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Does your idea of a perfect movie date mean more screaming into a bowl of popcorn than snuggling over one? If horror is more your speed for date night than romantic comedies or action thrillers, you’re not alone!

Here are just some of the best scary movies for dates:

1. The Sixth Sense

The classic movie where Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment made us wonder just what, exactly, is going on, features some truly creepy scenes. The best part about these super creepy scenes? They are sure to make for some hand grabbing during the most suspenseful moments!

This movie works best if your date has never seen it before.

2. Return of The Living Dead

Looking to inject a little humor into your horror movie viewing? Try this 80’s classic about zombies, from way back when, before zombies were the biggest craze in post-apocalyptic television, film, and literature. This movie is perfect for laughing while you scream!

3. Night of the Living Dead

No matter which way your date goes, this one’s a classic, and well worth watching!

4. The Shining

The relationship between Jack Torrance and his wife is far from romantic, but the movie presents enough interesting psychology conversations to stoke some enlightening discussions for the two of you!

5. Jaws

A movie that focuses on the terror of a real world creature rather than the undead or a psychological threat, this movie tells the Captain Ahab-like tale of the Amity Island, Mass.-based fishing boat captain who doesn’t know when to quit when going up against – gasp! – a great white shark with an evil temperament.

6. The Thing

A classic tale of mistrust and growing paranoia set in the vast emptiness of the Antarctic tundra, this movie stars a young Kurt Russel as a dashing scientist who is fighting…. The thing. But what is the thing? Or, more importantly, who?

7. Friday the 13^th

The quintessential movie for those who love thrillers, Friday the 13^th has long cemented a place in the horror movie Hall of Fame. Take a stroll back to the 1980’s and visit an innocent summer camp, where chaos and murder are about to wreak havoc on some teenagers who are just having a little fun…

8. The Blair Witch Project

Before reality TV and “mockumentary” style television like The Office were around, this movie was a fresh slice of horror delivered on a very low budget. Shot in “found-footage” style, the movie even had young Millenials questioning whether the whole thing might be real, back in the early days of the internet.

9. Scream

A movie that is full of future well-known names (Drew Barrymore, Courteney Cox), Scream is also the perfect watch for a date night – that’s exactly what it was used for when it came out in the late 1990s.

10. Paranormal Activity

The ultimate in “What’s going to happen next?!” emotions. If there is a movie more likely to make your date jump into your arms in suspense, share it with us in the comments!

It’s late on a weekend morning, and you’re scrolling through Instagram or some other social media website while sipping your morning latte. A group of girls at brunch, guys at the big game, new lovers on a date night at a cool restaurant.

In all of these diverse photos, there are probably a few things in common: posing, head tilting, selfie sticks, or an arm reaching out toward the camera – or more likely, smart phone- and one face toward the front of the photo appearing much larger than the others.

It’s time for a better selfie

Believe it or not, this is where we are, as a society. We could all use a few tips for taking a better selfie. Join us on this selfie revolution, and never cut off your own forehead again!

Four tips for taking a better selfie:

1. Invest in a selfie stick.

There’s no getting around it – if you’re serious about your selfie game, getting your hands on a selfie stick is the right move for you. Simply attach your phone to the stick, extend, and click the button on the end of the stick that’s in your hand. Even though it may look a little silly, it’s definitely the most effective way to get a great group photo or perspective shot.

Of course, there are some places where selfie sticks should not be used – around any art, or where they could harm other people. Stay away from the edges of mountains, too…

2. Angle your chin.

Sure, some people strike such affected poses while taking selfies that they look like Kardashians-in-training, but there are benefits to paying a little bit of attention to your face when smiling for a photo. Everything ends up on social media these days, so better to know which angle to strike for a winning photo that emphasizes your fabulousness, not your flaws. Tip: a chin-up angle is never attractive, no matter how gorgeous you are!

3. Seek out good lighting.

Striking a pose that would make the perfect new profile picture on your Facebook page – or your dating website profile! –doesn’t do you much good if you are standing in a dimly lit space, or one filled with off-putting fluorescent lighting. The best photo lighting is outdoors during the day, especially in early morning or mid- to late-afternoon. If you really want to nail your selfie, set aside some time to snap a few photos during these well-lit hours.

4. Have a good time!

Nothing screams “great selfie” better than someone who is having a good time and living life beyond the camera snap! Enjoy yourself, and you’ll feel great inside and out!

Men aren’t really from Mars, and women aren’t really from Venus (at least, we think!). But when it comes to discussing gender differences, it sometimes feels like men and women are from different planets – or even on different planets while we are talking to them!

Have you ever wondered if the root of your misunderstanding or communication barrier comes down to something as simple as genetics – gender differences?

Below, find some of the gender differences that you may not have considered before:

1. Women are literally better at the act of communication. It’s true. Not in that “I’m right and you’re wrong!” sense, but in the sense that most women actually have a larger frontal lobe, the part of your brain responsible for problem solving, than most men.

When your significant other states that she’s right – she may very well be.

Another fun fact about communication: girls, or women, tend to use more words to make a point, as males have smaller verbal centers. So ladies, don’t be so sure that he isn’t listening! Men also tend to analyze and develop task-based responses to situations or feelings being discussed, according to Psychology Today. He may just be thinking about what to do next.

2. Society breeds expectations of certain gender standards. From the moment a new mother finds out she is expecting, questions of gender – and nursery paint color! – begin to arise. Stores like Target have announced that they will stop separating “boy” and “girl” sections for toys, but in most retail locations, things targeted at girls still tend to be pink and things targeted at boys are often blue. Who knows what little Tommy or Susie would prefer if left to his to her own devices when deciding on a product.

Maybe color choice doesn’t sound too bad, but as children grow up, they begin to fall into patterns associated with gender – which can lead to many children and adults repressing emotions or assimilating into roles they wouldn’t really choose.

How does this translate into dating? Find someone who is comfortable with him or her self, and who understands the complications of gender and society.

3. Women worry more. Sorry to say, ladies, but Discovery News reports that, according to research from the Karolinska Institute, men produce double the amount of serotonin – a neurotransmitter with a link to depression — as women do. Women also have fewer transporters to recycle serotonin. The result? Women worry more.
4. Men and women respond to stress differently. While a women, who is gifted in communication, may have the natural instinct to talk it out – or fight– men may be more inclined to protect their emotions, or proceed to flight – either through physically creating space or mentally withdrawing.

Understanding both one’s own and one’s partner’s needs in times of stress can be a huge relationship saver.

Many modern women – and men – can agree that finding a man who will open up to you about his emotions can sometimes be hard to do. In many cities and towns, even in 2016, men can be conditioned to regulate their emotions and hide their feelings in favor of prescribing to certain societal expectations.

Luckily, there is good news for the more emotionally inclined among us! In some cities across the United States, it’s easier to find a man who is willing to bare his soul and make a genuine connection than in others.

Seeking a sensitive man? Try these ten cities, where sensitive men are more likely to be spotted. Interestingly, they are almost all located on the East Coast of the United States.

The ten cities in the United States full of sensitive men:

1. Pompano Beach, Florida

Looking for love with a thoughtful man? Pack your sunscreen and head southeast!

2. Roanoke, Virginia

As they say, Virginia is for lovers – of good, old-fashioned sensitivity.

3. West Hollywood, California

Go west, young man – and bring with you a sense of perception and understanding.

4. Nashville, Tennessee

Perhaps love is waiting in the wings with an acoustic guitar and chart-topping ballad – about you!

5. Buffalo, New York

Not all New Yorkers are “tough guy” stereotypes! In Buffalo, the men are more open with their emotions.

6. Sarasota, Florida

Full of sunshine and men close to retirement age, Sarasota is the place to seek a sensitive older man.

7. Greenville, South Carolina

One of two Carolina cities to take a place on the list, Greenville is a beautiful city, full of men who can appreciate the sentiment!

8. Wilmington, North Carolina

North Carolina is home to at least one city where sensitive men are to be found.

9. Indianapolis, Indiana

Meet a simple, sensitive man in a mid-West city like Indianapolis.

10. Staten Island, New York

Not far from the busy island of Manhattan, a more laid-back and receptive man is living on Staten Island.

Sensitivity and the modern man

Sure, some people still believe in the idea of a caveman with bravado, or a man who values fists over feelings, as being more “masculine” than a man who has more sensitive traits. But we’re here to tell you, with the help of Psychology Today, that being a sensitive man has some distinct advantages in the modern world.

Not sure if a sensitive man is the right romantic partner for you?

Check out this list of reasons that sensitive lovers are superior, published in the Huffington Post by a licensed marriage and family therapist with more than 20 years of experience as a counselor. Benefits of being sensitive include higher empathy, being more perceptive, creativity, and excellent self-care habits – all pretty desirable traits in a partner, if you ask us!

Popular culture paints a confusing picture about men and romance. Harlequin romance novels and romantic comedies always feature romantic heroes who make huge efforts or sacrifices to show the object of their affections how deep and passionate their love it.

Even in less extravagant gestures than the lion-cloth clad men who grace the covers of trashy romance novels, there’s Jack letting Kate live by getting into the water in Titanic. There’s Richard Gere, ascending a fire escape to proclaim his love for Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. There’s John Cusak, Say Anything, the boom box – need I say more?

Where have all the romantic men gone?

The specter of the man who makes oversized romantic gestures for women is alive and well in Hollywood- but what about in your neck of the woods? Are there any romantic types in your city? Keep reading to find out!

According to some psychologists and counselors, romance for a man really begins with strong communication and your undivided attention. Showing your partner that he can trust you, that you are listening, that you are engaged, and establishing eye contact can help create a safe feeling of intimacy and romance with your man.

10 cities in the U.S. with the most romantic men

Here’s a of the 10 cities in the United States that are most full of romantic men. Their “Top 10 Cities to Find a Romantic Man” are:

1. San Francisco, CA
2. Portland, OR
3. Austin, TX
4. Salt Lake City, UT
5. Hartford, CT
6. Boston, MA
7. Seattle, WA
8. New York, NY
9. Los Angeles, CA
10. Washington D.C.

What do you think of the cities where the most romantic men in the United States can be found? Have you dated a romantic guy in one of these locales? Is your city missing from the list, but your man is the world’s biggest Casanova? Let us know!

Romance is different for everyone

Of course, with subjective lists such as these, it can be easy to forget a simple truth: everyone expresses emotions, especially those linked to complex topic like romance, in unique ways. What one person considers a grand romantic gesture, others may think of as the bare minimum. Men don’t always consider the same things to be romantic that you do, but there’s generally one thing that he will associate with intimacy. However, it’s important to keep in mind that physical intimacy is not the same as a romantic closeness.

Whether you’re heading out for a no-holds-barred vacation with a wild group, or searching for the perfect place to enjoy a hands-on honeymoon, there are some cities around the country of the United States that react more kindly to PDA (public displays of affection) than others!

Interested in a getaway to some of the most romantic – or at least the most romance-friendly – cities in the country? Keep reading – some are right here in the United States!

Here are the most PDA friendly cities in America

1. Honolulu, Hawaii

The Hawaiian culture have long involved welcoming visitors to the island state with a necklace of flowers known as a “lei,” so it’s no surprise that the beautiful chain of islands is regarded as the most PDA-friendly city in the country!

(Visitors ‘get lei’d’ – get it?)

The romantic setting of volcanic backdrops, lush rainforests, expanses of the Pacific Ocean, and the general environment of being in Hawaii lend themselves to affectionate moods!

Is it the Hawaiian culture? The laidback atmosphere? The serene setting? Whatever the case, Hawaii is for lovers!

2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Were you as surprised as we were to see good ol’ Pittsburgh, PA at almost the tip-top of a list about PDA-friendly cities?

3. Lexington, Kentucky

In Lexington, public gestures of affection are welcome.

4. Charleston, West Virgina

No, Virginia – West Virginia is for lovers.

5. New York City, New York

How is the Big Apple positioned halfway down the list – and yet still above Las Vegas?

6. Fresno, California

The only city on the West Coast of the United States to make the list, Fresno is the fifth-largest city in California.

7. Waco, Texas

A small town situated between Dallas and Austin in the sprawling state of Texas, Waco is a unique stop along the way for a couple in search of a PDA-friendly city.

8. Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Maybe the Ed Helms movie helped Cedar Rapids develop a welcome attitude toward PDA?

9. Syracuse, New York

Along with NYC, Syracuse in upstate New York welcomes handholding and other public displays of affection.

10. Des Moines, Iowa

Two cities in Iowa made the list of most PDA friendly cities in the United States, but not one from Florida. See, you can learn something new every day!

PDA compatibility can help you and your romantic partner feel more comfortable in your relationship. If one of you is more interested in displaying affection publicly than the other, it could lead to conflict or miscommunication. Check out this blog for some ideas about how to determine if you and your partner have PDA compatibility.

Not interested in public displays of affection? Plan your next trip as a couple to the Fort Myers and Naples area of Florida!

We’ve all experienced it, or day-dreamed about it – butterflies in the stomach, sweaty palms, racing pulses, and a silly smile whenever we think of that certain someone. You may have only met them days or weeks ago, but the thought enters your mind almost casually: Is this the real deal?

Could it be love?

Figuring out if a relationship is the real deal can be a tricky proposition in the early days – or it can be simple. Here are some ways to tell if your romantic relationship is a match made in heaven:

You don’t want to change them (and vice versa).

Do you like them for who they are? Do they feel the same way about you? Do they dig your unique personality and sense of humor, and think you’re cute even on no-makeup days? Do you trust each other?

Unless the answer is ‘yes’ to all of the above questions, it may be time to evaluate whether the relationship is the real deal. If the answer to the above questions is yes, congratulations! You are well on your way to determining that yes, it is the real deal!

They make you laugh (and vice versa)

If the guy or girl you’re dating genuinely makes you LOL, then he or she is a definite keeper. Studies have shown that humor is a key element in relationship satisfaction – and it doesn’t matter what gets your goat. Slapstick comedy routines; caustic and biting standup delivery style; witty, wry comments whispered as an aside – all types of humor can benefit from being well-received by a partner who finds you hilarious.

Now, enjoying a chuckle doesn’t mean seeking out the funniest guy or gal in the room, unless that’s your thing, specifically. You don’t need a comedian – you just want that special someone’s sense of humor to make you giggle, not grimace.

You are already talking about the future

Sure, some women – and men – picture the future with even casual romantic partners, but there is a difference between fantasizing about buying a house together and having realistic, practical conversations about leases or mortgages.

Even if you and your partner are just broaching the topic of commitment and coming months, the fact that you are making future plans is a sure sign that each of you is interested in maintaining the relationship’s momentum.

Talking about the future is also a sign of trust in the other person, a key element in any successful relationship.

You’ve met each other’s social circles

Loners are capable of developing meaningful romantic connections, of course, but most people have at least a few significant friends, family members, or coworkers in their lives.

Have you met each other’s friends and family? Do you sense any red flags from your significant other’s other relationships? Do your friends and family approve of the relationship?

Getting to know the important people in your love interest’s life will give you a deeper understanding of who they are, and can help to determine if the relationship is the real deal.

The topic of age gaps between men and women has been tackled often by Hollywood – the reality TV show The Girls Next Door in the early 2000’s, for example, documented Playboy magazine creator Hugh Hefner’s daily life with three “house bunnies” who were all several decades younger than the smoking jacket-wearing Hef.

In real life, age differences among romantic partners have been the subject of scrutiny by scientists and members of the general public alike. Stereotypes perpetuate about both men who date younger partners and women who date younger men – some more positive than others.

But do age differences really matter when it comes to the quality of a relationship?

The answer is not exactly straightforward.

Survey says…

According to a survey mentioned by the Huffington Post, there is an “ideal age gap” for romantic partners to have a lasting marriage – and it’s a fairly small one.  Four years and four months (or 52 months all together) is about the maximum preferred gap for romantic partners in a survey of more than 2,000 adults.

Generation gap

When it comes to age gaps among adults who are dating, differences in cultural experiences can be a barrier to understanding or even communication. Moving past generational differences and arriving at a mutual understanding is possible, even for romantic partners who have a considerable age gap between them. However, it will require extra patience and effort on the part of both parties.

Of course, certain age gaps are more significant than others. A 20-year-old girl and a man in his 40’s would likely struggle to make a connection, but a 44-year-old woman and a man in his 60’s might be able to relate about many aspects of adulthood, despite an age gap.

Age gap exceptions

Age difference does matter in some cases – an adult should never enter into a romantic relationship with a minor, no matter how small the age gap. And in some cases, one or both parties in a relationship may want to have children. If the age gap prevents that possibility, it is something to consider before entering a serious romantic relationship.

Trust your judgment

What worked for others may or may not work for you and your new love interest. Ultimately, no one else but you can decide what is right.

If the age difference feels like a problem, spend some time asking yourself why? Are you concerned about being judged or labeled, or is there a more deep-rooted issue, such as misgivings about long term potential?

Ask yourself these and other helpful questions to determine whether a relationship with an age difference is right for you. Discuss your thoughts with your partner, if you wish, and ask if he or she has any concerns to share.

Be prepared to receive criticism or judgment for your decisions, but do not feel obliged to explain your choices to others. Age difference can be a deal-breaker, but it can also be nothing but a number!

It’s one of the trickiest aspects of navigating a new relationship: could your latest love interest be a serial dater? Signs of a serial dater can be clear to outsiders on occasion, but often they are subtle and don’t reveal themselves until the person you are dating is already pulling away.

From all-too-common romantic comedy troupes to the stories fellow women in the real world share, it would seem that serial daters tend to have a few red flags in common.

Spotting a serial dater is key to avoid a painful and abrupt breakup. If the man or woman you’re dating is more than likely getting ready to move on to the next conquest, these signs can help you prepare for the truth about his or her serial dating status.

They’re all about that chase

We’ve all seen it happen, or fallen victim to it ourselves – boy and girl meet, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl disappear off the face of the Earth for anywhere from 1-3 months before one of the two emerges, heartbroken, because the other has stopped calling and is, in fact, currently pursuing a newer model. When the honeymoon phase is over, it’s really over.

That, my friends, is called a serial chaser, and when you see it happening to your friends or suspect that it is happening to you, RUN, don’t walk, to the nearest exit.

Getting swept off your feet is one thing, but failing to see the signs of a serial dater who is only in it for the chase can lead to a broken heart a few months – or weeks! –down the line.

They’re noncommittal

Whether you’re discussing where to get brunch this weekend or what your summertime travel plans might be, someone who purposely avoids pinning down exact dates and times is someone to watch out for. Sure, he or she might just be uber laidback and waiting to see how things play out, but someone who can’t tell you what they will be doing on Sunday probably isn’t too keen on making plans to meet your family this holiday season.

A serial dater is more likely to keep options open – don’t settle for being just one of them.

They’re superficial

Is the person you’re dating overly interested in your appearance? Does he or she value personal comfort over the needs of others? Are material possessions and money/status the standard by which your love interest measures others?

A superficial person who keeps others at an arm’s reach, is overly focused on his or her job, and who judges people is probably not that interested in getting to know the real you. Save your softer side for someone who deserves it, and let Mr. Right Now get back to the business of being a serial dater.

Trust your instincts

It’s tempting to get swept away in the oversized emotions and games of a serial dater, but once the spell is broken, you’ll wonder why you didn’t spot the telltale signs sooner. Trust us – you might enjoy the thrill of the chase, but the sting of rejection leaves little to be desired. If it seems too good to be true – it probably is.