How to Solve Relationship Problems Without Breaking Up

Relationships are always a challenge and they take a lot of time and dedication. This article will help you solve your relationship problems.

1. The main key to a relationship is communication. Relationships are nothing without good communication. When you and your spouse argue try not to yell. Just keep calm and explain how you feel and why you feel that way. Patience is a big part of communication. Let the other person speak without being interrupted.

2. Come up with a plan on how you are going to solve your problems. Lists help a lot. List all of the things you want to change about your relationship. Describe why you want it to change and how it could benefit your relationship in the future. Don't write down a list of all the things that annoy you about your spouse. This is about helping and growing in your relationship not accusing the other person of being wrong all the time.

3. After you have a list of things you think you should change about your relationship sit down with your spouse and discuss the list and figure out what should stay and what should go. Make compromises because that's what relationships are about. Work out your problems and talk about things like the future and your plans. Don't be stubborn and negotiate things.

- If you feel like yelling just say u need some time alone and take deep breaths
- Don't give up. Keep trying to solve your problems.

(Source: ehow.com)

How to Break Unhealthy Relationship Patterns

If you're having trouble finding Mr. Right, it might be that you have too much old relationship  baggage. Because our external relationships mirror what's happening inside of us, it's smart to look *inward* to determine why you're getting the results you're getting. Let's take a look at how you can break those unhealthy relationship patterns and attract your one true love once and for all.

1. Take great care of yourself. This topic is given a lot of lip service, and it's likely that you already know it. But, what most people wind up doing is depriving themselves in the important ways and indulging themselves in the stuff that doesn't matter (like that chocolate bar that you "deserve"). Here's what I suggest: start accepting yourself exactly as you are and spoiling yourself with "the good stuff"--whether that's time to read that book you've been wanting to read, a long bath, or a heart-to-heart chat with a good friend. Taking care of yourself is actually about doing what's going to make you feel loved and cared for--not about indulging those desires that aren't always good for you.
  
2. Treat the people in your life better. Are you the kind of person who's on the phone with someone while you're out with someone else? Or do you give the person you're with your full attention? (You know the right answer here.) Are you the kind of person who makes eye contact with everyone in the grocery store, offers a smile, and sometimes a Hello or do you pretend you're the only person shopping the aisles? Do you say "thank you" at least several times a day? Aim to treat people really, really well, whether they're people you know or strangers. Believe it or not, how we treat other people is a big reflection on how much we value ourselves, and treating other people better is actually a really easy way to improve your self esteem which goes a long way towards breaking old relationship habits.
  
3. Forgive all your exes. Yes, even if he cheated on you with your best friend. Yes, even if he betrayed you horrifically and treated you badly. Forgive 'em all. This DOESN'T mean take them back, it just means let go of the relationship fully, release yourself from reliving it, and release your anger, bitterness, and disappointment about how things turn out. By truly releasing the past, and forgiving all your former flames once and for all... you'll be ready to truly break old patterns and find the love of your life.
  
4. Practice "open" posture. This means, shoulders back, head up, looking people in the eye with a smile, mimicking the body language of people who are warm and friendly. If you tend to hunch over and try to take up as little space as possible, practice embracing being seen and acknowledged. This open posture will come to you much more naturally now that you've followed step #3 and forgiven your exes--that's because you won't need all that armor you'd subconsciously been wearing.
  
5. Only accept the great guys. If you have a history of dating losers, there's really only one solution: stop dating losers. I know that sounds like an oversimplification, but you'll find that after you've been practicing the previous four steps, this will come much more easily to you. Once you've gotten in the habit of treating other people with kindness and compassion (and treating yourself the same) you'll KNOW with absolute certainty that you deserve this same level of respect and care. And that makes it much easier to hold out until you find the love of your life.

- It's easier than you might think to release old relationship baggage, but you have to do the work--you can't just plop in front of the TV with your ice cream and distract yourself.

(Source: ehow.com)

How to Take a Relationship Break

Some couples decide to take a relationship break when things get tough. For some this works fine, for others it can be the end of their relationship. If you're taking a break in your relationship, then observe these 2 simple rules and avoid failing where so many do.

1. Decide what the purpose of taking time apart is. This should be obvious, but without discussing this you will fail to have a clear guide of acceptable behaviour while you're both apart from each other. The purpose of a relationship break should be to reflect upon the relationship itself. To do this whilst apart from each other, where things can be seen from a different perspective.

2. Make sure you're both clear on what is acceptable behaviour while spending time apart. Once you are both clear on what the purpose of the relationship break is, the expected behaviour should be discussed. This will avoid any surprises. For some people, putting a relationship on hold means they are suddenly single and free to do as they please. Other people assume that while a relationship is on ice, the ground rules of the relationship still need to be observed. If these two modes of behaviour take place, when you reunite you may find yourself with a bigger issue than you started out with.

3. Stick to the guidelines. If you both stick to the guidelines, any issues that need dealing with when you get back together after your break will be the old issues that plagued your relationship in the first place (which may seem insignificant when viewed with a fresh perspective) and not new issues risen from things that may have taken place during your time apart.

- Sit down together and take setting guidelines seriously. Not doing so can cost you your relationship. All it takes is a brief conversation.

- Not having a clear guideline of what constitutes acceptable behaviour whilst apart can create a breach of trust - an issue which your relationship may not

(Source: ehow.com)

How to Express Love to a Spouse

Expressing love to a spouse is important for all couples, no matter how long they've been married. For newlyweds, it's important because the foundation for the rest of the marriage is laid at the beginning. For couples that have been married for a long time, effectively expressing love is equally as important. Becoming comfortable with one another can lead a spouse to believe that, since he has expressed his love many times over the years, it's not necessary to keep doing so. To avoid alienating or hurting your spouse, take time to deliberately express your love for her daily.

1. Cook your spouse's favorite food. Let him know you did it to make him feel loved and appreciated. This is a small, unselfish act that can show your spouse that, while you could have made something quick and easy for dinner, you purposefully thought of what would make him happy.

2. Agree to do an activity or go to a place he likes. If there's some place your spouse has been wanting to go, make plans to go there. Even if you would have rather gone somewhere else, do your best to genuinely have a good time. Tell your spouse you're glad you did.

3. Ask your spouse what words or actions make him feel loved. Then say or do those things. If you struggle to figure out what makes your spouse's love clock tick, just ask him. Your spouse may be pleasantly surprised and pleased at the simple fact that you're making an effort to show your love.

4. Give your spouse verbal praise in front of others. It's one thing to express love in private. However, public praise can have the benefit of boosting your spouse's self-confidence while letting others know how you feel about him. This is similar to the effect of the public declaration of your love that you made on your wedding day.

5. Look your spouse in the eye when he addresses you. This is a way of signifying that he matters to you and that you care about what matters to him. If you're watching a movie, playing a video game or reading a book when he addresses you, press pause or put the book down. Give him your full attention.

(Source: ehow.com)

Ways to Increase Your Love

For most couples, whether married or in a long-term relationship, it can be a difficult transition once the "honeymoon" stage is over. The initial lust and butterflies in the stomach you once felt may have given way to a more laid-back, comfortable feeling with your significant other. It is normal for long-standing relationships to cool down after a while and this is when the real relationship building begins.

A good partnership is like tending to a pet - either you feed and nurture it, or bad things will happen. The small things you do become important. Daily habits help to forge strong relationships and marriages. It can be as simple as remembering to tell your partner "I love you," everyday.

If you are really serious about making your relationship work, there are several little rituals that you can incorporate into your daily life.

1. Talk To Each Other
 
Most relationship experts would agree that talking is the most important elements of a healthy partnership. Happy couples typically say their relationship works better when they can sit down one-on-one, share their feelings and work out their frustrations. Topics of discussion can extend past your relationship. Talk about work, how your day is going, or something funny that happened to you.

Many couples may complain that it is hard to find time in their busy day to have a daily couple's pow-wow. Well, it doesn't have to be an hour-long psych session each day. You simply have to set aside a few minutes for your special someone. For example, do a "weather" check during the day. Call your partner at home or at work to see how his/her day is going. By doing this, you will be more in sync when you reconnect after work.

If you have a pet dog, how about walking it together every night? The quiet time and fresh air can be your chance to focus on each other. If you have missed each other during the day, be sure to catch up at night right before going to bed. It is in this relaxed atmosphere that you can unwind and tell your partner about your busy day.

When you live together, you may automatically think you know everything about your lover. In reality though, it is very easy for life to get in the way if you don't take the time to connect with each other.
 
2. Flirt

Flirting isn't just for teenagers and couples on their first date. Part of a healthy sexual relationship involves flirting with each other everyday. And it doesn't just have to be a form of foreplay. Even on the nights when you are just too doggone tired to be intimate in bed, flirting can be a fun way to keep the zest in your relationship.

Don't be embarrassed about flirting in public either. Show off the strength of your relationship with a little PDA (public displays of affection). Walk hand in hand and try to steal a quick hug or kiss whenever you can. Most importantly, don't forget to say "I love you," as much as possible throughout the day.
 
3. Be Silly Together

Life is serious enough. Sometimes you just need to do something really silly. And if you can't do it with your significant other, who can you be silly with? When you find the time, try reliving your childhood by visiting an amusement park. Go on all the scary rides and eat all the sweets you can until your stomach can take no more.

For a daily ritual that you and your partner can share at home, try playing a game of Twister. The contorted positions you will find yourselves in will have you laughing in no time. Or kick back and watch a funny TV show that both of you enjoy. Whatever you do, the important thing is to laugh and have fun together.
 
4. Declare Your Independence

Remember that healthy relationships are made up of two independent people who have their own personalities and interests. It's not good for the relationship to be constantly joined at the hip. So also make a daily habit of getting away from each other. Peruse your own hobbies and interests.

Doing things separately gives you a chance to fill in the blanks that your partner may not be able to fill for you. For example, if one of you likes sports and the other likes the arts, use your alone time to go to the gym or enroll in a painting class. At the end of your day, you will find that you have more to talk about. It will help bring freshness to the relationship, as you both continue to grow as people.
 
5. Cultivate Common Interests
Along with developing your personal interests, apart from one another, it is also essential to find something you can do together. The emphasis is on finding an activity you can both enjoy. Although your definition of fun may be going shopping, he may not enjoy being dragged along.

If common interests are not present, happy couples develop them. Try working out at the gym together. Or take some classes together until you find something you both like. Maybe you'll both fall in love with cooking and connect each night by preparing dinner together.

Source: www.bestlovetips.com

How to Marry The Right Man

Do you feel you have found the right man. Are you nervous about getting married. Are your friends telling you this is not the man for you and you want to be sure. Well here are some tips to help you out.

1. Don't marry just for looks, marry for the personality as well. Don't get me wrong looks are important but you are going to be with this person for the rest of your life. We buy cars because of looks but every couple of years we trade it in.

2. Watch how your man handles conflict not necessarily with you but with other people. How he treats other people is how he will treat you eventually. How does he talk to his parents on the phone if he can't respect his own parents how can he respect you.

3. Watch how he interacts with children. One day you will want to have kids it will be helpful to know rather or not your man loves children. If you already have kids watch how he interacts with the kids.

4. Does he clean up or do he expect you to clean up. This may be fine in the beginning but after a while you will get frustrated with cleaning up after every one in the house with no help. Your man can always say to you, when you married me you knew I didn't cook or clean so don't try to change me now. That's why you need to pay attention to what you want now.

5. Write down everything you want in a man in a personal journal and review it every chance you get. Even have a picture of what you want him to look like as well. The law of attraction will draw what you want to you if you can visualize it enough.

(Source: ehow.com)

How to Become the Woman Your Man Really Wants

You may have this sense that you are just not the woman your man wants; it continues to bother you and you are not sure what to do about it. You want to make changes, but are not sure how to proceed. Here are some thoughtful ideas on becoming the woman your man wants you to be, both internally and externally.

1. Research his interests. Compile and review a list of the interests that your boyfriend/husband has. Think about how much time you take sharing these interests with him. If it is not much time, determine how you can change it. For example, if he loves basketball, get tickets for both of you to a game.

2. Friendship comes first. Visit a bookstore or check out the Internet and read up on those interests. The more you can converse on topics of interests to him, the more opportunities for you to connect. The basis of a great relationship is friendship.

3. List your assets. Take a personal inventory. Make a list of your interests and what makes you special. If you don't feel good about yourself, it will be difficult to become the woman that your man wants, or that any man wants. The key to becoming that person is to exude self-confidence. An assured woman is the kind of woman every man wants.

4. Keep your options open. The most unattractive thing to a man is a woman who believes that she desperately needs him and only him. Keep your own life, your own interests and make it clear that you have your options open.

5. Take good care of yourself. Making yourself look terrific sends a message about how you feel about yourself and the world. Take the time for good grooming, and to make yourself feel extra special; buying yourself a fantastic outfit or treating yourself to a spa day should do the trick.

(Source: ehow.com)

Advice on Relationships

Every relationship is unique, with its own rhythms and cadences based on the two people involved. But no relationship survives on auto-pilot. Both parties need to work toward making each other happy, commit to the relationship as a whole, and acknowledge their needs as individuals as well as a couple. The specifics may differ, but the basics never change. By applying a few simple tips, you can make the road to happiness much easier to travel.

Communication

1. Couples who don't talk to each other are usually doomed. For a relationship to flourish, the two parties must maintain open lines of communication. They need to be able to speak openly and respectfully about their feelings, without bottling them up. When problems arise, they need to discuss them. When one partner needs a break or a little support, he or she should ask for it. Communication should be a two-way street. You need to listen when your partner has something to say and should expect the same treatment in kind. Openness between the two of you can't help but strengthen your bonds.

Friendship

2. Romance is the spice of life, but a relationship needs to thrive on more than candlelit dinners and walks in the moonlight. Sooner or later, you're going to be sitting on the couch with each other on a dull night without much to do. If your relationship contains as much friendship as romantic attraction, that won't be a problem. You'll be able to chat with each other about interesting things, participate in different activities together and just enjoy each other's company. As with most aspects of a relationship, friendship needs to come from both parties. Be a reliable and supportive friend to your partner and your partner should do the same for you.

Goals

3. When entering into a relationship, it helps to define the goals you have for it. This includes both broader, long-term goals and simpler, more immediate goals. You should discuss them with your partner as the relationship is forming and make sure you both have compatible goals. Then, as the relationship grows, think about ways you can move toward those goals. Look at the big stuff and the ways you're both planning for it, then find little things you can do each day to make the process easier. Let your partner know that you appreciate his or her efforts, for example, or surprise him or her with a little present every now and then. Those little steps matter, and move you closer to achieving your goals as much as the bigger ones do.

(Source: ehow.com)

How to Know if Someone Likes You Romantically

This is one of the most annoying things to have popping up in your mind all the time. You want to find out, but don't know how to go about doing it. Sometimes the direct approach is best--just ask. But if that seems too bold for your liking, look for the following signs.

Behaviour:

1. Pay attention to your conversations with the person in question. Does this person show a special interest in having a conversation with you and, once started, make an effort to keep that conversation going?

2. Is this person "accidentally" running into you in places where he or she knows you will be, such as at your desk? At the Laundromat on Tuesdays? At your brother's birthday party?

3. Make a note if he or she mentions future plans to spend time with you: "That band is coming to town soon. We should really get tickets."

4. Spend time alone together. Canceling other plans in order to be with you longer, or not finding excuses to leave, could be a sign of interest.

5. Has he or she been calling for random reasons, such as, "I was wondering if you knew what that pizza place down the street is called," followed by, "Are you hungry?"

6. Has this person taken a sudden interest in your life and hobbies? This is a sure sign that he or she is interested in something - and it's probably not your stamp collection.

7. Observe how the person acts around your friends - he or she might be extra friendly to your closest pals for a reason.

Body Language:

1. Sometimes seeing someone you have a crush on results in telltale physiological signs. Does the person in question blush when you look at him or her? His or her sympathetic nervous system is probably going into overdrive. Does he or she have trouble speaking, using jumbled words when talking to you?

2. See if the person in question mirrors your motions: When you lean back, he or she leans back; when you put your elbows on the table, he or she does the same.

3. Note whether this person sits or stands in the open position - that is, facing you with arms uncrossed. In addition, a woman tends to cross her legs in a man's direction.

4. Does he or she move closer to you and/or touch you subtly, such as with a pat of your hand or a touch of your cheek?

5. Other elements of body language include frequent eye contact, holding your gaze and looking down before looking away, energetic speech coupled with open hands, and flashing palms.

6. Does the person you're wondering about just plain smile at you a lot?

(Source: ehow.com)

How to Have a Happy Love Life

When you first fall in love, it can feel like your entire life is in harmony. You feel totally connected to the other person and you want to spend every waking moment with him or her. You haven't yet noticed the other person's flaws and it's as if the sun rises and sets with this new love in your life. Unfortunately, this phase doesn't last. The newness eventually wears off as reality sets in. The good news is that with the right mindset and attitude, you can keep the magic in your relationship.

1. Decide that you are going to have happy relationship. Anything that you ever do will begins with a thought. Visualize yourself and your partner in a happy and healthy relationship.

2. Handle conflict in a loving way. Every couple has disagreements. The way you handle them will help determine the success of your relationship. Don't insist on being right. Instead, focus on understanding your partner's point of view and be a good listener. This will help keep your partner from becoming defensive and he or she will appreciate being heard.

3. Be responsible for your own happiness. Understand that it's not your partner's job to make you happy. In the early stages of your relationship, your partner may feel flattered to know that you depend on him or her for fulfillment, but after a while, they will feel drained and suffocated. True happiness comes from within. Be your own source of happiness and that will make your relationship much sweeter.

4. Don't be consumed by jealousy. This can do serious damage to a relationship. The poet Maya Angelou once said that jealousy is like salt. In small amounts, it can add spice to a relationship but too much is unhealthy.

5. Don't take your partner for granted. Remind yourself why you fell in love with this person in the first place. Focus on your partner's positive attributes and remember that no one is perfect.

Tips:

- Spend quality time alone with your partner.

- Compliment your partner.

- Be supportive of your partner.

- Don't dwell on previous disagreements. Let them stay in the past.

- Don't nag your partner.

(Source: ehow.com)

How To Forgive Your Boyfriend "Love"

It really is tough to forgive your boyfriend when they have done something to hurt you so bad. But if you really love your boyfriend you must realize that they are not perfect and they make mistakes. If they are coming back to you apologizing and making a REAL effort to get you back than why not give them a chance, because they probably really do care for you like they say and are sorry. Sometimes it’s not best to just throw away the history the two of you have built over one situation. You can forgive your boyfriend and actually build a stronger and better relationship this go around just by knowing how the correct steps to take when forgiving them. We have all been in this position where it was hard to forgive someone you care about and you are torn in forgiving them and not.

I’m here to tell you it’s turned out very good since I’ve forgiven my boyfriend and have some awesome information on how to do it the right way where it will totally turn your relationship around for the better. I was recommended this information by a friend when they seen how hurt I obviously was by losing someone I cared about but I also wanted them back but didn’t want them to believe that it was okay the way things happened. So I decided to take a look at it and was shocked by the information and It worked out exactly as it said and now our relationship is GREAT!

(Source: articlebase.com)

What Is Your Definition Of Love?

Love is probably the most written and talked about subject of all time. I have had a few long-term, intimate relationships and have met many thousands of people over the course of my lifetime.

I am a company director and personal-development specialist. I have had quite a colourful career, including many successes and many spectacular failures. I have won many awards but have also done many things in my life that I regret, including drunken brawls, unbelievable tantrums and hurting people that genuinely cared about me.

All this self-indulgence and the desire to escape from it taught me things, if you are willing to listen to me then I will share some of these things with you. The subject I want to discuss today is LOVE.

WHAT IS LOVE?

1. PUTTING OTHER PEOPLE FIRST.

This is a lot easier than it sounds and it will reflect back on you. Giving is really so easy and so rewarding. Putting other people first will have an amazing effect on you psychologically. Start small, a few coins to charity, small acts of kindness to your partner. Trust me, everything you give you will get back, tenfold.

2. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

If you can love unconditionally this will vastly improve your life. Try to expand this love outwards from your immediate family to your friends and beyond, people will soon start to pick up on your new vibe and will start to reciprocate these feelings.

3. LOVING YOURSELF.

This is not vanity but self-caring, once you really start to love and respect yourself other people will start treating you likewise.

4. CONTRIBUTION.

We are all part of the whole and the more each of us contributes the more we all benefit. Most people are good, unfortunately that does not boost ratings or sell newspapers. You cannot criticise these establishments, they are just doing there job. However we must focus on the LOVE that exists all around us, furthermore, the more you love something the more it will respond to you.

LOVE is stronger than any other emotion and is the key to self-mastery.

(Source: ezinearticles.com)

How to Love Your Girl Friend

1. When you say goodbye, hug her for that extra moment, even if people are watching.

2. Make her feel important: Talk to her, sincerely ask her if she is alright if she seems sad or hurt.

3. Stand up for her.

4. Buy her something personal. Or, better yet, make her something.

5. If she tells you that she loves you, kiss her lightly, than whisper "I love you more".

6. Take her out, even not to an expensive dinner or the movies. Sometimes where you first met or a walk around the park can be very romantic.

7. Hold her hand when you're with your friends.

8. Share inside jokes.

9. If there is a food she loves, buy it and surprise her.

10. Always call her back, even if it's just to say I love you.

11. If she is lagging behind, pick her up in your arms and carry her.

12.Always ask her what would make her happy that you could do.

13. Look her deep in her eyes.

14. Gather her up in your arms and kiss the top of her head.

15. Love her at her worst.

16. Give her your sweatshirt and cuddle with her.

17. Pick her up and spin her around.

18. Laugh with her, not at her.

19. Listen to music with her, and with same headphones, of course!

20. Listen to everything she says

21. Tell her how much you love her.

Source: wikihow.com

5 Ways to Show Her You Love Her

1. Just tell her: just saying "Honey, I love you" will mean the world to her; don't go overboard with it, but say those three little words at random, catch her off guard. 

2. Be more affectionate: face it, women tend to need more physical attention; genle kisses on the cheek; touch her face; hug her; all just because.

3. Sweets: women tend to have an extra sweet tooth; bring her home her favorite candy, pastry, or dessert. Remember chocolate contains Phenylethylamine, which is a chemical that gets released in the brain when you're in love (plus it helps her reach her 'O')- find chocolates that are 40% to 70% cocoa.

4. Small gifts: find little things that remind you of her, she'll appreciate it plus she'll know you were thinking about her; magazines at the check out counter; cell phone accessories that she's been wanting; the book, CD, or DVD, that she's been dying to get her hands one

5. Surprise her: little surprises that show her you were thinking about her during the day; send her flowers at home or work

(Source: hubpages.com)

5 Ways to Show Him You Love Him

1. Shower him with little gifts: picture frame with a picture of the two of you; slip a note in his favorite magazine; replace his bookmark with a special note; text him sweet nothings. 

2. Say "I love you" with music: compile a CD of love songs or of his favorite songs and slip it into his car; buy that CD he's had his eye on; write him a song or poem 

3. Be crafty: make him something that you know he'll love; customize a calendar with pictures, highlighting special days with his favorite sports team 

4. Do him a favor: do something that he normally does or wants to get done before he has the change; get his watch polished for him; get tickets for that movie he's been dying to see; write him a coupon to get out of his chores for the day 

5. Prepare a romantic dinner: get the kids out of the house, and dine with style; makes favorite meal and finish off with his favorite dessert

(Source: hubpages.com)

10 Relationship "Red Flags" You Shouldn't Ignore

1. Will Not Give You Their Home Phone Number

While it is completely understandable that many people do not want to give out their home number to people they recently met, there is a point in a relationship, especially when you've become emotionally and/or physically involved, that having their home number is reasonable to want and request. Be leery of staying involved with someone who wants to limit your ability to contact them by only a pager or cell phone.

2. Never Invite You Over to Their Home

Once you've become involved with someone, it is reasonable to want to see where, and how, they live. If the person continuously makes excuses why they do not want to invite you to their home, nor want you to stay there, be leery.

3. Evasiveness About Career, Family, and Background

Do you ever get the feeling that the answers they give you to questions you ask about them leave you having more questions? Do they seem to get short, defensive, or change the subject, when you ask? Be leery of this person if you often feel this way when asking about their job, family, and background.

4. Suddenly Changes Plans

Do you often find your mate canceling plans at the last minute, or little notice, because something "suddenly" came up with them? While it's understandable things happen and we have to change our schedules, ask yourself if this is something they regularly seem to do. When possible, most honest people try to give advanced notice of having to change plans out of courtesy and respect for the other person. Consistency is key when considering this.

5. Sudden Changes in Appearance

Has your mate recently dramatically changed the way they look or dress? New wardrobe? New gym membership? Had they ever mentioned to you before about some things they didn't like and wanted to change about their appearance? Many times, we discuss changes we want to make with our friends, family, and mates. Be leery if other "red flags" also exist.

6. Insists On Meeting At Odd Times and Places

Does your mate only seem to want to make dates during the week and never weekends? Only in morning for coffee and unavailable after the workday? Only late hours after most people have gone to sleep? Prefers meeting in private, or semi-private places? Be leery of a person who insists on this pattern of dating.

7. Often Unreachable

Does it seem that you are usually leaving voice messages at their work or cell phone? Do several hours, or even days, often pass before they return your call? Do they rarely call, but rather utilize e-mail as the main platform of starting and/or continuing a relationship with you and primary method of corresponding?

8. Haven't Met Their Friends

Have you tried to make plans to go out with their friends? Do they always have excuses why you can't meet, or why they don't want you to meet, their friends? Do they seem to be interested in introducing you to their friends? If you have met their friends, How do they seem to respond to you or act around you? Do they seem interested in getting to know you? What do they say about your mate? Let your instincts be a guide here.

9. Hang-Up Calls at Home

Do you live together and often get hang-ups when you answer the phone or on your answering machine? Is it becoming more regular? Are the hang-ups during times when your spouse or lover is usually home? Do the hang-ups seem to decrease or stop when your husband/wife is out of town?

10. Changes in Sexual Relationship

Does your lover seem to have an increased, or decreased, sex drive? Has their interest in the frequency of sex, sexual positions, or other sexual patterns with you changed? Consider these questions in conjunction with other "red flags."

(Source: www.romancestuck.com)

Saying "I Love You" in Foreign Language

Looking for a unique way to say "I Love You"? Try saying it in a foreign language. Here's our guide to saying "I love you" in over 100 different foreign languages. 

Ek is lief vir jou.
Ek het jou lief.
-- Afrikaans

Te dua.
Te dashuroj.
-- Albanian

Ich hoan dich gear.
-- Alsacien

With your thumb, index and pinky fingers extended, middle and ring fingers folded down (combined signs for I, L, and Y).
-- American Sign Language

Afedrishalehou.
-- Amharic

Shi ingolth-a.
-- Apache

Ana Behibak (to a male).
Ana Behibek (to a female) .
-- Arabic

Sirem zk 'ez.
-- Armenian

Nimitzlaco'tla.
-- Aztec

Nere maitea.
-- Basc

Maite Zaitut.
-- Basque

Holong rohangku di ho.
-- Batak

I mog di narrisch gern.
-- Bavarian

Ami tomAy bhAlobAshi.
-- Bengali

Lakh tirikh.
-- Berber

Namumutan ta ka.
-- Bicol

Volim te.
-- Bosnian

Obicham te.
-- Bulgarian

Chitte.
-- Burmese

kh_nhaum soro_lahn nhee_ah.
Bon sro lanh oon.
-- Cambodian

Ngo oi ney.
-- Cantonese

T'estimo.
-- Catalan

Kykeyu.
-- Cherokee

Ne-mehotatse.
-- Cheyenne

Wo ie ni.
-- Chinese

Mi aime jou.
-- Creole

Volim te.
-- Croatian

Miluji te.
-- Czech

Jeg elsker dig.
-- Danish

Ik hou van jou.
-- Dutch

Canda munani.
-- Ecuador Quechua

Anna bahebek.
-- Egyptian

I love you.
-- English

Mi amas vin.
-- Esperanto

Mina armastan sind.
-- Estonian

Tora dust midaram.
-- Farsi

Mahigita
-- Filipino

Min� rakastan sinua.
-- Finnish

Ik zie oe geerne.
-- Flemmish

Je t'aime.
-- French

Ik ha^ld fan dy.
-- Friesian

Ta gra agam ort.
-- Gaelic

Me shen mikvarxar.
-- Georgian

Ich liebe dich.
-- German

S' ayapo.
-- Greek

Asavakit.
-- Greenlandic

Tane Prem Karoo Choo.
-- Gujrati

Mandi komova toot.
-- Gypsy or Romany

Ina sonki.
-- Hausa

Aloha wau ia oe.
-- Hawaiian

aNEE oHEIVET oTKHA (female to male).
aNEE oHEIV otAKH (male to female).
Ani ohev at (man to woman).
Ani ohevet atah (woman to man).
-- Hebrew

Mein Tumse Pyar Karta Hoon.
-- Hindu

Kuv Hlub Koj
-- Hmong (Laos)

Wa ai lu.
-- Hokkien

Nu' umi unangwa'ta.
-- Hopi

Szeretlek te'ged.
-- Hungarian

Eg elska �ig.
-- Icelandic

Mai tumase pyar karata hun (to female) or Mai tumase pyar karati hun (to male).
-- Indian

Saya cinta padamu.
-- Indonesian

Nagligivaget.
-- Inuktitut

Taim i' ngra leat.
-- Irish

Ti amo.
-- Italian

Beko ai anata.
Kimi o ai shiteru.
-- Japanese

Men seny jaksy kuremyn.
-- Kazakh

Nakupenda
-- Kiswahili

Qabang.
-- Klingon

Tangsinul sarang ha yo.
-- Korean

Ez te hezdikhem.
-- Kurdish

Khoi huk chau.
-- Lao

Ego Te amo.
-- Latin

Es tev milu.
-- Latvian

Nalingi yo.
-- Lingala

As tave myliu.
-- Lithuanian

Aheri.
-- Luo

Sakam Te.
-- Macedonian

Saya cintakan awak.
Saya Cintakan.
-- Malay

Inhobbok.
-- Maltese

Wo ai ni.
-- Mandarin

Konoronhkwa.
-- Mohawk

Ayor anosh'ni.
-- Navajo

Niyakutanda
-- Ndebele

Jeg elsker deg.
-- Norwegian

gunowe'nkhwa?.
-- Onondaga

Muje se mu habbat hai.
-- Pakistani

Tora dost daram.
-- Persian

Ie ovele ouye.
-- Pig Latin

Kocham cie.
-- Polish

Eu te amo.
-- Portuguese (Brazil)

Eu amo-te.
-- Portuguese (Portugal)

Te iubesc.
-- Romanian

Ya tebya lyublu.
-- Russian

O te alofa ya te oe.
-- Samoan

Taham twan sneham karomi.
-- Sanskrit

Tha gra\dh agam ort.
-- Scot Gaelic

Sdnbyuh Ayeama.
-- Scottish

Volim te.
-- Serbian

Ndinokuda.
-- Shona

Techi 'hila.
-- Sioux

Lubim ta.
-- Slovak

Ljubim te.
-- Slovenian

Wankudja'alahai.
-- Somali

Te amo.
-- Spanish

Mimi nakupenda.
-- Swahili

Jag alskar dig.
-- Swedish

Ch'ha di g�rn
-- Swiss-German

Bhebbek (to female) or Bhebbak (to male).
-- Syrian

Iniibig kita.
-- Tagalong

Ua Here Vau la Oe.
-- Tahitian

Gwa ai lee.
-- Taiwanese

Pom rak khun.
-- Thai

Khyod-la cags-so.
-- Tibetan

Ha eh bak.
-- Tunisian

Seni seviyorum.
-- Turkish

Ya vas lublu.
-- Ukrainian

Ik hou van jou.
-- Vlaams

Wani ra yana ro aisha.
-- Vulcan

Rwy'n dy garu di.
-- Welsh

Ikh hob dikh lib.
-- Yiddish

Ja te volim.
-- Yugoslavian

Ezhele hezdege.
-- Zazi

Ngi ya thandela wena.
-- Zulu

Tom ho' ichema
-- Zuni

Tom ho' ichema
-- Zuni

(Source: www.romancestuck.com)

Romance Trivia

A collection of romance trivia and unusual romance and relationship facts from around the web. 

Aphrodisiacs
Wild cabbage was traditionally recommended as an aphrodisiac.

Catholic Valentine Celebrations
The Catholic Church formally recognizes a total of 11 Valentine's days: Jan 7, Feb 14, May 2, Jul 16, Aug 31, Sep 2, Oct 25, Nov 1 and Nov 3, Nov 11 Nov 13, and Dec 16.

Coffee Break Romance
It's reported that more than 10,000 marriages a year now are directly traceable to romances which begin during coffee breaks.

Diamond Engagement Rings
The first diamond engagement ring was presented in 1477 by Archduke Maximillian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy.

Engagement Lengths
The average engagement lasts 6 months.

First Love
Two out of five marry their first love.

Forgotten Romance
Most recent research indicates just about 9,000 romantic couples each year take out marriage licenses, then fail to use them.

Go Ahead and Kiss
A team of medical experts in Virginia contends that you're more likely to catch the common cold virus by shaking hands than by kissing.

Having Sex?
According to a survey, the second most popular reason for having sex is to produce a baby.

Honeymoons
We've been told of two different theories as to where the term 'honeymoon' originated.

1. The word honeymoon first appeared in the 16th century. 'Honey' is a reference to the sweetness of a new marriage and 'moon' is a bitter acknowledgment that this sweetness, like a full moon, would quickly fade.

2. The history of the term 'honeymoon' dates back to the Norse, who would drink a quantity of Mead (or Honey wine) for the first month (Moon) of marriage. Exactly why is not known, but theory suggests that it was to increase fertility.

Longest Marriage
Canadian hunter and trapper Joseph Henry Jarvis (b. 6/15/1899) and wife, Annie (b. 10/10/1904), have been married for 79 years.

Marriage In Ancient Rome
In ancient Rome there was no legal ceremony by a priest, minister, or civil servant or any 3rd party to solemize a marriage and there were no formal records of the marriage. The couple agreed to live together and they became recognized as married by the fact they lived together, or by actions such as the man referring to the lady as his wife, or by evidence of a dowry, or by the general acceptance of their life-style as representing a husband-wife relationship. Divorce was by agreement or by simply leaving the household on the part of either partner.

Mating Birds
It was believed that birds chose their mates on February 14th and because doves mate for life, they have become a symbol of fidelity.

Median Age for Marriage
In 1970, brides were on average 20.8 years old when they married, while grooms were 23.2. Americans are now marrying later in life. In the year 2000, brides were on average 25.1 with their grooms averaging 26.8.

Morning Kissing
Studies indicate that a man who kisses his wife good-bye when he leaves for work every morning averages a higher income than those who don't. Husbands who exercise the rituals of affection tend to be more painstaking, more stable, more methodical, thus, higher earners. Studies also show that men who kiss their wives before leaving in the morning live 5 years longer than those who don't.

Oldest Bride
Minnie Munro became the world's oldest bride when she married Dudley Reid at the age of 102 on May 31, 1991. Reid, the groom, was 83 years old.

Oldest Groom
Harry Stevens was 103 when he married 84 year old Thelma Lucas at the Caravilla Retirement Home in Wisconsin on December 3, 1984.

On Bended Knee
One in 5 men proposes on one knee.

Phone Proposals
6% of men proposed to their girlfriends over the phone.

Red Roses
Red roses are the most popular flower to give on Valentine's Day and although they may all look the same to the untrained eye, there are actually more than 900 different varieties of dark-red and medium-red roses.

Roman Romance
Juno, queen of heaven and partner to Jupiter (a.k.a Zeus, the king of gods) rules over marriage, the hearth and childbirth. The month of June takes its name from her, making it most appropriate for weddings.

Romance Novels
Romance Novels are more popular than ever. 53% of all mass market paperback books sold in this country are Romances. Romance novels earn more money in the USA yearly than baseball! So, what's the national pastime?

Sex Manuals
The oldest sex manuals were published in China 5,000 years ago.

Sweetest Day
It began in Cleveland, Ohio during the depression years to give a "small token of friendship orphans, shut-ins, the underprivileged, and the homeless." Today the holiday has expanded and become more commercialized as a romantic holiday.

Sweetest Day Origins
While sweetest day is not known in all parts of the country, it is extremely popular in others. Some speculate that it's simply a Hallmark invented holiday to get more money out of our pockets. Do you know how it really came about?

The Longest Engagement
Sixty-seven years, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The happy couple finally wed at age 82!

Tying the Knot
The expression, "tying the knot" dates to Roman times, when the bride wore a girdle that was tied in knots - which the groom then had the fun of untying.

US Marriage Rates
The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. Census Bureau research, reports that the U.S. marriage rate is significantly higher in the Mountain States (thanks primarily to Nevada's wedding industry), along with the East South Central States of Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama. The Northeast region of the country has the lowest marriage rate.

Valentine's Day Cards
Approximately one billion Valentine's Day cards are sold in the United States each year, according to the Greeting Card Association, which makes Valentine's Day the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas.

Valentine's in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Marriage License Bureau is open around the clock on February 14th.

World's 2nd Largest Box of Chocolates
For Valentine's Day 2000, a liqueur manufacturer created the world's largest box of chocolates. The heart-shaped box, assembled in New York City, measured 15 feet high by 15 feet wide and weighed some 1300 pounds. It held the record until November of 2002, when Marshall Fields broke the record with a 2,002 pound box of chocolates in Chicago.

Your Hand in Marriage
Only 4% of men ask for the parent's approval for their bride's hand in marriage.

(Source: www.romancestuck.com)

Types of Hugs

From a friendly hug to a passionate squeeze, hugging is the universal language of love, comfort, and friendship. Read through this list of different types of hugs and pick a few to try with your sweetie. If you have an different type of hug that you'd like to see here, submit it and we'll add it to the list. 

'I Love You' Hug
A close cheek-to-cheek hug that says "I Love You" even more with an added kiss on the lips.

'I Want You Now' Hug
A close hug with a bit of rubbing and grinding.

Big Bear Hug
Pull your partner in really, really, really close, put your arms completely around them, and squeeze tight.

Butt Squeeze Hug
A sexy, passionate hug. Pull your partner in close, lift your leg around their legs and give their butt a passionate squeeze.

Ecstatic Jump-n-Hug
Run at your partner and jump into their arms with excitement!

Encouraging Hug
Pull your partner close and give them a gentle squeeze with a light pat on the back.

Friendly Hug
Put your arms lightly around your partner's shoulders and give a gentle squeeze.

Group Hug
A hug involving multiple people - family or friends - where you all put your arms around one another.

Half Hug
A quick wrap, lightly touching your partner where your arms only go halfway around (hence, half a hug).

Hello & Goodbye Hug
A quick, semi-close hug paired with a kiss on the cheek.

Hug of Joy
A semi-close hug with excitement and movement that often times includes a bit of excitement jumping.

Passionate Squeeze
Pull your partner in closely and give them a passionate squeeze as you gently kiss along their neck.

Snuggle Hug
Usually works best when sitting on a couch, etc. Drape your arm around your partner's shoulders and snuggle up in close!

Spoon Hug
While not normally thought of as a hug, the 'spoon' is essentially your arms wrapped around your partner -- a hug! While lying in bed on your side, pull your partner close and wrap your body around theirs in a 'spoon' position.

Sympathy Hug
Pull your partner close and lay their head lightly on your shoulder as you give their back a light rub.

Tree Hug
Find a large tree (perhaps while picnic-ing), and each partner wrap their arms around the tree to meet the other partner's hands.

(Source: www.romancestuck.com)

10 Ways to Get Close as A Couple

Listen 

A common concern that many couples express is that their partner "doesn't listen" or "refuses to understand" or reacts with harsh words. "A quick retort can ruin everything," notes the writer of Proverbs (Prov. 13:3, NLT).(*) A simple way to defuse a pattern of miscommunication is to practice receptive listening. That means dropping all defenses in order to learn what the other person is really saying and feeling. Opera tenor Jan Peerce, after being married nearly 50 years, said: "My wife and I made a pact a long time ago, and we've kept it no matter how angry we've grown with each other. When one yells, the other should listen--because when two people yell, there is no communication, just noise and bad vibrations." 

Faith 

Couples who worship, pray, read Scripture, and participate in a faith community generally have stronger, happier marriages. Their faith in God is one more tie that binds them together. Ricardo Montalban is well known for his many roles, especially that of Mr. Roarke, the white-suited host on the television program "Fantasy Island." Montalban is also a committed Christian who has been married to the same woman, Georgiana, for several decades. He credits their deep faith in God for the satisfaction and success of their marriage. "If you stick to your principles, religion, and convictions, you'll be rewarded," he says. "You need many different kinds of glue in a marriage: love, humor, respect--and belief in God. That's the strongest of all. It's kept us together." 

Forgive 

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" advises Paul (Col. 3:13, NIV).([dagger]) The apostle knows whenever human beings live together they can cause each other pain--intentionally and unintentionally. The path that leads to healing from lingering hurts is forgiveness. Choosing forgiveness means favoring the positive and giving the marriage a second chance. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or whitewashing what has happened. Forgiveness means letting go of the hurt, moving on in the relationship, learning from the experience, and using the information to build a stronger marriage. A good example is the following letter, written by Jennifer to her husband after she was offended by insensitive comments he made during a heated argument a week earlier. 

"Michael, I was very hurt by what was spoken, but at the same time I can see you're human and can make mistakes. I forgive you. I love you and our life together. I want us to understand each other even better and grow from this. When one of us is unhappy with something in our relationship, we need to speak before the feelings erupt into a full-scale argument. Let's make our marriage even better than it was. I love you, Jennifer." 

Share 

As a couple take some time to look back together at the events that make up your common history. The sharing of these memories is effective in rekindling feelings of warmth, affection, and love. "God gave us memories that we might have roses in December," wrote James M. Barrie. The sharing of memories can be done verbally. "Remember the year we lived in Washington, D.C., and the power went off for two days? We snuggled and slept in 
front of the fireplace." The sharing of memories can also be visual. Try turning off the television one evening to look over old photo albums savoring and treasuring the memories recorded in them. 

Initiate 

Taking the initiative for doing things together seems to get forgotten and neglected the longer a couple is married. "It's easier to wait for our spouse to suggest going out for a date, what we ought to do on vacation, having friends over for dinner, taking a stroll around the block," observes writer Carole Mayhall. "And so we settle into a comfortable (if boring) rut and wonder where the excitement went." Couples who want to get closer will take some time to think about experiences that can deepen their love and then act on those ideas. 

Remorse 

The ability to feel remorse--that sense of guilt over a wrong one has done--is essential for any marriage to succeed and thrive. Remorse is a positive force that drives a spouse to admit a wrong, extend an apology, and seek forgiveness. A spouse who feels remorse demonstrates respect and love for a partner. Remorse is a powerful healing agent within a marriage. "It's hard to say why an unexpected bowl of popcorn, placed at your end of the couch, can erase the leftover tension from a quarrel, but it can," notes Philadelphia clinical psychologist Judith Sills, Ph.D. "Maybe because it says, `I'm sorry I was in a bad mood,'" she adds. 

Time 

One of the most important ways to deepen love is through time. A couple cannot grow in love without spending timetogether. Bill and Kristin, a Los Angeles professional couple, have very busy, hectic schedules. Yet every month they compare calendars, choose a day, and mark it in large letters: NOTHING. They take the day from work, pass up all social events, and spend the day together enjoying each other. "The day is completely unstructured," Bill explains. "Once we got out of bed, went to a video store, and rented two videos. Then we returned to our house, cuddled up on the couch, and enjoyed a double feature together. Another time we might spend the morning catching up on our magazine reading, then go for a walk in the park and perhaps enjoy a picnic lunch. The point isn't what we do, but simply that we are spending time together." 

Praise 

Many spouses say they feel unappreciated and even rejected by their partners. Couples who are close and remain that way practice praising early and often. They know the importance of being a cheerleader and of providing the applause of appreciation. "We have never met a person who was suffering from too much praise, acceptance, or support from those around him," note Kevin and Marilyn Ryan in their book Making a Marriage. "We have both been surprised that simple compliments have meant so much to the other. We thought surely the other person knew how much we valued this or that aspect of him or her. We have come to believe that all of us are struggling in an impersonal world and are plagued by self-doubt. We need to be told about our strengths and the things we do well. And we need to be told early and often." 

Talk 

Couples who have never drifted apart are inevitably those who have made it a habit to talk openly about issues. Even though such a conversation could result in some pain, they do not avoid or evade issues. It is wiser to express and explore feelings early before they become more intense. David has been married 50 years to the same woman. Their family now includes two children, nine grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. Looking back over his satisfying marriage, he says: "As a husband who's proud of his 50 years of marriage and hopes for many more, I believe that what contributes to our success is that we always talk out minor problems and differences that arise between us before they fester and get bigger. 
We hug each other often.... We're considerate of each other and give in once in a while, even when giving in isn't what we'd like to do." 

Grow 

Couples who remain close are constantly growing in their knowledge of the world around. The information they absorb benefits them both professionally and personally. 

A good example is Jerri, a 38-year-old teacher in Chicago who has been married 15 years. "My husband and I are always taking refresher courses of one kind or another," Jerri says. "The new ideas lead to many stimulating conversations and keep us from getting stale and bored with each other. We're both eager to grow intellectually and emotionally. Also, I've made it a point to read one article or book chapter about marriage each month--how to make it better, livelier, more satisfying. I gain many new insights and try applying them to our relationship--always with positive results." 

Finally, every marriage benefits greatly when couples maintain a sense of humor. "Humor is the sunshine of the mind," noted Edward George Bulwer-Lytton. Maintaining a sense of humor can take the sting out of disappointment and the bite out of an argument. Healthy couples know there is wisdom in simply laughing away some issues and problems.

(Source: www.thefreelibrary.com)