Your Guide to Feeling Fearless in Social Settings

As we get older, many of us start spending less time in social situations than we did when we were young and wild. Whether it’s work that gets busy or mom-ing it up or maybe both, it’s hard to get out as much as we might like to. Sometimes this can lead to some anxiety when we do actually get out of the house or office and try to do something social. The longer we go without getting out, the harder it seems to be. The longer this cycle goes on, the more frustrating and saddening it can become. If you’ve been there (or are there now), have no fear, we’re here to tell you that it’s possible to overcome those worries and feel confident and fearless in social situations. If you haven’t read “Feeling Fearless: 3 Tips to Boost Your Confidence NOW”, you’ll want to start there. Once you’ve started using those tips, the steps below will help you even more in social situations.

Step 1: Dress for comfort. We’re not talking sweatpants and a t-shirt here. Dressing for comfort means that you are comfortable in what you’re wearing because: it fits, it’s flattering, it’s weather/temperature appropriate, it’s appropriate for the occasion and it fits your style. No matter how comfortable sweatpants are, you won’t actually feel comfortable in them during a night out with friends when everyone is dressed up. If you’re dressed up but your dress is too low-cut for your comfort or you don’t like how your legs look in it, you won’t be comfortable. And, if you’re wearing something with spikes and you’re more of a lace girl, you most likely won’t feel comfortable either. If there are things in your closet that don’t make you feel comfortable, just get rid of them. Make sure you have at least a few go-to outfits that you can feel comfortable in at any time.

Finding an outfit that fits the bill can feel really daunting at times. Especially when it comes to the fit. As much as we hate to admit it, our clothes fit pretty differently at different times whether our size/shape/weight have changed or not. Using Fearless Tape can be SO helpful in situations when something almost fits or won’t quite stay in place. It can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to find something you feel comfortable in.

Step 2: Spend time with the mirror and then move on. Literally and figuratively. Spend time getting ready so you feel great about yourself. But then, move on and get over it. If you spend the night constantly thinking about whether or not your hair or eyeliner look okay, you’re not going to feel confident enough to have fun and relax. Even if it means you need to leave work early or have the babysitter come earlier or maybe even be a couple minutes late, make the time that you need to get ready. Take that last look in the mirror to remind yourself you look awesome and then forget about it. You look great and feel comfortable with the way you’re dressed, now go have fun!

Step 3: Stop comparing. Seriously. Just stop. Tell yourself it’s not worth it and move on. We get that it’s not as simple as writing it or saying it so here are some tips. First of all, it’s fine to notice that someone else’s hair or outfit looks amazing. You’re going to notice. But don’t fall into the trap (that we so often do) of thinking that just because her hair looks amazing yours doesn’t or yours is somehow sub-par.

We know this sounds completely cheesy but it works... Whenever you see someone who looks amazing and you start to think less of yourself, change your frame of mind and think of the things about you that are totally gorgeous. At first you might have to remember things that your mom or significant other have said. Eventually, once you’ve reminded yourself of these gorgeous things about yourself often enough, you’ll start to believe them for yourself. And honestly, if someone believed it enough to say it out loud to you (even if it was your mom), then other people are thinking it too. You never know when you’re the one others are looking at and wishing they could look like.

Just make a decision now that you’re not going to let yourself feed into those feelings. Stop it right when it starts and move on with your night. Do you want to feel crappy or happy? Choose happy and have some fun.

Step 4: Set boundaries. One of the reasons so many people have a hard time in social situations is that they don’t set boundaries for themselves. Are there things you don’t like to do or talk about? Are there people who suck all of your energy? Do you not handle being hungry or tried very well? Define what things make you unhappy in social settings and remove them, avoid them or stop them when they’re happening.

Make a commitment to yourself that you won’t tolerate being miserable to make others comfortable. If there’s someone you can’t stand being around, avoid events they’re a part of. If you can’t avoid being there, have a plan to politely excuse yourself when they’re around. If you get hangry, keep food in your purse or plan your night around being sure you have access to food when you need it. Can’t handle being tired? Leave when you’re getting to that point. Make sure those around you know that you’re done when you’re done and hold yourself to it. These things can be hard to get used to, but it’s SO worth it once you do. Often it’s our lack of boundaries that are causing the most problems in our lives. You’ll find that when you set boundaries and hold yourself to them, so many of your issues and anxieties will diminish.

Step 5: Have a confidant. Unless it’s completely impossible for the situation you’re in, have someone with you who knows your boundaries. If they don’t know your boundaries before hand, don’t be afraid to open up to them. You’ll be surprised how many things people will open up about when you open up first. You don’t have to bear your soul to anyone, just be real with them. When someone in the group you’re in understands your boundaries, you’ll feel a lot more comfortable acting on them. If they know you’re not used to being up late or that you get majorly hangry, you’ll feel more comfortable eating a granola bar or going home at 9pm because someone knows why and was expecting it. If you get overstimulated by being around too many people or being in environments that are too loud, make sure someone you’re with knows that so you’ll feel more comfortable taking a break or leaving if you hate it too much. And, since you have someone who knows beforehand, you might be more likely to have a buddy if you decide to do something you find more fun.

Some of these steps might be easy for you while others may sound impossible or hard to get used to. We’ll tell you right now that no matter how long they take to get used to, it’s much easier to practice these steps than to spend the rest of your life being uncomfortable. Take time to feel your best, find a support system, know your limits and follow them unapologetically.

How do you keep yourself feeling fearless in social situations? Let us know on Facebook and help other feel fearless as well!

Getting the Best Prices on Clothing and Body Tape

Once you start using Fearless Tape or any clothing and body tape, you get to this point when you think it’s the answer to every problem. And you’re probably right. Shirt not staying up? Fearless Tape. Birthday banner to hang? Fearless Tape. Baby’s pants not staying up? Fearless Tape. Husband being sassy? Fearless Tape that mouth. Okay... too far… The point is, you want a lot of it around. Especially if you’ve ever run out right when you needed it and remembered how terrible and bulky safety pins are or how useless scotch tape is in these situations. This is exactly why we offer bulk tins.

Bulk tins were the first Fearless product we offered. We wanted to introduce a clothing and body tape at a much lower price per strip. Because there’s less packaging involved per piece of tape, we’re able to offer bulk tins at $0.07 per strip! The average clothing and body tape is anywhere from $0.12 to $0.20 per strip. When you’re using tape every day or even a few times a week, that adds up!

Let’s say you’re using eight pieces of tape per week on average. Meaning each week you use your tape 3-4 times (we use it way more than that… but we’re pretty obsessed).

Closest competitor: 8 pieces x $0.12 per piece = $0.96/wk x 52 wks per year = $49.92

Fearless Tape: 8 pieces x $0.07 per piece = $0.56/wk x 52 wks per year = $29.12

Now, this just shows some basic numbers for the average user. Now imagine how much you would use and how much you could save if you’re one of these:

    -A mother

    -A photographer (this stuff is like GOLD at photoshoots)

    -An event planner

    -A dress shop owner

    -Anyone involved with pageants

Imagine replacing the headaches of safety pins, adhesives and adhesive sprays with simple strips or dots of tape. Especially if you need to work quickly or you’re working with children, this can be a huge time and headache saver.

And lest you think it’s harder to use a bulk tin because you can’t carry it with you on the go, let us introduce you to the bonus tin. It’s a little mini tin that you can carry with you on the go. It’s really small so it’s easy to fit in any size purse, photography bag or diaper bag, but still fits a good amount of tape.

So, our bulk tins not only offer you the best price on clothing and body tape, they come with a bonus on-the-go tin, AND they’re available on Amazon.

Ready to throw them on your next Amazon order? Find them here. And don’t forget, we love to see how you use Fearless Tape. Show us on how you’re using it on our Facebook Page.

Feeling Fearless: 3 Tips to Boost Your Confidence NOW

At Fearless Tape, we’re all about helping you feel confident and, well, fearless. Obviously we do that by providing tape to help you feel confident in your wardrobe everyday. But we want to do more. Everyone can benefit from having a little more confidence so why not spread the love? Here are three tips to improve your confidence now.

First, stop describing yourself as shy, awkward, anti-social or anything else that doesn’t scream confidence. In recent years, it’s becoming much more socially acceptable to fall into these categories and that can be pretty awesome. But if you feel like these things are holding you back from doing things you want to do or from feeling confident in social settings, stop putting that label on yourself. When you tell yourself or others those things, you’re going to act in those ways and be those things. Tell yourself you are confident and great at talking to people. Tell yourself you are comfortable in potentially awkward situations. The more you tell yourself positive things, the more you and your subconscious will believe them.

Second, look confident. No matter how you may feel, put your shoulders back, stand up straight and smile.Take the five extra minutes to look put together in the morning. Remind yourself that putting on jeans and a blouse takes the same time as pulling on sweatpants and a t-shirt in the morning, but might take a little more preparation. Have go-to outfits sitting in your closet at all times and know the tricks (ahem… Fearless Tape) for when your outfit has an issue at the last minute. No matter how you look or feel, walk tall and don’t forget to smile. Looking the part is half the battle (or more). Now just act the part.

Third, be real. We all have to do things we don’t want at times, but most of the time we can control the situations we put ourselves in. Say no to things you don’t want to do or don’t have time for. Even if in the moment you feel like you’re hurting someone’s feelings or letting someone down.  Choosing to be a part of things you don’t align with or simply don’t want to do will only make you feel more uncomfortable. Bowing out of those things will help you and the people around you in the long run. On the flip side, be real with yourself about things you want to do, even if they scare you. Taking risks to do things that you feel excited about but seem hard will boost your confidence over time. You know that awesome feeling when you tried something and you sit there afterward thinking, “I DID IT!”? Make that feeling happen by saying yes.

Remember, ‘fake it ‘till you make it’ isn’t just a fun saying. It’s REAL. Your brain responds to the things you say, think and do. So say and think positive, confident thoughts, then act the part. We promise that’s all anyone else is doing.

 

Holiday Hack: How to Party-Proof Your New Years Eve Ensemble

New Year’s Eve is such an exciting night. Getting ready for the New Year, getting all dressed up and dancing the night away. The hard part can be keeping your wardrobe under control around the crowds, especially if there are grown-up beverages around. Here are some Fearless Tape hacks to keep your wardrobe under control all night.

1. One of the most sure-fire ways to be annoyed and uncomfortable all night is to not have your bra and/or sleeves under control. If you’re wearing straps, put a piece of tape underneath the strap at the top of the shoulder and stick it to your skin. This will keep your straps up all night without the fear of them sliding down your arm. If you’re going strapless, after you have your dress on, place 2-4 strips of tape around the top of your bra and/or dress and stick it to your skin. This will prevent your top from sliding down during the night. Nobody wants to be the awkward one pulling their dress up all night. Find more detail about this hack here.

2. As much as we love big necklaces or bracelets, it can be hard to keep them under control as we roam, dance and lean over the treat table during the night. To keep them close and out of your way, place a tape dot or ½ of a strip underneath the jewelry and stick it to where you want it to lay. Then, you can forget about it for the rest of the night.

3. It can be rough to keep your heels on all night, especially if they’re flapping around and not staying on your feet. To keep them secure, use two strips of tape per shoe. Place the two pieces next to each other where your heel will meet the shoe. Leave a small piece of the liner on the side that you stick to your shoe so you can remove the tape easier at the end of the night. This will keep your heels stuck to your feet all night.

4. Bring some extra tape with you in your purse. You never know what will happen throughout the night, so be prepared! Your friends will thank you as well when you save them from some fashion mishaps.

Now you’re ready to take on New Year’s Eve with no worries (except maybe falling asleep before midnight… can’t help you there). Grab your Fearless Tape here and let us know what other hacks you find while partying the night away.