Latest news with #selfdiscovery
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I'm a solo traveller who has been to 60 countries. These are the places you MUST visit and the very popular destinations to skip - including the region I'll never go back to: EMILY LUXTON
Boarding a flight to Bangkok back in 2016 – the beginning of my first ever solo trip – I remember thinking: I don't think I can do this. Arriving in the hectic, humid city to a cacophony of voices screaming 'TAXI!' wasn't much comfort, either. But I was there for a reason. A few months previously I had split from my boyfriend, realising we wanted different things (him to settle down, me to see the world). After a good few weeks vegetating on the couch, it was my younger brother who finally gave me the courage to take the plunge and head out travelling – all on my own.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I went on a wild sex rampage with dozens of men decades younger than me after my hubby got his secretary pregnant
1 DEAR DEIDRE: MY husband of 22 years left me for a younger model and so I did what any other self respecting single woman in her late 40s would do - I hit the dating scene hard and what I discovered has truly shocked and thrilled me. I've learned more in the past 20 weeks about sex and fun than I did in two decades of marriage. And there are plenty of men, most of whom are A LOT younger than me, who like the fact I'm older and more self assured. I've learned to expect questions about my sexual preferences within the first message or two, understand that sending nudes is this generation's version of flirting and the biggest difference - that everyone expects you to keep your options open while dating. So far I've been out with ten men and I don't regret a single date. So while my ex made me feel washed up and undesirable these men have reignited something in me. After discovering our marriage had become a cliché - he was having an affair with his secretary - he moved out and set up home with her within one month. I was still unravelling when weeks later he told me he was going to be a dad to their unborn child. Our son and daughter are young adults now but it still hurt that he was moving on so quickly. Feeling low and rejected, I decided I needed to pick myself up and start having some fun myself. One night I asked a good girlfriend around and together we tentatively made a profile for me. Within ten minutes of uploading I was getting matches and a significant number of them were in their 20s. I'm 47 and thought it was a joke but my friend encouraged me to respond to a couple of them who looked fun. Dear Deidre: Spotting the signs your partner is cheating Since then I have been on the wildest ride and have discovered that dating has changed an awful lot since I was in my 20s. I've gone from, boring stay-at-home wife, to having a huge sexual re-awakening and the time of my life. The first time I went on a date was with a 28-year-old electrician. Suspicious, I asked if he was taking the mick. He convinced me he genuinely thought I was gorgeous and wanted to see an older woman 'because we aren't as needy'. And since then the young men keep on coming. I can't believe it and my married girlfriends are so jealous. The only time I felt out of my depth was when one man started squeezing my throat during sex. I was so shocked I demanded to know what he was doing. Surprised, he replied that he thought women liked it. He stopped straight away but that rattled me. I'm currently seeing three different men and they all bring different things to the party. But there is one guy in particular who I really like and he's started to make sounds that he'd like to settle with me. But how can I settle with a 29 year old? That's nearly two decades difference! DEIDRE SAYS: It is good that you have built your confidence back up and you're having fun. You are right to be wary of hurtling head first into a relationship with a much younger man. There is lots to consider - first and foremost how your children will react. And just as importantly; do you both want the same things from life? The biggie is the question of children of course. You've had your kids, do you realistically want the responsibility of a tiny newborn again? There is no two ways about it, two decades is significant but he is an adult, so you could of course both make it work. But you need to be realistic and society, your social network and family may not be so accepting. It sounds like the time has come to have an honest conversation about what you are both looking for. And as hard as it will be to end it with him, better to do that now before your lives become further entwined, if there is realistically no future. If you are ready to settle down (and the fact you have started to fall for this one man, suggests you are) but things don't work out with him, perhaps it's time to slow down and make sure you are seeing men with the same outlook as you. My support pack Age Gaps gives more advice. Dear Deidre's Age Gap Files Deidre's mailbag is stashed full with age gap relationship problems. One reader struggled to move on after her younger lover dropped her after sex, a different subscriber wrote in because he fell head over heels for the older woman who uses him as a booty call, while one woman couldn't move on after her toyboy dumped her for his ex. AGE GAPS – CAN THEY WORK? It's a question that gets asked a lot - often with a raised eyebrow: can relationships with a significant age difference actually work? In short: sometimes yes, sometimes no. The success of an age-gap relationship isn't always about the numbers, it's about how those numbers show up in our every day life. When both partners are at similar life stages - emotionally, socially and sexually - an gap of five, ten or even 20 years can feel irrelevant. But when one person is still figuring themselves out and the other is settled into long-term routines and commitments, those differences in lifestyles can quietly drive a wedge and cause problems in the relationship. Age gaps often bring hidden power dynamics. Who has more money, more life experience, more social capital? Who's compromising more to bridge that gap? These imbalances don't automatically mean a relationship is unhealthy, but it's important that they're acknowledged. Society tends to judge these pairings differently depending on who is older. Older man, younger woman? Often framed as classic or aspirational. Older woman, younger man? Cue the jokes, suspicion or backhanded compliments. However, for some women, dating younger is about energy, openness and sexual chemistry. For others, it's about finally being able to pursue what they want without being tethered to patriarchal expectations of settling down, caregiving or shrinking themselves. However, the power dynamic isn't always as one-sided as people assume. Many younger men are drawn to older women because of their confidence, emotional intelligence, and clarity about life. These are not naive boys and predatory women - they're adults navigating attraction that often feels more genuine than conventionally 'suitable' pairings. The reality is, all relationships come with challenges. Age-gap dynamics are just one version of that. If you share values, communicate well, and genuinely want the same things, an age difference doesn't have to be a red flag. But if you find yourself constantly adjusting your behaviour to fit into someone else's life - or if the age gap is being used to control, impress or mould you - it's worth asking why that person was attracted to the dynamic in the first place. Ask me and my counsellors anything Every problem get a personal and private reply from one of my trained counsellors within one working day. Sally Land is the Dear Deidre Agony Aunt. She achieved a distinction in the Certificate in Humanistic Integrative Counselling, has specialised in relationships and parenting. She has over 20 years of writing and editing women's issues and general features. Passionate about helping people find a way through their challenges, Sally is also a trustee for the charity Family Lives. Her team helps up to 90 people every week. Sally took over as The Sun's Agony Aunt when Deidre Sanders retired from the The Dear Deidre column four years ago. The Dear Deidre Team Of Therapists Also Includes: Kate Taylor: a sex and dating writer who is also training to be a counsellor. Kate is an advisor for dating website OurTime and is the author of five self-help books. Jane Allton: a stalwart of the Dear Deidre for over 20 years. Jane is a trained therapist, who specialises in family issues. She has completed the Basic Counselling Skills Level 1, 2, and 3. She also achieved the Counselling and Psychotherapy (CPCAB) Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Studies. Catherine Thomas: with over two decades worth of experience Catherine has also trained as a therapist, with the same credentials as Jane. She specialises in consumer and relationship issues. Fill out and submit our easy-to-use and confidential form and the Dear Deidre team will get back to you. You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page or email us at: deardeidre@
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Bachelor Madison Prewett reveals battle with porn and masturbation addiction as she 'tried to live for Jesus'
Bachelor #24 runner-up Madison Prewett Troutt revealed how she overcame her addictions to porn and masturbation, which 'had been a struggle' as far back as middle school. 'I was about 13 years old. I went over to a friend's house and her parents weren't around and she turned on this show that was extremely inappropriate,' the 29-year-old new mother recalled on her Stay True Podcast on Monday. 'Literally everyone was naked and it was like The Bachelor but, like, way worse and everyone was naked and everyone was trying to like fight for this like one woman's attention and and it was all about like sex and sexual relationships.' Madi continued: 'My body started feeling things that I had never felt before and I started wondering things that I'd never wondered before and then desiring it and then wanting it and and so I left that time with my friend like genuinely so curious about that and wanting it more.' Prewett's yearnings prompted her to search the Internet for X-rated content promising 'satisfaction and pleasure' and 'maybe it did for a moment but then as soon as the moment ended I felt so much shame and I was living in secret shame.' 'I was about 13 years old. I went over to a friend's house and her parents weren't around and she turned on this show that was extremely inappropriate,' the 29-year-old new mother recalled on her Stay True Podcast on Monday 'I questioned my worth and my identity. Every time I gave into sexual sin, I didn't know my purpose,' the Alabama-born brunette explained. 'I was not able to break free until I brought other people into it, until I stopped letting the enemy run my life with living in secrecy and living in isolation.' Madi continued: 'Thankfully, by the grace of God and by the power of Godly community and people around me, I have been free from porn and masturbation for — I don't even know — 10 years. But that was something that enslaved me and marked me for so long.' Prewett and her husband of two years, pastor Grant Troutt, welcomed their first child, five-month-old daughter Hosanna Rose Troutt, on January 20. It's hard to believe it's only been five years since Delta Air Lines pilot Peter Weber dumped his winning fiancée Hannah Ann Sluss for the former foster parent recruiter, who split from him just three days after the ABC dating competition's finale. The Bachelorette has four winning couples still together, and the odds are much better on Bachelor in Paradise where 10 winning couples remain together. Prewett continued: 'I was not able to break free until I brought other people into it, until I stopped letting the enemy run my life with living in secrecy and living in isolation' It's hard to believe it's only been five years since Delta Air Lines pilot Peter Weber (R) dumped his winning fiancée Hannah Ann Sluss for Prewett, who split from him just three days after the ABC dating competition's finale Madi is next scheduled to speak on July 18 at the Lifepoint Church Youth Conference in Fredericksburg, VA. On September 23, WaterBrook will publish Prewett's 240-page faith-based book Dare to Be True: Defeat the Lies That Bind You and Live Out the Truth That Frees You. Madi - who boasts 4.1M social media followers - is also every bit the influencer with paid partnerships for brands like Cupshe, Amazon, Gameday Couture, Sun Home Saunas, and Natural Cycles.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hallmark Star, 53, Makes Major Career Announcement
Hallmark Star, 53, Makes Major Career Announcement originally appeared on Parade. Hallmark actress Jennie Garth is set to release a memoir. On June 25, People magazine confirmed the exciting news — and shared a photo of the book's cover. The title is the same as the name of Garth's podcast, I Choose Me. "Inspired by her thought-provoking podcast of the same name – Jennie brings her signature mix of warmth, honesty and humor to this deeply personal book about self-discovery and reclaiming your power," an official synopsis reads. "Through fame, heartbreak, motherhood and personal reinvention, Jennie discovered the transformative power of putting herself first. By learning to prioritize her own needs and desires, she found the strength to thrive — and to uplift others." Garth, 53, has also shared a statement about the book, which will be released in April 2026. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 "I wanted to share the messy, beautiful truth of what it takes to rediscover yourself — through motherhood, heartbreak, aging and reinvention. My hope is that every woman who reads it feels seen, supported and inspired to put herself first without," she said. Earlier this month, Garth made headlines when she posted photos from a shoot that she did for Third Love. "I never thought I'd be doing my first underwear shoot at 53… but here we are! And I've never felt more confident, or comfortable in my skin," she captioned an Instagram post. "I'm proud to be part of this moment—not just because it's a first for me, but because it's with a brand that genuinely supports women through every phase of life, including menopause." Hallmark Star, 53, Makes Major Career Announcement first appeared on Parade on Jun 25, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Vogue
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue
What's In Keke Palmer's Bag? Mom Essentials and Tons of Snacks
Keke Palmer leads a busy life. As a mom, actor, and singer, you could say the star has her hands very full at the moment. (Her personal new album, Just Keke—exploring themes of love, motherhood, and self-discovery—released last week.) That got us thinking: What exactly does someone like Palmer pack when she travels—and tote around daily—to ensure that she always stays ready? We found out in Vogue's latest installment of In the Bag, where Palmer shared all of her essentials. Being a quintessential Virgo, Palmer shared that she first organizes her bigger bag with two smaller bags—including an 'outfit bag,' courtesy of Chanel. Inside all of these compartments you'll find her daily must-haves, including everything from glasses ('your girl is blind!') to supplements, journals, and tons of snacks. Her beauty staples include her trustee SPF by La Roche-Posay. 'I would not be caught dead without it,' says Palmer. The star is also currently huge on taking her supplements, including Selenium, Vitamin C, D3, K2, and electrolytes. 'When I turned 30, my knees started cracking,' says Palmer. 'I was popping and locking. I said, 'Girl, it's time to start taking care of you.'' As a proud mother to her son, Leo, Palmer also admits that much of her bag centers around his current needs and wants. She pulls out one of his toy cars, and some cookies. 'Leo loves cookies,' she says. 'Mama loves them too. Sometimes, they go missing, because she done ate 'em.' Speaking of snacks, Palmer shares that she always has some treats on her person—including her favorite one, some freeze-dried soup. 'You drop this in a hot cup of water, and you get exactly what you need,' says Palmer. When the star proceeds to pull out her trustee passport, she was also reminded of another surprising favorite snack she had in Croatia. 'They had the best nachos I've ever had in my life,' she shares. 'Can you believe it?' Booking our ticket now. Above, watch the full video. Director: Gabrielle Reich Director of Photography: Paola Oliveros Editor: Sara Rao Producer: Chase Lewis Associate Producer: Lea Donenberg Gaffer: Christopher Mitchell Audio: Tony Charles Production Assistant: Erica Palmieri Production Coordinator: Tanía Jones Production Manager: Kristen Helmick Line Producer: Natasha Soto-Albors Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds Post Production Coordinator: Holly Frew Supervising Editor: Kameron Key Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch Talent Manager: Phoebe Dishner Executive Producer: Rahel Gebreyes Senior Director, Digital Video: Romy van den Broeke Senior Director, Programming: Linda Gittleson VP, Video Programming: Thespena Guatieri
