Types of Love

Do you know the different types of love? What type of love do you have?

Phileo: Brotherly love, between family and close Friends
Eros: Romantic, passionate love
Storge: strong love that protects and secures, built up over a long time
Agape: selfless love

Your romantic relationship is at its best when your love is a combination of these four.

Being Romantic

What makes a person romantic? It's not flowers, silk sheets, or expensive proposals with the entire Disney cast in attendance.

The real romantic idea is one that comes from noticing and appreciating your partner. That means knowing that she hates roses and would rather have daffodils, or that his idea of a dream date is metal-detecting on the beach, not touring art galleries.

Lots of companies are in the business of peddling romance. They want you to believe that romance will come alive if you just buy this romantic getaway, that dinner, those candles, this CD. Those things can be nice, but only if they are given with a real understanding of your partner's tastes and desires.

How to Flirt

Flirting isn't obvious. If you're up-front about your desire to date or have sex with someone, you're not flirting. In a flirtatious interaction, the excitement comes from the hint at a possibility.
For many people, the thrill of flirting is simply receiving attention. To get that attention, you have to give it. Use nonverbal signals -- eye contact, standing just a little closer than normal, facing the person when he or she is speaking. There's no one magic pick-up line. Rather, it's up to you to figure out what kind of conversation the other person might enjoy. "Wow, I like your shirt" is perfectly OK in the right context, and much better than a line that sounds rehearsed.
Next, wait for a response before sending the next signal. If the person backs away, frowns, folds arms or starts flirting with someone else, don't make things worse by following him/her around. You've got your answer.
Flirting can be a great way to figure out whether you should ask someone out. If one or both of you is married and flirting, keep things strictly G-rated. Words and looks are probably OK; touching is not. If you feel like you can't help yourself, then you're in too deep and need to spend less time with this person.

What Men Want in a Relationship

I have discovered a stark contrast between what each sex thinks the opposite sex wants from them, and what the opposite sex really does want.

What women think men want from them causes women to have resentment and anger toward men, and feel hopeless about ever developing a wonderful, warm, romantic partnership. What men think women want from them causes them much of the same feelings and frustration.

The sad part is that it does not have to be this way, if only we would realize that both men and women are human beings first and pretty much want the same thing. But, you don’t have to take my word for this.

I asked a number of men and women who are actively involved in personal growth and development what they want from a partner in order to build a great relationship. You will find their answers unexpected. Discover what men said they want from women as contrasted with what women think men want. You’ll also find tips for women to give men what they want, attract a great man, and create a wonderful relationship.

Stranded at a Party

Sometimes, socializing can be a sort of double-edged sword – especially if you're not naturally outgoing. You have to meet people in order to find a relationship…but you have to socialize outside your circle in order to meet new people. And we all know what "socializing outside your circle" looks like: too often, it looks like you standing on your own in a room full of chattering people, pretending to be fascinated by your gin and tonic. It looks a lot like being stranded.

While the idea of being on your own at a party where you know very few people is scary – or, to some, horrifying – there are some things you can do to overcome your fear. With the right state of mind and some of these easy tips, you can turn awkwardness into adventure. And maybe meet somebody special while you're at it.

1. Lower your expectations. Don't put pressure on yourself to meet the man or woman of your dreams, make lifelong friends, or even impress people. If you set your expectations on "I'm just gonna have fun," chances are you will. Decide what youexpectations for the night are, and don't worry about shooting any higher. "Meet one new person" is perfectly reasonable – and perfectly doable.

2. Work on your confidence. While getting ready to go to a party or event where you will know very few people, take some time to boost your confidence. No, you're not perfect. But you have worth all your own, and your own separate attributes that make you special. You're not a kid who must define him or herself by a narrow standard set by others – so don't convince yourself that you are.

3. Mingle. When you're alone at a party, it can be tempting to want to stand in the corner and avoid all those scary strangers. But if you do that, everybody at the party will, well, stay a stranger. Wander around, smile at people, and keep moving – don't hide out next to the lonely cheese tray.

Men are After One Thing Only, Right?

When starting a new relationship, it’s important to determine whether the connection is based upon qualities such as respect and integrity or if it is purely based upon sexual attraction. Sexual attraction is an important factor in all relationships, but it should never be the primary basis for a couple’s relationship. When women wonder if their man is only after sex, they can become very discouraged with the relationship. When women are focusing on love, marriage, and living happily ever after they can become suddenly devastated with the realization that their man isn’t returning the same level of emotional commitment. Here are some signs that can help you determine whether or not your man is interested in you on a deep level, or if he is only after sex.
First, you should realize that just because your man has a strong sexual appetite doesn’t mean that he isn’t committed to you or respecting you as a woman. Men with healthy testosterone levels have high sex drives. But if you find that all your man ever wants to do is have sex, and then leave, you might have serious grounds for concern. You might want to pay attention to what he talks about when he’s with you and whether or not the conversation involves any non sexual topics. If he seems to lose interest in any subject but sex, then you should be concerned.
Another area to look at is how he acts with you around his friends, provided that he’s introduced you to them. If you haven’t met his friends, and your time together consists of always being in the bedroom, then you should seriously consider the fact that he is not looking for a serious relationship but a sex partner. When a man is interested in a woman on a deeply committed level, he will have no problem introducing her to his friends and family members. If you have met his friends and family and are still not convinced that he respects you as an individual and sees you as more than a sex partner, then take a good look at the way he interacts with you around his friends.

Importance of Touch in Relationships

Our first impression of other people comes through our sense of sight, sound and smell. Our sense of touch, on the other hand, is something we hunger for and one of the best ways of communicating our feelings to others. Touch provides comfort and reassurance.

From the moment we are born we crave touch. It is the beginning of how we build self-esteem and a way to increase intimacy. In a romantic relationship, we go through stages of touch that play an important part in the increasing intimacy of the relationship.

There is a great deal of research on the importance of touch in healthy relationships. Studies have shown that by simply holding hands or rubbing someone’s back, you can lower stress levels, lessen anxiety and physical other disorders. There are noticeable changes in mood and even health when we’re exposed to simple human kindness in the form of touch.

Touch is an important method of communicating your feelings to your partner. It shows that you care, want to be involved and supportive. Touching someone lightly with your fingertips will communicate a personal language to the person touched. You will enjoy it as much as your partner and be aware of their absence when you’re apart.

Touching Your Date
Touch can be tricky you’re dating. Some people need their personal space, while others love to be touched. Some people love to touch and others don’t. This is when being able to read body language is important. Look for responses to your moves before advancing to the stage.

You may be seen as pushy or fast if you move too quickly to touch a new date. But on the flip side, move too slowly and you could frustrate your date. A touch must come at the right moment and in the right context. Try to be aware of your own desires and behaviors with touch.

Keep in Touch
Couples in crisis often reflect their discontent with less of the touch that is crucial to a relationship. When you’re relationship is hurting, it is important that you make some sort of physical contact every day - spontaneously hold hands or give a full body hug to your partner. Talk to your partner and if you feel there is something lacking in your life, make an effort to change. You may be surprised by the positive outcome.