It’s really easy to get caught up in your own head and believe you’re behind where you’re supposed to be for your age or that a single mistake is the end of the world. But the reality is that you’re doing better than you think you are.
People are never satisfied with what they have, such is human nature. No matter how much you have, at some point, you might end up thinking that you don’t have enough, or that you need to feel better about your life. Feelings like these sometimes are alright, but all the time? Nope.
Many times, you might not realize this but if you just stop for a moment and look, you will see that you’re doing much better than you think you are.
Here Are12 Signs You’re Doing Better Than You Think You Are
1. You’re uncertain about most things.
Constantly wondering and questioning everything is a sign of intelligence, even though most people don’t know this. It is also a sign of integrity, and modesty when you think that you need to be better, or your life needs to be better. The more you work on improving yourself and bettering yourself, the more success you will be setting yourself up for.
Like Charles Bukowski said – “The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence.”
This is such an important thing because it means you’re self-aware and you don’t want to settle – and that’s the first and most crucial step towards change. So many people get satisfied and content easily, be it professionally, physically or emotionally, that it stunts their growth in life.
Winning at life means you never stop knowing yourself. You never stop striving for the best. You never stop discovering new things about yourself. And most importantly, you never stop working harder than the day before.
3. You loved the wrong person and you suffered a broken heart.
Everyone at least once in their lives falls for the wrong person and have their heart broken. Even though it might hurt a lot at that point in time, a broken heart can teach you so much about life. It doesn’t just turn you into a stronger person, it helps you understand the value of love and your own value.
Once you have your heart broken, you realize what you want from love, and most importantly, what you DON’T want. You start raising your standards, and only when the right person comes along, and respects you for who you are, only then do you open up your heart again.
4. You are still hurting because you lost something valuable.
If you are still hurting, because you have lost something or someone priceless, it means that you are still surviving, and you are still healing. Life is not easy, nor is it supposed to be. Every obstacle that life throws at you, it is up to you to decide how you want to deal with it. Do you want to sit in front of it, and cry? Or do you want to try your best to jump over it, and be victorious?
When you still hurt because you have lost something valuable of yours, it means that you are human, you are alive, and what you are feeling is completely natural. As long as you hurt, you will know that you will heal. It may take a lot of time, but you will indeed heal.
5. You feel lost.
Feeling lost once in a while isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes it means that you’re ahead of the game. Anyone who thinks they’ve got it all figured out is settling for something that is okay or sort of good enough.
You feel lost because you know that there is so much more inside of you than what you’re currently offering the world. Being lost keeps you hungry, motivated, and helps you to move forward. Know this, that you are exactly where you need to be right now, and you are exactly where you belong.
6. Your ego has been really hurt.
When your ego gets hurt, see it as a positive thing. You might feel angry, insulted, or irritated, but your hurt ego can propel you towards greatness. It can serve as a strong driving force for you to win in life, and be the best version of yourself. Your hurt ego will always help you fulfill all your dreams, and goals with a lot of fervor, and determination.
Like Jillian Michaels always says, “A bad day for your ego is a great day for your soul.”
7. You have just 1-2 meaningful friendships in your life.
If you have one person in your life who just gets you, that you can call crying at 4 a.m., know that you are one of those lucky people who has the best kind of friends. It is really hard to come across people who can understand you without you saying much, and if you have people like that in your life, never ever let them go.
Good people and good friends are difficult to come by, and you should value people who stand by you when no one else does. That is the mark of a rock-solid friendship. Always remember it is better to have 2-3 good friends, than a ton of friends who show no loyalty towards you. Quality over quantity, always.
8. You’ve made many mistakes.
Mistakes are inevitable in a life worth living. As long as you learn from them, mistakes are very important. They teach you exactly what you want and who you want to be. Everyone makes mistakes in their lives, and everyone falters at some point.
But that’s okay. As long as you learn from your mistakes, and use the lesson to better yourself, and your life, you are good to go.
9. You feel miserable sometimes.
Maybe it’s because of a breakup, a divorce, losing a job, or life’s just getting you down – whatever it is, the harder you slam a ball into the ground, the higher it bounces back up. Such is life that sometimes it is going to make things difficult for you, but at the same time, it will make you stronger, resilient, more compassionate, appreciative, and smarter.
Life is always going to teach you new things, it is up to you whether you accept it’s lessons and learn.
Always remember that when one door closes another door always opens. You just have to have faith in yourself, and life’s plans for you. If you open your eyes, you will see the next door that opens is a better door.
Life may be tough to handle sometimes, but it is a beautiful thing to experience. Take the good things that it has to offer, learn from your rejections, work harder, and build the life of your dreams.
11. You did not get to experience your perfect ending.
Some of the best stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about making the best of each moment because we really don’t know what will happen next. Maybe you didn’t get your perfect ending, but you will get something so much better, you never know.
The best thing about life is its unpredictability. So, instead of stressing out constantly about what might happen in the future, focus on your present, enjoy it, and make the most of what you got.
12. You’re not the same person you were a year ago.
So many people never change. They get stuck in their stubborn ways and never progress. Life is all about evolving. What they don’t realize is that life is ever-changing, and change is the only constant. If you don’t change yourself and adapt to change, you will be stuck in the same place forever.
In order to grow, you need to be malleable, and go with the flow of life.
So, the next time you feel that your life is not going great, come back to this piece and realize that you’re doing much better than you think. The secret to having a happy life is not having a perfect life; it is all about being fulfilled, and content with what you have, and what life has to offer you.
If you want to know more about the signs that you’re doing much better than you think you are, then check this video out below:
Looking for an edge so you can win your next big argument, and emerge as the unbeatable winner of every rational debate there is?
Learn the 10 Commandments of Rational Debate and use them against your enemy as you obliterate their argument point by point (rationally, of course). Knowing your logical fallacies and how the brain can deceive even the brightest of minds is the first step towards winning an argument.
These are 10 of the more popular logical fallacies, but there are many others you need to learn in order to master the art of debate…
1. Thou shall not attack the person’s character, but the argument itself. (“Ad hominem”)
Example: Dave listens to Marilyn Manson, therefore his arguments against certain parts of religion are worthless. After all, would you trust someone who listens to that devil worshiper?
2. Thou shall not misrepresent or exaggerate a person’s argument in order to make them easier to attack. (“Straw Man Fallacy”)
Example: After Jimmy said that we should put more money into health and education, Steve responded by saying that he was surprised that Jimmy hates our country so much that he wants to leave it defenseless by cutting military spending.
3. Thou shall not use small numbers to represent the whole. (“Hasty Generalization”)
Example: Climate Change Deniers take a small sample set of data to demonstrate that the Earth is cooling, not warming. They do this by zooming in on 10 years of data, ignoring the trend that is present in the entire data set which spans a century.
4. Thou shall not argue thy position by assuming one of its premises is true. (“Begging the Question”)
Example:
Sheldon: “God must exist.” Wilbert: “How do you know?” Sheldon: “Because the Bible says so.” Wilbert: “Why should I believe the Bible?” Sheldon: “Because the Bible was written by God.” Wilbert: “WTF?”
Here, Sheldon is making the assumption that the Bible is true, therefore his premise – that God exists – is also true.
5. Thou shall not claim that because something occurred before, but must be the cause. (“Post Hoc/False Cause”).
This can also be read as “correlation does not imply causation”.
Example: There were 3 murders in Dallas this week and on each day, it was raining. Therefore, murders occur on rainy days.
6. Thou shall not reduce the argument down to only two possibilities when there is a clear middle ground. (“False Dichotomy”)
Example: You’re either with me, or against me. Being neutral is not an option.
7. Thou shall not argue that because of our ignorance, the claim must be true or false. (“Ad Ignorantiam”).
Example: 95% of unidentified flying objects have been explained. 5% have not. Therefore, the 5% that are unexplained prove that aliens exist.
8. Thou shall not lay the burn of proof onto him that is questioning the claim. (“Burden of Proof Reversal”).
Example: Marcy claims she sees the ghosts of dead people, then challenges you to prove her wrong. The burden of proof is on Marcy, not you since Marcy made the extraordinary claim.
9. Thou shall not assume that “this” follows “that”, when “it” has no logical connection. (“Non-Sequitur”).
Similar, but the difference between the post hoc and non sequitur fallacies is that, whereas the post hoc fallacy is due to lack of a causal connection, in the non sequitur fallacy, the error is due to lack of a logical connection.
Example: If you do not buy these Vitamin X supplements for your infant, you are neglecting her.
10. Thou shall not claim that because a premise is popular, therefore, it must be true. (“Bandwagon Fallacy”).
Example: Just because a celebrity like Dr. Oz endorses a product, it doesn’t make it any more legitimate.
Using these 10 Commandments of the rational debate will help you win every argument, without unnecessarily attacking or humiliating the other person. Keep in mind these rules, and knock every debate out of the park.
If you want to know more rules when it comes to rational debate, then check this video out below:
You have no chance at solving these 12 mind-boggling riddles. But you can solve them all, you know you are darn smart.
Have it here, just read the question well, think for the answers in your head and click on the riddle to flip the answer which is provided at the back of each riddle.
Here you go. Go get all the riddles correct and share the result with your friends and family. Best of Luck!
Have you met any toxic people in your life? Dealing with such an individual can be taxing. Fortunately, astrology can help! Read on to find out the zodiac way to deal with toxic people.
Just like the good stuff, every zodiac sign also has its fair share of toxic traits. The good thing is that you can deal with toxic people based on their zodiac signs, but only if you understand how they work.
We all stumble upon a couple of toxic people in our lifetime or have transformed into the worst version of ourselves under stressful circumstances.
Whether we’re the toxic ones or we’re dealing with toxic people in our lives, you must keep in mind the following pointers on how to deal with toxic people based on astrology.
After all, the best way to deal with toxic people is to understand their zodiac personality traits and tweak your approach accordingly. So, let’s see how you can deal with toxic people based on their zodiac signs.
Well, one thing’s for sure. When Aries is acting out, everyone around them will know it. A particularly unbalanced Ram will repel people for miles around. Trouble is, they’re so magnetic, some will be simultaneously drawn to them.
Don’t let yourself fall into this trap. You’ll only get snapped at. According to the zodiac way to deal with toxic people, steer clear when the crazy kicks in—and if it’s always there with Aries, so find a way to bow out before it’s too late!
The master of judgment, a Bull who’s in a bad way will be assessing you every second and passing harsh comments.
You can try telling them how it makes you feel, but odds are, they won’t budge.Find a practical way for them to experience how you feel, however, and things may change.
According to the zodiac way to deal with toxic people, try giving them a dose of their own medicine. Don’t react and be critical of their every move instead. After all, what do you have to lose? It’s not like they could get any worse!
The difficulty in dealing with most Geminis—never mind toxic ones—is that they’re duplicitous. You never know exactly who you’re going to get.
Just as you think you can’t take any more of their harsh critiques and high expectations (standards that don’t apply to them or their behavior, of course!), a chatty charmer shows up in their place.
Don’t be tempted by the Twins to indulge in the Twins’ good day gossip. It’ll only come back to bite you on the next bad one!
So, according to the zodiac way to deal with toxic people, treat them as two distinct individuals; keep your distance from the rude twin and be nice to the other, but don’t let yourself get carried away and reveal too much about yourself.
Neediness is the toxic quality most associated with the Crab – and no one (except maybe Pisces) can display this level of desperation. Of course, Cancer responds well to being babied and indulged, the trick is, they have a tendency to simply drop deeper as a result.
So what’s the balance? According to the zodiac way to deal with toxic people, let Cancer know that you’re there for them, but encourage them to take some personal responsibility. There’s a difference between being a friend and being a crutch.
Pacify them with patience and tame them with love.
Ego, ego, ego… Male Leos, in particular, have an ego to spare. And the females who are not emotionally mature or self-aware, this results in a sense of self-entitlement not to be rivaled by any sign—even Aries.
According to the zodiac way to deal with toxic people, when dealing with Leo’s demands, take a soft approach. Compliments and coddling can sometimes soothe the savage beast. Save any real critique for a stabler time… or hold back altogether. Some things just aren’t worth it.
Ignore and change the topic or simply hit the road.
A toxic Virgo knows everything. Really. And they’ll insist upon expounding on your faults and use them until you feel like you’re about to explode. It’s their way or the highway. And you’d be better off hitting the road than trying to overcome this sizable speed bump.
According to the zodiac way to deal with toxic people, if you simply must stick around, you’ll need to develop a thick skin and the ability to shift subjects with ease and regularity.
Give them space when they’re in a bad mood and wait for them to feel better.
As a sign of balance, one can imagine a Libra who is out of alignment, means trouble. Bottled-up emotions that come spewing out like venom. Silent treatments that end in outbursts. Expectations that can’t be met. Indeed,Libra is one of the most difficult toxic people to figure out.
But, according to the zodiac way to deal with toxic people, you can use their extreme fickleness to your advantage and steer clear while things are ugly. Odds are they’ll change their minds when they’re feeling better… and be a lot easier to deal with.
Be direct with them and make them know how you feel.
Few people are as dangerous as an ill-tempered Scorpio – they’re not known as the stinger for no reason.
According to the zodiac way to deal with toxic people, if you’re contending with a broody, moody being who knows how to push your buttons and does it in a way that cuts to the bone, try being upfront about your feelings.
There’s a chance that even an unbalanced Scorpio will respect your directness. Whatever you do, however, don’t lie to a Scorpio. They’ll know instinctively and become even worse!
Do not get enmeshed in their negativity and be passive toward them.
Although not exactly known for toxic behavior, an out-of-whack Sag is likely to do more indirect damage with self-destructive behavior than they are to actively hurt anyone.
Sadly, the best thing you can do is limit your exposure, which should be fine for a sign who prizes independence above all.
According to the zodiac way to deal with toxic people, do your best not to become embroiled in the Archer’s dramas and you’ll find it easier to contend with their poor judgment.
Either avoid them or agree with them all the time.
The worst thing about a toxic Capricorn is that they’ll never see your point of view. In the goat’s mind, everything they’re doing is totally justified and correct—which can make them really difficult to deal with.
According to the zodiac way to deal with toxic people, for the sake of minimizing your own frustrations, try not to argue and change the subject. You’re not going to win this battle—and even if you do, you’ll never change them. You always have the choice to react to a situation or to consciously respond to it.
Tell them they’re wrong and you will be left alone.
Oh, eccentric Aquarius… The Water Bearer is not above bending the truth to suit their version of reality. However, this is one sign you can cut the chord with and not expect a fight.
According to the zodiac way to deal with toxic people, if you’re dealing with an Aquarius’ bad behavior, don’t be afraid to take a stance—they probably won’t change, but they’ll see your approach as an attack and be more than happy to run the other way.
You may be surprised to know that a wronged Pisces can be extremely vengeful. While popular wisdom says Pisces will go into a hole and hurt themselves, they’re also known to be passive-aggressive and potentially, sneaky.
But this is only when they’re hurt. So, according to the zodiac way to deal with toxic people, if a Pisces is becoming increasingly difficult to deal with, ask them if you’ve done something to hurt them. It might be the end of the poison.
So, those were all the ways to deal with toxic people according to their zodiac signs. Let us know in the comments down below what according to you is the best zodiac way to deal with toxic people and also how you deal with toxic people based on your zodiac.
What are your biggest anxiety triggers? Do you know why certain things stress you out? The zodiac anxiety triggers might get you the answer!
Feeling stressed and anxious once in a while is natural, but if it is happening consistently, then you need to know what triggers your stress and anxiety.
We all have our stress triggers, which set us off into panic. Even though anxiety and stress are a part and parcel of life, being in a constant anxious state is not.
The best way to deal with your biggest anxiety triggers is to know where they are coming from so that you can heal them.
An interesting and quite effective approach to this could be looking at the stress and anxiety triggers of each zodiac sign and identifying your stress and anxiety triggers according to astrology!
Your Biggest Anxiety Triggers Based On Your Zodiac Sign
Here’re the stress and anxiety triggers of zodiac signs and how can they deal with them:
1. Aries (March 21 – April 19)
You count on your dynamic Ram energy to get you through the day and you feel vulnerable when it runs out.
Your biggest anxiety triggers are sickness, tiredness, and laziness. When you’re down or ill, you feel overwhelmed and stressed about all the tasks you can’t accomplish.
You’re used to playing Superman or Superwoman, and avoid taking time off as you think that would make you a lazy slug.
But you should religiously set aside at least one full day a week to play or do nothing. Life will continue without you and you will keep burnouts at bay.
More than anything else, Taurus, you want to be seen as competent. That’s why you take your time to do things right.
Your biggest anxiety triggers are failures, setbacks, and losing face. When a difficult task looms, you fear you won’t have enough time to do it properly and might mess it up.
Fall back on your infallible instincts and be secure in the knowledge that your true worth, dedication, honest effort, and sincerity will ultimately prevail.
You don’t suffer fools, Gemini. When the car in front of you pulls a bone-headed move in traffic, your stress-o-meter hits the roof. And, little things get to you – like words being mispronounced or misspelled.
Your biggest anxiety triggers are putting up with stupidity and dealing with lousy people. You’re apt to blow a gasket dealing with slow or dense people, where you feel like you’re talking to a wall.
You need regular activities that calm your overactive mind, like yoga or throwing pots in a ceramics class.
You put up a front that makes you seem tougher than you really are, so others don’t realize how deeply you get affected by criticism, angry outbursts, or being ignored.
Your biggest anxiety triggers are feeling emotionally unsafe and being insecure in relationship dynamics.
You often swallow your feelings, but it’s vital to let people know what you need instead of retreating into your shell and nursing a stress-related ulcer. Breathe into your belly: your true security lies there.
Any situation where you’re not in control and don’t know what to do is your stress trigger, Leo. A computer breakdown can freak you out in no time. Not being able to find something you’ve lost could also fry your circuits.
Basically, your biggest anxiety triggers are losing control and not knowing what could happen. Even falling in love can fill you with raging hormones and vulnerabilities that turn your kingly or queenly self into an insecure child.
Let go and try to accept things as they are; you’ll be much happier.
Just the thought of attempting something new and unfamiliar can tie you in knots, but once you’re actually doing it, you’re fine.
Your biggest anxiety triggers are expectations and the fear of not living up to them, even when most of these expectations are set by no one else, but you.
You think too much, Virgo – which accounts for your greatest stress. Making lists will help. You also stress when someone you love is struggling or falling behind.
Rather than trying to fix things for others, utilize your skills to work toward a positive outcome – then trust that all will turn out well.
Not being treated fairly is very stressful for you, Libra. Your biggest anxiety triggers are conflicts, arguments, and confrontations. You’ll spend hours weighing the pros and cons of confronting someone – so much so, you can even make yourself sick!
Rather than seething in silence or overreacting defensively, respond calmly at the moment. Keep it short and sweet and curb the long-winded speeches or accusations.
You’ll get better results once people know where you stand. An uncluttered environment will also keep you serene.
Others don’t realize how sensitive you are, Scorpio, because you hide it well. Yours is a quiet strength – so your biggest anxiety triggers are loud yelling, noise, disturbances, and distractions.
You also feel tense and nervous when you don’t get enough privacy. You need peace of mind to accomplish your goals and upheavals in your environment get you triggered.
Be sure people know your needs and boundaries so you can negotiate what works for all. Keeping your guard up all the time is not a smart move for you.
You’re all about movement, Sagittarius, so sitting in traffic is your own personal hell, and what triggers your anxiety and stress. You’re also not big on formal events or business meetings where you have to act properly and “behave” according to corporate culture.
Situations that rein you in, like a partner pressuring you for a commitment or a boss demanding you punch in at a time clock, can be your biggest anxiety triggers.
Make sure you get enough time outdoors to feed your restless spirit so you won’t feel so constrained.
You take things too seriously and often miss the moon while counting stars. This often leads to your biggest anxiety triggers; guilt, ruminations, and obsessive thinking.
You can end up going over “what if”s or “only if“s in a never-ending loop, till you’re all lathered up, asking questions that can’t be answered or longing for what you can’t have.
The remedy is to take it easy and live in the moment, the only place where joy can be found. And ensure you have plenty of time to relax after a hectic day.
Though “live and let live” is your motto, Aquarius, you really like to have your way. You get frustrated when you can’t justify doing what you want without a good reason. Nor can you abide by people who try to bend your will to theirs.
Your biggest anxiety triggers are not living your life on your own terms and losing out on exciting things that are happening around you.
Already high-strung, you become stressed by the pressures of time and often feel there’s not enough of it. Yet ironically, by slowing down and being more flexible, you’ll actually get more done and feel more relaxed.
You’re a very private person, Pisces, so public speaking or other situations in which you feel exposed can be stressful. Subtlety is your strong suit; so your biggest anxiety triggers are feeling unnerved by loud music and crass people.
And, you get nervous or even sick because you don’t know how to shield yourself from invasions. Adopt the attitude “This too shall pass,” and be sure you’re getting plenty of time alone to process your emotions and clear your slate.
We hope you could discover what triggers your anxiety based on your zodiac sign. Let us know your views on stress and anxiety triggers by commenting down below!
Do you feel like you are not valued enough by your partner? What must be going wrong? What are the signs you are an option not a priority in your partner’s life?
When it comes to a romantic relationship, you want to feel special to your partner. It’s not a crime to want to be their exclusive focus of attention. It is very natural to want to be on the top of your partner’s priority list. But there are some inevitable circumstances when you and your relationship with your partner might take a backseat but you still deserve every ouch of their time and love.
Sure, there will be moments when health, work, family, and other stuff might be temporary of importance but if you constantly feel like you are being the second option or the last, the truth is something else. You might have often defended your intuition by rationalizing your partner’s behavior.
But how will you know if your partner needs some space to deal with something which is bothering him/her or if they just don’t care enough about you or if you are just an option? Check out 16 signs you’re an option not a priority!
Here are 16 signs you are an option not a priority in your partner’s life:
1. You are the one organizing the relationship – planning things out, implementing, and executing them.
2. You are always the one compromising everything in the relationship – be it your time, your needs, decisions, etc.
3. You always have to be patient with them, waiting on them but they will never wait on you. If they have to, they will display frustration.
4. They spend more time with ‘close people’ and contact you ‘as soon as they are free’ aka, as per their whims.
5. You seldom go out for parties, dinner dates, and outings. Your interaction with your partner is only limited to the four walls of your room.
6. They debunk all of your complaints regarding feeling missed out from their life, then apologize for the same, readily returning back to their old behaviors.
7. All of your trials to contact them go in vain. Your partner might be stuck in a complicated situation but in an age where people are constantly using their phones, messages on Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp and Snapchat going unanswered is a big sign of being ignored.
8. They are always feeding you with reasons for not being able to be together. If someone really wants a relationship with you to work out, his/her efforts will be visible. They would not consider trivial hurdles to be a magnanimous obstacle between you two.
9. They are clueless about things you do for the relationship on a regular basis. When someone does not value and respect you, they will assuredly never respect your actions.
10. You feel like they are taking advantage of you. Be it emotionally, physically, financially or otherwise, when someone doesn’t care for your importance, they will dehumanize you and treat you like a mere material.
11. They lie to you and hide seemingly insignificant information from you. You will often find these things to be quite significant contrary to what your partner believed.
12. They are not much thrilled and amused when you are around. You notice your partner behave disinterestedly and off around you.
13. You find them behaving suspiciously as if they are always trying to hide something from you. They even get jumpy and anxious around you.
14. They do not respect your decisions or ideas. They might miss important dates, might even cancel plans on the last moment or behave casually after they have hurt you.
15. Your partner nonchalantly invalidates any requests on your part and rejects them.
16. Your partner makes you feel unwanted, unworthy, and unlovable. You might even start questioning your abilities.
So, these are the signs that you are not a priority but an option in your marriage.
When you are in a relationship that does more damage to your mind and body than it mends, you must retrospect and assess what is going wrong. If you feel your partner is not worth the time and effort, let that relationship go. I know it is easier said than done.
But before you are set to lose your self-respect just because you love your partner, let me tell you something: if your partner leaves you broken, you will be the one to pick yourself up.
Thank you for reading till the end of the article. So, do you think you are an option and not being a priority in your relationship? Leave a comment below.
Remember to love yourself first. Because you can’t pour from an empty cup.
If you’re looking to do something fun, start by reading all the great books you may have missed out. We’ve complied a list of the most life changing novels to read.
“A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.”– William Styron
There are doors in our minds which can be opened by reading books. They allow us to travel distant lands and live an exciting life without even leaving the comfort of our homes.
When we read a book, we step into a different world and sometimes see the world through a fresh perspective. Whether it’s a tiny village in the eastern fields or magical lands of Narnia, we can go anywhere.
Books teach us so much about love, heartbreak, friendship and the human spirit. From top romance novels to best mystery novels, here are 25 picks of the best novels of all time for you to read.
25 Life Changing Novels To Read Once In Your Lifetime
1. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Undoubtedly, one of the most life changing novels to read.
The Kite Runner is a narrative of an unexpected and difficult friendship between Amir, the son of a wealthy merchant, and Hassan, the son of his father’s servant, set against the shifting political environment of Afghanistan from the 1970s to the era following 9/11.
Hosseini shows us a world of everyday people who live, die, eat, worship, dream, and love in a manner that post-9/11 media coverage never could. It’s a tale about the decades-long shadows cast by family secrets, the undying love of friendship, and the transformational power of forgiveness.
The story of Annemarie Yohansen, a Danish girl growing up in World War II Copenhagen with her best friend Ellen, who happens to be Jewish, is told in this Newbery Award-winning novel. When Annemarie hears of the Nazis’ atrocities against Jews, she and her family would go to any length to protect Ellen and her parents, as well as countless other Jews.
Lowry’s work serves as a striking reminder that cultural and religious differences do not separate sincere friends, and that love shines even brighter against prejudice.
Jane Austen’s most celebrated novel and one of the must read books of all time, is more than a satire on the marriage market and the intrigues of polite society in 19th century England.
Pride and Prejudice is one of the most lasting works of English literature. The story is popular among readers because Austen frankly describes the human character in all of its beauty and flaws.
It is also about overcoming class distinctions, learning to laugh at life even when it’s completely unfair, and understanding that loving someone sometimes means accepting them for who they are.
Hinton wrote this book when she was 16 years old because she was frustrated with flowery romance novels. She wanted a story depicting the brutal truths of being an adolescent in America in the mid-twentieth century, but none existed, so she wrote one herself.
The story follows a group of rugged, teen boys on the streets of an Oklahoma town as they struggle to survive and keep together in the face of violence, peer pressure, , and shattered families.
Growing up is never easy, and sorrow, loss, friendship, and love are universal experiences that both establish and dissipate socioeconomic barriers.
Little Women, a well-written novel with distant and memorable characters, invites us into the comfortable and warm home of a 19th-century American family. Each character has certain traits that are unique, whether it’s Jo’s ambition, Meg’s temper, Amy’s playfulness, or Beth’s shyness.
This is a coming-of-age story that is about four sisters and their life story from girlhood to womanhood amidst Civil War America. They learn about the harsh realities of poverty, death, and falling in love. This is one of the most heart warming classic novels and one of the must read books of all time.
This story depicts the life of George Falconer, a middle-aged English professor who has recently lost his companion, Jim. As George fights his despair and wonders what the meaning of life is, he gradually discovers the gift of being alive, with all its hardships and successes, through a meal with his student.
Isherwood reminds us that every minute matters through a picture of a single day in a man’s life. His words will grab hold of you and urge you to face your fears.
This is a children’s classic about Wilber the pig and his host of friends in the barnyard. From Charlotte, the spider to Templeton the rat flings each one can talk. It leaves room for imagination to make us wonder what life would be like.
White’s novel is a lesson for children and a reminder for adults about the cycle of life, and the importance of nature’s beauty. This novel also challenges us to ask ourselves how we’d treat animals if they could tell us their joys and their fears, would people treat them more humanely?
This is one of the most life changing novels to read, and one, you should not miss out on. Set in the late-20th century in Germany, which boldly confronts the German national guilt over the war crimes of the Holocaust by the Nazis. It depicts an unusual relationship between a 15-year-old boy named Michael Berg and Hannah Schmitt, a 36-year-old tram operator who was also a former prison guard from Auschwitz.
As Michael teaches Hannah to read books, Hannah teaches Michael to read about the human character, and he comes to learn about the nuances between good and evil and living with the consequences of one’s choices. The Reader is a story about personal as well as national guilt, the consequences of keeping secrets, and about the power of redemption.
Bronte’s novel narrates the story of the struggles of a young girl who is try to make her name in this harsh world. She endures life as a poor orphan under deplorable conditions with her aunt. She lives in Lowood school to the and encounters dark secrets as a governess at Thornfield Hal, the home of Mr. Rochester an enigmatic and alluring man.
Jane is strong-willed and resilient and longs for the rights that were denied by Victorian England to women. She stands as a timeless example for women and young girls around the world that with determination anything is possible.
The End of the Affair by Graham Green is a timeless novel set in the turmoil of World War II, tells the story about a life-altering adulterous relationship between Maurice Bendrix and Sarah Miles.
It also talks about the personal battles in the subject of love, hate, guilt, and redemption. Maurice and Sarah remind us that sometimes the things we do for love can trigger a pull of events that determine our lives and future. This passionate and perilous journey about love teaches us a lesson that will last forever. Read to find out what it is!
This is one of the best novels of all time. Told from the point of view of Scout Finch, a 6-year-old, the story depicts the crisis in her hometown in Alabama when Thom Robinson, an African American is accused of raping a young white woman.
Scout’s father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer who is appointed to represent Robinson. This novel is brutally honest and critically analyzes social issues of race, class, and sex at the sometimes the ironic injustice of the American legal system.
12. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
The Harry Potter books are without a doubt, some of the most life changing novels to read. This series has some of the best novels of all time!
Are you a Potterhead? If not take a look at this book. Harry Potter has enchanted both children and adults. The story revolves around a downtrodden, emotionally neglected orphan who discovers that he’s a wizard and must go to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
This ticks all the big boxes on must-read lists as it deals with friendship, the triumph of good over evil, magical beings, dark secrets and a reminder that sometimes the fiercest battles are the ones we fight within ourselves.
The Secret Garden is a timeless classic about the beauty of nature, the power of love, and a hint of magic. It is a children’s favorite pick and the story about tiny Mary Lennox, who goes to live in the English manor house of her reclusive uncle when her parents die of Cholera.
You’ll laugh and cry with Mary as she learns to love, trust, and reach outside herself to nurture the world around her as the Yorkshire sunshine softens her hard little heart and she befriends the animal charmer Dicken, her ill cousin Colin, and a myriad of lovely creatures.
14. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
One of the best novels of all time, it’s a must read novel about the human imagination, magic and adventure. It is set against the backdrop of World War II in England. The land of Narnia represents as a timeless hope for a better and brighter future.
The story is about siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy who slip into the magical land of Narnia, and befriend animals that talk. They battle the White Witch and discover the value of family and being brave.
When Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan, moves in with her middle-aged brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, she discovers that there was a misunderstanding and that they had intended to adopt a boy.
While this disaster throws Anne into a world where she fears rejection and being unloved, you’ll be rewarded in the end as her imagination and kind heart wins over everyone in her path. This is a touching story that serves as a painful reminder that things may not always go our way, but they may be the best thing that may happen to us.
One of the great books to read as a bibliophile, this is a must-read story about Rachel, she is the daughter of a Danish mother and a black father. Rachel is the lone survivor of a nine-story apartment building fall that kills her mother and younger brother. She is taken in by her black grandmother in a white-dominated area of Portland.
Rachel has the struggle of discovering what it means to be biracial in a black-and-white world because of her dark complexion and blue eyes (a white girl’s eyes in a black girl’s face). Duro has written a great work that examines America’s cultural construction of race and forces us to confront our own prejudices.
Bridget Jones, one of the most prevalent pop culture icons has been a symbol of womanhood all over the world. The novel is about her clumsy, self-deprecating life, dating, and dieting debacles, as she struggles with body image. Jones’ desire for financial independence and finding love resonates with readers all across the world.
This humorous and heartwarming novel offers a comical yet critical commentary on what it means to be a woman in today’s world and reminds women about standing up for themselves and loving themselves just as they are
Uncle Tom’s Cabin is a well-known abolitionist tale that is a political and moralistic critique of American slavery. Stowe intertwines the tales of numerous slaves, including Eliza, who would go to any length to save her son from being sold to the meek.
The protagonist is Uncle Tom, a humble guy who carries his load calmly and quietly, serving his masters with steadfast honesty. He is a man who views freedom as a mental as well as physical state. This is a story about the human spirit’s perseverance and the moral need to fight for what is right.
Plath’s life is the inspiration for The Bell Jar, a frighteningly realistic novel. It follows the story of Esther Greenwood, a smart young woman who gets a summer job at a major New York magazine and learns that, rather than enjoying the glittering and glamorous New York lifestyle, she finds it rather terrifying and unsettling.
The Bell Jar is a realistic insight into the human psyche and shines light on the reality of mental illness, inspired by Plath’s own struggle with depression.
20. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
This is a classic Victorian children’s Fiction, about a eccentric tale which involves magic and mystery. The story is about Alice, who finds herself in an imaginary world after chasing a white rabbit that she sees while sitting quietly on the riverbank.
One of the best novels of all time, it will invite you take a dig into the rabbit hole and enter into a world of magical creatures, mushrooms that cause Alice to grow or shrink. This is not only a children’s delight but also interesting for adults who love too explore things that don’t make sense yet are intriguing.
One of the most life changing novels to read, the story is about a titular character, Dorian Gray, who is the subject of a portrait by painter Basil Hallward. He enamors the beauty of Dorian in the painting. Dorian wishes to sell his soul for beauty and youth, knowing that it may fade away. Dorian’s wish is granted and he grows beautiful day by day but on the other hand his painting mysteriously becomes monstrous.
Wilde’s novel challenges us acknowledge the darker side of human nature and o look within ourselves. How we struggle between good and evil each day and what choices we make of it.
22. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie presents us a mystery that blurs the lines between legal and moral justice, with her customary flair for intrigue. The opulent Orient Express is stalled in a snowdrift in the dead of night in one of Christie’s most riveting mysteries.
The next morning, a cranky, unlikable American passenger is found stabbed twelve times with his door shut. Only the other passengers may have been the killer, with an outside job being extremely unlikely due to the snowstorm. As Detective Hercule Poirot investigates, a complicated story emerges around the dead man, with each passenger revealing a link to him.
Translated from French to English, The Little Prince is the tale of a little boy who falls on Earth from an Asteroid who is visiting several other asteroids in order to understand mankind. In his voyage he meets a series of strange and amusing characters, like a king who has no subjects, a drunkard who drinks to forget his miseries and the shame being a drunkard, and an untamed fox.
The Little Prince is an allegory about man and his foolishness or tendencies toward self-destruction through violence. But that’s not it, this is also a heartwarming tale of the power of friendship and trust
The Fault in Our Stars is a gripping and moving story about Hazel, a cancer-stricken teen, and the other teens in her cancer support group. Readers come to appreciate the fragility of life through these young voices whose lives are both burning with intensity and flickering on the verge of dying as they share their fears and joys together.
Green evokes the agony of terminal sickness with sensitivity and remarkable realism, reminding us that love, friendship, and faith transcend all, including death itself. Even though it’s going to break your heart in a million pieces, this is one of the most life changing novels to read.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a classic novel about magic and adventure. It tells us the story about a little girl Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto who are caught up in a cyclone and carried away from their farm in Kansas to the magical land of Oz. They meet a few characters like the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and the Tin Man.
They take a journey together to the Emerald City in a quest for home and to meet the celebrated Wizard. This heart-warming novel talks about friendship, bravery, and never forgetting that home is where your heart is.
Now since we are already talking about life-changing books, allow us to introduce another book that will be nothing short of eye-opening. Even though it’s a non-fiction book, it’s an important one. Trust us on that.
Toxic Love Disorder
Toxic Love Disorder, our latest creation is out now on Amazon that talks in detail about everything related to abuse and abusive relationships.
It’s the perfect handbook for anyone who is struggling to get out of a toxic and manipulative relationship, and this book also sheds light on people who only want to harm and hurt others. It’s a goldmine of information for anyone that is in a romantic relationship, or even people who want to know more about how negative people think and work.
Love sure is intoxicating and how! Order your now copy now and open the doors to empowerment!
So which among these must read books of all time is your favourite? Share your answer in the comments below!
