Entry 1: Channel 1

Although I haven't explored a ton of blogs religiously, my understanding of them were minimal. I was under the impression they were intended to show off a lavish lifestyle or created during someones free time. Turns out I have read a lot more blogs than I was aware of. Blogs come in many topics, styles, and purposes, the Tv drama articles I have read turned out to be considered blogs. I've put my foot in my mouth having not explored more on blogs that not only speak on topics that are interests of mine, but those that could actually teach me a few things. After exploring sites of bloggers I made a small list of those I knew would interest me: lifestyle, cuisine, relationships, and communication. The three blogs that caught my attention were: "7 Simple Ways to Cope with Stress at Work and Stop Worrying", "How to Stop Yourself from Sabotaging Relationships", "7 Signs of Manipulation in Relationships (And How to Handle Them).


To start, anything to do with having a better understanding of people and relationships with others (significant others, family, friends), will always grasp my attention and I will usually listen to a persons interpretation with an open mind. I however found one of these articles a bit challenging to agree with.
  "7 Simple Ways to Cope With Stress and Stop Worrying" is an informative article about handling any situation that has you becoming anxious. The 7 skills are simple and easy to follow. If avoidable leave the situation, try to appreciate your strength and skills, and finally surround yourself with uplifting people. It was straight to the point and gave me techniques I will try if in the same scenario. It is defiantly a personal/professional blog, because it has a formal tone with the reader and some grammar uses that would be considered slang. The purpose was meant to aid readers when faced with stress and was useful.
   "How to Stop Yourself from Sabotaging Relations" so although I was under the impression the article had included all types of relationships, I also thought it included self sabotaging. Long story short it was a completely different topic of what I thought it be, for example reading through the major points it didn't really collied with sabotage. I figured sabotaging would be purposeful, however the key points were on how not to have a failed relationship with a significant other. For example it didn't discuss some ideas of sabotaging I had in mind. For example purposefully canceling plans minutes before the meeting to avoid being in public. I think the tittle was a little misinformed, however I've gained some information. It was more formal and professional, because of the tone and amount of information rather than interpretation.

    "7 Signs of Manipulation in Relationships (And How to Handle Them)" This was probably the blog I was most conflicted with. Though their key points were informative and written formally because of the serious topic, I seen it was a combination of manipulation and controlling behaviors in a relationship. I would say it could possibly talking about narcissism, however it wasn't the point of the author was trying to get at. The signs were more like subtle hints not many people would pay mind to, which some thing I didn't know would be considered manipulation, for example purposefully saying a person other than your significant other is attractive to gain their attention. Now I never felt the need to do that, however some men and women feel they get positive affirmation from their partners being jealous. I would say this kind of manipulation can be harmless depending on the person, but other forms are defiantly alarming. This blog does speak on those type of forms, like trying to belittle your partner in the way they look or do things so you can use their now insecurities for benefit. But what I don't agree with is the negative connotation on people who manipulate. Too much of anything is bad, I would say small forms of manipulation are harmless when the motive isn't alternatively harming. For example being overly nice to your boss knowing a new position you really want is in available. For a relationship, telling your significant other they look better than a super model out of the blue to boost their esteem. Not all manipulation has to be negative or a deal breaker.

Though I won't fulfill my free time with blogs, if I have a question or concern I will check out a few articles to gain some knowledge. Thank you for taking the time to read my first entry post and hope you stay tuned for more.