Are you ever curious how often they clean the inside of a plane or where the food really comes from? After years of experience in the industry, flight attendants have seen it all and are ready to spill all of the secrets they’ve learned. Since flying is supposed to be a fun experience, it’s about time to feel more adequately prepared. So if you’re ready to uncover the things that have been kept under wraps for so long, here’s your sneak peek at the inner workings of the airline industry.
Think Twice Before Asking For Diet Coke
Of course one of the best parts of a flight is when the flight attendants come around with the snack and beverage cart, free soda, coffee, tea, maybe even cookies. As strange as it may sound, one thing that really annoys flight attendants is when passengers order Diet Coke. It’s because the carbonated fizz in a Diet Coke takes a long time to settle at an altitude of 35,000 feet. Therefore it takes the most time to pour Diet Coke as compared to any other beverages on the plane!
Of course, you will still be served Diet Coke regardless of the flight attendant’s preference, it’s just something interesting to remember the next time you ask for your soda on board.
Flight Attendants Are Assessing You Once You Step Foot on the Plane
When the flight crew greets you upon entering the aircraft, do you think it is just a polite formality? Well, most people think this practice is intended to make passengers feel comfortable and show how friendly the flight attendants are. It is true to some extent, but the crew members also use this as an opportunity to assess the passengers and look for anything suspicious or out of the ordinary.
The greeting is a way to get a better idea of passengers who could possibly be problematic or may be intoxicated.
There Are Policies Against Dating Passengers
You may find it shocking but many big airlines don’t have an official policy against fraternizing between flight attendants and passengers. Unfortunately, it’s more common for flight attendants to find themselves in situations where they are actively trying to avoid unwanted attention from creepy passengers. But every once in a while, sparks fly and there is no policy that prevents a flight attendant from meeting a potential partner, or maybe the love of their life.
Flight attendants may focus more on their professional duties instead of finding potential partners on a flight, but when love strikes, why pass up the opportunity?
Your Pets Can Fly Too
There has been a never-ending debate over the most effective way to travel on planes with pets. When it comes to traveling with your furry companions, it is undoubtedly a stressful ordeal. It is best to do your research beforehand and make sure your airline can accommodate your pup. There are special parts of the cargo area that are kept at the same temperature and pressure as the cabin, so pets can be placed there.
But don’t worry, it’s also very common to have your dog in your lap or the seat next to you if they fit.
The Water Is Not as Clean as You’d Think
Researchers advise airline passengers to never drink water aboard an airplane. But what about the potable water that’s used in tea and coffee? Many flight attendants also recommend sticking to bottled water or beverages only. This is because the coffee and tea on board are filled with water from tanks that aren’t cleaned frequently. Many major airlines even tested their water and found E. coli and coliform bacteria present.
It’s probably best to ask for a water bottle next time you’re thirsty during your flight!
The Airplane Food Can Be Very Unhealthy
Sometimes ignorance is bliss, right? Well, you might’ve wondered if the pre-packaged food that is provided to passengers during their flights is healthy or not. The food tends to be processed and usually lacks fresh ingredients that wouldn’t be able to stay good during long travel. It turns out that these mid-flight meals are usually quite unhealthy for you because they have almost zero nutritional value. They are loaded with fat, sugar, salt, and carbs, and are not always the tastiest.
We would highly recommend you eat something before you board, especially if you are a frequent flyer or health-conscious.
The Job Doesn’t Pay Very Well
There is a common misconception that flight attendants live a very glamorous lifestyle. They are able to travel the world, explore different places, stay in hotels, and eat at restaurants all the time, all on the job! However, the truth is that they are almost always extremely busy and usually have very hectic schedules. Allegedly they are only paid once the main cabin doors shut too, meaning when there are delays and cancellations, they’re affected also!
Flight attendants are paid by scheduled flight times, so if a five-hour flight is delayed five hours, then they are only paid for the actual five hours on board!
Everyone Wants an Upgrade, but Not Everyone Gets It
An upgrade is like winning a lottery in the air travel world. No one has a full-proof way of getting an upgrade every time, but here’s some insight into how they are chosen. Sometimes flight attendants need to move people around for weight and balance purposes. This means moving passengers from the back of the plane to the front cabin classes to redistribute weight. So the trick is always to book your seats in the back of the plane!
Now, if they need to move people to first class, you will be the first to know!
Turning Off Your Cell Phone Isn’t That Necessary
Well, let’s clear up one thing, the airplane won’t suddenly go down if you leave your phone on or forget to put set it to airplane mode. Flight attendants simply urge passengers to turn off their electronic devices because they could potentially interfere with the frequencies that are used for air control. This is precisely why it is advised to especially turn it off during take-off and landing.
Even if your aunt is calling you to check if you are okay or you want to watch just one more Tik-Tok video, it can probably wait.
Those Blankets and Pillows On-Board Aren’t as Clean as You Think
There is no denying that the pillows, blankets, and headphones provided on airplanes are not thoroughly cleaned after each use. Even though they are repackaged with plastic wrap, airlines don’t spend money on providing new amenities to passengers every single flight. According to experts, the dirtiest part of a plane actually happens to be the tray tables. So, hopefully, this can bring you some relief knowing that what you’re using to sleep isn’t as bad as what you’re eating your food on.
On the other hand, you’re less likely to get fresh blankets and pillows in the coach class so it’s probably safest to just bring your own blanket and pillow.
You Can Tip Your Flight Attendant
Most people don’t know you can tip your flight attendant! It’s, of course, not required by any means, but they would gladly accept them. One flight attendant even shared, “If you offer me a gift, or even your used magazines, it’s appreciated, and I’ll see what I can do to take care of you!” It’s the thought that counts and can really go a long way. Maybe they’ll even give you some snacks for free.
Most service workers receive tips, so why not share them with those taking care of you on your next flight?
There’s a Reason Safety Protocols Are Demonstrated Each Flight
Some people may have noticed the same safety tactics are explained at the beginning of every flight, and this is because they are proven to work! Do you know the safety tutorials about bracing for a crash and using an oxygen mask? Well, most people like to sleep or listen to music while the flight attendants explain these procedures, but they are crucial to keeping you safe. In fact, these tactics are so important they save lives.
Have you ever wondered if the turbulence on a flight is dangerous? It’s very common and will not harm the plane, better to just buckle up and sit back until it ends.
Flight Attendants Are Trained for Any Emergency
Have you ever wondered what happens if there’s a medical emergency on a plane? Well, the flight attendants are given enough training to act as first responders! They can perform the Heimlich maneuver or administer CPR if needed. There are also first aid kits and any plane that carries over thirty passengers has defibrillators on board. Some aircrafts even have a facility called ‘MedLink’ where the flight crew can establish direct contact with a medical professional on the ground to gain advice.
Also, whenever there’s an emergency, the cabin crew asks if there’s a doctor on board. Research has shown that there are doctors onboard as many as 70% of all commercial flights, so the chances of someone being present are pretty high.
Think Twice Before Getting Drunk on a Flight
Most people get excited seeing the mini bottles of alcohol on their flight, but sometimes drinking can get carried away, even on an airplane. If a flight attendant thinks that you’re getting a bit too buzzed, she can cut you off, no questions asked. It is because getting intoxicated on a plane is actually illegal! Flight attendants are forbidden from providing more alcohol to passengers who are already drunk. And if they are caught doing so, they can face big repercussions.
If you are intoxicated on a plane and cause a major disturbance, you can face criminal charges and a lengthy federal prison sentence. It’s also good to know that because of the changing cabin pressure, each glass of alcohol can affect you much more strongly than it would on land.
Undercover Air Marshals Are Real
A sky or air marshall is someone who protects passengers and crewmembers from any criminal and terrorist attacks on board a civil aircraft. You may have watched the movie Non-Stop, in which a US air marshal receives threatening messages from someone demanding that his airline immediately transfer 150 million dollars to an offshore account. Just like Liam Neeson in this movie, air marshals must remain unnoticed and you really shouldn’t be able to recognize him or her on your flight.
Moviestore collection Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo
You might think that there would be an air marshal on every flight however, they’re actually only on approximately 5% of flights.
Flight Attendants Must Meet Certain Beauty Standards
Some flight attendants shared that there are very rigid sets of criteria that they need to follow in terms of presenting themselves before each flight. And even beforehand, in the interview and hiring process! Things like age, weight, personal grooming, makeup, and outfit choices are all carefully considered. Although some airlines don’t make their flight staff follow these strict beauty standards anymore, they once dominated the industry.
Airlines do however continue to emphasize that flight attendants must have a professional appearance of course. They even have height parameters to ensure that the flight staff can easily perform all of their duties.
Plane Seats Really Are Getting Smaller
Many people have complained about airplane seats being way too smaller; it even feels like they’re shrinking as the years go by. Well, that’s not exactly a lie. The amount of legroom has gone from an average of 35 inches to just 31 inches today, including the seats themselves being around 16 inches as opposed to 18. Now airlines can squeeze more seats onto a plane than ever before to increase profits.
Before you know it, airlines are going to start asking for height and weight; otherwise, there’s no way people can continue booking seats and expecting to fit if they’re only getting smaller.
Here’s the Safest Place to Sit on a Plane
If we look at the statistics from studies of aircraft crashes, we’d find that the seats in the rear of the plane have the highest rates of survival. This data is so specific that it even shows us, that those in the rear third row of the plane have the best chance of survival as compared to the front or middle rows. Your chances also increase if you are sitting on the aisle seat or near an exit.
Despite your seat choice, your chances of survival severely drop if you don’t fasten your seat belt. Though this is all very scary information, the US government suggests that the majority of airplane accidents are indeed survivable.
Planes All Over the World Get Struck by Lightning Almost Daily
It’s actually incredibly common for planes to get struck by lightning! Although that sounds scary, your flight crew is used to it. In fact, aircrafts are designed nowadays to withstand lightning strikes and undergo many tests to ensure they can withstand hits. Maybe there will be a temporary flickering of the lights, but for the most part, all is fine. So if the weather is terrible, don’t be too scared to fly!
Even if the plane is hit, it undergoes complete inspections to ensure everything is perfect once it arrives at its destination.
Pilots Have The Ultimate Authority
Pilots hold a lot of power and have the ultimate authority in an airplane. This includes leading the flight crew, making command decisions, and even handling passengers who may be causing trouble. There is an urban legend that if someone on an airplane is being problematic, there is nothing you can do! Well, pilots actually can make an arrest mid-flight, they can contact authorities and have someone arrested once the plane lands.
Pilots have to undergo large amounts of training to qualify for their position, after all, they have to communicate with air traffic control and monitor the plane with hundreds of lives on their hands!
This Is the Best Time to Travel By Plane
As flight crews travel the most, they are the ones who know all about the best times to fly. The bad news is, you’ll have to wake up early. Although there is no guarantee, it is said that morning flights have less turbulence and therefore fewer cancellations or rescheduled flights. There is also usually less hassle at the airport. Your plane is even less likely to run into thunderstorms or weather issues.
The basic rule about choosing the best day of the week to fly is Tuesday or Wednesday. Since there are fewer people who would like to fly mid-week it usually ends up being the cheapest and the least busy.
Planes Don’t Carry That Much Gas
You would assume airplanes need tons of fuel for a long flight, but actually, they are only allowed to carry up to 45 minutes of extra fuel onboard. That seems concerning, but apparently, it’s because if it were to carry more fuel, the plane would be much heavier and release more carbon emissions. So it’s best to avoid this by carrying the minimum. In this case, the plane just has to fuel up more frequently!
Luckily, fuel exhaustion is not very common, so it doesn’t need to become a cause for concern. You can continue to fly in the friendly skies without worrying.
The Crew Members Usually Skip the Airplane Food
Did you know that those in the cockpit usually eat different meals? While there is no written rule by aviation authorities, airlines sometimes like to differentiate the meals between pilots and co-pilots. The reasoning behind this is, that if there happened to be a rare occurrence in which the pilots had food poisoning, it’s better to have one healthy pilot than two sick! The flight attendants are often offered the same food as the passengers but more often opt to bring their own food on board.
Airplane food is not exactly known to be gourmet so packing your own food on your next journey isn’t that bad of an idea.
Flight Attendants Go Through Extensive Training
Believe it or not, there were days when flight attendants used to only serve food and beverages to passengers on flights. But those days are long gone! Now, they do much more than wait on passengers, they must go through rigorous training and be prepared to handle various incidents regarding safety. Flight attendants are currently trained to administer CPR, AEDs, EpiPens, and defibrillators. It is definitely reassuring to know if any medical emergency happened on board, they would be prepared.
Flight attendants are also given courses in self-defense to handle unruly passengers. As well as being equipped with any knowledge necessary for an emergency evacuation or attempted hijacking of the plane.
The Brace Position Myth
Okay, let’s talk about the brace position myth. Do you know the one where you bend over in your seat, head between your legs, and hands on your neck? Well, the commercial aviation security procedures always recommend passengers adopt this specific position to brace themselves for impact, whether that be on water or land. Though many conspiracies have come about that insist this position actually leads to a quicker death. But good news, experts reject these conspiracies and say it is completely safe.
According to experts, the purpose of this brace position is to compact the body in a way that your vital organs are protected from any injury.
The Most Stolen Item From Airplanes
Surprisingly, the most common stolen item off of airplanes is the life vests! Do you know the pre-flight emergency procedures all the flight attendants demonstrate? Well, that includes the briefing about how to use the life jacket to help you float. Apparently, people aren’t using it for what it’s intended because they’re disappearing off of more and more flights. You may want to check that your flotation device is there before the plane takes off next time!
If you’re considering taking one of these, don’t! It’s strictly needed for emergencies, and how terrible would it be if there weren’t enough when a real crisis happened?
Budget-Friendly Airlines Are Just as Safe
If you have ever traveled on a budget airline, you may have wondered whether purchasing a ticket at a discount means you are also gambling on your safety. Thankfully you can relax because there is no need to worry about this sort of thing! Airlines would never compromise on the safety of passengers while determining ticket pricing, so your safety can be guaranteed just as it would be for a full-price ticket.
For plane tickets that are cheap, airlines usually customize other aspects such as seat selection, baggage fees, and legroom amenities to make more money.
Do Not Lean on the Window
Most people absolutely love the window seats! And if you’re in the window seat, you’ll probably lean your head against it. Well, you might want to think again. One flight attendant shared that the windows are never wiped down and overflowing with germs! So many passengers lean their heads on the window, and kids wipe their hands all over them all the time! Well, there goes everyone’s favorite seat; best to avoid that from now on.
Or better yet, just bring disinfectant wipes and wipe everything down in your area as soon as your board your plane!
You’re Mostly Flying on Autopilot
If you’ve ever wondered how often the autopilot feature is actually used during flights, you’d be surprised to know that pilots activate autopilot for almost 90% of commercial flights! However this is no cause for concern so don’t freak out, pilots are still very present. And they have full control of the most important and critical moments of the flight: the takeoff, landing, and taxing to the gate.
The autopilot is only used for the cruising periods of the flight and simply allows the pilot to focus on other tasks such as communication operation and navigation.
Here’s Where All the Unused Food Goes
If you ever wondered what happens to all of the unused food after every flight, it is probably best to not know the answer. Well, since you’re already here, we’ll tell you anyway. Some airlines simply dump all of the unused food which is extremely wasteful and unfortunate because it could definitely be donated to food banks or homeless shelters. But given that many airlines try to save as much money as they can, it would be no surprise if they served you some of the old food.
One travel catering expert claims that airplanes only serve fresh food which has been prepared between 12 to 72 hours ahead of time. Still, bringing your own food on board doesn’t sound like such a bad idea at this point.
It’s Hard to Get Comfortable
The mere thought of traveling in a pressurized cabin with tons of strangers can give nightmares to some people and it is certainly not always a pleasurable experience. However, the airplane industry tries to make the journey as comfortable as it can for passengers. Inventions like neck pillows and eye masks have done wonders for us. But one thing about flying, unless you’re in first class, is it’s never comfortable enough.
volkova natalia / Shutterstock
You can get up to stretch your legs for a bit but it’s mostly a cramped space to be in. Some people like to take off their shoes and socks to feel more at home but we think that’s kind of gross so maybe not.
There’s a Secret Code the Crew Uses to Communicate
Yes, all flight attendants can read each others minds. How else did you think they communicate? In all seriousness, the flight crew does have a secret communication code. They use this whenever there are certain things that they want to communicate with each other and don’t want others to understand. This is mostly done when they don’t want to cause any panic among the passengers, so they use certain codes to indicate what’s going on.
You may hear certain beeping noises during your flight and they are not just random call buttons. Apparently, the “dings” are used during takeoff and landing to signal to the crew that everything is okay, as the most dangerous stages of the flight are over. There are also other bells for things like severe turbulence, medical emergencies, and even if someone tries to enter the cockpit.
Breathing the Plane Air May Seem Concerning
Most would like to ignore the possibility of contracting an airborne virus while traveling in a plane. Nevertheless, questions about it still cross our minds. It’s hard to gauge how effective cabin ventilation systems actually are. How can they help if healthy people are traveling in a cramped cabin where someone is coughing and sneezing? Well, it is because you are breathing through the engine’s compressors. It’s known as the “bleed air” system which combines fresh and re-circulated air. In other words, it is similar to the air in an average office.
It is safe to say that you can most likely breathe the air in a plane without any worry.
Why Flight Attendants Turn Off The Cabin Lights During Takeoff and Landing
You may have always thought that the lights fade during your flight to create a more relaxing ambience for the passengers but apparently, that’s not the reason behind it. There is a much more serious purpose to dimming the cabin lights during commercial flights. Here is a hint for you: It has a lot to do with most airplanes experiencing accidents or problems mainly during take-offs and landings.
The main reason behind doing this is to allow your eyes to adjust to the lack of light in case there is an emergency. If there was a situation that required immediate evacuation, the exit and emergency signs are lit up and become more visible.
Sometimes Relationships Between Crew Members Brew
Do relationships ever brew between the crew members? The simple answer is yes, it’s actually quite common. It may sound a bit stereotypical, but there are plenty of occasions where flight attendants and pilots have gotten together romantically. After all, the flight crew spends so much time together; long hours and multiple days in a row. It’s not surprising that they eventually find some comfort in each other.
A pilot and flight attendant romance would sure make a cute love story.
The Reason Behind Expensive Flights
Passengers always find themselves groaning over the ever-inflating flight costs and we seriously don’t blame them for it. After all, it seems that airlines are constantly charging a ridiculous fee for almost everything. Did you know that the majority of profit an airline makes, is through baggage fees and seat fees? For an airline to even make a profit off of a ticket, an airplane has to fly at least 85% capacity.
Also, airlines often overbook flights because they need a certain amount of passengers to make a profit and this can ensure they hit that threshold in case people don’t show up for their flight.
The Flight Crew Has a Hidden Sleeping Area
Flight crews usually have hectic schedules and don’t always have the opportunity to take a nap. But of course, they’re human and they need to sleep just like the rest of us! On most domestic flights they don’t have the luxury of napping, but long-haul flights are a bit different. For instance, a Boeing 777 or 787 jet has a special sleeping cabin specifically for the flight crew.
Pilots also have assigned rest periods and designated sleeping spaces that are usually located in a separate area from the cockpit. When the pilot needs to get some much-needed sleep, the co-pilot takes over!
Extra Bags Don’t Make a Difference
A frequent frustration among those who fly consistently is that you’re only allowed to carry a certain number of bags with you on the plane. You also have to pay additional fees per bag which can become quite expensive. But this is all a safety precaution, right? The truth is that a few extra pounds won’t bring down the plane. In fact, most planes are designed in such a way that they can easily carry one extra bag per passenger!
GVK / Bauer-Griffin / GC Images
The airplane industry does however need to maintain a weight balance on the plane to ensure there is the right center of gravity for takeoff. They do this by loading sandbags into the cargo of the plane to even out the weight distribution.
It’s Important to Be Nice to the Flight Attendants
It may go without saying but treat people with kindness. Being polite to people in your life is the best thing you can do, even if they are strangers. Especially if you are polite to your flight attendant, it can certainly go in your favor. Flight attendants work long shifts and frequently have to run from flight to flight without taking naps. A nice passenger can really make their day, and who knows maybe they’ll give you a free upgrade.
If you ever need to change your flight seating, it’s probably best to be extremely friendly and polite to your flight attendants. And if you are rude to them, who knows you might just get a seat in the middle of children or crying babies.
Planes Are Not Very Clean
Whether it is a surprise or not, most airplanes are not that clean. There are turnover crews that vacuum and empty trash from the cabin after each flight but what about the windows, armrests, and tray tables? Usually, these parts of the plane are heavily neglected and never thoroughly cleaned. This means these parts of the plane carry a ton of bacteria, the best thing you can do is to bring your own disinfectant wipes.
Moreover, the FAA, Federal Aviation Administration isn’t in charge of cleaning procedures, so the airlines often make their own decisions regarding cleaning, which results in not-so-clean planes.
Let’s Talk About Flight Safety
Regardless of how long the flight actually is, the most dangerous part is none other than the take-off and landing. This is because during this time the control is completely in the hands of the pilots so any little human error could cause a lot of problems! But don’t worry pilots need thousands of hours of practice before they can even qualify as a trained pilot.
According to statistics, flying a plane is much safer than driving. According to research done by the US government, the odds of being in an air crash are 1 in 7,178 in a lifetime and the odds of being in a fatal motor vehicle accident are 1 in 98.
Oxygen Masks Are Only Good For A Short Time
Frequent travelers may be familiar with the safety protocol explained by flight attendants at the beginning of every flight about oxygen masks. It is quite rare for you to find yourself in a situation using a drop-down oxygen mask in flight, but nevertheless, it is important to understand their purpose. During the time you are inhaling oxygen from the mask, the pilot is actually able to descend to an altitude where he is able to equalize the cabin pressure.
This tactic of using an oxygen mask can literally save your or someone else’s life.
Don’t Be Too Alarmed if an Engine Fails in Flight
Although it is quite rare to experience an engine failure in flight, there are some cases in which it has happened. Although if it did, you probably wouldn’t even notice it. Thankfully, present-day passenger jets are equipped enough to safely fly even if one of the engines fails. And even in the case that both engines fail, the plane can glide at approximately 1.5 nautical miles for every 1,000 feet of altitude.
So, there is no need to worry because pilots are specifically trained to handle this kind of situation.
Being a Flight Attendant May Seem Glamorous but It’s Not
Have you ever seen the movie View from the Top? If you have then you’d remember that the movie contains tons of scenes romanticizing the lifestyle that flight attendants live. They portray their lives as exciting, adventurous, and constantly thrilling. Painting a picture that when they work, it never actually feels like work but instead a day of fun. However, that’s not exactly the case, their job is quite demanding and very different from a 9-to-5.
Flight attendants and pilots usually have to spend a lot of time away from their loved ones. Their schedules consist of waking up early and even flying on weekends and holidays, so the job isn’t always easy.
What Really Goes On In The Baggage Compartment
Have you ever watched the luggage getting loaded into the airplane’s cargo and wondered “what’s up with those odd-shaped containers?” Well, they are not loading only passenger baggage! Many things can be transported in the underbelly of commercial planes. Those odd-shaped containers could even be human remains. If a person dies abroad then their remains need to be transported back to their home country, so it’s quite possible to have a human next to your suitcase!
A luggage handler is a very labor-intensive job, they need to carry and move over 100 suitcases and strategically fit them into a narrow compartment at the bottom of a plane, all day.
Honest Drawings Show The Challenges & Joys of Married Life
Ashley Lez
This article was originally published on Kueez
Whoever said, “marriage is work” was not joking. Once the honeymoon is over, life kicks in, and you go through many ups and downs with your partner. Israeli artist Yehuda Devir has been married to his wife, Maya, for a while, and he illustrates the most relatable moments in their relationship. From leaving hair all over the place to deciding who has to do the dishes, they show you the real side of married life, and it is perfect for everyone who is in a relationship or was in one in the past. Continue reading to see that your struggles and happy moments are much more common than you thought.
Just Five More Minutes!
Sometimes you just want to lay in bed with your partner all day, but that doesn’t happen because you both have to work. There should be an extra day of the weekend because two days is not enough sleeping-in time. Who else wants a day to cuddle in bed with their partner each week?
If you aren’t a morning person, it must take a lot to drag yourself out of bed each day to go to work, but that is life. Who else misses being a toddler when your parents would beg you to take a nap? We are regretting those missed opportunities now.
Don’t Be Shy
While your partner might be confident with their body, it is hard not to compare yourself to others. Even though she loves him, and only has eyes for him, it is hard to be confident all the time. Everyone goes through those moments of feeling a little uncomfortable.
Whenever you or your partner starts to feel self-conscious, remind them, “if they aren’t paying your bills, don’t pay them no mind.” Don’t worry about what other people think because their opinions are irrelevant and shouldn’t matter.
“It’s Your Turn To Do The Dishes”
When you live with someone, you usually split the household chores evenly. While one person does the cleaning, the other person might offer to do the dishes. This is the number one source of couples’ arguments because no one truly enjoys cleaning up after dinner.
No one likes standing over the sink washing piles of dishes, but someone has to do it. It always feels better when one partner offers to clean up without being asked, but how often does that really happen? If you think you are the couple that gets in small spats all the time, you are not alone.
“Hey! Stop That!”
The holidays are a notorious time for people to gain weight because of all the parties and delicious foods. However, once the holiday season is over, it might be difficult to see the results of all those cookies. To make matters worse, he decided to prank her by making the scale show a higher number.
Although it may feel bad to put on a couple of pounds, weight gain isn’t the end of the world. It’s ok to let yourself indulge a little more during the holiday, but don’t be too hard on yourself. The number on the scale doesn’t matter; it’s how you feel inside.
“I’m Using It…As A Back Rest”
When you and your partner made new year’s resolutions to work out more and bought a fitness machine to help with that goal, but no one ends up using it. It probably turns into a coat hanger or a waste of space in the house because all those goals went out the window.
This has happened to many people, so don’t feel alone. Who wants to use some weird contraption when they can sit and eat Nutella instead. Maybe it would be reasonable to eat Nutella while using the exercise machine, so it doesn’t totally go to waste.
Fights Are a Part Of Every Relationship
In every relationship, it is normal to argue and fight. It isn’t always rainbows and sunshine, and some fights are bigger than others. They can be about anything from not remembering an anniversary to saying the wrong thing, but a fight doesn’t mean the couple no longer loves each other.
However, even if you argue, it is important to work through those problems because it will only make you a stronger couple. One relationship rule we have heard repeatedly is, “Never go to sleep angry.” It is better to work through the problem and resolve the issue sooner than later.
“How Could I Forget?”
The longer you are in a relationship, the harder it is to remember every important anniversary. From your first date to the day you got engaged to your wedding date, there are so many numbers to remember that they can start to blur together.
It always feels good when your significant other remembers the anniversary without you reminding them. Even if they have to put an alarm on their phone or mark their calendars, it shows they care to commemorate important milestones in the relationship.
“How Do You Have So Much Hair?”
If you have ever lived with a woman who has long hair, you know the struggle of finding hair everywhere. On the floor, on the couch, on the tables, and even on your clothes. No matter where you look, there is probably hair on that surface.
Even if you clean or vacuum all of it up, somehow, you still find strands seconds later. How does someone lose so much hair, yet they still have so much left on their head? It is a question people will be asking themselves for the rest of their lives.
“I Found A Grey Hair! You’re Getting Old”
When women find grey hair, it is like the end of the world, but when you find grey hair on your man, it makes us feel better. It makes you wonder what they will look like with a full head of grey. Will they be a silver fox or the complete opposite?
It’s fun to mess around because it doesn’t matter what happens as long as you can grow old together. Those little signs of aging aren’t so bad, and people can look at them as having more wisdom.
Relationship Bodies
Nothing says getting into a relationship quite like gaining a few extra pounds. When you are in love, it just kind of happens without anyone noticing. Some people don’t mind it, and others hate it, but it’s your body, and you can change what you want to.
Sometimes we catch ourselves looking in the mirror at all the different parts of our body and judging them. However, in those times, we have to catch ourselves and remember that changing bodies are normal. He doesn’t seem to mind his belly, so she shouldn’t care about hers.
“It’s Not What You Think”
When you live with your partner and have a show you watch together, but they watch the new episode without you. It is one of the biggest betrayals because now they know what happens, and you are left in the dark. It also means you have to watch it alone.
How could they? You left the house for a few hours, and that was the first thing they thought to do. How will you ever trust that they will wait to watch again? They need to earn your show trust back again because it will never be the same.
A Hairy Situation
When you cook for your significant other, and they find one of your hairs in their dish. “How did that get there?” You can play it off and say that your hair adds more flavor or that it is your secret ingredient, but they know by now that they will find hair no matter where they look.
When you have been in a relationship long enough, it’s easier to tell them that it’s gross for hair to be in the food. At some point in the relationship, they will learn to love your hair all over the house. Hair won’t hurt anyone; it’s just not the original flavor you were going for.
“Yes! A Thousand Times Yes!”
Most people dream of the day someone gets down on one knee and asks them to spend the rest of their lives together. When someone loves you so much that they want to be with you forever, it is an overwhelmingly incredible feeling. She was clearly waiting for this and had her answer prepared.
Sometimes you don’t see it coming, or you had a feeling that it would happen soon, but it is so exciting when they finally ask that long awaited question. It’s not about the ring or how big the proposal is; it’s just about you and them taking the next big step in your partnership.
Time To Focus On Our Health
When one person goes on a health kick, both of you are along for the ride, especially when you live together. You might be perfectly satisfied with your lifestyle, but they will replace everything in the fridge with kale because a magazine article said it was the best way to live.
It might only last for a few days before they start craving carbs again, but be supportive and make the most of it. You can complain when they start making you do pilates and yoga because you didn’t sign up for that.
Who Is This Morning Monster?
When you go to sleep at night next to your partner but wake up next to a hairball monster. It might be terrifying at first, but eventually, you get used to the way they look in the morning. Even Hulk is startled by the sight of her in the early hours.
Just imagine how nice they look once they brush their hair and wipe the drool off the side of their mouth. No one wakes up looking flawless (except Beyonce), so let’s give everyone a break for not looking perfect in the morning.
Knowing When To Say Sorry
Relationships aren’t perfect. There will be arguments when people say things they don’t mean, but it is how you get through those things that determines the strength of your relationship. Sometimes you have to know when to say sorry because words can hurt.
Some people are more sensitive, but these spats are part of any relationship. Whether you have been together for two months, two years, or two decades, those little arguments will happen because no relationship is perfect all the time.
Busted!
When you move in with someone, you start to find out the strange habits they developed when they lived alone. Whether it is eating out of the fridge or leaving the toilet seat up, we all have weird habits. It is just slightly more embarrassing when people discover them.
What’s the point of taking the food out of the fridge to warm it when you can eat it right out of the cold container. He didn’t think he would get caught, but this time he was wrong. There is no way to get out of this one.
Baby Fever Level: 1000
When baby fever kicks in, there is no turning back. As long as you and your partner have talked about this and are ready to take those steps, it might be time to start trying before she starts smelling random babies to cure the fever.
Who knew that babies could be so infatuating once you get to a certain point in your life. Their cute little rolls and tiny toes can drive any woman wild, and he seems to appreciate his wife’s longing stares.
Operation Make A Baby
When couples decide it is time to start trying for a baby, they have to strategically think about it. There is a small window when women can get pregnant, so she will make sure they are in bed with a plan on those days.
Plenty of couples can relate to this situation, where she is the sergeant, and they have to follow her attack plan. He has to be ready at any moment and ready for battle because it usually doesn’t happen overnight for most couples.
Send Help!
When couples start trying for a baby, it can take a few tries. She might not get pregnant on the first try, so there are tips and tricks to increase a couple’s chances. However, there are only so many times you can try in one day, and he looks like he is about to tap out.
He looks like he is about to wave the white flag because he can’t go another round. There are too many positions to try and get through, but he only has so much energy. When will it be acceptable to stop for the night and try again tomorrow?
Baby Potion In The Works
As she is trying her best to get pregnant, she is doing everything to increase her chances. She is taking everything from folic acid to random vitamins to make sure she is ready when she does get pregnant. Do you think her potion will help?
Her husband is confused by all the pills, serums, and concoctions, but she doesn’t care as long as they can have a baby. When you want to get pregnant, you will do everything in your power to make sure it can happen.
The Red Monster Returns
Trying for a baby is a rollercoaster of an experience, which is why couples have to prepare for all the emotions that come with the journey. It might be emotional when the test doesn’t show a positive sign or her period shows up, but that doesn’t mean they should give up.
Trying to have a baby is an emotional rollercoaster for not only the woman but also her partner. It can take a toll on a relationship when pregnancy doesn’t happen right away, but it is important to remember that you are doing this to start a family with the person you love, and that is what really matters.
“Don’t Be Such A Baby”
It’s a common stereotype that when women are sick, they don’t stop working. When men are sick though, the world comes crashing down, and he makes it seem like this is the worst illness of his life. It might be a minor cold, but he pretends he is dying.
Sometimes men can be so dramatic, especially when they are sick. Women will work through a 104-degree fever, but he can’t manage to get over this sniffle. They just want to be taken care of and coddled because that makes them feel better.
We Did It!
For so many couples, it is a dream to get pregnant and start a family. After trying for a while, Yehuda and Maya finally got a positive result and couldn’t have been happier. It is a celebratory moment because they are so excited to begin this new chapter of life.
They talked about starting a family for so long, and their plans finally came to life. This is one of the most memorable moments in their relationship, and it is something a couple will never forget. They were so excited for this journey to begin and see what experiences it would bring.
Taking It Easy Is Not So Simple
It’s time to move to a bigger place for their growing family, but he does not want his pregnant wife to do any work because he is protective of her. Pregnancy can cause a lot of strain on the body, and he wants her to take it easy and avoid heavy lifting.
Some women are determined to be independent throughout their entire pregnancy, and it’s hard to take it easy. While a partner does all the heavy lifting, it is hard to stand aside and rest when you are not used to that role. That being said, you have to think about your baby and put your ego aside during this crucial juncture. For many expectant mothers, that’s easier said than done.
“My Face…My Beautiful Face”
Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy, and your hormones are all over the place. Sometimes, that can cause acne, which you thought you got rid of as an adult. It might be annoying at the time, but he still thinks she is perfect. Pregnancy isn’t perfect all the time, but the outcome is worth it.
Eventually, your hormones will go back to regular levels, but it takes time for your body to adjust to these changes. It might feel like you are back in high school struggling to cover up pesky zits, but remember, it is all part of growing a human.
Belly Kisses
There is nothing more special than the excitement you have to meet your baby finally. This is a time full of love and lots of kisses. This baby is going to be so loved, and as soon-to-be parents, they are patiently watching as she develops and gets ready to enter the world.
Dad’s love giving belly kisses because it helps them feel connected during the pregnancy. Yehuda was so excited to be a dad, and they were counting down the days until the due date. Every twist and turn that came with pregnancy was wonderful and nerve-racking.
What An Interesting Discovery
As we said before, the body goes through many changes throughout pregnancy, and Maya was excited to share her changing body with Yehuda. He doesn’t seem to mind how excited she is that her boobs now touch her belly.
A woman’s body can do so many things, and those changes that make people self-conscious or excited are ways that will help the baby grow healthily. Although it is hard to be excited about bloating, growing bellies, and widening hips, these are all signs that your baby is getting bigger.
“Stop, Nobody Move!”
When the baby kicks for the first time, it is a magical moment. She couldn’t contain her excitement and wanted him to stop what he was doing to see. You can finally feel your baby moving around, and it becomes very real that a human is growing inside you.
Between pregnancy tests and doctor’s visits, she knew she was pregnant, but it finally hits you when the baby starts to move. Nothing can prepare a person for that odd moment or feeling, but it is something that will comfort you to know they are doing great inside the womb.
As Long As She Is Comfortable
As your belly starts to grow, it can be uncomfortable to sleep. While most people buy a special pillow to support their bellies, some opt to use their husbands as pillows. She is sleeping peacefully for once while he is trying not to be smothered by her hair.
Although he is incredibly uncomfortable in that position, he knows she barely gets any rest and deserves to feel comfortable for the first time in a while. At that moment, he is planning his day around buying a comfortable pregnancy pillow so she can use that instead of him.
They Need Another Bathroom
As your baby grows, it applies more pressure to your organs, including your bladder. Move out of the way because she has to go to the bathroom, and he is in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was in the middle of going when she barged in because she could not wait any longer.
When your pregnant wife says she has to go to the bathroom, don’t hesitate to make sure there is a free toilet. With all her hormones going crazy, you do not want to mess with a pregnant woman who has a bathroom emergency.
“Are You Sure You Don’t Need Help?”
As we all know, when your belly starts to grow, everyday tasks become the biggest challenge because the bump gets in the way. At some point, putting on a pair of sneakers is like mission impossible because it is too hard for your arms to reach your feet.
Your partner might lend you a helping hand, but if you are anything like this cartoon, that is not an option. Holding onto some sense of independence gets harder and harder as you get further into your pregnancy. Sometimes it is best to let someone put your shoes on.
It’s Time!
It’s finally time to go to the hospital, but you might want to only bring the essentials instead of everything in the house. Instead of bringing everything you own, it is best to prepare a bag for the hospital, so you aren’t running around when its go time.
After the long nine months, it is finally time to meet their baby. Although they look panicked, they are over the moon about bringing home their new baby. This is a milestone moment in many people’s lives, and it is a joyous and scary time.
The Miracle Of Life
“Push, Push!!” The beautiful and painful moment is finally here, and they are about to meet their baby. He is beaming with excitement. After nine long months, you get to see the baby you created and start to enjoy parenthood.
Every woman says that labor is one of the hardest things they have physically gone through, and it most terrifies most people. Although they can grow babies, we don’t think anyone is prepared to push a watermelon through a pinhole.
Baby Ariel Is Here
When you can’t get enough of your newborn baby, and you want to stare at her all day long. Everything she does is adorable, even her drool and dirty diapers. They can’t believe that they created such an adorable baby girl. Most people would enjoy her sleeping moments while they last.
There are so many exciting moments when you bring your baby home, and everything they do is something to document. Even though she might have a smelly diaper, they can’t get over how sweet she looks. They might not think the baby is so cute when they go to change that diaper.
She Is Perfect In Every Way
After the pain and pushing comes the moment you get to hold your baby for the first time. You try to figure out which features the baby got from each parent and count all of her fingers and toes until you are sure there are ten of each.
It is like a halo of bliss is surrounding the new family, and nothing could compare to the way they feel at that moment. The nine months can sometimes feel like it is dragging on the more excited you get to meet your child, and then suddenly they are there, and it changes your world.
Exhausted Is An Understatement
“She never stops crying!!!” Once the baby is up, it is hard to put her back to sleep. It seems like she never stops crying. There are many exciting moments, but the sleepless nights are not something that you can prepare for. It might be time to get some caffeine and prepare for another long sleepless night.
Some people who are not parents might ask you why you are exhausted all the time because babies are supposed to sleep a lot, but they don’t understand. No one will ever understand a parent’s exhaustion until they experience it first hand. For one small baby, she has a lot of power.
New Dads Struggle Too
Raising a child doesn’t come with a manual; it’s something you learn as you go along and, just like with everything else, you’re bound to make mistakes. It’s those moments, laying in bed with your partner when your mind starts to race, and that self-doubt starts creeping in.
Being a dad is challenging because the baby is automatically connected to their mother. Sometimes it is more difficult to form that special bond, and it can be frustrating when she only wants her mom. Many new fathers go through this period where they question a lot of things, but it is ok to ask for help.
The First Time Away Is The Hardest
“Are you sure we need to leave her? She can fit in my suitcase!” The first trip away without the baby is difficult, and it is emotional. Nothing will happen to the baby, they will be just fine, but there is still a feeling of longing to be with them and protect them.
Although you deserve a break with your partner, you still want to see your baby every day and make sure they are ok. What if they forgot about you after a day? What if your baby misses you? These are all questions that might run through your mind, but remember, your baby is doing just fine.
We Still Got It
After having children and changing lifestyles, you should embrace the changes that your bodies go through. You love your partner no matter how their body changes, and you both embrace them together. Just because a pair of jeans doesn’t fit doesn’t mean you aren’t beautiful.
Although it can be hard to accept that your body looks different, you have to remember that you brought a beautiful child into the world. It’s ok to gain weight, and it is ok to lose weight. You are not alive just to pay bills and lose weight.
Mad But In Love
After a confrontation or argument, there is a slight tension in the air, and you are waiting for the other person to speak first. It is important to put your ego aside and try to work problems out together because nothing is more important than the love you share.
Communication is key in every relationship. No matter how stubborn you might feel, it is important to break down those barriers and talk things through with your partner. Arguments are inevitable, but the way you get through them will make the relationship stronger.
Stuck At Home
Just when they were getting in the hang of this parenting thing, a pandemic strikes, and everyone had to stay in their homes for what felt like decades. How do you keep your toddler active and get housework done without leaving the confines of your apartment?
No matter how much you love your child, you can always use a break from them each day. When you are stuck inside, you have to think of exciting things to keep them active. They will run a muck through your house if they aren’t occupied at all times.
Not Again!
After the baby is born and you start to feel like yourself again, you might want to have some special time with your partner. However, that is a little more challenging when there is a crying baby one room over. Just when you thought she was sound asleep and things were going smooth, she woke up.
“Do we let her cry? Is there time to finish? Are you even in the mood anymore?” Those questions run through both your minds, and someone has to decide because you are in a compromising position. This is why parents need a getaway every once in a while.
“This Can’t Be Happening”
Just as your wife is walking around shedding hair like it is no problem, you discover a bald patch. It is like sirens are going off in your head that you are getting older, and questions are racing around your mind. How long do you have before it gets bigger? Do you need hair plugs?
Not to worry, just brush your hair in a different way to hide the patch. You can even use all the hair your wife sheds to create a mini toupee to cover up the spot. While it might seem like your world is crumbling around you, it is just one of the small problems that comes with age.
Mommy Needs A Break
There comes a time in the first year of having a baby when every parent needs a break. You might have found a hiding spot when things get crazy, or you just hide in another room to get a few moments of silence. Even just a minute to gather your thoughts is helpful.
Maybe it’s best to develop a code word with your partner when you start to feel overwhelmed. Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs, and it takes a lot of mental strength to keep going until you are running on fumes. It doesn’t mean you love your child any less; everyone needs a break.
Team Work Makes The Dream Work
“Honey, what pasta shape is better?” “It doesn’t matter. I know you can handle this on your own.” When you are the one who usually does the shopping, but you are too busy to go that week. Someone has to buy groceries, and they might not be the most experienced one in the house.
While you are at home doing all the work that has been piling up while watching a toddler, it can be frustrating to get phone calls about pasta. “How does he not know how to grocery shop without needing my help?” These are the thoughts running through her mind.
Mr. And Mrs. Know-It-All
When you really think about it, they are fighting about who loves their daughter more. Everyone wants the best for their children, but it’s hard to make the right decisions all the time. Parenting doesn’t come with set rules to help you make tough decisions, so it is up to you.
At that moment, you and your partner might have differing opinions about what is best for the child. However, it is best to sit down and discuss them calmly, so you can both think rationally about it. Maybe your combined decision is better than the two individual decisions.
Time For Baby #2
Just when you thought life couldn’t get crazier, another baby is on the way. While some people only want one child, others want to have big families. One baby was fun, but now you will get to experience it all over again and watch your child become an older sibling.
Although pregnancy is challenging, it is rewarding to grow your family. The second time around, people know what to expect more or less, so they don’t have as many surprises. It might be hard to get your first child adjusted to sharing time with the new baby.
Quality Time
In the age of technology, everyone is glued to their phones until they go to sleep. Even though bedtime is the only free time some people have with their partner, it doesn’t mean you have to do something together every night. Lying in bed and relaxing in different ways is still time together.
She is probably looking up things to expect with a second child while he watches Hulk cartoons. Sometimes you don’t feel like talking and just want to do something alone. That is ok, and no one has to feel bad for needing time to themself.