Pop Culture Archives - Relationships Counseling Today

Free Zombie Valentine’s Day cards show you love their brains

February 13, 2013 by BPSTherapy Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Anything Zombie

Valentine’s Day 2013 is a creeping up on us. Do you have your free zombie Valentine’s Day card ready to go for your love? Show you love them for their brains with ‘romantic’ zombie Valentine’s Day cards. There are few ways you can get your cold little hands on one.

You can either do a search on the internet for images to send via-email, find a special zombies eCard online, or simply get some pics from “The Walking Dead” and send those to your love.

Places you can find zombie eCards or zombie Valentine’s Day cards include ThinkGeek and SomeCards. Both of these sites offer ways to customize your very own creepy zombies love card. They are either free or pretty cheap.

Want to create your own card and not have to rely on a website? Do a search with keywords such as free zombie Valentine’s Day cards, “zombie greeting cards”, “zombie love” and you are sure to find a few images that are perfect for letting your partner know why you “chew chew chews them”!

Write up a zombie love poem and create your own Valentine’s Day crafty card. Handmade Valentine’s Day crafts are both fun to do and really let you get creative as you express your love to someone.

Need some help getting started? Visit Zombie Logic or check out Zombies Don’t Date for a hysterical twisted Valentine’s Day zombie poem.

What are your ideas for a free zombie Valentine’s Day card? When all else, fails, maybe some dead flowers will do the trick!

Just make sure you and your date enjoy the day.

Filed Under: All Topics, Date Ideas, Holidays, Pop Culture Tagged With: valentine's day 2013, valentines day, valentines day greeting cards, zombie valentines day ecards, zombie valentines day poems

Halloween costume ideas: Five reasons to be a zombie (VIDEO)

October 29, 2012 by BPSTherapy Leave a Comment

Zombies are all the rage in popular culture right now. Couples, families, and just about anyone can be a zombie for Halloween. Turn on the TV and you’re bound to see a zombie somewhere, whether in the news, in a commercial, or on the latest episode of AMC’s “The Walking Dead”. What’s so fun about these zombies? And why should you consider the idea of a zombie for your Halloween costume this year?

Here are five reasons to be a zombie this year:

Zombies can be pretty much anyone. You can literally throw on any outfit, spray some fake blood on it, and crazy up your makeup and hair, and you’re set!
You can turn any special occasion into a zombie Halloween costume. Have an old wedding dress laying around? Grab it this year and become a creepy zombie bride. All you have to do is check out a video on how to do your makeup and hair and you will be the spookiest zombie bride at your Halloween party this year.
Being a zombie gives you a reason to look like you just got out of bed. If you are short on time and don’t really feel like getting all dolled up for your trick-or-treating this year, consider being a zombie. If you do, you can jump out of bed, mess up your hair a bit and head out.
You will not be alone. Zombies usually travel in herds. Chances are if you decide to wear your best zombie Halloween costume, others with the zombie craze will follow.
It’s cheap, creative, and easy to create a zombie costume. Whether you want to be romantic and take on the role of a zombie bride or freak people out by being a zombie nurse or doctor, you will not have to spend a whole lot of money.

Video Credit: YouTube

Photo Credit: Getty Images

What other reasons can you think of to be a zombie for this Halloween season?

Filed Under: Date Ideas, Holidays, Pop Culture Tagged With: costume ideas, halloween costume ideas, why be a zombie, zombie bride, zombies

Demi Lovato not dating Niall Horan, happy and single now

October 11, 2012 by BPSTherapy 2 Comments

“Skyscraper” singer Demi Lovato, currently an “X Factor” judge went on record as saying she is not officially dating One Direction singer Niall Horan. Demi had been chatting with Niall via Skype and many assumed they were an official couple.

Realizing her mental health and sense of well-being are important for her, she explains she realizes she would like to be alone for a while. Demi recently came out as having lived with eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and self-harm behaviors for years.

In an interview with Teen Vogue Demi explained the situation between her and Niall and how she feels about working on the “X Factor” judges’ panel:

“He’s a really awesome, sweet guy,”

“But he’s not my boyfriend…I’m in a place right now where I really need to focus on myself.”

“Obviously, I’m still going to like people—or love them—but I need to not be in a relationship for a while because I need to be OK with being alone, first,” she adds. “I’m really happy right now. I never thought it was possible to be happy because of how depressed I was my entire life. But I feel so incredible. It’s like living in a dream.”

It seems Demi Lovato has gained control over her mental health. While struggles with eating disorders, bipolar disorders, and self-harm behaviors can be lifelong challenges, they are controllable.

Watch a video of Demi Lovato sing “Skyscraper”:

Video Credit: YouTube

Sources: US Weekly, MTV UK, Huffington Post
As a single young woman in Hollywood, Lovato stands to gain a great deal if she focuses on her mental health. It seems in the meantime, she will maintain a healthy friendship with One Direction singer Niall Horan. What do you think of Demi’s dating decision?

Filed Under: All Topics, Online Dating, Pop Culture Tagged With: dating, demi lovato, niall horan, one direction, online dating, skype, skyscraper

Lance Bass tried praying the gay away (Video)

October 2, 2012 by BPSTherapy Leave a Comment

Coming out is not an easy task. With National Coming Out Day around the corner (October 11), some celebrities are discussing their personal experiences with the media. One such celebrity is Lance Bass. Bass was well known for his involvement in the boy band ‘N Sync.

In an interview that aired on October 2, 2012 on the Ricki Lake show, Lance came clean with the inner turmoil he experienced as a closeted gay man and what it felt like to finally share his identity as proud gay man with the world.

During his time with the band he reportedly kept his sexual orientation a secret for several reasons, including the success of his musical career as well as fear of religious consequences.

When he finally came out in 2006 as a gay man, he did so for many reasons but did not fully explain why he did so at the time.

At one point in the interview, Ricki Lake asks Lance what it felt like to hold such a strong part of his identity a secret for so long. Lance responded:

“It eats you away, it really does. My whole existence, up until 20 years old, I always told myself and I’d pray every day that I would wake up straight. Because I didn’t want to deal with it, I wanted to fit in. And I was torn over the whole religious aspect of it, that was my main concern, was my family and my religion.”

He continued: “When you’re taught from your first thought that being gay is completely wrong and is against the bible and you will go to hell, you’re going to try to do and convince yourself in any way possible to try to change yourself into what everyone else wants you to be.”

Many gay and lesbian individuals struggle with sharing their sexual identity with others. Fear or bullying, abuse, and alienation from others are just a few factors in the decision to keep sexual orientation a secret. As a gay celebrity who has shared his journey with his fans, Lance Bass may help others who struggle with similar experiences.

Do you know someone who has faced feelings such as the ones Lance Bass describes? How did they deal with their coming out experience?

Watch a video of Lance Bass during his interview with Ricki Lake:

Video Credit: YouTube

Sources: South Florida Gay News

Filed Under: All Topics, GLBT, Pop Culture Tagged With: coming out, lance bass, pray the gay away, ricki lake

Emma Stone copes with anxiety through acting

July 12, 2012 by BPSTherapy Leave a Comment

“The Amazing Spider Man” actress Emma Stone is well known in the entertainment business. She seems to be liked by her peers as well. But what many do not know is that Stone has suffered from anxiety for some time now.

As a child, she went through a great deal of bullying and struggled with insecurities which reared their ugly heads as panic attacks.

As an young girl, Emma felt unable to cope with her anxiety, often times avoid social setting altogether.

However, recent reports share her situation changed when she gave in and took the stage to act; she immediately fell in love with the craft and noticed her symptoms dissipate!

It is not unusual for someone suffering from panic attacks to find a new avenue through which to alleviate their symptoms.

In the case of Emma Stone, currently dating her costar Andrew Garfield, acting took on a new meaning for her – it became a way for her to feel ‘normal’, a way to relieve any sense of nervousness or insecurity that might be playing her at any given moment.

Emma reflects on her view of acting as a safe space for her: “I met other people like me, who liked the same things I liked. It became this place where I could be myself and express myself.”

She continues: “It gave me a sense of purpose. I wanted to make people laugh. Comedy was my sport. It taught me how to roll with the punches.”

In Hollywood, actors and actresses are usually painted as being infallible, untouched by any mental health concerns.

In fact, quite the opposite is often true – they are facing one mental health ailment or another. Stars such actress Emma Stone give problems such as panic attacks a face. Panic attacks impact someone’s functioning, but they do not need to take over someone’s life.

Sources: CTVnews

Filed Under: All Topics, Pop Culture, Psychology Tagged With: anxiety, coping with anxiety, emma stone

Sugar Daddies pay for anything, Sugar Babies live the life

June 22, 2012 by BPSTherapy Leave a Comment

Some young women are increasingly taking advantage of older wealthy men in order to have their financial needs met.

Younger women dating older men not only find they are becoming more financially stable, but they are also achieving life goals at a much quicker pace than their peers dating men of their same age.

One article by ABC News highlights how Sugar Babies enjoy spending time with Sugar Daddies because they are able to be themselves and benefit financially. Younger women dating older men is nothing new – this dating trend has been around as long as men and women have been dating.

What is an interesting, somewhat modern twist, is that young women are intentionally seeking these men out to meet their career and educational goals.

An interesting distinction made by one of the Sugar Daddies, Tommy, is the notion that there exist different types Sugar Babies.

He reflects: ”There are sugar babies on different levels,” Tommy said. “You know, you’ve got your Wal-Mart sugar babies and then you got your Neiman Marcus sugar babies, and it’s which ones you want to shop at.”

It’s is interesting to see that women are being classified into types of ‘retail’ labels, all based on what they seek in terms of material or financial gain. Are women become more materialistic as time goes by?

One Sugar Babies chimes in: ”Sometimes being in a sugar baby-sugar daddy relationship, it does get lonely for me because I can’t always– That person can’t always be there for me,” she said. “[But] they respect me. They let me be myself. It’s the dream.”

How are the ideas of a healthy dating relationship changing with the changes in economic goals throughout the globe? Is the dating relationship, or dating arrangement between the Sugar Daddies and Sugar Babies the way we are going to see relationships go in the next few years? What do you think?

Source: ABC News

Dating tips: Interesting stories to share on your first date

Celebrity relationships: Kim Kardashian rules Kimye

Study: Future women robot prostitutes make cheating guilt free

Dating trends: App lets creepy stalkers meet single women

Filed Under: All Topics, Dating Trends, Pop Culture, Relationships Tagged With: dating, dating relationships, dating trends, men and women, older men, relationships, sugar babies, sugar daddies, younger women, younger women dating older men

One Direction singer Skype dates Demi Lovato

June 15, 2012 by BPSTherapy 1 Comment

Disney actress and Skyscraper singer Demi Lovato is rumored to be dating One Direction singer Niall Horan.

The two are reportedly communicating via Skype – a chat program that enables you to both see and hear the person with who you are chatting.

Due to their busy schedules, it seems to be working for them.

The What Makes You Beautiful singer shared some of his thoughts on the potential of his communication with the Lovato and how it might lead to a dating relationship, during an on air interview with America’s Top 40 host Ryan Seacrest on June 14, 2012.

During the interview, Horan reflected on how he met Lovato and where he thinks his online dates with the Camp Rock star may lead:

“We’ve spoken alright, yeah… So, I got in contact with her, she’s really nice. Um, I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

It’s a start! Both young stars have great potential in making big in the entertainment business. Each one is pursuing their individual career goals and may eventually end up in a memorable Hollywood romance!

Source: Celebuzz

What do you think of how Demi Lovato and Niall Horan met? Have you started dating someone through Skype or another chat program? How did that turn out?

Dating trends: App lets creepy stalkers meet single women

Online dating websites screen profiles for safety

Dating Trends: Celebrities find dates via email and texting

Online Dating: Foodies seek dates with food lovers

Filed Under: All Topics, Dating Trends, Online Dating, Pop Culture, Relationships Tagged With: camp rock, dating, demi lovato, disney, niall horan, one direction, online dating, skype chat, skype dating, skyscraper, what makes you beautiful

Bisexual actress Cynthia Nixon marries Christine Marinoni

May 29, 2012 by BPSTherapy 2 Comments

Actress Cynthia Nixon married her longtime girlfriend Christine Marinoni on Sunday, May 27, 2012. The couple recently caught a lot of flak from the media when Nixon came out as being bisexual instead of lesbian as everyone had assumed. Sexuality, as the Tony Award nominee and Sex in the City actress Nixon put it, is something she felt was personal, to be shared with someone you have affection for, regardless whether they are male or female.

When the media caught wind of her statements, they were quick to judge. Nevertheless, Nixon and Marinoni went on with their plans to marry.

In 2011, New York State, where the couple wed, legalized same-sex marriage, or gay marriage. An advocate of gay marriage, Cynthia Nixon and Christine Marinoni chose to marry in the state where they had so passionately made their voices heard.

Their ceremony took place in New York City, New York as Cynthia wore a light green Carolina Hererra wedding gown and Christine sported a sharp suit with a dark green tie. The two looked stunning and very happy as they took their vows. The first wedding pictures were shared on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. They feature the newlyweds on top of New York building, with the breathtaking Big Apply skyline behind them – congrats to the happy couple!

Sources: People.com, ACE Showbiz

Anna Paquin: Being bisexual is real, not about gender

Jessie J: Sexuality does not define who you are

On Being Gay: Your choice, not your parents

Matt Bomer: Comes out as proud gay dad

Filed Under: All Topics, Gay and Lesbian Couples, LGBT, Pop Culture, Relationships Tagged With: bisexual, broadway, christine marinoni, cynthia nixon, gay marriage, same-sex marriage, sex in the city

Tutu Project shows marriage bonds help fight cancer

May 25, 2012 by BPSTherapy 1 Comment

In marriage, you are usually in it for the good and the bad that come along the way. Most couples, however, do not face as much bad as Bob and Linda Carey have faced during her battle with breast cancer. Over the past few years, Linda has gone in and out of remission, all the while having her devoted husband by her side.

In an interview with Matt Lauer on the Today show on May 24, 2012, Bob and Linda spoke candidly of how they have been able to stick together, despite having the odds stacked against them.

Social support during an illness such as cancer is vital in healing along the way. Cancer impacts a marriage at many levels, including the connection shared between partners during the medical visits and ongoing treatment.

Instead of letting cancer defeat them, Bob and Linda have been united in fighting their illness together. In 2003, Bob suggested he wanted to start a collection of photos of himself wearing a pink tutu. Linda, being the ever supportive wife of an artist, went along with the idea. Years later, the two have quite the collection of photos to share, commemorating her journey over the past few years.

Using humor to get through the many treatments and questionable blood tests, the two have managed to get through Linda’s breast cancer together. While they do not know what tomorrow hold, they do not they have each other to lean on.

Emotional support from a partner or spouse can really make the difference in a patient’s ability to heal and survive cancer. What if you are not sure how to support your partner during these times? Here are a few suggestions:

Offer to help them with daily chores.
Read to them when they are feeling down but would like to spend time with you.
Share a new hobby. Maybe your partner used to like mountain climbing or some other activity that was physical in nature and now they can’t muster up the energy for it. Well, find something new they can try instead. In Miami, for instance, there are many parks and local beaches that offer a host of activities for a variety of interests!

How would you show your partner you support them during a physical or psychological illness? Visit ‘The Tutu Project’ here to see Bob and Linda’s photos over the years. Connect with Bob and Linda on Facebook.

Source: TodayHealth

Dating Trends: Ability to read your partner linked to happiness

Dating Trends: Celebrities find dates via email and texting

Marriage Trends: Couples put off nuptials for other life goals

Filed Under: All Topics, Family, Marriage Trends, Pop Culture, Relationships Tagged With: bob and linda carey, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, breast cancer survivor, helping your partner, marriage, marriage trends, the today show, the tutu project

Celebrity relationships: Kim Kardashian rules Kimye

May 22, 2012 by BPSTherapy 3 Comments

In dating relationships and marriage, partners will inevitably hold different roles. While you may strive for equality, there may be an imbalance in the sense of ‘freedom’ you enjoy with your partner. In one celebrity relationship, some are saying it is apparent who ‘wears the pants’ when it comes to setting ground rules for socializing with others at the same event.

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian, in the news for her short-lived marriage to NBA basketball player Kris Humphries, supposedly holds the dominant role in her dating relationship with rapper Kanye West (currently on tour with Jay-Z), despite his somewhat intimidating appearance to others!

Dynamics in dating relationships will invariably differ from relationship to relationship. Where you come from and your worldview will impact how you treat others, both in a personal setting as well as in a professional environment. In Kim’s case, she has always been part of a big family who holds power over others – might this be what dictates how she views her dating relationships, and past celebrity marriage as well?

Rapper Kayne West has gotten in trouble in the past for speaking his mind in public events, at the most inopportune time. Could this be what inspires Kim’s efforts to ‘rein him in’? In a recent party, Kim was spotted pulling Kanye aside, giving him ‘stern instructions’, and Kanye was observed following them. One source shares:

“Kanye was loving it on the dance floor with Jay—Z and spoke at length to Stella about fashion.”

“Kim was all over Kanye at the start, but when he started to mix with other people she had a stern word and took him away from the party. He followed her orders with minimum fuss. He knows the deal.”

Source: Entertainmentwise.com

What do you think this says about Kim and Kanye’s dating relationship? Is Kim in control of Kanye’s behaviors? Or is she trying to keep up appearances, as she does in her reality TV show Keeping up with the Kardashians? Either way, it seems the chemistry their share outweigh any efforts Kim makes to keep things to her liking.