Moms, aunts and do-gooder married pals are eager to dish out advice, but what does a person really need to know before taking the leap? Whether it’s getting married, moving in together or just talking of an engagement, there are a few topics that need to be thoroughly investigated before moving onto the next level. Much to some people’s surprise, some of the absolute musts don’t seem very important upon first look.

First, money should always take precedence, even if that might not sound very romantic. Retirement planning, savings, fun funds, who pays what, and to joint account or not should all be discussed. A pre-nuptial agreement is often a good idea, even if the couple doesn’t think their level of wealth demands it. Money is a leading cause of divorce, so why not address it from the get go?

The Day-to-Day Stuff

If a couple hasn’t lived together yet, the day-to-day stuff can easily become exacerbated into huge blowouts. Is one person tidy while the other one lives in a clutter? That might seem charming in the beginning, but it’s nearly guaranteed to lead to massive fights. It’s critical to figure out what each person is expected to do, from who washes the dishes to where dirty clothes go.

Something as seemingly minor as one person neglecting to squeeze the toothpaste from the bottom of the tube has landed a number of couples in counseling. Additionally, speaking with a professional before any big problems happen can also help to set the stage for a smoother relationship. Those little quirks, like one person chewing loudly, might not seem like much now but they can become huge.

Getting Social

How time is split with friends should also be addressed, especially if one person is more social than the other. Sex should also be openly discussed, since it’s often natural for sex to decrease the longer a couple is together. It’s critical to make time for sex, prioritize it and remember that it’s an important connection to intimacy.

At the same time, when a couple gets more serious, one of two things may happen: the couple become hermits, or one person is still very much living their single life without the other. Choose date nights and a number of night(s) per week for friends, and stick to it.

How to Fight

From finances to something as small as deciding which snake repel product to use in your yard, every couple in a healthy relationship will have arguments. The trick is figuring out how to do so effectively and in a healthy manner. This all comes down to communication, which isn’t an innate skill. That’s why going to a counselor is a great first step, because these experts can provide tools on how to best communicate.

It’s not all romance and fireworks when getting married or getting serious. In fact, there’s a lot of exasperating times ahead, but that’s okay. Having the right discussions and tools from the beginning can help a relationship succeed.

Michelle is an aspiring writer with a passion for blogging. She enjoys writing about a vast variety of topics and loves that blogging gives her the opportunity to publicly voice her thoughts and
share advice with an unlimited audience.

What to Really Ask Your Partner Before Going to the Next Level

After getting out of a marriage or other long-term relationship, it can be a bit intimidating to get back into the dating pool. When it has been a long time since your last first date, you may not even know where to begin. Luckily, dating is just like riding a bicycle. It will come back to you quickly after you jump into the dating pool. Follow this guide to get back into the dating scene.

Join the Club

Dates don’t just fall in your lap. You have to go out there and find them. Join local clubs that promote dating, or just join clubs that appeal to your hobbies or interests. Getting out there and being social is a great way to get dates with like-minded ladies.

Spread the Word

You want to let all of your friends, family members, colleagues and associates know that you are single. One of the easiest ways to get dates is to let others set you up on them. Though this may result in some awkward dates, every date you go on gets you more polished in the art of dating.

Dress the Part

If you haven’t dated in a long time, your wardrobe probably needs some polishing. You need a nice suit for dinner dates, but you need hipper clothes for clubbing. Head to an upscale boutique and buy some men’s t shirts with a massively outrageous look. This will help give you a fashionable look for your next club sojourn.

Internet Dating

The Internet has gotten a stranglehold over the modern world of dating. More single people are meeting their dates online than in the real world these days. If you set up online accounts at a few dating sites, you will be up to your eyeballs in dates in no time flat.

Don’t Discuss the Ex

There are few things that will turn a date off faster than discussing your ex. It will come up at some point in a relationship, but you shouldn’t talk about your ex for the first several dates. You want to talk about the woman you are dating. Remember to ask her lots of questions about herself. You want to talk about your date at least as much as you talk about yourself.

Have Fun

Remember that dating is supposed to be fun. Don’t feel any pressure to make things go a certain way. Just relax and enjoy the experience to the fullest, and the relationships will develop in due course.

The Newly-Single Man’s Guide to Getting Back into The Dating Scene

Image by Sam Fam (Flickr)

By Misty Angel

There are so many ways that you could enjoy Valentine’s Day with your significant other. Most people would want to spend a romantic dinner with their girlfriends or boyfriends in their favourite restaurant, or go to a theme park that they have always wanted to experience in the past. Those are, however, the typical ways that one could celebrate Valentine’s Day. There are other ways through which a couple could celebrate the day of hearts with each other outside the usual restaurant or urban outings that they have been used to. If one wants to have a unique Valentine’s Day experience, then they should consider these options as well.

For instance, they can think about going out and experiencing the wild outdoors on their Valentine’s date. Experiencing the environment is a great way to enjoy oneself, and it is even better spending some time in the wild outdoors with someone that we hold dear to our hearts on V-Day. The good thing is, there are a lot of ideas that you can make use of in planning an exceptional Valentine’s Day in the outdoors. I can guarantee you that you will enjoy a truly unforgettable Valentine’s Day date when you consider these ideas or, better yet, introduce a twist to it!

Visit an Easily Accessible Peak on Valentine’s Day

It feels different to be on top of the world, and it is even more special when you are on top of the world during Valentine’s Day! You need not go to Everest or any tall peak just to enjoy the Day of Hearts too, because that would be expensive. I will certainly recommend that to those that like extreme adventures, of course, because this is certainly an experience that they would not want to pass up for Valentine’s!

For those less inclined towards adventurism, visiting the peak of a nearby hill or a place of altitude from which you could view the cityscape would be fine. The air is fresh up there, and the ambiance is very peaceful. These are the things that make up a great Valentine’s Day date, after all. Just make sure to bring with you a bucket of ice and a bottle of champagne to complete your special day with your loved one.

Go White Water Rafting!

Again, this one is for those who would want to try something a bit of rush for their Valentine’s! White water rafting is a great choice because it combines natural trekking and extreme adventure in one go! White water rafting is always done in a group, but it does not matter. The main idea, after all, is that you and your loved one are together! Besides, being in a group is certainly a lot more when it comes to white water rafting, and it is always necessary to have an experienced guide with you to help keep you from harm’s way. For those that always love to be moving, there is nothing better for Valentine’s Day than to engage in some adrenaline-rushing activity like White Water rafting. It will also be very unforgettable for the both of you, I am certain of that.

Go Camping

Camping with your significant other is always a good idea. It is a chance to be intimate and spend quality time together. It is understandable that both of you would be very busy with your careers that you would also be able to go on a date for a few hours every day, but Valentine’s Day is a chance for the two of you to come together for one whole day and just spend precious moments together! Camping in the outdoors would also give an element of thrill to date because being in the outdoors also exposes you to some elements that you will otherwise not encounter when having a date in the urban areas or the metropolis. You might even see some wild animals come near you, although it is best to keep out of the reach of these animals especially bears and wolves as a safety measure. In addition, make sure to also heed to the park rangers’ instructions on which parts of the park are designated safe for hitchhikers and campers. There have been cases where people have disappeared or have been attacked by wild animals because they strayed too far into the animals’ territories.

Valentine’s Day is a day that can be celebrated according to how you want it to be celebrated. You need not stick to the options that are popular because, in the end, it all boils down to what you feel is special for you and your girlfriend.

About the Author:

Misty Angel knows that Valentine’s Day is a good day for proposing to one’s girlfriend. A reliable source of information on jewellery, she has developed a knowledge on engagement rings and diamond jewellery as a result of her studies and her passion for the craft. She usually writes articles for Serendipity Diamonds, a provider of high quality platinum wedding rings based out of the Isle of Wight, the United Kingdom.

Enjoying Valentine’s Day Out In The Environment

Let’s face it: it takes more than hugs and kisses to have a healthy heart. So, this Valentine’s day, aside from giving your significant someone a treat, pay attention to your heart as well. Go on a heart-healthy date and indulge your partner with gifts that can strengthen the heart.

1. Cook at home.

Instead of eating out, opt to cook your own meal. This is an excellent way to control what and how much you eat. You can prepare lunch or a romantic candlelit dinner. When selecting perfect recipe, pick one that has…

2. Less salt.

When you cook at home, try healthier seasonings rather than using pre-packaged mixes that contains a lot of salt. Salt in the body is linked to high blood pressure and can lead to heart attack in the long run. Add spice to your meal using finely-chopped hot pepper instead.

3. Use oil sparingly.

If you must need to use oil in cooking or making salad dressings, use those that are lowest in saturated fats and cholesterol. Canola oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil and corn oil are some examples. But still, use them sparingly.

4. Try something new.

This Valentine’s day, dare to eat a fruit or a vegetable recipe you’ve never tasted before. If you decide on buy the ingredients yourself, buy products with the heart check mark. This means that the product has less amount of total fat, cholesterol and salt.

5. Skip chocolates.

Rather than tempting your sweetheart with chocolates, go for naturally sweet food. A fruit basket has natural sugars and healthy nutrients that can also show how sweet you are to your partner.

6. Jog or take a walk.

For at least 30 minutes, jog or take a walk with the love of your life. This is a good heart-healthy activity as well as a wonderful moment to spend with a loved one. Thirty minutes a day will go a long way.

7. Walk the dog together.

If both of you love dogs, Valentine’s day can involve walking your pet dog around the neighborhood. It’s romantic and can benefit your health.

8. Go on an active date.

If you’re the go-go couple, pack up your bags and go skating, mountain climb, rock climb, even! Exercise and sweating out can help the body remove extra fats that may cause blockage of blood flow to the heart.

9. Quit smoking.

If one of you are into smoking, make Valentine’s day memorable by making it the first day you started to quit smoking. This will keep yourself and your loved one healthier and free from secondhand smoke. There are resources that can offer you support, if needed.

10. Share the love.

What better way to show love and affection on Valentine’s day than becoming a volunteer? You and your partner can sign up for a volunteer project, may it be in the orphanage, hospital, or any other area. This will keep you active and help other people in the process.

Do you think you’re up to it? Share other heart-healthy ideas here!

About the author: Melissa Page is a fitness buff and a social media contributor who works with successful companies such as ICan Benefit, a health insurance company with affordable rates and packages. When she’s not busy writing, she’s at the gym or at bowling centers.

Ten Heart-healthy Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Question #1: How do you define your style?

Photographers employ different styles of taking pictures. You need to ask
your perspective photographer regarding his/her own style. This way, you
will have an idea whether his/her style matches your own. It would be
useless to pay a photographer to cover your wedding only to find out that
the final output uses a style which does not match your taste and
preference. If possible, do a little research about the different styles
that may be employed in a wedding photography. Be aware of the
differences between traditional, illustrative, photojournalism,
portraiture, and high fashion photography. Knowing enough about these
styles will prevent you from looking so ignorant when conversing with the
photographer.

Question #2: Do you have an assistant photographer?

Every professional photographer will most likely to have an assistant
photographer. You may also ask if you can meet the assistant in person so
you will have an idea if you indeed would like to have these people around
on your wedding day. Talk to them and try to sense if they are friendly
and not somebody air-headed or arrogant. Besides having an assistant
photographer, make sure to ask if there are also back up equipments
available. You can also ask the photographers if it is okay with them
that other people such as your friends and relatives will take pictures
all throughout the duration of the wedding event.

Question #3: What features and benefits are included in the package?

A good professional photographer must be able to lay out all the things
that are included in every package. This way, you will have an idea which
package best suits your needs and preferences. You can also ask if you
can avail of a customized package to ensure that your needs are being met.
Ask if they also provide engagement and pre-nuptial shots in the package.
Besides still pictures, some wedding photographers also offer video
coverage. Most of all, ask how long will it take them to get everything
done and deliver to you the final output.

Question #4: Do you provide a written contract?

Never ever hire a wedding photographer who is not willing to provide a
written contract. If they claim to provide a contract, make sure to read
it first prior to finally signing up for their services. You also need to
know how much will they ask for an upfront payment or a deposit. You may
also ask if they have payment plans for you to choose from. Most of all
make sure to enquire if the contract includes liability insurance.

Question #5: What happens if you get sick on the wedding day?

Asking this question prior to hiring a photographer will help you gauge
whether he already has a well-prepared back-up plan. You can tell that the
photographer is experienced because he will be able to answer this
question with all spontaneity. Make sure to ask about the details of his
plan B in the event that he gets ill on your wedding day.

Ashlee works for HowMuchIsIt.org
- a website that helps you answer quesitons such as, “ href="http://www.howmuchisit.org/wedding-photographer-cost/">How much does
a wedding photographer cost?” and so much more!

Finding a Wedding Photographer: 5 Questions to Ask

All men have infatuations and most fall in love too. But when it comes to approaching a girl or asking her out, they become taken over by another emotion – nervousness and drop the idea for the fear of rejection.

If you are a guy, who has been in a situation like this, think about this. Even if she rejects you, what difference will it make? Once you ask out a girl, you will either have her as your girlfriend or not have her in your life. Isn’t this better than swinging between the two and regretting not approaching her later in life? Please understand that your life will not stop if she says “No” to you. You will be the same (may be much better) and she will be the same.

Now imagine a positive reply from her. What if she accepts your proposal? You will thank your stars for pushing you to ask her out. When considering asking a girl out, never think about her reactions or what she will think and say. If you keep worrying about her reactions, you will never be able to go ahead with your plans. It’s been rightly said, if you are focusing on your fears then you are not really focusing on what you are aiming and are destined to fail.

What is fear of rejection? It is nothing but a form of ego that gets hurt when a girl turns down your request. If you are complete strangers, you may not be much affected. But, if you are friends with her, you may end up losing her as a friend or some kind of awkwardness may find its way into your friendship.

When you want to ask out a girl who is a friend, you need to be really careful. Asking a girl out girl and asking for a date from a girl who is a friend are two different things. You cannot use the same strategy on a friend unless you want to put the friendship on stake. To propose a friend, you need to flirt a little with her, give her compliments and change the way she looks at you. You need to communicate to her indirectly that you like her. This can be achieved by doing small things like-

• Giving her flowers
• Giving her Compliments
• Flirting with her
• Teasing her and crack jokes
• Making eye contact when she is around or when the two of you are talking
• Giving her late night calls just to say you are missing her
• Asking her to wear a dress that you really like by explaining your liking for it.
• Giving her a smile from a distance when she is talking to someone else

Please do not attempt to try all the above mentioned tricks in one day. Take time to make her realize how much you like her. Let her know about your feelings and give her time and space to take a decision. You will know about her liking for you through her body language. If she smiles at your jokes or flirts back, responds to your late night calls and wishes to spend time with you, it means she likes you too. Now think of the best proposal ideas and use anyone of them to ask her out. If you still fear rejection, you may seek help from a friend, who is willing to indirectly communicate your feelings to her. His feedback will help you plan your proposal wisely.

Coming back to asking out a girl who is a stranger, no girl would accept the request of a man she hardly knows. Let her know you and become friendly and comfortable before you ask her out. However, you can continue with your flirting to keep her aware of your intentions.

If you are wondering how to propose a girl you already know, the answer is – confidence, a good sense of humor and a positive body language. Confidence will let you approach any girl without fear of rejection or nervousness; a good sense of humor will help you handle any situation with humor. For example, if the girl gets angry or doesn’t like your request, you can use humor to lighten the environment and cool down things. A positive body language will let the girl know what your intentions are and what kind of a man you are.

Also make sure you know what you need to speak. Fumbling words are a big no-no for girls. Act like a macho man but be polite and keep a smile on your face to look friendly.

For a woman to accept your request, you must make her feel comfortable and happy with you. If she enjoys your company, she would want it more and you will get the advantage of spending more time with her.

About the Author:
Manali (Vaish) Arora is the Co-Founder of Love, Dating, Relationships and More. She writes articles for her own website and is also a professional contributor to a number of websites as well as print media.

How to Ask Out a Girl

Now that the winter slump is over, Valentine’s Day is long gone and the holidays are a thing of the past, it’s time to add some excitement to your love life.  Perhaps a fling is just what you need!  Allow yourself to relax and let loose with spring fever this season, because change can lead to positive alterations in your life.  Here are some things to consider when you’re trying to decide if you’re ready for a spring fling:

1.      You’re tired of your daily routine:  Doing the same thing every day is tedious and tiresome.  Adding some romance to your life may be just what you need.  Work, the gym and your girlfriends will still be there for you no matter what, so take some time to meet a new cutie.  You might meet your sweetheart at the gym or while grabbing drinks with the ladies this weekend.  Whatever the activity may be, open yourself up to new opportunities.  Go to a new bar or try a free week at a new gym.  Do whatever it takes to get out of your comfort zone.

2.      You just got out of a relationship: Coming out of a relationship, long or short, is full of tears, stress and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.  If this sounds like you, then it is most likely not the best time to jump into a spring fling.  That does not mean you should turn down every opportunity that comes your way.  If you are going to dive head first into a new fling, make sure you’ve sorted through your options and choose someone you can actually see yourself with, not the first guy to buy you a drink at the bar.

3.      Your busy level: Staying late at the office on Friday nights can majorly interfere with your love life.  If work is your number one priority, a new romance is most likely not on your to-do list.  This can be a good thing and a bad thing.  If you love your work and that is what is making you happy right now, then by all means, more power to you.  That said, if you’re sick and tired of working day and night, a new relationship is exactly what you need to brighten your life and keep you from 80 hour work weeks.

4.      The right person: Is the guy you’ve been chatting up to your girlfriends the same cutie you were talking about two days ago?  If your love interest seems to be changing on the regular, then you are probably not ready for a relationship.  Finding the right person is a challenge, but when you do, it will be a challenge well worth it.  So ladies, stop falling for the same tricks, and find the guy who doesn’t say “you’re the happiest thing about happy hour,” because we have all heard that before.

5.       Emotional security:  Think about your emotional status the past few months.  If it has been full of downs, and few ups, then you need to make sure you are ready to handle someone else in your life.  If you are finding it challenging just to deal with your own life, than taking on someone else’s may not be the wisest of choices.  However, if you feel content, but maybe not your best, a steamy spring fling could be what takes you to the high road.

How did you know it was time for a spring fling?  Share your stories below.

Is Spring the Time for a New Fling?

• Is it really over? Before you put the effort into recovering from the relationship, determine whether or not it is really over.  If there is a chance you can work it out, focus on that instead of recovery.
• Can you still be friends? If you the relationship is over, determine whether or not it will be possible to be friends. Many times, it is not possible.
• Give yourself some time to heal. Recovering from a break up can take some time. Don’t expect to just forget about it. Give yourself time to heal.
• Get rid of the little reminders.  Gifts, pictures, and other memoirs should be done away with in an effort to recover.  You don’t want little reminder lying around that will bring back the memories and only increase the pain.
• Confide in your family and friends. Your support system will be important in successfully recovering from a break up.  Choose to land on family and friends during this time.
• Don’t turn to food for comfort. Food is not the answer.  It may seem to comfort you for a little while but will only end up in weight gain.  Eating for comfort is not the answer.  Choose to confide in family and friends instead.
• Get out! Don’t sit inside and dwell on the break up. Get out and find ways to get your mind off of the breakup.
• Take up a new hobby. One way to get out and get your mind off the break up is to take up a new hobby.  Try something new and find ways to stay active so that you aren’t dwelling on the problem.
• Volunteer to help get your mind off the breakup.  If you are searching for a way to get your mind off of the breakup, consider volunteering your time.
• Don’t feel the need to explain the situation to everyone. Explaining the break up over and over again will only bring the hurt back to light.  Let those closest to you know what happened and simply choose not to talk about it with others.
• Keep your distance. Don’t hang out with your ex! Even if you have the same crowd of friends, this can make things even more difficult.
• Don’t use social media as a way to vent. Venting on social media will only make things worse.
• Delete him or her from having access to your social media. You don’t want any contact with a person you have recently broken up with if the situation is full of heartbreak.
• Focus more on your career. Choose to put the break up behind you and focus more on your career than on the heartache.
• See a counselor. Talking to someone about the break up can also be helpful. A counselor can come into handy if you need to vent.
• Discover your spirituality. In a time of need, choose to turn to a higher power. Many people have relied on their faith to help them through.
• Write down your feelings and emotions. Create a journal of your thoughts. Writing things down often helps.
• Go out for drinks with friends. The more you get out, the better off you will be. Invite the company of your friends to help you heal.
• Realize that there is hope. In time, you will get over the breakup.  Don’t give up hope.
• Fight depression. Do your best not to fall into depression. If you notice yourself becoming depressed, seek help immediately.

Whether the relationship lasted only a few months or even a few years, breaking up is a hard part of life. Use the tips above to help you deal with the many emotions that can come through the process.

This article is contributed by Marina of 1001Shops. 1001Shops offers a large range of specialty products like Limoges figurines, jewelry music boxes, carnival masks and lot more.

20 Steps to Recover From a Break Up

Sure, we all want to find “the right guy,” but how do we successfully approach such a task?  In her new book Get Married This Year: 365 Days to “I Do,” relationship expert, professor and psychotherapist Dr. Janet Blair Page shares her easy-to-follow 12-month plan to help readers not only get married this year but to build a loving andlong-lasting relationship with the man of their dreams.  We had the chance to interview Dr. Page, during which she shared her personal story of true love. She also expanded on the steps of her program and discussed why her plan really works.

Can you tell us about your book and why you wrote it?

In 1984, I began teaching a course at Emory University called “Before a Year Is Over, I’ll Be Married.”  The way people meet and date has changed over the last three decades, but the problems haven’t changed: they feel like they’re not meeting enough eligible people, or if they are, they keep facing the same relationship love blocks over and over again.  As a psychotherapist — divorced and remarried myself — I was not only able to empathize with many of the women, but I have personally been on the same path and have my own backlog of bloopers.  I’ve also experienced the joys of a good marriage, and it’s the most wonderful way I can think to spend your life.  This book offers the experience I have gathered.

Your first bit of advice is to get to know yourself.  What does a woman need to do to truly know herself? 

To truly know herself a woman has to be scrupulously honest about whom she is and has been.  A positive realism toward herself and all others in her life is the definition of mental health.  She also needs to be aware of her effect on others – life is a team sport – be open to caring and competent critique from people with low to no agendas.  If she has personal pain, she needs to have the courage to heal; and if change in her behavior or attitude would be advisable, she needs to be willing to make it happen.

Before a woman can “find the right guy” (month 6), she must figure out what that means to her.  What advice do you have for someone at this stage in her journey to love?

“The right guy” is not only the best possible man for you but also one with whom you are absolutely willing to put in whatever it takes to make your relationship succeed.  You trust and respect each other, have shared your goals and desires, enjoy the comfort of being honest with each other, and love each other unconditionally.  You crave being together but are able to be apart without having to worry about the other person’s behavior.  You both understand mutuality and are capable of truth telling.  (The truth — as inconvenient as it can sometimes be — usually comes out one way or another.  Wouldn’t you rather it be on your terms?).  You feel even better about yourself being with him and loving him with your brain as well as your whole heart.

Do you believe that this timeline works for all women?  If not, whom wouldn’t it work for?

It depends on your starting point.  For women who have already accomplished some of the tasks – they knew what they wanted in a man and how to spot a keeper but not how to date or create a close relationship, for example – a year works.  But realistically, many women won’t be able to become self-aware or good at self-marketing and dating, de-cluttering their lives, communicating, and connecting beautifully with a man in 365 days.  Succeeding at every stage in the 12-month program is much more important than meeting the timeline.

I’m not worried about the women who aren’t married in 365 days as long as they have fixed their old, ineffective behaviors and are in a place to go out and find their soul mate.  The ones I worry about (and who I’d especially like to help) are the ones who continue to drag an ineligible man behind them for years.  Keeping my game plan in mind can help them transition to a more effective dating strategies.

Wouldn’t some relationships benefit from dating for longer than 365 days?

There’s a difference between a couple who both know that they want to be marriedto each other and just haven’t set a date yet and a relationship where one party is simply a placeholder while the other party figures out what s/he wants. After 365 days, he should know if he is interested in marrying you and will have let you know by thought, words, and actions.  That said, keep in mind that men like to control the when and how, and unless you think he will never get around to it, bide your time and let him be the conquering hero.

Do you think your program can benefit a man in the same way it benefits a woman?  Why or why not?

Yes!  I know it can.  Many men took my class, and all seem to like the “pull no punches but have a sense of humor” approach.  Also, most of my clients are men, and while they are less likely to buy a book or take a class, they experience the same pain, if not more, in love.  They are very welcoming of any rules that can alleviate hurt and promote success.  Marriage and being in love is of tremendous benefit to men, and they know it.  I’ve spent a great deal of time in my practice learning how men feel and interact in relationships.  My program is not only effective for men, but I’ve developed it to help women be effective in dating them by using my experience with men in therapy.

My favorite success story is my older daughter’s.  When Tasha got serious about getting married, she flew down from New York and took my course.  She listened to the lecture audio and kept the workbook with her at all times.  When she went back home, we scheduled regular consults about where she was going and whom she was dating.  Tasha religiously stuck to the big three: going out three times a week somewhere, anywhere it was possible to meet someone to date or someone who could be a conduit to someone to date; keeping an open mind about her type of man; and only dating qualified males.  She told me about a guy she met in a bar while shooting pool.  Eric was younger, a writer and an intellectual.  He seemed shy, and he wasn’t her type, she said.  I encouraged her to pursue it anyway.

She accepted the date – nothing to lose and a possible gain.  Then she told me he suggested they do show-and-tell and wasn’t that “cool.”  I thought, “A match!”  It was the request of someone who wanted guaranteed talking points and was accepted as a smooth move.  Eric brought old coins that she found intriguing, and she was also impressed by the history lesson that went with them because she had wanted someone smart.  And that was it.  They were and are perfect together.  Although it’s always a great joy to me to know that that couples I’ve helped get together are still happily married, it’s particularly great when I get a treasure for a son-in-law.

To find your Mr. Right – and get married this year – visit Amazon to purchase Get Married This Year: 365 to “I Do.”  For more information on Dr. Page’s book, therapy and classes, visit her website.

Source:  CupidsPulse.com

Get Married This Year: 365 Days to ‘I Do’”

Being single is a celebration all in its self. Singles make up about 43% of the population in the United States. Every day is special by giving ourselves what we need and want, instead of waiting for someone else to give it to us. But there is this unspoken need of being someone’s Valentine. Finding the happiness within us even when celebrating this day “stag”, can be difficult. Here are some tips on being single and happy.

6 Happy Valentine’s Day Ideas

Write a letter to your future lover: Writing is therapy for the soul and will help relieve those thoughts of loneliness. Include all your feelings. How sad you are that they aren’t there yet. The happiness you will have when they finally are.

Make a wish list: Things you don’t want to receive because you think they are cliche. List desired gifts in order of importance. How you would want your gifts to arrive. What you want to give to them.

Dream up the most perfect Valentine’s Day: Getting into details helps visualize what is to come. Describe the places or people you would want to be around. What you would both be wearing. Add how this day could never be topped.

Guilt-free eating: Eating is a great way to increase your happy hormones. This is one day that you can spoil your body and mind at the same time. Order your favorite meal, unless cooking soothes you. Think of all the desserts you love, don’t settle for one, eat a little of each.

Pajama Time: : Don’t wait in your best clothes for a last minute call. Shop to look stunning for yourself wearing the coolest Valentine pajama’s you can find. You will be so cozy, you hope no one interrupts.

Turn off your phone and avoid Facebook: Whoever is sending a text or calling should have done it one day sooner. You will not be a pity date! This is “you yourself and I” time. Hearing other’s brag on this day will not help soothe your soul.

Celebrate for yourself and all the other singles out there: You have made it through every other day single, what is one more. Don’t let anyone ruin being single and happy on Valentine’s Day.

Author Bio: Lacey McCullough is a passionate writer who loves the complexity of relationships and beauty of the outdoors. My favorite topics of interest are fitness, family, food, and fun. If interested in reading more of my work my blog is http://www.woodburywisdom.com.

6 Tips on Being Single and Happy on Valentine’s Day