Relationships and Love: Search results for Marriage

20 Relationship Tips: Give Your Relationship the Attention it Deserves

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20 Relationship Tips:  Give Your Relationship the Attention it Deserves</h1>
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<strong>Richard
 Nicastro, PhD explores specific ways you can improve your relationship,
 noting that it usually doesn’t just “happen” but requires effort to be 
sure it gets adequate attention.  </strong></div>
Let’s face it: there 
is a staggering volume of marriage/relationship help advice out there. 
Any Internet search on the topic will give you page after page of 
relationship “How to’s” and “What not to do’s.” Depending on your 
perspective, this can be either good news (the easy availability of 
helpful information) or bad news (trying to navigate the overwhelming 
maze of relationship tips).<br />
The truth is, there is also a great 
deal of overlap in what is being said about how to strengthen a 
marriage/relationship—and while some authors are more eloquent in how 
they get this information across than others, often the underlying 
message is consistent. This is good news. The repetition in 
marriage/relationship advice suggests that there are important 
hard-and-fast principles that couples should pay attention to.<br />
So 
rather than searching for the golden goose that will magically send you 
down the path of marital or relationship bliss, it’s time to roll up 
your sleeves and give your relationship the attention it deserves.<br />
<br />
<strong>20 Relationship Tips:</strong><br />
<ol>
<li>Couples need to set up a <strong>clear boundary</strong> around their relationship—this boundary involves saying “no” to the influences that can undermine your relationship.</li>
<li>Healthy marriages/relationships require <strong>balance</strong>
 between having shared couple-experiences that will feed the 
relationship while at the same time nurturing their individual interests
 and pursuits.</li>
<li>Without a clear expression of <strong>commitment</strong> to the relationship, trust and emotional security will suffer. A strong relationship foundation is built on mutual commitment.</li>
<li>Direct, <strong>clear communication</strong> should always be a top priority.</li>
<li>Being <strong>attuned to your needs</strong>,
 wants and desires is the first step in getting them met—when you’re 
unclear about your own needs, how can your spouse/partner ever meet 
them?</li>
<li>Not everything needs to be discussed, analyzed and “processed” between partners. Letting go, <strong>giving your partner the benefit of the doubt</strong>, and practicing forgiveness will go a long way in creating a fulfilling relationship.</li>
<li>Words have the power to build empathic bridges between partners, and <strong>words</strong> also have the power to hurt and create a wasteland of distance between you. Choose your words wisely.</li>
<li>Important
 issues that are repeatedly ignored, minimized or go underground will 
resurface with a vengeance. A healthy relationship requires <strong>facing uncomfortable issues</strong> from time to time.</li>
<li>Like
 a wildfire, emotional wounding and defensiveness can spiral out of 
control and quickly consume a relationship.  Couples need to be <strong>mindful of the negative cycles</strong> that arise in their relationship.</li>
<li>Deliberately <strong>creating positive experiences</strong>
 and interactions between the two of you (while facing the uncomfortable
 issues that need to be addressed) should be an ongoing priority.</li>
<li>Emotional intimacy and closeness are built upon both partners being consistent, <strong>emotionally available</strong> and responsive to one another.</li>
<li>Expecting
 to get all (or even most) of your needs met whenever you want is like 
expecting the weather to change based upon your whims and preferences.  
Unrealistic <strong>expectations</strong> lead to unhappy marriages/relationships.</li>
<li>For some, emotional closeness is a prerequisite for sexual intimacy; for others, sexual intimacy leads to <strong>emotional intimacy</strong>.</li>
<li>Passion and <strong>fulfilling sex</strong>
 often needs to be talked about, planned and negotiated (a lack of 
sexual spontaneity isn’t necessarily a sign of marital/relationship 
problems).</li>
<li>What makes you feel loved and <strong>emotionally connected</strong>
 may be very different from what makes your partner feel loved and 
emotionally close. Communicating and understanding these differences can
 go a long way in improving your relationship.</li>
<li>Certain differences between your and your partner’s <strong>communication styles</strong>
 and emotional expressiveness need to be accepted. You can’t make an 
introvert outgoing, and likewise, don’t expect an extrovert to happily 
sit home every evening.</li>
<li>Friendships are built on joint activities and common interests. In addition to being lovers, couples need to <strong>learn to be friends</strong>.</li>
<li>Couples who actively practice <strong>gratitude and appreciation</strong>
 feel a deep sense of connection with one another. It’s too easy to 
simply focus on what bothers you about your mate while ignoring why you 
fell in love with him/her in the first place.</li>
<li>While a relationship obviously takes two committed people, one person can make a difference in improving the overall <strong>quality of the relationship</strong>.</li>
<li>Fulfilling, healthy relationships are co-created, not found. Couples who <strong>work together</strong> (at keeping their relationship strong) are more likely to stay together.</li>
</ol>
While
 it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the information presented in this
 article, remember that you can pick one or two items from the above 
list and began implementing them into your relationship right away. As a
 marriage/couples counselor, I’ve seen couples make big differences in 
their relationship with a simple and relatively small change—the goal is
 to be consistent and persistent with whatever positive change you’re 
trying to make.</section></div>

20 Relationship Tips: Give Your Relationship the Attention it Deserves

20 Relationship Tips: Give Your Relationship the Attention it Deserves Richard Nicastro, PhD explores specific ways you can improve ...

Married Sex Can be Great Sex

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Married Sex Can be Great Sex</h1>
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<em>Richard
 Nicastro, PhD takes a deeper look at married (or long-term 
relationship) sex and some of the unique reasons it can be so 
satisfying.  He encourages couples to understand their ruts and look for
 opportunities for change.</em></div>
You might have read about—or 
personally experienced—the challenges some married couples (or couples 
in long-term relationships) face when it comes to keeping sexual desire 
and sexual passion alive. The newness of a relationship clearly brings 
with it certain perks, one being the euphoria and excitement that seems 
to envelop every aspect of our life (including our sexuality). It’s not 
uncommon for married couples to look back fondly on the days when more 
frequent love-making, greater sexual exploration and risk-taking, and 
heightened sexual intensity were a part of the relationship landscape.<br />
The
 struggle of married couples—as well as couples in long-term 
relationships—to keep sex a rewarding part of their union is the reason I
 created <i>How to Spice Up Your Marriage</i><em>.</em><br />
But this 
is only part of the picture for married couples. Clearly, not all 
couples who have been together for years (or even decades) complain 
about a sexless marriage or have to settle for mediocre sex. In fact, a 
percentage of married couples report that sex within their long-term 
union has benefits they couldn’t have imagined. Even if the frequency of
 sex has diminished, these couples report high levels of sexual 
satisfaction, and a deep and meaningful intimacy that arises from sex.<br />
Let’s turn our attention to five benefits of married sex (as well as sex in a long-term relationship).<br />
<h3>
Sex As an Expression of Love</h3>
<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>“Every time I have sex with my wife, it is an act of deep, profound love.”</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Ken, married almost twenty years</div>
</blockquote>
It’s
 usually assumed that couples who are married love each other, unless, 
of course, their love has faded and they’re heading for divorce or 
staying in a loveless marriage for the sake of their children. But for 
the many married couples who do love each other, they have the wonderful
 opportunity to express and share their love through sexual expression. 
The entwining of sex and love takes sex to new heights for many 
couples—in these instances, the act of sex itself becomes a powerful way
 to transform the subjective feelings of love into tangible acts of 
loving expression and appreciation.<br />
<h3>
The Benefits of a Shared History</h3>
<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>“Married
 sex is like dancing with a partner you are totally familiar with; it 
makes for a great dance because you know his particular rhythms and 
moves.” </em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Holly, married fourteen year<strong>s</strong></div>
</blockquote>
A
 deep connection arises out of a shared history where trust is 
established. It is through a couple’s shared history that a deeper 
knowing and understanding of the other occurs—a knowing that results not
 just from time spent together, but from ongoing, meaningful 
communication. For intimacy to be nurtured, the evolution of this 
communication must include discussions about one another’s most 
important desires and longings; sexual and emotional likes and dislikes;
 as well as an understanding of each other’s hopes, dreams and 
vulnerabilities.<br />
When this knowing occurs in the bedroom, a sexual
 empathy is set in motion that becomes part of the foundation for a 
couple’s sexual exploration. Great sex arises from sexual empathy: a 
mutual appreciation of what each partner/spouse needs sexually, as well 
as emotionally.<br />
<h3>
A Sexual Foundation Built upon Emotional Security</h3>
<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>“The
 longer we’ve been married, the more secure I feel in our relationship. 
That security allows me to take risks sexually with my wife. I always 
felt sexually anxious the times I had sex and didn’t know the person 
really well.”</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Michael, married seven years</div>
</blockquote>
When
 you love someone, they have a great deal of power and influence over 
you (there’s no denying this fact). Feelings of insecurity and anxiety 
arise when we start to feel we no longer matter to our partner, that our
 needs and concerns are falling on indifferent ears. But when we feel 
emotionally secure and safe, a whole new world of possibilities is 
opened to us.<br />
Sexually, this might take the form of taking greater
 risks sexually (like it did for Michael in the above quote)–a giving of
 the parts of you no one else gets to see (your emotional 
vulnerabilities, as well as a sharing of your sexual longings and 
fears). This emotional security gives you greater emotional and sexual 
freedom; a freedom to let your guard down and be swept away in the 
mutual pleasures and connecting moments of sexual intimacy.<br />
<h3>
When Sexual Passion and Love Converge</h3>
<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>“I’ve had passion without love and love without passion. Now I have both, and it’s indescribable.” </em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Raquel, married eleven years</div>
</blockquote>
One
 of the common sexual complaints of couples in long-term relationships 
is diminished passion—what was once spontaneously ignited now requires 
effort and planning. Many of these couples might still have a rewarding 
sex life (“We enjoy sex whenever we have it…<i>if</i> we have it…”), 
even if their sexual dance has become somewhat predictable. But for some
 married couples, passion and love have blended, making for mind-blowing
 sex.<br />
These couples aren’t afraid to be sexually adventurous. They
 trust each other enough to try new things and give fully of themselves.
 They communicate effectively about their sexual needs and use their 
deep knowledge of each other to generously give and openly receive 
sexual and sensual pleasure. And, most importantly, these couples create
 a shared space (unencumbered by the stresses and obligations of daily 
life) where sexual passion is allowed to take root.<br />
<h3>
Playing Between the Familiar and the Unknown</h3>
<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>“I
 got so turned on when my wife did something totally unexpected the 
other day…she became a little unrecognizable to me in that moment, and I
 have to admit, it was hot…”</em><i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Daniel, married four years</div>
</blockquote>
Part
 of the emotional security married couples take comfort in arises out of
 the familiar and predictable routines that come to define their 
couplehood. Psychologist Esther Perel, in her brilliant book <i>Mating in Captivity</i>
 describes how a certain level of emotional closeness (the hallmark of a
 loving marriage) also has the potential to extinguish sexual desire. 
It’s when a level of psychological separateness occurs that the other 
person can be seen and experienced; and it is in this contact with a 
separate other that the fires of sexual passion are able to ignite.<br />
Why
 does this make married sex so amazing? It’s a very different experience
 having someone you know well (your spouse/partner) let go sexually 
and/or act in a surprising or provocative manner, compared to someone 
you’ve just met or don’t know so well. Married couples are in an 
enviable position in this regard since they can bounce back and forth 
between the familiar/secure and the novel/tantalizing. In the psychic 
space between these seemingly contradictory experiences, a tension 
exists, a tension that can fan the flames of sexual desire and allows 
for passion’s potential.<br />
While the above list is by no means 
exhaustive, it does point to some important benefits that married 
couples can enjoy when it comes to sex. The loss of sexual intimacy and 
passion in long-term relationships is not an <i>inevitable</i> outcome 
of domesticity. In fact, couples who have been together for a long time 
have unique opportunities to build upon their emotional foundations of 
love and security, whether this involves nurturing love and emotional 
intimacy through sex, or pushing against each other’s sexual boundaries 
in order to stimulate moments of sexual excitement.<br />
The challenge 
is for married couples to identify any routines that may have led to 
relationship and sexual ruts, the routines they may too heavily rely on 
out of habit or complacency. Once those routines are identified, you can
 create and nurture opportunities that make your sex life a rich and 
meaningful part of your marriage or long-term relationship.</section>

Married Sex Can be Great Sex

Married Sex Can be Great Sex Richard Nicastro, PhD takes a deeper look at married (or long-term relationship) sex and some o...

8 Signs He’S The Man You Should Be Marrying

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img height="266" src="http://black-culture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/loving_black_couple1.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 20px;"> This one is for the ladies, another one will be posted now or tomorrow for men. So you’ve spent a substantial amount of time with your boyfriend and want to to take things to the next level, this article is going to help you in that decision-making process. Let’s begin.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Roboto Condensed', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: 200; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px;"> 8. He tells you to have your “Girls Nights”</h2> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 20px;"> This is something I haven’t seen in a lot of men but it should be more common than it already is. A guy who pushes you to have girls nights is a guy who knows how important your girls are for you and he knows you need to spend your own “me time” with them to stay happy. It also means that he isn’t a need freak who can’t see you have fun on your own without him being there. Keep in mind, a guy is writing this article and I tell my girlfriend to go out with her girls all the time. It’s a very healthy trait to have for men.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Roboto Condensed', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: 200; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px;"> 7. He understands you, completely</h2> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 20px;"> When I say “understand”, I don’t just mean that he knows your likes and dislikes. Anyone who spends a few months with you can understand you that much, I’m talking about a more mature level of understanding. This means that your guy knows when you’re ticked off, it also means he knows what to say and when to say it. If a guy can make you laugh at even the most darkest of your days, he understands you emotionally. Emotional understanding is very vital for a lasting relationship.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Roboto Condensed', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: 200; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px;"> 6. He doesn’t hate your social circle</h2> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 20px;"> This is kind of common, a lot of guy friends I have actually restrict their girlfriends from meeting her friends. There will be guys and girls both in her social circle but some men have issues with the fact that their girlfriends are spending too much time in her social circle (mostly the guys in that social circle). This points to a few insecurities that some guys have and it also points to the fact that he doesn’t trust you as much as he should. A guy who’s completely cool with your social circle is the guy you NEED to keep and do everything for.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Roboto Condensed', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: 200; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px;"> 5. He doesn’t flinch at the topic of marriage</h2> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 20px;"> I know, marriage sometimes can be a difficult topic to think about but when two people have known each other enough, it becomes part of the general conversation without a plethora of anti-marriage statements. We get into relationships because we want to see how compatible we are with people and ultimately if we can spend the rest of our lives with them or not. If your boyfriend doesn’t run away from this topic, it means he’s been thinking about it as much as you have or maybe more, he’s a keeper.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Roboto Condensed', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: 200; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px;"> 4. He supports you even at your worst decisions</h2> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 20px;"> We all make mistakes in life, sometimes our decisions lead to good things and sometimes they lead to bad things. A person who stands right by your side at both the good and the bad is a person who loves you no matter what. Support is very important (it goes without saying), emotional support is something that makes your partner understand that they’ll always get back to normal even if they make a bad decision. If your guy supports you even when you fail, he’ll support you in anything.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Roboto Condensed', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: 200; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px;"> 3. He loves you the same</h2> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 20px;"> Now this one is common. When relationships get old (a few years), a lot of people complain that “it’s not the same anymore”, “the spark is gone”, “we are growing apart”, well that’s because of a lot of reasons but mainly absence of expressiveness can lead to this. If you feel the same with your guy even after years of being with him, why are you even reading this article? He’s a keeper.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Roboto Condensed', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: 200; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px;"> 2. He is a romantic</h2> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 20px;"> Sentimental guys are hard to come by, I’m proud at the way I express myself with my girlfriend and she loves this fact about me, the fact that I am expressive about each and every feeling I have. A friend of mine once told me, he said:</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Roboto Condensed', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: 200; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px;"> 1. He doesn’t care about how “hot” you look</h2> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 20px;"> A man who loves you will love you regardless of how much makeup you put on your face or how hot you look. A man who loves you also knows that beauty and “hotness” are very superficial things and feelings are what count in the end. If you have a guy who looks at you with the same loving way in any case, he’s a keeper.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #353535; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 20px;"> That’s it for now, ladies. Have you found your Mr. Right? Let me know what you love about him in the comments below. As always, stay blessed and keep the love alive!</div> </div>

8 Signs He’S The Man You Should Be Marrying

This one is for the ladies, another one will be posted now or tomorrow for men. So you’ve spent a substantial amount of time with yo...

11 Signs You Are With The Person You Should Marry

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <img alt=" Signs you are with the person you should marry 11 Signs you are with the person you should marry" src="http://cdn.relrules.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/marry.png" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">While being the most fantasised moment of our lives, marriage is also one of the  most dreaded experiences and hey, why not? It is one of the </span><i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">biggest</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.600000381469727px;"> decisions of our lives, changes almost everything, with the right person these changes will be for the better and long lasting. So, how do we know if we have found the right one, they sure don’t come with  flashing red lights or a halo on their heads, if only that was possible, but in the real world you have to look out for these pointers. Here’s our guide to help you with this leap of faith.</span><br /> <h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 33.2px; line-height: 1.21; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> 11. You feel at home with them</h1> <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 is a feeling of comfort with this person, an unmatched sense of familiarity, the  time spent with them is free of any pretence. They are easy to talk to, about anything and everything, you can go from having a deep conversation with them to talking about nothing in particular, or just share a peaceful silence with them. It is extremely easy being with them.</div> <h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 33.2px; line-height: 1.21; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> 10. You want similar things in life</h1> <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 does not necessarily mean working in the same profession, that will just be a bonus, but you know that life will constantly change and grow but it will not affect your relationship, you will grow together. Your long term goals run parallel to each other; whether it is choosing which city to live in, marriage, kids etc, you two are on the same page.</div> <h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 33.2px; line-height: 1.21; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> 9. You get along with each other’s family</h1> <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 one’s important, marriage is not just a bond between two people, but two families. Having a harmonious relationship with each other’s family will make things easier and happier, you won’t have to deal with the family drama all the time, you can enjoy spending time with your partner’s family and consequently it will also strengthen your relationship.</div> <h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 33.2px; line-height: 1.21; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> 8. You crave for their presence</h1> <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;"> It’s not like you two can’t be all by yourself, you just prefer not to, because you miss them when they are not around. You enjoy each other’s company, it makes you happy. You give each other space but even when you are doing fun things with your friends, like watching a movie, you think what your partner would’ve said at this dialogue or how hard they would’ve laughed, their presence just makes everything better.</div> <h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 33.2px; line-height: 1.21; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> 7. You make big decisions together</h1> <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;"> Whether it’s moving to a new house, getting a pet, changing your career etc; you two always make decisions keeping your partner in mind, instead of being selfish and doing things your way and enforcing your choices. You discuss things, explore all options, consider each other’s feelings and then take the big steps. You think ‘we’ rather than ‘me’.</div> <h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 33.2px; line-height: 1.21; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> 6. There is no judging</h1> <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 have things that we are not very proud of, we don’t reveal this side to everyone as it makes us vulnerable especially if we feel it could be used against us. When you are with the right person, you feel comfortable in revealing your true self to them, they know all your deepest, darkest secrets, and the best part is that they still love you, they accept your good with the bad. If you want to see how close you are to them, just go through all the things that you have revealed about yourself to them and how much more you are willing to share.</div> <h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 33.2px; line-height: 1.21; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> 5. You are an exemplary couple</h1> <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 are happy in a relationship, you radiate positive vibes. Your friends, family, colleagues even strangers can feel the love. Anybody could tell how much you two love each other, while the troubled couples look at you with envy.</div> <h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 33.2px; line-height: 1.21; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> 4. You have managed to surpass the rough times</h1> <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;"> Life is not all about rainbows and butterflies, there is no way you have a healthy relationship without recalling a few ‘serious’ fights. If you have managed to go through these tough times and came out stronger, then it means you know how to keep the fights away from the breaking point. You know how to fight fair.</div> <h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 33.2px; line-height: 1.21; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> 3. You are not just lovers, but best friends</h1> <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 is a sense of trust and loyalty between you two, you guys have fun together, and it doesn’t matter if you share the same sense of humour as long as it gets you to crack a smile. Your partner is the first person that comes to your mind when you want to share some big news, know that a new movie is releasing, you love them not just as your significant other but as a person.</div> <h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 33.2px; line-height: 1.21; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> 2. They are your support system</h1> <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;"> The person you want to share your life with, should be your ultimate support system. Life has the ability to throw all kinds of challenges at us, in times like these you need your partner who balances you out, they give you strength. You know you can win any battle as long as they are by your side.</div> <h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1a1919; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 33.2px; line-height: 1.21; margin: 2.25rem 0px 1.5rem; padding: 0px;"> 1. You have imagined a future with them</h1> <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 have married them in your head more times than you remember, it’s because you can see a future with them, planning a life with them doesn’t give you cold feet, instead it brings a smile to your face and you are ready to take the next step with them.</div> </div>

11 Signs You Are With The Person You Should Marry

While being the most fantasised moment of our lives, marriage is also one of the most dreaded experiences and hey, why not? It is one of t...

Secrets To Happy Relationship

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: left; color: #333333; float: left; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"> <img src="http://mybrownbaby.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/African-American-Couple-Exercising.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;" /></div> <br /> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px; text-align: justify;"> Relationships like marriage, romance, live together or any of similar kinds can be sustained with a happy note if some of the secret rules are followed. Relationship is completely subjective and no clear cut rules can be executed on it, yet following certain guidelines may help proceeding happily in a relationship.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px; text-align: justify;"> Many of these, so called, rules are based on the life experience of many happy couple and also the observation of people. When two people get into relationships, many of them wish for lasting relationships. But pathetically, a good number of them go apart after a while, in search of new partners. Let us see the secrets that constitute long lasting relationships or ever remaining relationships.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px; text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.1; text-align: left;">Breakup and Divorce are not the Solution</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px; text-align: justify;"> When asked about the best possible way of resolving the issues in relationships or marriage, many people may comment that breakup or a divorce is the best possible method of putting an end to all the troubles in a relationships. It is the biggest mistake people commit.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px; text-align: justify;"> The reason for increased divorce rate is analyzed as the mentality of people who even before getting into a relationship think divorce as means of solving possible issues in it. Divorce is never an option but it's the utmost decision to be taken in life only at an inevitable situation. Do not even think about a breakup or marriage whenever you confront with minor issues in relationships. Issues are just byproducts of the happiness experienced in the relationships.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10.5px; margin-top: 21px;"> No Perfect Relationships, but Perfect Situations</h2> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px; text-align: justify;"> No one can be considered in a perfect relationship, how happy the couple is, as happiness in a relationship is just the happiness of the situations created by the partners. No relationship, as a whole, is destined to be jovial and satisfying. There can be moments of happiness and moments of struggles.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px; text-align: justify;"> The couple who learns the secrets of balancing both happiness and struggles wins the life and enjoys the best possible relationship and life. When in tension or issues, many people may think that they are fated to fall in to wrong relationship, and at the same time ignore the possible chances of making each moments in life happy by understanding the partner a bit more and adjusting a bit more.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10.5px; margin-top: 21px;"> Never be Afraid or Make Him/Her Afraid</h2> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px; text-align: justify;"> Another secret of happy relationship lies in being open and frank with the partner. Do not feel afraid to express you mind to the partner and never ever make him/her afraid of you to tell out the mind. When people communicate each other many of the issues can be melted down. An issue, how ignorable it is, when kept in mind for several days, can take forms of anger, frustration, dislike etc., and get expressed in the most undesirable manners. Let the communication between the partners be a frequent element and no one should hold the words when he/she really wants to talk.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10.5px; margin-top: 21px;"> Love Defined is Respect and Care</h2> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px; text-align: justify;"> You can just tell that you love your partner but can never express the love as it is. There is no emotion like love, but it comes as a package which includes, respect, care, share, dedication, forgiveness etc., express the emotions whenever possible to make the other person feel the intensity of your love. Do not be a miser in loving the partner and let your love be unconditional. It is rightly said that love is defined as respect and care. When the partner feels that you do not care for him/her or do not give him/her the due respect, the person may think of an alternative to you.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 19px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10.5px; margin-top: 21px;"> Always Support Each Other</h2> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px; text-align: justify;"> Never ever leave your partner unsupported. Whatever be the opinions and ideas, know that you are the only one he/she can lean for support. When both of you are alone, you can argue among yourself on points you disagree with the other one, but in public both of you have only one mind. Holding the hands, especially when he/she is sad or broken, is helpful to convey you care for the person. Once you have decided to live together, then no questions of separation may arise, even in the opinions.</div> </div>

Secrets To Happy Relationship

Relationships like marriage, romance, live together or any of similar kinds can be sustained with a happy note if some of the secret r...

The Truth about Men, Love and Intimacy

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The Truth about Men, Love and Intimacy</h1>
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</header><section class="entry-content clearfix" itemprop="articleBody">“I’ve
 been married for over twenty years. I know I’m not perfect, but I can 
honestly say that I do my best to be a good husband…I care about what my
 wife thinks of me asa husband and father.” ~Sal<br />
“It scares me to 
admit this, but I’d be totally lost without my wife. She’s my best 
friend and she tells me that I’m hers. Making her happy is everything to
 me…” ~Luis<br />
“You only hear about the guys who are abusive or cheat, but how about the tons of men who are faithful and kind?” ~John<br />
These
 are some of the messages several men shared with me while discussing 
their thoughts about intimacy, their partners and spouses. Before long, a
 theme arose:<br />
What especially bothered these men were the rampant 
myths that go unchallenged in society about what men really want from 
marriage or a long-term relationship.<br />
<br />
<strong>Myth 1</strong>: Men do not value intimacy and emotional connection.<br />
<strong>Myth 2</strong>: Men are motivated to control and tell women what to do (and therefore prefer passive women).<br />
<strong>Myth 3</strong>: Men only want sex (rather than emotional connection).<br />
<strong>Myth 4</strong>: Men do not care about their partners’/spouses’ feelings.<br />
<strong>Myth 5</strong>: Men would rather spend time with their guy friends than their wives/girlfriends.<br />
<br />
Let’s
 take a closer look at the first myth, the one that claims that men do 
not value emotional closeness. This myth arises out of the difficulty 
some men have with emotions: in particular, expressing and sharing their
 feelings. This reality is partly rooted in the way in which many men 
are socialized. Emotional self-expression is not considered an important
 and useful trait for many men—therefore young boys aren’t given the 
psychological tools needed to identify and appropriate express their 
feelings.<br />
 <img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-5284" height="200" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="http://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/The-Truth-About-Men-Love-and-Intimacy-300x200.jpg" srcset="https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/The-Truth-About-Men-Love-and-Intimacy-300x200.jpg 300w, https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/The-Truth-About-Men-Love-and-Intimacy-350x234.jpg 350w, https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/The-Truth-About-Men-Love-and-Intimacy.jpg 424w" style="margin: 5px;" title="The Truth about Men, Love and Intimacy" width="300" />Of
 particular importance is the way in which fathers (and other male 
mentors) act as role-models for their sons. While many fathers are 
becoming more comfortable with their sons’ emotional lives, some fathers
 continue to hold the expectation that once their male child hits a 
certain age, this emotionality will give way to stoic self-control.<br />
All
 too often these fathers are perpetuating what was handed down to them 
by their own fathers—a type of intergenerational legacy of difficulty 
tolerating and expressing emotions.<br />
<strong>Why are feelings difficult for men?</strong><br />
Feelings
 of vulnerability (tenderness, sadness, fear, feeling “less than,” 
embarrassment and shame) conflict with the ideal of masculinity—central 
to this ideal is the trait of control and <em>masculine strength</em>. Men value power and in the arena of love, power and strength equate to being able to take care of your loved ones.<br />
As
 the requirements of marriage and intimate relationships change and men 
are asked to be more emotionally available, the guiding questions for 
many men are:<br />
<strong>How can masculinity and vulnerability exist side by side?</strong><br />
Do I need to totally abandon the traits of masculinity I value in order to be a good husband and/or father?<br />
Unfortunately,
 the mentality that emotional vulnerability equates to weakness is alive
 and well in many cultures and held by too many men. This deep-seated 
attitude is often triggered in relationships that require and demand 
greater intimacy. Faced with the challenges of intimacy, men may shut 
down and withdraw, rather than allow themselves to feel confused and 
emotionally impotent.<br />
But men still value connection!<br />
Difficulty
 sharing emotions does not necessarily mean that emotional connection 
isn’t important to men. Think of it this way: You can deeply enjoy music
 and yet not know how to play a musical instrument.<br />
How men go 
about creating connection has less to do with emotional sharing and more
 to do with actions that validate their masculine identity–providing for
 their loved ones, tangential giving that leads to concrete results.<br />
<em>As Roger recently said:</em><br />
“My
 wife didn’t like the color of our bedroom and when she was out with her
 sister, I painted the entire room her favorite color. I couldn’t wait 
to see her reaction. When she got home she gave me this big hug and I 
felt like a million bucks…”<br />
In other words, Roger felt emotionally
 connected to his wife. He experienced intimacy through doing for his 
wife, rather than emotional expression.<br />
For the men who feel most 
at home in the familiar but constrictive strait-jacket of 
hyper-masculinity, there are significant hurdles to overcome as they 
attempt to adjust to the new requirements of love and marriage. But for 
many other men, self-expression and emotional intimacy are seen as 
long-overdue and a welcome addition to what relationships can offer. 
These men have long realized that messages that continue to perpetuate 
the stoic, need-to-be-in-control, warrior mentality are as detrimental 
to men as they are to women.</section></div>

The Truth about Men, Love and Intimacy

The Truth about Men, Love and Intimacy “I’ve been married for over twenty years. I know I’m not perfect, but I can hone...

Ladies: 10 Signs To Know He Wants To Marry You: Put Him To The Test

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> It’s no secret, women have strong intuition and we can usually sense what our partner is thinking. If you suspect he’s thinking about marriage, you are probably right. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what men are thinking though, especially when it comes to commitment.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> If he is doing any of these 10 things, you might be closer to walking down the aisle than you think. If you have been dying to know if he’ll take the plunge but don’t want to make him feel pressured, just look for signs he wants to marry you. The proof is in the pudding.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> These 10 signs can help you navigate where you stand in his mind, even without him telling you. If he is doing these things you can be pretty sure he’s taking the relationship seriously. No one likes to be with a guy who won’t commit, so don’t! If he is dragging his feet and not treating you like a queen, find someone who will.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 34px; font-stretch: inherit; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 1. Investing in your future</h2> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt=" women have strong intuition and we can usually sense what our partner is thinking LADIES: 10 Signs To Know  He Wants to Marry You: Put Him to the Test" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-72233" height="347" src="http://youqueen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Beautiful-young-couple-standing-at-the-car-dealership-and-making-their-decision.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="585" /></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Has he offered to help you buy a car or pay for higher education? Maybe he’s offered to pay off your debt or help you consolidate debt. If he is starting to look to the future when your finances will be joined, chances are he’s not going to think twice about making investments that will benefit your future life together.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> If he asks for your opinion when making big purchases, it is a good sign he sees you both enjoying his new purchases together. If he has got you a really nice piece of jewelry lately, he might be testing the waters so to speak in order to see your response. Remember, guys don’t want to be rejected when they pour their heart out and their entire life is on the line with the power of your one word: ‘yes’ or ‘no’.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Why not get a house magazine, a travel magazine or a parenting book. I mean don’t freak him out, but give him signs that you’re ready so he can feel more comfortable. As you do the pre engagement dance, you will start to change as you think about what your life together will be like and what you want it to be like. When you begin planning, he will also begin to pick up on the signs, so that’s a good thing.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="color: #666666; font-size: 34px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 24px;">2. Planning vacations together</span></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Here’s a sign that he’s taken a strong interest in you. If he’s planning vacations with you and his family or closest friends, he’s taking you pretty seriously. Even if it’s just the two of you but you can tell he is really trying to impress you, get to know you and get closer, it’s a pretty big sign my friend.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Okay, planning in general is a sign he’s up to something. Have you noticed if he has been more frugal lately, is he saving up to buy you a ring maybe? Did he plan a vacation to a romantic location where he might be thinking of asking you? Is he buttering you up like a thanksgiving ham so he can stick you in the marriage oven? Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 34px; font-stretch: inherit; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 3. He wants to work out your differences</h2> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> When a guy goes the extra mile to try to improve communication and maybe suggests couples therapy, this is a sign he wants to make it work. If he is making an effort to see your perspective or has curtailed some of the behaviors that get under your skin, maybe he is growing up and planning your future as a happy couple. If he has softened up recently, he might be warming up to the idea of forever.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Is he letting go of things that used to really make him mad? In that case, he must be doing some deep thinking. If he has made an effort to be nice to your friends that you know he doesn’t like that much, he is probably trying to impress you.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> When a man, simply put, starts acting like a man and less like a child, it’s definitely on purpose. A man cannot act without motivation and if he’s been looking in the mirror recently and getting in touch with his inner truth, you’ll know something is up. If you’re reading this article and things are ringing a bell, congratulations, he might be about to change your whole life.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> It might be time to break open the champagne and call Aunt Mindy pretty soon (she’s the one you never talk to, but feel compelled to call just to tell her you’re getting married).</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 34px; font-stretch: inherit; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 4. He can’t get enough of you</h2> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt=" women have strong intuition and we can usually sense what our partner is thinking LADIES: 10 Signs To Know  He Wants to Marry You: Put Him to the Test" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-72236" height="390" src="http://youqueen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/young-couple-with-playful-behavior-in-bedroom.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="585" /></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Does he invite you over every night? Has he talked about moving in together? Has he been spending an inordinate amount of time with you? Chances are he is smitten and thinking about the next step. If you’ve been together for a while, at least six months, chances are he’s thinking about it, even if he hasn’t mentioned it.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> If he keeps choosing to hang out with you over his friends, he might be ready to take the plunge. If he is showering you with compliments and seems really happy, this man is most likely very satisfied with you and thinking about that big decision.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Has he put pictures of you everywhere, in his wallet and at his office? Does he call you and text you a lot? Does he ask to have dates and surprise you with fun things? When a guy is really excited about you, he won’t be able to stop. They aren’t that good at hiding it.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 34px; font-stretch: inherit; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 5. He introduces you to everyone he knows</h2> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Here’s a big sign. Has he introduced you to all of the people that are important to him? This includes best friends, coworkers, and family. If he’s not ashamed of your relationship and he’s making sure everyone knows you guys are an item, chances are you’ve got yourself a committed man that will be on his knee in not too long.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> You’ll pick up on how he’s behaved in the past; maybe you’re the first one he has introduced to everyone. Guys are usually very cautious about bringing girls into the circle of trust. But when you’re in, it’s a big sign he loves you. Pay attention to how he introduces you.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> What did he say, does he compliment you, and is he proud of you? Does he hold your hand in front of them? This man wants to literally hold onto you until death do you part.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 34px; font-stretch: inherit; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 6. Meeting the parents</h2> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Guys are funny creatures. Some of them will bring their parents on their first date (yes I’ve seen this happen), some guys will introduce you to their parents within the first week of dating, and some guys are more protective and wait for a while. Whatever the case may be, if he’s introduced you to his parents, this is a sign that he’s serious about you.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> If he had cold feet about meeting your parents and suddenly warmed up to the idea like it was no big deal, this man’s mind has changed. Is he asking to meet your parents and siblings? Is he asking what your parents like, trying to get to know them and get on their good side? Is he trying to score brownie points?</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> If you’ve never been married before, you might not even realize what you’re walking into when a man gets serious about the relationship. Don’t think he’s just being nice because likes you. A man will not embrace a woman’s family unless he’s thinking they are going to become his family.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 34px; font-stretch: inherit; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 7. Looking at houses</h2> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Has he become obsessed with looking at houses recently? If so, he might be thinking about wedding bells my dear. Usually guys don’t buy houses with girls they aren’t serious about. If he’s looking at them with you, he’s probably planning on living in one with you. Is this getting you excited? Getting nervous?</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Has he started talking about furniture or mortgages? Has he been obsessed with figuring out the job that will offer you both a great lifestyle? Has he been talking about or looking over “figures” a lot? He’s got nuptials on his mind if he’s plotting to nest.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 34px; font-stretch: inherit; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 8. Talking about children</h2> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Yes, this is a big one too. If he keeps bringing up how he wants to be a dad or what a great mom you would make, his mind is in the future and he sees you guys starting a family. If you have noticed him commenting on babies or talking about friend’s kids, this man’s primal instincts are kicking in; he’s looking long term.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Now, if you’re shopping, and he takes a turn into the kid section, you can almost guarantee his mind is scheming. Has he bought any self-help books recently? When men are thinking about becoming fathers, they often try to better themselves and prepare. For that matter, when they are getting ready for marriage, they will often do that as well.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Maybe he dropped a bad habit, cleaned up his diet, started an exercise plan or made an effort to get a better paying job. If he has become more responsible lately, he might be thinking about settling down.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 34px; font-stretch: inherit; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 9. He’s really open with you</h2> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt=" women have strong intuition and we can usually sense what our partner is thinking LADIES: 10 Signs To Know  He Wants to Marry You: Put Him to the Test" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-72238" height="390" src="http://youqueen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Couple-having-a-spritz-time-with-a-lake-view.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="585" /></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> When a man becomes vulnerable, it’s a good sign. If he has suddenly begun to share embarrassing moments, feelings, and other sensitive things, he might really have serious plans with you. When a man trusts you, he behaves differently. He lets his guard down and is more of his goofy self.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Remember to be sensitive to him as he opens up, so he doesn’t feel like you’re going to attack him if he does let his guard down. Try not to judge him, and see him as a fellow human that is learning life lessons and doing the best he can.</div> <h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 34px; font-stretch: inherit; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; padding: 10px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> 10. He’s extra attentive</h2> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Have you noticed him being extra nice to you recently? Has he been noticing when you change your hair or complimenting you on your outfits? Has he offered to take you out to dinner and gotten you flowers. Maybe he’s stopped leaving a mess in the living room or made sure to put down the toilet seat.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> When a man starts being a gentleman and stops being a boyfriend, he’s thinking seriously about something. Has he become more supportive of your ideas or asked you about your goals? Why is he evaluating your five year plan? What is he trying to figure out? If you sense that your guy is trying to see if your goals line up, this guy is sizing up wife material.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> If he’s not doing any of these things, it doesn’t mean he isn’t serious about you. Only you can know for sure. If you’re wondering, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with just asking. If you do want to marry this man, you want to be able to be open about your feelings anyway, right? If you’re so curious, just see what his thoughts are.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> What if you never asked and you spent years with someone just trying to ‘read the signs’ and not wanting to scare him off. Maybe he’s not looking for marriage and you can save yourself the heartache early on. Don’t pressure him by saying something like ‘when do you want to get married?’ but see if it’s something he’s considering.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Open and candid relationships have the best chances of making it. Don’t be afraid to speak up and be open.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> When you feel his energy turned towards you, you will know something is up. If he is remembering what you say, listening intently and cancelling fantasy football with his buddies so you can have a movie night, this man has a ring on his mind.</div> <a class="bannerclick h2" data-id="70547" href="http://3b4ceei8r1ir5mabni-dscgifm.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=H2A1" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-transition: 0.2s; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #1aadd2; display: block; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: 0.2s; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><br /> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"> If you know someone who could benefit from this article, do them a favor and pass it along. I would love to hear feedback from you amazing women, and I thank you for being a part of the You Queen community.</div> </div>

Ladies: 10 Signs To Know He Wants To Marry You: Put Him To The Test

It’s no secret, women have strong intuition and we can usually sense what our partner is thinking. If you suspect he’s thinking about marr...

What Is Dating?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <h1 class="title" id="page-title" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: left; float: left; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 39px; font-stretch: inherit; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: -0.05em; line-height: 62px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITeoFgMaaKz9pZjXrIObhjLsKRVpUNsV-HkA8zGUiVf0Du8U6mQpx1SUBQWLyZmUuCxsTnD5TEmwRB1MtnhctDCwbrsHnYycYaKs0KDHMP5uSTVtNJlabpITJKxObHkucVubYTrwtAY8/s640/dating+vs+relationship.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="640" /><span style="letter-spacing: -0.05em; text-align: left;">What is Dating?</span></h1> <br /> <div class="block block-system block-main block-system-main odd block-without-title" id="block-system-main" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <div class="block-inner clearfix" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <div class="content clearfix" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <article about="/dating-basics/what-is-dating" class="node node-page node-published node-not-promoted node-not-sticky author-admin odd clearfix" id="node-page-4" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" typeof="foaf:Document"><div class="content clearfix" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <div class="field-items" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <div style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> "Dating" means different things to different people, particularly across generations. At loveisrespect.org, we </div> <div style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> define <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">“dating” as two people in an intimate relationship. The relationship may be sexual, but it does not have to be. It may be serious or casual, straight or gay, committed or open, short-term or long-term. The important thing to remember is that dating abuse can occur within all kinds of intimate relationships.</span></div> <h2 style="border: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: 29.25px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: -0.05em; line-height: 46.8px; margin: 10px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"> Types of Dating</h2> <div style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> You and your friends may use the word “dating” or you may not. People describe relationships in different ways. Whatever you call it, we want you to understand and feel comfortable with whatever type of relationship you are in. Some of the most commonly used words to describe dating are:</div> <ul style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 10px 25px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.2em; vertical-align: baseline;"> <li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 12px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Going out</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 12px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Together</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 12px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Being with someone</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 12px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Seeing each other</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 12px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hubby/wifey status</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 12px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Just friends</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 12px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Friends with benefits</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 12px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hooking up</li> </ul> <div style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Regardless of the label you use, you and your partner should both accept the same definition for your relationship.</div> <h2 style="border: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: 29.25px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: -0.05em; line-height: 46.8px; margin: 10px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"> But I’m Not Dating!</h2> <div style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> There are other types of relationships that might not be considered dating that are just as real and that we can help you with here. Maybe you have a child with somebody, but do not consider yourself to be in a dating relationship with that person. Having a child together could feel like more than just dating, or you might have chosen not to be together anymore; there is no one way that relationships must work.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Another possibility is that you and your partner are married. Of course marriage is different from dating in some ways, but you might be surprised at how similar they really are! What makes a dating relationship healthy or unhealthy usually applies to marriage as well.</div> <div style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> At loveisrespect, we focus on dating but this site is relevant to everyone.</div> <h2 style="border: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: 29.25px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: -0.05em; line-height: 46.8px; margin: 10px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; vertical-align: baseline;"> Who is a Partner?</h2> <div style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Simply put, a dating "partner" refers the person you’re in a relationship with. A healthy partner is:</div> <ul style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 10px 25px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1.2em; vertical-align: baseline;"> <li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 12px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Respecting</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 12px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Trustworthy</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 12px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Honest</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 12px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Dependable</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 12px 0px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Supportive</li> </ul> <div style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Whether you’re in a long-term, committed relationship or looking for casual dating experiences, you can still experience abuse. People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer/questioning (LGBTQ) can be in abusive relationships too. In fact, studies show that dating violence occurs at the same rates in same-sex relationships as in opposite-sex relationships.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div>

What Is Dating?

What is Dating? "Dating" means different things to different people, particularly across generations. At loveisrespe...

Does Your Relationship Have a Strong Negativity Bias?

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Does Your Relationship Have a Strong Negativity Bias?</h1>
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</header><section class="entry-content clearfix" itemprop="articleBody">A
 common thread in my couples therapy practice with those who struggle to
 make change is a strong negativity bias.  The needle on the “Geiger 
counter” of their relationship is bouncing up and down in the red.  In 
the worst cases, they are hostile, adversarial, mistrusting and believe 
they are experts on each other, convinced that they “know” exactly how 
the other feels.  And it’s not good.<br />
“He doesn’t even like me.”<br />
“She has one foot out of the marriage.”<br />
“He wishes he would have married ___.”<br />
“She is only staying in the marriage because of our child.”<br />
In psychology-speak, a “negativity bias” refers to the neuroscience of feeling threatened.  Rick Hanson, PhD explains below:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>“In
 your brain, there are separate (though interacting) systems for 
negative and positive stimuli.  Negative stimuli produce more neural 
activity than do equally intense (e.g., loud, bright) positive ones. 
They are also perceived more easily and quickly. For example, people in 
studies can identify angry faces faster than happy ones; even if they 
are shown these images so quickly (just a tenth of a second or so) that 
they cannot have any conscious recognition of them, the ancient 
fight-or-flight limbic system of the brain will still get activated by 
the angry faces.” </em></div>
People have 
varying degrees of negativity bias.  Those with trauma or challenged 
family of origin experiences are often vulnerable to a stronger 
negativity bias than someone with a secure upbringing, strong sense of 
self and no traumatic experiences.  The brain is wired for fear or 
security…and many shades of grey in between.<br />
Thankfully, we have 
learned that a negativity bias can be challenged by noticing the good, 
gratitude, mindfulness and other positive practices that can rewire the 
brain.<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>A negativity bias can exist in relationships too.</strong></h2>
The
 couple with the Geiger bouncing up and down at the extreme end of the 
negative side are going to be stuck unless they work together to counter
 the negative with positive, to move the needle slowly towards their 
ability to make room for benefit of the doubt and willingness to be 
vulnerable.  The idea is to build good will again, to create an 
environment where your partner feels he/she can put down the sword and 
shield.  You are BOTH responsible for this.<br />
<strong>11 Ways to Counter the Negativity Bias in Your Relationship</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fotolia_31616302_XS-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-10762" height="225" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="http://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fotolia_31616302_XS-300x225.jpg" srcset="https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fotolia_31616302_XS-300x225.jpg 300w, https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fotolia_31616302_XS-181x136.jpg 181w, https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fotolia_31616302_XS-190x142.jpg 190w, https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fotolia_31616302_XS-350x263.jpg 350w, https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fotolia_31616302_XS.jpg 400w" width="300" /></a></div>
<ol>
<li>Begin each day with a positive statement or greeting for each other.</li>
<li>In transitional moments, (coming or going, one going to bed, etc), say hello, goodbye, goodnight with an affectionate gesture.</li>
<li>Notice aloud what is going well.  “That’s great that you got a bonus, you’ve worked hard.”</li>
<li>Show appreciation.  “That was a really delicious meal, thank you.”</li>
<li>Offer
 help.  If you see something you can do to help your partner, offer it 
up.  “Would you like me to make Sarah’s school lunch tomorrow to give 
you a break?”</li>
<li>Check in.  Make an effort to ask each other how you are doing to demonstrate care.</li>
<li>Make time.  Schedule a walk or lunch with each other.  Show each other that you <em>want</em> to be there.</li>
<li>Repair if needed.  If you mess up, apologize right away.  This will not be a straight line.</li>
<li>Be open.  A repair attempt will do no good if you are not open to possibilities.  Change cannot happen either.</li>
<li>State your needs.  Make sure you’ve articulated what you need in the relationship to give your partner a chance to respond.</li>
<li>Try again.  Don’t allow resentment and sensitivity derail the process.  Know that it’s hard work and perfection doesn’t exist.</li>
</ol>
Remember
 that your goal is to create an environment for your relationship to 
heal.  Practice empathy for your partner and self-compassion, as after 
all, such a strong negativity bias was born out of wounds (perceived or 
real).  It’s a natural drive to be self protective in matters of the 
heart.  The hope is to shift the dynamic so you both feel the other is 
truly there and can be leaned upon.<br />
Intimate relationships are second to parent-child relationships in vulnerability and need to feel emotionally safe.</section></div>

Does Your Relationship Have a Strong Negativity Bias?

Does Your Relationship Have a Strong Negativity Bias? A common thread in my couples therapy practice with those who struggle ...

Different Between Courting And Dating

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="section summary" id="section-0" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayty6-BW-0hG3GjQgVIFmFiGjN4OfT1_mi19l0Xupj_2LuOjn3bRbyJLT8IrKMya6hMtgfrimepJUpejjjmmzRo23ZuQwO65ycUjjPn9MUpT3EHeepAjVFz-vF6-kC5eVYPqEWHwNcdI/s1600/couple-at-odds2.jpg" /></div> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> "Courtship" is a rather outdated word used to describe the activities that occur when a couple is past the dating stage and in a more serious stage of their relationship. It happens before the couple becomes engaged or married and is usually meant to describe when a man is attempting to woo a woman, with marriage as the end goal. Dating has a more informal connotation and implies that the couple is not necessarily exclusive.</div> </div> <div class="section" id="section-1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;"> TIME FRAME</h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Dating may be fleeting and occurs when two people take part in an activity, such as seeing a movie, having dinner, cooking a meal together or going to a concert. They may talk on the phone and exchange text messages, e-mails, flowers and letters. It doesn't have a set time frame, but a couple may go on as few as one or two dates before they decide to stop dating. Both people in the dating relationship know that it may not last long. Couples who are courting, however, know that they will continue to see one another for a longer period of time. They engage in the same activities as a dating couple, but their courtship doesn't stop after just a few dates.</div> </div> <div class="section" id="section-2" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <h2 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; text-transform: uppercase; vertical-align: baseline;"> INTENDED OUTCOME</h2> <div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> A courting couple intends to become engaged and get married. They know that their relationship is intended to be long-term and permanent. A couple that is dating may not have any specific expectations for their relationship. They may or may not see engagement or marriage as possibilities for the future, but are just having fun and seeing where the relationship goes. They may intend for the relationship to be short-term, or they may leave the possibility for it to become long-term open.</div> </div> </div>

Different Between Courting And Dating

"Courtship" is a rather outdated word used to describe the activities that occur when a couple is past the dating stage and i...

Ladies: Five Signs Your Boyfriend Will Make A Good Husband (Or Not!)

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; clear: left; color: #333333; float: left; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img alt="s easy to fall head over heels right away Ladies: Five Signs Your Boyfriend Will Make a Good Husband (or Not!)" src="http://static.eharmony.com/dating-advice/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/good-boyfriend-material-or-not-400x257.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" /></div> <br /> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> When relationships start out, it’s easy to fall head over heels right away, thinking maybe he’s “the one.”</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> This phase, however, is not the ideal time to start planning a future together — especially because you’re only seeing the very best version of your partner. If you allow yourself to get blinded by this fantasy, you could miss the real signs that show what type of boyfriend (or husband) he’ll be later on in the relationship.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> While we can’t predict the future, there are certain things we can pay attention to, early on, to determine if he’s a keeper.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, 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;">How He Treats People</strong></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Being respectful to other people, especially the elderly, is an indication that he’s got good manners and good character, says marriage counselor Dr. Paul Hokemeyer. “If he’s only solicitous to young pretty women and ignores everyone else, that’s a sign he’s a complete narcissist who is only interested in people who can feed his ego.”</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Aside from the elderly, it’s a plus if he’s also affectionate toward animals and babies. That can indicate he is relationship- and family-oriented.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, 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;">How He Handles Work</strong></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Having a man with good work ethic can infer he will make a solid financial partner, notes psychotherapist Dr. Karen Ruskin. But, as author and dating coach Laurel House adds, there’s a fine line between “solid financial partner” and incurable workaholic. “If he puts work first all the time, cancels on you last minute, and is constantly emailing, texting, and taking calls when you’re out, expect for his business to always come first.”</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, 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;">How He Deals With Stress</strong></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Real character emerges during times of stress and conflict. When things get rough at work or home, does he roll with the punches or become overly stressed and blame everyone and everything for his troubles, including you?</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> “If even waiting in lines is hard for him, that’s an indication he has low frustration tolerance and will be reluctant to tolerate any imperfections or challenges from you,” says Hokemeyer.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, 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;">How He Supports You</strong></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Make sure he listens to you and supports your interests and choices, because a supportive man is positive, and a man who tries to control and downplay your hopes and dreams is dangerous and negative, says Ruskin.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> It’s also important to be open about yourself — expose your vulnerabilities and red flags early on, says House. “Don’t let him be the one with the stories, charisma, and personality. Dig deep, connect through stories, talk about your core values, and let your guard down.”</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> If you don’t, you risk wasting your time, falling for a façade and even boredom due to a perception of perfection.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, 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;">How You Met Him</strong></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Do you remember how the two of you met? Even this can indicate if the relationship will last, the experts say.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> “If you meet him in a situation where he is the center of attention, unless you immediately level the playing field, he will always be the one on the pedestal,” says House.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> A more mutual kind of meet-cute, Ruskin explains, will likely offer a more positive outcome. “Meeting through a friend, he will treat you nice [because] you are a direct connection. Through religious means, there is a spiritual connection. Meet at surf camp? Then you share a common interest.” (And if you met through one of those “hook up” apps or via a fling affair, don’t expect to be walking down the aisle anytime soon.)</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Once you’ve determined that your guy might be all he’s cracked up to be, it’s still important to take things slow.</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> As Hokemeyer says, “As hard as it may be, don’t make any major relationship- or life-changing decisions for at least three months of a new relationship.”</div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: myriad-pro, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Besides, if he’s really “the one,” he’ll be more than willing to take the time to show it.</div> </div>

Ladies: Five Signs Your Boyfriend Will Make A Good Husband (Or Not!)

When relationships start out, it’s easy to fall head over heels right away, thinking maybe he’s “the one.” This phase, however, is n...

Relationships and Love