Do You Know of Groomers?💁

The question took me by surprise.

"Do you know of groomers?"

At first, my mind went to pet groomers, those kind souls who brush out tangled fur, trim nails, and make dogs look adorable. But I had a feeling that wasn’t what they meant. There was a weight to their voice, a shadow in their eyes.

And then it hit me.

They were talking about the other kind of groomers. The ones we don’t want to think about. The ones who don’t carry clippers and shampoo but instead carry manipulation, deceit, and harm.

The Subtle, Sinister Art of Grooming

Grooming isn’t just a word; it’s a process, a calculated effort to gain trust and control over someone most often a child or vulnerable individual.

It starts subtly, so subtly that the victim may not even realize it’s happening.

It could be a teacher who gives special attention, a neighbor who always has just the right gifts, or an online friend who really gets you when no one else does. Groomers are patient. They play the long game. They don’t rush.

At first, they are kind. They listen. They offer support, little favors, and compliments. They make their target feel safe, special, chosen.

And then, slowly, the shift begins.

Maybe a secret here, a rule bent there. A small test of trust. They create a world where only they truly understand the victim. And once that bond is strong, they push boundaries: sometimes emotionally, sometimes physically.

It’s insidious because, to the victim, it doesn’t feel like danger. It feels like love. Like care. Like friendship. Until it’s too late.

Recognizing the Signs

So, do I know of groomers? Not personally. But I know how they operate. I know the red flags:

Excessive Attention:

Do they single someone out, always making them feel extra special?

Gift Giving: 

Are they constantly showering them with presents, often with the expectation of secrecy?

They like secrecy: 

Do they encourage their target to keep secrets or mistrust family and friends? Definitely, yes.

Overstepping Boundaries: 

Do they blur the lines between appropriate and inappropriate behavior?

It’s not always easy to spot. Groomers can be anyone: family members, teachers, coaches, online strangers. And that’s what makes it terrifying.

How We Protect Ourselves and Others

📍The best defense is awareness. Talking about it. Recognizing it. Calling it out.

📍We need to teach children (and even adults) that not all kindness comes from a good place. That secrecy, especially with an older or more powerful figure, is often a dangerous game.

📍And most importantly, we need to listen.

If someone, anyone, tells us they feel weird about someone’s behavior, we don’t dismiss it. We don’t brush it off. We listen.

Because silence is what groomers count on.

So yes, I know of groomers. Maybe not by name. Maybe not in my own life. But I know their tactics, and now, so do you.

And that? That could make all the difference.

For more read this article.

8 Signs You’re Smarter Than You Think (According to Psychology)

Ever wondered if you're secretly a genius, but the world just hasn't sent you an official certificate yet? 

👉Intelligence isn’t just about solving complex math equations or quoting Shakespeare at dinner parties, it’s about how you think, adapt, and navigate life.

👉 So, if you relate to most of these signs, congratulations! You might just be the Einstein of your friend group (minus the crazy hair).

1. You Ask ‘Why?’ More Than a Toddler

Ever found yourself questioning things that seem totally normal to everyone 

else?

Like, why do people press elevator buttons repeatedly as if it speeds things up? 

Curious minds are intelligent minds. Research shows that people with high intelligence have an insatiable thirst for knowledge, always digging deeper than the surface. 

So go ahead, ask another “useless” question. It just means you’re smart.

2. You Adapt Faster Than a Chameleon on a Disco Floor

Life throws curve balls, and while some people panic, you roll with the punches.

  

Intelligence isn’t just about knowing things, it’s about adjusting to new situations like a pro. 

Whether it’s surviving an awkward Zoom call or figuring out how to open a jar without breaking your wrist, adaptability is a major sign of high intelligence.

3. You’ve Changed Your Mind Before (And Survived)

Ever believed something strongly, then later realized you were totally wrong?

 

Smart people don’t just stick to their opinions for the sake of it. 

They absorb new information, consider different perspectives, and, gasp!, change their minds when necessary. 

If you've ever updated your beliefs based on facts instead of pride, congrats! 

You’re smarter than half the internet.

4. You Can Resist the Urge to Eat the Last Slice (Sometimes)

Self-control is a big sign of intelligence.

Studies show that highly intelligent people are better at delaying gratification, whether it’s saving money instead of splurging on impulse buys or resisting that extra slice of cake (at least for a few minutes).

If you’ve ever said, “I’ll wait,” when every cell in your body screamed, “Take it now!”, that’s your brain flexing its intelligence.

5. You Actually Enjoy Being Alone (And Not Just Because People Annoy You)

While the world is out there partying, you sometimes prefer hanging out with your thoughts.

 

This doesn’t mean you hate socializing, but intelligent people often enjoy solitude because their minds are busy exploring ideas, theories, and existential questions like, “Does my cat judge me when I dance?”

 Being alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely, it just means your brain is having its own party.

6. Your Sense of Humor is Sharper Than a Double-Edged Sword

If your jokes go over people’s heads or your sarcasm is so advanced that people think you’re being serious, congratulations, that’s a sign of high intelligence!

 

Studies suggest that witty humor, especially the kind that requires quick thinking, is linked to high IQ.

 So the next time someone groans at your clever joke, just smile, your brain is simply operating on another level.

7. You Notice the Weirdest Details

Ever spotted a tiny mistake in a movie scene or realized someone’s mood before they even said a word?

 Intelligent people are highly observant.

Your brain naturally picks up on things others overlook, like that one crooked picture frame in the background that you now can’t stop staring at.

8. You Understand Feelings (Even the Messy Ones)

Being smart isn’t just about numbers and logic, it’s also about emotional intelligence.

If you can sense when your friend is upset before they say anything or manage to calm down an argument before it turns into World War III, you have a special kind of intelligence. 

Knowing how to handle emotions (yours and others') is a skill that many people lack, but truly intelligent folks have mastered.

Thoughts

If you relate to most of these, you’re probably way smarter than you give yourself credit for. 

Intelligence isn’t just about book smarts, it’s about curiosity, adaptability, humor, and emotional awareness.

 So go ahead, embrace your genius! Just don’t expect that official certificate anytime soon.

Which of these signs do you have? Or better yet, what’s the weirdest sign of intelligence you’ve noticed in yourself?