How to Keep a Girl Interested over Text Examples

Texting a girl is a great way to get to know her and learn more about her. Thinking of what to say and making sure your conversation is interesting can be tough, though, especially if you tend to overthink things. We’ve compiled a list of ways you can keep your text convo interesting and never run out of things to say.

Steps

Give her a compliment.

1. It will make her feel good about herself. Plus, you can tell her how cool she is so she gets the message that you like her. If your conversation is getting a little boring, flatter her with something about her personality. Stay away from anything about her looks, since that might make her uncomfortable. Try things like:^[1]
   
   • “I love talking to you. You always know how to make me laugh!”
   • “You have the best taste out of anyone I know. Could you help me pick a birthday gift for my sister?”
   • “I can’t believe you got the best grade in our class. You’re so smart!”

Ask open-ended questions.

1. Pick questions she can’t answer with “yes” or “no.” It will keep your conversation flowing well, and you can answer the questions as you go along, too.^[2] If you think of anything to ask her, try rephrasing it so she answers with a full sentence or a paragraph. Try things like:^[3]
   
   • “Which do you prefer: dogs or cats?”
   • “If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?”
   • “What’s your favorite video game?”

Follow up on something she told you about.

1. Show her that you remember your previous conversations. If there’s anything you two talked about previously that you want to talk about again, bring it up in a funny, casual way. You could also ask her how a specific event went or how her hobbies are going. Try something like:^[4]
   
   • “So, you said you’re Drake’s biggest fan? What’d you think of his latest single?”
   • “You said you had a swim meet yesterday, right? How’d that go?”
   • “Have you been rock climbing a lot this summer? It’s been so nice out!”

Tell her a cool story.

1. You don’t have to brag, but try to show her that you’re interesting.^[5] Maybe you just went on vacation, bought a new car, or got a new pet. If there’s anything cool that just happened to you, tell her about it over text to keep her interested in you. Say something like:^[6]
   
   • “OMG, the craziest thing just happened to me. I went to Starbucks and I saw Jenna Fischer ordering a latte! I was way too nervous to say hi.”
   • “I just adopted a new dog! His name is Rocky, he’s the cutest thing ever.”

Ask her deep questions about herself.

1. Get to know her personally over texts. You can ask about her childhood, her goals, and her aspirations in life. The more you talk about deep things like these, the more you two will form a connection. Ask questions like:^[7]
   
   • “Who are you closest to in your family?”
   • “What’s a happy memory from your childhood?”
   • “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”

Create an inside joke with her.

1. If you know her IRL, make fun of something silly that’s happened. Maybe you have a math teacher who’s never on time to class, or maybe you saw a really bad movie together last week. Remind her of it and make her laugh by saying something like:^[8]
   
   • “Uh oh, I’m running late today. You might as well call me Mr. Brown.”
   • “Saw a dog today that totally reminded me of the movie we saw. I can’t believe how terrible it was!”

Start a fun debate.

1. Bring up something silly that you two can “fight” over. Pick something totally random, like whether or not a hot dog is a sandwich. It will pique her interest, and you two can disagree over text while having a funny conversation. For instance:^[9]
   
   • “Is Santa Claus evil? Why or why not?”
   • “Being a dog mom is a full time job. Agree or disagree?”
   • “Can soup be a drink?”

Text pics of what you’re up to.

1. Spice up your conversation with a few fun pics. If you’re out and about, text her about what you’re doing and send along a photo to show her your perspective. You can also send her these over Snapchat, but there’s something a little more special about messaging them to her directly.^[10]
   
   • For instance, if you’re watching a football game in person, you might send a pic of the field at half time.
   • Or, if you’re at a water park, take a quick selfie in front of the slides.

Avoid sending one-word responses.

1. This can really throw off a conversation. If she’s asking you questions or sending you messages, don’t reply with just “yup” or “okay.”^[11] She might think you’re not interested, and she could even stop texting you all together.^[12]
   
   • You should also try to avoid texting her more than twice in a row. Sending double texts can seem a little desperate, and you don’t want to come on too strong.

Ask her to meet up in person.

1. Texting is nice, but an in-person convo is even better. If you can, try to steer the conversation toward meeting up in real life as soon as possible.^[13] You can suggest a place to get the ball rolling and see what she says.^[14]
   
   • Say something like, “I’ve had a ton of fun talking to you over text. Would you want to grab coffee this weekend?”
   • Or, “I know you like hiking—wanna show me a trail this weekend?”
   • Instead, wait until you see her in person to dive into serious topics!

Questions and Compliments to Keep a Girl Interested over Text

Sample Questions to Keep Someone Interested over Text

Sample Questions to Keep Someone Interested over Text

Sample Compliments to Keep Someone Interested over Text

Sample Compliments to Keep Someone Interested over Text

Tips

• It’s hard to text somebody 24/7. You can text her as often as you’d like, but try to save some conversation for when you two meet up in person.

References

1. ↑ https://www.seventeen.com/love/dating-advice/g23841958/how-to-text-a-girl/?slide=4
2. ↑ [v161232_b01]. 5 November 2019.
3. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a34719771/how-to-flirt-over-texts/
4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=320&v=7FgH_sx0Ujs&feature=youtu.be
5. ↑ [v161232_b01]. 5 November 2019.
6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42ZYH0hR4Po&t=467s
7. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/flirty-text-messages-examples#slide-8
8. ↑ https://www.seventeen.com/love/dating-advice/g23841958/how-to-text-a-girl/?slide=6
9. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a34719771/how-to-flirt-over-texts/
10. ↑ https://www.seventeen.com/love/dating-advice/g23841958/how-to-text-a-girl/?slide=8
11. ↑ [v161232_b01]. 5 November 2019.
12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=165&v=rPegBFyeS4E&feature=youtu.be
13. ↑ [v161232_b01]. 5 November 2019.
14. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=530&v=7FgH_sx0Ujs&feature=youtu.be

source How to of the Day https://ift.tt/Qropadh

How to Love You vs I Love You

These two seemingly similar phrases can actually mean quite different things

So your partner says “love you” instead of “I love you,” or maybe your friend just texted you “I love you,” and despite your best efforts, you can’t figure out what they’re trying to say. Do they love you-love you, or just like you? Deciphering the meaning between these two seemingly similar phrases can be kind of confusing. Isn’t love supposed to be easy? Lucky for you, dear reader, it can be. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between these two phrases and help you decide how to respond.

Steps

What’s the difference between “I love you” and “Love you?”

1. “I love you” is more serious. You’d be surprised what one little “I” in a sentence can do to change the sincerity of a phrase. Saying “I love you” as opposed to “love you” shows a degree of ownership over your emotions for that person and implies that you not only care for them romantically or platonically (friends and family) but that you trust and respect them too.^[1]
   
   • “I love you, Alex. I’ve been feeling this way for a while now and decided I just had to tell you.”
   • “I love you, Jenna. I won the jackpot having you as my child.”
   • “Have I told you that I love you yet today? You’re the best partner anyone could ask for.”
2. “Love you” is more casual. Unlike “I love you,” “love you” is a kind phrase shared between friends, family, or whoever you feel like being nice to. Like “thank you,” “love you” can also be used to express gratitude or appreciation.^[2]
   
   • “You seriously saved my life helping me with that assignment the other night. Love you!”
   • “Love you, see you at Emma’s house tonight.”
   • “Haha, love you. You’re the best!”

Responding to “I Love You”

1. “I’m so glad you told me. I love you too!”{endbold} If you feel lucky to be the recipient of someone’s sincere love for you and want to reciprocate the sentiment, be brave and say it back! The great thing is they’ve already gotten the hardest part out of the way by telling you first.^[3]
   
2. “Thank you for telling me that. I’m going to need some time to think things through.”{endbold} Sometimes, someone confessing their feelings for you can catch you off guard. This example clearly communicates that you need time to process the information you’ve just received.
   
   • If you don't want to hurt the person, try figuring out a way to show appreciation while acknowledging that you're not reciprocating those same feelings in that moment. For instance, you might say that you care about them.^[4]
3. “I’m flattered but I see you more as a friend.”{endbold} If you know you can’t reciprocate your friends’ romantic affection for you, it’s best to communicate openly and honestly. Letting them know your feelings respectfully is the best way to deal with this situation.
   

Responding to “Love You”

1. “You’re the best. Love you too.”{endbold} If you feel comfortable, reciprocate the sentiment. “Love you” can be used super casually between friends to show affection and sometimes even strangers to show playful friendliness, so you don’t need to think too much about saying it back.^[5]
   
2. “Love you, girl!”{endbold} Keep it casual. This fun phrase works great when used in passing or when commenting on a friend’s social media post.
   
3. “Haha, thanks!”{endbold} If saying “love you” makes you uncomfortable, go with your gut and respond in a way that’s true to you. There’s nothing wrong with a simple “thank you.”
   

When to Say “I Love You”

1. Say “I love you” when you want to express deep romantic feelings. Recognizing that you love someone is a beautiful, scary, and exciting thing. If you find yourself wanting to tell your special person that you love them, take the leap and go for it. It’s better to know that you were honest with yourself and them than to live with the regret of “what if?” Who knows, this could be the start of something amazing!^[6]
   
   • “We’ve been dating for a while now, and I want to tell you that I love you.”
   • “Jess, I love you. We’ve been friends for so long, but things have changed for me, and I hope they have for you, too.”
   • “This might come as a surprise to you, but I love you. You don’t have to say it back yet, or if you need some time to think about it. I just had to tell you.”
   • Keep in mind that saying "I love you" usually indicates that you want to be in a committed relationship with this person, so make sure you're ready for that step before taking the plunge.
   • So these may be good signs to look for before saying the big three words!
2. Say “I love you” when you want to express deep platonic love. Whether you care deeply for a friend, family member, or otherwise, “I love you” is appropriate to use in serious moments with the people you value most. “I love you” is always more meaningful than “love you.”^[7]
   
   • “I love you, Mom. Thank you for making me the person I am today.”
   • “Your friendship means so much to me. I love you, Alex.”
   • “You’ve always been there for me through everything, Coach Johnson. I love you.”

When to Say “Love You”

1. Say “love you” when you want to be friendly or say thank you. “Love you” is a fun and casual way to make your friends and family feel special, and it’s so important to let them know you care.^[8] These days, “love you” is used more as a sign of friendliness than as a way to declare your serious feelings for someone.
   
   • “Love you!”
   • “You always make me laugh, love you for that.”
   • “Love you, Jack. See you at school tomorrow.”

When should you say “I am in love with you” vs. “I love you?”

1. Say “I am in love with you” when expressing your feelings for someone for the first time. “I am in love with you” is explicitly reserved for telling someone that you love them romantically. If you’ve fallen and want someone to know for sure, tell them that you are in love with them.^[9]
   
   • “I’m in love with you, Max.”
   • “With all this time we’ve been spending together, I’ve really fallen for you. I am in love with you, Margot.
   • “I do so much for you because I’m in love with you. You deserve it.”
2. Say “I love you” if your romantic feelings are already established. If you’ve already confessed your love for your romantic partner, saying “I love you” whenever you feel inclined to do so is perfectly adequate. Since your partner already knows your feelings for them, you don’t have to say “I am in love with you” every time you want to let them know you care.^[10]
   
   • “Gosh, I love you! You look gorgeous today.”
   • “Thank you for the extra support today. I love you, Erica.”
   • “I love you. You make me so proud to call you my partner.”

Video

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/relationships/love-is-a-choice-more-than-a-feeling#tips-to-choose-love
2. ↑ https://licensedmentalhealthcounselor.org/2014/10/23/i-love-you-versus-love-you-is-there-a-difference/
3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/think-act-be/202003/why-is-it-so-hard-say-i-love-you
4. ↑ [v161878_b01]. 12 August 2021.
5. ↑ https://licensedmentalhealthcounselor.org/2014/10/23/i-love-you-versus-love-you-is-there-a-difference/
6. ↑ https://licensedmentalhealthcounselor.org/2014/10/23/i-love-you-versus-love-you-is-there-a-difference/
7. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/relationships/love-is-a-choice-more-than-a-feeling#tips-to-choose-love
8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860
9. ↑ https://www.livescience.com/33720-14-scientifically-proven-signs-love.html
10. ↑ https://chastity.com/2020/06/when-should-you-say-i-love-you-2/

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How to Be More Spontaneous

Learn to embrace the unexpected and take more risks

Some structure in your life can be comforting, but when you feel like your days are getting dull and repetitive, it might be time to shake things up a bit. Getting out of your comfort zone and injecting some spontaneity into your routine can keep things unpredictable and fun. We’ve compiled the best ways for you to break out of old habits and reinvigorate your daily life, with expert tips from life coaches Rachel Clissold and Sandra Possing on how to take risks that are sure to pay off.

How to Be Spontaneous

Make a list of all your current routines so you can find ways to break them. You can start small, like going on a sunset walk or taking the scenic route to work. Then, try new cuisines, hobbies, and activities, like signing up for a new gym. Say "yes" more and connect with new people. Take a trip without an itinerary.

Steps

How to be a More Spontaneous Person

1. Make a list of your routines. This will help you pinpoint the areas of your life that could use some loosening up. What patterns do you repeat? It might seem counterintuitive, but making a note of every time you do something that feels routine will help you figure out where you can start to loosen up.^[1]
   
   • Ask yourself questions like: Do I walk the same route every day? Do I sit in the same desk during classes? Do I bring the same kind of things for lunch or order the same meal at a restaurant?
   • Note your downtime activities. Do you sit at home or are you active?
   • If you’re struggling to identify routines, ask your family members or friends to point out your habits.
2. Write down the anxieties holding you back from change. Ask yourself, “What's so scary about change?” Write these anxieties down next to the steps in your routine. Try to be as specific as possible. Figuring out your self-judgements and limiting beliefs allows you to recognize when your negative inner voice is holding you back from spontaneity, rather than a true, external limitation (like time or money).^[2]
   
   • Check in with yourself: What's scary about sitting next to a stranger and being drawn into conversation? What keeps you from visiting that new restaurant?^[3]
3. Add a few new activities to your routine to shift your mindset. Create small habits based around gratitude and being present. Part of spontaneity is about openness—freeing yourself to enjoy the moment and shifting your perspective towards positivity. Add a larger routine shift by exercising or learning to meditate, or you can try out some of the smaller habits below.^[4]
   
   • Take a photo of something beautiful on the way to work.^[5]
   • Write down three things that went well for you at least once a week and what contributed to them going well.^[6]
   • Pick one enjoyable activity (like reading a book, watching your favorite TV series), and plan it into your evening so you have something to look forward to at the end of the workday.^[7]
   • Life coach Rachel Clissold assures that even small changes can go a long way. She says, “It's the simple things. If you love to watch the sunrise, get up and watch the sunrise. It can be as simple as adding 5 minutes to your work commute to take the scenic route.”^[8]
     • Clissold additionally suggests things like going to a different café for lunch, trying a new cuisine, and joining a gym.^[9]
4. Clear part of your schedule and see where the day takes you. Break completely from your routine by leaving true free time. Take an hour, an afternoon, or however much time you’d like to unwind and try something new. Avoid scheduling activities, and see what opportunities come up! Some routine is good—having habits like exercise, regular self-care, and meditating or praying can keep us productive and comfortable—but leaving free time can refresh your perspective on life.^[10]
   
   • Use the time to take a class or learn about a hobby you’ve always wanted to try.
   • Wander around town and see if there are cool places or events to check out.
   • Give yourself a day off from chores and go for a hike, cook an elaborate meal, or play video games instead.
   • Life coach Sandra Possing challenges you to let go of all expectations when trying new things. According to Possing, the goal isn’t for your new hobby to become your new career.^[11]
     • She advises, “Just getting into the action [of trying new things] creates energy and it gives you more information. And then you find yourself in this process of trying things, being in action, and learning more about yourself and the world.”^[12]
     • She adds, “So it just becomes this really active exploration where you’re willing to try things without being so analytical and having to have it all figured out.”^[13]
5. Act on cravings and spur-of-the-moment ideas. Tune into feelings about what you want to do. If you develop a craving to eat pizza late at night or to become a vegetarian over the weekend, what's stopping you? It's easy to come up with reasons not to do things. Instead of worrying about whether your whim will eventually fail or whether you'll regret your choice, just go for it.^[14]
   
   • Start by asking yourself how you feel about something instead of dismissing your ideas and wants.
   • Use common sense. Don’t act on impulses that are illegal, extremely unhealthy, or that put you in danger.
   • Clissold shares how important it is to do things from a place of authenticity: “When you're doing something that's coming from a space of alignment— that really helps you to stick to it.”^[15]
   • Possing believes that many people feel the need to follow a strict schedule in order to feel in control of their lives. However, she encourages curiosity as a means of breaking free from the confines of routine.^[16]
     • She says, “Take imperfect action, especially inspired imperfect action, without overthinking it.”^[17]
6. Connect with new people. Feeling stuck in a routine can get lonely, so the next time you go out or plan an evening at home, ask someone to join you. Studies show that engaging with other people, even talking to strangers on your commute, can boost your positive emotions.^[18]
   
   • If your average night looks like enjoying a few beers on the porch or cooking dinner, make it a significant event by including an old friend you’ve lost touch with or would like to get to know better.
   • Strike up a conversation with a stranger by asking about your surroundings. For instance, if you’re at a café, try saying something like, “Wow, the line’s really long today. Have you ever seen it this busy in here?”
7. Say yes when a friend asks you to do something. The next time a friend asks you to try out a new restaurant or go see a movie, say yes. Taking "no" out of your vocabulary opens up a world of possibilities. Just keep in mind that saying yes isn't about forcing yourself to do things that’ll make you deeply uncomfortable—it's about getting yourself to do things you might like and never get around to.^[19]
   
   • Act in your best interest. If you have absolutely no desire to go to that glow-in-the-dark bubble rave or if you can’t afford that restaurant, don't go.
   • As you find activities or new places you like, focus your energy on pursuing those opportunities. Use your spontaneity to make life more enjoyable, not more hectic or challenging.
   • Clissold suggests that you approach situations with a childlike curiosity and energy: “Embrace that inner child that just wants to play, and share, and express.”^[20]
8. Go on an impromptu adventure with a friend. Wait to choose a specific activity until you arrive somewhere. By avoiding over-planning, you can prevent planning from feeling like a chore and keep yourself open to new and exciting opportunities. Offer to meet up with a friend in an unfamiliar part of town and spend the day exploring. You never know what you might find!^[21]
   
   • Meet downtown for lunch, and walk around to decide on a restaurant instead of planning ahead-of-time.
   • Go on a walking tour of your city instead of picking a specific destination.
   • Drive to a movie theater and pick a movie to see once you get there.
   • Look through a thrift store or antique market and look for the wildest thing you can find.
9. Switch up the location where you work, study, or eat. Change your environment to get a new perspective. Mixing up the place where you work or study might even help you improve your brain’s ability to process and retain information.^[22] Check in with yourself once you make a small change. Does the change make you feel better or more anxious?
   
   • Take a different route to work.
   • Bring your lunch for a picnic outside instead of eating in the cafeteria.
   • Call a friend and meet for drinks downtown instead of going straight home after work.
   • Study in the library instead of at a coffee shop.
10. Take a trip without a full itinerary. Leave unplanned time to keep yourself open to new adventures. For nearby vacations, just get in the car and drive until you find a place you’d like to stop and explore. For trips overseas or farther away, only plan the minimum logistical necessities like booking a plane ticket, finding a place to stay, etc. Once you get to a new place, follow your instincts about what you’d like to do and see.^[23]
    
    • Ask a local for advice on what to do, or check out a local paper for listings of concerts, festivals, and activities.^[24]
    • Use the “near me” feature in mapping apps on your phone to pick fun activities once you get to a spot.
    • You don’t have to spend a lot of money to take a trip. Spend a weekend in the adjacent town or go for a scenic drive.

Benefits of Being Spontaneous

1. You’ll never be bored. Spontaneity is synonymous with freedom and doing things on a whim, leading to excitement no matter how mundane other aspects of life might be. A spontaneous person can still have a 9-to-5 job and not let it hold them back. They practice the art of discovery and will constantly tune into different kinds of music, cuisines, projects, and friend groups. Ultimately, being spontaneous means never experiencing a dull moment!^[25]
   
2. It breeds creativity. Spontaneity and creativity are significantly linked, as one creates the other. Being spontaneous involves acting without a plan, embracing the unknown, and reacting in the moment, all of which play important roles in enhancing cognitive function. Spontaneous folk tend to be innovative thinkers, artists, and creatives, able to break the confines of routine thought patterns to achieve noteworthy breakthroughs.^[26]
   
3. It nurtures flexibility and adaptability. If you’re a person who thrives with a structured routine, you may not be super open to change. Although this isn’t necessarily a disadvantage in every situation, practicing spontaneity can help you become more adaptable whenever plans do take a different course, which is a great skill to have, as life has many ups and downs. Learning how to be more spontaneous can help you embrace the unexpected with confidence and poise.
   
4. Spontaneity can lead to less stress. The ability to adapt well to change allows the brain to relax, even in the face of adversity. This ultimately leads to a lower stress lifestyle, as spontaneous people tend to have loads of experience with perseverance and resilience. Their adventurous attitudes help them learn that life continues on, no matter what, and going with the flow is all part of journey.^[27]
   

Common Challenges When Becoming More Spontaneous

1. Fear of change or the unknown{endbold} Most people with rigid routines have a fear of change or the unknown. They tend to protect themselves by keeping a very strict schedule and rarely deviating from it. These phobias may come as a result of a chaotic childhood filled with instability and can manifest themselves in damaging ways in adulthood. For example, having a fear of accepting a promotion that comes with a relocation to a new city might create feelings of anxiety and stress, instead of excitement.^[28]
   
   • Practicing spontaneity can help us embrace newness with optimism and grace, proving again and again that earlier fears were unfounded.
2. Need for control{endbold} Relinquishing control is a huge part of learning to be more spontaneous. Individuals who place a high value on control in their daily lives may be dealing with feelings of anxiety, insecurity, and powerlessness, often confusing control with power. A need for control can be a result of witnessing or experiencing controlling behaviors earlier in life, making control a formative aspect in their lives.^[29]
   
   • Some research shows that control is connected to survival instincts as humans seek to minimize negative consequences.
3. Societal pressures{endbold} Modern-day society places a big emphasis on leading a structured, productive life. Influencers share glimpses into their morning routines, beginning with a 5 AM workout, and are generally praised for getting so much done so early. Success is often measured by its relationship to a strong work ethic, being disciplined, and sticking to the script, while spontaneity is sometimes described as being synonymous with instability and flakiness.
   
   • While there are positive and negative aspects to routine and spontaneity, striking an appropriate balance is key.

FAQ

1. Why is spontaneity important? Spontaneity is important for many reasons. Being spontaneous is linked to open-mindedness, flexibility, adaptability, and optimism, all of which are excellent skills to have. Spontaneous individuals can adapt in unexpected situations and can cope well with negative outcomes, resulting in resilience, resourcefulness, and ingenuity. It’s important to note that spontaneity isn’t the opposite of routine, but the opposite of rigidity. Finding a good balance between spontaneity and routine can help keep your brain both active and stable.^[30]
2. What does it mean to be a spontaneous person? A spontaneous person is one who takes action without planning ahead, typically impulsively or on a sudden whim. They may be described as adventurous, prone to chasing new experiences, and having a go-with-the-flow mentality. Spontaneous folk don’t necessarily have to be against routine, but they are more likely to break routine as they see fit. Those who practice spontaneity are open to learning and adapting based on circumstances, and welcome change with open arms.^[31]
3. How can I be more spontaneous in my relationship? You can take steps toward being more spontaneous in your relationship by having spur-of-the-moment date nights, trying new activities together, and going on unplanned trips. Instead of waiting until the weekend to go out on the town, try having lunch at a new restaurant on a regular Wednesday, or pick up a new hobby together, like pottery or pickleball. You can also go on a last-minute road trip or book a hotel for an impromptu staycation.

Video

Related wikiHows

• Have Your Own Style
• Be Unique
• Believe in Yourself

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201910/why-it-s-important-break-routines
2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-s-mental-health-matters/201612/7-ways-get-yourself-unstuck
3. ↑ https://www.inc.com/lolly-daskal/19-reasons-why-youre-stuck-and-how-to-get-unstuck.html
4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-s-mental-health-matters/201612/7-ways-get-yourself-unstuck
5. ↑ https://www.inc.com/business-insider/little-changes-routine-make-you-happy-more-productive.html
6. ↑ https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/three-good-things
7. ↑ https://www.inc.com/business-insider/little-changes-routine-make-you-happy-more-productive.html
8. ↑ [v161566_b01]. 26 August 2020.
9. ↑ [v161566_b01]. 26 August 2020.
10. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changepower/201009/routines-comforting-or-confining
11. ↑ [v161480_b01]. 15 July 2020.
12. ↑ [v161480_b01]. 15 July 2020.
13. ↑ [v161480_b01]. 15 July 2020.
14. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fixing-families/201710/how-be-more-spontaneous
15. ↑ [v161566_b01]. 26 August 2020.
16. ↑ [v161480_b01]. 15 July 2020.
17. ↑ [v161480_b01]. 15 July 2020.
18. ↑ https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-28833-001
19. ↑ https://www.psychologies.co.uk/why-we-should-all-say-yes-more
20. ↑ [v161566_b01]. 26 August 2020.
21. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/16/fashion/making-plans-schedule-free-time.html
22. ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/3039180/how-your-daily-routine-is-holding-you-back
23. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201910/why-it-s-important-break-routines
24. ↑ https://www.smartertravel.com/12-ways-spontaneous-travel/
25. ↑ https://www.myersdavis.com/blog/benefits-spontaneity/
26. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811920305504
27. ↑ https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/being-spontaneous-good-6-ways-192626976.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jc2UuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAGFt4gIUURxUwQqLywI38Ljnm63sXSBD3-ghYkArwA8ACCQS8piPpav7ELVDIyojx-IaJ4nTFFHFrDsm9OfXmaJ0hV1ngJW1LLVLQ41nzBmjpYIkI9ResfjPJh0WduynsIVT-kier_CESAI7jcgS6t1qhl0Oz5EM5Bt4tpO_h9XI
28. ↑ https://lipsychologist.com/why-do-we-fear-change/
29. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2944661/
30. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/passion/202401/winging-it-the-importance-of-spontaneity
31. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/passion/202401/winging-it-the-importance-of-spontaneity

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How to Play Ride the Bus

Enhance your party with Ride the Bus, a drinking contest of chance and skill

Looking for a fun drinking game, but tired of rehashing Beer Pong and King’s Cup over and over? Then “Ride the Bus” is perfect for you! With just a standard deck of playing cards and some booze, you can create a lively and unique competition among your friends (while getting a little buzzed along the way). Keep reading and we’ll break down the three simple steps of this beloved game (and some common variations if you want to spice things up)!

Ride the Bus Rules Overview

To play Ride the Bus, participants go through several rounds of challenges, including guessing card color and suit, matching cards, and more. Guess correctly and nothing happens. Guess incorrectly and drink! The game ends in a big challenge when the player with the most cards goes through high-stakes guessing rounds...and probably drinks the most.

Steps

Dealing the Cards

1. Select a dealer and have them shuffle. Gather a group of 4-8 players and decide amongst your friends who you’d like to deal the cards for the entirety of the game. Once you’ve selected your dealer, have the dealer shuffle and/or cut the deck and begin dealing for part one of the game.^[1]
   
   • The dealer doesn’t hold any particular power in Ride the Bus, so they can easily be a fellow player. However, if there are people in your group who aren’t drinking for the night, it’s best to select them as the dealer so they can keep track of gameplay and ensure players drink responsibly.
2. Play “red or black?” Have the dealer distribute a face-down card to each player one at a time. Each player must guess if the card will be red (a diamond or heart card) or black (a spade or club card) when it’s flipped over. Once a player has made their guess, have the dealer flip the card over.^[2]
   
   • If the player is correct, nothing happens. They keep their card and play continues to the next person.
   • If the player is incorrect, they have to drink, but they still keep their card.
   • For a more intense version of “red or black,” players who guess correctly can assign their drink to a different player instead of nothing happening.
3. Play “higher or lower?” After everyone has received their first card (including the dealer, if the dealer is playing), have the dealer distribute another face-down card to each player. Players will have to guess if this card’s value will be higher or lower than the first card that they already have in their hand.^[3]
   
   • If their guess is correct, nothing happens.
   • If they’re wrong, it’s time to drink again!
   • If the dealer is not playing, players can reveal the results of their flipped card to the dealer only, so nobody else knows what’s in their hand.^[4]
   • Ace is high in Ride the Bus.
4. Play “in-between or outside?” Once every player has 2 cards in their hand, have the dealer distribute a third face-down card to everyone. Players now have to guess if the value of this face-down card will fall between the values of their 2 existing cards once it’s flipped over, or if it’ll be outside the values of their current cards.^[5]
   
   • If they’re right, nothing happens.
   • If they’re wrong, you guessed it, they drink!
   • For example, if a player has a 3 and a 7 currently in their hand, guessing “in-between” means the player predicts the new card will be a 4, a 5, or a 6. “Outside” means the player is guessing the card will be 2 or lower, or 8 or higher, since all of those values fall outside the 3-7 range.
5. Play “guess the suit.” Now that every player has 3 cards, the dealer distributes 1 final face-down card to everyone. Players must guess the exact suit of the face-down card: club (♣️), diamond (♦️), heart (♥️), or spade (♠️). If the card is any of the 3 other suits, they must drink.^[6]
   
   • Variation: If you want, you can raise the stakes for “guess the suit,” having players take 2 drinks or a shot (instead of just 1) if they guess the suit incorrectly.

Building the Pyramid

1. Construct a 5-row pyramid with 1 card at the top and 5 at the bottom. Have the dealer assemble the top 15 cards of the remaining deck into a pyramid with all the cards face down. There should be 5 cards on the bottom row, 4 in the row above the bottom, and so on until there’s only 1 card at the very top of the pyramid. Each ascending row counts for an additional drink: the bottom 5 are worth 1 drink, the 4-card row is worth 2, the 3-card row is worth 3, the 2-card row is worth 4, and the top card is worth 5 drinks total.^[7]
   
   • Variation: Some players double the amount of drinks with each passing row. Therefore, the 4-card row would be worth 2 drinks, the 3-card row is worth 4, and the top card is worth 8. If you’re going to up the ante like this, make sure these drinks are small sips of a beverage with low alcohol content, like beer or champagne.
2. Flip the cards over from top to bottom, one at a time. Once the pyramid has been assembled, have the dealer begin flipping the face-down cards over one at a time, starting with a card in the 5-card row and completing that row before moving up the pyramid to the next-nearest row. Continue this process until the card at the top of the pyramid is flipped.^[8]
   
3. Match the cards in your hand with the cards in the pyramid. As each individual card in the pyramid is flipped over, players should watch to see if any of the cards in their hand have the same value as one that’s been flipped over. If they see a flipped-over card with the same value as one in their hand, they can place their card on the flipped-over one. Multiple hand cards can be placed on the same pyramid card. Each player’s goal is to get rid of all of the cards in their hand by matching them with cards in the pyramid.^[9]
   
   • For example, if the dealer flips over a 10 of clubs in the bottom row, players with a 10 of spades, hearts, or diamonds can place their cards onto this 10 of clubs.If nobody’s card matches the card in the pyramid that was flipped over, nothing happens and the dealer continues to flip over the next card.
4. If you have a matching card, assign drinks to other players. Players who successfully match a card in their hand with a card in the pyramid can assign drinks to other players. The number of drinks they can give out is based on the drink value associated with each row. For example, if a player matches a card in the 3rd row, they can now make other players take 3 drinks. These drinks could be distributed 1 drink for 3 different players, all 3 piled on 1, or anything in between!^[10]
   
   • Players can wait to place the cards in their hand on various pyramid cards to get a higher drink value. For example, if a player has a matching card in the 5-card row, but wants to wait to see if there will be a match in the 2-card row so they can assign 4 drinks instead of 1, they’re allowed to do so. However, once the next card is flipped over, the previous card can no longer be matched.

Riding the Bus

1. Identify your bus rider (whoever has the most cards). Once all the cards in the pyramid have been flipped over, determine who in your group will be playing phase 3 of the game: “riding the bus.” The bus rider is the player with the most cards remaining in their hand. All other players are safe.^[11]
   
   • If 2 players have the same number of cards in their hands, the player with the highest value card in their hand has to ride the bus. If both players tie for the highest value, the hand with the next highest value is the bus rider.
   • If all players successfully matched their entire hands during the pyramid phase, the last player to match a card is the bus rider.
2. "Ride the bus” by guessing the suit and number value of various cards. Once the bus rider has been determined, the dealer lays a face-down card in front of them. The rider must guess if this card is red or black. If they’re right, they keep the card and move on to higher or lower. If they’re wrong, they drink. The bus rider must successfully make it through all 4 rounds of the dealing part of the game (ending by guessing the suit) without guessing incorrectly even one time. If they guess incorrectly, they must start over at red or black.
   
   • Be safe when playing this phase of the game! If the rider asks to be cut off or they keep having to drink, consider switching the drinking penalty and make them play a game of “truth or dare.” Instead of drinking for every answer the rider gets wrong, they must answer a revealing question or do a silly challenge.
3. As an alternative, play “face card” with the bus rider for the final round. Another way for the losing player to ride the bus is to have the dealer place a row of 10 face-down cards in front of them. The rider then flips over the 10 cards one at a time. If the rider flips over a card with a numeric value, nothing happens, and they move on to the next card. If the rider flips over a face card, they must drink.^[12]
   
   • To up the ante, assign different values to each face card. Jacks are worth 1 drink, queens are worth 2, kings are worth 3, and aces are worth 4 or a shot.

Video

Tips

• If you want to play this game without alcohol, have your players drink water instead. Then, the last player to use the restroom wins!
• If you want to play Ride the Bus but don’t have a deck of cards, try this digital app version.

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.indoorpartygames.org/game/ride-bus
2. ↑ https://www.indoorpartygames.org/game/ride-bus
3. ↑ https://www.indoorpartygames.org/game/ride-bus
4. ↑ https://youtu.be/wt3NTJr5W2E?t=30
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/wt3NTJr5W2E?t=32
6. ↑ https://barsitysports.com/ideas/drinking/fun-drinking-games/ride-the-bus-drinking-game/
7. ↑ https://barsitysports.com/ideas/drinking/fun-drinking-games/ride-the-bus-drinking-game/
8. ↑ https://youtu.be/Wpo6z-qZ7Ko?t=35
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/wt3NTJr5W2E?t=83
10. ↑ https://thechuggernauts.com/ride-the-bus-drinking-game-rules/
11. ↑ https://thechuggernauts.com/ride-the-bus-drinking-game-rules/
12. ↑ https://barsitysports.com/ideas/drinking/fun-drinking-games/ride-the-bus-drinking-game/

source How to of the Day https://ift.tt/IJ17RVM