Inspiring articles

 

7 proven signs that you’ve found true love

 

“You shouldn’t fear letting your man know when he’s upset you….That type of communication should make [you and your partner] closer.”

It’s not always easy to tell the difference between lust, sexlove and true love. You know you have something special with your man, but you’re still feeling things out and figuring out where you stand. But how do you know when it’s truly true love? According to Madame Noire, there are 7 things you should be comfortable doing in front of your guy.

 
Every relationship differs, but being yourself ensures happiness on both ends. Sometimes that means showing your not-so-boyfriend-friendly side. And true love means finding a guy who is totally okay with (and sometimes even crazy about) that side. So, without further adieu, here are Madame Noire’s compilation of things you should be able to do in front of a guy you truly love. Oh, and then there’s how I’m making out in my relationship.
1. Getting mad (at him): “You shouldn’t fear letting your man know when he’s upset you….That type of communication should make [you and your partner] closer.” We rarely fight, but once a month, without fail, my inner lady-beast unleashes on the person closest to me: my lovahhhh. But J is seriously so good at putting up with my PMS mood swings that always wind up directed at him. Last week I got angry when he stood too close to me in the bathroom while I was blowdrying my hair (there is no rhyme or reason) and he knew just to walk away from the situation. He’s even matured to the point where he knows that sometimes I just need to vent. So he doesn’t argue back, he just listens. I can’t ask for more than that.
2. Getting mad (at others): “It’s healthy to be a bit of a crazy you-know-what sometimes, and you want a man that is not only okay with that, but finds it attractive that you don’t let anyone step on you.” J encourages me to be less of a push-over (especially at work when I tend to stand in a corner quivering in fear) and stand up for myself, even if that means turning into a not-so-nice version of myself. He’s my biggest cheerleader (he has spirit fingers to prove it) and I feel braver pitching new ideas when I know J has my back.
3. Crying: “Give him that chance [to make you feel better] and don’t go hide whenever you feel the need to cry.” Okay, so, I’m not really huge on the waterworks. But I do have one guilty pleasure: watching Grey’s Anatomy every week and balling like a baby. J wonders why I would watch a show that makes me tear up so badly and I just tell him that it’s my one release a week (I really feel better after that one good cry). He kind of gets it. He just goes in the other room when Grey’s is on now.
4. Being insecure: “You want a man who hugs you, gives you that reassurance, indulges you in your momentary lapse of insecurity, and then forgets about it.” GUILTY! I have become such a codependent dresser. I literally cannot choose an outfit in the morning without getting J’s approval (what can I say, my man has style). But starting off my day hearing my boyfriend tell me he likes the way I look allows me to feel confident (and loved) and ready to tackle the world.
5. Looking unkempt: “Men feel closer to a woman when they get to hang in bed with her, looking the way she only looks at home.” Here at Glamour, we’re always hearing that guys love girls when they’re less done up. They prefer the jeans and tee look. That’s guy pretty. But even I had a hard time letting my guard down with J in the beginning—I wanted to look as put-together and sexy as possible for him all the time. And then we moved in together. Now he comes home and finds me with my sweatpants and glasses on eating ice cream right out of the container…and he joins me.
6. Getting sick: “If you’re going to spend your life with this person, they need to know that you are human.” Let’s see. There was that first weekend being sick at home together a few months back, the time I passed out in the shower during sexy time…and then there was last weekend when I drunkenly puked on his shoes. Can we all agree that I’ve crossed all my bases with this one? Sorry J, sorry.
7. Being affectionate to others: “Physical closeness is a human need! [Your boyfriend] should be secure enough in himself to know that just because you hug, or even kiss on the cheek, a male friend doesn’t mean you want to tear his clothes off.” I have tons of guy friends and J has even more girl friends. He has never complained about me being affectionate with others, but that might be because when we’re out with a group of people I make sure to give him extra attention. I’ll be the first to admit it: I love PDA with my man. And no, I don’t mean over-the-top making out in front of our friends. But I am guilty of grabbing his ass in public. God, I love that ass. And he knows it. So, no, J doesn’t mind if I give my high school bud a kiss hello.
Where do you stand with your boyfriend according to this list? Are you comfortable enough to show him your not-so-boyfriend-friendly side? Would you say you’re in true love?
by Melissa Melms

Do Men Really Care If A Woman Has Enhancements?

Sadly yes, men do care whether or not your nose, your breasts, your butt, or your eyes are real. Some men may pretend to not care, and a few actually don't, but if we're talking about men in a general sense, then you would get a resounding "hell yes" from the populace.
When men talk, there tends to be high value placed on women who are blessed with good genes and lovely lady lumps. Women with natural beauty, natural breasts (or a good enough plastic surgeon) are placed upon this golden altar of worship where men wonder at her marvel.
If you're a healthy B cup, you have more chances of a guy taking you seriously than a fake perky C - unless they look natural. Let me go into detail for you girls in the crowd, because I know what you're thinking... big boobs make men go crazy, regardless of them being real or fake. Well I am talking long-term woman in our lives standard, and trust me when I say that men roll for real over fake any day of the week.
I am not talking about the man who's going through a mid-life crisis and buys his girlfriend double D balloons because he doesn't care. I am talking about regular men who are looking for a life-partner..
If they look and feel real then men will love them all the same
Yup, we hate basketballs on your chest, but mess around and have them droop naturally and feel like the real deal and our minds will accept them as yours. Odd right? Same goes for a fake butt, unlike breast implants, many men don't even know that this exists, just like fake pectorals, fake calves and penile enhancement... things we men do to compete in the perfection Olympics.
But this isn't meant to be a negative look at enhancements to the female (or male) body, it is a choice but this question does come up a lot.
Do men really care, or is it better to just get the biggest pair of breasts that money can buy and immediately land a man for doing it? Some guys don't care, hell a woman with a bad boob job who dresses like a million bucks will get absolutely no fight out of a man if she wants him. It's just that we argue for the natural, because ideally we would prefer them to be so.
At the end of the day it is up to you as a woman because you own your body and it is yours to do whatever you feel with it. But if you are truly weighing the pros and cons of enhancement I want you to know that a man who can love on those A-cups like nobody's business will probably be more real about his feelings than a dude who is willing to pay $3,000 to have a doctor slice you up.
By Gregory Dyer

 

 

Natural Ways to Deal With Depression

       

    

.EXERCISE
Exercising is one way of reducing the anxiety level and is a solution to mild depression. The existing research supports this claiming that through exercises, some sort of satisfaction chemicals referred to as endorphins are released into the brain. A study conducted in Maryland University found out that engaging in exercises led to a reduction in depression amongst students. This can be either a temporary solution or long term depending on an individual. By engaging in regular exercises, the brain is conditioned to refocus on positive things shunning the issues that caused the depression and anxiety in the first place. You do not have to run marathons to achieve this rather just a few walks can do the trick. Other recommended exercises include aerobics, yoga and weightlifting amongst others.
.INTERACTING WITH PEOPLE
Depression indeed abhors company. Being alone is one of the key ingredients fuelling anxiety and worsening the depression. People suffering from depression feel the urge to be alone and undisturbed hoping they will work out the problems alone. As much as this may seem to be the most tenable solution all it does is exacerbate the feeling of helplessness. The perfect antidote for this is to socialize with people that are trustworthy and that make you feel good. It is advisable to at this time shun people who make you feel unworthy and downtrodden and rather stick to those who radiate positivity. Happiness is contagious and interacting with happy people will indeed give you a refreshed outlook in life.
.TRY TO SLEEP OFF
Experts recommend sleep as one of the best remedies to mild and moderate forms of depression. They refer it to be similar to a system reboot and there is a likelihood you will wake up feeling more refreshed and with more positive thoughts. Depression often leads to self-loathing and other negative thoughts about oneself and life in general. Sleep can be a natural cure to this if it is long, deep and uninterrupted. When suffering from depression it is common to have insomnia. Other people demonstrate the urge to sleep and may do so for hours. For those that have sleeping problems, taking sedatives or relaxants has been found to work laying credence to the fact that sleep is indeed an effective remedy. The problem with lack of sleep is that it presents mood complexities during the day a fact that can worsen the depression.
.BREAKING THE ROUTINE
When the initial symptoms of depression start to stream in it is good to change the routine and opt for more refreshing tasks and responsibilities. There are tens of issues that can trigger depression; it can be the death of a close relative or friend, loss of a job, money problems, being jilted by a lover or other earthshaking issues. When faced by any such situations it is always advisable to change the routine and instead focus on activities that reduce interaction with what triggered the depression in the first place. Following the same routine that you have followed for ages can indeed lead to monotony which further fuels anxiety. It could be taking a day off from work, going out with friends in the evening, travelling to ease your mind or just taking an evening walk. This break from tradition will indeed give you something new to look forward to and will in the end make you happier.
.A HEALTHY DIET
People usually take depression in varied ways. There are those who resort to sleeping, eating or not eating at all. Depression has been recognized as both a major cause of obesity and anorexia. There are people who turn to junk foodstuffs and sugary food when depressed and if this progresses for long their weight mushrooms beyond expectations. Others however find the idea of food disgusting and have low appetites. For these there is usually a large slump in weight that might result to adverse health problems. To alleviate this experts advise sticking to a good and healthy diet. A healthy diet boosts the release of feel good endorphin chemicals. This indeed provides a remedy to depressive feelings. Eating healthy foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and those rich in folic acids such as salmon and avocado respectively can indeed ease your anxiety.
.CHANGE OF SURROUNDINGS
When depressed there is a general likelihood of feeling uncomfortable with the present environment. There are those who blame their current woes on their environment feeling that they would want to move away from their homes. Although the blame game is not highly recommended change of scenery is indeed a healthy option. Sometimes the present environment might keep reminding you of your problems further fuelling your anxieties. This however does not mean that you should move away forever but rather is taking a small vacation until the bad feelings are reduced. It is important that this change not be radical lest it leads to additional problems. If one cannot afford a vacation, changing the house set up can also help alleviate the feeling. It could be undertaking a thorough cleaning, getting rid of some old junks in the house to create more room or just adding more natural lighting.
Other natural remedies include group therapy, where people share their problems, positive thinking where you try and analyze your successes and also taking supplements with the assistance of your doctor. The remedies to depression are indeed many and they should not be taken in isolation rather a combination of two or three will do the trick. It is always advisable to seek the attention of a physician should the situation exacerbate further.
By Qossay Takroori

 

 

 

Depression: Signs and Symptoms

    

We all feel down at one time or another and being sad on occasion is something that comes with everyday life, but if you find yourself feeling sad all the time, you might be suffering from depression. It is very important that you understand the signs and symptoms of depression if you are going to deal with the problem in an effective manner.Depression is a problem that affects millions of Americans each year, and in many cases, the symptoms are ignored or pushed aside, which can lead to other problems, such as alcohol and drug abuse, self-harm, and even suicide. Understanding the danger signs can help you realize when to seek help from medical professionals before it's too late.There are many things that trigger depression-a chemical imbalance, the loss of a loved one, unemployment, a divorce, financial problems, and recently, depression has also been linked to heredity factors as well. Even if you have bounced back from life's setbacks before, if you are especially hard hit by an event, it can trigger an episode of depression, even if you have never had depression problems in the past. In order to recognize whether or not you need help, understanding and recognizing the symptoms are the most important factors in treating the problem.Some of the major signs of depression are sleeping too much, losing interest in things that you once loved to do, feeling angry, anxious, or aggressive toward others, especially without due cause, a marked decrease in proper hygiene, and drastic changes in appetite. While these symptoms may vary from person to person, they are a common thread when it comes to diagnosing depression, and if these symptoms are ignored, it will only lead to more troublesome and dangerous behavior.

If depression goes untreated, in many cases, it can lead to self-harm and suicide. Suicidal thoughts and actions are the end result of untreated depression, as the problem is a mental slippery slope with degrees of severity.
If you have several of the symptoms mentioned above, the best thing to do is to see a doctor right away before the condition worsens, particularly if there is a history of depression in your family or if you have experienced a traumatic event. Don't ignore the signs and symptoms of depression-get help because the sooner you understand depression and the impact it can have on your life, the sooner you can conquer it and live a happier life.
By Chris Paston   

 

Picking Yourself Up When You're Down

 

It's easy to feel motivated and inspired when things are going well. During these times you feel inspired to achieve and follow through on all the steps you've meticulously devised to reach your goals. But what happens when you hit a fork in the road? For example:
1) you receive an unexpected bill
2) you experience rejection
3) you notice you've gained weight
4) you fight with a loved one
These negative (unexpected) experiences can really bring you down and throw you off course. Further, if you're not careful, they can quickly cause you to spiral into thoughts of helplessness and hopelessness which often lead to depression.
In order to cope with the struggles life can throw at you - in the moment - it helps to tackle your moods from the physical and then, from the emotional/psychological perspectives.
Taking the first step - tackling the Physical side of your mood:
In the midst of a negative mood, you first need to change your physical body to try to shake off the feeling of hopelessness. Unfortunately this is when many people turn to alcohol and/or medication for a quick-fix solution (later suffering from the side effects). Better options include eating foods that release serotonin - like tuna, having a coffee or going for a walk/run.
The second step - tackling the emotional and psychological side of your mood:
After you've shaken off the physical component, it's important to work through the emotional and psychological components of how you are feeling. This often requires speaking to someone else who can give you a balanced perspective. This is why it's great if therapists can make themselves available to clients in between sessions via text or email (when they are in the midst of a stressful situation or mood, rather than waiting until they have their next scheduled appointment to discuss major issues that arise). That way they can have a quick response to assist them to snap out of their negative state and feel better about moving forward - when it counts most.
The last step is taking control.
Take a moment to step back and review your feelings and the circumstances that led to your emotional and physical reactions - with a more rational and clear mindset. Then take some time to think through any immediate action you could take to get through it. For instance, if you've experiences rejection, take some time to think about your approach to new or current relationships and see whether perhaps any negative emotions such as insecurity and neediness are sabotaging your efforts. Then, take a new course of action to improve these feelings and move forward.
Life will often throw things at you when you least expect it. However, if you cope with the strategies noted above, you will increase your resilience and optimism and live a much happier and fulfilling life.

By Liz Grace O'Halloran

The Art of Listening

Why is this? Typically we approach a conversation with another person as if they were a blank canvas upon which we can write words that they will receive and understand exactly as we intend. When they don't "get" our message exactly as we intend, we get irritated and think they must not be listening, don't understand, are playing games or being hostile.
But are we really speaking to a blank canvas? Of course not. The other person is living in his or her internal conversation. The one in their head that they refer to mostly as "self talk." Before you even open your mouth, he is already listening, to himself. Why? Because people are always listening to their own internal conversation.
So the question is not whether we are listening when someone speaks to us. It's a question of how we are listening. We always have an internal conversation going on as we listen to another person and that conversation filters everything we hear. Virtually everyone listens in one or more of a particular set of ways. Some of these internal filtering conversations are: get to the point, what am I going to say next, do I agree with you or not?, is what you are saying right?, whose going to win in this conversation?, find the flaw, why are you attacking me?, are you approving of me?, and a few others.
Do people decide in advance how they are going to listen? Of course not. All of these ways of listening are automatic and unconscious. Our conversation is what it is. It has a mind of its own. We listen how we listen, we react to the things we react to without much forethought and it's just that way. The fact is, you were born into a paradigm where you were trained to listen in these ways, just like everyone else, without any thought on your part whatsoever.
People are not aware of the power of their listening. We live the life of the victim, as if someone "out there" is out to get us. Let's be clear. There is no such thing as a victim. We shape our world with how we listen. If we listen attack, guess how everything shows up for us? Like an attack! If we listen agree/disagree, then that's what's available to us in any discussion. You get no new information, no new ideas, and no ability for anyone to make a difference with you. All you get to do is agree or disagree.
Here's the worst part of all: If you really analyze all of these ways of listening, you will see that your attention is on yourself and your only concern is your own self-interests. You are concerned with protecting yourself because each of these ways of listening is fundamentally adversarial in nature. You're over there; I'm over here. You show up as a threat to me and I have to protect myself from you.
Why can't we all get along? In most interactions, we have person X with his attention on himself and concerned with his own self-interests and person Y with her attention on herself and concerned with protecting herself. When they talk to each other, do they have a meaningful, intimate conversation? No way. Most conversations resemble two television sets tuned to different channels broadcasting at each other.
This is the work of the ego. The ego has only one concern: its survival. For the ego, you are the center of the universe, everyone else is separate from you and, what's worse, they are all enemies.
This is why we rarely experience true communication between people. Each person's primary concern is his or her own self-interest and desire to make sure the other person hears what he or she has to say. People place very little or no attention on making sure they understand the other person. This is the root cause of most miscommunication and upsets between spouses, parents and children, team members, bosses and employees.
Given how critical our listening is to our success in every aspect of our lives, it is amazing to me that we don't all have a profound understanding of the phenomenon of listening. Listening consists of only two components. The first component is: Who do you have your attention on? The second component is: What's your internal conversation? That's it. All that "stuff" about body language, facial expression, eye contact, and the like flows directly from those two components. Understand them and you will unshackle yourself and acquire the freedom to be effective not only as a leader but in all your relationships.
Once you become aware of how you listen, which means becoming conscious of where you have your attention and your internal dialog when others are speaking to you, you can choose not to listen that way any longer. Implementing this choice will take focus, commitment and staying conscious.
Since you have your attention on yourself when you listen unconsciously, you need to put your attention on the other person to generate a more constructive way of listening. That part is simple but critical in importance. While it's simple, it is not easy. Why? Because of that ego again. Remember, it's only concerned with its survival and tells you that everyone "out there" is the enemy. It does tell you that, which is why it's totally natural, in the world of your ego, to go through life with your attention on yourself.
In addition, listen with compassion, for what the other person is committed to, for the goodness in people, how can everyone be included and everybody win.
What are the advantages of listening in one or more of these ways? You get real communication, understanding, intimacy, trust and an appreciation of the other person's position. That creates satisfaction, happiness, a sense of well being, self-confidence, joy, aliveness and ultimately rich, meaningful, quality relationships. In a business setting, the payoff is productivity, creativity, teamwork, enthusiasm, no turnover, success and of course money, results and accomplishment. You get all of this by switching the way you listen.

Scott Hunter, author, speaker and industry leader, helps people GET UNSTUCK.
Stay informed and current with insight from Scott himself.
http://www.unshackledleadership.com/
By Scott Hunter

 

Health matter

Medical Benefits of Massage Therapy

 

Health experts and professionals estimate that up to ninety percent of disease is stress-related. Perhaps nothing ages us more quickly, both internally and externally, than high stress. The effects of stress can affect many systems of the body from the central nervous system, the muscular system, the reproductive system, the respiratory system, the cardivascular, the immune system and even the lymphatic system. Stress can affect hormone levels which can result in a low or non-existent libido to trouble conceiving or infertility.
The effects of overtaxing the parasympathetic nervous system can also result in muscle tightness which causes pain, stiffness and leaves peoeple feeling tight and stiff. Stress can disrupt healthy breathing patterns which result in shortness or constrictedness of breath which results in less oxygen to the muscles and organs which impairs its ability to heal, repair and rejuevenate. The cardiovascular system can also be affected which can result in higher blood pressure which puts one at risk for cardiovasuclar disease or heart attacks. People often eat more as a coping mechanism when they feel high levels of stress which can result in obesity and all the other comobidities that often accompany weight gain such as cardiovasulcar disease, diabetes and stress on the joints of the body carrying excess weight such as the knees.
There are a variety of integrative health care or holistic health care modalities that can help to manage stress such as yoga, meditation, controlled breathing exercises and massage.
Massage has proven to be an effective tool for managing stress, which translates into decreased anxiety as well as enhanced sleep quality. Sleep is one of the most important biological processes for the body and mind since that is when the body is able to heal and repair on a deep and sustained level. One of the most ideal times to receive a massage is just before going to sleep.
Other benefits of massage include:greater energy, improved concentration, increased circulatio as well as reduced fatigue. Therapeutic massage can also help specifically address many chronic health issues. Regular bodywork can: alleviate low-back pain, correct imbalance and poor posture and improve range of motion.
Prenatal massage should be done by a massage therapist specifically trained to address the health needs of a pregnant women. It can assist with shorter, more manageable childbirth for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
Other health benefits of massage can include ease of medication dependence, enhanced immunity by stimulating lymphatic flow which is the body's natural defense system.
For athletes, regular massage therapy is a critical compoent to allieviate and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles. Massage therapists often assist athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts with regular sessions.
Massage improves the condition of the body's largest organ--the skin. It is important to use natural or organic lotions or oils when massaging since the skin will absorb it and the components of them will go into the bloodstream.
Other critical effects of massage include:Increase of joint flexibility, decrease in depression and anxiety, promotion of tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks, oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital internal organs, improving circulation and cardiovascular flow, the release of endorphins-- that work as the body's natural painkiller.

By Dr Martin Orimenko

 

 

 

The Secret Behind Attraction Marketing

Did you know that Attraction between people is not a choice, it is a biological response.
Furthermore there exists Attraction Triggers and if we learn how to switch these attraction triggers within ourselves, we automatically begin to attract other people.
Two of the most important triggers in existence are VALUE and STATUS.
Did you know that If you can establish a relationship with a person of greater status or value, your personal value and status automatically increases, while through that conversation, new doors open, opportunities are found that would never have been found, new insight knowledge can be gained, new alliances can be found, new partnerships can be formed with other people who you would never have access to.
The key to success in today's marketplace is this "If you are going to sell something to someone, you have to find a way to get invited into their world as a welcome GUEST instead of a PEST.
There exists two ways that you can reach prospects
1. Play the numbers game- Traditional way
2. Position yourself in the marketplace in a manner that allows interested prospects to find you and contact you.
Option 1- chasing the prospect
Option 2- Prospect chasing you- Here you are perceived as the expert and suddenly you hold all the power and value in that situation. All of a sudden, this isn't about selling, the prospect invited you into their world.
You are in a position of a knowledgeable service provider whose expertise is sought out and pursued.
This is where you have to be in today's marketplace in order to break through the infinite noise that is out there.
When I came across this statement, it changed my way of thinking. The statement is as follows "Nobody who bought a drill actually wanted a drill, they actually wanted a hole, therefore if you want to go out and sell drills, advertise information about making holes".
This statement is a game changer that if it is applied in your business, you would experience STRATOSPHERIC SUCCESS.
Sales people market their opportunity directly, but the more excellent way is to market and promote useful information.
When your audience sees you as an expert who wants to help, instead of a sales person who wants to sell, they are gladly going to come and pursue you, when they are going to make that purchase.
You become the HUNTED, instead of the HUNTER.
EXPERTS NEVER HAVE TO ADVERTISE!!!!!!!!
They never have to promote a sales pitch, somehow in a funny way they always seem to have a line of eager customers waiting outside their door.
STOP ADVERTISING YOUR OPPORTUNITY, START ADVERTISING YOUR EXPERTISE AND KNOWLEDGE!!!!!
Do you have something to offer THEM as a LEADER AND MENTOR?

The key to success in today's marketplace is this "If you are going to sell something to someone, you have to find a way to get invited into their world as a welcome GUEST instead of a PEST.
You become the HUNTED, instead of the HUNTER.
EXPERTS NEVER HAVE TO ADVERTISE!!!!!!!
They never have to promote a sales pitch, somehow in a funny way they always seem to have a line of eager customers waiting outside their door.
STOP ADVERTISING YOUR OPPORTUNITY, START ADVERTISING YOUR EXPERTISE AND KNOWLEDGE!!!!!
By Jonathan J Okanlawon   

5 Thoughts Women Wish Men Knew

  
    

Ever wish you could read a woman's mind? I can't, so instead I asked "what do women wish men knew?"
Last night I tried to gather a group of friends together for some "Taco Tuesday" specials in Old Town San Diego. The dudes in the group bailed (ahem, Mike) so it was just me and a few great ladies. Of course conversation has to eventually cover dating, relationships, men, women, bad communication and more.
What's great, is two people sitting directly past our table, in my line of sight, were not having a good time. The absolute divide between this 20-something couple was obvious. Lady Girlfriend was leaning back, crossing her arms, and about to chew her middle finger off. Mister Boyfriend was trying his hardest. To seemingly no avail. Oh, if this guy knew what women wish men knew.
I was telling Jenna, who was sitting next to me, my plan to write an article on How to Escape Zip Ties In The Case of Your Kidnapping (you guys want to know this stuff, right??). Instead I decided I need to make some demonstration videos first so that'll have to come in a week or two. But this couple across from us inspired me to ask, "If you could tell all men five things all women wish men knew, what would they be?" Here's the material gleaned from my conversation with Jenna:
Communicate what you're thinking
We've heard this before. And whenever I hear this from women I think, "Uh, are you sure? Because when I say what I'm thinking I usually get in trouble." Well, despite the many things I've said to make a woman mad, women still wish they knew what we were thinking. Why? Because they are often busy making up what we could possibly be thinking. When it comes to relationships, they often would rather have these thoughts laid to rest.
I asked Jenna for some examples so we'd understand what women wish men knew.

• Be up front (if you like a girl);What are your intentions? If you want to get together, tell her. If you've been wanting to ask her out for weeks and you've got a budding friendship, waiting too long will either hurt and confuse her, or get you grounded in the Friendzone.
• Are we still going out tonight? If you tell her you're going to do something, do it. Don't leave her stranded someplace because you wanted to change plans or something came up last minute. If you have plans or a date, follow through. Don't say you had to work all night and bail.
• Don't say something to make her feel good that's not honest;I love this point. Often as guys we are tempted to avoid the tempest of a woman. Anger, tears, rage, sadness. Frustration and accusations. If you've ever experienced those things you're probably like me and have felt it easier to not argue, just say something to make her happy. That WILL make it easier for you in the very short-term. But if you keep making those investments into short-term happiness, you're really making long-term withdrawals. As you become passive in communication you'll have dysfunctional tools to resolve conflict.
• Communicate what you're thinking in the relationship;Don't leave her in the dark. Don't know where you're at, what you're feeling or what you want? At some point, you should be open and talk about that too.
• Listen, don't try to fix problems;Try to be a psychologist not a mechanic. If it's your first time listening to a frustration or problem, just be there to support and listen.

Here's an example statement Jenna said women wish men knew to help them process:
"I'm sorry to hear that. Want to talk about it?"
It seems so simple...
Sometimes a woman wants to vomit out a roommate issue. Well, not actually puke, just vent. So let her. If this is a pattern the lady continues to bring up, it's might be time to point that out. Process what a conversation with her roommate could look like and encourage her to have that conversation.
Chivalry isn't dead
Here's some habits that shouldn't die:

• Opening the door
• Walking on the street side of the side walk
• Compliments-tell her she smells and looks nice.
• Anything that lets her know you're thinking about her.
• If you're on a date, keep the phone in your pocket.
• Give her a hand when she's walking up steps, getting out of a car, or stepping down from something.

Be confident in your decisions
When you're deciding what to do for a date, do it confidently. Do you feel like you keep getting shot down when you share date plans? Here's how Jenna says you might respond:
"Italian is a bad idea? Okay, it sounds like you know what you want to do. Where should we go?"
When it comes to bigger decisions, if you're serious, feel free to include her in your mental process. But at some point, when an individual decision (unlike a mutual decision such as a married couple buying a house) must be made, make it boldly and confidently.
When she's emotional just let her be emotional
Whether its sadness, anger or rage-mode, let her have room for it. Be patient with it and let it go. Don't be bothered or angry. Be there for her, but give her space. She's got a process to go through and she'll invite you in when she's ready! Trust me, women wish men knew this.
More thoughts women wish men knew?
To our female audience, any other thoughts on what women wish men knew? Or any sage advice from some wise men out there?

By Todd Mayfield  
 

5 Hot Romantic Movies to Enjoy With Your Long Distance Love

                 

Watching romantic movies with your loved one while cuddling and eating delicious snacks is always a fun activity for a relaxed evening. But when you're in a long distance relationship, that's a different story...Chances are, you haven't seen your partner in weeks or even months. So you deeply miss the feeling of holding their hands and sensing their touch.
But there is good news for you...
Missing your loved one so much and longing for a kiss or a hug, brings you this unique special sensation that other couple who are always together miss out or take for granted.
So even though you may not get the chance to cuddle on the couch together tonight, you can watch one of the inspiring romantic movies below that will bring you a sweet smile, while feeling warm and loved inside.
Because the truth is, love is love. And it is REAL. Whether it's sitting next to you on the couch... or 5,000 miles away.
So why not celebrate your long distance love with a movies. And here you go...
1. The Notebook One of the best (if not THE best) romance stories about true love and the fact that it will last a lifetime - despite unlucky circumstances that would normally break typical couples up.
2. Love Actually Beautiful story of the ups and downs we face in the path of love. Because the truth is, this journey may not always be sweet and happy. Sometimes it brings us tears and heartbreaks. But at the end of the day, it's the lessons we learn from these experiences that helps us stay strong and keep our faith in love.
And you know better than anyone else, that in the journey of long distance love, faith in each other and keeping our hopes alive is more important than ever. It may be tempting some days to lose track of it. So movies like Love Actually are a helpful reminder for this fact.
3. Ghost So who says love is only as long as "death do us part"? Now here is a lovely movie that proves otherwise.
And the idea of your partner's presence right next to you - even while they're far away - is a great touch for us folks in a long distance relationship.
4. You've Got Mail Have you met your partner online? Or perhaps you first met in person but now for some reason you are apart and in touch online. Then you'll enjoy relating to this sweet story.
It's an oldie but goodie that warms you up with smiles all along.
5. 50 First Dates When you and your loved one are away, the lack of physical connection can cause distance between you over time.
That's why the idea behind this brilliant movie makes even more sense. Even while being far away, you can plan fun creative ways to "go on a date" together and spice things up. Making up for the distance, this movie gives you the perfect inspiration to keep the passion alive!

Looking for more inspiring Long Distance Romantic Movies to feel close to your loved one next time you miss him/her? Then you can check out these top 10 romance movies that will melt your heart and bring you a smile.
You can also discover more Free Romantic Date Ideas and advice, to make your dates more memorable and amazing - while keeping it fun and affordable.

By Julia Carter