Latest news with #emotionalgrowth
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
You, me, and Claude: This is what a relationship in the AI era looks like
A few weeks ago, a friend told me her teenage son had just entered his first relationship — with a twist. Before sending any message to his girlfriend, he runs it through Claude AI to ensure it's 'perfect.' Assuming she does the same, it's effectively two bots talking to each other on their behalf — a far cry from the awkward, earnest interactions many of us remember from our youth. What struck me wasn't how strange this was but how normal it's becoming. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Claude have become companions for many young people. They offer support, feedback, and a kind of digital mirror to help craft the most polished version of the self. But in doing so, they may also be shaping a generation less tolerant of imperfection and more alienated from real connection. For instance, as my friend aptly said, 'In my day, I'd ask my friends what to say. That was part of the connection, both with them and with the boy I liked.' Now, that moment of closeness is outsourced to a bot. Let me be clear: Claude isn't the enemy. AI has enormous potential, from helping with schoolwork to enhancing creativity. I use it for everything from quick strategic thinking to proofreading this article. But the issue isn't use; it's unreflective overuse. When chatbot support replaces emotional risk, we lose our capacity for mess, friction, and vulnerability. In other words, we lose that very discomfort vital for growth. We Grow in Discomfort We learn who we are not through perfect execution but through mistakes, embarrassment, and failure. If we perpetually outsource the messier parts of life to a tool designed for fluency and control, we risk becoming alienated from ourselves. Take another friend who asks ChatGPT whether their ideas are 'good enough,' or if they're 'going to be okay' in their career. There's nothing inherently wrong with this – we all need reassurance occasionally. However, the issue is that instead of turning to a friend or mentor, he turns to a bot. While that may feel safer, it denies them the chance to be seen by another human and to access the support they need, which can only truly be found in connection with another. This kind of excessive emotional reliance on chatbots is akin to putting a plaster over an infected wound – the pain will worsen, and you won't see it happen. Even in my life, I've noticed a creeping tendency to run everything — emails, thoughts, plans — through AI. It's helpful, yes. But it also risks dulling the edge of intuition and detaching us from the discomfort of growth. I'm not alone in this — many people I speak to report a subtle decline in confidence, creativity, and connection, as if our emotional and professional muscles are atrophying through underuse. This intolerance to discomfort can have real consequences. Anxiety, loneliness, and social withdrawal will spike when human interactions are replaced by something 'safer'. Over time, those unedited and raw moments with others — the bedrocks of intimacy — will become intolerable. Eye contact or phone calls? Forget them — they're way too risky. The awkward pause in a conversation? Intolerable. In addition, while bots may be brilliant at giving information, their responses to emotional questions are often overly positive or confidently wrong. And yet, they're being consulted more and more. Over 50 per cent of US adults now use large language models, and nearly 40 per cent use them regularly. More than 45 per cent of ChatGPT users are under 25 — the demographic most vulnerable to social dysregulation. Worryingly, one poll even found that 80 per cent of Gen Zers said they could imagine marrying an AI, and 83 per cent believed they could form a deep emotional bond with one. These numbers point to a shift — AI tools are becoming emotional companions, not just productivity aids. But bots cannot give us what we need. They can't meet our gaze, sit in our grief, or laugh with us in the mess. They simulate connection without ever providing it. So What Can We Do? We don't need to ban Claude or panic about AI. But we do need to re-centre real connection. That means encouraging young people to tolerate awkward silences, send imperfect texts, say the wrong thing, and learn that they can survive it. It means making room for discomfort (again and again) until it becomes something they trust. For those of us guiding them, maybe the best thing we can do is model what it looks like to be imperfect — to sit with someone struggling, not to fix them, but just to be with them. Because in the end, Claude offers polish but not presence. And it's presence, not perfection, that makes us human.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Yoga, art and nature: Thrive Day inspires pupils at Maidenhill School
PUPILS in Stonehouse spent a day exploring mindfulness, creativity and emotional growth through hands-on activities. The event, known as Thrive Day, took place on Thursday, July 17, at Maidenhill School and was designed to promote wellbeing through the Thrive approach, which focuses on emotional resilience and personal development. It was funded by the school's parent-teacher association (PTA). Andrea Roberts, who organised the event, said: "Thrive Day is about more than just fun. "It's about helping children understand their emotions, build strong relationships and develop the life skills they need to flourish." Children took part in a wide range of activities, including yoga, storytelling, nature exploration, music and creative arts. Each session was designed to support children at their individual stage of emotional development. A yoga teacher from Calm Club led sessions focused on relaxation and body awareness, while former primary headteacher Bill Church delivered live storytelling. Other activities included sensory play, pond dipping, painting and a climbing wall challenge. Eco-themed activities took place in the school's garden with the support of parent volunteer Sarah, giving children the chance to connect with nature through hands-on exploration. Artistic activities ranged from finger painting in the nursery to mandala drawing in Year 6. Classrooms also gathered for Thrive circle time, where pupils shared fruit, played connection games, and reflected on kindness and empathy. The Thrive approach is embedded throughout the federation and focuses on supporting unmet emotional needs, building resilience and celebrating progress. The day brought these principles to life in a practical and engaging way. Mrs Jones, executive headteacher, said: "It was a day full of smiles, laughter and connection. "We saw children shine in ways that go beyond the classroom." The school extended its thanks to the PTA, staff, volunteers, and visiting practitioners who helped make the day possible.
UAE Moments
09-07-2025
- General
- UAE Moments
Today's Moon Mood: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Moon in Virgo Welcome to organized chaos—but make it emotionally charged. With the Moon chilling in practical Virgo, the mood is all about fixing things. Emotionally, mentally, physically… whatever's messy, today's lunar vibes are gently pushing you to tidy it up. Expect a sudden urge to sort your camera roll, make a dentist appointment, or finally reply to that one text you've been avoiding since February. But don't let Virgo's perfectionist streak turn into burnout. Remember: progress > perfection. You're not a spreadsheet; you're a squishy human doing their best. The Vibe Check: Moon Mood Mantra: 'I honor my imperfections and make space to grow without pressure.'
UAE Moments
08-07-2025
- Business
- UAE Moments
♋ Cancer Daily Horoscope for July 8, 2025
Under the Waxing Gibbous Moon in Capricorn, your emotional grace shines. This lunar energy helps transform routine moments into meaningful reflections. It's a day to cherish lessons learned and honor the evolution of your closest bonds. Love & Relationships Your relationships deepen subtly but significantly today. Honest conversations and gentle reassurance foster stronger, richer connections. Celebrate how both you and your loved ones have grown—small adjustments have led to profound closeness. Career & Ambitions Trust your intuition—ideas that arise now are grounded in clarity and foresight. Leadership doesn't require loud impact; your elegant, thoughtful approach at work will be appreciated by peers and superiors alike . Finance Emotional steadiness helps you make practical choices. Focus on resourcefulness rather than impulse. Avoid rash decisions—careful budgeting and small, steady steps strengthen your financial foundations. Health & Well‑being Stability is your keyword. Balance activity with rest: a calm walk, a nourishing meal, or time in nature helps maintain emotional and physical equilibrium. Other Guidance Today encourages unity. Gathering with trusted friends or family can spark inspiration or mutual encouragement. Prioritize connections that feel genuine and uplifting .
CBC
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Your horoscope for the week ahead: It's time to uncover what you've been running from — and why
You may notice a real push-pull energy in the air this week, particularly as the emotion-driving moon waxes into her first quarter in diplomatic Libra on Wednesday. Pay close attention to where tensions arise during this lunation, as the issues that crop up might help to highlight an internal battle between your heart and mind. Try your best to facilitate a conversation between these two entities that exist within you; doing so could push you to become more decisive and even gain a fresh understanding of when — and how — to act. Your interactions with others could become a lot more playful once relationship-ruling Venus enters charming Gemini on Friday. The next few weeks of this transit will encourage us to embrace our quirks and engage each other with curiosity and confidence. Use this as an opportunity to expand your network, charge up your social batteries and really break out of your comfort zone. It's a brilliant time to create new connections through shared interests and exchanging fun facts. Later on Friday, dreamy Neptune will station retrograde in fearless Aries, urging us to emerge from our fantasy worlds, reassess our reality and tune into what's really going on behind the scenes. This transit can sometimes feel like a harsh wake-up call, but it's important not to let any jarring realizations steer you off track. Instead, focus on gathering information and practising self-love as you navigate these next five months. Making an effort to face your fears head on could also allow you to end some negative cycles once and for all. It's time to uncover what you've been running from — and why. Being honest about your desires could become a whole lot easier as love-ruling Venus in outgoing Gemini sextiles organized Saturn in assertive Aries on Sunday. This aspect calls us to celebrate our authenticity and seek out lasting connections that make us feel truly whole. If you're single, this could put you in the mood to initiate intimacy with someone you already trust. Meanwhile, those in relationships can take advantage of this energy to open up an honest dialogue with their partner and discuss how they can bring more passion into their bond. Making plans to reconnect can go a long way to keeping your fire burning bright. Here is your horoscope for the week of Monday, June 30, 2025. Aries Prepare to claim your desires and assert your power, Aries. This week will be a brilliant time to make a list of your most pressing wants and needs — and start taking action to tend to them. Don't be afraid to ask for help as you navigate this process. Remember: the squeaky wheel usually gets the grease. Meanwhile, when it comes to romance, single rams can use this moment to tap into their effortless charm and intellect and really dazzle their dates. Coupled up? Have fun bringing your sunny attitude and boundless energy to your relationship during this period. Taurus Are you willing to loosen up, Taurus? Doing so could help you make magic happen at work this week. You might even find that experimenting with different ways of doing things helps to unlock new opportunities for your career — or kickstarts a powerful journey of self-transformation. Give yourself permission to chase a dream that aligns with your true passions, and nurture it with perseverance and dedication. This energy may also inspire you to put your everyday routines under a microscope and think about how you can optimize them. Looking to the people around you could also prove useful; you can soak up valuable tips and tricks from your inner circle. Gemini Your energy is positively magnetic, Gemini. And when relationship-ruling Venus moves into your sign this week, you may find that people come crashing into your orbit from all angles, often simultaneously asking for — and offering you — advice. Conversation is where you'll shine during this transit, as your quick mind will be able to process and store information with ease. Just keep in mind that this influx of attention can be equal parts intoxicating and draining; be careful not to overextend yourself. This could also be an ideal moment to reassess your social and professional bonds. If you're not getting what you give, it could be time to move on. Cancer Ready to retreat, Cancer? As Venus changes signs this week, you may feel driven to take a step back from social engagements and spend some time getting cosy in your safe space. Use this as an opportunity to block out distractions, escape into your dream world and nurture your closest connections through focused one-on-one time. You may even find that embracing this introspective state encourages you to re-evaluate your career path. Roadblocks that once confounded you could start to make a lot more sense under this influence. Take advantage of this newfound clarity to redefine what you want to accomplish in this lifetime. Leo Timing is everything, Leo. It's important that you keep that top of mind at work this week, as knowing when — and who — to share your gifts with will be key to your success. You have the potential to make a real impact on others during this time, especially when you use the element of surprise. Have fun playing up the drama and bringing extra passion to your delivery — you're sure to leave a lasting impression on others in the process. Meanwhile, you may notice that your talent for socializing heightens, allowing you to make each of your friends and acquaintances feel seen and loved. Don't be afraid to channel this into your professional life, too. Virgo Your analytical mind often spots holes that others miss, Virgo. Don't be afraid to use that to your advantage if you find yourself bursting with all kinds of money-making ideas this week. Your vast experience and common sense could point you toward an entirely new income stream. Just know that exploring it isn't without risk. Diving in will require your bravery — and a backup plan in place. Meanwhile, as Venus changes signs, you may notice that it's easier to gain the respect of others and more people seem to be looking up to you and your accomplishments. This is a wonderful time to call in favours or ask for a promotion at work. Libra Feeling adventurous, Libra? A change of scenery could be just what you need right now, especially if you find yourself yearning for new experiences and intellectual stimulation. If you're single, you may notice that you're most attracted to people who understand the big picture and are interested in delving deeper into life's more philosophical subjects. Meanwhile, those in relationships can seize this time to get away with their partners and explore a small slice of the world together. Connections of all kinds could be put under review as Neptune turns retrograde later in the week. Prepare to evaluate how your energy is being spent and break cycles that no longer serve you. Scorpio Are you ready to do things a bit differently, Scorpio? This week, you may notice your focus shifting toward your closest connections and feel motivated to find new ways of elevating your romantic and familial relationships. Adopting a more flexible way of thinking could be a great place to start; enjoy opening your mind — and heart — to different activities and traditions that you can explore together. You may also find that your emotions become more intense during this period. Use this as motivation to end any negative behaviour cycles that have been preventing you from enriching your bonds. Sagittarius Two heads are often better than one, Sagittarius. You'll be wise to keep that in mind this week, as tapping into new partnerships — whether they're romantic, professional or platonic — could help to give you the edge you've been seeking at work. Have fun finding someone who complements your unique personality and skills. Your existing relationships could also receive a boost under this energy, so don't miss this chance to reconnect with your favourite people over summer activities or even errands. Celebrating the small moments can be underestimated — fill your calendar with plans that let you catch up and check tasks off your to-do list at the same time. Capricorn It's a beautiful time to flex your creative muscles, Capricorn. In fact, giving yourself the space to really explore your imagination could help you come up with a lucrative idea or passion project that you're really excited about. Use your strategic brain to connect the dots and find the best outlet for your skills; just be sure to still allow yourself a few distractions as you get into a groove of efficiency from now through the next few weeks. Capricorns are known for loving a reliable routine, but it's important that you carve out some moments for unexpected fun along the way. Aquarius Don't be afraid to ask, Aquarius. One of your most out-of-the-box home-improvement ideas has the potential to become reality if you play your cards right this week. Your loved ones or roommates are likely to be more open to unconventional thinking during this time, making it an ideal moment to put your most ambitious plan into motion. You may also find yourself swept up by a romantic new outlook this summer and feel driven to invite more life and whimsy into your space. If you're single, this could be a perfect opportunity to entertain at home and allow new people into your inner world. Partnered water-bearers may also enjoy surprising their guests with unforgettable experiences. Pisces Tend to your safe space, Pisces. As Venus changes signs this week, you'll be called to block out the static of the outside world and allow the comforts of home to pull you in. This transit will give you the perfect opportunity to gather your focus and recalibrate your energy. Enjoy taking it easy for now so you're ready to ramp things up as temperatures continue to rise. Your relationship with the material world might also begin to shift this week, urging you to learn more about how to create and exchange value. You may even become aware of certain habits or practices that no longer align with your goals. Use this as motivation to make some big lifestyle changes.
