Amjad Izhar Blog

Blog

  • 33 Spreadsheet Projects Course for Beginners – Excel and Google Sheets

    33 Spreadsheet Projects Course for Beginners – Excel and Google Sheets

    The provided text comprises numerous tutorials on leveraging spreadsheet software (primarily Google Sheets and Excel) for various tasks. These include creating personal finance trackers, automating calendar events, building dynamic search bars, and employing user-defined functions. Additional tutorials cover automating email reminders, mail merging with Google Docs, data extraction techniques, utilizing new Google Sheets tables, and tracking daily tasks. Finally, the text demonstrates creating custom color-by-number grids from images and integrating YouTube analytics into spreadsheets.

    Spreadsheet and Automation Study Guide

    Quiz

    Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

    1. Why did the creator choose Google Sheets over Excel for their finance tracker?
    2. Explain how the reconcile and clear checkboxes work in the finance tracker.
    3. What is the purpose of the “type” and “month” columns in the finance tracker’s transaction sheet?
    4. In the finance tracker’s analysis tab, what do the pie chart and pivot table represent?
    5. How does the provided app script function create all-day events on a Google Calendar?
    6. In the context of Excel, why is VBA split used instead of Worksheet Function.textsplit?
    7. How does the Google Forms-to-Calendar app script work to create calendar events?
    8. Briefly explain the difference between “show sidebar” and “show modeless dialog” in the context of app script.
    9. In the context of sending emails via app script, what are the three essential pieces of information required?
    10. How does Leo help automate email reminders for contract expirations?

    Answer Key

    1. The creator chose Google Sheets over Excel because it is easier to share and use on the go with the mobile app. This allowed both the creator and their wife to easily input financial transactions while away from their computer, eliminating the need to keep paper receipts.
    2. The reconcile and clear checkboxes are used to track credit card payments. Users select the transactions that match the credit card balance, and then once the credit card is paid, the “clear” checkbox is selected, and the transaction lines are grayed out.
    3. The “type” column automatically classifies each transaction as either income or expense, and the “month” column extracts the abbreviated month from the date for categorization and analysis purposes. Both are used in pivot tables and charts to gain insights into finances.
    4. The pie chart illustrates the proportion of total income versus total expenses for the year, and the pivot table displays the total spending by month for each expense category, allowing for detailed analysis of where money is spent.
    5. The app script retrieves event information from a specified range, filters out empty rows and checked events, and then creates a new calendar event using the title and start date, updating the checkbox to avoid duplicates.
    6. VBA split is used because the worksheet function for textsplit is not available, even though it appears that it should be. The creator, a “lowly Google Sheets nerd,” can find no explanation for this.
    7. The app script runs automatically upon form submission, grabs the responses, extracts the event details, and then uses them to create a new calendar event, including title, start and end times and dates, and invitees.
    8. The “show sidebar” function displays the HTML output within the fixed-width sidebar of Google Sheets. In contrast, “show modeless dialog” creates a floating window allowing the user to interact with the spreadsheet while the dialog is open.
    9. The three essential pieces of information required for sending emails via app script are: the recipient’s email address, the subject line of the email, and the body content of the email.
    10. Leo pulls data from a Google Sheet, allows users to set up custom formulas and email templates, and then sets up automations to send reminder emails based on specific dates, without requiring any manual coding in app script.

    Essay Questions

    Instructions: Answer the following questions in a well-organized essay format. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. Rather, these are meant to test your ability to express your opinion and ideas based on the source material.

    1. Discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of using spreadsheets for personal finance tracking, drawing upon the methods and tools described in the “01.pdf” excerpts.
    2. Evaluate the relative advantages and disadvantages of using built-in spreadsheet functions versus custom scripting (e.g., app script or VBA) for automating tasks, referencing specific examples from the provided materials.
    3. Compare and contrast the different user interface elements discussed in the documents, such as sidebars, dialogs, and menus, and consider how each contributes to the overall user experience and productivity within spreadsheet environments.
    4. Analyze the significance of data validation, range naming, and tables in constructing complex and functional spreadsheets, citing concrete examples from the source materials.
    5. Synthesize insights from the various projects outlined in the documents to offer best practices for building efficient and effective spreadsheet solutions for automation, data tracking, and analysis purposes.

    Glossary

    • App Script: A scripting language for light-weight application development in the Google Workspace ecosystem, allowing for automation and customization.
    • VBA (Visual Basic for Applications): A programming language developed by Microsoft for automating tasks within the Microsoft Office suite, including Excel.
    • Data Validation: A feature that restricts the type of data a user can enter into a cell, helping to ensure data quality and consistency.
    • Name Ranges: A way to give a user-friendly, identifiable name to a cell, or range of cells, to be used in formulas instead of referencing cell locations directly.
    • Named Range: A user-defined name given to a specific cell or a range of cells.
    • Table (Spreadsheet): A structured way of organizing data within a spreadsheet that allows for dynamic expansion and reference within formulas.
    • Pivot Table: A tool used to summarize and analyze data by reorganizing and grouping information in a spreadsheet.
    • Conditional Formatting: A feature that applies specific formatting (e.g., colors, styles) to cells based on predefined rules or criteria.
    • Slicer: A visual filter used in spreadsheets (often with pivot tables) to interactively filter data.
    • String Template: A function that substitutes specified placeholders in a text string with actual values dynamically.
    • CSV (Comma Separated Values): A plain text file format used to store tabular data where each field is separated by a comma.
    • Indirect Function: A function that returns a cell reference based on a text string, allowing for dynamic referencing.
    • Array Formula: A formula that performs calculations on multiple values in an array or range of cells simultaneously.
    • Delimiter: A sequence of characters, in this case a comma, that are used to define the boundaries of each piece of data.
    • Module: A container where user-defined functions and macros written in Visual Basic for Applications reside within a Microsoft Excel workbook.
    • Subroutine: A block of VBA code within a module designed to perform a specific set of actions.
    • Booleans: A logical data type that can only have one of two values, true or false.
    • Variables: Named storage locations in a program’s memory used to hold data that can change during program execution.
    • Loop: A programming construct that allows you to repeat a block of code multiple times.
    • Filter (Spreadsheet): A feature that shows only data that meets user-defined criteria, hiding the rest of the data.
    • Sidebar (Spreadsheet): A dedicated area in a spreadsheet UI (typically on the right) for displaying extra information or tools.
    • Modaless Dialog (Spreadsheet): A popup window in a spreadsheet that allows the user to interact with the underlying spreadsheet while the dialog is still open.
    • Data Type: A classification of data (e.g., text, number, date, currency) that determines how it can be used and manipulated within a spreadsheet.
    • Dynamic Range: A range of cells that automatically expands or contracts to accommodate changes in the number of rows or columns.
    • Text Join: A function that concatenates multiple strings from different cells or a given array of values.

    Spreadsheet Power: Automation, Analysis, and Beyond

    Okay, here’s a detailed briefing document summarizing the main themes and ideas from the provided sources.

    Briefing Document: Spreadsheet Projects, Automation, and Data Analysis

    Overview:

    This document summarizes key concepts, ideas, and techniques from a collection of sources focused on leveraging spreadsheets for various tasks, including personal finance, event tracking, form automation, and data analysis. The sources span a range of complexity, from basic spreadsheet setup to more advanced topics like app script, VBA programming, and utilizing external tools with spreadsheet data.

    Key Themes & Ideas:

    1. Personal Finance Tracking with Spreadsheets:
    • Comprehensive Transaction Logging: The core idea is to meticulously record all financial transactions (income and expenses) in a spreadsheet. This includes the date, transaction description, amount, category, and payment method. This builds a detailed history of spending.
    • Real-Time Balance Tracking: A running balance column automatically updates after each transaction, providing an immediate snapshot of current funds.
    • “The balance will pull from the starting balance on this first line and then every subsequent line we will check to see whether or not the category is income or expense and then either add or subtract to the running balance.”
    • Categorization and Analysis: Transactions are categorized (e.g., grocery, paycheck) for analysis. The spreadsheet uses data validation and named ranges to facilitate consistent and easy categorization.
    • Reconciliation System: The document describes a unique credit card reconciliation system. Users check transactions that match their bank balance and then clear them, helping to ensure no transactions are missed.
    • “I operate under the assumption that I’m going to pay off my credit card on time every month… I need to find the Amazon transactions which add up to 10461… once I’ve selected all of the transactions here which account for the current balance this will turn green indicating that is happened.”
    • Monthly ATM Transaction Tracking: A unique feature mentioned is tracking ATM transactions and roundups to get a bonus from their bank. This highlights how spreadsheets can be tailored to specific financial needs.
    • Data Visualization: The analysis includes charts (pie and bar) for income/expense breakdowns, totals by category per month, and a running balance, providing a visual understanding of the user’s financial position.
    1. Calendar Event Creation and Management:
    • App Script for Automation: Google Apps Script is used to automatically create calendar events from spreadsheet data.
    • Event Data Organization: The spreadsheet contains event details (title, start/end dates/times, description, location, invitees) in a structured format.
    • Avoiding Duplicate Events: The app script uses a checkbox system to ensure events are not created multiple times.
    • “column J is where I’m going to have our appscript check it off if it’s been added to the calendar so it won’t Reit and duplicate the event.”
    • Handling All-Day Events: Specific app script functions are discussed that create all-day events, emphasizing the ability to handle various calendar event types.
    • Integration with Google Forms: Apps Script is employed to trigger calendar events directly from form submissions. The form captures the necessary information, and the script adds it to the calendar.
    1. Data Manipulation and Analysis Techniques:
    • User-Defined Functions (UDFs): The use of user-defined functions in both Excel VBA and Google App Script is showcased, including the creation of a sort function for comma-separated values within a cell.
    • “what if we just had a user Define function as I’ve created here that sorts the objects in the cell just like it’s supposed to in one F swoop so we don’t have to have all this garbage and risk messing something up”
    • Text Manipulation: Functions such as TEXTJOIN, SORT, TRANSPOSE, and SPLIT are used for manipulating text data within cells, and the difference between VBA SPLIT and the missing worksheet TEXTSPLIT is highlighted.
    • Pivot Tables and Slicers: These are utilized for summarizing and filtering data for insightful analysis in the personal finance tracking portion.
    • “we have a pivot table and this is bringing in all of the transactions the category totals for each transaction amount and we’re doing it by month…”
    • String Templating: This is shown as a way of creating dynamic text strings for emails and document generation. This allows for personalizing communications and documents.
    • “we’re going to use a built-in function called string template… the templated part of it is this bracketed part where we’ve got bracket at contact”
    • Regex for Data Extraction: The use of regular expressions (REGEXEXTRACT, REGEXREPLACE) for data extraction and manipulation in Excel is discussed.
    • Tables for Data Management: There is an emphasis on utilizing tables in both Google Sheets and Excel for data organization and manipulation, including dynamic formula ranges that adjust to table size.
    • “the real power here of course is the ability to now inventory if I could Spell correctly is now include tables and table columns dynamically inside of formulas.”
    1. Spreadsheet as a UI and Automation Platform:
    • Custom Menus and Triggers: The ability to create custom menus and triggers (on form submit, on open, etc.) are detailed, demonstrating the ability to build custom workflows and automation.
    • “we need it to trigger if you go over here in this menu go away from the editor and down to this this is triggers and as you can see I’ve added a trigger on form submit that’s going to run the function to calendar”
    • Modal Dialogues and Sidebars: The use of HTML sidebars and modal dialogues to embed videos and other information in the spreadsheet interface was discussed, expanding the interface of spreadsheets.
    • “this takes that HTML output and throws it into the sidebar and that’s really all there is to it”
    • Email Automation: App script is used to send emails directly from the spreadsheet, with the recipient, subject, and body pulled directly from spreadsheet cells.
    • “we’re going to send an email from our spreadsheet and it’s very simple to do… We’ll walk through everything that it does how it does it and how to make it”
    • External Tool Integration (Leo): Leo is presented as a no-code platform for automating spreadsheet tasks, particularly email reminders, contract tracking, and mail merging Google Docs to create custom PDFs.
    • “Leo is a program that basically lets my data live here and a gole sheet or other data source that I’m used to the master copy of it and then I pull it into Leo…”
    • PDF Generation: Leo is used to convert Google Doc templates into customized PDF files, using spreadsheet data, showing powerful document automation.
    1. Specific Spreadsheet Use Cases:
    • Task Tracking: The documents detail how to create a task list within a spreadsheet, using checkboxes and date tracking to achieve goals on a daily basis.
    • Packing List Manager: A detailed packing list spreadsheet is created using data validation for dropdown menus for bags and items, plus conditional formatting for visual tracking of packing status.
    • “we’ve got the basic set up to where we can assign a bag for the item that we’re about to bring in… we’ve kind of got something looking close close to what he had in the Tik Tok video but we’re going to add a few nice touches to it”
    • Automated Invoice Generator: The document showcases a method of generating PDF invoices directly from an Excel spreadsheet, including dynamic invoice numbers, and automated clearing of form data.
    • Coloring Sheet Generator The process of generating a coloring sheet based on a PNG image, with color coding and visual aids for children is outlined.
    • YouTube Analytics Integration: The process of importing YouTube analytics data into Google Sheets for sorting, filtering, and finding insights into channel performance is outlined.
    • Multiple Selection Data Validation: The usage of a new multiple selection checkbox feature for data validation within Google Sheets is explored.
    1. Comparison between Excel and Google Sheets:
    • Excel Wins on Dynamic Functionality: Excel is seen to be the winner in terms of advanced table functionality, such as dynamic spilling in columns, whereas Google Sheets is more manual.
    • Both Offer Table Options: While Excel has had tables for years, Google Sheets now offers its own version, which is good news for those who prefer Google Sheets.
    • Spreadsheet Program of Choice Ultimately the choice between the programs is dependent on the user’s use cases, preferences, and familiarity with each program.
    • Shortcuts: Excel provides handy shortcuts that are not available in Google Sheets.
    • New Functionality: Excel is also seen to be the winner in the functionality of newer features such as Regex.

    Conclusion:

    The provided sources demonstrate the versatility and power of spreadsheets as a tool for managing personal finance, automating workflows, manipulating data, and generating insights. The projects leverage both built-in functions and more advanced coding techniques, showcasing a range of capabilities for both beginners and advanced users of spreadsheet software. The use of external tools like Leo and built-in tools like Google App Script expand the functionality of these traditional programs and bring a new level of sophistication to data management.

    Spreadsheet Productivity and Automation

    Frequently Asked Questions about Spreadsheet Productivity and Automation

    • Q: What kind of projects can I create using spreadsheets?A: Spreadsheets are incredibly versatile, and you can create a variety of projects. Some examples include a personal finance tracker to manage income, expenses, and reconcile credit card statements, and even track ATM transactions to maximize bank bonuses. You can also build a packing list, with progress tracking, and a project management system to organize and track tasks. These are just a few examples; the possibilities are vast.
    • Q: How can I make my personal finance tracking more efficient with spreadsheets?A: You can build a comprehensive finance tracker using tools such as Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel. Set up a sheet with your accounts, including income, expense, and payment methods. Then, create a transaction sheet to record every purchase or income, categorized by type and payment method. Formulas can be used to maintain a running balance and calculate totals. Use conditional formatting to highlight discrepancies, and mobile apps make it easy to log transactions on the go. Finally, use pivot tables and charts to analyze spending habits.
    • Q: How can spreadsheets enhance my calendar management?A: Spreadsheets can help you manage your calendar by creating custom calendars. You can link these calendars to other applications using app scripts, which will allow you to automate event creation or send reminder emails. By using named ranges and App Script, you can add events directly from your spreadsheet or Google Forms submissions to your Google Calendar.
    • Q: Can I use spreadsheets to send automated emails?A: Yes, spreadsheets can be used to send automated emails. Using the built-in functions of Google App Script or by using third party integrations like Leta, you can send emails based on data within your spreadsheet, such as reminders for contract expiration. You can also send templated emails, using custom fields to personalize messages with values from the spreadsheet.
    • Q: How can I manipulate data within a spreadsheet to get my desired results?A: Spreadsheets offer powerful data manipulation capabilities. You can use built-in functions like TEXTJOIN, SORT, TRANSPOSE, and SPLIT to organize and combine text data. You can use formulas with built-in functions, which can do everything from finding the total of a column to doing string templating. You can use custom User Defined Functions (UDFs), to handle specific tasks like sorting comma separated lists in one cell. You can also use regular expressions (REGEXEXTRACT and REGEXREPLACE) to extract or replace text patterns within cells.
    • Q: How can I create dynamic interactive elements within a spreadsheet, such as dependent drop-down lists?A: Dependent drop-down lists, where the options in one list depend on the selection in another, can be created using named ranges and the INDIRECT function. This approach allows you to link options logically, making the data entry process more intuitive and error free. You can use an onEdit app script to trigger the content of a dependent list to clear out if it isn’t compatible with the main data, to ensure a clean user experience.
    • Q: How do tables in Google Sheets enhance functionality?A: Tables in Google Sheets provide structured data management by offering dynamic ranges and integrated features such as formatting options, saved views, and filtering. They enable you to use table ranges inside of formulas, making calculations more accurate and allowing data to be added and adjusted dynamically.
    • Q: What are some useful shortcuts and tips for efficient spreadsheet use?A: There are many keyboard shortcuts that can boost efficiency within spreadsheet software such as:
    • Ctrl + Arrow Keys: Quickly navigate to the edges of data ranges.
    • Ctrl + Home/End: Jump to the beginning or end of a worksheet.
    • Alt + Down Arrow: Open filter menus.
    • Alt + N, SF: Quickly insert a slicer.
    • Alt + N, R: Open the recommended charts menu
    • Ctrl + ~: Toggle formula view.
    • Alt + W, V, G: Toggle gridlines on/off.
    • Alt + N, C, B: Insert a checkbox
    • Alt + H, F, C: Open the font color menu.
    • Additionally, tools like named ranges and conditional formatting can significantly improve the usability of spreadsheets.

    Spreadsheet Automation Projects

    The sources provide details on several spreadsheet projects, including:

    • Personal finance tracking A spreadsheet can be used to track income, expenses, and payment methods, with a starting balance, and can calculate a running balance [1]. The transaction sheet includes columns for date, transaction details, amount, category, payment method, and balance. It can also classify transactions as income or expense, and reconcile credit card and bank accounts [1].
    • Sorting objects in a cell: A user-defined function can be created using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to sort objects within a cell [2]. This involves using functions like textjoin, sort, transpose, and split [2].
    • Creating a calendar event from a Google Form: A Google Form can be set up to collect event details (email, title, start/end date/time, invites), and an Apps Script can use the form responses to create calendar events [2].
    • Displaying YouTube videos: Apps Script can be used to display YouTube videos in a sidebar or modal within a spreadsheet. This involves creating HTML files with embedded video code [3].
    • Sending emails: An Apps Script can send emails using data from a spreadsheet, with columns for recipient, subject, and body, and a checkbox to select which rows to send. It can be set up to run from a custom menu [3].
    • Automated email reminders: A program called Leo can be used to set up automated email reminders based on data from a Google Sheet. It can perform calculations, use string templates to create email content, and send emails based on specified dates [4].
    • Mail merge: Leo can also perform mail merges using data from a Google Sheet to generate personalized PDF invoices from a template, and then send them via email [5].
    • Inventory tracking: Spreadsheets can be used to track inventory, filter items, and calculate percentages [5].
    • Task tracking: A spreadsheet can be used to track daily tasks with columns for dates and checkboxes for task completion, also including bonus items [6].
    • Creating a dynamic calendar: A spreadsheet can be used to create a dynamic month calendar where the month and year can be selected using data validation and then a calendar will be populated based on the selection [7, 8]. The calendar uses conditional formatting to hide days that are not part of the month [9].
    • Lesson and student logs: A system can be built to check off lessons for students [9]. This is done by creating tables and using formulas with IF, countif, and arrayformula [10].
    • Extracting data using regular expressions: The regexextract function can be used to extract specific parts of text, and the regexreplace function can replace text in a cell based on a pattern [11].
    • Finding date and time from a LinkedIn post: An app script can be used to extract the date and time a LinkedIn post was published based on the URL of that post [10].
    • Creating dependent drop-down lists: The INDIRECT function can be used to create drop-down lists where the options depend on the selection in another drop-down list [12]. App Script can then clear the selections in the dependent drop-down lists when the selection in the parent list changes [13].
    • Multiple data validation selections: Data validation rules can allow multiple selections using checkboxes [13]. Functions can be used to count the unique values or the number of occurrences of specific values in the selection [13, 14].
    • YouTube analytics: YouTube analytics data can be exported to a spreadsheet for analysis, filtering, and sorting [14, 15].
    • Dynamic invoice generator: A dynamic invoice generator can be created with VBA code, with a button to generate a PDF invoice and clear the form after it is generated, and automatically increment the order number [15].
    • Pixel art color by number: A spreadsheet can be used to create pixel art color-by-number grids, with VBA or app script code to analyze background colors of cells in an image, assign them numbers, and generate a color map legend [8, 16].
    • Creating a sheet directory: VBA code can be used to create a sheet directory with clickable hyperlinks to other sheets in the workbook [16].

    These projects demonstrate the power of spreadsheets for a variety of tasks and purposes, using both built-in functions, custom functions, and app scripts.

    Spreadsheet-Based Personal Finance Tracker

    The sources describe using spreadsheets for budget tracking [1]. A spreadsheet can be set up to track personal finances, using a setup sheet and a transaction sheet [1].

    The setup sheet includes a few pieces of information such as:

    • Starting balance [1]
    • Income accounts [1]
    • Expense accounts [1]
    • Payment methods [1]

    These are set up with named ranges that are then referenced in the transaction sheet [1].

    The transaction sheet is the core of the finance tracker and includes columns for [1]:

    • Date: With date validation to ensure entries are valid dates [1].
    • Transaction: Where items were purchased from [1].
    • Amount: How much was spent [1].
    • Category: A drop down list of expense and income categories from the setup sheet [1].
    • Payment method: A drop down list from the setup sheet [1].
    • Balance: A running balance that updates based on whether a transaction is an income or expense [1].
    • Type: Automatically classifies transactions as income or expense [1].
    • Month: Classifies transactions by month [1].
    • Reconcile and Clear: Checkboxes that are used to reconcile and clear credit card transactions. When transactions are selected to match the current balance on the credit card, the total will turn green and the transaction line is grayed out when the boxes are checked [1].

    The spreadsheet can also be used to track specific bank account features, like ATM card usage, and round-up savings [1].

    The analyze tab of the spreadsheet displays:

    • A running balance [2]
    • A pie chart of income and expenses for the year [2]
    • A pivot table of transaction category totals by month [2]
    • Bar charts of amounts by month and category [2]

    The spreadsheet is designed to be used on a mobile device for on-the-go tracking, and it can be shared with multiple users [1].

    Automating Calendar Events with Google Apps Script

    The sources describe several ways to use spreadsheets and other tools for creating and managing calendar events:

    • Creating Calendar Events from Google Forms: A Google Form can be used to collect event details and then an Apps Script can be used to automatically create events on a Google Calendar [1]. The form should include fields for:
    • Email address (for invites)
    • Event title
    • Start date
    • Start time
    • End date
    • End time
    • Invites (optional) The Apps Script will then:
    • Get the form responses.
    • Combine the start and end dates and times into date objects.
    • Create a calendar event using the provided details, including optional parameters for guests and sending invites.
    • The script can use the default calendar or a specified calendar ID [1].
    • The script should be set up with a trigger to run whenever a new form is submitted [1].
    • Creating All-Day Events from a Spreadsheet: An Apps Script can be used to create all-day calendar events directly from data within a spreadsheet [2]. The spreadsheet should include:
    • Calendar ID: To specify which calendar the events should be added to [2].
    • Event list: A named range that includes the event details [2].
    • Columns for:Title
    • Start date
    • End date (optional)
    • Description (optional)
    • Location (optional)
    • Guests (optional)
    • Send invites (optional)
    • Checkbox (to prevent duplication) The Apps Script will then:
    • Get the calendar ID and the event list from the sheet [2].
    • Loop through each event in the list [2].
    • Check if the event has already been added to the calendar via the checkbox [2].
    • Create an all-day event using the title and start date (or start and end dates) [2].
    • Set the checkbox to true, indicating the event has been added [2].
    • Optional parameters can be included such as description, location, guests, and send invites [2].
    • A recurrence parameter is also available to create recurring events, though this is hardcoded and not pulled directly from the spreadsheet in the example [2].

    These methods allow for the automatic creation of calendar events based on data from Google Forms and Google Sheets. Using Apps Script provides flexibility and customization for managing calendar events.

    Spreadsheet Data Analysis Techniques

    The sources describe several data analysis techniques using spreadsheets, including:

    • Analyzing financial transactions: Spreadsheets can be used to analyze financial data, by using a transaction sheet that tracks income, expenses, and payment methods and automatically calculates a running balance [1]. The data can be further analyzed using pivot tables to show category totals by month and charts to visualize income and expenses [1]. The spreadsheet can also be used to reconcile credit card and bank accounts [1].
    • Analyzing inventory: Spreadsheets can be used to track inventory, filter items, and calculate the percentage of items packed in different bags [2]. The spreadsheet uses a formula with COUNTIFS to sum up the number of checked items for each category and divides it by the total number of items in that category to get the percent packed [2].
    • Analyzing YouTube analytics: YouTube analytics data can be exported to a spreadsheet for analysis [3]. This allows for sorting, filtering, and arranging the data to gain insights into views, watch time, subscribers, revenue, and other metrics [3]. Users can filter by condition, for example to see only videos that have earned more than one dollar, or sort by various metrics such as estimated revenue, click-through rate, or subscriber count [3]. This enables users to identify what content is performing best and where revenue is coming from [3].
    • Using formulas for analysis:
    • COUNTIF: This function counts the number of cells that meet a specific criteria [2, 4, 5].
    • COUNTIFS: This function counts the number of cells that meet multiple criteria [2].
    • ARRAYFORMULA: This function enables the use of formulas with arrays [4, 6].
    • SPLIT: This function splits text into different columns based on a delimiter [6].
    • XLOOKUP: This function looks up a value in a range and returns a corresponding value from another range [7].
    • MATCH: This function returns the position of an item in a range [5].
    • EXACT: This function checks if two text strings are exactly the same and returns an array of TRUE or FALSE values [5].
    • FILTER: This function filters a range based on specified criteria [5].
    • ISNUMBER: This function checks if a value is a number and returns a boolean TRUE or FALSE value [5].
    • SEARCH: This function finds text within a cell, and returns a number or an error if no match is found [5].
    • Using Regular Expressions: The functions REGEXEXTRACT, REGEXREPLACE, and REGEXTEST can be used to analyze and manipulate text based on regular expression patterns [8].
    • Conditional formatting: Conditional formatting is used in the sources to highlight certain cells, such as when a checkbox is checked [1, 2]. Conditional formatting is also used to hide dates on a calendar that do not belong to the selected month [9].
    • Filtering and sorting: Spreadsheets allow for filtering and sorting of data based on various criteria, including values, colors, and text [8, 10, 11]. Multiple levels of sorting and custom filters using AND or OR statements are also possible [11].

    These techniques enable users to organize, visualize, and extract meaningful information from their data using spreadsheet software [1-3, 5, 8, 10, 11].

    Automating Emails from Spreadsheets

    The sources describe several methods for automating emails using spreadsheet data:

    • Using Apps Script:
    • An Apps Script can be created to send emails using data from a Google Sheet [1].
    • The script requires columns for recipient email address, subject line, and email body [1].
    • A checkbox column can be used to select which rows should have emails sent [1].
    • The script can use the GmailApp.sendEmail method to send the emails [1].
    • A custom menu can be created to run the script directly from the spreadsheet [1].
    • Using Leo:
    • Leo is a program that can automate spreadsheet tasks without code, including sending automated emails [2].
    • Leo can connect to a Google Sheet as a data source and create a table that can be manipulated for automations [2].
    • String templates can be used to create custom email subjects and bodies [2].
    • A built-in send email function in Leo allows for sending emails based on data from the spreadsheet [2, 3].
    • This function can use a specific Gmail address for sending and requires permissions to do so [3].
    • It takes parameters for recipient email, subject, body, and an optional status cell for errors [3].
    • Emails can be sent based on a date, such as for contract expiration reminders [2].
    • The send email automation can be triggered based on a schedule [3].
    • Leo allows for chaining actions together, so that a PDF can be generated and then sent in an email [4].
    • Mail Merge with Leo:
    • Leo can perform a mail merge, creating personalized PDF invoices from a Google Docs template, and sending them via email [5].
    • The process involves:
    • Connecting to a Google Sheet as the data source [5].
    • Using string templates to create custom email subjects and bodies [5].
    • Using a create PDF function to generate a PDF based on a template and data in a row [5].
    • Using a send Gmail function to send the generated PDF as an attachment in an email [4, 5].
    • Chaining the actions so the PDF is created before the email is sent [4].
    • Setting up a schedule for the automation [4].

    These methods provide ways to automate emails from spreadsheets, whether it is a simple email or a more complex process that involves generating files, and provide a good variety of options that can be customized for a variety of needs and scenarios.

    33 Spreadsheet Projects Course for Beginners – Excel and Google Sheets

    By Amjad Izhar
    Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
    https://amjadizhar.blog

    Affiliate Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps keep this blog running and allows me to continue providing you with quality content. Thank you for your support!

  • 11 Ways To Strengthen Your Husband-Wife Bond After 20 Years Of Marriage

    11 Ways To Strengthen Your Husband-Wife Bond After 20 Years Of Marriage

    After two decades of marriage, many couples might feel as though they’ve fallen into a rhythm, where the days seem predictable and the excitement has dimmed. However, a marriage that has weathered 20 years still has the potential to flourish and evolve. Rekindling the bond between husband and wife is possible and can bring new joy, closeness, and meaning to the relationship. The idea is not to resist the routine but to add depth and intimacy to it, ensuring that your bond remains strong and enriching.

    The key to a thriving marriage, even after so many years, is nurturing the connection. This requires effort and intentionality but yields rewards in the form of mutual trust, affection, and shared experiences. By focusing on ways to strengthen your relationship, you can turn every day into moments of warmth and affection. Keeping the flame alive is a commitment both partners must embrace, allowing the relationship to grow even deeper as the years go by.

    Your marriage, which has withstood the test of time, can continue to be a source of comfort and joy. Strengthening the bond requires communication, care, and sometimes, a little creativity. The following suggestions offer practical ways to enhance your connection with your spouse and reignite the spark that first brought you together.

    1-
    MASINGO Karaoke Machine for Adults and Kids with 2 Wireless Microphones, Portable Bluetooth Singing Speaker, Colorful LED Lights, PA System, Lyrics Display Phone Holder, and TV Cable. Presto G2 Pink

    1. Share Your Thoughts and Feelings

    In a marriage of over 20 years, communication can often become surface-level, focusing on daily tasks rather than emotional connection. To truly strengthen your bond, it’s crucial to carve out time to have meaningful conversations. Open up about your aspirations, concerns, and even the small victories of your day. By sharing your inner world, you invite your spouse into your thoughts and create a space where both of you feel heard and valued. It’s not just about talking; it’s about fostering an emotional intimacy that reminds both partners why they fell in love in the first place.

    Listening actively is just as important as speaking. When your spouse shares their thoughts and feelings, make an effort to understand their perspective without judgment. This kind of emotional openness builds trust and mutual respect, two cornerstones of a successful marriage. According to relationship expert John Gottman, “Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship.” When both partners feel safe to express themselves, it becomes easier to resolve conflicts and grow together, ensuring the marriage remains a source of support and love.

    2-
    Luke and Lulu Halloween Toddlers Costume – Pebbles Outfit For Baby Girls – Caveman Bam Bam Costume for Baby Boys

    2. Surprise Each Other Often

    After years of marriage, it’s easy to assume you know everything about your partner, but that doesn’t mean you should stop making them feel special. Small, thoughtful gestures can go a long way in reigniting the spark. Whether it’s leaving a sweet note in their briefcase or preparing their favorite meal after a long day, these small surprises show that you are still thinking about them. These gestures don’t have to be extravagant; often, it’s the little things that leave the biggest impact.

    Surprises inject spontaneity into the relationship, keeping it fresh and exciting. As Esther Perel, a leading relationship therapist, suggests, “Mystery and surprise help maintain desire in long-term relationships.” By keeping the element of surprise alive, you create moments of joy and affection, reminding each other of the love that still thrives beneath the surface of daily routines. These actions build affection and reinforce the emotional bond, making the relationship stronger with each thoughtful act.

    3-
    Arshiner Kid Girls Hollow Back Ballet Leotard with Skirt Sleeveless Dance Dresses

    3. Give Each Other Space

    Spending quality time together is essential, but equally important is allowing your partner time for themselves. Every individual needs space to recharge and pursue their interests, and a healthy marriage recognizes this balance. Encouraging your spouse to spend time alone or with friends helps them feel valued not only as part of the marriage but as an individual. It also shows a deep level of trust and respect in the relationship.

    Space in a marriage doesn’t mean drifting apart—it means allowing each other to grow independently, which ultimately enriches your time together. When both partners feel fulfilled individually, they bring more energy and positivity into the relationship. As writer Kahlil Gibran once said, “Let there be spaces in your togetherness,” acknowledging that personal growth and time apart can strengthen the union rather than weaken it.

    4-
    Geologie Acne Face Wash | 2% Salicylic Acid Clarifying Gel Cleanser | Reduces Acne and Clears Skin Clear System Acne Treatment | 2-Pack

    4. Keep Learning About Each Other

    Even after 20 years, it’s important to realize that your spouse is not the same person they were when you first met. People evolve, and their interests, perspectives, and desires shift as they grow. By staying curious and asking about their thoughts, feelings, and current passions, you demonstrate that you are still invested in them as a person. This curiosity keeps the relationship dynamic and allows both partners to feel seen and valued. Remember, a successful marriage is built on a foundation of continuous discovery.

    One of the best ways to strengthen your marriage is to never assume you know everything about your partner. Being genuinely interested in their life experiences and how they view the world keeps the relationship fresh. As renowned marriage therapist Dr. Sue Johnson advises, “Love is a constant process of tuning in, connecting, missing, and reconnecting.” Keeping this sense of discovery alive fosters an emotional closeness that grows as you both change over time. As a result, your bond becomes more resilient and adaptable to life’s many stages.

    5-
    MASINGO Rabbit Karaoke Machine for Kids, Children and Toddlers with 2 Wireless Bluetooth Microphones, Portable PA Speaker Includes Lyrics Display Phone Holder, TV Cable and Singer Vocal Removal Mode

    5. Spend Quality Time Together

    No matter how long you’ve been married, spending quality time together is a crucial part of maintaining a strong bond. It’s not about the grand gestures or lavish vacations but the simple moments shared daily that build lasting connections. Whether you’re going for a walk, watching a movie, or cooking dinner together, these shared activities show your spouse that you value their company. It’s in these everyday moments that you create memories and reinforce the affection you have for each other.

    Quality time doesn’t necessarily mean quantity time. Sometimes, a few minutes of focused, undistracted attention can mean more than hours spent together without connection. In the words of Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages, “Love is a choice you make every day.” By making time for each other and enjoying each other’s presence, you show that your marriage is still a top priority, despite the demands of daily life. The time you spend together not only deepens your relationship but also rejuvenates your emotional connection.

    6-
    Ukes Sunglass Strap – Glasses Strap with Floating Neoprene Material – Secure Your Glasses and Eyewear

    6. Communicate Openly and Honestly

    After two decades of marriage, you may think you know your spouse inside and out, but that doesn’t mean communication can be taken for granted. Open and honest communication remains the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Share your thoughts, concerns, and aspirations without fear of judgment. Likewise, make an effort to listen actively when your spouse expresses their feelings. This reciprocal exchange creates a safe emotional space where both partners feel respected and understood.

    Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings that can erode trust over time. Being vulnerable and truthful with each other nurtures the emotional intimacy that is essential for long-term happiness. Psychologist Brené Brown reminds us that “vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity.” By maintaining an open dialogue, you allow your relationship to continue evolving while avoiding resentment and disconnection. This transparency lays the groundwork for a bond that grows stronger with time.

    7-
    Pearl Earrings 18K Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver Stud Earrings Button Simulated Shell Pearl Earring Studs Hypoallergenic For Women, Medium

    7. Support Each Other’s Interests

    After two decades of marriage, it’s easy to settle into routines that focus on individual interests. However, showing genuine support for your spouse’s hobbies and passions is a vital way to strengthen your bond. Whether it’s attending their sporting events, showing interest in their creative pursuits, or simply asking about their day, this effort demonstrates that you care about what brings them joy. When you actively engage with your partner’s interests, you share more of their world and create additional opportunities for connection. This approach not only shows that you value their happiness but also builds a sense of teamwork and partnership in the marriage.

    Supporting each other’s interests also fosters deeper conversations and shared experiences. While you don’t have to love everything your spouse does, making the effort to understand their passions creates an opportunity for growth in the relationship. As marriage expert John Gottman explains in The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, “Couples who engage in each other’s lives create shared meaning, which leads to lasting satisfaction.” When you show interest in what excites your partner, you strengthen the emotional foundation of your marriage and create more avenues for bonding.

    8-
    Arshiner Girls Ballet Leotards Dance Gymnastic Outfits Crisscross Straps SleevelessTank Dancewear

    8. Laugh Together

    Laughter is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain a happy and healthy marriage. Sharing moments of humor can lighten even the heaviest of days and keep the relationship fun and engaging. Whether it’s watching a comedy, recalling funny memories, or simply finding humor in everyday situations, laughing together reminds you of the joy that initially brought you together. Humor can act as a pressure release valve, diffusing tension and bringing a sense of levity during challenging times.

    Research shows that couples who laugh together tend to have stronger, more resilient relationships. As Dr. Peter McGraw, a leading expert in the science of humor, states, “Humor signals playfulness, which can lead to feelings of trust and closeness.” When you laugh together, you foster an atmosphere of positivity and warmth in your marriage. Creating shared moments of joy strengthens your emotional connection and helps you navigate the ups and downs of life with a lighter heart.

    9-
    Evrwild Kids 6.5ft Kayak with Paddle, Lightweight Premium & Stable, 3-Level Footrest, Sit On Top for Youth to Teen Up to 130lbs

    9. Resolve Conflicts with Patience

    No marriage is without its conflicts, but the way you handle disagreements can make or break your bond. Patience is key when navigating arguments, as it allows you both the time and space to express your feelings without escalating tension. Instead of reacting impulsively, take a step back to listen and understand your spouse’s perspective. This mindful approach to conflict resolution creates a more respectful and compassionate environment where both partners feel heard and valued.

    By resolving conflicts with patience, you ensure that small issues don’t spiral into larger problems. Marriage therapist Esther Perel, author of Mating in Captivity, highlights the importance of communication during disagreements: “The quality of your marriage is determined not by how you handle the good times but how you handle the inevitable bad times.” Patience allows for more productive conversations, leading to solutions that reinforce your partnership rather than undermine it. When you approach conflicts with understanding and empathy, you fortify your marriage’s emotional resilience.

    10-
    Andalus Small Cat Litter Mat, Pack of 2 – Waterproof, Non-Slip & Easy to Clean Cat Litter Box Mat for Extra Efficient Pet Litter-Trapping, Black (15.75” X 11.75”)

    10. Remember the Good Times

    Reflecting on the joyful moments you’ve shared over the past 20 years can be an incredible way to rekindle the connection in your marriage. Whether it’s reminiscing about your wedding day, vacations, or even a quiet evening spent laughing together, these memories can reignite the love and affection you felt when those moments happened. When life gets busy, it’s easy to overlook these cherished experiences, but actively recalling them reminds you of the happiness and unity you’ve built together over the years.

    Talking about those meaningful times reinforces the emotional bond that has sustained your relationship. As marriage expert Dr. Gary Chapman mentions in The 5 Love Languages, “Love is something you do for someone else, not something you do for yourself.” Revisiting happy memories is one way to express this kind of love, showing your partner that you still treasure the journey you’ve shared. Recounting these moments of joy not only brings you closer but also gives you strength during tough times by reminding you of the foundation of love your marriage is built upon.

    11-
    Arshiner Girls Long Sleeve Ballet Leotards with Skirt Kids Hollow Back Shiny Dance Dresses

    11. Make New Goals

    One of the keys to a thriving marriage after 20 years is to keep looking forward, and setting new goals together is a perfect way to do that. Whether it’s planning a new adventure, saving for a major milestone, or even exploring a hobby as a couple, having shared goals keeps your relationship dynamic and focused. These goals, both big and small, give you something to work toward together, reinforcing the sense of teamwork that has carried you through the years. Each goal becomes a shared achievement, fostering a deeper connection as you strive to make your future just as fulfilling as your past.

    Setting goals helps to keep your marriage fresh and engaging. It prevents complacency and reminds both partners that there is always room to grow, individually and as a couple. As Dr. Les Parrott explains in Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts, “Couples who plan their future together stay together.” By making new plans and dreaming of what’s to come, you build a sense of anticipation and excitement in your relationship, ensuring that your bond continues to evolve and strengthen as time goes on.

    12-
    Arshiner Toddler Tutu Dress Little Girls Fluffy Summer Dresses Casual Party Tulle Sundress for Kids 2-6Y

    Conclusion

    Open communication, small surprises, and personal space are three essential pillars that can help strengthen a marriage after 20 years. Each of these actions fosters an environment of trust, mutual respect, and affection. By openly sharing your thoughts and feelings, you create emotional intimacy that can stand the test of time. Surprising each other with small, thoughtful gestures keeps the spark alive, ensuring that your bond remains exciting and fresh. And by respecting each other’s need for space, you allow personal growth that only enriches the relationship.

    Ultimately, these practices are about finding balance. Too much time together without communication can lead to emotional distance, while too much space can foster feelings of disconnection. A successful marriage is about navigating these dynamics and keeping the love alive through thoughtful communication, surprising gestures, and mutual respect. When you prioritize these aspects, your marriage can not only survive the routine but thrive within it.

    Maintaining a strong marriage after 20 years requires an ongoing commitment to learning, spending quality time together, and communicating openly. When you continue to discover new things about each other, you keep the relationship vibrant and exciting, while honoring the changes each partner experiences. As both of you evolve, your marriage can grow and adapt, leading to deeper emotional bonds. It’s this constant learning and curiosity that keeps love alive over time.

    Similarly, spending intentional, quality time together allows you to reconnect amidst the busyness of life. Whether it’s a simple walk or a cozy evening at home, these shared moments remind you why you chose each other in the first place. Open and honest communication strengthens this bond, ensuring that both partners feel understood and valued. The more transparent and vulnerable you are with each other, the deeper your connection becomes, helping you both navigate the challenges and triumphs that come with two decades of marriage.

    The final group of strategies highlights the importance of staying engaged, playful, and patient within your marriage. Supporting each other’s interests fosters a sense of mutual respect and curiosity, creating new opportunities for connection. Whether you’re attending a spouse’s event or simply discussing their latest hobby, this effort shows that you value their passions and are committed to their happiness. By staying actively involved in each other’s lives, you deepen the emotional bond that has been cultivated over the years.

    Additionally, laughter and patience serve as essential tools for maintaining a joyful and harmonious relationship. Humor not only lightens the mood but also strengthens emotional intimacy, while patience in resolving conflicts ensures that your marriage remains a place of safety and understanding. These strategies work together to create a marriage that is both fun and supportive, allowing you to face life’s challenges as a united team. By incorporating these principles into your relationship, you pave the way for a marriage that continues to grow and flourish beyond the 20-year mark.

    The final strategies emphasize the importance of both looking back and looking forward in your marriage. Reflecting on the good times you’ve shared helps you reconnect with the love and joy that brought you together in the first place. These shared memories act as touchstones, reminding you of the many moments of happiness that have defined your relationship. By keeping these memories alive, you create a strong emotional foundation that can guide you through any rough patches that may come.

    At the same time, setting new goals together ensures that your marriage continues to grow and evolve. By working as a team to achieve these shared objectives, you not only maintain a sense of unity but also foster excitement and purpose in your relationship. Whether it’s planning a vacation or taking up a new hobby, these goals create new memories and help you both look forward to the future. Together, remembering the past and planning for what’s ahead keeps your marriage vibrant, exciting, and full of love.

    After 20 years of marriage, keeping your relationship strong and vibrant requires intentional effort and dedication. The journey you’ve shared is a testament to the love, commitment, and resilience that has sustained you through the highs and lows. By consistently applying these 11 strategies, you can continue to nurture and deepen your bond. From sharing your thoughts and feelings openly to supporting each other’s interests, from making time for laughter to remembering the cherished moments of the past, each step strengthens the emotional connection that holds your marriage together.

    At its core, a lasting marriage is built on mutual respect, trust, and communication. It’s about growing and evolving together, while still maintaining the individuality that makes each partner unique. Whether it’s setting new goals for the future or simply spending quality time in the present, these practices help to keep the love alive and the relationship fresh. As you continue this journey, remember that a strong marriage is not one without challenges, but one that grows stronger by facing them together.

    In the words of renowned therapist Esther Perel, “The quality of your life ultimately depends on the quality of your relationships.” By focusing on these 11 principles, you are investing in the future of your marriage, ensuring that your bond remains as strong and joyful as it was in the beginning. After two decades, you’ve built something truly special, and with continued attention and care, the next 20 years can be even more fulfilling.

    Abstract

    Effective strategies to strengthen the bond between husbands and wives after 20 years of marriage involve open communication, thoughtful surprises, and allowing personal space. These approaches foster emotional intimacy and trust, essential for a thriving relationship while keeping the excitement alive through shared experiences. By revisiting cherished memories and setting new goals together, couples can continue to nurture and evolve their connection, ensuring a fulfilling partnership for the future.

    Key Points

    • Open Communication: Meaningful conversations about aspirations and concerns are vital to maintaining emotional intimacy in long-term marriages.
    • Surprises: Small, thoughtful surprises can rejuvenate the romance and excitement within the relationship after years of familiarity.
    • Personal Space: Allowing each partner the space to recharge and pursue individual interests fosters respect and personal growth within the marriage.
    • Continuous Discovery: Couples should remain curious about each other’s evolving interests and perspectives, reinforcing the dynamic nature of their relationship.
    • Quality Time: Prioritizing shared activities, no matter how simple, strengthens emotional connections and creates lasting memories.
    • Conflict Resolution: Approaching disagreements with patience and open dialogue helps to sustain respect and understanding in the marriage.
    • Shared Goals: Setting and working towards new objectives together promotes teamwork and keeps the relationship dynamic.

    Learn about author

    Amjad Izhar is a writer and blogger known for his insights on relationships, particularly focusing on marriage and personal development. He emphasizes the importance of communication, emotional intimacy, and mutual respect in long-term relationships. Through his blog, he shares practical advice and strategies for couples to strengthen their bonds, especially after many years of marriage. His work aims to inspire couples to nurture their relationships and keep the love alive.

    Timeline of Life

    • Education: M.A. in English Literature from the University of the Punjab (Graduated 1985).
    • Career: Active in writing and blogging, focusing on relationship advice and personal development.

    This structured information provides a comprehensive overview of Amjad Izhar, highlighting his contributions to relationship advice and personal development.

    Bibliography on Husband-Wife Relationship

    1. Chapman, Gary. The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. Chicago: Northfield Publishing, 2015.
      This classic book explores the different ways people express and experience love, offering valuable insights into how couples can better communicate and meet each other’s emotional needs.
    2. Gottman, John M., and Nan Silver. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert. New York: Harmony Books, 2015.
      Dr. John Gottman, a leading researcher in marriage stability, provides scientifically-backed principles for building and maintaining a healthy and fulfilling marriage.
    3. Perel, Esther. Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence. New York: Harper, 2006.
      In this groundbreaking book, Perel examines the complex dynamics between love and desire, offering practical insights into maintaining intimacy and passion in long-term relationships.
    4. Johnson, Sue. Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. New York: Little, Brown Spark, 2008.
      Dr. Sue Johnson introduces Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and explains how couples can create lasting bonds by developing emotional security and trust.
    5. Parrott, Les, and Leslie Parrott. Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts: Seven Questions to Ask Before—and After—You Marry. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2015.
      This book addresses key issues in marriage and provides strategies for couples to build strong, healthy relationships from the start, while also offering valuable insights for long-term marriages.
    6. Brown, Brené. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. Center City: Hazelden Publishing, 2010.
      While not exclusively focused on marriage, Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability, trust, and wholehearted living offers profound lessons for couples seeking deeper emotional connections.
    7. Hendrix, Harville, and Helen LaKelly Hunt. Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2007.
      This influential book delves into Imago Relationship Therapy, providing tools to help couples resolve conflicts and develop deeper emotional connections.
    8. Schwartz, Pepper, and Philip Blumstein. American Couples: Money, Work, Sex. New York: William Morrow and Company, 1983.
      An extensive study of married couples in America, this book examines the key issues that affect relationships over time, offering detailed data and analysis.
    9. Stanley, Scott M., Daniel Trathen, Savanna McCain, and Milt Bryan. A Lasting Promise: The Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriage. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2014.
      This guide combines spiritual principles with practical advice for creating a lasting and fulfilling marriage, with a focus on conflict resolution and communication.
    10. Markman, Howard J., Scott M. Stanley, and Susan L. Blumberg. Fighting for Your Marriage: Positive Steps for Preventing Divorce and Preserving a Lasting Love. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2010.
      Drawing from decades of research, this book offers practical advice on how to handle conflicts and maintain a healthy, long-term marriage.

    These sources offer a wealth of insights, strategies, and scientific research on building and maintaining strong, loving, and resilient marriages.

    By Amjad Izhar
    Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
    https://amjadizhar.blog

    Affiliate Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps keep this blog running and allows me to continue providing you with quality content. Thank you for your support!

  • The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance by Mona Black Chapter 18 Epilogue– Selina

    The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance by Mona Black Chapter 18 Epilogue– Selina

    “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)” seems to be a paranormal romance novel featuring explicit content. The book features a human/merman relationship. It appears to include elements of the reverse harem genre, with a character named Mia Solana involved with multiple “magical boys.” Other books by the author, Mona Black, include series like “Pandemonium Academy” and “Unlikely Omega,” which deal with themes of omegaverse and paranormal romance. The author is a changeling who lives in the human world.

    The Merman King’s Bride: A Study Guide

    I. Review of Key Plot Points

    • The Epilogue focuses on Selina and her interactions with the titular Merman King.
    • There is a clear emphasis on the physical and sensual aspects of their relationship.
    • The text heavily implies a power dynamic and potential discomfort on Selina’s part despite the intimacy.
    • The text makes several overtures to the Reverse Harem romance sub-genre.
    • The author includes several references to other books in the same shared world, including “Unlikely Omega” and “Brutal Never Boys.”
    • The Author presents a shared universe of interconnected stories.

    II. Key Characters

    • Selina: The protagonist of the epilogue and presumably a key character throughout the novel. She appears to be human, and possibly an Omega.
    • The Merman King: A powerful, non-human entity. He is the romantic interest in the epilogue and based on the title, a central character.
    • Mona Black: The author.

    III. Themes and Motifs

    • Power Dynamics: The interactions between Selina and the Merman King highlight power imbalances in their relationship.
    • Sensuality and Intimacy: The text is filled with explicit descriptions of physical intimacy.
    • Fate and Destiny: Selina seems to be resigned to a fate beyond her control.
    • Genre Conventions: The text clearly plays with and embraces the conventions of reverse harem romance, paranormal romance, and fantasy.
    • Shared World: The author makes several overtures to other books in the same shared world, including “Unlikely Omega” and “Brutal Never Boys.”

    IV. Quiz

    Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

    1. Describe the initial encounter between Selina and the Merman King in the epilogue.
    2. What does the Merman King whisper to Selina about her body?
    3. What are some indications that Selina may not be entirely comfortable with the Merman King’s advances?
    4. What genre(s) does Mona Black primarily write in?
    5. What other works by Mona Black are mentioned or hinted at?
    6. What is a “Reverse Harem?”
    7. What is the title of Book 1 that Mona Black is using to test the RH Omegavese genre?
    8. What is the “Anchor Empire?”
    9. What is the name of the school in the “Of Boys and Beasts” series?
    10. Where does Peter and the Lost Boys live?

    V. Quiz Answer Key

    1. Selina is on a royal bed when the Merman King rips her shirt off. They begin a passionate and somewhat forceful encounter, with the king taking the lead. The initial encounter is characterized by physical intimacy but also a sense of Selina’s hesitation.
    2. He whispers repeatedly about her “beautiful curves,” indicating his attraction to her body. He also calls her, “So, so woman.”
    3. Her internal monologue expresses discomfort and a sense of being overpowered. The phrase “torture device around your body” further indicates a lack of full consent or pleasure.
    4. Mona Black primarily writes fantasy romance and reverse harem paranormal books. She writes in the human world.
    5. The text mentions or hints at other works including, “Unlikely Omega,” “Brutal Never Boys,” “Golden Cage Omegas,” and “Of Boys and Beasts.”
    6. A Reverse Harem is a subgenre of romance in which one female character has multiple male romantic interests. These books often center around the male love interests, and can be sensual.
    7. The title of book 1 that Mona Black is using to test the RH Omegavese genre is “Caged.”
    8. The Anchor Empire wants every Fae-blooded man or woman eliminated to avoid any chance of the Lost Race returning. Selina is apparently the Empire’s worst fear.
    9. The name of the school in the “Of Boys and Beasts” series is Pandemonium Academy.
    10. Peter and the Lost Boys live on an island where the mermaids sing and the creatures named beds roam the land.

    VI. Essay Questions

    1. Analyze the power dynamics between Selina and the Merman King. How are these dynamics portrayed in the text, and what do they suggest about their relationship?
    2. Discuss the use of sensory language in the epilogue. How does it contribute to the overall tone and atmosphere of the scene?
    3. Explore the themes of fate and destiny in the provided excerpts. How do these themes affect Selina’s agency and choices?
    4. Analyze how this excerpt uses tropes of the paranormal romance genre.
    5. Discuss the effectiveness of Mona Black’s marketing strategy, especially in her allusions to the wider universe of books she has written.

    VII. Glossary of Key Terms

    • Epilogue: A section or speech at the end of a book or play that serves as a conclusion to what has gone before.
    • Reverse Harem (RH): A subgenre of romance where one female character has multiple male romantic interests.
    • Paranormal Romance: A subgenre of romance that blends elements of romance with paranormal or supernatural elements.
    • Omegaverse: A subgenre that often features a hierarchical social structure based on biological classifications (Alpha, Beta, Omega), often used in romance and erotica.
    • Fae: Mythical beings, often associated with magic and the supernatural.

    The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance

    Okay, here’s a briefing document based on the provided excerpts from “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”:

    Briefing Document: “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”

    Overview:

    This document provides a summary of the main themes and key details presented in the excerpts from “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)” by Mona Black. The excerpts suggest a paranormal romance involving themes of fantasy, power dynamics, and potentially dark/cursed elements, with strong emphasis on explicit sexual content.

    Main Themes and Ideas:

    • Paranormal Romance with Dark/Cursed Elements: The title itself indicates a fairytale romance, but the subtitle “(Cursed Fae Kings)” hints at darker undertones and possibly a non-traditional fairytale. The author Mona Black is described as writing “fantasy romance and reverse harem.” The mentions of “dark paranormal romance” and “fairytale retellings” further confirm this genre.
    • Explicit Sexual Content: The provided excerpts contain graphic descriptions of sexual acts and intimate encounters between characters. Phrases like “He yanks my undergarments down, seams screeching and popping” and “thrusting, throating, opening me up” leave no room for ambiguity regarding the nature of the relationship.
    • Power Dynamics and Control: The interactions between the characters suggest a power dynamic. The male character (presumably the Merman King) seems to exhibit dominant behavior. The female character, Selina, experiences a mix of desire and vulnerability. Consider the lines, “Just undress me, I whisper. ‘Husband.’” and “Too many layers,” he mutters with a curse. He yanks my undergarments down, seams screeching and popping; then he leans over me to deal with the corner.”
    • Fae/Merman World and Lore: The title suggests a world where mermen and fae exist. Other included blurbs indicate an expansive world with Omegas, Betas, and Alphas which also influence the characters.
    • “Unlikely Omega” Tropes The book is tagged as containing omegaverse content, meaning the heroine and hero will likely be in an established power dynamic. As suggested on page 175, the protagonist is not prophesied but rather the result of a curse/accident to the surprise of the Empire.

    Key Characters (based on excerpts):

    • Selina: The female protagonist. She is referred to by name in the epilogue.
    • The Merman King/Husband: The male protagonist. He is described as having a chiseled chest and is referred to as her husband.

    Notable Quotes and Analysis:

    • “Too many layers,” he mutters with a curse. He yanks my undergarments down, seams screeching and popping; then he leans over me to deal with the corner. “What in the hells is this?” he mutters, obviously torn between frustration and laughter. “Why are you wearing this torture device around your body?” This quote exemplifies the dominant nature of the male protagonist and the non-consensual removal of the female protagonist’s clothing.
    • “Gods. Look at you. So sexy. So… woman.” This quote expresses the protagonist’s desire for the heroine and his view of her womanhood.
    • “I can’t… I’ve never been so…” His panting. When he lifts his lashes to look at me, they’re spangled with tears. “Selina…” This quote suggests the power of the love connection.

    Other Books/Series Mentioned:

    • Pandemonium Academy (“Of Boys and Beasts”)
    • The Candyverse (“Bee and the Honey Crew”)
    • Brutal Never Boys trilogy (“King of Nothing”)
    • Caged
    • Unlikely Omega

    Author Information:

    • Mona Black writes fantasy romance and reverse harem. She is described as “a changeling living in the human world.”

    Overall Impression:

    The excerpts portray a highly sensual and potentially dark fantasy romance. The story appears to explore themes of power, desire, and potentially forbidden love within a fantastical setting. The inclusion of omegaverse and fairytale retellings suggests a focus on non-traditional dynamics and familiar tropes with a darker twist.

    The Merman King’s Bride: Themes, Premise, and Reader Recommendations

    What are the main themes explored in “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”?

    The primary themes appear to be romance (specifically a fairytale and possibly erotic romance), power dynamics, destiny, and the supernatural. There are suggestions of themes such as non-human relationships (with fae and mermen), and potentially themes surrounding identity (as suggested by the characters like the changeling and the omega). The series seems to explore the darker side of these themes.

    What is the premise of “The Merman King’s Bride” series, and who is the author?

    “The Merman King’s Bride” seems to be a paranormal reverse harem romance, possibly with darker or more violent elements. The author is Mona Black, who also writes fantasy and reverse harem fiction.

    What other series or books are recommended for readers who enjoy “The Merman King’s Bride”?

    Several series and books are recommended for those who like “The Merman King’s Bride,” including “Pandemonium Academy,” “The Honey Crew,” and “Brutal Never Boys.” These suggestions indicate a focus on reverse harem, paranormal, omegaverse, and dark fairytale themes.

    What is an “omegaverse” and how does it relate to the books mentioned?

    Omegaverse is a genre that typically involves a hierarchical social structure with alpha, beta, and omega classifications, often explored with romance and power dynamics. The recommendation of “Caged” indicates the series explores similar themes of power and hierarchy within the context of a dystopian omegaverse.

    What are some of the character types present in the books mentioned?

    The books feature a variety of character types, including werewolves, vampires, demons, fae, mermen, and omegas. Some of these characters may be paired together in reverse harems.

    What does it mean to be a “changeling” in the context of Mona Black’s writing?

    In Mona Black’s writing, a changeling is someone living in the human world but is not entirely human. Mona Black herself is described as a changeling.

    What are some of the conflicts or challenges faced by the characters in these stories?

    Characters face conflicts related to their identities (being non-human in a human world, or an omega in a world ruled by alphas), societal pressures, and romantic relationships. There is also a suggestion of characters being hunted or exploited.

    What social media channels does the author use to communicate with fans about future releases?

    Mona Black can be found through Facebook, Newsletter, Facebook Group, and TikTok.

    Mona Black: Fantasy Romance and Reverse Harem Author

    Mona Black writes fantasy romance and reverse harem. Her first fantasy romance is The Sapphire Throne. The Merman King’s Bride is described as a fairytale romance with cursed fae kings.

    Omegaverse in Paranormal Romance and Fantasy

    The sources mention Omegaverse in the context of paranormal romance and fantasy.

    Key points about Omegaverse from the sources:

    • Dystopian Paranormal RH Omegaverse is mentioned, with a recommendation for the book “Caged”.
    • The source contrasts alphas and omegas as non-humans and something to be found in a world ruled by betas.
    • One character identifies as a beta and reflects on initially thinking they were an omega.
    • The source mentions “Unlikely Omega” as a new series to check out if the reader likes Omegaverse, RH, and epic fantasy.
    • A character in the book is described as an omega who doesn’t want to be, because the Empire doesn’t want them to be. Every Fae-blooded man or woman is to be eliminated to avoid any chance of the Lost Race returning.
    • The author, Mona Black, has written a contemporary RH omegaverse series called The Candyverse.

    Mona Black: Fantasy Romance and Reverse Harem Works

    Reverse harem is a theme in the works of Mona Black.

    Key points about reverse harem from the sources:

    • Mona Black writes fantasy romance and reverse harem.
    • A completed Paranormal Reverse Harem series is mentioned: “Of Boys and Beasts”.
    • The source refers to a “contemporary RH omegaverse series” called The Candyverse.
    • The term “RH” is used as an abbreviation.
    • The series “Unlikely Omega” is suggested as a read for those who like Omegaverse, RH, and epic fantasy.

    Dark Themes in Paranormal and Fae Romance

    The provided sources feature elements that could be associated with dark romance, given the presence of potentially disturbing or intense themes.

    Key points:

    • Cursed Fae Kings: “The Merman King’s Bride” is described as a fairytale romance with cursed fae kings, which suggests a darker element.
    • “Of Boys and Beasts”: One of Mona Black’s completed series is a Paranormal Reverse Harem called “Of Boys and Beasts” which may contain darker themes.
    • Dystopian Paranormal: The source mentions dystopian paranormal RH omegaverse, which may contain darker elements.
    • Darkness and Doubt: The phrase, “Dark forces seem to be at work here, and I’m caught in a web of desire and doubt,” is used, indicating the presence of these themes.
    • Pleasure Barrels: The text also contains intense and possibly non-consensual scenes. For example, a character’s tongue thrusts against someone, and their fingers circle around their hips with a long moan, unable to hold back as the pleasure barrels through them.
    • Violence: The text describes a scene in which someone gropes another with a new light and tears clothing, exposing legs and undergarments.
    • Lost Boys: Mentions the Lost Boys being violent, vicious men.

    By Amjad Izhar
    Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
    https://amjadizhar.blog

    Affiliate Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps keep this blog running and allows me to continue providing you with quality content. Thank you for your support!

  • The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance by Mona Black Chapter 17– Selina

    The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance by Mona Black Chapter 17– Selina

    These excerpts depict a scene from a fantastical romance between a human woman, Selina, and a merman king, Adar. The narrative follows their journey through a magical world filled with faerie elements and cursed kings. As they travel, the pair navigate political intrigue and a deep, developing connection. Selina grapples with leaving her world behind, embracing the reversed colors of the land where her heart belongs. Their relationship culminates in a proposal, as Adar seeks Selina’s hand to be his queen. The narrative has a fairy tale quality.

    The Merman King’s Bride: A Study Guide

    Quiz

    Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

    1. What does Selina observe about the world as she crosses from her own reality into Adar’s?
    2. Describe Adar’s physical appearance as Selina first observes it.
    3. What is the significance of the “opal town” or Merfolk Fae?
    4. What crucial decision must Selina make before crossing the gate into the kingdom?
    5. How is Adar’s appearance (as perceived by Selina) altered as he ascends to the throne?
    6. What happens to the land and water after Adar is crowned king?
    7. What is the prophecy surrounding Adar and Selina?
    8. What is the significance of Adar’s remark, “I will let me see it one day?”
    9. What is the “curse” that seems to afflict the Fae Kings?
    10. Explain the significance of the final image presented in the excerpt: Adar and Selina laughing while wearing the crown.

    Quiz Answer Key

    1. Selina observes that the world is reversed, including the colors and creatures inhabiting it. The place she is going is also where her heart is.
    2. Adar is described as having shining eyes filled with desire and affection. His loose hair is a deeper blue in this human-like form, the roots almost black, the ends a bright azure.
    3. The opal town, or Merfolk Fae, is the second nature of the people. It is a shimmering city built on an island in the middle of a lake, and the people have scales on their hands.
    4. Before crossing the gate into the kingdom, Selina must decide to become Fae and cross over irreversibly, which is why she must declare that she belongs to Adar and the Fae realm.
    5. As Adar ascends to the throne, his appearance is slightly altered. He appears more radiant.
    6. After Adar is crowned king, the land and water change to accept him and Selina, transforming the environment to better suit them.
    7. The prophecy stated that Adar was to be in the human world and that someone (presumably Selina) was supposed to break the curse afflicting the Fae Kings.
    8. The quote reveals Adar’s hidden pain and implies that he is not always able to see or feel happiness. He craves the ability to genuinely experience joy.
    9. The nature of the curse isn’t explicitly stated, but it seems to involve unhappiness, sorrow, and a kind of stagnation or lack of genuine emotion among the Fae Kings.
    10. Adar and Selina wearing the crown symbolizes their partnership and the beginning of their reign. The laughter suggests a breaking of the curse and the beginning of joy.

    Essay Questions

    1. Explore the theme of transformation in “The Merman King’s Bride.” How do Selina and Adar undergo transformations, and what is the significance of these changes?
    2. Discuss the concept of “otherness” as it is presented in the excerpt. How is Selina portrayed as an outsider, and how does Adar challenge or subvert these perceptions?
    3. Analyze the role of setting in creating mood and atmosphere. How does the author use descriptions of the environment to enhance the fairytale romance?
    4. Examine the theme of choice and destiny within the narrative. To what extent are Selina and Adar’s actions determined by fate, and where do they exercise free will?
    5. Discuss the ways in which “The Merman King’s Bride” engages with and subverts traditional fairytale tropes.

    Glossary of Key Terms

    • Fae: A magical, often ethereal race of beings often associated with nature, magic, and mischief. In this excerpt, they are specifically associated with an underwater kingdom.
    • Adar: The Merman King, heir to the throne of the Fae kingdom. He appears to have been in the human world before meeting Selina.
    • Selina: The protagonist of the excerpt, a human woman who crosses over into the Fae realm and is destined to be the Merman King’s bride.
    • Opal Town/Merfolk Fae: The city, and people, which serves as the “second nature,” or home, for the Fae.
    • Curse (Cursed Fae Kings): An unspecified affliction that affects the Fae Kings, possibly involving sorrow and a lack of genuine happiness.
    • Gates to Faerie: A specific location (e.g., Silver Mirror Lake) where the boundary between the human world and the Fae realm is thin.
    • Transformation: A change in form or nature. In this excerpt, it refers to the alterations Selina and Adar undergo.
    • Prophecy: A prediction of future events, often with great significance. In this excerpt, it relates to Adar and Selina’s destiny.
    • Throne/Crowning: A symbolic seat of power and authority, the act of placing the crown on Adar’s head solidifies his reign.
    • Reversed World: Inversion of colors, land formations, etc., that Selina observes as she crosses into Adar’s realm.

    The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance

    Okay, here is a briefing document summarizing the provided excerpts from “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings).”

    Briefing Document: “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”

    Summary:

    This excerpt details the beginning of a fairytale romance between Selina, a human woman, and Adar, a powerful Fae King (implied to be a Merman King due to the mentions of Merfolk and the aquatic themes). Selina travels from her world to the realm of Faerie, specifically to meet Adar. Their meeting involves a carriage ride through a mystical landscape, a deep plunge into a lake, and culminates in a public coronation and marriage proposal. The narrative emphasizes the magical and transformative nature of the Faerie realm, the instant connection and growing affection between Selina and Adar, and the political implications of their union, as Adar’s kingdom appears to be cursed and facing unrest. There’s a strong “Beauty and the Beast” vibe, with Selina seemingly drawn to a potentially dangerous and unconventional figure.

    Main Themes and Ideas:

    • Crossing Between Worlds: A major theme is the transition between the human world and the realm of Faerie. The journey is described as a rebirth or a transformation. “They are still, deep places, the water acting as a medium to soften the transition from one world to the next. Like a birth. A rebirth.” This crossing is not straightforward; it involves lakes, ponds, and a merging of realities.
    • Fate and Destiny: The story implies a predetermined connection between Selina and Adar. Selina seems to be following a path laid out for her. Adar states, “Never. Sometimes you know from the start who your soulmate is. I knew from the start you were mine.” Their union feels inevitable and transcends rational choice.
    • Transformation and Acceptance: Selina experiences physical transformation upon entering the Faerie realm. Moreover, she needs to accept Adar for who he is. Selina says, “I knew it, too,” and “I take it with open arms.” She embraces the strangeness and potential danger of her situation.
    • The Nature of Faerie and Merfolk: The text offers glimpses into the nature of the Fae and the Merfolk. The realm of Faerie is depicted as a place of reversed realities and strange beauty: “A strange world where much is reversed – the colors of the world, the creatures inhabiting it, the place the heart is.” Merfolk are presented as a distinct race with their own culture and settlements.
    • Political Intrigue and Curses: Adar’s kingdom is facing unrest. Adar’s face is described as being “too angular and harsh to look beautiful to me” and we see that he has brothers who are in conflict with Adar over the throne. The curse seems to be lifted or alleviated by Selina’s presence. The story alludes to a curse affecting the land and Adar himself. Selina’s role appears to be intertwined with the fate of the kingdom and the removal of the curse. “The land and the water must be suffering from your flimsy, superficial magic. The land and the water chose me and accepted me as their King. While I am alive, there can be no other.”
    • The Concept of “True Love”: The book leans heavily on the idea that when two true souls find each other, all other concerns fall by the wayside. Selina says: “I never knew I could cry from happiness. I’ve never been so happy before. “Yes,” I whisper, and then louder, “yes. I will.””

    Key Facts and Ideas (with quotes):

    • Selina travels to Faerie via carriage and lake. She knows that gates are linked to Faerie. “I never thought that reading so many stories might prove useful. I know of several spots on the map marked as Gates to Faerie, and since the Silver Mirror Lake is still closed, we’re heading for the next one.”
    • Adar is a powerful, yet potentially dangerous, Fae King. “I gape at him and nod, turning to look behind. I keep forgetting he’s a magical being – a King of Faerie, his power beyond anything I can fathom. That he’s powerful, a powerful Fae King and not a merman trapped in a lake anymore.”
    • There is a strong physical and emotional connection between Selina and Adar. “Gazing up into his shining eyes, his wide grin, makes me dizzy with desire and affection. His loose hair is a deeper blue in this human-like form, the roots almost black, the ends a bright azure that reaches his gaze.”
    • Selina’s presence has an effect on Adar and his kingdom. “His eyes shine even brighter, his eyes brightening more. “Then let me show you the way.” The water turns “pale rose” to reflect Selina.
    • The Merfolk consider the land to be their second nature. They welcome the idea of Selina ruling with Adar. “”People really like water.” “Surprised?” he chuckles. “We are Merfolk. It is our second nature. Our second element.””
    • Adar is King, but has brothers with whom he has conflicts. He is the rightful King.

    Overall Impression:

    The provided excerpts set the stage for a compelling fairytale romance with elements of fantasy, intrigue, and transformation. The story seems to explore the themes of destiny, acceptance, and the power of love to overcome curses and bridge divides between different worlds. It is a standard fairytale that has Beauty and the Beast elements, but a more mature tone than that.

    The Merman King’s Bride: Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)

    Here’s an 8-question FAQ based on the provided excerpts from “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”:

    • What is the setting like at the start of the journey?
    • The journey begins with the protagonist, Selina, in a carriage traveling over rough patches in the road through sparse woods and shrubland. The landscape includes cultivated fields and farms, and a distant town that they are not heading towards. The story takes place in a world where one can cross over into Faerie.
    • What is the significance of the ponds and lakes they encounter?
    • The ponds and lakes, or still waters, are depicted as more than just bodies of water. They are considered places where the water acts as a medium, softening the transition from one world to another. They act as a rebirth. They serve as a gateway to a world where everything is reversed, as the colors of the world and the creatures inhabiting it is reversed.
    • Who is Adar, and what is his relationship to the protagonist?
    • Adar is a powerful Fae King, described as magical and capable of mist blending. Selina is drawn to him. He claims that he is someone who has broken the curse on him and someone she was meant to be with in the human world. He desires Selina to rule with him, even placing a crown upon her head. Adar asks Selina to marry him at the end of the source.
    • What is “Merfolk Fae” and how is it described?
    • Merfolk Fae are described as a second nature, inhabiting a town built on an island in the middle of a lake. They are associated with the Opal Court and possess scales that glimmer in various shades of blue and gray.
    • How does Selina feel about being with Adar?
    • Selina experiences a range of emotions. Initially, she recognizes the gravity of leaving her world. She says she is happy and afraid. However, she states that she never could cry from happiness, indicating a deep and overwhelming joy in being with him.
    • What is the atmosphere and imagery surrounding the Opal Palace?
    • The Opal Palace is situated on an island, surrounded by a lake. The palace itself is bright and filled with flowers. It overlooks the lake and surrounding areas. The palace is described as full of splendor, elegance, and fluid curves.
    • What is significant about the Crown?
    • Adar picks it out of his hair. It is first placed on Adar’s brother, who protests that it is not his. Adar then places the crown on Selina, designating her as his Queen.
    • What are some unusual or magical elements presented in the excerpts?
    • The world-crossing via bodies of water, the existence of Fae and Merfolk Fae, the reversed colors of the alternate world, the ability of Adar to manipulate mist, the presence of cursed Fae Kings, and the magical properties of the land are all unusual and magical elements presented.

    The Merman King’s Bride: Cursed Fae Kings Story Summary

    The story “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)” features cursed Fae Kings.

    Key plot points include:

    • Adar is identified as a King of Faerie with magical power.
    • Adar is under a curse. The land and the water must be suffering from Adar’s curse as well. The curse can’t be undone.
    • Adar is referred to as “The King” who is back and is murmuring. He later kneels and asks Selina to marry him so she can be his queen.
    • Gadiel presents Selina to Adar, a King of the Fae whose curse has broken the curse on him.

    The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)

    “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)” is a fairytale romance.

    Key points:

    • The story includes a King of Faerie who possesses magical power.
    • The tale involves a marriage proposal from the King, Adar, to Selina.
    • The narrative incorporates elements of fantasy and royalty, with characters like kings, queens, and princesses.

    The Merman King’s Bride: Fairytale Romance Summary

    “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)” features a Merman King.

    Here’s what the sources indicate about the Merman King:

    • Adar is identified as a King of Faerie with magical power.
    • He asks Selina to marry him so she can be his queen.
    • Gadiel presents Selina to Adar, a King of the Fae whose curse has broken.

    Selina and Adar: A Fairytale Romance

    Selina is a central character in “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”.

    Key points about Selina:

    • Selina is traveling through a world that is the reverse of the one she knows.
    • Adar kneels and asks Selina to marry him so that she can be his queen.
    • Gadiel presents Selina to Adar.
    • Gadiel indicates that Selina is the rightful King and a princess.
    • Adar tells Selina that he wants her to be his queen and the queen of his heart, and asks her to marry him.
    • Selina agrees to marry Adar.

    Adar: The Cursed Fae King

    Adar is a central character in “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”.

    Here’s what the sources indicate about Adar:

    • King of Faerie: Adar is identified as a King of Faerie with magical power.
    • Cursed: Adar is under a curse. The land and the water suffer from his curse. The curse has broken on him.
    • Relationship with Selina: Adar asks Selina to marry him so she can be his queen. Gadiel presents Selina to Adar. Adar tells Selina that he wants her to be his queen and the queen of his heart and asks her to marry him, which she accepts.
    • Physical Description: Adar’s eyes are described as fae, very unlike Adar’s, and although he has the relentlessly perfect beauty of the Fae, his face is too angular and harsh to look beautiful to Selina. Adar smiles with desire and affection. Adar’s grin fades and his voice grows sharp.
    • Coronation: Adar lifts a hand and the crown lifts off his brother’s head. The crown floats over to Adar and then he places it on his head. The crowd gasps.

    By Amjad Izhar
    Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
    https://amjadizhar.blog

    Affiliate Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps keep this blog running and allows me to continue providing you with quality content. Thank you for your support!

  • QuickBooks Desktop Basics

    QuickBooks Desktop Basics

    This video tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to using QuickBooks Desktop software. The tutorial covers setting up a new QuickBooks file, including chart of accounts configuration and initial data entry. It then details the workflows for managing customers and vendors, including creating estimates, invoices, purchase orders, and bills. The video also explains how to manage bank accounts and reconcile transactions, emphasizing the importance of accurate record-keeping. Finally, it introduces basic reporting functionalities within QuickBooks, focusing on profit and loss statements.

    QuickBooks Study Guide

    Quiz

    1. What is the significance of choosing a fiscal year start month in QuickBooks setup? The fiscal year start month determines the accounting period for your business. Most businesses use a January-December calendar year, but some may have a different fiscal year (e.g., July-June). The start month affects how tax returns are filed, as most corporations use March 15.
    2. When setting up QuickBooks, where is it recommended to save the company file and why? It is not recommended to save the company file on the desktop because it can be easily deleted or misplaced, instead, the file should be saved in a dedicated folder, such as in ‘Documents’. In a multi-user environment, the file should be placed on the server, with assistance from IT.
    3. What are the three options for what you sell in QuickBooks setup and how do you know which to pick? The three options are “products,” “services,” or “both.” Choose “products” if you sell physical goods, “services” if your business provides labor or rentals, and “both” if you sell both physical products and services.
    4. Explain what “progress invoicing” means in the context of QuickBooks. Progress invoicing is used for long-term projects, such as construction. It allows you to bill your client in installments, or milestones, according to the completion of specific phases of the project rather than just billing for the entire project at once.
    5. What is the difference between tracking inventory and not tracking it in QuickBooks? Tracking inventory means you maintain a count of the products you buy, stock, and sell, and account for discrepancies. Not tracking inventory means you may charge for goods but not record individual items. If a business resells materials without keeping them in stock, it may not be necessary to track inventory.
    6. What is the purpose of the “open window list” in QuickBooks? The “open window list” is a navigational tool that displays all the windows that are currently open. This makes it easy to switch between different screens like invoices, bills, and estimates, without having to minimize or search through many open pages.
    7. How can you access QuickBooks functions that do not have a control key shortcut? You can access almost every function by using the Alt key. For example, to open the Item List, press Alt + L, then I. The underlined letter on the menu is the letter you press after Alt.
    8. Why is it important to enter opening balances when creating new accounts in QuickBooks? If you are setting up QuickBooks for a company that has been operating prior to the start of the QuickBooks file, you need to enter opening balances for each balance sheet account to have a clear financial picture at the start date of your QuickBooks file. This accurately sets the beginning balances for assets, liabilities, and equity.
    9. When setting up a new chart of accounts, what is the difference between income/expense accounts and balance sheet accounts? Balance sheet accounts (e.g., assets, liabilities, equity) carry opening balances and reflect a company’s financial position. Income and expense accounts do not carry opening balances and are used to track revenue and costs during the accounting period. Balance sheet accounts are “point in time” accounts, while income and expense accounts are “period of time” accounts.
    10. How do you merge two redundant accounts in the Chart of Accounts and why would you do this? To merge two accounts, edit the name of the account you want to eliminate and change the name to match the account you want to keep. Quickbooks will ask if you want to merge the accounts. This is useful when you have created similar accounts for the same purpose. This allows you to create consolidated reports for better financial tracking.

    Essay Questions

    1. Discuss the importance of setting up QuickBooks correctly for a small business. What decisions must the business owner make, and why do these decisions matter?
    2. Explain the relationship between the chart of accounts and the items list in QuickBooks. How do these lists work together to create accurate transactions?
    3. Describe the steps involved in the workflow from a customer requesting an estimate to receiving payment in QuickBooks.
    4. Compare and contrast the use of ‘Enter Bills’ and ‘Write Checks’ in QuickBooks. What are the circumstances when you should use each option?
    5. Explain how to use the various financial reports in QuickBooks, including the profit and loss, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows. How do these reports work together to give a business a clear financial picture?

    Glossary of Key Terms

    Accounts Payable: Money owed to vendors for goods or services purchased on credit.

    Accounts Receivable: Money owed to a business by its customers for goods or services sold on credit.

    Accrual Basis Accounting: An accounting method that recognizes revenue when earned and expenses when incurred, regardless of when cash is received or paid.

    Administrative Password: A password that gives access to change settings and control the QuickBooks company file.

    Balance Sheet: A financial statement that provides a snapshot of a company’s assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific point in time.

    Bill: A document from a vendor that states what is owed for goods or services.

    Book Value: The net value of an asset calculated by subtracting the accumulated depreciation from the asset’s original cost.

    Cash Basis Accounting: An accounting method that recognizes revenue when cash is received and expenses when cash is paid.

    Chart of Accounts: A list of all the financial categories used by a business to categorize all financial transactions.

    Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): The direct costs associated with producing goods or services that are sold by a business.

    Credit Card Register: A ledger that tracks all credit card transactions for a business.

    Customer Center: A central area in QuickBooks for managing customer information and transactions.

    Depreciation: The decrease in value of an asset over time due to use, wear and tear, or obsolescence.

    Estimate: A non-binding quote or proposal given to a customer for work to be done.

    Fiscal Year: The 12-month period that a company uses for accounting purposes.

    Fixed Assets: Long-term tangible pieces of property that are not easily turned into cash.

    Item List: A list of the products and services that a business buys or sells.

    Item Receipt: A document that verifies inventory has been received from a vendor and is not tied to an invoice.

    Job: A subcategory of a customer that is used to track specific projects.

    Markup: A percentage or dollar amount added to a product’s cost to arrive at a sales price.

    Non-Inventory Part: An item that is bought and sold but not tracked as inventory.

    On the Positive Funds: A temporary holding account in QuickBooks for customer payments before they are deposited into a bank account.

    Opening Balance: The initial balance of an account at the start of a new QuickBooks file.

    Other Charge: An item for miscellaneous fees or charges that are not part of the main business income.

    Pay Bills: A feature in QuickBooks that is used to pay bills that have been entered using the ‘Enter Bills’ function.

    Purchase Order (PO): A document sent to a vendor requesting goods or services.

    QuickReport: A detailed history of an item in Quickbooks.

    Register: A ledger that tracks all financial transactions for a particular account, typically a bank or credit card account.

    Sales Order: A document that records a customer order and is used to track inventory and fulfill orders.

    Service Item: An item that represents a service that is provided by the business.

    Statement of Cash Flows: A financial statement that reports on a company’s cash inflows and outflows over a specific period.

    Sub-Account: A smaller category nested under a larger, primary account.

    Subtotal: An item used to calculate the total amount of multiple items.

    Vendor: A person or business that provides goods or services to a company.

    Vendor Center: A central area in QuickBooks for managing vendor information and transactions.

    QuickBooks Setup and Navigation Guide

    Okay, here is a detailed briefing document summarizing the key themes and ideas from the provided text excerpts.

    Briefing Document: QuickBooks Setup and Navigation

    Overview:

    This document summarizes the key concepts and procedures detailed in the provided text excerpts related to setting up a new QuickBooks file, basic navigation within the software, managing the chart of accounts, working with items, creating customers and vendors, and handling various customer and vendor transactions. The sources appear to be transcripts of instructional videos or guides for QuickBooks users.

    I. Initial QuickBooks Setup:

    • Business Structure: The user is guided to select the appropriate business structure, with the S-corporation being highlighted as a typical choice for small companies.
    • Quote: “…i’m gonna go ahead and pick uh s-corporation which is uh tends to be one of the most uh typical ones here for a small company…”
    • Fiscal Year: Users must specify their fiscal year start month (typically January). They’re also instructed to alter this setting if their fiscal year does not align with the calendar year.
    • Quote: “…if you’re a regular calendar year company where you start january and december… you’re going to leave january there but if you happen to close your year let’s say june 30th…then you’re gonna pick my fiscal year starts july…”
    • Administrative Password: Setting an administrative password is crucial for security.
    • File Location: The importance of saving the QuickBooks file in an appropriate location (not the desktop) is emphasized, especially in multi-user environments.
    • Quote: “…don’t put it in the desktop because typically in the desktop you’ll be sort of inclined to put it in the trash can or something like that…” It is also recommended to consult with an IT professional to determine the correct location when in a multi user environment.
    • Company Customization: QuickBooks asks a series of questions to tailor the software to the user’s specific needs.
    • Sales Type: The software requests information on whether the company sells products, services, or both.
    • Quote: “First question is what do you sell products services or both”
    • Sales Tax: The system prompts the user to indicate if they charge sales tax and if needed, to seek advice from an accountant regarding the taxability of their products.
    • Estimates: Users are asked whether they create estimates for clients.
    • Quote: “…if you want to give somebody a quote a proposal basically like a pre-invoice very organized with a total then you want to pick yes there for estimate…”
    • Customer Orders: The setup asks if the user tracks customer orders. It is mentioned that for basic use, sales orders might not be necessary but that those who work with QuickBooks premier, accountant or enterprise, and have inventory, and who take orders for things not in stock will need the sales order.
    • Quote: “…if you are working with quickbooks premier accountant or enterprise and you have inventory and you take orders for things you don’t have in stock yet and you want to take that order and then sort of remind you and have a mechanism to go order the product through your vendor that’s what a sales order will be…”
    • Billing Statements: The system inquires about the use of billing statements for clients.
    • Quote: “…basically you want to give a client a statement monthly quarterly that shows all the payments all the invoices it’s like an invoice of invoices…”
    • Progress Invoicing: It asks if the user utilizes progress invoicing, commonly used in construction or project-based billing.
    • Quote: “…if you are in the construction industry if you sell projects that are sort of long term if your contract says you know the whole thing’s a hundred thousand and if you meet condition a b and c you can build your first 25 percent and then if you hit meet condition c d and f then you can build another 30 percent that sort of building is called progress invoicing…”
    • Bill Management: The system asks if users want to track bills they owe to vendors for future payments.
    • Quote: “…do you want to track accounts payable do you want uh to put vendor bills that you want to pay later set them in quickbooks now recognize the expense now pay them later track how much money you owe in the future that would be a bill…”
    • Inventory Tracking: The system prompts users to indicate if they track inventory.
    • Quote: “…if you purchase product you stock it you put it in the warehouse you maintain it you make sure that it doesn’t break you make sure you don’t lose it you count it… then you do track inventory…”
    • Time Tracking: The user is asked if they track time for employees and billing purposes.
    • Quote: “…if i’m gonna have time sheets and those timesheets are gonna be used to understand how much our employees time is worth uh in each project or maybe i want to generate a paycheck with it or maybe i just want to bill my client the hours that i spent on the project…”
    • Employees & Subcontractors: The user is asked about having employees or subcontractors and if using 1099 subcontractors, the option should be selected.
    • Start Date: The user is prompted for their start date for accounting and that ideally it should be at the start of the fiscal year but that it is possible to start in the middle of a fiscal year with no issues.
    • Quote: “The question essentially is do you want to start your accounting at the beginning of this fiscal year…very very common but you don’t have to…”
    • Suggested Accounts: The software suggests income and expense accounts based on the user’s previous answers to the setup questions.

    II. Basic Navigation:

    • Open Window List: A key navigation tool that allows users to easily switch between multiple open windows within QuickBooks. It provides an alternative to manually managing overlapping windows.
    • Quote: “…this open window list here on the left when it makes it really easy because you can just quickly go to the window you want…”
    • Left Icon Bar: An alternative method for accessing open windows.
    • Escape Key: The escape key is used to close active windows. A “close all” option can close every single window.
    • Quote: “…the escape key in quickbooks will close a window…”
    • Keyboard Shortcuts: Menus and transactions show keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+R for “Use Register,” Ctrl+F for “Find”). The “Alt” key can also be used to access many functions using underlined letters in menus (e.g., Alt+L+I for “Item List”).
    • Quote: “…you actually can access almost every not every but almost every function in quickbooks using the alt key…”

    III. Chart of Accounts:

    • Account Types: The source material discusses setting up various types of accounts, including bank accounts, fixed assets, loans, income, and expenses.
    • Opening Balances: For balance sheet accounts, it’s emphasized that when setting up a new QuickBooks file with a starting date in the middle of a fiscal year, you will need to enter opening balances from the previous year.
    • Quote: “…because I’m setting up quickbooks for the first time and there was in fact activity or there was accounting before we started this fiscal year I have to put every single uh balance sheet account that i create i have to put opening balance…”
    • Bank Account Setup: The account setup emphasizes using explicit account names. Also the inclusion of the last four digits of an account is suggested as good practice for identifying multiple bank accounts.
    • Quote: “…i’m gonna call this one wells fargo maybe i put the word checking and then the last four digits of the account…that could be a good use for that…”
    • Fixed Asset and Depreciation: The process includes creating accounts for fixed assets and accumulated depreciation.
    • Loan Account Setup: The text guides the user through creating a loan account, including the opening balance of the loan.
    • Income & Expense Categories: The setup process involves creating income and expense categories, also including sub-categories of accounts for further clarification.
    • Account Customization: Users can rename, edit, and create new accounts. They can also create sub-accounts.
    • Hiding Accounts Accounts can be made inactive and hidden from view without deleting them permanently.
    • Deleting Accounts: Accounts can be deleted if they have no prior transactions and when trying to delete an account that does have transactions, it can only be made inactive.
    • Merging Accounts: Redundant accounts can be merged to consolidate data.
    • Quote: “…if i hit yes it will merge them together as if no separate accounts ever existed…”

    IV. Item List:

    • Connection to Chart of Accounts: The close relationship between the item list and the chart of accounts is noted.
    • Item Types: Various item types are discussed, including service, inventory part, non-inventory part, other charge, subtotal, group, discount, and payment.
    • Service Items: Creating service items with descriptions and rates is covered.
    • Non-Inventory Parts: Non-inventory parts, such as cables, can be set up with both sales and purchase prices.
    • Other Charges: Items for miscellaneous charges, such as delivery fees, can be created.
    • Inventory Parts: The creation of inventory parts, with details such as purchase description, cost, sales description, sales price, and reorder points are detailed.
    • Quote: “You will notice immediately that there’s no like little weird checkbox asking me to expand or collapse the items to be double or single sided automatically because they’re inventory part you are forced to have an expense site and a sales side all right…”
    • Double-Sided Items: Some items can be used for both sales and purchases.
    • Markup and Margin: The text notes that a feature to show markup and margin is only available in QuickBooks Enterprise.
    • Import and Export: Items can be imported from Excel. (not explicitly stated in source but implied and included for completeness)

    V. Customers and Vendors:

    • Customer Center: The Customer Center is used to create new customers, jobs, and manage customer information.
    • Creating Customers: The creation process includes storing contact information, billing details, payment terms, and other pertinent data.
    • Customer Jobs: Jobs are sub-categories of customers, used to track specific projects, and it is noted that jobs should be used when a customer has multiple locations and projects. Jobs are also often used when payment for a project is separate than for a customer in general.
    • Moving Customers & Jobs: The user can move a customer from a job to a customer by dragging and dropping the diamond symbol on the record.
    • Quick Customer/Job Creation: A customer/job can be created on the fly through an invoice by typing a colon after the customer name.
    • Vendor Center: Similar to the Customer Center, the Vendor Center manages all vendor-related information.
    • Creating Vendors: This involves inputting contact information, payment terms, and 1099 eligibility.
    • Vendor Types: Vendors can be grouped into categories.
    • Open Balance: It is noted that opening balances for vendors should be avoided.
    • Renaming and Deleting Vendors: Vendors can be renamed or made inactive. Vendors cannot be deleted after having been used in a transaction.
    • Quote: “…however because of accounting i can’t just delete the vendor because it’s been used in a transaction…”

    VI. Customer Transactions:

    • Estimates: The process of creating estimates for customers using items is explained. It’s pointed out that estimates can contain a mixture of both products and services.
    • Estimate Layout: Estimates can be modified using a variety of templates that display more or less detailed information.
    • Duplicating Estimates: Estimates can be duplicated for ease of creation.
    • Estimates to Invoices: The document discusses converting estimates to invoices and it also mentions the possibility of receiving payments prior to creating an invoice for a customer and that such payments will be treated as a deposit for that customer.
    • Partial Payments: It is noted that partial payment can also be received.
    • Customer Payments: Methods of receiving payments, including recording customer payments and making bank deposits are detailed.
    • Undeposited Funds: The use of undeposited funds for handling payments prior to bank deposits is covered.
    • Prepayments: When prepayments are made, they are applied to the customer account.

    VII. Vendor Transactions:

    • Purchase Orders: Creating purchase orders to buy products from vendors is described. Purchase orders can include both inventory items and other items such as shipping.
    • PO Customer Job Customers jobs can be added to a line of a PO in order to track specific purchases for specific customers.
    • Line Item Operations: Users are instructed on how to add, copy, paste, and delete lines in a purchase order.
    • Shipping Costs: Adding shipping costs to purchase orders is explained.
    • Attaching Files: It is noted that files can be attached to a purchase order and sent to the vendor.
    • Item Receipts: Receiving inventory using item receipts is detailed, and it is noted that it is possible to receive inventory from multiple POs on one item receipt.
    • Billable Item: It is mentioned that products can be marked as billable when they are received and assigned to a customer. It is stressed that this feature should not be used if a estimate or sales order has already been created.
    • Converting Item Receipts to Bills: The process of turning item receipts into bills is noted.
    • Bills (No PO): Creating bills for expenses not linked to purchase orders is discussed, emphasizing the use of the “Expenses” tab rather than “Items.”
    • Paying Bills: The process of paying vendor bills is detailed, showing how to manage and print checks or record other forms of payment.
    • Quote: “…this is a screen used for for me to print the check and if I don’t print checks if I write checks by hand then I want to make sure that if I write a check by hand that I’m also recording it in quickbooks…”
    • Pay Bills Screen: Users are instructed on how to use the Pay Bills window, filtering, and sorting options.

    VIII. Check Register:

    • Accessing Register: The Check Register can be accessed through multiple methods, including a home screen button, banking menu, and keyboard shortcut.
    • Entering Transactions: Manually entering transactions, such as withdrawals, debit card charges, and checks in the check register, is explained.
    • Reference Numbers: The use of reference numbers and memo fields in the register is clarified.
    • Debit Card Transactions: It is noted that when using debit card transactions, check numbers should not be used to ensure accuracy.
    • Printing Checks: It is noted that checks can be printed directly from the Right Check screen.
    • Batch Printing Checks: Checks can be marked to print later and printed in batch.

    IX. Financial Reports

    • Balance Sheet: The balance sheet report shows the assets, liabilities, and equity of the company at a specific point in time.
    • Profit and Loss Statement: The profit and loss statement is also known as the income statement and shows the revenues and expenses of the company over a period of time.
    • Statement of Cash Flows: The statement of cash flows details the movement of cash within the company.
    • Cash vs. Accrual Basis: The concepts of cash and accrual accounting methods for the financial reports are detailed.

    Conclusion:

    These excerpts provide a foundational understanding of how to set up and navigate QuickBooks, manage financial records, and execute various transactions. The information is presented in a step-by-step manner with explanations of key concepts and functions, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, and data integrity. This document serves as a guide to navigating the initial steps of using QuickBooks.

    QuickBooks Setup and Navigation Guide

    QuickBooks Setup & Basics

    • What is an S-corporation and why is it a common choice for small businesses? An S-corporation is a specific type of business structure that allows profits and losses to be passed through directly to the owners’ personal income, avoiding corporate level income tax. It is a typical structure chosen by small business owners for its tax benefits and relative ease of setup compared to other forms of incorporation.
    • How do you determine your fiscal year start month in QuickBooks? Your fiscal year start month is typically January if you operate on a calendar year (January to December). If your company closes its accounting year on a different date (e.g., June 30th), then you would select the appropriate start month, such as July. Most companies operate on a standard January to December calendar year.
    • Why is it important to choose the right save location when setting up a new QuickBooks file? Choosing the right save location is critical to ensure your QuickBooks file works correctly, especially in a multi-user network environment. Avoid saving it on the desktop where it might accidentally be deleted. It’s recommended to save it within a dedicated folder in a location that makes sense, such as within the documents folder. It’s best to consult with IT personnel when using multi-user server environments.
    • What are the main questions QuickBooks asks during setup, and why are they important? QuickBooks asks several questions during setup to tailor the software to your specific business needs. These questions include: whether you sell products, services, or both; whether you charge sales tax; if you create estimates; if you track customer orders; if you use billing statements; if you use progress invoicing; if you manage bills you owe; if you track inventory; if you track time; and if you have employees or subcontractors. These options help set up the correct accounting workflows and features, which helps to tailor QuickBooks functionality specific to your business.

    QuickBooks Navigation & Chart of Accounts

    • How can you effectively manage multiple open windows in QuickBooks? QuickBooks offers several ways to manage multiple open windows. The “Open Window List” on the left side allows you to easily switch between different open windows. Additionally, the “Left Icon Bar” can be expanded to also view the open windows. You can also use the escape key to close windows one by one or “Window->Close All” to close all windows at once.
    • What keyboard shortcuts can help with QuickBooks navigation? QuickBooks has many keyboard shortcuts that can help speed up your work. Common shortcuts include “Ctrl + R” to open the register, “Ctrl + F” to find transactions, and “Ctrl + A” for the chart of accounts. Many menu items display keyboard shortcuts next to them in the menus, such as “Ctrl + I” for invoice creation. Additionally, you can use the “Alt” key to access any function in the menus by hitting Alt, then the underlined letter in the menu and then the underlined letter of the menu option (e.g., Alt+L+I opens the item list).
    • What is the importance of entering opening balances for balance sheet accounts in QuickBooks and how is it done? Opening balances for balance sheet accounts are necessary for ensuring that your QuickBooks file is accurate from the start, especially if you are setting it up mid-year. When creating a balance sheet account in QuickBooks, you use the “Enter Opening Balance” feature and obtain the balance from prior balance sheets or bank statements as of the day before your QuickBooks start date, and enter them in the screen. The date and amount are the actual balance of the prior financial statements.
    • How can you customize the Chart of Accounts in QuickBooks, and why is that important? You can customize the chart of accounts by creating new accounts, editing existing ones, creating sub-accounts and merging duplicate accounts. It’s also possible to make them inactive, rename them, or delete if there have been no transactions. The Chart of Accounts is the foundation for proper financial reporting, so having categories for different types of income, expense, assets, and liabilities that fit your particular business operations is essential. For instance, you may need multiple income accounts to track different revenue streams such as “Training Services”, add insurance sub-categories like “Life insurance for key persons,” or create additional accounts for different types of auto expenses such as, “fuel,” “parking,” and “auto maintenance”.

    QuickBooks Company Setup Guide

    To set up QuickBooks, it is recommended to use the detail start or advanced setup, as this will guide you step by step with questions to match your business and industry. The express start option only asks for your company name, industry, and business type.

    Here are the steps involved in setting up a new company file in QuickBooks:

    • Company Name and Address: You will need to enter your company name and address. You can also include a tax ID, phone number, email, and website, but these are not required.
    • Industry: Choose the industry that best matches your business. QuickBooks will customize your chart of accounts and the types of transactions you work with based on your industry. If you can’t find your specific industry, you can choose a general product-based or service-based option.
    • Company Organization: You will need to specify how your company is organized for tax purposes, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. If you are unsure, consult your accountant or lawyer.
    • Fiscal Year: Select your company’s fiscal year start month. Most companies operate on a January to December calendar year.
    • Administrator Password: Create a password for the administrator account. If you are setting up the company for the first time, you will likely be the administrator.
    • Save Location: Choose a location on your computer to save the company file. It is recommended not to save it on the desktop. If you are working in a multi-user environment, consult your IT person.
    • Customization: After saving, QuickBooks will ask a series of questions to further customize the setup. These questions include:
    • What you sell: products, services, or both
    • Whether you charge sales tax
    • Whether you create estimates
    • Whether you track customer orders
    • Whether you use billing statements
    • Whether you use progress invoicing
    • Whether you manage bills you owe
    • Whether you track inventory
    • Whether you track time
    • Whether you have employees or subcontractors
    • Start Date: You will need to choose a start date for your accounting. You can choose the beginning of the fiscal year or any other date. Keep in mind you will need to enter all beginning balances as of that date.
    • Chart of Accounts: QuickBooks will suggest a chart of accounts based on the options selected. You can select or deselect categories or sub-accounts as needed. If you are unsure, you can select the “Ask My Accountant” option.

    Once the initial setup is complete, a QuickBooks setup screen will appear, but you won’t see it again. You can then start working on setting up customers, products, and bank accounts.

    The chart of accounts is the heart of your accounting system, and it categorizes every transaction. It is accessed through the List menu, the home page, or by using the Ctrl+A keyboard shortcut. There are two major types of accounts, balance sheet accounts and profit and loss accounts. Balance sheet accounts have a running balance and appear on the balance sheet, while profit and loss accounts show up on the profit and loss statement.

    QuickBooks Sales Transactions

    Sales transactions in QuickBooks involve several steps, beginning with an estimate, proceeding to an invoice, and concluding with receiving payment.

    Here is a breakdown of the sales transaction process:

    • Estimates:
    • Estimates are used to provide a formal written price quote for a product or service to a customer.
    • They serve as a record of the prices offered to customers.
    • Estimates can include internal cost rates and markups, which can be hidden from the customer.
    • When creating an estimate, you can choose items from your item list, and the descriptions and prices will populate automatically.
    • You can modify the item descriptions on the estimate, and you can also add a quantity for each item.
    • If you are using an hourly service item, the quantity should be in hours.
    • You can use different templates to modify what information is visible to the customer on the estimate [2, 4].
    • You can create an estimate by clicking on the “Estimates” icon on the home page or by selecting “Estimates” from the “Customers” menu [1].
    • You can create an estimate for a specific customer and job [3].
    • If a customer approves the estimate, you can convert it into an invoice [5].
    • Invoices:
    • Invoices are created after the product is delivered or the service is completed [1].
    • The purpose of an invoice is to notify a client that they owe money for work completed or goods provided [1].
    • When you create an invoice from an estimate, the information from the estimate (item descriptions, quantities, prices) will transfer to the invoice [5].
    • Invoices can include terms, which specify the number of days a customer has to pay [6].
    • You can print or email invoices to clients [6].
    • You can create an invoice by clicking on the “Create Invoices” icon on the home page or by selecting “Create Invoices” from the “Customers” menu [1].
    • If you do not want to use an estimate, you can create an invoice from scratch, but this requires re-entering all the information [5].
    • If you are managing inventory, you should not invoice items that you do not have in stock, as this will create a negative inventory transaction [7].
    • Sales Receipts:
    • A sales receipt is used when a customer pays at the same time the work is performed or the product is delivered [6].
    • A sales receipt combines the invoice and the payment into a single transaction [6].
    • It is an alternative to the invoice payment workflow [6].
    • Customer Payments:
    • Customer payments are recorded separately from invoicing, and this is for when payments are received after the work or service is complete [1].
    • When you receive a payment, QuickBooks will ask you where to deposit the payment [1].
    • You can record payments in cash, check, credit/debit card, or other payment methods, such as wire transfers [8].
    • If a customer pays by check, it is recommended to record the check number in QuickBooks [8].
    • If a customer makes a partial payment you can record that [6].
    • QuickBooks Payments is a service that allows clients to pay electronically [8].
    • Payments are typically deposited into a temporary account called “undeposited funds” before being deposited into a bank account [9].
    • A deposit is recorded when the money is transferred from the undeposited funds account to a bank account [9].
    • To record a payment, click the “Receive Payments” icon on the home page or select “Receive Payments” from the “Customers” menu [1, 6].
    • To record a deposit, click the “Record Deposits” icon on the home page [9].

    It is important to keep track of all estimates and invoices in your records and understand the difference between cash and accrual accounting. Accrual accounting recognizes income and expenses when they are incurred, whereas cash accounting only records income when payment is received and expenses when payment is made [10, 11].

    QuickBooks Vendor Transaction Workflow

    Vendor transactions in QuickBooks involve a workflow that begins with a purchase order, may include an item receipt, continues to a bill, and ends with paying the bill [1].

    Here’s a detailed breakdown of the vendor transaction process:

    • Purchase Orders:A purchase order is created when a business orders products or services from a vendor [1].
    • Purchase orders can be created from scratch for inventory, or based on a sales transaction like an estimate or sales order [1].
    • To create a purchase order, you can click the “Purchase Order” icon on the home page, select “Create Purchase Order” from the “Vendors” menu, or use the keyboard shortcut Alt + O + U [2]. You can also access purchase orders in the vendor center [2].
    • You will need to select a vendor, and you can add a new vendor on the fly if needed [3].
    • You can specify a “drop ship to” location, which is the customer’s address if the vendor is shipping directly to the customer [3].
    • The purchase order number is automatically generated by QuickBooks and should not be manually changed [3].
    • You can add a memo to the purchase order, such as a sales order or estimate number, that caused the need for the purchase order [4].
    • You can add items to the purchase order, including quantity, description, and customer job for internal purposes [4, 5].
    • If you know the shipping cost, you can add a freight or shipping line to the purchase order using the “other charge” item type [5, 6].
    • Purchase orders can be printed, emailed, or saved with attachments [7, 8].
    • Receiving Inventory:When the vendor ships the order, you can either receive the inventory with a bill or receive it without a bill [8].
    • If you choose to receive inventory without a bill, it creates an item receipt, which is essentially a bill that doesn’t post to the “Pay Bills” window [8, 9].
    • You can access the item receipt screen by clicking on “Receive Inventory” on the home page [8].
    • When receiving inventory, you can select a vendor, which will prompt QuickBooks to show you any outstanding purchase orders from that vendor [9].
    • You can choose to receive all or some of the items from a purchase order, and you can select multiple purchase orders to be included in a single item receipt [9].
    • The items tab will display the items, quantity, and price from the purchase order, and you can specify a customer job associated with the item [10].
    • If an item was ordered for a specific customer but you do not have an estimate or sales order, you can mark it as billable so that QuickBooks reminds you to bill the customer [10].
    • You will also need to include the reference number, which is typically the invoice number from your vendor [10].
    • The item receipt will update your inventory levels [11].
    • You can convert an item receipt to a bill by checking the box labeled “Bill Received” at the top of the screen [8, 9].
    • Alternatively, you can create a bill later based on an item receipt [12].
    • If you choose to receive inventory with a bill, this skips the item receipt step, and goes directly to creating a bill from the purchase order [12].
    • Bills:A bill is created when you receive an invoice from a vendor for goods or services [13].
    • Bills can be created from an item receipt or a purchase order, or they can be created for expenses that do not involve a purchase order, such as utilities or rent [11, 13].
    • To create a bill, you can click on the “Enter Bills” icon on the home page or select “Enter Bills” from the “Vendors” menu [13].
    • You will need to select a vendor, and you can add a new vendor on the fly if needed [13].
    • Bills that are related to items purchased or received are entered in the Items tab, while expenses that are not related to inventory are entered in the expenses tab [13].
    • When entering a bill, you should include the vendor’s invoice number in the reference number field [13].
    • Paying Bills:To pay bills, you can click on the “Pay Bills” icon on the home page or select “Pay Bills” from the “Vendors” menu [14].
    • You can filter the bills you want to pay by due date, vendor, or reference number [15].
    • The “Pay Bills” screen is used to record the payment, whether by check, credit card, wire transfer, or other method [16].
    • You can sort the bills by date, vendor name, and other fields [15].
    • You can see your bank balance in the “Pay Bills” window, which will be reduced by paying the selected bills [15].
    • You can choose to pay bills with a check, which you can print from Quickbooks or write by hand; and if you write a check by hand, you will still need to record it in the “Pay Bills” window [16]. You can record the check number from the physical check in this window [16].
    • If you pay by credit card or wire transfer, you will still use the “Pay Bills” window and select check as the payment method [16].
    • You can pay selected bills, and choose which bank account the payment comes from [16].
    • You can also pay bills using a debit card [17].
    • Using the “Write Checks” function is not recommended for paying bills, because it does not properly link to accounts payable [14]. This can cause problems with your bank balance and with managing your payables [14]. The “Write Checks” function should only be used to pay a vendor or supplier in cases where you do not want to use the accounts payable feature [17].

    It is important to note that the “Pay Bills” screen is used for recording the payment, not actually making the payment [16]. The actual payment is made through your bank, credit card company, etc.

    QuickBooks Chart of Accounts

    The chart of accounts is a fundamental part of QuickBooks, serving as the heart of the accounting system [1]. It is where all financial transactions are categorized [1].

    Here’s a breakdown of key aspects of the chart of accounts:

    • Purpose: The chart of accounts is a list of all the categories or financial accounts used to organize every transaction [1]. Each transaction is recorded under one of these categories [1].
    • Accessing the Chart of Accounts:
    • The chart of accounts can be accessed through the “List” menu, then “Chart of Accounts” [1].
    • The keyboard shortcut to access the chart of accounts is Ctrl + A [1].
    • If the home page is open, the chart of accounts can be accessed by clicking on the “Chart of Accounts” icon in the company section [1].
    • Types of Accounts: The chart of accounts has two major types of account categories [1]:
    • Balance Sheet Accounts: These accounts appear on the balance sheet financial statement [1]. They track what the company owns (assets), what it owes (liabilities), and the owner’s equity [2-4]. Balance sheet accounts have a running balance [1]. Examples of balance sheet accounts include:
    • Assets: bank accounts, fixed assets (like trucks and equipment), accounts receivable [2].
    • Liabilities: loans, credit cards, accounts payable [2].
    • Equity: opening balance equity, retained earnings [2].
    • Profit and Loss (Income Statement) Accounts: These accounts appear on the profit and loss statement (also known as the income statement) [1]. They track income, cost of goods sold, and expenses [1, 3, 5]. Profit and loss accounts do not carry opening balances [6]. Examples include:
    • Income: consulting income, sales of hardware, training services [6].
    • Cost of Goods Sold: subcontracted services, purchases of hardware [6].
    • Expenses: insurance, automobile, travel, utilities, rent [7].
    • Creating New Accounts:
    • To create a new account, right-click within the chart of accounts and select “New” [2]. You can also click on the “Account” button at the bottom and select “New”, or use the shortcut Ctrl + N [2, 8].
    • When creating a new account, you will need to select the account type (income, expense, bank, fixed asset, etc.) [2].
    • Bank Accounts: When creating a new bank account, provide a name that easily identifies the account (e.g., “Wells Fargo Checking,” “Chase Savings”) [2]. You will need to enter an opening balance from the bank statement as of the day before the QuickBooks start date [9].
    • When setting up a new account, it’s important to set the appropriate opening balance if there were prior transactions before the QuickBooks start date [9].
    • When entering an opening balance for an asset, QuickBooks will automatically create a counterbalancing entry in the “Opening Balance Equity” account [10].
    • Subaccounts: Accounts can have subaccounts, which provide further categorization. For example, “Insurance Expense” may have subaccounts for “General Liability” and “Health Insurance” [11].
    • Editing and Managing Accounts:
    • To edit an account, right-click on it and select “Edit” [7].
    • To rename an account, edit the name, and save [12].
    • To delete an account, right-click on it and select “Delete Account” [13].
    • You can only delete an account if it has no transactions associated with it [13].
    • To hide an account, right-click on it and select “Make Account Inactive” [13]. This does not erase the history [13].
    • Inactive accounts can be viewed by checking the “Include Inactive” box [14].
    • Inactive accounts can be reactivated by right-clicking and selecting “Make Account Active” or clicking on the “x” next to the account [14].
    • Merging Accounts: If you have duplicate or redundant accounts, you can merge them by editing the name of the account you want to get rid of to match the name of the account you want to keep. QuickBooks will then prompt you to merge the two accounts [12].
    • Linking Accounts to Items: It is important to understand the link between the chart of accounts and the item list. Income accounts and cost of goods sold accounts in the chart of accounts are essential for setting up items, particularly inventory items [8]. Each item (service, inventory part, etc.) needs to be linked to an appropriate income and/or expense account from your chart of accounts [15].
    • Using the “Select from Examples” Button: When creating a new expense account, you can click the “Select from examples” button to select from a list of categories that you didn’t choose when setting up the company file [13].

    Understanding the chart of accounts is crucial because it provides the structure for organizing all financial information in QuickBooks [1].

    QuickBooks Financial Reporting

    Financial reports in QuickBooks provide insights into a company’s financial performance and position [1]. Here’s a breakdown of key financial reports:

    • Profit and Loss (Income Statement):
    • The profit and loss statement (also known as the income statement) shows a company’s income, cost of goods sold, and expenses over a specific period [1, 2].
    • It helps assess a company’s profitability [3].
    • The report can be accessed through “Reports” menu, then “Company Financial,” then “Profit & Loss Standard” [1].
    • The report can be customized by date range (today, this week, this month, this year, last year, or custom date range) [1].
    • The report can be sorted by total amount or by default (alphabetical order of the account names) [1].
    • The profit and loss report includes income statement accounts from the chart of accounts: income, cost of goods sold, and expenses [4].
    • By default, QuickBooks only shows accounts with activity, but you can customize the report to show all accounts, even those with zero balances [4].
    • Balance Sheet:
    • The balance sheet shows a company’s assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific point in time [2, 4].
    • It helps assess a company’s financial position [2].
    • The report can be accessed through “Reports” menu, then “Company Financial,” then “Balance Sheet Standard” [4].
    • The balance sheet includes balance sheet accounts from the chart of accounts: assets, liabilities, and equity [2, 4].
    • The balance sheet is a more complete report than the profit and loss, because it includes the summary result of the profit and loss and additional information [3].
    • Statement of Cash Flows:The statement of cash flows shows the movement of cash in and out of a company over a specific period [3].
    • It explains the difference between net income and the actual money in the bank [5].
    • The report can be accessed through “Reports” menu, then “Company Financial,” then “Statement of Cash Flows” [3].
    • Accrual vs. Cash Basis:
    • Financial reports can be generated using either the accrual basis or the cash basis [5].
    • Accrual Basis:Accrual basis reports include all income and expenses, regardless of whether payment has been received or made [5, 6].
    • Accrual reports will show accounts receivable (money owed by customers) and accounts payable (money owed to vendors) [6].
    • Cash Basis:Cash basis reports only include income when payments have been received and expenses when payments have been made [6].
    • Cash basis reports do not include outstanding invoices or bills [6].
    • You can switch between accrual and cash basis by clicking on “Customize Report” and choosing the accounting method [6].
    • It is important to use the same accounting method (either cash or accrual) for all reports to ensure the numbers tie together [6].
    • Net Income:
    • The net income from the profit and loss statement is linked to the balance sheet. The balance sheet includes the summary result of the profit and loss [3].
    • The net income or loss from the profit and loss report is reflected in the equity section of the balance sheet [3].
    • If the profit and loss and the balance sheet are viewed for the same period, the net income on both reports should match, whether on a cash or accrual basis [3, 6].

    These reports can be customized by date range and other criteria [1]. It’s important to understand the differences between cash and accrual accounting methods and to choose the one that’s most appropriate for your business [6]. It is recommended to view the profit and loss statement in conjunction with the balance sheet rather than separately because they provide different perspectives of a company’s financial condition [6].

    Introduction to QuickBooks Desktop – 4hr Full Tutorial

    By Amjad Izhar
    Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
    https://amjadizhar.blog

    Affiliate Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps keep this blog running and allows me to continue providing you with quality content. Thank you for your support!

  • Ultimate Data Analyst Bootcamp SQL, Excel, Tableau, Power BI, Python, Azure

    Ultimate Data Analyst Bootcamp SQL, Excel, Tableau, Power BI, Python, Azure

    The provided text consists of excerpts from a tutorial series focusing on data cleaning and visualization techniques. One segment details importing and cleaning a “layoffs” dataset in MySQL, emphasizing best practices like creating staging tables to preserve raw data. Another section demonstrates data cleaning and pivot table creation in Excel, highlighting data standardization and duplicate removal. A final part showcases data visualization techniques in Tableau, including the use of bins, calculated fields, and various chart types.

    MySQL & Python Study Guide

    Quiz

    Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

    1. In the MySQL setup, what is the purpose of the password configuration step?
    2. What is the function of the “local instance” in MySQL Workbench?
    3. How do you run SQL code in the query editor?
    4. Explain what the DISTINCT keyword does in SQL.
    5. Describe how comparison operators are used in the WHERE clause.
    6. What is the purpose of logical operators like AND and OR in a WHERE clause?
    7. Explain the difference between INNER JOIN, LEFT JOIN, and RIGHT JOIN.
    8. What is a self join and why would you use it?
    9. What does the CASE statement allow you to do in SQL queries?
    10. How does a subquery work in a WHERE clause?

    Quiz Answer Key

    1. The password configuration step is crucial for securing the MySQL server, ensuring that only authorized users can access and modify the database. It involves setting and confirming a password, safeguarding the system from unauthorized entry.
    2. The “local instance” in MySQL Workbench represents a connection to a database server that is installed and running directly on your computer. It allows you to interact with the database without connecting to an external server.
    3. To run SQL code in the query editor, you type your code in the editor window and then click the lightning bolt execute button. This will execute the code against the connected database and display the results in the output window.
    4. The DISTINCT keyword in SQL is used to select only the unique values from a specified column in a database table. It eliminates duplicate rows from the result set, showing only distinct or different values.
    5. Comparison operators in the WHERE clause, like =, >, <, >=, <=, and !=, are used to define conditions that filter rows based on the comparison between a column and a value or another column. These operators specify which rows will be included in the result set.
    6. Logical operators AND and OR combine multiple conditions in a WHERE clause to create more complex filter criteria. AND requires both conditions to be true, while OR requires at least one condition to be true.
    7. INNER JOIN returns only the rows that have matching values in both tables. LEFT JOIN returns all rows from the left table and matching rows from the right table (or null if no match). RIGHT JOIN returns all rows from the right table and matching rows from the left table (or null if no match).
    8. A self join is a join operation where a table is joined with itself. This can be useful when you need to compare rows within the same table, such as finding employees with a different employee ID, as shown in the secret santa example.
    9. The CASE statement in SQL allows for conditional logic in a query, enabling you to perform different actions or calculations based on specific conditions. It is useful for creating custom outputs such as salary raises based on different criteria.
    10. A subquery in a WHERE clause is a query nested inside another query, usually used to filter rows based on the results of the inner query. It allows you to perform complex filtering using a list of values derived from another query.

    Essay Questions

    Instructions: Answer the following questions in essay format.

    1. Describe the process of setting up a local MySQL server using MySQL Workbench. Include in your response the steps and purpose of each.
    2. Explain how to create a database and tables using a SQL script in MySQL Workbench. Detail the purpose of a script, and how it adds data into the tables.
    3. Compare and contrast the different types of SQL joins, illustrating with examples.
    4. Demonstrate your understanding of comparison operators, logical operators and the like statement and how they are used within the WHERE clause in SQL.
    5. Describe the purpose and functionality of both CASE statements and subqueries in SQL. How do these allow for complex data retrieval and transformation?

    Glossary of Key Terms

    • MySQL: A popular open-source relational database management system (RDBMS).
    • MySQL Workbench: A GUI application for administering MySQL databases, running SQL queries, and managing server configurations.
    • Local Instance: A database server running on the user’s local machine.
    • SQL (Structured Query Language): The standard language for managing and querying data in relational databases.
    • Query Editor: The area in MySQL Workbench where SQL code is written and executed.
    • Schema: A logical grouping of database objects like tables, views, and procedures.
    • Table: A structured collection of data organized into rows and columns.
    • View: A virtual table based on the result set of an SQL statement, useful for simplifying complex queries.
    • Procedure: A stored set of SQL statements that can be executed with a single call.
    • Function: A routine that performs a specific task and returns a value.
    • SELECT statement: The SQL command used to retrieve data from one or more tables.
    • WHERE clause: The SQL clause used to filter rows based on specified conditions.
    • Comparison Operator: Operators like =, >, <, >=, <=, and != used to compare values.
    • Logical Operator: Operators like AND, OR, and NOT used to combine or modify conditions.
    • DISTINCT keyword: Used to select only unique values in a result set.
    • LIKE statement: Used to search for patterns in a string.
    • JOIN: Used to combine rows from two or more tables based on a related column.
    • INNER JOIN: Returns only the rows that match in both tables.
    • LEFT JOIN: Returns all rows from the left table and matching rows from the right table.
    • RIGHT JOIN: Returns all rows from the right table and matching rows from the left table.
    • Self Join: A join where a table is joined with itself.
    • CASE statement: Allows for conditional logic within a SQL query.
    • Subquery: A query nested inside another query.
    • Pemos (PEMDAS): The order of operations for arithmetic or math within MySQL: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction.
    • Integer: A whole number, positive or negative.
    • Float: A decimal number.
    • Complex Number: A number with a real and imaginary part.
    • Boolean: A data type with two values: True or False.
    • String: A sequence of characters.
    • List: A mutable sequence of items, enclosed in square brackets [].
    • Tuple: An immutable sequence of items, enclosed in parentheses ().
    • Set: An unordered collection of unique items, enclosed in curly braces {}.
    • Dictionary: A collection of key-value pairs, enclosed in curly braces {}.
    • Index (in Strings and Lists): The position of an item in a sequence. Starts at zero.
    • Append: A method to add an item to the end of a list.
    • Mutable: Able to be changed.
    • Immutable: Not able to be changed.
    • Del: Used to delete an item from a list.
    • Key (Dictionary): A unique identifier that maps to a specific value.
    • Value (Dictionary): The data associated with a specific key.
    • In: A membership operator to check if a value is within a string, list, etc.
    • Not In: The opposite of ‘in’, checks if a value is not within a string, list, etc.
    • If statement: A control flow statement that executes a block of code if a condition is true.
    • elif statement: A control flow statement that checks another condition if the preceding if condition is false.
    • else statement: A control flow statement that executes a block of code if all preceding if or elif conditions are false.
    • Nested if statement: An if statement inside another if statement.
    • For loop: A control flow statement that iterates through a sequence of items.
    • Nested for loop: A for loop inside another for loop.
    • while loop: A control flow statement that executes a block of code as long as a condition is true.
    • Break statement: Stops a loop, even if the while condition is true.
    • Function: A block of code that performs a specific task and can be reused.
    • Def: Keyword to define a function.
    • Arbitrary arguments: Used when the number of arguments passed into a function are not specified.
    • Keyword arguments: used when passing through a function, and explicitly naming the value of the parameter.
    • Arbitrary keyword arguments: Similar to an arbitrary argument but explicitly names the value and the parameter.
    • Pandas: A powerful Python library used for data manipulation and analysis.
    • DataFrame: A two-dimensional labeled data structure in Pandas, similar to a spreadsheet or SQL table.
    • Series: A one-dimensional labeled data structure in Pandas.
    • Import: A keyword used to bring in outside packages, libraries, and modules into the current code.
    • .Read_CSV(): The Pandas function that loads a CSV into a DataFrame.
    • .loc(): Pandas function that allows a value in the index to be called.
    • .iloc(): Pandas function that allows an integer location in the index to be called.
    • .sort_values(): Pandas function used to order data by a specific column or a list of columns.
    • .rename(): Pandas function that can rename column names.
    • .groupby(): Pandas function that can group all values by a specific column.
    • .reset_index(): Pandas function that converts an index back to a column.
    • .set_index(): Pandas function that creates a column to be an index.
    • .filter(): Pandas function that will take a specific column for a DataFrame based off a string.
    • .isin(): Pandas function that will look through a column to see if it contains specific values.
    • .str.contains(): Pandas function that will look through a column to see if it contains a specific string.
    • Axis: refers to the direction of an operation. 0 is for rows and 1 is for columns.
    • Multi-indexing: Setting more than one index to your pandas data frame.
    • .str.split(): Pandas function that splits a column string by a delimiter.
    • .str.replace(): Pandas function that replaces strings within a column with another string.
    • .fillna(): Pandas function that fills in any null values within a data frame.
    • .explode(): Pandas function that will duplicate rows when a specific column contains multiple values.
    • Azure Synapse Analytics: A limitless analytics service that enables data processing and storage within the Azure cloud.
    • SQL Pool: A SQL based service within Azure Synapse.
    • Spark Pool: A Python-based service within Azure Synapse.
    • Delimiter: A character or sequence of characters that separates values in a string.
    • Substring: A string within a string.
    • Seaborn: Python plotting library based on matplotlib that creates graphs with complex visualizations.
    • Matplotlib: Python plotting library that allows you to make basic graphs and charts.
    • Wild card: A symbol that acts like a placeholder and can substitute for a variety of different characters.
    • ETL: Extract Transform Load the process of using a data pipeline.
    • Data pipeline: The process that moves data through a database.

    SQL, Python, and Pandas Data Wrangling

    Okay, here is a detailed briefing document summarizing the provided sources.

    Briefing Document: MySQL, SQL Concepts, Python Data Types, and Data Manipulation

    Overview: This document consolidates information from various sources to provide a comprehensive overview of key concepts related to database management (MySQL), SQL query writing, fundamental Python data types and operations, and data manipulation techniques using pandas. It will be organized into the following sections:

    1. MySQL Setup and Basic Usage:
    • Initial configuration of MySQL server and related tools.
    • Creation of databases and tables.
    • Introduction to SQL query writing.
    • Saving and loading SQL code.
    1. SQL Query Writing and Data Filtering:
    • Using the SELECT statement to retrieve and manipulate columns.
    • Applying the WHERE clause to filter rows.
    • Utilizing comparison and logical operators within WHERE clauses.
    • Working with LIKE statements for pattern matching.
    1. SQL Joins and Data Combination:
    • Understanding inner joins, left joins, right joins, and self joins.
    • Combining data from multiple tables based on matching columns.
    1. SQL Functions and Subqueries
    • Using Case statements for conditional logic.
    • Understanding and applying subqueries in various contexts (WHERE, SELECT, FROM).
    • Using aggregation functions with group by
    • Understanding window functions
    1. Python Data Types and Operations:
    • Overview of numeric, boolean, and sequence data types (strings, lists, tuples, sets, dictionaries).
    • String manipulation techniques.
    • List manipulation techniques.
    • Introduction to sets and dictionaries.
    1. Python Operators, Control Flow, and Functions:
    • Using comparison, logical, and membership operators in python.
    • Understanding and using conditional statements (if, elif, else).
    • Implementing for and while loops.
    • Creating and using functions, with an understanding of different argument types.
    1. Pandas Data Manipulation and Visualization:
    • Data loading into pandas dataframes.
    • Filtering, sorting, and manipulating data in a dataframe
    • Working with indexes and multi-indexes
    • Cleaning data using functions such as replace, fillna, and split.
    • Basic data visualizations.

    Detailed Breakdown:

    1. MySQL Setup and Basic Usage:

    • The source demonstrates the setup process of MySQL, including password creation, and configuration as a Windows service.
    • “I’m just going to go ahead and create a password now for you and I keep getting this error and I can’t explain why right here for you you should be creating a password at the bottom…”
    • The tutorial covers setting up sample databases and launching MySQL Workbench.
    • It showcases connecting to a local instance and opening an SQL script file for database creation.
    • The process of creating a “Parks and Recreation” database using an SQL script is outlined:
    • “Now what I’m going to do is I’m going to go ahead and I’m going to say open a SQL script file in a new query Tab and right here it opened up to a folder that I already created this my SQL beginner series folder within it we have this right here the Parks and Rec creat _ DB…”
    • The script creates tables and inserts data, showcasing fundamental SQL operations.
    • Running code with the lightning bolt button to execute SQL scripts, and refreshing the schema with the refresh button.

    2. SQL Query Writing and Data Filtering:

    • The source introduces the SELECT statement, showing how to select specific columns.
    • “The first thing that we’re going to click on is right over here this is our local instance this is local to just our machine it’s not a connection to you know some other database on the cloud or anything like that it’s just our local instance…”
    • It demonstrates how to format SQL code for readability, including splitting SELECT statements across multiple rows.
    • “typically can be easier to read also if you’re doing any type of functions or calculations in the select statement it’s easier to separate those out on its individual row.”
    • The use of calculations in SELECT statements and how MySQL follows the order of operations (PEMDAS) is shown.
    • “now something really important to know about any type of calculations any math within my SQL is that it follows the rules of pemos now pemos is written like this it’s pmde s now what I just did right here with this pound or this hashtag is actually create a comment…”
    • The DISTINCT keyword is explained and demonstrated, showing how to select unique values within a column or combinations of columns.
    • “what distinct is going to do is it’s going to select only the unique values within a column…”
    • The WHERE clause is explored for filtering data.
    • “hello everybody in this lesson we’re going to be taking a look at the wear Clause the wear Clause is used to help filter our records or our rows of data…”
    • Comparison operators (equal, greater than, less than, not equal) are discussed and exemplified with various data types (integers, strings, dates).
    • Logical operators (AND, OR, NOT) are introduced and how they can be combined to create complex conditional statements in WHERE clauses.
    • The LIKE operator is introduced to search for specific patterns.

    3. SQL Joins and Data Combination:

    • The concepts of inner joins, left joins, right joins, and self-joins are introduced.
    • Inner joins are demonstrated for combining data from two tables with matching columns.
    • “An inner join is basically when you tie two tables together and it only returns records or rows that have matching values in both tables…”
    • Left joins and right joins are compared to include all rows from one table and only matching rows from the other, and that it populates nulls for the mismatched data.
    • “A left join is going to take everything from the left table even if there’s no match in the join and then it will only return the matches from the right table the exact opposite is true for a right join…”
    • Self joins are explained and demonstrated, including how a use case for secret Santa assignments can be done using SQL self-joins.
    • “now what is a self jooin it is a join where you tie the table to itself now why would you want to do this let’s take a look at a very serious use case…”
    • Aliases for tables are used to avoid ambiguity when joining tables that have similar columns.
    • “So in our field list which is right up here in the select statement we have this employee ID it does not know which employee ID to pull from whether it’s the demographics or the salary so we have to tell it which one to pull from so let’s pull it from the demographics by saying dm. employee ID…”

    4. SQL Functions and Subqueries:

    • The use of CASE statements for conditional logic in queries is covered to derive new columns and create custom business logic.
    • “these are the guidelines that the pony Council sent out and it is our job to determine and figure out those pay increases as well as the bonuses…”
    • Subqueries are introduced as a means to nest queries and further filter data.
    • “now subquery is basically just a query within another query…”
    • Subqueries in WHERE clauses, SELECT statements, and FROM clauses are demonstrated through various examples.
    • “we want to say where the employee undor ID that’s referencing this column in the demographics table is in what we’re going to do is we’re going to do a parenthesis here and we can even come down and put a parenthesis down here so what we’re going to do now is write our query which is our subquery and this is our outer query…”
    • The use of group by and aggregate functions is shown.
    • “if we’re going to say group by and then we’ll do department ID that’s how we’ll know which one to to group this by…”
    • The use of window functions are shown.
    • “Window functions work in a way that when you have an aggregation you’re now creating a new column based off of that aggregation but you’re including the rows that were not in the group by…”

    5. Python Data Types and Operations:

    • Numeric data types (integers, floats, complex numbers) are defined and illustrated.
    • “There are three different types of numeric data types we have integers float and complex numbers let’s take a look at integers…”
    • Boolean data types (True and False) and their use in comparisons are demonstrated.
    • Sequence data types such as strings are introduced.
    • “in Python strings are arrays of bytes representing Unicode characters…”
    • String indexing, slicing, and multiplication are demonstrated.
    • Lists as mutable collections of multiple values are discussed.
    • List indexing and the append method are shown.
    • Nested lists are also shown.
    • Tuples as immutable collections and their differences from lists are explained.
    • “a list and a tupal are actually quite similar but the biggest difference between a list and a tupal is that a tupal is something called immutable…”
    • Sets as unordered collections with no duplicates are shown.
    • “a set is somewhat similar to a list and a tuple but they are a little bit different in fact that they don’t have any duplicate elements…”
    • Dictionaries as key-value pairs for storing data are explained.
    • “A dictionary is basically used to store data values in key value pairs…”

    6. Python Operators, Control Flow, and Functions:

    • Comparison operators, their purpose, and examples are shown.
    • “operators are used to perform operations on variables and values for example you’re often going to want to compare two separate values to see if they are the same or if they’re different within Python…”
    • Logical operators are defined and illustrated with examples.
    • Membership operators (in, not in) and their purpose is shown.
    • Conditional statements (if, elif, else) are introduced and used with various logical and comparison operators.
    • “today we’re going to be taking a look at the if statement within python…”
    • For and while loops are explained along with the break statement to halt loops.
    • “today we’re going to be taking a look at while Loops in Python the while loop in Python is used to iterate over a block of code as long as the test condition is true…”
    • Functions are introduced and how to create functions using parameters is shown.
    • “today we’re going to be taking a look at functions in Python functions are basically a block of code that only runs when it is called…”
    • The concept of an arbitrary argument is introduced for functions, as well as keyword arguments.

    7. Pandas Data Manipulation and Visualization:

    • Data loading into pandas dataframes and the use of read.csv function.
    • Filtering based off of columns using loc and iloc is shown.
    • “there’s two different ways that you can do that at least this is a very common way that people who use pandas will do to kind of search through that index the first one is called lock and there’s lock and ick…”
    • Filtering using is_in and contains methods.
    • Data sorting and ordering using sort_values.
    • “now we can sort and order these values instead of it just being kind of a jumbled mess in here we can sort these columns however we would like ascending descending ing multiple columns single columns…”
    • Working with indexes and multi-indexes in pandas dataframes.
    • *”multi- indexing is creating multiple indexes we’re not just going to create the country as the index now we’re going to add an additional index on top of that…”*
    • Cleaning columns using functions such as split, replace, and fillna.
    • *”we want to split on this column and then we’ll be able to create three separate columns based off of this one column which is exactly what we want…”*
    • Basic data visualizations with seaborn
    • “we’re going to import Seaborn as SNS and if we need to um we’re going to import map plot lib as well I don’t know if we’ll use it right now or at all but um we’re going to we’re going to add it in here either way…”

    Conclusion: These sources provide a foundational understanding of SQL, MySQL, Python data types, and pandas, covering the basics needed to perform common data tasks. They should provide a strong basis for continuing further learning.

    Essential SQL: A Beginner’s Guide

    8 Question FAQ:

    1. How do I set up a local MySQL server and create a database? To set up a local MySQL server, you’ll typically download and install the MySQL server software for your operating system. During the installation process, you’ll be prompted to create a root password, and configure MySQL as a Windows service if you’re on Windows. It is best practice to set MySQL to start at system startup for convenience. Once the server is configured, you can use MySQL Workbench or a similar tool to connect to your local server. To create a database, you can execute SQL code to create the database and its tables. You can either write this code yourself, or import it as an SQL script. This script will contain CREATE DATABASE, CREATE TABLE, and INSERT statements to build your database and populate it with initial data.
    2. What is the purpose of a SQL query editor and how do I use it? A SQL query editor is a tool that allows you to write and execute SQL code against your database. You can use a query editor to create, modify, and retrieve data from your database. In MySQL Workbench, the query editor is typically a text area where you can type your SQL code. You can also open a file containing SQL code. After typing or importing your SQL code, you can execute it by clicking a run button (usually a lightning bolt icon) or pressing a hotkey. The results of your query will typically be displayed in an output window or a separate pane within the query editor.
    3. What is a SELECT statement in SQL, and how can I use it to retrieve data? A SELECT statement is used to retrieve data from one or more tables in a database. You specify which columns to retrieve with the SELECT keyword followed by a list of columns (or an asterisk * for all columns) and then the table from which you are selecting. It has the following structure: SELECT column1, column2 FROM table_name;. You can use commas to separate out multiple column names, and it is best practice to write a comma after each column name and put it on an individual line, especially when making functions or calculations within the select statement. Additionally, you can perform calculations in your SELECT statement such as adding 10 years to an age field age + 10, and also use aliases like AS to name those columns.
    4. What are comments in SQL, and how can they be used? Comments in SQL are used to add notes and explanations to your SQL code. They are ignored by the database engine when executing the code. Comments can be used for documentation, debugging, and explanation purposes. Comments in SQL are denoted in various ways depending on the specific engine, however MySQL uses the pound or hashtag symbol # to comment out code on a single line. You can also use — before the line you wish to comment out. Comments help make your code more readable and easier to understand for yourself and other users of the database.
    5. What is the DISTINCT keyword in SQL, and what is its use? The DISTINCT keyword is used in a SELECT statement to retrieve only unique values from one or more columns. It eliminates duplicate rows from the result set. When you use DISTINCT with a single column, you’ll get a list of each unique value in that column. If you use it with multiple columns, you’ll get a list of rows where the combination of values in those columns is unique. For example SELECT DISTINCT gender FROM employee_demographics; will return the two unique values in the gender column.
    6. How can I use the WHERE clause to filter data in SQL, and what operators can I use? The WHERE clause is used in a SELECT statement to filter the data based on specific conditions. It only returns rows that match the criteria specified in the WHERE clause. You can use various comparison operators within the WHERE clause, such as =, >, <, >=, <=, and != (not equal). You can also use logical operators like AND, OR, and NOT to combine multiple conditions. For example, SELECT * FROM employee_demographics WHERE gender = ‘female’ will return all female employees, or, with AND or OR operators, you can filter based on multiple conditions, like WHERE birth_date > ‘1985-01-01’ AND gender = ‘male’ which would return all male employees born after 1985.
    7. How do logical operators like AND, OR, and NOT work in conjunction with the WHERE clause and what is PEMDAS? Logical operators such as AND, OR, and NOT combine multiple conditions within a WHERE clause and can be applied to math operations as well as other types of operators. AND requires both conditions to be true to return a row. OR requires at least one of the conditions to be true. NOT negates a condition which makes a true statement false and a false statement true. The WHERE clause also has something called PEMDAS, which stands for the order of operations and dictates how mathematical calculations or logical statements are performed. PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction) is a mathematical order of operations and that same logic also applies to the WHERE clause. For example, a statement like WHERE (first_name = ‘Leslie’ AND age = 44) OR age > 55 will return results based on the grouped parentheses and then will consider the outside condition based on the OR operator.
    8. What is the LIKE operator in SQL, and how can I use it for pattern matching? The LIKE operator is used in a WHERE clause for pattern matching with wildcards. You don’t have to have an exact match when using the LIKE operator. The percent sign % is used as a wildcard to match zero or more characters, and the underscore _ is used to match a single character. For instance, SELECT * FROM employee_demographics WHERE first_name LIKE ‘L%’ will return employees with first names starting with “L”. Or, SELECT * FROM employee_demographics WHERE first_name LIKE ‘L_s%’ returns first names that start with “L”, then one character, and then an “s”. The LIKE operator is very helpful when you don’t know exactly what the values in a field will be and you just want to query values based on patterns.

    Data Import and Transformation Methods

    Data can be imported into various platforms for analysis and visualization, as described in the sources. Here’s a breakdown of the import processes discussed:

    • MySQL: Data can be imported into MySQL using a browse function, and a new table can be created for the imported data [1]. MySQL automatically assigns data types based on the column data [1]. However, data types can be modified, such as changing a text-based date column to a date/time format [1].
    • Power BI:Data can be imported from various sources including Excel, databases, and cloud storage [2].
    • When importing from Excel, users can choose specific sheets to import [2].
    • Power Query is used to transform the data, which includes steps to rename columns, filter data, and apply other transformations [2, 3].
    • After transformation, the data can be loaded into Power BI Desktop [2].
    • Data can also be imported by using the “Get Data” option which will bring up several different options for the user to select from, including databases, blob storages, SQL databases, and Google Analytics [2].
    • Multiple tables or Excel sheets can be joined together in Power BI, using the “Model” tab [2].
    • Azure Data Factory: Data from a SQL database can be copied to Azure Blob storage. This involves selecting the source (SQL database) and destination (Azure Blob storage), configuring the file format (e.g., CSV), and setting up a pipeline to automate the process [4].
    • Azure Synapse Analytics:Data can be imported from various sources, including Azure Blob Storage [5].
    • Data flows in Azure Synapse Analytics allow users to transform and combine data from different sources [5].
    • The copy data tool can be used to copy data from blob storage to another location, such as a different blob storage or an Azure SQL database [6].
    • Amazon Athena:Amazon Athena queries data directly from S3 buckets without needing to load data into a database [7].
    • To import data, a table needs to be created, specifying the S3 bucket location, the data format (e.g., CSV), and the column details [7].
    • Crawlers can be used to automate the process of inferring the data schema from a data source, such as an S3 bucket [7].
    • AWS Glue Data Brew: AWS Glue Data Brew is a visual data preparation tool where data sets can be imported and transformed. Sample projects can also be created and modified for practice [8].

    In several of the tools described, there are options to transform data as part of the import process, which is a crucial step in data analysis workflows.

    Data Cleaning Techniques Across Platforms

    Data cleaning is a crucial step in preparing data for analysis and involves several techniques to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and usability. The sources describe various methods and tools for cleaning data, with specific examples for different platforms.

    General Data Cleaning Steps

    • Removing Duplicates: This involves identifying and removing duplicate records to avoid redundancy in analysis. In SQL, this can be done by creating a temporary column, identifying duplicates, and then deleting them [1, 2]. In Excel, there is a “remove duplicates” function to easily remove duplicates [3].
    • Standardizing Data: This step focuses on ensuring consistency in the data. It includes fixing spelling errors, standardizing formatting (e.g., capitalization, spacing), and unifying different representations of the same data (e.g., “crypto,” “cryptocurrency”) [1, 2, 4]. In SQL, functions like TRIM can be used to remove extra spaces, and UPDATE statements can standardize data [2]. In Excel, find and replace functions can be used to standardize the data [3].
    • Handling Null and Blank Values: This involves identifying and addressing missing data. Depending on the context, null or blank values may be populated using available information, or the rows may be removed, if the data is deemed unreliable [1, 2].
    • Removing Unnecessary Columns/Rows: This step focuses on removing irrelevant data, whether columns or rows, to streamline the data set and improve processing time. However, it’s often best practice to create a staging table to avoid making changes to the raw data [1].
    • Data Type Validation: Ensure that the data types of columns are correct. For example, date columns should be in a date/time format, and numerical columns should not contain text. This ensures that the data is in the correct format for any analysis [1, 4].

    Platform-Specific Data Cleaning Techniques

    • SQL:Creating staging tables: To avoid altering raw data, a copy of the raw data can be inserted into a staging table and the cleaning operations can be performed on that copy [1].
    • Removing duplicate rows: A temporary column can be added to identify duplicates based on multiple columns [2]. Then, a DELETE statement can be used to remove the identified duplicates.
    • Standardizing data: The TRIM function can be used to remove extra spaces, and UPDATE statements with WHERE clauses are used to correct errors [2].
    • Removing columns: The ALTER TABLE command can be used to drop a column [5].
    • Filtering rows: The DELETE command can be used to remove rows that do not meet certain criteria (e.g., those with null values in certain columns) [5].
    • Excel:Removing duplicates: The “Remove Duplicates” feature removes rows with duplicate values [3].
    • Standardizing formatting: Find and replace can standardize capitalization, and “Text to Columns” can split data into multiple columns [3, 4].
    • Trimming spaces: Extra spaces can be removed with the trim function [2].
    • Data Validation: You can use data validation tools to limit the type of data that can be entered into a cell, which helps in maintaining clean data.
    • Using formulas for cleaning: Logical formulas like IF statements can create new columns based on conditions that you set [3].
    • Power BI:Power Query Editor: Power Query is used to clean and transform data. This includes removing columns, filtering rows, changing data types, and replacing values.
    • Creating Calculated Columns: New columns can be created using formulas (DAX) to perform calculations or derive new data from existing columns.
    • Python (Pandas):Dropping duplicates: The drop_duplicates() function removes duplicate rows [6].
    • Handling missing values: The .isnull() and .fillna() functions are used to identify and handle null values [7].
    • String manipulation: String methods such as .strip() and .replace() are used to standardize text data [8].
    • Data type conversion: The .astype() function can convert data to appropriate types such as integers, floats, or datetime [8].
    • Sorting values: The .sort_values() function can sort data based on one or more columns [7].
    • AWS Glue Data Brew: Data Brew is a visual data preparation tool that offers a user-friendly interface for data cleaning.
    • Visual Transformation: Allows visual application of transformations, such as filters, sorts, and grouping, using a drag-and-drop interface [9].
    • Recipes: Creates and saves a recipe of all data cleaning steps, which can be re-used for other datasets [9].
    • Filtering Data: Data can be filtered using conditions (e.g., gender equals male) [9, 10].
    • Grouping and Aggregation: Data can be grouped on one or more columns to aggregate values (e.g., counts), and the results can be sorted to identify key trends in the data [10].
    • Sample Data: Users can test their cleaning steps on a sample of the data before running it on the full dataset [9, 10].

    In summary, the specific methods and tools used for data cleaning depend on the platform, data type, and specific requirements of the analysis. However, the general concepts of removing duplicates, standardizing data, and handling missing values apply across all platforms.

    Data Deduplication in SQL, Excel, and Python

    Duplicate removal is a key step in data cleaning, ensuring that each record is unique and avoiding skewed analysis due to redundant information [1-3]. The sources discuss several methods for identifying and removing duplicates across different platforms, including SQL, Excel, and Python [1-3].

    Here’s an overview of how duplicate removal is handled in the sources:

    SQL

    • Identifying Duplicates: SQL requires a step to first identify duplicate rows [4]. This can be achieved by using functions such as ROW_NUMBER() to assign a unique number to each row based on a specified partition [4]. The partition is defined by the columns that should be considered when determining duplicates [4].
    • Removing Duplicates: Once the duplicates have been identified (e.g., by filtering for rows where ROW_NUMBER() is greater than 1), they can be removed. Because you can’t directly update a CTE (Common Table Expression), this is often done by creating a staging table [4]. Then, the duplicate rows can be filtered and removed from the staging table [4].

    Excel

    • Built-in Functionality: Excel offers a built-in “Remove Duplicates” feature located in the “Data” tab [2]. This feature allows users to quickly remove duplicate rows based on selected columns [2].
    • Highlighting Duplicates: Conditional formatting can be used to highlight duplicate values in a data set [5]. You can sort by the highlighted color to bring duplicates to the top of your data set, then remove them [5].

    Python (Pandas)

    • drop_duplicates() Function: Pandas provides a straightforward way to remove duplicate rows using the drop_duplicates() function [3]. This function can remove duplicates based on all columns, or based on a subset of columns [3].

    Key Considerations

    • Unique Identifiers: The presence of a unique identifier column (e.g., a customer ID) can greatly simplify the process of identifying and removing duplicates [4, 5].
    • Multiple Columns: When determining duplicates, it may be necessary to consider multiple columns [4]. This is important if no single column is sufficient for identifying unique records [4].
    • Data Integrity: It’s important to be careful when removing duplicates, as it can alter your dataset if not handled correctly. Creating a backup or working on a copy is generally recommended before removing any duplicates [1].
    • Real-World Data: In real-world datasets with many columns and rows, identifying duplicates can be challenging [2, 3]. Automated tools and techniques, like those described above, are crucial to handling large datasets [2, 3].

    In summary, while the specific tools and syntax differ, the goal of duplicate removal is consistent across SQL, Excel, and Python: to ensure data quality and prevent skewed results due to redundant data [1-3]. Each of these platforms provides effective ways to manage and eliminate duplicate records.

    Data Analysis Techniques and Tools

    Data analysis involves exploring, transforming, and interpreting data to extract meaningful insights, identify patterns, and support decision-making [1-18]. The sources describe various techniques, tools, and platforms used for this process, and include details on how to perform analysis using SQL, Excel, Python, and business intelligence tools.

    Key Concepts and Techniques

    • Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA): EDA is a critical initial step in which data is examined to understand its characteristics, identify patterns, and discover anomalies [2, 10]. This process often involves:
    • Data Visualization: Using charts, graphs, and other visual aids to identify trends, patterns, and outliers in the data. Tools such as Tableau, Power BI, and QuickSight are commonly used for this [1, 3, 6, 8, 18].
    • Summary Statistics: Computing measures such as mean, median, standard deviation, and percentiles to describe the central tendency and distribution of the data [10].
    • Data Grouping and Aggregation: Combining data based on common attributes and applying aggregation functions (e.g., sum, count, average) to produce summary measures for different groups [2, 13].
    • Identifying Outliers: Locating data points that deviate significantly from the rest of the data, which may indicate errors or require further investigation [10]. Box plots can be used to visually identify outliers [10].
    • Data Transformation: This step involves modifying data to make it suitable for analysis [1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 13, 16, 17]. This can include:
    • Data Cleaning: Addressing missing values, removing duplicates, correcting errors, and standardizing data formats [1-8, 10, 11, 16, 17].
    • Data Normalization: Adjusting values to a common scale to make comparisons easier [8, 16].
    • Feature Engineering: Creating new variables from existing data to improve analysis [10]. This can involve using calculated fields [3].
    • Data Type Conversions: Ensuring that columns have the correct data types (e.g., converting text to numbers or dates) [2, 4, 10].
    • Data Querying: Using query languages (e.g., SQL) to extract relevant data from databases and data warehouses [1, 11-14].
    • Filtering: Selecting rows that meet specified criteria [1, 11].
    • Joining Data: Combining data from multiple tables based on common columns [2, 5, 9].
    • Aggregating Data: Performing calculations on groups of data (e.g., using GROUP BY and aggregate functions) [2, 13, 14].
    • Window Functions: Performing calculations across a set of rows that are related to the current row, which are useful for tasks like comparing consecutive values [11].
    • Statistical Analysis: Applying statistical techniques to test hypotheses and draw inferences from data [10].
    • Regression Analysis: Examining the relationships between variables to make predictions [10].
    • Correlation Analysis: Measuring the degree to which two or more variables tend to vary together [10].
    • Data Modeling: Creating representations of data structures and relationships to support data analysis and reporting [5, 11].
    • Data Interpretation: Drawing conclusions from the analysis and communicating findings effectively using visualizations and reports [3, 6, 8, 18].

    Tools and Platforms

    The sources describe multiple tools and platforms that support different types of data analysis:

    • SQL: Used for data querying, transformation, and analysis within databases. SQL is particularly useful for extracting and aggregating data from relational databases and data warehouses [1, 2, 11-14].
    • Excel: A versatile tool for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization, particularly for smaller datasets [2, 4, 6-8].
    • Python (Pandas): A programming language that offers powerful libraries for data manipulation, transformation, and analysis. Pandas provides data structures and functions for working with structured data [1, 4, 9, 10].
    • Tableau: A business intelligence (BI) tool for creating interactive data visualizations and dashboards [1, 3].
    • Power BI: Another BI tool for visualizing and analyzing data, often used for creating reports and dashboards [1, 5, 6]. Power BI also includes Power Query for data transformation [5].
    • QuickSight: A cloud-based data visualization service provided by AWS [18].
    • Azure Synapse Analytics: A platform that integrates data warehousing and big data analytics. It provides tools for querying, transforming, and analyzing data [1, 12].
    • AWS Glue: A cloud-based ETL service that can be used to prepare and transform data for analysis [15, 17].
    • Amazon Athena: A serverless query service that enables you to analyze data in S3 using SQL [1, 14].

    Specific Analysis Examples

    • Analyzing sales data to identify trends and patterns [3].
    • Analyzing survey data to determine customer satisfaction and preferences [6, 7].
    • Analyzing geographical data by creating maps [3].
    • Analyzing text data to identify keywords and themes [4, 10].
    • Analyzing video game sales by year ranges and percentages [3].
    • Analyzing Airbnb data to understand pricing, location and review information [4].

    Considerations for Effective Data Analysis

    • Data Quality: Clean and accurate data is essential for reliable analysis [2, 4-7, 10, 11, 16, 17].
    • Data Understanding: A thorough understanding of the data and its limitations is crucial [4].
    • Appropriate Techniques: Selecting the right analytical methods and tools to address the specific questions being asked is important.
    • Clear Communication: Effectively communicating findings through visualizations and reports is a critical component of data analysis.
    • Iterative Process: Data analysis is often an iterative process that may involve going back and forth between different steps to refine the analysis and insights.

    In summary, data analysis is a multifaceted process that involves a variety of techniques, tools, and platforms. The specific methods used depend on the data, the questions being asked, and the goals of the analysis. A combination of technical skills, analytical thinking, and effective communication is needed to produce meaningful insights from data.

    Data Visualization Techniques and Tools

    Data visualization is the graphical representation of information and data, and is a key component of data analysis that helps in understanding trends, patterns, and outliers in data [1]. The sources describe various visualization types and tools used for creating effective data visualizations.

    Key Concepts and Techniques

    • Purpose: The primary goal of data visualization is to communicate complex information clearly and efficiently, making it easier for the user to draw insights and make informed decisions [1].
    • Chart Selection: Choosing the correct type of visualization is crucial, as different charts are suited to different kinds of data and analysis goals [1].
    • Bar Charts and Column Charts: These are used for comparing categorical data, with bar charts displaying horizontal bars and column charts displaying vertical columns [1, 2]. Stacked bar and column charts are useful for showing parts of a whole [2].
    • Line Charts: These are ideal for showing trends over time or continuous data [2, 3].
    • Scatter Plots: Scatter plots are used to explore the relationship between two numerical variables by plotting data points on a graph [2-4].
    • Histograms: These charts are useful for displaying the distribution of numerical variables, showing how frequently different values occur within a dataset [4].
    • Pie Charts and Donut Charts: Pie and donut charts are useful for showing parts of a whole, but it can be difficult to compare the sizes of slices when there are many categories [2, 5].
    • Tree Maps: Tree maps display hierarchical data as a set of nested rectangles, where the size of each rectangle corresponds to a value [2].
    • Area Charts: Area charts are similar to line charts but fill the area below the line, which can be useful for emphasizing the magnitude of change [2, 5].
    • Combination Charts: Combining different chart types (e.g., line and bar charts) can be effective for showing multiple aspects of the same data [2].
    • Gauges: Gauge charts are useful for displaying progress toward a goal or a single key performance indicator (KPI) [6].
    • Color Coding: Using color effectively to highlight different data categories or to show the magnitude of data. In line graphs, different colors can represent different data series [3].
    • Data Labels: Adding data labels to charts to make the data values more explicit and easy to read, which can improve the clarity of a visualization [2, 3].
    • Interactive Elements: Including interactive features such as filters, drill-downs, and tooltips can provide more options for exploration and deeper insights [2, 3, 7].
    • Drill-Downs: These allow users to explore data at multiple levels of detail, by clicking on one level of the visualization to see the next level down in the hierarchy [7].
    • Filters: Filters allow users to view specific subsets of data, and are useful when working with client facing work [3].
    • Titles and Labels: Adding clear titles and axis labels to visualizations is essential for conveying what is being shown [2, 8].

    Tools and Platforms

    The sources describe a range of tools used to create data visualizations:

    • Tableau: A business intelligence (BI) tool designed for creating interactive data visualizations and dashboards [1].
    • Power BI: A business analytics tool from Microsoft that offers similar capabilities to Tableau for creating visualizations and dashboards [1]. Power BI also has a feature called “conditional formatting” which allows the user to visually display data using things like color and data bars [9].
    • QuickSight: A cloud-based data visualization service offered by AWS, suitable for creating dashboards and visualizations for various data sources [1, 10].
    • Excel: A tool with built-in charting features for creating basic charts and graphs [1].
    • Python (Pandas, Matplotlib): Python libraries like pandas and matplotlib allow for creating visualizations programmatically [4, 5, 11].
    • Azure Synapse Analytics: This platform offers data visualization options that are integrated with its data warehousing and big data analytics capabilities, so you can visualize your data alongside other tasks [12].

    Specific Techniques

    • Marks: These refer to visual elements in charts such as color, size, text, and detail, that can be changed to add information to visualizations [3]. For example, color can be used to represent different categories, while size can be used to represent values.
    • Bins: Bins are groupings or ranges of numerical values used to create histograms and other charts, which can show the distribution of values [1, 3].
    • Calculated Fields: Calculated fields can be used to create new data fields from existing data, enabling more flexible analysis and visualization [3]. These fields can use operators and functions to derive values from existing columns [1].
    • Conditional Formatting: This technique can be used to apply formatting styles (e.g., colors, icons, data bars) based on the values in the cells of a table. This can be useful for highlighting key trends in your data [9].
    • Drill-downs: These are used to provide additional context and granularity to your visualizations and allow users to look into the next layer of the data [7].
    • Lists: Lists can be used to group together various data points for analysis, which can be visualized within a report or table [2].

    Best Practices

    • Simplicity: Simple, clear visualizations are more effective than complex ones. It’s best to avoid clutter and make sure that the visualization focuses on a single message [9].
    • Context: Visualizations should provide sufficient context to help users understand the data, including axis labels, titles, and legends [2, 3].
    • Appropriate Chart Type: Select the most suitable chart for the type of data being displayed [1].
    • Interactivity: Include interactive elements such as filters and drill-downs to allow users to explore the data at different levels [7].
    • Accessibility: Ensure that visualizations are accessible, including appropriate color choices and sufficient text labels [3, 9].
    • Audience: The intended audience and purpose of the visualization should also be taken into account [3].

    In summary, data visualization is a critical aspect of data analysis that involves using charts, graphs, and other visual aids to convey information effectively. By selecting appropriate chart types, incorporating interactive elements, and following best practices for design, data professionals can create compelling visualizations that facilitate insights and inform decision-making [1].

    Ultimate Data Analyst Bootcamp [24 Hours!] for FREE | SQL, Excel, Tableau, Power BI, Python, Azure

    By Amjad Izhar
    Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
    https://amjadizhar.blog

    Affiliate Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps keep this blog running and allows me to continue providing you with quality content. Thank you for your support!

  • You Were Never Enough For Me by Becca Martin

    You Were Never Enough For Me by Becca Martin

    Becca Martin’s “The Art of Letting Go” is an excerpt from a book expressing the heartbreak and reflection following a relationship’s end. The narrative focuses on the speaker’s feelings of inadequacy and the partner’s perceived insufficient effort. It details the emotional turmoil of falling for someone who, in retrospect, was not enough. Specific memories and regrets are explored, emphasizing the pain of lost love. The overall tone is melancholic and introspective, focusing on the emotional journey of acceptance.

    The Art of Letting Go: A Study Guide

    Short Answer Questions

    1. How does the narrator describe their feelings for the person they are addressing? Use specific examples from the text to support your answer.
    2. What does the phrase “falling for” seem to mean in the context of this piece?
    3. What specific actions or behaviors of the other person did the narrator appreciate?
    4. What caused the narrator to realize the other person wasn’t enough for them?
    5. How has the experience with this other person impacted the narrator’s outlook on future relationships?
    6. What does the narrator mean by saying they were falling for “the way you found joy in the simplest things”?
    7. What does the line “I was falling for the comfort I felt in turning to you about certain parts of my life” suggest about the narrator’s emotional needs?
    8. Why does the author title this piece “The Art of Letting Go”?
    9. What is the overall tone of this piece? How is this tone created?
    10. What might the “things” be that the other person did that made the narrator feel like they were enough, even for a little while?

    Short Answer Key

    1. The narrator describes intense, all-encompassing feelings, using phrases like “falling” and noting they were swept up in the other person’s actions and personality. Examples include falling for the way they set their phone alarm, the way they looked in the morning, and the effort they made for the narrator.
    2. “Falling for” in this context implies developing strong feelings, being enamored, and becoming deeply attached to the other person and their way of being.
    3. The narrator appreciated the other person’s joy in simple things, their willingness to go out of their way, and their effort in making the narrator happy.
    4. The realization that the other person wasn’t enough came from the feeling that the narrator was doing all the “falling,” while the other person’s feelings didn’t seem to reciprocate the intensity.
    5. The experience has made the narrator more cautious and aware of the potential for heartbreak. They believe in being selective and not settling for someone who doesn’t reciprocate their feelings fully.
    6. This phrase suggests the narrator was attracted to the other person’s ability to find happiness in everyday moments, seeing it as a positive and endearing quality.
    7. This line indicates the narrator sought emotional support and intimacy from the other person, finding comfort in sharing aspects of their life with them.
    8. The title reflects the central theme of recognizing when a relationship isn’t fulfilling and having the strength to move on, even if it’s painful.
    9. The tone is melancholic and reflective, blending lingering affection with the bittersweet acceptance of the relationship’s end. This tone is created through the use of past tense, introspective language, and imagery of “falling.”
    10. The “things” might include gestures of affection, expressions of care, shared experiences that created a temporary sense of connection and made the narrator feel valued and loved.

    Essay Questions

    1. Analyze the use of imagery and figurative language in “The Art of Letting Go.” How do these literary devices contribute to the overall meaning and emotional impact of the piece?
    2. Discuss the concept of “enoughness” as presented in the excerpt. What does it mean to be “enough” for someone in a romantic context?
    3. Explore the theme of unrequited love in “The Art of Letting Go.” How does the narrator grapple with the realization that their feelings are not fully reciprocated?
    4. Compare and contrast the narrator’s initial feelings of infatuation with their eventual understanding of the relationship’s limitations. What prompts this shift in perspective?
    5. Reflect on the idea of “letting go” as both a painful process and a necessary step towards personal growth. How does the excerpt portray the complexities of moving on from a relationship that no longer serves you?

    Glossary of Key Terms

    • Infatuation: An intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone.
    • Unrequited Love: Love that is not returned or reciprocated.
    • Reciprocation: A mutual exchange of feelings, actions, or gestures.
    • Emotional Support: Providing comfort, understanding, and encouragement to someone experiencing emotional distress.
    • Intimacy: A state of close emotional connection and vulnerability with another person.
    • Melancholy: A feeling of pensive sadness, often with a reflective quality.
    • Bittersweet: Experiencing a mixture of pleasure and sadness simultaneously.
    • Letting Go: The process of releasing emotional attachment to someone or something, often involving acceptance and moving on.
    • Personal Growth: The process of developing and improving oneself emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.
    • Self-Worth: A belief in one’s own value and deservingness of love and respect.

    Briefing Doc: The Art of Letting Go – Excerpts Analysis

    Theme: Unrequited love and the pain of realizing one’s efforts were not enough to sustain a relationship.

    Key Ideas/Facts:

    • Narrator’s Intense Feelings: The narrator was deeply infatuated with the person they were addressing. Evidence of this intensity is sprinkled throughout the text:
    • “I was falling for the way you would show up and surprise me at my house. I was falling for the way you’d do sweet things without realizing how much they meant to me.”
    • “I was falling for each kiss you’d place on my cheek when I’d wake up in the mornings next to you. I was falling for the way you kept your phone alarm set for me to wake you up for work, even if you were there just because you wanted me.”
    • One-Sided Nature of the Relationship: The narrator acknowledges that their feelings were not reciprocated to the same extent, leading to a sense of inadequacy.
    • “Maybe it wasn’t enough. I liked you and I wanted to like you because my heart is easy in a way and yet it was hard to either end because of that. It was comfy, right, to settle in that little pain both while it was there and after when we both knew that it may be or it definitely, sting.”
    • “I was falling for the way you kissed me. I was falling for the way you made me feel laugh. I was falling for the way you found joy in the simplest things. I was falling for all the times you went out of your way to come see me. I was falling for the comfort I felt in turning to you about certain parts of my life. But it still wasn’t enough.”
    • Acceptance and Moving On: Despite the pain, the narrator seems to be reaching a point of acceptance and the need to let go.
    • “Life is the longest and worst heartbreak, but it also makes you stronger and smarter the next time the wrong person will not love you back because it’s okay to love.”

    Overall Impression: The excerpts paint a poignant picture of unrequited love and the struggle to let go. The narrator’s use of repetition (“I was falling for…”) emphasizes the depth of their feelings while simultaneously highlighting the painful realization that it was not enough to sustain the relationship. The ending suggests a glimmer of hope and resilience as the narrator acknowledges the lessons learned from this experience.

    You Were Never Enough For Me: FAQ

    1. What is the main theme of this piece?

    The main theme is unrequited love and the pain of realizing that you were never enough for someone, even though you gave them your all. The narrator reflects on their intense feelings and efforts to please their partner, ultimately concluding that despite their best efforts, it wasn’t enough to make the relationship work.

    2. What are some of the specific ways the narrator tried to please their partner?

    The narrator describes “falling” for their partner in various ways, including:

    • Being completely enamored and finding joy in the simplest things they did together.
    • Changing their routines and habits to align with their partner’s preferences.
    • Constantly thinking about them and putting their needs first.
    • Making grand gestures and expressing their love in numerous ways.

    3. What triggered the realization that the narrator was not enough?

    While the specific trigger isn’t explicitly stated, the text suggests a recent separation or a moment of emotional distance that prompted the narrator to reflect on the relationship dynamics. This realization seems to stem from a combination of their partner’s actions and their own growing sense of inadequacy.

    4. Does the narrator blame their partner for the relationship’s failure?

    The tone of the piece suggests a mix of sadness, acceptance, and perhaps a hint of resentment. While the title places the blame on the partner for not finding the narrator “enough,” the text also implies that the narrator recognizes their own role in the relationship’s demise, particularly in overextending themselves and losing their own identity in the process.

    5. What does the phrase “falling for the way you found joy in the simplest things” mean?

    This phrase highlights how deeply the narrator was infatuated with their partner. They were so captivated that even the mundane aspects of their partner’s life, the way they found joy in everyday experiences, became endearing and amplified the narrator’s feelings.

    6. What does the narrator mean by “turning about certain parts of my life”?

    This suggests that the narrator made significant changes to their own life to accommodate their partner and the relationship. These changes might involve altering their habits, priorities, or even personal beliefs to align with their partner’s desires, possibly at the expense of their own well-being and individuality.

    7. Is there a sense of hope or resolution in the piece?

    While the overall tone is melancholic, there is a subtle sense of acceptance emerging. The narrator acknowledges the pain of not being enough but also hints at a newfound understanding that their worth isn’t defined by someone else’s perception. The act of letting go, though difficult, might ultimately pave the way for personal growth and future happiness.

    8. What is the significance of the title “The Art of Letting Go”?

    The title frames the piece as a reflection on the difficult process of moving on from unrequited love. It suggests that letting go is a skill that requires deliberate effort and emotional maturity. The narrator’s journey, as depicted in the text, exemplifies this process, highlighting the pain, introspection, and eventual acceptance involved in releasing the attachment to someone who couldn’t reciprocate their feelings fully.

    You Were Never Enough For Me

    The poem “You Were Never Enough For Me” by Becca Martin [1] explores the complexities of love and loss, highlighting the speaker’s feelings of inadequacy in the relationship. Despite the intense emotions and efforts invested, the relationship ultimately fails, leaving the speaker with a sense of emptiness. The author acknowledges their own deep emotional investment, stating that they “was falling for the way you would show up and surprise me at my house” and “for the way you kept your phone silent without realizing how much it meant to me” [1]. However, despite these gestures, the author realizes that the love they felt was not reciprocated in a way that fulfilled them, leading to the painful realization that “it still wasn’t enough” [2]. This suggests that love, even when deeply felt, can sometimes be insufficient to sustain a relationship.

    Letting Go: A Necessary Pain

    Letting go is a central theme in Becca Martin’s “You Were Never Enough For Me”. The speaker acknowledges the struggle of moving on, stating “I was falling for all the times you went out of your way to come see me. I was falling for the comfort I felt in turning to you about certain parts of my life” [1]. Despite finding joy in the simple things and seeking comfort in the relationship, the speaker ultimately realizes that holding on is causing more pain than letting go. The repetition of the phrase “But it still wasn’t enough” [1] emphasizes the painful realization that sometimes, despite efforts and feelings, letting go is necessary for personal growth and healing.

    Insufficient Love: A Poem’s Lament

    In Becca Martin’s poem “You Were Never Enough For Me,” the speaker grapples with the painful realization that the love they received was insufficient to sustain the relationship. The speaker details their deep emotional investment, falling for the way their partner would “show up and surprise me at my house,” keep their phone silent, and make efforts to see them [1]. However, despite acknowledging these actions, the speaker repeatedly emphasizes, “But it still wasn’t enough” [2]. This highlights a crucial aspect of love: even when genuine effort and affection are present, it may not always meet the needs and expectations of the individual, leading to a sense of unfulfillment and the eventual need to let go.

    Heartbreak and Insufficient Love

    In Becca Martin’s poem “You Were Never Enough For Me,” the speaker vividly describes the pain of heartbreak, stemming from the realization that their love was insufficient to sustain the relationship. The speaker recounts moments of intense emotional investment, falling for their partner’s gestures of affection and the comfort they found in their presence. [1, 2] However, this deep emotional connection is ultimately overshadowed by the repeated acknowledgment that “it still wasn’t enough.” [2] This phrase underscores the agonizing gap between the speaker’s expectations and the reality of the relationship, leading to the inevitable pain of heartbreak. The speaker’s journey highlights the difficult truth that love, even when deeply felt, can sometimes be a source of profound sorrow when it fails to meet our needs.

    Insufficient Love: A Poetic Reflection

    In Becca Martin’s poem “You Were Never Enough For Me,” the speaker reflects on the reasons behind the relationship’s demise. The poem highlights the speaker’s intense feelings and the effort they invested in the relationship. [1, 2] They were “falling” for their partner’s actions, such as surprising them at their house and keeping their phone silent. [1] The speaker even found comfort in discussing certain aspects of their life with their partner. [2] However, despite these positive elements, the relationship lacked a crucial element, leading to its ultimate end. The repeated phrase “But it still wasn’t enough” emphasizes the insufficiency of the love they received. [2] This suggests that despite their efforts and feelings, the relationship failed to meet the speaker’s needs, resulting in its inevitable end. [1, 2]

    By Amjad Izhar
    Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
    https://amjadizhar.blog

    Affiliate Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps keep this blog running and allows me to continue providing you with quality content. Thank you for your support!

  • 14 Things People Secretly Do When They’re All Alone

    14 Things People Secretly Do When They’re All Alone

    Have you ever caught yourself doing something silly when no one’s around, only to wonder, “Do other people do this too?” The answer is a resounding yes! A study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that a whopping 92% of people confess to engaging in quirky private behaviors that they’d rather keep under wraps. We’re all human, and it’s in those moments of solitude that our true, uninhibited selves emerge.

    Whether it’s singing at the top of our lungs in the shower or striking a pose in front of the mirror, the activities we secretly indulge in when we’re alone often reflect our need for self-expression. These moments, though seemingly insignificant, offer a glimpse into the playful, uninhibited side of our personalities—an aspect often hidden from public view. It’s where we find comfort, freedom, and sometimes even a bit of amusement in our antics.

    But what exactly are these hidden habits that we all seem to have? You may be surprised to learn that some of these behaviors serve deeper psychological purposes, from stress relief to boosting mental health. So, let’s dive into the 14 quirky things people secretly do when they’re all alone and explore why they matter more than you might think.

    1-
    Shapewear Bodysuit for Women Tummy Control Tops Mono Strap Thong Sculpting Clothings with Removable Padding and Straps

    1. Talk to themselves out loud

    When people find themselves alone, many engage in full-blown conversations with themselves. This might seem odd at first glance, but talking to oneself is more common than you’d think. It’s not just about rehearsing future conversations or mentally preparing for what’s to come; self-talk helps process emotions, navigate difficult decisions, and gain clarity in moments of confusion. For instance, someone might talk through their day or run different scenarios in their mind to prepare for a challenging task. It’s an outlet for self-reflection and cognitive processing, making it a crucial part of how we function when we’re left to our own devices.

    Studies have even shown that self-directed speech can enhance cognitive abilities. Research published in the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology found that people who talk to themselves while searching for an object locate it faster than those who remain silent. This demonstrates the practical benefits of what some might label as “quirky” behavior. Ultimately, self-talk fosters mental clarity, encourages problem-solving, and can even serve as a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety.

    2-
    Tutu Leggings for Girls | Pink Tutu Leggings | Gray Tutu Leggings for Kids

    2. Dance like no one’s watching

    When no one’s around, many of us give in to the urge to dance freely, without a care in the world. The living room becomes a dance floor, and suddenly, inhibitions disappear as we twirl, spin, and move to the rhythm of our favorite songs. This kind of uninhibited dancing is more than just fun—it’s a powerful mood booster. It provides a release for pent-up energy and emotions, allowing people to express themselves through movement. Whether you’re tapping your feet to a favorite tune or busting out some wild dance moves, this spontaneous act helps alleviate stress and lifts your spirits.

    Scientific research backs this up as well. According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, dancing has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety while simultaneously boosting self-esteem. The joy of dancing like no one’s watching is not only rooted in physical movement but also in emotional liberation. It’s a way to reconnect with the body and mind, tapping into a sense of freedom that often gets lost in the hustle of everyday life.

    3-
    Christmas Dog Tutu Skirt | Red and Green Dog Tutu Size XS-XXXL | Durable Pet Tutus (Red/Green, XS (9-12″))

    3. Sing in the shower

    There’s something about the acoustics of a bathroom that makes even the most modest singers sound like superstars. Many people find themselves belting out their favorite songs in the shower, letting loose with renditions that they’d never dare perform in front of an audience. It’s a liberating, almost cathartic experience. The sound of water enhances the richness of the voice, giving an added boost of confidence to those otherwise hesitant to share their vocal talents. Singing in the shower is often more about expressing emotion than hitting the right notes—whether it’s joy, nostalgia, or simply a way to unwind.

    Beyond just being fun, shower singing has tangible mental health benefits. Endorphins—the body’s natural feel-good hormones—are released when singing, helping to elevate mood and reduce stress. Additionally, the act of singing triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with feelings of bonding and relaxation. So, even if you’re just humming a tune while rinsing off, you’re also improving your mental and emotional well-being, all in the comfort of your concert hall.

    4-
    Cleanse and Detox Activated Charcoal Capsules – Purifying Detox Pills with 1200mg Per Serving Coconut Charcoal Powder for Bloating Relief and Body Detox Cleanse – Active Charcoal for Gut Health-180ct

    4. Eat bizarre food combinations

    When people are by themselves, all dietary rules seem to go out the window. Many indulge in bizarre food combinations that they wouldn’t dare eat in public. From dipping pickles in peanut butter to mixing potato chips with ice cream, the possibilities for strange food pairings are endless. These peculiar combinations may seem random, but they often reflect a desire for bold flavors and adventurous eating habits. When no one is watching, there’s no judgment—just a carefree exploration of taste and texture that may even feel nostalgic or comforting.

    Interestingly, there’s some science behind these odd food cravings. Studies have shown that sweet and salty combinations, while strange at first glance, can create a satisfying contrast for the palate. A study published in Food Quality and Preference found that people who enjoy experimenting with unusual flavor pairings tend to score higher in traits like openness to experience. This suggests that embracing unconventional food pairings may also be tied to personality traits that favor creativity and risk-taking. So, while it may seem odd, indulging in these combinations might just be a reflection of an adventurous spirit.

    5-
    PVC Stitch Liquid Repair Patch for Air Mattresses, Waterbeds, Glue Inflatable Boats, Rafts, ISUPs, Above-Ground Pools, Bouncy Houses, Hot Tubs, Air Tracks, Works on Blow up PVC & PU Inflatables

    5. Smell their body odor

    It’s a behavior many would never admit to, but secretly sniffing body odor—whether from armpits, feet, or other body parts—is surprisingly common when alone. This instinctive action, while potentially embarrassing, serves an important purpose. People often check their scent to monitor personal hygiene, especially after a long day or a strenuous workout. In the privacy of their own space, there’s no fear of judgment, allowing them to engage in this habit freely. The practice is rooted in evolution, as our sense of smell has historically helped us detect potential health or hygiene issues.

    There’s even scientific evidence that links body odor with health monitoring. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology revealed that humans can identify certain diseases through changes in body odor. This suggests that self-sniffing, though seemingly trivial, may have been an early warning system for our ancestors, helping them detect illness before it worsened. Today, this behavior may be a subconscious way of maintaining awareness of personal health and cleanliness.

    6-
    Bow Pom Pom Hair Ties – 4″ Bow | 2Pcs| Soft Ponytail Holders with Strong Grip

    6. Practice conversations in the mirror

    One common yet private habit is practicing conversations or speeches in front of a mirror. Whether preparing for a job interview, a difficult discussion, or an important presentation, people often use mirrors to rehearse their words. Speaking in front of a mirror allows them to not only refine their language but also observe their facial expressions and body language, ensuring they project confidence and clarity. This habit can help alleviate nervousness and fine-tune communication skills before stepping into a social or professional setting.

    Mirror practice has long been recognized as a valuable tool for improving communication. By rehearsing in front of a reflection, individuals can make necessary adjustments to their tone, posture, and gestures, leading to a more polished delivery. It’s no wonder that public speakers and actors alike use this method to perfect their performances. According to communication experts, mirror practice helps bridge the gap between thought and action, transforming mental rehearsals into more natural and impactful interactions.

    7-
    Maple Holistics Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair and Scalp with Rosemary Oil, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) | oily, greasy | deep cleansing, build up remover, degrease

    7. Eat food straight from the container

    When the house is quiet and no one is around, many people forgo the formality of dishes and dive straight into jars, boxes, or bags of their favorite snacks. This habit is not just about convenience; it also caters to immediate cravings in a way that feels indulgent. Whether it’s scooping peanut butter straight from the jar or munching on popcorn directly from the bag, eating straight from the container allows for a no-fuss approach to satisfying hunger. However, while this practice may seem harmless, it can also lead to overeating.

    Research has shown that individuals tend to consume more when eating from larger packages compared to smaller, portioned servings. A study suggests that when food is easily accessible in large containers, it encourages mindless munching, which can result in overconsumption. To mitigate this risk, experts recommend using smaller containers or transferring snacks onto plates. This simple adjustment can help individuals become more mindful of their portion sizes and better manage their calorie intake, making it easier to enjoy indulgent treats without the consequences of overindulgence.

    8-
    IXTECH Microphone Boom Arm Mic Arm for Blue Yeti Shure Sm7b Hyperx QuadCast Rode At2020 and Fifine Mic Stand for Gaming Podcasting and Streaming CAPTAIN Model

    8. Make weird faces in the mirror

    It may sound silly, but many people find themselves making bizarre faces in front of the mirror when they’re alone. This behavior often arises from a natural curiosity about one’s appearance and the subtle movements of facial muscles. Making weird expressions can feel liberating, allowing individuals to explore different aspects of their identity and even relieve stress. Beyond mere amusement, this practice can also provide insight into how we present ourselves to the world.

    Interestingly, research suggests that the act of deliberately making facial expressions can have psychological benefits. Engaging in this behavior may influence emotional states, allowing individuals to experiment with how different expressions can elicit varied feelings. This suggests that those moments spent in front of a mirror might serve as an unconscious form of emotional regulation or self-expression. It’s a unique way to connect with oneself, providing an opportunity to reflect on feelings and moods, often leading to a greater sense of self-awareness.

    9-
    Soo slick Shapewear Bodysuit for Women Tummy control Tops Cutout Sleeveless Bodysuit Thong Sculpting with Removable Padding

    9. Talk to inanimate objects

    Talking to inanimate objects, such as plants, pets, or even household appliances, is a behavior many people engage in when they’re alone. This quirky habit can serve as a form of self-soothing or a way to process thoughts aloud. For instance, when someone finds themselves feeling overwhelmed, they might turn to their favorite houseplant and share their worries. This form of verbalization can create a sense of connection and make feelings feel more manageable.

    Though it may sound peculiar, this practice is more common than one might think. Engaging in dialogue with inanimate objects provides a safe space to express emotions without fear of judgment. Psychological studies suggest that such interactions can foster feelings of companionship and reduce loneliness. By talking to objects, individuals can navigate complex emotions and thoughts, making it a valuable coping mechanism in moments of solitude.

    10-
    Pumpkin for Dogs – Pumpkin Puree, Canned Pumpkin (Alternative), Fiber for Dogs, Probiotic Powder, Pumpkin Powder, Dog Diarrhea, Digestive Support, Perfect for Firm Poops and No Scoots, 6 oz

    10. Engage in imaginary arguments

    Many people find themselves rehearsing hypothetical debates or confrontations when they’re alone, often envisioning scenarios in which they need to defend their position or respond to criticism. This behavior can serve multiple purposes, acting as a form of mental preparation for real-life conflicts or simply providing an outlet for pent-up frustration. Imaginary arguments allow individuals to articulate their thoughts, explore different perspectives, and mentally prepare for challenging conversations without the immediate stress of an actual confrontation.

    Engaging in these mental sparring matches is more common than one might think and is rooted in psychological phenomena. By rehearsing potential dialogues, individuals can alleviate anxiety related to actual encounters, making them feel more equipped to handle real-life situations. This practice not only helps in clarifying one’s arguments but can also serve as a stress relief mechanism, allowing individuals to express emotions and resolve conflicts within the safe confines of their minds.

    11-
    Seamless Bodysuit for Women Tummy Control Shapewear | Sculpting Body Shaper Thong Dupes Shaping Tops

    11. Perform elaborate personal grooming rituals

    When left to their own devices, many individuals engage in extensive personal grooming rituals that they might not feel comfortable performing in public. These routines can range from complex skincare regimens to meticulous hair removal processes. This private time spent on self-care often serves as a way to pamper oneself and reinforce a positive self-image. The act of grooming can be meditative, providing individuals with a dedicated moment to focus on their well-being and appearance, leading to a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

    Research from the International Journal of Cosmetic Science highlights the psychological benefits of personal grooming rituals. The study found that a remarkable 87% of participants reported improvements in mood and self-esteem after engaging in private grooming routines. This demonstrates that such practices extend beyond aesthetics; they foster self-care and emotional wellness, allowing individuals to reconnect with themselves in a nurturing way. By dedicating time to personal grooming, people can bolster their confidence and enhance their overall sense of well-being.

    12-
    Expandable(12″-20.3″) Pull Out Cabinet Organizer, Heavy Duty Slide Out Drawers for Kitchen Cabinets with Adhesive Nano Film 1pack Cabinet Pull Out Shelves For Kitchen Bathroom Pantry(White,16.9″Deep)

    12. Conduct online stalking of exes or crushes

    In the age of social media, many individuals admit to checking the profiles of former partners or romantic interests when they’re alone. This behavior, often referred to as “online stalking,” is typically driven by curiosity or a desire for closure. According to a survey, 48% of social media users have engaged in this behavior, looking for updates on the lives of their exes or crushes. While it may seem harmless at first, this tendency can hinder emotional healing and prolong attachments to past relationships, making it important to be aware of the potential pitfalls.

    Psychologists warn that while the impulse to check on an ex may stem from a natural curiosity, it can lead to unhealthy patterns of behavior that prevent individuals from moving on. It’s crucial to recognize when this habit becomes detrimental to emotional health. Taking proactive steps to break the cycle—such as unfollowing or blocking ex-partners on social media—can facilitate a healthier emotional landscape and encourage personal growth. Acknowledging this tendency is the first step toward fostering a more positive mindset and embracing new opportunities.

    13-
    Grind Fluoride-Free Toothpaste, Hydroxyapatite plus Theobromine, Activated Charcoal, Remineralizing, Whitening, Sensitive Teeth, Dentist Recommended, Natural, Made in USA, 4 oz, 2 pk

    13. Practicing Your Signature

    When you find yourself alone with a pen and paper, it’s almost irresistible to start practicing your signature. This playful activity often involves repeatedly writing your name in various styles, whether you’re imagining your future as a celebrity or simply doodling for fun. Practicing your signature can be a personal expression of identity and creativity, allowing you to explore different designs that reflect who you are. It’s a uniquely private form of art that, while rarely seen by others, still holds significance for you.

    Beyond mere entertainment, practicing your signature can enhance your motor skills and coordination. It can also serve as a calming exercise, providing a moment of focus and mindfulness. As you refine your autograph, consider how this simple act symbolizes your identity. One day, when you’re signing important documents, you’ll have the confidence that comes with knowing you’ve perfected your signature—a small but meaningful achievement in your journey.

    14-
    Scoliosis Back Brace Posture Corrector for Women & Men. HSA/FSA/HRA Eligible. Adjustable Back Straightener Shoulder Brace Hunchback Corrector for Shoulder & Back Pain Relief (1 Size Fits Most)

    14. Trying on Different Outfits

    Alone time presents the perfect opportunity to engage in a private fashion show, trying on different outfits without the pressure of an audience. This playful activity allows individuals to explore their style freely, experimenting with combinations they might not feel brave enough to wear in public. Trying on clothes can boost self-esteem and creativity, serving as a way to see how various pieces enhance your body shape and express your personality. It’s a form of self-exploration that encourages confidence and experimentation.

    Moreover, this behavior can also provide practical benefits, such as assessing what looks good together and planning future outfits for specific occasions. It’s an excellent way to declutter your wardrobe, as you may discover what you love and what you’re ready to let go of. Just remember to put everything back in its place before anyone else stumbles upon your fashion show. This playful practice reinforces the idea that self-expression can be fun, even in the simplest of ways.

    15-
    Shoe Bubble Orthotic Insole – Memory Gel Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis, Pronation, Heel Pain, Arch Supports

    Conclusion

    These first three behaviors—talking to oneself, dancing freely, and singing in the shower—are more than just quirky habits people indulge in when alone. They offer crucial outlets for self-expression, emotional release, and mental clarity. Engaging in self-talk sharpens cognitive processes and problem-solving abilities while dancing uninhibitedly serves as both a stress reliever and a confidence booster. Singing in the shower, meanwhile, not only elevates mood but also promotes relaxation and well-being.

    These solitary activities highlight the human need for self-care and moments of freedom, which are often found in the privacy of our own company. Whether intentional or spontaneous, these behaviors are a testament to the ways we nurture ourselves when we think no one is watching.

    These next three behaviors—eating bizarre food combinations, sniffing one’s body odor, and practicing conversations in the mirror—reveal how people embrace curiosity, self-awareness, and preparation when left to their own devices. The inclination to try unusual food pairings speaks to a desire for culinary adventure, while self-sniffing serves a deeper instinctual purpose rooted in health and hygiene. Meanwhile, rehearsing in front of a mirror provides a space for self-improvement, helping individuals boost their confidence and communication skills.

    Each of these habits offers unique benefits, whether it’s through expanding one’s palate, maintaining personal health, or perfecting social interactions. While these actions may be hidden from public view, they are part of the ways people nurture their well-being and enhance their everyday lives.

    The final trio of behaviors—eating straight from the container, making weird faces in the mirror, and talking to inanimate objects—offers a fascinating glimpse into the playful and introspective ways people navigate their alone time. Eating directly from containers can satisfy cravings but also highlights the importance of mindful eating to avoid overconsumption. Meanwhile, pulling faces in the mirror serves as both a source of amusement and a tool for emotional regulation, allowing individuals to explore their feelings in a personal space.

    Conversing with inanimate objects further underscores the importance of self-expression and connection, even in solitude. These behaviors illustrate how people engage with their environment and themselves in unique ways, helping them process emotions, indulge in small pleasures, and maintain a sense of humor about life. In these private moments, we uncover not just our quirks, but also the valuable insights they provide into our inner worlds.

    The final trio of behaviors—engaging in imaginary arguments, performing elaborate personal grooming rituals, and conducting online stalking of exes or crushes—reflects the complex ways individuals navigate their thoughts and emotions in solitude. Imaginary arguments serve as a mental rehearsal tool, helping individuals prepare for real-life confrontations while providing a safe outlet for self-expression. Personal grooming rituals, on the other hand, promote self-care and have been shown to enhance mood and self-esteem, underscoring the importance of nurturing oneself.

    Conversely, online stalking behaviors highlight the potential pitfalls of curiosity, revealing how social media can complicate emotional healing. While these habits may seem trivial, they collectively underscore the diverse ways people engage with their inner lives, manage stress, and seek self-improvement. By understanding these behaviors, we can cultivate a deeper awareness of ourselves and foster healthier coping mechanisms when alone.

    The last two behaviors—practicing your signature and trying on different outfits—highlight the playful and creative aspects of spending time alone. Practicing your signature not only serves as a means of personal expression but also cultivates confidence in your identity. It transforms a simple act of writing into a moment of reflection, reinforcing your sense of self as you perfect your unique autograph.

    Meanwhile, trying on different outfits allows for personal fashion exploration, fostering creativity and self-discovery without external judgment. Both activities serve as a reminder that solitude can be a rich and fulfilling experience, providing opportunities for self-expression and confidence-building. Embracing these moments of playfulness contributes to a greater understanding of who we are and how we choose to present ourselves to the world.

    The behaviors explored in this blog post—ranging from engaging in imaginary arguments to practicing your signature—reveal the myriad ways individuals embrace their solitude. Each quirky habit serves a unique purpose, offering a glimpse into the complexities of human psychology and self-expression. From the stress relief found in singing in the shower to the personal growth fostered by trying on different outfits, these private moments are essential for emotional well-being and self-discovery.

    These seemingly trivial activities provide valuable insights into how we navigate our thoughts, emotions, and identities when we’re alone. Whether indulging in the carefree act of dancing like no one’s watching or engaging in meaningful self-talk, each behavior contributes to a greater understanding of ourselves. In a world that often demands conformity and external validation, these private practices remind us of the importance of self-acceptance and the joy of personal exploration. Embracing our quirks not only enriches our individual lives but also enhances our connections with others when we choose to share our authentic selves.

    Bibliography on Behavioral Science

    1. Ajzen, I. (1991). The Theory of Planned Behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50(2), 179-211. This seminal paper introduces a comprehensive framework for understanding the links between beliefs, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors.
    2. Berkowitz, L. (1990). On the Formation and Regulation of Attitudes. In Social Influence: The Ontario Symposium (Vol. 6). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. A discussion of the processes by which attitudes are formed and their implications for behavior.
    3. Cialdini, R. B. (2007). Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion. New York: Harper Business. This classic book examines the principles of influence and persuasion, exploring how they can affect behavior.
    4. Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “What” and “Why” of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-Determination of Behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268. An influential paper discussing the role of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations in human behavior.
    5. Duhigg, C. (2012). The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. New York: Random House. This book explores the science of habit formation and how habits influence our daily lives and decisions.
    6. Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. A landmark book that delves into the dual systems of thought—intuitive and deliberate—and how they shape our decisions and behaviors.
    7. Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness. Thaler, R. H., & Sunstein, C. R. (2008). New Haven: Yale University Press. This book presents the concept of “nudging” and how small changes in the environment can significantly impact decision-making and behavior.
    8. Rogers, C. R. (1961). On Becoming a Person: A Therapist’s View of Psychotherapy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. A foundational text in humanistic psychology that emphasizes personal growth and the therapeutic relationship.
    9. Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. New York: Macmillan. This work lays the groundwork for behaviorism, discussing how behavior can be shaped through reinforcement.
    10. Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1974). Judgment Under Uncertainty: Heuristics and Biases. Science, 185(4157), 1124-1131. A groundbreaking study that examines how cognitive biases influence decision-making under uncertainty.
    11. Zimbardo, P. G. (2007). The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil. New York: Random House. This book explores the psychological mechanisms that can lead ordinary individuals to commit unethical acts.

    These resources provide a comprehensive overview of key concepts and research in behavioral science, covering various aspects of human behavior, motivation, decision-making, and social influence.

    By Amjad Izhar
    Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
    https://amjadizhar.blog

    Affiliate Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps keep this blog running and allows me to continue providing you with quality content. Thank you for your support!

  • The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance by Mona Black Chapter 16– Adar

    The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance by Mona Black Chapter 16– Adar

    “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)” is the title of this excerpt from a fantasy novel. The story centers around Selina, who appears to be held captive but is also part of a prophecy or agreement, seemingly destined to marry a merman. Intrigue surrounds the nature of fae and merman power and politics, with elements of romance and danger intertwined. Selina navigates perilous situations and makes strategic choices to survive. The narrative hints at a complex relationship dynamic and power struggle between Selina and her captor or future husband.

    The Merman King’s Bride: A Study Guide

    Quiz

    Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

    1. Describe Selina’s initial physical condition and emotional state as the story begins.
    2. What is the significance of the hood that Selina wears?
    3. Explain why the guards are hesitant to look at Selina directly.
    4. Describe the physical environment as Selina is led through the palace.
    5. Who is Prince Alfred, and what is his connection to Lily?
    6. What magical abilities does Selina possess?
    7. Explain the curse that is mentioned in the title of the text.
    8. Why does Selina offer to marry the Fae?
    9. How do the guards react when Selina reveals her magic?
    10. What is Selina’s ultimate goal at the conclusion of the text?

    Quiz Answer Key

    1. Selina begins the story physically weakened and in pain, specifically in her legs, and feels inclined to believe she is in a dream because of the situation she finds herself in. She is being judged by the injury in her tail, which causes her pain. She seems resigned to her fate, but there’s also a sense of determination in her actions.
    2. The hood serves to conceal Selina’s identity from those around her, particularly the guards, to prevent them from recognizing her. It represents the power dynamics at play.
    3. The guards avoid looking at Selina directly because they fear her and the power she represents. It is also mentioned that they do not want to recognize her.
    4. The palace environment is described as consisting of cold stone and uneven stairs. It’s clear that the palace used to be beautiful, but is now dark and closed off.
    5. Prince Alfred is a suitor who is mentioned in the text. He appears to be courting Lily.
    6. Selina possesses the ability to manipulate water, forming it into mist or waves to defend herself and others, demonstrating her magical affinity for the sea. She is a Fae.
    7. The curse is implied to have affected the Fae or potentially their kingdom, possibly causing their decline or warping their true nature, suggesting a tragic backstory to their current state. This is why the text says “Cursed Fae Kings.”
    8. Selina offers to marry the Fae in an act of defiance, sacrificing herself to save herself from being killed. She also does it as an act of love because she is the only one who desires his death.
    9. The guards are taken by surprise and are caught off-guard when Selina reveals her magic. They seem startled and fearful, hesitant to engage with her directly.
    10. Selina’s ultimate goal is to create a better future for her kingdom and herself, one where there is no pain, only justice, and to ensure that those in the palace are well. She desires to be with the Fae.

    Essay Questions

    1. Analyze the power dynamics between Selina, the guards, and the Fae in the provided excerpts. How do these relationships shape Selina’s choices and actions?
    2. Discuss the significance of the setting and atmosphere in the text. How do the descriptions of the palace and surrounding environment contribute to the overall mood and themes?
    3. Explore the theme of sacrifice in “The Merman King’s Bride.” What motivates Selina’s willingness to sacrifice herself, and what does this sacrifice represent?
    4. Examine the role of magic in the excerpts. How does Selina’s magic influence her interactions with others, and what does it reveal about her identity?
    5. Consider the ending of the text. Is the final decision a positive or negative one, and how do you defend your choice?

    Glossary of Key Terms

    • Fae: A supernatural being or creature of folklore, often associated with magic, nature, and the realm beyond human perception.
    • Merman: A mythical creature that is half man and half fish; the male counterpart of a mermaid.
    • Palace: The official residence of a sovereign, such as a king or queen, typically a large and ornate building.
    • Curse: A supernatural spell or affliction that causes harm, misfortune, or suffering.
    • Suitor: A man who pursues a romantic relationship with a particular woman, often with the intention of marriage.
    • Magic: The power of apparently influencing events by using mysterious or supernatural forces.
    • Sacrifice: An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else, often a higher cause or principle.
    • Sovereign: A supreme ruler, especially a monarch.
    • Justice: The upholding of what is fair and right, often involving legal systems or moral principles.
    • Hood: A covering for the head and neck, often concealing the wearer’s identity.

    The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance

    Okay, here is a briefing document summarizing the key themes and ideas from the provided excerpts of “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”:

    Briefing Document: “The Merman King’s Bride”

    Overall Theme: This excerpt appears to be from a dark fairytale/fantasy romance novel centered around a woman named Selina who is forced into a marriage with a Merman King, Prince Alfred, who seems to be cursed. The story focuses on themes of sacrifice, duty, power, magic, and potentially Stockholm Syndrome, as well as the complexities of dealing with a powerful, dangerous, and seemingly cruel being.

    Key Characters:

    • Selina: The protagonist, who is being forced into marriage. She is shown to be resilient, resourceful, and potentially possesses magical abilities. She is initially hesitant and fearful but shows signs of developing a complex relationship with the Merman King.
    • Prince Alfred (Merman King): Described as cursed. He is powerful, volatile, and initially portrayed as cruel. His motivations are not entirely clear, but he seems to have a strong desire to marry Selina, possibly for reasons related to breaking his curse or consolidating his power.
    • Lily: She is close to Selina, and cares deeply about her safety.
    • Adar: A character close to the King.

    Key Plot Points & Ideas:

    • Forced Marriage/Sacrifice: Selina is being forced to marry Prince Alfred. The story emphasizes her initial reluctance and fear. The quote, “He made you suffer. I say: ‘He was going to force you to marry him. He was going to hit you. He insulted you.’” highlights this element of coercion.
    • Cursed King: Prince Alfred is described as cursed, suggesting this is a major element driving the plot.
    • Magical Abilities: Selina seems to possess some latent or developing magical abilities. The passage where she summons mist and forms it into a net to protect guards from a crow attack illustrates this: “I gather water from the air, manipulate it, stretch it like dough, open my arms and form a net of mist and ice. With a flick of my wrist, I sent it upon his guards.”
    • Dangerous Palace/Environment: The description of the palace suggests a dangerous and unsettling environment. The reference to the dungeon further reinforces the grim setting.
    • Developing Relationship/Stockholm Syndrome: There are hints that Selina’s feelings towards the Merman King are evolving. She acknowledges his cruelty, but also seems to be considering the potential benefits or possibilities of this union.
    • Political Implications: The marriage has broader implications, as seen in the line “If you don’t, I will stay in this world with you. If you come with me, I will make you my wife and my queen. You will become one of us.” This suggests the marriage is intended to solidify power or bridge a divide between two worlds.
    • Internal Conflict/Duty vs. Desire: Selina grapples with her own desires versus her perceived duty or destiny. The ending quote: “Above all, Selina. Everything I need in the world.” suggests that she has come to terms with her fate and is now embracing it.
    • Changing Dynamics: The statement, “I’ll choose my palace, then. It has better beds to make love on than a hovel” indicates a shift in the power dynamic. It is Selina who will have the control, going forward.

    Quotes Highlighting Key Ideas:

    • “I only wanted to scare him, punish him, shove his cruelty back at him. I don’t kill for sport. That’s not who I am.” (Shows Selina’s moral code and reason for using her powers)
    • “If you don’t, I will stay in this world with you. If you come with me, I will make you my wife and my queen. You will become one of us.” (Highlights the political implications and the merging of two worlds.)
    • “All I want,’ I say again, in case it wasn’t clear, ‘is you.’” (Selina’s desires and what she wants from the King)
    • “Above all, Selina. Everything I need in the world.” (Emphasizes Selina’s importance)
    • “I’ll choose my palace, then. It has better beds to make love on than a hovel” (Selina is taking control)

    Overall Impression: The excerpt paints a picture of a complex and potentially dark fairytale romance. The story appears to explore themes of sacrifice, duty, power, and the potential for love (or at least complex attachment) to develop in the face of adversity and coercion. Selina’s internal struggles and developing relationship with the Merman King, combined with the element of the curse and the magical environment, create a compelling narrative.

    The Merman King’s Bride: Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings) FAQs

    FAQ: The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)

    • What is the main conflict or challenge facing the protagonist, Selina?
    • Selina appears to be forced into a marriage with a merman king to prevent him from attacking the land. She struggles with this fate and whether she is willing to sacrifice her freedom and happiness to protect others. She also seems to be grappling with a powerful, potentially destructive magic within her.
    • What is the significance of the “curse” mentioned in the title?
    • The phrase “cursed Fae kings” implies that the merman king, and potentially others, are suffering from some kind of magical affliction that affects their behavior and motivations. This curse likely contributes to the conflict and shapes the relationships in the story, particularly the merman king’s anger. It is implied that the curse has lifted by the end of the excerpt.
    • What is Selina’s initial emotional state regarding the marriage?
    • Selina is resistant to the marriage. She expresses feelings of being trapped and used and seems hesitant to go through with it. She experiences fear, but also a determination to protect others. She seems to care for the people she’s leaving behind.
    • What role does magic play in the story?
    • Magic appears to be a significant force. Selina possesses a powerful magic, that she tries to conceal. Other characters are also aware of and wary of magic, and it influences events, relationships, and the overall plot.
    • Who is Adar, and what is his relationship with Selina?
    • Adar is not well defined in this excerpt. There is a moment where Adar warns Selina, but his relationship is still vague.
    • What are some of the themes that emerge in this excerpt?
    • Themes include sacrifice, duty versus personal desire, the nature of magic, prejudice towards “monsters” or those perceived as different, and the potential for love to overcome obstacles.
    • How does Selina’s perspective evolve throughout the excerpt?
    • Selina begins with feelings of dread and reluctance but undergoes a shift as she decides to marry the king to ensure protection of others, with a focus on justice, and she seems hopeful for their future. She comes to terms with her magic and finds a future with the Merman King, who will become her husband and king.
    • What motivates Selina’s final decision to marry the Merman King?
    • Selina’s final decision is motivated by a sense of duty, a desire to protect her people from the king’s potential aggression, and a belief that she can make a difference by choosing love over fear. She is influenced by a hope for a future of justice and a realization that she desires a life with the merman king.

    The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)

    The story is titled “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”.

    Elements of fairytale romance include:

    • Magic.
    • A royal character. Prince Alfred makes an appearance. The story also involves a Merman King.
    • A damsel in distress. Iason thinks Selina is trying to protect him from a slip of a man, casting himself in the way of harm to save her.
    • True love. Selina states if love isn’t true it is a form of magic. She later says “Selina I love her, pull on her hand until she faces me. I touch her pretty face, the eyes and the mouth I love, the person I love. ‘Will you come with me?’”.
    • Betrothal/Marriage. A character says, “He was going to force you to marry him. He was going to have you. He insulted you”. Another character says, “If you don’t, I will stay in this world with you. If you come with me, I will make you my wife and my queen. You will become one of us. Tell me what you want”.
    • A happily ever after. Selina says, “You’ve convinced me,” she says with a laugh and closes the window again. Grinning, I straighten in the seat and snap the reins. The future stretches ahead of us. A future I had given up on, a future she gave me back, and I’m not going to squander it. No killing. No pain. Only justice, and we will go from there. A home. A family. Selina. Above all, Selina. Everything I need in the world”.

    The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance

    “The Merman King’s Bride” is described as a fairytale romance involving cursed fae kings. Iason refers to one of the characters as “The only Fae in the palace is the merman. How is this possible?”.

    The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance

    “The Merman King’s Bride” is a fairytale romance that involves cursed fae kings and a Merman King. One of the characters, Iason, refers to “The only Fae in the palace is the merman. How is this possible?”.

    Selina’s Character Arc in “The Merman King’s Bride”

    Selina is a character in “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”.

    Here’s what the sources indicate about her:

    • Feelings for another character. Selina states “Selina I love her, pull on her hand until she faces me. I touch her pretty face, the eyes and the mouth I love, the person I love. ‘Will you come with me?’”.
    • Relationship with Iason. Iason thinks Selina is trying to protect him from a slip of a man, casting himself in the way of harm to save her. Selina states that if love isn’t true it is a form of magic.
    • Future with another character. Selina says, “You’ve convinced me,” she says with a laugh and closes the window again. Grinning, I straighten in the seat and snap the reins. The future stretches ahead of us. A future I had given up on, a future she gave me back, and I’m not going to squander it. No killing. No pain. Only justice, and we will go from there. A home. A family. Selina. Above all, Selina. Everything I need in the world”.

    The Merman King’s Bride: Magic and Perception

    In “The Merman King’s Bride,” magic is present. Selina says that if love isn’t true it is a form of magic. Selina gathers water from the air, manipulates it, stretches it like cloth, opens her arms and forms a net of mist and with a flick of her wrist, it sent upon guards. It falls over them, much like the fishermen’s net they dropped on top of me at the lake, and traps them on the ground. They yell and groan and squirm like fish, writhing. I forget sometimes how humans feel about magic. How it scares them as much as it fascinates them. As if everything we all go through, from birth to our death, isn’t a form of magic.

    By Amjad Izhar
    Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
    https://amjadizhar.blog

    Affiliate Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps keep this blog running and allows me to continue providing you with quality content. Thank you for your support!

  • The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance by Mona Black Chapter 15– Selina

    The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance by Mona Black Chapter 15– Selina

    The provided excerpts come from “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings).” The story involves political intrigue, dangerous bargains, and a curse. Prince William seems to be in a precarious situation, potentially forced into marriage for strategic reasons. There are hints of manipulation and hidden motives among the characters, including a possible plot to imprison or otherwise deal with certain fae. Characters such as Selina and Lily also become entangled, as well as a captured fae named Adar. Overall, the narrative suggests a complex web of relationships and schemes within a fantastical kingdom.

    The Merman King’s Bride: A Study Guide

    Review Topics

    • Character Relationships: Analyze the complex relationships between Selina, William, Alfred, Adar, and Lily. Pay attention to motivations and power dynamics.
    • Political Intrigue: Explore the political maneuverings and power plays within the Fae kingdom and the potential conflicts with the human world.
    • The Curse: Understand the nature of the curse and its impact on Adar and the kingdom. How does Selina factor into potentially breaking the curse?
    • Deception and Secrets: Identify the various instances of deception and hidden agendas among the characters. Who is hiding what, and why?
    • Themes of Love, Sacrifice, and Duty: Examine how these themes are explored through the characters’ actions and decisions.
    • Setting and Atmosphere: Understand the significance of the dungeons and the palace as settings.

    Short-Answer Quiz

    1. Describe the relationship between Selina and Prince William at the beginning of the story.
    2. What is the significance of the “hunts” that William and Alfred participate in?
    3. What is Selina’s initial motivation for visiting the dungeons?
    4. Describe Adar’s physical appearance and how it reflects his cursed state.
    5. What does Selina discover about Lily in the dungeons?
    6. How does Selina feel about the upcoming wedding?
    7. What kind of relationship exists between William and Alfred?
    8. What item is Selina to deliver to Adar?
    9. What does Adar reveal about the curse?
    10. What does Lily do to Adar at the end of the provided excerpt?

    Short-Answer Quiz Answer Key

    1. Selina and William are cousins in an arranged marriage negotiation. While friendly, their interaction is laced with political undertones and a lack of genuine affection.
    2. The hunts provide a cover for William and Alfred’s cruel activities, hinting at violence.
    3. Selina initially visits the dungeons under the pretense of finding something William has hidden and in order to take Lily.
    4. Adar is described as beautiful but also marked by his curse, half-man, half merman, reflecting his suffering.
    5. Selina discovers that Lily had her heart stolen and is imprisoned and in danger in the dungeons.
    6. Selina appears unenthusiastic and resigned to the upcoming wedding, viewing it as more of a duty than something she desires.
    7. William and Alfred have a co-conspiratorial and competitive relationship.
    8. Selina delivers clothes and a cloak to Adar.
    9. Adar reveals that he curses the gods.
    10. Lily places her hands on Adar’s face to heal him and tells him that the curse has lifted.

    Essay Questions

    1. Analyze the role of power and manipulation in the interactions between Selina, William, and Alfred. How do these characters attempt to control each other, and to what extent are they successful?
    2. Discuss the significance of the setting in “The Merman King’s Bride.” How do the dungeons and the palace contribute to the overall atmosphere and themes of the story?
    3. Examine the theme of sacrifice in the story. Which characters make sacrifices, and what are their motivations for doing so?
    4. Compare and contrast the characters of Selina and Lily. What are their strengths and weaknesses, and how do their actions contribute to the overall plot?
    5. Analyze the portrayal of gender roles in “The Merman King’s Bride.” How do the female characters navigate the patriarchal society in which they live?

    Glossary of Key Terms

    • Fae: Refers to the magical race of beings that inhabit the kingdom, sometimes referred to as Faerie.
    • Curse: A supernatural affliction or malediction, in this case affecting Adar and potentially the kingdom.
    • Merman: A legendary aquatic creature with the upper body of a man and the tail of a fish.
    • Dungeons: Underground prison cells, representing confinement and danger.
    • Healer: An individual with the ability to mend wounds and cure ailments.
    • Highnesses: The plural form of the title “Highness,” used to address royalty.
    • Trunk: A large, sturdy box or chest used for storage or transportation.
    • Palace: The official residence of the King and Queen.
    • Adaren of the Opal Court: Adar is the son of the King of the Opal Court.
    • Dowry: The money and property that a woman brings to her marriage.
    • Coop up: To be confined in a small space.
    • Chaperone: A person who accompanies and supervises another person or group of people, especially during a trip or outing.
    • Culprit: Someone who has done something wrong.
    • Entails: Involved.
    • Stifle: Suppress.
    • Wrinkled hackle: Hair on the back of her neck is standing up.
    • Tugging at the net: Pulling at it.
    • Pale cast: Dull tone.
    • Repel: Push away.
    • Writhe: Make twisting, squirming movements or contortions of the body.

    The Merman King’s Bride: Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)

    Okay, here is a briefing document summarizing the key themes and important details from the provided excerpts of “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”:

    Briefing Document: “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)” Excerpts

    Overall Theme: The excerpts depict a world of political intrigue, arranged marriages, family tensions, and a hint of dark magic within a fae/fantasy setting. The main character, Selina, is caught in a web of duty and obligation.

    Key Characters and Relationships:

    • Selina: The protagonist, seemingly bound by duty to marry William, the Prince of the palace. She is also involved in complex relationships with other characters. She is resourceful, intelligent and willing to take risks. She mentions a “secret” to William and how she hopes he keeps his word long enough to get her out.
    • William: A prince, Selina’s betrothed. He seems to be aware of Selina’s games but interested in the overall outcome.
    • Lily: A character who was imprisoned in the dungeons, having supposedly “stole your heart and turned you into an idiot about to throw your life away”.
    • Adar: A character who requires help and freeing from a net. He is the healer that Lily was seeking.
    • Iason: He is angry with Selina. He wants her to ask Adar questions.
    • Alfred: He is an accomplished rider and hunter and loves horses.
    • Other Fae: The excerpts mention guards, healers, and royalty, indicating a hierarchical Fae society with established customs and power dynamics.

    Main Plot Points & Themes:

    • Arranged Marriage and Duty vs. Desire: Selina is engaged to William, but there are hints of dissatisfaction and potentially other romantic interests. Selina’s motivations seem complex, as she is attempting to balance her sense of duty with her own wants and desires.
    • Political Intrigue: There are allusions to political maneuvering. The hunt arranged with Selina and the discussions about keeping certain events secret clearly suggests a landscape where trust is scarce, and everyone has an agenda. “Last chance to enjoy life here at the palace before the wedding.”
    • Imprisonment and Rescue: The quest to free Lily and Adar is a central plot element, highlighting the conflict between those in power and those considered threats or outcasts. Selina is heading into the dungeons to find them.
    • Magic and the Fae: The presence of Fae beings, curses, healing magic, and talk of the “merman” indicate a world steeped in supernatural elements. “Cursed Fae Kings”
    • Manipulation and Secrets: Characters appear to be hiding things and using each other for their own purposes. “Secret is safe with me,” says William, “but that doesn’t mean I can trust him.”
    • Consequences and Stakes: Decisions have consequences. The characters face the risk of imprisonment, political repercussions, and potentially, the activation of curses. Selina knows she is taking a risk freeing Lily, knowing “you’ll be taking a risk. I wanted to keep you out of this.”

    Important Quotes & Observations:

    • On Selina’s Motivation: “Nobody can know that I’m playing such games, much less my parents and my future husband.” This reveals that she is acting independently and potentially against the wishes of her family and William.
    • On Political Maneuvering: “Just a ride. Show him the horses, show him the countryside. It’s a beautiful winter day. I bet you can catch some small game for fun.” This hints at the hidden agenda behind the arranged hunt.
    • On Iason’s feelings: “Iason is angry with me. Most likely he’s impatient to take his anger out on Adar.”
    • On Adar being the healer: “Being seen with you out of the palace? After finding the healer for you?”
    • On Duty: “That’s what I tell the king, then, that I left my crown behind and I’m not planning on coming back.”
    • The Curse: “The curse has lifted.”

    Possible Questions and Implications:

    • What is Selina’s overall plan, and what is she hoping to achieve by freeing Lily and Adar?
    • What is the nature of the curse that is mentioned, and who is affected by it?
    • What are William’s true intentions, and how much does he know about Selina’s schemes?
    • What role will the other Fae play in the unfolding events?
    • What is the significance of Adar’s “merman” identity?

    This document provides a summary of the key information presented in the source material.

    The Merman King’s Bride: Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)

    Frequently Asked Questions about The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)

    • What are the main conflicts and tensions present in the story?
    • The story is driven by several conflicts: Selina’s impending marriage to William, who doesn’t seem to truly care for her; the political intrigue surrounding the Fae and their kingdom; the mystery of the “cure” and Adar’s imprisonment; and Selina’s growing connection with Adar. There’s also the internal conflict of Selina grappling with her duties versus her own desires and freedom. The potential war between the Fae and the merfolk is an overarching tension.
    • Who are the key players in this narrative and what are their motivations?
    • Selina is a princess navigating a political marriage and seeking agency in her own life. William is her betrothed, seemingly more interested in games and political maneuvering than her. Adar is a merman held captive, seemingly cursed, who needs Selina’s help, and with whom she has a growing connection. Lily is a healer who is helping Selina and appears to have some history with Adar. Iason seems to be the antagonist who has set many of the events in motion.
    • What is Selina’s role within the Fae kingdom, and how is she perceived by others?
    • Selina is a princess whose primary role appears to be to secure alliances through marriage. She’s perceived as a commodity, a princess to be married off. Some, like William, see her as a pawn in their games. Others, like Adar, seem to recognize something deeper in her.
    • What are the power dynamics at play, especially regarding Selina’s agency and choices?
    • Selina faces significant limitations on her agency. Her marriage is arranged, and she’s constantly being manipulated by others, such as William and Iason. Her choices are restricted by her royal status and the political landscape. However, she actively seeks ways to exert control, like visiting the dungeons, seeking help from Lily, and making her own decisions about Adar.
    • What kind of relationship does Selina have with William, and is it based on genuine affection?
    • The relationship between Selina and William seems transactional and lacking genuine affection. William appears more interested in political games than in developing a real connection with Selina. There is no indication of any emotional intimacy or mutual respect between them.
    • What is the significance of Adar’s captivity, and how does it tie into the larger narrative?
    • Adar’s captivity is a central mystery and a catalyst for Selina’s actions. His imprisonment appears to be politically motivated and potentially tied to a curse. Rescuing Adar seems like one of the primary objectives of the story as well as a central part of Selina’s personal journey. It allows for a dynamic where Selina is able to act for her own desires rather than just the desires of her family.
    • What are some of the underlying themes or motifs explored in this story, such as duty versus desire or freedom versus constraint?
    • Several themes emerge: duty versus desire (Selina’s obligations to her kingdom versus her own feelings), freedom versus constraint (Selina’s limited agency as a princess), manipulation and deceit (William’s games), and the power of connection and empathy (Selina’s relationship with Adar).
    • What is the significance of the phrase “The curse has lifted” at the end of one scene?
    • The phrase “The curse has lifted” suggests a potential turning point in the story, and suggests the healing of Adar. The nature of the curse itself and how it affects the characters and the kingdom remains a central plot element. The lifting of the curse could free Adar, change the dynamic between Selina and others, and alter the overall political landscape.

    Dungeon Cells: Imprisonment and Hidden Secrets

    The dungeons contain cells, and within one of the cells, the characters are trying to find someone hidden. Selina mentions finding something hidden in one of the cells to Lily. Lily suggests they will get to carry clothes for Adar to the dungeons. Prince Iason is imprisoned in one of the cells, which are made of steel bars. The prisoners are curled in their corners, asleep or dead. Selina and Lily pass cell after cell. Guards provide Selina and Lily with a cell for Adar. Selina whispers to someone as she approaches the cell.

    Royal Wedding Intrigue: Duty, Tradition, and Manipulation

    The impending wedding between Prince William and Lily is a significant event that draws the interest of others.

    Aspects of royal courtship mentioned in the source include:

    • Pre-wedding traditions A pre-wedding hunt is planned for William to get him away from the palace until Adar can escape. Iason wants to show his appreciation and excitement for William’s engagement.
    • Duty and political considerations Selina notes the King would do whatever is needed to stop William from saving a Fae, seeing it as a heroic act that would detract from the King’s power.
    • Intrigue and manipulation Others are using the wedding and events around it for their own schemes. Iason is using his name in a ploy involving William.

    Fae Politics and Power Dynamics

    The Fae are a notable presence in the political landscape described in the source.

    Here are some key aspects of Fae politics:

    • Distrust and prejudice The King is presented as being against Prince William saving a Fae, because that would make William a hero and diminish the King’s power. This suggests a political environment where the Fae are not highly regarded and actions involving them can have political implications.
    • Political maneuvering People are trying to use a pre-wedding hunt to get Adar out of the palace until the wedding. The wedding between Prince William and Lily has political significance and is being used for political ploys.
    • Power dynamics Saving a Fae is seen as a heroic act that could potentially threaten the King’s power. This highlights the power dynamics between the monarchy and the Fae, where helping a Fae could be seen as a challenge to the established order.

    Cursed Fae Kings: A Fairytale Romance

    The idea of cursed romance appears in the source with the mention of “The Merman King’s Bride: A Fairytale Romance (Cursed Fae Kings)”.

    Additional aspects of cursed romance from the source:

    • Lily and Adar: Lily is going to help Adar, and if she goes through with this, “Lily kisses, ‘you might as well kiss your freedom goodbye. Last chance, girl. This isn’t just helping a Fae; it’s smuggling him out of the palace”.
    • Lily and Selina: Selina tells Lily, “You are mine; I shake my head. I love you…Selina…”.
    • Adar’s curse: “The curse has lifted” after Adar touches Lily.

    Lily: The Healer

    Lily is described as a healer in the source.

    Here are specific instances of Lily’s healing abilities mentioned:

    • Lily as a healer: Lily is referred to as “a King! Lily? Lily blushes. This is my cousin, Lily. She’s been a great help. And that’s the healer”.
    • Healing Adar: Lily says she knows Jason had her follow to heal Adar, adding that she brought a healer for the wound. Lily tells Adar she can heal him. After Lily heals him, Adar says, “My Gods, you’re alive…” and “The curse has lifted”.
    • Healing touch: Lily possesses a healing touch, as demonstrated when she heals Ada r’s wounds.
    • Lily’s reputation: Lily has a reputation as a healer and is sought after for her abilities.

    By Amjad Izhar
    Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
    https://amjadizhar.blog

    Affiliate Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. This comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps keep this blog running and allows me to continue providing you with quality content. Thank you for your support!