Latest news with #TexasA&MUniversity-CorpusChristi
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The New 'New' Unspoken Rules of Modern Dating
Modern dating is a constantly evolving game, and navigating the nuances can feel like walking a tightrope. The old rules have long been tossed out, and what's left is an unspoken rulebook that feels like it's written in invisible ink. Yet, understanding these subtle expectations is key to mastering the art of connection today. Here's the new blueprint for love and romance in the digital age—unfiltered, unapologetic, and very much alive. Ghosting has almost become a given in dating culture. People dip in and out of your life without explanation, and while we try to tell ourselves it's normal, it stings every time. It's not personal, but it still feels like rejection. At this point, being ghosted isn't a reflection of you-it-it's just a byproduct of the modern hookup culture. Research from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi explains that ghosting causes significant emotional distress for both parties involved, highlighting that it often stems from the ghoster's avoidance of difficult conversations rather than any deficiency in the person being ghosted. Understanding this can help lessen the pain and remind you that ghosting reflects more on the other person's communication struggles than your value. Don't let it define your worth. Your next connection will be the one that doesn't ghost, and that's where the real fun begins. Gone are the days when the phone call was king. Now, texting has become the digital flirtation—a way to build tension and set the stage for something more. Emojis, GIFs, and voice notes have become the language of desire in today's world. A single text can tell you more about a person than hours spent in face-to-face conversation. But remember, texting isn't just about quick replies and witty banter. The way someone communicates through text can tell you a lot about their emotional maturity, or lack thereof. Don't just focus on the surface-level fun; pay attention to how someone expresses themselves when the conversation takes a serious turn. Texting isn't just foreplay—it's a window into their soul. Online dating has evolved into a complex experience where chemistry is no longer limited to face-to-face encounters. Emotional intimacy can develop through apps, Zoom calls, and messaging, creating genuine bonds that go beyond mere digital interaction. When you share long conversations and personal stories online, it's more than just a connection can be a real spark. According to research from the Berkeley Online Chemistry Study, couples who build significant relationships online often continue to see each other and sustain longer-lasting relationships, indicating that online chemistry can translate into meaningful offline connections. However, it's important to stay grounded. The energy of online exchanges can create a strong illusion, but physical chemistry remains a distinct element that requires in-person interaction. Transitioning from online to offline can sometimes reveal differences in compatibility, so managing expectations is key. In an age where attention spans are shrinking, people are increasingly giving minimal effort and still expecting maximum returns. A few well-placed compliments and some flirty messages can sometimes be enough to keep things going for a while. It's easy to get caught in the cycle of bare minimum effort, but don't let yourself fall into the trap of being satisfied with breadcrumbs. Don't confuse minimalism with romance. While it's tempting to accept the low-maintenance, high-reward scenario, the reality is that deep connections require more. If someone isn't showing up consistently or giving you their full attention, then the reward you're getting probably isn't as satisfying as you think. Aim for authenticity and genuine effort, not just a quick thrill. Labeling relationships is increasingly seen as unnecessary by many, with a growing number of people preferring to simply enjoy the connection without defining it. This "no-labels" approach can reduce the anxiety of commitment while still allowing love to develop naturally. Sometimes, it's less about assigning a title and more about appreciating the experience together. Noah Williams, an Expert from explains that no-label relationships can flourish when both partners have aligned expectations and communicate openly. However, this freedom can also lead to confusion if boundaries and desires are not discussed. Even in casual or undefined relationships, having honest conversations about what each person wants is crucial to avoid misunderstandings. Relationships may be fluid, but clear communication remains essential to maintain mutual respect and emotional well-being. The rise of influencer culture has spilled over into every aspect of dating, from curated first-date outfits to carefully crafted Instagram captions. Social media is now a key player in how relationships are initiated and maintained. People are selling their curated "best selves" online, hoping for validation, attention, and a connection. The aesthetic of your life has become as important as the reality of it. But don't be fooled by the perfection on display. While curated photos and influencer-style dates can seem glamorous, real life isn't always as polished. What matters more is how you show up when the filters come off and the camera is put away. Love isn't Instagrammable—it's raw, unfiltered, and sometimes messy. Forget traditional setups, group chats have become the ultimate wingman in the world of modern dating. In a world of shared experiences, friends often have a say in whether you're even worth swiping right for. From group hangouts to WhatsApp chains, the collective opinion is a powerful force when it comes to determining who's dateable and who's not. While this may seem like a new form of peer pressure, it can work in your favor. Group chats can validate your choices and even help you avoid potential heartbreak. But be cautious not to let groupthink rule your dating decisions. Just because everyone else is on board doesn't mean the connection is a perfect match. As noted by Meghan Isaf in her study on social media's role in dating trends among Generation Z college students, social media and peer feedback significantly influence dating behaviors and perceptions. Non-exclusive dating is no longer the taboo it once was. More and more people are opting for situationships where dating is fluid, and expectations are unclear. It's about keeping your options open, exploring your connections, and not rushing into commitments. This non-exclusive path allows individuals to figure out what they want without the pressure to settle down too quickly. However, non-exclusive dating isn't for everyone. If you're someone who thrives on stability and knowing where you stand, this can feel like a maze of uncertainty. It's important to communicate openly with your potential partner and check in with yourself about your emotional needs. If it feels right, then it's your choice—but don't be afraid to opt out if it's causing you stress. Dating apps have transformed from a novelty into an essential part of the dating ecosystem. What once felt like a quirky way to meet people has turned into a full-fledged experiment in human interaction. Swiping through profiles, analyzing responses, and assessing chemistry from the comfort of your couch have become the standard. You're no longer just looking for a match; you're testing the boundaries of attraction. But don't get too caught up in the data. The algorithms are designed to keep you hooked and keep you searching for "the one." But the more you focus on the apps, the less you may pay attention to the real-world connections that matter. Keep the online world in perspective, and remember that meaningful connections often happen when you're least expecting them. The slow fade has become a modern-day art form. Instead of a clean cut, relationships tend to dissolve gradually, with people becoming less communicative and more distant over time. The slow fade is often the go-to method for avoiding confrontation and painful conversations. But while it may seem like the easy way out, it leaves both parties guessing and longing for clarity. If you find yourself on the receiving end of a slow fade, don't wait around. Take the initiative and seek closure, or move on without it. The slow fade can leave you in a limbo of uncertainty, but you don't have to linger. Recognize when it's happening, and don't be afraid to face the reality of what's happening. In a world where exes remain a click away on social media, keeping boundaries can feel like a full-time job. You can't scroll through your feed without seeing an old flame's post, or worse, their dating profile. It's natural to be tempted to check in on your past relationships, but staying in the past can prevent you from moving forward. Exes are just another distraction from the new connections you're trying to make. But there's also a flip side: exes can teach you a lot about what you need and what you don't want. Keeping them in your orbit can sometimes help you process past experiences and gain closure. Just be mindful of your emotional energy. It's easy to get sucked into a cycle of nostalgia, but resist the urge to dwell on someone who isn't meant to be part of your present. Many people are embracing no-strings-attached experiences without any romantic commitment. Yet, it's important to recognize that casual sex requires a level of emotional maturity that's often overlooked. You need to be clear with your boundaries, respectful of your partner's feelings, and honest about your intentions. While casual liaisons can be empowering, ensuring that both parties are on the same page is crucial. Miscommunication can easily lead to feelings of betrayal or hurt, so be transparent about what you want and need. Sex may not always come with emotional attachment, but that doesn't mean it should be emotionally careless. Respecting both yourself and your partner is key. In a world that's constantly pushing relationships as the ultimate goal, self-love has taken its rightful place at the top of the dating hierarchy. Modern dating isn't just about finding someone else—it's about understanding yourself and what you need to thrive as an individual first. Without a solid foundation of self-love, dating can become an endless search for validation, rather than connection. Before you dive into any relationship, make sure you're whole on your own. This isn't about perfection; it's about being content in your skin and knowing that your worth isn't tied to another person. The healthiest relationships are born out of self-awareness, so prioritize your growth and happiness. When you're comfortable in your own life, you'll attract the kind of love that truly aligns with your journey.
USA Today
13-02-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
'We're your neighbors': Corpus Christi's Muslim community strives to promote understanding
'We're your neighbors': Corpus Christi's Muslim community strives to promote understanding Growing up in South Texas, Alishba Kazmi faced a plethora of racism. Kazmi said the Muslim community in the London school district, where she attended middle and high school, was miniscule. "I definitely had certain kids come up to me and ask me if I was a part of a terrorist organization," said Kazmi, now a student at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. "On 9/11, it was always very awkward. People would come up to me and tell me I should say sorry for something that I wasn't even born yet to witness." In the Coastal Bend, there are around 2,500 Muslims, according to Aref Erfan Mazloum, the imam — one who leads Muslim worshippers in prayer — for the Islamic Society of Southern Texas of Corpus Christi, the only mosque in the Coastal Bend. While the local Muslim community is small compared to those of larger Texas cities like Houston and Dallas, it's strong and growing constantly, according to Dr. Samer Jifi-Bahlool, a local nephrologist who was born in Syria. He said he wants the Corpus Christi community to understand Muslims are normal people like everybody else. "We have our own aspirations and want the best for our family and kids," Jifi-Bahlool said in his office. "We appreciate what we have in this country and the opportunities for everyone. We want the best for this community. We're your neighbors. We're involved in health care and education." With President Donald Trump in office for his second and final term, some minority groups are concerned about their rights and privileges being endangered. On Jan. 20, Trump signed an executive order directing U.S. agencies to refuse to recognize the citizenship of children born in the United States if neither their mother nor father is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. He signed another executive order directing government officials to identify countries with 'deficient' vetting and screening procedures for travelers, which could lead to the United States barring entry to nationals from those countries. Civil rights groups have said that order lays the groundwork for a revival of Trump's previous travel ban that restricted entry into the U.S. for certain foreign nationals from countries with predominantly Muslim populations. This potential ban frightens Kazmi. "It definitely is scary, but I wouldn't say it's anything new," Kazmi said. Because she has roots in Pakistan, which she left at a young age, "I don't necessarily feel like an American. But when I go to Pakistan, I don't feel completely Pakistani. I feel like I'm like somewhere trapped in the middle." 'I needed support from God' The Islamic Society of Southern Texas of Corpus Christi was founded in 1995, with a mission to show that religions can play a major role in restoring world peace, respect, sympathy, trust and peaceful coexistence with different groups. Mazloum, who is Jordanian-Palestinian, echoed Jifi-Bahlool's words about how the area's Muslim community is slowly growing in recent years. He said that in the past two years, around 60 people have converted to Islam locally. Brandi Bush converted to Islam nearly three years ago. Originally from Houston, she grew up as a Christian and attended a Southern Baptist Church until she was about 12 years old. She said as she got older, she started to drift away from religion and eventually felt "completely lost." "I was going through some personal situations, and I needed support from God," Bush said. She had struggled with some aspects of Christianity, but she found similarities between Islam and Christianity, including their recognition of prophets. When accepting Islam, Bush said she "completely submitted" to God. Converting shocked her family, Bush said. Some relatives were accepting, while others weren't. With her own children, Bush said it's up to them to follow their own faith. "You can't force religion on anybody," Bush said. "For God to accept our deeds, it comes down to intention. If we don't believe it in our heart, then it's not true. ... My children can see the positive changes from myself. I hope that's enough to help guide them to find their path." Jifi-Bahlool said the Muslim community welcomes all converts with open arms. "We encourage our community to be kind to everybody," Jifi-Bahlool said. "You cannot force any religion upon others." Moments of Islamophobia On New Year's Day, 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar rammed his truck into a crowd of people in New Orleans, killing 15. The FBI deemed the attack "an act of terrorism" inspired by the Islamic State group. Jabbar resided in North Houston, about 3 1/2 hours away from Corpus Christi. Mazloum said when his community heard of the news, some members were concerned for their safety, fearing a surge in Islamophobia. "We were and are sad," Mazloum said. "We are more than open to offer our services to help authorities and educate our community at the same time." An Islamophobic event in South Texas made national headlines in 2017, when the Islamic Center of Victoria was destroyed by a fiery blaze. Weeks after a new mosque opened in 2018, Marq Perez, 26, was sentenced to more than 24 years in prison for burning down the Islamic Center. Mazloum and Jifi-Bahlool said the Corpus Christi mosque and Muslim community have been the victims of Islamophobia. There have been bullet holes found on the doors at the mosque, a threat from a militia group planning to protest outside the mosque and a letter from California that said members "needed to convert or die." Every Friday, Muslims' holy day, a Corpus Christi police vehicle is parked outside the mosque to ensure safety during afternoon prayer, when the larger part of the Muslim community is present together. "What makes us human is no different than anybody else," Jifi-Bahlool said. "We have the same desires. We want to have a good living, a nice home, to have our kids happy and to raise our kids in a good way of life. We want to make sure we do enough good deeds in order to get to heaven." Muslim women can particularly be a target of racism, as their religion is evident by their hijabs, or head scarves, Bush said. As a white woman, Bush said she gets stares and sometimes questions, and even aggressive comments, from strangers about why she converted. Kazmi has not chosen to wear a hijab just yet, saying she wants to wait until she is fully committed to it. "I know people are going to see me as Muslim, so I know I have to be on my best behavior," Kazmi said. "I have to portray Islam in the best way." 'We try to spread a positive light' Kazmi considers her religion a major part of her identity. She prays five times a day, lives by Islamic values and teachings, and is involved with every Islamic holiday. Ramadan — a month of fasting during daylight hours, discipline, reflection and community — starts in the evening Feb. 28 and will end on the evening of March 30. Kazmi said she did her first entire fast when she was 7 years old. It was something she had always been excited to partake in. Now that she's a college student, celebrating Ramadan is a little different, she said. With some school days starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 9:30 p.m., Kazmi said she has to wake up earlier to pray and eat and break her fast in class. When she's on campus all day, it's also hard for her to pray in a designated area, as the university doesn't provide any for Muslims. Kazmi said she has to resort to finding an empty classroom, a stairwell or an empty corner. To help with the Muslim community at TAMU-CC, Kazmi joined the Muslim Student Association in 2022. Now the president of the organization, she said the group allows people of all faiths to join to learn more about Islam through community events and guest speakers. "I want to make it my goal to negate those stereotypes and show people Muslims are good, normal people," Kazmi said. "I just don't like when, especially, Muslim kids have to atone certain things that they have no correlation with whatsoever. I just want people to approach Muslims with an open mind and an open heart." RELATED COVERAGE More: Facebook post calls to report 'illegal aliens' in Corpus Christi; experts share thoughts More: Anti-deportation demonstrators gather at Water's Edge Park in Corpus Christi More: Here's how Corpus Christi-area schools are preparing for immigration enforcement John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at or Bluesky @ Consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Yahoo
Owner of San Antonio nonprofit that led search for Caleb Harris dead at 47
Nina Glass, the owner of Search and Rescue SATX, a San Antonio-based nonprofit whose team searched last year for missing 21-year-old Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi student Caleb Harris, died on Monday. She was 47. An announcement of her death was published on her organization's website, along with a message to "Rest in Paradise." 'It is with a very sad and heavy heart that we have to announce that the owner of Search and Rescue SATX, Nina Glass, has unexpectedly passed away on Jan. 27, 2025. No details are available at this time, and when more information is obtained and the family wants, it will be released. Please keep Nina and her family in your hearts and prayers. The family is also asking to please respect their privacy at this time. Thank you everyone for your support for Nina and her organization.' Search and Rescue SATX could not be reached for further comment on Wednesday. Glass founded Search and Rescue SATX in 2019. The group collaborates with law enforcement and the community to find missing persons through 'comprehensive search techniques.' On Monday, the creator of the Facebook page 'Talk of Caleb Harris,' Nicole Owens, also wrote a post about Glass. Owens told the Caller-Times that she met Glass through the search for missing person Jason Landry, who disappeared from Luling in December 2020. Through TikTok, they organized a search effort for Harris together, encouraging people to volunteer to look for the student, who was last seen at his off-campus apartment on March 4, 2024. Glass came to Corpus Christi on March 9 and stayed until sometime in April. She traveled from her hometown of San Antonio throughout the year to conduct more searches for the missing student, Owens said. With the help of countless volunteers whom she'd found through the Facebook page and word-of-mouth, Glass' team searched the heavily vegetated areas, fields and drainage ditches around Harris' residence after his disappearance. The group expanded their effort to the Oso Bay Wetland Preserve, Flour Bluff and North Padre Island, bringing in underwater drones to search bodies of water. Owens said she spoke to Glass almost daily, especially during the Caleb Harris search, and helped set up volunteers. She described helping Glass behind the scenes by providing volunteers with meals. 'She worked really hard at trying to find missing people,' Owens said. 'She put everything into it and didn't stop until she knew they had to stop.' People also made donations through social media to cover the cost of hotels and other expenses so that Glass could stay in Corpus Christi, Owens said. 'She raised funds to go down there,' she said. 'I had people in the group who would take turns supplying the food and coffee. People bought things for her — radios, a metal detector, probably a few other things like life jackets and new boots. 'Corpus Christi was super-supportive,' she said. 'They were actually amazing. She grew pretty close to a group of them from Corpus Christi.' Owens said Glass took it personally and felt as if she were 'failing' when she didn't find Harris. Harris' remains were later found in a wastewater station in June and positively identified on July 17. His case is under investigation by the Corpus Christi Police Department. While Glass' cause of death is not known, her daughter found her mother in bed, according to Owens' post on Facebook. She had been sick with the flu and went to lie down, dying in her sleep. Glass' daughter could not be reached for comment on Wednesday. More: Investigation of missing Texas A&M student enters eighth week More: Search for missing Texas A&M student deepens in Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve More: Search for missing Texas A&M student Caleb Harris expands across North Padre Island This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Woman who led search for missing student Caleb Harris dead at 47
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers sound the alarm after making unsettling discovery in blubber of live dolphins: '[It is] a growing global concern'
Pharmaceuticals have a very specific place in human and veterinary medicine. That's why researchers are raising red flags after finding traces of powerful and dangerous drugs like Fentanyl in the blubber of live dolphins from the Gulf of Mexico. A research team led by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) students and faculty unveiled the alarming results in a study published in the journal iScience. The team analyzed 89 dolphin blubber samples with 83 coming from live dolphins and six from deceased ones, per a news release on the study. They uncovered rogue pharmaceuticals in 30 of the dolphins and Fentanyl in 18 of them, including all six of the dead dolphins studied. The results are concerning not just for dolphins but for humans, too. The marine animals eat fish and shrimp, as humans do, which could point to possible unwanted consumption. Accidental ingestion for humans can come with "harmful effects including antibiotic resistance, addiction, overdose, and mortality," said Dr. Dana Orbach, a principal investigator. Orbach added that "pharmaceuticals have become emerging micropollutants and are a growing global concern." "Dolphins are often used as bioindicators of ecosystem health in contaminant research due to their lipid-rich blubber that can store contaminants and be sampled relatively minimally invasively," wrote Orbach. Simply put, the researchers' findings indicate this might be a "long-standing issue in the marine environment," as Orbach asserted. The study uncovered that dolphins from high-risk areas, like ones with oil spills and algal blooms, demonstrated higher levels of pharmaceuticals. Fentanyl was of particular concern due to its extreme potency. "We did find one dead dolphin in Baffin Bay in South Texas within one year of the largest liquid fentanyl drug bust in US history in the adjacent county," Orbach noted. The researchers said that while the impacts of pharmaceutical exposure on marine mammals aren't yet known, their existence should set the stage for more research. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology shared some disturbing impacts of the pollution on wild fish's behavior. Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Increasing monitoring and digging deeper into where contamination is occurring will play a huge role in unearthing how bad the problem is and controlling it effectively. "Our research team emphasizes the need for proactive monitoring of emerging contaminants, especially in regions with large human populations and major fishing or aquaculture industries," said Orbach. Other key moves will be finding ways to purify waters polluted by pharmaceuticals, as a separate research team at Carnegie Mellon took on. Other steps include educating drug providers on how to properly dispose of the drugs and pushing pharmaceutical companies to create "greener" drugs that break down after use. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
