Thought Catalog https://thoughtcatalog.com Thought Catalog is a digital youth culture magazine dedicated to your stories and ideas. Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:54:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://thoughtcatalog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cropped-favicon-512x512-1-1.png?w=32 Thought Catalog https://thoughtcatalog.com 32 32 175582106 10 Lessons I Learned the Hard Way as an ENFP (So You Don’t Have To) https://thoughtcatalog.com/heidi-priebe/2026/01/10-lessons-i-learned-the-hard-way-as-an-enfp-so-you-dont-have-to/ Sun, 18 Jan 2026 13:50:00 +0000 https://thoughtcatalog.com/?p=1184317 ENFPS – Or extroverted, intuitive, feeling perceivers – make up approximately 8% of the population. Though this type isn’t particularly rare to come across, they embody a series of internal contradictions that often leads to a great deal of confusion growing up. As an (arguably) grown-up ENFP, here are a few things I would love to go back in time and tell my younger self.

1. YOU ARE NOT CRAZY.

Yes you have half the attention span and double the mood swings of everyone else you know – but these are both simply quirks of your personality that you’ll learn to manage with time. It’s also a product of being surrounded by people who perceive the world using an entirely different set of cognitive functions than you do – once you start meeting likeminded people and working at something you love, your moods will even out and your attention span will magically spring into existence. Funny how that works!

2. There are other people out there who feel things as strongly as you do.

The intense passion that you bring to everything you love is not unique to you. There are millions of people out there who experience the world with all of the depth, intensity and passion that you do. It’s just that very few of them live in your hometown. Don’t worry! You’re not alone!

3. The things you perceive to be your weaknesses will end up being your greatest strengths.

Your stubbornness, your restlessness and your tendency toward over-analysis are going to take you further in life than you could ever imagine. There is no sense in trying to tone down who you are. Be the strange, emotional, fiercely independent person that you are and learn from every waking second of it.

4. You’re not going to be this indecisive forever.

Your main function is a perceptive function, which means that in your younger years you’re going to just want to EXPLORE. DISCOVER. ADVENTURE. And you’re never going to want it to stop.

As you grow up, your decision-making functions (introverted feeling and extroverted thinking) are going to mature and suddenly you’re going to be this person who is capable of making decisions (I know. What?!). It’s going to be awesome. Until then, just enjoy the chaos. It’s a lot less stressful when you realize it’s not going to last forever.

5. To attract people who are like you, you have to act like you.

There are so many other intuitives out there who think along the same lines as you do – but you’re never going to meet them if you’re spending all your time trying to act like something you’re not to fit in with the sensors. Be your loud, speculative, adventurous self – that’s precisely how you’re going to attract the people you want to be around.

6. Ignore every person who ever tells you “You can’t.”

What they really mean is “I can’t.” You’re an ENFP. Everything you want in life, you’re going to make sure you get, because you don’t mind going the extra mile. And you’ll be surprised at how under-crowded that extra mile is.

7. University is not the only way to get an education, nor is it the sole measure of intelligence.

When you do go to school, you’ll learn more from late-night talks with your classmates than you will in any lecture hall. You learn through doing, through debating, through experiencing and through reflecting. So don’t stress too much about memorizing the textbook – your ability to think on your feet is going to take you much further than your GPA ever will.

8. You don’t know as much about other people as you think you do.

You are quick to jump to conclusions about others and it’s going to get you into hot water more than once. Remember that introverted feeling is based on your own experiences – and those don’t always relate to others’ experiences. Listen a little more, assume a little less. You have infinitely more to learn from other people than you think you do.

9. Do more of what you love and less of what you think you should do.

Disinterest is your kryptonite. You are 100% guaranteed to be bad at anything you try to do that doesn’t interest you and the easy solution to this is to simply not do it. You CAN make a career out of traveling, out of freelancing; out of whatever passion you happen to be invested in. You’re just going to have to think outside the box to get there –luckily, that is your strong suit.

10. So many things about yourself are going to change but the core things never will.

90% of your interests are fleeting – and that’s okay! It’s good to know a little bit about a lot of things. The 10% of your interests that aren’t fleeting are pervasive as hell – and you already know what those are. Stay true to your morals, true to your passions, true to your inclinations and true to yourself. You already know who you are. Now it’s just a matter of what you’re going to do about it.

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3 Ways You Can Manifest Anything You Desire https://thoughtcatalog.com/kelly-peacock/2026/01/3-ways-you-can-manifest-anything-you-desire/ Sat, 17 Jan 2026 23:41:00 +0000 https://thoughtcatalog.com/?p=1184308 When I realized how easy it was to manifest my dreams just by writing it down, I was…shook, for lack of a better word.

Sure, it’s not that easy to get the things you want the most. There’s so much time, money, and hard work to invest in the process of getting the things you most desire. But hear me out.

I was 18 years old when I learned about the law of attraction and manifesting, thanks to Leeor Alexandra and her videos about manifestation and the law of attraction.

I did what she told me to do: I journaled, I wrote down my goals, I wrote letters to my future self, I did the 2 cup method, and meditated…a lot. And let me tell you, this works.

I don’t want say that you’ll be entirely happy with the way your life turns out, but if you take the time for yourself and work on your goals, you could potentially find some contentment with life. You just have to do something about it. If you need some motivation and inspiration, I am here to help…with Leeor. Tag team!

1. Write a letter to your future self.

Get yourself in a comfortable position. Maybe you’re wearing pajamas, in bed. Maybe there’s also a candle burning and your favorite song playing. Meditate a little – breathe in, breathe out. It is so important to get yourself feeling comfortable and good because your vibrations will be at their highest. Then, find a piece of paper and a pen (or a laptop or tablet, whichever you prefer!) and start writing.

Write the date as one year into the future – so if it’s March 19th 2019, write it as March 19th 2020. Then, start writing.

Write, as your future self addressing your past self (which, is really your present self) and talk about everything you have and everything you’re grateful for. 

I’ve done this once before, and it’s honestly scary how much has come true. At the beginning of 2018, I wrote that I wanted to be a writer in New York City, living in my dream apartment, and in a happy, healthy relationship with someone who respects me, loves me, and understands my love language. Now, in 2019, I’m a writer in New York City, living in my dream apartment, and in a happy relationship with myself…and still waiting for my dream man. Though not everything is true (yet!), it still happened for me. It works. 

2. Rewrite your limiting beliefs.

Limiting beliefs are statements that we have decided are factual, based on what we’ve been programed to believe: from media, our childhood, etc. It dictates our behavior and how we manifest (or don’t manifest) the things in our life.

First and foremost: sit down with yourself and be a bit introspective. What are your beliefs? Is money too hard to obtain? Do you believe that you’re not going to find love because you’re not good enough?

Write down your limiting beliefs and change your relationship with these beliefs. 

In other words, rewrite them. Write down the beliefs: money is easy to get, I am loved and I am good enough and I am capable of finding love.

I’ve done this many times before, because this is something that I struggle with (I doubt myself a lot and I question whether or not I’m good enough for love) and it’s slowly becoming an easier thing for me to do. I write: “I am so happy and grateful now that…” and write down my beliefs. For example: “I am so happy and grateful now that money is flowing in and that I am so desirable and so deserving of love.”

I am so happy and grateful, I am so happy and grateful, I am so happy and grateful…

3. The Two Cup Method.

Get two cups and a couple of sticky notes. The cup on the left is your current reality and the cup on your right is your desired reality.

With a sticky note, write down whatever is making you feel so low. For example, “I feel undesired and unloved and that’s probably why I’m single,” or “I don’t have an income,” or “I’m not able to travel for reasons x,y,z,” – and place it on the cup on the left. Then, fill the cup on the left with water.

With another sticky note, write down what you want, in relation to whatever is on the left. For example, write down “I am desired and loved and in a happy, healthy relationship,” or “I have a steady income!” or “I’m traveling so much!”

Sit with these cups in front of you. Think about how the reality on the left side makes you feel. Think about how you’ll feel when the reality on the right side manifests itself. Amazing, right!? 

Pour the water from the left cup into the right cup. Think about those good feelings. Then, drink the water from the right cup.

Writing down your goals will make your dreams a reality, but you have to have faith in that.

Believe me, I know how hard that it is. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression and I know how it can make you feel unmotivated and undeserving of the things you want. For me, that’s what made me want to keep going. I wanted something better for myself and I worked towards making that happen, despite all the negative feelings and thoughts I fought against.

You have to visualize what you want. You have believe you’re deserving of it. You have to have faith in that these good things will happen for you.

Remember: your thoughts become things.

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7 Concrete Signs Your Relationship Is Toxic https://thoughtcatalog.com/charlotte-freeman/2026/01/7-concrete-signs-your-relationship-is-toxic/ Sat, 17 Jan 2026 19:27:00 +0000 https://thoughtcatalog.com/?p=1184305 Healthy relationships are built on so much more than love alone. Of course, love is the foundation of a relationship, but the truth is, you need so much more than love to make something work. While love is undeniably significant, it should never overshadow the other (just as important) factors such as communication, respect, and trust.

It’s easy to turn a blind eye to toxic love when you are in love with the idea of someone more than that person themselves and you allow yourself to endure mistreatment in a desperate attempt to cling to the relationship, despite feeling unsupported, unheard, undervalued, and unloved. But still, we somehow manage to put up with feeling this way because the thought of not being with them is too difficult to imagine.

If any of the following signs resonate with your relationship, I encourage you to reflect on your current situation and find the courage to understand just how much you deserve and take steps towards a healthier and more fulfilling connection.

1. You find yourself making excuses for their behavior.

Have you ever found yourself defending your partner when a family member or friend has questioned you about something they did that they didn’t agree with? When you are in a toxic relationship, it feels embarrassing to admit to yourself (and to others) that you are feeling mistreated, so you resort to making excuses to try to justify their actions, or sometimes you even blame yourself. You might say that they are just having a bad day, or they are stressed at work or just going through something difficult. The truth is, even if your partner is having a bad day, or if they are going through a hard time, that shouldn’t change the way you are treated, and no matter what someone else is going through, you are still worthy of love and respect.

2. You constantly feel a negative energy in their presence.

Have you ever been in a relationship where your mood takes a sudden dip the moment you’re around your partner? Have you ever felt the confusion of loving someone so deeply, but hating the way you feel about yourself when you are with them? A significant sign of a toxic relationship is when your partner frequently belittles you, criticizes your actions, or undermines your self-esteem. Genuine love can lift you up, it can make you feel free, it can make you feel accepted, and it can help you see all the things there are to love about yourself. Loving someone else should never make you love yourself less, and you should never be pouring so much into your partner that you leave yourself emotionally and physically drained, with nothing left for yourself.

 3. The bad times feel more frequent than the good times.

Are you in a relationship where it feels like the challenging times seem to outweigh the good times? When you reflect on your relationship, do you feel like the communication leans more on the negative side rather than the positive, and you and your partner argue more than you are pleasant with one another? If so, I know it isn’t easy, but it might be time to accept the fact that your relationship is toxic and there may not be a positive and fulfilling future ahead of you if you stay in this situation.

4. You feel isolated from your friends and family.

This happens for many reasons. In some cases, this is your own doing because you feel embarrassed to admit that behind closed doors you are unhappy in your relationship so you try to hide it as much as you can, and in other cases, your partner is doing this in an attempt to control you. Whatever the reason behind it, it’s incredibly unhealthy to feel cut-off from your support network and if you are noticing this pattern in your relationship, please remember that your loved ones will never judge you and are there to support. This is your reminder that the connection you have with your friends and family is far too important to sacrifice for the sake of someone who doesn’t value you.

5. You are clinging onto the idea that things might be better one day.

Have you ever experienced the pain of falling in love with someone—not because of who they are but because of who they could be? Are you in love with the way you want things to be and not the way they actually are? Are you holding onto empty promises and waiting around for things to improve? If so, I want you to know that you deserve someone who keeps their promises, someone who has more than just potential. You deserve someone who follows through, you deserve to have every little bit of energy you put in, given back.

6. You have serious doubts about the future of your relationship.

Doubt is a warning sign that too many people ignore. Please don’t sacrifice your happiness for something that you know feels wrong. Love shouldn’t make you feel unhappy, it shouldn’t make you constantly question if the relationship will work long-term. Doubting the future of your relationship can feel like your head already knows the answer but your heart wants to hold on.

7. You notice controlling or manipulative behavior.

A common sign of a toxic relationship (and one that can be quite hard to come to terms with or admit to others) is when you notice controlling or manipulative behavior. If you have experienced isolation, gaslighting, criticism, guilt-tripping, conditional affection, the silent treatment, lying, emotional blackmail or financial control in your relationship, these are all signs of a controlling partner and should not be ignored or accepted. If you suspect you are being controlled by your partner please seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.  

If you have recognized more than one of these signs in your own relationship, please remember that it’s okay to realize there isn’t a future where you once hoped there was. Remember that you need more than love to make a relationship work. Trust that all the love you have given to the wrong people will find its way back to all the people who are truly meant to be in your life. I know that leaving your comfort zone is scary, but there is so much more to life, so much more to love, than a toxic, negative relationship.

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7 Concrete Signs You’re Not The Only One He’s Talking To https://thoughtcatalog.com/trisha-bartle/2026/01/7-concrete-signs-youre-not-the-only-one-hes-talking-to/ Sat, 17 Jan 2026 16:20:00 +0000 https://thoughtcatalog.com/?p=1184301 You’ve been texting with this guy. Maybe you’re even meeting up irl and are enjoying getting to know him. It feels like it’s going somewhere. You want it to, anyway. And yet…something doesn’t feel right. You worry you might not have his undivided attention. Is your gut telling you that you’re not the only one he’s talking to? These are the signs you need to watch out for.

1. He only makes plans with you at the last minute.

You try to make concrete plans in advance, but he always has some excuse why he can’t. Like maybe work is “being weird” or he hasn’t been feeling well. He says he’ll check in with you later, but he only ever okays plans if they’re for the same night.

2. He cancels plans without a clear reason why.

And if you do make plans, half of them don’t even go through. He has last minute problems more often than could ever be reasonable. You accept the excuses because you like him, when in reality he’s just off seeing another girl.

3. There are big gaps in his texting habits.

Sometimes you’re texting all afternoon. The banter is wonderful. Then he might go MIA for an entire day at a time. I have bad news for you: He isn’t texting you because he’s out with another girl. He’ll text you again when she’s gone, but is that good enough?

4. He doesn’t remember key details about you.

You texted him all about your promotion at work, but when you bring it up in person, he congratulates you like this is the first time he’s heard about it. Clearly he isn’t hanging onto your every word like you are for him.

5. …Or he’s gotten things all wrong.

He mentions your brother, but you only have a sister. Or maybe he talks about his own life as if you already heard it. He’s talking to more people than just you, and he’s having a tough time keeping his stories straight.

6. He won’t define the relationship.

Every time you try to take things to the next level, he dodges you. He says he’ll discuss it later. Or he’ll say, “Why should we define anything? We’re having so much fun as we are.” Even if he isn’t talking to other girls–and that’s a big if–he’s clearly not into this the way you are.

7. He won’t post pictures of you online or make it official on socials.

Not only does he not post you on Instagram, but he asks you not to post pictures of him on your socials either. He says it’s for privacy or that he’s just not big on social media, but his profiles would beg to differ. This is a huge red flag, babe. Not only is he probably talking to someone else, but there’s a good chance she’s his full-on girlfriend, fiancée, or wife.

You deserve better.

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How Each Zodiac Sign Defines “Real” Success https://thoughtcatalog.com/nicole-stawiarski/2026/01/how-each-zodiac-sign-defines-real-success/ Sat, 17 Jan 2026 13:11:00 +0000 https://thoughtcatalog.com/?p=1184298 Aries

First Place.

You find participation trophies to be an insult, Aries, and competing with others is your way of proving to the world that you’re number one. Success to you is something that needs to be quantified, so you’re always keeping score even in areas of your life that are harder to put numbers against. You plan regular dates, never forget to send a birthday card, and read at least one book a month. You also are your own arch nemesis and greatest critic. While your competitive edge can be a turn off, and give you an elitist air at times, the truth is the haters in your periphery just wish they had enough confidence to put themselves out there and ask for things the way you do.

Taurus

Popularity.

You don’t just want to win the debate, Taurus, you want to walk away from it with as many votes as possible. It’s not enough to have the right ideas or the best ideas, your ideas must ingratiate you to as many people as possible. You never stop playing politics. You’re on good terms with your boss’ boss, you’re the favorite child, and you’re the ex people can never say anything bad about. And all the people pleasing comes down to one single motive: You define success as being remembered fondly by as many people as possible.

Gemini

Always being “on”.

You’re out to prove that you can do it all, Gemini. Success for you is your full time job, your side hustle, your book club, your night class, your workout routine, your skincare routine, your volunteering, and your relationships. You go from one thing to another without ever needing to come up for air. Your mantra is “I’ll sleep when I’m dead”. You’re worried there is just not enough time in the world for you to achieve your full potential, so you spend the time you do have fitting in as much as you possibly can.

Cancer

Coaching others to victory.

You live to see the people you support succeed, Cancer. Your direct reports, your mentees, the sports teams you coach all owe you for their many achievements. You find pleasure in helping others grow and passing on the things you’ve learned over the years to people who will put it into action. You drive others past their limits and strive to be a fair but demanding leader. You feel the most success when others don’t want to let you down.

Leo

Influence.

You want to be the arbiter of taste, Leo. The one people come to with questions and look to for answers. You want to be the expert, the consultant, the trendsetter. You want to be the model others aspire to. Your idea of success is about becoming a brand and selling the absolute shit out of it. You work hard, but you love to live lavishly. So if you can turn that lifestyle into your work, you’re killing two birds with one stone.

Virgo

Correcting others.

You love to know when other people are wrong, Virgo, and the only thing you love more is telling it to someone’s face. A college professor once taught you to structure essays by presenting evidence that X appears to be Y, but it’s actually Z, and you’ve applied that model towards the rest of your life ever since. You are very good at not letting it devolve into a holier-than-thou attitude. Your idea of success is to be as woke as humanly possible, but you know it takes constant work. You’re a cultural critic at heart and never shy from diving into the deeper, darker corners of the shared human experience so you can shine a spotlight on what’s less than desirable. 

Libra

Splurging.

You hate the phrase “work hard, play hard” because you find it’s mostly used by people trying to scam you into working longer hours without a pay increase, but it’s how you live your life. The money you earn is money you spend, and boy do you know how to spend it well. Vacations. Dinners. Everything about you is signature, from your jewelry to your shoes to your stationary. Success is making your dreams come true and knowing exactly how much work it took to get you there.

Scorpio

Always out of reach.

You’re never satisfied, Scorpio. While your closest friends would look at you in wonder of all you’ve achieved, you’re always underestimating yourself. Always comparing what you’re capable of now to experts who have been doing it their entire lives. You want to push the limits of what humans can do. You want to go beyond what’s standard, what’s average, what’s been done before, which is why you’ll always keep growing, improving, learning. You’d rather be a continual work in progress because you’d become instantly bored and restless if you ever mastered something completely.

Sagittarius

Approval.

You want the gold star, Sagittarius. You want the approval of a senior, an expert, someone you see as a success themselves. You’re not swayed by fame or popularity. What others think matters much less than the small subset of people you’re convinced know what they’re doing and talking about. And you want to be accepted by them. Praised by them. Acknowledged and welcomed into their circle. You want to penetrate the very essence of exclusivity. Because for you, success is working your way from an outsider to an insider.

Capricorn

A raise.

You don’t work for free, Capricorn, and make that very clear to the world around you. Success is not spending more time at the office. Success is not martyrdom, proving to everyone how much harder you can work. It’s not being a manager and getting to tell other people what to do. You want to work smart, and you want to put effort in wherever the return is greatest. So you are looking for the raise. You have dreams to achieve that require capital to make reality, and you’re not afraid to ask for it.

Aquarius

Supporting your family.

Success to you, Aquarius, is all about giving back. You want to make sure the people closest to you are healthy and happy and taken care of. You want to build a family of your own, as well as support your parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews in whatever ways you can. Success means no one in your inner circle is worrying about whether they can pay their bills at night. And you’re proud that your hard work can give them that peace of mind.

Pisces

Seeing the world.

You want to feel like you’ve seen most of what the world has to offer, Pisces. You wouldn’t be satisfied with staying in your hometown, or at the same company, or in the same role, forever. You want to put your dreams into action and expand your experience to include as many different points of view as possible. You want to be accepted by different cultures and kinds of people. Because success to you is about feeling like you belong to something much bigger than yourself.

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6 Signs “The One Who Got Away” Wasn’t Your Soulmate https://thoughtcatalog.com/holly-riordan/2026/01/6-signs-the-one-who-got-away-wasnt-your-soulmate/ Fri, 16 Jan 2026 23:07:00 +0000 https://thoughtcatalog.com/?p=1184295 Maybe you can’t stop thinking about the one who got away – but that doesn’t mean you were supposed to be together. It doesn’t mean your relationship could have worked out any differently if you tried harder or made a change. Here are a few concrete signs the person you always considered ‘the one who got away’ wasn’t actually your soulmate:

They left you excited half the time – and disappointed the other half.

You deserve a partner who is consistent. They shouldn’t pick and choose when to treat you right. They shouldn’t bring you immense joy one day, and immense disappointment the next. If the one who got away only felt like the one half the time, then they weren’t enough for you. You need someone who shows up every single day, no excuses.

You weren’t the best version of yourself around them.

Your partner should bring out your best qualities, not your worst. You should like who you are when they’re standing in a room with you. If this person mostly brought out your jealous side or your mopey side, then they aren’t actually your soulmate. You deserve someone who makes you want to be the best partner possible. Someone who inspires you to reach your full potential.

You put in noticeably more effort than they did.

You might feel like they were the one who got away because your feelings for them were so strong – but you need to ask yourself whether they actually put any effort into being with you. Remember, you can’t sustain a relationship with someone who is uninterested in putting in the work. You need a partner who is going to make you feel loved and supported. A partner who is going to do their fair share of the work, even when it’s inconvenient.

You had conflicting feelings about how to spend the rest of your lives.

You need to have aligning views for the future in order to make a relationship last. If you felt differently about how many children you wanted to have (and if you wanted to have any at all), whether you wanted to get married, and the location you wanted to live, then you’re better off apart. Neither of you should have to sacrifice what you really want to be together.

You shared different values.

Having chemistry is one thing. But having shared values is another thing entirely. You can’t make a relationship last based on passion alone. You need so much more than that in order to spend the rest of your lives together, so if the one who got away was on a completely different page than you, it was never meant to last.

They failed to prioritize you.

You can’t expect to be your partner’s whole world – but you should be a huge part of it. If the one who got away never treated you like a priority, then a relationship never would have worked, despite how much they cared for you. You deserve a relationship where your partner treats you like a priority, not a bonus or a backup plan.

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The Psychology Of Bare Minimum Men (And Why You Keep Falling For Them) https://thoughtcatalog.com/erinwhitten/2026/01/the-psychology-of-bare-minimum-men-and-why-you-keep-falling-for-them/ Fri, 16 Jan 2026 19:59:00 +0000 https://thoughtcatalog.com/?p=1184291 We’ve all been there, caught in the mesmerizing dance of almost-relationships and not-quite-right connections, wondering what it is about these bare minimum men that keeps us coming back for more. These are the men who sprinkle just enough sweetness into our lives to keep the flame of hope alive, yet never quite enough to set our worlds ablaze with genuine love and commitment. Their presence is like a haunting melody, playing softly in the background, a reminder of what could be—if only they would step up and take the lead. Let’s take a deep dive together, exploring the depths of these connections and unraveling the allure that keeps us hanging on, hoping for more.

The Art of Just Enough

The bare minimum man is nothing if not a master of balance. He knows just how much to give to keep you interested, yet not enough to offer any real sense of security or stability. His texts are sporadic, his plans vague, and his affection doled out in carefully measured doses. It’s a dance of ambiguity, where you find yourself constantly questioning his feelings, his intentions, and your place in his life. And in this state of perpetual uncertainty, you become hooked, addicted to the highs of his sporadic attention and the lows of his frequent disappearances. You dissect every interaction, searching for hidden meanings and signs that he’s just as invested as you are. But the truth is elusive, always just out of reach, leaving you craving more, needing more, yet uncertain if more is something he’s capable of giving.

The Seduction of Uncertainty

What is it about uncertainty that proves so undeniably seductive? The bare minimum man thrives in this space of ambiguity, creating a magnetic pull that draws you in, time and time again. His unpredictability keeps you on your toes, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation that’s hard to resist. And yet, this very uncertainty breeds anxiety, a constant state of limbo where you’re unsure of where you stand, unsure of whether to hold on or let go. It’s a precarious balance, a tightrope walk between hope and despair, and it leaves you vulnerable, open to the allure of potential and the promise of what could be.

The Addiction to Potential

The bare minimum man is an expert at showcasing potential. He offers glimpses of the man he could be, the relationship that could unfold, if only he would commit, if only he would try. And it’s in these glimpses that we find ourselves ensnared, captivated by the vision of what could be. It’s an intoxicating idea, the notion of being the one to inspire change, to unlock the depths of his affection and commitment. But this addiction to potential is dangerous, a double-edged sword that keeps us tethered to relationships that are always just out of reach, always just a bit lacking. We invest time, energy, and emotion, hoping that our efforts will be enough to bridge the gap, to turn potential into reality. The bare minimum man remains elusive, always just beyond grasp, leaving us chasing shadows and yearning for more.

Breaking the Cycle

So how do we break free? How do we extricate ourselves from the tangled web of the bare minimum man? It begins with introspection, with a deep and honest look within. Why are we drawn to the unavailable? What void are we trying to fill? It’s about recognizing our worth, understanding that we are deserving of a love that is loud, proud, and unequivocal. It’s about setting boundaries, demanding respect, and refusing to settle for anything less than we deserve. And it’s about understanding that sometimes, walking away is the most powerful act of self-love there is.

The journey with a bare minimum man is fraught with complexity, with highs and lows that leave us dizzy and disoriented. But in the midst of the chaos, there is a lesson, a call to action. It’s a reminder to choose ourselves, to honor our worth, and to seek out relationships that uplift, empower, and celebrate us in all our glory. So here’s to breaking the cycle, to stepping out of the dance of ambiguity, and into the light of our true worth. You are worth more than the bare minimum, and it’s time to embrace that truth with open arms.

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Psychology Says This Is Your Jungian Archetype (Based On Your Zodiac Sign) https://thoughtcatalog.com/nicole-stawiarski/2026/01/psychology-says-this-is-your-jungian-archetype-based-on-your-zodiac-sign/ Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:38:53 +0000 https://thoughtcatalog.com/?p=1184283 We all tend to fall into certain roles without realizing it—the thinker, the caretaker, the challenger, the creator. Psychologists call these patterns “archetypes,” but at their core, they’re simply the roles we default to in relationships, work, and everyday life.

Keep reading to discover the role you naturally step into, and why understanding it can help you move through life with more clarity and confidence.

AQUARIUS – THE SAGE

Your archetype represents the eternal search for knowledge and wisdoms as vehicles to arrive at the truth, and achieve peace through understanding. Your commitment to social justice means you don’t shy away from the critical thinking required to get there.

PISCES – THE CREATOR

It’s no surprise that with your imagination, your archetype represents the ability to bring new things into existence through the power of your own mind, but it’s not all just throwing paint at a blank canvas. You want your creations to contain a meaning all their own.

ARIES – THE REBEL

You’re not afraid of pissing off anyone, Aries, if it means sticking to your guns. That’s why people can count on you in a pinch, because they know you won’t be afraid of potential ostracism. You stick by the people you love through thick and thin. Even if it puts a bounty on your head.

TAURUS – THE EXPLORER

You’re a little trapped in your own bubble, Taurus, but it’s a bubble that’s always on the go, which is why you embody the archetype known for adventure and discovery. Whether that’s finding the best pasta in Italy, or the perfect bathroom faucet, your nose for luxury and quality is your guiding compass.

GEMINI – THE EVERYMAN

You are the most approachable sign of the zodiac, which is why everyone and their cousin comes to you asking for a favor. Your archetype is all about being relatable and striving for belonging, which is exactly where your people pleasing gets you. It’s better to be exhausted and fit in, right?

CANCER – THE CAREGIVER

You’re a nurturer, through and through, Cancer, and your archetype signifies the need for that altruism in order to maintain the social fabric of our humanity. You give of yourself, and sacrifice your own time and needs to see others healed and thriving.

LEO – THE HERO

You have to be the archetype known for shining in the spotlight, Leo, but with great power comes great responsibility. The Hero can’t just stand there and look pretty, they have to be a guiding example to the same people who look up to them. It’s a tall task, but you’re up for the challenge.

VIRGO – THE RULER

Come on, Virgo, being in charge is in your blood. Your house, your rules. You get the final word, the final say, and the towels get folded your way or everyone can stand there dripping wet after their shower. You need total control and obedience in order to feel secure.

LIBRA – THE INNOCENT

Your maintained faith in the balance of things lands you squarely in the territory of this archetype known for a prolonged childlike approach to life. You’re not oblivious to life’s hardships, but you choose to trust that good will conquer evil in the end.

SCORPIO – THE LOVER

There’s no way anyone else could embody this archetype, Scorpio, no one else has the sensual awareness that you do. You understand the delicate balance of pleasure and anticipation, passion and emotional connection. Everything has to come together just so to illicit the desired reaction. And you do, every time.

SAGITTARIUS – THE JESTER

Someone has to be the class clown, Saggy, and if the cap fits your noggin, there’s nothing you can do but oblige the crowd. You know how to enjoy life and find humor in the darkest of moments, precisely because you are able to sense that’s where the deepest need exists.

CAPRICORN – THE MAGICIAN

You know exactly what to do to play the game, Capricorn. Where to be, where to get people to look, and how to defy their wildest expectations with the illusion of pure magic. It’s how you climb the corporate ladder and make your loftiest dreams become reality.

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What Your Spirit Animal Is (Based On Your Birth Month) https://thoughtcatalog.com/nina-sterle/2026/01/what-your-spirit-animal-is-based-on-your-birth-month/ Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:36:00 +0000 https://thoughtcatalog.com/?p=1184280 Some people share a natural kinship with certain animals, and your birth month may explain why.

Read on to discover the animal that reflects your instincts, strengths, and natural energy.

January

Those born in January are most like mountain goats. Patient, disciplined, and goal-driven, they are known for persistence and resilience. January births steadily climb toward success, no matter how steep the path, relying on determination rather than shortcuts.

Mountain goat fact: Mountain goats can climb slopes as steep as 60 degrees—or even near-vertical cliffs—thanks to their balance and specialized hooves.


February

February births are most like octopuses. Innovative, unconventional, and highly intelligent, they thrive on independence and curiosity. Like octopuses, they are natural problem-solvers who enjoy thinking outside the box and exploring new environments.

Octopus fact: Octopuses are capable of opening locks, solving puzzles, and escaping enclosures due to their exceptional intelligence.


March

People born in March are most like seals. Gentle, intuitive, and compassionate, they radiate warmth and empathy. Seals are playful and social, yet deeply bonded to those they love—qualities that reflect March births’ emotional depth and adaptability.

Seal fact: Mother seals and their pups recognize each other through unique vocal calls, even after long separations.


April

People born in April are most like a falcon. Determined, confident, and a little stubborn, they share this bird of prey’s sharp focus and natural leadership energy. April births move with speed and intention, always aiming higher and pushing themselves toward the next goal. Their direct, competitive nature mirrors the falcon’s hunting spirit. They may not literally fly, but they’re constantly reaching new heights.

Falcon fact: Peregrine falcons can reach speeds of over 200 miles an hour, making them the fastest animals on the planet. They use this incredible speed to dive through the air and catch their prey mid-flight.


May

Those born in May are most like a black bear. Grounded, steady, and comfort-loving, they appreciate life’s simple pleasures and value security above all else. Like black bears, May births are gentle and curious but fiercely protective of those they love. They’re loyal, patient, and know when to slow down and indulge in rest.

Bear fact: When black bears hibernate, their heart rate can drop to just eight beats per minute, and they may only breathe twice a minute—yet they remain alert enough to wake instantly if disturbed.


June

June births are most like dolphins. Social, intelligent, and endlessly curious, they thrive on connection and communication. Dolphins are playful and deeply bonded to their communities, much like June-born individuals, who are often beloved for their wit, charm, and adaptability.

Dolphin fact: Dolphins are one of the few animals that can recognize themselves in a mirror, demonstrating an advanced level of self-awareness.


July

People born in July are most like a hen. Protective, nurturing, and deeply caring, they naturally look after those they love. July births value home, comfort, and emotional safety, offering warmth and support without hesitation. Their intuition and emotional depth closely resemble the maternal instincts of a hen.

Hen fact: Chickens can recognize faces—including human faces—and remember them even after months of separation.


August

August births are most like peacocks. Bold, expressive, and confident, they love to stand out and be admired. Like peacocks, they bring drama, flair, and presence wherever they go. Their pride and creativity make them natural performers who are hard to ignore.

Peacock fact: Male peacocks shake their tail feathers to create vibrations that other peacocks can sense—though humans usually can’t hear them.


September

Those born in September are most like beavers. Analytical, practical, and highly organized, they are known for their strong work ethic and attention to detail. Like beavers constantly maintaining their environment, September births are planners and builders who value structure and reliability.

Beaver fact: Beavers dislike the sound of running water because it signals a leak in their dam, prompting them to immediately fix the problem.


October

October births are most like swans. Graceful, charming, and balance-oriented, they value harmony and beauty in all aspects of life. Swans are social creatures that often mate for life, reflecting October births’ desire for meaningful connection and partnership.

Swan fact: In the UK, all unclaimed swans technically belong to the Royal Family, and they are counted annually by an official Swan Marker.


November

People born in November are most like wolves. Passionate, loyal, and quietly intense, they form deep bonds with those they trust. Though often seen as mysterious, November births are protective and devoted once you’re inside their inner circle.

Wolf fact: Wolves are born blind and deaf, relying entirely on their mother at first, yet they still communicate through vocal sounds.


December

December births are most like horses. Adventurous, free-spirited, and optimistic, they crave movement, exploration, and new experiences. Like horses, they are sociable and loyal, forming connections easily across different circles.

Horse fact: A horse’s age can be determined by its teeth, which continuously grow and change shape over time.

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Reveal The Landscape Of Your Personality With The Cube Test https://thoughtcatalog.com/katee-fletcher/2026/01/reveal-the-landscape-of-your-personality-with-the-cube-test/ Thu, 15 Jan 2026 22:31:00 +0000 https://thoughtcatalog.com/?p=1184208 Have you ever wondered what a map of your innermost desires might look like?

Personality assessments like the ‘Cube Personality Test’ are a fun way to guide your mind and reflect upon what your truest wishes are.

What is a Personality Test?

Personality tests were created to help psychologically categorize one’s personality traits, behaviors, and motivations. The purpose behind these categorizations is to showcase how one perceives the world and cares to interact with it.

There are two common types of personality tests:

  • Objective Tests: Tests such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or The Love Language Quiz are objective as they rely on self-indicated answers.
  • Projective Tests: Tests such as the Rorschach Inkblot Test (or the Cube Personality Assessment you’re about to read more on), are projective because their reflections and answers are based on unconscious thoughts.

It’s important to note that personality tests are psychological tools and are often more reflective guides and practices rather than anything prescriptive.

What is the Cube Personality Test?

The Cube Personality Test is a projective visualization test that was created in the late 90s by author Isamu Saito and psychologist Tadahiko Nagao. This test was originally written about in the Kokology book series that coincided with a Japanese philosophical movement at the time. The Kokology cultural movement is linked to the procurement of various psychological visualizations that help people unlock profound insights about themselves— their fears, their goals, their relationships, etc.

Later on, international writer Annie Gottlieb brought certain visualizations, such as the Cube Personality Test, to Western audiences through her book Secrets of the Cube.

The Cube Personality Test leads its test taker to imagine a series of objects and hone in on the specific qualities of the objects they imagine. After their visualizations end, they are led to an answer key that helps them to evaluate their projections and unlock deeper truths about their inner worlds.

Begin: Cube Personality Test

Before you begin, it’s important to mention that this test has no right or wrong answers. Please interpret the prompts as you see fit and let your imagination wander.

Step 1:

In order to begin, close your eyes and picture you’re in a vast, open desert. Then, walk yourself through a series of objects, each appearing one after another:

  • Cube
  • Ladder
  • Horse
  • Storm
  • Flowers

Step 2:

Now close your eyes again and evaluate the objects’ details more critically. Note your observations on the following questions:

  • Cube: How big is it? What is it made of? Where is it located in the field? Is it transparent? Is the cube on the ground or is it in the air, floating?
  • Ladder: How tall is the ladder? What is it made of? Where is the ladder in relation to the cube (nearby, far away, etc.)?
  • Horse: What color is the horse? What is the horse doing in the desert? Where is the horse in relation to the cube?
  • Storm: What does the storm look like? Is the storm going to last a while or just pass over? Where is the storm in relation to the cube?
  • Flowers: What color are the flowers? How many flowers are there? What kind of flowers are they? Where are they located in the desert and in relation to your cube?

Step 3:

After noting your observations to the questions above, walk yourself through the answer key below. Reflect on what each object symbolizes and what your visualization of them signifies for your unique personality.

Answer Key: Cube Personality Test

Cube

The cube you visualized represents yourself— your ego, sense of identity, and current self-perception.

  • Size: Represents your confidence and presence in the world (think large cube = boisterous, confident, loud, whereas small cube = soft spoken, introverted, shy).
  • Material & Transparency: Represents your emotional availability and openness (think steel cube = guarded and harder to reach, whereas glass cube = vulnerable and open). Also, how solid the cube seems can reflect your security in yourself.
  • Color: Represents your emotional tone (think optimism vs pessimism, etc.)
  • Position: Represents your inclination towards practicality or spontaneity/creativity (think cube on ground = logical and practical, whereas cube in air = creative spirit, more free-flowing).

Ladder

The ladder you visualized represents your dreams and goals, along with how you plan to achieve them.

  • Height: Represents the reach of your goals. Meaning a long ladder could signify high aspirations and lofty dreams, while a short one signifies more modest and accomplishable goals.
  • Material: Represents your emotional tone in relation to your goals. Meaning a metal ladder could represent one who is determined beyond doubt to fulfill their dreams, whereas a wooden, rickety ladder could represent one who is more flexible with their aspirations or uncertain of their path.
  • Location: Represents your ability to ask for help. If the ladder is leaning on or close to the cube, this signifies wanting to achieve your goals on your own, while a ladder far from the cube signifies your willingness to get a helping hand from others to achieve your dreams.
  • Rungs: Broken or missing rungs can represent that you perceive obstacles along the path to pursuing and achieving your dreams.

Horse

The horse you visualized represents your emotional desires and relationships (often romantic ones).

  • Color & Appearance: Represents your emotional nature in relationships and your openness to monogamy. A ‘color’ example could be a white horse being more calm in relationships, whereas a black horse being more mysterious. An ‘appearance’ example could be a bucking bronco representing someone who doesn’t care for monogamy and currently wants to roam free, while a gentle horse nibbling grass reflects one who is open to a relationship.
  • Activity: Represents your level of independence, e.g., a galloping horse indicates someone who isn’t afraid to run free and be self-motivated. Meanwhile, a horse that is saddled and still can showcase one who is more dependent on their loved ones, or may even be emotionally stagnant.
  • Location: Represents how important relationships are in your life. If the horse is close to the cube, relationships are central. If the horse is distant from the cube, relationships feel secondary or even hypothetically frightening to enter into.

It’s important that the horse can be interpreted in multiple ways. Meaning, it represents your romantic interests and relationships, but also how you care to give and receive love.

Storm

The storm you visualized represents your fears (internal conflicts) and struggles (external challenges).

  • Appearance: Represents the depth of your fears. The more threatening the storm appears, the deeper-rooted your fears are, whereas a light rainstorm may indicate occasional passing worries or concerns. If you see a rainbow, this indicates hope for the future and emotional recovery.
  • Duration: Represents the level of emotional turmoil you’re in. The longer the storm is projected to last, the deeper the turmoil feels. Meaning if it’s a quick shower, your stress and fear are fleeting emotions, whereas if the storm is long-lasting and heavy, your stress and fear are more consistent and far-reaching.
  • Location: Represents how proximal you are to the turmoil in your life. If the storm is far away, you may recognize certain stressors or fears, but are not presently experiencing them. If the storm is over you, you may be currently in the weeds of some emotional distress.

Flowers

The flowers you visualized represent where you find joy and connection in your life.

  • Appearance: The color and type of flower represent your emotional nature when it comes to connection. Vibrant flowers often symbolize extrovertedness and openness to friendship, whereas thorny or wilted flowers may signal that your walls are up. The health of the flowers and their coloring may also signify how nurtured you feel by the relationships in your life.
  • Quantity: The amount of flowers you see represents how large you like your social circle to be. The larger the field of flowers, the more people you enjoy connecting with; meanwhile, one flower or a small patch of flowers indicates you enjoy a more intimate circle of friends.
  • Location: Where the flowers are in relation to the cube represents your natural inclination toward introvertedness or extrovertedness to feel restoration and joy in your life. Meaning, if the flowers are close to the cube, your social circle is important to keeping your vitality and happiness up; you’re more extroverted. If the flowers are far from the cube, you prefer more time alone in order to rejuvenate your senses and feel happy.

Reflection

While this test is fun to take and reflect on, it’s good to remember that its accuracy varies and there are hundreds of ways to interpret your answers.

Rely on it as a fun reflective tool to address your current emotional landscape. Using each object as a prompt to further reflect or visualize your emotions can take this test a step further and help you unlock how you’re truly feeling in your life lately! All in all, have fun with it, don’t take it too seriously, and allow your interpretations to ebb and flow according to what feels right in your heart and gut.

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