Friday, January 25, 2008
OSAMA'S VALENTINE
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| Little David comes home from first grade and tells his father that they learned about the history of Valentine's Day. "Since Valentine's Day is for a Christian saint and we're Jewish," he asks, "will God get mad at me for giving someone a valentine?" David's father thinks a bit, then says "No, I don't think God would get mad. Who do you want to give a valentine to?" "Osama Bin Laden," David says. "Why Osama Bin Laden," his father asks in shock. "Well," David says, "I thought that if a little American Jewish boy could have enough love to give Osama a valentine, he might start to think that maybe we're not all bad, and maybe start loving people a little bit. And if other kids saw what I did and sent valentines to Osama, he'd love everyone a lot. And then he'd start going all over the place to tell everyone how much he loved them and how he didn't hate anyone anymore." His father's heart swells and he looks at his boy with newfound pride. "David, that's the most wonderful thing I've ever heard." "I know," David says, "and once that gets him out in the open, the Marines shoot him." Source : http://www.funmunch.com/events/valentine/valentine_day_jokes.shtml |
Valentine's Day by Jenny Chane
Valentine's Day celebrates all the vibrant love stories that have existed in the history since the time we can't even imagine. And the most illustrious story has been that of Saint Valentine, who set a pioneering example of sweeping the world off its feet. He was the one, who did the priestly service of letting all lovers assert their love without being scared by the wiles of the world. Emperor Claudius of Rome was one of those rulers who adopted every adroit move to abolish love only to satisfy his selfish aims. But Saint Valentine stood like a wall in the midst of all his cunning strategies. He acted as a resolute supporter of love marriages and did not falter even in the thick of ruthless law introduced by King Claudius, which had been trying its best to banish love completely. Because of his heroic attitude, everyone pays obeisance to him on the Valentine's Day of every year.
The love-driven spirit of this special lovers' day gets livelier with all the associations this day has with the inspiring Saint Valentine. The way he stated the depth of his love by the famous words, " From your Valentine" and the way he got martyred and motivated the love spirit of a series of lovers of the proceeding generations is something that stays indelibly stamped on every feature of Valentine's Day. Another reason for considering this day truly auspicious for lovers is its relation with goddess Juno. Being the deity of fertility, she promises to gift all the sincere lovers, a flourishing relationship and lifetime of love. Therefore, we can say that there is no scarcity of valid reasons to celebrate this day with uncommon zest and to allow cupid to make everything all the more magical in the love groove of 14th February.
And as soon as we allow the magic of love, it takes no time to get enamored by a host of Valentine cards. Truly, all the love-filled feelings become all the more apparent when they showcase themselves in the form of chromatic cards peppered with the hearty love messages. When teddy bears snuggle into each other or when ardent lovers gaze into each other's eyes or when two hearts come closer in the scenario of Valentine cards, the feeling of love takes no time in getting into its full expression mode. And all such cards along with expressions make all of us in full swing of the Valentine fever.
Author's Bio: Jenny Chane is an associated editor of http://www.mydearvalentine.com/. Grab the latest ideas and views by flipping through the pages of mydearvalentine. Your feedback is highly appreciated at jennychane@gmail.com
About the Author
Jenny Chane is an associated editor of http://www.mydearvalentine.com/. Grab the latest ideas and views by flipping through the pages of mydearvalentine. Your feedback is highly appreciated at jennychane@gmail.com
Source : http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=745225
Where Valentine Gifts Came From by Online Shopping
Where exactly did Valentine's Day originate? Its roots would actually take us back to old times of the Roman period when King Claudius was the ruler. The day has been held as kind of like a festival to honor and celebrate the queen of the Roman gods.
About the Author She was then recognized as the sole goddess of matrimony and the female sex. On the following day, the Lupercalia Feasts were celebrated. As the eve of this festival took place, the only people who were allowed to be together were the youth, as they were kept separated the rest of the time. Basically, this was one of the theories of the origins of Valentine's Day.
Also a theory of the history of Valentine's Day, the story of the sacrifices that were made by Valentine, a Christian martyr, was truly touching. It was said that back then, the Roman emperor required a large number of soldiers to form a huge army. However, he was unable to do so because there were a lot of people who did not want to be away from their families to go to war. This became a big problem for the emperor so he ordered people to stop getting married. Of course, not all the people wanted to follow, especially those who really wanted to get married. So Valentine, who was a priest back then, conducted secret marriages. This became the foundation of St. Valentine's Day that is now celebrated everywhere.
Regardless where Valentine's Day originated from, it is truly a day when we can celebrate the love we have and share with our loved ones. We should all see it as a great opportunity to give gifts and presents that would express our love and appreciation to those who are dear to our hearts.
Want to buy products from a trusted online store? SalwarKameezIndia.com offers online shopping for unique items on sale including made to order salwar kameez, Indian Saris and pearl jewelry
Source : http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=763440
Be My Valentine
A guy walks into a post office one day to see a middle-aged, balding man standing at the counter methodically placing "Love" stamps on bright pink envelopes with hearts all over them. He then takes out a perfume bottle and starts spraying scent all over them.
His curiosity getting the better of him, he goes up to the balding man and asks him what he is doing. The man says, "I'm sending out 1,000 Valentine cards signed, 'Guess who?'"
"But why?" asks the man.
"I'm a divorce lawyer," the man replies.
Things not to say on your Valentine's date...
1. I really don't like this restaurant that much, but I wanted to use this 2-for-1 coupon before it expired.
2. People say I remind them of Eddie Haskell.
3. I used to come here all the time with my ex.
4. I never said you NEED a nose job. I just said it wouldn't hurt to consider it.
5. Could you excuse me? My cat gets lonely if he doesn't hear my voice on the answering machine every hour.
6. I like clay. It's mushy.
7. I really feel that I've grown in the past few years. Used to be I wouldn't have given someone like you a second look.
8. And I won that trophy in the inter-fraternity belching contest.
9. I know you said you don't eat anything with a face. But a good butcher will cut that part off for you if you ask.
10. It's been tough, but I've come to accept that most people I date just won't be as smart as I am.Source : http://www.basicjokes.com/djoke.php?id=1116
Did You Know…? A Little Story About Valentine’s Day
by:
Did You Know That…
…Valentine’s Day is the second largest card sending holiday of the year, second only to Christmas?
…Women purchase about 85% of Valentine’s?
…Valentine’s Day is also celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Australia?
…In February 2004, $2.4 billion worth of jewelry was purchased?
While some things can be known about the origins of Valentine’s Day, one thing we don’t know for sure is just where or when we began celebrating amore, although there have been many stories told over the years. I’ve been reading a few of the legends and myths and I want to share them with you. I have my favorite. Now you pick yours.
The Stories About Saint Valentine
One story alleges that Valentine was a priest living in the 3rd century in Rome. His story is deeply enmeshed with that of the Emperor Claudius II (aka: Claudius the Cruel), who ruled Rome at this time. Claudius was involved in many wars around Rome, but he could not convince many men to leave their wives and families. His solution was to outlaw marriage and cancel all engagements. The men would then be able to focus on waging war. Valentine, believing this law to be unjust, began marrying couples in secret. When Claudius discovered what Valentine was doing, it is said that he had him executed.
Another story has Claudius killing Valentine for helping Christians escape the Roman prisons, where they were regularly beaten and tortured.
Yet a third story claims that Valentine was put to death for curing the jailor’s daughter of her blindness. She frequently visited Valentine while he was jailed. They were said to have fallen in love. In fact, Valentine may have originated the tradition of sending written avowals of love and romance. Prior to being put to death, Valentine allegedly wrote a letter to her, signing it “From your Valentine”, an expression we continue to use today. It is believed that he was executed on February 14, 269 A.D. Thus, Saint Valentine became both a romantic and a hero.
The Feast of Lupercalia
The Feast of Lupercalia may have been the first legend told surrounding the beginnings of Valentine’s Day. Lupercalia, a fertility festival celebrated on February 15, was a celebration to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. Lupercalia was also a dedication to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. Lupercus was said to watch over the shepherd’s flocks, keeping then safe from wolves. The Roman priests would sacrifice both a goat and a dog to begin the festival. The goat represented fertility, while the dog symbolized purification.
The goat’s hide was then sliced into strips and dipped into the sacrificial blood. The men went out into the streets, gently slapping the women with the goathide strips. The women welcomed this gesture as they believed it would make them more fertile in the year ahead. Later in the day, all the single women’s names were placed in an urn. The bachelor men would pull a name from the urn. The couple would spend much time together over the next year and many of these pairings resulted in marriage.
The Feast of Lupercalia continued for centuries. As Christianity began to take hold though, the priests strived to replace the heathen practices by substituting the names of saints for the girls names. Those drawing from the urn would then aspire to imitate the lives of the saint whose name they had drawn. While the priests wished to abolish the pagan traditions, they sought to keep the festival flavor of feasts and sports. Thus, Lupercalia became Valentine’s Day.
Traditions Over the Ages
The origins of our modern valentines most likely date back to the early 1400’s. While he was a prisoner in the Tower of London, the French Duke of Orleans wrote many, many poems and valentines to his wife. Some of these remain and are on display at the British Museum in London. Flowers became popular gifts about 200 years later in France.
Americans began the tradition of exchanging hand-made valentine’s in the early 1700’s.
Presently, every February, all across America, we celebrate our love and our loved ones on Valentine’s Day with gifts, flowers, candy, and Valentine’s greeting cards. Saint Valentine became the patron saint of lovers and we continue to celebrate the spirit of love and sentiment and good feelings.
About The Author
Patricia Tomaskovic is the Owner of http://www.one-stop-gift-shop.com President of http://www.goceilingmedallion.com. Both can be found online. We invite you to come in and browse. If you can't find it anywhere else, we've got it! We are a fully stocked online shopping mall with over 3500 items, offering a complete line of gifts for every occasion.
Copyright 2006
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_1758.shtml
Wolves, Goats, Martyrs and War: a History of Valentine's Day
by:
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_130.shtml
Valentines Day is one of the most enigmatic of holidays, having appeared in many forms. But all “Valentine’s Days” have drawn suspicion. In fact, after hundreds of years of attempted reform, Christian observance came to an end when the Catholic Church purged St. Valentine’s Day from its calendar in 1969.
Still, the holiday continues to inspire an annual avalanche of cards, not to mention the mass consumption of chocolates, flowers and sometimes, pricier presents. What do we commemorate when we celebrate Valentine’s Day?
- Running with the Wolves
If you’ve ever researched the history of Valentines Day, you know it began with wolves and ancient Spring magic. The earliest instance we know of starts with the tough old shepherds and founders of Rome who feared and respected the wolves that preyed on their flocks. Once a year, they held sacrifices to Lupercus, the god of shepherds, enemy of wolves, and friend of dogs. Other shepherds sacrificed to Faunus, who also protected shepherds but was part goat.
The celebration, called Lupercalia, was held during early spring, which since time immemorial has been a season for purification. All the ancients saw that in the winter, the earth fell quiet and covered itself in white. Late winter and early spring was the time for human purification also, to be followed closely by fertility magic.
- Something Old, Something New
Rome still celebrated Lupercalia after it had matured and become a great republic. In fact, all civic life came to a halt for the festival.
Because of the Remus and Romulus legend, Lupercalia enjoyed great respect. Sons of noblemen were appointed to be Lupercalian priests, or luperci, and tasked with a number of duties. Each year they sacrified a dog (for Lupercal) and a goat (for Faunus) at the bottom of a cave at Palantine Hill. Wearing nothing but goat hide, they cut thongs from the skin and ran the perimeter of “old Rome,” slapping women with the bloody strips. Women put themselves forward for this, meaning to be purified and made fertile. (Our month of February, Febrarius, means “month of purification.”) Afterward, Rome indulged in a love lottery in which young men drew young women’s names from a jar and became their “partners” for a time.
Eventually, the Roman upper-crust grew too refined to feel at ease with Lupercalia. Cicero sniffed that the luperci were:
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A certain wild association of Lupercalian brothers, both plainly pastoral and savage, whose rustic alliance was formed before civilization and laws.
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A certain politician made sport of Lupercalia's anachronistic air by wearing his luperci skin to work and haranging his fellow senators.
Eventually, Lupercalia began to fall out of favor, although Augustus revived it for a time in a fit of national patriotism.
- The Church Triumphant
The church is sometimes vilified for its Lupercalian edits. It found the love lottery unacceptable, as well as the luperci. But rather than ban the fete outright, it tried assimilation.
First, the love lottery was replaced with a high-minded version, where each man drew a saint instead of a girl and was invited to emulate that saint throughout the year. (This custom is sometimes observed today). Then the purification aspect was re-clothed in a feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, scheduled for early February. As for fertility magic, the church dodged this altogether, although one can see traces of the purifying and “greening” impulse in the spirit and chapel decorations of Lent.
As for the fourteenth of February, the church dedicated the day to the Christian martyr, Valentine. Contrary to the sugared rumors that have sprung up around him (or more accurately, them -- there were several St. Valentines), the saint almost certainly had nothing to do with love or romance.
- Knights in Shining Armor
Lupercalia had been well and truly squelched in Rome. But to the west and north, where the Age of Chivalry triumphed, Europeans could not let the tradition molder and with childlike zest, revived it. The English cast off the papal practice of drawing saints, but their new notions of chivalric love led to a more innocent type of boy/girl lottery than Rome had ever seen. Young girls drew on the power of dream pillows -- filled or pinned with aromatics like bay leaves or lavender -- to catch a glimpse of their future mates. Small children dressed in adult clothes and roamed the streets, gently mocking the “new” fascination with love:
"Good morning to you, valentine
Curl your locks as I do mine--
Two before and three behind.
Good morning to you, valentine."
Unlike the serious Lupercalian business of patriotism and the appeasement of gods, this kinder, gentler Valentine’s day spoke of a young person’s coming-of-age. Chivalry’s themes of chaste love and longing played major roles.
Hail, Bishop Valentine! Whose day this is
All the air is thy diocese,
And all the chirping choristers
And other birds are thy parishioners … wrote Donne.
The world grows old over and over again, and in England, Valentine’s Day aged with it. The tradition of laying out for gifts took hold, with the height of luxurious gifting possibly reaching its height around Restoration England. Lords gave Ladies rings and brooches of staggering worth, and even Samuel Pepys (not a famous romantic) recorded having given his wife “a Turkey-stone set with diamonds.” She was grateful, and as he noted, “I am glad of it, for it is fit the wretch should have something to content herself with.”
- Initially Resistant
Pragmatic, puritanical America long withstood Europe’s festivities, fending off fairies, maypoles, effigy-burning and even Valentine’s Day. Women were scarce in the harsh days of the nation’s dawn, and public displays of affection were outlawed in any case. It wasn’t until the Civil War that the country relented: long, lonely rifts in families endeared the saint to them at last. Prior to the war, elaborate commercial valentines (including “mechanical” types) had begun to flood the market and grow more affordable.
Of course, this uncharacteristic flood of romance could not go unchecked, and the widespread embrace of valentines was closely followed by the “vinegar” valentine, a comic and sometimes, caustic type.
When the war ended, and Americans crept into the light of Reconstruction, they found a freshly industrialized nation. Along with it came a transcontinental railroad, typewriters, an internal combustion engine, and -- most importantly for Valentine’s Day -- heart-shaped boxes full of commercial chocolates (a gimmick invented by the Cadbury brothers during the 1860s). Although fine diamonds and jewelry never quite became the norm among Americans, the standard “recipe” of cards, flowers, and a heart-shaped box of chocolates had been carved in the national psyche. Now Valentine’s Day is only second to Christmas in number of cards bought and sent.
About The Author
Blake Kritzberg is a copywriter, web designer, and proprietor of http://www.e-free-greeting-card.com. This article may be freely reprinted so long as this resource box and URL are preserved. Visit the website for listings and reviews of funny, spiritual and edgy e-cards.
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/family/article_130.shtml
7 Innovative Ways to Save Your Marriage
by: Are you in a tough spot in your marriage right now? Every relationship has its problems and its rough patches, but that doesn’t mean that you need to give up when the going gets tough. For many couples, they can actually work through their problems to create a stronger relationship. Sometimes the hard times are actually learning lessons in disguise. Here are just a few tips for getting started on the right foot.
Listen
There’s nothing more damaging to a relationship than a partner that doesn’t take the time to listen. In fact, that fact alone might be the thing that has led to the feelings of dissatisfaction with a marriage. In order to be a good partner (on either end), you need to be able to remain quiet and talk through problems until both partners are satisfied. Be quiet when they are speaking and try to really listen to what they are saying.
Understand
But listening only goes so far when you’re trying to work out problems in you relationship. If you do not really understand where they are coming from, you might be creating more problems. When they are expressing themselves, you want to ask questions when appropriate in order to clarify what they are saying to you. Even if it seems uncomfortable at first, it’s important that you make sure that you understand where they are at and how you might be able to help.
A positive attitude
Why start off a rough patch by thinking that it will never get any better no matter what you do? When you’re trying to work through problems and issues, you will want to make sure that you’re going into it with a positive attitude. You don’t need to be sugary sweet, but you should start to look at your troubles as learning lessons rather than the doom of the relationship. Try to think about happier times when you start to become negative in order to turn your thinking around.
Be present
When a partner isn’t fully in the moment of trying to fix a relationship, the work becomes a one-sided affair. You need to be able to fully be there for your partner when you need to work through tough times. This might mean that you need to take a few days off work or devote certain times to discussing ways to fix your relationship. These times should be uninterrupted by work obligations or time commitments so that neither person feels rushed or distracted.
Stay calm
While you might be upset about the way that things have turned out, you need to remember that being calm is the best way to see things more clearly. Try lowering your voice when you talk – it automatically lowers your blood pressure and your anger. Try to take a few deep breaths before you say anything – this will help you to be clear and calm as you speak. Many people perceive becoming flustered or upset as being angry, and that can lead to a poor environment for working through issues.
Make plans
One of the best ways to help save your marriage is to start creating long term plans with your partner. While this might not seem like the best idea at the time, it will create the idea that you are both going to make it through the rough patch that you have stumbled upon – somehow. Try to make plans for vacations or other far in the future appointments. This will create a little less pressure because the future isn’t so vague and unable to be seen in the dark that you are experiencing at the time.
Take time away
While you don’t have to become legally separated to do this, taking time away from each other is one of the best ways to stop a marriage from becoming a divorced marriage. When you take time away from each other, you allow yourself to have a new perspective on the events that are happening. And this can allow you to see new solutions as well as new ideas for how to handle the problems that you may be having. Even if it’s just a night or a few hours, taking time to step back from an issue can help it become easier to resolve.
Discover how you can easily bring back the Love of Your Life! http://www.retrievealover.com
- A Potent 4-Step Strategy which always work! ... No matter how stubborn the resistance, no matter how far this person is from you, no matter how hopeless your situation appears! The Good News Is It Works For Both Men & Women! More underground relationship and love tips, FREE special reports available Here. http://www.retrievealover.com/home.htm
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/relationships/article_931.shtml
Listen
There’s nothing more damaging to a relationship than a partner that doesn’t take the time to listen. In fact, that fact alone might be the thing that has led to the feelings of dissatisfaction with a marriage. In order to be a good partner (on either end), you need to be able to remain quiet and talk through problems until both partners are satisfied. Be quiet when they are speaking and try to really listen to what they are saying.
Understand
But listening only goes so far when you’re trying to work out problems in you relationship. If you do not really understand where they are coming from, you might be creating more problems. When they are expressing themselves, you want to ask questions when appropriate in order to clarify what they are saying to you. Even if it seems uncomfortable at first, it’s important that you make sure that you understand where they are at and how you might be able to help.
A positive attitude
Why start off a rough patch by thinking that it will never get any better no matter what you do? When you’re trying to work through problems and issues, you will want to make sure that you’re going into it with a positive attitude. You don’t need to be sugary sweet, but you should start to look at your troubles as learning lessons rather than the doom of the relationship. Try to think about happier times when you start to become negative in order to turn your thinking around.
Be present
When a partner isn’t fully in the moment of trying to fix a relationship, the work becomes a one-sided affair. You need to be able to fully be there for your partner when you need to work through tough times. This might mean that you need to take a few days off work or devote certain times to discussing ways to fix your relationship. These times should be uninterrupted by work obligations or time commitments so that neither person feels rushed or distracted.
Stay calm
While you might be upset about the way that things have turned out, you need to remember that being calm is the best way to see things more clearly. Try lowering your voice when you talk – it automatically lowers your blood pressure and your anger. Try to take a few deep breaths before you say anything – this will help you to be clear and calm as you speak. Many people perceive becoming flustered or upset as being angry, and that can lead to a poor environment for working through issues.
Make plans
One of the best ways to help save your marriage is to start creating long term plans with your partner. While this might not seem like the best idea at the time, it will create the idea that you are both going to make it through the rough patch that you have stumbled upon – somehow. Try to make plans for vacations or other far in the future appointments. This will create a little less pressure because the future isn’t so vague and unable to be seen in the dark that you are experiencing at the time.
Take time away
While you don’t have to become legally separated to do this, taking time away from each other is one of the best ways to stop a marriage from becoming a divorced marriage. When you take time away from each other, you allow yourself to have a new perspective on the events that are happening. And this can allow you to see new solutions as well as new ideas for how to handle the problems that you may be having. Even if it’s just a night or a few hours, taking time to step back from an issue can help it become easier to resolve.
About The Author
Cucan PemoDiscover how you can easily bring back the Love of Your Life! http://www.retrievealover.com
- A Potent 4-Step Strategy which always work! ... No matter how stubborn the resistance, no matter how far this person is from you, no matter how hopeless your situation appears! The Good News Is It Works For Both Men & Women! More underground relationship and love tips, FREE special reports available Here. http://www.retrievealover.com/home.htm
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/relationships/article_931.shtml
The Path to Forever: Intimacy and a Lasting Marriage
By For a marriage to survive and last until that dreamy "forever," intimacy must exist between the couple. What is intimacy anyway? This just does not pertain to the act of making love, but fulfilling each other's emotional needs. It entails enlightening conversations in between kisses and caresses.
A lot of marriage counselors chalk up the longevity of a marriage to how intimate the couple is. Here are some ways to achieve that intimacy for that ideal, almost magical marriage:
1. All work and no intimacy make a dull couple.
It is a given that after a crazy day at the office, the husband and wife both feel exhausted. But they must not let it get in the way of their relationship. They must allow for some quality time in and out of their love bed.
2. The husband must give what his wife wants: quality talk time.
Wives want to talk things out and express what is inside their hearts. The husband must grant her that as this is one way to achieve emotional intimacy.
3. The couple must still exert an effort to look attractive.
It does not mean that both must be “dressed up” all the time. But married couples must still try their best to look nice for their partners. This is one of the ways to start up the intimacy.
4. The couple must schedule dates.
Dating must not end at marriage. In fact, both should set a time to go out and have fun, just like before.
5. Husband and wife must continually unleash their romantic side.
Kisses, hugs, flowers, holding hands, stolen smacks...’the works’ - they do magic in a relationship.
6. Surprises are nice.
Sweet surprises always lead to intimacy. If the couple knows when to pull off these incredibly romantic stints, then that's a surefire way to attain a divorce-proof relationship.
7. Solving a problem before it gets blown out of proportion is important.
Intimacy loses its appeal once it gets "infected" by those conflicts that cripple the relationship. Conflicts should let a couple grow and not cause the downfall.
It is nice to earn that happily-ever-after plateau. But marriage is not as easy as a Disney fairytale had told everyone. Intimacy must be maintained long after the honeymoon is over to guarantee the husband and wife that yes, this marriage would last. That yes, forever is possible.
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/relationships/article_1303.shtml
A lot of marriage counselors chalk up the longevity of a marriage to how intimate the couple is. Here are some ways to achieve that intimacy for that ideal, almost magical marriage:
1. All work and no intimacy make a dull couple.
It is a given that after a crazy day at the office, the husband and wife both feel exhausted. But they must not let it get in the way of their relationship. They must allow for some quality time in and out of their love bed.
2. The husband must give what his wife wants: quality talk time.
Wives want to talk things out and express what is inside their hearts. The husband must grant her that as this is one way to achieve emotional intimacy.
3. The couple must still exert an effort to look attractive.
It does not mean that both must be “dressed up” all the time. But married couples must still try their best to look nice for their partners. This is one of the ways to start up the intimacy.
4. The couple must schedule dates.
Dating must not end at marriage. In fact, both should set a time to go out and have fun, just like before.
5. Husband and wife must continually unleash their romantic side.
Kisses, hugs, flowers, holding hands, stolen smacks...’the works’ - they do magic in a relationship.
6. Surprises are nice.
Sweet surprises always lead to intimacy. If the couple knows when to pull off these incredibly romantic stints, then that's a surefire way to attain a divorce-proof relationship.
7. Solving a problem before it gets blown out of proportion is important.
Intimacy loses its appeal once it gets "infected" by those conflicts that cripple the relationship. Conflicts should let a couple grow and not cause the downfall.
It is nice to earn that happily-ever-after plateau. But marriage is not as easy as a Disney fairytale had told everyone. Intimacy must be maintained long after the honeymoon is over to guarantee the husband and wife that yes, this marriage would last. That yes, forever is possible.
About The Author
Joe and Emily Season are experts when it comes to relationships and marriage. They have helped countless couples find real happiness in their lives. Sign up now for their exciting new ezine at http://www.seasonedlove.org.Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/relationships/article_1303.shtml
Pursuit Of Happiness In A Marriage
By John Khu
Happiness is a precious gift. The pursuit of happiness should direct one to look within oneself and to the love that surrounds us. Happiness means well-being, sound health, and calm mind. Man is a social being and in spite of the nuclear society we live in today, all our relationships make us what we are. And one of the most important of them all is the institution of marriage. Marriage means commitment, love and understanding. More often than not the pursuit happiness ends in marriage.
Marriage is a firm bonding based on love, passion and sexual desire. Each equally important in its own sphere as we know that life should have a complete balance of love and commitment. Marriage is an ultimate commitment of life to peruse the natural way to attain happiness.
Pursuit of happiness through a marriage however is an individualistic view. While even half a century earlier marriage was the ultimate goal, the contemporary world has seen a drastic change in the way relationships are viewed. While marriage is still a revered institution it is no longer a respectability and recognition mandate, especially for women. Both genders today are equally ambitious and successful which makes the pursuit for happiness all the more definitive.
A happy and successful marriage today entails partners who deserve each other. They are a perfect match intellectually, physically and emotionally. Pursuit of happiness in marriage also includes the achievement of material comforts that ease the way for two people to share a lifetime together.
Pursuit of happiness in a marriage depends on making the right choices. Since ancient times marriage has been a source to attain real happiness and fulfillment in life. Marriage brings a sense of completeness in both men and women. This philosophy is reflected in all religions and isms that teach us to look deeper within ourselves. Marriage is the most natural institution formed by man. Evolution has made humans realize their gender differences and compatibility. Marriage has given them a formal bonding and an atmosphere to raise their children.
The pursuit of happiness through marriage is therefore a phenomenon that has come down through generations. It is a time-tested and proven theory which holds true even today because it is result of not human actions but human belief. It is an intrinsic aspect of human practicality. That is why, while many customs have come and gone with civilizations, marriage has lasted over centuries. Man’s pursuit of happiness is incomplete without the sanctity and bliss of a wedded life.
http://www.happyessence.com
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/relationships/article_1396.shtml
Happiness is a precious gift. The pursuit of happiness should direct one to look within oneself and to the love that surrounds us. Happiness means well-being, sound health, and calm mind. Man is a social being and in spite of the nuclear society we live in today, all our relationships make us what we are. And one of the most important of them all is the institution of marriage. Marriage means commitment, love and understanding. More often than not the pursuit happiness ends in marriage.
Marriage is a firm bonding based on love, passion and sexual desire. Each equally important in its own sphere as we know that life should have a complete balance of love and commitment. Marriage is an ultimate commitment of life to peruse the natural way to attain happiness.
Pursuit of happiness through a marriage however is an individualistic view. While even half a century earlier marriage was the ultimate goal, the contemporary world has seen a drastic change in the way relationships are viewed. While marriage is still a revered institution it is no longer a respectability and recognition mandate, especially for women. Both genders today are equally ambitious and successful which makes the pursuit for happiness all the more definitive.
A happy and successful marriage today entails partners who deserve each other. They are a perfect match intellectually, physically and emotionally. Pursuit of happiness in marriage also includes the achievement of material comforts that ease the way for two people to share a lifetime together.
Pursuit of happiness in a marriage depends on making the right choices. Since ancient times marriage has been a source to attain real happiness and fulfillment in life. Marriage brings a sense of completeness in both men and women. This philosophy is reflected in all religions and isms that teach us to look deeper within ourselves. Marriage is the most natural institution formed by man. Evolution has made humans realize their gender differences and compatibility. Marriage has given them a formal bonding and an atmosphere to raise their children.
The pursuit of happiness through marriage is therefore a phenomenon that has come down through generations. It is a time-tested and proven theory which holds true even today because it is result of not human actions but human belief. It is an intrinsic aspect of human practicality. That is why, while many customs have come and gone with civilizations, marriage has lasted over centuries. Man’s pursuit of happiness is incomplete without the sanctity and bliss of a wedded life.
About The Author
John Khu is an experience entrepreneur and internet marketer. He specializes in communication development and personal happiness.http://www.happyessence.com
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/relationships/article_1396.shtml
A Major Cause Of Relationship Problems
By Margaret Paul, Ph.D
We all know that relationships are very challenging. 52% of married people reach their 15th anniversary and only 33% reach their 25th anniversary.
I have been counseling individuals and couples for 40 years and I believe that I have discovered a major cause of relationship problems - if not THE major cause.
Simply put, each person makes the other person responsible for his or her feelings and then tries, in various ways, to have control over getting the other person to behave in the ways she or she wants.
When most people get into a relationship, they tend to believe that this person whom they love will finally make them feel safe, secure, adequate and lovable. Because most people do not know how to make themselves feel safe, secure, adequate and lovable, and because many people came from families that did not provide this, they each believe that it needs to be provided by the other person.
The other person might try very hard to provide this. Imagine that you have a partner who is very kind and caring. But imagine that you are very critical of yourself. While your partner's caring feels good, as long as you are judging yourself, you will feel bad. No matter how much your partner loves you, as long as you are being unloving to yourself, you will not feel safe, secure, adequate and lovable.
However, you might not realize that your feelings of insecurity, anxiety, or fear are coming from your own thoughts. You might think that you are not happy because your partner is just not loving you enough. As a result, you might try various actions to try have control over getting the love you want - such as getting angry, blaming, or giving yourself up. The act of trying to control your partner only adds to your own bad feelings.
Meanwhile, your partner is likely doing the same thing - trying to get you to make him or her feel safe, secure, adequate and lovable. But when you try to control your partner and your partner tries to control you, you both end up feeling worse. One or both of you might go into resistance, withdrawing to protect against being controlled. When one person withdraws to avoid being controlled, the other person might feel even more abandoned, trying even harder to have control over getting the love you want.
As long as you each make the other person responsible for your feelings, you will continue to create a relationship that doesn't work.
The way out of this - the way to break this codependent system - is for one person to start to take responsibility for his or her own feelings. It really just takes one person to break the unloving system that both have established. When you begin to notice the thoughts that create your fear, insecurity, and feelings of unworthiness and unlovability, then you can start to learn to heal the wounded part of you that is critical of you. As you do your own inner work and learn to love yourself, you stop being a victim. You stop blaming your partner. You stop trying to control your partner into making you feel loved.
While there is no guarantee that your partner will also make changes, there is a good possibility that when you learn how to make yourself happy and take the pressure off your partner to do this for you, he or she might be interested in doing this as well.
Whatever the outer problems are in your relationship - sexual issues, money issues, parenting issues, chores, time, and so on - the underlying issue not taking responsibility for your own feelings. When you decide to learn to do this, you may be thrilled with the results!
About the Author
Margaret Paul, Ph.D. best-selling author of eight books, and co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process. Visit her web site for a FREE Inner Bonding course: http://www.innerbonding.com mailto:margaret@innerbonding.com. Phone sessions available.
Source: http://www.article2.net/
How to Catch a Cheating Wife
By Sean Morissy
The last thing a husband wants to do is accuse his wife of having an affair when in fact she is not. Therefore, if you suspect your wife is cheating, take great care to do things the right way so you do not end up with a damaged marriage. One of the most common signs of a woman having an affair is her spending more time at work, long lunch hours, extra meetings and so on.
You see - the majority of affairs begin at work. The affair could be with an employee, boss, consultant, or client. Therefore, you first want to take note of any special attention pertaining to the workplace. For instance, if you notice your wife is spending more time taking care of herself to look nice at work, leaving earlier than usual, going out every day for lunch, staying late, taking business trips, and so on, then you may have a reason to be suspicious.
Once you begin to notice signs of change, you would begin to take note and look for proof. For instance, if you see that your wife’s behavior is different from usual, you are probably asking yourself why. If she becomes more interested in spending hours at the computer conversing with "friends" or "playing games" rather than going to bed, the behavior would be different, therefore, suspicious.
Another sign that your wife may be having an affair is that she suddenly takes up a new sport, activity, or some kind of interest. While this could a good thing and have nothing to do with cheating at all, again you want to pay attention. Along with the behavioral change would cove her taking better care of personal hygiene, having manicures and pedicures, choosing a new hair color and/or style, shopping for trendy or sexy clothes, etc.
Then, if you find that your wife prefers taking calls on her cell phone or perhaps talks in a quiet voice when the home phone rings, question it. Keep in mind that if your wife was cheating and you approach her, the chances are she will deny everything. For this reason, you must put it all together. This means looking at the computer to determine what sites she is visiting, obtaining cell phone records, and even following her, if necessary.
While the thought of following your wife sounds mean or invasive, if you believe she is having an affair, then you owe it to yourself and your family to know the truth. Sometimes, confirming an affair is hard. In this case, you might need to hire a private investigator to do the work for you. However, if you have time or interest, you can always be your own private eye. Finally, you can even purchase miniature, hidden cameras to place around the house if you believe she is having the man in, buy software that can monitor her computer activity, and a wide array of other tools to help you know if your wife is in fact cheating.
About the Author
Sean Morissy runs the hugely popular site dating woman, which helps you how to catch a cheating Spouse, which is very common in today’s husband and wives. Are you worried about cheating Spouse? Here you can find best book related to it.
Source: http://www.article2.net/
Bringing Back The Spark - 5 Secrets To Getting Your Husband To Adore You
If you are like most married women, the romance in your marriage has its ups and downs as time goes by. As you move together through the many changes that life brings, it is easy to forget to put each other first. If you are ready to win back his attention, first you need to understand what makes him tick.
Here are 5 secrets to getting him to adore you again:
Tip #1: Acknowledge his special value: Every man has a unique attribute, a special type of intelligence, or an area of expertise. You can bet that this is the thing about which your husband feels most proud. Why? Because your husband places a healthy portion of his own self-esteem on this value, silly as that may seem. In fact, most of what he says to you is simply him reminding you in different ways about this special value. By really listening to what he is saying and acknowledging his value directly, you will be amazed at how much he will start opening up to listen to you in return.
Tip #2: Quit making him shut down: Every husband has at least one or two things that make him seem to shut down or close up emotionally. Instead of being dismayed or trying to pry at the root of those things, it is better to let them lie. Learn what his shut-down triggers are and then learn to avoid them. If you are truly concerned about some deep issue he is facing, let him know you are concerned and ask if he would like to talk about it. But, if he does not want to, respect that and move on. Life is too short to always be trying to fix your husband. Avoid his triggers and enjoy happier times together.
Tip #3: Heed his "alone time beacon": Often, when a wife wants more attention from her husband, she will do whatever she can to get it: strike up a conversation, sit near him, or even nag him about being too quiet! During these times, you can bet that your husband is trying to send subtle signals that say "stay away - I need some alone time right now." It is a huge mistake to ignore those signals. Quite to the contrary, the secret to getting him to want to be around you is to actually let him have his alone time. Even encourage it. When you are feeling the need to spend time with him, arrange for a special get-together time after dinner and "invite" him to join you. By setting aside the time in advance, he will likely be much more responsive.
Tip #4: Be crystal clear about your feelings: You know the routine: you are feeling hurt or angry for some reason and you want him to guess your feelings and, even better, approach you about them. For 95% of men, this is just not going to happen. You must give up on this fantasy of wanting him to figure you out. Instead: choose the right time and express to him in a crystal clear way about what is bothering you. Avoid complaining. Rather, your sentence should go like this: "Honey, I am feeling hurt because of [fill in cause]. Is this a good time to talk about it?"
Tip #5: Show confidence in your looks: No discussion of marital relations is complete without mention of the physical side of the relationship. Regardless of the state of your sex life with your husband, being attracted to each other is the basis for any healthy marriage. Here is the formula for success: be confident in your face, your hair, your body and show it. Even on bad hair days, walk, talk, and sit in a way that says, "I am hot. I am attractive. Now, you can take it or leave it." Reason: confidence is extremely attractive to a man and he will adore you all the more for it.
About the Author
Want to rekindle your love? Here is a guide that has helped many others like you to fall in love again: www.Earth-Matters.com
Source: http://www.article2.net/
A Woman Needs a Man as Her Husband
By Dalip singh Wasan, Advocate.
A woman knows that she shall not living all her life with her parents. She knows that one day she would be married and she shall be shifting to the house of her in laws and the main character in that house shall be her husband who had chosen her as his life partner. When she was growing young, she had been making so many images of of her would be husband. She wants that her husband should be properly educated, should be properly trained, properly adjusted at work, should be having handsome income, should be having good reputation, should be honest, should be having good health, should be able to protect her, should be able to give her love and affection and should be able to maintain her well so that she could live a life of her own. She wants that her husband should be a clean person, should not be inclined to another woman and should not be wasting more and more time on that lady. She wants that the husband may be having sisters and brothers, parents and some people to support, but at the same time he should be available to her and he must be taking care of her and should not be ignoring her in comparison with other members of the family. Such are the wishes of the woman who shall be coming to the house of a man and therefore, he must have knowledge about these wishes and desires of the woman who shall come to his house and till he has not prepared the grounds, he should not marry a girl, especially a girl with modern education and training and especially a woman who is already in job and is earning hand.
The man must prepare himself and must be able to show that he is the man of her dreams and the man who is really a life partner for her fixed by God before sending them on this earth. If some of the requirements are not there, there are no chances of a successful marriage and married life. She shall not be adjusted and a frustrated lady shall create all types of troubles in the house and the remaining part of life shall become a hell. Therefore, the man should prepare himself before his marriage and should not have a faith that the lady coming to his house shall be adjusting herself in all types of circumstances available in his house. Those are the days gone and now such ladies are not available in the society who shall be adjusting themselves in spite of all the hurdles and difficulties. Therefore, marriage to day is a contract and both sides must have to keep in mind the minimum conditions from both the side and only then this contract shall be finalized and executed properly.
A woman knows that she shall not living all her life with her parents. She knows that one day she would be married and she shall be shifting to the house of her in laws and the main character in that house shall be her husband who had chosen her as his life partner. When she was growing young, she had been making so many images of of her would be husband. She wants that her husband should be properly educated, should be properly trained, properly adjusted at work, should be having handsome income, should be having good reputation, should be honest, should be having good health, should be able to protect her, should be able to give her love and affection and should be able to maintain her well so that she could live a life of her own. She wants that her husband should be a clean person, should not be inclined to another woman and should not be wasting more and more time on that lady. She wants that the husband may be having sisters and brothers, parents and some people to support, but at the same time he should be available to her and he must be taking care of her and should not be ignoring her in comparison with other members of the family. Such are the wishes of the woman who shall be coming to the house of a man and therefore, he must have knowledge about these wishes and desires of the woman who shall come to his house and till he has not prepared the grounds, he should not marry a girl, especially a girl with modern education and training and especially a woman who is already in job and is earning hand.
The man must prepare himself and must be able to show that he is the man of her dreams and the man who is really a life partner for her fixed by God before sending them on this earth. If some of the requirements are not there, there are no chances of a successful marriage and married life. She shall not be adjusted and a frustrated lady shall create all types of troubles in the house and the remaining part of life shall become a hell. Therefore, the man should prepare himself before his marriage and should not have a faith that the lady coming to his house shall be adjusting herself in all types of circumstances available in his house. Those are the days gone and now such ladies are not available in the society who shall be adjusting themselves in spite of all the hurdles and difficulties. Therefore, marriage to day is a contract and both sides must have to keep in mind the minimum conditions from both the side and only then this contract shall be finalized and executed properly.
About the Author
Source: http://www.article2.net/
How to Catch a Cheating Husband
By Sean Morissy
About the Author
Sean Morissy runs the hugely popular site dating woman, which helps you how to catch a cheating Spouse, which is very common in today’s husband and wives. Are you worried about cheating Spouse? Here you can find best book related to it.
Source : http://www.article2.net/
Over the years, a number of studies have been performed to determine information specific to a cheating spouse. Compiled information shows that 85% of women who believe their spouse is having an affair are right. In addition, these studies show that 50% of men who feel the wife is cheating, is right. Therefore, if you are married and your gut is telling you that something is wrong, chances are in your favor that something suspicious is going on.
In this article, we wanted to address some of the ways in which you could catch a cheating husband. Obviously, the future of the marriage would depend on recognizing the telltale signs of an affair. If the affair were confirmed, then a couple would need to decide the future direction of the marriage. Of course, the wife would need to decide if she were willing to stay and work hard to rebuild the marriage or move on.
Interestingly, more than 800 different signs can show if a husband is cheating, some that you may find surprising. Although we cannot cover them all in one article, we did want to provide you with the various categories in which these signs fall, as well as a few specific things you could watch for if suspicious of your husband cheating.
Physical Appearance
Relating to the Wife
Conversation/Communication
Work Habits
Daily Behavior
Finances
Travel
Behavioral Changes/Personality
Absences
Phone Tip-Offs
Clues with the Car
Eating Habits
Taste and Smell
Home Invasion
Gifts
Computer/Cell Phone/Pager Use
Physical Evidence
Disclosure or Slip-Ups
Of these categories, we will touch on the first four, giving you ways in which you can catch your husband cheating. Again, knowing the signs will help build your case so you can eventually confront him with the truth.
•Physical Appearance – If you were to notice your husband taking greater interest in his physical appearance, you might wonder why. For instance, a sudden interest in working out at the gym, wearing hair in a new style, different or new clothing, and overall personal hygiene could all be signs of an affair.
•Relating to the Wife – Sometimes, a cheating husband will begin to act
differently to the wife. For instance, the husband may no longer be interested in conversation, he may stop opening the car door, or perhaps he no longer wants to dine out for date night, and so on. While these signs are not definite for an affair, they could be indicators.
•Conversation/Communication – Often times, a husband having an affair will become quiet. This means normal conversation/communication diminishes or stops altogether.
•Work Habits – A cheating husband will try to find ways of getting out of the home, using work as an excuse. Therefore, you would find him attending more long or after-hour meetings, needing to travel out of town, or blaming overload on spending more hours at the office.
About the Author
Sean Morissy runs the hugely popular site dating woman, which helps you how to catch a cheating Spouse, which is very common in today’s husband and wives. Are you worried about cheating Spouse? Here you can find best book related to it.
Source : http://www.article2.net/
Mistakes Men Make in Relationships
By Joy Bates
It’s a known fact that men and women are situated on opposite ends of the relationship spectrum. Although they share similar human traits, men are more driven by logic as opposed to emotions as women do. As a result, they think, feel, and act differently when interacting with their partners and dealing with life’s challenges. Generally speaking, men are unemotional, collected, rational, and analytical, while women are emotional, reactive, sensitive, and sentimental. It’s no wonder their friendly chats occasionally end up in the battle of the sexes. With this in mind, love and harmony can be achieved in relationships. Men and women just need to embrace their differences.
To shed more light on this interesting topic, the following are some of the most common mistakes men make in relationships:
• Men are candid about their partners’ looks. In order to get attention and assurance from their partners, most women would solicit their thoughts on their appearance. They would pose questions such as, “do you think I gained weight” or “do you like my new hairstyle”? Naturally, women expect positive reactions from their sweethearts. If men wish to avoid any argument with their wives or girlfriends, they need to refrain from giving negative responses or feedback.
• Men automatically launch into “problem-solving” mode when they are presented with issues by their partners. The reality is women run to their significant others for emotional support regarding their workplace woes, family problems, among other things. They are not searching for solutions. They simply want to “vent”. In return, they just need their partners to listen and provide comforting words like “everything will be ok”. A nice hug would also do the trick.
• Men tend to express their honest views of another woman’s beauty to their wives or girlfriends. Big mistake! Typically, women put their men to the test to ensure that they still find them attractive. For example, they would ask, “do you think Jennifer is pretty?” If a man answers yes to that question, World War III would break out.
• When women provide suggestions or advice to their husbands or boyfriends on any topic, they get defensive and perceive their friendly gesture as intimidating and condescending. They interpret their innocent help as a form of criticism, attack, and condemnation. They feel their intelligence is being challenged.
• Men are not romantic enough. Women crave to be told and shown how much they are loved and desired by their partners in countless ways. They long to be hugged, kissed, touched, caressed, and told how beautiful and sexy they are. And, to solidify these romantic overtures, flowers, love notes, or a stroll on the sandy beaches of a tropical island are encouraged.
• Men hardly participate with household chores. In the past, men were the sole breadwinners and women’s place in society was at home. Today, men and women both earn a living and therefore should have their share of domestic responsibilities.
• Men have the natural tendency of hiding their true feelings concerning their careers, family life, and so on. This can be problematic and can cause a serious communication breakdown. If this behavior persists, it will slowly destroy the relationship.
Men and women have similarities and differences in their approach to relationships and life in general. In order to make the marriage or relationship flourish, both genders should be aware of their differences and accept them wholeheartedly.
About the Author
Joy Bates is a co-owner of relationship-remedy.com, which provides articles, e-books, advice, and the like pertaining to relationships. Come visit our website http://www.relationship-remedy.com, your gateway to a happy relationship.Love Letters
By Shweeta Bhandari
It is often said that Language is the poetry of the soul. When you wish to speak of your love for that one special person, what other better way to do so than by speaking out your heart on perfumed paper, and sealed with a kiss? Yes, we are referring to the humble love letter.
Love letters have their firm place in history, the cause of alliances and the reason for wars. Yet, very few delights can compare to the sweet sorrow that one feels, while writing a love letter. The mode of sending a letter across was also quite different earlier. One would use pigeons for the purpose, or simply send it through a trusted friend. Today too, a love letter is rated as one of the topmost ways of saying I Love You. There is something humble, direct and romantic about reading words on paper. More importantly, you can keep on reading the letter as and when you wish, and even sleep with it under your pillow if you desire. Today, thanks to the commercialization of love itself, one can get so many choices even in letter pads. Gone are the days of plain white paper, now it comes in different shapes, sizes, patterns and colors.
Of course not all of us can speak out matters of the heart with such eloquence like an orator. Which is why for the rest of us we can now refer to websites which will help us say what we want the right way? There are sites with ready love letters already put up. All you need to do is copy them word for word, and then post the letter to your love. One cannot deny however that in the face of technology, a handwritten love letter still holds its own place.
Love letters as the name suggests always brings smile on your face. Earlier when there was not internet and other modes of communication then letter is used as the primary way to communicate with the people who used to be distant apart. Mailing a love letter expresses more feelings and emotions than an electronic love letter. Originally you can put all the stuff you wanted to be sent with the love letter. Colors like red, purple, pink, yellow are used most while writing a love letter.
Would you like to send love letters electronically? There are many other websites as well who are providing lovely and romantic love letters, so better to search on internet and then find the best for you depending upon the situation in which you are. If your lover of friend is apart from you and at very long distance then letters are the best media for conversions. These days no doubt emails are there to communicate but sending letters through mail has its own dignity and value. Put some colors of happiness, cent of love, attachment of feelings and emotions and see you will get a perfect letter carrying your message to your beloved or near or dear ones.
About the Author
Shweeta Bhandari is an renowned writer in poems, quotes, romance, romantic quotes & relationships. She is a professional content writer working for Best Quotes Poems
Source: http://www.article2.net/Where Does Happiness Come From?
As December rolls in for another round of the Holidays, I think we all have to ponder what really makes us happy. It is a time of the year which promotes spending, but at the same time provides many unique opportunities to give and to provide others with kind services. It is a time of the year where families are able to come together and to cherish past traditions and memories.
So what really does make us happy? For some happiness comes in providing happiness to others. Giving is one of the best ways to go about providing this to others. It is interesting to see how much consumers will spend in order to provide the latest and greatest gifts during the Holidays to help others feel of their love. Giving doesnt necessarily mean that one needs to spend, rather time can be given to help those who might be less fortunate that others. Happiness can be found in giving of your own talents and skills to help someone. Their appreciation for these simple acts are sure to provide happiness and meaning to life. There is no wrong or right way, the important thing is that you discover something that makes you happy.
Spending time with loved ones is another way of finding happiness. Around the Holidays families tend to gather, some travel from all distances to see loved ones who have spread to different corners of the world. It is a time when families can bring back those special moments that life has provided for them and share with those who they care most about. These times are those that can provide true happiness, a feeling of complete enjoyment and acceptance.
Finding true love is one of the best ways to find happiness. There is something about being with the person that you love. Moments when it doesnt matter what you do or say, its just about being together. Laughing about things that dont have any significance, but talking about some of your deepest thoughts and dreams without having to hold anything back because you know you are loved for exactly who you are. A true love will know you for the person you are and see the potential that lays within you. You will never feel more yourself than when you are spending time with that one true love. This is where happiness can be found.
Happiness can come from many different areas. It is a feeling that once found, is difficult to let go; because it makes life worth living. It is a feeling which brings out the best in people and can inspire others to have those same thoughts and feelings. Laughter can be heard, smiles can be seen, and lives can be changes when it is around.
So what really does make us happy? For some happiness comes in providing happiness to others. Giving is one of the best ways to go about providing this to others. It is interesting to see how much consumers will spend in order to provide the latest and greatest gifts during the Holidays to help others feel of their love. Giving doesnt necessarily mean that one needs to spend, rather time can be given to help those who might be less fortunate that others. Happiness can be found in giving of your own talents and skills to help someone. Their appreciation for these simple acts are sure to provide happiness and meaning to life. There is no wrong or right way, the important thing is that you discover something that makes you happy.
Spending time with loved ones is another way of finding happiness. Around the Holidays families tend to gather, some travel from all distances to see loved ones who have spread to different corners of the world. It is a time when families can bring back those special moments that life has provided for them and share with those who they care most about. These times are those that can provide true happiness, a feeling of complete enjoyment and acceptance.
Finding true love is one of the best ways to find happiness. There is something about being with the person that you love. Moments when it doesnt matter what you do or say, its just about being together. Laughing about things that dont have any significance, but talking about some of your deepest thoughts and dreams without having to hold anything back because you know you are loved for exactly who you are. A true love will know you for the person you are and see the potential that lays within you. You will never feel more yourself than when you are spending time with that one true love. This is where happiness can be found.
Happiness can come from many different areas. It is a feeling that once found, is difficult to let go; because it makes life worth living. It is a feeling which brings out the best in people and can inspire others to have those same thoughts and feelings. Laughter can be heard, smiles can be seen, and lives can be changes when it is around.
About the Author
If you have found your true love that brings happiness into your life and marriage is on the horizon, Infinity Tungsten wants to help. Infinity Tungsten offers mens and womens Tungsten rings and Tungsten Carbide wedding bands. You deserve to be happy.
Source: http://www.article2.net/Should I Lie to Protect the Relationship?
By Kristin Denton & Paul Sterling
Remember how your relationship was in the very beginning?
You stayed up all night talking about everything - your dreams and desires and even the things that scare or embarrass you. But then, as the relationship went a long, you stopped talking about so much. Everything became so heavy and meaningful.
In the beginning, things were great. There was a level of trust and open communication that created intimacy and understanding. So, what happened to that? Where did it go and how can you get it back?
I used to try to protect my partner from those heavy, bad moods and ugly thoughts. I went to my room and hung out until I felt like socializing again.
I thought I was noble in my ability to control what came out of my mouth.
I thought I was kind because I never let on what I was thinking.
But what I was doing was ruining my relationships. There was no relationship. I was cutting myself off from others and never allowing them to know me. They never knew what I was thinking or feeling or needing.
I was an island. A very lonely island.
I really thought that if I let people know the ugly thoughts, not only would they be hurt - but they would probably become angry and disown me - betray me, talk shit behind my back. I would be the outcast.
So I beat them to the punch! Hah! I'd banish myself to my own room (or apartment, as I got older). I'd banish myself to silence.
You can either have a N.I.C.E. (Not Interested in Connecting Emotionally) relationship... where you hide what is true out of fear. Or you can have an alive, real relationship with intimacy, compassion and understanding.
Some people withhold from their partner and add an extra zinger -- they put on a show of pain and discomfort in order to punish them. It's an effort to communicate just how much pain they're in. But none of it's verbalized. It's a show of the pain.
When you start keeping secrets and withholding,.. when you cut off the sharing of life force between you,... you're cutting off the intimacy in your relationship. Even if you think you're protecting your partner from painful or embarrassing thoughts - it's still destroying your relationship.
Relationships require sharing... both our dreams and desires along with our doubts and fears.
What are you feeling and what needs of yours are being met or not? ...
I'm happy because my need for support in keeping our home is being met.
I'm disappointed because my need for partnership isn't being met in the way we're handling our finances.
I'm sad because my need for connection isn't being met when you're out with your friends every evening.
You can find out more about this style of intimate communication, along with other advice on building healthy, intimate relationships, at our website: www MagicRelationship dot com.
Another tip: when you offer your feelings and needs, it's best to follow them with a request. If you offer them without a request, your partner won't know why you're giving them the information.
Do you want to be just heard?
Do you want advice?
Do you want to come up with a strategy for meeting your needs? Why the heck are you telling me this?
Often, a comment without a request will be taken as blame... which will lead to fixing, fighting or fleeing. Don't leave your poor partner hanging.
Paul and I recommend asking, "Would you tell me what you heard me say?" (Avoid saying 'could'- it implies they aren't intelligent enough to repeat you. And avoid saying "What did I say?" because what you said and what they heard are two different things.)
And one more tip: don't think that little behaviors are enough to be warranted as 'sharing feelings and needs.' Fixing your honey a cup of coffee in the morning is very sweet, but it may not communicate your feelings of love and contentment like actually verbalizing the information. "I love you so much", PLUS the cup of coffee goes much further.
Frowning and throwing around the bed covers while you make the bed may not adequately communicate your feelings and needs, either.
Instead, say: "I'm feeling disappointed because my need for support around the house isn't being met. Would you be willing to discuss a way to help that would also meet your needs?"
There's no room for misinterpretation there.
Try it out this holiday season: make a pact with your beloved to share absolutely ALL your feelings and needs for one day - the good, the bad and the ugly. Then follow the information with a request.
Be prepared to spend some time processing and discussing those feelings and needs as they come up.
However, try to avoid getting into BLAMING and 'FAULT' behind the feelings and needs. That tends to end up in a free-for-all about evaluations and judgments - who's right and who's wrong. Try to stick with feelings, needs and requests.
Try to do this on a day when you'll have the time.
You won't want to get cut off because you have to run to pick up the kids right when you're getting to the heart of an issue that's snuck up silently between you.
You're going to want to stay and hold each other and talk it through... and feel the intimacy of clearing out all of those old, crusty feelings and unmet needs that have been clogging the flow of love.
And, again, you can find out more about this style of intimate communication for relationships, at our website - www MagicRelationship dot com - a along with advice on building healthy relationships.
About the Author
Kristin Denton & Paul Sterling teach Relationship Communication Skills - Live Seminars or Tele-Classes including - 4 Steps To Instant Intimacy & Understanding - Relationship-Wrecking Mistakes -To get a free copy of 'The 5 Mistakes Report' go to http://www.magicRelationship.com/freeaccess
Source: http://www.article2.net/I Wanna Go Home - Michael Buble
Another summer day,
has come and gone away,
in Paris or Rome,
but I wanna go home
Mm….
Maybe surrounded by,
a million people I,
still feel all alone,
just wanna go home
Oh I miss you, you know
And I’ve been keeping all the letters that I wrote to you,
each one a line or two,
“I’m fine baby, how are you?”
Well I would send them but I know that it’s just not enough
My words were cold and flat,
and you deserve more than that
Another aeroplane,
another sunny place,
I’m lucky I know,
but I wanna go home
Mm, I gotta go home
Let me go home~…
I’m just too far, from where you are,
I wanna come home
And I feel just like I’m living someone else’s life,
it’s like I just stepped outside,
when everything was going right
And I know just why you could not come along with me,
this was not your dream,
but you always believed~ in me
Another winter day,
has come and gone away,
in even Paris and Rome,
and I wanna go home,
let me go home…
And I’m surrounded by,
a million people I,
still feel alone and let me go home,
Oh, I miss you, you know
Let me go home~…
I’ve had my run,
baby, I`m done,
I gotta go home
Let me go home~…
It’ll all be alright,
I’ll be home tonight,
I’m coming back home…
Communication Breakdown
It happens to the best of us. Communication is such a fickle thing, and the lines of communication can become blurred every so often, especially when feelings are involved. Even those who think that they are immune to the confusion of conflict can find themselves drawn into a communication breakdown when they least expect it, and chaos ensues.
This happened to me on the weekend, and until to be quite honest, it took me by surprise. Even those of us who are better equipped than many others are not immune. My partner told me something that really hurt my feelings, and I lashed back in defense. It was a silly argument, over something as simple as a misplaced bottle of aftershave. But to me, it represented something much deeper, that had been simmering away for a couple of weeks. I get frustrated at having to search for something when it is not where I expect it to be. Worse still when my partner has shifted it and I don’t know the first place to begin searching.
Aftershave, needles and thread, car keys, a Tupperware container to store my baking soda in, covers for our outdoor chairs, all were examples of instances where I had to turn the house upside-down. A simple answer from my partner when these things were shifted would have saved me a lot of time and frustration. And the answer I got? "You need to open your eyes and organize yourself better"
I was gutted. When I come home from work I exercise the dog and cook dinner so that it is on the table by the time my partner gets home. The house is always spotless and warm, as I’m very conscious of coming home to a tidy environment. I see this as a fundamental part of my role in coming home first, and it takes a lot of my time. To imply that I have the time to "organize yourself better" really hurt.
I don’t expect praise, but I did hope that my efforts were recognized. I got told that "I don’t expect you to cook my dinner every night" was interpreted by me as ingratitude, and hurt me even more.
So where to from here? My partner felt guilty at coming home every night to the perfect household, whereas I felt guilty if it wasn’t perfect. It was never about me trying to make him feel guilty, but it seems it did. And this is where the communication fell down. He misinterpreted my efforts, and I misinterpreted his response.
Communication, communication, communication. I need for my partner to keep me informed of where things move to. I need to be informed. I need to voice my frustration before it gets to boiling point. We both need to talk about our feelings more, and how each of our contributions to our home and our relationship make us feel, and how we interpret each others contributions. It is not a competition, but for many couples it feels like it.
When people feel guilt or stress, it leads them to act funny ways. Often stress and guilt are barriers to communication. The key to overcoming them is to recognize what it is, and have the courage to talk about it. You might be able to do it as a couple, or you might want the help of a friend who can listen to the way you are communicating with each other and offer insights and advice.
We got it sorted out, and kissed and hugged. It wouldn’t hurt so much if I didn’t feel such love at the same time. But it served as a good reminder to me. Sometimes you get so wrapped up in your own emotions that you forget to think of the other person. You also need to entertain the possibility that you are misinterpreting each other. Talking about it is the way to expose the miscommunication and let the healing begin.
A good lesson to learn, even for the experts…
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About the Author
This article is brought to you by Save My Marriage Today.
Source: http://www.article2.net/I'll Make Love To You - Boyz II Men
Close your eyes, make a wish
And blow out the candlelight
For tonight is just your night
We’re gonna celebrate, all thru the night
Pour the wine, light the fire
Girl your wish is my command
I submit to your demands
I’ll do anything, girl you need only ask
And blow out the candlelight
For tonight is just your night
We’re gonna celebrate, all thru the night
Pour the wine, light the fire
Girl your wish is my command
I submit to your demands
I’ll do anything, girl you need only ask
I’ll make love to you
Like you want me to
And I’ll hold you tight
Baby all through the night
I’ll make love to you
When you want me to
And I will not let go
Till you tell me to
Girl relax, let’s go slow
I ain’t got nowhere to go
I’m just gonna concentrate on you
Girl are you ready, it’s gonna be a long night
Throw your clothes on the floor
I’m gonna take my clothes off too
I made plans to be with you
Girl whatever you ask me you know I’ll do
I’ll make love to you
Like you want me to
And I’ll hold you tight
Baby all through the night
I’ll make love to you
When you want me to
And I will not let go
Till you tell me to
Baby tonight is your night
And I will do you right
Just make a wish on your night
Anything that you ask
I will give you the love of your life
Does She Really Love You?
Did you hear that? She just said: "I love you." If you live in the 18th century, you could have slapped the rusticated walls with joy. You could have been jumping all day and has gathered all flowers in the prairie to offer her. You could have chased the moons and do all the impossibilities for that much awaited phrases said by millions of chivalrous men that lived and died for their beloved ladies. I love you.
It turned out that you involuntarily build up wrinkles in your young face when she mumbled it because it is the 21st century and all the greeting cards in the world is mechanically printed with "I love you/s" on it. Then you opened her card and find the phrases on it. Your girl is too verbal about the whole affair that all her friends know that she loves you as she says. The commodity is too cheaply spoken. You heard her saying it even to her poodle. With all the silence broken by benefit of doubts, now you wonder in your subconscious thinking: "Does she really love me?"
If you have this kind of thinking, then you will really have a hard time accepting love and getting it in return. Before you even ponder on the answer, better look in the mirror and recall if you always have these doubts in the past relationships you had. If not, then it's time to make a better and more scientific approach.
Are you diagnosed psychologically? Seriously, then this could justify why you cannot accept realities in its simple form. Otherwise, everything is environmental and can be dealt with.
Here are the signs that a person really loves you:
* ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS:
Is she always there when you have dates? If not, does she leave you considerate words of excuse and make it easy for you by not letting you wait for an hour or so before even telling that she will not be coming. She treats you well by meeting halfway with what you both agree with. In other words, she will show it in her actions even without saying. You cannot expect someone saying, "I love you" all the time yet you caught her dating somebody else without your consent.
* ONE CANNOT LOVE WITHOUT GIVING
Does she try to please you with abstract things that you did not yet you get it from her? If she truly loves you, then she will find out what you want in a creative way and try to make sure that you get it. It could come in small gifts small gifts such as books related to your interests, a small gadget or any stuff. Without involving cash, it could be a kiss on the cheek that you longed for. It is something that has impact on you that come in small packages that make both of you happy.
* LOVE IS LIBERATING
If your girl clings to you constantly, turning your gazes only to her, does not want you to even use the computer other than checking your email, gets angry when you overlooked her birthday, and wants all attention focused on her, then you will end up feeling exhausted in her confinement. If she wants to drive your life's goal to her interests alone, wants you to forget your loved ones, wants to see you every minute and most of all, does not want to release you when you want to get off her, then she is not truly in love with you. She is having you as a vanity.
* LOVE IS SUSTAINED BY MAINTENANCE
If she is constantly working out with you to make up for the mistakes and failures of your relationship, then it has chances of lingering and getting a wholesome journey. If it is only you, or only one of you is constantly working out to fill up the space that missing between you, then your relationship could die. You must see that she is doing the initiative with you for quality relationship.
Initially, it is only you who can judge if the relationship could be taken to its ultimate bond, which is marriage. It will take a lot of factors to know an individual based on her environment and social heredity. It is immaterial to have evidence if the person truly loves you just for personal satisfaction. Most of the time, it is a combination of opposite feelings, which in the end you will find out in old age...that is if she is still with you.
About the Author
My Relationship Tips has hundreds of dating and relationship tips for men and women.
Source: http://www.article2.net/The Way - Clay Aiken
Theres something bout the way you look tonight
Theres something bout the way that i can’t take my eyes off you.
Theres something bout the way your lips invite
Maybe its the way that i get nervous when your around.
And I want you to be mine
And if u need a reason why
Theres something bout the way that i can’t take my eyes off you.
Theres something bout the way your lips invite
Maybe its the way that i get nervous when your around.
And I want you to be mine
And if u need a reason why
Its in the way that you move me
And the way that you tease me
The way that I want you tonight
Its in the way that youhold me
And the way that you know me
When I can’t find the right words to say
You feel it in the way, you feel it in the way.
Theres something bout how you stay on my mind
Theres something bout the way that I whisper your name when I’m asleep Oh no..
Maybe its the look you get in your eyes
Oh baby its the way that makes me feel to see you smile
And the reasons they may change but what i’m feeling stays the same.
I can’t put my fingers on just what it is that makes me love you, you baby
So don’t ask me to describe, I get all chokedup inside
Just thinking bout the way..
If Tomorrow Never Comes - Ronan Keating
Sometimes late at night,
I lie awake and watch her sleeping
She’s lost in peaceful dreams so I turn out the lights,
lay there in the dark
And the thought crosses my mind,
if I never wake, in the morning
Would she ever doubt,
the way I feel about her in my heart
If tomorrow never comes,
will she know how much I loved her
That I try in every way,
to show her every day,
that she’s my only one
If my time on earth were through
She must face this world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past,
gonna be enough to last,
if tomorrow never comes
’cause I’ve lost love once in my life,
who never knew how much I loved them
Now I live with the regret that my true feelings for them,
never were revealed
So I made a promise to myself,
to say each day how much she means to me
And avoid that circumstance where there’s no second chance,
to tell her how I feel
So tell that someone that you love,
just what you’re thinking of,
if tomorrow never comes
Kiss Her Better Than The Other Guy
By Chris Williams
Because of the nature of my writing it is essential that I have a large number of women friends. Of course they rarely completely agree on every topic. However, there is one thing that every single one of them is in universal agreement about.
...Bad kissers immediately lose any chance of sleeping with them.
Yes, apparently, a guy can do everything right all evening but if he sucks (sometimes literally) at kissing she'll immediately say her grandma is dying and get the hell out of there.
Why is a simple thing like kissing such a big deal to women? Well, in her mind, if a guy can't do an easy thing like kissing well, he's probably not going to be that great at other sensual things either.
Fortunately, you don't have to be one of those guys. Study the following kissing tips and leave the getting ditched to the other chumps.
Make sure you're kissable
This one's easy but definitely necessary. Start by practicing good dental hygiene. Brush your teeth and tongue regularly, floss, and use mouthwash.
Carry breath mints if you think there is even a small chance you will be kissing. Don't forget a tube of chapstick to keep your lips soft and smooth. Make sure it's not medicated chapstick though, that stuff tastes terrible.
Avoid foods with an unpleasant or strong aftertaste. These include garlic, onions, and most spicy foods. Don't smoke unless she does.
Pick the right moment
Don't force her into a kiss. Make sure she wants it first.
How will you know for sure? Check her body language. If she smiles a lot, touches you shamelessly, and bites or licks her lips, she probably wants it.
Start with a closed mouth kiss and go from there
Don't just stick out your tongue and plow in. Start with a gentle, closed-mouth kiss. Don't worry, it will escalate.
When you go in for the kiss do it with confidence. Act like you've kissed her a million times. This may be hard, but remember that confidence is the number one turn-on for women. Take advantage of that.
Use your hands
This doesn't mean you have a license to grope around like a horny moron. It simply means you need to place your hands where they will have maximum effect. One of the best hand placements for a French kiss goes like this: Left hand on her hip, right hand on her side between her waist and underarm.
If that position isn't possible, you can touch her back, hair, neck, or even the side of her face.
Take it slow
If your closed-mouth kiss didn't freak her out, try opening your lips slightly. She should reciprocate at this point and it's on!
Take it to the next level by opening your mouth a little more and gently touch her tongue with yours. Keep the touch of your tongue and lips soft. French kissing can be likened to dancing in that a good kisser will smoothly flow and adapt to what their partner is doing.
Do yourself a favor. Don't treat kissing as a stepping stone to other activities. She'll know what you're thinking and it will piss her off. A good kisser treats kissing like the main event. He kisses like he's enjoying every second and doesn't want to do anything else. Ironically, this is exactly what makes her want to do everything else.
About the Author
Chris Williams is a contributing writer for French-Kissing-Techniques.com a collection of French kissing techniques, articles, tips, and resources.
Source: http://www.article2.net/
If You'e Not The One - Daniel Bedingfield
If you’re not the one then why does my soul feel glad, today
If you’re not the one then why does my hand fit yours, this way
If you are not mine then why does your heart return, my call
If you are not mine would I have the strength to stand, at all
I never know what the future brings
But I know you’re here with me now
We’ll make it through
And I hope you are the one I share my life with
I don’t want to run away but I can’t take it, I don’t understand
If I’m not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am
Is there any way that I can stay, in your arms
If I don’t need you then why am I crying on, my bed?
If I don’t need you then why does your name resound, in my head?
If you’re not for me then why does this distance maim, my life?
If you’re not for me then why do I dream of you, as my wife?
I don’t know why you’re so far away
But I know that this much is true
We’ll make it through
And I hope you are the one I share my life with
And I wish that you could be the one I die with
And I pray in you’re the one I build my home with
I hope I love you all my life
Cause I miss you, body and soul so strong that it takes my breath away
And I breathe you into my heart and pray for the strength to stand today
Cause I love you, whether it’s wrong or right
And though I can’t be with you tonight
You know my heart is by your side
I Wanna Be With You - Mandy Moore
I try but I can’t seem to get myself to think of anything, but you
Your breath on my face, your warm gentle kiss I taste,
the truth, I taste the truth
Your breath on my face, your warm gentle kiss I taste,
the truth, I taste the truth
We know what I came here for
So I won’t ask for more
I wanna be with you, if only for a night
To be the one whose in your arms who holds you tight
I wanna be with you, there’s nothing more to say
There’s nothing else I want more than to feel, this way
I wanna be with you, yeah
So I’ll hold you tonight like I would if you were mine,
to hold, forever more
And I’ll saver each touch that I wanted so much to feel before,
to feel before
How beautiful it is
Just to be like this
(I wanna be) I wanna be with, you
Oh, baby
I can’t fight this feeling anymore
It drives me, crazy, when I try to
So call my name, take my hand
Can you make my wish
Baby, your command?
I wanna be with you
There`s nothing more to say
There`s nothing else I want more than to feel this way
(I wanna be) I wanna be with you (I wanna be with you)
I wanna be with you
Wanna be with you~ (Yeahh)
(I wanna be with you) I wanna be
I wanna be with you
(I wanna be)
(i wanna be)
(I wanna be with you) Yeahh
(I wanna be with you)
I wanna be, I wanna be baby
I wanna be
(I wanna be with you)
I wanna be with you yeah
I wanna be with you
I wanna be with you
Valentine's Day - Different Ways to Spoil your Loved Ones
By Andrea Cox
Valentine's Day is a day for romance. Traditionally a day when we hope to receive cards, flowers and maybe a gift from those that we love or admire. Cards are usually given anonymously. It's great fun to try and disguise your token of appreciation and maddening trying to work out who the sender of your's is. It is always a thrill to receive a Valentine from someone we have feelings for, particularly if it is a new potential relationship.
Valentine's Day is a day for romance. Traditionally a day when we hope to receive cards, flowers and maybe a gift from those that we love or admire. Cards are usually given anonymously. It's great fun to try and disguise your token of appreciation and maddening trying to work out who the sender of your's is. It is always a thrill to receive a Valentine from someone we have feelings for, particularly if it is a new potential relationship.
The story goes that in the 3rd century St Valentine married a couple in secret at a time when it was banned by Emporer Cladius 11. For this he was sentenced to death and while in prison he fell in love with the jailer's blind daughter (allegedly the power of his love restored her sight). Just before he died he sent her a message signed "from your Valentine".
Gifts for your loved ones
Long-established symbols of love are hearts, red roses and kisses and traditional gifts of flowers, chocolates and perfume are given at Valentines. Heart shaped gifts or items decorated with Hearts are also popular. If you've been with your sweetheart for some time then you may be past flowers and chocolate and need inspiration for a more original gift. Heart shaped pottery or pottery decorated with hearts would be a long-lasting token. Your partner would think of you each morning as he or she sipped their morning tea from their Heart covered mug or serve a romantic breakfast in bed on Hearts pottery. You could fill a jug with flowers or add a personal message or their pet-name to a mug or teapot.
It is traditional to give your partners gifts for Valentine's but it's also a nice gesture to show your other loved ones how you feel about them on this special day. Secret cards to confuse your children (my grandfather always used to send me a card from whoever my love of the moment was be it David Cassidy or David Soul). Anonymous cards to friends, but with a clue that it might be from their best friend so that their hopes aren't raised too much, nobody wants to be cruel.
Surprise someone
I know we show our appreciation on Mother's and Father's Day but still, particularly if people are on their own, it's nice to feel that you are loved - send flowers to your mum or an "I Love You" mug to your dad. They won't expect it and will be thrilled to be thought of.
Restaurants are always packed on Valentine's Day - full of little tables for two. Your favourite local never feels the same on this night. If you are determined to go out together for a romantic meal why not try something different. What about a picnic (I know it's winter) but if it's a bright, dry day nothing could be nicer. You could take hot chicken or sausages, flasks of soup and a bottle of red wine. Find a sheltered spot somewhere beautiful and tuck in. You can always drop into the local pub for something warming once you've had your lunch.
Whatever you do for Valentines Day do it with the ones you love.
About the Author
Andrea Cox writes editorial for Emma Bridgewater UK, a company that specialises in handmade pottery and kitchen accessories that are ideal as Valentine's gifts.
Source: http://www.article2.net/7 Feng Shui Tips For Spicing Up Your Lovelife
By Tracy O'brien
Are you happy with your lovelife or would you like to see it improved?
No matter who you are, there are times when "the bedroom" is not the loving and fun room it should be. There are of course numerous reasons why this may happen but there are some simple things you can do to help you make things better.
Your bedroom acts as a magnet both literally and metaphorically for your relationships. It is also where you sleep during the night renewing your energy levels in preparation for what the world has to offer to you the next day.
It is most likely where your romantic life is centered - unless of course you like to experiment - perhaps you're a free spirit who likes to commune with the outdoors ;-)
Your bedroom is your and your homes sanctuary.
The positioning and layout within it plays a massive role not only on your passion and romance chances but also your health, wealth and other relationships in general.
Careful attention should indeed be paid on this highly important room. When you get it right, positive energy (called "chi" by the Chinese and "ki" by the Japenese) will flow easily through your home.
Get it wrong...
All things in life are connected at the minute quantum level and the following information will help guide you so you and your relationships flourish:
1. Make sure your bedroom "feels" inviting - it must fulfill the role of a place of safety for you. When you look at the state of your bedroom now - what does it say to and about you? Does it say "I'm at home with myself" or is it a big jumble and in disarray? Is it just functional - it's purpose only for sleeping in your eyes, if so - if you want your love life to change, then this has got to change too.
2. Look around at all of the items - furniture/trinkets etc... in your bedroom. Do you have good/loving memories and feelings for these items? Or are there items which hold bad memories? If there are - get rid of them, they hold a residual energy and act as a constant reminder to your non-conscious mind. How about photos? Are there any old flames "hanging around" - again, chuck them out - you do want to move on to a new relationship - don't you?
3. Your bed should be the focal point of the room - this is where both "action" and "inaction" takes place, where you are both energized and renewed. Does your bedroom have a "personality problem"? Is it in effect multitasking? Do you have a home office or perhaps a treadmill beside you? Again, these items should not be here. You want to focus on your relationships rather than your body or mind in this room - move them out. If this is not possible due to space constraints, you will need to use a screen to keep them "at bay".
4. The ever present TV. Yes it can be cosy to curl up in bed and watch a great movie but a TV sends out a stream of positive ions (rather than positive chi) - this device is "yang" in nature and will ensure your body does not get the rest it requires. It also represents a 3rd party in the room - not particularly conducive to a stable and healthy monogomous relationship... Once again - the TV has got to go.
5. Make sure your bed is as far away from the door to your room as you can. If you are unable to see the door, you will feel ill at ease at a subconscious level - this is because you will sense you cannot see if an intruder will enter your room (heaven forbid!). This unease will of course impact how you rest at night.
6. Choose a bed which has a solid and sturdy headboard. In Form School Feng Shui, the headboard represents a supportive mountain to your back.
7. Your bed holds residual energy from those who have come and gone before. In an ideal world, if you have had a partner and wish to attract a new one, you should purchase a new bed. This gives you and your new relationship an optimal chance to flourish. Regardless, you should invest in the best bed you can as if you sleep 8 hours per day, this means you will spend 1/3 of your entire life in it!
Are you happy with your lovelife or would you like to see it improved?
No matter who you are, there are times when "the bedroom" is not the loving and fun room it should be. There are of course numerous reasons why this may happen but there are some simple things you can do to help you make things better.
Your bedroom acts as a magnet both literally and metaphorically for your relationships. It is also where you sleep during the night renewing your energy levels in preparation for what the world has to offer to you the next day.
It is most likely where your romantic life is centered - unless of course you like to experiment - perhaps you're a free spirit who likes to commune with the outdoors ;-)
Your bedroom is your and your homes sanctuary.
The positioning and layout within it plays a massive role not only on your passion and romance chances but also your health, wealth and other relationships in general.
Careful attention should indeed be paid on this highly important room. When you get it right, positive energy (called "chi" by the Chinese and "ki" by the Japenese) will flow easily through your home.
Get it wrong...
All things in life are connected at the minute quantum level and the following information will help guide you so you and your relationships flourish:
1. Make sure your bedroom "feels" inviting - it must fulfill the role of a place of safety for you. When you look at the state of your bedroom now - what does it say to and about you? Does it say "I'm at home with myself" or is it a big jumble and in disarray? Is it just functional - it's purpose only for sleeping in your eyes, if so - if you want your love life to change, then this has got to change too.
2. Look around at all of the items - furniture/trinkets etc... in your bedroom. Do you have good/loving memories and feelings for these items? Or are there items which hold bad memories? If there are - get rid of them, they hold a residual energy and act as a constant reminder to your non-conscious mind. How about photos? Are there any old flames "hanging around" - again, chuck them out - you do want to move on to a new relationship - don't you?
3. Your bed should be the focal point of the room - this is where both "action" and "inaction" takes place, where you are both energized and renewed. Does your bedroom have a "personality problem"? Is it in effect multitasking? Do you have a home office or perhaps a treadmill beside you? Again, these items should not be here. You want to focus on your relationships rather than your body or mind in this room - move them out. If this is not possible due to space constraints, you will need to use a screen to keep them "at bay".
4. The ever present TV. Yes it can be cosy to curl up in bed and watch a great movie but a TV sends out a stream of positive ions (rather than positive chi) - this device is "yang" in nature and will ensure your body does not get the rest it requires. It also represents a 3rd party in the room - not particularly conducive to a stable and healthy monogomous relationship... Once again - the TV has got to go.
5. Make sure your bed is as far away from the door to your room as you can. If you are unable to see the door, you will feel ill at ease at a subconscious level - this is because you will sense you cannot see if an intruder will enter your room (heaven forbid!). This unease will of course impact how you rest at night.
6. Choose a bed which has a solid and sturdy headboard. In Form School Feng Shui, the headboard represents a supportive mountain to your back.
7. Your bed holds residual energy from those who have come and gone before. In an ideal world, if you have had a partner and wish to attract a new one, you should purchase a new bed. This gives you and your new relationship an optimal chance to flourish. Regardless, you should invest in the best bed you can as if you sleep 8 hours per day, this means you will spend 1/3 of your entire life in it!
About The Author
Tracy O'Brien is a long time student/practitioner of the art of Feng Shui and also founder of FengShuiAstrology.com. Visit now for more Feng Shui Tips and a FREE Feng Shui Astrology Personality Profile: http://www.fengshuiastrology.com5+ Tips to Create your Best Relationship Ever
By Ariole K. Alei
A Dynamic Guide for Couples and Singles Seeking Love
Have you ever wished there was a 'guidebook' to navigate you through the maze of your relationship? Here it is! The first 5+ of our 10+ Tips to Making Your Relationship the Best Ever. (See ?5 More Tips? to glean the enormous benefits of our blissful love advice.)
1. Self Love
Relationships with others are an extension of our relationship with ourself. To create a better love relationship with our partner, the first and consistent step (it never goes out of fashion) is to pay close attention to how we care for ourself.
The more you appreciate yourself; the more you believe in yourself; the more you value your inner self, your gifts and your particular attributes ? the more open you will be to loving and being loved. When we are critical of ourself, we close ourself off from access to love. We create thick walls, endeavoring to hide our perceived shortfalls from the one we love. This runs contrary to our desire to love and be loved.
So the first step in creating a wonderful love relationship with our partner is to create a wonderful love relationship with ourself.
Notice how you speak about yourself.
Notice the words and tone with which you speak to yourself.
What is your attitude towards ?you??
If it is in any way derogatory, impatient or unkind, then your relationship with you needs repair. Be gentle with yourself. Lower your expectations. Celebrate your accomplishments, your gifts and your skills. Be your own best ally. Turn your own self 'enemy' into your best self 'cheerleader'. Love yourself more ? and you?ll open your ?pores? to receive your partner?s love and affection.
2. Respect
The cornerstone of all great relationships is respect. If you've chosen a partner you don't respect, either you've compromised your ideals, or you aren't perceiving their winning traits.
Let go of blame. No one but you is responsible for your happiness and for your life. If your chosen partner isn?t someone whom you can fully respect, you have two choices. Stay and be miserable. Or leave. Letting go of blame may surprise you with a third option. If the seed of respectability in your partner has been masked by your blame, then you may begin to witness a ?glow? in your partner that will draw you to fall in love with her/him.
Respect yourself. This is a key aspect of Self Love. If you punish yourself with useless guilt, blame and shame, you aren?t making yourself available for love.
What have you done wrong? Either fix it or forgive yourself ? and move on. You only ever live in the ?now?. Blame and regret hook you into the never-ending past. Let go the hook. Float into the now. Here you will find your power, your clarity, and your true love.
3. Play
When we first meet our partner, no matter what age we are, we behave like pubescent teenagers. We flirt. We dance around each other, heightening the electric spark which will infuse our love.
Keeping a relationship young and alive has everything to do with play. Play is more than making time to go out together on dates ? to dinner, movies, sports and other leisure activities. Play is play.
What ?lightens you and your partner up?? Is it playing teasingly competitive games? Is it having snowball fights? Is it playing ?tag?? Is it tickling each other? Is it playing board games? Is it creating something fun together ? cooking, baking or building a craft?
Play is what keeps us all young ? and so it inherently is what keeps a relationship young. Adults tend to become more and more serious. Our happiness and health take a nose dive as a result ? as does our most precious intimate relationship.
Make a decision together with your partner to explore new ways to play. Lighten your spirits! Rediscover the spark in each other ? over and over again.
4. Safety, Trust, and Intimacy
Play widens and deepens the terrain in which we connect with our loved one. It opens up the space in which we explore each other.
Healthy relationships are built on trust. Trust allows for ecstatic intimacy. All this requires safety as its base.
5. Allies in Growth
Safety naturally arises when we are allies. Most relationships falter when people inadvertently become each other?s critics and thus enemies. Without the conscious awareness to choose an alternate path, most people become disheartened and afraid when they witness their partner?s ?weaker side?. Rather than ?holding loving space? for their partner to grow and strengthen themselves, they attack.
The most direct path to becoming each other?s ally ? and thus creating an unshakeable foundation of safety in your relationship ? is this:
a). Become conscious of what your and your partner?s areas of greatest challenge are ? Trust? Organization? Fitness? Discipline? Desire? Self Love? Confidence? Or something else?
b). Notice your tendency to attack ? to undermine ? your partner when he/she is in the midst of this area of challenge.
c). Discipline yourself. Rather than attacking - through words, actions or glances - simply 'hold space'. Hold in your heart and mind an air of compassion. Love them even more for their challenge. Hold a loving ?container? in which they can grow. They will trust you all the more, increasing profoundly their experience of safety. This safety will naturally lead to greater intimacy.
5+. Communication
Communication is the constant thread that links us. We each have different styles ? which is the source of much miscommunication and confusion in relationships. Familiarizing yourself with systems such as the Enneagram and Numerology can assist you in identifying your and your partner?s predominant communication styles.
Most of our communication is actually non-verbal ? it is expressed through our tone of voice, our body language and simply through the ?dance? of energy between us. Consider this: A hug or a smile is worth a thousand words. (Which is why physical intimacy is such a cornerstone in building and nurturing a healthy relationship.)
Here are a few communication tips:
a). When a challenge or a tension arises between partners, it is the role of the first person who notices it to draw it to the attention of both people.
b). All irritations need to be addressed. Very seldom does a tension resolve itself. Challenges which go unaddressed tend to grow in proportion, attracting other challenges to them. As soon as you become aware that something is niggling at you, find a time to speak with your partner. ?Nip it in the bud.?
Your relationship is so precious. Practice these 5+ frequently. Keep training your mind to experience your relationship In The Now.
About the Author
Ariole K. Alei is Co-Founder of HeartSongMatchmaking and HeartSong Solutions. She is an Author, Keynote Speaker, Tele Class Leader and Global Visionary. http://www.HeartSongMatchmaking.com http://www.HeartSongSolutions.ca http://www.SoulfulSinglesBlog.com
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