Ways to Improve the Look of Your Skin Naturally

Recent studies and results has proven that there are so many naturals ways to improve our skin. I personally know how demoralizing and depressing it can be to struggle with acne breakouts. You would definitely find it difficult to appear in public because your self confidence would be taken away naturally. The most painful aspect of it is that people tend to notice when something is wrong with your face easily.

So what is the solution to this big problem? I have seen so many adverts on how miracle would happen over night when you use certain products, but sorry to break your heart my dear, some of those products are total waste of our hard earned money. and they are dangerous. Oh yes! you heard me right. Although there are few good ones that would work if used consistently, but they come with a very high price.

Unfortunately, many people end up turning to pharmaceuticals and skin care products that ends up doing them more harm than good. The truth is Chemicals found in beauty products can be damaging throughout their entire life cycle, from the way they are produced and used by consumers, to the methods of their disposal and their negative impact on the environment. Also, many acne drug is linked to seriously dangerous side effects, including birth defects, bowel disorders, depression and suicide, according to this information on the Accutane recall. You can only get a correct prescription by registering with a special program, signing an agreement that you understand the serious risks associated with its usage.

So lets assume you don’t want to spend so much money on “miracle products,” or turn to dangerous pharmaceutical drugs, what are your options? I would say plenty actually! There’s still plenty of natural ways to make your skin − and your even hair, teeth or nails − look their best without needing to buy expensive and harmful commercial products.

Lets take a look at just five now, in my next article, i would show you guys more. Ok, so lets go;

1. Coconut Oil

 Yes many of you would be surprised to see this one.

According to research by experts, Coconut oil is one of the most versatile skin (and food) ingredients there is, coconut oil’s skin benefits include: strengthening underlying epidermal tissue, removing dead skin cells, protecting us from sunburns, and containing antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant properties. Research even shows that coconut oil is strong enough to fight chronic skin diseases characterized by defects in the epidermal barrier function and cutaneous inflammation, including atopic dermatitis (AD).

Use coconut oil on both your skin and hair to help cleanse, moisturize, remove makeup, heal wounds or scars quicker, and prevent razor burn. Coconut oil used internally is also beneficial for your looks. It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, plus loads of healthy fats that help nourish your gut and increase immune function.

Healthy skin is just like any other organ in your body: It continuously needs oxygen and nutrients to be brought to the cells, and toxins need to be washed away. Therefore, coconut oil helping with hormonal and digestive function is crucial for optimal skin health.

2 Dragon’s Blood

No, it’s not something you have to go on an epic globetrotting quest to find! Dragon’s Blood is simply the dark red gum or resin derived from the stem of the dragon tree.

It has been reported that among its many uses, it is amazingly effective for healing acne! Dragon’s Blood stimulates skin fibroblasts, which helps heal the skin of acne and acne related scars. (9)
While this one is probably not already in your pantry, it is very easy to obtain, inexpensive, and totally natural – compared to the “miracle regimens” you can find on late night TV infomercials.

3. Honey and cinnamon

I recommended this product for my brother when he hard this problem, 3weeks later, the result was almost magical.

Honey has been used since ancient times for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (7), and you can still use it today with confidence backed by years of successful use in treating various skin problems. Cinnamon is also famous for having healing properties with multiple uses as well, including for your skin.

Combine the two yummy ingredients to make a powerful yet gentle treatment for your acne!

Caution: Two important notes before you begin: some people have allergic reactions to honey, so if you’ve never had honey – if this is a possible concern in your case, get an allergy test. Not just for this one treatment, of course – but to ensure you can use and eat honey without worry. Second, for use on your delicate skin, it is imperative you use only raw, unprocessed honey. OK, so with that out of the way – let’s get started.

To use: Take about a teaspoon of cinnamon and add to it a teaspoon of honey in a small bowl or cup. Mix the two until it reaches a paste-like quality. You can then add the concoction where needed – leave it on about 20 minutes, then rinse with slightly warm water, and dry your face gently with a soft towel.
 

4. Sea Salt

Sea salt comes loaded with tons of minerals and nutrients like magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium that it absorbs from the sea water where its produced. Many of these minerals are the same ones found in our skin cells and within our bodies, which is exactly why real sea salt can help balance, protect and restore the skin.

Use real Himalayan or Celtic sea salts in homemade facial masks, toners and scrubs with other skin-boosting ingredients like coconut oil, lavender essential oil and raw honey. The salt contains anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin and calm breakouts, remove dead skin cells and irritation, balance oil production, and help the skin retain moisture levels.

Make your own homemade scrub by mixing two teaspoons sea salt with four teaspoons raw honey, then apply the mix evenly to clean skin, rub it gently, let it stand for 15 minutes and rinse. Similarly, sugar scrubs are similar, and both types are gentle enough to use several times per week to prevent clogged pores and help with cell turn-over and renewal.

5. Avocado

An ultra-moisturizing fatty fruit, the benefits of avocados include containing vitamins A, D and E that are able to penetrate the skin. It helps soothe sunburned skin, can boost collagen production and treat age spots. It also works to reduce inflammation of the skin when applies topically and can do the same internally when eaten.

Whip up a Homemade Avocado Face Mask with fresh avocado combined with essential oils, honey or a carrier oil to replenish hydration and leave skin feeling dewy.





The bottom line is that you CAN heal your painful and oftentimes embarrassing acne at home, naturally, without risking the dangerous side effects of pharmaceuticals, or spending an arm and a leg on expensive skin care products. 

How to Burn Fat Fast In 20 Minutes or Less

                        
Looking to crank up your rate of fat burning? If so, you need to be paying attention to a form of training called high intensity interval training (HIIT). Of all the various ways that you could exercise out there, this is the form of training that will yield not only the best fitness improvements, but the best fat loss as well.

The main reason why HIIT is so good for fat burning purposes is because of what it will do to your metabolic rate. Most workout programs have you burning calories while you do them however after you’re finished, your metabolism returns back to baseline. With HIIT, you continue to burn calories for up to 48 hours after the workout is completed.

Did we mention that it only takes 15-20 minutes to complete? For those with a busy schedule who want fast results, it’s a win-win solution.

Let’s look at what HIIT is and how you can start including it in your own workout routine.

What Is HIIT?


What you will be doing in this form of training is alternating between very intense bouts of an exercise with active rest periods that typically last about twice as long.

So for instance, you might do 30 seconds of very intense running and then after that, stop and do 60 seconds of walking.

You would then go on to repeat this process 5-10 times, totaling 15-20 minutes for the workout session. How long you choose to make each interval is your decision, however it’s best if you can keep it between 15-60 seconds in length for the work period and two to three times that length for the rest period, depending on your current physical conditioning level.

Be sure that you also add a five-minute warm-up and cool-down to the start and end of your HIIT workout to prepare the body for exercise and cool yourself down after you’re finished.

How To Set Up Your Own HIIT Workout
Now, to set up your own HIIT workout, you’ll want to select your mode of training. If doing this at home, chances are you won’t have a treadmill to hop on, so you can choose some basic bodyweight exercises instead.

These will help you get your heart rate up, push your body, and work your muscles all at once. The only rule that you need to satisfy for an exercise to be a good one for HIIT is that it works you to full capacity. If it does that, you’re set.

Below is an example of a HIIT circuit workout that should take roughly 12 minutes to complete. Do this three times per week, taking a day off between sessions and be prepared to see your rate of fat loss skyrocket.

Workout:
Perform each exercise listed below for 30 seconds, marching in place for 60 seconds after you’ve completed it. Start with five minutes of light warm-up exercises such as arm and leg swings and finish with five minutes of stretching.

Burpees
Mountain Climbers
Squat Jumps
Lunge Jumps
Running Knee Raises
Tuck Jumps

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Go on Another Diet

1. Diets do not help you to maintain weight loss in the long-term.
The idea that people fail at diets because of a lack of willpower is a myth that is perpetuated by the diet industry. There are powerful biological factors at play, which essentially ensure that your attempt at dieting will fail . Traci Mann, a researcher who has studied dieting for over 20 years, found that there are metabolic, hormonal, and neurological changes that contribute to "diet failure."According to Mann, "When you are dieting, you actually become more likely to notice food ... But you don't just notice it-it actually begins to look more appetizing and tempting." Mann also stated that as you begin to lose weight, "the hormones that make you feel hungry increase" and "the hormones that help you feel full, or the level of those rather, decreases."Lastly, Mann explained that when you are dieting, "Your metabolism slows down. Your body uses calories in the most efficient way possible ... When your body finds a way to run itself on fewer calories there tends to be more left over, and those get stored as fat."Thus, it comes as no surprise that studies show that 95 percent of people will "fail" at diets. Most people can lose weight in the short-term, however over time the majority will regain the weight that they lost-and potentially gaineven more. Working to suppress your weight below your natural body weight is ultimately a fruitless effort and an utter waste of time. Even if you are in the 5 percent of people who can maintain a suppressed weight in the long-term, think about what you may be giving up in order to achieve this. After all, what good does it do to have "the ideal body," if you are sacrificing eating out, socializing with friends, and your interests outside of calorie-counting and obsessive exercise.

2. Weight loss is not the key to increased happiness.

As stated above, diets do not work if your aim is maintaining weight loss in the long-term. However, I have a problem with the very idea of weight loss as a goal. Tying your happiness to something external is a recipe for discontent.Andrea Bonior, a clinical psychologist, exemplified this point when she stated, "It's not the external achievement of some goal that's going to make us happy. You think that will automatically change your life in some meaningful  way, but it could be that your life pretty much remains the same."
For argument's sake, let's say that you had your "ideal body" and were supremely happy with your appearance. The reality of life is that our bodies will change as we age. Ultimately, putting all of your worth and value into your appearance is akin to boarding a sinking ship.Additionally, people want to be thin because of the meaning that they assign to it. There is a pervasive societal belief, which is the unspoken notion that we can control our world, our relationships, and our self-esteem, through our weight. It makes sense that in a world full of uncertainty, people would desire to focus on something tangible that they falsely believe they can control. However, weight set-point theory holds that your body will work to maintain its set-point weight range through powerful biological and psychological mechanisms. Further, we cannot control our external environment through our attempts at manipulating our weight. What if instead of trying to manipulate or control your weight, you focused on loving and accepting your body exactly as it is now?
Further, counting calories, obsessing about your body fat, and reading diet books, is likely taking time away from more meaningful pursuits. Think about all of the other passions that you could explore if you gave up the goal of weight loss. What if you poured all of the time, money, and energy that you spent on dieting into something that could actually make a difference in the world?

3. Losing weight will not make you healthier.

You can be considered overweight and be healthy. You can also be considered thin and be unhealthy. A person's weight is simply not a good barometer of their overall health.
According to an article in The Nutrition Journal by Dr. Linda Bacon and Lucy Aphramor, "Most epidemiological studiesfind that people who are overweight or moderately obese live at least as long as normal weight people, and often longer."

8 Keys to Healthy Relationships

1. Taking Interest: People in healthy relationships take interest in one another. This is usually done in a variety of ways from asking how someone is doing (and not just in the small-talk-passing-on-the-street kind of way), inviting them to do things, and asking deeper questions about how they experienced something rather than just what they did. 

2. Acceptance & Respect: This means accepting what we have come to know about the other person and continuing to treat him/her with respect. When we really get to know someone, we find out things that are not that great about them, and they find out the same about us. Continuing to hold the other person in a positive light (and you being held in a positive light too!), are essential practices in healthy relationships. Additionally, people in the happiest relationships also talk favorably about each other in social situations, and also try to honor the preferences the other person has for things. 

3. Positive Regard: People in healthy relationships tend to see negative things the other person has done as honest mistakes or due to difficult circumstances, and attribute positive things as the result of the other person just being a good person, due to hard work, or other positive character traits.

4. Meeting Basic Needs: The basic needs that everyone has in relationships are companionship, affection, and emotional support. People in healthy relationships are focused on meeting these as well as other special needs that the other person has, and they are willing to grow to be better at this. Read more about those basic relationship needs (link is external).

5. Positive Interactions: Research shows that relationships are the most satisfying when there are quantitatively more positive interactions with the other person than negative. For some relationships there may be a large number of negative interactions, but as long as the number of positive interactions is a lot higher, satisfaction will remain high. For more on this, learn some basics of communication (link is external). 

6. Solve Problems: There are a lot of unsolvable problems in relationships that will continue to cycle through, regardless of solutions, and people in healthy relationships find ways to reduce these conflicts as much as possible. However, there are also a lot of problems that can be solved, and highly functioning couples will actively compromise and find solutions to those. 

7. Rupture & Repair: people in the the healthiest relationships are able to quickly and effectively repair damage (ruptures) to their relationships. This means a) recognizing that you or the other person is hurt, angry, or unhappy with something, and b) addressing it in a way that fixes things in a timely manner. Many people wait too long to initiate repairs, some try but make things worse because they aren't sure what to do, and others do not do it at all. A good repair usually starts with an apology, read How to Apologize (link is external), or bringing it up in a constructive way (read How to Say Hard Things (link is external)). 

8. Reciprocity: This means that both people in the relationship are working on this stuff. If only one person is taking an interest, accepting and respecting, giving the benefit of the doubt, meeting the others' needs, providing positive interactions, and repairing ruptures, then the relationship likely has larger problems that need to be explored.

SILLY BAD HABITS THAT CAN HURT YOUR RELATIONSHIP

All of us have a few bad habits that we don’t realize. Sometimes, these habits could be silly or cute.
But at most other times, these subconscious bad habits could end up hurting you or distancing you from the one you love.

When you fall in love with someone, you can’t see their bad habits, at least not until you’re past the stage of infatuation. And likewise, your partner won’t see the bad in you because they’re so smitten by you and your love for them. But once the rose tinted veil of infatuation sweeps past your eyes, it’s only then that the nagging habits start to reveal themselves.

See these bad habits to know if you’re hurting your lover without realizing it.

1. YOUR WAY.

Do you constantly like having things your way? It could be as silly as watching a genre of movies you enjoy or going out to places that you like. Your partner may find your tantrums cute to begin with, but if you always want things your own way, there will come a time very soon when your partner would snap and just hate everything you like because they’re so sick of it!

2. SILENT TREATMENT.

Do you choose to ignore your partner instead of talking about something that’s hurt you? You’re not alone. Many men and women would rather sit down in the corner and stare at the ceiling than answer their partner when they’re annoyed for some reason. Never do that because you’d only end up hurting your partner, make them feel miserable, and hate you at the same time.

3. "I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT".

Avoiding discussions, especially if it’s stressful may seem like the easy thing to do at a particular moment. But stuffing all the difficult conversations in some dark corner will only leave you more stressed, and leave your partner frustrated and angry. As difficult as a particular decision or a relationship conversation may be, you can solve it only by talking about it with your lover. Remember, every journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.

4. YOU LIE.

For the silliest of reasons! And you just can’t help yourself. You may be lying to your partner because you’re afraid of their temper, or because you don’t want to appear weak in front of them. The reasons could be several, but the end result is almost always the same. Lies affect relationships negatively, and will lead to loss of trust. Stop lying and learn to confront the truth, you’ll have a much better life.

5. MAKING A SCENE IN PUBLIC.

Don’t yell at your partner or humiliate them in public or when someone else is around. Your frustrations may be valid and you may have every good reason to accuse your partner of something, or walk away from them. But ridiculing your partner or hurting them in public will do a lot of damage to their ego, and that’s something that won’t heal very soon.

6. TAKEN FOR GRANTED.

You know your partner’s sweet and caring. And you love them for it. But do you remember to appreciate your partner and thank them for all the little things they do, be it finding your keys or opening the doors for you? You may think it’s silly to constantly thank your partner for every little thing they do. But chances are, you may start taking these sweet gestures for granted even before you realize it, and they’d turn into expectations instead!

7.  TESTING YOUR PARTNER.
You intentionally make big demands or throw tantrums just to see if your partner cares enough to go the extra mile for you. These petty tests are rather common at the start of a new relationship when you’d want your lover to prove their love for you, but don’t carry this habit into the later stages of love or your constant games and tests would annoy your lover.

8. PLEASING YOUR LOVE.

You try really hard to please your partner, but you get really upset when your partner doesn’t realize you’ve done something for them. And yet, you continue to do nice things for them all the time *which they take for granted* and eventually turn into a relationship martyr. If your partner takes you for granted, talk to them about it. Bottling your rage or sadness will not help you. Perhaps, your partner didn’t even realize that you’ve done something sweet for them. Communicate and express yourself now and then, and stop trying to be a helpless people pleaser.

10 Things That Will End A Relationship Before It Begins.

Sometimes we destroy them before they even come to be. We’re just so excited about this new person, this new prospect, that we just want to jump to the end where everyone is happy and in love. And in doing that, we ruin the whole thing. If this hasn’t happened to you yet, keep doing what you’re doing and avoid doing these things. And to those who have done one, or some, or all of these things — I feel you. I really do.

Here are 10 things that will end a relationship before it begins:

(1): Falling too hard, too fast — and telling It OuT: And sometimes you later realize that you weren’t actually in love — you just really wanted to be. It’s okay to fall in love, but don’t say anything until you’re sure that’s what you’re really feeling, and wait a little bit. Don’t rush these great times, these beginning stages where you get to know someone and sometimes you can’t even look at them directly because they’re so goddamn cute.
Stop, take a deep breath, and enjoy it.

2. Worrying about the future
“Are we going to last? Is this the person I’m going to marry? Will my parents like them? Will they like my parents? ,this could eventually change ur views on something u hav not even tested..And sometimes you get all negative about it because u feel alot is gonna go wrong in the future(when you have not even started anything).

3. Over analyzing everything: 

Texting has ruined a lot about dating. We’re so careful now about what we text and when we want to describe to our friends how our interactions with dudes go, we simply copy/paste the text to every friend. And usually, each friend comes back with an entirely different interpretation. And it’s a mess. And you’ll start to think of all the little things that happened that you know aren’t important, but now that you’re spiraling into this insecure place, you’re telling your friend, “He took me to a casual restaurant without waiters, he’s totally not into me, is he?” THIS GETS YOU NOWHERE, STOP.

4. Having “the relationship talk” WAY too soon:
Oh God nothing kills the relationship like talking about the relationship. It makes sense if you’ve been together for a few months and you want to know if you’re going to be exclusive, and how do you feel about what we have going on here, and so forth. But if you’ve been on 2 dates and you’re having this talk, it’s going to end badly.

5. Being too familiar and too intimate (in a non-sexy way)
I know it’s exciting at the thought of meeting his/her friends and/or family, but it’s a little weird if you try to force it. If you ask him, “How’s your sis, Naomie?” when he/she hasn’t even mentioned his/her, but you know she exists because you saw her on Facebook. That throws people off. And by being too intimate, I mean, doing bf/gf-y things when you’ve only gone on 1 date. On your second date, if you jump into his arms and call him pet names and stuffs lik dat.Its not appropriate.

6. Making or planning big events or trips too far ahead
It’s like you’re challenging the universe to break you up. Oh, your cousin’s getting married in about a year? Better let them know that even though you just met this dude last week and he seems cool, you’re gonna need a plus one.

7:Asking them almost every day what their plans are and if they’d like to hang out/go out:

Its cool to want to knw,but hey Give em some space, Relationships get broken up because of this reasons,and you are not yet in the relationship  and you are already acting this way???? Hey stop it..its a big turn-off..

8. Getting caught Facebook stalking them or their ex: 

We all do it, just don’t get caught. If you do, it’s nearly impossible to get over. They have to have a really good sense of humor, and you have to be breezy about it. But for some people, this can end it immediately. To them, it suggests that you’re insecure.

9. Texting or calling too frequently:Hey its not cool,its a no-go, , I’m not asking you to shut it down. I’m asking you to take a moment and think, “Do I really need to text this?” Is it to confirm plans? Go for it. Are you sharing an inside joke? Go for it. Are you telling them you had a great time? Go for it. But do not go for it every day. And do not text things that won’t go anywhere. Things like, “Hey! What’s up?” “Oh, nothing, you?” “Just chilling.” “Cool.” I mean come on, what is anyone supposed to do with that? And if you do that several times a day, it gets really annoying, really fast.

10. Being available all the time
If you’re available a lot, that’s fine. But don’t let anyone know that. You want people (and not just people you want to date and have sexy times with) to think that you’ve got a life full of important and fabulous things to do. And if you’ve got too much time on your hands, then find something to do. Clean your apartment. Make plans to see that friend you haven’t seen in years — and actually do it. Make your own schedule.

I hope you learned from this.

7 WAYS TO TELL YOUR CRUSH HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THEM

Ladies love men that are bold and not afraid of saying what's on their mind,and most ladies feel its wrong to tell a guy how they feel,the truth is! You can't get his attention by just sitting if you really like him.

So, if u ever feel that way about someone ,here are a few tips on how to tell him/her.

1.Get to know your crush enough so that he/she knows you exist.Carry conversations with them every now and then.

2.Get to know his/her interests.Sharing common ground allows him/her to see that you're open to their ideas. Be sure not to insult their interests unless it's in a teasing way (don't be harsh!).

3.Casually flirt with him/her.When you feel comfortable, remember to smile

4. Remember that looking approachable is essential: Dress nice and smell good. Be sure to wear something you feel is comfortable. If you know their favourite smell or colour, be sure to wear that. Good hygiene is also a must. Would you like to date someone with smelly armpits?

5. Be yourself:
If you're a funny person, use that to your advantage! If you're a big sports fan and you know they are as well, all the better. Share those common interests and use them to your advantage.

6. Just tell him/her: Sometimes it's better to just let your crush know you like them by telling them how you feel. Just ask them out! The worst they can most likely do is say no.

7. Don't get crushed by a crush.Sometimes it just isn't meant to be. But stay positive and remember that there are plenty of fish in the sea!

And while flirting here are a few tips to keep you goin.

* Eye contact is essential. Don't stare at your feet or shyly stare behind them!

**Whenever you see him/her, it's important to smile and greet them.

*** Smile frequently(not too much because it could seem creepy!).

****Always look your best! Girls: Of course, don't wear too much make up/scents as some men find it unattractive.

***** If he/she passes you in the hall, it's important to take note of their next class. If a friend has the same class, casually talk to them and include your crush in the conversation.

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Story of A Broken heart

I knew this day would come. It’d been a long time coming. I saw it as clear as the sun in the blue skies, but I had chosen to turn a blind eye. I refused to acknowledge what was in front of me…staring me in the face. Not sure when it all began really, but the signs had been there. I’d ignored it for so long, the lines between my reality and make believe world had blended nicely. I was wrapped in a cocoon of falsehood choosing to lay there content, afraid of being a butterfly and flying away. I was afraid my wings would be too fragile to carry me away from this nightmare that had become my life.

I realised a little too late that he had always been this way even when we just met. Mean, abusive and demanding, but oh so subtly. Loving with one hand and killing with the other. Bode, my lover, my enemy.

I hated him. I hated that I loved him so. I hated what he did to me.

His charm had swept me off my feet; I was enamoured, held captive by his sweet words and boyish charms. Those eyes that made me drown in their depths and his sense of humour. For a very long time I lived in a bubble, a fantasy, Bode could do no wrong in my eyes. Apparently, other people saw what I couldn’t see and told me to be careful. I looked at some of them like they were crazy and the others like they had pure undiluted envy flowing through their veins. I’d found happiness and they weren’t happy for me. Bode! Bode?

How could I have known? I was young and naïve. He was a bit older, I didn’t mind. It just made him more attractive to me. Elegant and suave, I was proud to tell anyone who would have cared to listen just how perfect he was.

At first it was the temper tantrums and unnecessary demands. It seemed odd to me, Bode didn’t get angry or did he? I lied to myself. I’d lied to myself for a long time; I couldn’t separate truth from lie anymore. I told myself it was the pressure at work making him act that way, then came the verbal abuses, I was called all kinds of names, mean nasty names, I’d break down in tears and he’d come cooing sweet nothings about how sorry he was. It was a bitter-sweet love-hate relationship. And then he changed.

He became the Bode I knew once again, charming and loving. This went on just for a short while until the something I must have done obviously flipped the switch again. Or so he said. The first slap came not quite too long after, and things just spiraled out of control. I was still in denial, praying and hoping that the Bode I knew would surface. I didn’t recognize this monster. No, this wasn’t my Bode.

It wasn’t until I was it the hospital, treating multiple bruises and a fractured collar bone , having undergone minor surgery to right a tooth that had twisted unnaturally did the scales fall from my eyes. I woke up to see my friend looking down at me with tears in her eyes, thanking God that I didn’t die, begging me to never go back to him, it was a good thing we weren’t married.

She didn’t need to. My mind was made up, I’d lost my faith somewhere along the line, forgotten what it was like to pray. I was broken on the inside as much as on the outside. Pain had become my friend; I welcomed it with both arms wide open. I was lucky to be alive. I shut my eyes and for the first time in a long while I muttered a word of prayer, I wondered if God heard me. I pray he did; at this point all I needed was a miracle.

Signs To Help You Know If A Girl Have A Crush On You

Understanding women does require a special tech. In this article i shall point out a few signs to show a lady is in love....If u see this signs do not hesitate to express your feelings towards her.. SIGNALS TO WATCH OUT FOR:. . .

(1).CARING:
 She gives you attention just like a mother toward her child It is natural that every woman has motherly affection. Therefore, when she falls in love, this kind of maternal behavior will arise unconsciously. Do not be surprised if she suddenly becomes very concerned, even nags you with a lot of small things. She may suddenly feel uneasy to see the stains on your clothes, or feel worried when you are eating too much junk food. Try to respond her attention with gratitude. Do things that she suggests to show that you take her advice seriously. Give her little compliment and by saying, "Wow, you could be a good mother." or such. Observe her reaction, and be ready to confess your feelings if you see that she looks happy because of your compliment..

(2). EYE CONTACTS:
Notice the intensity of her eye contact Women who are in love will try to steal a glance at your eyes. In some cases for a shy woman, her face will turn red and abruptly turned away when you realize that she was watching over your face. Try also to look at her straight in the eyes when conversing. If you feel there is some kinds of electricity that goes behind your back while looking into her eyes, it is most likely that the chemistry between two of you has been established. It's just a matter of time to confess your feeling toward her at the right moment.

(3). SENSE OF HAPPINESS:
She looks happy when she is with you A woman would show a bright facial expression when she is with her loved ones. Just try to observe her eyes, smile, and her gestures. If she looks more cheerful and her eyes shine brighter it is likely a sign that she enjoys to be at your side. Note also if she talks and laughs a lot, it can be a significant sign that she loves you. When she is sad or depressed, try to approach and cheer her. If you notice that her expression suddenly becomes brighter, it is likely that you are the man who is expected by her.

(4).BEING IMPRESSIVE:
 She tries to impress you physically by dressing better Note also the style of her dress and hair. If you realize that a woman tries hard to impress you with their dresses, hairstyle, accessories, and her physical attractions, it is likely she wants to get your attention. Not just dresses, you can also observe on the use of make-up as well as the length of time she needs to prepare herself before meeting you. If you are aware of this fact, do not miss the opportunity to compliment her looks. Give compliment to her dresses, her make-up, or her new hair style. Make her feels that her effort to impress you is paid-off. This kind of behavior also makes her realize that you give special attention toward her.

(5).KEEN INTEREST IN PERSONAL LIFE STYLE:
She shows some interest toward you hobby and favorite activities You might encounter a situation when suddenly a woman starts to listen to the songs that you like or ask a lot of questions about your hobbies. She also asks you to be involved in your favorite activities and happily shows enthusiasm towards them. Be cautious boys, this might be a sign that she is in love with you. If a woman suddenly shows interest in the game that you play, your favorite TV shows, or activity that you usually do, it is likely that she wants to spend some time with you. It also a sign that she wants to be involved in your life and want to know you more personally by doing those activities.

(6).ALWAYS WANTING TO TALK TO YOU:
She takes the initiative to start a conversation Usually under a normal conditions, men is the one who takes the initiative in a conversation. They do it by asking numerous polite questions and raised a particular topic as the theme of conversation. If you suddenly feel that she is more "aggressive" than usual in a conversation, it is possible that she develops an interest towards you. A woman who is in love would continue to spend a lot of time talking to you. They want to be in the conversation as long as possible.

Therefore, when the conversation stops, she will try to find a new topic so that both of you can continue talking.

Foods That Enhances Your Libido!

A lot of Nigerian men are having problems with lasting longer. It is also true that some have been able to hold themselves for long with the natural products that are on sale on this blog.

However, there are times that even after you have mastered the art of lasting longer, your ability to last longer starts to deteriorate. Some of the reasons for this may be from loss of essential nutrients in the body that helps libido.

According to a medical record, it says that when the brain is deficient with some chemicals, your sex drive is highly affected, however, if you increase the intake of some of these nutrients, you will improve your sex drive and be able to balance the brain chemistry.

Here are the various deficiencies that can affect your sex drive and how to deal or cure then naturally.

1. Lack of Libido
When you have low libido, you may be lacking the brain chemical called Dopamine. To get more supply of Dopamine, you need to eat lean proteins that can be found in foods like eggs, beans, fish, diary products, etc.
2. Arousal Problems
If you are having problem with arousal or lubrication, you may lack the brain chemical called Acetylcholine. To get adequate supply of this chemical from foods, you need to eat legumes, eggs, and whole grains.
3. Orgasm Problems
If you’re unable to achieve orgasm, it could be that your brain chemical Amino-butyric acid may be unbalanced. To fix this problem eat foods rich in fibers, like whole grain foods like brown rice, cereals, oats, millet, etc
Other Sex Boosting Foods Are
Nuts
Examples are Cashew, Peanuts (Groundnuts), Almonds, Walnuts. In fact, these food group are responsible for the essential fatty acids that helps keep the brain alert. Almonds particularly is known to arouse passion in women, whereas other nuts are known to boost testosterone, male fertility sex cell.
Apples
According to a doctor, apples contain a chemical that gives one a natural feeling of excitement and well-being, and this helps in stimulating the mind for sex activities.
Avocado
This fine fruit contains Vitamin B6 which helps to increase testosterone and potassium levels, and this also regulates the thyroids which boosts libido.
Fish
Fish are known to contain Omega 3 fatty acids which allows the free flow of blood because of prevention of plaques along the walls of the arteries.
Other Aphrodisaic foods are:

• Garlic
• Sweet potatoes
• Pumpkin Leaves
• Lobsters
• Shrimps
• Crustaceans
• Oyster
• A little wine
• Chicken Breasts
• Olive oil
• Bananas
• Grapes
• etc

If you have used the information in the Last Longer Guide here, and you are still have problems with your libido, it could be that your body needs an extra supply of the natural chemicals present in the foods above.

Just start eating them for the next 2 months or more and you will see significant changes. However, if after trying these and you see no result, it could be a serious health problem. At this point, I will ask that you see your doctor for recommendation of a possible solution.

If you have enjoyed this article, kindly use the link below to share with friends and loved ones.

Newly discovered errors people make in using a condom

Putting on a condom may seem second nature to you by now, but are you actually doing it the right way? Sadly fellas, the latest research suggests you might not be. Researchers from Indiana University analyzed 50 studies on condom usage, and after punching the numbers on 16 years of data, they found a laundry list of errors. Could you be making one of them? Check out the top 15 things that couples are doing wrong when gearing up for getting down.

 Late application: Across the numerous studies, between 17 percent and 51.1 percent of people reported putting a condom on after intercourse has already begun. Early removal: Between 13.6 percent and 44.7 percent of the respondents reported removing the condom before intercourse was complete.

 Completely unrolling the condom prior to application: Between 2.1 percent and 25.3 percent of people admitted to completely unrolling the condom before sliding it on. No space at the tip:

Failing to leave space for semen at the tip of the condom was reported by 24.3 to 45.7 percent of the respondents. Failure to remove air: When looking back to their last sexual encounter, 48.1 percent of women and 41.6 percent of men reported that they didn't squeeze the air from the tip before use.

 Inside-out condoms: Between 4 percent and 30.4 percent of participants reported they began rolling the condom on inside out, but then flipped it over and continued its use. And that's bad, since it can expose her to your pre-ejaculatory fluids, which can get her pregnant.

 Failure to completely unroll the condom before use: When looking back to their last sexual encounter, 11.2 percent of women and 8.8 percent of men had began intercourse before the condom was unrolled all the way.

Exposure to sharp object: Between 2.1 percent and 11.2 percent of people had opened condom packets with sharp objects. The problem: If it's sharp enough to rip the wrapper, it's sharp enough to rip the condom.

 Failure to check for damage: When removing the condom from the package, 82.7 percent of women and 74.5 percent of men reported that they fail to check for damage before use.

What to look for: Make sure the wrapper isn't worn down or ripped open, keep your eyes peeled for expired dates, and check for visible imperfections while unrolling.

 No lubrication: Between 16 percent and 25.8 percent of people reported using condoms without lubrication. The trouble? If you're having sex for an extended period of time, the condom is more likely to tear without lubrication. 

Lubrication complications: Roughly 3.2 percent of women and 4.7 percent of men reported using an oil-based lube with a latex condom. That weakens the latex, which can make it prone to breakage.

 Incorrect withdrawal: Nearly 31 percent of men and 27 percent of women reported that (post-sex) they failed to promptly and properly withdraw after ejaculation. Reusing a condom: Between 1.4 percent and 3.3 percent of people reported reusing a condom at least twice during a sexual encounter. Gross.

 Incorrect storage: Between 3.3 percent and 19.1 percent of people in the studies had stored their condoms in conditions that did not comply with the recommendations on the package. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or your wallet-both can degrade the latex. 

Not wearing one at all:This wasn't actually part of the study, but we should add that #15 is this: Not using one at all. According to the (most recent) National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, only 45 percent of men ages 18 to 24 used a condom with their last sexual partner. And as the age groups increased, the stats only got worse: Only 29.3 percent of men ages 25 to 34 used condoms and 21.3 percent of men between ages 35 and 44.

8 ways To Heal A Broken Heart

HEARTBREAKS HURT, and there's no denying it. Everyone will find a different way to get over it, but we all find being dumped or losing a loved
one very hard. Easier for some people, but harder for others.

Here are some ways to overcome heartbreak:

Steps (1)Don't be embarrassed to cry.You've been hurt - expect the tears to keep coming. There are few people who can get over heartbreak without shedding tears, so let them flow. If you bottle up your feelings, you'll only end up making yourself feel worse later. Let everything loose and don't hold anything back.


(2)Find something to help take your mind off your heartbreak for a while, the feeling will pass with time.Activities you enjoy will help you relax.


(3)Talk to your friends and family. That's what they're there for! A good friend you trust will be a good person to talk to. A parent or sibling may also be a good choice.


(4)Focus on moving on.Focus for a while on your career and family. If you help someone else out, you'll feel good, and have a chance to take your mind off the pain. Good times are a great way to help you get over heartbreak. Keep on going with your day and focus on your work.


(5)Keep it in perspective! Think about the positive things in your life, and what you have left. Think about what you can do with your future, and don't let your loss destroy the rest of your life too. Letting the feeling overcome you will lead you down a road that isn't too pleasant.


(6)Rebuild your life.Get engrossed in new things, and try not to look back on the past. The more you move forward, the less it will hurt. Keep yourself occupied, so you don't have time to be upset. Keep moving forward..


(7)Talk to a professional.You may need to see a psychologist or other such professional person if your grief is really destroying your life. A professional will care and will know how to help you. They can almost certainly offer further and better advice.


(8)Accept it.You might never quite be happy about the event that caused your heartbreak, and you might always shed a tear thinking about it, but eventually you will find that you can live without it getting in the way. Just remember that every relationship is a learning experience, and every learning experience will positively effect your future. Time heals all wounds. .
 Part B of this same article will be publish later..still writing on it...hope you enjoy it nd might help heal your broken heart

LITTLE THINGS THAT LEAD TOBREAK-UP PT. 2

...Continuation from PT. 1

6. FLIRTING: Flirting might be fun, and might seem not strong enough to disolve a relationship. the truth is, it can if your partner doesn't find it funny!

7. TOO DEMANDING: You want this, you want that, you want all...take a chill pill please, relax and be easy on your partner because he/
she would definitely get tired of you someday.

8. UNGENEROUS: As a guy if you are the stingy type, and have never cared about your Girlfriend's finance, neither have you bought her any gifts, then i feel sorry for you.

NOTE:when i said gifts, i did not mean a house or a car please. This is meant fo the working class and not for lovers still searching for daily breads to make ends meet.

9. ARROGANCE: When you are too arrogant, too violent, too pushy, too insultive, always engaging in one fight or the other, your relationship won't stand the test of time. This is a big turn-off!

10. DISRESPECT: We all know the sayin "respect is reciprocal." When you disespect your partner not once but often, you will just hasten the break-up of your relationship. Respect your partner's decision always. This works both ways!

LITTLE THINGS THAT LEAD TO BREAK-UP PT. 1

There are a few things that we over look or don't take note or ignore in our various relationships which can terminate your relationship. See The Little Things That Leads To Break-up In Relationships.

1. LOVING THE PERSON TOO MUCH/CHOKING YOUR PARTNER WITH LOVE: No matter how in-love you both might be, the moment one is choking the other with too much love, it fizzles out the love of the other partner leading his/her love to depreciate. Try to always make it balance or else you just might scare your partner away.

2. DESPERATION: When you show signs of desperation in your relationship, like trying to trap the person to yourself through pregnancy or marriage, it scares the hell out of most people, especially if your partner is not ready to be hooked up or where the relationship is still at it's early stage. Don't talk about marriage except if you are both desperate about it.

3. IMMATURITY: No girl wants a kid as a boyfriend or someone who talks and does things like a kid! No no no no... she will definitely dump you! (vice versa)

4. MODE OF DRESSING: If your mode of dressing is really horrible, please do something about it fast! No girl wants her man to look like a mad man. Dress like a gentleman. (vice versa)

5. HYGIENE: Long/Dirty finger nails and toes also leads to break-ups in relationships. Bad breaths, body odour also terminates a relationship.

SOURCE: Nigerian's number one relationship blog LUV-KINGS

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Major Reasons why women breakup with men

Breakups are heartbreaking for both men and women; still men and women dump partners at times. There can be reasons or no reasons at all. Whatever it is, very fewer relationships are found to be ever sustaining and ever progressing. Women, many times, drop the relationships with obvious reasons. They are sensitive to the maximum and at the same time bold to the extreme.
As they do not forget trivial mistakes, never-forgivable actions can be ignored by them. The unpredictability of women makes it harder to analyze the most common reasons for them dumping the men. Each woman approaches the relationships in a very much subjective way, thus what makes a serious enough reason for a woman to dump her man may seem ignorable by another.

Trust related reasons

• Secondary affairs or multiple affairs of men constitute a reasonable cause for many women dumping their men. Cheating or breaking trust is unforgivable for many of them and when found that the man is dating with someone else too, they may avoid the man.
• Another trust related reason is telling lies to them or pretending to be good. Many men try to continue I relationship by telling lies one after another to maintain trust between the two and also to cover up his relationships with other people or mistakes.
• When men do not adhere to the promises or commitments, it is also considered as an act of distrust. Women do not generally tolerate a person who cannot be trusted.

Too much controlling

• When woman feels that the man is too much controlling or a control freak, they may possibly get away from the relationship. Some men are very much authoritarian and demand submissiveness from women. Such character is always hated as today; even women prefer self dignity and self sufficiency.
• Certain people do not let the woman to keep control of the money she earned. Financial understanding and sharing is good, but if the man asks her to hand over the earnings to him and get from him as and when needed, is a possible reason for women dumping men.
• Dominating over her personal life and sexuality is another reason for avoiding men by many women. Relationship for women is not slavery or being conquered by men by all means. When she feels that she is being used by the man for self satisfaction, she may dump him off.

Irresponsibility

• Irresponsible men are more likely to be dumped by women. Many men in relationships just leave all the responsibilities to the woman and roam around without caring of the household responsibilities or financial requirements. Such men are always dumped of by women.
• Responsibility just doesn't mean providing all the material supplies to home and supporting the partner financially. Being responsible on the health, emotions etc... are essential. When women feel they are not concerned or taken care of properly, they may get away from the relationship seeking a better partner.

Independency

Many women leave men when greater levels of independency are found in men. When they do not adhere to the promises and commitments it is considered independency. Women expect the partner to be worth depending in all the needs of life. When the partner feels that she cannot depend on the man for essential support when she needs it at various instances of life, she may dump the man and get into other relationships.

Unwanted rules and regulations

Many men establish unwanted set of rules and unnecessary regulations at home. This will make the women feeling as if in a prison, instead of in a relationship. When the freedom for expression and movement is questioned or regulated by the man, she may get frustrated with the relationship and think about leaving the person and get into another life. Any rules implemented at home must be taken by common preferences and also only after mutual discussion.

Secretes of a Happy Relationship

Relationships like marriage, romance, live together or any of similar kinds can be sustained with a happy note if some of the secret rules are followed. Relationship is completely subjective and no clear cut rules can be executed on it, yet following certain guidelines may help proceeding happily in a relationship.
Many of these, so called, rules are based on the life experience of many happy couple and also the observation of people. When two people get into relationships, many of them wish for lasting relationships. But pathetically, a good number of them go apart after a while, in search of new partners. Let us see the secrets that constitute long lasting relationships or ever remaining relationships.

Breakup and Divorce are not the Solution

When asked about the best possible way of resolving the issues in relationships or marriage, many people may comment that breakup or a divorce is the best possible method of putting an end to all the troubles in a relationships. It is the biggest mistake people commit.
The reason for increased divorce rate is analyzed as the mentality of people who even before getting into a relationship think divorce as means of solving possible issues in it. Divorce is never an option but it's the utmost decision to be taken in life only at an inevitable situation. Do not even think about a breakup or marriage whenever you confront with minor issues in relationships. Issues are just byproducts of the happiness experienced in the relationships.

No Perfect Relationships, but Perfect Situations

No one can be considered in a perfect relationship, how happy the couple is, as happiness in a relationship is just the happiness of the situations created by the partners. No relationship, as a whole, is destined to be jovial and satisfying. There can be moments of happiness and moments of struggles.
The couple who learns the secrets of balancing both happiness and struggles wins the life and enjoys the best possible relationship and life. When in tension or issues, many people may think that they are fated to fall in to wrong relationship, and at the same time ignore the possible chances of making each moments in life happy by understanding the partner a bit more and adjusting a bit more.

Never be Afraid or Make Him/Her Afraid

Another secret of happy relationship lies in being open and frank with the partner. Do not feel afraid to express you mind to the partner and never ever make him/her afraid of you to tell out the mind. When people communicate each other many of the issues can be melted down. An issue, how ignorable it is, when kept in mind for several days, can take forms of anger, frustration, dislike etc., and get expressed in the most undesirable manners. Let the communication between the partners be a frequent element and no one should hold the words when he/she really wants to talk.

Love Defined is Respect and Care

You can just tell that you love your partner but can never express the love as it is. There is no emotion like love, but it comes as a package which includes, respect, care, share, dedication, forgiveness etc., express the emotions whenever possible to make the other person feel the intensity of your love. Do not be a miser in loving the partner and let your love be unconditional. It is rightly said that love is defined as respect and care. When the partner feels that you do not care for him/her or do not give him/her the due respect, the person may think of an alternative to you.

Always Support Each Other

Never ever leave your partner unsupported. Whatever be the opinions and ideas, know that you are the only one he/she can lean for support. When both of you are alone, you can argue among yourself on points you disagree with the other one, but in public both of you have only one mind. Holding the hands, especially when he/she is sad or broken, is helpful to convey you care for the person. Once you have decided to live together, then no questions of separation may arise, even in the opinions.

Tips To Treat A woman On A Date

Women are hard to impress! Yes truly women are very hard to impress and satisfy. It is really an achievement if a guy can get the company of a pretty woman, when the social taboos are put aside. Every man strives for one and few attain the goal. Pathetically, many young guys lose the female company by jut remaining ignorant of the ways of treating them on the first date and impressing her most eloquently. When you are getting ready for the first date, keep in mind the basics of attracting the lady and impressing her all the way possible.

On time every time

Do not let her wait for you at the first date. Be on promised time and it is appreciable if you reach first and make her feeling royal by waiting for her. Have a simple but romantic gift for her. The gift doesn't mean a costly one, but a simple red rose will do the purpose. Welcome her most cordially by holding the hands and giving the flower.

When you meet for the first date, your first expression should be something that appreciates her or concerning her. Do not get into mistakes like talking about the weather the day or that she made you wait for few minutes.

Create the best possible mood between you

It is the mood that you create at the first meeting that is going to sustain throughout your relationship. Good words, pleasant smile etc., help making the perfect mood between the two. Be slow and attentive in talking with her. Do not hastily get into a lip kiss or hug.

Select a meeting place after enough searches. Let the place be romantic, calm and quite. If you prefer a busy restaurant or park your conversation may be disturbed by the noises and activities of the place. Let it be just you and the lady, nobody in-between.

If you are particular about the romantic environment, you can even go for a candle light dinner or such romantic activities. Do not allow her attention to divert into other things than you. Invite the attention by pleasing manners and promising behavior.

Be polite, compassionate and complimenting

Politeness is a quality most women appreciate. Even if you are not polite by nature, try not to be impolite in your talks, behavior and manners. Some guys get into fights with the hotel stewards or suppliers to just impress the lady by being bold and rough and also to exhibit the manly qualities. This will do harm than being advantageous.

Being compassionate attracts a good number of women. Many women conceive the quality of compassion as the essential quality of a good man. When you act compassionately, the lady may feel like pleased to be your friend and partner.Lavish compliments are influencing on women. But when you compliment for trivial elements, be cautious to not make it a mockery and she should never feel the actions as a deliberate one. Be spontaneous when you shower your compliments on her.

Be a good talker as well as a listener

Keep silence away from you while meeting on a first date. Know that you are passing through very precious and never again moments. Talk enough and just enough. Keep away the silent moments and find one or other topics to go on chatting.Being a listener is equally important to talk. You need to encourage her to talk to you and express her feelings about you. Also, it is not advisable to ask her on the very first date about her feelings on you.

Be self confident and mature enough

Do not start shivering at the sight of the lady.Be prepared and be confident throughout the meeting. Do not try to impress by acting what you are not really. Take away all the fears and worries from within and try to be maximum possible natural and spontaneous.

Maturity is an appreciated character, especially in romance and relationships. Act in mature ways and never give chances for the woman to feel that you are immature and unsuitable.

How grape diet help in weight loss

The grapefruit diet is apparently not a myth .That's what a new study by the Nutrition and Metabolic Research Center at Scripps Clinic has confirmed. Researchers there found that the simple act of adding grapefruit and grapefruit juice to one's diet can result in weight loss.

The 12-week pilot study, led by Dr. Ken Fujioka, monitored weight and metabolic factors, such as insulin secretion, of the 100 men and women who participated in the Scripps Clinic 'Grapefruit Diet'
study.

On average, participants who ate half a grapefruit with each meal lost 3.6 pounds, while those who drank a serving of grapefruit juice three times a day lost 3.3 pounds. However, many patients in the study lost more than 10 pounds. 'For years people have talked about the grapefruit diet, and some even swear by it, but now, we have data that grapefruit helps weight loss,' said 

Dr. Fujioka, principal researcher at the Nutrition and Metabolic Research Center at Scripps Clinic. 'Our study participants maintained their daily
eating habits and slightly enhanced their exercise routine; the only dietary change was the intake of
Florida grapefruit and grapefruit juice.'

Additionally, the research indicates a physiological link between grapefruit and insulin, as it relates to weight management. The researchers speculate that the chemical properties of grapefruit reduce insulin levels and encourage weight loss. The importance of this link lies with the hormone's weight management function. While not its primary function, insulin assists with the regulation of fat metabolism. Therefore, the smaller the insulin spike after a meal, the more efficiently the body processes food for use as energy and the less it's stored as fat in the body. Grapefruit may possess unique chemical properties that reduce insulin levels which promotes weight loss. Obesity continues to plague the American public and the health system.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 64 percent of U.S. adults are considered overweight or obese. 

Overweight or obese people stand a greater likelihood of developing life-altering and/or life-threatening illnesses such as heart disease , cancer , diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, arthritis , liver problems, and many others. 'Our study shows grapefruit can play a vital role in overall health and wellness, and in battling America's ever-growing obesity epidemic,' stated Dr. Fujioka. 'Whether it's the properties of grapefruit or its ability to satiate appetites, grapefruit appeared to help with weight loss and decreased insulin levels Leading to better health. It's good the 'Grapefruit Diet' never lost its popularity among the public.'

The study linking grapefruit and grapefruit juice consumption to weight loss continues to broaden
the health benefits associated with this citrus product. If you have any other suggestions or complains  concerning this post or any that bothers you, please drop it on the comment box to help us serve you better...

25 Ways to Tell Your Spouse ‘I Love You’ on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is the occasion when you can experience love and show love too.  With a little help from our friends, here are 25 creative ways to tell your spouse, “I love you.”

1. On small pieces of paper, write down every kind of kiss that you can think of (examples: passionate, on the cheek, etc.). Then fill an inexpensive red felt bag with your “kisses” and give it to your spouse. Ask your spouse to pull several pieces of paper from the felt bag, and then give your sweetheart whatever kind of kiss is described.

2. Make a book about why you love your spouse and why you are thankful for him/her.  The woman who sent this idea wrote, “He loved it! Said it was the best gift he has ever gotten.  And it helped me to focus on the things I love about my husband and not his shortcomings.”

3. Take your sweetie on a scavenger hunt. Ask him/her to answer riddles to find the clues to items that you placed somewhere around town. The last item should give instructions that lead to your Valentine’s Day activities.

4. After enjoying a candlelight dinner for two at home, give your spouse a massage and watch a romantic movie. The woman who suggested this wrote, “Last Valentine’s Day when I got home from work, my husband … had our bedroom set up with a candlelit table for two. He is NOT a cook but he made an awesome meal … grilled steak, sautéed shrimp in lemon, garlic, and butter, a vegetable, and [he] bought a chocolate fountain that was flowing—surrounded by fresh fruit for dipping. After dinner he led me over to his homemade massage table. … We ended our special night with a romantic movie.

5. Surprise your spouse with a special getaway together. The man who suggested this made reservations at a bed and breakfast, arranged for childcare, asked for time off from work for himself and his wife, and packed their bags. When he asked his wife to go to lunch on Valentine’s Day she was in for a wonderful surprise. “The little bit of effort I put into that weekend paid off huge for weeks to come.”

6.  Give your wife a dozen roses. On each stem attach a note for a future date—to do something that she would enjoy (example: go to the symphony).

7. If possible, go on a date with your spouse to a restaurant that you enjoyed when you first met. After you order your meal, take some time to write down favorite memories from the past year. Then share your lists.
8. Have 11 roses delivered to your wife, and then give her a 12th yourself while reading her a love poem.

9. Fill a large box with helium balloons and special gifts for Valentine’s Day. The woman who suggested this said that her gifts included “new sleep shorts for him and a new nightgown for me, a box of chocolate-covered strawberries and red napkins … some new candles, and a romantic CD. He got the hint. And loved the weekend.”

10. Create an intimate Valentine’s Day evening at home, without the children. The woman who suggested this idea said that she and her husband “enjoyed planning the menu, shopping for the meal, and ultimately preparing the meal together. Cooking to soft, romantic music can really be a turn on! While dining, the same soft, romantic music is a wonderful mood-setter. Dinner was followed by just the two of us having the whole dance floor, our den, to ourselves. I won’t say what all this led to, but it was a truly romantic night that would not have happened at the local restaurant!”

11. Order food from a take-out restaurant and have a picnic for all the Valentines in your family on your living room floor.  The person who suggested this said, “The kids look forward to this every year. When we tried to change it, they wouldn’t allow it … it has become a tradition. The kids see the value of family and a loving marriage.”
12. Privacy and weather permitting, watch a romantic movie on your deck or patio.

13. If you are separated across the miles, send a care package filled with things that are red.

14. Make a meal with symbols of love. Examples: Write “I love you” with string beans, make a tart in the shape of a heart …

15. Hide little heart candies in your spouse’s shoes, coat, car, etc.  The woman who suggested this said that she’s been doing this for decades. “Now a couple of the grandkids help me with delight.”

16. Wives, show up at your husband’s office before lunch. Call him from the parking lot and tell him you are going to take him for a lunch rendezvous and that you will be waiting for him whenever he can take a break. Wear a nice outfit and tell him you have something sexy on underneath for when he gets home. Take him to a nice place for lunch and back to the office. Give him some great kisses telling him how glad you are to be married to him, and tell him you will be waiting for him when he gets home.

17. Fill a jar with Valentine candy and notes for your spouse. Examples of notes are: Good for a backrub, 10 kisses, etc. Notes could also express your love and respect: “I am so glad that God blessed my life with such a great husband like you.” Individually roll each note and tie it with a ribbon.

18. Surprise your spouse by taking a vacation day from work and enjoy Valentine’s Day at home. Have a relaxing morning together on the porch, deck, or patio. Then go to a favorite restaurant for lunch.  The man who suggested this idea had also reserved a spa treatment and tanning session for his wife. “While she was doing that,” he says, “I went home and made her a special dinner.”

19. Write a poem for your spouse and frame it.

20. On individual note cards, write why you love your spouse. Insert these cards in a small photo album.  The woman who suggested this idea began her album with a honeymoon picture and introductory note card, and ended it with a love note.

21.  Surprise your husband when he comes home from work. Place a welcome sign on the kitchen table and leave a trail of red foil-wrapped Hershey kisses to your bedroom.

22. With roses in hand and permission from your wife’s boss, go to her workplace and read a love poem to her. The woman who shared this idea said, “I am a teacher in an inner city school. Last year my husband dressed in my favorite suit and tie, came to my school with roses in hand.  He got permission and assistance from the office staff to open the speaker system into my classroom and proceeded to read a long and beautiful love poem to me.  He then came to my classroom and presented me with the bouquet of roses which I received while wiping my tears of joy and love for this wonderful man whom I have been married to for just under 30 years.”

23. Make a special “14 Reasons I Love You” Valentine’s Day breakfast for your sweetheart. On his/her plate, leave a letter or card listing 14 reasons that you love your spouse.

24.  If possible, send a card postmarked in a town that has a romantic name such as Loveland, Colorado; Valentine, Texas; or Romance, Arkansas.

25. After your spouse goes to bed, tape notes to his car’s steering wheel with reasons that you love him, or decorate the bathroom mirror with lipstick kisses or Valentine’s window clings.

Have fun TODAY, and remember: Love is not meant to be given and received on just Valentine’s Day. Instead, it’s to be practiced every single day of the entire year.

Common Mistakes Couples Make in a Relationship

Being in a committed relationship comes with its share of highs and lows. Even in a marriage, everything begins on a happy note but as the couple prepares for a new life, they are weighed down by societal pressures and not to mention, personal differences. Of course, there are no perfect relationships.

Our happiness in life doesn't depend entirely on having a close relationship, but it is definitely enhanced by having bonds that are both healthy and close. If it seems as though yours aren't working as well as you'd like them to, it's possible that with some minor adjustments you can get things back on track.

However, here are 10 common mistakes couples make that you'd much rather avoid.

Losing Control

If you want to sustain the relationship further or for the lifetime, be in control of yourself. Many people lose control easily, especially with the life partner. Marriage or mutual agreement of getting into relationship is not a license to express as you feel it. Losing control is a sign of considering the partner less important or inferior. Frequent act of losing control in conversations or actions may irritate the partner and lessen the intensity of the romance between two.

Lack of Communication

Communication is the only way for two people to know each other and understand the mind or each person. It also conveys the love, passion and all other feelings one holds for the other. Many people get into ill communication with partners and as a result the relationship may become less intense. It is common that people complaining of lack of conversation between the couples.
Talking to each other boosts the relationship and reduces possible tensions. It is helpful to communicate what a person needs from the other and what is expected. Lack of communication or ill communication is equally destructive elements in a relationship. Your communication style should be one that gives enough respect to the listener.

No Overnight Arguments

Do not take your arguments to the next day and be always vigilant to put an end to the arguments before you go to bed. Many people get into unwanted arguments and continue with the same topic when they get up the next day. In a relationship, arguments should not be considered as a sign of dignity or status. Even if you feel that you are right and the other person is absolutely wrong, when the other person doesn't give up, you can be silent for the sake of peaceful living and happy relationship.

Denial of Sex

Sex is inevitable in relationships especially in marriage. Do not consider sex as your favor to the partner and never deny it as a resistance or protest to him/her. When a partner is denied with sex, he/she may feel hurt and may feel less interested in the relationship. Better you can solve all the issues by proper communication before you get into the bed and start anew with satisfying sexual activities. When somebody protests by denying the sex to him/her, the person may look for the sexual satisfaction in some other person and the relationship may suffer a breakup.

Lack of Romance and Commitment

Many relationships suffer from lack of romance and commitment. People in relationship should not hold back the expressions of romance to the other person. At no situations, romance is improper in marriage. In fact romance is the most obvious expression of affection and love in a relationship. Being committed to the partner is equally important to expressing romance. Unfaithful partners are the most common reason behind divorce and breakups. If you want the relationship to go proceed happily, then be committed to the partner and always maintain the trust with him/her.

Keeping Secrets From the Partner

Keeping secrets from the partner is a mistake many people commit in relationships. Secrets and unrevealed realms in life may make the partners feel poles apart and unattached. Never keep secrets from the partner and importantly, even if you keep secrets, you partner should not come to know that you keep secrets from him/her.
  
Fight your way out
 Fights are healthy for any relationship but how far you would go is the question. If you are trying to prove your point through constant outbursts, then you have had it. Remember it also affects your child’s upbringing in some way or the other.

Constantly questioning your relationship.

Do you sit around wondering whether you and your partner will still be together next week, next month, or next year? Are you afraid to jinx your relationship by doing or thinking the wrong thing? Do you take signs of preoccupation expressed by your partner as evidence of his or her disinterest in you? As I discussed above, it’s good to take your partner for granted somewhat. However, this is a slightly different twist on that point. Questioning your relationship means that you doubt it will last, and therefore may be less likely to feel comfortable about commitments you make about the future. If you’re always looking for a “Plan B,” your partner may sense this and the relationship's future demise could then become a likely prospect.

Not taking your partner seriously enough.

When you think about the important people and aspects to your life, what rank would you give your partner? Do your children come first? How about your work buddies or your job in general? It may be very logical and understandable to put your children first, for example, because depending on their age and stage in life, they need you. There are also different qualities to our romantic relationship compared to our relationships with children or other family members (parents, siblings, and so on). In reality, there’s no need to decide who’s more important. By playing this thought experiment, though, you can gain insight into where your partner fits into your overall life goals. If there’s a huge mental gap between your kids, job, friends, or other people and involvements, it’s likely your partner experiences this undervaluing. Again, looking toward those behavioral signs, if you’re at a social gathering, see if you drop your partner in favor of others, leaving at the end of the evening without having exchanged more than a word or two. Even if your partner doesn’t admit to feeling snubbed, this lack of attentiveness will be experienced as rejection and over time, detract from your partner’s feelings toward you.

Giving up on your partner.
Everyone goes through challenges, whether it’s losing a job, suffering from health problems, or dealing with an addiction. It’s at those difficult times that your partner needs your good cheer and support, but it’s also at those times when you may be feeling the most stressed. Without having to cover up your concern and feign a Pollyana-ish optimism, it’s more important than ever at those times that you hang in there and allow your partner to feel that he or she will come out of this trying time. Your confidence and support not only will can help ease your partner’s pain, but may be just what’s needed to help your partner summon up the resources to overcome the challenge.

There are many factors that go into building long-term relationships to ensure that they remain long-term. Avoiding these common 10 traps are a great way to start keeping yours healthy for years into the future.