According to Urban Dictionary, a thirst trap is "a sexy photograph or flirty message posted on social media for the intent of causing others to publicly profess their attraction. This is done not to actually respond or satisfy any of this attraction, but to feed the poster's ego or need for attention, at the expense of the time, reputation, and sexual frustration of those who view the image or reply."
Whoever wrote that definition sounds a little salty about it, but I see no lies. We're all guilty of posting a picture on social media, knowing that we'll receive a lot positive feedback. Thirst traps are never really about the prey, but more so about the well-deserved praise that's reciprocated.
Lately, Angela Simmons has been giving the 'gram something they can feel in her new pics honey, and we are here for it. As important as it is to starve your ego, praise from others can be a confidence booster and can serve as a source of motivation.
Her latest pics have garnered the attention of other celebrities like Romeo Miller and Yo Gotti and reminds us that the thirst is real and we as hardworking beautiful women deserve to hear it sometimes.
Angela announced yesterday that she is teaming up with her trainer to launch her new fitness program and workout plan, Built Not Bought, on Sunday that will include a blueprint for healthy eating and building your dream body naturally.
I'll have what she's having.
The 30-year-old reality star and walking thirst trap is living her best life and serving some major sex appeal on the 'gram and we ain't mad at it.
Women are often criticized for mastering the illustrious art of thirst trapping, but let's be real. When you feel good, you look good. Don't feel demonized for wanting to draw attention to your dopeness. Also, flexing on your ex is a thing.
You have an essence that only you can offer, and the thirst trap is an act of public self-admiration. Like a wise man named Aubrey once said, "You don't do it for the men, men never notice. You just do it for yourself; you the f*ckin' coldest."
It's important to have proper etiquette when thirst trapping if you want to do it effectively. I've taken the time to compile a list of rules to live by.
Do...
...Leave something to the imagination.
Burlesque and stripteases are sexy because they encompass fantasy and mystery. An effective thirst trap doesn't put it all out there. Whatever your level of sexy, give them something to think about later on. The internet is the elephant that never forgets, so remember to keep it classy.
...Practice regular self appreciation.
Thirst trapping isn't the only time you can get cute and make yourself feel good. Take some risqué pictures of yourself and keep them in your phone. Book a boudoir shoot, get the pictures printed, and keep them for yourself. Cook yourself a gourmet meal and draw a candlelit bubble bath to remind yourself how sexy you are. Self appreciation has many different forms, switch it up sometimes.
Don't...
...Let it go to your head.
Remember you're never as good as they say, and you're definitely never as bad as they say. People's opinion about you is largely based on how they feel about themselves in that particular moment. Try not to take anyone's compliments (or criticism) to heart.
...Feel pressured or ridiculed by advances.
Thirst traps also come with disadvantages. N*ggas will come at you sideways. You don't deserve to be approached with offensive candor just because you put out a thirst trap. No matter what you post or wear, you deserve your respect.
Whether you're like Angela and post a pic of you on the beach in a bikini, or snap a pic of you in your new leggings that make your booty look poppin; we see you out here trapping. We know why you do it. The thirst trap is never really about the prey. It's about feeling so sexy and confident in a moment that you deserve all eyes on you.
We see you, girl.
Featured image via Angela Simmons/Instagram