Month: April 2025

The word you is a second-person pronoun that can refer to a single person (singular) or more than one person (plural). As the only second-person pronoun that can be both singular and plural, you is an essential part of our language. It is also unique in that it can be used to make an object of a verb or to make a predicative complement.

The first use of you as a singular pronoun dates from Old English, when it was pronounced yeow and yowd. It was replaced by the more formal you around the mid-16th century. Thee and thou continued in polite if informal use as personal pronouns, though they were sometimes used to show deference or superiority to strangers or social inferiors. They began to lose respectability as singular you became more common, leading to the rise of special plural forms like youse, you-uns, yousies, and yez, which never fully replaced the regular singular form.

In modern English, you can function as an object of a verb in the present indicative, the perfect indicative, and the past indicative: You are going to school today. You washed the car. You went to school. You washed the car.

It is also possible to use you as a subject of a sentence in the subjunctive, the conditional, and the imperative: You might go, you might not go, you might not go. You can also use you as a conjunction: You can, you could, and you might, which are all examples of auxiliary verbs.

Aside from the auxiliary verbs, you can also be used to make adjectives: You are red, and you might be blue. You can also combine it with another noun or noun phrase to create a compound noun: You are so busy, and you might be tired.

You can also use it to make a noun phrase in the accusative: You are annoying, and you might be rude. You can even use it as an adjective: You are obnoxious, and you might be loud.

The most common way to use you is in the plural form you guys, which is often shortened to just youse. It is a common informal expression that can be heard in many regions of the United States. Younger speakers and some politically progressive speakers are more likely to perceive it as gendered and problematically noninclusive of trans and nonbinary people, so they might avoid its use. Plural yous is a more acceptable option, but it can be perceived as unnecessarily formal and stuffy in some contexts. The letter u can also be used to replace you in certain informal contexts, as in I miss u!

ME sufferers are not just tired, they’re unable to complete daily tasks, and can sometimes be confined to bed for extended periods. They struggle with headaches, muscle pain, difficulty thinking and memory problems – sometimes called brain fog. They find it hard to maintain relationships, get work and even attend school or college.

The illness can appear suddenly, or develop more slowly over months or years. It appears to be triggered by an infection, typically but not always viral. It is unclear why some people have ME/CFS and others do not.

There is no cure for ME and it is often misdiagnosed and not recorded properly, which can lead to delays in accessing treatment. There is no single test to detect ME/CFS and a diagnosis is only made after other possible known causes of symptoms have been excluded.

The main symptom is extreme fatigue, which persists for six months or more. The NHS’s guidelines state that disabling fatigue must be present for a diagnosis. However, the charity Action for ME has suggested that this criterion may be too low, as the illness can cause many other serious symptoms such as headaches and muscle pain, which are also recorded in medical records.

A lack of understanding about the illness means that patients can experience disbelief, discrimination and social isolation. Despite the physical and emotional impact, it is possible to manage ME/CFS over time, by using a range of coping strategies, such as good sleep hygiene and energy management (also known as ‘pacing’).

People with ME and CFS need to adapt their lives to take into account their illness, and can often struggle financially. This can be especially challenging for young people, who may miss out on opportunities and career progression because of their ME/CFS. The charity ALISS has a guide to entitlements to welfare benefits for ME and CFS sufferers.

ME/CFS can be a debilitating condition, but it is possible for people to live well with it if they are supported by family, friends and community. Support groups and charities can provide information, support and advice on managing ME/CFS, as well as signposting to local services.

Research into ME/CFS is ongoing, with an international team of researchers from organisations around the world working together at the ME/CFS Collaborative Research Centres. This is an open, global network of clinical and basic science laboratories with a shared mission to improve the lives of people affected by ME/CFS.

Love is a powerful feeling that inspires us to act, and can manifest itself in countless ways: the bond with our family, the camaraderie of friends, or those butterflies from romantic feelings. It enriches our lives, provides support during hard times, and demands care and understanding to flourish. It can even heal us when our loved ones are hurting. However, what is it exactly? Love is a complex emotion with many different definitions, ranging from lust and attraction to familial and platonic bonds. The concept of love is also highly influenced by culture and personal experiences, with some people believing that only specific feelings can define it.

The Ancient Greek philosopher Plato believed that the essence of love was a feeling, which can be volatile and often out of your control. But this definition of love can be dangerous, because it can create a dependency on volatile emotions like jealousy and longing that can easily lead to infidelity or impulsive behavior. He argued that the best way to protect yourself is by choosing to be in healthy relationships that cultivate positive emotions like empathy, respect and vulnerability.

More recently, psychologists have proposed a variety of human bonding theories that focus on the interplay of different emotional components. One such theory, called the triangular model, suggests that there are three types of love: intimacy, passion and commitment. This model can be applied to any kind of relationship, from friendships to marriages, and it can be used as a framework for analyzing your own relationships.

When we first fall in love, our brains become activated by the hormone dopamine, which triggers a rush of euphoria and excitement. It can feel intoxicating, and we can find ourselves unable to think about anything else except that special person we’re falling for. Over time, that giddy excitement may shift into more of an intimate attachment, which is triggered by the release of the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin. These chemicals are released during sex, breastfeeding and during childbirth to promote bonding and encourage attachment.

As a result, this type of love requires patience and a commitment to the long-term goals of your relationship. It also means being open and honest about your needs and wants, as well as listening attentively and remembering details about the other person’s life. This deep curiosity and interest in the other person can build trust, which is crucial to a healthy relationship.

In Hinduism, the word “love” has several meanings, including kama (lust and affection) and prema or advaita (elevated love). The former is devotional love toward God, which can take on various forms, such as bhakti, which involves the worship of deities and is described in works by Tulsidas and other Hindu writers and philosophers. The latter is compassion and mercy, which can motivate you to reduce the suffering of others. In addition to these spiritual qualities, the word “love” can also have a more earthly meaning: the desire for a stable financial future and healthy relationships with friends and family.

In everyday life we use the word need to refer to a basic deficiency that is essential for survival. The concept is closely related to the idea of a want, which is a desired outcome or goal. Need and want are central to many fields of study, including philosophy, biology, psychology, social science, economics, politics and marketing.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs states that a human being’s most fundamental physical and psychological requirements must be met before more complex emotional and spiritual needs can be fulfilled. For example, one’s primary needs include food, shelter and water. When these needs are not met, a person’s health and well-being will be compromised.

The logical next step is a feeling of safety and security, which includes the ability to control one’s environment, such as the security of having money to pay bills, or a secure home to live in. It is also important to have self-esteem, which can be enhanced by accomplishments and the approval of others. Having a sense of belonging is also vital. This can be met by having close relationships with friends and family, as well as being involved in community activities and organizations.

Having a sense of accomplishment and purpose can help people feel good about themselves, especially when they are engaged in a career they enjoy. A need for achievement and self-esteem may also motivate a person to work hard at their job, study or other activity. A need for power is another motivating factor, which can be satisfied by having influence and a strong position in a group or organization.

A person’s personal growth needs, such as the desire for learning and creativity, are also considered to be a need. These can be met by taking courses, reading books, attending conferences and training sessions, or participating in volunteer programs. Having a healthy relationship is also an important need, which can be fulfilled by spending time together or by giving each other compliments and gifts.

When it comes to fulfilling personal needs, it can be helpful to make a list of the things you think are most important. Then select the ones that you will most benefit from if they are met. Afterwards, create and execute a plan for how you can beneficially meet each of the needs that you identified. For example, if your personal need is to learn a new skill you could take a cooking class or enroll in an art course. Alternatively, if your personal need is to be creative you could try journaling or creating a blog.

As you prepare for an interview, it’s important to think about your approach to certain questions. For example, if the hiring manager asks you “what makes you unique?” you’ll want to be ready with an answer that highlights your value proposition as a candidate.

This question is designed to delve into your skills, experience, personality traits, and motivations. You can expect this to be a key component of the interviewer’s evaluation process. They’re looking for candidates who will fit well with the company culture and contribute to the success of the organization.

The question may be posed as a direct statement or as a short-answer question. When interviewing for a senior role, you may be asked to provide an explanation of your accomplishments and how they have prepared you to take on this position. In addition, the employer may wish to gain a better understanding of your values and work ethic.

How to respond

When answering this question, it’s important to be honest and direct. Focus on your unique skill combinations, passions, and problem-solving abilities. Provide specific examples and quantify achievements with numbers to make your response more impactful.

It’s also critical to research the company in advance and to understand their culture. You’ll want to tailor your answer to reflect the company’s mission and culture, as well as the job requirements. This will show the hiring manager that you’re truly invested in making a positive contribution to their organization.

Using a broad or generic response to this question can backfire. You’ll likely fail to connect your unique qualities with the job’s requirements and thereby leave the interviewer with a negative impression of you. Describe how your background experiences and personal traits, such as teamwork, leadership, or communication skills, align with the job’s selection criteria.

The answer to this question can be as simple or complex as you choose to make it. For example, you could discuss a particular skill that is not common amongst other applicants, such as the ability to juggle flaming batons. Alternatively, you could discuss how your background has uniquely prepared you to take on the challenge of a high-pressure situation. In either case, be sure to clearly explain how your unique skill sets and abilities will benefit the company and help it meet its business goals.

How you describe yourself in a few words is a crucial part of your personal brand, and it can make or break an impression on others. Whether you’re trying to get a job or attract clients, your descriptions should be well-considered and capture your positive characteristics.

If you’re living with ME, it can be even more difficult to create a strong and positive identity for yourself. The illness can cause a wide range of symptoms that affect how you feel, think and act. It can also interfere with your relationships and work performance.

People with ME often describe themselves as tired, unmotivated and unable to focus. They often have trouble explaining what they’re going through and are misunderstood by family, friends and co-workers. Some people with ME have difficulty finding and keeping a job. They may find themselves frequently missing work and struggling to pay their bills. Others need to give up their jobs due to the illness.

Unlike other illnesses, ME cannot be easily diagnosed. It is often misdiagnosed, and many people struggle for years before receiving a correct diagnosis. Many have to go to multiple doctors, and many have been told they’re crazy or made the condition up themselves.

The illness may present itself suddenly, most often after an infection or surgery; after a major hormonal shift (such as pregnancy or menopause); or from stress or depression. Symptoms include fatigue, post-exertional malaise (PEM), unrefreshing sleep, cognitive problems and orthostatic intolerance. Children and teenagers may experience pain, periods of bloating or constipation, difficulties with balance and a fluctuating energy level.

Research is ongoing to try and understand what causes ME and how it can be treated. The largest ME research project, DecodeME, has already found genetic markers that can predict the onset of the illness and help scientists look for potential treatments.

Some people with ME have to stay at home and are unable to work, but it is important for them to be able to access treatment and support services so they can continue to live their lives. They should be able to visit their local ME/CFS specialist for help with pacing their activities, sleeping aids and medications, and support to obtain disability benefits or assistive devices.

The NHS should provide local ME services and establish regional specialist centres for patients who are very ill, according to the campaign group #ThereForME. The campaign was launched after an inquest into the death of Maeve Boothby O’Neill, 27, who died from myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) at her home in Exeter in October 2021. She had been suffering from severe ME for years and her death was a wake-up call about the need for change in how the illness is assessed and cared for. Campaigners want to see a transformation in NHS care for ME and other chronic illnesses such as long Covid. One NHS doctor who regularly treats ME patients told the inquest there needs to be a local service for new cases and better support for those with severe ME.

Love is a powerful emotion that can have many different meanings. For some, it is a romantic feeling of passion and euphoria that makes us feel on top of the world. For others, it is a bond of caring and compassion that compels us to help reduce the suffering of those we love. It can also be an intense and sometimes irrational urge to protect our loved ones from harm, even when that harm may be caused by our own mistakes or the bad luck of being born with certain genetic traits.

In the context of human relationships, love often refers to a deep attachment and commitment that can last for years and even decades. It can be a source of great happiness, but it can also lead to painful experiences like jealousy and insecurity. Those who have been hurt by toxic, controlling, or abusive relationships can carry scars that go beyond the end of their relationship and even affect their self-worth.

Biologically, it is not surprising that there is an evolutionary basis for love. When you fall in love, key brain regions light up and your reward system kicks into high gear. The ventral tegmental area is filled with dopamine, which can cause a surge of positive emotions, and even make you want to be around the person you are in love with.

These chemicals can also make you idealize the person you are in love with, creating a fantasy about them that is based on your hopes and dreams for the relationship. As you spend time with them, you may begin to notice only their good qualities and ignore red flags that others might see as warning signs. This can lead to an irrational desire to protect your beloved from anything that might threaten them, including bad habits and addictions.

Some people believe that love is a spiritual experience, and that it has nothing to do with hormones or chemistry. These beliefs can be rooted in religion, culture, or personal experience. For example, Hindu writers, theologians, and philosophers have distinguished nine forms of bhakti or devotional love. These include kama, prema, karuna, seva, and ahimsa.

For many people, the most important kind of love is unconditional. It is the type of love that we feel for our friends and family, and it includes our desire to see them succeed in life and to be happy. You can find a form of this kind of love in the dedication of parents to their children, or the way that friends support each other through difficult times. You can practice this kind of love by actively listening to your loved ones, asking thoughtful questions and remembering details about their lives. This attentiveness will show them that you care and can help build a sense of trust in your relationship. You can also practice this kind of love by volunteering to help those who need it, and by giving back to the community.

A need is something essential for survival or basic functioning. Needs include things like food, water, shelter and clothing. Wants, on the other hand, are desires for items or experiences that enhance comfort, pleasure, or quality of life but are not necessary for survival. Examples of wants include luxury items, entertainment and specific brands of clothing.

People often confuse the terms need and want, and this confusion can have negative consequences. If a person fulfills a need but not a want, they may feel dissatisfied or even unhappy. If a person tries to meet a need but it is impossible, they may be in danger of death or injury.

Need is a term that is used in many contexts, including in the fields of medicine, economics, and psychology. One of the most widely accepted academic models of needs is Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which posits that human beings have a series of overlapping and interrelated psychological needs, ranging from lower order physiological or safety needs (e.g., food, water and shelter) to higher order needs for belonging, esteem and self-actualization.

Maslow’s theory is based on the idea that human beings are driven to fulfill their needs. People will usually devote most of their resources to achieving the basic levels of his hierarchy, and only once these are met will the higher level desires for self-actualization begin to be satisfied. The theory is not without its critics, however, who point out that a person’s perception of their own needs can vary greatly depending on cultural factors and individual circumstances.

The academic study of needs reached a peak in the 1950s but receives much less attention today. One reason for this is that the concept of needs can be difficult to define objectively, since different cultures have radically different conceptions of what it means to be human and what it costs to live within those societies. In addition, the needs of a person may change throughout his or her lifetime, reflecting changing attitudes and circumstances.

Needs are also important in the field of financial management. For example, when a person manages their own money, they need to determine which expenses are essential and which ones are optional or desirable. This involves making a budget for various regular expenses and financial goals, as well as determining whether large lump sum payments are towards necessities or into investments and insurance premiums.

The word need can also be used figuratively, to refer to the desire for certain emotions or behaviors. For example, a person may say that they “need to be loved” or that they “have a need for sex.” This use of the word reflects the importance of love and connection in relationships. In fact, some psychologists would argue that a need for connection and sex is a fundamental human need, even more basic than a need for survival. A need for sex, on the other hand, is likely to be perceived as a want.

As an interviewee, you will likely be asked a variation of the question, “How would you describe yourself?” When answering this, it is important to focus on your personal brand and the qualities that are most pertinent for the role. A successful answer to this question will show an employer that you are not afraid to stand out from the crowd and highlight your unique strengths, while also demonstrating a level of self-awareness and authenticity.

Choosing the best adjectives to describe yourself requires careful thought and consideration. Choosing words that are overused and insincere may make you appear unoriginal or arrogant, while choosing ones that are not appropriate for the context of the conversation can be confusing to the interviewer. Additionally, it is critical to consider the interviewer’s expectations when deciding what adjectives to use. An interviewer is looking for a candidate who is capable of meeting the demands of the job and will have a positive impact on their organization.

Results-driven

Employers are looking for candidates who are driven and focused on getting things done. Using adjectives like hardworking and dedicated to demonstrate your ability to meet these requirements is a great way to position yourself in the interviewer’s mind. Be sure to provide examples of your ability to deliver these qualities in previous roles and how they have impacted the success of your work.

Loyal

An employer wants to hire someone who will be loyal to their company and team. Choosing adjectives that demonstrate your loyalty and trustworthiness, such as faithful and reliable, will help an interviewer see that you will be a good fit for their organization.

Adaptable

Companies want to know that they will be able to count on you to adjust quickly to changing circumstances. Using adjectives that reflect your adaptability, such as resilient and resourceful, will show employers that you can adjust to any environment and are a quick-thinker.

Whichever words you choose to use, it is important to be honest and authentic in your response. It is also important to tailor your answer to the specific role you are applying for. By reviewing the job description and identifying the required skills and characteristics, you can select words that will best showcase your abilities while remaining consistent with the overall company culture. Remember that if you are not genuine in your interview, it will be evident to the hiring manager and can negatively affect your chances of being hired. Good luck!

Myalgic encephalomyelitis, known by the name chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in the United States, is a chronic condition that causes pain and extreme exhaustion. It may appear suddenly or develop over time. It is often triggered by an infection but the exact cause remains unknown.

CFS can be a life-altering disease, leaving people with a reduced quality of life. It can lead to social isolation, loss of employment and a lack of support from friends and family. However, the symptoms of CFS can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.

It is important for people with ME/CFS to know their illness and to talk to their health care provider about how it affects them. Symptoms can include post-exertional malaise, or feeling worse after physical or mental exertion; unrefreshing sleep; difficulty with thinking and memory, also called brain fog; and persistent, crushing fatigue. Some people experience other comorbidities, such as fibromyalgia (widespread muscle pain and unrefreshing sleep), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS, an increased heart rate upon standing) or gastroparesis and irritable bowel syndrome (bloating and constipation).

In the US, it is estimated that up to one million people have ME. It is more common in women than men and can affect people of all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, it is not well understood and is often misdiagnosed or overlooked. The inquest into the death of 27-year-old Maeve Boothby O’Neill, who had ME, found that her ME was not treated adequately by the NHS. This is not surprising, as many patients and families have struggled for years to get the right diagnosis.

There is no cure for ME but there are a number of treatments that can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning, including cognitive behavioral therapy; medicines to treat sleep disorders, pain and inflammation; and exercise programs designed to increase energy without making the symptoms worse. Health care providers can also recommend assistive devices and provide accommodation at work or school to allow people with ME to succeed.

Choosing words to describe yourself can be difficult, especially in the context of an interview. It is essential that you choose positive words that are honest and genuinely capture your personality and strengths. It is also important to keep in mind that your interviewer will be less likely to hire you if you sound insincere or overly negative. So, be sure to use words that reflect your true qualities and avoid haphazardly using buzzwords such as “hardworking” or “team player.” For more tips on how to describe yourself, click here.