Olopade Adunola

It’s been agreed on that we have five predominant love languages and they are, words of affirmation, physical touch, acts of service, quality time and gifts.

And then people are expected to stick with just one!

But of course this comes with its problem, because if you stick with one and just focus on it, it is to be expected that other aspects of your relationship will suffer.

No matter what your significant others’ love language or even yours, relationships need all five to progress and flourish.

Because of how complex relationships can be, the coming together of two people, with different ideologies?

It will take time, communication and knowing what your partner needs!

This is not to say that, their love language is not important, but rather, instead of just focusing on one, communicate with them.

For example, If your own predominant language was giving gifts and theirs was more physical affection, you might not exactly get the reaction you are hoping for when you gift them thoughtful gifts, so it’s crucial to see how just one act will not cut it.

If they say that their primary&nbsp;love language is acts of service, don’t just feel comfortable and stop at that, observe them, engage them in other acts of love, find out for yourself, what sticks and what does not and in doing this, your partner might even find out more of what they like about the relationship and you.

This might also help you figure out you own blind spots and how you can fix up.

Basically, finding out what makes your partner tick and also applying all love languages will assuredly see you doing your best and make for a thriving relationship.

Don't do these 3 things if your partner's love language is words of affirmation. [purewow]

It seems like everyone has an opinion on love languages and what they should be, but what if it isn’t ideal for your own relationship?

Love languages, do they ruin relationships?

Prunes are plums that have been dried naturally under or in the sun without going through any fermentation process, they have a deep red brown color, chewy texture and a sweet-savory flavor.

Prunes are rich in vitamin K and consists of beta-carotene, filled with potassium which helps the muscle, heart and nerves function properly.

Talking about constipation, it’s a condition that affects the gastrointestinal system, which makes it difficult to have a bowel movement, if you feel bloated, haven’t visited the loo in about two days, then you are probably constipated.

A number of reasons can cause constipation, like, low-fiber food, too much diary products, particular medications, inactivity, or even medical conditions.

Before resolving to any other solution, adding a lot of water to your dietary plans may help.

Because of how high in both insoluble and soluble fiber prunes are, its perfect for when you feel bloated or constipated, insoluble fiber helps keep bowel movements regular, while soluble fiber helps to moderate digestion and collects the needed nutrients from the food you ate.

Prunes also contain sorbitol and chlorogenic acid, which helps increase stool frequency.

It also contains high levels of antioxidants&nbsp;which will help detoxify your system, reducing the risk of constipation.

For faster aid, its better if prunes are juiced and drank.

But before the occurrence of constipation, it is advised that prunes are added to the dietary plans so as to prevent it from even occurring.

It is an effective remedy for both adults and children, but it should be taken in controlled dosage, since if overused, can cause frequent bathroom visits.

If eating prunes, drinking lots of water doesn’t help and you still feel constipated or bloated, then need you to go to the pharmacy and get over the counter medication.

If all refuses to work, please see a medical professional.

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Prunes don’t get a lot of publicity, in-fact some people don’t know what prunes are, well in this article, you’ll be reading about what prunes are and why they are the best natural antidote for constipation.

Prunes are good for constipation                                 (Here’s why)

It’s been said that people would rather stay at home than go out by themselves, especially when plans have been cancelled with their significant other or friends.

One has to learn how to enjoy their own company, hang out by themselves, and appreciate their own company and it is advised that even when you are in a romantic relationship, going on solo dates by yourself is great as it helps you to detach, connect with yourself and think clearly.

Going on solo dates helps build up your self esteem, self confidence, pushes one out of their comfort zone, helps one discover more of their interests and can also help make more friends!

For solo dates to be more fun and interesting, must be fun, interesting, relaxing, and generally leaves you excited and happy, it can be a spur of the moment thing, or you take time out to plan.

And to do that, we’ve brought to you fresh tips on how to go on solo dates by yourself.

- Coffee dates: this is one of the most casual dates you can take yourself on, go to your favorite café, or somewhere that serves drinks that you really like, order your favorite smoothie/cocktail/mocktail maybe your favorite snack too, bring a book along and just enjoy sitting by yourself, lost in your book and just enjoy.

Go on a tour: the best thing about this, you don’t even have to leave your city for this!

Try discovering new places in your town, go to crafts shop, bookstores, paint shops, etc

Try learning more about your city and in this, you’ll have a fun time and might even discover more about yourself while at it.

Visit&nbsp;Art galleries: studying art is the best way of spending your alone time, go for exhibitions, paint and sips, speed painting, or simply just going to look at colorful, beautiful artwork!

Street combing: this is the proves of choosing a place or street you find interesting in your city and just going there, taking pictures of things that catches your fancy and generally enjoying the environment.

Finally, go on a spa/massage date: before we get into this, this activity is gender inclusive!

Take yourself out on a massage date where you just go to the spa, get massages, manicures, pedicures facials etc

This will help both your mind and body get a relaxing day, help, you reset and have a very fun day.

Solo dates is an amazing form of self care, getting in tune with yourself and just discovering who you are so have more of it !

Eating out is costly(Youth Village Kenya)

Most people do not like to hang out by themselves, and this context does not only apply in romantic relationships, but also in platonic friendships too.

How to go on a date by yourself

Sweet, fluffy, easy to make and ready in an hour the condensed milk cake is all of this, read on to find out how to make this delicious treat.

1/3 cup butter, melted, unsalted&nbsp;

&nbsp;2 tablespoon vanilla extract

-Grease your cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper&nbsp;

-Add flour, baking powder into a bowl and mix thoroughly.

-Then in another bowl, separate egg white and yolk in different bowls

-Then mix in egg yolk, butter, vanilla extract and condensed milk into the dry ingredients, mix well until all bubbles or knots disappear.

-Beat egg white until fluffy, then add bit by bit into the mix until it all comes together

&nbsp;-Pour batter into prepared baking pan

-Put in oven, bake for 40-45 minutes or until the toothpick test comes out clean, with no batter sticking to it,

-If you have icing sugar lying around, or ground sugar dust a little on the surface, cut the cake into sections and serve fluffy.

If you are looking for an easy, sweet and quick snack to make at home then this recipe is for you.

Easy condensed milk recipe

Note that this is just for emergencies, if you have any pain in your teeth, please go to the clinic and request the help of a dentist immediately.

Toothaches are a common dental problem and they usually have an underlying cause, which could range from, cavity, tooth irritation, dental abscess, tooth infection etc.

The following can help bring relief to toothache before visiting a dental centre.

-Hydrogen peroxide rinse: one of the first thing advised is to rinse the mouth out, and you can use hydrogen peroxide, because it is a natural antiseptic , that kills bacteria in the mouth, and reduces plaque on the gum.

Dilute some peroxide in water, swish around your mouth for some minutes and then spit out.

If you don’t have a bottle of this lying around, saltwater can also suffice mix some salt into warm water and use to rinse out mouth for some minutes, then spit out.

-Over the counter pain relief pills: you can get any choice of pain relief pills from the pharmacy, like ibuprofen, naproxen or as directed by the pharmacists.

You can also get gel like anesthetic drops, or sprays like oragel which can be applied directly un to the area that is painful, because most anesthetic drops have a numbing effect, this will numb the area and cause the pain to reduce.

-Baking soda: yes this is not only used for baking but can help when there’s mild toothache, because, it neutralizes acidic conditions, and kills off bacteria,

Simply make a paste of it, by adding water to a bit of baking soda, and rub on the gum of affected area, and in a couple of minutes, you should feel slight relief.

Be mindful of your oral hygiene, brush twice daily, invest in floss and don’t skip your appointments with your dentist!

There are times, when we eat certain foods or drinks, that we might experience pain, especially for people who have sensitive teeth, or even a cavity, and this post is to help relieve some of the pain before you go see a dentist.

3 emergency toothache treatments                    (Before you see a dentist)

Pulse Contributor

See, sometimes when choosing an outfit, deciding on what shoes to pair with them can be quite tiring.

Especially when you just want to go hangout, chill or just go for a comfortable look.

If you want to up your personal style, then here&nbsp;are five ways to style your crocs:

If you’re really artistic and willing to go all out on your pair of white crocs, then get a&nbsp;bucket (preferably an old one), tape of any areas you don’t want the paint to get on, clean&nbsp;the areas you want to dye on your crocs with a wet towel, this is to make sure surface dirt&nbsp;don’t get in the way.

Take your plastic bucket outside and fill it with water, but not too much, then apply your latex paint spray in the water (whatever color you got is cool), make sure you apply your spray directly in the middle of the water.

Slap on gloves, to keep the paint from getting on your hands, then dip your crocs in.

Hold it upside down at a -45 degree angle, by the edges of the soles.

Continue to lower the shoe until it’s completely submerged

Hold the shoe under water for 5-10 seconds, then remove and let your shoes air dry for 24 hours.

If you want to take it a notch higher and want the paint to last, then get a can of clear-coat aerosol fixative designed for acrylic paint, shake the can, hold eight inches away from your dyed crocs, and spray on.

Customize your crocs with the crocs jibbitz charms

You know those little characters you see on crocs?, well you can have them too!

Crocs charms are like accessories that take your crocs game to the next level.

And the most amazing thing is that they come in literally all shapes and characters&nbsp;

For the anime lovers who want their movie persona to come alive for them, they can add this to their accessory pack!

Even if you want to add a little (or a lot!) of jewelry to your crocs, you can also get them as charms.

So next time you’re shopping for a pair of crocs, just ask the seller to add in a pack of this for you, and simply pop them in the holes designed on the shoes.

Style your crocs with a pair of socks

Wearing a pair of socks in your crocs really elevates your look. Not only is it really comfortable but stylish as well, you can pair it with either a long or short sock, a pair of shorts and a graphic tee, and you’re set to go. Adding a baseball cap to this look gives it all the edge you need to look laidback but stylish at the same time.

(Be part of the cool kids that wear their crocs everywhere!) If you’re a lover of comfortable shoes, you’ll definitely like this post.

Simple and stylish ways to style your crocs

Here are four causes of dark knuckles:

<ul><li>Vitamin B-12 deficiency</li></ul>

Dietary nutrients or lack of them can cause dark knuckles. Research shows that knuckles pigmentation might be an external sign of a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Other symptoms that might showcase include weakness, constipation, etc.

<ul><li>Reaction to medication</li></ul>

Research shows that another cause of dark knuckles might be linked to specific drug use as they are highly likely to cause hyperpigmentation. They include anticoagulant, specific types of antibiotics, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and oral contraceptive pills.

<ul><li>Acanthosis Nigricans</li></ul>

This condition causes darkening and thickening of patches of skin over different parts of the body such as knuckles, joints etc This condition is harmless by itself and not infectious although some people might develop itchiness in the affected parts.

Acanthosis Nigricans can indicate presence of deeper health issues such as diabetes, hormonal imbalances or even cancer, so if you notice your knuckles or patches of your skin getting darker suddenly and itchiness persists, see your nearest health consultant.

<ul><li>Lightening creams</li></ul>

Most lightening products consist harsh substances like lipohydroxy acid which is derived from salicylic acid. The acid whitens the skin fast by breaking down melanocytes which produce melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its natural brown color, which the skin reacts to and in really pigmented areas such the elbows or knees. It fights it by producing more melanin in those areas.

Dark Knuckles can make a person feel self conscious [healthline]

Dark patches of skin on the knuckles can be normal as they’re the most exposed parts of the skin and they also undergo a lot of friction, but for some people these dark patches are more pronounced and might even have an underlying health cause.

4 causes of dark knuckles

They’re of the “persea americain” family, a tree that originated from the Mexico south to the Andea regions&nbsp;

Avocado fruits have a yellowish or greenish buttery consistency and have a nutty flavor in nature.

While many people consider avocados as vegetables, they are actually fruits, of the berry type. They are very nutritious and have many benefits for the body’s overall health.

Avocados are a rich source of vitamin E, K and C as well as riboflavin.

They also provide omega-3 fatty acids which can be good for the eyes.

Avocados may reduce the risk of depression; They are a good source of folate which helps prevent the buildup of homocysteine, a substance that can impair circulation and delivery of nutrients to the brain, and research has linked excess homocysteine with depression, cognitive dysfunction etc.

They act as a natural detoxifier; because of their high fiber content which helps and promotes regular bowel movement which is important for the removal or excretion of toxins through the bile and stool.

Avocados can be a great stress reliever: They’re loaded with magnesium and research&nbsp;has shown that they’re a good anti-stress nutrient.

They help to release tension, promote sleep, and reduce anxiety.

So next time you catch yourself reaching for a can of energy drink or a cup of coffee, reach for avocados instead.

They help the body to fully absorb nutrients: because of how rich they’re in vitamin A, D, E which are fat solubles and help the system absorb nutrients faster.

They can help the heart muscles function properly: Avocados are high in potassium, a mineral and electrolytes. This benefits the heart and vascular health, stabilizing the heartbeat and keeping the arteries clear of plaque.

Avocados are good for your health and should be incorporated into your daily or weekly fruit intake.

A major avocado distributor had a "disappointing" IPO this week.

Avocados are pear shaped and can also be called “pear alligators”.

Is avocado good for you?

The dry throat, dusty feet, cracked lips, this is just harmattan showing it’s arrival.

Although we can’t chase it away, we’d be giving tips on how to keep your skin fresh and hydrated during this dry period.

<ul><li>Drink lots of fruit infused water</li></ul>

This is a secret to upping your water intake during this season: drink at least four liters of water daily, and to make it easy, you can infuse your water bottle with different fruits like apple, pineapple, cucumber, or mint leaves. In this process, you get hydrated and also get the needed nutrients.

Doing this should not stop you from getting fruits normally and adding them to your breakfast or dinner plan.

Lots of fruit intake will also boost your immune system and ward off unnecessary flus.

<ul><li>Do NOT bathe with hot water</li></ul>

Instead bathe with lukewarm or slightly warm water. This is because hot water dries the skin out and deprives it of the needed moisture, also limiting bath time will help your skin retain moisture.

<ul><li>Use nose masks</li></ul>

Using nose masks will not only help keep your nostrils safe from the dry air, it also protects you from the dust particles that might contain pathogens carrying flu or air borne diseases with them.

<ul><li>Stock up on vitamin C</li></ul>

Opting for this will not only boost your immunity but will also reduce your chances of catching a flu and also help retain your beautiful skin.

<ul><li>Moisturise</li></ul>

Lotions should be your best friends in this period, get oil-based moisturizers for face and body, for better hydration, make sure there’s still a bit of water on your skin before putting on the lotion, this is so as to lock in moisture for longer hours.

<ul><li>Invest in lip balm</li></ul>

Dry or cracked lips are prevalent during this period, and not only are they not pretty to the eyes, they can also get very painful and in extreme cases, even bleed. To avoid this, invest in lip hydrating balms or gloss to keep your lips fresh and protected all day.

<ul><li>Hair protection</li></ul>

This is the season we advertise for protective styling!&nbsp;Braids are the best option during this time, as your natural hair is kept safe from the harsh air, also application of leave-in conditioner is advised. If you opt for weaves, make sure to tend to it everyday, applying the needed oils and moisturizers, to preserve the weave life.

PRO-TIP: if you have very mild throat irritation during this period, add honey and ginger into a warm cup of tea, have a relaxing evening drinking this. If it persists with other symptoms, please see your doctor.

We can feel it, can’t we?

How to care for your skin during harmattan

The gel-like components of the aloe vera plant is known to heal the skin from minor ailments.

When used correctly, aloe vera can help with ailments that affect your skin.

We can use both over-the-counter or directly derived from the plant aloe vera.

But because there's more than one kind of aloe with an estimated four hundred and twenty different species, it's advised to buy over-the-counter aloe for easy, safe, and effective use.

It is important to note that the benefits mentioned below are only for minor issues. If you have severe skin conditions, check with your doctor before applying aloe vera.

For minor burns, apply aloe gel to the affected area up to three times daily, also add a little gauze to the area.

Aloe gel can act like a soothing balm for sunburn, but this should not be seen as a permanent fix so please wear sunscreen every day!

If you've scratched up your skin surface or scraped your knee, chin, apply aloe gel to the area for quick relief from pain and burning sensation.

You can apply up to three times daily.

For minor surface cuts, add a swab of aloe vera gel as its molecular structure helps heal wounds quickly and also reduces scarring by boosting collagen and fighting bacteria.

May reduce or fight quick skin aging

Aloe gel contains vitamin E and C, and beta-carotene in surplus numbers which makes it help the skin keep its young and fresh look.

It also contains anti microbial properties which helps production of collagen in the body and helps skin elasticity.

Olopade Adunola create engaging, stimulating, problem solving and solution based content. In the nearest future, I see myself creating ground breaking , inclusive content in the art and fashion industry.

Pulse Contributors is an initiative to highlight diverse journalistic voices. Pulse Contributors do not represent the company Pulse and contribute on their own behalf.

Aloe vera is one of the most widely used herbal and natural remedies for minor skin conditions because of its many benefits.

5 beauty benefits of aloe vera

The Afro hair grows in a tiny angle-like helix shape, which makes it naturally curly and denser than straight hair, thereby making it more fragile and in need of more care.

Here are basic care tips for your hair that leaves it softer and tender:

<ul><li>Hydration</li></ul>

Hydrating your hair makes sure that it’s never dry. Dryness is the archenemy of every kinky hair. Before styling your hair, make sure to add moisturizing milk or cream to it.

Wearing protective styles like braids needs you to always add extra moisturizer so that when you take it out, it doesn’t leave your hair all dry and tangled.

This is a very essential step to not be missed, especially in the process of detangling your hair. Because of the curly nature of the Afro hair, it is more vulnerable to tangling up especially when one just runs a comb through without proper preparation.

Get a sprinkler or an old perfume bottle, fill with water and spray generously on your hair when detangling.

Use of wide-toothed comb

<ul><li>If you’re rocking an Afro hair, then this has to be in your hair care package.</li><li>Use combs that have wider teeth that can go through your hair with little or no stress.</li><li>Using this ensures you don’t end up losing too much hair in the process of detangling.</li></ul>

You need to wash your hair at least once every two weeks in order to avoid fizziness and dryness. This also gives you healthier and shinier hair .

Protective Styling

We know rocking an Afro hair almost all the time is tempting, because of how beautiful it looks but it is advised to wear protective styling at least once a month.&nbsp;

This prevents breakage, drying out, and helps the natural hair grow better without duress and overall damage.&nbsp;

Protective styling might include Bantu knots, braids, twist out, etc. Please ensure that these styles are not too loose or tight so as to protect your edges.

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Olopade Adunola

Articles written by the author