Ladies: 7 Signs That He's Not The One For You

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlfJyLTIcJPjIx_EcummP4qNX5awkqKUThmW2L7PYloecmthdwCtKTJU77P5iJ7F_mxElTeKrD9NelrUJc5qehyphenhyphen5OAdq0aIsGIopittzmiZkFLZrQBDfumyYy_hE-G0pSKU8FOz2WR50/s1600/dating-advice-640x381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlfJyLTIcJPjIx_EcummP4qNX5awkqKUThmW2L7PYloecmthdwCtKTJU77P5iJ7F_mxElTeKrD9NelrUJc5qehyphenhyphen5OAdq0aIsGIopittzmiZkFLZrQBDfumyYy_hE-G0pSKU8FOz2WR50/s640/dating-advice-640x381.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <br /></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> It’s challenging when you’re dating someone  and wondering if they’re the right one. To answer that question, it’s tempting to focus on him, frantically monitoring his every word and behavior looking for signs that might predict future happiness or misery to come.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> But here’s the truth you need to know … the only real and accurate barometer of whether this man and this relationship are right for you is you. Your gut instincts, your feelings they won’t let you down. They’re already communicating with you and it’s okay to listen.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Here are seven signs your gut instinct is already telling you the truth about Mr. Wonderful … even if it isn’t what you want to hear.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 1. <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You constantly feel frustrated and confused by your man’s actions</strong>.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> He says all the right things (a.k.a. the things you want to hear) but his actions don’t align. You’re left feeling baffled and frustrated and neither feeling is going away.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Reality check: When it comes to communication and trust, there is no better predictor of his future behavior than his behavior now.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> When words and actions don’t line up, it’s so tempting to focus on the pretty words. But the truth is always found in his action. Actions seldom lie and they speak loud and clear.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 2. <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You make excuses for him all the time</strong>.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> No matter what he does or doesn’t do (whether it’s standing you up at the last minute or forgetting your birthday), you make excuses for him to anyone and everyone (including yourself) even though you know that behavior isn’t alright.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Instead of trying to resist what’s actually happening, try bravely listening to your fears and concerns. What truths are you avoiding when you shine over his behavior with excuses?</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 3. <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Your feelings of self-doubt and insecurity keep growing</strong>.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> A healthy relationship promotes inner calm and confidence, making you feel wanted and comfortable.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Of course, no relationship rids us of all our concerns or insecurities, but a healthy relationship should never add to them either. If something doesn’t feel right with this guy or being around him makes you doubt yourself, he’s probably not right for you — gnawing anxiety seldom lies.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 4. <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You start believing it’s you</strong>.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> If you find yourself endlessly wondering what you can do or be that will make you more appealing to him, something is off. If when he pulls away, you only wonder what you did to cause it, you’re taking on an unhealthy amount of responsibility for your shared relationship.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> He might even tell you how his behavior was your fault, or list the ways you aren’t good enough for him (words lie), and yet he is with you (behavior doesn’t).</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> If you weren’t good enough for him, he wouldn’t be dating you. Instead of falling for this bait and switch — which is typically called projection in psychology — start asking yourself if he is good enough for you. And be honest with yourself.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 5. <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You feel lonely and invisible when you’re with him</strong>.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Of course it’s lonely when he avoids you, but if you also feel lonely when you two are together, this may mean he’s incapable of letting you in. And, no, this isn’t because you’re just “too needy.” Loneliness is often more about the company we keep, than whether we’re truly alone.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 6. <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You refuse to see his limitations as permanent</strong>.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> As you start to understand what he brings to the table, it’s tempting to focus on how (maybe) he can change the not-so-great parts of himself. And believe me, people can change!</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> But an ability to change does not predict whether he will. You must look at who he is fundamentally NOW (not his potential future self) and decide if you want him as he is. If he never changes a thing, can you accept him, warts and all?</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 7. <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You are afraid of being single</strong>.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> This is the kicker. Even if you see the limitations of this relationship, you’re at least in one, and it’s tempting to think an iffy relationship is better than nothing.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Thanks to our “negativity bias,” we are typically primed to over inflate our fears, and focus more on the things that scare us rather than the things that make us happy.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> When you think about being single, your “negativity bias” likely kicks in, scaring you into believing you can’t handle being alone (making you hold on to this man even when you know he isn’t a right fit).</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> But here’s the thing: You’re already alone if you’re in a relationship that makes you feel lonely, frustrated, or insecure. Being single is better than being in a relationship that makes you feel bad about yourself. So remember, your feelings are your most trusted resource if you have the courage to listen.</div> </div>

Ladies: 7 Signs That He's Not The One For You

It’s challenging when you’re dating someone  and wondering if they’re the right one. To answer that question, it’s tempting to focus on him, frantically monitoring his every word and behavior lo…

Read more »

6 Tips To Get Your Happy Back After A Breakup

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSsDFiiUhOqseWSG-5zhDdIaE39XWVfJUzNHhg7hOnGIL7UjG3zqwdwBZJAErAIWrdZk8udUifdZmU5G4LsjDCgEufLvvJrByL7-WQOBeAGSbsS-z33shlHTrJAw0hisLwK3N2x1nWds/s1600/breakup-tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSsDFiiUhOqseWSG-5zhDdIaE39XWVfJUzNHhg7hOnGIL7UjG3zqwdwBZJAErAIWrdZk8udUifdZmU5G4LsjDCgEufLvvJrByL7-WQOBeAGSbsS-z33shlHTrJAw0hisLwK3N2x1nWds/s640/breakup-tips.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <br /></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Getting over a breakup is never going to be easy, but you can make it a lot less painful if you are strategic about how you cope in the first few weeks after it happens. Because I counsel men and women on relationship issues, I have watched hundreds of clients over the years go through a breakup. In this list, I highlight the behaviors that are most successful in helping a person to move on and get their happy back quickly.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1. Figure out who your most fun friend is.</strong></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Perhaps you already know who your most fun friend is. If not, take inventory of your social crew and ask yourself who is the most fun or who makes you laugh the most. In short, spend more time with that person! Happy, fun individuals can rub off on us when we’re feeling low, so make arrangements to get together as often as possible with your most fun friend after a breakup.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2. Have a small party at your place.</strong></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> If you broke up with someone yesterday, you probably won’t feel like having a party today. If the breakup was a week ago or longer, it’s time for you to get social again. Schedule a gathering at your place in a couple of weeks – a dinner party, sports-watching party, or a movie night with a handful of friends. Nothing heals a broken heart like reminding yourself that you have friends who dig you.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3. Put a mini trip on the calendar.</strong></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Having something to look forward to is an absolute requirement to feeling happy and motivated. Though you might not feel like taking a trip at this moment, planning one in a few weeks or a month might be just the medicine you need to soothe your broken heart. Plan a mini vacation – two or three days – that you can look forward to and you will instantly plant a little hope on the horizon.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4. Force yourself to engage in physically exhilarating activities.</strong></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> For all you workout haters, I have good news: This step doesn’t require running five miles on the treadmill. No, I’m talking about something else. We have enough research these days to know that getting physically active boosts your mood and gives you more energy. After a breakup, it’s precisely these two factors – bad mood and low energy – which suffer. To get out of your funk, try at least one exhilarating activity per week. While physical exercise at the gym counts, that’s not the real goal here: The real goal is to try activities which get your heart pumping and give you a happy rush. Call a friend and make a plan to go dancing one night, or try the bumper cars or a roller coaster at an amusement park.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5. Take a class or workshop.</strong></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Taking a class or workshop at a local school or community college is one of the best things you can do for yourself after a breakup. Self-disclosure alert: A pottery class was especially helpful for me years ago! Taking in something new and fun – cooking, guitar lessons, whatever – is a great way to focus your mind and distract you from the sadness of the breakup. Plus, meeting new people is a total bonus!</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6. Set one new challenge.</strong></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> I wouldn’t be a good psychologist if I didn’t encourage you to set one new challenge for yourself when you’re feeling down in the dumps. Even though setting a goal may sound like it takes work on your part, it actually does something else: it gives you hope for a fresh start. Set one new challenge after a breakup and you will give yourself something productive to focus on instead of wallowing in sadness or bitterness. Try losing ten pounds if you’re overweight; finally update that resume; or repaint or reorganize your entire bedroom. These challenges are helpful because they make you feel like it’s time for a new beginning.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Conclusion…</strong></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> All of these behaviors can significantly improve your mood and distract you from the sadness and anger you may feel about the relationship you lost. Yet perhaps the most important behavior to keep in mind is to avoid all contact with your ex.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: ProximaNova, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> After a relationship ends, one ghost that haunts you for the next few weeks is inevitably the I-need-my-stuff-back dance. “But I need to call him to get my stuff back!” Honestly, go without it – at least for a while. Do not have contact with your ex in the first month after a breakup if you truly want to try to get your happy back. You will thank yourself later, once you’ve moved on!</div> </div>

6 Tips To Get Your Happy Back After A Breakup

Getting over a breakup is never going to be easy, but you can make it a lot less painful if you are strategic about how you cope in the first few weeks after it happens. Because I counsel men an…

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Guys: 10 Signs That Tell You She Is The Right One

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <img src="https://afrophire.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/black-couple-smiling.png?w=630" /></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> You’ve been going out for quite a while now and things have been going really well. You get along well with each other despite all the differences between the two of you. You want to make it official but there are so many things you’re uncertain about. You’re not sure if it’s too soon or should you give it more time. You don’t know if she is ready yet. Most importantly, you have doubts about it working out and dread getting hurt yourself or hurting her in the process. These fears go away when you know she’s THE ONE. Because then you’d give everything to make it work and never back out regardless of how harsh circumstances become.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> Following are a few of the many signs that assure you that she is in fact the one;</div> <ol style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin: 24px 0px 24px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 6px;"><h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-size: 1.5rem; line-height: 1.51; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">You only have eyes for her</span></h2> </li> </ol> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> She may seem ordinary to the whole world, but to you she is the most attractive girl you’ve ever met. You’re never distracted by any other women. Even in a room full of women, your eyes only search for your girl. You don’t feel like you’d miss out on anything even if she’s the only one you’ll ever be with.</div> <ol start="2" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin: 24px 0px 24px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 6px;"><h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-size: 1.5rem; line-height: 1.51; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">She’s the reason behind your smile</span></h2> </li> </ol> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> Whenever you take a moment to think of her, even when you’re occupied, you can’t help but smile. All you can think about is how exceptionally amazing she is in so many ways, how she makes you laugh and how lucky you are to have her. And how she makes you feel special just by looking at you.</div> <ol start="3" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin: 24px 0px 24px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 6px;"><h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-size: 1.5rem; line-height: 1.51; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">She accepts you for who you are</span></h2> </li> </ol> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> She embraces you, not just the good parts but the whole of you. She not only tells you that you’re perfect the way you are, but also proves it in her own way. The parts of you that you were once afraid of even showing to her are acceptable to her. Not only that, but she also helps you deal with your fears. She reassures you that all your flaws fall perfectly together to make you who you are and that they are nothing to be ashamed of.</div> <ol start="4" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin: 24px 0px 24px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 6px;"><h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-size: 1.5rem; line-height: 1.51; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">You have her unconditional support</span></h2> </li> </ol> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> When you look back at the things you’ve been through in your life while in a relationship with her, you cannot think of a single incident in which she hasn’t supported you in any way or hasn’t helped you get past it. Even when you were about to give up, she was the one pushing you. She has been your strength all along. She believes in you, even when you fail to believe in yourself.</div> <ol start="5" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin: 24px 0px 24px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 6px;"><h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-size: 1.5rem; line-height: 1.51; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">You think she is perfect!</span></h2> </li> </ol> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> There isn’t a thing you’d want to change about her, even the things she thinks are imperfections. The way she smiles, the way she talks, how she holds you and how she blushes when you compliment her, every little thing about her spells out perfect for you.</div> <ol start="6" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin: 24px 0px 24px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 6px;"><h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-size: 1.5rem; line-height: 1.51; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">You see her in your future</span></h2> </li> </ol> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> When you talk about your future, you talk about the two of you being together. You can’t imagine any scenario without her being present in it. You even make plans with her. She’s the one you want to share everything with, now and in the foreseeable future.</div> <ol start="7" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin: 24px 0px 24px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 6px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">She compromises</span></li> </ol> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> There are times when a person is not at their best and they fail to do things the way they normally would. When you’re going through such a period and fall short of being a good partner, instead of complaining she proves to be understanding of your situation. She doesn’t make you feel bad about it, rather helps you in whatever ways she can.</div> <ol start="8" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin: 24px 0px 24px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 6px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">She gives you space</span></li> </ol> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> She doesn’t make you feel like you owe it to her to spend every waking moment with her just because the two of you are together. She respects the fact that you need your space as much as she needs hers. She acknowledges the fact that you have a life outside of the relationship and is accepting of that.</div> <ol start="9" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin: 24px 0px 24px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 6px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Your efforts never go unnoticed</span></li> </ol> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> We all express our affection very differently. Maybe because it has a lot to do with the kind of person you are and the kind of person you’re with. Keeping this in mind, you try to do things for her every now and then, even things you’re not comfortable with. She not only acknowledges every little thing you do for her but also appreciates it.</div> <ol start="10" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin: 24px 0px 24px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 6px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 600;">Not only do you love her, but so does your family</span></li> </ol> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> This part is a bit difficult and tricky. Getting your family to like her and accept her is never easy. It depends on how you present her and more importantly on how she treats your family. If she is able to win them over, for your sake, then there is no doubt about her being the one.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> <br /></div> </div>

Guys: 10 Signs That Tell You She Is The Right One

You’ve been going out for quite a while now and things have been going really well. You get along well with each other despite all the differences between the two of you. You want to make it offic…

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5 Tips For Starting A New Relationship

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L3oeBKplVY1XHMT-1w-Qa33P7UbeAbQ74LTNenRV4mEmds7k-AeZR0u3PZtJzmE_PGU1GxEnQi1KOr5qC07xBGn22vB3b3JdHkXGJyq00C0mStzWUfXhak1ltQ7wGQ8kB6TwiZpH0Kk/s1600/5-tips-start-relationship-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L3oeBKplVY1XHMT-1w-Qa33P7UbeAbQ74LTNenRV4mEmds7k-AeZR0u3PZtJzmE_PGU1GxEnQi1KOr5qC07xBGn22vB3b3JdHkXGJyq00C0mStzWUfXhak1ltQ7wGQ8kB6TwiZpH0Kk/s400/5-tips-start-relationship-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> <br /></div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> Beginning a relationship can feel a lot like entering uncharted waters (no matter how many times you've done it). There's no map. Every girl you date has unique personality traits, needs and desires, so you can't necessarily approach each relationship the same cookie-cutter way.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> Perhaps you're ready to take things to the next level with someone you've been dating. Or maybe you want to be with a friend you've developed feelings for over time. Regardless of how you've arrived at this crossroads, five practical tips can help you get off to a good start and navigate your path as a couple. These tips aren't tricks, rules or games. Leave that to dating -- you know, that casual, noncommitted time spent together doing things like going to movies or out to dinner. The approaches we'll discuss here are fitting if you want to set yourself up for something much more: a relationship that's about an emotional, committed connection.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: table-cell; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; height: 46px; line-height: 19.695999145507813px; margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: middle; width: 380px;"> 5. Get Clear on What You Want</h2> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> First things first. Identify what you want out of a relationship. Think big picture here. Maybe you want to see multiple girls at one time to play the dating circuit. Or maybe you want to fall in love and be in a monogamous relationship. Whether casual or committed, relationships are much easier (and more fun) if you know what you want out of the experience before you start one.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> Our brains are wired to experience lust, romantic love and attachment (a sense of calm and security for a long-term partner), according to Dr. Helen Fisher, an anthropologist and expert on romantic love. She says it's possible to experience these three distinct types of love simultaneously -- even for three people at the same time. Which ones are most important to you? If you're after all three in one person, great! Just get clear on what you desire so you can manifest it.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> Actualize your ideal relationship by listing qualities you’re looking for in a partner. Religious values, intelligence, hair color: Whatever you care about, put it on your wish list. Next, whittle it down to qualities you can’t live without. You might have a list of 30 preferences, but only seven non-negotiables. Consider only dating people who make your short list. Why? It’s simple: You’re more likely to find the relationship you want.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> When you find your non-negotiables in one person, you've got something special! That kind of connection doesn't happen every day, so protect and cherish what you have.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: table-cell; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; height: 46px; line-height: 19.695999145507813px; margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: middle; width: 380px;"> 4. Share Your Intentions With Her</h2> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> Share your intentions with the girl you're dating. Do it relatively early on, not six months into seeing her. This means explaining your expectations and hopes not only for your own future, but for your future together. Do you hope the relationship grows into something long-term, or do you plan tosplit up when you move across the country for school soon?</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> Talk instead of making assumptions. Different activities and gestures mean different things to different people. Meeting each other's parents or getting physically intimate automatically equates to a monogamous relationship to some people, but it might mean casual dating to others. Remember, sharing intentions doesn't mean you have to know specifics like whether this girl is right for you now or is the one you want to marry down the road. It's about disclosing the direction you're going, not necessarily the destination. Where are you headed? Answering this question helps avoid miscommunications, hurt feelings, lost time and bruised egos.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: table-cell; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; height: 46px; line-height: 19.695999145507813px; margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: middle; width: 380px;"> 3. Be Your (Best) Self</h2> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> You should be able to be yourself around your special lady friend. What are you normally like when it comes to things like hobbies, humor, spirituality or goals? Do you change when you're around her? Hopefully, not much. Sure, sometimes change can be a good thing if she helps you evolve and mature. But in general, if you behave in ways that are inconsistent with who you really are to satisfy, impress or appease her, you might be dating the wrong person.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> Real affection is when someone is into you for you. It comes from a place of acceptance, not a place of deception where a woman has been duped by an act you've put on.</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> Gravitate toward girls who celebrate and encourage the authentic you, not the ones who press you to change for them rather than for yourself.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: table-cell; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; height: 46px; line-height: 19.695999145507813px; margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: middle; width: 380px;"> 2. Show Her You Get Her</h2> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> People mostly feel (and give) affection in one of five main ways, according to Dr. Gary Chapman, author of best-selling book "The Five Love Languages." Chapman defines the five love languages as physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time and gifts. He advocates <a href="http://health.howstuffworks.com/relationships/tips/5-communication-tips-for-romantic-relationships.htm" style="color: #005288; text-decoration: none;">communicating</a> your feelings for your partner using the language she most identifies with. You can tell her "<a href="http://health.howstuffworks.com/relationships/advice/first-to-say-i-love-you.htm" style="color: #005288; text-decoration: none;">I love you</a>," "You're so beautiful" or other words of affirmation 100 times a day, but if her language is physical touch, she's not going to feel the magnitude of what you're trying to communicate. A hug and kiss when she walks in the door or a foot rub while watching a movie probably will go further in making her feel cherished and close to you. (And don't forget to let her know your own love language.)</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> A big part of a successful relationship is to show your girl you get her. For example, don't keep giving her roses if she's made numerous comments that wildflowers are her favorite. If spending quality time together is big for her, say yes to her invitations to go on walks, watch the sunset or turn off the TV at dinner and talk instead. If you don't, no matter what you do, she probably won't feel very loved or understood.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: table-cell; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; height: 46px; line-height: 19.695999145507813px; margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: middle; width: 380px;"> 1. Mind Your Money</h2> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> If you want to date one or more people at a time just to have fun, carefree experiences, knock yourself out. Spend whatever you've budgeted for the ladies. Have a great time!</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> But if you're looking for an intimate relationship and perhaps something more long-term, let's assume you want to be with a woman who's with you for you -- not your money (or lack thereof). It's fairly easy to have a good time with almost anyone when you're doing fun things like dining at nice restaurants, attending swanky events or living the high life. Right?</div> <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px; width: auto;"> So, find out if you two have a close bond by doing free or cheap things together. If you're able to feel closeness and have a blast without spending a dime, what's holding you two together probably has more to do with your dynamic than you simply being a vehicle to fun times.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: table-cell; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; height: 46px; line-height: 19.695999145507813px; margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: middle; width: 380px;"> <br /><br /></h2> </div>

5 Tips For Starting A New Relationship

Beginning a relationship can feel a lot like entering uncharted waters (no matter how many times you've done it). There's no map. Every girl you date has unique personality traits, needs and des…

Read more »

7 Things Men Really Really Want In A Relationship

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczr6TqnYCoH_M-TPTGulpDvCZV28yUnRP7w01gES6IaW-MBfBFNOe3l2Z2pK_5MIYtoHo_sq7V-0TCEAGNULu2l5lcXOx0rmeWy_aUO4lKy8KXS43fGN80hQkzm6TrmQseH62-GPtD68/s1600/Black-Man-Smiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczr6TqnYCoH_M-TPTGulpDvCZV28yUnRP7w01gES6IaW-MBfBFNOe3l2Z2pK_5MIYtoHo_sq7V-0TCEAGNULu2l5lcXOx0rmeWy_aUO4lKy8KXS43fGN80hQkzm6TrmQseH62-GPtD68/s400/Black-Man-Smiling.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <span style="font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6;">Open any beauty magazine and you'll see article upon article about what women want in relationships and how to get that. But there's rarely a space for men to express their relationship needs. Thanks to MindBodyGreen for creating that space. Here are 7 things that men really want in a relationship.</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">1. To feel like your hero</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong>We don’t want to be your Clark Kent. We want to be your Superman. We want you to see us as leaping tall buildings in a single bound and catching bullets. We want to carry you in our arms and show you the world. Or at least feel that way. And I know it’s our job to get there, but nothing gives us more strength than a woman who creates a space that makes us feel invincible. If you make us feel invincible, we’ll make you feel like you’re the most beautiful creature on this planet.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">2. Acceptance</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong>There’s a new T-shirt trending Los Angeles titled “Love Me Anyways.” They should make them for men. Because we NEED to feel that when we stack the dishes in the dishwasher like a five year-old, say the wrong thing in front of your friends, leave the toilet seat up, get too logical, forget something you’ve said a thousand times, that you love us anyways. Because inside every man is a boy who forgets he’s a man sometimes. And every boy gets into things, not because he’s bad but because he’s got a curious mind and a short attention span.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> Unconditional support from our woman is what will snap us out of our boyish behavior and inject us with a desire to be a stronger man. Only when you accept us as we are, who we are, will we want to become someone better.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">3. Not to be left in the dark</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong>So many women don’t tell their men how they feel because they don’t want to rock the boat. Or they’re afraid. The truth is when you don’t express yourself, you leave us in the dark. We don’t really know the truth of you. You are prepackaging and presenting parts of your life instead of doing your whole life with us.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> Couples grow and get stronger overcoming adversity, not by doing life separately. Know that every time you hold things in, you are building walls inside the sacred space of the relationship. No, we don’t want you to verbally vomit on us. But believe it or not, we really do want to know who you truly are.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">4. Blinders sex</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong>There’s sex. Then there’s blinders sex, the kind of sex that gives you blinders, keeps your eyes forward and intentions straight when you’re out in the world. Let’s face it. Men are going to look. They’re like squirrels. They get distracted by shiny things. But there’s a difference between noticing and wanting. Blinders sex gets men to say, “Yeah, she may be pretty but I would never trade in what I have for anything else.”</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> Blinders sex isn’t just good sex. It’s a unique connection with someone that makes you fantasize about them in the shower, call in sick so you can lie in bed all day making love and eating Oreos. It produces glue that cannot happen with anyone else.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">5. The C-word</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong>Communication. Without it, relationships are built on sand. We want you to communicate directly. We don’t get clues. We need things spelled out. And we understand that if you have to spell it out, it’s not the same. You don’t just want us to do the dishes. You want us to want to do the dishes. We get it. OK, then tell us. Explain. Model how you would like us to communicate back.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> For many of us, communication is not our specialty. We need some guidance. Generally speaking, men tend to pull from a logical place. Women pull from an emotional place. If you can meet us at logic, we will will match your emotions. Hopefully. But we need you to tell us.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">6. Sweat</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong>There’s nothing sexier than working out with your intimate partner. Watching you sweat and work on your body only encourages us to work on ours as well. We get to see the raw and real you, a different type of naked. Now, if we do this together, we’re in the act of building something, a lifestyle. We’re not just talking. We’re doing. And that’s hot.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">7. To have our own lives</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> We may not say it, because how do you tell the person you love to get a life? But we really want you to have your own life. Really. We want you to have your own set of friends, activities, and passions. Of course we want to be supportive of everything you care about and be a part of anything you would like us to be a part of, but we want you to have your own identity.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> Because if you have nothing that is yours, our relationship is standing on one leg. Also, if you have your own life, it forces us to get our own life as well or risk losing you. Forget legs. Let’s put our relationship on wheels. One is yours. One is mine. And together, we’ll ride.</div> </div>

7 Things Men Really Really Want In A Relationship

Open any beauty magazine and you'll see article upon article about what women want in relationships and how to get that. But there's rarely a space for men to express their relationship needs. Tha…

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15 Ways To Know/Tell If Someone Is The Right Match For You

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <img alt=" Every person looking for a great relationship knows the importance of compatibility 15 Ways To Know/Tell If Someone Is The Right Match For You" height="374" src="http://static.eharmony.com/dating-advice/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/how-to-create-love-400x234.jpg" width="640" /><br /> Every person looking for a great relationship knows the importance of compatibility. You want to find someone whose beliefs, interests, and goals align with your own. The level of similarity will largely determine the fulfillment and stability you enjoy (or not) over the years to come.<br /> <br /> Which brings us to a critical question: How exactly do you assess the degree of compatibility between you and a love interest?<br /> <br /> <b>1. Start with a thorough, reliable personality test. </b>This will reveal areas of similarity and differences between you both.<br /> <br /> <b>2.</b> <b>Explore your family background and upbringing. </b>That is what had the greatest influence on who you would eventually become.<br /> <br /> <b>3.</b> <b>Compare your dealbreakers and must-haves.</b> Do you match up well with the qualities you’re looking for and wanting to avoid?<br /> <br /> <b>4.</b> <b>Ask yourself if you’re pretending to enjoy your partner’s interests (and vice versa).</b> Sometimes we intentionally or unintentionally fool ourselves–and our partners—by acting enthusiastic about hobbies and pursuits. Over time, this false enthusiasm will fade away.<br /> <br /> <b>5.</b> <b>Assess your combination of passion and companionship.</b> The most enduring chemistry between two people includes both passionate “sizzle” and deep friendship.<br /> <br /> <b>6. Recognize any cute quirks that might irk over time.</b> Sometimes the habits and idiosyncrasies that seem charming while dating will grate on you through the years.<br /> <br /> <b>7. Gauge the level of acceptance you feel.</b> Compatible couples feel a strong sense of harmony and freedom to be themselves.<br /> <br /> <b>8. Talk at length about your core values.</b> Are you similar when it comes to your strongly held beliefs about social issues, spirituality, finances, politics, and child rearing?<br /> <br /> <b>9. Identify the differences that do exist.</b> No matter how compatible the two of you are, there are bound to be some differences. Determine if those are related to significant issues that will impact your relationship over time—or relatively small issues that are be negotiated.<br /> <br /> <b>10. Observe each other in lots of different circumstances. </b>Watch how each of you acts around family, work colleagues, at home, with children, and so on.<br /> <br /> <b>11. Evaluate your effectiveness at resolving conflicts.</b> Where dissimilarities exist, are you and a partner able to talk them through and reach a fair resolution?<br /> <br /> <b>12. Look ahead.</b> The standard job interview question is, “Where do you see yourself in ten years?” This is also a question you should carefully consider. Do your goals and aspirations for the future complement each other’s?<br /> <br /> <b>13. Take a hard look at your personal habits.</b> All the nitty-gritty aspects of daily life punctuality, neatness, grooming, weight management can prove to a source of tension if two people having much different styles of living.<br /> <br /> <b>14. Notice how stress is handled.</b> Pressure-filled situations tend to reveal our true nature. As Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that you can tell a lot a person by the way he or she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas lights.”<br /> <br /> <b>15. Appraise your adaptability.</b> A flexible personality enables you to ride out storms and adjust to all kinds of challenges. This will be essential for dealing with the areas where you aren’t compatible.</div>

15 Ways To Know/Tell If Someone Is The Right Match For You

Every person looking for a great relationship knows the importance of compatibility. You want to find someone whose beliefs, interests, and goals align with your own. The level of similarity will la…

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2 Simple Words You Need Much More To Be Saying In Your Relationship

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" Two simple words that feel so good to hear 2 Simple Words You Need Much More To Be Saying In Your Relationship" src="http://static.eharmony.com/dating-advice/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/thank-you-in-relationships.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Thank you" Two simple words that feel so good to hear.</td></tr> </tbody></table> So, why do so many couples use them so infrequently? William James, the great American psychologist, said, “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.”<br /> <br /> Appreciation is a gift we give others that costs us nothing! And giving just a little bit of it through effective communication goes further towards improving our relationships more than any over-priced “thing.” We all know this. So why are so many of us stingy when it comes to showing appreciation?<br /> <br /> Are we too busy? Too self-important? Too entitled? Or simply too stubborn and emotionally ungenerous?<br /> <br /> Sure, you can say “Well, s/he’s supposed to do that.” Right. Possibly. But does that mean people in your life don’t deserve acknowledgment? After all, I’ll bet you’d have something to say about it if those things didn’t get done (or that kindness and affection wasn’t shown to you).<br /> <br /> At home, we don’t appreciate—we expect! We say things like, “If you really love me, you would ______.” Where is the appreciation for our loved ones? Do you expect the garbage to go out and the dishes be put away? Why? Because it’s their “job?” Well, in life we get paid for doing a job, so how about paying them with a “thank you?” Everyone craves recognition for their efforts. So, show a little appreciation. It’s a very easy habit to acquire.<br /> <br /> <b>Transform your relationship with your teenager.</b><br /> <br /> Ever lived with teenagers? It’s pretty hard to motivate them, right? Or is it? The easiest way to engage a teen is to catch them doing something right. That means recognizing and rewarding the behavior you want to see more of. Saying “thank you” is an easy way to do that.<br /> <br /> Tell them what you like about what they’re doing, thinking, and wearing. And skip all the criticism about what you don’t like. Simply look and you’ll find many things each day worthy of acknowledgment. Try it for a month and watch their attitude (and your relationship with them) transform.<br /> <br /> <b>Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.</b><br /> <br /> Once you make a point to acknowledge the contributions of your family and partner, remember: once is not enough. Each time they take the trash out, bring you your coffee, or extend themselves on your behalf, say those powerful words,”thank you.”<br /> <br /> <b>Know what to overlook.</b><br /> <br /> There is another side to showing appreciation. It is as equally important as mulut recognition. Knowing what to compliment is one thing … but knowing what to overlook is also a way of showing love.<br /> <br /> <b>Ah! That’s worth thinking about, isn’t it?</b><br /> <br /> William James once said: “The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.” He was right. When things don’t go according to our expectations, we start pointing fingers. Tempers flare and nitpicking escalates. A wise person takes a step back and looks at the whole picture. They put their needs and wants aside for a moment and make space to see the other person’s wants and needs, as well. They ask themselves: What is happening here? What do we truly want to happen?<br /> <br /> Whether at home or at work, this is the time to focus on appreciation and then follow it with conscious problem-solving.<br /> <br /> When you feel things getting tense, pause and reflect on a time you felt appreciated. More importantly, ask yourself when was the last time you actually found something to appreciate in another? This helps diffuse the anger, frustration, fear or hurt that you are feeling and allows you to refocus your energy on good communication.<br /> <br /> <b>Start with yourself.</b><br /> <br /> Demanding to receive respect or appreciation when the other person is feeling deprived of it will only escalate the conflict. Whoever is most sane at the moment, in any relationship, is the one responsible for bringing that relationship back to positive connection. Let that “sane” person be you.<br /> <br /> <b>Appreciation is never wasted.</b><br /> <br /> Find things to acknowledge. Notice what others do well. Catch them doing things right. Notice what others do for you. Offer your thanks. You’ll feel better. And, very soon, it will come back to you. I promise.</div>

2 Simple Words You Need Much More To Be Saying In Your Relationship

"Thank you" Two simple words that feel so good to hear. So, why do so many couples use them so infrequently? William James, the great American psychologist, said, “The deepest principle in human n…

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13 Tips To Make A Good Relationship Great

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyYvD4vL6k7MvlJGFckVT3mjOOq8aYePCtFMA-7zJLjtdTZ-4RrzI9_HacU0j7gvetHXwawLYtXlNUgU1AecwOkYOV3cdbUqQ-sN3BywrcaSA_yj0BXFTLe5-Tpu2fAyaM3r6sbNCTFM/s1600/CoupleLyingInBedAndKissingOnNose-850x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyYvD4vL6k7MvlJGFckVT3mjOOq8aYePCtFMA-7zJLjtdTZ-4RrzI9_HacU0j7gvetHXwawLYtXlNUgU1AecwOkYOV3cdbUqQ-sN3BywrcaSA_yj0BXFTLe5-Tpu2fAyaM3r6sbNCTFM/s640/CoupleLyingInBedAndKissingOnNose-850x400.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">1. Do the things you did the first year you were dating.</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong>As the months and years roll on, we tend to slink into our proverbial sweatpants and get lazy in our relationship. We lose our patience, gentleness, thoughtfulness, understanding and the general effort we once made toward our mate. Think back to the first year of your relationship and write down all the things you used to do for your partner. Now start doing them again.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">2. Ask for what you want.</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> Over time, we assume that our partner knows us so well that we don’t need to ask for what we want. What happens when we make this assumption? Expectations are set and just as quickly, they get deflated. Those unmet expectations can leave us questioning the viability of our partnership and connection. Keep in mind that “asking for what you want” extends to everything from emotional to sexual wants.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">3. Become an expert on your partner.</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> Think about who your mate really is and what excites him or her (both physically and emotionally). We can become consumed by what WE THINK he/she wants, as opposed to tuning in to what truly resonates with the other person. Remember that if it’s important to your partner, it doesn’t have to make sense to you. You just have to do it.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">4. Don't ask "how was your day."</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong>At the end of a long day, we tend to mentally check out of our lives and consequently, our relationship. We rely on the standard question, “How was your day?” Generally, that boring question will yield a boring answer such as, “Fine, how was yours?” This does nothing to improve your connection and instead, can actually damage it because you're losing the opportunity to regularly connect in a small way.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> Instead, try asking things like, “What made you smile today?” or “What was the most challenging part of your day?” You’ll be amazed at the answers you’ll get, with the added benefit of gaining greater insight into your significant other.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">5. Create a weekly ritual to check in with one another.</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> It can be short or long but it begins with asking each other what worked and didn’t work about the previous week and what can be done to improve things this coming week. Additionally, use this opportunity to get on the same page with your schedules, plan a date night and talk about what you would like to see happen in the coming days, weeks, and months in your relationship. Without an intentional appointment to do a temperature check, unmet needs and resentments can build.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">6. Keep it sexy.</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong>What might change in your relationship if both you and your partner committed to increasing the behaviors you each find sexy and limiting those that aren’t? Think about this in the broadest form. “Sexy” can certainly refer to bedroom preferences, but it also represents what excites us about our mate in our day-to-day lives. Do you find it sexy if he/she helps with the housework? Do you find it "unsexy" when he/she uses the restroom with the door wide open? Talk about what it specifically means to "keep it sexy" in your relationship. Be amazed, be humored, be inspired!</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">7. Get creative about the time you spend together.</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> Break out of the “dinner and a movie” routine and watch how a little novelty can truly rejuvenate your relationship. On a budget and can’t go big? Jump on the internet to look for “cheap date ideas” and be blown away at the plethora of options. Can’t afford a sitter? Try swapping babysitting time with friends that have kids. It’s free and they will likely be thrilled to take your kids because they will get to take advantage when they drop their kids at your place.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">8. Get it on.</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong>Unless you have committed to an asexual partnership, sex, sexual contact and touching (kissing, holding hands, cuddling etc.) are vital components of a romantic relationship. The frequency is of course, up to you and it's imperative that you discuss your ideas about it in order to prevent resentment. Rare are the moments when both partners are “in the mood” at the exact same second, but that doesn’t mean that you have to decline their advances. Remind yourself that you will almost always “get there” after the first few minutes and that an intimate interaction of any kind builds connection and elevates your mood and health. Bear in mind that you are never required to say “yes.” If you truly don’t feel it, the best thing you can do is to postpone. Just make sure that you initiate or accept within a reasonable amount of time thereafter.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">9. Take a (mental) vacation, everyday.</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> Life and work distractions can become paramount in our minds and that leaves little time or energy for our partner. Practice the art of “Wearing the Relationship Hat.” This means that (barring any emergencies or deadlines), we are fully present when we're with our mate. We truly hear what they are saying (instead of pretending to listen), we leave our distractions behind and we don’t pick them up again until the sun comes up and we walk out the door.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Some tips to improve communication</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> Sadly, we aren’t born with the innate ability to effectively communicate but it doesn’t mean that we can’t learn. Use the following techniques to better navigate and limit the tension in your relationship:</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">10. Take "fight breaks" when you need them.</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> Before you’ve hit the point of no return and as you see the stress beginning to escalate, one or both of you can call a break so that cooler heads can prevail. The crux of this tool lies in the fact that you must pick a specific time to revisit the conversation (I.e. 10 minutes from now, 2:00pm on Tuesday etc.) so that closure can be achieved.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">11. Dig deep to unearth your true feelings.</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> In most disagreements, we communicate from the “Top Layer,” which are the obvious emotions such as anger, annoyance and the like. Leading from this place can create confusion, defensiveness and ultimately distract from the real issue. Start communicating from the “Bottom Layer” (i.e. What feelings are really driving your reactions such as disappointment, rejection, loneliness, disrespect etc.).</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> This type of expression creates an instant sense of empathy because it requires honesty and vulnerability to share from this space. Tension will dissipate and from here, solutions can spring. Just be sure to use kind, non-reactive phrasing when expressing these bottom layer feelings, such as “I felt hurt by…” as a replacement for “You’re such a jerk” etc.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">12. Seek to understand ... not agree.</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> Easy in concept, difficult in application. Conversations quickly turn to arguments when we're invested in hearing our partner admit that we were right or when we are intent on changing his/her opinion. Choose to approach a conversation as an opportunity to understand your significant other’s perspective as opposed to waiting for them to concede. From this perspective, we have an interesting dialogue and prevent a blow out or lingering frustration.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">13. Make your apology count.</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;"></strong>It’s well understood that apologizing is a good thing but it only makes a real impact when you mean it. Saying things like “I’m sorry you feel that way” or “I’m sorry you see it that way” are a waste of time and breath. Even if you don’t agree that your action was wrong, you will never successfully argue a feeling.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> Accept that your mate feels hurt and from this place, a real apology can have a significant impact. When you love your partner and hurt them (intentionally or not) you can always legitimately apologize for the pain you caused regardless of your perspective on what you did or didn’t do.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 2rem; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> You are now, officially armed with the comprehensive exercise routine to fully reshape your relationship. Trim the fat and build your hottest relationship for life!</div> </div>

13 Tips To Make A Good Relationship Great

1. Do the things you did the first year you were dating. As the months and years roll on, we tend to slink into our proverbial sweatpants and get lazy in our relationship. We lose our patience, g…

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