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Successful Relationship Tips
10 Great Ideas to Romance Your Partner for Under $30

Do you have a hard time trying to come up with something fun and romantic to do with your partner or spouse inexpensively? Here are some spontaneous ideas for you to consider.

 
Couples' Nook by Ms. Lah Lah
Starting in September at Couples' Nook, Ms. Lah Lah will gladly provide you with weekly information on relationship facts, tips, contests, events, trivia, videos, interviews, and more. 
Trivia Questions
Here are a few of brain teasers on relationships from a man's perspective. Let's see if you can get the questions right. Check here for the answers. They will be posted soon! 
5 Simple Strategies to Manage Your Relationship
Couples often plan for the obvious, which may include marriage, family, finance management, savings, vacations, college fund, retirement, etc. However, many forget to manage other key aspects of their relationship, such as the physical, emotional and spiritual. Like anything else in life, relationships have to be managed to maintain balance. 

August 1, 2014

Welcome to Buzz About Relationships e-Newsletter! We are dedicated to making long-term contributions to the field of relationships by providing insightful information on gender-focused topics. We are a group of individuals who have discovered that our relationships, both past and present, have formed the basis for our company. In discussing topics and themes common to all couples, we have realized that relationships are dynamic entities, often times polarizing two people on a variety of issues. We are curious and want to know what makes couples tick! We'd love to hear from you. Contact us!

 

Successful Relationship Tips

10 Great Ideas to Romance Your Partner for Under $30

 

Do you have a hard time trying to come up with something fun and romantic to do with your partner or spouse inexpensively? Here are some spontaneous ideas for you to consider.

 

1.       Canoe ride for two on the lake

2.       Picnic in the park

3.       Spring bouquet of flowers and or a box of chocolates

4.       A movie night at home with popcorn and snacks

5.       Watch the sunset with a glass of wine

6.       A handwritten love note with a latte or cappuccino for
          the morning rush

7.       Bike ride for two through the park

8.       Walk in the city/town on a warm summer night

9.       Evening barbecue for two

10.     Spontaneous stop at a pastry shop for a daring dessert             and espresso


 

The key is to break the routine of life. Remember, romantic moments can be simple, sweet, fun, and inexpensive! 

 

Let us know what your ideas are! Contact us!

 

Ms. Lah Lah
Couples' Nook 
by Ms. Lah Lah

Starting in September at Couples' Nook I will gladly provide you with weekly information on relationship facts, tips, contests, events, trivia, videos, interviews, and more. You will receive information on the trendiest relationship topics to engage you for feedback. As we work to address your interests, please let us know what you would like to see covered on Couples' Nook by emailing me directly with your thoughts. Also, please look for new information frequently and soon on our website at buzzaboutrelationships.com.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]!
Trivia Questions

Here are a few brain teasers on relationships from a man's perspective. Let's see if you can get the questions right. 

1. What red flags help men determine that a relationships     won't work? (Rank in order from 1 to 4)
    a. Lack of common interest
    b. Lack of commitment
    c. High maintenance
    d. Lack of communication

2. How do men define being selfless in a relationship? (Rank in order from 1 to 4)
    a. Be forgiving
    b. Go the extra mile
    c. Love unconditionally
    d. Sharing

3. What is the success rate of couples who receive marriage therapy?
    a. 30%
    b. 42%
    c. 55%
    d. 65%

4. What is the most common relationship issue for couples?
    a. communications
    b. money
    c. sex
    d. cheating

Check for the answers in the September e-Newsletter.
Visit buzzaboutrelationships.com for more Trivia!

5 Simple Strategies to Manage Your Relationship

by Sheri E. Ragland

 

Couples often plan for the obvious, which may include marriage, family, finance management, savings, vacations, college fund, retirement, etc. However, many forget to manage other key aspects of their relationship, such as the physical, emotional and spiritual. Like anything else in life, relationships have to be managed to maintain balance.  Areas of relationship that are most threatened and neglected are a) healthy communications, b) a spiritual foundation, c) time together, d) encouraging one another, and e) consistent goal planning and reassessment. Here are 5 strategies to address those areas.

 

Ensure Healthy Communications (Listen and Share)

 

Many couples have been challenged in the area of healthy communications (Elichmann 2014; Horan 2013; Shimberg 1999; Sorgen 2012). Couples should practice humility through listening and sharing thoughts without criticism, blaming, and judging. When communicating, a calm and respectful behavior will help to de-escalation of a disagreement. Escalation is the culprit that finds its way into the conversations of many couples. Quickly de-escalate a disagreement through listening, sharing, and resolving. A sure sign of maturity in a relationship is for both to apologize, forgive, and move forward.

 

Establish a Spiritual Foundation

 

Another area that couples often neglect is creating a spiritual foundation for their relationship. After all, we are not only physical and emotional beings, but we are spiritual as well. Therefore, the spiritual aspect of a relationship should be nurtured as well. Couples who have attended a faith-based church that promoted Christ-centered teachings, had Bible studies, and prayed together had a greater chance of a having a healthy and lasting relationship (Stanton 2011).  Addressing the spiritual component of a relationship, as well as the emotional and physical is a holistic approach that anchors, builds, and progresses the relationship long-term.

 

Make Time for Each Other

 

For six months or so, couples keep the passion alive in the relationship. But, it doesn't have to end. No matter how busy life becomes, plan time together daily, weekly, and monthly. Spend time each day talking to each other about things that are important. Spend time together at least once a week without interruptions. Do something thoughtful and sweet for your partner. It can be a simple love note, a text of appreciation, flowers, or an unexpected gift. Don't neglect each other. Your time together is important for building trust, committing, and protecting your love (Purcell 2006).

 

Encourage Each Other with Words of Kindness

 

Remember your partner is a gift not to be taken for granted (Purcell 2006) in this journey of life. Therefore, treasure each other through words of kindness and not criticism. Encouraging words will often inspire confidence and a healthy attitude in your partner. Your partner will be more willing to respond to you in a positive manner. It is a great way for couples to protect their partner's heart all cost.

 

Plan and Reassess Your Goals Frequently

 

As life changes occur, plans and goals have to be adapted to those changes. That is why it is important for couples to plan short- and long-term goals and reassess them consistently to ensure that they are realistic and will bring about the desired results. There is nothing wrong with changing plans to make sure that you achieve outcomes that are realistic and will make you both happy. 

 

Healthy communications, building a spiritual foundation, spending quality time together, encouraging one another and consistent goal planning and reassessment will help to ensure that balance takes place in your relationship through planning and managing. Couples who take the time to protect their relationship physically, emotionally, and spiritually are in a better position to navigate life's changes. 

 

References

 

Elichmann, Jacob. 2014. "Is the average cost of marriage counseling worth it? Will it save your marriage? http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/is-the-average-cost-of-marriage-counseling-worth-it-will-it-save-your-marriage

 

Horan, Sean M. 2013. "Reasons Couples Go to Therapy." Psychology Todayhttp://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/adventures-in-dating/201307/reasons-couples-go-therapy


 

Purcell, Maud. (2006). "The 10 secrets of happy couples." http://psychcentral.com/lib/the-10-secrets-of-happy-couples/000687.

 

Shimberg, Elaine Fantle. 1999. Blending families. (New York: Berkley Publishing Group). www.amazon.com/Blending-Families-Elaine-Fantle-Shimberg/dp/0425166775#reader_0425166775.

 

Sorgen, Carol. 2012. "7 relationship problems and how to solve them." Retrieved on July 30, 2012. www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/7-relationship-problems-how-solve-them (on communications and money).

 

Stanton, Glenn T. 2011. "Divorce rate in the church - As high as the world?" Focus on the Family Findings. Focus on the Family. http://www.focusonthefamily.com/about_us/focus-findings/marriage/divorce-rate-in-the-church-as-high-as-the-world.aspx

We are excited about the opportunity to share and engage couples on relationship topics. Our goal is to provide new insight for couples on relationship topics through trustworthy resources, such as newsletters, articles, books, blogs and forums for reference and stimulating conversations. Established in 2013, Buzz About Relationships credits its success to listening to couples and providing strategies they can implement within their relationships to feel closer as a unit. Our diverse couples come from all kinds of cultures, socio-economic backgrounds and religions, all with their own unique needs. Couples have the opportunity to address common problems that exist within their relationships through access to practical, useful, credible information for creating healthy discussions and coming up with solutions. Contact us if you want to learn more. Contact us!

 

Sincerely,


 

Sheri E. Ragland

Founder and CEO
Buzz About Relationships


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