–

By Robb Wolf for LMNT

Intermittent fasting should be simple, but it’s complicated by endless noise. “Try our 30-day fasting reset diet for effortless weight loss and eternal life.” “Look good at the turn of the 22nd century!”

This article from LMNT will help cut through the nonsense so you can decide how and why to pursue intermittent fasting — or if fasting even makes sense for you. Whatever your fasting experience, you’ll find something useful here.

Why fast to begin with? Most people practice intermittent fasting for weight loss, but that’s not the only benefit. You might also see improved metabolic health, energy levels, mental sharpness, and sleep. Even a 12-hour overnight fast can help reduce late-night eating and support circadian rhythm, but there are many different ways to fast, which will be discussed later.

Short on time and just here for the quick tips? Here are five ways to improve your intermittent fasts:

1. Take electrolytes to prevent deficiency symptoms.
2. Drink to thirst to maintain sodium levels and energy.
3. Eat a nutrient-dense, protein-rich diet during your feeding windows.
4. Try a low-carb diet to fat-adapt before transitioning to fasting.
5. Don’t be a hero (fasting isn’t a competition).

If you have a minute, stick around. This article covers intermittent fasting benefits, types of fasts, how to choose a regimen, and practical strategies to make fasting easier. But first, let’s define what fasting actually is.

What is Intermittent Fasting?

Fasting, broadly, is intentionally abstaining from food for any length of time. Intermittent fasting is a type of fasting that involves regularly going without food for 12-36 hours.

It’s worth noting that not all fasts require zero calories. Some regimens allow for reduced calories on “fasting days,” and the science suggests these “modified fasts” have similar benefits to zero-calorie fasts. When overeaters eat fewer calories, good things tend to happen. Most commonly, though, you’ll see fasters avoiding all calories.

Why is fasting beneficial? Because it signals your body to access its backup energy stores (body fat) when calories are scarce.

This is an adaptation that’s millions of years old. Our ancestors often failed at hunting and gathering. They needed their body fat (worth tens of thousands of calories, even on a lean human) to last through famines. They stayed lean because they moved frequently and burned through fat stores when mammoth meat was hard to come by.

Modern society promotes the opposite dynamic. With virtually limitless access to food, we can be eating constantly. This promotes fat storage rather than fat burning, because overeating (especially fat/carb combos) raises blood sugar, which raises the blood sugar-regulating hormone insulin.

Insulin keeps our blood sugar in check by shuttling glucose (sugar) out of our blood and into our cells — tucking excess calories away as fat for safekeeping in case of a famine. Persistently high insulin can make cells less responsive over time. In other words, overeating plus weight gain can contribute to insulin resistance, a major driver of Type 2 diabetes. Insulin-resistant folks put on fat especially easily.

Intermittent fasting can improve insulin sensitivity, especially when it leads to weight loss. Fasting lowers circulating insulin and nudges your metabolism toward burning more stored fat for fuel — a shift that can improve how well your body handles glucose over time.

It’s also worth noting that depriving yourself of calories may activate a cellular recycling program called autophagy, which is getting more buzz recently even though most evidence comes from animal or laboratory studies. Essentially, autophagy breaks down the old, damaged parts of your cells, allowing the body to recycle those proteins and lipids into something new.

Now, let’s talk about the benefits brought on by fasting and the shift from insulin-resistant to insulin-sensitive.

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting can help with weight loss, metabolic health, energy levels, cognition, and your wake-sleep cycle. Let’s explore some science on these benefits.

1. Weight loss

All 27 trials in a 2020 systematic review found intermittent fasting (various protocols) led to weight loss in overweight or obese adults — 0.8%-13% weight loss, depending on the trial. That said, recent meta-analyses suggest IF works about as well as traditional calorie restriction for weight loss. Its real advantage may be simpler: Some people just find it easier to stick to. When people compress their feeding window — the amount of hours in a day that they allow themselves to eat — they tend to eat less.

2. Metabolic health

Fasting can help folks get off the insulin resistance train. How? Food breaks keep blood sugar and insulin levels down, leading to improved insulin function. Because of this, intermittent fasting is a promising therapy for Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic issues. Low-carb and ketogenic diets can also help improve insulin resistance (fewer carbs equals lower blood sugar equals less insulin production).

3. More stable energy

Intermittent fasting improves your fat-burning capacity, decreasing your reliance on carbs for energy. Our bodies burn carbs for energy by default, causing our energy levels to rise and fall with our blood sugar levels (if you’ve ever experienced an afternoon crash where you crave candy, you’ll understand). Fasting removes carbs from the equation, prompting the body to run on fat instead. Some people report steadier energy levels when fasting or eating fewer carbohydrates, though responses vary.

4. Mental sharpness

While fasting, your liver burns fat for energy and produces molecules called ketones. Ketones then supply a portion of the brain’s ravenous energy requirements. A 2016 study found that higher ketone levels (from a high-fat meal) improved performance on various mental tasks in older adults, but more research on intermittent fasting and cognition in healthy adults is needed. Some people report feeling sharper while fasting, but others don’t. Listen to your body (and brain). Rather than fasting, you can also consider reducing carb intake to boost your ketones.

5. Circadian rhythm

Your circadian rhythm (24-hour wake-sleep cycle) governs the quality of your sleep and the function of countless genes that impact your health. Two main factors regulate the circadian rhythm:

1. Light
2. Food

Bright light and food (especially protein) early in the day help wake you up. Avoiding blue light and food at night helps you wind down and produce your sleep hormone, melatonin. Fasting overnight — aka avoiding those late-night snacks — is a simple way to tune this rhythm.

Types of Intermittent Fasting

There are myriad ways to intermittently fast. Below are a few of the popular ones, but don’t be afraid to create a fasting schedule that works best for you.

Popular Intermittent Fasting Protocols:

• 12/12. Also known as overnight fasting, 12/12 entails 12 hours of eating and 12 hours of calorie deprivation. Typically folks fast from dinner to breakfast without food, such as 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Most folks can handle a 12-hour fast.
• 16/8. Popular among athletes and biohackers, 16/8 entails eating all your meals within an 8-hour feeding window (thus fasting 16 hours).
• OMAD. One meal a day (OMAD) involves consuming all your daily calories in one sitting.
• 5:2. 5:2 entails five days of normal eating with two non-consecutive fasting days per week. Some folks will still consume up to 25% of their usual calories on fasting days.
• ADF. Alternate-day fasting (ADF) entails fasting every other day. Again, some folks will consume up to 25% of their usual calories on fasting days.

How to Choose a Fasting Protocol

If you’re new to fasting, consider starting with a 12-hour overnight fast. Most folks can do an overnight fast comfortably. Plus, it’s great for your circadian rhythm and helps you start adapting to burning fat for energy.

If you want to extend your fast from there, try adding one hour of fasting to your protocol per week (13, 14, 15, etc.) and see how your body reacts. Jumping straight to longer fasts like OMAD or 5:2 can make folks quit early. For instance, a 2022 study found that compliance was poor among participants doing 5:2 fasting.

Longer fasts have other risks, too. The extra hunger can negatively impact sleep, for one. Also, the longer your fasts, the harder it is to get enough nutrients (like protein) from food. Keep this in mind when choosing how you want to fast. If you’re losing weight and feeling better with a 14-hour fast, that may be your optimal protocol. When it comes to fasting, more isn’t always better.

Along these lines, get clear on why you’re fasting. To lose 20 pounds? To stay lean and mentally sharp? To have more time for work?

If you want to lose weight, the longer fasts may get you there faster. But only if your body and schedule can tolerate them. If it’s no fun, there’s no shame in backing off.

If you want to gain or maintain muscle, shorter fasts are better. They give you more chances to consume sufficient protein and calories for muscle growth (assuming you’re strength training). Interestingly, a 2021 review found that various intermittent fasting protocols (16/8, OMAD, 5:2) combined with strength training did not lead to significant muscle loss in participants. To be clear, they still lost some muscle, just not a statistically significant amount, and the included studies were fairly short at 4-8 weeks — perhaps not long enough to show effects of long-term fasting.

Bottom line? Start small, work up to longer fasts slowly (if at all), and listen to your body.

Groups That Should Be Careful With Intermittent Fasting

Certain folks should generally avoid any fast longer than 12 or 13 hours. These groups include:

• Children
• Athletes
• Underweight people
• Those with eating disorders
• Pregnant and nursing women
• People with diabetes

Though early evidence suggests fasting is therapeutic for Type 2 diabetes, folks with diabetes shouldn’t fast without medical supervision (especially those taking insulin or sulfonylureas, which can cause hypoglycemia). Don’t wing it. Work with a clinician.

Tips for Intermittent Fasting Success

The world of fasting is filled with bad advice and pseudo-wisdom. These five tips will help you cut through the clutter.

1. Take electrolytes

Longer fasts increase the risk of electrolyte losses, particularly sodium, for two reasons:

1. Lower intake of electrolyte-rich foods
2. Higher urinary excretion of sodium and potassium

Using an electrolyte drink can help keep electrolyte levels stable and prevent the headaches, muscle cramps, and tiredness that often accompany low electrolyte levels (and, therefore, fasting).

2. Drink to thirst

A typical nugget of pseudo-wisdom is to drink more water while fasting. Unfortunately, if you drink too much plain water, you’ll dilute blood sodium levels and circle back to those same low sodium symptoms (headaches, tiredness, etc). The solution is to add electrolytes to your water and drink to thirst. Thirst is a well-calibrated system to guide fluid intake. Lean on it.

3. When you eat, eat well

When you’re eating fewer meals, those meals should be as nutrient-dense as possible. Get plenty of protein, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other essential compounds by eating meat, fish, eggs, and vegetables during feeding windows. Something like paleo or keto tends to work well.

If you’re struggling to digest your massive meals, lengthen your feeding window. Don’t force a fasting protocol if your body doesn’t like it.

4. Go keto first

Before progressing beyond an overnight fast, consider shifting to a low-carb diet. A low-carb diet keeps insulin low, helping you access body fat for energy. This “fat adaptation” makes fasting easier — or you may find that keto is working just fine for your goals and you don’t need to fast after all.

5. Don’t get competitive

People are pretty gung ho about intermittent fasting these days. They get competitive with others and themselves.

But if a 16-, 20-, or 24-hour fast doesn’t feel right, don’t pressure yourself to power through. Maybe 12 or 13 hours is your sweet spot.

In the end, it’s your body, and how you feel moment to moment is the most critical data point. How’s your energy? How’s your mood? How are you sleeping? Are you feeling strong?

Intermittent fasting should support — not derail — these areas. If it’s not, consider retreating to a lighter regimen as you inch toward your health goals. That’s how you pursue intermittent fasting sustainably.

This story was produced by LMNT and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

—

Previously Published on hub.stackernewswire

The Good Men Project is part of a multi-platform ecosystem: flagship site, Medium publications, Substacks, social media. We publish experts, authors, therapists, coaches, activists, and wellness professionals. AI tools look for stable, context-rich domains with clear topical focus. GMP’s mission-driven content helps articles perform better in AI-powered discovery.

If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join us as a Premium Member today.

All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.

Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.

Photo credit: unsplash

The post Intermittent Fasting for Beginners: A Science-Based Guide appeared first on The Good Men Project.

Life is a race for too many.

People spend years trying to become successful… chasing milestones, building identities, and wearing masks. They don’t want to sound “vulnerable” at any stage.

But somewhere along the way, we forget to be “ourselves.”

Life looks ugly and unbearable, even though we had everything. We get things just by tapping. But still, we feel empty.

Simple solution?

Try not to become someone else; return to who you already are. Pause and notice: what you feel, what you believe, and what your body is telling you… and experience yourself. No stings attached.

What’s “Experience Yourself”

Not a grand event, not at all.

You won’t find yourself on a mountain top… or in a perfect morning routine. But you can find yourself in quiet spaces, when the noise dims just enough to hear your own inner voice.

The moment you notice your shoulders are tense, pause to breathe… when you feel sad, allow yourself to feel it instead of pretending you’re fine.

You don’t “become” who you are through pressure, but you remember who you are. When you’re present with your emotions and let your body speak before your brain takes over, you stop performing and start observing… a process of experiencing yourself.

Why This Matters…

You think clarity comes from control? If you could just fix your flaws…manage your time… or master your reactions, you’d finally feel at peace.

No. Not at all.

Peace won’t materialise when you put everything together, but comes when you allow things to break up and still stay with yourself anyway. Because life will always hit you, will always challenge you.

Real clarity, the kind that helps you make decisions without overthinking, comes from connection. When you understand how you feel and recognise what you need, you stop judging your emotions and start trusting your instincts. You stop asking, What should I do? And start asking, What feels true to me right now?

Experiencing yourself changes everything.

You no longer live disconnected; stop following the scripts you were handed and start making positive choices. You don’t need to have all the answers, but just need to come back to yourself… again and again.

Practical Ways to Experience Yourself

For me, it starts with emotional honesty.

Sometimes, I cry in the middle of the afternoon without knowing why. And, on some days, I notice I’m angry, not reviling, just acknowledging it.

I used to judge my emotions as problems to solve. Now, I try to treat them like visitors. Let them in, speak, and go.

Another way I experience myself is by saying ‘No,’ not out of rebellion, but out of respect. When something doesn’t sit right… drains… or pulls me off-center, I try not to force it. Saying ‘No’ has become an act of self-return.

Then a fine shift: letting go of “shoulds.”

I should wake up earlier, be more productive, more confident, more consistent, and more something. But “should” is rarely a positive kind.

Now, I pause and ask: What’s real for me right now? What do I want to do, not to please others, but to stay in alignment with myself?

Because at the end of the day, it’s me who suffers and feels things, not others. If I won’t do it for myself, no one ever will.

This practice isn’t perfect. There are days I forget… days I fall back into old habits. But even then, I try not to shame myself. Because even forgetting is a part of experiencing myself. I can’t allow myself to be “someone else.”

—

This post was previously published on medium.com.

Love relationships? We promise to have a good one with your inbox.

Subcribe to get 3x weekly dating and relationship advice.

Did you know? We have 8 publications on Medium. Join us there!

***

–

Photo credit: João Ferreira on Unsplash

The post The Ultimate Goal of Life: To Love “Yourself” (No Comparison) appeared first on The Good Men Project.

The other day one of my clients, someone I’ve known for quite some time, shook his head and said, “I don’t know how you do it.” He wasn’t joking. He was genuinely trying to understand. He went on to list it all out — your work schedule, your family, real time with Craig that isn’t just passing each other in the kitchen, the renovations, the gym, your health, cooking daily, time with your kids, reading, your spiritual life, travel, and then the writing… the constant writing, the books, the publishing. “How is that possible? I can’t do that.”

Another client said something similar, just in a different tone. “I don’t have time to build a business. I work eight hours a day. I barely have time to watch my show and cook dinner. There’s just not enough time.”

I know you’ve heard this before… but seriously, let’s be serious. It’s true. We all have the same twenty-four hours. Not similar. Not close. The same. Eight thousand six hundred and forty seconds in a day. No one gets extra. No one gets a hidden bonus hour. The difference is not time. It never has been.

It’s how you relate to it.

It’s how you command it.

It’s how you align your life within it.

Time does not expand for you. Your capacity does.

And that’s where most of us get things wrong. We think the answer is more time. If I just had more time, I would do the things that matter. If my schedule opened up, I would finally get serious about my health, my faith, my purpose, my goals. If things slowed down, then I would move forward.

But things don’t slow down. Life doesn’t create space for you.

You create space within life.

And that comes down to something most people avoid looking at directly. Your mindset. Your frequency. The way you think, the way you prioritize, the way you respond to your day.

Because when someone says, “I don’t have time,” what they are actually saying is something much deeper. They are saying, “I have not aligned my life with what I say matters.”

That’s not an insult. That’s an invitation to get honest.

If you look closely, time is not the issue. Attention is. Energy is. Discipline is. Clarity is.

Most people are not lacking hours. They are leaking them. Into distraction. Into scrolling. Into mental clutter. Into indecision. Into reacting to everything that shows up instead of intentionally building what they say they want.

And over time, that leak becomes a belief. “I don’t have time.”

But belief shapes behavior. And behavior shapes reality.

Scripture says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” There is an order there. Seek first. Not second. Not when you have time. First. Alignment first. Priority first.

And when that is in place, things begin to fall into order. Not perfectly. Not without effort. But with a different kind of flow, ya’ know…

From a quantum perspective, the same principle exists. Where attention goes, energy flows. What you consistently focus on, act on, and align with becomes the structure of your life. Not occasionally, but predictably.

So, if your attention is scattered, your life will feel scattered. If your attention is reactive, your life will feel reactive. If your attention is intentional, disciplined, and aligned, your life begins to reflect that.

This is not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters with clarity and consistency.

When my client asked how I “do it all,” the answer is not that I am doing everything at once. I am not. I am choosing what gets my time, and I am choosing it intentionally.

There are things I say no to. There are things I don’t entertain. There are moments I protect. There are disciplines I keep, even when I don’t feel like it. And there are days where it doesn’t all fit.

The difference is, I don’t wait for time to appear. I move within the time I have.

That is a frequency shift.

When you operate from “I don’t have time,” you contract. You hesitate. You delay. You push things off. You tell yourself you’ll come back to it.

But when you operate from “I will make space,” something else happens. You become decisive. You become aware of where your time is actually going. You begin to see what is draining you versus what is building you.

And you start to reallocate.

Not perfectly. But intentionally.

And over time, that intention compounds.

The person who says they don’t have time to build a business but has time for a show every night… that’s not about time. That’s about priority.

The person who says they don’t have time to work out but spends an hour scrolling… that’s not about time. That’s about alignment.

The person who says they don’t have time for their relationship but is constantly responding to everything else… that’s not about time. That’s about awareness.

There is a cost to misalignment.

You may not feel it immediately. But it shows up. In your health. In your relationships. In your finances. In your sense of purpose. In your faith.

What you don’t build intentionally… erodes over time.

This is not about perfection. It’s about ownership. Because when you take ownership of your time, you take ownership of your life.

You stop waiting. You stop hoping. You start building. And building is not glamorous. It is daily. It is repetitive. It is sometimes inconvenient.

But it works.

Not because you suddenly found more hours.

Because you stopped giving them away.

So no, you don’t need more time.

You need a different relationship with it.

You need clarity on what actually matters.

You need the willingness to choose that, even when it’s uncomfortable.

The truth is, you are already creating your life every single day.

The only question is whether you are doing it on purpose…

or by default.

Where in your life are you saying “I don’t have time”… but you know it’s really a priority issue?

Drop it below. No fluff. Just truth.

And if this hit you, share it with someone who’s been stuck in the same loop.

As always loving and praying for you and our world,

Rene Schooler

—

This post was previously published on medium.com.

Love relationships? We promise to have a good one with your inbox.

Subcribe to get 3x weekly dating and relationship advice.

Did you know? We have 8 publications on Medium. Join us there!

***

–

Photo credit: Rene’ Schooler(Author)

The post You’re Not Out of Time appeared first on The Good Men Project.

It’s been a long time since I’ve written about my life in any real, consistent way, and I want to acknowledge that.

To anyone who’s been reading me for a while and wondered where I went, I didn’t disappear exactly. I just… stepped back. I needed space from writing, from processing everything publicly, from trying to articulate a life that has felt like it’s been moving faster than I can keep up with.

But I’m back now.

And I’m going to start writing at least once a day again. Not because I have everything figured out, but because I don’t. And because somewhere in the mess of it, I still believe in putting language to lived experience.

There are updates. A lot of them, actually. But none of them feel like neat announcements. Life hasn’t been neat lately.

The most important thing is this: my daughter turns one in just a couple of days.

I don’t know how to explain what that sentence does to me.

One year ago, she didn’t exist in the way she does now. And now she is fully here. Loud, expressive, determined, funny, emotional, wildly opinionated, and completely herself. Watching her become a person has been one of the most disorienting and beautiful experiences of my life.

She is crawling like it’s a competitive sport.

Fast.

Determined.

Headfirst into everything.

She wants to touch everything, understand everything, be part of everything. She is trying desperately to walk, pulling herself up on anything she can find like the world is something she refuses to sit out of.

And she is funny.

Deeply funny.

She has a personality that feels too big for her size.

She is also incredibly cuddly. The kind of child who leans into you like she knows exactly where home is. She hugs hard. She clings. She melts into me in a way that sometimes stops me in my tracks.

And I’ll be honest, she is also sassy in a way I did not anticipate this early. She has opinions. Strong ones. She lets me know when she is unhappy, and she does not hesitate. It is exhausting and hilarious in equal measure.

She is, in every way, becoming her own person.

And I am in awe of her.

Over the past few weeks, while I wasn’t writing, I’ve been thinking a lot about her next stage. I’ve been trying to be present with her in a way that feels less fragmented. Less distracted. More grounded in the reality that this time is not repeatable.

I’ve also been thinking about sleep, transitions, and what it means to give her a space that grows with her.

We’re moving toward a floor bed.

A toddler bed that sits directly on the ground.

Simple.

Safe.

Independent.

I’ve been looking into mattresses, and I’ve been leaning toward a Nectar mattress because we already have one ourselves and it has been one of the few things in this season of life that has actually held up under everything residency, stress, exhaustion, and constant movement has thrown at us.

It’s not about luxury.

It’s about durability.

About something that can last through the next few years of her growing into herself.

I’ve added it to our Baby Zola registry for her birthday, not as a demand or expectation, but as something I genuinely feel excited about for her. If anyone feels inclined to look it up or contribute in any way, it would mean more than I can really articulate. Not because it’s a mattress, but because it represents a transition into her becoming more independent in her sleep, in her space, in her world.

That’s really all I’m thinking about for her birthday this year.

Something simple.

Something intentional.

Something that feels like her.

We’ve also received a few Montessori-inspired gifts already, and I’m so grateful. I’ve become a little more thoughtful about toys lately in a way I didn’t expect. Less noise. Less stimulation. More imagination. More room for her to think and explore instead of just react.

It’s funny how motherhood quietly changes your entire definition of “enough.”

My husband is also nearing the end of his third year of residency, which feels like its own kind of milestone. Next year he moves into his research year, and I cannot overstate how much I am looking forward to that shift. It will mean more time at home. More time with our daughter. More time for our family to exist in the same space without constantly passing each other like ships in the night.

Right now, we are still in the grind of it. The early departures. The late returns. The days that blur together. But there is an end in sight to this specific chapter, and that alone feels like oxygen.

And then there’s the quieter, more complicated thought I keep returning to.

Whether we should try again.

Whether our daughter will have a sibling.

She is our miracle in every sense of the word. And I don’t use that lightly. The journey to her was long, emotionally and physically draining, financially exhausting in ways I am still unpacking. IVF changed my body and my sense of self in ways I am still learning how to hold.

We actually have coverage for a few more rounds through his insurance now, which is something I don’t take for granted. But knowing that doesn’t make the emotional weight any lighter. IVF is not just medical. It is hormonal, psychological, and deeply destabilizing in ways people don’t always talk about. It asks everything of you at once.

And I don’t know if I can do that again.

But I also know what I feel when I watch her with other children. How gentle she is. How curious. How she leans in, how she observes, how she tries to connect. I see something in her that makes me think she would love a sibling. That she would thrive in that chaos and companionship.

And I know myself well enough to know this: I don’t know if I would regret trying again more… or regret not trying at all.

Both thoughts exist at the same time.

That’s the part no one really prepares you for. That motherhood doesn’t simplify anything. It multiplies everything.

Love. Fear. Hope. Uncertainty.

All of it.

So I’m sitting in that space. Not rushing it. Not solving it. Just holding it alongside everything else.

Her birthday is coming. Mother’s Day is coming. Life is moving whether I feel ready or not.

And I think that’s what I’ve been learning most of all.

You don’t wait for clarity. You live inside the questions.

And somehow, in the middle of all of it, I have never loved so deeply or felt so human.

—

UPDATED BIO:

Hi, I’m Fiona — a writer in the midst of an unexpected chapter.

In April 2024, I lost my job. Since then, my husband and I have been getting by on his modest income as a medical resident. After stepping away from IVF, we were shocked — and overjoyed — to find out we were pregnant naturally. While it was the happiest surprise, it also brought new financial stress as we prepared for our growing family.

Then, our baby arrived early — on April 29th, 2025, instead of the expected due date in late May. With no paid maternity leave and no room in our budget for childcare, I’ve returned to part-time jobs and writing just a week after giving birth to help cover essentials like groceries, bills, and a few things for our miracle baby.

If you’d like to support my writing — and by extension, our little family — your kindness would mean the world. Every bit helps: $1, $2, whatever you can give.

 Donate here — Venmo

 Baby Registry — Or if you’d prefer to help more directly, we’re also gratefully accepting support through our baby registry — every burp cloth, diaper and/or bottle goes a long way.

— –

Read also: Two Days After Bringing Our Baby Home, I Asked for a Divorce

Read also: Our Marriage Ended Before It Began: The Pregnancy That Shattered Everything

Read also: I’m Pregnant And Broke — My Cry For Help

—

This post was previously published on medium.com.

Love relationships? We promise to have a good one with your inbox.

Subcribe to get 3x weekly dating and relationship advice.

Did you know? We have 8 publications on Medium. Join us there!

***

–

Photo credit: t On Unsplash

The post I’m Back. And Everything Feels Different Now. appeared first on The Good Men Project.

By Kenneth Andrew Andres Leonardo, Hamilton College

—

Previously Published on theconversation.com with Creative Commons License

***

Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today.

All Premium Members get to view  A complete list of benefits is here.

—

Photo credit: unsplash

The post Today’s Obsession With Authenticity Isn’t New – Being True to Yourself Has Troubled Philosophers for Centuries appeared first on The Good Men Project.

—

This post was previously published on medium.com.

Love relationships? We promise to have a good one with your inbox.

Subcribe to get 3x weekly dating and relationship advice.

Did you know? We have 8 publications on Medium. Join us there!

***

–

Photo credit: Marek Studzinski on Unsplash

The post Men, Learn How to Break a Woman’s Heart appeared first on The Good Men Project.

By Dr. Frank Knofel

Canada is aging faster than our systems are adapting.

Nearly one in four Canadians will be over age 65 within the next decade. Research consistently shows that most older adults want to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Yet we continue to design and fund elder care as though retirement homes and long-term care are inevitable endpoints.

Between my research and over 30 years as a physician caring for older adults, I’ve learned that aging in place is not just a preference; it’s central to dignity, independence and well-being for many older adults.

But aging in place won’t succeed with sentiment alone. It requires a deliberate shift in funding, regulation and innovation strategy. Which means the federal government has a role to play too.

So, is it time to get serious about aging in place?

I have spent over two decades with a team of clinicians and engineers building, testing and studying how technology can be integrated into the home. Over time, we started making a distinction between “smart home” technology and “supportive smart home” technology.

The former is all about convenience. Technology designed to simplify and automate aspects of daily life. On the other hand, supportive smart home technology monitors expected routines and helps ensure they are fulfilled, empowering activities of daily living when they might otherwise be difficult.

The distinction matters.

Properly designed, supportive smart homes can detect changes in mobility patterns that may signal a fall risk, flag medication non-adherence, monitor for wandering in cases of cognitive decline and prompt early intervention before minor issues become hospital admissions.

The alternative is in-home care, which can mean facing the rising costs of a home support worker. For most people, the burden rests on unpaid caregivers, often family members, who are estimated to contribute the equivalent of $97.1 billion annually to Canada’s economy, representing more than three times the national expenditures on home, community and long-term care.

As demand for home care rises, workforce shortages persist, and ballooning long-term care costs, we cannot expect families and loved ones to stretch further. Proactive support is medically, socially and economically necessary for caregivers to remain as partners in care rather than perpetual monitors.

Supportive smart homes should be treated as core infrastructure in modern aging policy, not as experimental gadgets. We are no longer at the stage where these technologies are a futuristic dream. They are becoming accessible, cost-effective and studies are showing clear benefits to older adults and caregivers.

But scaling this approach requires policy clarity. Who pays for installation and maintenance? How is data governed? What safeguards ensure privacy and consent? And crucially, how do we prevent such technologies from becoming luxuries available only to affluent households?

If governments are willing to invest billions in brick-and-mortar facilities, they should be equally prepared to invest in digital infrastructure that helps Canadians remain safely at home.

Canada has a choice to make: continue expanding institutional care at escalating costs or modernize the home itself and prioritize aging in place. The latter demands serious leadership, including at the federal level. The demographic reality leaves little alternative.

***

About Dr. Frank Knofel

Dr. Frank Knofel holds a Bruyère Health Chair in Research in Technology for Aging in Place and is a physician at the Bruyère Health Memory Clinic.

—

This post was previously published on Quoimedia.com.

The post Aging in Place Needs More Than Good Intentions — It Needs Smart Infrastructure appeared first on The Good Men Project.

—

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2023 crash data, distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives and contributed to an estimated 424,000 injuries nationwide — yet these numbers likely represent just the tip of the iceberg, as many distraction-related incidents go unreported or unrecognized. As smartphones become increasingly integrated into daily life and in-vehicle technology grows more complex, the challenge of maintaining focused attention behind the wheel has evolved from a simple matter of willpower into a multifaceted safety crisis requiring both individual awareness and systemic solutions.

The stakes extend beyond personal safety. Every driver sharing the road becomes part of an interconnected system where one person’s momentary lapse in attention can cascade into life-altering consequences for multiple families. For drivers committed to protecting themselves and others, developing the skills to recognize distracted behavior in other motorists — and implementing proven strategies to avoid becoming a distraction statistic themselves — has become an essential component of defensive driving in 2024.

Why Distracted Driving Remains a Critical Safety Issue

The persistence of distracted driving stems from fundamental changes in how Americans interact with technology during their daily routines. Unlike drunk driving, which involves a clear decision to operate a vehicle while impaired, distracted driving often occurs through seemingly innocent actions that drivers don’t recognize as dangerous. The continuous stream of notifications, the muscle memory of reaching for a phone, and the false confidence that comes from successfully multitasking in other contexts all contribute to behaviors that can prove fatal at highway speeds.

Research from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute demonstrates that visual distractions lasting more than two seconds significantly increase crash risk, yet the average text message requires five seconds of attention — enough time to travel the length of a football field while essentially driving blind at 55 mph. This disconnect between perception and reality helps explain why even safety-conscious drivers continue to engage in risky behaviors.

The cognitive load of modern driving has also intensified beyond what many drivers consciously acknowledge. Navigation systems, voice assistants, hands-free calling, and increasingly complex dashboard displays create what researchers call “continuous partial attention” — a state where drivers believe they’re maintaining focus while actually cycling their attention between multiple competing demands. When combined with external distractions like aggressive drivers, construction zones, or weather conditions, this divided attention creates a perfect storm for serious accidents.

What makes the current distracted driving epidemic particularly challenging is its normalization across all age groups. Unlike previous safety campaigns that could target specific demographics, distracted driving behaviors span generations, from teenagers learning to drive in a hyperconnected world to older adults adapting to new technologies they find both useful and overwhelming.

How to Recognize Different Types of Distracted Drivers

Identifying distracted drivers requires understanding that distractions manifest differently depending on their type and intensity. Visual distractions — when drivers look away from the road — often produce the most obvious warning signs. These drivers typically exhibit erratic lane positioning, with their vehicle drifting toward lane boundaries or weaving slightly within their lane. They may brake suddenly without apparent cause, accelerate inconsistently, or fail to respond to changing traffic conditions like brake lights ahead or traffic signals.

Manual distractions, where drivers remove their hands from the steering wheel, create different behavioral patterns. Watch for drivers whose vehicles seem to “float” slightly within their lanes or who make overcorrected steering adjustments that suggest they’ve just returned their hands to the wheel. These drivers often struggle with smooth acceleration and braking, producing jerky movements as they divide their attention between their device and vehicle control.

Cognitive distractions present the most subtle but potentially dangerous signs. Drivers engaged in intense phone conversations or lost in thought may maintain proper lane position and speed but demonstrate delayed reaction times to changing conditions. They might sit through green lights for several seconds, follow other vehicles too closely because they’re not actively monitoring distance, or miss obvious cues like emergency vehicles or pedestrians entering crosswalks.

Certain scenarios create predictable patterns of distracted behavior. During morning and evening commutes, watch for drivers who appear to be eating, applying makeup, or reviewing documents. In heavy traffic, many drivers assume stop-and-go conditions provide safe opportunities to check messages, creating heightened risks when traffic suddenly accelerates. Near schools, shopping centers, and business districts, drivers often become visually distracted by navigation systems or mentally preoccupied with finding parking or addresses.

The challenge for observant drivers lies in distinguishing distracted behavior from other impairments or simply poor driving skills. Distracted drivers typically show intermittent periods of normal and erratic driving as their attention shifts, whereas impaired drivers tend to exhibit more consistent patterns of poor judgment and motor control.

Legal and Social Responses to Distracted Driving

Variations in Distracted Driving Laws Across States

The patchwork of state laws addressing distracted driving reflects the ongoing struggle to balance personal freedom with public safety. Currently, 48 states plus Washington D.C. ban text messaging for all drivers, while 24 states prohibit handheld phone use entirely. However, enforcement mechanisms and penalty structures vary dramatically, creating confusion for drivers who frequently travel across state lines.

Primary enforcement states allow officers to stop vehicles solely for observed phone use, while secondary enforcement requires another traffic violation to occur first. This distinction significantly impacts deterrent effectiveness, as drivers in secondary enforcement jurisdictions often perceive lower risk of citation. Penalties range from $25 fines in some states to potential license suspension and mandatory court appearances in others, with repeat offenses carrying progressively steeper consequences.

The legal complexity extends to defining what constitutes “use” of a mobile device. Some states permit GPS navigation and music streaming apps, while others require completely hands-free operation. Commercial drivers face federal regulations that often exceed state requirements, and many jurisdictions have specific provisions for emergency situations that can be difficult to verify during roadside stops.

Effectiveness of Law Enforcement and Penalty Strategies

Studies examining enforcement effectiveness reveal that high-visibility campaigns combining increased patrols with public awareness efforts produce the most significant behavioral changes. However, these improvements often prove temporary without sustained enforcement pressure. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that states with primary enforcement laws and robust penalty structures show measurably lower rates of handheld device use compared to those with weaker regulatory frameworks.

One emerging challenge involves proving distracted driving after accidents occur. Unless witnesses specifically observe phone use or drivers admit to texting, investigators often struggle to establish distraction as a contributing factor. Some jurisdictions now routinely request phone records following serious crashes, but legal barriers and privacy concerns can delay or prevent access to this evidence. For accident victims and their families, working with experienced legal professionals—such as those at hollislawfirm.com—who understand the complexities of distracted driving cases becomes crucial for establishing liability and securing appropriate compensation.

The most effective enforcement approaches combine traditional patrols with newer detection technologies, including spotter aircraft and automated systems capable of identifying handheld device use through vehicle-mounted cameras

Technology’s Role in Preventing Distracted Driving

Limitations and Benefits of Hands-Free and Mobile Apps

The promise of hands-free technology as a distracted driving solution has proven more complex than early advocates anticipated. While hands-free systems eliminate manual and visual distractions, research consistently shows they fail to address the cognitive load that makes phone conversations dangerous while driving. The American Automobile Association’s studies indicate that hands-free conversations can impair reaction times and decision-making abilities nearly as much as handheld device use.

Smartphone applications designed to prevent distracted driving show mixed effectiveness in real-world conditions. Apps that automatically silence notifications while driving help reduce temptation, but many users disable these features when they expect important calls or messages. More sophisticated applications that completely lock phone functionality during driving periods face adoption challenges, as drivers worry about emergency access and passenger needs.

The most promising app-based solutions focus on behavioral modification rather than device restriction. Applications that track driving performance, provide feedback about phone use patterns, and offer incentives for distraction-free trips show better long-term adoption rates. However, their effectiveness depends heavily on user commitment to changing established habits.

The Future of AI and Vehicle Safety Features

Artificial intelligence systems integrated into modern vehicles represent the next frontier in distracted driving prevention. Advanced driver monitoring systems use cameras and sensors to track eye movement, head position, and steering patterns to identify when drivers become distracted or drowsy. When these systems detect concerning patterns, they can provide alerts, adjust vehicle systems, or even initiate emergency procedures.

Machine learning algorithms are becoming increasingly sophisticated at predicting when drivers are likely to become distracted based on factors like traffic conditions, time of day, and driving history. Some systems proactively adjust infotainment features, simplify navigation displays, or modify notification settings to reduce cognitive load during high-risk periods.

The integration of vehicle-to-vehicle communication promises even more dramatic safety improvements. Future systems may alert drivers when nearby vehicles exhibit distracted behavior patterns or coordinate with traffic infrastructure to optimize signal timing and reduce the stop-and-go conditions that often trigger distracted driving behaviors. However, widespread adoption of these technologies remains years away, and their effectiveness will depend on achieving critical mass across the vehicle fleet.

Effective Strategies to Overcome Distracted Driving Habits

Breaking established distracted driving patterns requires addressing both the environmental triggers that prompt dangerous behaviors and the psychological rewards that reinforce them. The most effective individual strategies focus on creating physical and psychological barriers between drivers and their devices. This includes placing phones in bags or glove compartments rather than cup holders, using dedicated GPS devices instead of smartphone navigation, and establishing specific pre-drive routines that eliminate the need to access devices while driving.

Workplace policies increasingly recognize their role in reducing distracted driving among employees. Companies that establish clear expectations about responding to work communications while driving, provide hands-free equipment for employees who drive professionally, and offer distracted driving training report measurable improvements in both safety outcomes and insurance costs. The most successful programs address the underlying pressure employees feel to remain constantly available rather than simply prohibiting device use.

Community-based prevention efforts show particular promise for creating lasting cultural shifts around distracted driving. High schools implementing peer education programs, where students share personal stories about distracted driving consequences, achieve better engagement than traditional lecture-based approaches. Similarly, employer-sponsored safe driving challenges that involve families and use social recognition rather than punitive measures tend to produce sustained behavior changes.

The key insight emerging from successful prevention programs is that sustainable change requires addressing the social and psychological factors that drive distracted behavior, not just the mechanical aspects of device use. Programs that help participants understand their personal risk factors, develop alternative coping strategies for boredom or anxiety while driving, and create accountability systems with family members or colleagues consistently outperform those focused solely on rule enforcement.

As vehicle technology continues evolving and social norms around constant connectivity shift, the most effective prevention strategies will likely combine individual behavioral modification with systemic changes in how we design both vehicles and communication expectations. The drivers who successfully navigate this transition will be those who recognize that staying safe requires active intention and ongoing adjustment as both technology and traffic conditions continue to change.

—

This content is brought to you by Alexander Reid.

Photo provided by the contributor.

The post How to Recognize and Avoid Distracted Drivers Safely appeared first on The Good Men Project.

–

.

Here is a summary of the transcript from YouTube, slightly edited with AI.

Rebuilding Your Life After a Breakup You Didn’t See Coming

Try and get them back as quickly as you can. Move on as fast as possible. Go hook up with someone else. The love of your life just left you—move to another country.

This is what anxiety does. It makes us ask, “What can I do right now to feel better?”

But today, we’re talking about something deeper: how to rebuild your life after a breakup you absolutely did not see coming.

When the Breakup Comes Out of Nowhere

There’s a difference between a breakup you can see coming and one that blindsides you.

Sometimes relationships feel like a slow car crash. You both sense something is wrong. There are conversations, warnings, maybe even threats of breaking up. It hurts, but you have time to adjust.

And then there are the breakups where your entire world gets upended overnight.

You didn’t see it coming. There were no clear signs—at least none you recognized at the time. Suddenly, you’re in a conversation where the other person says they’re unhappy and they’re leaving.

Now you’re not just heartbroken—you’re in shock. You’re trying to process an entirely new reality.

Why This Kind of Breakup Hurts So Much

This kind of breakup can happen at any stage—after a few months or after many years, even decades.

In long-term relationships, it’s especially devastating. Your entire life may be built around this person. In a few years, your life might not change that much—but over a decade, it can become everything you know.

And then it’s gone.

What makes it even more painful is the sense that there should have been “safety nets.” You expected conversations, warnings, or attempts to fix things before it ended.

Instead, it feels like a betrayal of those unspoken agreements. Like the other person skipped all the steps and went straight to the end.

You’re left thinking: “How did we go from unhappy to over without trying to work on it?”

The Shock of Living in Different Realities

One of the most painful parts is realizing you didn’t even know what was happening in their mind.

It can feel like they were living a completely different life from you.

You were happy. Meanwhile, they may have been doubting the relationship for a long time.

This creates not just pain, but also embarrassment and shame. You start questioning everything:

• When did they become unhappy?
• How long were they pretending?
• Were their words ever real?

It can feel like your entire reality was false.

1. Grieve the Reality You Thought You Had

A huge part of healing is recognizing two things at once:

You are grieving a life that didn’t exist in the way you thought it did.

But that life did exist—in you.

The love you felt, the commitment you had, the vision you believed in—that was real.

It may not have been shared in the same way, but it was still genuine.

Instead of destroying that part of yourself, honor it. That capacity for love is one of the most beautiful things about you—and it’s something you carry forward.

2. Don’t Rush to Create Meaning

After a breakup, there’s a strong urge to make sense of what happened.

Your mind may go in two directions:

Negative meaning: “I’m not good enough. I’ll never find someone again. There’s something wrong with me.”

Forced positive meaning: “This is the best thing that ever happened. Everything happens for a reason.”

Both can be harmful if they come too quickly.

You don’t need to decide what this means right now. Life is long, and you don’t yet know how this story will unfold.

Just because things could have been different doesn’t mean they would have been better.

3. Slow Down—Don’t React From Anxiety

Anxiety pushes you to act fast:

• Win them back
• Move on immediately
• Make drastic life changes

But fast decisions often create more chaos.

Instead, do the most unnatural thing: slow down.

Let them rush if they need to. They may be trying to justify their decision, even convincing themselves they did the right thing.

You don’t have to match their pace.

Moving slowly and intentionally will leave you with fewer regrets later.

4. Choose Carefully Who You Talk To

Not everyone will be helpful during this time.

Some people will show up in incredible ways—even people you didn’t expect.

Others may disappoint you, even those closest to you. They may:

• Get tired of hearing about it
• Rush you to “move on”
• Fail to understand your pain

This doesn’t make them bad people—it just means they may not have the tools to support you right now.

Lean on those who truly help.

It can also be useful to have different types of support:

• Kindred spirits: empathetic listeners
• Fun friends: people who lift your mood
• Wise voices: those with perspective and experience

5. Don’t Isolate Yourself

You may not always feel like talking, but the right conversation can leave you feeling lighter.

And remember: healing requires repetition.

You may need to hear the same truths again and again before they truly sink in.

That’s normal.

If months later you still feel waves of heartbreak, it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It just means you’re human.

Final Thought

This kind of breakup can feel like your world has collapsed.

But in time, you’ll begin to see more clearly—not just what was lost, but what was always yours: your capacity to love, to build, and to begin again.

For now, don’t rush the process. Feel it, move slowly, and take it one step at a time.

—

This post was previously published on YouTube.

Blog → https://www.howtogettheguy.com/blog/ Facebook → https://facebook.com/CoachMatthewHussey Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thematthewh… Twitter → https://twitter.com/matthewhussey ▼ Connect with Stephen ▼ Youtube → https://bit.ly/StephenHusseyYoutube Instagram → http://bit.ly/StephenHusseyIG

***

On Substack? Follow us there for more great dating and relationships content.

—

Photo credit: unsplash

The post If the Breakup Hurts Too Much, Watch This appeared first on The Good Men Project.

—

Choosing the right outfit to celebrate and honor mothers is about more than appearance, it reflects care, respect, and thoughtful style. Modest fashion has long offered a balanced approach to dressing well while maintaining elegance and comfort. Within this space, curated collections of refined dresses provide an ideal solution for women seeking polished looks that feel appropriate, graceful, and timeless.

A well-designed dress can communicate sophistication without being overly elaborate. Clean lines, thoughtful tailoring, and high-quality fabrics define this category of fashion. These elements come together to create garments that feel both dignified and stylish, making them suitable for meaningful family gatherings or formal daytime occasions centered around honoring mothers.

The Value of Modest Fashion

Modest fashion continues to grow because it serves a wide audience. It is not limited to any one group, it appeals to anyone who prefers clothing that offers coverage while still embracing current trends. The strength of modest dressing lies in its versatility. From structured silhouettes to flowing cuts, modest styles provide options that suit different body types and personal preferences.

Another key advantage is comfort. Dresses designed with modesty in mind often prioritize breathable fabrics, relaxed fits, and practical lengths. This makes them suitable for extended wear without compromising on style. For women who want to look refined while feeling at ease, these collections strike the right balance.

Key Features of Elegant Dress Collections

When selecting from a curated collection, certain features stand out as essential:

1. Fabric Quality
   Premium fabrics such as soft cotton blends, chiffon, crepe, and lightweight knits enhance both appearance and comfort. These materials drape well and maintain their structure, ensuring the outfit looks polished throughout the day.
2. Thoughtful Silhouettes
   A-line cuts, midi lengths, and gently tailored waistlines are common choices. These silhouettes provide shape without being restrictive, offering a flattering yet modest profile.
3. Subtle Detailing
   Details like pleats, lace accents, and minimal embroidery add visual interest without overwhelming the design.
4. Versatile Color Palettes
   Neutral tones, pastels, and soft floral patterns dominate these collections. These colors convey calmness and refinement while allowing for easy coordination with accessories.

Choosing the Right Fit

Fit is one of the most important factors when selecting a dress. Even the most beautifully designed garment can fall short if it does not fit properly. When exploring collections, consider the following:

• Ensure the shoulders align correctly
• Check that the length suits your height and comfort level
• Look for designs that allow ease of movement
• Avoid overly tight or excessively loose fits

A well-fitted dress enhances confidence and ensures the wearer feels comfortable throughout the event.

Adapting to Personal Style

One of the strengths of modern modest fashion is its adaptability. While the core principles remain consistent, there is plenty of room for personal expression. Some women may prefer structured designs with defined shapes, while others lean toward flowing, relaxed styles. Both approaches can achieve the same level of elegance when chosen thoughtfully.

Patterns also play a role in personalizing the look. Floral prints, geometric designs, or solid tones each create a different impression. The key is to select a style that aligns with individual personality while maintaining a cohesive overall appearance.

Practical Considerations

Beyond aesthetics, practicality matters. Dresses that are easy to care for and maintain are always a smart choice. Machine-washable fabrics, wrinkle-resistant materials, and durable stitching ensure the garment remains in good condition over time.

Seasonal adaptability is another factor. Lightweight fabrics work well in warmer conditions, while slightly heavier materials provide comfort in cooler settings. Choosing versatile pieces allows for repeated wear across different occasions, making the collection more functional.

Finding the Right Collection

Exploring a well-organized collection can simplify the selection process. Online platforms often provide a wide range of styles, making it easier to compare designs, fabrics, and fits from the comfort of home. For those looking to browse a refined selection, you can explore options at Church Dresses.

A curated platform allows shoppers to focus on quality and design without unnecessary distractions. Clear product descriptions and images help in making informed decisions, ensuring the chosen dress meets both style and comfort expectations.

Why Modest Dresses Remain Timeless

Trends in fashion come and go, but modest dresses continue to hold their place because of their enduring appeal. Their simplicity, elegance, and practicality make them suitable for a wide range of occasions. Unlike fast-changing trends, these styles emphasize longevity and versatility.

This timeless quality also makes them a meaningful choice when selecting an outfit to honor mothers. The focus shifts from fleeting fashion statements to lasting impressions of grace and respect.

Final Thoughts

A thoughtfully chosen dress can reflect both personal style and the significance of the occasion. Modest fashion offers a reliable path to achieving this balance, combining elegance, comfort, and versatility. By focusing on quality fabrics, flattering silhouettes, and subtle details, these collections provide options that feel both refined and practical.

Whether selecting a dress for a special gathering or simply updating a wardrobe with timeless pieces, the principles remain the same: choose quality, prioritize comfort, and aim for understated elegance. In doing so, the result is an outfit that not only looks beautiful but also carries meaning, perfect for celebrating and honoring mothers in a way that feels genuine and respectful.

—

This content is brought to you by Muhammad Asim

Photo provided by the contributor

The post A Collection of Church Dresses for Mother’s Day: Modest Fashion That Honors Mom appeared first on The Good Men Project.

By James Devitt-NYU

—

This post was previously published on FUTURITY.ORG and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

***

At The Good Men Project, we are glad to syndicate work from Futurity, a publication dedicated to making research and science news accessible to the public. We value Futurity because it takes serious work from universities and researchers around the world and translates it into clear, readable stories that help people understand what is changing in science, health, technology, behavior, and public life.

That matters to us for more than one reason. We believe good information is part of how people live well in a rapidly changing world. Research can sometimes feel distant, technical, or intimidating, but it often speaks directly to the questions people are already living with: how relationships work, how stress affects behavior, how health is shaped, how communities change, and how new discoveries may alter daily life in the years ahead. Futurity helps close that gap. It also plays an important role in making evidence-based knowledge more accessible at a time when misinformation, cynicism, and distrust of expertise can make it harder for people to know what to believe. That is one reason we are glad to share this work with our readers.

FAQs – About The Good Men Project

What is The Good Men Project?

The Good Men Project is a mission-driven media platform founded in 2010 that explores modern masculinity, men’s mental health, relationships, fatherhood, identity, and social change through personal stories, expert insights, and cultural analysis.

What is The Good Men Project’s mission?

Our mission is to expand the conversation about what it means to be a good man in the 21st century — in ways that are inclusive, emotionally honest, and grounded in real human experience.

How does GMP approach content about science and technology?

We examine science and technology through their impact on human lives. From AI and automation to social media and climate science, GMP explores how rapid technological change affects identity, work, relationships, mental health, civic responsibility and the future we all are inheriting and civic responsibility. We partner with other trusted sources, and believe in science and research to inform good decisions in a rapidly changing world.

—

If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join us as a Premium Member today.

All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.

Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.

The Good Men Project is a mission-driven media platform founded in 2010 that helps writers, brands, agencies, and organizations build credibility, audience, and long-term authority. By publishing stories about masculinity, mental health, relationships, fatherhood, identity, and personal development, GMP provides a trusted ecosystem where ideas gain visibility, trust, and resilience in both search and AI-driven discovery. The platform supports individual contributors as well as high-volume agencies through paid guest posts, sponsored content, and bulk publishing systems designed for scale.

—

Photo by Karl Callwood on Unsplash

The post How Flocking Birds Can Help Make AI Better appeared first on The Good Men Project.

By Uriel J. García, The Texas Tribune

On a February afternoon, after pumping breast milk, Stephanie Villarreal sent her husband Juan Chavez Velasco to the hospital to drop off the milk at the neonatal intensive care unit for their 12-day-old daughter, who was born 10 weeks prematurely.

As Chavez, 35, drove from his home in Weslaco, black and white SUVs flashing police lights surrounded his car. He pulled to the curb, thinking they were after someone else. Then four U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents got out and one of them opened Chavez’s door.

After confirming his name, the agent said, “Yeah, that’s our target.”

For the past 14 years, Chavez, whose family immigrated from Colombia to the U.S. in 1999, has been a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, referred to as DACA. The Obama-era immigration program allows qualifying young immigrants to receive renewable work permits and protection from deportation as long as they don’t commit any crimes.

He said he told agents he had DACA, and that he was a father of three young children, including a baby in the hospital who he still had not held since she was born.

“That doesn’t matter,” Chavez said an agent told him.

Since President Trump returned to office, his administration has begun to target DACA recipients for deportation as part of its mass deportation efforts. From January 2025 to November 2025, at least 261 DACA recipients have been arrested — 75 of them in Texas. And between 86 and 174 DACA recipients have been deported, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (The agency gave different figures to two different Democratic members of Congress who requested the information).

In President Donald Trump’s first term, the administration attempted to scrap DACA completely, before the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the administration’s move. Now that Trump is back in office, his administration has repeatedly claimed that DACA does not give protection from deportation.

“DACA does NOT confer any form of legal status in this country,” DHS has said in public statements. “Any illegal alien who is a DACA recipient may be subject to arrest and deportation for a number of reasons, including if they’ve committed a crime.”

Homeland Security didn’t respond to questions about Chavez’s case.

For over a decade, DACA recipients felt safe from deportation. The program was created as a temporary solution for young immigrants without a criminal record until Congress approved a long-term plan for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country. Advocates say the Trump administration now seems to be ignoring the federal government’s promise to DACA recipients.

“Federal courts have determined that DACA’s protections are lawful and that active DACA status should convey protections from being targeted by immigration enforcement agencies — yet that is not happening,” Gaby Pacheco, president and CEO of TheDream.US, a national immigrant rights group, said in a statement. “These unlawful arrests must stop immediately.”

A DACA recipient can lose their status if they’ve been arrested or convicted of a serious or violent crime. There are currently more than 505,000 DACA recipients in the country, and more than 84,000 are in Texas, according to federal government data.

Democratic leaders say the Trump administration’s efforts to arrest and deport DACA recipients is concerning because many of them entered the country as children and have no criminal record.

DACA recipients “trusted the federal government when they came forward under DACA, passed background checks, and followed every rule DHS asked of them,” said Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston. “Now, under the Trump administration, ICE is targeting the very young people who did everything right. That is appalling.”

Family fled Colombia to Miami

Chavez said his parents fled Colombia with him and his older sister in 1999 after his grandfather was kidnapped by guerillas. At the time, violence between guerrilla and paramilitary groups led to thousands of civilian deaths and displacements. The family traveled to Miami on tourist visas then requested asylum.

“At first, I didn’t know we were moving,” said Chavez, who was eight years old at the time.

In 2001, they moved to McAllen, where Chavez’s mother was able to get a job as a physical therapist as their asylum case was pending. His father found work cleaning pools before getting a job as a custodian at a doctor’s office. Three years later, an immigration judge denied the family’s asylum case and the family was ordered deported.

But they stayed. Chavez said his parents were worried about the political violence in Colombia and decided it was better to stay in the U.S. where their kids were safe.

“It was just very violent in Colombia at the time,” he said.

As the years went by, Chavez’s older sister married a U.S. citizen who sponsored her for legal permanent residence. After she became a U.S. citizen, she sponsored her parents for green cards.

But Chavez had no pathway to legalize his status. His sister could have sponsored him too, but it can take up to 15 years for a sibling-to-sibling sponsorship.

Then in 2012, the Obama administration announced DACA, which allowed Chavez to pursue his career goals after college. He graduated with two degrees in biology and clinical laboratory science from the University of Texas–Pan American in Edinburg in 2013.

“It was perfect because I knew I was going to be able to work after college,” he said.

After graduating, he found work in hospital labs in the Valley. In November 2023, he was ordering a meal and met Villarreal, who worked at her family’s food truck. He asked her out on a date that day, and they married in February 2025, a month after Trump returned to the White House.

She had a son from a previous relationship. Their first daughter was born three months later. They bought a house in Weslaco, a city between McAllen and Harlingen, the following month.

After getting married, the couple went to a lawyer to ask about Chavez getting sponsored by his wife for legal permanent residency. Villarreal said the lawyer advised against it because of Chavez’s deportation order from 2004. The lawyer worried that despite having DACA, if Chavez opened a new immigration case, ICE would arrest him when he showed up for any appointments, Villarreal said.

President Trump had campaigned on deporting the “worst of the worst” — undocumented immigrants who have violent criminal backgrounds. But since taking office, the majority of immigrants being arrested for deportation have no criminal convictions.

ICE has also arrested immigrants at immigration courts and during routine appointments at ICE offices.

So the lawyer advised the couple to apply for his green card until after Trump left office, Villarreal said.

“There’s been a lot of limitations” living with DACA, Villarreal said. “Of course he can pay taxes but he doesn’t get the benefits that U.S. citizens sometimes take for granted, like he can’t vote or travel outside of the country.”

“There’s a part of me that’s missing”

Their second daughter was born prematurely on Feb. 6 and was sent directly to a neonatal intensive care unit. Chavez was arrested less than two weeks later and taken to an immigration detention center in Laredo.

“I’m scared to even think that I could get deported and not be able to see her,” Chavez said. “It feels like there’s a part of me that’s missing because it was taken away.”

He was let go from his most recent job after his work permit expired on March 10. He had filed for a renewal in November, but his application is still pending.

Villarreal has struggled to care for their children without her husband. Her 4-year-old son, who sees Chavez as his father, has struggled with his sudden absence.

Villarreal said she initially told her son that Chavez was away at work. But as days turned to weeks, she had to explain to him that he was detained by ICE.

“Can you pretend to be dad?” the boy asked her recently.

“Why, son?” she asked.

“Because dad would always play with me,” the boy said.

Villarreal has been on leave from work and has tried to visit Chavez with the children at least once a week. What is usually a three-hour drive from the Rio Grande Valley to Laredo can take more because she has to continuously pull over to feed and change her two youngest girls — their newborn was released from this hospital in March.

“Sometimes I wish there were three of me, one for each child, to help me with the kids,” she said.

When they do get to the detention center, the family sits across Chavez, separated by a partition, and talk to him through a phone. During a recent visit, their 10-month-old reached out, placing her hand on the glass partition and smiled at her father.

“I can tell she misses me,” Chavez said.

Chavez’s lawyer is challenging his detention. In March, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña ordered ICE officials not to deport Chavez until his case is resolved.

In the meantime Chavez has said he has been struggling with kidney stones. He said he developed them in the detention center because he had stopped drinking the facility’s water, which tasted metallic.

His family has been depositing money into his account so he can buy bottled water in the facility. He can buy up to 20 bottles a week at $1.11 each, he said.

He said the food is bland and it’s uncomfortable to sleep on the thin pad over a metal bed frame. He is in a cell with 10 other people who share a shower and a toilet. He said he passes the time reading the Bible and joins a group who get together to sing worship songs.

“The conditions here are meant to put so much stress on someone so they agree to get deported,” Chavez said. “But I’m going to keep fighting because I deserve to be here, I see myself as an American.”

This article first appeared on The Texas Tribune.

—

The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today.

All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. A complete list of benefits is here.

—

Photo: At home in Weslaco, Stephanie Villarreal, 32, shows her 10-month-old daughter Kalianna Villarreal her dad on a video call from a detention center in Laredo. Gabriel V. Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune

The post Texas Father Among DACA Recipients Trump Administration Now Targeting for Deportation appeared first on The Good Men Project.

—

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.

After an accident in Indianapolis, determining when to hire a personal injury attorney can be challenging. Injuries may be severe, medical bills can accumulate, and insurance companies often complicate matters. Understanding the right moment to seek legal advice is essential to protect one’s rights and secure fair compensation. Recognizing the signs that legal assistance is necessary can make a significant difference in the outcome of a claim.

Understanding the Role of a Personal Injury Attorney

A personal injury attorney serves as a legal advocate specializing in cases where individuals have suffered harm due to the negligence or intentional actions of others. Their primary role involves evaluating the circumstances surrounding the injury, determining liability, and pursuing appropriate compensation on behalf of the client. Central to this process is the attorney client relationship, which is built on trust, confidentiality, and clear communication. The attorney has legal responsibilities to represent the client’s best interests, provide sound legal advice, and navigate complex legal procedures. By understanding these roles, clients can better appreciate how a personal injury attorney supports them through negotiation, settlement, or litigation, ensuring their rights are protected and that they receive just compensation for their injuries.

Signs That Your Injury Requires Legal Assistance

Certain injuries, particularly those that are severe or involve complex medical issues, often necessitate professional legal guidance. When liability is unclear or contested, navigating the claims process can become challenging without expert help. Seeking legal assistance for injury compensation ensures individuals receive the support needed to protect their rights and pursue fair compensation.

Severe or Complex Injuries

How can one determine when an injury’s severity or complexity necessitates legal intervention? Severe trauma, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or multiple fractures, often results in a complex recovery that includes extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. In these cases, the financial and emotional burdens can be substantial, making it vital to seek legal assistance. A personal injury attorney can help navigate insurance claims and guarantee fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care. Additionally, injuries with lasting impairments or disabilities may require ongoing support, further complicating the recovery process. Legal representation becomes essential to protect the injured party’s rights, address future medical needs, and manage the intricate aspects of these serious injury claims effectively.

Disputed Liability Issues

Disputes over liability often complicate personal injury cases, making legal guidance essential. When liability disputes arise, determining fault can become challenging, particularly in negligence claims where multiple parties may share responsibility. An experienced personal injury attorney helps navigate these complexities by thoroughly investigating the circumstances and gathering evidence to support the client’s position. They advocate effectively against insurance companies or opposing parties who may attempt to minimize or deny liability. For individuals facing contested fault, professional legal assistance guarantees their rights are protected and fair compensation is pursued. Recognizing early signs of disputed liability—such as conflicting witness statements or insurer reluctance—signals the need to consult a qualified attorney to strengthen the case and address the intricate legal issues involved in such claims.

Dealing With Insurance Companies After an Accident

Many individuals find interactions with insurance companies after an accident to be complex and stressful. Insurance adjusters often seek to minimize payouts, making insurance negotiations challenging for those unfamiliar with the process. Understanding one’s rights and documenting all communications is essential. Personal injury attorneys can provide valuable expertise by managing negotiations and ensuring claim settlements reflect the full extent of damages. They help prevent premature acceptance of low offers that might not cover medical expenses or lost wages. Additionally, attorneys protect clients from tactics aimed at undermining valid claims. Engaging professional legal assistance early can streamline communication with insurers, reduce stress, and improve the likelihood of a fair settlement. This approach safeguards the injured party’s interests throughout the claims process.

When Medical Bills Start to Pile Up

Numerous medical expenses can accumulate rapidly following a personal injury, placing significant financial strain on the affected individual. These unexpected expenses often include hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments that can quickly overwhelm personal finances. When medical bills begin to pile up, it may become increasingly difficult to manage these costs without professional assistance. Hiring a personal injury attorney in Indianapolis can help navigate complex billing issues and negotiate with healthcare providers and insurance companies to alleviate financial strain. An experienced attorney guarantees that all medical expenses related to the injury are accounted for in any settlement or claim, helping victims secure fair compensation. Prompt legal support is essential to prevent unexpected expenses from causing long-term financial hardship after an accident.

The Importance of Documenting Your Accident and Injuries

Accurately recording the details of an accident is essential for establishing the facts of the case. Preserving all medical records guarantees a clear connection between injuries and the incident. Additionally, capturing visual evidence can greatly strengthen the overall claim.

Record Detailed Accident Information

Although the immediate aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, promptly recording detailed information about the incident and any resulting injuries is vital. Accurate accident documentation serves as a significant foundation for any personal injury claim, providing clear evidence of the circumstances and extent of harm. Detailed records should include the date, time, location, weather conditions, and descriptions of all parties involved, as well as witness contact information. Photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries further strengthen the documentation. Maintaining thorough and precise records not only aids legal professionals in building a strong case but also guarantees that important details are not forgotten over time. Effective accident documentation ultimately supports a fair and timely resolution for those affected.

Preserve Medical Records

Following the careful documentation of the accident scene and related details, preserving medical records becomes an imperative step in supporting any personal injury claim. Accurate medical record organization guarantees that all treatment details, diagnoses, and procedures are readily accessible for review by legal and insurance professionals. Maintaining documentation of hospital visits, doctor appointments, prescriptions, and therapy sessions provides objective evidence of the injuries sustained and the extent of medical care required. This thorough record-keeping not only strengthens the credibility of the claim but also helps attorneys assess the full scope of damages. Neglecting to preserve these records can hinder the legal process and potentially reduce compensation. As a result, systematic preservation and organization of medical documentation are vital for anyone pursuing a personal injury case.

Capture Visual Evidence

Since visual evidence provides immediate and compelling proof of an accident and its aftermath, capturing photographs and videos is a critical step in building a personal injury case. Visual documentation supports injury claims and helps clarify the circumstances of the incident. Effective evidence collection includes capturing:

• The accident scene from multiple angles to show road conditions and hazards
• Visible injuries on the body to document harm and severity
• Damages to vehicles or property involved
• Any relevant traffic signs or signals that may clarify fault

This visual record supplements witness statements and medical records, strengthening the case’s credibility. Prompt and thorough evidence collection is essential to guarantee accurate representation of the incident, aiding both the injured party and their personal injury attorney in Indianapolis during case evaluation and negotiation.

How Liability Disputes Affect Your Case

Numerous personal injury cases are complicated by disputes over liability, which can greatly influence the outcome and duration of the claim. Liability definitions vary by jurisdiction, often requiring clear evidence to assign fault properly. Proving negligence is essential, as the injured party must demonstrate that the other party failed to exercise reasonable care, directly causing the accident. When liability is contested, establishing fault becomes more complex, potentially delaying settlement or trial. This complexity underscores the importance of legal expertise to navigate conflicting accounts, gather pertinent evidence, and interpret relevant laws. An experienced personal injury attorney can clarify liability issues, advocate effectively, and help secure fair compensation despite challenges in proving negligence. Understanding how liability disputes impact a case is vital for informed decision-making following an accident.

Time Limits for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Indianapolis

Although securing fair compensation is a primary goal in personal injury cases, it is equally essential to be aware of the strict time limits imposed for filing a lawsuit in Indianapolis. The statute limitations set specific filing deadlines that, if missed, can bar a claim completely. These deadlines vary depending on the type of injury and circumstances involved. Key considerations include:

• Standard personal injury claims typically have a two-year filing deadline from the date of the accident.
• Cases involving government entities may have shorter notice requirements before filing.
• Certain exceptions can extend or shorten the statute limitations, such as discovery of injury or plaintiff’s incapacity.
• Adhering to these deadlines is vital to preserve the right to pursue compensation.

Understanding and meeting these filing deadlines is essential and often requires timely legal consultation.

What to Expect During the Legal Process

What steps are involved once a personal injury lawsuit is initiated? The legal process begins with filing a complaint, followed by the defendant’s response. The legal timeline includes discovery, where both parties exchange evidence, and may involve depositions and interrogatories. Court procedures then guide pre-trial motions and settlement negotiations. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where evidence is presented and a verdict is reached. Throughout this process, adhering to court procedures guarantees timely and organized case progression. Understanding the legal timeline helps manage expectations and reduces stress. An experienced attorney navigates these steps efficiently, protecting the client’s rights and working toward a favorable resolution. This structured approach is essential for achieving just compensation after an injury.

Benefits of Hiring a Local Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyer

When handling personal injury cases, selecting a local Indianapolis attorney offers distinct advantages rooted in familiarity with the region’s legal environment. Local representation guarantees that the attorney understands specific court procedures and local laws influencing case outcomes. Additionally, community knowledge facilitates effective negotiation with insurers and opposing counsel who are familiar with the area. The benefits include:

• Insight into Indianapolis-area medical providers and expert witnesses
• Established relationships with local courts and legal personnel
• Awareness of regional accident patterns and relevant statutes
• Enhanced accessibility for in-person consultations and support

Such local expertise can lead to more tailored legal strategies and stronger advocacy, ultimately improving the client’s chances for a favorable resolution. Choosing a lawyer embedded in the community provides both practical and strategic advantages in personal injury cases.

How to Choose the Right Attorney for Your Case

Selecting the right personal injury attorney involves evaluating their experience and proven success in similar cases. It is important to prioritize lawyers who specialize specifically in injury law to guarantee focused knowledge and skills. Additionally, transparent fee structures help establish trust and clarity from the outset.

Experience Matters Most

Although many factors influence the outcome of a personal injury case, the attorney’s experience often proves to be the most critical. Conducting a thorough experience evaluation helps clients assess attorney qualifications beyond credentials. Key considerations include:

• Track record of successful settlements and verdicts in similar cases
• Familiarity with local Indianapolis courts and insurance companies
• Ability to navigate complex legal procedures efficiently
• Proven negotiation skills that maximize compensation

An experienced attorney understands the nuances of personal injury law, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Clients should prioritize attorneys who demonstrate consistent results and deep knowledge of relevant laws. This focus guarantees that legal representation is both competent and tailored to the specific demands of the case, ultimately safeguarding the client’s interests.

Specialization in Injury Cases

Because personal injury law encompasses a broad range of case types, choosing an attorney with specific expertise in the relevant area is essential. Attorney specialization guarantees familiarity with the nuances and legal precedents unique to particular injury claims, such as car accidents, medical malpractice, or workplace injuries. This focused knowledge allows for more effective case strategy development and negotiation. Clients benefit when their attorney understands the specific challenges and documentation required to prove liability and damages in their case. Selecting the right personal injury attorney involves evaluating their track record in similar cases, confirming they possess the skills and resources necessary for a favorable outcome. Specialization in injury cases enhances the likelihood of securing fair compensation, making it a critical factor when deciding whom to trust with a personal injury matter.

Transparent Fee Structures

Expertise in handling specific types of injury claims is only one aspect of choosing the right personal injury attorney. Equally important is understanding their transparent fee structures to avoid unexpected costs. Clear communication about fees fosters trust and empowers clients to make informed decisions. When evaluating attorneys, consider these key factors:

• Transparent pricing that outlines all potential costs upfront
• Availability for open fee negotiations to accommodate client circumstances
• Clear explanation of contingency fees and any additional expenses
• Written fee agreements to guarantee mutual understanding and avoid disputes

This transparency reduces stress during an already difficult time. Clients should prioritize attorneys who offer straightforward discussions about fees, enabling them to focus on recovery rather than financial uncertainty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Still Hire an Attorney if the Accident Was Partially My Fault?

Yes, an attorney can be hired even if partial fault exists. They assist in negligence comparison and liability determination, ensuring fair compensation by analyzing each party’s responsibility with professionalism and empathy throughout the legal process.

How Much Does It Typically Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

Personal injury attorneys typically work on contingency fees, meaning clients pay only if they win. This structure offers affordable options, enabling individuals to pursue claims without upfront costs, ensuring access to legal representation despite financial concerns.

Will Hiring an Attorney Delay My Medical Treatment?

Hiring an attorney typically does not delay medical treatment. Clear attorney communication tips emphasize prioritizing medical treatment concerns first, ensuring clients receive necessary care promptly while legal advice proceeds concurrently without impacting urgent healthcare decisions.

Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help With Emotional or Psychological Injuries?

A personal injury attorney can assist clients in seeking compensation for emotional trauma and the psychological impact resulting from an accident. They work with experts to validate these injuries, ensuring thorough claims beyond physical harm.

What if the Other Driver Doesn’T Have Insurance?

If the other driver lacks insurance, an attorney advises utilizing uninsured motorist coverage to seek compensation. They also explore alternative compensation options, ensuring the injured party receives appropriate financial recovery despite the at-fault driver’s insurance status.

—

This content is brought to you by Alexander Reid

Photo provided by the contributor.

The post When to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney in Indianapolis After an Accident appeared first on The Good Men Project.

—

This post was previously published on medium.com.

Love relationships? We promise to have a good one with your inbox.

Subcribe to get 3x weekly dating and relationship advice.

Did you know? We have 8 publications on Medium. Join us there!

***

–

Photo credit: sarah b on Unsplash

The post You Keep Asking for More Effort, But You’re Not Setting it Up Like This appeared first on The Good Men Project.

By Peter Dizikes | MIT News

Picture this scenario in a business: An employee, Brad, disclosed some information that wound up in the hands of a competitor. He may not have meant to, but he did, and a few people at the firm know this. So, at the next company meeting, another employee, Linda, looks pointedly at Brad and says, “I know that no one would ever dream of leaking information, intentionally or otherwise, from our discussions.”

Linda means the opposite of what she says, of course. She is letting people know that Brad is to blame. However, while Linda is making her message public, she also wants what we often call “plausible deniability” for her statement. If anyone asks later if she was insinuating anything about Brad, she can claim she was just making a general comment about the firm.

From the boardroom to the courtroom, the talk show, and beyond, people frequently seek plausible deniability for their statements. It seems to work, too. Indeed, to have plausible deniability, the denial need not be plausible.

“People can say, ‘That’s not what I meant,’ and completely get away with it, even though it’s totally obvious they’re lying,” says MIT philosopher Sam Berstler. “They wouldn’t be getting away with it in the same respect by putting the content in explicit words.”

She adds: “This should be very puzzling to us, because in both cases the intent is maximally obvious.”

So why does plausible deniability work, and work like this? And what does it tell us about how we interact? Berstler, who studies language and communication, has published a new paper on plausible deniability, examining these issues. It is part of a larger body of work Berstler is generating, focused on everyday interactions involving deception.

To understand plausible deniability, Berstler thinks we should recognize that our conversations cannot be understood simply by analyzing the words we use. Our interactions always take place in social contexts, often have a performative aspect, and occasionally intersect with “non-acknowedgement norms,” the practice of keeping quiet about what we all know. Plausible deniability is bound up with social practices that incentivize us to not be fully transparent.

“A lot of indirect speech is designed, as it were, to facilitate this kind of deniability,” Berstler says.

The paper, “Non-Epistemic Deniability,” is published in the journal MIND. Berstler, the Laurance S. Rockefeller Career Development Chair and assistant professor of philosophy at MIT, is the sole author.

Managing a personal “Cold War”

In Berstler’s view, there are multiple ways to create plausible deniability. One is through the practice of open secrets, the subject of one of her previous papers. An open secret is widely known information that is never acknowledged, for reasons of power or in-group identification, among other things. Indeed, no one even acknowledges that they are not acknowledging the open secret.

Examining open secrets led Berstler directly to her analysis of plausible deniability. However, the new paper focuses more on another way of creating plausible deniability, which she calls “two-tracking norms.” Two-tracking is when a group divides its communications into two parts: One track consists of official, limited, courteous interaction, and the second track consists more of informal, resentful, uncooperative interactions. Linda, in our example, is engaging in two-tracking.

But why do we two-track at all? Why not just be fully transparent? Well, in an office scenario, if Linda is mad that Brad divulged some company secrets, calling out Brad directly might lead to recriminations and conflict beyond what Linda is willing to tolerate for the sake of critizing Brad on the record.

“It’s like a Cold War situation where we each have an interest in not letting the conflict go to a state where we’re firing warheads at each other, but we can’t just purely manage relations around the negotiating table because we’re adversaries,” Berstler says. “We’re going to aggress against each other, but in a limited way. In a two-track conversation, communicating in the second track is like fighting a proxy battle, but we’re also providing evidence to each other that we’re only going to engage in a proxy battle.”

In this way, Linda takes Brad to task and some people pick up on it, but Brad is not explicitly publicly shamed. And though he might be unhappy, he is less likely to wreck all company norms in an attempt to retaliate. The firm more or less rolls on as usual.

Waiting for Goffman

Where Berstler differs in part from other philosophers is in her emphasis on the extent to which social practices are integral to our ways of deploying deniability. Our interactions are not just limited to rhetoric, but have additional layers.

“What we mean can often be different from what we say, or enhanced from what we say,” Berstler says. “Sometimes we figure out what others mean by relying on what they say in literal language. But sometimes we’re relying on other things, like the context.”

So, back at the firm, the colleagues of Linda and Brad might have some knowledge of a confidentiality breach, or they might know that Linda does not usually speak up at meetings, or they might read things into her tone of voice and the way she appeared to look at Brad. There is more to be gleaned than her literal words.

In this kind of analysis, Berstler finds illumination in the work of the midcentury sociologist Erving Goffman, who studied in minute detail the performative parts of our everyday interactions and speech. Goffman, as Berstler notes in the paper, proposed that we have a ritualized, social self (or “face”) and that normal, everyday behavior generally allows us, and others, to keep this face intact.

Relatedly, Goffman and some of his intellectual followers concluded that habits such as two-tracking are very common in everyday life; the price we pay for saving face is a bit less transparency, and a bit more secrecy and deniability.

“What I’m suggesting is we have these other established practices like two-tracking and open secrecy, where the deniability is just a byproduct,” Berstler says.

What’s the solution?

By bringing sociological ideas into her work, Berstler is moving beyond the normal philosophical discussion of the subject. On the other hand, she is not directly disputing core ideas in linguistics or the philosophy of language; she is just suggesting we add another layer to our analysis of communication and meaning.

Digging into issues of plausible deniability also raises the question of what to do about it. There may be something pernicious in the practice, but calling out plausible deniability threatens to dismantle our social guardrails and break the “Cold War” norms used to help people co-exist.

Berstler, though, has another suggestion: Instead of calling out such subterfuge, we can become verbally and performatively skilled enough to counteract it.

“I think the actual answer is becoming rhetorically clever,” Berstler says. “It’s being the person who uses indirect speech to respond strategically, without violating these norms. That is possible. It also means you have agency. You could become very good at verbal sparring.”

Besides, Berstler says, “Often that can be more powerful than just calling them out, and demonstrates your own verbal fluency. I think we admire it when we see it. Conversational skill is an important component of being morally good, in these cases by reprimanding someone in a way that’s not going to be counterproductive.”

She adds: “People who buy into the rhetoric of transparency can be setting back their own interests. Maybe speaking transparently is morally virtuous in some respects, but given the reality of our speech practices, transparency is not necessarily going to be the most effective way of handling things.”

—

Reprinted with permission of MIT News

Image: unsplash

—

If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join us as a Premium Member today.

All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.

Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.

The post Why Bother With Plausible Deniability? appeared first on The Good Men Project.

—

There’s a quiet moment most people never talk about, the split second when your foot slips, your balance shifts, and your body searches for something, anything to hold onto. It’s in that moment you realize how much safety isn’t about strength, but about support.

That’s where the StableGrip Safety Bar enters the conversation, not as just another household accessory, but as a small, powerful upgrade that can completely change how you move through your space. From early mornings in the bathroom to late nights when your guard is down, it offers a kind of reassurance that’s easy to overlook… until you need it.

In this StableGrip Reviews guide, we’re not just looking at a product. We are exploring whether the Stablegrip Safety Bar truly delivers on its promise of stability, confidence, and everyday peace of mind. Because when it comes to safety, “good enough” is never really enough.

This is not just a StableGrip review. It’s an exploration of how a seemingly simple tool can transform confidence, restore independence, and add a layer of dignity to everyday living.

What is the StableGrip Safety Bar?

The StableGrip Safety Bar is a no-drill, portable grab bar designed to provide support and stability in slippery or high-risk areas like bathrooms, bathtubs, and showers.

Unlike traditional safety bars that require permanent installation, this model uses a suction-based locking system that allows you to attach it securely to smooth surfaces in seconds. It is designed for convenience without sacrificing safety.

First Impressions: Subtle Strength (StableGrip Safety Bar review)

At first glance, the StableGrip Safety Bar might seem like just another support handle. Minimalist in design, clean in structure, and understated in presence. It doesn’t demand attention. But the moment you interact with it, you begin to understand its purpose.

There’s a reassuring solidity to it. The kind that tells you, without needing words, “You’re safe here.”

The finish is smooth but not slippery. The grip feels natural in your hand, almost as if it were designed with human instinct in mind rather than just engineering metrics. Every curve, every edge, every detail seems deliberate.

GET THE STABLEGRIP SAFETY BAR AT 50% DISCOUNT SALE FROM MANUFACTURER HERE

Why the StableGrip Safety Bar Matters (StableGrip Safety Bar reviews)

Safety products often get overlooked until they are needed. And when they are needed, they become essential. Statistics have consistently shown that slips and falls are the leading causes of home injuries. Bathrooms are one of the highest risk areas in every home, and recovery from falls can be long, expensive, and, in worst-case scenarios, financially draining.

The StableGrip Safety Bar exists in that crucial space between prevention and protection. It’s designed for moments when balance falters, when surfaces betray, or when strength momentarily fails. Whether in a bathroom, hallway, staircase, or near a bed, its role is simple but powerful: to be there when you need it most.

But what makes it special is not just that it provides support, but the way it does it.

What are the main features of the StableGrip Safety Bar design? (SafetyGrip Reviews)

In a world where innovation often screams for attention with flashy features and complex technology, the StableGrip Safety Bar takes a different path. One of quiet reliability, thoughtful design, and life-changing simplicity. It doesn’t try to impress you with gimmicks.

Instead, it earns your trust the way truly great products do: by solving a real problem exceptionally well. Here are the features.

1. Design Philosophy: Human-Centered Engineering: The StableGrip Safety Bar stands out for its clear prioritization of the user experience. This matters more than you think because in a moment of imbalance, you may not get a second chance to adjust your grip. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. It feels like it was designed with real people in mind; people with different strengths, needs, and routines. The grip is textured but comfortable; not rough or slippery. Even with wet hands, it still feels secure.

2. Ergonomic Excellence: The grip is shaped to reduce strain on the wrist and hand. This matters more than most people realize. When someone is slipping or losing balance, their instinctive reaction is to grab. In that split second, comfort and control make all the difference.

3. Anti-Slip Texture: The surface is engineered to provide traction even when wet; a critical feature, especially in bathrooms. Unlike many bars that become dangerously slick with moisture, the StableGrip Safety bar remains reliable.

4. Aesthetic Integration: Safety products are often judged purely on function, with little thought given to their appearance. The StableGrip Safety Bar challenges that norm. Rather than appearing like clinical equipment, it is designed to complement modern interiors. Its style allows it to blend naturally into the home, helping preserve the user’s comfort and dignity without making the space feel like a hospital.

5. Strong, Reliable Suction: StableGrip uses large, heavy-duty suction cups designed for real support not just light bathroom accessories. It holds firmly on smooth surfaces like tile, glass, and marble, even with body weight and daily use.

6. Secure Locking System: What makes this bar different is its dual lock-latch system. Once you press it onto the wall, you flip down the latches to lock it in place. This adds an extra layer of security beyond suction alone, so it stays put when you need it most.

7. Supports Up to 240 lbs: When installed correctly, the StableGrip Safety bar can safely support up to 240 pounds. It’s built to handle real-life movements like getting in and out of the tub or steadying yourself in the shower.

8. Rust-Resistant Build: Made for wet environments, Stable Grip resists rust and corrosion, so it stays strong and looks good even after long-term use.

StableGrip Safety Bar Installation Experience: Simplicity Meets Security (Stable Grip safety bar reviews)

A safety bar is only as good as its installation. If it’s difficult to install or feels unstable once mounted, it defeats its purpose.

The StableGrip Safety Bar excels here.

1. Start with a Clean Spot: Before anything, give the surface a quick wipe. Soap residue, oils, or water spots can weaken the grip. A little rubbing alcohol or vinegar works great, just make sure the area is completely dry before you move on. This step makes all the difference.

2. Place, Press, and Lock It In: Position the bar where you actually need support: by the tub, near the toilet, or in the shower. Press it flat against the wall so both suction cups sit tight with no gaps. Then flip down the latches until they click. That click is your sign; it’s locked and ready.

3. Give It a Quick Reality Check: Before trusting it, test it like you mean it. Grab the bar and pull just like you would when stepping or balancing. If it stays solid, you’re good to go. If it shifts even a little, just reset it and try again.

4. Secure Mounting: Once installed, the bar feels like a permanent part of the structure. There’s no wobbling, no uncertainty. It gives solid and dependable support.

5. Versatile Placement: It can be installed horizontally, vertically, or at an angle, depending on your needs. This flexibility allows users to customize their safety setup rather than adapting themselves to the product.

GET THE STABLEGRIP SAFETY BAR AT 50% DISCOUNT SALE FROM MANUFACTURER HERE

How does the StableGrip Safety bar perform?

This is where the StableGrip Safety Bar separates itself from the competition.

1. Immediate Stability: The moment you place your hand on it, you feel grounded. There’s no delay, no adjustment period. It responds instantly, giving you the confidence to move freely.

2. Load-Bearing Confidence: It supports significant weight without any compromise in stability. Whether you’re steadying yourself stepping into a shower or using it to rise from a seated position, it performs flawlessly.

3. Consistency Over Time: Many safety bars perform well initially but degrade over time. The StableGrip Safety Bar maintains its integrity. It doesn’t loosen, warp, or lose grip quality easily. As long as the suction is checked regularly, performance remains consistent over time. This reliability is crucial because safety is not something you want to second-guess.

Who is StableGrip Safety Bar for? (StableGrip Safety Bar)

While the StableGrip Safety Bar is incredibly versatile, certain groups benefit the most:

1. Seniors: For older adults, maintaining independence is deeply tied to quality of life. This bar provides support without making them feel dependent.
2. Individuals Recovering from Injury: Whether it’s a broken leg, surgery recovery, or temporary mobility issues, the StableGrip offers the extra support needed during healing.
3. Families with Children: Slippery bathrooms and active kids are not the best combination. Installing a safety bar adds an extra layer of protection.
4. Anyone Who Values Preventive Safety: You don’t have to wait for an accident to take safety seriously. The StableGrip safety bar is just as valuable for prevention as it is for assistance.
5. Renters: It is the perfect alternative for persons who need a safety bar in a rented apartment where approval for drilling holes was not given.
6. People who can’t drill walls: Traditional grab bars require drilling, permanent installation, and damage to the wall. Since StableGrip uses the suction and lock technology, it leaves no damage and can be removed at any time.

Where can I use the StableGrip Bar (StableGrip Safety Bar reviews)

Let’s move beyond theory and look at how this product fits into everyday life.

1. Bathroom Safety: This is the most obvious use case. Wet tiles, soap residue, and confined spaces make bathrooms high-risk areas. The StableGrip Safety Bar transforms this space into a safer environment.

2. Stairways: A strategically placed bar can provide extra support on tricky steps or narrow staircases.

3. Bedside Assistance: For those who struggle to get in and out of bed, a safety bar can make a huge difference.

4. Entryways: Putting on shoes or stepping in and out of the house becomes easier with a reliable support point.

What are the benefits of owning the StableGrip Safety Bar (StableGrip Safety Bar reviews) 

1. Emotional Impact: More Than Just a Product: One of the most surprising aspects of the StableGrip Safety Bar is its emotional impact. Safety is not just physical, it’s also psychological. When people feel secure, they move differently. They’re more confident, more relaxed, more willing to engage with their environment. The StableGrip provides that sense of reassurance.

For someone who has experienced a fall, this can be life-changing. It helps rebuild trust in their own body and surroundings.

2. Durability: A product designed for safety must be dependable over the long term. The StableGrip Safety Bar is constructed from high-quality materials that resist corrosion, wear, and environmental damage. Whether exposed to humidity, temperature changes, or daily use, it holds up remarkably well. This durability translates into long-term value. You’re not just buying a product—you’re investing in consistent safety.

3. Portable for Travel: You can take StableGrip with you anywhere: hotels, RVs, cruises, or visiting family. It installs and removes easily, turning any bathroom into a safer space.

4. No Damage to Walls: No drilling or adhesives means no damage. It won’t leave marks or holes, making it ideal for renters or anyone who wants to protect their bathroom surfaces.

5. Rust-resistant body: This allows StableGrip to maintain its structural and cosmetic look over time with years of active use in wet areas.

What are the potential drawbacks? (StableGrip Safety bar reviews)

No product is perfect, and it’s important to consider areas where the StableGrip could improve.

1 StableGrip works best on smooth, sealed surfaces like tile, glass, or marble. If your bathroom has rough, textured, or natural stone walls, the suction may not hold as securely.

2. Requires Proper installation: Setup is quick, but it also matters. Make sure both latches are fully clicked into place during installation in order to get the strongest, most reliable hold.

 3. It’s designed to support up to 240 pounds, which covers most users. From testing, if you’re extremely close to or above that range, you may want to consider a permanently installed grab bar for added support.

How do I maintain my StableGrip Safety Bar? (StableGrip Safety Bar reviews)

Another area where the StableGrip shines is maintenance.

1. Easy Cleaning: The surface resists buildup and is easy to wipe clean. This is especially important in bathrooms where hygiene is critical.

2. Low Upkeep: There’s no need for frequent adjustments or repairs. Once installed, it requires minimal attention.

StableGrip vs Other Safety Bars: The Difference Between “Support” and “Trust” (StableGrip Safety Bar)

There’s a quiet moment in every bathroom where it matters most. Not when everything is dry, easy, and controlled, but when your foot slips slightly, your balance shifts, and your hand reaches out… hoping something is there.

That “something” is what we’re comparing today. Because not all grab bars are built for that moment.

Traditional wisdom says: “If you want safety, drill into the wall.”  And honestly… that’s not wrong.

Most suction grab bars? They’re not built for real pressure. Some are even labeled as “for balance only, not for full body weight.”  That alone tells you everything.

Interestingly, StableGrip safety bar doesn’t try to be “just another suction bar.” It fixes the exact weaknesses that make other bars unreliable. It was built to tackle issues like that.

1 Not Just Suction- A Locked System: Most bars rely on air pressure alone. StableGrip adds something crucial: a dual lock-latch system. That means: suction creates the seal and latches lock those seals in place

2. Designed for Real Force, Not Just Balance: Here’s where the gap becomes obvious. Many suction bars are meant for light stability, not designed for pulling your weight

The Stable Grip safety bar is engineered differently. It’s tested for: outward pulling, downward pressure, and real-life movements like stepping into a tub. With a 240lb tested capacity, it steps into territory most suction bars avoid.

 3. Portability Without Compromise: This is where permanent bars lose completely. Drilled bars cannot move, damage walls, and require tools and planning. Stable Grip bars are portable, renter-friendly. You can take it to any location and even reposition it anytime

How much does it cost ?(StableGrip Safety bar reviews)

Talking about the price of the StableGrip (Stablegrip) Safety Bar without context misses the bigger picture. Because what you’re really paying for isn’t just a bar on the wall, it’s a simpler, faster, and far more affordable alternative to traditional safety solutions.

Think about the usual options. A professionally installed grab bar can easily cost between $150 and $400 per spot, especially when you factor in labor and drilling. If you go further into full bathroom safety upgrades, you’re suddenly looking at thousands of dollars in renovations. And even then, those changes are permanent, invasive, and not always flexible.

That’s where StableGrip quietly changes the game.

Instead of expensive installations or reactive solutions, it offers instant, portable support at a fraction of the cost. No drilling. No contractors. No waiting. Just a straightforward safety upgrade you can install in seconds and trust when it matters.

Even better, the pricing is structured with real-life use in mind. Most homes need more than one support point, and many people prefer to keep an extra unit for travel or backup. It’s not just about buying one bar; it’s about creating a safer environment across multiple spaces.

There’s a limited discount on sale on the manufacturer’s website at the time of writing this review.

1. 2 StableGrip Bars (Buy 1 + 1 Free + over 50% OFF): $49.99. Without the discount offer, it costs $222.18. This package gives you two bars: one for your bathtub and the other for your shower or any area of your choice.
2. 4 StableGrip Safety Bars (Buy 2, get 2 Free + over 56% OFF): $86.99. The original price was $444.36. Four bars for better home coverage.
3. 6 StableGrip Bars (Buy 3, Get 3 Free + over 64% OFF): $106.99.
4. 8 StableGrips (Buy 4, Get 4 Free + over 68% OFF): $127.99. Without the discount offer, this package costs about $888.72.

StableGrip Reviews: Where can I buy a StableGrip Safety Bar?

If you’re looking to get the StableGrip Safety Bar, the safest place is the official manufacturer’s store. Buying from the official site usually gives you: bundle discounts (buy more, save more), occasional limited-time offers (sometimes up to 50% off), and a 60-day money-back guarantee, which gives peace of mind

StableGrip Safety Bar Consumer Real Reviews (StableGrip reviews)

My mum is 79 and had a fall last year, so the bathroom became a real concern. We installed two of these in under five minutes, and since then she’s felt safer getting in and out of the tub. I still check them before she uses them occassionally, but they’ve been solid. It’s been a simple fix with a big difference. – James Walker, Texas.

I live in an apartment and drilling wasn’t an open option my home owner. This worked perfectly. I can remove in when I needed two in a matter of seconds. Been using it for months now-  Robert Jenkins, Florida

Installation was easy, like I read before buying. It worked so well on the smooth tiling of my bathroom but was not as adherent on my textured tile in my guest room. Been using it for 2 months now and it works perfectly. – Michael Sullivan, New York

Frequently Asked Questions (StableGrip Safety Bar reviews)

1. Can StableGrip hold my full body weight?

It’s tested up to 240 lbs, but it’s best used for support and balance, not for lifting your entire weight.

2. Will it work on any bathroom wall?

No. It works best on smooth surfaces like tile, glass, or marble. Rough or textured walls won’t hold properly.

3. Can I take it with me when traveling?

Absolutely. That’s one of its biggest advantages. You can use it in hotels, Airbnbs, RVs—anywhere with smooth surfaces.

4. Do I need to check it after installing?

Yes, always give it a quick pull test before use. It takes a second and ensures it’s securely attached.

Why is it Worth It? (Stable Grip Safety Bar reviews)

When evaluating a product like the StableGrip Safety Bar, the question isn’t just “Is it good?” but “Is it worth it?”

The answer is a clear yes.

Safety is not an area where you want to compromise. A cheap, unreliable bar can do more harm than good. The StableGrip offers peace of mind that is difficult to quantify but easy to appreciate.

What makes the StableGrip Safety Bar truly special is how seamlessly it integrates into life.

It doesn’t demand attention. It doesn’t change your routine dramatically. But it quietly enhances your environment, making every movement a little safer, every step a little more confident.

It’s the kind of upgrade you don’t fully appreciate until you have it and then you wonder how you ever lived without it.

StableGrip Safety Bar Final Verdict (StableGrip Safety Bar reviews)

The StableGrip Safety Bar is a masterclass in thoughtful design and practical functionality. It proves that innovation doesn’t always have to be complex. Sometimes, the most impactful solutions are the simplest ones, executed perfectly.

It offers:

• Exceptional stability
• User-focused design
• Long-term durability
• Aesthetic compatibility
• Genuine peace of mind

In a world where safety often feels like an afterthought, the StableGrip Safety Bar steps in as a quiet revolution; simple in appearance, yet powerful in purpose. It’s more than just a support handle; it’s a symbol of confidence, restoring independence with every grip.

Whether installed in a bathroom, along a staircase, or beside a bed, the Stablegrio Safety Bar transforms everyday movements into secure, worry-free actions. Designed with both strength and elegance in mind, it blends seamlessly into modern living while standing firm when it matters most because true comfort isn’t just about convenience, it’s about feeling safe in your own space.

If you’re looking for a safety solution that goes beyond basic functionality and truly enhances everyday living, the StableGrip Safety Bar is an outstanding choice.

GET YOUR STABLE GRIP SAFETY BAR NOW @50% OFF DISCOUNT SALE FROM THE MANUFACTURER HERE

—

This content is brought to you by Muhammad Asim

Photos provided by the contributor.

The post StableGrip Reviews: Does the StableGrip Safety Bar Really Hold Up Under Pressure? appeared first on The Good Men Project.

By Maryalene LaPonsie for Insure.com

Extreme sports and high-risk hobbies can double your life insurance premium or result in a denial — but specialty insurers, independent brokers, and strategic timing can make affordable coverage possible even for the highest-risk activities.

You could be the healthiest person your doctor has ever seen — perfect bloodwork, no vices, runs marathons on weekends. But if you also happen to jump out of planes or scale mountains in your spare time, life insurance companies are going to see you very differently.

Risky hobbies affect life insurance rates because they change the statistical likelihood of a claim. The more dangerous your activity — and the more often you do it — the higher your premium. In some cases, insurers may decline to cover you altogether.

A 25-year-old female could lock in $273 per year for $750,000 in coverage at Preferred Plus rates. A high-risk hobby could push that to $526 at Regular rates — nearly double, and a difference of more than $5,000 over a 20-year term.

A higher premium isn’t inevitable. Specialty insurers, independent brokers, and strategic timing can all help adventurous applicants find competitive coverage — even for the highest-risk activities.

Insure.com explores how high-risk hobbies affect life insurance premiums and how applicants can find competitive coverage.

The short version, if you’re in a hurry

Risky hobbies can double your life insurance premium — but they rarely make coverage impossible. Here’s what matters most:

• Your activity’s frequency matters more than the activity itself. A one-off skydiving trip is treated very differently from jumping every weekend.
• Honesty is non-negotiable. Misrepresenting your hobbies can result in a denied claim — the worst possible outcome for your family.
• Rates are locked in when you buy. Quitting a hobby after your policy starts won’t lower your premium. Likewise, starting a risky hobby after you already have coverage in place shouldn’t affect your policy.
• Specialty insurers exist for high-risk applicants. If one insurer declines you or quotes you sky-high rates, others may not.
• An exclusion rider is a viable backup. If affordable coverage isn’t available, a policy that excludes your hobby is almost always better than no policy at all.

Why do life insurance companies care about your hobbies?

Life insurance companies are in the business of calculating risk and making profitable choices. When they insure someone, they are betting that they will collect more in premiums than they will pay out in claims. If you have a dangerous hobby, the risk of a claim rises — and along with it, your insurance rates.

Basically, if you regularly participate in an activity that statistically increases your odds of an early death, life insurance companies are going to adjust your rates accordingly.

Insurers use four life insurance rate tiers, though the names of these tiers may vary from company to company. The following range from those with the best rates to standard rates:

• Preferred Plus
• Preferred
• Regular Plus
• Regular

Preferred Plus rates are reserved for the healthiest people with no high-risk factors. Meanwhile, those with Preferred rates are healthy with only minor risk factors. Most people who engage in high-risk activities or extreme sports will fall into the Regular Plus or Regular tiers, with Regular rates reserved for those with the highest risk profiles.

Some activities might result in only a slight shift in rates, such as from Preferred to Regular Plus. Others might be deemed so risky that they drop you from Preferred Plus to Regular.

“Different carriers look at different activities as less or more of a risk,” says Daniel Hochler, managing associate with Forest Hills Financial Group in Melville, New York.

If an insurer deems your hobby too risky, it may be possible to request an exclusion rider. This provision means the life insurance company will not pay a claim for a death resulting from the excluded activity.

How life insurers calculate risk for dangerous hobbies

Being active isn’t the problem — it’s what you’re doing that matters. BASE jumping and marathon running are both physical activities, but the risk of death couldn’t be more different. Insurers price accordingly.

The same logic applies to how often you participate. Someone who went skydiving once on a birthday trip has a very different risk profile than someone who jumps every weekend. If your hobby falls somewhere in the middle — recreational skiing, the occasional scuba dive, a cycling race on weekends — you may be surprised how little it affects your rate.

What insurers are really looking at is the statistical likelihood of a claim, factoring in not just the activity itself, but how often you do it, at what level, and whether you have proper training or certification.

The ranked list: Which sports and hobbies affect life insurance the most?

Life insurance for extreme sports enthusiasts works differently from standard policies. Insurers evaluate hobbies during underwriting, and activities like skydiving, BASE jumping, and motor racing can push your premiums higher — or disqualify you from certain coverage types altogether.

Every life insurance company will have its own policies and guidelines, but here’s what you might expect when it comes to life insurance for athletes in extreme sports.

How much more does a risky hobby actually cost you?

If you participate in extreme sports or high-risk activities, your life insurance premiums could be significantly higher than average — or even double what someone in better health pays. The gap between Preferred Plus and Regular rates can run into hundreds of dollars per year, and over a 20-year term, that difference compounds into thousands.

For example, a 40-year-old male paying $545 per year at Preferred Plus rates for $750,000 in coverage could pay $1,141 per year at Regular rates — a difference of $596 annually, or nearly $12,000 over a 20-year term.

The tables below show how premiums shift across all four tiers. Rates are based on a 20-year term policy for a nonsmoker in California. Across all age groups and coverage amounts in the tables below, Regular rates are approximately twice the cost of Preferred Plus rates for the same policy, and the gap widens significantly as you get older.

Rates vary by state and health profile, so compare life insurance quotes for a personalized estimate.

$500,000 in coverage

$750,000 in coverage

$1,000,000 in coverage

How do life insurance companies actually find out about your hobbies?

Life insurance companies find out about your hobbies by asking directly on the application — and then verifying your answers through third-party data sources, medical records, and public information. Lying on your application is not worth the risk. If an insurer discovers a misrepresentation, they can deny your family’s claim or cancel your policy entirely.

Being upfront — even if it means a higher premium — protects your family when it matters most. A denied claim costs far more than the difference in rates.

What questions will you be asked on the application?

Life insurance applications typically have at least one question in the lifestyle or medical section that asks if you participate in any hazardous recreational activities. Some applications may ask about specific activities while others may be more open-ended.

“Once you answer yes, they will ask follow-up questions,” says Brandon Norwood, a financial planner with Oak City Financial, a virtual advisory firm serving clients nationwide.

Those follow-up questions may include any of the following:

• How often do you participate in the activity?
• At what level do you participate?
• Do you have certifications?
• Do you compete professionally?
• What equipment do you use?

The more questions you receive about your hobby, the more you can guarantee that it matters to the underwriter — and your rates.

Can insurers verify your hobbies without you telling them?

Insurers have several ways to cross-check your application — even without you volunteering the information. Medical records, public records, and third-party databases can all reveal details about your lifestyle and risk profile.

One of the most significant tools is the MIB (Medical Information Bureau), a shared database used by insurers to flag inconsistencies across applications. If a previous insurer denied you coverage due to high-risk recreational activities, that information may already be on file — and your next insurer can access it.

What happens when your insurer won’t cover your hobby — and what to do about it

If an insurer considers your hobby too risky to cover at a standard rate, it may offer you a life insurance exclusion rider rather than declining your application outright. Think of it as a middle-ground option: the insurer agrees to cover you, but with one specific carve-out — it won’t pay a claim if your death is directly caused by the excluded activity.

So if you have a skydiving exclusion and die in a skydiving accident, your beneficiaries wouldn’t receive the death benefit. But if you died from an illness, a car accident, or any other unrelated cause, the policy would pay out normally.

Whether to accept an exclusion rider comes down to your alternatives. If you can’t find affordable coverage elsewhere — or if you’ve scaled back the activity in question — it’s often worth taking. For most people, the risk of dying specifically from their hobby is far lower than the risk of dying from something else entirely. Some coverage is almost always better than none.

Exclusion riders don’t have to be permanent, either. If you give up the high-risk activity, you may be able to request its removal. Ask your insurer or broker upfront what is needed to approve that — typically some documented period of inactivity — so you already know the path forward if your circumstances change.

What happens if you take up a risky hobby after your policy starts?

Your life insurance rate is locked in at the time of your application. If you take up a risky hobby after your policy is issued, your existing coverage and premiums are generally unaffected — the insurer can’t reprice you mid-policy.

Where it gets complicated is if your policy lapses or you apply for new coverage. At that point, your current activities become fair game for underwriting, and your rates could be significantly higher.

One important caveat: some policies include a duty-to-notify clause that may require you to inform your insurer of certain lifestyle changes. Check your policy documents or ask your agent if you’re unsure whether this applies to you.

How can athletes and adventurers get the best life insurance rates?

Don’t be discouraged if you are athletic or adventurous. You can still save on life insurance by working with an experienced broker, shopping specialty providers and timing your application strategically.

Follow these steps to save even if you have a high-risk hobby.

• Find the right insurer. Some companies specialize in insuring athletes and hobbyists that other insurers might decline.
• Work with an independent broker. An experienced broker can be the key to finding these specialty insurers who would be happy to provide you with life insurance coverage.
• Get certified. If your hobby or sport offers safety training or certification, complete it and include the documentation with your application.
• Time your application. If you are taking a season or year off from your activity, that might be the best time to apply.
• Compare quotes. Not every insurer defines risky activities in the same way. Get quotes from three to five carriers to see how much you can save with different companies.
• Consider an exclusion rider. Ask about excluding coverage of your hobby or sport if you are unable to find affordable coverage. While not ideal, a policy with an exclusion rider is better than no life insurance at all.
• Wait to start a new hobby. You can’t lie on your life insurance application — that would be fraud. But if you start a new hobby after your life insurance is in effect, it shouldn’t change your coverage or rates. Just don’t rush into it: if you’re scaling a mountain three days after your policy was approved, a resulting claim is going to raise eyebrows. Insurers can — and do — contest payouts if they suspect you had plans to take up the activity when you applied.

“There are certain carriers that specialize in high-risk sports,” Norwood says. “That’s their bread and butter; that’s their niche.”

Your hobby doesn’t have to define your coverage

A high-risk hobby complicates a life insurance application, but it doesn’t end it. Millions of skydivers, rock climbers, pilots, and motorsport enthusiasts carry life insurance.

The most effective move is working with an independent broker who specializes in high-risk coverage — they know which carriers treat specific activities most favorably and can save you significant time finding them.

Timing and preparation also help. Applying during a season off from your activity, or after completing a safety certification, can improve how an underwriter evaluates your application. If affordable coverage still isn’t available, an exclusion rider is a legitimate path forward — a policy that excludes your hobby still covers everything else, and some coverage is almost always better than none.

Whatever route you take, be honest on your application. Insurers investigate claims, and a misrepresentation can cost your family the payout when they need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does running marathons affect life insurance rates?

Typically, no. Marathon running is generally considered a low-risk activity and may be viewed by insurers as a sign of a healthy lifestyle. That could work in your favor by improving your life insurance rate tier. Ultra marathons, such as 24-hour races, may be viewed as risky by some underwriters.

Can I be denied life insurance because of a hobby?

Yes, extreme hobbies such as BASE jumping, skydiving and high-altitude mountaineering could result in your application for life insurance being denied. If you are denied because of a hobby, you may be able to request an exclusion rider, which would eliminate coverage for a death related to that activity.

What if I stop the risky hobby after getting coverage?

Generally, you are locked into the rates you receive at the start of a policy. You could notify your insurer and ask for a rate review. If they don’t offer that option, you could compare life insurance quotes and see if it would be cheaper to buy a new policy than keep your existing one.

Do all insurers treat hobbies the same way?

No, life insurance companies have their own underwriting guidelines. One might say skydiving is automatic grounds for a denial, while another may give the occasional skydiver Preferred rates. Work with an independent insurance broker to find the companies that will look most favorably on your hobby.

Does age affect how my hobby is rated?

Yes, age is a prime factor used by insurance companies. An insurer might see scuba diving at age 50 as riskier than scuba diving at age 30. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of finding affordable coverage.

Can insurers find out about my hobbies if I don’t disclose them?

Yes, insurers can review medical records and MIB reports when evaluating an application. A bigger risk is if you die while participating in an undisclosed high-risk hobby or extreme sport. The life insurance company may investigate, and if it discovers you were participating in the activity at the time of your application, it could deny your family’s claim.

Does a risky occupation affect rates the same way a hobby does?

Yes, although insurers categorize occupations and hobbies differently. A pilot who flies recreationally in their free time might be considered to have both a high-risk occupation and a hobby, doubly affecting their life insurance premiums.

Methodology

Premium rates cited in this article were obtained from Compulife in March 2026. Quotes reflect 20-year term life insurance policies for nonsmokers in California across three coverage amounts: $500,000, $750,000, and $1,000,000. Rates are displayed across all four standard underwriting tiers — Preferred Plus, Preferred, Regular Plus, and Regular — for male and female applicants at multiple age points.

Rate tiers reflect the underwriting classifications most commonly used by life insurers; actual tier names vary by carrier. Quotes are intended to illustrate how premiums shift across risk profiles and should not be interpreted as guaranteed offers. Actual rates will vary based on individual health history, state of residence, insurer, and underwriting guidelines at the time of application.

This story was produced by Insure.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

—

Previously Published on hub.stackernewswire

The Good Men Project is part of a multi-platform ecosystem: flagship site, Medium publications, Substacks, social media. We publish experts, authors, therapists, coaches, activists, and wellness professionals. AI tools look for stable, context-rich domains with clear topical focus. GMP’s mission-driven content helps articles perform better in AI-powered discovery.

If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join us as a Premium Member today.

All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.

Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.

Photo credit: unsplash

The post From Marathons to Mountaineering: Ranking Which Sports and Hobbies Affect Life Insurance the Most appeared first on The Good Men Project.

—

Men’s suits have long stood as a symbol of refinement, structure, and timeless style. While traditional fabrics like wool and cotton continue to dominate the space, modern menswear is evolving. Today’s style landscape embraces versatility, comfort, and individuality, qualities that have driven the rising popularity of denim and linen suits. These materials introduce a fresh perspective, offering a balance between relaxed aesthetics and tailored sophistication.

Denim and linen suits are not simply trends; they represent a shift in how men’s suits are designed, styled, and worn. They reflect a modern approach where comfort meets structure without compromising elegance.

The Evolution of Fabric in Men’s Suits

Classic men’s suits were traditionally associated with heavier fabrics that emphasized structure and formality. While these qualities still hold value, modern lifestyles demand flexibility. This has opened the door for alternative materials like denim and linen to redefine what a suit can be.

Denim, once reserved for casual wear, has transitioned into tailored fashion. Linen, known for its lightweight and breathable nature, has become a staple for those seeking comfort without sacrificing polish. Both fabrics contribute to a broader interpretation of men’s suits, making them more adaptable to different settings and personal styles.

Denim Suits

Denim suits bring an edge to traditional tailoring. They carry a unique texture that sets them apart from standard suit fabrics. Unlike conventional materials, denim offers a slightly rugged appearance while still maintaining a structured silhouette.

What makes denim appealing in men’s suits is its versatility. It can be styled up or down depending on how it is worn. The fabric naturally adds character, allowing the suit to stand out without relying on bold patterns or excessive detailing. This makes denim an excellent choice for those who want something distinctive yet understated.

Another advantage of denim is durability. It holds its shape well and ages uniquely over time, adding personality to the suit. This long-term wearability aligns with modern preferences for practical and sustainable fashion choices.

Linen Suits

Linen suits take a different approach by focusing on lightness and ease. The fabric is known for its breathability, making it one of the most comfortable options in Mens Suits. Its natural fibers allow airflow, reducing heat and enhancing comfort throughout the day.

Linen also introduces a relaxed texture that softens the overall look of a suit. While traditional suits emphasize crisp lines, linen suits embrace a slightly more laid-back aesthetic. This does not mean they lack sophistication; rather, they offer a refined look that feels less rigid.

Wrinkling, often seen as a drawback, actually contributes to the charm of linen. It adds a natural, lived-in quality that aligns with modern fashion preferences. In today’s menswear, perfection is no longer about stiffness, it’s about authenticity and ease.

A Shift Toward Modern Styling

The rise of denim and linen suits reflects a broader change in how Mens Suits are styled. Modern menswear leans toward personalization rather than strict rules. Men are no longer confined to traditional combinations; instead, they experiment with textures, layers, and accessories.

Denim suits often pair well with minimalist elements, allowing the fabric to be the focal point. Linen suits, on the other hand, complement lighter tones and softer styling choices. Both options offer flexibility, making them suitable for various environments without feeling out of place.

This adaptability is key. Today’s suits are expected to transition seamlessly between different settings. Denim and linen achieve this by balancing comfort with structure, giving wearers more freedom in how they present themselves.

Craftsmanship and Fit Still Matter

While fabric plays a major role, the foundation of great Mens Suits remains unchanged, fit and craftsmanship. Even the most modern materials require precise tailoring to achieve a polished appearance.

A well-fitted denim or linen suit enhances the body’s natural shape without feeling restrictive. The goal is to maintain clean lines while allowing enough room for movement. This balance ensures that the suit looks intentional rather than casual.

Attention to detail is equally important. Stitching, lapel design, and overall construction contribute to the final look. Regardless of the fabric, quality craftsmanship ensures that the suit maintains its structure and visual appeal over time.

Why Modern Mens Suits Are Evolving

The growing interest in denim and linen suits highlights a larger shift in fashion priorities. Comfort is no longer secondary, it is essential. At the same time, style remains an essential factor, leading to innovations that combine both elements.

Consumers are also becoming more selective. They seek pieces that offer versatility, longevity, and individuality. Denim and linen meet these expectations by providing alternatives that stand out without feeling excessive.

For those exploring updated styles, collections like those available at Mens Suits showcase how modern tailoring continues to evolve. High quality brands reflect this shift by offering designs that align with current preferences while maintaining classic tailoring principles.

The Balance Between Classic and Contemporary

Denim and linen suits do not replace traditional Mens Suits, they complement them. They expand the wardrobe, offering more options for different moods and environments. This balance between classic and contemporary is what defines modern menswear.

Traditional suits still hold their place for structured and formal appearances. However, denim and linen introduce flexibility, allowing men to express personal style without stepping too far outside the boundaries of tailored fashion.

This blend of old and new creates a more inclusive approach to menswear. It acknowledges that style is not one-dimensional and that modern men require clothing that adapts to their lifestyles.

Final Thoughts

Mens Denim & Linen Suits represent more than just a change in fabric, they signal a transformation in how Mens Suits are perceived and worn. By combining comfort, versatility, and refined tailoring, these suits offer a modern take on a classic wardrobe staple.

Denim adds structure with character, while linen brings lightness and ease. Together, they redefine expectations and open the door to new styling possibilities. As menswear continues to evolve, these fabrics will remain central to the conversation, proving that innovation and tradition can coexist seamlessly.

—

This content is brought to you by Muhammad Asim

Photo provided by the contributor.

The post Men’s Denim and Linen Suits: A Modern Twist on Classic Menswear appeared first on The Good Men Project.

By Frida Garza, Grist – This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist’s weekly newsletter here.

The day’s forecast called for high winds, but around midday in downtown Manhattan, it felt like a perfect spring day. The sun shone high in the sky last Tuesday as people gathered on the sidewalk around the corner from City Hall. Municipal employees mingled about, chatting excitedly. The cause for celebration wasn’t the weather — but a sleek, modernist-looking shed on the sidewalk where there had once stood a vacant newsstand.

The structure may not have looked like much, but it had been years in the making. Since 2021, Los Deliveristas Unidos — a union of app-based delivery workers — has been campaigning for the city to build outdoor structures where these workers can safely rest on the job, charge their e-bike batteries, and escape the elements.

The crowd had gathered for the opening of the first “deliverista hub,” which had been a long-discussed idea, until recently — when Mayor Zohran Mamdani decided to expedite the building process following years of permitting delays and red tape.

By the time several delivery workers dressed in jeans, tactical-looking jackets, and bike helmets showed up, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement.

“This is what the public realm is made for,” New York City Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura said from behind a podium, standing next to the hub with its clear glass windows and tall metallic columns. “This is what it means for our city to serve the people who keep it running.” 

In New York City, more than 80,000 men and women board their vehicles of choice every day and shepherd everything from burrito bowls to groceries right up to people’s front doors. Many of these deliveristas travel on two wheels, opting for e-bikes, scooters, and mopeds over cars. That means this workforce is more vulnerable to extreme weather events like heat waves and flash flooding — which are becoming more frequent and more severe due to climate change.

The idea for deliverista hubs sits at the intersection of workers’ rights and climate justice. If the city opens more of these facilities throughout the five boroughs, they will offer respite from all kinds of inclement weather, as well as provide a space for workers to talk to one another. Soon, the Lower Manhattan hub will also be staffed five days a week by a member of the Worker’s Justice Project, the worker center that helps organize Los Deliveristas Unidos. Delivery workers who are interested in learning more about joining the union can stop by the hub as a starting point.

At the grand opening, representatives from the New York City Parks Department, the delivery workers union, Worker’s Justice Project, and the Department of Transportation were present and gave speeches. New York Senator Chuck Schumer — who secured $1 million in federal funding for this hub — as well as New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and City Council Member Shaun Abreu also spoke.

Throughout the proceedings, a fine mist fell over the attendees. But it hardly dampened the mood of the ceremony, with the crowd frequently breaking out into cheers.

Ligia Guallpa, the executive director of the Worker’s Justice Project, proudly claimed this week’s opening as a victory for the working class. By pushing this project through, she said, deliveristas are “redefining what’s possible” in cities like New York, where “public spaces have historically been built for cars, for the wealthy, and for the privileged.”

Gustavo Ajche, the co-founder of Los Deliveristas Unidos, said he got the idea of repurposing city infrastructure to create places of rest for delivery workers during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were really isolated,” Ajche told Grist, speaking in Spanish, “with nowhere to go. During the pandemic, everything was closed and things got very complicated — I saw my colleagues [working outside] struggling to find places to shelter from cold, rain, and wind.” But he noticed that there were pieces of urban infrastructure throughout the city that had sat abandoned for years — like vacant newsstands — that could easily help them escape the elements.

Still, the road from that moment to last week’s opening ceremony was anything but straightforward. Ajche lamented that New York City’s previous mayoral administration, led by Eric Adams, took its time when it came to approving permits required to construct the city’s first deliverista hub.

Under Mayor Zohran Mamdani, said Ajche, things have gone differently; The New York Times reported that the mayor pushed to open the hub within his first 100 days in office.

After years of delays, the physical construction of the deliverista hub only took about a month, said Ajche. Asked directly about the lengthy timeline by a reporter after speeches ended, Parks Commissioner Shimamura said, “Unfortunately, I can’t really speak [to that], I’ve only been the commissioner for the last eight weeks.”

Ajche acknowledged that just having one hub isn’t sufficient to provide for the tens of thousands of delivery workers who stream through the city every day. Both he and Shimamura demurred when asked about the possibility of opening more hubs throughout the five boroughs. It’ll depend on financing, they said. But establishing partnerships with other city agencies is also part of the challenge; Shimamura noted that not every viable spot for a deliverista hub is owned by the Parks Department.

While it’s formally open, the hub itself sat largely empty — no charging stations, no HVAC system. Those will come later, according to a representative from the Worker’s Justice Project. The mist that was still falling on the attendees, it turned out, wasn’t rain — just a drizzle from window-washers working on a building across the street. Nevertheless, some of the deliveristas posed for photos beside the shed. Standing with Guallpa, who had been handed a bouquet of flowers, the group sang out chants of “Deliverista! Power!” as many flashed grins for the cameras and lifted fists to the sky.

This article originally appeared in Grist at https://grist.org/labor/new-york-city-unveils-its-first-rest-stop-for-delivery-workers/.

Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Learn more at Grist.org

—

This Story Was Originally Published by Grist.

***

–

***

At The Good Men Project, we are proud to syndicate reporting from Grist, one of the country’s most experienced nonprofit climate newsrooms. We value Grist not only because it covers climate change, but because it understands that climate is not a separate issue sitting off to the side of real life. It intersects with health, food, work, migration, infrastructure, energy, inequality, and the everyday conditions people depend on to build stable lives.

That wider lens matters to us. At The Good Men Project, we are interested in how to live well in a rapidly changing world, and it is increasingly impossible to ask that question honestly without asking what kind of world people are being asked to live in. Climate change is not just an environmental story. It is a human story, a systems story, and a moral story. It raises questions about power, responsibility, adaptation, care, and who is expected to absorb the costs when institutions fail to plan ahead. It also intersects with many of the themes we return to often, including masculinity, provision, work, family, resilience, and the pressures people face when the ground beneath ordinary life becomes less predictable. That is one reason we are glad to share Grist’s work with our readers.

There are many ways to support The Good Men Project’s mission. You can sign up for our newsletter, become a Premium Member, and follow our broader conversations about climate, culture, identity, relationships, and how to live responsibly in a rapidly changing world. We also work with authors, agencies, brands, and sponsors through our author amplification and paid guest post programs. For more information, email info@goodmenproject.com.

If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join us as a Premium Member today.

All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.

Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.

–

Photo Credit: unsplash

The post New York City Unveils Its First Rest Stop for Delivery Workers appeared first on The Good Men Project.

—

This post was previously published on medium.com.

Love relationships? We promise to have a good one with your inbox.

Subcribe to get 3x weekly dating and relationship advice.

Did you know? We have 8 publications on Medium. Join us there!

***

–

Photo credit: alex Roosso on Unsplash

The post She Didn’t Change. She Just Stopped Explaining. appeared first on The Good Men Project.