In The Community
Ghosting
Photo by Kelli McClintock on UnsplashImagine you’re having a great time with someone, texting every day, making plans, and then—bam—they disappear. No explanation, no goodbye. That’s ghosting. It’s basically ending a relationship by cutting off all communication out of the blue. People usually do this because they want to avoid the awkwardness of a breakup conversation. It’s a way to dodge responsibility, you know, like a coward. It leaves the ghosted person feeling confused and sometimes even hurt. It’s a jarring experience, but ultimately, they’re doing you a favor by taking themselves out of your life.
Benching
Photo by Chandler Langley on UnsplashBenching is when someone keeps you on the sidelines—like a backup plan. They text you just enough to keep you interested, but never enough to actually move things forward. Usually, this means that they’re not ready to commit to a relationship, but they also don’t want to let go of the possibility. In other words, it’s a selfish way of keeping their options open.
Breadcrumbing
Photo by Amadeus Moga on UnsplashBreadcrumbing is when someone leads you on with small, inconsistent bits of attention. They might flirt, send a late-night text, or make vague plans, but nothing ever really materializes. It’s similar to benching, but the difference is that, with breadcrumbing, they give you the bare minimum attention to make you think they’re interested. Why do people do this? Well, because they like the attention and they don’t mind playing with someone’s feelings to get it. You're not a bird, though, you need and deserve something more substantial than bread crumbs.
Situationship
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk
A situationship is like a relationship’s indecisive cousin. It’s when you’re more than just friends but not officially dating. So you’re in a romantic or sexual relationship, but it’s undefined and unclear where it’s headed. Situationships often come about when one or both people want to enjoy the perks of a relationship but without committing to it. It’s a way to keep things flexible, but it leaves room for misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
Stashing
Photo by Nellie Adamyan on UnsplashStashing is when someone is dating you but keeps you hidden from the important people in their life. They don’t introduce you to friends or family and avoid posting about you on social media. This can mean that the person isn’t serious about the relationship or they want to keep their options open. It means they don’t plan on being with you long-term or don’t see you as “the one.” If you’re in this kind of situation, remember: you deserve much better.
Zombieing
Photo by Aedrian Salazar on UnsplashJust when you thought they were gone for good, they rise from the dead—welcome to zombieing. This happens when someone who ghosted you suddenly reappears in your life, acting as if nothing happened. Zombies often come back because they’re curious if you’re still interested, or they want to see if they can still get your attention. It’s confusing and usually not worth your time.
Slow Fade
Photo by Kunj Parekh on UnsplashThe slow fade is ghosting’s sneakier sibling. Instead of disappearing all at once, they gradually pull away, reducing communication bit by bit until it eventually fades to nothing. People use the slow fade when they want to avoid confrontation but can’t bring themselves to ghost someone outright cause that’s too abrupt. It’s a way to end things quietly, hoping you’ll just get the hint, instead of having an actual conversation about it.
Fleabagging
Photo by Anthony Tran on UnsplashInspired by the TV show “Fleabag,” fleabagging is the habit of consistently choosing the wrong partners—people who are bad for you or who don’t align with your values and needs. If you find yourself fleabagging, it could mean that you have unresolved issues or are struggling with your self-esteem. People choose the partners they think they deserve, so if you’re consistently choosing the wrong person, it could be time to take a break from dating and sit down with yourself.
Kittenfishing
Photo by Mariana Montes de Oca on UnsplashYeah, this is a ridiculous-sounding term and it's basically a lighter, “cuter” version of catfishing. It’s when someone presents an exaggerated or slightly false version of themselves online, like using heavily filtered photos or stretching the truth about their interests or achievements. People kittenfish because they want to make the best possible first impression, but it’s still lying. There’s really nothing like being authentic and honest about who you are!
Mooning
Photo by Morgan Housel on UnsplashMooning is when someone uses the ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature on their phone to avoid someone’s calls or messages without actually blocking them. It’s a sneaky way to ignore someone while keeping the door slightly ajar. This is yet another way to distance themselves from someone without having to talk to them or explain why they’re not interested. It’s passive-aggressive and immature.
Orbiting
Photo by Zelch Csaba
Orbiting is when someone stops directly communicating with you but continues to engage with your social media—liking your posts, watching your stories—and keeping themselves in your orbit without any real interaction. Orbiters like to keep the connection alive without making any real effort, so they’re the masters of sending mixed signals. If someone makes you constantly wonder if they’re still interested, they might be orbiting you.
Modern dating terms can be confusing, but once you catch the drift, it gets easier to navigate things. Whether you’re dealing with ghosters, benchers, or breadcrumbers, the key is to recognize these behaviors and decide what you’re willing to tolerate. Remember, you deserve clear communication and respect in any relationship—don’t settle for anything less!
Limit your time on social media
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on UnsplashSocial media is a double-edged sword. While it keeps us connected, it's also a breeding ground for the feeling of missing out, constant ads, and more. It’s not uncommon for influencer posts of huge shopping hauls to lead to impulse buys of stuff you just don’t need. We’ve all fallen for it, so it’s important to be aware of our triggers. It’s not just about spending less time on social media, it’s also about choosing the people we follow wisely. Ask yourself this: is this influencer providing value to my life through their content? Are they actually teaching me something or just getting me to buy stuff I later regret?
Cancel subscriptions you don’t use or need
Photo by Marques Thomas on UnsplashSubscription services can sneakily pile up, leading to a surplus of products you don’t actually use. Most people go for subscription options because they offer discounts, but if you’re just accumulating products, it’s time to cancel them. Buy products as you run out instead of hoarding them. You can even make it a game to see how long you can go without replenishing. Who knew minimalism could be so thrilling?
Try the “one-in, one-out” rule
Photo by Sarah Brown on UnsplashEvery time you buy something new, get rid of something you already own, but never use or don’t really need. This simple method can help you keep your things in check and make sure you’re only keeping what you truly need. Decluttering regularly will make your soul feel good and it’s also a great opportunity to donate clothes, books, shoes, etc., to people who need it more. It’s a win/win kind of rule!
Look for second-hand options first
Photo by Prudence Earl on UnsplashBefore you log into your Amazon account or head to the stores, why not make thrift stores, online marketplaces, and consignment shops your first stops? Whatever you need, whether that’s clothes, appliances, gadgets, books, etc., it’s likely you’ll find it second-hand in perfect condition and at a fraction of the actual cost. You get the stuff you need while also being good to your bank account and the planet at large. That’s a great deal.
Practice mindful shopping
Photo by Alexander Mils on UnsplashBefore making a purchase, ask yourself: Do I really need this? Do I already own something similar? Will this bring me joy in the long run? If the answer is no, put it back. Given how easy it is to buy stuff nowadays, very few people actually stop to think twice about it. Make a habit of it and you’ll find yourself consuming and wasting less, while also having just what you need.
Embrace DIY projects
Photo by Wallace Chuck
Sometimes you don’t have to buy new, you can make what you need yourself or upcycle things you already own. From homemade cleaning products to DIY home decor, there are endless ways to get creative and save money. You’ll find that once you start getting into DIY projects, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of making something yourself, and that will keep you testing your skills.
Consider borrowing or renting instead of buying
Photo by Liza Summer
Do you need a tool for a one-time project? Borrow it from a neighbor or a friend. Are you planning a big event? Rent decorations and equipment instead of buying it. Whenever you’re considering buying something, ask yourself, will I use this more than once or a couple of times at best? If the answer is no, borrowing or renting are easy options to turn to!
Embracing underconsumption in every aspect of life can help you achieve a few major goals. For one, it will help you save money and reduce debt. It will also make your house less cluttered and help you contribute to the health of the planet by reducing waste. Remember, it’s not about deprivation; it’s about making mindful choices that benefit you and the world around you. Happy underconsuming!
Cultural tourism digs deeper than sightseeing, it’s learning about a place’s culture and growing as a person. For your next trip, try building your itinerary with meaningful activities; you’ll find it helps keep the traditions and heritages of places alive.
These locations top the list for vacationing with culture in mind.
Photo via Ricardo Gomez Angel
Antioquia Department, Colombia
The Antioquia Department of Colombia has a great mix of everything to do in the country. Departments in Colombia are similar to States in the U.S. in that they are considered subdivisions and have a certain amount of autonomy from the national government. Medellín is one of Colombia’s more well-known major cities located within the Antioquia Department that delivers local Colombian culture and experiences including learning about life as a Paisa, or countryman. Farming culture, small villages, and great exposure to indigenous culture make this area a must on your to-list.
Photo via Alexander Kunze
Havana, Cuba
Cuba is well known for its rich culture. From lively salsa dancing to incredible natural scenery, Cuba is a gorgeous and complicated country. The small Caribbean island is also known to be frozen in time due to various political embargos it’s lived under for decades. Without getting into the politics of it all, the focus here is on the richness of the people.
Travel to Cuba for tourist activities is still prohibited, but the U.S. Treasury Department has issued general licenses for 12 categories of travel and those categories are relatively broad. So if you find yourself eligible under one of these categories, Cuba is a cultural traveler’s dream. Dance the night away in a local spot, take in the colorful classic cars dotting the streets, and walk along the Malecon, a popular spot for fishermen. But most importantly, listen to and talk with as many Cubans as you can - there are always multiple sides to every story.
The Streets of Oaxaca de Juárez, OaxacaPhoto via Alice Kotlyarenko
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca de Juárez in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, makes the list as one of the most culturally rich destinations to visit in Mexico. With a historical center dubbed a World Heritage Site, museums line the streets of this cultural center, giving you plenty of places to add to your itinerary. The Mezcal game is strong here. You can visit mezcalerías to learn more about the process of making the beloved spirit, then continue the lesson with the street markets. Don’t forget to take a city walking tour hosted by the locals and learn about its rich feminist and revolutionary history. You will not run out of things to learn in this stunning city.
Aerial view of Machu PicchuPhoto via Eddie Kiszka
Machu Picchu, Peru
Known as the Lost City of Incas, Machu Picchu is a much-loved World Heritage Site of Peru. While this spot has definitely been “trendy” for quite a while, it makes the list because it does double duty as a top destination by exploring the site and taking in the rich culture and history from the locals. There isn’t a way to get to the location without the assistance of local guides so you really have to dive into the local experience by striking up as many conversations as possible while you’re on the journey.
The journey to the City is certainly a bit complicated with the easiest way consisting of a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (a mere 3.5 hours each way), but it’s certainly worth working out the logistics. Many also choose to hike to the much-beloved spot, where you will be rewarded with a breathtaking look back into the lives and culture of the indigenous empire that was the largest in pre-Columbus America.
View of Iguazu Falls from Foz de Iguazu, BrazilPhoto via Jade Marchand
Iguazu Falls, Argentina, and Brazil
Located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is a must-visit to take in one of the most breathtaking natural sites in South America. With over 275 individual cascades, the Falls make up the Iguazu National Park which accounts for two parks in both countries: Argentina’s Puerto Iguazu and Brazil’s Foz de Iguazú. Designated as a World Heritage Site in 1984, the parks account for a massive amount of conservation work to preserve natural flora and fauna. Every person who visits learns about conservation practices and is expected to be respectful of all the measures taken to preserve the delicate ecosystem.
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