.maccyy

Compassion in the jungle

2013-05-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

"I want to live like animal.." They're just wild and free. My idea of fun is visiting theme parks and get into wild rides, however visiting these wonderful creatures for a day can be so much fun as well. Especially when you're not familiar with the unique kinds. We didn't went to a jungle of wildlife, but Emirates Park Zoo is one colorful haven launched in 2008 located in Abu Dhabi.

Sealed with a kiss! We all got kisses from sealions after they're show!

There's a lot more pictures to share! We went strolling on the streets of Abu Dhabi after, which is my first time ever. The picture of Abu Dhabi in my mind is a city where you can see no building but sand dunes! We used to go camping in Camp Zayed yearly back when I was studying and that was my only memory of Abu Dhabi. Anyway, it's more like Dubai now, developed and modern! It was a fun weekend indeed!

Eheads LIVE!

2013-04-07T10:48:00.001-07:00

I didn't grew up with Eheads music on the background. My parents used to play Michael Learns or Chicago instead. It was too late when I actually heard about them and they were already considered legend. When it comes to Pinoy rock bands, Parokya ni Edgar would most likely be my favorite. I'm not a super fan but their songs are great. While Eheads have really good songs but I only know a few. Knowing Eheads will be having a reunion concert in Dubai didn't excite me much. Actually I just watched because I love concerts! I know rock concerts are always fun so why not join the crowd. Fortunately, after watching them, I'm automatically turned into an Eheads fan! I didn't expect they could perform so good! No wonder they're one of the famous rock bands of all time. They're like the originals of everything since their songs were mostly revived already. One more thing, I've always thought Ely Buendia look old but NO..big no, he's still freaking charming at his 40's! What made the concert really alive were of course, the Filipinos were like one big family outside our own country. I honestly enjoyed this one more than the Black Eyed Peas concert in Manila. Eheads rocks!

One of their best songs ever.. "WITH A SMILE"

"you'll get by with a smile...

you can never be too happy in this life'cause in a world where everybody hatesa happy ending storyit's a wonder love can make the world go round"-ERASERHEADS

At your best

2013-03-26T11:35:00.003-07:00

Whatever choice you will pick today, let the decision come from your heart. If you don't have enough faith to believe that it will work, still give it a try. And whoever you will turn out to be, make sure you're the best of whatever you are. Have a great week ahead!

Spend life wisely

2013-03-16T10:53:00.001-07:00

Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once. ~Lillian Dickson

Fun Run + Fun Night!

2013-03-12T04:07:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was a fun day plus a fun night till dawn! And it totally felt like the weekend!

We, the feeling athletic peeps joined a 5KM marathon without even taking a jog the whole weekdays. It was a run for fun event by McDonalds held in Al Khan, Sharjah. Yes we crossed state for this run. It wasn't a long trip though, we were already near the boundary. We were so confident to get out there. Haha. None of us won a trophy but at least two of us got a place somehow. And we didn't know how it was categorized. Some organizer just gave me a number when I finally reached the finish line. Someone said "41" and the number written was "7th". We really didn't figured out how they declared that, we got a prize anyway, with some awarding ceremony too! Haha!

The registration time was early and we waited for 3 hours before the run started. We found place where we thought we would just eat and get bored while waiting. But no, God's plans are always better than our expectations.Well we were lucky enough that they offer some karaoke!

Later that night, we invited them to come over our flat and do some more singing with some Vodka and beer. Tired and lack of sleep the next day, but a weekend spent with friends is definitely worthwhile!

fast track

2013-03-04T10:45:00.001-08:00

Can you believe it's March already?! It's really true what they say, it's a fast track life in here! I need to do something aside from working for 5 to 6 days a week. Fortunately office colleagues turned from strangers to friends. 6 months may not be long enough to know these people who were raised with different cultures, but somehow spending everyday more than 8 hours with them feels better now. And that's how it should really be. Welcome those who come into your life, you may not have chosen them but making friends won't hurt. It might even feel good!

Here's my past six fast track months with DEPA people in photos!

Every month has something great to offer, always find something good in everyday. Keep moving!!!

Desert Safari!

2013-02-22T08:24:00.002-08:00

13 years of living here and I didn't get to experience desert safari with my family! It was expensive back then anyway. Now everything can be affordable through promo deals and credit card! Haha! So we really made sure to have this activity at the first month of 2013!

Arabian tour as they call it. Though we didn't really had a tour guide, there seem to be none actually. I guess it would be more interesting if someone will act like we were in a museum with history or just anything. Anyway, the dune bashing was the highlight of any Desert Safari trips. I was actually expecting more from it, like a roller coaster ride as some people would say. Unfortunately it was not. It was a short adrenaline rush moment. It took almost 5 minutes only! It was still fun though.

Camels! Who would ever miss to take a picture with this one humped guy which is native to Middle East. One amazing fact, did you know that their coats reflect sunlight? It insulates them from freakin' desert heat!

Dress up Arabs! This was one thing I felt everyone in our group really wanted to try. It was their moment to shine, feeling locals!!!

Shisha! Non smokers can try this instrument for smoking flavored tobacco. It can really drive your head nuts hours after your first. Definitely like a hangover. You can get addictive to it thinking you're only inhaling fruity flavors, but just like regular tobacco, smoking shisha produces nicotine. It's a nice experience but don't get too caught up with it too much.

Henna tattoo! This young Arabic girl was so friendly and she's only 14 years old young!

The last part was the show where a sexy lady would dance on center stage showing off her abs! Then the Tanura dance where a man would keep turning around for 15 minutes!

After these shows, we had a dinner buffet of Arabic dishes which was also inclusive in the package. First activity for year 2013 was great! I hope this year will be filled with fun happenings like this. I'm in a mission to make every month interesting and not just passing right behind my eyes. And I'm thankful for having this people who I've only known for months but I can freely call friends!

Post Christmas Wish: How about..

2013-01-14T11:00:00.002-08:00

I was browsing through my old post when I read this one regarding my Christmas wish in 2010 and 2011.

December 2011 post:
An excerpt from my Tumblr, my Christmas wish last year which was Forgiveness.

it’s Christmas time. the best gift to give this season is forgiveness. it's time you learn to forgive people who caused you pain. stop keeping hatred in your heart. whatever has happened to you, never blame anyone for it. help yourself to let go of the hurt. you shouldn't keep your anger for too long. the person may not have the strength to ask for your forgiveness, so why not give it instead without them asking for sorry? it will surely make you feel better. Heal your heart with God..

ANG DIYOS NGA NAKAKAPAGPATAWAD, TAYO PA KAYA NA TAO LAMANG?—-forgive this Christmas, share love!!

This year, I wish everyone to be hopeful. Rich countries are under going financial crisis. Job recessions results to unemployed professionals. Earthquakes, tsunami and natural calamities brought lifestyle damages. Even the controversial 2012 movie gives us threat for next year. No Harold Camping can tell how or when this world will end. Only God knows his own plan. You are in control of your life but it's still Him who owns us. We are His and He will always find a way to make us feel loved even the most darkest days and worst struggles we may have.

Let's be hopeful that every waking day will still be beautiful. Be hopeful that tomorrow, after a heavy storm will come a sunny day. Be hopeful that after all those years of being alone, someone will capture you heart. Be hopeful that tears will turn into smiles. Be hopeful that the next days you will still have reasons to burst out a good laugh. Be hopeful that you'll finally get that job promotion (I just did!Yehey!). Be hopeful that you're close to reaching that dream. Be hopeful and faithful that God will never leave you no matter what!

I had to say a lot about 2012 but I didn't have time to blog since I got here. It was just this past days that I realize how I miss sitting for hours, thinking and pondering into things then writing about the stuffs I gathered in my mind. Yeah I miss reading books too. This life lately was such a fast track. Mood swings are attacking everywhere as well.

Oh Twenty Thirteen...please be kind to me. My wish for this year is to witness a miracle! Yeah that big! So how about love? I'm always loved. But long time relationships? I never really had one. My longest was up to almost two years only. Sometimes I feel like I messed up so much in relationships. I don't play around, but time comes when both of you just really can't work things out anymore. I'm turning twenty three this year. Everyone have the love of their lives, my girlfriends are suddenly getting romantically engaged, former classmates getting pregnant. Flash news like those makes me feel sad for myself. Haha. Okay seriously, it does. I should totally be happy and free being single, like what would I ask for? But it's still nice to have someone you know who'll stay for like forever if there is. Well call me die hard romantic but I do believe there is. God has given me challenges on relationships since I started out on this crazy love reality. I usually get myself into a situation where I keep chasing for someone who obviously isn't going to stay. I hate holding on into false hopes but I always do. I'm a hoeplessly hopeful kind when I fall in love. I wish this year I become lucky enough to bump into a real prince! Someone who can trade ten great years of his life to be with me and start a life. Whoa dream on! Haha. I can't say much because it's apparently a wish that requires a lot of patience. Okay I'll try my best. Hahaha.

So dears, whatever you're feeling right now, whether we're the same or not, I wish your hearts finds love well this year!

Isn't it ironic?!

2012-12-28T00:12:00.001-08:00

You meet the man of your dreams and met his beautiful wife. Alanis was never wrong, life can be sooo damn ironic! 500 days of summer is a perfect movie for confused hearts who needs to wake up and realize that we can't change people. Let them choose you. If they won't, then that's it. Nothing's easy but you'll get by.

Chasing

2012-10-22T12:19:00.001-07:00

Things just gets so tricky a lot of times. Or let's say people. I guess it's actually us who make things complicated. And all we can do is try. Try to make them look right. Question is, are we really learning? Or do we keep making the same reasons, same choices, same mistakes? once in a while we choose to fight for something. How sure are we that it's worth every risk? How do we know when to stop chasing what apparently isn't something that's going to last? Maybe we never know. Who doesn't seek for happiness anyway? Everyone will get tired of you feeling lonely, so you might as well try to be happy despite all. And someday,you will really be.

Try Coldstone!

2012-09-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

Excited much for winter while the weather is still freaking hot in here, so we got ourselves some ice creams! It was my first taste of Coldstone. I didn't expect them to be really good! Thank you Cyrelle for the voucher. We got two for the price of one!

Lately in Dubai!

2012-09-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

So yes I'm officially back in my hometown. Sometimes I still get this weird feeling of excitement that I have to pinch myself and say "Hey you're finally here. This is reality!" Whoa! That overjoyed feeling! I had so many plans when I knew I had this chance to return and in 2 weeks, I haven't gone far yet. Though get together with friends were prioritize of course! We were all raised here, went home for college and now here we are again, this time were ready to work! I wish I can just be a tourist here and just enjoy all the attractions this city has to offer, but I'm here for a job. I've been planning this since 2010. Two years was worth the wait and I'm so grateful, thankful and lucky!

Life is full of surprises. You won't know what's next until you get there. Good things can happen in an instant but it doesn't work like miracles. So if you want something then you gotta create your plan and take one step forward. Let's stay motivated people! Have a great weekend everyone!

DUBAI!

2012-08-31T01:00:00.002-07:00

I'm finally back! Yes back where I grew up. DUBAI! Yey! There's so much to tell and so much more for me to see! Chocolate Factory at Dubai Mall below!:

If I Never See Your Face Again

2012-08-20T00:55:00.003-07:00

Cause you keep me coming back for more... and I feel a little better than I did before
And if I never see your face again, I don’t mind 'cause we gone much further than I thought we’d get tonight.

Let's go somewhere!

2012-08-10T23:33:00.001-07:00

Who won't love to go somewhere far from where you wake up in everyday to face every stress the world has to offer? I've been wanting to go places recently. 2 weeks ago I've been on a very unplanned roadtrip with my long time friends and it turned out to be fun! And I'm so excited for next weekend that I'll be spending with my friends at work. Yey! I'm planning more outings too. Though vacations nowadays won't sound practical with all the other important stuffs we need to pay for to really live. I've learned from a travel blogger that if wandering will make you happy, then save for it. It's like saving for a life. You go someplace that feels like paradise, then you feel how much you're living, right? But still saving isn't that easy! Sometimes I wish I can just close my eyes and transport! Let me be a jumper for a day, make it a week or month!I've got so many places in mind! Oh how happy girl I would be if I could visit these places!

Bali, Indonesia
Gitgit Waterfalls, Candi Dasa Beach, Temples, Bali Rice Terraces

I've been reading Eat,Pray,Love for months now. I don't have a specific free time in a day to sit down and read pages that it took me months to finish it. Anyway, Liz Gilbert didn't only state how Bali is a peaceful island where policemen even wear flowers tucked in their ears, she equally stated history violence and modern corruptions going around there. Still, Bali is Bali! It's a place to unwind and relax or if you're lucky enough like Liz, you may find your true love there. And I want my palm be read by some Ketut Liyer too!

Greece
Island of Mykonos, Acropolis in Athens, Oia, Mycenae

Just anywhere in Greece. I think Rome is a place where you're going to meet a handsome Italian guy who'll make you taste the most delicious pasta then sweep you off your feet in an instant. Greece is where you wanna keep falling in love all over again. It's for honeymooners! So I ain't going here without someone to cuddle up with. I want to witness the photographic sunset in Oia which is considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. Then some history too! How I wish someone could take me there for free!!!

Tokyo, Japan!

Theme parks with heart pumping breath-taking roller coasters! I need to grab someone who loves adventures!

Paris, France!
Eiffel Tower, Grevin Wax Museum, Palace of Versailles, Glass Pyramid in Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral

It's the undying love for Eiffel tower! Given a chance, who wouldn't?! I'd like to see the famous glass pyramid from Da Vinci Code movie too!

Life ain't a smooth road, still any corner of a small town or village can feel like heaven. You only need something to believe in and give pure bliss in your heart! Just like what you first read here, Anywhere is paradise!

Family Time!

2012-08-04T18:35:00.000-07:00

No matter how rough things can be sometimes, we will always stick out for our our FAMILY! Value yours, they may not be there too long. Blessed Sunday everyone!

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Share: Keep Calm

2012-07-31T20:01:00.001-07:00

Who haven't seen this poster yet? It's everywhere. Well I haven't seen it on walls yet. but I've seen it a dozen times on several blogs and sites. It's a popular slogan intending to raise the morale of British public during World War II. It was formed by British Government as a propaganda during the invasion. This poster has a very strong impact on me. It's gives a motivation and courage to believe that everything will be alright in the end. So cheer up and let's stay positive!

It is believed that most of the Keep Calm posters were destroyed and reduced to a pulp at the end of the war in 1945. However, nearly 60 years later, a bookseller from Barter Books stumbled across a copy hidden amongst a pile of dusty old books bought from an auction.
Sadly no record remains of the unknown Civil Servant who originally came up with the simple and quintessential Britishness of the Keep Calm and Carry On message. However, it is wonderful to think that all these years later people still find it so appealing and reassuring in our modern times.

They have pretty useful items with this message:

Click here to visit Keep Calm and Carry On Official website:

Happy Wednesday!

Roadtrip: Tagaytay!

2012-07-29T05:29:00.002-07:00

Nothing beats the happiness of hitting the road with long time friends! They're definitely the best people to be with on an unexpected road trip!

Have a great week ahead everyone!

Shocking Art: Tyler Shields

2012-07-17T22:13:00.002-07:00

I always see his controversial name from famous celebrity photos. No wonder Tyler Shields made a name for himself as a go-to photographer with his extreme creativity. He likes portarying sexy, violent strange scenes. Not everyone likes his art, but I think they're awesome. Some are pretty romantic actually. See for yourself. www.tylershields.com

Think-Work-Play: Why do you feel it is important to create shocking art?
Tyler Shields: To me it’s not shocking at all to me it is exactly what makes sense at the time it just so happens that certain things I make shock people the intention is not to shock but to make you think!
Where do you come up with your ideas, is there a special place or do random places spring up best ideas – examples?
The world. I can see a person walking down the street and get an idea.

What Really Matters

2012-07-11T22:06:00.003-07:00

It's not about how the hell things went crazy or who screwed it all up. It's about how and what you learned during the process of accepting what you can't change and letting yourself go out of the cage you locked yourself into. It's not about how he caused you pain but how he positively made you feel beautiful when he was around then. People had to make choices and we can't control what they make for their lives. You may be in their plans or not, you need not to be assured of. They'll keep you if they really want to.

Yesterday I saw someone who let me down so hard almost 3 years ago. I knew I was going to see him there. I knew how I would not let myself treat him nicely. Still, the very moment I saw his face, all those bitterness just faded. His smile reminded me how good of a person he was to me. It suddenly hit me that this person wasn't bad at all. I instantly felt how much I've recovered and how I learned to forgive him already. I realized that this person deserves the happy life he has right now, and so do I. Our lives went fine not being together, not pushing hard on what we tried to fight for. See, God really showed me His reasons for everything, answers to all my questions before.

Now I know scenes like this are not just in movies. And a moment like that won't bring back pain instead pure happiness. It just happened to me. I saw clearly how we made each other a better whole, and that's what really matters after all.

Have a happy Thursday!

21 things I Learned (Part 4)

2012-07-07T23:49:00.000-07:00

Before I turn twenty two months from now, I've got to complete this list already!

So here's the recap of my list:

1. Don’t rush!
2. Share your blessings!
3. Laughter is definitely the best medicine!
4. The pain goes away sooner than you think.
5. You’re gonna miss things you though you won’t.
6. Reality bites!
7. Children get older!
8. Everything takes place at the right time
9. Pictures are forever.
10. You’ll miss your family more than your friends
11. Work hard and PLAY!
12. Its not about how much love you get but how much love you give.
13. Learning before earning.
14. Marriage is definitely a lifetime commitment.
15. Boys love simplicity!
16. True friends are rare.
17. Spend time with your grandparents.
18. Family will always be your FAMILY!
19. Welcome those who come to you.
20. I'm a good girl.
21. Life is GOOD!

10. You’ll miss your family more than your friends

You'll miss the friends you used to hang out with on weekends, but the people you live under the same roof with everyday, you might miss them more. You may be pressured with dad's expectations, your mom'sloud voice or your brothers always pissing you off. But guess what, when you're old enough to live on your own, you'll randomly miss those times. The crazy day by day routine in your household.

11. Work hard and PLAY!

Oh yes you deserve to enjoy! Everyone does, don't torture your mind with all the stress in the office. You\re not a hero who'll save the whole corporate world! Loosen up and get some dose of fun and relaxation every once in a while.

12. It's not about how much love you get but how much love you give.

13. Learning before earning.

14. Marriage is definitely a lifetime commitment.

There's always a rough patch in every married life. But true lovers can prove how their feelings can always keep them strong after every storm. It's not just about staying together for the kids, but working and fighting for the love they had for so long. Well that's true love, the aspects may change, but the essence won't.

15. Boys love simplicity!

Pretty faces and sexy get ups drives them crazy. That strong appeal makes them mad for you. But still, at the end of the day, it's the simple you that makes them deeply in love. Everyone knows that. So if you have the look, you also got to have the heart!

16. True friends are rare.

I've lived different places and different schools comes different faces. I always manage to make lots of friends. Life changes and people leave, true friendship stays. Your friend may move to a new city, but it's not just about being together physically. The bonding stays even when you're apart. There's these few real friends you can just call when you're down and everything might not be okay, but they can make you feel better. Value the friends who are always there for you, their RARE!

17. Spend time with your grandparents.

We know they can be annoying at times, but there are actually the best ones to talk to. You just have to listen and maybe you'll get surprise how interesting they are. Like how they were way too cool back then. Maybe they're even cooler than you.

18. Family will always be your FAMILY!

I'm this person who loves my family so much. I mean everyone does but I really put family first. I make time to get close to them and bond. I know I don't have a prefect one, there's always this sudden misunderstandings and cold war here and there. But I've learned that no matter how often or how hard you fight and shout at one another, they'll still be the last person to leave you. They'll always have your back. And they'll always care no matter how they pretend not to.

19. Welcome those who come to you.

20. I'm a good girl.

Be kind to yourself, because you are a good person.

21. Life is GOOD!

He gave you that kind of life because that's what you deserve.So don;t always question why your life isn't like others, because others are wishing they have yours! Let's wake up every morning with a good mood, good purpose and good heart! Life is definitely GOOD!

Lighten Up!

2012-07-01T22:07:00.003-07:00

Speechless!!!

2012-06-23T23:17:00.002-07:00

I was invited to be a guest speaker at my Alma Mater's 14th commencement exercise last month. I was a product of their school and I'll be a good role model for their fresh graduates, as per the faculty who were my friends back then! Haha! Can you believe that? I was actually overwhelmed. What should I say to these young people when I myself is still as young at heart like them. I'm just starting out in the real world. These guys are excited to get out and run the world, what advices should I tell them? So I prepared a long speech the night before, and guess what, I wasn't able to read any part of it! I was so freaking nervous standing in front of all these teenagers. There i was, like stunned and speechless. I didn't know how the words just came out of my mouth. For all I know I did make sense. Haha! I just told them how it was for me when I was fresh out of school. How tough it was at first, how I learned slowly and how I survived and got here where I am now. Well I've graduated 4 years ago and I can say I've been into quite lots already. I've tried and I've overcome mean challenges from different kinds of mean people out there. I'm not yet this successful lady in a corporate world like I've imagined I'd be after 4 years. I dont have a car yet. Give me 3 more years and you'll be seeing me drive a Hilux!! I swear! Haha! Still, I can say I'm in a stable job and position right now which is good since many are unemployed and lucky me to not be one of them!
It had been such a great opportunity to share inspirational words to younger generations. I hope they liked me even for a bit. Haha! I was also in-charge for giving out diplomas. Too many hand shakes for few hours!

When I was brainstorming and writing a really long speech, I found graduation speeches from famous personalities:

Maria Shriver"I'm only asking you to stop every so often and turn off your mobile device, put down the Angry Birds and the Words with Friends and take a moment. Stop to look up and look around. Pause and check in with yourself -- and spend a moment there. "

Commencement Address University of Southern California's Annenberg, 2012

Jane Lynch"You can’t make a cloudy day a sunny day, but can embrace it and decide it’s going to be a good day after all."

Commencement Address at Smith College 2012

Oprah Winfrey

If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. That's the lesson. And that lesson alone will save you, my friends, a lot of grief. Even doubt means don't. This is what I've learned. There are many times when you don't know what to do. When you don't know what to do, get still, get very still, until you do know what to do.

Commencement Address at Spelman College

Neil Gaiman
"And now go, and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for your being here. Make good art. "

Commencement Address at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, 2012

After any activity, our tummies need to be full! We ate at newly opened Seafood Island. Of course I had my biggest fans with me, my mom, brother and dear friend Law. Mga supporters ko! It was like a summer inside. Love the warm ambiance. It's a beach themed resto. Hindi bagay ang aming attire! Plus boodle fight pa! I recommend this place for those who wants to eat good food with tight budget, I swear sulit ang bayad niyo!

There, happy and satisfied tummies! Have a great week ahead!

Share: 10 Untranslatable Relationship Words

2012-06-19T01:15:00.000-07:00

I've been very very very busy these past weeks, I promise I'll try to make time to blog by next week. Let me share this article from You,Me & Charlie.

I’ve been raised to think, live and breathe that love knows no boundaries, and that language is not a barrier, but a flimsy veil that only slightly blur our similarities until we fearlessly push it aside. Afterall, we’re just children of the universe with differently twisted tongues.
Then I stumbled across this magnificent little collection of words that made me realize some things are better encompassed in one beautiful word, than explained clumsily in a mess of sentences that never quite manage to justify the feelings they seek to describe.
Ladies, gentlemen, butterflies, and fellow Charlies, here are ten relationship words that aren’t translatable into English!

1. “Mamihlapinatapei” (Yagan, an indigenous language of Tierra del Fuego): The wordless yet meaningful look shared by two people who desire to initiate something, but are both reluctant to start.
Oh yes, this is an exquisite word, compressing a thrilling and scary relationship moment. It’s that delicious, cusp-y moment of imminent seduction. Neither of you has mustered the courage to make a move, yet. Hands haven’t been placed on knees; you’ve not kissed. But you’ve both conveyed enough to know that it will happen soon… very soon.

2. “Yuanfen” (Chinese): A relationship by fate or destiny. This is a complex concept. It draws on principles of predetermination in Chinese culture, which dictate relationships, encounters and affinities, mostly among lovers and friends. In common usage yuanfen means the “binding force” that links two people together in any relationship.
But interestingly, “fate” isn’t the same thing as “destiny.” Even if lovers are fated to find each other they may not end up together. The proverb, “have fate without destiny,” describes couples who meet, but who don’t stay together, for whatever reason. It’s interesting, to distinguish in love between the fated and the destined. Romantic comedies, of course, confound the two.

3. “Cafuné” (Brazilian Portuguese): The act of tenderly running your fingers through someone’s hair.

4. “Retrouvailles” (French): The happiness of meeting again after a long time. This is such a basic concept, and so familiar to the growing ranks of commuter relationships, or to a relationship of lovers, who see each other only periodically for intense bursts of pleasure. It’s surprising we don’t have any equivalent word for this subset of relationship bliss. It’s a handy one for modern life.

5. “Ilunga”(Bantu): A person who is willing to forgive abuse the first time; tolerate it the second time, but never a third time.
Apparently, in 2004, this word won the award as the world’s most difficult to translate. Although at first, it did seem to have a clear phrase equivalent in English: It’s the “three strikes and you’re out” policy. Yet ilunga conveys a subtler concept, because the feelings are different with each “strike.” The word elegantly conveys the progression toward intolerance, and the different shades of emotion that we feel at each stop along the way.

6. “La Douleur Exquise” (French): The heart-wrenching pain of wanting someone you can’t have.
It ressembles “unrequited” love. It’s not quite the same, though. “Unrequited love” describes a relationship state, but not a state of mind. Unrequited love encompasses the lover who isn’t reciprocating, as well as the lover who desires. La douleur exquise gets at the emotional heartache, specifically, of being the one whose love is unreciprocated.

7. “Koi No Yokan” (Japanese): The sense upon first meeting a person that the two of you are going to fall into love.
This is different than “love at first sight,” since it implies that you might have a sense of imminent love, somewhere down the road, without yet feeling it. The term captures the intimation of inevitable love in the future, rather than the instant attraction implied by love at first sight.

8. “Ya’aburnee” (Arabic): “You bury me.” It’s a declaration of one’s hope that they’ll die before another person, because of how difficult it would be to live without them.
The online dictionary that lists this word calls it “morbid and beautiful.” It’s the “How Could I Live Without You?” slickly insincere cliché of dating, polished into a more earnest, poetic term.

9. “Forelsket”: (Danish): The euphoria you experience when you’re first falling in love.
This is a wonderful term for that blissful state, when all your senses are acute for the beloved, the pins and needles thrill of the novelty. There’s a phrase in English for this, but it’s clunky. It’s “New Relationship Energy,” or NRE.

10. “Saudade” (Portuguese): The feeling of longing for someone that you love and is lost, a “vague and constant desire for something that does not and probably cannot exist.”
It’s interesting that saudade accommodates in one word the haunting desire for a lost love, or for an imaginary, impossible, never-to-be-experienced love. Whether the object has been lost or will never exist, it feels the same to the seeker, and leaves her in the same place: She has a desire with no future. Saudade doesn’t distinguish between a ghost, and a fantasy. Nor do our broken hearts, much of the time.

100 percent true!

2012-05-30T23:37:00.003-07:00