The possibilities of making the kinds of connections you want are very realistic, and many long lasting relationships and marriages have begun via online dating services, not to mention casual relationships as well if that is what you prefer. The possibilities are all right there and waiting for you, but there are a few key rules you need to know and follow in order to find your perfect date online. Download to learn The Golden Rules of Online Dating – 6 essential rules to finding the perfect online date!
Do you know what it takes to impress a lady? Is it the eyes that women find attractive or it’s the color of skin? Despite the years of studies, books, poems, romantic comedies that have tried to tackle the critical subject of what motivates opposite sex, men still fail to unlock the mysteries.
But, folks! Just because you will never figure out what precise goes inside women heads, doesn’t mean they can’t attract any women. Of course, every woman is different, but there are some common traits that they value in men. Here are some personality traits that can make women fall in love with you:Continue reading
Married couples who dedicate a date night together once a week are reportedly much happier in their relationship than those who don’t consider it so much of a priority. It is also reported that couples who prioritise date nights (and don’t talk about finances when they’re out) have a healthier and more substantive sex life. Therefore, when aiming to break up the mundane, how you spend your date night should always vary. Going for a bike ride and stopping in the park for a picnic of nice cheeses, crackers and wine on a beautiful day will definitely keep things fresh. Yet it’s also vitally important to mix it up and keep it interesting on the occasional date night in.
The Pleasures Of Cooking
22% of couples reportedly wish their partners would cook for them more often. When a couple spends quality time in the heart of the home, they’ll often engage in conversation, creating a unique connection that wouldn’t otherwise occur. The greatest triggers for evoking memories are taste and smell, so with a well planned evening, you’re bound to create some memorable experiences. If only one person is cooking and good conversation is stoked, you should learn more about each other than you’d otherwise know. If cooking together, you’ll have the added benefit of sharing your knowledge of cooking with each other.
Touching and sharing throughout will enrich the entire experience. Sampling the ingredients together and asking for input is not only romantic, but shares in the creation of the meal and breaks down boundaries. It’s always important to create an atmosphere of equality. If the dish is a winner and all your senses are satisfied and nourished, you’ll feel more closely connected, experiencing pleasure, and the person you’re cooking for will feel intimately cared for. 87% of couples feel cooking is one of the most relationship-strengthening activities at home. Like any aspect of a relationship, that meal is so much more than the food. It’s everything that builds up to it.
Setting The Mood
Get the ambience just right. Make sure your home is clean. Bring in some romantic lighting. Light scented candles throughout the room, choosing scents whose aromas will complement the smells of your cooking. Take your time and make the evening last. Keep it interesting. Put on soft romantic music you both like. Set the table nicely, and have an elegant hors-d’oeuvre spread. Consider starting with an appetiser of figs wrapped in prosciutto with a warm croissant and a nice brie. Have a lovely bottle of wine already opened. Treat your partner as if it was your first date and you’re really trying to impress. While cooking, stir up an interesting conversation. Share funny stories or experiences they might never have heard before, and they’ll likely reciprocate. You’ll learn more about each other. Find a fun or spicy trivia site online, and play some two-person trivia. The winner wins a backrub or a foot massage.
Plan Out Your Intermission
Once your cooking is at a good stopping point and everything is prepared, take a break and go for a brief walk through the neighbourhood. Watch the sunset together, and get your blood moving. Come back and share with your partner that art book you love that they’ve never seen. Or read that romantic poem you know. Whip up some truffle oil popcorn and watch a movie. Consider a documentary that’ll stir up conversation and get you both exchanging ideas. Or listen to a podcast or old time radio mystery. Both of these ideas are good for being able to pause, allowing you some snuggle time and physical interaction. Don’t be in a rush. The whole idea is spending quality time together so as every aspect of your relationship feels nourished.
The Decadent Main Course And The Joy Of Dessert
When it’s finally time for dinner, surprise your partner with steamed artichokes with a garlic goat-butter dipping sauce with a sprinkle of saffron on the top, and oysters on the side. Nothing’s better at breaking through barriers or inhibitions then indulging in sexy, messy food that forces you to take it slow and enjoy all the dish has to offer. After dinner, dive into ripe halved pomegranates and a plate of rich broken chocolate. Chocolate contains the same chemicals that your brain creates to induce a feeling of falling in love, and thereby triggers the release of endorphins.
After your messy dinner and dessert, finish off the evening bathing together in a sparkling clean tub. Turn the lights off, and fill the bathroom with scented candles to keep that romantic atmosphere going. Nearly half of British couples spend more time together in the bath for conversation and catching up than over dinner. All the more reason to break up the routine and create some intimate memories that go beyond the everyday mundane. Share in intimate conversation with your partner. Keep learning, and keep asking, and keep sharing. In every regard, there should be consistency in showing that you care.
It’s no secret that couples have a strong need to understand one another and be understood. Casting any mind reading aside, certain things should be fairly obvious. Not taking your partner for granted and not being self-centric is a pretty basic start. Remember, everyone’s favourite subject is themselves. Focus on your partner’s favourite subject. Getting to know someone for the first time isn’t hard. The getting-to-know-you questions are simple, and it’s easy to feel as if you’re standing on firm ground. But once you’ve been in a relationship with someone for a while, you have to realise that there’s an entire universe within that person. Making an effort to continue to explore the depths of your partner will lead to opening new doors between you, and encourage continual growth together. This should be what every date night boils down to, from the very first date to this next Friday night.
Seeking love and companionship is a natural human desire! Everyone wants someone with whom they can share their life path and grow old together. Meeting the right life partner or soul mate is a dream for many people. So, if you are an African American or a Caucasian, in search for your special someone, don’t hesitate to show up in the best interracial dating and make the most of it. You never know how a simple conversation might translate into a deep, loving, compassionate and soulful connection you always wanted for life!
The authenticity factor
Most people willing to date often shy away from the dating sites! The online world is vast, and almost anyone can create a website. It makes people question the authenticity of online dating sites. But today, there are secure and authentic sites to make interested American Africans, Caucasians, Hispanic, Asians, Latinos and others meet their potential partners. These sites follow security encryption that secures all the member details. Furthermore, you can filter your search preferences and assess your experience. To know more about this, you can get in touch with Black dating sites and check out the details.
Make the most of free registration policy
People at times think that the online interracial dating sites are expensive. The truth is you get your registration completely free. There are membership plans that are half-yearly or annual with a stipulated membership fee. And with that you have the chance to browsing through many profiles, expressing your thoughts for a person through a message and starting a communication. If you don’t want to pay right at the start, you can check out how the site works by registering free. Once you get convinced, you can choose a membership plan that you find suits your preference and is cost-effective.
Chat with members online
Sometimes, it takes people to break their inhibition about online dating! They may have had unfavorable experiences in the past, which has made them slightly cautious and judgmental. It’s always better to go slow and easy with online dating. The dating sites today provide an online chatting option. If you don’t want to share your contact details right away, you can launch in the messenger of the concerned dating site and chat with people you like. It will give you all the time you need to get comfortable with the online dating process.
Does it work?
It is a pertinent question that most people ask! And it is essential to have a practical understanding of this situation. An interracial online dating site helps you to get connected with others looking forward to a partner. It is essential for you to chat, date and find out with who you have a soul connection. Sometimes, it takes time to meet that special someone. But that doesn’t mean that person doesn’t exist. You need to be a little patient, meet new people and keep an open mind about online dating and relationships.
Today, you can choose from a host of interracial and black dating sites. You can research on a few, compare the services, membership plan and fees before you make the final decision.
Whether you’re dating, engaged, or have been married longer than you were ever single, every couple will benefit when they put time, energy, and love into their relationship. That’s why we have scoured the internet looking for the best blogs on marriage and relationships to help you have the best love life possible.
We have picks from young couples, marriages with a Christian background, sexy advice blogs, licensed marriage therapists and more. No matter what you’re looking for, we’ve found it all!
Without further ado, here are 20 of the best blogs about marriage and relationships that are sure to keep your love life happy, healthy, and right on track.
This website and blog focus on date night ideas, features freebies and printable activities for couples to share, hosts a marriage seminar, and helps couples’ bond closer together. There are so many benefits to having a regular date night with your spouse, and the dating divas are “saving marriages, one date at a time.”
Could the title be any clearer? This website focuses on all things marriage and relationships. Couples will find a myriad of helpful articles on dating, marriage, relationship troubles, couple entrepreneurship, and parenting to help them live their best life possible.
It’s no secret that marriage isn’t always easy! Stay Married is a relationship-strengthening blog that contains resources for couples who want to stay married for the long haul. This blog has both helpful marriage articles and a relationship podcast.
Relationship researchers may already be familiar with Dr. Gottman’s method of strengthening marriage through therapy based on the Sound Relationship House Theory. This researched-based blog talks about everything from renewing your vows to taking control of jealousy. This blog is definitely worth the read.
This blog is the largest independent African American website about marriage and parenting available online. Run by Lamar and Ronnie Tyler, the two share the struggles and joys of maintaining a healthy marriage while parenting.
Infidelity, whether emotional or physical, is a huge part of why relationships fail. With the tagline “Follow our journey as we save our marriage after an emotional affair”, this is one marriage that doesn’t shy away from real problems in marriage.
Lovepanky boasts themselves as “Your guide to better love and relationships” and focuses on articles about sex, marriage, engagement, and keeping that spark alive.
From dealing with a partner who has a low sex drive to summer date night ideas, this advice website doesn’t shy away from married couples most asked questions!
A prioritized marriage reminds couples why it’s important to make their marriage their number one in life. This website has great articles that can bring couples closer together, such as couples bucket lists, marriage advice for newlyweds and more.
First inspired by her sadness at seeing all the unhappy marriages around her, Celeste launched a blog called “A Thing Called Love” which has now turned into a Marriage Laboratory. This is a fun website that boasts itself as being “Love experiments for busy couples” and caters to the working couple looking to spend a little more quality time together.
Married and Young is a blog that speaks from the perspective of married Christian couple Jamal and Natasha Miller. They share advice with couples and singles about marriage, dating, and getting engaged.
This website speaks to wives from the perspective of a newlywed and offers advice on sex, romance, pregnancy, couple’s travel and more.
Do you ever feel like you and your spouse simply cannot pay attention to each other? If so, this blog is for you. Melissa Orlov and Dr. Ned Hallowell share advice with couples about how to remain happy when one partner in the marriage has ADHD.
This blog began when its writer, Liz, got engaged to her now-husband. This blog is still going strong and details the everyday life of a working mother and parent.
This blog follows the realistic life of married wife Katie and Chris. They discuss everything from life and love, to what couples need to do when they stop actively listening to one another.
Could any list be complete without mentioning the fabulous Cosmopolitan magazine? This online mag is a one-stop shop for all thing’s marriage and relationships. From dating disaster stories, wedding planning, marital bliss, and an array of titillating and helpful sex advice, Cosmo has it all.
This online blog covers all things “Sex and Marriage by God’s Design”. Base on their tagline, this blog focuses on how to make Christian marriages thrive and explains the benefits that couples worship can have on a marriage.
Marriage 365 is a blog that covers serious topics about marriage. From learning how to deal with a self-centered spouse to providing practical tools and resources to create a connection with a partner, this website is truly devoted to helping couples.
From conflict resolution to intimacy, preparing for marriage to keeping the romance alive, To Love, Honor, & Vacuum is a blog dedicated to all things marriage. This website also offers couple’s fun online courses about how to deepen emotional intimacy and how to boost your libido for a healthier marriage.
This website is run by Christian couple Justine and Trisha Davis and helps couples to recognize warning signs to look out for in marriage. This couple stresses on the need for honesty and transparency in marriage and have even written a book devoted to helping couples worldwide.
Are there any couples out there who couldn’t benefit from a little refining? Couples can benefit tremendously from reading the advice found at any one of these fantastic marriage and relationship blogs.
It seems that we all know how crushing it can feel to say goodbye to someone with whom we shared that phenomenon called love. All the sad and beautiful things that can happen to one couple prove to be the best lessons that life can teach us. Time makes havoc in relationships and one day you realize that you are still in that relationship due to inertia. There is no longer love, there is no desire, there is no longer interest. Continue reading
Valentines, birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas… There are always opportunities to wow your girlfriend or wife with your incredible choice of gifts. Perhaps chocolate isn’t a safe bet, jewelry is boring and underwear is… Well, just don’t buy her underwear. So if you’re lacking inspiration for this years Valentines day or birthday, here are some great unique gift ideas to impress your better half.
For woman who really likes to be unique, designing your own fragrance is fabulous way to stand out from the crowd. There are lots of different options, from cheap and cheerful (yeah don’t get that one) through to premium. If you don’t think she’ll ever use a design your own kit, then you can also get her a day with a professional perfumier to design her personalised fragrance for her.
Everyone needs a good set of cans, and wireless headphones are big right now (especially if she owns the newer iPhone models). The Bose Soundlink or Beats Solo 3 are both good looking and high performing wireless headphone sets that won’t break the bank.
If she is all about saving the world and going to the gym then she’ll be over the moon with a good quality reusable water bottle. Check out Chillys for their range of colourful and funky insulated bottles, or Frank Green for minimalist cool vibes.
Staying with eco friendly, these days you can pick up great yoga mats in a range of sustainable or recycled materials. From cork to recycled wetsuits, help her ditch that shocking pink monstrosity and do her cobra pose on a funky new mat.
Help her keep her street styling and wear eco friendly footwear too! Try some wool shoes for women which look great hanging out with friends, on a night out or on holiday. Why wool shoes? It’s a naturally comfortable material, insulated, water resistant and environmentally sustainable! What more could she ask for?
Keeping tracking of your activity is a key factor for fitness fanatics. The latest range of Fitbits come as a stylish stainless steel bangle, meaning they accessorise well with a whole range of outfits. And they don’t just look like a skinny rubber digital watch any more!
Bliss out with some serious tune-age and a nice scent too! These Bluetooth speakers feature essential oil diffusers so the room will be filled with a beautiful aroma as she enjoys her favorite music. For best results get the wooden ones which look much more zen than the plastic variety.
For the gal who knows her gin, a make your own gin kit offers an opportunity to create her own masterpiece. There are lots of different options, but all of them include the botanicals and a guide to making a delicious tasting gin. You might also need to buy a bottle of vodka for her to make her creation.
Social media darlings will love these specs from Snapchat. Capture every moment in the first person and broadcast directly to your followers…. No more fumbling for the phone at outdoors events or on holiday, capture and stream live.
10. SJCAM SJ7 Star
The GoPro knock off cameras can have a bad rep, but if she likes to capture the moment then this is a good alternative to the big brand. The SJ7 Star is about half the price of a GoPro but still captures 4k, can be attached to a selfie stick or used for adventure sports and it’s waterproof. Action girls will love it.
11. Personalised Face Socks
Boring old socks? Well, these will have your grinning mug plastered all over them so every time she looks at her feet she’ll think of you. Who said romance is dead?
Premium umbrella brand Davek do a fantastic compact option. The pocket-sized umbrella fits in any handbag or coat pocket and is a must for blustery weather. Not only that, all Davek umbrellas are covered under their unconditional lifetime guarantee so if it gets damaged they’ll fix it too.
Is she always leaving her drink to go cold? The Ember mug is the world’s first temperature control mug, meaning your beverage is kept at the ideal drinking temperature until you’re ready. Pick the ideal temperature with the app and never waste a hot drink again!
We hope this list of unique gift ideas has inspired you to find the perfect present for your girlfriend. Just remember… Don’t buy her underwear!
So you’re ready to take the next step, but have no idea where to start? Proposing is a daunting task that can be very scary. What ring do I pick out? Where do I take my partner? What do I say? Those are just some of the questions that are racing through your brain now that you’ve decided to get down on one knee. Even though it seems like there is a lot to do, it will be much simpler than you think! Just let your passion and love for your special someone guide you to make the right choices.
The engagement ring is the first place to start. There are no rules for proposing. You should spend what is in your budget and whatever will make your partner happy. But what ring do you choose? The first step is metals. Take a look at the jewelry your fiance-to-be loves to wear. Is it gold or silver? This is very crucial because most people will have a preference for one or the other. They will want to wear their engagement ring every day so it’s important to pick out a metal that goes with their normal jewelry. If there is more gold tones, then get a gold band. The same thing goes for silver!
The stones are the next big part of an engagement ring. There are quite a variety to choose from and this really depends on your significant other’s personal style. Diamonds are the classic choice which can come in many colors and sizes. No matter the color or size, the 4 things you need to know about diamonds are cut, color, clarity, and carat. The cut affects the sparkle of the diamond so it’s the most important! Color only refers to white diamonds because they can range from a dull yellow to a brilliant white. A diamond’s clarity refers to the amount of tiny imperfections on its surface. This is not noticeable to the naked eye. Carat is the weight of a diamond. If a smaller diamond is cut well, then the carat will not matter as much!
Another option is unique stones like sapphires or opal. If your fiance-to-be has a unique style, then this may be a great idea! To get a feel for if they would be interested in a gemstone engagement ring or not, ask their opinion on Princess Kate’s ring or a friend’s. Your partner’s reactions to those will help you decide what to get. Many jewelers, including Blue Nile, offer an assortment of engagement rings from diamonds to gemstones, allowing you to find the ring of your fiance’s dreams.
“It’s easier to fall in love than to stay in love” – we couldn’t agree more.
Whether we admit it or not, we dwell in deeply romantic culture with big, and often unrealistic expectations of how love should be. When things get rough, people immediately give up, abandon and find comfort in new ones, instead of fixing what’s broken. That’s why we admire rare couples who, through the years, have kept their love for each other alive.
It’s not that they have a perfect connection since no relationship is flawless – every couple has issues and bad times. Every couple gets tired and bored of each other at some point. Every couple discovers each other true colors, including the quirks, gross habits, and shortcomings.
It’s just that some couples are wise and emotionally capable enough to build a solid foundation, deal with these obstacles, try to work things out, and focus on the things that truly matters, making their relationship stand the test of time and hardships.
Here are 6 of the biggest obstacles couples in long-term relationships face, and what strong couples do to deal with them and create a love that lasts a lifetime.
We know that people who go on vacations are more productive at work and more likely to get promoted, but are they also happier in their romantic relationships? A study review published in the Journal of Travel Research found that travel has several benefits for families, relationships, and individuals. Holidays are a reminder of the fact that although some things change when you have been married for many years, your enjoyment of each other and your love, can be stronger than ever if you just take the time to enjoy each other with no pressures of work or other commitments. If you and your partner could use a few days away, discovering new sights and learning more about each other, learning about just a few benefits of holidays may inspire you. Does booking a week away to one of the world’s most romantic cities appeal?
Building Beautiful Memories
When you think back on the highs and lows of your relationships, the best moments are probably centered on travel. As noted in a Study by Shaw, Havitz, and Delemere, holidays build tighter bonds because they provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and create memories that are cherished years later. As noted by one participant to their study, investing in a holiday makes sense because you are in essence buying into beautiful memories, not just material things that don’t mean as much when you look back on meaningful moments of your life.
The Effect of Holidays on Relationships
Research by Newman and Newman has found that spending more leisure time together is linked to a lower probability of divorce. Another study by Gilbert and Abdullah, undertaken on over 6,000 people, found that those who took at least four consecutive days off to travel, enjoyed greater wellbeing and happiness. A third study by Hoopes and Lounsbury found that going on holiday increased a couple’s satisfaction once they were back home. Some countries have taken notice of the psychological importance of vacations. Malaysia, for instance, introduced a Second Honeymoon Program in 2010, offering couples who were considering divorce an island getaway where they would enjoy counselling as well as enough time to enjoy the paradisiacal setting together. People argue less and enjoy greater intimacy when they are on their vacation, than in daily life.
Holidays Reduce Stress and Promote Peace in a Relationship
Many studies have shown that holidays are important, particularly when you have a high-stress lifestyle or when, as a couple, you have been through the stress of illness. A study conducted recently by the American Psychological Association found that vacations significantly lower stress levels because they take remove us from the activities and environments that cause worry and anxiety. Holidays ensure we have less headaches and backaches, which puts us into ‘the mood for love’. They also enable us to sleep better, so we feel more alert and are better able to give our full attention to our partner. Simply sleeping poorly or tossing and turning frequently at night can increase our stress levels, so a holiday is a good way to cut both stress and poor sleep hygiene in the bud.
Choosing a Romantic Getaway
Paradisiacal islands and mountainside resorts often spring to mind when we think of a romantic holiday, but if you are a city lover at heart, a buzzing city like New York, with its romantic nightclubs, rooftop terrace restaurants, and meaningful monuments (does the Empire State ring any bells?), has all the ingredients it takes to wine and dine your partner in style. Because New York is so expansive, it offers a plethora of romantic activities, including a picnic at Central Park, a visit to the Hayden Planetarium, or a visit to the Diamond District. Other cities on the top of the romance list include Paris, Sydney, and Venice. Whether you are catching a show at the Moulin Rouge in Paris, walking along the beach in Sydney, or taking a gondola ride in Venice, chances are, you will feel fortunate that you are enjoying all these sites with someone you love.
Making Time for a Nature Escape
If you do choose a city escape, try to find a beautiful green area or seaside part of the area you are visiting, to add a little dose of romance to what will undoubtedly already be an unforgettable trip. Researchers in Finland (Liisa Tyrvainen of the Finnish Forest Institute) recently measured people’s wellbeing in three different environments: busy city parks, urban streetscapes, and wild forests. In their study, participants were asked to take a 15-break in these areas. They found that those who had visited the city parks and forests, felt psychologically restored. These feelings were slightly heightened in a forest setting but interestingly, even being in an urban green area had powerful restorative effects. Another study by scientists at Stanford University, meanwhile, found that walking in a city park lifted the mood, working memory, and attention. Once again, it is evident that by working on our own stress levels, we can give our best self to our partner. Therefore, if you do opt for a city break, consider giving priority to cities with a beach, nearby forests, or numerous green areas in which to relax after a hectic day sightseeing.
If you would love to surprise your partner or spouse with a special gift, a holiday may just be one of the best investments you can make. As mentioned above, material things (a designer outfit, killer pair of shoes, or even an elegant piece of jewellery) don’t really form part of our memory when we recall special moments with our loved one. Holidays don’t have to be expensive, or involve a plane ride and fancy hotels. You don’t even have to leave your city or state to disconnect with your partner. Taking a quick city or nature break for a weekend can help reduce stress and arguments, improve your mood, and make you more aware of/attentive to your loved one.
It’s not always blissful when you are in a relationship with someone. Couples understand this better when their initial days of charm, wooing each other gets over and they step into the drill of getting to know each other for real. And this is the phase, where most couples get disillusioned with the concept of love. Or, they are confused, considering that its love that got them into this mess. However, thanks to the new age couples therapy and marriage counseling, that couples can look at their relationship and their partners in a whole new way.
The precious lessons that couples learn
Most of the times we fall in love based on what our minds have been fed with about love. We are limited to our notions. It’s when we are in a relationship that we get to understand the true meaning of love. And sometimes, to understand this, couples need to count on marriage counseling and couples therapy. To know more on these therapies, you can browse through The Wellness Counseling Center and read more. Some of the valuable lessons learned by couples are as follows:
Each one of us has been illusioned with the idea of an ideal partner. The truth is there is no perfect partner. When we accept this truth, we set ourselves be free from all the wrong expectations. Also, marriage counseling helps us look at a partner just as an ordinary human being with their set of rights and wrong. Couples take their partners for who they are and not who they want them to be. And this brings in peace and calm to a relationship.
We stay in a world where rat race is the order of the day! Things move fast. And that has made us jump to our conclusions about relationships quickly as well. It is the reason why couples think that their relationship has no future after a few ego clashes. With advanced marriage counseling and couples therapy, partners understand that ego clashes are an external manifestation of the difference of opinions. Each one us wants to secure our point of views which results in ego clashes. When you allow a little bit of open-mindedness, we will be able to understand the other person’s perspective as well. And this will take away all the negativity that people attach with an ego clash. You can reach out to The Wellness Counseling Center to know more.
Developing empathy helps to solve many challenges we face in life. Couples therapy teaches individuals that everyone is struggling and is going through their tests and trials in life. And that makes someone bitter and someone oversensitive. When you realize this truth, you start to develop compassion for yourself and others as well. And that is the starting point of individual and relationship healing.
These are three valuable lessons that marriage counseling and couples therapy offers us. Not every tumultuous relationship is the end of the world. With therapy, there’s hope and better possibilities. And with therapy, there’s a chance of a couples becoming better individuals.