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...

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Things Men Want In A Relationship?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <a href="http://dailyplateofcrazy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/African-American-Couple-in-Bed.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://dailyplateofcrazy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/African-American-Couple-in-Bed.png" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">t is commonly said that women are complex in mental nature while men remain easy to understand and simple. Whatever be the reasons that backup this comment, in relationships both men and women follow slightly diverted paths. What men look for in a relationship is not what motivates women to fall in relationships. The differences in desires, mentalities, passion, expression levels etc., are resulted from some unknown causes; might be hormonal differences, mindset changes or social concepts.</span><br /> <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;"> Unconditional love</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;"> Demands and conditions are a big turn off for men of all nature. Men prefer unconditional love, especially in a relationship. Many women adhere often to the mistake of demanding or putting forward certain conditions in return to the love offered.</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;"> It is a common nature of men that mechanical way of life makes them bored and frustrated soon. They want life like a free flowing leaf in the water. Conditions are often understood as barriers in the free flow of love and men may look for someone else to share the life.</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;"> Friendship and communication</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;"> Instead of being authoritarian in life, men look for real friendship and a partner for open communication in relationships. Many men accept that they look for a better friend when they get into relationships, rather a sex partner or female companion. The friendship aspect helps them to open mind and share the life through active communication. Though women are labeled as born with rarely-silent tongue, even men like to talk and be listened.</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 couples who nurture better friendship in the relationship are more likely to enjoy lifelong romance and happiness. Times are gone when the husband had to take over the role of all-controlling and all-deciding authority while wife remains the silent and all accepting partner. Today better families are which constitute a union of partners based on deeper friendship and never irritating communication strategies.</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;"> Sexuality</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;"> Lovemaking has prominent role in helping people to progress in relationships. Many couple fails pathetically to understand the right role of sexuality in relationships, especially in marriage. Sexuality is not a forbidden fruit which is often misconceived as a necessary evil; but an essential harmonizer in relationships. It unites men and women so deeply in love. Many people consider sex as just a process of procreating and begetting kids. In fact, procreation is just one of the aspects of lovemaking. The name lovemaking says it all as it is making or establishing love and affection between two people.</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;"> Every relationship has to understand the sexual elements involved in it and denying it to any of the couples, is a big mistake which make lead to a breakup. Men are very much bound to sexuality as the male sexuality is very much dynamic. Sexual desires and mode of sexual appetite differs in men and women, Men are fast beginners while women slow-starters. Understanding the differences in sexual nature may help the partners to deal with it most successfully. Men want more sex; of course, while women may not feel the necessity often.</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;"> Support and encouragement</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;"> Each partner in a relationship has to support and each other and encourage themselves. Men are very much addicted to incessant support and perpetual encouragement. Female partners need to tune up men consistently by encouraging them and offering support in all the matters related to his personal life as well the matters related the relationship. All men strive for the support of the partner in relationships and when he doesn't get adequate support he may think about another relationship in which he expects more encouragement and support.</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;"> Commitment and fidelity</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;"> Needless to say, men look for utmost commitment and uncompromised fidelity in relationships. They want their partners to solely dedicate themselves in the relationships and many men feel it heartbreaking to even think that the partner is less committed. Women with 'roaming-eye' are always considered unaccepted by men.</div> </div>

Things Men Want In A Relationship?

I t is commonly said that women are complex in mental nature while men remain easy to understand and simple. Whatever be the reasons that b...

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12 Golden Rule To A Happy And Long Lasting Marriage/Dating

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <img src="http://static.yourtango.com/cdn/farfuture/KAo2PPwFWDG0Fwq7dQMNqrkMNprh4Fmm6mivRRQb9CA/mtime:1427941577/sites/default/files/styles/listing_big/public/image_feature/golden.jpg?itok=xae17eRc" /><br /> <br /> <div class="field-value value-bold summary dek no-label" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <div class="field field-name-field-daily-dish-feature-summar field-type-text-long field-label-above" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <div class="field-items" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <div class="field-item even" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> Fairy-tale love is hard to find. Here are some tips for keeping your relationship healthy and happy.</div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-value body no-label" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"> One of the most common questions we hear is, "<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">How do we make our relationship work?</em>" The answers are complicated, varied, and after a while, start to sound like muddled platitudes. But these commonplace sayings get repeated because <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">they work</em>. With this in mind, we pulled together 12 cliches that, in fact, reveal simple, tried-and-true advice for having a healthy, happy relationship. Read on and let us know what you think:</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">1. Mind your manners.</strong> "Please," "thank you" and "you're welcome," can go a long way in helping your partner remember that you respect and love him and don't take him for granted.</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">2. Variety is the spice of life.</strong> Studies have shown that dullness can lead to dissatisfaction with a relationship. Trying something new can be as simple as visiting an unfamiliar restaurant or as grand as a backpacking trip through Sri Lanka. Discoveries you make together will keep you feeling close. </div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">3. The couple that plays together, stays together.</strong> Find a sport or hobby that you both love (no, watching TV doesn't count) and make it a priority in your relationship. Camping, biking, building model trains. .. whatever it is, find something you enjoy doing together.</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">4. Fight right.</strong> In order to have productive arguments, keep these rules in mind: Don't call your spouse names. When things get really tough, take a break from the argument. Let the other person finish his/her sentences. Don't initiate a discussion when you're angry.</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">5. I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine.</strong> No one likes demands (unless you're in a BDSM role play) but everyone can appreciate a compromise. If you want your lover to do something and you're not sure he'll be agreeable, the quickest way to avoid a confrontation is to sweeten the deal. For example: "Sure, I'll watch Monday Night Football if you take me to see the next movie of my choice."</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">6. Two heads are better than one.</strong> Being in a relationship basically means you've made a merger; you've not only joined assets but inherited the other's problems as well. Rather than looking at his problems as merely his own, tackle them together. For example, if he's gaining weight, rather than pushing him to diet on his own, enroll in an exercise kegiatan together.</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">7. Distance makes the heart grow fonder.</strong> Maintain your own friendships and occasionally have a night out without your significant other. Doing things without your s.o. not only makes you miss him or her, it also keeps you sane. And in case the relationship doesn't work out, you'll still have your friends.</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">8. Sound it out.</strong> It other words: communicate! Talking out the tough subjects — money, religion, fidelity, raising kids —will not be the most fun you've had, but it'll be valuable.</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">9. Laughter is the best medicine.</strong> Learn to laugh at yourself and at silly mistakes. If he throws your $300 cashmere sweater in the dryer, laughing it off is better than getting angry in the long run. It's just a $300 cashmere sweater, not the end of the world.</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">10. Keep your eyes on the prize. </strong>Yes, he forgot your co-worker's name for the tenth time, but it probably doesn't mean he doesn't care about you. If you keep your perspective fixed on the goal — to be in a happy, functioning partnership — you're less likely to get tangled up in every minor annoyance. Remember, you both want the same thing.</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">11. Quitters never win.</strong> Find a ritual and keep it alive, no matter what. Whether it's always kissing each other good night, renewing your wedding vows every year, sleeping in as late as you want once a month or committing to having sex once a week, pick something that makes you both feel good and stick to it, even when you're tempted to skip.</div> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">12. When the going gets tough, the tough get going ... to therapy.</strong> Studies show that couples who seek counseling during rocky periods are more successful in resolving their issues than those who don't. Whether its from a religious figure, counselor or mental health professional, getting an expert to help sort out strife is as wise as forgoing self-installation and hiring a plumber to put in a new sink.</div> </div> </div>

12 Golden Rule To A Happy And Long Lasting Marriage/Dating

Fairy-tale love is hard to find. Here are some tips for keeping your relationship healthy and happy. One of the most common que...

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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...

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Does Your Relationship Have a Strong Negativity Bias?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <header class="article-header"><h1 class="entry-title single-title" itemprop="headline"> Does Your Relationship Have a Strong Negativity Bias?</h1> <div class="single-featured-image"> <img alt="" class="attachment-gz-thumb-750 size-gz-thumb-750 wp-post-image" height="426" itemprop="image" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" src="https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fotolia_78828670_S-750x500.jpg" srcset="https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fotolia_78828670_S-750x500.jpg 750w, https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fotolia_78828670_S-300x200.jpg 300w, https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fotolia_78828670_S-768x512.jpg 768w, https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fotolia_78828670_S-350x233.jpg 350w, https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Fotolia_78828670_S.jpg 849w" width="640" /></div> <div class="social-share-container"> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <span class="st_facebook_large" displaytext="Facebook"></span> <span class="st_twitter_large" displaytext="Tweet"></span> <span class="st_pinterest_large" displaytext="Pinterest"></span> <span class="st_linkedin_large" displaytext="LinkedIn"></span> <span class="st_googleplus_large" displaytext="Google +"></span> <span class="st_email_large" displaytext="Email"></span></div> </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 ...

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Seven Keys To A Happy Wife

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img src="http://thyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/blackmaneatingfruit.jpg" /></div> <ol style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 20px 3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Separate from Mama.</strong> – Men, you are married to your wife, not your mom! When family matters invade a marriage, your wife needs to trust that you and she are a united front. She must not fear that you will go behind her and talk negatively, especially to your mom. When you and your wife speak to your mom, it should be as one flesh, not competing teams. Your mom is usually going to fight in your corner, right or wrong. This will cause serious problems in your marriage. I love my mom and she is precious to me, but YOU leading your family is the best way to gaji her, not the other way around.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Balance the extracurriculars.</strong> – Living life in Sportsman’s Paradise can get busy. Louisiana has everything a man could ever want with regards to the outdoors. My boat and I were closer than my former wife and I at one time. I was perfectly happy leaving her home with the kids to go “tear ‘em up” somewhere in the Lake Pontchartrain waters. The persoalan with this is when it’s done in excess. You really need to take a look at why you fish, hunt, play video games, go to sports bars, etc. Are you doing it because it’s fun or are you getting away from your wife? It’s easy to fall into this trap because it’s easy to justify “harmless” activities. After all, you’re not out drinking all night with other women, so it’s not <em style="border: 0px; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">that</em> bad. The persoalan is that your absence at home is felt by your wife and the kids. Keep your extracurricular activities in check by communicating about them with your wife. Too much passing the ball or too much running the ball will make it easy for the defense to game plan against your marriage. You need balance!</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kiss <em style="border: 0px; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">her</em> first.</strong> – When you see your wife for the first time after a day of work, kiss her first. If you’re coming home from work or a long day out – put your keys down, drop your bag on the floor and lay one on her! There is nothing that makes mamma feel better than knowing you are thinking about her. Hitting the door with the intent to connect with her immediately sets the stage for positive energy throughout the evening and shows the kids that their parents are secure in their relationship.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Boys Night Out” (AKA: Bachelor Parties).</strong> – I mean – C’mon man! There is nothing that kills a good thing with your wife like a “boys night out”. Back in the day, I was a partying force to reckon with. “Boys night out” usually implied alcohol, taxi cabs, strip clubs and vomit. If this is how you roll with the boys, then I suggest you re-examine your priorities. You may not know it, but your wife is probably scared to death the whole time you’re out. If you want to go hang out with your friends, don’t involve excessive booze at nightclubs. Take some responsibility as a husband and make sure your wife approves. A good question to ask yourself is, “If my wife were here, would she be offended?” (This tip goes for the ladies too.)</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Reject Passivity.</strong> – When something is happening that you know isn’t right, step in. Passivity will kill your family’s faith and trust in you in times when circumstances demand your intervention. There were so many times in my first marriage when my passivity ended up defining my role in my home. This can’t happen. Now – rejecting passivity does not mean that you need to be a dictator in your home. We are to love our wives as Christ loved the church, not like Ike loved Tina!</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Your wife did not grow up in your house</strong>. – 6 months after my first marriage began, we were in marriage counseling. I was 100% sure it was all her fault. The counselor listened to each of us plead our cases, and after hearing what I had to say, she got very strong with me in her response. My biggest complaint was “This isn’t the type of environment I grew up with in my house. It’s not the way I do things.” My counselor was quick to point out that my wife did not grow up with me or my family. She was thousands of miles away living a different life and didn’t even know I existed. She said, “How can you possibly expect her to understand ‘how things were in your house’ when you met her only a year ago at the age of 27? And why do you expect her to act like your relatives?” She was right. Far too often we think things will immediately “mesh” and that we’re above the communication problems. Understand that you and your wife are building a <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">new</em> life together, and it will always be in progress.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Own her decisions.</strong> – I admit, being married to my wife is like a spiritual roller coaster. She is plugged in to Jesus! Her extreme spirituality leads her in places that are sometimes not familiar to me. She respects my role as the head of our family and when issues arise that are major, it’s my job to make the selesai decision. (And ladies – before you get up in arms about the “balance of power”, she will be the first to tell you that she prefers it that way. The burden is taken off of her shoulders by allowing me to bear the responsibility of the heavy family issues.)  Even though many of the ideas are not mine, I am the leader of my house and therefore the decisions to take action are<em style="border: 0px; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> all</em> mine. If decisions like these fail, you should never blame your wife. You should own it and learn from it.</li> </ol> </div>

Seven Keys To A Happy Wife

Separate from Mama.  – Men, you are married to your wife, not your mom! When family matters invade a marriage, your wife needs to trust ...

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10 Traits That Matters On How To Be A Good Boyfriend

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: left; color: #333333; float: left; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img src="http://www.mjemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/blackcouplediscuss.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;" /></h2> <br /> <h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> Figuring out how to treat your girlfriend with love and respect can be confusing at times. Find out how to be a good boyfriend and be the guy your girlfriend wishes you could be.</h2> <div> <br /></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> There are a few things guys need to understand when it comes to knowing how to be a good boyfriend.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> While men and women don’t really think along the same lines in a relationship, it’s rather simple to understand what it takes to keep a relationship happy.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> For most men, intimacy is sexual companionship, while it’s just not the same for women.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> But if you can learn to see the world through the eyes of your girlfriend, you’ll be able to understand what it really takes to be a good boyfriend.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong>How to be a good boyfriend</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> One of the easiest ways to be a great boyfriend is to understand your partner and put yourself in your partner’s shoes.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> But for an easier way out, here are ten tips on how to be a good boyfriend that can help you make all the difference in your love life.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong>#1 Treat her like a lady</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> Boyfriends aren’t born great. They become good boyfriends by knowing how to behave with women and the girl they love.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> One of the first steps in getting the admiration of a girl you like is to treat her like a lady.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> Learn to be chivalrous and understand what it takes to make her feel special. </div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> It’s easy to play nice until you get the girl, and treat her like you don’t care once the chase is over, but guys who do that will never be able to hold on to a great girl who’s desired by all guys. </div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong>#2 Respect her as a person</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> You can’t expect your girlfriend to do everything you want or behave the way you expect her to, just because she’s your girlfriend. Remember that she’s just your girlfriend, you don’t own her and shouldn’t expect her to behave like a trained monkey just because she’s likes you or you’re getting some action in bed with her.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> If you want to know how to be a good boyfriend, learn to treat your girlfriend with respect and pay attention to her needs. Don’t take her words lightly or ignore her advice just because she’s a ‘girl’. If you truly do love your girlfriend, you would respect her too.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> And if you can’t respect her, it’s obvious it’s not love that’s holding the relationship together.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong>#3 Remember the special days</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> Do you ever forget your birthday? Of course, you don’t. You never forget your birthday because it’s a really special day that comes just once a year, right?</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> Don’t you think your anniversary is special too, or perhaps your girlfriend’s birthday? It’s really arrogant when a guy forgets a special occasion and then says it’s no big deal. If your own special day can be important, why can’t you understand that women give equal attention to their special days too. Try to make a conscious effort to understand your girlfriend and remember the special days if she’s indeed important to you. </div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong>#4 Be caring and affectionate</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> For men, what matters is physical intimacy and sex. For women, sex is equally important, but they do appreciate a lot of affection too. Just like sex matters to men, cuddles and affection matter just as much for women. Show your affection by spending time holding hands or sitting down in each other’s arms while having a conversation.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> A warm hug and a few affectionate kisses mean more in love than wild sexual escapades. And it’ll help your relationship last longer too.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong>#5 Don’t take your girlfriend for granted</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> One of the most important aspects of knowing how to be a good boyfriend is to avoid taking your girlfriend for granted. If she gives you a foot massage or cooks a delicious meal for you over the weekend, just don’t take your girlfriend for granted and expect the same every weekend. In a great relationship, both partners have to understand the efforts of their lover and realize that every simple gesture is a sign of love and affection that should never be taken for granted.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> Never ever take your girlfriend for granted or take a special gesture for granted. Instead, always learn to be thankful and appreciative of every single affectionate gesture.</div> <div id="menpost468x60" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; text-align: justify;">#6 Support your girlfriend when she’s in need</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> All of us need a helpful hand when we’re in need. You don’t need to be clingy and become her Man Friday who’s there to answer her every beck and call. But when your girlfriend genuinely asks you for advice or help, be there to help her out.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> Your weekend games or your male bonding time may be important to you, but on a rare occasion that your girlfriend asks you for a bit of help, make sure you’re by her side. It’s always reassuring for a girl to know that she can depend on her man for a helpful hand.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong>#7 Learn to apologize</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> Now this isn’t just isolated to boyfriends, but since we’re going over how to be a good boyfriend, we’ll stick to the man’s side of things. It may be egoistically painful to apologize, but sometimes, it’s a generous and yet humble move when a man can apologize to his girlfriend even if he’s not the one who’s wrong.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> In the heat of an argument, it’s easy to get egoistic and have tempers flying on a high, but always remember that a simple apology can end the fight and help both of you communicate better. At times, apologize to your girlfriend even if it’s not your fault for the sake of the relationship.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> P.S. You can always hint to your girlfriend that you’re still right when both of you are having a laugh after a few hours. It’ll help both of you sort your differences without getting blinded by anger or ego.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong>#8 Listen to her needs</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> Communicate and understand her needs and wants. Try to understand your girlfriend’s feelings, and even if she ever does sulk or behave grumpily, try to understand what’s going on in her mind instead of retaliating back in anger. Sometimes, women may find it easier to sit by themselves or throw an angry fit instead of getting straight to the point. It’s one of the differences in the way men and women react to pain or anger.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> Instead of getting angry over her behavior, realize that men and women are different in such cases and try to understand her mind without losing your cool. It’ll make her feel better, and you a lot more understanding over time.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong>#9 Don’t try to dominate her</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> Most guys have a tendency to dominate their girlfriends. It may start out subtly in little ways like watching a favorite show or telling the girlfriend to avoid speaking to a few particular friends. But eventually, the urge to control a partner grows to an uncontrollable level, especially after marriage and even more so if the man’s the sole breadwinner.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> This is one of the worst ways of trying to hold a relationship together. Instead of trying to dominate, learn to communicate. You can’t cage a lover or try to manipulate them into becoming what you want them to be. Love is about the attraction between two individuals. If you try to change someone, it’s not love that’s holding both of you together, it’s your insecurity and cowardliness. </div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong>#10 Push your girlfriend to be a better person</strong></div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> If you want to know how to be a good boyfriend, this is as good as it gets. You know your girlfriend better than anybody else, flaws and all. Most guys assume a relationship is all about being happy and in love, and having a great time in bed. But that’s not where love ends.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> Help your girlfriend become a better person and help her overcome her flaws. When both of you try to make each other better individuals by overcoming each other’s flaws, you can achieve more happiness and satisfaction out of life. Learn to positively criticize your girlfriend and help her with her flaws at the same time. By helping her become a better person, she’ll love you and respect you a lot more.</div> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.52em; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> <strong>Always remember that knowing how to be a good boyfriend is easy, as long as you have the patience to look at the world through your girlfriend’s eyes and learn to understand her thoughts and her wants.</strong></div> </div>

10 Traits That Matters On How To Be A Good Boyfriend

Figuring out how to treat your girlfriend with love and respect can be confusing at times. Find out how to be a good boyfriend and be ...

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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...

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10 Mariage Tips Every Wife Need To Learn

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: left; color: #404040; float: left; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <img height="130" src="https://deenaroseministries.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/marriage-logo12.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <ol style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 20px 3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Respect your husband</strong>.  – </em>Notice how it doesn’t say “Respect your husband if he has earned it”. A man’s greatest need in this world is to be respected, and the person he desires that respect from the most is his wife.  The trap that we’ve all been ensnared by is that they only deserve our respect when they <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">earn </em>it. Yes, we want our husbands to make decisions that will ultimately garner our respect, but the truth is that your husband is a human being. A human being who makes mistakes. This is the man that YOU have chosen to walk alongside you for the rest of your life, and to lead your family and he needs to be respected for that quality alone. Take it from me – when respect is given even when he doesn’t deserve it, it will motivate him to earn it. That doesn’t mean you pretend that his choices are good ones when they aren’t. Things like that still need to be communicated, but you can flesh out your differences WITH RESPECT. It makes all the difference in the world to him.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Guard your heart</em>.</strong>  – The grass is not greener on the other side. Do not believe the lie that with a slimmer figure, a higher salary, a faster car, or a bigger house, you will be a happier woman. The world is full of things and people that will serve as reminders that you don’t have the best of the best, but it’s simply not true. Live the life you’ve been blessed with, and BE THANKFUL. I get that we all have struggles, and there are even times when I would love 1,000 more square feet of house to live in, but square feet is not fulfilling – relationships are. Guard your heart from things and people that will try to convince you that your life or your husband is not good enough.  There will always be bigger, faster, stronger, or shinier – but you’ll never be satisfied with more until you’re fulfilled with what you have now.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">God, husband, kids…in that order</em>.</strong>  – I know this isn’t a popular philosophy, especially among mothers, but hear me out. It’s no secret that my faith is of utmost importance, so God comes first in my life no matter what. But regardless of your belief system, your husband should come before your kids. Now unless you’re married to someone who is abusive  (in which case, I urge you to seek help beyond what my blog can give you), no man in his right mind would ask you to put your kids aside to serve his every need while neglecting them. That’s not what this means. When you board an airplane, the flight attendants are required to go over emergency preparedness prior to takeoff. When explaining the part about how to operate the oxygen mask, passengers are instructed to first put the mask on themselves before putting it on their small child. Is that because they think you are more important than your kids? Absolutely not. But you cannot effectively help your child if you can’t breathe yourself. The same holds true with marriage and parenting. You cannot effectively parent your children if your marriage is falling apart. Take it from me – I tried. There will also come a time when your kids will leave the house to pursue their dreams as adults. If you have not cultivated a lasting relationship with your spouse, you will have both empty nests and empty hearts.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Forgive</em>.</strong>  – No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. If you make forgiveness a habit – for everything from major mistakes to little annoyances (every day, I have to forgive my husband for leaving the wet towel on the bathroom counter ;)) – you will keep resentment from growing.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Over-communicate</em>.</strong>  – I used to have a bad habit of not speaking my feelings. I played the standard “You should know why I’m mad” game, and that’s just downright unfair. Men are not wired like women, and they DON’T always know that they’ve been insensitive. I’m still growing in this area, and there are often times when my husband has to pry something out of me, but I’m trying to remember that I need to just communicate how I feel.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Schedule a regular date night</em>.</strong>  – This one isn’t new, but it’s very important. Never stop dating your spouse.  Even if you can’t afford dinner and a movie (which we seldom can), spending some regular one-on-one time with your spouse is essential. Don’t talk about bills, or schedules, or the kids. Frankie and I often daydream about our future, or plan our dream vacation. We connect emotionally and often learn something new about each other – even after four years.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Never say the “D Word”</em>.</strong>  – If you’re gonna say it, you better mean it. Plain and simple, threatening divorce is not fighting fair. I did this a lot in my previous marriages. I’m not proud of it, but I learned better. I was hurting deeply, and I wanted to hurt back, but it never helped me feel better.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Learn his love language</em>.</strong>  – Everyone has a love language. The way you perceive love is often different from the way your spouse perceives love. Does he like words of affirmation, or does he respond better when you give him gifts? Whatever his love language is – learn it and USE IT.  Edited to add: If you are unfamiliar with the principles behind love languages, you can learn more about it <a href="http://www.5lovelanguages.com/" sl-processed="1" style="border: 0px; color: #9c5d5f; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">here</a>.</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Never talk negatively about him</em>.</strong>  – I learned this lesson the hard way too. If you’re going through a difficult time in your marriage and you need advice, see a counselor. Family counseling is a great tool, but try to remember that your family members and friends are not the most objective people to give advice. The argument they are hearing is one-sided and they often build up negative feelings toward your spouse, which usually doesn’t subside once you and your husband have gotten past it. Protect his image with those that you’re close with and seek help from those that can actually be objective.  News flash, ladies – your mother cannot be objective!</li> <li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Choose to love</em>.</strong>  – There are times in a marriage that you may wake up and not feel in love anymore. Choose to love anyway. There are times when you may not be attracted to your husband anymore. Choose to love anyway. Marriage is a commitment. In sickness and health, in good times and in bad. Those vows are sacred. They don’t say “if you have bad times”. They say “in good times AND in bad”, implying that there WILL be bad times. It’s inevitable. So choose to love anyway. He’s worth it.</li> </ol> </div>

10 Mariage Tips Every Wife Need To Learn

Respect your husband .  –  Notice how it doesn’t say “Respect your husband if he has earned it”. A man’s greatest need in this world i...

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Ten Destructive Relationship Habits To Give Up For Lent Today

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <div class="dek" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: left; float: left; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img height="513" src="http://ih1.redbubble.net/image.7587022.1337/flat,550x550,075,f.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="640" /></div> <br /> <div class="dek" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 15px;"> Get ready for 40 days of relationship IMPROVEMENT.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day period of Lent. Even if you're not a Christian, the idea behind the season is interesting. It's a time of giving up vices and substituting more positive behavior in their place. Where better to try this out than in our relationships?</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> Every couple has their own unique blend of struggles, but here are 10 bad habits of action and communication that most <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">couples</strong> could stand to give up. This trial only lasts 40 days, but who knows? At the end, you might want to give up your bad habits permanently.</div> <div class="ym" id="ym_1003415940242979181" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: 0px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">1. You say, "You always ..."</strong><br /> When you disagree, speak in "I" statements about your <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">own</em> feelings. Don't try to tell your partner how he or she feels or what he or she does. Instead, say, "I feel ...".</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">2. You take "I <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">love</strong> you" lightly.</strong><br /> It's not just a way to end phone calls or something to abbreviate in a text message. You worked hard to find—and keep!—this special connection. Say, "<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">I love you</strong>" out loud and in-person.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">3. You two shower seperately.</strong><br /> Get in there TOGETHER sometimes! After a while, couples stop noticing each other's bodies. The intimate act of washing your loved one (and all the <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">sexy</strong> stuff than can occur during and after) is worth taking turns under the shower head.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">4. You email each other WAY too much.</strong><br /> Instead of emailing your sweetheart a link to that funny YouTube video or posting something on a Facebook wall, share your thoughts on paper. Write a haiku or a knock-knock joke. Doodle. Check "yes" (not "no"). When was the last time you really looked at your partner's—or anyone else's!—handwriting?</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">5. You forget to say, "Please".</strong><br /> It's easy to fall into the habit of just telling your partner to do something. But sharing your life with someone is a GIFT. So say "Please" and "Thank you".</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">6. You distance yourself after a rough patch.</strong><br /> Touch your partner on the face or arms before bringing up a tough subject—it works much more effectively than words do. Then say what you need to say. This way you're keeping the connection alive.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">7. You CONSTANTLY complain.</strong><br /> Instead of complaining, try to tell your partner three things that you appreciate about him/her or the relationship everyday.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">8. You hyper-focus on everything he does WRONG. (And think he's a mind reader.)</strong><br /> Because he can't. Instead, remember that he will never think like a woman, and focus on what he does do for you and acknowledge it. And if you want something else, ask for it.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">9. You avoid couples therapy.</strong><br /> It's important to be proactive and find support before it gets worse. There are a multitude of marriage education resources on the web, ranging from counselors, coaches, ministers, psychologists, non-profit organizations, etc..</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">10. You give him what <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">you </em>want.</strong><br /> Instead of assuming you know what your partner needs to feel loved, ASK him. If love to your partner is more hugs and kisses, give them. If love is a night out with the guys, give it to him. Show your partner his kind of love for the ULTIMATE loving experience.</div> <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Which bad relationship habits do you think you should give up for Lent?</strong></div> </div>

Ten Destructive Relationship Habits To Give Up For Lent Today

Get ready for 40 days of relationship IMPROVEMENT. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day period of Lent. Even if you'r...

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4 Reasons Why Younger Women Date Much Older Men

<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="http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/RV-AD855_BMARRI_DV_20110805183710.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;"> Many women are attracted to much older men. Men who are 15 or even 20 years older can appear more confident, more stable, and even sexier than their younger counterparts. An older date may have interesting stories to tell about his life, and he can expose you to a new world with exciting adventures. Older guys can also seem more stable, and many older men are looking to marry.</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;"> HE'S MATURE</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;"> When a younger woman calls her date mature, she's not just referring to his age. An older man has a better sense of himself. He's well established in his career and his life. He doesn't engage in late-night drinking binges with his friends. Instead, a much older man has reached a more settled point of his life. He doesn't want to pick up a variety of women; instead, he is often looking to establish a serious relationship with just one woman.</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;"> HIS EXPERIENCE COUNTS</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;"> When it comes to sex, an older male is perceived as knowing his way around the bedroom. He's had to time to perfect his technique, and he can show his younger lover a good sexual time.With an older man, women don't expect any awkward moments in the dark. They expect the guy to know exactly what he is doing and to take the time to meet their needs.</div> <div class="section" id="search-600" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: uppercase;"><b>READY FOR COMMITMENT</b></span></div> </div> <div class="section" id="section-3" 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; 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;"> Many older guys have already had time to experiment and play the field. Now, they are looking to settle down and commit to a long-term relationship or even to marriage. At this point in his life, he knows that he doesn't want to be alone, and he knows the type of woman who will make him happy. If they have not already had children with previous spouses, older men may wish to immediately marry and start a new family, Women who are ready to marry and have children find that much older men may be the perfect fit for them.</div> </div> <div class="section" id="section-4" 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;"> BETTER AT COMMUNICATING</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;"> Women are drawn to older men because they are better communicators. Men with an age advantage of 15 years or more have already been through previous relationships. They have learned from their mistakes. They will try not to repeat these actions as they work on a new relationship. Older guys may dwell less on jealousy issues and instead focus on communicating clearly with you so that there will be no misunderstandings. He will be ready to work at making this relationship succeed.</div> </div> </div>

4 Reasons Why Younger Women Date Much Older Men

Many women are attracted to much older men. Men who are 15 or even 20 years older can appear more confident, more stable, and even sexi...

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Time to Rethink What Thought You Knew About Romantic Relationships and Affairs

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <header class="article-header"><h1 class="entry-title single-title" itemprop="headline"> Time to Rethink What Thought You Knew About Romantic Relationships and Affairs</h1> <div class="single-featured-image"> <img alt="" class="attachment-gz-thumb-750 size-gz-thumb-750 wp-post-image" height="426" itemprop="image" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" src="https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Fotolia_94618063_S-750x500.jpg" srcset="https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Fotolia_94618063_S-750x500.jpg 750w, https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Fotolia_94618063_S-300x200.jpg 300w, https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Fotolia_94618063_S-768x513.jpg 768w, https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Fotolia_94618063_S-350x234.jpg 350w, https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Fotolia_94618063_S.jpg 848w" width="640" /></div> <div class="social-share-container"> <div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <span class="st_facebook_large" displaytext="Facebook"></span> <span class="st_twitter_large" displaytext="Tweet"></span> <span class="st_pinterest_large" displaytext="Pinterest"></span> <span class="st_linkedin_large" displaytext="LinkedIn"></span> <span class="st_googleplus_large" displaytext="Google +"></span> <span class="st_email_large" displaytext="Email"></span></div> </header><section class="entry-content clearfix" itemprop="articleBody">Esther Perel has an unmistakeable presence.  The Belgian speaker, therapist, author and TedX sweetheart has been challenging us all, including therapists like myself, to rethink our paradigms around romantic relationships and infidelity.<br /> Recently at the Psychotherapy Networker Symposium in DC, I had the opportunity to hear her speak about shifts in romantic relationships and the heart of the matter in modern day affairs.<br /> According to Esther, “expectations put on a romantic relationship are at an all time high” and mirror cultural shifts that have occurred.  There is more ambiguity with roles, social hierarchies and prohibitive religious structures are less intact, there is more freedom for self expression and happiness seeking for the individual is a higher priority.<br /> As we have moved away from community living with families and friends nearby, we have less sense of belonging.  “When we lived in the village we knew everything about the couple; every fight and every fuck,” she said, matter of factly.  As many issues there surely were with such intertwined living, now that the pendulum has swung to the other side and we now face the public health crisis of loneliness.  And couples have become more isolated, often rely on one person, each other, to be their trusted confidante, best friend, best lover and intellectual equal.<br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <em>“Our modern model for modern marriage is that one person will give us what an entire village used to provide.” </em></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> – Esther Perel</div> This is why the pain around infidelity is different today.  This betrayal can be incredibly traumatic because it threatens the sense of self, challenging the idea that this person was “the one.”  And the digital age of social media, texts and emails can feel like “death by a thousand cuts” to the one who has been betrayed and has discovered messages and other cyber evidence of an affair.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Fotolia_194581581_XS-300x100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-11046" height="100" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Fotolia_194581581_XS-300x100.jpg" srcset="https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Fotolia_194581581_XS-300x100.jpg 300w, https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Fotolia_194581581_XS-350x117.jpg 350w, https://loveandlifetoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Fotolia_194581581_XS.jpg 600w" width="300" /></a></div> <strong>What lies at the heart of an affair?</strong><br /> Esther reports it’s not usually really about the sex.  In her experience, she has found there has been a yearning to bring back some kind of vitality, recapture lost parts, an entitlement to seek out desires or simply be happier than we are.  Some affairs happen after years of monogamy in a relationship where the person never thought they would do such a thing but they feel driven to feel special, important, to beat back a sense of deadness.  And wanting what you can’t have can also be intoxicating.<br /> She touches on the issues that come up around “romantic consumerism,” that we now have thousands of people at our fingertips via dating apps and online sites.  This raises the question, how will you know when you’ve found “the one” with so much choice?<br /> <strong>What can modern couples do differently to preserve their relationships?</strong><br /> <ul> <li>Reconsider the expectations you put on each other.</li> <li>Rely on friends and family for some of your emotional burdens and need for connection.</li> <li>Keep your relationship dynamic fresh with new experiences, breaking up routines and maintaining even a little mystery between each other.</li> <li>Continue to find ways to make each other feel special and prioritized.</li> </ul> Intimate relationships, particularly long term, can inherently run into problems when the couples focus drifts too far away from the living, breathing relationship itself.  Like most plants, it needs attention and water to survive.  Yes, the paradigm around romantic relationships has changed but this doesn’t need to mean they are all destined for failure.  It’s an alert signaling the need for us all to rethink their meaning in the context of the world around us as and maybe most importantly, face and adapt to our societal issue of loneliness head on.<br /> <br /></section></div>

Time to Rethink What Thought You Knew About Romantic Relationships and Affairs

Time to Rethink What Thought You Knew About Romantic Relationships and Affairs Esther Perel has an unmistakeable presence.  T...

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