Steve Pavlina makes an outstanding point in his entry, Proof, which highlights the fact that proof is assuming an objective reality and is in of itself a subjective experience, just like the rest of reality.

Thinking of having your child vaccinated? How about just yourself? Think again after visiting this page entitled: VACCINES: The Deadly ‘Cure.’ This is something that upon watching it absolutely got under my skin more than anything ever has. This stuff is just creepy!

I’ve been talking about it off and on for a long time now, but I just have to take this opportunity to let everyone know that Personal Development Partners is simply one of the most amazing communities I’ve ever been involved in. Join this site, start networking, it’s free, it’s filled with intelligent people with amazing conversations, I promise that if you like what you read here, you’ll love PDP, or your money back (but it’s free, remember?).

Here’s another nifty little personal development site: The Healthy Living Lounge

To see a full list of questions here on Scott Free Thinking along with their answers, see the Scott Free Thinking Questions Introduction & Index.

Today’s Question: How fast should I escalate in a relationship?

Answer: Typically, when people refer to “escalate” they refer to how fast they should be getting physical with another person. The answer is going to vary for every individual, but if romance is what you are looking for, then just about right away is the ideal; the sooner the better. The faster that you initiate action to indicate that you are interested in more than friendship, the less likely you are to get branded into that infamous “friends zone.” The friends zone is not a myth anymore than first impressions is a myth; whatever you do in the start of a relationship, even in that first meeting, is going to make a big difference. Now, I’m not saying you should jump into giving this person hugs and kisses all over the place, but consider that the following actions are usually considered flirtatious behavior:

• Play hitting/nudging of the arm or shoulder.
• Tickling each other.
• A frequent series of ‘accidental touches’ and bumps.
• Constantly standing just a little bit closer to each other than normal.

Having considered all of this, remember a few other important facts. If you receive any sort of negative feedback, verbally or physically, it is probably best to back off and then try again later, or, if you’ve been trying for a long time as it is, just back off completely. There’s no need to ruin any sort of intended fun when the other person is interpreting what you’re doing is direct harassment. On the other hand, it can also be important to note that you should not always let that fear stop you – if a person is receptive, make it a gradual process and continue to note their response. If the feedback is positive, continue escalation until that first kiss.

To sum it up: from the start, touch!