To build a long lasting relationship...

"Love brings along many expectations that need to be met. Every partner expects something from the other. But the expectations must be realistic and achievable. If both partners understand that that neither of them is perfect and accept each other “Warts and All” It will help them enjoy an equitably and contented life together."


The foundation stone.

Relationships are like plants. They need to be nurtured with love, care and understanding. You need to work at it on a regular basis and learn the skills needed to make it grow. Those who take relationships for granted and do not take the time to do the maintenance will find a once beautiful relationship will wilt and die.
Good communication is the foundation stone of any healthy relationship but there must also be lashings of mutual respect and commitment to each other.


Trust each other
You must learn to share your thoughts and feelings with your partner,even if they are unpleasant. Very often the fear of offending your partner makes you keep quiet, and you choose to suffer in silence. Not only doing an injustice to you but also sowing the seeds of unhappiness and mistrust.
You must trust each other. Suspicion breeds hate, jealousy and sorrow. Often, these feelings get out of control, and destroy relationships. The best way to keep the flame of trust shining bright is to confide in your partner. It removes mistrust, and does not allow misunderstandings to grow.
It pays to be honest with each other. Don’t hesitate to brush unpleasant issues under the carpet. If you have done a wrong, let your partner know. You will both feel stronger to face the next challenge.


Balanced relationship
Being a part of the ‘couple’ should not affect the sense of self.
Establishing boundaries where needed helps to maintain a balanced relationship and allows each to become fulfilled. Keep your own hobbies and pastimes but remember to share an interest in what your partner does as well. You are two separate entities with often-differing likes, dislikes, traits and interest. Respecting and allowing for these differences is essential for reducing conflict.


“Warts and All”
Love brings along many expectations that need to be met. Every partner expects something from the other. But the expectations must be realistic and achievable. If both partners understand that that neither of them is perfect and accept each other “Warts and All” It will help them enjoy an equitably and contented life together.


There are three stages in every relationship.


The first is attraction.
When you are first attracted to a person, you wish to know more about them, there likes, dislikes, interests etc. Then you gather courage to make your first move like asking to come for a movie, dance or dinner. Both partners often feeling embarrassed and awkward but probably mostly feeling over come with wonderful feelings about your new-found love.


The second is the testing stage.
This is the stage when the relationship starts blooming. You are both learning more about each other. If you hide your emotions or are deceitful in any way at this stage, then you can be sure that you are building weak foundations. The relationship any well seem to flourish for a while but that weakness will undermine all the good work you do and it will fail. Honesty dealt with in a tender manner will be a strong bond that will help to hold you together.


The third is the conflict stage.
As the relationship progresses and you have been together some time there will be conflicts and disagreements. Those who are able to handle these conflicts with trust and equanimity will be able to keep the relationship going where others would simply flounder. So, learn to handle conflicts and learn form all the ups and downs.


A fine achievement
Because you have been together for a long time you may well feel your partner takes you for granted or that you are in a rut. The positive side of that coin is you are in a comfortable relationship were you have mutual respect for each other. It may not have the zest and excitement of a new relationship but you have learned to live in contentment with another. This really is a fine achievement worthy of praise. It has the reward of a long lasting loving relationship that can only be coveted by many.
Allow your partner just to be human not some super-person who you expect must always get it right. If you allow them that courtesy they might then do the same for you!

Love cards from my parents...

My 1st wedding anniversary





My wedding day

10 Romantic Relationship tips that work...

Tip #1: DECIDE to become more romantic and you WILL become more romantic. It’s as simple as that. Start now. Your lover will be thrilled.

Tip #2: Love yourself first. If you don’t love yourself then you really and truly are not ready to give your love to another. Take care of yourself, mentally and physically. Take charge of who you are and assume responsibility for cultivating your strengths and getting clear about what is important to you.

Tip #3:Be true to yourself. Listen to your heart. Go with your gut. Be your best self as often as you can manage.

Tip #4:Listen with an open heart. When your lover speaks to you, always try to be open to what they have to offer. Let them say all that they have to say without interrupting them.

Relationship Tip #5:Ask for what you want. Once you figure out what your priorities are and what it is that you want out of life and from your mate, don’t be afraid to ask for it. It is unlikely that your partner is a mind reader. They will probably be delighted to hear what it is that they can do for you.

Tip #6:Stay curious. There is always more to learn about your love. As your relationship deepens, new layers of personality will be revealed for you to explore. Never assume that you know everything there is to know about your mate. People continue to grow and develop as they go through different stages in their lives. As you change and expand, the dynamics of your relationship can shift. Stay on your toes! Riding the waves of change with your beloved can enrich your relationship, deepen your love and keep things interesting.

Tip #7:Be proactive in your romance. Take the reigns and be a moving force in creating the kind of romantic relationship that you want. There is no need to “settle for less” when you are committed to “writing” your own storybook romance. The more you participate, the more rewarding your romantic journey will be! Let this power be a source of inspiration for you!


Relationship Tip #8:Get THE ROMANCE HABIT: It is said that to make a new habit, you must repeat the action for twenty-one days in a row before it will really stick. Three weeks isn’t very long to practice something that is rewarding in of itself and makes our partner glow with adoration! Your new romance skills will also serve you and your beloved for years to come. Practice DOES makes perfect when it comes to coming up with unique romantic ideas . The more romantic you act, the more romantic you become. And once you have the Romance Habit, you will probably never lose it. The rewards are simply too great.

Tip #9:Be kind to your beloved. Always remember that you two are on the same team! Give them the benefit of the doubt, even when others tell you not to. It is likely that you know your beloved better than anyone else does. Expect the best and that is what you are likely to get.

Relationship Tip #10:Be a hopeless romantic. When you shower your mate with words of love and romantic moments, you greatly increase the odds that they will reciprocate with romantic ideas of their own. Your partner is much more likely to “romance” a sweet and loving partner than a curmudgeon pouting about the lack of romance in the relationship. [romantic-idea-online,2010]

Little Things to Make a Happy Marriage

Pleasing a husband comes down to giving true respect and love. To make a marriage bright and to bring joy to a husband's day, try these tips for going the extra mile.

A marriage is a commitment that supersedes feelings and emotions. Day after day, actions and words help build a solid marriage. One hundred percent effort and heart should be given by both husband and wife.

Although this long term commitment is the foundation of a marriage, it’s the daily details that make it colorful and rich. Thankfully, there are limitless possibilities when trying to show a husband how special he is. Here are some suggestions to fan the flames.

Offering Respect to Your Husband

One of man’s deepest desires is to be respected. Who better to offer this respect than the woman he loves the most? What’s respect? According to Webster’s 1828 English Dictionary, respect is, “Regard. Attention.” In other words, simply pay him attention. Show him that he matters.

One way to have an altruistic heart and show a husband respect is to ask his opinion of something. If a man feels like his opinions are respected, he feels loved and appreciated. But more than asking his opinions try to actually listen to them, even heeding them. Husbands, given the chance, do have some excellent input.
Another way to show respect is to speak highly of him in other’s presence. Whether or not he’s actively listening, speaking highly of your husband raises his esteem and effectively shows a wife’s enduring love and high regard for the man of her dreams.

Serving a husband is a duty to be cherished. By diligently praying for him, performing thoughtful acts of kindness for him, and showing a deep seated respect for him, a marriage will pulsate with life. Saturate a husband with these tips and actions and and enjoy the road of an excellent marriage. [suits101.com]

All in all, to keep your love and marriage alive, wife should learn how to respect your husband not just outside but directly from the inside, you love him, you need to respect him, respect his ideas and respect him as your husband, meaning of, always asking for his idea before making decision, no matter what, he needs to be a part of your brain. Remember, not just only when you, two alone together, but you need to respect him wherever you are, even behind his back, esp respect your husband when in public. Respect him honestly and love him with you heart. that will brings a a happy marriage when he comes to understand how much you love him.

Thank you note - wedding day

Below is a "thank you" poem which i'd like to dedicate to all my beloved friends, family and guests....

"Today we begin the rest of our life
Together forever as husband and wife.
Our dreams came true, with love and more—
Adventures to have and the world to explore.

We’ll share our joys, we’ll share our sorrows;
We can already see many bright tomorrows.
We’ll share our friends and family, too,
And you are part of that special crew.

Thank you for celebrated our wedding day.
As we shared our vows, we just wanted to say:
These wedding memories will become more than a treasure,
And seeing you'all there was more than part of the pleasure."

Your presence in my wedding was a very great honor of us. You have put alot more joy in my night- my wedding, the wonderful day of my life :)
With all the best wishes and regards,
SOCHEaTa