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Monday, January 31, 2011

Ten No-Stress First Date Ideas

Asking a person out can be stressful enough but once you’ve found someone to agree to going on a date with you, you may find yourself under the immense pressure of planning a first date.  Planning a first date can be stressful because you want everything to go smoothly and you also want to set yourself up for a second date.  The ideal first date offers the couple a chance to get to know each other in a casual atmosphere that doesn’t put too much pressure on them to keep up a constant stream of small talk.  While first dates are the perfect opportunity to get to know someone new, if you are apprehensive about too much conversation on the first date, you can plan a date that focuses more on an activity than on conversation.  This type of date which focuses on a fun filled activity may be beneficial in leading to a second date.  First dates don’t have to be stressful and there are many activities that are perfect for whatever type of first date you are looking to have.

Dinner theater is a perfect no-stress first date idea.  The atmosphere is usually cozy and romantic and provides the perfect blend of conversation and entertainment.  While a traditional dinner date can lead to awkward pauses in the conversation and the stress of juggling dinner and conversation, a dinner theater alleviates this stress because the meal is usually served during the performance.  This allows you to eat your meal without having to worry about small talk.  Intermissions are a great opportunity for the couple to get to know each other and if you have trouble with a conversation starter you can always fall back on talking about the performance. 

Another no-stress first date idea is the aquarium or a museum.  The casual atmosphere alleviates the normal pressures of first dates.  There is so much to see and do at these facilities that you will not be lacking things to talk about or do.  You can spend a few hours wandering through the exhibits and really get to know your date.  Be sure to ask questions about what your date likes or doesn’t like about the exhibits.  Being inquisitive will give you a better understanding of your date’s personality. 

Theme parks are also a great no-stress first date idea.  Everybody loves the chance to be a kid again and the opportunity to spend a day on thrill rides is a great way to spend a first date.  The long lines give you plenty of time to talk and get to know each other and you may find that every time the conversation starts to wane, you’ve made it to the front of the line and it’s your turn to jump onboard and enjoy the ride.  The exhilaration of thrill rides may loosen inhibitions and bring a couple on a first date closer together. 

If you are nervous about conversation, you might want to try the traditional movie and dinner first date.  The movie portion of the date takes the stress of conversation off of your shoulders and afterwards at dinner you have an instant conversation starter.  If you can’t think of anything to talk about, you can always ask her what she thought of the movie to spark up a conversation.  Additionally you may find that after spending a few hours in a theater you already feel closer to your date and conversation comes easier than anticipated. 

If conversation is your strong point and you’re are not at all worried about keeping a conversation going a great no-stress date idea for you may be a coffee shop.  This is an environment where there is little to do except talk to your date.  This is perfect for the person who enjoys the art of conversation and is really looking forward to getting to know their date.  51 Amazing Date Ideas: A Collection of Unique, Inexpensive, and Creative Date Ideas for First Dates and Beyond

A white water rafting trip can be a terrific no-stress date idea.  Well, it may not be completely no-stress as the rapids can get pretty intense but it can be free of dating stress.  Rafting is a fun an adventurous activity where you have the opportunity to bond by working together to navigate your raft through rapids and enjoy the excitement of riding the rapids.  If you are not an experienced rafter, be sure to arrange to have this trip professionally guided so that you are not putting yourself in danger. 

Still another no-stress first date idea is to spend some time volunteering.  You can make arrangements for you and your date to spend a few hours volunteering at either a soup kitchen or an animal shelter or any other non-profit organization you like.  This situation gives you a specific task to focus on and takes the stress off of the date.  It also gives you the opportunity to see whether or not your date is interested in helping others or not.  Make sure to check into this activity ahead of time because many places will not allow you to come in to volunteer unless you have completed a short introductory class beforehand.  Romantic Antics: Creative Ideas for Successful First Dates, Adventurous Saturday Nights, and Playful Long Weekends

Taking a course can be another great no-stress first date idea.  Many colleges offer courses on a variety of subjects and you are bound to find one that will be of interest to you.  For example a cooking class might be a fun first date idea.  You will have the opportunity to learn a new skill together and will probably leave at the end of the night with a really tasty dish that you can enjoy together.  Working together will alleviate the stress of a first date and will give you the opportunity to get to know each other in a casual environment. 

Many cities offer singles or couples group bike rides or hikes.  Taking advantage of one of these opportunities can lead to a no-stress first date.  These activities can be fun because you are outdoors enjoying nature and you have the opportunity to get some exercise.  These activities also often include scheduled breaks in a scenic location which can be a great time to really talk to your date and get to know them a little. 

One final no-stress first date idea is a trip to a fun center that offers mini-golf and arcade games.  Engaging in a game of miniature golf or squaring off by playing some video games is a fun and competitive way to spend your first date.  The activities are lighthearted and fun and introducing the element of competition really loosens people up so you and your date will probably have an easy time getting to know each other. 

The key to a successful first date is to plan activities that are fun and entertaining without placing too much pressure on the couple.  Finding relaxing ways to get to know your date will ensure that your first date is a no-stress event that leads to a second date.  A completely no-stress date is one that both parties enjoy and one that allows the couple to engage in a balance of fun activity and meaningful conversation without putting too much emphasis on any one aspect of the date.The Best First Dates - Ideas and Best Places for the Best First Dates

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Hints for Making Small Talk

The ability to make small talk may come naturally to some and be difficult for others but it is a skill that can be obtained with a little bit of practice and confidence.  The opportunity to make small talk presents itself on a daily basis in our lives.  Anytime you are out and about, you have the opportunity to make small talk with those around you.  While sometimes it’s just a matter of politeness that leads you to engage in small talk, it can also be a great networking opportunity for you.  Practicing your small talk skills on a daily basis will give you the confidence you need to approach potential clients or colleagues at important networking events.  Also, it is important to make sure that your body language conveys a sense of confidence.  If you appear timid or uncomfortable you may put others on edge as well but if you appear confident it will help the other person to relax.  If you are unsure of yourself and hesitant to make small talk with strangers you may find yourself missing out on many opportunities in both your career and social life.  However, confidence in your ability to make small talk can put you in a great position for advancement in your career and social life.Making Conversation 

Having confidence in yourself is critical to being able to make small talk.  Keep in mind that the other person you are chatting with is probably just as uncomfortable as you are so don’t assume that they are more eloquent speaker than you are and be afraid to approach them.  Confidence is key to making small talk because without confidence, you may simply choose not to engage in small talk when the opportunity presents itself.  A lack of confidence may lead you to avoid approaching others and discourage others from approaching you.  If you lack the confidence necessary to make small talk you may miss out on meeting a lot of new people. 

Keeping abreast of current events is another tip for making small talk.  Watch the news and read newspapers on a regular basis.  This will keep you informed of newsworthy local and world events.  This is important because current events can be a very easy subject for small talk.  Being aware of what is going on in the world will make you seem educated and will prove that you are a concerned citizen who takes an interest in important issues.  Also, being aware of current events is critical to being able to make small talk because it allows you to speak intelligently on a wide variety of subjects.  Keep in mind that you don’t always have to be the one to start a conversation so it’s not enough to have a few tidbits of information prepared for small talk.  You also have to be ready and able to respond to whatever subject your companion brings up in an attempt to engage you in small talk.  If you keep yourself informed of a wide variety of subjects by utilizing newspapers, the Internet and news programs, you will find yourself more prepared to engage in small talk. 

Listening is also a very important tip for making small talk.  It is one thing to be able to strike up a conversation but it is another thing to really keep up a conversation, especially with a stranger.  One way to maintain a conversation is to really listen to your companion.  Listening carefully will ensure that you hear all the details that your companion offers.  Use the information that you obtain to expand the conversation by asking questions about something they said earlier in the conversation or offering a personal anecdote that relates to a story they have just told you.  Listening really enhances your ability to make small talk for a number of reasons.  First it gives you ways to expand the conversation by asking pertinent questions or relating a story they tell to a personal experience.  Listening also helps you make small talk by encouraging the other person to continue talking.  If they can tell you are really interested in what they have to say because you are listening so intently, they will be encouraged to maintain the conversation instead of making an excuse to end the conversation quickly. 

Finally, the key to making small talk is knowing when and how to end the conversation.  Small talk isn’t meant to last very long and it can become tedious and uncomfortable if it extends past a certain amount of time.  Even if things are going well and both parties are enjoying the small talk, ending the conversation before it begins to wane is important.  If you are uncomfortable saying goodbye or ending a conversation have a few well rehearsed exit lines to end the conversation quickly.The Fine Art of Small Talk: How To Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills -- and Leave a Positive Impression! 

Small talk is an important part of our daily lives.  While it can be avoided, it is really not anything to be afraid of and small talk can lead to exciting developments in your career and social life.  Engaging in small talk makes you seem more approachable and if you are able to make small talk with ease, people will be more inclined to let you in on potential business deals or let you know about social events that they are aware of in the area.  Never underestimate the power or small talk and never assume that you are not capable of making small talk.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Marriage Proposal Ideas

Most women dream of meeting a white knight who will sweep them off their feet and into a life of happily ever after. Although this is the stuff of fairy tales, it’s indeed a magical day when a man asks a woman to become his wife. The traditional method of having a lovely dinner at a four star restaurant with the man falling to one knee is certainly memorable, but there are many marriage proposal ideas that are unique and just as special. 101 Romantic Ideas (Smarter Living Shorts)

Although everyone does enjoy the service and food at a great restaurant an inexpensive yet touching way to pop the question is to make dinner at home. This is especially nice when the man cooking the dinner, isn’t found in the kitchen too often. Marriage proposal ideas where the soon-to-be groom takes the time to cook something his girlfriend enjoys are always welcomed.

In order to make the dinner even more special the groom can place the ring in either a wine glass or atop dessert. If the woman isn’t expecting a proposal she’ll be delighted when she sees a diamond sparking in her champagne or decorating her cake. The types of marriage proposal ideas are inventive and will give the bride-to-be a treasured memory she’ll hold with her always.

If you want to do something more adventurous consider going on a horseback ride together. Rent two horses and then head out for an afternoon of fresh air and exercise. After arriving at a special destination, perhaps a clearing or near a lake, the question can be posed. The bride will be overwhelmed by the beauty of the location and how romantic it all is. The World's Greatest Proposals

An incredibly fun idea is to involve an entertainer in the big question.  A nightclub is a great place for these types of marriage proposal ideas. If the bride loves jazz music, the groom can invite her to a club where a musician will be performing. Before the evening arrives, he can speak to the entertainer and ask if he can help out with the proposal by saying he has a message for her, which will be the proposal. Other marriage proposal ideas like this can be done with a magician. During one of his or her tricks a ring can be pulled out as a surprise for the bride.Creative Marriage Proposals

Of course there’s also a lot to be said for asking for her parents’ blessing. If the bride is from a close knit family, it’s a lovely gesture to have her parents present when the question is asked. She’ll feel wonderful being able to share a once in a lifetime moment with everyone she loves.


Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Legal Separation


 If you are facing a legal separation, you are perhaps at a time in your life when you are seeing the death of a dream. Though a separation is not a divorce, you do know that there is a strong possibility that this will be the next step. Even if you are the one that asked for the separation, you are still mourning what was once a dream that should have lasted for the rest of your life. It’s never easy on either party.

A friend who is now in a legal separation tells me that even when you are the one asking to end things, you still have a lot to get through. However, the one who is asking to get out has already grieved the loss of the dream to some extent, while the other person has no idea. This makes legal separation hard because both spouses are in different places. This makes dealing with everything a whole lot harder. One spouse may be hoping to work things out and the other may have already given up hope. It’s hard when you aren’t in the same place in the grieving process.

A legal separation is supposed to be a means to see if you really want to let go of the marriage or if you can overcome your problems. What happens next will depend on what your problems were and of course, how the both of you feel. There is never an easy way to go about legal separation, but you know that it is something you have to do. You probably don’t want to jump straight to divorce if you feel there is even the smallest amount of hope. You want to know you did everything you could to save your marriage before you deemed it to be over for good.

If you think your marriage is in trouble, you should see lawyer about legal separation. You can find out what you options are and if this is really something you want to do. The rules and laws surrounding legal separation may vary from state to state, so it is important that you know what you are getting into and what to expect when you take that step. A lawyer can make sure that you are protected when you enter into separation, and that if you have kids that they are protected as well. When it comes to the end of the marriage that involves children, they have to be the first and most important consideration in your mind.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Destination Weddings

Destination Weddings For Dummies
Destination Wedding Planner: The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding from Afar
There is definitely something romantic about having destination weddings. Though not everyone wants to fly off somewhere to get married on the beach or at a swanky resort, many find this is something that they want to do. There is a lot to consider before you do this however, and if you don’t have a lot of money, this might be out of the question for you. Not only do you have to think about your finances, you have to consider the finances of those you want to invite to your wedding.

Cost is probably the biggest factor in destination weddings. You are going to pay more for your arrangements, but if that is the wedding of your dreams, you should have it if you can afford it. You also have to consider how much money your family and friends have to spend. Plane tickets and hotel reservations can be steep, and you may find that some just can’t come. You will have to decide if destination weddings are worth it if some that you love cannot be there due to cost.






The Knot Guide to Destination Weddings
Destination Weddings...: The Fine Print

When choosing a place for destination weddings, you have to consider a few things. Most want to be married outside when they do this, but there is always the possibility that the weather will be a factor. You have to be sure the place you choose that hosts destination weddings will have alternative means for you to hold your wedding if the weather does not cooperate. This is something that is easier to do when you are near home, but when you are far from home, you have to know other arrangements can be made for you and your guests.



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Also remember that destination weddings are expensive, even for those who can afford to go. You may not get the gifts you think you might get when someone has to pay a lot of money to attend your wedding. Be prepared for an exciting and wonderful wedding, but also prepare for it to be a smaller affair. You have to decide if all of that is worth it before you proceed. Those with smaller families and a close circle of friends usually choose this type of wedding, and it often becomes exactly what they hoped it would be. Just remember to give destination weddings a lot of thought before deciding that is what you want to do for sure.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Dealing with Changes in your Sexual Relationship when you are 60 or Older

There are going to be some changes in a person’s life as they get older, there is nothing that can be done about it. One of them is that your sexual relationship is going to change. For some people it is for the better and for others it leaves them wishing for their younger days. Those that seem to enjoy sex more as they get older often find that with the reduction of stress in their life they can get more out of it.



They may find they aren’t exhausted anymore too because life has slowed down for them. They may be retired now so the daily grind of work isn’t causing them to go to bed so tired they can’t even think about sex. They have plenty of time to spend looking and feeling good. This means they can also spend more time with their partner.

As many individuals know, having a quality relationship on other levels with your partner leads to better sex. You may find that now that you have time to spend with each other on fun activities instead of just household chores you enjoy each other more. It can bring an entirely new level of intimacy to the bedroom for you as well.Resurrecting Sex: Solving Sexual Problems and Revolutionizing Your Relationship

Many people over 60 that are retired also travel. The excitement of seeing new places with someone you have a sexual relationship with can rejuvenate your sex drive as well. You may find new locations for the activity to take place is quite a turn on. Where you are and what activities you are enjoying can also play a role in that.

Not everyone will have such an increase in their sexual behavior though as they get older. Some people may really want to have sex more often but their body isn’t cooperating. They may find it harder to get or maintain an erection for the act to take place. This can lead to a great deal of embarrassment as well as anxiety.Teen Relationships and Sexual Pressure

The body may just simply start to feel older and more worn down too. This can result in a person having less sexual activity than they did before. It can be frustrating when a person isn’t ready for these issues to take place. Sometimes you can get results if you take to a doctor. Other times you will have to be able to come to terms with some changes in your sexual behavior that are the result of aging.

Talking to a counselor about it can be very helpful as well. Some older individuals become depressed when they find their sexual relationship isn’t what it once was. They may blame themselves for it and need help to cope. Others may become angry at their spouse due to their changed feelings towards sexual activity. It is very important for the relationship to be open enough to discuss such matters.

Dealing with changes in your sexual relationship when you are 60 or older may not be your cup of tea, but you may find you have no choice. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that sex gets better for you as you get older. You may also find that the best is behind you. Yet you can still have a good time with it if you are willing to make some adjustments.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Getting Beyond Gossips In Your Relationship

The term, “He said/she said” is often heard in the unfortunate case of rape.  In this situation the term applies to the fact that when there is little factual evidence on which to base a decision the jury is left trying to determine who’s story they believe and the case becomes one of her word against his.  These cases perhaps illustrate the problems regarding he said/she said that couples are faced with in a relationship.  Beyond the fact that in a rape case one or both of the parties may not be telling the truth, exists the underlying problem that men and women think and process information differently. The differences between men and women include differences in thought process, sensitivity, memory, and communication.  A successful relationship is one that recognizes the difference between men and women and is able to get beyond the he said/she said scenarios. 

Men and women have a different thought process when it comes to solving problems.  While both sexes are capable of solving problems equally well the thought process involved in coming to a resolution varies between men and women.  For men a problem is an opportunity for them to demonstrate their problem solving skills in a quick and efficient manner.  Men see having the problem solved as the ultimate goal and they believe that the best solution is the one that is quickest and most efficient.  Women on the other hand see a problem as an opportunity to work together and reach a resolution.  Women relish the chance to communicate about the problem and the act of working together to solve the problem is more important than actually solving the problem.  Women may feel closer to their partner, even if the problem still exists, if she feels that the resolution process drew them closer together.  Understanding that women and men view the problem solving process differently will help a relationship to prosper. Damage control: if you're a victim of gossip, here's how to restore your reputation.(your life): An article from: Scholastic Choices

Sensitivity is another area where men and women differ.  Women have a heightened sense of sensitivity relative to men.  This heightened sensitivity results in women being more prone to act on their emotions rather than on rational thought.  A woman’s sensitivity allows her to understand her own feelings as well as those of others better so her reactions tend to take feelings into consideration above logic.  However, men do not have the same level of sensitivity and therefore are more likely to make their decisions based solely on logic and not take feelings and emotions into consideration.  This disparity can result in problems during a relationship because the woman assumes that the man intentionally tried to hurt their feelings if they make a decision that has this effect while the man may grow frustrated if he believes the woman made an irrational decision.  Realizing that this difference exists will help a couple go get beyond he said/she said. 

Men and Women also differ in terms of memory.  Men have a memory that is stronger in situations where they can recall the details of an event by making an association with something concrete such as a location or item.  For example men are more apt to remember an event that took place in a location that they are able to visualize well.  Women on the other hand have a memory that is stronger when they are able to associate the emotions felt with that memory to other memories where they had similar emotions.  This type of memory is especially problematic because when I women becomes angry with her partner, she is often able to recall other situations where he has angered her.  Unless the difference in memory is recognized it can become a source of frustration in a relationship when the man and woman don’t understand why their partner doesn’t remember something that is so vivid to them. 

Men and Women also often have different communication styles which can complicate a relationship.  Men tend to be more introspective about their problems and choose to deal with them internally and without discussing them with their partner.  When they do decide to discuss a problem it’s usually after much thought and careful consideration.  Women on the other hand enjoy conversing about their problems with their partner and believe that doing so helps them to understand their problem better and come to a solution more easily.  Women often use communication as a method for reaching a conclusion.  They view the discussion as a way to figure out a solution.  The he said/she said aspects of communications must be understood to avoid frustration and disappointment in a relationship.

Men and women have different styles when it comes to problem solving, sensitivity, memory and communication in a relationship.  Careful observance and understanding of these differences is necessary for a relationship to flourish.  Understanding these he said/she said principals and being willing to get beyond them will help to minimize difficulties in a relationship in regards to gender differences.


Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Behavioural Changes In Marriage Part 2

The term abnormal behavior varies from different academic mediums. However, the federal courts define insanity which is more of a legal term rather than a psychological on as the inability to differentiae right from wrong. This is a very common term that comes up in terms. One infamous example is in 1996 when multimillionaire John Dupont shot and killed Olympic Gold medalist wrestler David Schultz. He also has been charged with a couple of assaults earlier. Dupont lawyers used the "insanity" definition as a lame excuse to get him off the hook and it worked because in the end because the jury declared that he had a psychological disorder and he was found guilty of third degree murder. There are three criteria's for crossing the line between abnormal behavior and normal behavior. Abnormal behavior is usually deviant which means it abstracts from the norms of society.  However, remarkable people like Martin Luther King and Bill Gates are not the average person but they are far from being abnormal.  
When a behavior deviate from what is expected by society than it could be called abnormal. The second criteria are that it is usually maladaptive which means that it interferes with a person's ability to function properly in the real world. Last, abnormal behavior includes personal distress.  This means that the person is deeply bothered by this and it causes them unnecessary pain and suffering.  The causes for abnormal behavior can vary tremendously.  We can look at several factors such as biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors to help determine this.  Psychologists who favor the biological approach tend to emphasize the brain and genetic traits as the primarily cause of abnormal behavior.  When using this approach the primarily form of treatment is drugs or drug therapy. The biological approach is used often in the medical model, which describes psychological disorders as diseases related to biological origins.  From the medical view abnormalities are seen a mental illness.  
The people that are infected with the mental illness are known as patients and they have to be treated by doctors.  The biological view can also be broken done into three more categories. These are known as structural views, biochemical views and genetic views.  The structural view thinks that abnormalities in the brain structure are the main lead to mental disorders.  The biochemical view looks at the imbalances in the brain's chemical structure such as neurotransmitters and hormones as the cause to mental disorders.  In the genetic view they look at distorted genes as the main contributor to mental disorders. While the biological approach focuses on inherited traits to be the main contributor to mental disorders, the psychological approach looks at the environment and the unconscious mind as the main contributor to abnormalities.  This has three parts to it which includes the psychodynamic perspective, behavioral and social cognitive prospective, and the humanistic perspective. 
The psychodynamic perspective thinks that psychological disorders come from unconscious conflicts that can cause anxiety and a maladaptive behavior. The main contributor to deviant behavior in this approach is from early bad relationships. If an individual develops bad relationships with either offspring early on in their life than the individual will develop abnormalities. Sigmund Freud was the developer of the psychoanalytic approach in which it places more emphasis on what you can't physically see. In the behavioral and social cognitive prospective they place an emphasis on the environment in shaping abnormal behavior.  They believe that people learn behavior by observing those around them, through self control, through their beliefs in themselves, and through a variety of other cognitive factors which are the key to psychological disorders in this approach. In the humanistic perspective they place an emphasis on an individual's freedom to do what they want and chose their own destiny and personal characteristics.  They believe that psychological disorders come up when an individual fails to meet their own potential.  
All of the psychological perspective focuses on the individual.  The next approach is the sociocultural approach. This concept places a larger emphasis on the area in which an individual lives such as their family, neighborhood, economic status, and culture. For one example, they believe that a conflict between one's cultures will be a contributor to a mental disorder in an individual.  It's not necessary the individual that has a mental disorder but rather to an unbalanced social life.  There are also some gender effects in determining mental disorders. Women are more likely to have internal mental disorders, which are disorders that affect them inside.  They are more likely to be effected with anxiety attacks, and moods of depression. On the other hand, men are more likely to be effected with external disorders or disorders that are seen outward.  Some examples of these disorders are substance abuse and moods of aggression.  
Many psychologists now believe that psychological disorders are universal which means that they are the same for people everywhere around the world regardless of geographic location or their social status.  However, depending on the factors I just mentioned they do vary.  There are also some disorders that strictly effect people of one culture, and here are three big ones that I'm currently aware of:  Amok, Windigo, and Anorexia Nervosa.  The Amok effect people of Malaysia and the Philippines and in this disorder and individual suddenly has a fierce burst of rage and anger and kill and injure as many people as possible before they are killed.  
This disorder is commonly found in males and the cause of this can be numerous of factors such as jealously, or losing a lot of money through gambling.  Windigo is a disorder commonly found in Algonquin Indian hunters and is very similar to a horror story in which an individual is hunted and chased by a fictionist character and become bewitched such as by a bit of a vampire or werewolf.  The hunter becomes worried that they will turn into a flesh eating cannibal and harm other around them.  The last disorder, I think that many Americans is aware of the last disorder and that is called anorexia nervosa and effects people of mainly Western cultures with a special emphasis on the people in the United States.  This is an eating disorder in which an individual tries to maintain an unhealthy low weight through starvation which can ultimately lead to death.

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Overcome Jealousy In Your Relationship!

Fight For Love - Dont Break Up!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Behavioural Changes In Marriage Part 1

People always fluctuate in their behavior from day to day and we all have had our times in which we acted rude to people, and had the pleasure of having the reverse happen as well. Kay Redfield Jamison an international guru of about mood disorders has had her share of mood swings during her times.  For years she kept this extreme psychological disorder a secret in which she had moods that switched from being super excited known as mania, to times that she was lethargic and depressed. She actually wrote a book about these events and tells about it in more detail. 
By the way, the disorder was known as bipolar disorder and effects many people around the world. With determination, a strong will, and support from her family and friends she overcame her struggles and continue to teach about psychological disorders to this day.  I know that you're probably wondering what are the types of characteristics of deviant or abnormal behavior? Well, one way abnormal behavior can be diagnosed is with some common symptoms.  It may surprise you that there are about 40 million Americans that are affected by some type of psychological disorder. 
You may think of a psychological disorder as what the main character had in the movie "A beautiful Mind." In essence you are right but there are a lot more other characteristics involved and a psychological disorder can also be defined by having an addiction to a substance like alcohol or drugs.  To fully understand psychological disorders an individual must analyze abnormal behavior. Let's take a look at three different case studies.

* A twenty six year old woman named Helena has a need to walk in a specific way. When she is walking on the street in the public she believes that if she steps on certain cracks she will have bad luck, but in order to reverse that bad luck she has to turn around and walk back a block. She doesn't like to do this much so she often stay home and pay people to go and pick up her groceries and other needed items.
*  A thirty five year old woman has recently got a divorce from her husband who she has been previously married to for eleven years and has two children with. Her husband have left her for her best friend and she is going back to college to continue her education so she can earn some more money to better support her children. She has a hard time struggling with school work and has grown separate from her friends and colleagues. A lot of the time she doesn't feel like doing much and tends to cry a lot at nigh time. She also has a more pessimistic view in life and doesn't believe in true love anymore.
* A thirty year old man named Don has to have things arrange in his house a certain way. Even though he is wealthy enough to afford a maid he constantly has to rearrange things in his house after she leaves. He sweeps the floor and wipes off tables even though she has done that before.

Most people would say that the behavior of all of these individuals are abnormal, but are all of them bizarre? That's a common myth about behavior, because people will automatically assume that abnormal behavior is bizarre and it's not necessary true.  Take the women in the second case study described even though her behavior is abnormal it is not necessary bizarre. A lot of times people with abnormal behavior cannot easily be distinguished from people with normal behavior.  Also, just because a person currently has a mental disorder doesn't mean that they will always have it.  


Friday, January 7, 2011

Interracial Marriages

There may be many times in your life when you think you may be facing a marriage crisis, and you want to know what you can do to save your marriage. Not all marriages are savable, and some should not be. When it comes to abuse, infidelity, or abandonment, divorce might be the only option. Other than that, however, it is in your best interest to try to work though a marriage crisis and save your marriage. You have many places to turn, and if one thing does not work, something else might.

A marriage crisis can be anything that makes you think your marriage is in trouble. For some people, something has happened to make them feel this way, and for others, it has a been a long, slow decline that leads them to think it’s time to fix it, or it is time to go. Some people let the small stuff go until it bottles up so much there is an exposition. This explosion can lead to a very serious marriage crisis if things are not sorted out quickly. If abuse has not been an issue, most marriages can be saved if intervention happens at an early stage.

If you want to save your marriage, talk to a professional marriage counselor. They are well versed in marriage crisis, and they have special steps they take to get you and your partner talking in a productive manner. You can argue all you want, but unless you are forced to see the things as they really stand, you are just moving further and further away from each other, and your hopes of reconciliation will be doused for good. A good counselor will help you decide what your major issues really are, and will help you work through them individually and together as a couple.


You can also find self-help books on the subject. These books are geared towards couples that do not yet have a marriage crisis, but feel they are on the road to one. These offer practical information on how to open up the lines o communication with your spouse, and how to find the root of your troubles. You may be arguing about money a lot, but do you know that you may really be arguing about something else? Quite often, the thing couples in a marriage crisis argue about are not what is at the heart of the problem. These books can help you clear that up.

How to Be a Woman and Not Die in the Attempt

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

How To Read Romantic Body Movement

Being able to Interpret Romantic Body Language can give your clues as to whether someone has a romantic interest in you or not. By accurately reading their body language you will be able to determine whether or not the other person is feeling comfortable around you and eager to get to know you better. Understanding body language is also important because it can ensure that you are not unintentionally sending the wrong messages out to other people. Body language can often be both subtle and subconscious but if you are aware of your body language you can make a conscious effort to make sure that you are sending an accurate message to others with your own body language. The art of reading body language really isn’t difficult and once you are familiar with a few guidelines you will come to realize that understanding body language is very intuitive. Accurately reading body language will ensure that you don’t miss out on approaching potential mate who are sending you signs that they are interested in pursuing a romance with you.

Winning Body Language: Control the Conversation, Command Attention, and Convey the Right Message without Saying a Word
The Power of Body Language: How to Succeed in Every Business and Social Encounter

How close a person stands to you can be one of the most important Body Language clues to whether someone is interested in you romantically or not. Their proximity to you can be directly proportional to their romantic interest in you. In other words the closer they stand to you the more interested they are in you romantically and the farther they stand away from you the less interested they are in pursuing a romance with you. In general the two foot rule applies. This means that if a person does not get closer than two feet to you, they aren’t interested in a romance with you. This distance is important because a length of two feet is approximately an arms length and standing this far from you makes the other person feel safe that you will not reach out and physically touch them. This subtle use of body language to avoid closeness with you is a clear sign of a lack of romantic interest. Conversely, if the person stands closer to you and within arms reach they are not apprehensive about being touched by you and are sending you a signal that they are interested in you. The closeness of standing close to someone is a clear Body Movement indication that you have a romantic interest in that person.

Body Language For Dummies
Secrets of Body Language

Another Body Movement hint that someone is interested in you is that they start to copy your own Body Language. This often occurs subconsciously but if you notice someone mimicking your behaviors it is a clear sign that they are interested in you. This mimicking behavior can begin almost immediately and is very easy to read or pick up on. If you notice this behavior, you may initially feel upset as though the other person is mocking you by copying you but this is not the case. In fact the behavior should be flattering because it is an indication that the other person admires you and is trying to become more like you in subtle ways. More often than not the other person isn’t even aware of what they are doing but there is a natural instinct to try to imitate those that we admire to draw ourselves closer to them. Mimicking is pretty easy to notice and it is also a clear body language indication of romantic interest.

Body positioning can also be a form of Body Movement that can either pass romantic interest or disinterest. When speaking to someone, if their body and particularly their torso is turned towards you and leaning closer to you this is an indication of romantic interest. This body positioning leaves you unguarded and vulnerable which indicates trust in the other person. If this trust were not in existence you would not put yourself in such a vulnerable position and would be more likely to stand with your body turned slightly away from the other person and leaning away from them. Standing in a way that positions your body in an open position towards another person is a clear example of body language that expresses a romantic interest.

Your eyes often send Body Language messages to those around you letting them know whether or not you are interested in them. When you have a romantic interest in someone you make eye contact and also blink often. Both of these signals let the other person know that you are attracted to them by conveying the message that you are interested in what they have to say. Avoiding eye contact lets a person know that you are not comfortable with them and that you do not have a romantic interest in them. If you are uncomfortable looking someone directly in the eye and avoid eye contact, you are trying to send the message that you are not interested in further contact with them. It’s often said that the eyes are the windows to the soul and this may be true as your eyes can certainly send quite a message.

Although body language is often subtle and subconscious it can also send a clear message regarding romantic interest. Perhaps the fact that Body Language is subconscious is what also makes it such an accurate indication or romantic language. Since body language is done without thought it allows the person to send messages that they would be uncomfortable carrying verbally.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Reasons Many Marriages Go Bad

Approximately 50% of all Matrimony fail and many of those don’t even make it past the first year. Understanding why these Matrimony fail can be key to ensuring that your own Marriages does not fail. Some factors that contribute to the failure of a Matrimony include a lack of communication or poor communication, financial issues and even the circumstances of the Wedlock. All of these issues can exist in a healthy and enduring Matrimony but if they are not dealt with properly they can lead to the failure of the Matrimony.

Communication is critical to the success of a Wedlock. Without proper communication, conflict resolution becomes a difficult issue. If the couple lacks the communication skills necessary to sort out their troubles, then even the smallest problems will become insuperable[/. Communication allows a relationship to [spin]grow and thrive by giving the partners an opportunity to share their dreams, fears, hopes and wants with each other. Without sharing in this way a couple will not grow as close together as possible. Communication also gives the couple a healthy way to resolve their arguments. If one or both partners lack effective communications skills it becomes difficult to resolve arguments because the couple is not able to understand each other’s points of view. If the Matrimony is already in trouble, both partners in the Matrimony must be dedicated to working on their communication skills in order to improve or salvage their Wedlock. The lack of effective communication techniques can lead to the failure of a Matrimony.

Love may conquer all but sometimes even love isn’t enough to save a Wedlock when there are significant fiscal concerns. While fiscal concerns in and of themselves may not be the cause of a failed Marriages the tension that financial concerns create is often the culprit in a failed Wedlock. Money concerns can be a heavy burden to bear and when a spouse is struggling to meet their financial obligations, there can be a great amount of force in the relationship. This pressure may be enough to destroy an otherwise healthy Wedlock. If one of the partners in the Wedlock becomes obsessed with the marital finances they can begin to neglect other aspects of the Marriages. This ignoring behavior has the affect of making the spouse feel ignored and lonely which can be damaging to a Marriages. Often one of the partners will become consumed with the fiscal affairs and this can be very damaging to a Wedlock. **REPRINT** Is marriage a failure?

Even the conditions surrounding the Wedlock can lead to its failure.Lasting Love: How to Avoid Marital Failure . A Marriages of convenience is often not a healthy Marriages. When the decision to wed is based on something other than true love, it is likely that the Wedlock will fail. Some examples of Matrimony circumstances that often lead to failure are getting married because there is a baby on the way or because the couple is feeling pressure to get married by friends and family members. Neither of these reasons are truly valid grounds for marriage and often leads to divorce. When a couple marries for reasons other than true love the marriage is often doomed before it starts. Marrying too young is another reason why many marriage fail. While the right age to marry varies greatly depending on the person, many people argue that the teens and early twenties are too early to get wedded. Getting wedded before you have had a chance to enjoy many of life’s experiences can result in resentfulness in the Matrimony and can be the cause of failure of the Matrimony.

Another reason why most Wedlock fail is that society no longer places importance on the institution of Matrimony. Today it is common for couples to live together and have children without being love. This degeneration of society reduces Wedlock and results in a higher percentage of failed Wedlock. With so little value placed on Marriages in today’s society, couples are not committed to making their Matrimony work and are often quick to give up on the Matrimony and each other.


Most Matrimony today are doomed before they even begin. Wedlock is no longer seen as a necessary step in a relationship so many couples are quick to divorce without making an true effort to resolve their problems. Communication breakdown, financial problems as well as circumstances of the Matrimony are all problems that can cause many Wedlock to fail.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

How to Survive Meeting Her Parents

Meeting your girlfriend’s parents for the first time can be difficult but it’s important to remember that impressing her parent’s may be crucial to your relationship.  While meeting her parents may seem like a big step, it may not be as monumental as it appears.  Women value the relationships they have with their families and respect the opinions of family members regarding their boyfriends.  Wanting you to meet her parents may be more about getting their opinions on you as it is about making a serious commitment.  Consequently, it is in your best interest to do everything in your power to impress her parents. 

Doing your homework and asking your girlfriend plenty of questions about her parents before the initial meeting is the first step to surviving meeting her parents.  This gives you the opportunity to learn a little about her parents before you even meet them.  This preparation will pay off immensely because it will enable you to avoid anything that you know will be a touchy subject and brush up on subjects that are of interest to them.  Knowing a little about their interest beforehand will give you a chance to bring up some of these interests to impress her parents.  A bonus to this tactic is that your girlfriend will be flattered that you are showing an interest in her parents before you even meet.  A few tidbits of personal information obtained before the initial meeting will really help you to survive meeting your girlfriend’s parents. 

When the day of the meeting arrives, be sure to dress to impress but also dress appropriately.  A sloppy appearance may be damaging to your potential relationship with your girlfriend’s parents because they may be insulted by your appearance before you even open your mouth to speak.  Failing to take care in your appearance is a sign of disrespect to many people so exercise caution and dress nicely for your first meeting with your girlfriend’s parents.  Taking care in your appearance is important to surviving a meeting with your girlfriend’s parents but dressing appropriately for the situation is also important.  For example a pair of dress pants and a button down shirt would be appropriate for a lunch meeting but would look ridiculous on a tennis court.  Be sure to know exactly what is planned for the meeting so that you can not only dress well for the occasion but also appropriately.  It’s important to remember that first impressions do count and that a well groomed appearance can help you survive meeting your girlfriend’s parents. 

Bringing an appropriate gift on your first meeting may also help you to survive meeting the parents of your girlfriend.  A little bribery never hurt so try to find out what they might like so that you can choose an appropriate gift.  If you are unable to obtain information about what type of gift they would like, flowers are always a welcomed gift and are very appropriate in this situation.  Bringing a small gift when you meet your girlfriend’s parents can help you get the relationship off on the right foot.

Take care to avoid conversation topics that can be controversial.  In general religion, politics and sex are topics to avoid.  The last thing that you want to do is to spend your first meeting debating political issues.  While this may be an activity you normally enjoy, getting involved in a heated debate with your girlfriend’s parents is definitely not a good idea.  Keep the conversation light and you will most likely survive meeting her parents.

Finally, try not to be too affectionate with your girlfriend when meeting her parents.  While she may be a grown woman, she is also their daughter and many parents would not be comfortable with overt displays of affection.  Too much affection can send the wrong message to her parents and put them on guard regarding you.  This can be detrimental to your relationship with your girlfriend because she will sense tension between you and her parents. 

If you want to ensure a long lasting relationship with your girlfriend it is important to establish a good relationship with her parents.  Creating a good first impression and not giving them any reason not to like you, will lead them to approve of you and not send their daughter any subtle signals that they don’t think you are right for her.  It is likely that your girlfriend will be influenced by her parent’s opinions so establishing a good relationship with them is critical to your relationship with your girlfriend.