal marriages in much of world history. Pragma may not sound all that great to many, but it is possible for pragma to coexist alongside other types of love, such as ludus or even eros. As you might have guessed, pragma is related to pragmatic, a word that is all about practicality. philautia Original Greek: ϕιλαυτία (philautía) Philautia is self-love. No, not that kind. Philautia refers to how a person views themselves and how they feel about their own body and mind. The modern equivalent of philautia would be something like self-esteem (good) or hubris (bad). People with high self-esteem, pride in themselves, or a positive body image practice a healthy version of philautia. Of course, philautia has a dark side, too. Egomaniacal narcissists who think they are better than everybody else are also an example of philautia, but not in a healthy way. The duality of philautia just goes to show that love, even self-love, can often get pretty complicated. Copyright 2024, XAKKHRA, All Rights Reserved.