As we get older and start having children of our own, we find ourselves longing for a bit of nostalgia. It’s quite natural to do this as most of us will have had a childhood that’s full of memories. 

It’s not just about the family life but about what you consumed or used as a child that brings back those pangs of nostalgia. From your favourite board games to the most memorable toys or childhood experiences. 

As a parent, you want to be able to provide that same nostalgia and create nostalgia for your kids that they’ll be able to look back on fondly in the future. With that being said, if you’re looking to hit those nostalgic feelings, here are some gifts to get your children this year.

Throw it back to Barbie

Can you believe that Barbie is still a household name that’s thriving in the toy world? It’s still one of the most popular of dolls to have as a child and there’s been a lot of growth within the brand itself to make it more inclusive to many of the children who get their hands on these dolls in their younger years.

Being able to see representations of themselves within children’s toys is important and Barbie is proof of a brand that’s doing more to stay relevant in the best ways possible.

The brand has been kicking around now since 1959. That’s a lot of generations that it’s influenced and you’re likely to be one of them. Why not treat your son or daughter to a Barbie? In this day and age, Barbies aren’t just for one gender, they’re an inclusive option for anyone who loves dressing up dolls and playing with their imagination.

Buy them some of your favourite books and films

Nostalgia often comes in the form of your favourite books, television series or films. While it’s important for your children to discover their own loves within these categories, there’s no harm in passing down some of your old favourites.

After all, there are plenty of books from your childhood that will still hold relevance today and in the future. Many children’s books, especially those written for young children, are educational and are worthwhile passing on.

For some films, they might be great to watch with your little ones and to enjoy the memories you had as a child. Some might not capture their attention in the way you’d hoped but for the most part, many children’s films are going to be enjoyable for your kids to watch.

One lovely idea for adult children or young adults is to buy them a collection of the books they loved as a child. You could put together 21st birthday hampers for each of your children for example containing their favourite book, film, maybe even a newspaper from the day they were born!

Treat them to some pick ‘n’ mix

There’s nothing quite like a pick ‘n’ mix. Made popular in retail stores that are now no longer in operation, you can still get pick ‘n’ mix online, created by the generations who’ve loved them previously. 

Whether that’s on TikTok shop, or searching for online stores on the internet, there’s nothing like a box or bag of sweet treats to give as a gift to your children. It might be a treat for your children’s birthday or for a one-off occasion to celebrate your kid’s recent achievements. 

Get a retro board game

If you’re looking for something that will give your children a break from their tech gadgets, then why not a classic board game? From Monopoly to Cludeo, these are all games that have remained popular from one generation to another.

Sure, they may have been revamped each time to cater to the modern times of that decade but they’ve still managed to stay relevant. Sometimes, we forget about the fun you can have with a board game – so treat them to the experience of one.

Give them a pre-loved gift from your childhood

Talking of classic games and toys in general, why not give them something that’s pre-loved? Of course, many toys that you had as a child, are probably something that can be enjoyed within your child’s childhood. 

Whether that’s a Tamagotchi that still works or your custom-built doll’s house, there are so many pre-loved items that you’ve possibly hung onto with the intention of giving to your children one day.

Provide them with educational toys

Educational toys are great for children of all ages, especially those who are in early development. It’s definitely something you should take advantage of and so consider the toys that will not only provide entertainment but act as a learning tool.

Nostalgic gifts are a great thing to pass down to your children, whether they’re pre-loved or revamped for the modern-day child.

Isn’t it delightful having some sunny weather at last? I’m so enjoying not needing to wear a coat and sitting outside in the evenings. Just bliss.

When it comes to kids’ birthday parties, I’ve always been lucky in that my daughters have their birthdays in July and August, so we’ve normally had good weather – perfect for summer birthday parties in the garden or days out with friends. If you’re planning a children’s birthday party this summer then I’ve got a few tips for you to help the celebrations go with a bang.

Decide who to invite

This can be tricky with kids as there is always the risk of upsetting people by leaving them out, so a lot of parents will go for a whole class party with younger children. The summer is perfect for this as you can put them all out in the garden or host something in the park.

The other option is to plan a day out instead with just a small group of best friends. This can feel far less stressful! Keep in mind that over the summer holidays a lot of families may be away on holiday and so the chances are that not everyone will be able to make your date.

Whoever you decide to invite, make them feel special by getting some nice printed invitations made and ask guests to RSVP. Make sure your party invites include all the important information, including any theme or fancy dress code, and your contact details.

Choose a theme

If you’re going for a big party then you may well decide to have a theme. Although it can feel like extra work, having a theme can actually be a useful focus and a way to make sure your decorations and party games all fit together well and create a cohesive experience for the kids. Your child will have plenty of ideas but if you’re stuck, try something like superheroes, Alice in Wonderland or a Beauty and the Beast themed party.

Make sure all your guests are catered for

Once you know who’s coming, be sure to talk to their parents about any particular needs they might have. My daughter Belle for instance is autistic and scared of balloons. Children’s parties would have been a lot less stressful for her if the host had asked in advance and come up with some alternative decoration ideas!

It’s important to know about food allergies in advance too, or any dietary requirements you need to cater for.

Plan your food

Are you going to keep things simple and buy your party food in bulk from the supermarket, or will you be going the whole hog and making everything from scratch? For most people there will be a happy medium, which will likely mean spending some time on a centrepiece birthday cake and a few themed bits and pieces and then bulking things out with sandwiches and crisps.

No party is complete of course without party rings and if you have the time you could even have a go at making homemade party rings. The kids may not notice but the parents are sure to be impressed! If you are having parents stay for the party then don’t forget to throw on a few grown-up drinks and nibbles to keep everyone happy.

With a little bit of thought and planning your summer birthday party should be lots of fun for everyone!

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I’m not talking about covid here, I’m talking online viruses, the sort where you innocently click on a link to update your PayPal password and before you know it every single one of your passwords is out there on the internet and all of your Facebook friends are getting messages from you asking if you could send them money to buy their niece a birthday present because they are stuck in Greece.

My mum actually had a Facebook message asking just this recently. She did NOT send money, but she has been well trained by me yelling at her every time she mentions a strange email or the fact that she has downloaded an app called ‘casino slots’ because you can win money without ever depositing any. (You cannot Mum. Please delete it.)

Protecting your family online and your devices against viruses is tricky though, and as time goes on the viruses get more and more sophisticated. You might think you’re doing your bit by not clicking on those dubious looking bank links, but viruses are much cleverer than that nowadays. No one is safe, no matter how much I shout at them.

Do you know what cryptojacking is for instance? Or AI powered spearphishing? No, me neither, but they sound scary. Viruses can get into your devices, steal your personal details and impersonate you without you even knowing it, so it’s important to have the right antivirus software in place

One thing that worries a lot of people is that it will be expensive to protect yourself from viruses. My mum, and me too if I’m honest, come from the generation where computers were sold with anti-virus software on a CD, which you were obliged to install and pay vast amounts to renew every year. Anti-virus software doesn’t work like that any more. If you can find a trustworthy source, like Bitdefender, you can get a free antivirus download and get yourself protected in barely any time at all.

It’s also important to remember that it’s not just computers and laptops that are at risk of infection from viruses – our phones too are vulnerable. We take them for granted, but they are just mini computers that we carry around in our pockets, so it makes sense that they are just as prone to viruses.

The same type of virus protection may not be applicable across all of your devices, so do think about choosing protection that’s right for your device. This might mean looking for free antivirus for Android for example, if you use Android devices. Specialist software will be tailormade for your device and enable it to continue running smoothly and efficiently, without clogging up storage space.

It’s also worth looking at the other features offered alongside your antivirus software. Bitdefender for example offers live customer support with its antivirus, which sets it apart from most other providers and could add extra peace of mind if you like knowing that there is additional support to fall back on.

Home cooks who enjoy creating tasty meals for themselves or their families may have noticed that their dishes sometimes turn out differently than expected, even after following the recipe steps exactly. What if I told you the issue might lie with the quality of ingredients rather than any potential deficiencies in the recipe itself? In this blog post, we’ll look into why using premium quality ingredients can make such an enormous difference in results and why investing in them could take your cooking skills to new heights!

Quality Ingredients Deliver Better Flavour

One of the primary reasons for selecting high-quality ingredients is flavor. From fresh herbs and organic produce to high-grade meats, using these items will bring more depth of flavor than their lower-grade alternatives. Take cheddar cheese, for instance: typically labeled mild, medium, or sharp depending on its age – longer aged cheese will typically taste sharper. So what makes cheddar sharp? Aging process and the quality of the milk used to produce it!

Quality Ingredients Are Typically More Nutritious

High-quality ingredients tend to be more nutritious than lower-quality options. This is because they are often fresher and have been handled with more care when farmed and harvested, which can mean they retain more of their original nutritional value. For example, a high-quality vegetable is likely to contain higher amounts of vitamins and minerals than one exposed to too much heat or light during storage. High-quality ingredients also usually come from organically grown sources, meaning they are free from artificial chemicals and preservatives that can reduce their natural nutrition.

High-Quality Ingredients Make Cooking Easier

High-quality ingredients not only offer superior flavor and nutrition but also simplify cooking. When working with foods that already boast delicious taste and texture, creating flavorful dishes requires far less effort and time than working with plain options. So if you want simple yet flavorful recipes without compromising, give high-quality ingredients a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Positive Environmental Impact

One reason to select high-quality ingredients is their positive environmental impact. By buying locally sourced, organic, or sustainable ingredients, you support eco-friendly farming practices that benefit the planet. For instance, grass-fed beef supports local farmers while decreasing methane emissions by producing less harmful gas than its conventionally raised counterpart.

Elevate Any Dish

High-quality ingredients can elevate any dish, regardless of its simplicity or complexity. By placing more attention on the actual ingredients themselves rather than solely depending on spices and other flavoring agents to carry a dish forward – for instance, a cheese and tomato sandwich could take another level by using high-quality bread, heirloom tomatoes, and artisanal cheese – elevating any simple or complex recipe!

At its core, using high-quality ingredients is about elevating your culinary game to new heights. While overhauling your pantry and purchasing only premium quality ingredients may seem intimidating, don’t panic if this process seems overwhelming; start small by investing in one or two key items that you regularly use as part of an experiment with more high-quality options incorporated into meals – you will soon taste the difference and be motivated to incorporate even more! Happy cooking!

If you’re a mother like me, you know how precious those few hours of sleep you get every night, especially after you’ve delivered your baby – the apple of your eye.

Doctors tell you to sleep when the baby sleeps, but you know that it’s hard to fall asleep even when you’re tired. And, just as you drift off, your baby needs you and the cycle repeats.

New mothers tend to be chronically sleep deprived. It’s proven that chronic sleeplessness in mothers could lead to cold parenting, which can have an impact on your child. This doesn’t have to be you. Not anymore.

Changing the sleep surface can be a game-changer for your sleep. That’s why I have scouted the mattress market, assessed different types of mattresses and handpicked the best one for you.

Get 2x Luxurious Sleep Experience with the Right Mattress – Here’s the Real Deal

One change of mattress and you can rest assured of blissful sleep for at least a decade. Yes, HiGRID Sleep – UK’s first and only smartGRID mattress can make it happen.

I vetted one of their premium products – the HiGRID Premium hybrid mattress and I have put together my candid feedback, so you can make the best decision.

#1 Eases Pressure Off Your Body – 9.9/10

Scientists have found that your body needs to lay down and spread pressure across a large surface area so that all body parts are comforted equally.

This is possible with the Japanese Patented SmartGRID technology which is used in the Hyper-Elastic Polymers of the HiGRID mattress – the grid-like structures that eases and evenly spreads the pressure your body levies on the sleep surface, so your body feels light.

#2 Never-before Comfort – 9.9/10

This mattress makes use of pocket springs and high resilience density foam which can absorb any level of pressure  and can cradle you gently. The Japanese patented smartGRID feature in the mattress adapts to your body shape, sleeping position, movements. No matter how you sleep, your entire body will be supported and cradled.

I love this feature of the HiGRID Premium Hybrid Mattress. To hit the bed and feel it cradling you gently is simply blissful.

#3 Creates a Cool, Pleasant Sleeping Environment – 9.5/10

HiGRID mattresses grid-like columns open up  2500+ air channels, so there’s ample air circulation and no heat is trapped.

Now, that’s what I call sleep tech.

#4 Offers the Right Orthopaedic Support – 9.7/10

The 6.5 firmness level of the HiGRID Premium Hybrid Mattress, is supportive and super comfortable. It prevents you from sinking. It can ease all major pressure points.

#5 All Weather-friendly, Hypoallergenic Cover – 9.8/10

Your little ones can wake up if there’s even the slightest skin irritation during sleep.

That’s why the HiGRID premium mattress has a top layer with hypoallergenic properties and keeps the sleep surface dry and clean. The top cover is entirely washable, so you can have a hygienic, spot free sleep surface.

#6 Super Strong Core With an Anti-Skid Base – 9.6/10

A bouncy mattress is a put-off for anyone.

This mattress is known for its incredible edge support which balances the edge of the mattress well, preventing it from jostling or bouncing when you toss and turn. It can also keep you undisturbed even if your partner moves incessantly.

How Can You Bring This Cushiony Mattress Home?

Now that you know what this mattress can do for you, bring it home just like I did. I’m glad I decided to go for it, I feel like I’m much better rested than I was before.

Here’s how you can feel the same  –

• Head to The HiGRID Sleep Check if the HiGRID premium mattress suits your body requirements.
• Order online. Receive confirmation details.
• Try out the mattress for 200 nights. See if you fall in love with it. If you don’t, return it for FREE.

Get this mattress at a discounted price, order now at The HiGRID Sleep.

Sleep tight, ladies!

During your little one’s first ‘leap’ there will be many different milestones that they reach. But none of their milestones come with ease, and it’s important to take time with them to practice and help them learn new skills. 

When we speak to healthcare professionals, they see tummy time as one of the most important exercises that your little one can do. Not only does tummy time give you bonding time with your baby, but it can also help strengthen their muscles and improve their development. 

If you’re unsure about tummy time and what it means, this blog has all the information you could need.

What is Tummy Time?

You might be unfamiliar with the term ‘tummy time’, however, it’s nothing overly daunting. Tummy Time includes a variety of different exercises that you can do with your baby on their stomach. Tummy Time is also great for assisting your baby with their head support, helping with those key developmental milestones.

What are the Benefits of Tummy Time?

While it may seem simple, tummy time has numerous benefits that contribute to an infant’s physical, cognitive, and social development. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of tummy time and why it should be incorporated into every infant’s daily routine. Here are some of the important benefits of tummy time. 

Child Development – tummy time is a really important part of your child’s development, helping them with things such as sitting, rolling and crawling. As you progress tummy time with your little one, they will get stronger. It provides them with a good start to learning to move and explore their surroundings. 

Muscle Strength – not only is tummy time great for the development of your little one, but the positions your child’s in during tummy time help to relieve pressure from the back of their head. The muscles which lift the head during tummy time can also help to round out the lower part of the skull. 

When is Best To Do Tummy Time?

You can start Tummy Time when you feel it is right for your baby, although the activities you choose to do should be dependent on their age. For newborns, your activities and exercises should be calming for the baby.

How Often Should we do Tummy Time?

The best time to do tummy time with your little one is when you notice they are alert and awake, as well as playful. It’s always key to be on your baby’s level during this time, and supervise them at all times to prevent them from falling asleep on their front. 

It is recommended that 30 minutes of tummy time a day is perfect for your little one, trying a variety of different activities with them each time – this might involve going to a baby sensory class in your area too.

As your little one gets older and much more confident this can be increased to 90 minutes throughout the day. 

How Do I Know My Child Is Progressing?

Every child is completely different, and they all do things at different stages of their development – so don’t put any pressure on yourself. These are just a few helpful indicators to know when your little one might be progressing toward their next steps. 

4 months old 

It’s important to note that not all children will develop at the same rate, however, at 4 months your baby should be able to move their head side to side when they lie on their back. When they’re laying on their front they should be able to lift or hold their head, neck and chest upward when you place them on their tummy. 

6 months old 

By 6 months old they should be able to independently roll from their back onto their tummy without assistance, as well as reach for any objects of interest with both hands. Tummy time is important to help them learn these skills during their development. 

9 months old 

At 9 months old your baby should ideally be able to sit independently with good balance, and then move into a crawling position. At this stage of their development, they should be showing more interest in their toys, passing toys from hand to hand. 

12 months old 

12 months into development your baby should be able to pull up to a standing position and can pull themselves along the furniture. They should now be able to grip things so are able to walk with both hands held and pick up small objects. 

Things to Help with Tummy Time

Millie & Ralph know that baby playtime and tummy time is an essential part of your baby’s development, from developing hand-eye coordination to fine motor skills, or the ability to solve problems. 

Millie & Ralph offers a huge range of baby play toys, whether you’re looking for baby rattles, stackers, play mats or activity books, we have the right toys to help your baby not only develop their key skills but also have fun too. 

Here are just a few of our favourites:

Mamas & Papas Snuggle Elephant 

Our Elephant & Baby Activity Rug & Rattle is designed to help babies with their Tummy Time exercises. This soft cushioned pillow is great for your little one to play and develop. 

This pillow is perfect for playtimes and supporting your baby’s muscle and sensory development. 

Mamas & Papas Wish Upon A Cloud Tummy Time Roll

This tummy time roll is perfect for encouraging your little one to move their head, and with lots of fun involved too. With plush, super-soft fabrics in gentle creams and greys, it’s a soft, delicate collection that babies will love exploring the first time and every time. 

Gilded Bird Quilted Playmat 

Whether you’re doing tummy time with your little one, or you’re planning a picnic in the park, these stunning quilted playmats provide plenty of padding for you and your baby. 

Their reverse design allows them to seamlessly blend in with your nursery, available in Wild Bee, Lovely Leaves and Pretty Stems. 

Do you harbour a lot of wanderlust in your heart? You’re not alone. Hundreds of thousands of people want to go on big adventures every year, and we’ve all got that bucket list of dream destinations stashed in a drawer somewhere! But with the pandemic getting in the way, and while it was much safer to stay at home, those dreams have been dashed. 

Indeed, during that time some of us have even forgotten why we love travelling so much in the first place! But if you’re keen to reignite that passion this summertime, we’ve got some tips below that’ll help you find your way again. 

Dive into the Travel Community

Seeing as many people love to travel, you’ll be able to stumble across an online group with very little effort! Join as many as you like, as many as you find interesting, and make some friends in these circles. People who have been to the same places as you, or people who have visited dream destinations you’d like to know more about – ask questions, get chatting, and reignite that travel passion through a few good conversations. 

Pick a Country and Think About What You Could Discover

If you don’t have any plans to go somewhere at the moment, why not throw a dart at a board and let fate decide? Because every destination could be a great place to visit, and who knows what you might find there? 

A new food you love, art and music you’ve never experienced before, hospitality you can’t find anywhere else, and maybe even a new home! Heading off on an adventure could lead to an indefinite leave to remain application that’ll see you moving to an exciting new country you’ve quickly come to love. Indeed, the more you’re willing to let yourself try something new, rather than visit a same-old destination one more time, the easier your travelling passion will come back to you. 

Go on Some Day Trips

If you’re not up to travelling for long periods of time yet, don’t worry. You can slowly build your tolerance for it again by going on day trips in/around your own town or city. Get used to being on your feet again, especially in a train squashed up against other people, as well as sitting for hours without being able to stretch your legs. After a while, the memories will come flooding back! 

Revisit Some Memories

Speaking of memories, why not dig out some photos and think about the travels you’ve gone on in the past? Going over these memories and picking out the smallest details of what you enjoyed can help you to find this love again. Maybe it was walking on sandy beaches, or talking to other tourists, or witnessing nature in all its glory? Let yourself reminisce and you’ll soon be booking another trip. 

The pandemic caused many people to lose their spark for travelling. However, you can easily get it back using tips like these! 

Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere – including work. No matter how careful you may be, accidents still occur unexpectedly and may require medical treatment. 

Knowing what steps you should take if an incident does arise will allow the required medical treatment and ensure you get the proper compensation. This blog post outlines essential steps you must follow if wounded on the job.

1. Report Your Injury

The initial step when you are suffering an injury on the job should always be to notify your supervisor or manager immediately, no matter how minor it seems. By doing this, your employer can take all the steps needed to ensure your well-being and that of your co-workers.

As soon as you report your injury, give as much detail as possible about what transpired and any symptoms you are experiencing to assist your employer with assessing and taking necessary actions – for instance, supplying medical attention or filing worker’s compensation claims as appropriate.

Not reporting an injury quickly could result in you being denied worker’s compensation benefits. Yikes! So even if reporting it might embarrass or alarm you, you must report it as soon as possible to ensure benefits don’t get denied due to delayed reporting. 

2. Seek Medical Attention

After reporting your incident to your employer, the next step you should take is to seek medical care. This may involve visiting an on-site nurse or first aid station, making an appointment with your primary care physician, or going directly to the emergency room – among many other possibilities.

Even if your pain seems minor, seeking medical assistance to ensure its severity doesn’t worsen further and documenting its extent is essential if pursuing worker’s compensation claims.

Be sure to provide an account of what happened and any symptoms you are experiencing when seeking medical assistance, so your provider can accurately diagnose and treat the ailment appropriately. This will enable them to offer proper treatments.

3. Document Everything

After reporting and seeking medical care for an injury incident, you should ensure that everything associated with it is appropriately documented. This means you should write down related details, such as any symptoms experienced and limitations experienced, and keep records of all appointments or treatments received.

Alongside medical documentation, it’s also crucial that you keep a record of any communication with your employer, insurance provider, and legal representation, whether through emails, letters, or phone calls. Documenting everything that happened is crucial for several reasons. 

This is important because it ensures you receive proper medical treatment and compensation after an incident.  Also, it serves as evidence if filing worker’s compensation claims or legal actions are necessary. By documenting everything related to your wound, you can help secure your rights as an employee and receive appropriate care and compensation.

4. Know Your Rights

Should work-related accidents cause injuries, you must understand your legal protections, including worker’s comp benefits, medical treatment, and protection from employer retaliation.

If your employer rejects or retaliates against your worker’s compensation claim or takes action against it in response, legal assistance could be invaluable in safeguarding your rights and ensuring both sides respect them. 

An attorney can guide you through the legal system while advocating on your behalf for better treatment of their workers’ comp claims. However, knowing your rights is still very important in case an incident occurs.

5. Consult a Lawyer

If you have been hurt at work and are incurring significant medical bills, lost wages, or other damages, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney might help guide the legal process and secure maximum compensation. In addition, an experienced personal injury lawyer is equipped to inform you of all your rights and options as they pursue justice on your behalf.

When seeking legal representation for yourself or a family member in workplace injury matters such as Council Claims, selecting an experienced practitioner with solid credentials who understands your unique requirements is critical. Some lawyers offer free consultations, providing an ideal opportunity to assess whether they match you and your situation. Take this time to ask them about their experience, track record, fee structures, or their plan to handle your case.

It is also important to note that not all workplace injuries require legal representation. For example, legal assistance might be unnecessary if your pain is minor and your employer provides sufficient medical care and compensation.  On the other hand, should significant damages arise and neither the insurance provider nor the employer offers a fair wage, an experienced lawyer could be invaluable in seeking justice on your behalf.

6. Returning to Work

Now that your injury has been reported and documented, you must take any necessary steps to return to work. This may involve attending all medical appointments doctors recommend as part of treatment/recovery plans or simply communicating with employers about your progress.

After receiving medical clearance to return to work, any accommodations or modifications needed must be discussed with your employer. Depending on the severity of your pain, accommodations could include modified work hours or temporary job duties while you recover –  this communication openness with employers ensures a healthy transition back.

7. Prevention Is Key

Did you know that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries in 2020 alone?  Ouch! This is why prevention is so important when it comes to workplace accidents.

To minimize the possibility of injuries in your workplace, you should ensure that all safety measures are taken to stay safe, including following all safety protocols and procedures, wearing appropriate protective equipment, and reporting any hazards to the supervisor immediately.

Prioritize both physical and mental wellness to reduce injury risks in the workplace. This means getting enough restful sleep, staying hydrated, eating healthfully, and controlling stress levels effectively –  taking such measures will lower workplace injury risks while creating a safe working environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s imperative that any time an accident occurs, you take immediate action to safeguard your health and rights as an employee. This means reporting it, seeking medical treatment, documenting everything, knowing your rights, and more. 

By following these steps, you will ensure you receive both proper medical attention and compensation in a workplace accident situation. Stay safe!

The world has changed exponentially since we were children. We were brought up never to get into cars with strangers, and never to speak to people that we’ve never met. Now, we call strangers with cars to our homes and hop into them via Uber, and we sign up to online dating sites because the world has become a place where we are working so much to survive that we don’t have time for a social life. In the early days of the Internet it was very common to never meet somebody in person that you’d only met online. 

You may have seen in Harry Potter that Arthur Weasley once warned Ginny never to speak to something if you could not see where it kept its brain. It’s a nice sentiment, but most people have normalized Internet dating and in fact, there are some people out there who have gone from Internet dating to Googling the K-3 visa requirements together because they’re going to get married. There are plenty of people who go online and meet the love of their lives, but there are others that it doesn’t work for so well and you often see those stories in the news headlines. The most important thing is safety, so here are some tips that you might need before you meet somebody online.

• Vet them before you meet. It’s smart to give out as little information about yourself as possible online, but it becomes a little bit hypocritical if you expect the person you’re going to meet to give out all of their information. The irony here is that your very first goal should be to vet someone first before you meet them. You can find them on LinkedIn, or other social media sites to verify whether or not they are truthful about their jobs or about their relationship status. You can also run a background check if you have the ability.

• Talk on the phone first. You have to build up a relationship when you meet somebody online, and it doesn’t mean meeting them the same day that you have your first hello. Swapping phone numbers and having a few FaceTime conversations or voice calls can really be helpful to make sure that you feel safe when you go to meet them in person.

• Only meet in a public place. When you do feel comfortable enough to meet somebody off the Internet, make sure that you are only meeting in a public place. Do not allow them to come to your home to pick you up, and do not allow them to take you home at the end of the date. You need to be able to keep your address private for as long as possible until you feel like they can be trusted. Having a taxi driver to and from the venue is important.

• Tell a friend. If you plan to meet somebody off the Internet, screenshot their picture that they have given you and any FaceTime videos that you do together you should screenshot a picture of them while they talk, and hand that picture to a friend. Then give your friend their license plate number, and the location of your date so that they can follow up with you. Activate the Find My Phone Finder on your phone and keep your friends linked to that so they will be able to find you should something happen. It sounds over the top, I know, but it’s also a good way to keep yourself safe.

Did you know that more than 91% of people have been in a long-distance relationship? Thanks to the internet and improved communication, more and more people are managing to maintain a relationship with someone who lives further away.

But does that makes things easier? The reality of long-distance relationships is that they can be challenging, and when you factor in unexpected events like the pandemic, these types of relationships can be even harder to maintain. So what’s the secret behind a successful one? Let’s take a look.

Make the time

When your partner isn’t physically present day to day, you need to make sure you make some time for them. It’s easy for the rest of your schedule to take over, leaving you and your partner feeling unconnected.

Make the time for calls, texts and even letters or emails – having regular contact is important and even if you just ask how their day is going or what they’ve been up to, you can help maintain that regular contact that’s vital for maintaining a relationship.

Get organised and plan meetings in advance

Always knowing when you’re going to see each other next can help keep things exciting, but it can also help make the sting of missing someone a little easier to bear. Plan as many dates in advance as you can and make sure your next meeting is always confirmed. This can also help you get organised, so other events don’t clash with the quality time you want to spend with your partner.

Check in about where things are heading

Long-distance relationships are usually only temporary – at some point, you’ll need to decide how you’re going to get closer together, especially if you want to get married or start a family. Have these conversations when you’re ready to make sure you’re both on the same page and to put some sort of plan in place. There may be some complexities like needing a UK spouse visa or finding new work to get in place before you can commit to being in the same place. Ensuring you both have the same aspirations and aims for your relationship will help avoid disappointment and stop either of you from wasting your time.

Plan some surprises

Planning some surprises is a great way to show someone you care, and there are lots of creative ways you can do this. Arranging for gifts to be sent is simple to do, and you could even arrange some surprise trips for you both to enjoy.

And remember, just because you can’t get physical with each other, doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some sexual activity. Phone sex, sexting and even video sex are excellent ways to make up for that physical contact and keep things fresh and exciting. Regular sex can be important in long-term relationships, so try some different things to see what you both enjoy.

Put yourself and your feelings first

A long-distance relationship can be very difficult emotionally. And while you may want to make things work, it’s important to check in with how you’re feeling and ensure the relationship works for you. Putting your own feelings first is important, and if the relationship no longer makes you happy or nothing’s going to change, you may need to think hard about whether the relationship should continue.

Maintaining a long-term relationship is hard, but with some effort, you can make things work. If it’s meant to be, things will work out the way it’s supposed to and you can look forward to a long and bright future together.