Karen Belz

Maryland

Writer and Editor at Freelance

Associate Editor at Bustle

Associate Editor @Bustle. Bylines @LittleThingsUSA, @ScaryMommy, @RealSimple, and a few others. I also cohost 1995 The Podcast! (She/Her)

Articles

What Is Flirting? Past, Present, and Future Trends in the Dating Scene

Nov 19, 2024 | datingnews.com | Karen Belz

Gone are the days of cheesy pickup lines — at least, that’s the trend among millennials and Gen Zers in my social circle. I can’t remember the last time I heard of a pickup line taking place in real life. While flirting has changed a lot in the past few decades, it remains alive and well in dating practices today. It just might look a little different to people reentering the dating pool and setting up a dating profile for the first time.
Amazon's Selling A Ton Of These Comfy Basics Under $25 That Look So Freaking Good On Everyone

Sep 11, 2024 | bustle.com | Amy Biggart |Anna Anderson |Karen Belz

ShoppingAmazon's Selling A Ton Of These Comfy Basics Under $25 That Look So Freaking Good On EveryoneThese basics are everything but. by Amy Biggart, Anna Anderson and Karen BelzSep. 12, 2024Amazon/BustleWe may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article. When it comes to your wardrobe, it’s always important to have several comfy basics in your rotation.
How a Modern Matchmaker Can Save Singles From Swiping Burnout

Sep 11, 2024 | datingadvice.com | Karen Belz

The Short Version: Burned out by online dating? You’re not alone. While dating sites are still quite a popular choice for those looking to find love, many people seek alternative methods — like hiring professional matchmaker Allie Leilani — to meet their soulmate. Some people have very clear ideas about where they want their careers to go, and they pursue those goals single-mindedly.
Thousands Of Reviewers Say These Things Make Them Feel Sexy AF

Jul 12, 2024 | bustle.com | Karen Belz

ShoppingThousands Of Reviewers Say These Things Make Them Feel Sexy AFThey’re an instant glow-up. by Karen BelzJuly 13, 2024We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article. Sexiness isn’t a specific look; sexiness is a feeling you create. Whether it’s instant glow in a bottle, a top that makes them feel gorgeous, or a piece of home decor that sets a vibe, thousands of Amazon reviewers feel as if the items below make them feel sexy AF.
These 'Inside Out' & 'Inside Out 2' Quotes Will Make You Feel All The Things

Jun 24, 2024 | scarymommy.com | Karen Belz

My generation grew up with Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Aladdin. We’re in the “I saw The Little Mermaid in theaters” age bracket. So, I don’t say this lightly: Inside Out is one of the absolute best kids’ movies ever made. And now that Inside Out 2 has been released, it’s become one of the best kids’ movie franchises. Inside Out makes you rethink everything — every memory you have and every emotion you’ve experienced.
Online Dating Bots: What You Should Know Before You Swipe

Jun 20, 2024 | datingadvice.com | Karen Belz

If you’ve recently entered the world of online dating, you may have been warned about the possibility of online dating bots coming up in your search. While bots unfortunately do have a presence on many dating sites, they shouldn’t ruin the entire experience for you. Once you know what to look for, you’ll be well aware of how to identify a real account and avoid the fake profiles. Here’s what you need to know about the type of bots out there and what to do if you encounter one.
How Do Matching Systems Work in Online Dating?

Jun 19, 2024 | datingadvice.com | Karen Belz

Online dating has always involved a few learning curves. Daters today are becoming a little more strategic when it comes to building their profiles — and you can thank algorithms for that. Online matching systems determine which profiles you see in which order, and they can dictate your online dating future in important ways. Algorithms were created to push the most important news (or most important faces, as it pertains to dating) to a more visible spot on your screen.
The Ultimate Guide to Romantic Attraction (Types, Tips & Misconceptions)

Jun 5, 2024 | datingadvice.com | Karen Belz

There’s a pretty strong possibility that once in your life, you laid eyes on somebody you just met and felt a little nervous. It could be their laugh, their physical appearance, or maybe they just feel like a kindred spirit. These signs of romantic attraction can impact you even if you’re not necessarily looking to partner up with anyone. Romantic attraction doesn’t always happen suddenly — sometimes it can build over time. It doesn’t have to be physical or sexual.
8 Things To Do At Home To Help A Child Develop Emotional Intelligence

May 23, 2024 | littlethings.com | Karen Belz

Being in tune with your emotions is one of the greatest skills to learn. But it doesn't always come naturally. Emotional intelligence is how you manage and regulate your emotions. That means that you know to keep your temper in check, and you feel empathy for others. Emotional intelligence can be hard for kids. That's often why tantrums start. It's not the child being bad as much as the child not knowing how to properly regulate how they feel.
What Does “Gaslighting” Mean in Relationships? Tactics, Blame, and Your Self-Esteem

May 14, 2024 | datingadvice.com | Karen Belz

“Gaslighting” is a popular term when it comes to relationship issues — but this buzzword can be misunderstood and misused. Gaslighting isn’t merely lying to or disagreeing with a partner. Gaslighting is psychological manipulation meant to make someone doubt their life experiences and question their thoughts. It’s a form of abuse that can lead to anxiety, depression, and extremely low self-esteem.