http://www.improve-relationships.com/ Relationship Tips http://www.improve-relationships.com/ http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationship_advice_i_ve_met_mr_right_do_you_think_he_s_the_one.php The question is a common one: How do I know if this is the right person. Am I doing the right thing? The truth is we're never quite sure. We gather the data of experience. Then we take a shot at life one way of the other. Right or Wrong? Only experience tells us. So, how do we make a good assessment before the decision? Here are some questions to ask yourself. 1. How well have I observed this person's past behavior? Behind the "look good" behavior of the infatuation period lies the everyday behavior with friends, family, work colleagues, and with you. What you see in the every day behavior is likely to persist. Do you like what you are seeing? Can you live with it if it... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationship_anchoring_or_love_me_baby_one_more_time.php "Every person, all the events of your life are there because you have drawn them there. What you choose to do with them is up to you," - Richard Bach. In the previous article I explained the basics of anchoring, and together we began exploring your hot buttons. To remind you, anchors are automatic emotional responses to visual, auditory or kinesthetic triggers. For example, someone shows you a middle finger, and you get angry - that's a visual anchor. Today I continue with relationship anchoring. The simplest way to maintain a wonderful relationship is to create just a few positive anchors. And the easiest way to screw up your relationship is to create just a few negative relationship... http://www.improve-relationships.com/top_10_relationship_secrets_as_learned_from_my_twin_2_year_olds.php Being happy in life and in relationships is very similar to learning to walk, talk and spell. I am blessed to have twin 2-year-old daughters and am amazed constantly at how much I learn from them on a daily basis. As I watch them run around and explore I find myself realizing just how much my observations apply to being successful and happy in a relationship and in life. So take heart in the following tips – they may come from little people but they have the power of giants 1. No matter how small the issues are you can always improve your relationship! In every relationship, we come upon hurdles. Some of these hurdles are small while some are huge and are individual to your and your... http://www.improve-relationships.com/the_breakdown_of_relationships_and_why_they_fail.php All females need sexual tension from a prospective or existing partner to consider having or continuing to have, a physical relationship with them. Lose this from the start and you will become mayor of the friend zone. Definition of sexual tension - Cocky and funny. A loud mouth, walking the thin line of winding her up without overly offending her. Posing as a challenge and not doing everything she says without a bit of give and take. No sexual tension = a dead relationship. There are 4 general types of relationship. THE FRIEND ZONE RELATIONSHIP Familiarity without sexual tension. (Usually the male not opening his mouth to challenge a girl he REALLY fancies.) This leads to complacency... http://www.improve-relationships.com/everything_i_know_about_relationship_success_i_learned_at_the_playground.php It happened again! I was enjoying an evening with my little 2-yr. old son at the playground when, BAM, it happened. You ever have one of those moments in life when you know you are being taught an important lesson? Picture in your mind a chaotic atmosphere of over fifty little children battling for their turn to play on a handful of playground rides and objects. Recipe for disaster, huh? That's what I thought, too, until my observations quickly picked up something else. Sure, they were running into one another, crying and trying to get ahead of each other for the rides. They were walking across other children who had fallen down in front of them and were pushing one another to... http://www.improve-relationships.com/save_your_relationship_with_a_romantic_getaway.php If the cliche familiarity breeds contempt is starting to take shape in your relationship then you might want to try a quick and easy relationship fixer. Get you and you significant other to go to a romantic getaway that will surely get you in the mood for some much needed quality time. Here are some great romantic getaway hotspots that you and your honey can hightail to even for just the weekend. 1. Jersey Shore, New Jersey New Jersey, highly known for its Beachy Glitz, is the place to go for couples who love to go clubbing all night long while spending their days in luxurious long sanded beaches. Down and out couples will get a chance to enjoy and relax themselves and hopefully even... http://www.improve-relationships.com/typecasting_candice_bergen_and_family_relationships.php I'm experiencing some challenges in my relationship with Candice Bergen. I recently started watching _Boston Legal_ on Sunday nights, because Candice Bergen had joined the cast. (She joined the cast so that more people like me would start watching _Boston Legal_ on Sunday nights.) Like most Candice Bergen fans, I mainly associate her with her character on _Murphy Brown:_ tough, smart, funny, sharp, no-punches-pulled, slightly over-the-top, and definitely not someone you want to have angry with you. Even the _Vogue_ editor she played for a few episodes of _Sex and the City_ fit this mold. While I'm certainly enjoying watching her on _Boston Legal,_ it's been an interesting... http://www.improve-relationships.com/4_blocks_to_building_a_lifelong_relationship_with_your_daughter.php As with every generation, mothers and daughters share a special bond. Though one is not quite a woman and one, in many ways, is still no longer a girl – they each bear the qualities of each other. Little girls want to grow up fast, and dear sweet moms want to regain their youth. Mothers also know how important it is to be a good role model for their daughters. So, with only the best of intentions, moms and daughters travel their journeys through life. It is every mother’s hope that their daughter grow to be strong, independent, caring, and giving. A mother’s dream is to enjoy the fruits of her labor (no pun intended) …to know that her daughter is happy, confident, and kind to all. There... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_much_time_do_you_invest_in_relationship_maintenance.php When starting a new relationship, we usually adopt a subconscious idea as to how much maintenance this connection will need. Usually, if given some thought, we can throw a microscope over this concept while it is in its fledgling state. However, time, no matter how you cut it, is a commodity and is as precious as a trillion dollars in your hot little hands. We attempt to save it, cut it, splice it among several tasks, take it for granted, and waste it. Although, most of us never consciously connect relationship maintenance with time. In going back to a new relationship, it cannot be denied that in this most tender state, both parties look to each other for needs to be fulfilled. If... http://www.improve-relationships.com/dating_and_relationship_tips.php Since Dating and Relationships are such a large, important part of everyday life, this article strives to help clear up myths from facts and present an overview of surrounding issues. Show Off – If you have a great body you’re trying to show off and young physical appearance, yet worry because you still seem to have difficulty finding dates and establishing relationships, here are some pointers. Turn off the “ME” focus. Others tend to see that as boorish and think you only care about yourself, not others and certainly not them. Instead, turn the focus on outside interests that the other person can relate to, even if it has to be the weather. For help, tune in to an online news source like... http://www.improve-relationships.com/when_a_relationship_goes_bad.php What do you do when a long term relationship goes bad? How do you pick up the pieces and get on with your life? It is very simple for someone to tell you that you should just forget about the person you once loved and find someone new. You don't want to stop rehashing in your mind the how and why the relationship went bad. What might you have done to fix it. What did you do wrong to ruin the relationship? Why couldn't you just change and make it better. Guess what. It probably wasn't really your fault and it probably wasn't really your partners fault. It just happened. You just grew in different directions. Don't cry too much over it. Pick up the pieces and start fresh. It might even be... http://www.improve-relationships.com/what_s_really_underneath_jealousy_in_relationships.php When the subject of jealousy comes up for many people, it's usually thought to be a challenge between a couple in an intimate relationship which involves a third party. We know that jealousy can be about much more than that and here's why . . . You can be jealous of other people's things, their success, their beauty, their athletic prowess, their relationship, their kids, their education, their money, and their life. It can be a tiny feeling in your gut or it can be an overwhelming sensation that drive you to say and do things that you wouldn't do otherwise. Jealousy can creep in when you least expect it and it's always a signal to look within and discover what's underneath it. ... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationship_deal_breakers.php The following article is offered for free use in your ezine, print publication or on your web site, so long as the author resource box at the end is included, with hyperlinks. Notification of publication would be appreciated. Title: Relationship Deal-breakers Author: Margaret Paul, Ph.D. E-mail: mailto:margaret@innerbonding.com Copyright: © 2005 by Margaret Paul URL: http://www.innerbonding.com Word Count: 802 Category: Relationships Relationship Deal-breakers By Margaret Paul, Ph.D. In the 37 years that I have been counseling couples, I have discovered that there are only a few issues that are true relationship deal-breakers. Many of the issues that tear relationships apart are not... http://www.improve-relationships.com/redefining_relationship.php The clearer I get, the better you look. -Dr. Rickie Byars-Beckwith Rickie glided her message in on a wave of laughter (see quote above). I guess there were about 200 of us in the room. The message was strong, multi-layered and true. The clearer we all got, the better we all looked to each other. With this light little phrase, Rickie summed up just about everything we need to know about relationships. We tend to think that our relationships are the way they are because of the other person. We fall in love because the other is so wonderful or we blame the other for all our problems. We try to change them or we try to make them like us. We exert all kinds of efforts in... http://www.improve-relationships.com/keeping_love_and_romance_alive_in_your_relationship.php Almost every love story begins like a fairy tale. Relationship beginnings are always incredible and they can often experience a renaissance following wedding, honeymoon, or even a special anniversary. Couples often find that the love and romance becomes more of a challenge to keep alive when their lives evolve with jobs, children, and other life commitments. Sometimes love and romance can get lost in the shuffle of life. But the passion can be rekindled and kept alive by finding your inner hopeless romantic. When it comes to igniting the passion, the best place to begin is at the beginning. Try to recall the things that you did for your companion at the beginning of your relationship. But,... http://www.improve-relationships.com/the_five_relationship_and_dating_mistakes.php You now have in your possession the 5 relationship and dating mistakes women and men make when selecting a partner. Make sure to use this as a guide when you meet people! Mistake #1: Looks How many times have you been burned by a handsome, good-looking man or fine and beautiful woman? Too many times correct? Why do you continue to fall for them knowing your past experiences? Why would you base a relationship on how a person looks? I am sure you desire much more from your partner than good looks. Unless they are a model or stripper, good looks don't pay the bills or make you happy. Mistake #2: Height I understand women like tall men and you feel protected with them. There... http://www.improve-relationships.com/bringing_out_the_best_in_your_relationship.php Note: Ideally, these guidelines work best when both partners follow them; however, a change in one partner's way of responding often encourages a change in the other partner. Relationships bring out the best and the worst in us. Here are some ways to bring out the best in yours: 1. Focus on yourself. Do things to increase your self-awareness, like how you behave in relationships. It can help to stay aware of patterns, reactions, feelings, beliefs, and triggers (from your childhood and previous relationships) that arise in your relationship. It is often true that how you feel may have little to do with your partner, and is more about you and your past experiences. 2. Take responsibility... http://www.improve-relationships.com/important_elements_for_a_satisfying_romantic_relationship.php Most adults would agree that a regular pattern of sexual intercourse is one of the most important elements for a stable and satisfying romantic relationship. Research shows that couples who are physically/sexually compatible generally report higher levels of relationship satisfaction, compared to couples who have sexual difficulties. For men, sexual contact is one of the best methods for creating and maintaining relational closeness. More directly, men will often seek sex as a way of relieving stress, expressing strong feelings, and as a preferred method for connecting. Most men will agree that they are visually stimulated, and able to become aroused quite quickly. For... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_make_friends_and_build_relationships.php “How do I teach my child social skills, when I don’t know how to make friends?” “How do you have time to maintain a friendship when life is so busy with work and kids?” These are just some of the questions that were asked by adult participants about their own lack of intimate friends at my parenting workshop on The Left Out Child-The Importance of Friendship. The evidence is overwhelming on why good peer relationships enhance the quality of life and learning for children as well as adults. How adults manage social situations affects the way those children around them view human interaction. If you have meaningful relationships that add pleasure and joy to the quality of your life, they... http://www.improve-relationships.com/10_red_flags_in_dating_relationships.php When starting a new relationship, many women (and men as well) tend to overlook some behaviors in their new partner that do not bode well for the future. Then, down the road, comes the exclamation ‘If I had only known...’. As a Psychotherapist who has worked with mostly women and a few men in the field of Domestic Violence, during counseling sessions we can always trace back unpleasant and also dangerous character traits to the very start of the relationship. Here are some ‘Red Flags’ to watch out for in a new partner. He makes decisions about where to go with little or no input from you. He belittles your opinion when the two of you are alone and may call you names.... http://www.improve-relationships.com/14_relationship_principles_to_live_a_successful_relationship.php Each relationship combines two individual stories to coauthor a new relationship story. The implicit contracts authored by each party in a relationship become unspoken assumptions that can facilitate or derail the relationship. A crucial part of communication in a relationship is to make explicit the hidden assumptions and implicit expectations. To see the point of view of the other and to communicate that understanding, each must respect the other’s point of view. Understanding and respect are not synonymous with agreement. The ultimate freedom is not to rely on someone else’s response to determine how you feel about yourself. Ineffectiveness of communication, simply feeling that what... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_make_relationships_work.php The keys ingredients to a healthy relationship are respect, love, trust, individuality, patience, compromise, setting goals as a couple, and intimacy. 1. Respect is a two way street, you must respect your partner if you want them to respect you. Respect their thoughts, dreams, ambitions and their alone time. Treat them as you would want them to treat you when you discuss their ambitions or just their hobbies. 2. Love is one of those emotions that many people can turn on and off on a whim. If you are one of those type people, then your relationships will never go far. When you really love someone you take care to pay attention to their desires and their needs. If you turn off your love... http://www.improve-relationships.com/tips_in_solving_relationship_problems.php It can not be denied that relationships have been considered as the source of a loving relationship that is full of support, enthusiasm and pleasure, whether the relationship is in the family or to somebody you are intimately in love with. And we would like to experience such a relationship to last until death. Hence, we exert so much effort in order to nurture and to make it perfect if possible. Whether we like it or not it can also be source of sadness and distress when it fails to address the basic elements for a good relationship. This is the reality of what they call relationship problem. To have a relationship problem does not necessarily follow that the relationship we started... http://www.improve-relationships.com/are_you_stuck_in_a_toxic_relationship.php Friendship is all about looking out for each other and helping each other blossom. Learn to identify toxic relationships and walk away from them because you can only thrive when you march with the right people. So how can you tell if you are stuck in a toxic relationship? Let me share some thoughts with you: 1. Toxic relationships are based on manipulation. A person who uses tears, tantrums, threats or bribery to bully you into doing what he or she wants is not a good companion. 2. Toxic friends are usually unavailable when your hard times come. There is nothing like difficulties to show you who your real friends are. Some people might use the liberating-sounding excuse that they... http://www.improve-relationships.com/simple_steps_to_having_healthy_relationships.php Copyright 2006 Brenda Shoshanna All people want love, then when they get it they become afraid and start running in the opposite direction. On the one hand, they want love and to be in a relationship; on the other hand, they are relieved to get away. It always seems to as if relationships are difficult; difficult to find, difficult to keep and difficult to enjoy. The fundamental truth is there is never a scarcity of relationships, there is never a scarcity of love. Love is our natural condition. Why aren't we in it all the time? What is it that makes us run from the love we are so hungry for? What drives people from the arms of each other, and what would it take to keep... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationship_reality.php The 3 stages of a relationship. Are you stuck in the wrong one? One of my aims in life is to break down any sense that we are alone, that our challenges are in any way unique or special. It’s all just stuff that gets in the way of us being our best, but just like gum on your shoe, it can be scraped off. Every relationship you get into is going to move through three nicely predictable stages. Romance is first up, being of course the absolute best bit. It’s like the cherry on your cake, knowing you’ve met Mr. or Mrs. Right and loving everything about them. The next stage, unless you’re taking some delusional narcotics, is the inevitable power struggle. This is the time when we start to... http://www.improve-relationships.com/top_10_dating_relationship_mistakes_jbc.php The 7 Killer Dating Mistakes In your search for a great relationship, you shouldn't just leave things to luck. There are many things that you can do that can enhance your dating experience. Unfortunately, though, there are also an awful lot of things that you can do to make sure that you're a dating flop. The following are the most common mistakes made by daters. Take the time to read and learn them so that you won't make these mistakes too. * The False Front - though it is important to look good when you're dating, remember that you should always be realistic. If you do meet someone you like, you will be seeing that person a lot. In that case, you won't be spending... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationship_will_you_grow_together_till_old_age.php In today's age for a couple to think of growing together till old age looks difficult. The rate at which divorces are taking place and couples separate, it is a difficult task. This was not so, only two three decades ago. The changing norms have taken a big toll on the relationships. How about you? Do you believe that you will grow together till old age? The determination that we would not separate may play a big role. Once you have decided the goal - no separating, you will act towards achieving that goal. Please make this bond with your partner that you will not separate. I wish to add something here. When things are going smoothly, all such promises sound very... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_create_and_get_closure_with_your_past_relationships.php Are you thinking about leaving your relationship or have you left your relationship and are looking for closure? In this article, we are talking about how to create and get closure with your past relationships. A lot of you have been through a lot of ups and downs, and the challenge is about people who are breaking up and are thinking of breaking up or deciding whether they should stay or go is that they are making decisions based on love and attraction, friendship and fun and sometimes the kids, the mortgage, finances or family. All these things create a push pull, an approach avoidance conflict as they say in Psychology. Basically you have to listen to your heart. What is your highest... http://www.improve-relationships.com/creating_conscious_relationships.php Do you ever recall walking into a room and immediately feeling the heavy, lingering negativity after a couple has had a fight? How can couples learn to manage those powerful emotions that can be generated between them? To create a conscious relationship it´s important to be aware of the feelings that are created between partners, especially for intimate couples, because their combined emotions are greater than the sum of their individual parts. When couples become aware and learn to be mindful of the energy that is created between them, rather than focus on their individual differences, they are creating conscious relationships. I`ve observed the tendency of partners... http://www.improve-relationships.com/3_secrets_for_a_healthy_relationship.php For some people being in a relationship can be very challenging. Marriage is supposed to be full of romance, fun, security and safety. For some couples they have been blessed with having succeeded in actualizing this ideal. For many other couples, unfortunately, they have instead experienced conflict, anger, insecurity and loneliness. These couples are left bewildered, confused and disappointed, wondering what "marriage" is really all about. There are three key factors that determine the quality of the marital relationship. They are; respect, personal emotional health and realistic expectations. When these "three keys" are working well the relationship can flourish. 1 - RESPECT The... http://www.improve-relationships.com/regain_the_romance_and_sparkle_in_your_relationship.php If only relationships could be as exciting and romantic as when we first met. You know, all that intensity, enthusiasm, excitement and, of course, sex. I'm sure you've felt it: hating being apart, even for a short time; being unable to concentrate on anything else for very long; and waiting to be together again. When you are together, you hang onto every word, marvel at every part of your lover's body, and feel so wonderful, you smile all the time. Does this all have to end? Are relationships doomed to predictable and boring routines of shopping, preparing meals, doing the dishes, laundry, watching T.V., talking about work, taking care of the kids, fighting, and sleeping? Definitely not.... http://www.improve-relationships.com/begin_a_successful_gay_relationship.php At some point in their lives, most people want to enter into and maintain a serious relationship. Whether you are gay, lesbian or heterosexual, the ultimate goal is to find that special 'someone' to spend the rest of your life with. You may or may not want to get married, or simply be in a committed relationship but finding someone who shares your same goals and dreams in this area can seem almost impossible at times. The first step you need to take when setting out after this vision is to recognize and understand that every long-term relationship takes time. In this day and age, we have become accustomed to instantaneous results. So many things exist to take the time and effort out of... http://www.improve-relationships.com/managing_the_pain_of_abusive_relationships.php How many times have you said, “I didn’t have a choice?” This is a phrase that is uttered by many to justify their behavior or complain about their life circumstances. Surely, we can continue to believe there are no choices, but it is my belief that kind of thinking is what greatly contributes to our frustration and limits the strength and amount of personal power we experience. Whenever you are in a situation where you believe there is “no choice”, remember that there are always at least three choices. Every situation has at least these three possible solutions: you can leave it, change it, or accept it. Each option will look different in every situation. Let’s examine the options of a... http://www.improve-relationships.com/the_path_of_relationship.php Each month after completing and fine tuning Letters on Life I'm excited about sending it out. Within a few hours I start to wonder about the next letter and whether people will like it. Is it going to be good enough? Because of this concern I procrastinate and wait until the last minute to start writing the next letter. Underlying this version of the fear of rejection or the fear of failure is the question "am I good enough?" We all have that fear in some form or the other usually stemming from an incident in our youth. Let me share with you when it started for me. I was away from home for the first time at UC Berkeley. There is always someone you meet that you look up to who seems to... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_handle_conflict_in_a_relationship.php It does not matter whether you are dating, newlyweds, or a couple that has been married for years. Conflicts will inevitably occur in relationships, and healthy conflicts are a sign of a healthy relationship. Many of us refuse to engage in healthy conflict, however, insisting instead that we are right and the other person wrong in the strongest possible terms. This type of black-and-white view must be avoided in order to maintain a healthy and stable relationship. The first step in handling conflict is knowing what your buttons are, and those of your spouse or partner. Most people will have conflict in one of three big areas, finances, sex, and raising kids. When these important topics... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationship_advice_you_can_t_afford_to_miss.php Contrary to most conventional wisdom, it°s not your looks, your money, your job or even your luck, that's going to land you that great relationship, and keep it sizzling. No, the secret is all in your attitude. Here are my Six Essential Secrets For "Flowing" Relationships 1. Stop competing with each other! Good relationships are all about being on the same side. What's the purpose in scoring all those points? Sure you may cross the finish line first today, and maybe tomorrow as well. But you'll be all alone when you do, and if you carry on this way, eventually you may not have anyone left in your life to compete with! So stop competing; stop player-hating; start... http://www.improve-relationships.com/statistics_on_teenage_relationships.php Being a teenager is a troubling time. While adjusting to all the changes going on both in your biology and your responsibilities, making the right decisions can be hard when it comes to topics such as relationships. In this article, we'll offer some statistics regarding teenage relationships so that you can better understand exactly what's in store for the average teenager who is dating. While domestic violence is a terrible aspect of adult relationships, few adults realize that this problem also occurs in their sons and daughters. A study conducted by "Children Now" in 1995 saw that a full 89 percent of teens have been in dating relationships and a whopping 40 percent of all teenagers... http://www.improve-relationships.com/effective_ways_of_ending_a_relationship_gracefully.php Ending a relationship is never easy. Actually, it is one of the hardest things to do since you will have to consider what your partner will feel. Often times, you have sleepless nights thinking things over and over because you do not want to regret your decision in the end. So, ending a relationship becomes a challenge to you and you think of ways to do it in a way that you will not be able to hurt your partner too much. In ending a relationship, it is often as hard on the person who is ending the relationship as it is on the person who is being broken up with. For sure, you do not want to hurt your partner because he or she has been close to you for months or even years and you do not... http://www.improve-relationships.com/communication_in_relationships_is_there_such_a_thing_as_bad_communication.php Have you been holding onto feelings that bother you? Have you been struggling with whether or not to communicate those feelings to someone whom you care about? This article may help to give you some foresight on whether you should unleash those feelings, or not. Communication is good, right? Personally, I believe it's next to impossible to have a healthy, rewarding relationship without it. Sure, the level of required communication depends on your level of intimacy with the person you are communicating with. But, can open communication ever be destructive, even when the communicator thinks they are providing a helpful message for the recipient? I would say it all boils down to... http://www.improve-relationships.com/what_you_really_need_to_have_great_relationships.php Most folks live, work or play with other folks. We all need the skills to play nicely together. Where do we get those skills and tools? And, what are they? It is not rocket science to understand that our early training continues to play out in our lives. What we did in our families tends to be our base line until we decide to consciously change our minds. There are far too many people...believe me, I know, having been a therapist for years...who spend their lives blaming their families for the present conditions of their lives. Sure, some people have been badly treated, even abused, and I am not dismissing their pain in any way. Most folks have not, however, and many continue to hold on... http://www.improve-relationships.com/your_relationship_with_food_know_thyself.php Effective ‘weight management’ and ‘good health’ have this in common: a proper understanding of the ‘mechanics’ and the ‘mystery’ of proper diet and nutrition. The mechanics of healthy eating are learned as you begin to understand the basics of Oriental medicine’s 5 Element Theory, but the ‘mystery’ requires delving into your relationship with food and eating. You are what you think, because what you ‘think’ you want to eat is what you will eat. If you’ve had a problem with food in the past — eating the right food, in the right quantity — that’s ‘history’ — and ‘her-story’ too. Reshaping this relationship with eating is ‘my-story’: a my-stery that can be, and needs to be, understood.... http://www.improve-relationships.com/5_actions_for_successful_relationships.php Couples that have a very good relationship are not just lucky. Successful, loving relationships do not just happen. The couples that have loving relationships are taking specific actions that people in unsuccessful relationships are not taking. ACTION 1 - KINDNESS TO SELF AND OTHER Think for a moment about how you go through your day. Are you focused on what you don’t like in yourself or your partner? Do you spend much of your thinking time judging yourself or your partner? Or, do you make the spiritual attribute of kindness to yourself and others, including your partner, your highest priority? People in successful relationships treat themselves and their partner with kindness – kind... http://www.improve-relationships.com/7_keys_to_better_relationships.php Would you like to enhance the quality of your life and increase your personal happiness? If you answered "yes," the information in this article could change your life! Isn't it easy to get stuck in the everydayness of life? We can get so busy making a living and getting ahead financially that the really important things fall through the cracks! That can happen to all of us. However, when people come to the end of their lives, they don't wish they had spent more time making money. When all is said and done, we want our family and friends to be with us then! So let's try to focus on developing better relationships instead of acquiring more things. Think of your circle of... http://www.improve-relationships.com/live_your_life_purpose_for_business_and_relationship_success.php All is part of natures plan. Our lives are not random. Each of us is born with a unique gift, a talent, an art, something we are good at, and this, at a very ego-less depth, is called your life purpose. Even if this purpose is hidden from our view, all the choices we make in our life are based on that deepest agenda. We even sabotage anything that does not help us fulfil our purpose, which explains why many relationships begin with a zing, and end with a fizz. They distract us from our true life purpose. Goals are not our purpose. Material achievements are not our purpose. Those things can be wonderful stepping stones to our purpose. Our life purpose was born within us. Most people don’t... http://www.improve-relationships.com/best_way_to_end_a_relationship.php Ending a relationship is never easy. When you feel you must end a relationship most people find it challenging as they have feelings towards their partner and do not wish to hurt them. More often than not, breaking up is as hard on the person ending the relationship as it is on the person being broken up with. Realize that a person is breaking up has nothing to do with caring about another person. Caring about somebody and wanting a relationship are not the same. The majority of people on this planet do not like to hurt others, especially somebody they have been close to. Guilt has been used more often than not to keep relationships together. Fight this urge and believe in yourself.!... http://www.improve-relationships.com/solving_hot_relationship_issues.php Differences of opinions will always be part of relationships. While many people break up because differences many conflicts can be resolved. It boils down to both people honestly wanting to resolve the conflict and not just get their own way. Here is a 10 Step process I use that has proven to work for many couples. It resolves conflicts by recognizing that successful relationships run through a series of compromises by both individuals. 1. Let go of the idea of “getting your way.” There is no such thing in a successful relationship. 2. All relationships have conflict. Relax and stop being embarrassed by the problem. 3. Acknowledge the conflict. Recognize that there is a conflict and... http://www.improve-relationships.com/enhance_relationships_at_home_and_work_5_steps_to_becoming_an_excellent_listener.php “Nature has given to men one tongue, but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.” ~ Epictetus, Greek Philosopher How well we listen determines the quality of our connections with others whether at home or work. Yet, most of us did not master excellent communication skills in our family of origin. In fact, most of us haven’t taken any formal training in the art of communication. And, as far as communication goes, listening is definitely the key. Luckily, anyone can learn these skills. Excellence is developed with practice. The following steps will help you sharpen your listening skills. 1)Maintain good eye contact with the person you are talking to. Eye contact... http://www.improve-relationships.com/10_tips_for_a_happy_relationship.php Publishing guidelines: Please feel free to publish this article as written with no changes to article or resource box. Please notify me when and where you will use it. 480 words "10 Tips to a Happy Relationship!" It’s not working. Your relationship with your partner is not the same. What can you do? These days more than 50% of all marriages fail for some reason. Usually the marriages are because of too much criticism over money or the children. Often when people break off their relationship, something is missing. The “spark” has gone out of the partnership/commitment. People who have been married a long time made a decision to love their partner and work at their commitment.... http://www.improve-relationships.com/is_anger_an_essential_component_to_a_healthy_relationship.php How many times have you said to yourself that I just do not know why I am always arguing with my significant other? Many of us have some very definite ideas about anger. Some of us see anger as destructive and hurtful. We consider it to be an inappropriate response. Many times, we equate anger with violence. Many times, we feel that the act of being angry is simply wrong, and that WHEN we experience anger, there's something wrong with us. Anger isn't nice. Anger isn't polite. And anger certainly isn't our friend. Is that so? Anger can be all of these things. But anger is also useful, necessary and even healing. We need our anger. We simply need to learn how to express our anger... http://www.improve-relationships.com/to_end_or_not_to_end_your_relationship.php IMPORTANT – Publication and Reprint Terms The following article is offered for free use in your ezine, print publication or on your web site, so long as the author resource box at the end is included, with hyperlinks. Notification of publication would be appreciated. Please ask permission if you want to publish this article in print. Commercial use of this article is not allowed, nor are you allowed to post or reprint this article in any sites or publications that contain or support hate, violence, porn, or on any sites or publications that are indecent or illegal. Do no use this article in UCE (Unsolicited Commercial Email) or SPAM. This article must be distributed in opt-in email only.... http://www.improve-relationships.com/the_7_stages_of_modern_romantic_relationships.php What stage of love are you in? The 7 Stages of a Romantic Relationship Michelle L. Casto, M.Ed. There are seven stages in a romantic relationship: avoidance, meeting, dating, breaking up, establishing exclusivity, commitment, and keeping the love you find. Each of these stages vary in length and intensity. At each stage, there are thoughts and feelings telling you what to do and when to do it. You need to learn to listen to your intuition in each stage, so that you can make smart decisions. It is important to note that the breaking up stage can happen at any time within the other stages; i.e., at any time you or the other person decides to exit the relationship for whatever reason. ... http://www.improve-relationships.com/long_distance_relationships_the_truth.php Not to bore you with statistics, but between 25-40% of all romantic relationships among college students are long distance. In fact, with the rise in revolutions in modern technology, which present new ways of keeping in touch (think web-cams!), long distance relationships, including marriages, are on the rise. The first and foremost means of maintaining a relationship where the people involved don’t live in the same vicinity (and often not even the same country) is effective communication. This is why it is extremely important for persons considering a long distance relationship to clearly communicate on all essential issues, much before hand, so as to side-step any conflict. Issues can... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_do_you_know_when_a_relationship_has_a_future.php In many instances, we all are “gun shy” after a short-or long- term relationship, because being hurt or feeling bad is not an option. This stinging feeling tends to guide us as we clamor for something new or fresh. It’s as if the bricks and mortar are suddenly out and there is a new fortress built conveniently around your heart. So when we do meet someone new, how do we know when a bright future is on the horizon? Furthermore, if we think we have it, how do we really know? The heart can be deceptive and initially in a relationship, it can be very lustful swaying the mind to a sort of natural high. This period is just that, a period that both people go through that intentionally... http://www.improve-relationships.com/life_outlook_and_relationship_success.php Some people are naturally optimistic and positive, while others are the opposite. When two people in a relationship have opposing life outlooks, it is often difficult for one to convince the other that his way is better, right, or makes more sense then his partner’s. As a result, the positive person will always see the glass as half full and will take that attitude into most life circumstances. The more negative partner will view the glass as half empty and let that influence his attitudes accordingly. Hundreds of years of research just about confirms that optimistic people get sick less and live longer than pessimistic people. Over fifty years ago, Dr. Lionel Tiger wrote a book called... http://www.improve-relationships.com/dating_sites_are_bringing_millions_of_singles_together_for_quality_online_relationships.php It's amazing how dating sites are helping over a million single men and women establish quality relationships online! With sophisticated technology in place, they can easily provide quality services for dating singles with the same interests, and allow them to effortlessly communicate with a variety of members at one time. Whether you're a Christian single, a gay single, or just a single person looking to find swingers to add spice in your life, there's a unique dating service out there for you! Below, we have provided a list of online sites that are very well known to the dating industry, and provide the services that many people utilize to establish their unique profile match. One... http://www.improve-relationships.com/is_your_relationship_causing_you_stress.php Perhaps nothing is as important in our lives as our relationships with other people. It has often been said that a happy family is the key to success. Much of our joy comes from our memories of Thanksgiving dinners around the dining room table or Christmas presents exchanged in the family room. But it is also true that the relationships that provide us with so much happiness can also be a source of stress. Mental health experts say that our interpersonal relationships can increase our stress level. Since it is not possible--nor advisable--to eliminate these relationships from our lives, we have to work hard to ensure that our relationships do not get the better of us. This... http://www.improve-relationships.com/enhance_relationships_at_home_and_at_work_5_steps_to_becoming_an_excellent_listener.php “Nature has given to men one tongue, but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.” Epictetus, Greek Philosopher How well we listen determines the quality of our connections with others whether at home or work. Yet, most of us did not master excellent communication skills in our family of origin. In fact, most of us haven’t taken any formal training in the art of communication. And, as far as communication goes, listening is definitely the key. Luckily, anyone can learn these skills. Excellence is developed with practice. The following steps will help you sharpen your listening skills. 1)Maintain good eye contact with the person you are talking to. Eye contact is... http://www.improve-relationships.com/seven_aspects_of_making_brilliant_decisions_the_relationship_between_work_and_self.php Workweek: an opportunity for discovering and shaping; the place where the self meets the world. Regardless of what business we are in, what projects we are working on or what interests we have in the world – we are all in the business of relationship building. In business we are always cultivating relationships with employees, with prospective clients, with colleagues. In our personal lives the place of relationship is often more obvious and more central. And our deeper relationship with ourselves is at the core of how we manage and grow each of those other relationships and therefore our lives. At every moment in our professional and personal lives we are faced with decisions – one... http://www.improve-relationships.com/romance_101_8212_how_to_turn_your_relationship_into_a_great_romance.php OK...Let's talk about romance! The #1 most important thing you need to turn your relationship into a great romance is DESIRE. You have to WANT great romance in your life. Well, who wouldn't want that? But it won't just happen...it will take some effort. But it will be well worth it! When asking couples why they think the romance has escaped their relationships, the most common excuse is TIME. It's sooooooo hard to find time and energy to devote to your relationships. But think for a moment back to your courtship. What was different then? Didn't you have a job then? Didn't you have other responsibilities then? Of course you did...maybe not to the extent that you do now, but you ... http://www.improve-relationships.com/why_angle_is_essential_to_healthy_relationships.php Many of us have some very definite ideas about anger. We see anger as destructive and hurtful. We consider it to be an inappropriate response. We equate anger with violence. In short, we feel that anger is simply wrong, and that when we experience anger, there's something wrong with us. Anger isn't nice. Anger isn't polite. And anger certainly isn't our friend. Anger can be all of these things. But anger is also useful, necessary and even healing. We need our anger. We simply need to learn how to express our anger in appropriate, conscious, supportive ways. On its own, anger is neither good nor bad. It can be used to hurt, or it can be used to heal. It may not be a particularly... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_spot_a_dangerous_relationship.php Did you know that one out of every three women will be battered by the very person who tells her, “I love you?” How do you know if you, your friend or loved one will be one of these women? Identifying dangerous relationships is the key to getting out before they spiral out of control and is essential to avoiding other dangerous relationships. But, how do you know you are in a dangerous relationship? Many victims know their relationships are dangerous long before they admit it to themselves and/or to others. On a primal level, they are aware of being violated, and it hurts. They feel controlled, manipulated and oppressed. Much of the time they feel as if they are walking on eggshells and... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_unspoken_agreements_run_your_relationships.php Unspoken agreements are the agreements that we do not speak, but they play out in our lives. They are agreements that we make with ourselves, another person, or group as a way to get love, attention, or to feel safe. From the time that Kathy married Bob, she took the back seat in their interactions by trying to please him and not focusing on her needs or her growth. His needs were the priority for both of them. He was a successful accountant who worked very hard to move up in his accounting firm. She stayed at home because that was what he wanted her to do. He never asked her what she wanted to do. When she would praise him or do things to enhance his career and his social standing in... http://www.improve-relationships.com/happiness_comes_from_within_facing_challenges_in_relationships.php Innerwealth The Nature of Love. Facing Challenges with an open heart, must we grow from challenge? Grow from challenge? Grow where? Does this imply that challenge proves that we are un-grown? What is really being said here is that we don’t like challenge and we want to get away from it. Grow means relieve the pain, find a way around the discomfort. But is there a way to do that? According to the laws of nature, when one challenge leaves us, another appears. Life occurs at the border of support and challenge. How then, do we achieve growth when there is infinite challenge? Maybe we should not grow from challenge? Maybe we should simply get used to it. Then we can become very good at... http://www.improve-relationships.com/the_7_stages_of_romantic_relationships.php There are seven stages in a romantic relationship: avoidance, meeting, dating, breaking up, establishing exclusivity, commitment, and keeping the love you find. Each of these stages vary in length and intensity. At each stage, there are thoughts and feelings telling you what to do and when to do it. You need to learn to listen to your intuition in each stage, so that you can make smart decisions. It is important to note that the breaking up stage can happen at any time within the other stages; i.e., at any time you or the other person decides to exit the relationship for whatever reason. In all seven stages, you always have these choices: 1. Continue moving forward 2. Stagnate 3. Slow... http://www.improve-relationships.com/the_7_stages_of_a_romantic_relationship.php There are seven stages in a romantic relationship: avoidance, meeting, dating, breaking up, establishing exclusivity, commitment, and keeping the love you find. Each of these stages vary in length and intensity. At each stage, there are thoughts and feelings telling you what to do and when to do it. You need to learn to listen to your intuition in each stage, so that you can make smart decisions. It is important to note that the breaking up stage can happen at any time within the other stages; i.e., at any time you or the other person decides to exit the relationship for whatever reason. In all seven stages, you always have these choices: 1. Continue moving forward 2. Stagnate ... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationships_between_women.php Love relationships between women and men are difficult, complex, and sometimes overwhelming, and authors, experts, and friends are always willing to offer advice on how to overcome them. In a welcome and overdue twist on the old theme, many authors have decided over the years to explore the intense nature of friendships between women, so widely experienced yet traditionally downplayed. Experts suggest that women's friendships are rooted in the bonds between a mother and a daughter. Subconsciously competing for the love of the same man, husband and father, the relationship of future women friends is directly related to the experience a woman had while growing up. With this backdrop of keen... http://www.improve-relationships.com/successful_relationships.php Think you can control your career success? Think again. You can't. No, your success is in the hands of a plethora of other people, some of whom you have identified, others you probably have not. Don't ever forget this: Successful relationships with the right people more than anything else in your life will determine your immediate and future success. Your boss of course. A key customer. A fast-track subordinate. Even that pimply intern who may give you a thumbs down when she turns up as assistant to the chairman in a future job. Each relationship, whether career or personal, has a terminal life of its own. If a successful relationship is to have a long, fruitful life, it must be nurtured... http://www.improve-relationships.com/the_powerful_secret_to_a_loving_relationship.php The following article is offered for free use in your ezine, print publication or on your web site, so long as the author resource box at the end is included, with hyperlinks. Notification of publication would be appreciated. Title: The Powerful Secret to A Loving Relationship Author: Margaret Paul, Ph.D. E-mail: mailto:margaret@innerbonding.com Copyright: © 2005 by Margaret Paul URL: http://www.innerbonding.com Word Count: 656 Category: Relationships The Powerful Secret to A Loving Relationship Margaret Paul, Ph.D. There are many factors that go into creating a loving relationship. Certainly it helps if two people have some things in common regarding how they like to spend their... http://www.improve-relationships.com/the_mastery_of_relationships_the_energy_of_the_heart_center_evolution_and_meta.php Coming to Terms with our Primary relationships is something which brings us peace and allows us to move on the path of evolution. We heal these relationships by an Ancient Advanced Synthesis of Effective Meditation Techniques which speeds up the process of strengthening and healing the Heart Centre. This has even more far-reaching effects:- A Blocked Heart centre is selfish. Healing our Relationships is really the Healing of our own Hearts and developing the Higher Emotion of Compassion and Buddhist Meta. This is the First Initiation towards Enlightenment, which ends in Selfless caring for others. The Energy of the Heart is the Energy of Charity, of Giving without... http://www.improve-relationships.com/breaking_your_relationship_pattern_part_2.php The first step toward being able to attract and create your ideal relationship is to clear the way for it by eliminating baggage from your past. This baggage refers to any resentments, hurts, or fears you have toward anyone who either was a role model or who participated directly in a relationship with you. Lots of people carry such baggage for a long time, some even for a lifetime. The sooner you can truly let go of this baggage, the less likely you are to recreate bad situations in current and future relationships. Dropping this baggage is what I call "getting complete." How do you get complete? Completion is not a sense or an emotion or even a state of being, but a process. This means... http://www.improve-relationships.com/the_story_of_a_king_and_three_maidens_six_keys_to_a_successful_relationship.php A King was trying to choose between three maidens to be his wife and queen. It was very difficult to judge since these women were all very intelligent and beautiful. He gave each maiden a bag of seeds and told them he was going on a pilgrimage for one year. When he returned, each of them were to give the seeds back to him. Whoever protected the seeds the best would become his wife. The first maiden locked them in a safe to protect them. The second maiden sold the seeds at the market, thinking she would purchase new seeds when the king returned. The third maiden threw the seeds in the garden. When the king returned, the first maiden pulled the seeds from the safe where they had died due... http://www.improve-relationships.com/save_your_relationship_and_your_sanity.php Create Time To Share And Time On Your Own. Establish time to spend together and time for yourself. Although you need the time together to nurture your relationship, it is important to have a good balance. You are not the Mini-Me of each other. You each have your own values, interests and needs. Make sure your couple time is about quality, not quantity. Set up boundaries so the family and friends know that this is your sacred time. Now, it’s time to shift focus on you. Having shared perspectives and similar interests does not mean that you have to participate in all activities together. Creating personal time for yourself is important for your personal growth. However, don’t use personal... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationship_forever.php Every relationship is a mysery and when you find all the secrets it keeps it yet can't be forgotten... Here comes the next day…but you don’t feel anything. Only emptiness, emptiness in your soul. So you ask yourself again what’s wrong. You are constantly asking yourself different questions but no body can give you the right answer, no body but you! And if you think even for a second you’ll find the reason, the reason for everything that is happening to you and which will keep the emptiness in your soul. Maybe it will hurt, yes, in fact you are sure that it will hurt but this doesn’t matter, not now… So you start thinking. It is an early morning but you feel the need to understand what... http://www.improve-relationships.com/happy_relationships_schedule_some_fun_time.php Ask anyone in a committed long-term union for the secret of their success. Almost always, one of the top three reasons cited is the ability to laugh together. No matter how big the problems, or how many the obstacles, they will be most effectively approached with a sense of humor and the teamwork that emerges from shared laughter and a mutually positive outlook. While some fun costs money: an amusement park, a fine meal out, a trip to Vegas, or that hilarious new movie, there are many fun activities that don't cost a dime. Give your partner the gift or being a slave for a week, including the requisite master or mistress verbiage, pulling your forelock, bowing or curtseying, ... http://www.improve-relationships.com/deadly_relationship_habits.php How many of you have ever been involved with a significant other who wanted you to do something you didn’t want to do? I doubt that I’m the only one. By virtue of a significant other relationship, there will be times when our partners will want us to do things we don’t necessarily want to do and conversely, there will be times when we will want our partners to do things they don’t want to do. This is perfectly normal. The key, however, is what we do about it. Can you remember the behaviors your partners used to get you to do things their way? Dr. William Glasser, in his book called, Getting Together and Staying Together, talks about the seven destructive relationship habits. They are:... http://www.improve-relationships.com/do_not_let_anxiety_get_the_better_of_you_in_your_relationships.php It can be tough to deal with managing your anxiety while in a relationship. Maintaining a relationship is tough enough let alone having to deal with your anxieties. As a result, here is a list of techniques and suggestions on what to do in managing your anxieties while being in a relationship. In a relationship, we may sometimes encounter a scary situation that gets us all upset. When encountering these events, always remember to get all of the facts of the given situation. Gathering the facts can prevent us from relying on exaggerated and fearful assumptions. By focusing on the facts, a person can rely on what is reality and what is not. Sometimes we get stressed out when everything... http://www.improve-relationships.com/building_the_bond_in_your_relationship.php A bond (relationship wise) is when two people have a connection. Being attracted to each other and sharing common values and interests brought the two of you together as a couple, but the bond has not been set completely. Besides the fact that you have love and care between you, you also need to see whether or not the two of you are friends. Is it possible to be friends? Absolutely! As a matter of fact, it is a must if the two of you are going to build a lasting bond. Having a strong longing and passion for another is important, but is not enough fuel to keep the bond running. With friendship, your relationship will remain having that strength under all kinds of circumstances. There... http://www.improve-relationships.com/marriage_counseling_when_to_save_your_relationship.php Happiness and fulfillment are two great components of a successful marriage. The absence of which, along with other things, may eventually cause marital disasters. The most basic principle that marriage counseling teaches is to save an existing relationship from total destruction and to lead both of the couple back to the path of marital bliss. Though marriage counseling may work for some, the truth remains to be the truth- there are marriages that may never be saved. For both conditions, there are corresponding reasons and factors. Many of these will be discussed in the succeeding paragraphs. But the bottom line for both factors is that the willingness of both parties to restore... http://www.improve-relationships.com/squashing_the_gay_relationship_killer_known_as_jealousy.php Introduction You might feel it when that hot stud across the room at the gym gives your lover “the look-over.” You might experience it if your ex-boyfriends ever cheated on you and then you project it onto your current man. Or you might experience it if you have an “open relationship” and you know your partner is out “tricking.” Whatever its form, jealousy can take on many different faces and it can kill your relationship if it’s not managed appropriately. If you’re the one who’s afflicted with jealousy, it can torment and consume you, zapping you of all security and contentment. If you’re the partner of a jealous lover, your frustration at having to “walk on eggshells” and constantly... http://www.improve-relationships.com/study_finds_healthy_mouth_healthy_body_relationship.php According to a new study appearing in the American Journal of Periodontology, researchers have found a significant correlation between healthy eating and healthy gums. Specifically, those people who were not overweight, consumed a nutritious diet, and regularly exercised with moderate intensity were 40% less likely to suffer from gum disease. Of the over-12,000 people surveyed, only 3% of the people possessed all three traits (not being overweight, eating a nutritious diet, and exercising regularly), but its interesting to note that as people added more of these traits to their arsenal, their periodontal health improved as well. Those people who possessed two of the traits were 29% less... http://www.improve-relationships.com/great_relationships_understanding_dog_behavior.php If you own, or are thinking about owning a dog there are some things you will need to know about Dog Behavior if you are going to have a great relationship in the future. Most experts recommend some kind of formal training. Your dog is still an animal at heart and in order for you to have the best relationship possible you will need to not only understand how your furry friend views what goes on in your house, but also look into what causes some of the responses in your dogs... Dogs are still wild animals. Many dog owners and enthusiasts have been said to project human emotions onto their pets. Nobody argues that dogs experience the world differently to what we do;... http://www.improve-relationships.com/worldly_relationships.php In all of human experience, the relationship is a ferocious beast to tame. A necessary yet very dangerous task in which there are many fatalities. From the time of self awareness, the individual human experience is an internal war zone, a battle of such intensity, the outside world has never seen. Multiply these wars by the sum of humanity and you have extreme chaos. Immerse yourself in the world and you become one with the chaos. Withdraw from the world and the chaos fades. Relationships are like a wild dog welcomed into the home. While it may seem possible to tame the animal for a short period of time, it is dangerous by nature and its animalistic tendencies may arise at any time... http://www.improve-relationships.com/create_and_maintain_a_conscious_love_relationship.php Create and Maintain a Conscious Love Relationship Robert Elias Najemy Part 1 of a 3 part series We present you with a brief outline of some basic points necessary to tend to in order to create a harmonious and loving relationship. INNER PREPARATION Internal preparation is prerequisite for developing the maturity necessary to succeed in creating a conscious loving union with our love partner. (Although we are discussing here specifically romantic love relationships, most of what is being said is also useful for other relationships.) a. Clarify Values, Needs, Life Style: The more mature we are when we enter a relationship, the more likely we are to succeed in finding the harmony we... http://www.improve-relationships.com/the_realities_of_your_relationship.php Relationship Reality One of my aims in life is to break down any sense that we are alone, that our challenges are in any way unique or special. It’s all just stuff that gets in the way of us being our best, but just like gum on your shoe, it can be scraped off. Every relationship you get into is going to move through three nicely predictable stages. Romance is first up, being of course the absolute best bit. It’s like the cherry on your cake, knowing you’ve met Mr. or Mrs. Right and loving everything about them. The next stage, unless you’re taking some delusional narcotics, is the inevitable power struggle. This is the time when we start to establish whose needs come first in the... http://www.improve-relationships.com/platonic_friendships_last_relationships_don_t_why.php Have you ever noticed that the second that you introduce sex into a relationship, it begins to slide into a bottomless pit and die? At least we wish that it would die. We should only be so lucky. Our society has created a group of high paid buzzards known as family law lawyers who circle waiting for the partners to part, at which time they move in for the kill, using a host of false promises and lies to suck the money and the spirit and the children and the lives out of the entire family. Gay men and women are fighting like cats and dogs for the right, the privilege to marry one another. There has to be some bar association behind this insanity. A Platonic friendship between a... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationship_killers.php Whether a relationship lives or dies largely depends on the individuals involved. What is seen to be an insurmountable relationship killer by one person will just be a minor challenge to another. Take infidelity for example, some relationships survive and even thrive by acknowledging either one or even both partners will seek sexual fulfilment, in part, outside the marriage but as a whole fidelity is paramount for a healthy marriage. I was listening to the radio the other day when a girl stated that whether her marriage went ahead or not depended on how accurately her fiancée could answer questions about her. I don’t know about you but if I had expected my partner to know all my likes and... http://www.improve-relationships.com/fears_of_a_new_relationship.php Katie had not been in a relationship in ten years, and she was scared to death. In her last relationship, she had lost herself completely and then felt devastated when her boyfriend of three years left her for another woman. After working on herself emotionally and spiritually for a number of years, Katie, now 48, felt she was ready for a new relationship. So she joined an online dating service and promptly met Sean, who seemed too good to be true. Warm, compassionate, intelligent, and also on a personal and spiritual growth path, Sean, 55, was an available man! Now Katie’s fears that she would not meet someone turned to fears of being in a relationship again. Katie had learned how... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_transform_your_relationship_with_yourself.php Why do we feel unhappy or unfulfilled in our relationships? Why do we complain, judge others or blame them for our problems? Usually, it’s because we feel that way about our self. Our relationships and life experiences are a reflection of our inner world. How we see the world and interpret the actions of others depends on our relationship with our self. To change your relationships with others, you’ve got to change your relationship with yourself. Own your feelings Accept that you alone are responsible for the way you think and feel. No one can make you feel that way. Own responsibility for allowing yourself to feel the way you do. Be self-aware Step back and observe yourself... http://www.improve-relationships.com/surviving_a_long_distance_relationship.php Challenging and difficult, though they may not be what we want to hear, are the words that best describe long distance relationships. Keep in mind however, that the words are challenging and difficult, not impossible. Many people choose to give a long distance relationship a try, with the constant curiosity if it was the right decision to make and if it even stands a chance. The truth is, a long distance relationship has just as much a chance of succeeding as any other relationship! Long Distance Relationships share the same facts as an average relationship. It involves two people who share an interest in each other’s lives, care for one another and of course have a love for each other... http://www.improve-relationships.com/are_you_confusing_escape_with_comfort_in_your_relationship.php We're going to talk about some "advanced stuff" today, so I want you to pay careful attention. As you may or may not know, it is very important for a woman to feel a sense of security in a relationship, to feel protected when she's with a man. This is true no matter how powerful or successful she is, and comes back to what I call defining authority in a relationship. A woman takes comfort in a man who defines authority in a relationship. She feels secure... and the two go hand in hand IF what you're providing is what I call "true comfort." See, way too many people confuse comfort with escape and the consequences can be dangerous. So what's the difference between the two? ... http://www.improve-relationships.com/romantic_relationships_a_spiritual_perspective.php Meeting someone so attractive, so beautiful. Your heart beats like the rhythm at the races and your knees become Jell-O. We all know this feeling of falling in love and seeing the amazing beauty in another. Couples fall in love blissfully and fall out of it with such heartache. Love does not have to be so difficult and as we all have grown to learn, you get out of something what you put into it. But there is a thin line to keep an eye on here. Our minds have grown to make us believe that we are “not complete”; “unfulfilled” or “unloved”, until we meet the love of our life. This was the mind talking (also known as the Ego), not our soul. Your soul knows that you are complete, an... http://www.improve-relationships.com/signs_of_emotional_abuse_in_recovery_how_to_heal_emotional_wounds_after_an_abusive_relationship.php In your relationship, you felt like you could not trust your own instincts and games were played with your mind. Even though you left the abuser, you are left with the residue of these thoughts around the clock. The Most Important Building block for your recovery foundation is Validation and Self Approval. If you are like me, you are probably looking at these words as somewhat foreign. The only validation you may have received in your relationship came from your abuser in the words- you are not enough and why can't you just do what I ask. Are those words familiar? In order to feel that you are worthy of being in recovery and break the cycle of entering into another abusive... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationship_tests_galore_how_good_are_they_which_one_is_for_me.php Just about every match making site and relationship ezine offers relationship or personality tests of some kind. Are they any good? What do they really measure? Which one is right for me? As with most queries I went to the web for answers, but to my surprise even my favorite article sites came up empty. No articles about the value or benefits of the myriad of tests. So I reached back to my former life as a psychotherapist and dusted off my mental assessment file. First let’s differentiate between personality tests [or assessments as they are more technically known] and the common on-line relationship tests. The former are at times associated with clinical assessments used for... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationships_how_to_avoid_stressful_relationships_and_release_your_emotional_distress.php “There’s only one way to have a happy marriage and as soon as I learn what it is I’ll get married again” – Clint Eastwood. We all experience relationship problems at some time in our lives. Conflicts can arise between spouse, children, parents, friends, co-workers, employees and bosses. Most of us assume that relationships should just work. Many people think that humans are naturally loving, caring and committed. That’s not necessarily true. Much of our relationship stress comes from conscious, or unconscious, efforts to change or control other people. You want others to behave in certain ways and when they don’t you become angry and resentful. The more you try to change them, the more... http://www.improve-relationships.com/the_end_of_a_relationship_can_be_a_terrible_loss.php Breaking up, getting divorced and the death of your partner are among the biggest loss events in life. There are three important things to remember: 1. Grief is the reaction to a loss event; 2. Grieving is the normal, natural, and necessary process that restores us to wholeness; 3. Grieving is a wholly feeling experience. Grieving is as unique as your fingerprints. No two people will react to the same loss event in the same way and no two people will grieve the same way. The cognitive or thinking part of self is not the grieving part of self. Think of your personal energy as being 100%. In a perfect world, 50% of your personal energy is your outside self and 50% of your personal... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_keep_your_relationships_strong.php What is the secret of keeping your relationship going through thick and thin? Divorce was once a problem that was not heard of before many of us were born, and today, you can find some couples that have been married for 50 years or more. But, what is it that they have and had in the past that kept their relationships strong? Too many couples run head long into a relationship head over heels in love only to hit a brick wall in a few months when their normal and every day life takes charge. You hear many couples say comments such as “He doesn’t listen”, “She is constantly nagging” and many other derogatory remarks about the love of their life. The number one reason marriages do not last or... http://www.improve-relationships.com/top_10_ideas_to_revive_a_fizzling_relationship.php Love is exciting, and when a relationship is new, almost everything you do together is fresh and alive, and keeps you enthralled. Then time begins to pass, and while the love is still there, the relationship may have lost some of its sparkle, whether it's because you now have a family or not. Here are some of the top 10 ideas to revive a fizzling relationship that might just put some of the bubble back into the champagne of your life. 1. Do something unexpected. Send your partner flowers at work. That applies to men, too! Or take them out for dinner on a weeknight. 2. What lit your fire to start with? Strike the match again, by duplicating that initial moment you fell in love... http://www.improve-relationships.com/making_conscious_choices_three_keys_to_your_success_in_life_and_relationships.php Our life, relationships, and our planet would work so much better if all choices were conscious. What does it mean to be 'Conscious?' To illustrate, consider these three levels of consciousness: 1. Unconscious (awake but unaware) This is when you forget where you put your keys, leave the headlights on and are surprised by a dead battery, drive past your freeway exit, etc. You're simply not paying attention. If life is like an iceberg, when we're unconscious we crash and sink before we see it. 2. Semi-conscious (aware of what's in front of you) This is when you're sure you know what's what. We believe that our stories (beliefs, interpretations, etc) and sensory perceptions (see,... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_solve_relationship_problems.php Relationship problems either with your spouse, family, business partners or other people affect your personal growth, success and well being. If you value your relationship, you need to make better decisions and take specific actions to make them work. Here are some ideas to help you avoid or solve relationship problems. Understanding personal values. What are your personal values? Misunderstandings and conflicts happen when your values conflict with those of others and when expectations are not met. You can let others know what your values are by telling them about your ideals. You can find out about others by asking questions and observing their... http://www.improve-relationships.com/long_distance_relationships_do_they_work.php You’ve finally met someone who floats your boat, however, all is not perfect… he/she lives at the opposite end of the country. Obviously, you’re not going to know if it’s worth pursuing until you’ve given the relationship a go but here’s a few things to bear in mind when embarking on a long distance relationship and a few ideas how to keep your relationship hot whilst counting down the days before your next rendezvous. Ask yourself (and your partner) if you would be prepared to move. Obviously, you don’t want to be scaring him/her off by asking this question on the first date so leave it a few dates or weeks before you broach the subject. When you feel ready, say something along the... http://www.improve-relationships.com/widen_and_deepen_your_relationships_get_to_the_good_stuff.php “Get off the surface and deepen your relationships. Go after the buried treasures and reap the rewards.” Beth Tabak Get past the “how are you doing? how’s the wife and kids?” with the response being “good, not so good, or fine” to the story behind each person. This is when you develop connection, and people grow from connection. People seek value and want to contribute. Whether you want to increase business, develop your career, gain support, eliminate barriers, create opportunities, or merely relate and be loved; the benefits of widening your inner circle and going deeper are astronomical. How easy it is to get comfortable with where we are and who we are with. We sometimes close the... http://www.improve-relationships.com/are_you_relationship_ready.php So, you want to fall in love? You are certainly old enough and moving well along your chosen career path. Many of your friends are either married or in committed relationships. You have grown weary of the singles scene and the solitary life. Therefore, you must be ready, right? Not necessarily. So what is relationship readiness anyway? Exactly what it says. You are adequately capable of handling the commitment and challenges that a healthy, intimate relationship requires. How do you know if you are ready? What are the characteristics you need to have or acquire in order to be ready for true love? There are four primary areas that you should explore in order to assess your present... http://www.improve-relationships.com/kick_addictions_and_bad_habits_for_good_and_experience_the_relationship_benefits_it_brings.php If bad habits or addictions are beginning to play havoc with your relationship now is the time to stop, take account of your life, learn to realise what is most important and get the help you need to break bad habits for good. Addictions and bad habits are psychological behaviours that control our lives. They are compulsive disorders which can come in many forms from gambling, shopping, alcohol, food, anything that becomes a continuous bad habit that you find hard or almost impossible to break. Most people have an addiction of some kind that they find hard to break free from, one of mine was chocolate, I just craved it continuously and I rarely ate anything else. Eventually following... http://www.improve-relationships.com/what_went_wrong_when_relationships_go_from_hot_to_cold.php Everything was great. We had been dating for 6 months. We shared the same interests, felt very at ease together, had (often) discussed future plans and had even spent some of the holidays together. Our relationship seemed right on track and just right in general. Then, without warning, he said he "needs some time to think and figure things out." He stopped calling and rarely returned my calls. When he did, I was often met with silence on the other end of the line. When I asked "what happened", I just got a verbal run around of excuses about how busy he is and/or how much stress he is under right now. What happened? What did I do? I don't know what to think. Does the... http://www.improve-relationships.com/recipe_for_a_healthy_relationship.php First off, it is important to ask yourself what you consider a real relationship to be. You need to understand what your needs and desires are from another person, and what you are willing to give them. This way, you can see early in your first dates, if you wish to continue and work towards a future together, and if the other person feels the same of course (both sides count). Once you have decided to have an official relationship, you both need to remember what brought the two of you together in the first place. For instance, what attracted you to each other both physically and emotionally? What do you admire about his or her personality? This will help not taking the other for granted,... http://www.improve-relationships.com/seven_ways_to_revitalise_your_relationship_with_your_woman.php Has your relationship run out of steam? Do you wish to go back to the loving and excitement of your early times together? Well you can! The idea is to be different in a romantic way. 1) Unless your woman is very unusual, flowers make all the difference. Not just any flowers, red roses symbolise passion and romance. Bring a lovely bunch of roses and toss flower heads into a fragrantly scented bath for a romantic bath time. 2) Share a shower and cover each other in slippery soap, use the opportunity to caress her body and admire it. Then rub your slippery body against hers to drive her wild. 3) Make time for a weekend break in the romantic cities of Amsterdam, New... http://www.improve-relationships.com/5_steps_to_keep_a_relationship_fresh_and_exciting.php Do you find yourself in a relationship that seems to be drying up? Do you feel like you need to know how to save a marriage? If so, consider these love relationship advice in the following steps. 1.Date your partner Do you still remember your 1st date with the person you really liked or fell in love with? Were you not excited about it? Sure you were! Do you want to know how exciting a relationship can help you enhance your marriage? Let us tell you that it is still very vivid in our minds the excitement we had in our first date. Perhaps we may not remember all the details but we can surely not forget how we felt. All attention was just towards each other and as the saying goes “the world... http://www.improve-relationships.com/romantic_relationships_an_internal_process.php If you grew up in the 80s like I did, you might remember the group Depeche Mode and their hit "Just Can't Get Enough." It is a song about being obsessed with the idea of being with someone, about needing another person. Romance easily becomes this addiction when we believe that we are not complete without someone else and that we simply cannot get enough of the blissful feeling we get when we are with him or her. When we believe we need the romance to be complete, we are in trouble for we are perfect and complete, connected to the world at all times - we merely need to choose to acknowledge that we are. We are fortunate in today's world to have great tools to help us overcome this false... http://www.improve-relationships.com/the_power_of_relationships_transcends_human_beings.php The human need to form relationships apparently transcends the idea that such connections are exclusively assigned to other human beings. Additionally, the type of relationship - connections is powerfully influenced by need, convenience, function, space, place, time and culture, along with a potent drive to satisfy a need, which resides within. In the movie Castaway, Tom Hanks shipwrecked and alone, magnificently captured the powerful drive to satisfy the need for a relationship and used what his time and place provided. He tore open a FedEx package containing a soccer ball. Using what he could find in his environment, he sketched basic facial features on the ball to resemble a human... http://www.improve-relationships.com/10_steps_to_a_dynamic_relationship.php 10 Steps to a dynamic relationship - Dialogue. Create a Forum Space. - Renew, Refresh Be open for new ideas, change. Think of modern trends, etc. - Spontaneity Anything to break the habits. Respond to inspiration, to new streams. - Have "Relationship Ambitions" Material, business, travels, discoveries, projects, etc. - Maintain a dynamic individual integrity Maintain activities where you are not together with your partner. Keep space for "external friendships"... "Time off"... Allow it to happen and go for it, even if you might miss the other person during that time. - Refreshing Life Style Take time to be in nature. Go out. Do something physical, sports, outdoors. Eat healthy. ... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationship_rationalizations.php So many relationships come in second, third or even worse to the many distractions in our daily lives. Unfortunately, these distractions are allowing too many marriages to end in divorce or a couple simply co-exists for years longing for happiness and fulfillment. It simply doesn't have to be this way. It's time to take a look at what is really important and what will matter in the long run. Once your job or other commitments are gone, all you'll have left is an empty marriage or an empty home to face every day. It's time to stop making excuses and find the time to romance your spouse starting today. Some women truly believe that some men aren't genetically capable of being... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_focus_on_the_positive_qualities_of_your_relationship.php The quality of your life has a strong connection with how healthy your relationship with other people is. Do you struggle to make other people see things your way? Well stop trying, because you can’t manipulate others. Why? Well, just like you, they are operating from their own map of the world. What you CAN do is develop a habit of paying attention to the positive aspects of your relationship. If you are distressed by your relationships, then you need to change the way in which you react to the behaviour of others. If you hold a belief that you will only be happy when the other person changes, it’s time to get real, because: The Buck Stops With You. Think about someone in your life;... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_put_the_sizzle_back_in_your_relationship_with_these_seven_goal_setting_tools.php Goal Setting and Relationships? That is not as weird as it may sound. Consider the following definition of a goal: "A goal is a future incidence or event that is consciously worked towards." With this in mind, it is perfectly normal to make it your goal to improve your relationship, and these seven goal setting tools can help you. A great relationship is one of the finest things life can offer. When you choose your partner and start on a full-time relationship, you look forward to a future of love, support, encouragement, communication and intimacy. We enter into relationships for many different reasons and with many different expectations. Often, due to circumstances outside your control,... http://www.improve-relationships.com/are_you_the_victim_of_a_quot_complex_equivalence_quot_in_your_relationship.php I've written many times about a controversial piece of relationship advice that I strongly recommend. What is it? I believe it's important to get a women you are trying to attract into bed quickly, no matter what kind of relationship you want to have with her. That sounds "edgy" in this day and age, doesn't it? After all, most so-called "psychologists" take a different view, claiming that couples who waited to have sex had more successful relationships than those who jumped into bed quickly. Why would I promote a concept so contrary to such orthodox statistics? The flaw with that view is, it doesn't take into account the relationships that never happened because the guy didn't... http://www.improve-relationships.com/attract_relationships_into_your_life.php So you are looking for that special one? Or, you are wanting to cultivate some nice friendships? Whatever it is you want, sometimes forcing something into your life is not the way to go. Instead of hunting someone down, why not attract them to you. Why not get engaged in the game of life and attract these people into your life? Imagine walking into a party where you are greeted by someone as they proceed to "interview" and question you. Not very pleasant is it? Wouldn't it feel more comfortable if people came up to you and starting talking without the intention of finding out your social security number and deep beliefs? You both would feel more at ease and in the long run you would be... http://www.improve-relationships.com/marriage_relationship_in_focus_strengthen_it_today.php Why is it that after the marriage ceremony and the honeymoon everything between the couple goes back to normal? It is like a bright light that suddenly dims. It seems like they have dreamed and then suddenly when they open their eyes, they find themselves back into reality. They fall back to their usual routines except that they are now sort of handcuffed together. The only problem is there is no key for such handcuff or is there? Well, the answer lies in the couples themselves. Beginning a life with your partner, awkward moments can be experienced especially when you already have your own children. Your attention will be focused on them. Your romance will now be set side. For your... http://www.improve-relationships.com/are_we_dating_or_is_this_a_relationship.php After months of visiting singles bars and going on a string of first dates, you finally meet a great looking, friendly guy. The two of you go on a couple of fun, getting-to-know-each-other dates, which lead to a few intimate encounters. Days, and possibly weeks, go by. Things are starting to heat up... and it feels like this might be going someplace positive. You talk on the phone at least once a day and start seeing each other after work. Then, one night, out of the blue, a friend calls and says, "Hey, I just saw your boyfriend at a bar snuggling up to another girl. I thought you two were getting serious. Are you still dating?" Eeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrck.... as your brain brakes... http://www.improve-relationships.com/five_ways_to_sharpen_your_sense_of_humor_and_improve_your_relationships.php Humor has long been considered one of the most effective tools to judge the quality of any relationship. If there is laughter present you can be sure the relationship is a healthy one. When the laughter ceases the relationship is on the down slide. If you want to have more fulfilling relationships you might want to consider sharpening your sense of humor as a great place to start. Here are five ways to improve your sense of humor and improve your relationships in the process. 1. Begin to cultivate an atmosphere of humor and laughter in your relationships by focussing on the funny things in life and enjoying the laughter they evoke. Soon you will be seeing humor all over and... http://www.improve-relationships.com/dating_tips_for_ending_a_relationship.php Ending a relationship is never easy. When you feel you must end a relationship most people find it challenging as they have feelings towards their partner and do not wish to hurt them. More often than not, breaking up is as hard on the person ending the relationship as it is on the person being broken up with. Realize that a person is breaking up has nothing to do with caring about another person. Caring about somebody and wanting a relationship are not the same. The majority of people on this planet do not like to hurt others, especially somebody they have been close to. Guilt has been used more often than not to keep relationships together. Fight this urge and believe in... http://www.improve-relationships.com/breaking_your_relationship_pattern_part_3.php Do you want to put to rest the people and situations from your past so they do not interfere with your current and future relationships? I bet you said yes. Who doesn't have something in their past they want to put to rest? Then let's talk about what action steps you can take to create the absence of past -- or completion -- in your life. Below are a series of action steps. You'll want to pick a few and repeat them until you are complete with various people and circumstances from your past. The time it takes to get to genuine completion will vary from person to person and situation to situation. For some it can come quickly. But sometimes completion happens over time: we may have to... http://www.improve-relationships.com/mastery_of_relationships_psychic_sex_connections_energy_vampires_implants_and_meditation_part_one.php Relationship Psychic Sex Connections exist in all people and in general mess up their lives. Instead they should Enhance our lives and lives of everyone around us. With Meditation Techniques we can learn The Mastery of Relationships!! We can learn how to Get Rid of all Energy Vampires! For all intent and purpose, Psychic Sex Connections or "strings" in relationships are very similar to umbilical connections or even electric and telephone wires, except they exist on the astral dimensional planes in all relationships. They can be very thin, or very thick, and can appear as very light or very dark streamers coming out of your energy fields/bodies. These strings, psychic sex connections,... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_create_effective_and_efficient_relationships.php Relationships of all kinds are often perceived as very delicate things, that require extra effort to maintain. However, a relationship can also be something that can provide security and can also be long lasting despite many trials. Building an effective and lasting relationships is a necessity for several reasons. For example in a group or organization, the well being of the people depends on how efficient and effective that group or organization works. The group or organization is also dependent on how the members work well with the management. An ineffective group or organization can really be very frustrating.An effective group or organization can also ask so ... http://www.improve-relationships.com/fear_of_relationships.php Snakes, elevators, sharks, death, spiders, darkness, mice, relationships.... Relationships??? To some, its presence amongst the heavyweights of fear may seem out of place. But to many people who suffer from relationship anxiety, it's the others that seem out of place. Everyone has his or her own personal fears and it really doesn't matter if anyone completely understands or not. As a cat-lover I can't even begin to relate to having a fear of cats, but that doesn't make it any less "real" for someone who has a feline phobia. Personally, I am incredibly afraid of snakes - to the point of being irrational. I can't even look at a rubber snake. Seriously. I've never been... http://www.improve-relationships.com/a_trail_of_tears_and_broken_relationships_maybe_symptomatic_of_depression.php A trail of tears and many broken relationships may symptomatic of underlying depression. A Trail of Tears and Many Broken Relationships May be Symptomatic of Underlying Depression When a young person graduates from High School there is so much hope and promise for the future. He or she looks forward to meeting the RIGHT person, falling in love, and a lifetime of wedded bliss reminiscent of the epic fable Cinderella. Instead, many middle age people look back on a trail of tears and broken hearts. Deep within the heart many middle age people may secretively wonder, “what happened to my life and dreams”. Deep within the heart, many middle age people may ask “why”. A middle age person... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_gracefully_end_a_relationship.php Breaking hearts is a tough reality of dating and should be tackled with as much respect and maturity as possible. If you are in a relationship and have tried everything from counseling to self help books with no avail, then maybe it is time to throw in the towel. Always host a break up in person whether you've been dating a week or decades. Never end a relationship by phone, during a fight or through someone else. Acting out never works, don't cheat or ignore your partner in the hopes of your behavior ending the relationship for you. If you share common friends never confide in them about the breakup beforehand, there's no need to test where your friends' loyalties lie.... http://www.improve-relationships.com/servent_leadership_a_leader_s_relationships.php A leader’s first task is not to keep the machinery moving but to help those under his charge to live and serve. Although 1 Timothy was an authoritative utterance to be implicitly obeyed, it was characterized by the graceful empowerment and loving freedom which would be expected in a letter to a friend or colleague. Paul salutes Timothy as his “own son in the faith.”1 He wanted Timothy to achieve God’s will for his life. (1 Timothy 1:18). We can see Paul’s concern for Timothy’s spiritual health (1 Timothy 4:12-16, 6:11-16), as well as his physical health (1 Timothy 5:23). “Leaders are not afraid of the strengths of their associates – that is, leaders cherish talent and facilitate synergies... http://www.improve-relationships.com/why_are_relationships_such_hard_work.php 1. The Wishes. IF I only had a dollar for every time I've wanted to walk away from my marriage, I'd probably be sunning myself on the beach in Rio de Janeiro by now. But after 31 years with the same woman, I know that even with my megabucks and all the trimmings that wealth can bring, deep down I'd be feeling that something was missing somehow. Someone once said that the only thing worse than wanting something was getting it. When I heard that first, in the folly of my youth, it didn't make much sense to me. Nowadays, being in the situation of knowing how little I know, it seems quite profound. Have you ever noticed how the warm fuzzy feelings of getting what you want fade pretty... http://www.improve-relationships.com/the_true_relationships_of_t_v_and_movies_and_power.php So what is the difference between television and movies? And what does this have to do with a successful dating life or finding the woman you want? With Relational Dynamics we look at the true and hidden relationships that exist and we can use them for either cognition and power, or for continued ignorance and disempowerment. Though you may not understand the depth of what I'm going to say (because it's so deeply seeded), I hope you can start to get it. I have always preferred movies over television because (over other preferred reasons) movies essentially gave me more control. When you watch a movie, you are not interrupted by social 'programming' (which is EXACTLY what it is). With... http://www.improve-relationships.com/confident_relationships.php At the end of the day, the quality of your life is largely due to the quality of relationships you have with others. This applies the most with our partners. No one has the magic formula for what makes a successful and confident relationship, we all have our ups and downs. However, the most successful relationships DO have certain characteristics intertwined in them. Ultimately, everyone craves a loving and healthy relationship in their life. How would you approach the world differently knowing you have a supporter and partner by your side at all times to help get you through the ups and downs of life? Would you walk taller? Would you come across as more confident? After a difficult... http://www.improve-relationships.com/10_crucial_and_surprising_steps_to_build_trust_in_a_relationship.php 1. Be predictable. When do seeds of suspicion emerge? When one begins to think, What's up? Why is he doing that? He's never done that before. That is so unlike him. He loses 30 pounds, buys a new wardrobe and comes home late from work. He changes his patterns. His behavior becomes unpredictable. You get the picture? Any movement away from predictable behavior can become suspect and trust can deteriorate. Focus on acting predictably if you need to build trust. Be consistent in what you do. This doesn't mean you must be boring. If there is a twinkle in your eye and a dose of spontaneity every so often, for goodness sakes be spontaneous and fun loving. But, be spontaneous consistently! Be true... http://www.improve-relationships.com/ending_relationships_should_i_stay_or_should_i_go.php Should you stay with your partner or leave them? Is all the pain you suffer in your relationship worth it for the good times you have together? Will it really be worth all the pain of leaving them or is it better to stay and stick it out? In most relationships there comes a point when you have to decide whether your partner really has the qualities you need to stay together. Making the decision to stay or go is almost always a very painful and confusing time as there generally isn't a quick fix or an easy answer to your questions. I have a friend in a fantastic relationship who taught me that if it's hard work it's probably not working. This was an alien concept to me. I... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationship_lost_its_spark.php A Mechanical Metaphor Over the years of reading self-help books, it’s become obvious to me that I rarely find one that I could get my Dad, or most other men, to read. They’re just not written in a way that men can relate to. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that computer and other gadget companies are beginning to catch on to this fact. When we unwrap our latest piece of high-tech gadgetry, we now have a choice to opt for the Quick Start Guide or plough our way through the entire manual. For most of us men, that’s a no brainer. We want to play with the toy, not find out how to build it. My Dad is a mechanic and he taught me that given a few basic tools and a decent skill set most things can be... http://www.improve-relationships.com/5_sexual_myths_destructive_to_your_relationship.php You have permission to publish this article electronically free of charge, providing the entire byline at the end of the article is included and the content is left unchanged. If you use it, please notify me with a copy of your publication or a url to where it can be found. For print publications, please contact me to discuss and to obtain US mailing address to send a courtesy copy. mailto:cynthiap@frognet.net 5 Sexual Myths Destructive to Your Relationship by Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed. In this era where sex seems to be on the mind of everyone and talked about more openly than ever before, it is surprising that there continues to be a lot of misinformation and misconceptions. These myths... http://www.improve-relationships.com/spiritual_relationships_partnering_through_change.php In relationships, we have the opportunities to develop a deeper sense of ourselves through the mirror of our partner. If you have a generous, loving partnership, then you are possibly learning lessons related to creating a generous and loving relationship with your inner self as well. If you are in an abusive relationship, are you seeing the mirror of your relationship with your self? We have the tendency to repeat certain patterns in our relationships. It seems we take the best and the worst within ourselves and project it into the container that is our relationship. We use the relationship as a testing ground. However, when we go through changes or life transitions, it may put... http://www.improve-relationships.com/can_you_handle_a_long_distance_relationship.php A long distance relationship will work for you if: - You trust your partner completely. - You like to spend time alone. - You have many outside hobbies and interests - You're like a sexual camel and can go weeks, if not months, without sexual intimacy. - You can afford high speed Internet, are computer literate and can operate a web cam. - You love to talk on the phone. - You know how to turn your lover on over the phone and the Internet. - You don't feel lonely when out with other couples. - You have the confidence that you can handle this relationship well, no matter what comes your way (including a possible separation.) - You know how to keep busy. - You have supportive... http://www.improve-relationships.com/find_that_special_new_relationship.php There are more single people in the world today than ever before. A growth in educational and work opportunities, combined with the desire to live the single life for longer, and the continuing number of people suffering from divorce or the breakdown of a relationship means that the singles market is a big one. More singles doesn’t automatically mean that there’s more chance of having a relationship, however. In fact, studies show that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find someone special in today’s hectic world. This trend has, in turn, led to an increase in the number of western men, in particular, choosing to look overseas for their perfect partner. Can you find that special... http://www.improve-relationships.com/building_better_family_relationships.php At these times when both men and women work for a living, small children are often left at home with a babysitter or at a daycare center while older ones spend the whole day at school. Most of the time, parents have just enough time to spare to just tuck in their kids at night. They sometimes do not even have enough time to talk about their individual lives let alone spend a day of fun together. But building good relationships with one's children does not really have to be spent the whole day. Little conversations, little gestures of comfort, little things that you do everyday whether they be for an hour or for just a few minutes are enough especially when done with sincerity and ... http://www.improve-relationships.com/improve_your_relationships_instantly.php Discover how easy it is to improve your relationships. The following relationship advice will encourage people to help you willingly and cheerfully. It just takes one easy communication skill, and two magic words. The Communication Skill - Having An Attitude Of Gratitude Yes, attitudes are really skills you can learn. Learn how to appreciate what others do for you, and you will seldom lack for a helping hand. The Magic Words The magic is in these two simple words, “I appreciate.” These two magic words will make others feel close to you and create loyal relationships. Don’t be like the husband who told his spouse on their wedding day, “On this day I’m... http://www.improve-relationships.com/what_do_men_and_women_want_in_a_love_relationship.php When recent polls asked what men and women would most like in their relationship, the resounding response was happiness. Is your love relationship a happy one? If it is not, then what exactly is a happy love relationship? This article tries to answer this pressing question. It will teach you how you can be guaranteed that your love relationship will bring you happiness. As relationship advisor, I often hear men and women say they are happy with their love life. Behind closed doors, however, the same people who say they are happy with their love life admit that they are not. For many years, I have heard people say that although they are unhappy with what they have, it is better than being... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_make_long_distance_relationships_work.php Long distance relationships are dreadful. I know this because I'm currently living one. You watch other couples walk down the street hand-in-hand, kissing, etc., everyday and you can't do anything but envy them. So how can a long distance relationship work? How can you keep on loving someone if you can't even see them? The answer is...it depends on how much you want it to work. True love can overcome any odds thrown in its path if you want it bad enough. So the question is, how do you do it? Well, I do not think that anyone knows exactly how to make it work, but I can certainly provide some points on making it work. 1. COMMUNICATION is the key. In every relationship, whether near or... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationships.php What is the most important relationship in your life - your mate, a friend, a family member? Are your interactions a source of joy and empowerment? Or too often do you find yourself feeling disrespected, misunderstood and drained of energy? In this newsletter, you'll find out one of the key relationships in your life that affects all of the others. You will learn that the quality of that relationship also has a huge impact on all of the others. By answering a few key questions, you'll see what steps you can take now to transform the way you relate to everyone in your life - to create relationships based on mutual respect and honesty. What you discover may surprise you. Read on..... ... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_a_romantic_surprise_can_keep_your_relationship_fresh.php “Love withers with predictability; its very essence is surprise and amazement. To make love a prisoner of the mundane is to take its passion and lose it forever.” --Leo Buscaglia It is said that no matter what problems your relationship faces, if you can keep the romance alive, the rest can be worked out. And there is no quicker and easier way to rejuvenate romance than coming up with romantic surprises. If you feel your relationship is in a rut, and everything in it is predictable, chances are – it’s been a long time since either of you surprised the other. So, what kind of a surprise is best for an instant rekindling of the passion you used to feel for each other? That depends on the... http://www.improve-relationships.com/the_comedy_clip_relationship.php Have you noticed it? Watch television programming on any given night, and you receive comedy clips from up-and-coming episodes of popular comedy sitcoms. Ray Romano slyly puts down his wife's cooking while his dad belittles his mom in the name of humor and a few laughs. Doug makes glib and quirky remarks for laughs to his buddies about his wife's hair on King of Queens. Now, I love to laugh as much as the next person. I enjoy living life with lightheartedness. I often think we just need to lighten up a little bit and enjoy life more. But not when it comes to using my wife as a comic clip for someone else's humorous moment. I value her more than that. The very person who trusts me more... http://www.improve-relationships.com/seven_aspects_of_a_making_brilliant_decisions_the_relationship_between_work_and_self.php Workwerk : an opportunity for discovering and shaping; the place where the self meets the world. Regardless of what business we are in, what projects we are working on or what interests we have in the world – we are all in the business of relationship building. In business we are always cultivating relationships with employees, with prospective clients, with colleagues. In our personal lives the place of relationship is often more obvious and more central. And our deeper relationship with ourselves is at the core of how we manage and grow each of those other relationships and therefore our lives. At every moment in our professional and personal lives we are faced with decisions – one... http://www.improve-relationships.com/a_blue_print_for_relationship_disaster.php Many singles who come to see me often start with "I already know everything about dating and relationships and I do not think I need any coaching, all I want is to know how I can find my soul mate". When we were teenagers and hopelessly romantic we really didn't care whether someone was right or wrong for us. We were fascinated with the mere idea of being in love. But many years later, hopefully, we've all learned that falling in love for all the "wrong" reasons can quickly turn into a nightmare, a broken heart and can bring much pain and sorrow. There are many wrong reasons why people want to "fall in love". Loneliness and desperation We've all been here at... http://www.improve-relationships.com/what_if_your_relationship_could_be.php Imagine--the richest relationship you could ever have. What would that be like? Envision--a relationship in which conflicts, even fighting, don't drive you apart but deepen the connection between you. Picture--the sheer joy of discovering a love that thrives on the ordinary experiences of everyday life and is more passionate and spiritually satisfying than your most lavish fantasy. Trust--you can keep romance alive no matter how long you are together! Is that a relationship you want? Not only is a love like this possible, but it's available to you right now. All you have to do is be willing to change your mind. Consider the Following * What if you... http://www.improve-relationships.com/arguments_the_losing_side_of_a_relationship.php In the 34 years that I have been doing psychic counseling, it is only in the past 10 years that I have been involved with couples counseling. One thing I have noticed with many couples, whether those couples are a man and a woman, two women, or two men, is that there is often a lack of real and meaningful communication. This lack of communication causes small conflicts to become heated arguments where issues are not resolved because both partners are trying to make their points and are not even listening to what the other person has to say. Nothing can ever be resolved when one person raises his or her voice with what only appears to the other person to be demands. The effect of this is... http://www.improve-relationships.com/improve_relationships_one_day_at_a_time.php This is a guaranteed formula that will help you improve all of your relationships! It sounds too good to be true doesn’t it? Well, it’s something that will take effort and attention, but if you follow the formula honestly, you will indeed find your relationships improving. It’s based on the Ethical Principles used by Reiki Practitioners. Applying these principles towards your relationships will benefit you and the people you are involved with considerably. Reiki is a form of natural healing that is becoming increasingly popular throughout the world. You can find Reiki courses through Master/Teachers, including myself. Colleges and continuing education facilities are also offering classes... http://www.improve-relationships.com/dating_marriage_love_and_relationship_advice_the_dance_of_commitment_and_your_secret_passion_signature.php If you are single, dating, or trying to get to “I DO” and spend too much time hurting and not enough time loving this may be the most important love relationship advice you could ever receive. Did you know that some people just don't let themselves have love? Some are eaten alive with the “fear of commitment.” Some can’t let themselves take the risk or feel vulnerable so they string you along in a dating relationship. Some people don't love themselves enough to value you if you love them. Here's how to spot the signs of a hopeless case, using little known relationship tips. The truth is that unless a soul is willing to be involved with you, there is no hope whatsoever for a love... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_make_a_relationship_work.php Arthur and Samatha are going at it again. It’s hard to watch from the outside, because it’s obvious they love each other, and obvious that they’re quite compatible. They’ve both been divorced, though, so they’re leery, and what they’re doing is finding sore points – even manufacturing them, instead of enjoying each other. “But you don’t like opera,” says Samantha, “and you want to live in the country. How could we get married?” “I know,” counters Arthur, “you like …” It’s like the old song, “you say’ to MAY to’ and I say ‘to MAH to.’ How can love survive?” The song makes a very good point with humor. The couple in the song is seriously debating whether they’re meant for each other when... http://www.improve-relationships.com/sex_lies_affairs_and_relationships.php Have you ever had a strong desire to have sex with someone other than your partner, and didn't know what to do with it? Maybe you've had an affair, but are scared to tell your partner, or you think s/he is better off not knowing. Maybe s/he already knows, and it's blown up in an ugly mess. You don't want to lose your relationship, and you don't want to feel stuck in this place either. There's nothing wrong with feeling attracted, even strongly attracted, to another person. Some couples have fun sharing their stories of attraction and desire. Others just want to be open to all that they are feeling without acting on it, to see what they can learn about themselves. Sometimes, it's just fun... http://www.improve-relationships.com/ending_relationships_with_honor.php Ending Relationships. Ending a relationship is never easy. When you feel you must end a relationship most people find it challenging as they have feelings towards their partner and do not wish to hurt them. More often than not, breaking up is as hard on the person ending the relationship as it is on the person being broken up with. Realize that a person is breaking up has nothing to do with caring about another person. Caring about somebody and wanting a relationship are not the same. The majority of people on this planet do not like to hurt others, especially somebody they have been close to. Guilt has been used more often than not to keep relationships together. Fight this urge... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationship_tips_16_practical_dramatic_ways_to_know_if_he_she_is_really_changing.php Every relationship hits a snag, or worse, a major crisis (such as infidelity), that demands significant change if the relationship is to survive. So...there are promises to change and the two of you embark upon a new path. You watch carefully. "Can I trust this change? Is it permanent? temporary? How long will it last? Is he/she REALLY changing?" Good questions. Here are 16 ways to know if the change is going to last: 1. You notice opposite behaviors and nonverbal communication. Passivity becomes activity. Recklessness transforms into thoughtfulness. Aloofness turns into engagement. 2. You find yourself surprised. "Hmmmm, this hasn't happened before, but is... http://www.improve-relationships.com/building_a_good_relationship.php In building a genuine God centered relationship, you must be genuine, and focused. If you truly desire to follow God’s precepts, and not those of society, you must be willing and able to cast off the “games” that people play in relationships. There must be no hiding behind made up masks, and false identities. Get rid of the fixation on pleasure, and the viewpoints from glamour magazines and TV shows. You must seek Biblical precepts; rather than how you feel or are told by friends. This means a Christian relationship will be built on and with honesty, and communication, in order to be real and authentic. These translate into genuine relationships that are flowing from a life that has been... http://www.improve-relationships.com/long_distance_relationship.php Can long distance relationships last? Does "absence make the heart grow fonder" or is it "out of sight, out of mind"? Long distance relationships can work but not forever. If you are trying online dating there is a good chance you may be faced with meeting a special someone that lives in far away. Many people have met this way and dated for a while and gotten married. They eventually had to compromise and figure out where they would live together. If you are going to try long distance relationship, you have to make some effort. You need to keep in contact, reassure each other, share and plan reunions with enough time to satisfy your needs for closeness. "Out of sight... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_add_romance_to_your_relationship.php After a few years of being with that special someone, everything becomes a routine and this is one of the reasons why a relationship fails. In today's world, most of us involved in a relationship have a job, family, and other responsibilities that take up too much time of our lives and by the end of the day, we are so tired that don't make time to do something different and fun with our significant other. In order for a relationship to work and last, we need to communicate, trust, support and do fun things with our loved one. Here are some romantic ways to keep the flame alive. 1. Get home before your partner and trace a path from the front door to the bedroom with votive... http://www.improve-relationships.com/attract_a_dream_relationship.php Are you single? Do you want to attract a dream relationship? You are not the only one as there are an estimated 3 million single people in London alone. And that’s a lot of potential dating material. Speed dating is the big thing at the moment, and dating agencies are sprouting. Internet dating is also becoming quite popular. Everyone dreams of that ideal relationship – one that is full of love and affection. A relationship with someone that you connect with mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. We all want to meet our soul mate. So how does one find that ideal relationship? The key thing is to focus on creating your ideal life. To attract and create your ideal... http://www.improve-relationships.com/are_you_looking_for_that_perfect_relationship.php If you ARE looking for that perfect relationship, stop reading this article and do one of two things: (1) Go to one of those websites that promises something like that and be “taken” again, or (2) Brush up on your emotional intelligence skills. Looking for anything perfect is an unrealistic expectation. Promising that is a ploy people use to sell you things! It’s also a personality trait that will make your life miserable. Perfectionists expect too much of themselves and others, and though it may be from insecurity, it is perceived as arrogant and unpleasant. The worse thing it does is make you yourself miserable. Nothing will ever be perfect, including yourself, including the other,... http://www.improve-relationships.com/you_can_improve_your_relationship.php It seems as if creating successful relationships with our significant others and parenting children are two of the most difficult jobs we face and yet we get no formal training in either. It’s as if people believe that we are born with an inherent ability to do these two things. Yet, look around us. In the US, the divorce rate is slightly over 50%! I don’t know anywhere but baseball where a 50% average is a good thing. Couples go through life getting along when times are good; and fighting with, ignoring, or leaving each other when things get tough. Most people believe that to seek help with their relationships means to admit a certain kind of defeat that says something about who they are... http://www.improve-relationships.com/yes_you_can_enjoy_long_term_relationships.php Today I’ll share with you one of the best secrets to build successful, long-term relationships. But first let me ask you: what is the quality of your relationships these days? Are you struggling with your friends? Are you struggling with your marriage? Are you struggling with your family? How about your colleagues at work? How about your relationship with your boss? Are you satisfied with your relationship with people around you? If you have poor quality of relationships, then you’ll be glad to know this secret. Come closer to me and listen carefully: *** People don’t care what you know until they know you care. That is TRUE! People want to know that you care first. Care... http://www.improve-relationships.com/why_not_take_the_relationship_quiz_now.php Why not take the following quiz and ask a person you are in a relationship with to take it also. It will give you and them an idea of your mutual understanding and application of some of the critical issues, concepts and techniques that have an impact on the quality of relationships. See the end of this quiz for contact information to request other quizzes. 1. The three keys to effective relationships are________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ 2. One of the biggest causes of relationship failure is poor communication. True/False. 3. You can spend your entire life with someone and still not really know... http://www.improve-relationships.com/what_s_your_dating_and_relationship_iq.php by Kevin Skinner PhD www.datingsmarts.com Intelligence comes in many forms. In spite of this, however, our society focuses almost exclusively on academic intelligence. Think about it. When is the last time someone said, “John has really high relationship intelligence. He has a skill for listening and understanding people. He must have a relationship IQ of 160.” We focus so much on educational intelligence that we have neglected to teach people about critical elements that make relationships successful. Focusing on traditional intelligence quotients overlooks the reality that a “successful” person with an IQ of 150 could be completely unsuccessful at relationships. I believe it is time... http://www.improve-relationships.com/what_makes_a_bad_relationship.php Are you in a relationship right now? If you are, is it going smoothly or is it going through very rough times? Not all relationships are alike; there are always these good relationships and bad relationships. How you and your partner will handle the relationship will determine if it is a bad relationship or if it is a good one and going on smoothly. If you are in a bad relationship right now, perhaps you will wonder how your romantic relationship has a sudden twist. You might have asked yourself what you have done wrong or what your shortcomings were. Here are some things that you can think about why you have a bad relationship: Lack of Communication Communication is an important part... http://www.improve-relationships.com/what_is_a_healthy_relationship.php There is evidence that people with a strong support network are healthier. So, how can we tell if our relationship is a healthy one? I think that there are five main areas to look at communication, respect, trust, responsibility and care. Communication The best way to tell if your relationship is a healthy one is by asking yourself, "How easy it is to talk to my partner, and how honest can I be with him/her?" Finding the time to talk, being as open as you can, listening to the whole message and being able to work out disagreements are all signs that you are in a healthy relationship. Respect A healthy relationship is one in which both partners treat each other with respect. Listening to... http://www.improve-relationships.com/what_do_we_get_from_relationship_counseling.php Ideally, everyone would like to be in a good relationship. In order to have such a relationship, it is necessary for us to continually develop and maintain it. It is indeed a lifetime commitment for us. Whatever age bracket we belong to or experience in life our relationship will encounter new and demanding challenges. For us to meet these challenges, we should develop flexible skills and better understanding. And there are different types of relationship. The relationship of a couple is perhaps the most important in our society. It is the primary relationship in the life of the people. It is the basic unit of society. Some relationships are basically sexual. All relationship that are... http://www.improve-relationships.com/violence_in_intimate_relationships.php Are you in an intimate relationship where violence is a part of your exchange? Does one or the other of you lash out physically toward the other? Do you want it to stop? There is lots of information out there about intimate partner violence. Just google the term and today there were 4,680,000 entries on the topic. Many offer research, explanations, opinions and advice. I am not here to argue for you to stay or get out of a relationship where you are inflicting or receiving violence in your relationship. What I do want you to do, however, is look at your motivation and decide if your behavior and your choices are going to lead you in the direction you want to go for your life. Violence... http://www.improve-relationships.com/top_ten_list_of_what_to_do_and_what_not_to_do_in_relationships.php Most of us who have been intimately involved with someone beyond the infatuation stage know that relationships are like a rollercoaster ride. When things are good, they are very, very good. When things are bad, they are very, very bad. As a relationship coach, I have developed Top 10 Lists---one for men and one for women on 10 things to do and not to do in relationships. MEN DO 1.Just listen to your partner without offering advice. 2.Trust and respect her. 3.Treat her as an equal partner in your relationship. 4.Stay and support her when she gets emotional. She is looking for understanding, not solutions. 5.Continue your courtship even after she’s committed to you. Continue to create... http://www.improve-relationships.com/tips_to_building_lasting_and_happy_relationships.php Relationships, whether dating or married, are hard work. Things do not always go perfectly, fighting does occur, and it takes a 100% commitment from both parties to make it a success. Often when people break off a relationship, they feel as though something is missing. The "spark" is gone, leaving one or both people feeling inadequate and unfulfilled. There are hundreds of things you can do to better your relationship and rekindle that "spark" which had once grown to a full-blown flame but has now faded to a dying ember. To help you get started in the right direction, here are five ways to build, strengthen, enhance, relight the fire and rekindle the romance in your relationship. ... http://www.improve-relationships.com/tips_on_how_to_handle_abusive_relationships.php A Relationship is a very valuable aspect in our life. It must be unique and something to be enjoyed by everyone. We all dream of having a very healthy relationship especially with our friends, family members and loved ones. It is a relationship wherein we enjoy each others company. We do things together like watching a basketball game or sometimes with the company of some friends. We are honest about our feelings with each other. There is mutual respect and sincerity between the two of us. It means we pay attention to each others opinion or thoughts. Always trying to reach out to each other to strengthen the bonds of the relationship. On the other hand, to have an unhealthy or... http://www.improve-relationships.com/tips_for_a_happy_relationship.php There's no denying that maintaining a relationship is a lot of work. Almost fifty percent of all marriages end in divorce, and many wonder how people can maintain their relationships over their entire lives. To that end, we've created this article to help showcase some tips that can help you to get through the rough spots in your relationship and keep you happy throughout the duration of your courting. - It's important to keep a light mood in a relationship. While trust and maturity are important to a relationship, it's important to be lighthearted. Relationships are supposed to make us happy; many of us often forget this simple fact and end up getting nothing but grief and stress. Be... http://www.improve-relationships.com/the_therapeutic_relationship_is_the_most_important_ingredient_in_successful_therapy.php “Maybe if I have this client blink his eyes at an increased speed, while exposing him to his past, and add some cognitive behavioral therapy while sitting next to a waterfall, he may be able to function more effectively in his life!” Yes this is rather exaggerated, however it demonstrates the idea that as professionals in the field of therapy, we often seek complex theories, techniques, and strategies to more effectively treat our consumers. A large amount of our precious time is spent seeking new theories and techniques to treat clients; evidence for this statement is shown by the thousands of theories and techniques that have been created to treat clients seeking therapy. The fact that... http://www.improve-relationships.com/ten_tips_for_building_dynamite_relationships.php Relationships hold a high place for most of us, especially women. We want great relationships with clear communication, empathy, understanding, mutual trust and friendship and fantastic sex - we want DYNAMITE RELATIONSHIPS. But what do we get much of the time? Relationships loaded with communication problems, irritability, conflict, misunderstandings, blame, hurt and anger! If you have a relationship like this you know what I mean. Stress grows and settles in your muscles and organs and you develop fibromyalgia, migraines, stomach problems, anxiety and depression. Loyalty, tradition and fear of failure demand we stay. We try again and again to fix the problems, ignore the fighting, and... http://www.improve-relationships.com/ten_benefits_of_having_a_relationship_coach.php As a Master Certified Relationship Coach, I work with singles to help them attract a great match and with couples to help put their relationships back on track. I hear great feedback from my clients about the value of coaching. I think everyone can benefit from having a coach -- coaching can contribute that much to your life. Which is why you may be interested in seeing what some of my clients have said about the value they received from coaching. Here is a list of the top ten benefits my clients say they have derived from having a relationship coach: 1. "I finally met my match." Clients repeatedly credit having a relationship coach for their ability to finally meet their match, a... http://www.improve-relationships.com/romantic_relationships_relationship_problems.php Why It’s Worthwhile To Maintain Romantic Relationships And How To Keep The Relationship Problems Out. If you’ve never been in a relationship before than it’s no surprise that you wouldn’t know what to do. But don’t panic, being in romantic relationships can be very rewarding and you might actually enjoy it compared to dating and one night stands. However like everything else being in a relationship has its problems. The way to enjoy a relationship is to try to avoid as many of these problems as possible. And when you can’t you have to be willing to work things out in order to salvage your relationship instead of just deciding that things are not working out at the first sign of trouble. ... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationships_the_secret_ingredient_for_better_health.php Human beings are relational by nature. Therefore, interpersonal relationships, past or present, personal or professional, represent a primary source of stress in our lives. Chronic stress is a major factor in the breakdown of our immune system, and has been found to be the source of many emotional and physical disorders. Numerous studies have linked stress to illnesses including heart disease, fibromyalgia, migraines, cancer, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, low back pain, and many more. Stress management strategies often suggested include deep breathing, relaxation exercises, physical exercise, meditation, and yoga, among others. But how often have you heard someone suggest that it is... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationships_9_never_changing_rules.php Copyright 2005 Peter Dobler In a relationship, your ability to understand and respond to the other person's needs and desires are fundamental. Understanding the nature of relationships themselves may be as important to your success in love as understanding the person with whom you're having the relationship. The key to a working relationship is twofold. First you need to work on a relationship day in and day out. Second you need the right information to pinpoint where the relationship needs work. Without this information you're simply assuming and assumptions are the enemy to any healthy relationship. From puppy love to winter romances, the following is true of all relationships 1.... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationship_ten_strategies_to_improve_your_relationship.php Relationship Strategy No.1: Appreciate your Partners Differences - Due to your upbringing, family background, cultural heritage and psychological makeup, you and your partner approach life from completely different perspectives. - By accepting that fact, you can begin to appreciate the value that your partner brings to the relationship. A balanced relationship requires Ying and Yang, the male and the female to flourish. Differing viewpoints make for a rich and rewarding relationship. Relationship Strategy No.2: Understand the Nature of Love - Has the hot, heady romantic passion subsided in your relationship? Has the infatuation faded? Good! Now you are ready to move on to... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationship_exercises_for_couples.php On a piece of paper, in a notebook or in your journal answer the following series of questions. Do this to learn about yourself and your relationship, but you can also suggest that your partner do the same. You can do this on a yearly basis, say January 1st every year. Exercise Number 1 Do you recall the beginning of your relationship, when you first fell in love? Describe your behavior. Describe your partner's behavior. Too often in a long-term relationship partners stop the very behaviors that connected them with one another in the first place, but transcendent reality. Some common examples are: Do you remember looking deeply into one another's eyes? Do you... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationship_coaches_offer_expert_advice_on_how_to_decide_whether_to_stay_in_or_leave_a_relationship.php Webster's Dictionary calls a relationship "a romantic or passionate attachment." If you're in one, you might think that you've found heaven on earth. Or maybe something that's not quite so grand, just OK or so-so. Or possibly something far worse if your relationship is starting to seem more like hell on earth than heaven. In fact, things may seem so bad to you that you've started thinking seriously about leaving a relationship. And if you're married this could mean getting a divorce. Many of us have found ourselves in a similar situation and have suffered great anguish while trying to decide what to do -- stay in a relationship or leave it. Well, the husband and wife... http://www.improve-relationships.com/relationship_advice_9_reasons_to_make_your_relationship_great_right_now.php My number one job with couples is helping them find the motivation to really go to work on their relationships. Once I find the key to what invigorates them and makes them want to grow the rest is easy! Here's 9 reasons that spur many people on. Affairs Hurt People Most of us know someone who's been hurt by an affair. It might have been you. Think of one such instance. Remind yourself of the pain it caused everyone: the betrayal, the emptiness, the lost opportunities; children that are heartbroken with delayed emotional development; partners feeling rejected and betrayed, and wondering what's wrong with them. And, of course, there are those who did the betraying and now feel... http://www.improve-relationships.com/put_your_relationship_to_the_test.php Any relationship between two people changes as a couple's feelings for each other develop over a period of time, and as these feelings change with life's ups and downs. Three factors in each relationship are you, the person you are relating with and the many-sided nature of the relationship. Let's see what methods there are to test the relationship and give us insights into how we might progress. Type into your Google Search box "relationship quiz" or "relationship test" and answer some of the tests that seem most useful and relevant to you. Get your partner to do the same, and check the answers you each put down. Comparing your answers will allow you both some insights into areas of... http://www.improve-relationships.com/passion_drought_turning_the_fizzle_back_into_sizzle_in_your_relationship_part_2.php Introduction This is the second installment in a 2-part article series on creating more intimacy and passion in your relationship. In Part 1, you learned about the developmental stages that gay couples go through in their relationships and how declining passion is a normal phenomenon and indication that your partnership is growing and maturing. You also had the opportunity to complete a self-assessment to uncover any blocks that could stand in the way of your having more passion in your relationship. Part 2 will now offer some practical tips and suggestions for enhancing intimacy in your relationship to bring more life and spice to what you and your partner already share. ... http://www.improve-relationships.com/passion_drought_turning_the_fizzle_back_into_sizzle_in_your_relationship_part_1.php Introduction Many gay men in both short and long-term relationships report concern when the romance and passion in their partnerships decline or “dry up”, leading them to question themselves and fear for the future of their relationships. An unfortunate consequence of this is that many men break up with their partners prematurely at this point, have affairs, or turn to some form of addiction to cope under the mistaken notion that something is defective or wrong in their relationships. This article is the first in a two-part series and will describe how this phenomenon is a normal occurrence in healthy relationship development and how you can assess your own “relationship red flags” that... http://www.improve-relationships.com/maintaining_relationship_real_issue.php The biggest obstacle to creating successful and satisfying open relationships is jealousy. Jealousy is scary. People feel jealous when they experience the unpleasant suspicion that their man or woman is being unfaithful. People suspect the presence of a rival and fear losing out. Our stomach moves in waves and we can’t breathe. Our head feels like it will burst open. Our heart pounds in our throat and we can't talk. Jealousy in Relationships Jealousy is a real issue and if left untreated, can create a permanent wedge between partners, while negatively affecting future relationships. Luckily, it can be controlled. Most of us experience jealousy if our spouse or lover has a sexual... http://www.improve-relationships.com/loving_words_heal_relationships.php The most powerful two phrases that heal a damaged relationship are also the two phrases that are hardest to say… “I’m Sorry” and “I was wrong”…This is essential in healing relationships for couples especially on how to save a marriage. The reason why these phrases are hardest to say is because we do not want to admit that we have caused anything that broke or hurt a relationship. Most of the time we say that it was the other person’s fault. And we wait for him or her to be the first to apologize. However, the apology never comes because the other person is also waiting for it. And we know that relationships within the family and outside of it sometimes end because of the lack of this... http://www.improve-relationships.com/love_relationships_focusing_on_what_went_right.php What's all the Hype about Love Relationships, Anyway? Love relationships are not what they're cracked up to be. They take real effort -- things like: admiration, commitment, dedication, devotion, forgiveness, encouragement, strength, inspiration, motivation, understanding, compassion, hope, desire, steadfastness, and so much more. What people don't realize (when they enter relationships) is love, though a beautiful thing, takes honest-to-goodness work -- on both ends. If one can imagine two halves of an element - one side cannot function properly without the other; thus, it takes two halves to form a whole system of energy. A good example of what can transpire (in scientific... http://www.improve-relationships.com/long_lasting_love_relationships.php Dating and establishing love relationships can be compared to choosing a vehicle. You pick out the make, model, year, color and features that you believe are best for you. After driving your vehicle for a couple of months, you realize that perhaps you should have purchased a larger car, or that maybe the leather seats would have been better, or on hot sunny days, the sunroof would have been nice. However, it is now too late so you choose to keep your car and accept the decision you made. It is the same for a marriage or couple relationship. Not everything will be perfect and there will be major obstacles to overcome but you have made your decision and now you choose to make it work no... http://www.improve-relationships.com/is_your_relationships_emotionally_safe.php “Whatever,” “Fine,” “OK,” “Nothing”—these are just a few of the comments that people make when they are indifferent to some aspect of the relationship. Continued indifference is usually followed by apathy, then total withdrawal and then finally emotional as well as physical separation. All of these can have a devastating affect on communication, trust, respect, and even whether you like your partner. If it is easier to hide your true feelings or beliefs than argue about them, you may have an un-safe relationship. What do I mean by a safe relationship? It is one without: - judgments - invalidation (see glossary) - personal agendas - retribution - negatively delivered criticism -... http://www.improve-relationships.com/improve_your_relationships_through_vastu.php Do you want be in a relationship that brings you deep fulfillment and love? Or perhaps you want a more satisfying connection with that one person already in your life? Would you like to have a deeply rewarding relationship with yourself? >From a Vastu perspective, if your home is not in proper balance, those things that you desire most in life can elude you causing sadness, disappointment, and lost opportunities. Relationships, like other areas of your life, can be compromised when your home is not in balance with the natural forces that permeate the world and our Universe. In nature all five elements (earth, water, fire, air and space) are in balance. When building, very little... http://www.improve-relationships.com/hypnosis_5_principles_for_a_maintaining_a_successful_relationship.php Why is it that so many relationships, which start off with such energy and enthusiasm, seem to lose their glitter just a few weeks down the road? Studies have shown that there are five basic principles, which govern the quality of a relationship in the long run: Principle #1: Knowledge of the other person’s preferences How does your husband or wife like to be told that you love him or her? How would you like to be told that your lover or spouse loves you. Would you like to touched in a certain way, or would you like to be embraced in a certain way, or would you like love to be expressed in words, or would you like to be looked in the eyes in a certain way? Love is a very delicate affair,... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_make_a_relationship_last.php For a relationship to last, there are few basic requirements. The rapidity with which relationships are breaking in the modern days is a matter of concern and we should try to find out how to make a relationship that lasts for a long time. The major factors that affect the survival of a relationship are as below - Selection Of Partner - Sometimes, our selection of partner may be wrong. We may have nothing in common and our values and goals may be very different. With bad selection from the beginning, no relationship can survive for long. One of the main reasons of wrong partner selection may be hurry in selection of partner and inattention to the true nature of the selected... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_improve_relationships_with_feng_shui_remedies.php In order to improve relationships, many people have increasingly turned to Feng Shui remedies hoping to find a solution for their woes. The Feng Shui used in this article is the Eight Mansion (Pa-Kua) School under the Xuan Kong System. For more information on this, and for more basics on Feng Shui, you can visit the following page: http://www.mandarin-ducks.com/fengshui.html SLEEPING POSITION The easiest thing you can do to activate your personal relationships is to sleep with your head pointing towards your Nien Yin (Personal Relationship) direction. For couples, it is recommended that you sleep in a bedroom located in the female's Nien Yin corner of the house, while you sleep with... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_find_relationship_advice.php One thing to keep in mind when seeking relationship advice is that the relationship advice business is exactly that - a business, and a big business at that. It is important to be aware that there is a lot of bad advice available in the marketplace, a lot of poorly trained relationship counselors around, and a lot of poorly conceived and badly written books on the subject. So what do you do when you feel your relationship is starting to suffer? Where do you turn? The very first place to turn is to your friends and family members to see if they have had any experience in seeking out good relationship help. At the very worst, they may be able to steer you away from some counselor who... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_determine_if_you_have_a_good_relationship.php Stop Your Divorce and Save Your Marriage How do you know if you are in a good relationship? Most of us know when we do a good job at work but most can’t tell whether they are in a good relationship or not. Can you? If you can’t you can learn to tell if you are in a good relationship. Better yet, you don’t have to wait and see over a long period of time if you and your partner will make each other happy or miserable down the road. No matter what stage of the relationship you are in, you can take its pulse right now and be able to tell if it’s thriving, sick and needs help, or if it’s beyond help and needs to end. First, understand that your feelings are not always a good barometer of... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_decide_whether_to_keep_your_marriage_or_other_relationship_going_or_to_end_it.php In their top-selling book "Should You Stay or Should You Go?" Relationship Coaches Susie and Otto Collins offer expert advice to help you decide how to know WHEN or IF it's time to break up, leave your relationship or get a divorce. Theirs is an "action book" provided in traditional print form or in a downloadble e-book version that is "filled with hundreds of questions, stories and insights that will help you consciously determine whether to stay in your present relationship or to move on." Relationship Experts Susie and Otto assert that their book "will take you through a powerful process of discovery about yourself, your partner and your relationship" and that "by going... http://www.improve-relationships.com/how_to_be_romantic_in_long_distance_relationships.php Throughout our experience working with long distance couples, we frequently heard that long distance relationship does not have the elements of romance in it. This is not caused by the lack of love in long distance relationship but couples in such situation just do not know how to be romantic to each other. Romance in long distance relationship is necessary and it can make your relationship stronger regardless how far your lover may be. There are million of things you can do to increase the romance in your long distance relationship. The basic rule here is to build your ability to show your distance partner that you really cherish and value the relationship throughout your LDR.... http://www.improve-relationships.com/happy_relationships.php Happy Relationships by Udo Vieth Did you know that apart from financial problems, heck even with financial problems, the biggest threat to a happy relationship is a negative person. Lets face it, if nothing is ever good or positive, sooner or later either the other partner or the relationship itself will not be good enough. That person will find the negative in any situation, including the relationship. They will find the faults with you, no matter how small. Now if that information was used in a positive way to enhance or "fix" a relationship, great! But the negative person will use this information, focus on it continuously and bring it up constantly. Eventually,... http://www.improve-relationships.com/getting_over_a_simple_ways_for_an_effective_relationship_rescue.php Most couples experience a stormy weather in their relationship at one point or another in their lives. This is very natural because there are a lot of factors that can create conflicts between couples and at times, nobody wants to give way. This is where most of the relationship problems start, when both partners do not recognize their faults and shortcomings and both are trying to point out that they are right and it is always the other who is wrong. However, conflicts should never be reason enough to end a relationship. There are still simple ways that can be done in order to achieve a successful relationship rescue. Communicate with your partner Communication is one of the most... http://www.improve-relationships.com/getting_more_from_dating_romantic_relationships_and_marriage.php Romantic relationships happen because of the hopes and dreams a couple has for a happy life together. The relationship will continue to be pleasant and rewarding as long as the hopes and dreams are kept alive by staying concerned with what is good about the relationship. This article suggests ways for staying aware of what makes your romantic relationship worthwhile. Don't Expect Too Much -- Don't expect a perfect relationship. That happens only in fairy tales. If you expect everything to be wonderful, it makes your relationship less valuable by comparison. Problems will occur. You will get hurt. Being too concerned with the problems will stop you from paying attention to what is... http://www.improve-relationships.com/geting_the_most_from_romantic_relationships.php You can improve how good your relationship is. A few basic guidelines will make your relationship more enjoyable and beneficial for both of you. A romantic relationship has many benefits: companionship, being inspired by someone else's example, and stimulation by the other person's ideas. Keep in mind that those benefits are there and that they are important. Don't use a relationship as a way to solve your problems. Dating and marriage are not ways to overcome unhappiness, escape from boredom, and improve self-image. You must do those things for yourself. Using a relationship for those reasons puts burdens on the relationship that make it less pleasant and less rewarding. Your... http://www.improve-relationships.com/five_ways_to_refresh_your_relationship.php A relationship is like a delicate rose bush. If you care for it, it will bloom year after year with unsurpassed beauty. If you don't, you might end up with a dull, lifeless entity that is struggling to survive. Below are five ideas to keep your relationship in bloom for years to come. If you are single, read these tips with an eye on what you will want to do in a long-term relationship. If you are in a relationship, pick one or two of the five ideas and integrate them into your relationship now. You will be amazed at how many nice feelings you can create quickly by taking a few simple steps. 1. Make time for your relationship week after week. Take time for each other every single week.... http://www.improve-relationships.com/five_ways_to_improve_any_relationship.php Want to improve your relationships, both romantic and otherwise? Want to grow in intimacy and closeness with your friends, family, co-workers, your special someone? Then include the following five easy steps into your interactions with those important to you. 1. Acknowledge the big and the little things. People want to be seen. They want their actions, attitudes, feelings and aspirations to be noticed and acknowledged. Become a person who notices. 2. Give thanks and appreciation. Thank others and they are more likely to do more of the same. Why? Because being thanked feels good. Tell them you appreciate it too. 3. Give 'just because' appreciation for who they are. Make a list of what you... http://www.improve-relationships.com/communication_is_a_key_factor_in_long_term_relationships.php While physical attraction may draw you close to a person, and their personality may make you adore them, communication is a key aspect of relationships that cannot be ignored. Miscommunication between couples is one of the main reasons that break-ups occur. In this article, we'll discuss some of the aspects of conversation that you need to pay close attention to in order to ensure that your relationship will be happy and successful. First and foremost, being a good listener is a necessity in a relationship. The more that your loved one understands that you are truly listening to them and appreciating the things that they tell you, the more open that they will be with you when discussing... http://www.improve-relationships.com/codependent_relationships_takers_and_caretakers.php The following article is offered for free use in your ezine, print publication or on your web site, so long as the author resource box at the end is included, with hyperlinks. Notification of publication would be appreciated. Title: Codependent Relationships: Takers and Caretakers Author: Margaret Paul, Ph.D. E-mail: mailto:margaret@innerbonding.com Copyright: © 2005 by Margaret Paul URL: http://www.innerbonding.com Word Count: 704 Category: Relationships Codependent Relationships: Takers and Caretakers By Margaret Paul, Ph.D. Takers and caretakers – they often seem to find each other! As a counselor who has worked with relationships for 37 years, I can tell you that this is the most... http://www.improve-relationships.com/are_you_addicted_to_bad_relationships.php Do you often find that you involve yourself in relationships that disappoint you? Are you not getting what you need and desire from the people you choose to date? Does there always seem to be something missing? If you answered yes to one or all of those questions, you could very well be addicted to disappointing and bad relationships, setting yourself up for failure without even knowing it. There are ways you can determine whether you are addicted or not, and ways you can break the addiction and start getting what you have always wanted from a relationship. Before we cover the symptoms of addiction, it is important that we cover the dangers of staying in a bad relationship. Since bad... http://www.improve-relationships.com/are_money_conflicts_ruining_your_relationship.php The following article is offered for free use in your ezine, print publication or on your web site, so long as the author resource box at the end is included, with hyperlinks. Notification of publication would be appreciated. For other articles which you are free to use, see http://www.innerbonding.com Title: Are Money Conflicts Ruining Your Relationship? Author: Margaret Paul, Ph.D. E-mail: mailto:margaret@innerbonding.com Copyright: © 2004 by Margaret Paul URL: http://www.innerbonding.com Word Count: 831 Category: Relationships, Conflict Resolution Are Money Conflicts Ruining Your Relationship? By Margaret Paul, Ph.D. Sam and Rita are multimillionaires. Sam is the president of a... http://www.improve-relationships.com/am_i_addicted_to_my_relationship.php We all want love. We all want to feel needed, nurtured and cared for. We also want to give love and nurture others. Sometimes, this desire for a romantic relationship becomes unhealthy, even toxic. How do we know when our desire for happily ever after has become all-consuming, addictive? And when we are aware of the addictive nature of the relationship, what do we do? Are You Addicted To Your Relationship? Relationships can act in the same ways as drugs and alcohol. We can use relationships to make us happy and fill the emptiness we feel in our lives. If your relationship is physically or emotionally abusive, but you find yourself constantly trying to... http://www.improve-relationships.com/all_about_love_what_is_a_healthy_relationship.php What are the magic ingredients of a truly healthy relationship? How do you know whether the current romantic relationship, love affair, or even marriage is the 'right' one for you? For starters, ask yourself how you feel about 75% of the time. Be brutally honest. Would you describe your mood as predominantly happy or sad, your basic outlook as mostly positive or negative? A healthy relationship doesn't make you feel miserable. You don't need to endlessly obsess about issues over which you have no control, such as "Will he ever leave his wife so that we can be married, even after his children graduate from college, like he promised?" Why do so many people settle for being... http://www.improve-relationships.com/add_trust_to_your_relationship.php Trust is something that is important to every single relationship you have. No matter if it is a relationship of friends, family, or even a relationship of lovers; trust must be there to make it successful. So, if you are noticing a lack of trust within your relationship, how can you get trust back into your relationship? How can trust be incorporated into your life, daily? How can you trust if you’ve been hurt in relationships before? It is hard to add trust into a relationship that is already damaged. But, it is necessary in the most immediate way. Relationships are built on qualities like trust. If the trust in your relationship is week, chances are good that the relationship will... http://www.improve-relationships.com/acceptance_the_answer_to_your_relationships.php Learning to accept that which you fear most is a healthy way to improve your outlook on life. This applies to relationships, too. Learn how accepting that which you most fear about your relationship status will help you begin living your best life. "Accepting the thing you fear the most -- which is not having the thing you want the most -- often has a transformative quality." ~ Rinatta Paries Acceptance, as a spiritual concept and practice, may be a powerful answer to your relationships -- regardless of whether you are single or in a relationship. I have certainly found it to be a powerful tool for me and for my clients. The type of acceptance I am referring to is not about giving... http://www.improve-relationships.com/a_kernel_of_truth_about_relationships_5_steps_to_improvement.php “It’s all about relationships!” proclaimed my father during our recent holiday visit with my parents. Santa Claus coffee cup in one hand and a wagging finger toward my wife, Elizabeth, with the other. “When you retire, that’s what you realize is most important in life” (okay, so that’s not him in the photo). Dad recently retired from 30+ years as an orthopedic surgeon and the major shift in lifestyle seems to have brought about a significant shift in his outlook on life. For me, his statement about relationships became much broader and more profound than I thought such a simple and reasonable statement could ever become. At first look, it makes sense that relationships are vital to... http://www.improve-relationships.com/7_ways_to_improve_your_relationship.php Good relationships don’t just happen. I’ve heard many of my clients state that, “If I have to work at it, then it’s not the right relationship.” This is not a true statement, any more than it’s true that you don’t have to work at good physical health through exercise, eating well, and stress reduction. I’ve discovered, in the 35 years that I’ve been counseling couples, 7 choices you can make that will not only improve your relationship, but can turn a failing relationship into a successful one. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF This is the most important choice you can make to improve your relationship. This means that you learn how to take responsibility for your own feelings and... http://www.improve-relationships.com/7_power_skills_that_build_strong_relationships.php A strong, healthy relationship is one in which the partners show respect and kindness toward each other. The relationship forms a rewarding and enduring bond of trust and support. Here are seven power skills that will help you form stronger alliances and bring more closeness, authenticity and trust to your relationships. 1. Relax Optimistically If you are comfortable around others, they will feel comfortable around you. If you appear nervous, others will sense it and withdraw. If you are meeting someone for the first time, brighten up as if you've rediscovered a long-lost friend. A smile will always be the most powerful builder of rapport. Communicating with relaxed optimism, energy and... http://www.improve-relationships.com/7_myths_about_creating_a_better_relationship.php 7 Myths About Creating A Better Relationship by Cecil McIntosh In my private practice for over 14 years no matter what my clients have come to see me about, there has always been an issue about a better relationship. Here are 7 of the most common misconceptions my clients have related to me about having a better relationship. These misconceptions are followed by my perspective on each one of them. Myth 1 I have to love everything about my partner. Reality Check 1 You were born pure and pristine. You then learnt behaviors from your parents, teacher, coaches, church etc. (who did their best to teach you about a better relationship). These behaviors have become the backbone for your... http://www.improve-relationships.com/4_tips_for_moving_forward_when_your_relationship_has_ended.php It seems that everywhere you look, many long-standing (or short) relationships and/or marriages are dissolving. If you're like most people, when this happens, you find yourself stuck in thinking about the past, wondering what went wrong, and unable to move from the pain of the relationship. You might even fear that any future relationship will turn out the same. It doesn't matter whether you left the relationship or were left-the best advice we can give you is to learn from the past and not carry old "baggage" into the new life you envision for yourself. Here are 4 ideas to help you move forward in a more empowering way: Tip 1: Never look at a relationship (or anything else) that hasn't... http://www.improve-relationships.com/3_proven_strategies_to_a_healthy_and_happy_relationship.php Is creating a healthy, happy relationship with the love of your life a dream for you? Not at all, if you would learn some fundamental principles to keeping and maintaining a happy relationship. The principles discussed here can also be applied to all your human relationships - whether it's with your child, your friends, your co-worker, or even your boss! 1) Acceptence And Forgiveness Don’t try to change someone. This is a must. If a person really wants to change, that person will need to be motivated and take action. Period. And if you seriously desire and hope to see the changes you like to see in you partner. Here's the secret. Do not make your desire to change him/her looks like... http://www.improve-relationships.com/10_simple_relationship_resolutions_tips.php 10 simple tips to help you keep this year's relationship resolutions. Every January, millions of us make New Year’s resolutions to stop smoking, to lose weight, to join a gym—and to improve our relationships. Then, halfway though the month (if we make it that far) we break our promise to ourselves and to our partners. To compound the problem, we then wait 11 more months to "try" again. Is it any wonder that there are so many lonely, single men and women at all of those New Year’s Eve parties? Happy couples know that persistence is one of the primary secrets to a successful relationship. Happy couples don’t give up. If their relationship isn’t working, they get resourceful; they try... http://www.improve-relationships.com/10_mistakes_women_make_in_relationships_with_men.php Women, no matter what type, have a tendency to unintentionally push a man's buttons in the beginning of a relationship. This usually leads to the "Where did I go wrong?", and by this time, he's most likely to avoid any questions you insist on asking him about it. There are ways to avoid this, and there are ways to get your questions answered without having him realize he's opening up. Which is a subject in itself. I am going to keep this as short, and sweet as possible. These are 10 mistakes women tend to make with their beaus in the beginning, or start of a relationship, that usually get the break-up ball rolling. These are in no particular order, as they can vary in damage from each...