#Shouldn’t have gone on pintrest

[st311ar]

IM FUCKING FAINTING GREENWIND FUCKING EXISTS HELP ME

#I’m on pintrest #Shouldn’t have gone on pintrest #oc x canon #f/o #morro wu #oc #ninjago morro #morro ninjago #morro master of wind

[thefallennightmare]

Arranged-twenty

credit to whoever made the gif. found on google/pintrest.

Pairings: Mob!Bucky Barnes x Reader

Warnings: language, smut, angst, fluff, mentions of death.

Summary: Reader would do anything to make her parents happy and that included agreeing to an arranged marriage. She never expected it to be to one of New York's most feared Mob Boss: Bucky Barnes. He is anything but loving towards Reader however when her parents are mysteriously killed, Bucky makes it his mission to find out who were at fault. And in the process, ends up coming close to losing Reader.

Authors Note: only one more chapter after this one!

Tags(closed): @alexxavicry @mdpplgtz03 @broadwaybabe18 @samsgirl93 @cherryflavoureds-blog @findthebeautyinbreakdowns @capsgrantrogersclqrosmgc @loumaaria-blog @queerqueenlynn @pampeop @cjand10 @purplerain85 @savannahcole99 @evanstanhoney @sebastianstansqueen @portrait-ninja @honeyglee @saranghaey @almosttoopizza @lilya-petrichor @valsworldofcreativity @buckycallsmeaslut @romanoffjohansson @themayzittcha @sapphiredreamer26 @buckybarnessimpp @itjustkindahappenedreally @mavrellover91 @esoltis280 @playboystark @legendarytrashcopeclipse @pansexual-4-all @elizacusi-blog @dnc331 @tee-swizzle @lovsalpkn @yourfavunsub @madebylilly @cerberusmybeloved @lclove2012-blog @onelmstreetett @tesseract69 @monique2281 @wayward-gypsy @wholesomewhorelol @ozwriterchick @pono-pura-vida @bogwaterswamp @s0urw00lf @daydreaming-mood @maggiemae5 @big-heart-ninjasblog @alexa4040 @screaming-les-bean @loustan90 @buckys2lut​ @marnle

Arranged Masterlist

The birds chirped through the open window as my eyes fluttered open, the blurriness of the room faded. Memories of what happened came back and I sat up in bed with a start. I lifted my shirt over my stomach and gasped when I noticed the bullet hole was gone, the skin looked like it had never been torn. 

“The serum worked.” 

I jumped slightly, shirt falling, and saw Bucky sitting in the chair across from our bed. 

“How long have I been out?” I asked. 

He ran a hand over his chin and I noticed how tired and bloodshot his eyes looked. 

“Few hours,” he admitted. 

“Oh,” I nodded. 

The sinking feeling in my stomach wouldn’t subside until I knew what happened.

“Are Steve and Sam alright?” 

Bucky gave me a half smirk. “They’ve dealt with worse.” 

I began fidgeting with my fingers when I realized that the pain I felt inside still wouldn’t leave. “Did you, uh, take care of John?” 

Bucky nodded. “You don’t have to worry about that, doll.” 

Tears welled at the corners of my eyes when the disgusting feeling filled me once again. It was overwhelming that I gnawed on the inside of my cheek in hopes to keep myself from getting nauseous. 

I thought that killing John would give me a sense of satisfaction for avenging my parents but it only made me feel like I didn’t deserve to be here. I wish that the serum hadn’t worked. 

My soft sobs filled the room and Bucky was at my side in a flash, sitting on the edge of the bed. With his vibranium thumb, he began wiping away the tears. 

“What’s wrong, doll?” 

I sniffled. “I thought that I would feel better about my parents dying if I was the one who pulled the trigger but I feel so disgusted with myself that I did that.” 

Bucky sighed. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have given you the gun.” 

“I don’t know if this feeling is ever going to go away,” I admitted. 

He brushed his soft lips across my forehead then leaned his against mine. I could feel his warm breath over my face. 

“I’ll be here for whatever you need,” he vowed. 

My lips trembled with a sob as I pulled away from him and shook my head. “No.” 

Bucky looked at me puzzled. “What do you mean?” 

I pulled my knees up to my chest and rested my head on them. “I think I need some time alone.” 

His mouth fell in sync with his shoulders. “Wh-what?” 

“With everything that has happened, it might be best for us if we spend some time apart, Bucky. We were rushed into this marriage because of the arrangement and instead of using the time to get to know each other, we spent it finding my parents' killer.” 

“So let’s get away, just the two of us. Our honeymoon,” Bucky suggested as he reached for me. 

I hastily got out of bed, not wanting him to touch me. If I felt his skin on mine, there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that I would break and end up staying with him. 

“I need space, Bucky. Can you please understand that?” 

He ran a distressed hand through his hair. “Okay, I’ll go stay with Steve for a few days.” 

Tears rolled down my face, the saltiness tasted bitter on my tongue, and I shook my head. 

“I need to leave. Get far away for a bit.” 

Bucky was fast on his feet, head shaking rapidly. “No, Y/N. I’ll go stay with Steve and you can stay here. Take all the time you need.” 

I held up my hands to stop him, sobs shaking through my body. “Stop, please don’t come closer. I’m afraid that if you touch me that I’ll fall into you and stay. I can’t.” 

“Doll, we can figure this out,” Bucky said. 

“I love you, Bucky! Don’t you understand that?” I blurted, biting my lip right after. 

He stared at me wide eyed, his chest rising with a very deep breath. My admission had knocked him off of his feet, him falling back onto the bed. His blue iris dilated and he did his best to find the right words, hesitant breaths falling from his parted lips. 

My shoulders slumped. “I love you. Even after everything you lied to me about, I still fucking love you. Which is why I need to leave because I can’t stay with you knowing that you don’t feel the same.”

Bucky was still silent, not knowing what to say.

“I would love to stay with you, Bucky. But this life,” I said while motioning around the room, “This mob life isn’t for me and I can’t make you give it up. Because it’s clearly important to you.” 

“I can keep it separate if that will help you,” Bucky said. 

I let out a shaky breath. “It’s not enough.” 

“I only lied to you to keep you safe, doll. Please understand that,” Bucky insisted. 

I was tired of the same excuse. Nothing changed from the first time he used that excuse and nothing was going to change with us. I couldn’t stay with him knowing that he was only using me to cash in a wife.  

There was also a quick thought of if I hadn’t agreed to this marriage, my parents would still be alive. They wouldn’t be too happy with my choice but at least they would have been around. 

“I need some time to pack my things and I’ll be gone. Give me a few hours.” 

I turned on my heels, ready to walk away, but cold fingers gently wrapped around my wrist to stop me. I looked down at Bucky’s broken face and saw a lone tear roll over his cheek; the rest of the tears pooled at the corner of his eyes. 

“What about this?” He asked, lifting up my left hand. 

My wedding ring glimmered in the setting sun that broke through the curtains on the window and felt guilty for even thinking of doing this. 

I went to take it off, ready to give it back to Bucky, but he wrapped his hand over mine to stop me. 

“If there’s even a small chance that this could work out between us, keep it please,” Bucky’s voice cracked. 

I nodded. “Okay.” 

The warmness from his grasp was gone, a chill washing over me, and I couldn’t help but stand there awkwardly in front of him. The decision to leave was already made, I wasn’t going to change it. But there was a small part that wanted Bucky to say those words. 

“Can you tell me that you feel the same?” I asked. 

Bucky faltered. “Honestly, I don’t know how to feel. You’re leaving me, doll. If I tell you what you want to hear, will it make you stay?” 

The last bandage that had been holding my broken heart together faded, pieces falling into the pits of my stomach. There was no surprise that he didn’t feel the same, I had a feeling. But it still hurt when I heard him admit it. 

“I’m sorry, Bucky,” I bent low and left a firm kiss on his lips, savoring the way he tasted for the last time. 

He always tasted like mint, from either his toothpaste or gum. 

Bucky had no issues with returning the kiss, his hands gripping tightly to my hips to lock me in place. Fingers ran through his long hair and I grasped the back of his neck to deepen our kiss. 

“Y/N,” Bucky moaned into my lips. “Stay, please.” 

Reluctantly, I pulled away and rested my forehead against his. “I love you.” 

With my own shaking hands, I removed him from my hips and left him behind on our once shared bed. With my back turned, I didn’t see the way that Bucky put his head in his hands and with the way his body shook, he let the tears finally fall. 

#mob!bucky barnes #mob!bucky barnes x reader #mob!bucky barnes and reader #mob!bucky barnes x yn #mob!bucky barnes and yn #mob!bucky barnes reader insert #bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes and reader #sebastian stan

[hannahdottier]

It was a rainy Sunday when I met her

The woman with the Marilyn Monroe smile

She was ethereal and from another world

Ever so often I’d be blessed by her smile

When I first saw her, faith came to me

If she was real there must be some heaven

As she sipped her coffee she stared out the window

Her brownie remained untouched across her

A year passed before I saw Marilyn weep

With no hesitation I strode to her and offered her comfort

She looked at me dazed yet magical

After that we sat together

An untouched brownie forever between us

I never asked her name and she never asked for mine

That was our one rule, we never spoke about ourselves

Ten years pass and I know Marilyn

She is still the etheral goddess I first saw

But now I see the fractures she hides

Years have passed and we do not speak anymore

When I see her I smile and she beams back

20 years gone and I’m still enchanted by her

The woman with the Marilyn smile

One day I sit in our cafe alone

Instead of an untouched brownie, a newspaper lays before me

I glance at the front page and my heart stops

I could recognise her smile anywhere

At her funeral I see how little they know her

They only speak of her happiness

Her melancholy aura forgotten

I stand by her grave and weep

It is not surprising

Or at least it shouldn’t be

The woman had the Monroe smile

How could she not be tragic?

•❃°•°❀°•°❃•

I was scrolling through pintrest today when I saw this picture below and got inspired.

So I hope you enjoyed my first tumblr post lol

#poetry #sad poem #sweet #marilyn monroe #melancholy #modern poetry

[keenana10]

⚠️DISCLAIMER IM NOT PRO ANYTHING FOR ANYONE I DONT CONDOL ANY OF THIS.

I'm doing this to keep me accountable and this is not ment to be some encouragement for any of this behavior, this is the only way I know how to lose weight.

If you are trying to lose weight google "CICO" and find a safe way to lose it, you dont want to go down this path. ED are not a trend you will not want this later down the road in life, this isn't a quick fix. Be smart dont go down this road if you have a chance to get out, ED arent pretty and you won't be happy or any happier if you lose weight this way.

If anyone needs to talk im here message me, if you want my insta or anything so we can talk message me and we will.⚠️

My other diet finished and I'm starting the "tiny girl diet" that I found on pintrest a while back, starting it tomorrow.

I need restraint and discipline, thing whole week was constant binging either 1500- 2700 cals and my bmi is 1400 cals or lower cause of how low I have been eating, im not going over 500 cals even if that day allows me. I need discipline and I need to lose alot of weight, its the month of Christmas so if i do go over I won't be going over 1000 cals a day so my weeks total calories won't go over 7000.

And if i stick to the no more then 500 cals a day my week total shouldn't be over 3500 cals a week.

I'm going to be doing bref small workouts to start and some yoga exercises but I have to do the yoga everyday the work out is some what optional. I might post some updates ( body checks) and I will put a tw at the top of those posts I will do that maybe once a week.

I have been so weak and can't even fast longer then 24 hours and the longest I have gone was 48 hours, I really want to go 4 days or god bless 1 week .

Its not like im hungry I don't feel hungry anymore, its the temptation like I have a voice screaming at me in the back of my head say yk but then I go on tik tok and find all these " go treat yourself" or "eat something you deserve it" i know I dont but at the end of the day around 5pm I always get bored and just say well as ling as I dont go over 500 cals im fine then I go back for seconds then im like jeez still not feeling full well if i have some oatmeal it will fill me but im already at my limit well if im full a couple calories won't hurt, then I eat more and more and next thing you know I ate about 3 meals worth in 40 minutes.

#eating disoder thoughts #getting skiny #lose weight #pro anoxeria #thiinsp0 #tw ed things #tw weight #venting #water fast #tw eating things

[larenoz]

Roswell New Mexico - Live Rewatch - Ep 4 -  Where Have All The Cowboys Gone

Rosa making crack jokes. Too soon Rosa, Too soon.

Yes, high school is kind of a jerk, Liz.

People are the worst drug.

OMG, so much forshadowing - cages around hearts, people hurt you, armour.

Who hurt you? Liz asks. She assumes Frederico but now we know it's probably Iz.

Seriously, how much bottled water does Max keep at his house? Is he a secret prepper?

Damn, it shouldn't work but that short sleeve denim shirt and white tshirt combo really works for Michael.

I gotta hand it to Liz, she is finding out all their secrets pretty damn fast.

Here comes Arturo. Liz, Liz, Liz, it doesn't matter how long it's been.

Meat cleaver. Gotta love the classics

Die Jesse Manes Die

You go Sheriff Valenti. YOu call Jesse on his bullshit.

Yeah, Jesse, reminding the Sherriff that her husband was cheating on her is totes the way to get her to co-operate

No Cam, don't do it.

Pod Squad

Will she forget me. Poor Max

If I say it enough it might happen!!

What I want stopped mattering along time ago. Now where have we heard that before??

Secrets, so many secrets. They really should know that's not a good idea by now.

What's worse, thinking someone doesn't love you  or not knowing that they do??

You tell her Arturo.

That's one thing Liz and Max have in common, a little too quick to pass judgement.

I really want to try churro pancakes. And again more lies

Noooooooooooooooooo

Not Arturo.

There's my MVP, Kyle

Helps Arturo, gets Liz a job.

Michael getting barred from the Pony - again.

Dramatic cowboy angst.

Maria REALLY doesn't like Iz

Fuck, you gotta love Iz's sense of humour - Racist Hank ordering a fruity cosmo

I do love the voice Max does about low pants hanging holligans.

Max, Max, Max the last thing you should EVER want to talk about with Cam is what you did last night.

Seriously dude, you dumped her for another chick while she was giving you a hand job.

You haven't been yourself lately really just doesn't cut it. You should be thankful she didn't shoot you. ffs

I am so glad they made Cam like she is. No fucking bullshit. She calls Max on what he did and that it's about Liz. But in such away that it doesn't come off as the typical jealous chick bullshit.

Queso, tequilla and no less than three orgasms. - possibily one of the greatest lines ever spoken on tv

Fuck, I love that little smile/smirk that Michael does.

Michael, your really are a dumbass if you think getting in between Maria and Isobel is a good idea.

Iz poking at other people hiding the truth, no, no, no

Michael does look a tad bit hesitant about the idea of Iz reading Maria.

Iz, Iz, Iz there is a difference between being blunt and just plain rude. You can't call someone a freak.

"curated, Pintrest page you call your life" That is one class A insult and really, probably a bit too close to home.

And then Maria throws that freak comment right back at her.

Because Rosa hated you.

It's lets call Max on his bullshit day. You go Kyle. Bonus points for using a dying child to rub it in.

My father was real hero. Poor Kyle.

To help people.

"We're just men, we can't play God." oh really says the cop whose an alien with healing powers to the doctor. I think you both play god every damn day.

The backpack.

Oh, why mention where Rosa was going on the bus? Maybe there is another connection to Los Alamos? You apart from the whole nuclear thing.

I do like the way they mostly manage to let the non-Spanish speakers know what the dialogue is about.

OT - watching all the ads for GoT is really weird now that I know how bad they fucked it up.

Max looking at his hands....

No Cam. just following orders is never good enough.

OK, I know this is fiction and everything. But that just isn't how electricity works people.

Detective Liz on the case about to make a massive  stuff up

Liz, this is why we don't jump to conclusions based on limited evidence. You as Ms Science should know that.

Poor Kyle, no baby, he really wasn't such a good husband but that's for another episode.

To be fair, Kyle asking about saving Max at the expense of his Dad isn't unreasonable.

But then Liz is ready to change her conclusion when presented to an alternative theory. Yay

And then Kyle starts dropping big plot points.

"I know what it's like when heroes fall". Damn.

His eyes are amazing.

Downside - taxes and parents having flaw. And what are the perks there Kyle??

Michael watching over Iz. I can't.

Mikey....

He would do anything is Iz.

That is a face that should make you run very fast in the opposite direction.

Oh, Liz and Arturo as so cute together.

Gotta say her pancakes don't sound too tasty.

And here they are about to break my heart again.

Michael waiting/wanting to be saved......

We have each other - but do you Max?

And here he goes, throwing himself on the sword again.

"I'm not gonna let you martyr yourself" (because that's my job).

"You got a good life, Isobel, you got Noah, I got nothing but some old scrap metal"

Fuck I just want to hug him, then shake some sense into him then hug him again.

"I'm gonna confess, after all, I'm the one that killed those girls" dum dum dum

And fuck you Max and Iz for not even fighting him on this, not even a little bit. Just fuck you both sideways - especially you Max.

Not one fucking word in opposition for throwing Michael to the wolves.

And even though it's obvious and easy I really do like the light effect of their symbol at the very end.

I know that at this stage we don't know the whole story and that in fact Michael didn't do it. But even so, the fact that neither Max nor Isobel argue with MIchael makes me really angry.

Like it might make sense for Michael to take the fall but at least put up a fight!! Let Michael know he's worth fighting for.

Exactly, like even a "There must be another way" or something.

Yeah, you might be right on that one.

Yeah, and even though it's possible it might've been Michael, I think it's more that when push comes to shove, Max wants it to be Michael rather than Iz.

That he's always willing to preference Isobel over Michael.

So, not an episode with alot of fireworks. But when you look at it, alot of backstory and alot of people's feelings are out there for the people who need to know

Lot's of inter-character dynamics on display.

I think I'll have to rate the drama quotient of each ep by how many times I say fuck. In which case this ep scores quite low!!

(Commenter) That might be the most Aussie thing I've heard you say, lol

#roswell new mexico #roswellnm #roswell nm #rewatch-larenoz

[unlostx]

New Moon 

Today had already been an off day, of course she had dealt with a Godzilla bride who last minute wanted to change everything last minute, so Nell had stayed late at her rental office even texting her brother that she would be rather late so he didn’t worry. But there was something else nagging at her, this weird feeling all day that something big was going to happen, but she just pushed that feeling aside and focused on her work. The bride wanted these center pieces she saw on pintrest that were in mason jars and it was a lot of work putting fairy light strips in them with flowers, she managed to do over two hundred before sitting down behind her desk she had only meant to close her eyes for a few moments trying to push her migraine aside, she started seeing the bright colors like her mother used to complain about, she only really had them when she was extremely stressed but she had never had one this intense.

When she opened her eyes hours had passed it was almost midnight, she groaned not meaning to stay here this long she checked her phone sending a quick text to Luke so he wouldn't worry, apologizing profusely for taking so long, she shoved her belongings in her bag and stood up from behind her desk, she turned off all the lights and locked up she gave one last glance before she started walking down the street. She wasn't used to walking the streets this late and there was a weird feeling lingering tonight she didn't know why but everything felt off, she noticed a mist as she walked and it made her pause, she squinted her eyes wondering if they were playing tricks on her, because it looked almost purple in the street lights, she would blame it on how tired she felt, she approached it wearily but when she got to it she felt frozen in fear.

It was like her whole body went rigid, every nerve on edge, like it was awakening something buried deep inside her, like a repressed memory she had felt this feeling before and she wasn't sure if she liked this feeling. She wanted to continue home feeling as though being around her brother would help calm her, anytime she felt this overwhelming feeling he was the only one who could bring her back to earth, it felt similar to her sleep paralysis nightmares the only difference this time was she was awake. She tried taking a step forward when she heard a voice at first it sounded so grainy and groggy she couldn't understand what it was saying, but she could feel the source getting closer and her fear intensified, because the closer it got the more she realized who it was, she blinked almost in disbelief, she hadn’t heard that voice she was a child and it made tears spring to her eyes, maybe she was finally having a manic episode her therapist warned her about, but she had craved her mother’s affections since she was small and how she had missed her, so in this moment she didn’t want this delusion to fade away.  

She felt the source coming closer and before she knew it was right behind her, it whispered to her now so lightly just for her to hear it said “Oh how I’ve missed you Nellie.” She slowly looked back gasping as she saw her mother standing before her, she sniffled softly looking at her in disbelief “Mommy?” She whispered as the tears starting flowing, the panic still spreading through her body like wildfire, something still felt off and wrong about this, as she looked into her mother’s eyes she started to change, becoming more sinister and turning gray like she was decaying before her eyes, Nellie stared at her in disbelief not wanting her to go once again and her sobs became harder “Wait Mommy please don’t go, stay please.” Her begging was for nothing, her mother somehow reached out gripping her forearms tightly her eyes no longer warm and comforting far more angry and sinister and she shouted in her face “Come home to me Nell.” Nellie could feel the pain from her touch which confused her but after she shouted Nellie fell back to the cold hard concrete and when she looked up she was gone. She took a moment to stare at the spot her mother had stood before she finally let the sobs overtake her, she knew she shouldn’t but she curled up into a ball right there under the street light and just finally let herself cry over what happened. After a few minutes she calmed herself enough to pull out her phone and with shaking hands called her brother, when he answered on the first ring he was just as out of breathe as she was and she could feel that he was just as scared as she was in this moment, her mother always teased them about their twin thing but in this moment it was the most intense she had ever felt, it’s like she could feel him right next to her and sure in this moment they were both feeling intense anxiety, but something about it was weirdly soothing to her in this moment. She listened to his heavy breathing for a moment before she calmed herself down enough to finally speak “My location is on, I can’t move from this spot I just, I need you to come get me I don’t think I can do this on my own, I need you Luke.”

#nellieisms #spark. powers

[thevintagebluebird]

Unpinned - Winter Squash and Wild Mushroom Curry

Tumblr tells me it’s been six months since my last post. That seems pretty on-brand for me and this blog. Valentine’s day is coming up, and I could offer you all flowers, chocolates, and promises I don’t intend to keep: or I can just try to cook new recipes and take photos of them more often. 

Let’s see, what’s new...well, we left the nightmare world of 2020 behind and are now firmly in the nightmare world of 2021. Still in lockdown. Still hanging out on Zoom. Oh! But the fella and I did the unthinkable: we MOVED! Yes, after eight long happy years together in a two-room apartment, the pandemic finally broke us. Working from home gets really cramped when you can’t walk behind your partner’s conference call to get to the bathroom. With everyone fleeing the cities for the space of the suburbs, apartment rents in our little commuter city plummeted! So we finally, FINALLY found our unicorn apartment. Same city, same rent, AND THREE BEDROOMS BABY. And that means no more plastic blue countertops here! So allow me to present my first vegan recipe AND my first post from the new digs: 

Winter Squash and Wild Mushroom Curry! Straight off the never-fail pages of the New York Times cooking section, I printed this recipe sans images and left it hanging on my fridge for weeks, waiting for the right moment. Apparently at 4:45pm driving home during a snowstorm I realized it was THE right moment, because I stopped at the grocery store, loaded up my cart with a concerning amount of mushrooms, and got to work.

Verdict: Is the Pintrest photo complete bullshit? I need to hit up my local Indian grocery stores because I have no idea where you find a branch of curry leaves in Shaws, but other than that not really!

Is it crazy expensive/time consuming/confusing? No! It came together shockingly fast! The mushrooms can start to add up a bit but 100% worth it.

Does it taste good? So good I’m considering making it again TOMORROW.

Winter Squash and Wild Mushroom Curry

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

10 ounces butternut or other winter squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Kosher salt and black pepper

1 or 2 small green chiles, such as jalapeño or serrano

3 medium shallots or 1 small onion, finely diced

½ teaspoon black mustard seeds

½ teaspoon cumin seeds

Handful of fresh or frozen curry leaves (optional)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon ground coriander

Pinch of ground cayenne

½ teaspoon ground turmeric

1 pound mushrooms, preferably a mix of cultivated and wild, trimmed and sliced 1/8-inch thick

¾ cup coconut milk

2 tablespoons lime juice

Cilantro sprigs, for garnish

In a wide skillet, heat oil over medium-high. When hot, add squash cubes in one layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, letting cubes brown slightly, then flip and cook for 2 minutes more. Use a slotted spoon to lift squash out, and set aside.

Cut a lengthwise slit in each chile to open it, but leave whole. (This helps the chiles heat the sauce without making it too spicy.)

Add shallots, salt lightly and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves, if using, and let sizzle for 30 seconds, then add garlic, coriander, cayenne, turmeric and chiles. Stir well and cook for 30 seconds more.

Add mushrooms, season with salt and toss to coat. Cook, stirring, until mushrooms begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

Return squash cubes to skillet, stir in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Lower heat to medium and simmer for another 5 minutes. If mixture looks dry, thin with a little water. Taste and season with salt.

Before serving, stir in lime juice. Transfer to a warm serving dish and garnish with cilantro.

Look at that spread. And LOOK AT THOSE NON-70S-BLUE COUNTERS! I may have gone a tad overboard with the mushrooms but they are nature’s meat, after all.

My sous chef for the evening. Pretty dang excited to marry that cutie in the aftertimes.

Ah yes, my favorite part of any recipe: trying to do shoddy math in my head. It calls for 10oz of butternut squash which, due to packing/shipping small boxes almost every day for the last ten years, I can eyeball fairly well, but this was a 1lb 12oz box. I have no idea why they didn’t pack a pound, a pound and a half, or 2lbs, but there ya go. I hate cutting butternut squash so I really shouldn’t complain.

Stop what you are doing to feed the cat because she is a cruel mistress and demands a sacrifice NOW.

Ask your partner if the 3″ cubes look close enough to 1/2″ cubes and admit that they probably need chopping. Oh well. Chop ‘em.

Does he look fly as hell? Yes. But these are our snazzy utility sunglasses. Not only do they make you the coolest person in any room, they also a) reduce overstimulation in a pounding nightclub b) keep the oils from onions from burning your eyes during chopping c) I guess block the sun sometimes.

Get those now-tiny cubes into a hot pan! Perfect! ...for now. Foreshadowing.

Wash your fungus. Now, I’m not fancy and don’t have wild mushrooms or foraged mushrooms (I haven’t gotten to see my mushroom guy at the Somerville Winter Farmer’s Market in a while). I got some shiitake, baby portabella, and plain ol’ white mushrooms. Store brand baby.

Snazzy sous chef grillin’ the onions.

So it’s about time I admit: I did not have some (read: many) of the spices this recipe called for. I have never seen curry leaves. I don’t know what black mustard seed looks like. I don’t own coriander. We turn into weeping piles of burned sand whenever there’s a pepper in the house. So I did a lot of substitutions: entirely left out the chiles (sorry flavor fans) and skipped step 2, swapped ground cumin for the seeds, used curry powder in place of leaves, and threw in a dash of cardamom instead of coriander (it smelled like something that would be happy in a curry dish plus they’re close alphabetically). I added a good dose of black pepper to make up for the lack of mustard seeds (?!) and, anyway, my meals are often struggle meals. 

Ah yes, the other inevitable moment of the evening: when I realize there’s no way the rest of the ingredients will fit into my pan. Tall Allan to the rescue, pulling down our dutch oven gifted by the lovely Ann and Joe when we helped them move a million years ago! It doesn’t get nearly enough use. Maybe I should store it somewhere I can actually reach.

WHOO NOW TWO DIRTY HAND-WASH-ONLY PANS!

Ok now we’re getting somewhere, starting to smell pretty damn good...

If you are not a cilantro-is-soap person, chop up your fresh leaves. I did splurge on these because I also have salsa and can make next-level nachos next time I need a snack. Or put it in a salad or whatever. Mainly nachos.

This is the moment you realize that despite crafting this blog for a few years and being both a person who cooks food sometimes AND a professional pantry chef in years past, you STILL don’t ever closely read the recipe all the way through first. The curry needs rice. What are you even doing with your life. How could you forget to start the rice. Now everything will be done in minutes and you’re starving and the rice is RAW. Concede defeat, promise to make rice FIRST next time, and pull out some tiny bit of starch: these mini whole grain naan breads. They are my new obsession. They’re $3.50 for four slices but holy heck I love them so much.

Done! The whole thing came together in under a half hour, and looks nice on a plate!

We’re skeptical that sans rice this vegan meal will be filling enough, but moments after this photo was taken and before a single bite was had, our doorbell rang and who was it but THE KENTS with GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!  Delivered to our door in a snow storm no less! Desert safely secured, we sat down to discover our fates: it was GOOD!! Filling! Tasty! 

Final final verdict: I’ve yet to try a NY Times recipe I didn’t end up loving (the one and only salad recipe I have is their orange/radish/pistachio dish I was shown a few years ago - amazing) and this was no exception. We’re trying to eat less meat (and have already virtually cut beef and pork from our normal rotation) so finding easy vegan meals is really exciting. We freakin’ love mushrooms and I can’t wait to make this again. Probably later this week.

#unpinned pinterest pintrestfail recipe cooking

[wang-yeon]

Accidental| Hoseok

Your boyfriend doesn't show up for your date leaving you in the awkward position of peers staring at you with sorry eyes. Right as your about to get up a presence saves you from your embarrassment portraying as your boyfriend.

Warning: Cussing, implied smut, Smiley Hobi!

Genre: A dash of fluff and angst?

Word Count: 8.8K

A/N: I saw this prompt on pintrest and thought it was cute, also i may have made some spelling mistakes and other things because Teen wolf came on tonight and I needed to finish before it came on. Please dont hate me frens!

Hours had passed and the loneliness and dread in my head only managed to sprout further more into my heart. I had been promised a lovely evening at a rather expensive restaurant but it was far from the situation that was vowed. I was missing the very non evident boyfriend that was supposed to be sitting across the table as i was met with the cold nothingness of a longing body. I had merely order a bottle of wine to cover up my sorrows but that doesn't really do the trick as the angry waiter suggest you should leave so he can fill the table and others staring at you with pity and disgust.

The classic lines 'Oh he'll be here in a moment' or 'Hes running slightly late, he'll be here soon.' were just running out of justification. If it wasn't for the seemingly careless stares everything wouldn't have worsened. This visible contact made anyone think that i was a saddened women being stood up for what she thought would be a good evening, which they weren't wrong for this assumption. However this wasn't normal him to do, sure he once and awhile got caught up in work but always informed me if he wasn't going to be able to make it or even if he was the most tad bit of late. Sure enough due to my observation it was enough to but ideas into my fragile mind. The main option being that he was cheating on me and assuming that i would never catch on.

My frown deepened at the news as i danced my finger around the rim of my wine glass. My eyes had officially gone dead and lonely thinking of the pain and misery he was putting me through while he was sticking his dick in a mean less hole. Somehow a mean less hole was definitely better than me as he was spending his time with her rather than me making my stomach churn.

If matters couldn't get worst the waiter approached my table with a face of Sorrow. The own waiter pitted me as did everyone else in the restaurant. No one just had the courage to ask me if i was okay or to just stop staring and tend to there meals. The waiter had finally mustered up the courage to kick me out and hand the table to someone who actually needed it rather than a useless mopey body. I could tell he didn't want to and i didn't need to be told to leave once again so saving myself further more embarrassment i stood up ready to make my long waited escape. Before the waiter could approach me properly a body came storming in and took a seat right across from me. I had previously been gathering my things before being shock by the sudden presence, halting my actions.

"Sorry babe traffic was crazy."

This simple existence of a new person caused me to look at him stunned. I hadn't known who he happened to be or why he had chosen to sit across from me right as i was leaving. I was far oblivious from what he was proposing till the small whisper fell from his lips.

"Just go with it."

I looked at the stranger with curious eyes before the waiter was greeted to our table in a moments notice. As the waiter approached our table the stranger proceed to say how sorry he was about him being late making sure he said it loud enough for everyone to hear including the waiter. It was a kind gesture letting the peers know that i truly wasn't a saddened women but it also made me feel slightly annoyed that he had to save me from the situation. It made me feel vulnerable and pathetic that he felt the urge to save me from even more embarrassment. None of the less it was a kind gesture that i was willing to accept.

The waiter cleared his throat and dotted his eyes between me and the rather handsome male seated across from me. He connected the dots and came to the conclusion that this happened to be my date. The waiter plastered a smile of hope that my evening had been turning around for the better. I hope it was.

"Well its certainly a pleasure to see you finally arrive, you shouldn't keep a lady waiting for such a long time."

"I know, I apologize deeply, my arrogance got the best of me."

He certainly did have some acting skills up his hand and it was fairly a believable performance. It was certain that he was also putting on a show as everyone watched the seen unfold. The peers had been watching way before he had appeared and as he began to act everything out no one couldn't help but to watch the scene happen before there eyes.

"Well may i start with drinks?"

"Yes, Ill take a sprite please and for the lady."

I looked up to be met with his eyes. They were the darkest of all irises almost black even. Im sure in the brightest of lights you would be able to make out his dark brown eyes. They were lovely to uphold and admire. The stranger seemed to take notice of my admiration as he flashed a warm smile. His smile was different from his eyes as they held the brightest of all things. I could tell it was a kind gesture but i couldn't help get an once of warmness in my heart, something that i shoved away. I had to remember i did have a boyfriend and that the scene playing out in front of me was all a scene exactly.

"Another glass of wine please."

The waiter nodded and fled from the table. I grabbed the menu and began observing the things listed. It was remarkable how long i had been sitting here but never managed to grab the menu and look at the choice. Probably because i didn't imagine actually eating at this restaurant tonight, being kicked out was the only option i saw tonight.

As I was skimming through out the menu i couldn't help but often glance up at the stranger questioning why he chose to sit and save me from ashamed moment. He could have easily watched as everyone else did but rather he took action and tried to save me from my hard ship. I admired him for that and was still curious on way he settled for something like that. A normal person would have just accepted the kindness wither as for me i had a nagging voice asking me why over and over again.

"You didn't have to do that you know?"

The stranger looked up at me with a small smile. He sure did seem to smile a lot,he seemed like a positive person. We haven't spoken to each other formally yet i was already analyzing him to the brim taking in every small detail.

"Oh please its fine, i much rather eat with you then by myself."

He waved it off acting as if it was a problem. Which it wasn't, i was just surprised by his actions of doing something so caring. I couldn't get that off my mind. Why had he been sitting by himself to top it off. Surely someone who presented himself as kind as he is doesn't deserve to eat by themselves. Maybe the details i were reading up on were just false information. I shouldn't give my hopes up, i already wasted enough of that tonight.

"Do you usually drink wine a lot cause i can smell the wine from all the way over here."

I glanced up from the menu to be met with his small smile and a laugh following behind it. I would have found it funny too but the trauma that i had gone through tonight was enough to make me drink a whole ocean of wine. My dull mood everything less bearable and his witty comments make me want to swim in the ocean of wine.

"Alright, i can see why you wouldn't laugh at that. I've seen you over here waiting for the past few hours, whats your name by the way?"

He must have took notice in my non existent laugh and not so energetic mood as he was glowing with it. I suppose getting to know the guy i was on a date with wouldn't hurt. Possibly know that he came to rescue me from my vulnerable state he could change my mood to a more positive light.

"Y/N"

He looked up from the menu to be met with my fearful gaze. He was obviously confused by my sudden blurt especially since it was the first word i had managed to say to him. Along the lines he began to catch on nodding his head before he began speaking.

"Ah you finally speak to me, Im joking. Thats a very lovely name i suppose i should tell you mine now. My name is Jung Hoseok."

I nodded at him in response. I hadn't been good at first dates i was always awkward with strangers and it was very evident that he was the polar opposite as he beamed with confidence and handed me small compliments. It was enough to make me slightly shiver in my seat surely he took notice of my actions. His eyes slightly softened as he put the menu down and looked over at the table attempting to met my worried eyes.

"Hey, i know this is weird but lets just make this as comfortable as we can. Lets just imagine that were two people getting to know each other. So, where do you work?"

I scooted myself closer to the table trying to push myself out of my comfort zone and actually participate in this rather strange moment between two strangers. If Hoseok was willing to go to drastic measures to make me feel less embarrassed then i should at least east repay him with communication and a reasonable date.

"I do billing and coding, nothing very interesting but it pays well. When i was young i always dreamed of owning a dance studio but it never worked out."

I was worthy of owning a dance studio as i was rather good at dance but the money never worked out and here it seemed like money meant everything. So i took the alternate path of becoming something i never saw myself becoming but didn't complain. I had met my boyfriend there along the way making my life enhance before it soon Plateaued as months passed by. Now my boyfriend and his entire being someone how been managed to be replace by Hoseok. I hadn't known why i had given him such information but it was a first date after all, well kinda. I was supposed to tell him something semi interesting about me even if it wasn't knowing something about someone was always somewhat valuable.

"Really? I actually work at a dance studio I would love to show you around sometime. Maybe you could help me with a few classes."

His eyes lightened up as he talked on. He truly did love what he was doing and it slightly warmed my heart as he wanted me to join. I was honored definitely especially since it had been something i had my heart set on but was destroyed when everyone told me how preposterous the idea had become. I could see how carefree Hoseok appeared to be and i envied that as he was doing something he loved while i was stuck being a desk day dreaming.

"I wouldn't want to be a burden."

Hoseok shook his hand as if he was offend.

"Of course you wont be, It would be a pleasure to have you by my side."

I smiled at his kind gesture. It was mind blowing how i already felt these warm sparks through out my body and we haven't even known each other for merely a day. It was scary to say the least but was more scary was that i was growing an attraction for someone other than my significant other. Why was i even thinking about him he was the one who graciously stood me up and was where ever he carried himself. Hoseok was kind enough to show me some sort of interest and i needed to focus on that rather on useless things that were irrelevant as of now.

"You have a lovely smile."

I hadn't done that quiet often. I haven't really found the purpose of smiling as i didn't see the most joys in things but as he complimented me without any hesitation. It made me want to smile as big as i could the simple gesture made me beam unexpectedly as he joined along. The big smiles that graced our faces stayed through out our mind bending conversation about the littlest of things. He laughed loudly while i held in my laughs and settled for small giggles. Our moment felt like a life time as we were lost in each others voice before the friendly waiter was by our sides once again.

"Are we ready to order?"

We had been so wrapped up in each other that i hadn't got a chance to actually decide what i wanted, same had went for Hoseok. The blank stares and the eager reach for the menu made the waiter only groan louder.He had been waiting on me all night and didn't intend to wait any longer. We flipped through out the menu before a loud cough from Hoseok brought me away from looking at my menu. The waiter asked if he was okay even though his features looked as if he could care less.

"Yes, its just the prices are..Huh wow."

I took my eyes away from him to gaze at the menu and the closest prices that happened to sky rocket. It was outrageous the amount of money you had to pay for this scrap of food. I should have known something was up when i noticed the room was filed with expressive silky dresses and snarky comments. No wonder why people were so intrigued with the scene that was unfolding.

"We can always just leave."

"NO! I mean um, no. Its the least i could do since i was terribly late."

I nodded looking through then menu trying to find the lease expressive thing on the menu. A small voice in my head kept nagging at me asking me why he had said No so abundant. I hadn't known the reasoning nor did i question it any further. The waiter was already annoyed by our mere presence why add to it.

"Ill have the salad."

I had hated salad but it was the cheapest thing on the menu. It was so plain and i much rather had chosen a simple burger rather than this expensive place shunning anything floating in the main stream. I had been so feed up with this restaurant and the bad luck that comes along with it. Happily Hoseok was the only luck that came along with the restaurant.

Hoseok put in his order as the waiter finally left with his lovely sigh. He must have really hated his job along with his life. Me and Hoseok weren't adding any positiveness to it any how as well. However when the waiter left we made our own positiveness for each other not following into the peers who looked bitter.

"Sorry for saying no so loudly, its just that i dont want the moment to end between me and you. Im actually enjoying myself a lot."

I smiled again at his kind words that once set my heart into a warm haze but as of now it felt like it was on fire. He manages to send my heart into this state with his simple words that he doesn't see as a big deal but is for me. He doesn't realize the impact it truly does hold. Maybe along the way he would understand but for now i was fine with the mindless compliments it surely fueled my liking to him.

"I just hope my pork chops are good."

"I doubt it, since the food will literally be the size of your pinky."

Hoseok  laughed whole hearty at my joke. His eyes sparkled slightly taking in my new mood that had replaced my dull one. Hoseok seemed to be kind and gentle and even though he had just managed to show up out of the blue i still was willing and ever so eager to see him more. He added something to me something that i really didnt know but it wasn't a bad thing, it made me feel actually happy and at peace. Knowing he wouldn't judge me with my simple movement that would often bother others. The waiter had approached us bearing our food as he placed it on the table before walking away without a single comment let alone a smile.

We began diving into our small portions of food dwelling on small talk and things that make our heart soar. I had been having an excelling time not minding the bland salad and only focusing on him and the moment between us. I had been giggling slightly to the point of me clutching my stomach, he sure had the personality to change someones mood. My mood changed as i felt my phone being to vibrate seeing my boyfriends name pop up. My smile immediately vanished as i silenced the phone. Hoseok took notice in my replaced state asking with concerned eyes if i was alright.

"Im fine."

Hoseok looked unconvinced as he eyed my persona. He had known something was up from the moment i looked down at my phone. I could tell possibilities for my frown were occurring in his mind. I knew he was thinking that it was himself and the situation i had been put in. He was a stranger and did come over to rescue me from my sadness but he didn't ever ask me if i wanted to go through with this. Maybe he thought i was uncomfortable, which i was but not for the reasons he thought. Overall he must have been thinking a number of things that were wrong with me till he choose to say what had been mostly crossing his mind.

"You know the guy who stood you up is a real asshole and doesnt deserve you. They surely missed out on a beautiful women tonight."

I glanced up at him feeling my heart combust once again by his comments. How did he make them seem as nonchalant as possible. He spoke his words with care and didn't matter if someone was going to shut him down for his words spoke truth and love. He was a beautiful soul and i was lucky to have met him over such circumstances. Everything about him was flowing with perfection as far as i could see. The simple thought made me smile caring as he looked over at me and held the same smile.

He reached over the table and laid his hand on mine in a comforting way. The simple contact was sending me into over drive as this was the first time we shared contact. I was sad when he drew his hand away but none of the less kept the moment fresh in my mind.

"Would you like a piece of my pork chop?"

I shook my head no the his kind gesture finishing up my salad. I had really wanted a piece but denied as it was his meal not mine. However Hoseok placed a piece down right on my plate sending me a playful smile. I swear he could smile all day and you would never get tired of it. I thanked him for the piece picking it up and placing it in my mouth before some of the juice began to dripped down my mouth.

Hoseok giggled with a bit of food in his mouth. He reached over to grab a napkin wiping it from my face. I swallowed the last bit of food focusing on the concentrated look on his face as he wiped away the residue. He even looked adorable while doing so, it amazed me how he had a control over me. His eyes soon diverted to mine as we locked together. It felt strange being so captivated in someones gaze. We began to grow closer it not taking a genius to know where it was leading to. I couldn't tell if i actually wanted this to even happen. It was the simple gaze that craved me to do so before the waiter stopped us.

"Would you like the check now?"

Hoseok moved away from me adjusting in his seat nodding along to the waiter. It was obvious the waiter was through with everything we had contributed to. It was slightly awkward at the table due to the altercation before the waiter approached us. None of the less Hoseok managed to plaster the joyful smile on his face nothing seeming to bother him. Hoseok paid willingly despite my protest. Soon enough we both got up on our way out of the restaurant.

We stood by the fast cars knocking us from any hushed sounds. I looked at the blazing cars not sure how to end the unintended evening.

"I hope next time we can make it an official date."

I turned to be met with Hoseok. It surely was an amazing time that i couldn't forget but i was faithful to someone else. Hoseok managed to make me feel the amount of small sparks my boyfriend never expressed to me. I was possibly willing to give that up because i wanted to be loyal to someone who wasn't. I was battling what i wanted to come out my mouth, i really didn't want this time to end.

"We dont have to end things right away."

Hoseok looked at me with glimpsing eyes of happiness from hearing that i had been actually enjoying the time well spent with him. I didnt know why he was so surprised by my sudden statement, im sure anyone would automatically grow a liking for someone who saved them from social embarrassment. I wanted to thank him in any means possible.

"Are you hungry for dessert? My sister owns a sweets shop."

I would be lying if i wasn't nervous to met his sister. There was no point in being nervous yet i was. I neither his friend nor foe so what was i to him. We were certainly hitting things off but it was nothing of the extreme. He was a very attractive guy making meeting his sister heighten my nerves. What if she didnt appear to like me. I had officially been over reacting and i needed to try my best and play as if i wasn't completely losing my shit entirely.

"Wow first date and im already meeting the family."

Hoseok laughed off about my comment not taking it seriously luckily. If only he knew that i was going mad just by the simple thought. I have never even met my boyfriends family members so meeting an attractive strangers that i may have grown an attachment to was sure enough to make me go slightly insane.

None of the less i shut my mouth and got in the taxi happily. During the whole way i wouldn't help but fidget in my seat. Hoseok took slight notice in my actions as he placed a caring hand on my squirming thigh. I found comfort in it as everything else he did. He sure did have a way with things and handled it well with a smile.  I couldn't help but imagine that his sister gave off the same warm smile. I would all but find out soon, and i could feel the riddling anxiety being to commence at the tender thought.

We arrived shortly after to be greeted with a small quiet shop by the side of town. It had grown dark but the shops fairly lights lit up giving a lovely scenery. People went in and out of the shop holding small sweets and treats as others stayed in the shop and devoured there scrumptious desert. Hoseok  guided me in the shop with a tight grip on my hand. He positioned me in front of the cashier where i was met with a fairly lovely lady who sported a contagious smile. She almost combust as she laid eyes on Hoseok jumping up slightly from her previous stance.

"donglyo, Im so happy to see you! Oh whos this?"

His sister directed her eyes to me. She held a smirk raising her eyebrows attempting to signal something that wasn't supposed to be. It was funny either way but Hoseok proclaimed to be slightly flustered at her suggestion. I didnt know what he was going to introduce me as, We had merely met a couple of hours ago making the situation complicated.

"Um, this is my date Y/N."

Hoseok sister and me happened to both be taken back by his answer. I dont know why was surprised, its what we were. It just felt slightly foreign to have that fall from his lips especially when i wasnt happily single. Then again i wasnt happily dating.

"Well, hello Y/N my name is Ji Woo. Now tell me how much did he pay you to go on a date with him?"

I could sense the sibling teasing as i had a sibling of my own. Hoseok still managed to groan at her comment taking offense. I thought it was rather funny and decided to play along but rather awkwardly. I still was nervous around her even though i was still warming up. She just held such a confident exterior as did her brother. It was enough to make anyone feel down about themselves and try to amount to anyone else. I tried to push the thought aside and proceed how i was acting normally when it was just Hoseok and me by ourselves.

"Actually i bought him off of E-bay. He seemed so lonely i just couldnt help myself."

Ji Woo began laughing rather loudly as i joined her with my small giggle. Hoseok stood next to me pouting that i was taking part in the teasing. I rubbed his arm letting him know that i didnt mean anything i said whole heartily. Hoseok seemed to lighten as i touched his arm slightly. It was warming to know that i had the same effect on him as he had on me. Hoseok brought his arm around my shoulder bringing us closer in proximity as he was aching for it since the slight touch. His sister cooed at use before pretending to be sick by the small affection. I felt a strange feeling of comfort by being in there presence. It was something i could grow use to.

"I like her Hobi shes a keeper."

I felt myself tense slightly and i could feel himself tense from atop me as well. He could sense my newly wed state as he became visibly nervous but played it off perfectly, almost to the point where it was unnoticeable. Hoseok respectfully removed his arm away from me, something i didnt want to happen. I had been aching for his warm embrace but didnt want to force into anything. Instead of focusing on the i decided to answer Ji Woo's statement to the best of my abilities. I hadnt known what to say or even what to think of it making me respond with my emotions on the spot.

"I sure hope Hobi thinks so as well."

I made sure to put more emphasis on the nickname his sister gave him to distract him from my bold answer. I didnt even have to answer making me slightly panic at my use of my unwanted emotions. I never trusted them scared that they would unleash the worst of the unknown. Something that i feared deeply but when i was with Hobi i noticed how he never showed an once of fear. I guess being in his presence made me think differently about things and he altered my feelings into what i always longed for them to be.

Hobi looked down at me smiling warmly at my statement making me glow inside. It was a sign of reassurance. Knowing that my feelings wouldn't be turned away any longer i assertively guided my hands to his griping on to them tightly as if afraid that the moment would be ripped away. Hobi tightened his hands along with mine almost as if he was experiencing the same thing. I lifted up his unoccupied hand to ruffle my hair making me giggle slightly at his attempt to make things semi more comfortable for his sister. She responded to our affection by throwing her head back and letting out a loud groan only to smile at us in a joking manger. They sure were siblings and were connected in many ways making me smile.

We were on the verge of ordering when Hobis sister insisted that she surprised us with her specialty. Hobi looked at her with confusion about why we couldnt just order but she kept on insisting. I tugged on Hobis hand telling him that it was fine and i was eager to try her suggestions making Ji Woo smiled in victory. She guided us to our tables before bowing politely leaving us alone. We took our seats as i looked around the restaurant taking everything in. It really was a lovely place, she had everything well going for her. I was completely memorized by her passion and what she managed to do for it.

"Your sister truly has an amazing restaurant."

"Yeah i use to work here when i was younger."

Pictures flashed through my mind of a younger Hobi working happily by his sisters side.Now he owned a dance company following his passion after seeing his sister maker her own. Maybe this is how he got his drive, by seeing his sister build up her success. It certainly made my drive to do something enhance as i heard about Hobis shop but knew i wouldnt take action int it. None of the less it was still nice to see everything to work out for them equally.

"Im sure you looked adorable prancing around in an apron."

"Oh yeah i was quiet the charmer, dancing any time i got."

I giggled at the thought not believing him. Hobi looked at me with eyes as if he was being challenged. I honestly could see him doing something like that but i just wanted to see how far he would actually do to change my beliefs. Hobi seemed as if he wasn't going to take defeat to this and subject to it so he stood up productively and began dancing very, awful might i add. I knew he was joking as he threw in some rather amazing dance moves in there but still manged to make me laugh to the point of me clutching my stomach.

Hobi halted his movements and looked at me with wonder filled eyes. I had realized that i had laughed rather loudly instead of subjecting myself to a quiet down giggled. I knew i had quit a loud laugh something that my boyfriend didnt like so i changed it in a hurry. Now as Hobi stares at me i cant help but think the same thing. as his lips begin to move i begin to realize i was wrong.

"I had been waiting all night to hear that laugh and it was all worth it."

I was taken back by his sudden affection in his eyes while he kept his playful smile. He always managed to make me melt, he couldnt have said anything and i still would have warmed slightly due to his smile. Yet he did say something. Something that sent my heart ablaze, something he had learned to be good at but shouldn't happen. In the back of my mind the nagging voice appeared again signaling that i was already in a relationship. However the mere presence of Hobi made me often forget that as i conjured up our own possible relationship abandoning the old. He never treated me with affection the way Hobi did making me think of the alternatives and they didnt seem as bad as i imagined.

I opened my mouth to say something before Hobis sister appeared with a hand full of trays. Hobi helped her placing them on the table before returning to his set. I eyed the sweets with a watering mouth eager to get my hands on the first thing i could. Ji Woo began pointing to each sweet describing each before i decided which one i wanted. Hobi was already digging in as Jo Woo watched with nervous eyes as she was afraid of what we would think of her product.

I plopped the sugary sweet in my mouth feeling it take over my taste buds. I hummed in tastefulness enjoying the flavors taking over me and splash around in my mouth. I turned to Ji Woo as she looked at me with anxiety still flowing in her eyes. It still surprised me how nervous and anxious she was about her product as it was amazing.

"This has to possibly be the best thing i have ever plopped into my mouth."

Her once nervous state change to an excited one as she visibly began to bounce up and down. Hobi was to indulged in his snack to even look up. It truly was amazing and she had to believe it as she made it.

"Oh my god, Hobi i love her. Im sure mom will as well."

Hobi was now taken away from his saver sweet as he slightly choked on it from his sisters comment. It startled me slightly too but she didnt notice as she was to excited from my opinion that she longed for. Hobi straightened himself out shooting his sister a long one she didnt take notice of as she asked another question out of the ordinary.

"Do you mind if i take a picture, Its just i havent met a girl that actually shows attraction to you and is actually very nice."

His sister was very out spoken that was for sure but i didnt mind it. I found it welcoming at times as it lightened the mood. So I scooted closer to Hobi telling him that i was fine with the idea. He eased down at my body language as he wrapped his arm around me bringing us closer. I smiled slightly as i put my head on his shoulder getting comfortable at the new position. It was slightly strange that his sister had a camera while this action was occurring but it didnt lower my comfortablity. Even when it was slightly strange.

She counted down as i displayed a huge smile waiting for the camera to go off. As she finished she sent us a quick smile before leaving us to go tend to her work. Even as the camera went off i couldnt help but still keep the smile plated on my face as Hobi went off about his sister. I laughed at some of his comments but mostly paying attention word for word. He talked about the memories he shared with her here and i couldnt help but think of the memories we just created together. Hopefully we could create more.

We had been at my house now seated on my bed something that was slightly dangerous. However i set myself up for this. Hobi was just leaving as we reached my door step as i invited him in. We had been laughing at the Disney movie displayed on the screen. We dabbled in small talk and shared genuine laughs. The part of the movie landed where Rapunzel and Flinn where on the boat and were singing along while the lanterns roamed the sky. I awed at the scene taking everything in enjoying the beautiful moment shared between the two.

While I was taking in the scene Hobi was taking note on the moment being shared between us. I rotated my body to his looking at him with curiosity as he still held the admiration. Hobi wanted to say something as his mouth opened but soon closer right after and directed his eyes back to the screen. He seemed nervous about something but i decided not to force anything on him as my eyes trailed back to the movie.

The end was rolling near as she cried on his chest singing the heart tugging song. It was sure enough to cause my eyes to water from the love they shared. Hobi took notice of my tears as he brought me into his chest engulfing me into a hug. I laughed slightly at his comfort as he ruffled my hair. I directed my eyes back to the movie as i felt Hobis eyes gaze at my figure.

"You seem more interested in me than the movie, trust me im not all that interesting."

I sat up on the couch looking at him with curious eyes and a small smirk. I could tell he was slightly tense from the question but none of the less i was playing, it seems that he didnt pick up on that part. He fiddled in his seat preparing to answer the question to the best of his ability. I was slightly intrigued by his answer by also scared for an unknown reasoning. The fear also enhanced as he cleared his throat getting serious something i hadnt seen on him but as he reached out for my hand my smile brightened as worry faded away.

"Im usually awkward when it comes to these things but none of the less i get to practice but now im going to open up and say it.See when i usually meet someone i grow attracted to i have the time to get my words together and not make them a jumbling mess however with you its different. I cant get my words together rather find any words for you have me so hypnotized by your beauty and smile. We may have met on unwanted circumstances but i want to get to know you on wanted ones. I want to know the things that cause you happiness so i can recreate them just to see the smile painted on your face for lifetimes to come. I guess what im trying to lead up to is that I like you and I really would like to see you again."

Hobi let out a final breathe as he finished his sentence with a anxious exterior. He was definitely shaking in his seat afraid of the answer. While he was freaking out on the outside you couldnt help but do the same in the inside. Had no one confessed to you in such a lovely way that your own melted heart turned to fire works and explode as he said word for word. I could tell as he meant it all as his eyes still held the admiration they had since the beginning of the movie at earlier in the day. My answer had been obvious as he held a great affect on me and i certainly couldnt lose something so gracious. I truly liked him to the point of insanity. He made me laugh genially and was they purpose of my bright smile. I liked him and he liked me. Nothing more was to be said.

I placed my lips on his while my hand caressed his cheek. It certainly was unexpected as he inhaled a big breath before exhaling and getting into the kiss. His hands were on the waist gripping slightly on them not wanting me to grow uncomfortable, but i wasnt. I wanted him to explore my body more but kept that for myself as it was to early to enhance on those actions.

The kiss broke as i pulled away Hobis eyes still closed as i laughed at his actions. He opened them slightly with a dazed expression a small smile painted on his face copying mine. The kiss was sure enough to send us both into shock as i hadnt experienced anything like that as i imagined the same went for him. The feeling went beyond the normal warming of the heart and fire works i normal felt with him but the new contact brought something far more extraordinary. It was a feeling that you didnt want to let go of and thats what i indented on.

"Luckily my sister isnt here to take a picture of our first kiss."

"Oh im sure shell find a way."

We laughed slightly driving away from the seriousness we created. It was comforting to know we could openly jump for emotion to emotion without losing a part of our minds. The werent anything drastic but comforting emotions and comforting talk. It was never tense with us as we always found a way to spark up a conversation. He was everything i wanted but deep in my mind i knew i couldnt have. There was a nagging pain that laid back but i had pushed it so far back that i didnt know why it was acting in such way. Hobi made me happy and thats all that matter at the moment.

"Do you mind if i kiss you again."

I was brought from my thought as i looked at Hobi who was slightly nervous and eager. I chuckled under my breather before nodding softy. We both met in the middle our lips clashing together with a soft sigh. The moment was filled with other bliss nothing to sensual, it kept soft and sweet. There was a feeling of wanting more but i didnt push into anything. It seemed that Hobi aimed for the same thing as i felt his tongue swipe across my bottom lip asking for promission, one that i easily granted.

Our tongues were mixing together  in pure peace and ecstasy. I had been so caught up in the feeling that i had let out a small moan and sure enough Hobi with his sense heightened from the contact he heard the small noise. He grabbed onto my thighs as his new fond confidence came out to play. He guided me to his lap before he laid down on the bed completely. It was a dangerous game we were playing that involved two young adults high on hormones. I was sure of what was meant to happen but welcomed it willingly.

Hobis hands grazed my thigh before he reached my ass. He gave it a tight squeeze letting me see the side of him that was rather kinkier than i anticipated. I moaned do to this as he smirked into the mouth watering kiss. His hands roamed up my abdomed as his hands disappeared under my shirt. I shuttered from the coldness of his hands but still accepted them as they were a part of him. His hands rubbed up and down on my sides ever so slightly teasing there way up to my breast. The feeling of his hands fluttering through my body and his toxic kiss was enough to shot happiness that i hadnt felt in ages but the feeling quickly switched to fear as i heard the front door close and someone calling my name.

I broke from the kiss as Hobi looked with shock at the sound and new found presence in the house. That when i remember the nagging presence that had been place in my head, i had pushed it so far away that i completely forget the reason it was placed there for. My mind had been so filled up with the happiness i was gaining from Hobi that i completely forgot about my boyfriend.

I improvised as quick as i could trying to gather any evidence of Hobi and and shoving it into the closet as him being on the bed was far worst. I straightened out my clothes and placed myself casually on the bed looking a the movie trying to look as normal as possible. He stormed in with red angered eyes making me sit up. Had he known of the situation that was going under his nose now coming to the surface. I stood up afraid that if i looked as if i didnt care or know what was going on he would grow more mad. I made my way over to him making sure not to get to close.  before i said anything.

"Is-is everything alright?"

It wasnt the best question to ask someone who was visibly fuming, but i hadnt known what to say. I didnt want to say to much nor to little as i would give myself away. Now as he opens his mouth i get ready for the impact he was ready to unleash.

"I have been waiting at the restaurant for merely two hours and you ask me if im alright? Well im fucking not, I tried calling you but you didnt answer your damn phone! Do you understand how pathetic i looked waiting on your sorry ass!? Why didnt you answer your call while i was being pestered by your non existence!?"

I looked at him with angered eyes. He wanst doing this? How could he had said such thing when i was the one waiting at the restaurant and his sorry ass was who knows where.He left me waiting for two hours to long as he was probably getting his dick wet. I could tell Hobi was mad too trapped in the closet wanting to say his input but knew he couldnt so i was left to say what i had to say.

"Are you fucking serious? Dont you dare fucking lie to me Yoongi, because i was the one waiting for your sorry ass not you! I texted you and called you a number of times while you were getting your dick sucked by a dumb slut. I was eating alone while you didnt give fuck only focusing on her rather than your girlfriend. So dont you lie do my face when we both damn well know the truth."

It was certainly a loud and abundant statement i had managed to say. Something i hadnt been use to expressing as it stunned me and Yoongi. It was a surprise that i had even said that but the presence that i experienced with Hobi today i realized that i should open up more and express myself without any regrets. Hobi was doing amazing living his life the way he was and i aimed to try and enable that very lightly. It was a good thing for me however for Yoongi he took this as  threat and tried to struck back.

"You really think i would cheat on you? Sure i lied about waiting on you at the restaurant but i was working, and thats more than a date. I have to make money in order to go on these dates, no money no dates!"

"Yeah im sure work was hard along with your dick. How was she, better than me? Are you fucking your Secretary certainly wouldn't be a surprise."

Im sure the whole conversation was strange for Hobi but as for Yoongi e grew irritated by the second along with me fueling him on. He tugged at his head letting out a frustrated sigh before rubbing his temples.

"You really dont have fucking trust in me since im the one who always makes the mistakes! News flash you arent perfect either! For all i know you could be fucking someone else and they could be hiding right under my nose-"

My mind had gone on auto pilot as he had said those dreaded words. We were both playing each other and the relationship was clearly unhealthy but we were so attracted to each other and had been together for such a long time that breaking things off would be so strange. So the only way we cooped was to fight out our problems, usually they involved him yelling at me and me cowering back down. As of know things were different as i stood my ground as i grown tired of his ways but wasnt willing to go as far as ending things.

"But oh Your little miss perfect in your eyes."

"I never said i was perfect."

"Well you sure damn act like it."

We were both growing tired of the conversation. We rubbed our eyes and temples gaining physical pain from the verbal fight. We had grown so used to this that it soon became another way of living for us, a much tired form of it. I ached due to it as did he.

"This is going no where."

"Yeah your right, maybe i should go."

I latched onto Yoongi hands not wanting him to leave my presence without on good terms. He held onto my hand bringing me itno a hug brushing my hair whispering sweet things. It was strange to be in such contact with him as all i could think of was Hoseok making me hate myself even more. He kept telling me how we both were going to find peace and that he wasn't giving up on us. This had been a lie on both of us, we had been so toxic we couldnt save it. He had cheated on me already as i awaited for the next. I would be a hypocrite if i didn't say the same for myself however i actually felt a form of guilt.

His next moment were out the door saying how he would see me tomorrow but couldnt bare sleep here tonight. I couldnt blame him as another body still laid beneath the closet door as i opened it. Hoseok engulfed me in a hug as he rubbed my back telling me how strong i was. However instead of feeling the warmness i felt cold. Coldness throughout me as i realized the danger i was getting myself into.

"Maybe you should go too."

Hoseok looked at me with wild eyes as if the request was absurd. He lead me to the bed still rubbing my back and comforting me by any means possible.

"Im sorry but i cant do as you ask. You arent in a good state to be by yourself. I get you have alot of history with him so please let me just be here for you as a friend. Let me take care you this once."

I smiled slightly and nodded at his answer. He attempted to make me food that turned out wrong as his frown deepened. Taking care of me had been going roughly for him but i insisted that it was okay and we just order pizza. We had curled up in a ball maintaining our distance as we watched the movie while eating pizza. The power had gone out momentarily making Hobi groan that the moment was being ruing by all these tragedies. However as I get into bed and he positioned himself on the floor with a pillow and blanket i cant help but think.

Even though it hadnt been going as Hobi planned the evening we had earlier had been perfect. Even when he experienced second hand on the argument he still stayed rather than someone who was experiencing it first hand. He stayed to take care of me when he knew something was wrong rather as for Yoongi he left despite the sadness in my eyes. If all false i knew one thing that mattered was that Hobi cared about me to the point of insanity and i was sure driving him close to it. I had made him go through my own troubles that he didn't have to go through, yet he did it with eager eyes.

Hobi was hypnotized under my gaze while i was under Yoongis and his at the same time. I hadn't known what my next choices were to be yet i feared them. I looked up at the ceiling breathing deeply afraid of what to come till i heard the soothing voice.

"Y/N please dont worry, it will all work itself out and even if it doesn't ill stick by your side."

Even the flow of my name leaving his lips was enough to reassure me that everything would be okay but also reassure me about something else. I had been falling rather hardly for Hobi yet was already in love with Yoongi and in a relationship. No matter how much pain he put me threw i couldnt imagine life without him. However Hobi provided as a good substitute. No matter my debate I would end up possible hurting one of them in the end, so i say the only thing i can muster on my mind with a small whisper.

"I hope so."

#j hope x reader #j hope imagine #j hope scenarios #j hope bts #jhope x reader #jhope imagine #j hope smut #jhope smut #jhope scenarios #Jung HoSeok #jung hoseok smut #jung hoseok x reader #jung hoseok imagines #jung hoseok scenarios #hoseok smut #hoseok x reader #hoseok x you #hoseok imagine #jhope #j hope #hoseok

[lifebooksloves]

COVER REVEAL: TORTURED by N.M. Catalano

TORTURED by N.M. Catalano

Publishing:  February 20th

Romantic Erotic Suspense, Romantic Erotica, Contemporary Women’s

Pre-Order Links:  https://books2read.com/u/3nOjA9

Amazon CA > http://amzn.to/2uip6B1 Amazon AU > http://amzn.to/2umCyos

Pre-Release Reviews

“”Tortured” is NOT your run of the mill romance… Hell No! It’s sizzling hot to a point of INFERNO… you have been warned… PROCEED WITH CAUTION! N.M. Catalano does not do light romance… definitely NOT her M.O.! She will grip all your senses and thrust passion with so much force you will be gasping for air! She lives up to her reputation as the Queen Of Erotica…”  Pauline, Passionate About Books Blog

  “Tests the limits of your emotions!  From love to hate – from understanding to condemnation!  Unrestrained – Primitive – RAW.”  Joy, A Wonderful World Of Words Blog

“This overarching story has been building from Page 1 of Canvas. The tension is building and the pieces are starting to fit into place. The writing … N.M Catalano you are amazing.”  Cat, Amazon Reviewer

Description

They say I have demons.

They’re right.

They say I’m dangerous.

They’re right about that.  The four of us, that’s what we do.

They say I have no emotions.

I wish.

I feel everything, maybe more than you.

They said I shouldn’t fall in love with a married woman.

They’re right about that, too.  It wasn’t part of the assignment.

But I did.

Now they want her.

My demons are going to destroy them.

  There once was a girl who believed in fairytales.

They all came true.

With contracts and lies and deceit.

There is a woman who cries herself to sleep.

Who lives a lie behind a beautiful mask.

There is a woman who almost gave up.

Almost.

But then her prince charming came.

He is everything she needs.

Mysterious, dark, dangerous, who makes her do things, things that would shock you.

Everything that she needs.

There is a woman who belongs to someone else, who can never leave.

There is a woman who is imprisoned by deals and money and power.

There is a woman who loves a man she cannot have.

  There is a man and a woman who will be destroyed.

Raven I have rules. 1. Don’t get attached. 2. Wear the right heels. 3. Don’t. Trust. Anyone. That all went to hell when my life collided with the men of The Program. It seems if one isn’t threatening me, the other wants to save me. Everything was fine. Until it wasn’t. I used to have control. When Snake got a hold of me, it seemed control took a permanent vacation with no forwarding number. That’s just fine. He’s handed me carte blanche to use him. I’ll use him alright, I’ll let him think he’s the knight in shining armor riding in to save me. Beware Snake Priest, the Queen Of Hell will always burn the Priest. CANVAS, book 1 is right here >> https://books2read.com/u/4N1kn8 TRIFECTA book 1.5, Only .99!!! Right here >> https://books2read.com/u/4N1kn8

**18+, very strong sexual content, very strong language, MFM.  Suspense, a bit dark, BDSM, and absolutely intended for mature audiences, cliffhanger**

  Excerpt:

TORTURED, Book 3 in The Program series

“Take Her Pain Away” Teaser

Gringo “You said you were scared. I want to find out why.” It’s the goddamn truth.  Her eyes dart back to mine.

I mean it, and I’ll do whatever it takes. I have to.

“You do?” her words are barely a whisper.

“Yes.” She raises her free hand and touches the cut on my lip. “What happened?”

“Nothing.” I’m not going to tell her what happened at the Ink & Arms Expo, or the mission. She can’t know the real reason we’d gone, or what we really are. She won’t know what I’m doing now. Her expression is full of emotion, but not the same as she’d come in with. My entire body is rigid. For her.

“Take your clothes off, Sasha.” I squeeze her wrist. Her mouth parts slightly to let the tip of her tongue peek out and swipe along her lower lip. “I want to watch Bull fuck you.” She sucks in a long breath as a flush creeps along her face and chest.

Her gaze slides to Bull sitting in one of the dining room chairs.

“Hey little lady. Been a rough day?” he asks with a genuine smile on his face.

He likes Sasha. He saw through her bullshit spoiled brat façade like I did.

I don’t like Sasha. And it pisses me off.

“Yeah, not the best day.” She smiles a little timidly and shrugs her shoulder slightly. “Well, darlin’, we’ll make it better,” he grins. It’s filled with promises of his big cock and filthy things. I let her wrist free. “I’ve got some questions.” Her attention turns back to me. “I said. Take. Off. Your fucking. Clothes.” My voice is calm and steely as I pinch one of her nipples through her expensive jacket. She bites her lower lip.

She begins to unbutton her pretty pink jacket. “What kind of questions?”

The jacket is worn as a shirt with nothing but a bra underneath. The sight of her voluptuous cleavage makes my dick throb.

“First, why are you still dressed?”

She clamps her mouth shut as her chest rises and falls in anticipation. She lets her jacket drop to the floor as she unzips her skirt and lets it pool at her feet, then she looks at me questioningly. I grip her bra on either side where it meets in the middle and tear it open, then yank her panties down her legs. She’s stunned. I want everything off of her, everything that made her what she was today, every reminder of what I saw in her face looking back at me. I don’t want any of that hurt and pain touching her. Placing a hand between her tits, I shove her back gently. Bull catches her as she lands in a heap on his lap. I crouch at her feet and pull her shoes off and throw them behind me, then tug her stockings down her legs. Gathering all of her clothes, I walk to the trash and deposit them.

“What are you doing?” she asks breathlessly.

“Today is gone.”

Because I might the spawn of Satan, but I hated seeing her like that.

She blinks at me, surprised and unsure. Then her face softens as a tear slips down her cheek.

“Thank you,” she whispers.

“Take out Bull’s cock, Sasha.”

She stares as the command registers, trying to catch up with me. Then she settles herself in front of him on her knees between his massive thighs and opens his pants. He lifts his hips to let her pull them down his legs.

“Everything. Take everything off him. We’re going to be a while.” She looks at me over her bare shoulder. “That’s right, doll. We’re going to fuck you until you can’t walk.”

Her nipples tighten as she sucks in a breath.

I’m going to take her pain away. If the only way I can do that is by fucking it out of her, then I’ll fuck her until it’s gone.

TORTURED Book 3 pre-order right here >> https://books2read.com/u/3nOjA9

CANVAS Book 1 is right here >> https://books2read.com/u/4N1kn8

TRIFECTA Book 1.5, Only .99!! Right here >> https://books2read.com/u/49PpGw

BREATHE Book 2 is right here >> https://books2read.com/u/bwWBpv

LINKS:

TORTURED, Pre-Order >> https://books2read.com/u/3nOjA9

Fan Group for Giveaways, release info, & other cool stuff:  http://bit.ly/2kKBu8O

  AUTHOR LINKS:

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2jvjkCU

Amazon Author Page:  http://amzn.to/2j8K1h4

Private Fan Group:  http://bit.ly/2kKBu8O

Goodreads:   http://bit.ly/2jSw0Ye

Newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/bpEW9X

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/nmcatalano

Blog:  http://bit.ly/2bfPAva

Pintrest:  http://bit.ly/2kKz6PC

Instagram:  http://bit.ly/2kjCJLJ 

COVER

AUTHOR BIO

N.M. Catalano is an Amazon bestselling multi-published author. She spent many years in the corporate world, and owned several businesses. Having been fortunate to have such varied exposures, she had many opportunities to be exposed to different societies and cultures. After years of studying people and lifestyles, her fascination comes to life in the pages of her stories.

“I am just a woman, like many of you, who has lived through beauty and ugliness, happiness, (sometimes extreme), and sadness, (sometimes heart wrenching), and have grown to love life and myself even more. I write because I love the characters, I am madly and hopelessly in love with them and want to share them with the world. Life is beautiful and is meant to be enjoyed day by day, sometimes you have to pick out the good stuff with a magnifying glass like a needle in a haystack, but enjoyed none the less. The stories that I put on paper, I think, help us to find that enjoyment a little bit more.

I am just a woman who is in love with love… <3”

The post COVER REVEAL: TORTURED by N.M. Catalano appeared first on Life Books & Loves.

from Life Books & Loves http://ift.tt/2ob5MkB via IFTTT

#IFTTT #Life Books & Loves COVER REVEAL: TORTURED by N.M. Catalano

[fatgirlsguidetodating]

Blog: Does social media help or hinder relationships?

These days 2.34 billion people use some form- or multiple forms- of social media each day. And of them it's suggested that approximately 9 million of them use dating sites and apps. Unlike a few years ago when social media and online dating was in its infancy these days people see nothing wrong with finding love online. And indeed many do find love- or short term relationships- online. Online dating stats (http://www.statisticbrain.com/online-dating-statistics/) claim that 17% of marriages in the last year began online and 20% of current committed relationships began online. Stats are hard to find on long term success rates now but various apps boast about their success rates. But this blog post isn't about how many use online dating and how well it works or doesn't work. It isn't even necessarily about people who's relationships began online. Rather it's about the impact of social media on relationships. In short: does social media help or hinder relationships? Social media, and the Internet, is, in the scheme of time, only a very recent thing. People managed to conduct relationships long before they needed to make them "social media official". Consider this: MySpace was created in 2003, Facebook in 2004, YouTube in 2005, Twitter in 2006, Tumblr in 2007, Instagram in 2010, Pintrest in 2010, and Snapchat in 2011 to name some of the most popular social media platforms to have been created. But relationships and marriages go way back. The first recorded marriage between a man and woman dates from approximately 2350 B.C. (NB: I'm doing a blog post in the future about how dating has changed over time, including marriages.) And, shockingly, thus far there have been no findings of cave scribbles of "John Jones is in a complicated relationship with Jenny Smith" or HenryK2BC receiving thousands of likes for his pictures painted or a hot cavewoman rocking the dog filter. So quite clearly we managed to conduct relationships for thousands of years without social media. (Who would have thought hmm?) Sure social media has some great points; it's a convenient, immediately gratifying way to connect with others. Social media sites offer us an instant audience and attention. It allows us the luxury of easily keeping in touch. It can help combat feelings of loneliness. It allows us to keep tangible markers of times and places, archived for us, and available for all to see. But on the other hand there's the question of such online "friendships" being superficial and possibly leaving someone lonely and struggling to connect on a deeper and more emotional level. And there is concern that individuals might forego their real-life interactions in order to maintain online communication. After all real-life relationships are unmatched for emotional and physical closeness. Now, it's becoming increasingly common to frequently post about your relationship (and life). If it's not online, you don't have proof that it happened. If you think of social media as the modern equivalent of a town square, the place where announcements are made and information is posted and communities are bonded over shared experiences, then it only makes sense that you'd be inclined to share the bits and pieces of your life that you perceive to be worthy of documenting. It's patently obvious to me that social media can put a lot of stress on relationships. We all know a couple who had an argument over one of them adding a new "friend" of the opposite sex on Facebook or following someone on Instagram who's racked up thousands of followers in their bid to become Instagram famous. We all have a friend- or maybe ourselves- who have had lots of conflicts over their boyfriend always liking other girls selfies. It seems that new relationships are more prone to invite worry over social media. Relationships mixed with social media can be tricky. Research about how social media can hurt your relationship came up with many ways, but for matters of brevity I'm going to talk about the most common red flags and issues. Like losing the connection. This is something I think is relevant in *all* relationships not just romantic ones. Spending too much time online can take away from "real life" relationships. Perhaps you've just gotten home from work and had dinner and are now curled up on the couch. I'd be willing to bet here that most of us would have our phones sitting close by at this point. One of your phone lights up with a notification and naturally they check it. Like second nature. So the other partner thinks well if he/she is online I'll just pop in and check my messages/Facebook feed/Twitter feed etc. And suddenly you've gone from dinner and chatting to being on your phones, thus losing the connection. Unfortunately, you lose the real connection between just the two of you when you connect through social media. Sometimes social media can become a problem if it seems to be taking over your partners life. If your date night is looking a lot like you talking and your significant other looking at his or her phone, you might want to shut it down. Some people can become obsessed with this false sense of reality and lose sight of what is in front of their eyes. Another issue on social media that can hinder a relationship is the fact that some people don't keep anything private online whereas others believe not everything is for public consumption. When you are in one school of thought but your partner is in the other there are going to be problems before you find that balance. But in saying that your partner being overly private about your relationship can be a red flag. If they refuse to change their Facebook relationship status from "single" to "in a relationship" or post photos of you together anywhere you can't help but wonder why he or she hasn't. Normally when you are in love and excited about someone you want to shout it from the rooftops (or, you know, the Internet.) So it can be a warning sign when your significant other doesn’t ever do that. Something else that pops up a lot is the fact that there's a fine line between being friendly, flirty, shady or sleazy. An innocent “hello” from an old friend can easily turn into that friend asking you to “catch up,” then to inviting you to other things … it’s important to know how to walk this line and to maintain appropriate boundaries. When you start seeing inappropriate behaviour (for you, because remember everyone's different here!) such as, for example, them liking pictures that make you feel uncomfortable, them liking multiple pictures from someone, if there are flirty comments, if your partner is adding random girls on Facebook or other social media platforms late at night, if he's hiding things or acting cagey with his phone or computer then it's time to speak up. There may be an innocent explanation, but if it makes you feel uncomfortable then it's time to have the talk about what is right and wrong for you in your relationship. Social media and technology combined are slowly becoming the number one cause of problems and arguments in relationships. Another issue is men who post a bunch of selfies, I feel like it's all about seeking attention. Shouldn't your partner feel fulfilled enough within your relationship without needing to rely on "likes" on his selfies in all social media for validation and a confidence boost. Also social media and technology makes it easy for bad people to cheat on someone, because there’s always something they can do to hide their steps. Everyone eventually gets caught in the end, but the price to pay is months of heartache and a lot of developed insecurities that take a lot of time to go away. When our trust gets broken once, it leaves us very scared and vulnerable for another attack. In the efforts to save our hearts from another painful trauma, we become overprotective and in some cases we just get so involved that people start calling us “paranoid”. A word of caution: the moment you start to play social media detective (facestalking isn't a word for no reason though I prefer to call it doing investigative research) is the moment you need to step away from social media. Perhaps it's prompted by jealousy- why doesn't *your* boyfriend post lovey dovey statuses about you and like and comment on all your pics like your friends does? Perhaps by a niggling feeling that he spends too much time online. Or perhaps you've been cheated on in the past and have trust issues. There's a find line here. It's normal to look up our partners new Facebook friends, checking out who liked their picture, possibly even looking at photos of their ex. But becoming obsessive about it, looking up exes family and seeing if they are still friendly with your partner and their family, seeing if they've checked in somewhere near where your partner was or where they were that time he didn't reply to you for a few hours one Saturday is crossing the line. Keep in mind that old saying: "seek and ye shall find.” You can find anything on social media that will make you upset, even if it’s truly not a big deal. When the snooping takes over, it’s showing a bigger issue at hand — insecurity. And remember this: everyone has a past. You do too. And that past probably played out on social media. You need to concentrate on the fact that he's with you now, not the ex who he'd posted about online the year before. And, lastly, don't believe everything you read. Just because a couple act like they have the perfect relationship online doesn't mean they do. So, in closing, I'm going to say social media can both help and hinder your relationships. Not one or the other. It's clearly about how you use it, how your partner uses it, and the rules you define between you about what is and is not acceptable online. Sources: http://www.thisisinsider.com/happy-couples-post-less-about-their-relationships-on-social-media-2016-9 https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/close-encounters/201505/how-facebook-affects-our-relationships https://www.bustle.com/articles/103105-how-social-media-can-affect-relationships-plus-6-red-flags-to-look-out-for https://www.bustle.com/articles/42842-8-ways-social-media-is-hurting-your-love-life https://www.google.com.au/amp/www.relrules.com/the-impact-of-social-media-on-relationships/amp/ http://www.thisisinsider.com/happy-couples-post-less-about-their-relationships-on-social-media-2016-9 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/love-sex/couples-social-media-oversharing-facebook-instagram-twitter-relationship-insecurities-experts-nikki-a7530911.html

#socialmedia #dating #relationships #love #romance #onlinedating #facebook #twitter #instagram #snapchat #socialmediasimpactonrelationships #fatgirlsguidetodating