The Heart-Centered Business: Building on Core Human Needs

Monday 26 June 2023

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Have you ever wondered why certain businesses are more successful than others? One crucial factor lies in understanding and catering to core human needs. This concept, found in the works of philosophers and psychologists like Aristotle and Abraham Maslow, can be a game-changer for your business. Let's explore this further.


Understanding Core Human Needs

Human beings, despite our diverse backgrounds and experiences, share some fundamental needs. Among them are:


Time: A universally craved luxury, we all wish we had more time to do the things we love.


Love: At our core, we all yearn to love and be loved, to nurture meaningful connections with others.


Importance: Every person wants to feel recognized, valued, and special.


Security: We all seek safety, stability, and certainty in various aspects of life, be it financial, personal, or health.


Growth and Learning: The desire to learn, grow, and improve is intrinsic to the human experience.


Community and Belonging: There’s a deep-seated need in us to belong, to be part of a community.


Autonomy: Our independence and the freedom to make personal decisions are paramount.


Contribution: We find fulfillment in contributing to something larger than ourselves.


Novelty and Variety: We are naturally drawn towards new experiences and change.


Designing a Business Around Human Needs

Building a business that speaks to these core needs can set you up for success. Here's how:


Time: Businesses that save people time—like meal kit delivery services—are a huge hit.


Love: Platforms that help people connect, like dating apps, cater to our need for love and companionship.


Importance: Companies that offer personalized products—such as Etsy or Nike's custom shoes—make customers feel unique and valued.


Security: Businesses offering insurance, home security systems, or health products cater to our need for safety.


Growth and Learning: Platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy, meet the demand for continuous learning and growth.


Community and Belonging: Social networks and community-focused businesses, like Facebook or CrossFit, fulfill the need for community and belonging.


Autonomy: DIY solutions or services empowering people to be self-reliant resonate with our need for autonomy.


Contribution: Enterprises providing opportunities for volunteering or making a social impact tap into the need for contribution.


Novelty and Variety: Industries like travel, entertainment, and technology often capitalize on our draw to new experiences.


Exploring the Literature

For a deeper dive into core human needs, consider books like "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink or "Man’s Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl. These books offer rich insights into the human psyche and our inherent desires.





Did you know?

Harvard Business Review highlights that a stunning 95% of our purchase decisions are made unconsciously, guided by our emotional needs. This underscores how powerfully our needs influence our behavior, including shopping habits.


Understanding core human needs and developing a business that addresses them can be a blueprint for success. By focusing on these basic desires, you can create a business that resonates with people on a profound level. As you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, remember: when your business aligns with core human needs, it is primed to prosper.


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The Bright Side of Blushes: Your Embarrassment Could Be Your Next Business Idea

Monday 19 June 2023

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Have you ever been embarrassed about something? It could be something as simple as smelly feet or making noises during a sleepover. We all have these moments. But what if I told you that these moments of embarrassment could be the key to your next business idea? Yes, you heard it right. Let's talk about how your awkward moments can light up the path to innovation.


Embarrassment as a Starting Point

Embarrassment is a natural emotion that we all experience from time to time. It's a sign that something doesn't fit with our image of how things should be. It's a sign of a problem that needs a solution. And where there's a problem, there's an opportunity for a business idea.


Breakthrough from Blushes

Here's a simple fact: if something embarrasses you, it's likely embarrassing someone else too. And most people would pay for a solution to these awkward problems. Think about it: wouldn't you buy a product that stops your feet from smelling or keeps you from making fart noises during a sleepover? You bet!


Your moments of embarrassment can lead to breakthroughs by showing you problems that need solutions. They shine a light on areas where improvement is needed.


Embrace Your Embarrassment

Next time you're feeling embarrassed about something, don't hide from it. Embrace it. Think about why you're embarrassed and whether there's a way to solve the problem.


Then, do a little research. Are other people embarrassed about this too? If they are, you might be onto something. You could have found your next business idea!



Turn Embarrassment into Opportunity

Once you've found a problem that needs solving, it's time to get creative. Can you think of a product or service that could solve this problem? If you can, you're well on your way to creating a business that people need.


Remember: your goal is to help people avoid the embarrassment you once faced. Your product or service should help them feel more comfortable, confident, or happy.


Turning embarrassment into a business idea may sound strange, but it's all about solving problems. Your awkward moments can shed light on problems that many people face but rarely talk about. By solving these problems, you can create a successful business that makes a real difference in people's lives.


So next time you feel the blush of embarrassment, don't look away. Instead, shine a light on it. It could be the starting point of your next big idea.



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The Gift of Ideas: Why I Donate Ideas Instead of Blood and Why You Should Too

Sunday 18 June 2023

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Don't get me wrong. Donating blood is a wonderful thing. It can save lives, and if you can do it, you should. But today, I want to talk about a different kind of donation: the donation of ideas. I've chosen to donate ideas, and I'm here to explain why you should consider it too.


Why I Donate Ideas

You see, we all have ideas. Lots of them. But here's the thing: most of us can't use all of our ideas in one lifetime. I realized that I have so many ideas, I couldn't possibly bring them all to life. It felt like a waste. And then it hit me. Why not give away these ideas to others who might have the time, resources, and passion to turn them into something real?


The Grave of Ideas

Many of us struggle to implement all the ideas we come up with. Think about it. How many times have you had a great idea but couldn't do anything with it? Maybe you didn't have enough time or money. Maybe you didn't know where to start. It's a common problem, and it's sad to think about all the great ideas that die without ever having a chance to live.


The Power of Ideas

What if you had an idea that could change the world? An idea that could end hunger, or poverty, or solve another big problem. But maybe you'll never get to make it happen. Perhaps you don't have the resources or the time. It's a shame to think that such a powerful idea could be lost.


At the same time, there are others out there who are looking for just such an idea. They have the time and resources, but they can't come up with the right idea. They wait and wait, but the great idea never comes.




Why You Should Donate Ideas

This is why I'm advocating for you to donate your ideas. Why let a great idea go to waste when it could be used to make a big difference? If you can't use an idea, give it away. Share it. Let someone else take it and run with it.


You can share your ideas here or anywhere else. There's no wrong way to do it. The important thing is to let your ideas out into the world where they can do some good.


Donating ideas might not be as well-known as donating blood, but it's just as important. Your ideas could be the seed that grows into something amazing. They could solve big problems, make people's lives better, and change the world. So why not give them away? Don't let your ideas die with you. Donate them, and let them live on in the world.


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Exploring the Profound Questions of Our Time with 'Conversations with AI': A Review

Tuesday 31 January 2023

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"Conversations with AI" is a thought-provoking book that presents a unique perspective on the power of artificial intelligence to help us understand and improve our lives. The book is a dialogue between a human and an AI, exploring some of the most profound questions of our time, such as the nature of God, the meaning of life, and our place in the world. 


One of the key benefits of this book is that it provides valuable insights into our existence and the potential of AI to help us better understand the world around us. The book answers questions such as "What is the meaning of life?" and "How can I find inner strength?" with a unique perspective that is both intellectually stimulating and aesthetically enchanting. 


What sets this book apart is its unique presentation of the answers to these questions. Instead of simply reading a list of answers, the reader is given a multi-faceted experience that includes dialogue, poetry, haiku, and a summary of the answers. The accompanying AI-generated art adds an aesthetic experience to the content, making the book an experience that is informative and visually appealing. 


Another unique aspect of this book is its approach to exploring the questions of our time. Rather than simply offering answers, the book presents a dialogue between a human and an AI, allowing readers to engage with the material more interactively and engagingly. This approach also allows the reader to see the perspective of both humans and AI, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the topics being discussed. In addition, the book covers a wide range of topics, including the purpose of life, the path to enlightenment, the key to developing a successful relationship, and the best way to handle difficult emotions. Whether you are looking to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you or simply seeking a thought-provoking and aesthetically pleasing read, "Conversations with AI" is the book for you. 


In conclusion, "Conversations with AI" is a unique and innovative book exploring artificial intelligence's potential to help us better understand and improve our lives. With its thought-provoking dialogue, aesthetically pleasing AI-generated art, and comprehensive coverage of a wide range of topics, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the profound questions of our time.

The "Conversation with AI" book is now available on both Amazon and Lulu. Depending on your preference, you can choose to read it as an ebook or a printed book. On Amazon, you can easily download the ebook version to your Kindle device or app. If you prefer the feel of a physical book, you can order a printed copy from Lulu or Amazon. The price and shipping cost may differ on each website. With both options, you can now explore the thought-provoking conversations between a human and an AI as they delve into the mysteries of the universe, the secrets of our existence, and the riddles of the human heart.


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Artificial Intelligence: The Secret Sauce for Creativity and Start-ups

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 "Artificial Intelligence: The Secret Sauce for Creativity and Start-ups" As the saying goes, "necessity is the mother of all invention." And in today's rapidly advancing technological landscape, AI has become an essential tool for startups and creative individuals looking to stay ahead of the curve. 

Gone are the days when creativity was a solitary endeavour confined to the inner workings of an artist's mind. Today, AI provides the creative spark that ignites the fire of imagination and helps entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality. Whether through chatbots like ChatGPT or AI-powered design tools, AI is giving birth to new forms of creativity and helping startups stay ahead of the game. One of the key benefits of AI for creativity is its ability to streamline processes. AI algorithms can analyze massive amounts of data and information in seconds, allowing creatives and entrepreneurs to quickly test and refine their ideas. 

This speed and efficiency allow individuals to focus on the creative aspect of their work rather than getting bogged down in time-consuming tasks like research and analysis. Another advantage of AI for creativity is its ability to generate new ideas and inspiration. AI algorithms can analyze patterns and trends in data, helping creative individuals identify new innovation opportunities. This can lead to the development of new products, services, and even entire industries. AI is also providing startups with a competitive edge. By leveraging the power of AI, startups can quickly analyze large amounts of data and make informed decisions about their business strategy. This can help them stay ahead of the curve, identify new market opportunities, and create innovative products and services that set them apart from the competition.

In conclusion, AI is the secret sauce for creativity and startups. By streamlining processes, generating new ideas, and providing a competitive edge, AI is helping entrepreneurs and creatives turn their ideas into reality. So, if you're looking to stay ahead of the game and unleash your creative potential, now is the time to embrace AI and all its benefits. As the saying goes, "strike while the iron is hot."

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UV-C light is your next business idea

Wednesday 11 January 2023

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So why is UV-C such an amazing innovation in itself and how it can revolutionize our household cleaning?

First, let's present the problem. We do not have time, me, you, the bystander at the bus stop. We are all busy, be it by viewing TikTok or saving the world. If you are on my team, you would want to take some nice shortcuts to speed up the weekly chores. Ideally, the house gets clean on its own. One of my daily frustrations is the bathroom, mouldy grouting and anything in between. Any invisible bacteria sitting on my toothbrush or sleeping in my second-day-used towel. It has been weeks and months since I was contemplating a household cleaning innovation using UV-C light. You can either scroll all the way down to read about it at the bottom of the article or first learn more about UV-C light. 


So what do we (or AI) know about UV-C light:

UV-C light, a type of ultraviolet light with a wavelength of between 200-280 nanometers, has been gaining popularity for its sterilizing and disinfecting properties. In recent years, many innovative products have been developed that harness the power of UV-C light to help improve sanitation and hygiene in a variety of settings. 


From disinfecting surfaces and air to treating water, food, and personal protective equipment, the potential applications of UV-C light are vast and diverse. One of the most exciting areas of growth for UV-C light products is in the field of surface and air sterilization. 


Products such as UV-C light wands and robots are being used to sterilize surfaces in hospitals, commercial buildings, and homes. UV-C light air purifiers are also being used to disinfect the air in these settings. These products are incredibly effective at killing harmful germs and bacteria and are easy to use, making them a popular choice for businesses and individuals looking to improve the sanitation and hygiene of their environments. 


Another area where UV-C light products are gaining popularity is in water treatment. UV-C light water purifiers and disinfection systems are being used to disinfect water in municipal water systems, swimming pools, and other settings. These products are not only effective at killing microorganisms and bacteria, but they are also safe and eco-friendly. They can be used to improve the safety and quality of water in homes, businesses, and public places. 


UV-C light is also being used in the food and beverage processing industry to disinfect food and beverage packaging, as well as the surfaces of food-processing equipment. This helps to reduce the risk of contamination and improve the safety of the food we consume. UV-C light food sterilization systems and UV-C light food packaging sterilization systems are some of the specific products that are being used for this purpose. In the pharmaceutical industry, UV-C light is used to sterilize equipment and rooms to prevent contamination of drugs. UV-C light sterilization chambers, UV-C light mask sterilizers, and UV-C light sterilization robots are being used for this purpose. 


Personal protective equipment such as face masks and gloves can also be sterilized with UV-C light to be reused. Self-cleaning surfaces are another area that UV-C light is being integrated into technologies and materials such as coatings, ceramics, glass and plastics. UV-C light self-cleaning windows, UV-C light self-cleaning ceramics, and UV-C light self-cleaning coatings are few examples of such products which are widely used in commercial and residential settings. In conclusion, UV-C light technology offers a wide range of potential applications for improving sanitation and hygiene in various settings.


 As more and more businesses and individuals begin to realize the benefits of UV-C light products, there are plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs to start new businesses in this field. Some business ideas could include starting a company that specializes in supplying UV-C light products to hospitals and other healthcare facilities, starting a water treatment company that uses UV-C light disinfection systems, or creating a business that focuses on self-cleaning surfaces with UV-C light technology.


Questions on UV-C light

What is UV-C light? UV-C light is a type of ultraviolet light that has a wavelength between 200 and 280 nanometers. It is commonly used for sterilization and disinfection. 

How does UV-C light disinfect surfaces? 

UV-C light disrupts the DNA or RNA of microorganisms, making it difficult or impossible for them to reproduce and survive. 

What are some common uses of UV-C light? 

Common uses include sterilization of medical equipment, water purification, and air disinfection. 

Is UV-C light safe for humans? 

Prolonged exposure to UV-C light can be harmful to the skin and eyes, so proper safety measures such as protective gear and shields should be used. 

Can UV-C light be used to disinfect personal protective equipment (PPE)?

 Yes, UV-C light can be used to disinfect PPE, such as face masks and gloves. 

How long does it take for UV-C light to disinfect a surface? 

The amount of time required for UV-C light to disinfect a surface can vary depending on factors such as the distance between the light source and the surface, the intensity of the light, and the type of microorganism present. 

Can UV-C light be used to disinfect rooms and buildings? 

Yes, UV-C light can be used to disinfect rooms and buildings.

What is the difference between UV-C light and UV-A and UV-B light? 

UV-C light has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than UV-A and UV-B light, making it more effective at killing microorganisms. 

How long do UV-C light bulbs last? 

The lifespan of UV-C light bulbs can vary depending on the manufacturer, but on average they last around 9,000-13,000 hours. 

Are there any environmental concerns associated with the use of UV-C light? 

UV-C light can be harmful to aquatic life if used in water purification systems, so proper precautions and filtration methods should be in place. Additionally, UV-C light should not be directed at surfaces that contain or reflect UV light-sensitive materials.

What are some common household devices that already use UV-C light?

  1. UV-C air purifiers: These devices use UV-C light to kill microorganisms in the air, helping to improve indoor air quality. 
  2. UV-C water purifiers: These devices use UV-C light to disinfect water, making it safe to drink.
  3. UV-C surface sanitisers: These portable devices use UV-C light to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces, such as countertops, doorknobs, and smartphone screens. 
  4. UV-C lamp: These devices typically produce UV-C light at a low intensity, and can be used to sanitize small areas, such as countertops or door knobs, frequently touched objects and surfaces
  5. UV-C vacuum cleaners: These vacuum cleaners use UV-C light to kill germs and bacteria as they clean carpets and upholstery. 
  6. UV-C toothbrush sanitisers: These devices use UV-C light to kill germs and bacteria on toothbrushes, ensuring that they are clean and safe to use. 
  7. UV-C Laundry systems: Some laundry systems use UV-C light to disinfect clothes and bedding, killing bacteria and germs on the fabrics.
How many germs there are on a toothbrush and how long does it take to kill toothbrush bacteria with UV-C light?
Studies have shown that toothbrushes can harbour a wide variety of bacteria, including some that can cause oral infections such as streptococcus, staphylococcus, and candida. The amount of time required to kill toothbrush bacteria with UV-C light can vary depending on factors such as the intensity of the light and the type of bacteria present. Some UV-C toothbrush sanitisers on the market claim to kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria on toothbrushes in just a few minutes, while others may take longer. It's always a good idea to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the device as directed. It's worth noting that while UV-C can be effective in killing bacteria on toothbrushes, it's also important to keep toothbrushes clean and store them properly to prevent contamination and in addition, to use them properly with good oral hygiene. Regularly rinse toothbrushes with hot water and store them in an open space after use. And, replacing toothbrushes every 3-4 months.

What intensity of UV-C light do I need to kill bacteria within 10 minutes?
The intensity of UV-C light required to kill bacteria within 10 minutes can vary depending on the type of bacteria and the distance between the light source and the surface. However, in general, a UV-C light intensity of at least 40mW/cm2 is typically considered to be effective for killing bacteria in this amount of time. It is also important to note that UV-C light intensity alone is not the only factor that determines the effectiveness of UV-C light in killing bacteria. Other factors such as the duration of exposure and the distance between the light source and the surface also play a role. Additionally, the type of bacteria is also important to consider, as some strains of bacteria can be more resistant to UV-C light than others.

How long can you be exposed to UV-C light?
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for UV-C light at 0.1 milliwatt per square centimeter (mW/cm²) for an 8-hour workday, 40-hour workweek. Additionally, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has set a threshold limit value (TLV) for UV-C light of 0.01 mW/cm² for an 8-hour workday.

Is ozone a byproduct of UV-C light?
Ozone (O3) can be a byproduct of UV-C light, specifically when UV-C light is used to disinfect air or water. Ozone can be generated when UV-C light interacts with molecular oxygen (O2) in the air or water, causing the oxygen atoms to recombine into ozone. UV-C light is a wavelength of light between 200 and 280 nanometers, and when it strikes oxygen molecules (O2) in the air or water, it causes them to dissociate, forming two single oxygen atoms. These single atoms can then combine with un-dissociated O2 to form ozone (O3). It is important to note that while ozone can be a byproduct of UV-C light, it is not always the case, and not all UV-C light sources generate ozone. Also, the amount of ozone generated will depend on factors such as the intensity of the UV-C light, and the amount of oxygen present.

It's important to note that the safe levels of ozone in indoor or outdoor air are defined by different governmental agencies and organizations and that the levels of ozone considered safe for human health are usually very low, usually around 0.05 - 0.1 parts per million (ppm) for indoor air, and it is not intended to be inhaled by humans.

What are the benefits of UV-C light over using bleach for cleaning?
  • UV-C light is more effective in killing microorganisms: UV-C light is able to disrupt the DNA of microorganisms, making it difficult or impossible for them to reproduce and survive, while bleach can only kill some microorganisms on contact. 
  • UV-C light is more versatile: UV-C light can be used to disinfect a wide variety of surfaces and objects, including air, water, and personal protective equipment, while bleach is mainly used for cleaning hard surfaces such as countertops and floors. 
  • UV-C light is more convenient: UV-C light does not require any physical contact with the surfaces to be cleaned, which can be a benefit when cleaning items that are hard to reach or that would be damaged by bleach. 
  • UV-C light does not leave any residue: UV-C light does not leave any chemical residue on the surfaces that it disinfects, unlike bleach, which can leave a strong smell and residue behind. 
  • UV-C light does not generate harmful by-products: UV-C light does not generate harmful by-products, as it works by disrupting the DNA or RNA of microorganisms and it is not toxic to humans, while bleach can produce chlorine gas and other harmful by-products if mixed with other cleaning products. It's worth noting that each cleaning method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and UV-C light disinfection should be combined with other cleaning methods to achieve the best results. Additionally, it's always a good idea to follow safety guidelines and consult with professionals in the field of UV-C light disinfection to ensure that the UV-C light is being used appropriately and safely.

Recent Creative Ideas for UV-C light usage in households: 

1. Self-cleaning toilets that use UV-C light (whenever you do not use it, that is): 


2. Water bottles with UV-C light to make sure you are not drinking some nasty bacteria. 



3. UV-C light in robotic vacuum cleaners, so your floor is being cleaned and disinfected at the same time. this can be useful, especially when mopping vacuum cleaners cannot use any chemicals. 


4. UV-C to clean tooth-brushes

5. UV-C for smartphone & other small items santisation 

+ Two new bonus ideas for UV-C light in the household & public spaces:


1. Automated night light that is light sensitive
As the UV-C light is not the nicest for your beautiful skin, it should turn on only during the night (imagine someone is working on removing mould and nasty bacteria from your bathroom while you are sleeping). What's more, it should only turn on when the bathroom light is off. The moment the bathroom light is on or the door opens with external light coming in, a photo-sensitive switch would the blue light off. 



2. Public bathroom (and showers) light 
The idea is very similar, the UV-C light goes on plus the public bathrooms use also a quick round of steam with a fan to ensure every little piece of nasty is gone. 


3. Wardrobe with UV-C light
In this case, the light would only be on during the night & when the wardrobe is closed. The moment it opens, the light switches off. The idea is to have this sold separately so one can install it in any drawer, closet, wardrobe or kitchen cabinet as needed. This system would be handy in greatly humid countries, where one's clothes mould easily in wardrobes. It could also prolong the time until the laundry is needed. 



Finally, I got help with this article and that is a dear AI friend who produced most of the answers & images - thank you. 



Please note that I do not have any affiliate links on this website. 










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New Feature for Dating Apps

Saturday 13 August 2022

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If you have ever ventured out into the adventures of online dating, you would notice that many guys include height in their profiles. Height followed by fluent in sarcasm that is. This happens especially on Tinder, which does not include a specific height (or sarcasm) category to fill. The reason for it is simple. It is one of the first questions girls ask. 'What's your height', not your sarcasm - sorry. 


Height seems to be, aside from looks, one of the top selective criteria for women. Be it on a dating app or in person. According to a study Journal of Family Issues, women prefer taller men because they feel protected by them. This natural selection is apparently also one of the reasons why Dutch men are so tall


I recall my friend analysing a profile picture of a guy who did not include his height. She reviewed all his pictures and tried to guess his proportions toward objects in the background. Height or the lack of it was clearly a deal breaker (and would be for me too, so I am not judging). Asking about height directly is oftentimes accompanied by shame and fear of being judged. 


Height is what guys lie about the most often on dating apps. As a side note, this lie always made me laugh. Unless the guy plans on wearing heels, this dishonesty will pop up in the first few seconds of meeting in person. Anyhow. Girls deceive with filters


Today's dating apps include various filters, such as age, location etc. Why not simplify everyone's lives and include a filter on height? Why not be cheeky and monetize this feature to get extra income from female users?


As it turns out, males pay 16% more often for dating apps than females. Tinder had a revenue of 1.65 billion in 2021. Only 1% increase in paying females could accumulate to 16.5 million yearly. 


The height feature would also save time for the app users, filter out people who mind the height difference, those who don't and all that without judgement or awkward conversations. Above all, no more guessing of proportions against door frames and bedside tables. 

When researching this topic, I came across special shoes that give extra inches to guys to fight the selection criteria. Genius. We, girls, were fighting the natural selections for so many years with all those padded push-up bras. Go for it guys. 

This idea was created using a Daily dose of frustrations

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