Dating (Man & Woman)

[RedWine]

1) Volunteer activities: Every volunteer activity I have participated in for the past five months has always had 90% women and 10% men. And a woman's Interest Level will rise when she sees a guy volunteering his time for others.

2) Singles cruises: I've been on three singles cruises, and the ratio has always been 3:1, women to men. All the women I've talked to complained that most of the men they meet on singles cruises are either too soft and polite or are egomaniacal jerks. So being a gentleman and a Challenge will attract more women than any guy could shake off.

3) Any aerobics class (especially the advanced classes): The ratio has always been about 9:1, women to men. Most times I was the only guy in the class. But here's an important tip: Do not take a spot in the front two rows.

Most women are "territorial" in aerobics classes. As well, the front two rows are usually reserved for the "inner circle" group (at least the regulars). Therefore, the best location to work out is usually the center left or center right of the class.

4) Wine tasting clubs: The ratio has always been 3:1, women to men. And as you can imagine, it's incredibly easy to meet and talk to any woman in this kind of situation.

[RedWine]

Flirting is almost an art form. It takes much practice to execute the subtle signals of interest with perfect timing. Thankfully, there is no shortage of flirting tips for men out there. However, flirting is only half the battle. To truly make your rapport with a woman successful, you need to recognize when she's flirting with you.
Women are masters of subtlety, so it's your job to remain especially aware of every gesture, every word, and every move she throws your way. Always remember that attentiveness is key.

[RedWine]

The following flirting signs are good for all settings, whether in a coffee shop, restaurant, nightclub, or at work. So sharpen your senses and read on.

10.She keeps glancing over

9.She smiles at you

8.She goes out of her way to get you to notice her

7.She plays with her hair

6.She initiates the conversation

5.She laughs at your jokes

4.She asks if you like certain activities

3.She pays you a compliment

2.She makes sexual comments

1.She touches you


flirt freely.

Since some of the above signals could just be gestures of friendliness on a woman's part, you should count a minimum of four before you conclude that she is, indeed, flirting with you. If she commits five or more, your evening is set.

So now you know the theory, but recognizing her signals on the spot takes time, especially when they're too subtle to be detected by the untrained eye. And though you should constantly be alert, don't get yourself into a state of tense vigilance, where you're looking for nothing else but the aforementioned signs. Keep cool, relax and enjoy yourself. In time, women's flirtation techniques will become as clear as traffic signals.

[Nazanin]

Red joon, merci vase ina, they're inetersting


Man shakhsan I never compare tarze flirt kardane kharejiya to ours (ours being ma irooniya).
These ppl do things I personally wouldn't do, or would never be attracted to.
Flirt kardane khodemoono tarjih midam. Kharejiya practically have no limits, no shame (bishtare vaghta) & are usually in a hurry to get down & dirty.
Kheili kam pish miyad ke "baclass" flirt konan ya asan ehterami too kar bashe.

[RedWine]

Sensual Touch

Often times I find touch to be a very underplayed part in romantic encounters. The skin is the body's largest organism and is usually the first thing to weather the elements. It seems only natural that a sensual touch can heighten any sexual experience. What is sexual touch exactly? Erogenous Zones

Ears
Nape Of Neck
Adam's Apple
Toes
Buttocks
Lower Back
Behind Knees
Neck
Inner Thighs
Waist
Chest
Head

Touch means to come in contact with, or even more accurately described for this article, to affect the senses or the sensibility of; to move; to melt; to soften. Sensual means sexually exciting or gratifying. Therefore sensual touch is described as bodily contact with anything that creates sexual excitement.

Touch can be used for many things. If you and your partner are newly sexual you might use it to increase your partner's confidence and trust. You might also use it as a gentle but exciting reminder of your presence and sexuality. You can also spend the day touching your partner so that by the end of the night, they are dying to make love. The possibilities are endless. The more creative and open you are with each other the better your experiences will be.

[ProudPersian]

In other words the whole body :smt017 :smt040

[RedWine]

In other words the whole body :smt017 :smt040Khoobeh keh 18 salet bishtar nist va hamchin chizi migi :D .

Rasti ,ziad havij nakhor ! keh ziadi smart mishi. hehehe .

[ProudPersian]

LOL :smt046 :lol: :smt043 :smt082

[elly khoshkele]

hajiv chiye redy jun???

[elly khoshkele]

ahan havijjjjjjjj!!!!!!! opppppppppsssssss baba poste ghabliye mano ignore konid!!!!!!! ajab sutiyiiiiiiiiiiii maaaaaaaaa

[RedWine]

How To Seduce A Sleeping Woman.

Picture it: you get home late from a hard day's work and your girl's already asleep, or you wake up first thing in the morning to go to work and you're in the mood for sex. When you feel like getting it on but your girl is sleeping, what can you do?
Caution: Whichever way you decide to go about it, always gauge her reaction to your moves. If she seems disinterested, then don't pursue it. This is not a scenario where too much persistence can be used.

However, if you can wake her up slowly and comfortably, you stand a good chance of getting some sex.

Light candles in the room

Use aphrodisiacs

Play soft music

Caress her stomach, legs & breasts

Kiss her

Play with her hair

Whisper in her ear

Slide her underwear off

Ride up on her

[RedWine]

Why Moving Too Fast Is Dangerous ?

You don't realize it, but you're one lucky guy! When it's your turn to cook Ashley dinner, you can throw hers together in five minutes. You don't know how fortunate you are to have someone who's not a picky eater! Chicken and steamed veggies? A breeze! You've got a hell of a woman there. This girl's 100%, not 95%. Too bad you probably won't be able to keep her.

Because you haven't even "won" Ashley yet, despite what you may think. You've only gotten through six dates with her -- barely. And number six didn't exactly put you over the top.

Like most guys, you're moving way too fast.

[RedWine]

How many times have you been with a woman who needed to be under the covers with the lights turned off before she'd get hot and bothered with you? Probably many. And it's not necessarily because she's sexually repressed, but rather because she's insecure about her physicality.
We all know that the women we see in magazines and ads are not only made up and set in the right lighting, they're also airbrushed to the hilt. Even so, that's what men want to see and women want to be. Unfortunately, it's also impossible to achieve in real life.

So rather than let you figure out that there's a little bit of cellulite on her behind or that her breasts aren't perfect cones, she opts to make love in the dark and back out of the room slowly and on her tiptoes after it's all over. But now, you're going to change all that.


security is sexy

open up and say ooh

Ask how she feels about it

Make noise when she undresses

Reveal some of your flaws

Walk around naked

Get her to dance naked

Go to the gym with her
***

you want it, get it


Remember, if your woman is extremely uncomfortable about her body, then how is she ever going to get naked and strut her stuff for you? You need to let her know that you realize that the women in the media aren't real and that even they have their share of flaws.

But be realistic; her frame of mind in regards to her body isn't going to change overnight. It will take some time and you need to be patient. But it is possible, and then you can have the uninhibited sex you always imagined.

[RedWine]

What Men Really Want

An insight into the mind and make-up of the opposite sex can be an invaluable tool, especially in relationships. As with most things, the subject of what men really want from women has been the topic of many debates... and quite a few arguments!

I am sure that many of you have heard a guy say something along the lines of, "I would sleep with her, but would marry her (another woman) Well, what does that actually mean? It means that, when it comes to relationships, a guy has two main focuses: sex and companionship. The ideal woman, therefore, would satisfy both!

With regards to sex, contrary to popular belief, it is not looks that drives a man wild, it's attitude. He wants a woman to captivate his imagination. Someone that oozes confidence in every way: the way she walks, talks, dresses and looks. He wants a woman that, while she holds herself with class, also protrays that she wants him as much as he wants her. He wants someone that will play with his emotions sexually, someone that will tease him, force him to chase her and yet will also allow him to capture her... a little bit at a time .

On the other hand, he also, more than anything, wants a soulmate and a friend. Someone who is loving, caring, affectionate and tender. Someone he can talk to and also have fun with. He wants someone that will love him unconditionally. someone who is there for him when he needs her, yet also someone who he can be there for too.

He is looking for a best friend that will laugh at his jokes, no matter how dumb they are. Someone that will take an interest in the things he likes, even sports. Someone that will not try to change him, yet at the same time will help him to improve and grow where it is needed. He wants someone that will trust, respect and admire him, despite all his faults. His ideal partner will focus on his good qualities more than they criticize his faults.

Told him I wouldn't change anything about him.

Didn't interupt him when he spoke.

I was his biggest fan and had faith in him even when he doubted himself.

Listened to head banger music (even though I'm mostly country)

Laughed at his dumb jokes (even the blonde ones)

Watched NASCAR racing with him (and liked it)

Helped him launch the boat (even though it scares me and he knows it)

Baked him M&M cookies.

Respected him.

Trusted him completly.

Threw my cats out of my bed when he was here.

Drove when he was tired.

Looked in his eyes and listened when he talked.

Admired his muscles.

Always took his side.

[ProudPersian]

here are segments on an interesting article about female's choice in mates and a male's facial dominance. DO women prefer manly faces or not?



What makes a face beautiful? What makes people seek out and desire to mate with the owners of beautiful faces? In recent years, scientists have turned to the theory of evolution to help us understand why some faces are judged to be more attractive than others.

According to the evolutionary view, the attractiveness of individuals is directly linked to their value as mates. A "high-value" mate is someone who best enhances your reproductive success. Going back into the evolutionary past of the human race, someone who noticed the cues to the value of a potential partner, and intentionally selected a high-value mate, would leave behind more children. These children would tend to inherit genes for attentiveness.

Attention to attractiveness is thus part of our evolutionary design.

This scientific analysis is reflected in the fact that our magazines and television screens are filled with attractive people. It's obvious that both women and men are highly concerned with good looks in a partner.

The same is true across the animal kingdom. A diverse range of species relies on external factors to attract mates, such as the size, shape, and colour of their feathers, fur and antlers. Why has evolution accentuated these particular characteristics? A variety of mechanisms may be responsible. The most obvious is that attractiveness is associated with the quality of an individual's genes.

The testosterone link

One link between "good genes" and attraction could be the masculine face-shape.

We can all spot the difference between the faces of grown men and women, and researchers have identified the reasons why. Boys and girls have similar face shapes. At puberty, hormones act on their faces to masculinise or feminise them and produce distinctive features of mature men and women. Testosterone provokes the growth of certain facial features - such as the jaw and cheekbones - so boys' faces grow more than girls'. Female faces remain relatively childlike. High levels of oestrogen in growing girls prevents the growth of facial bone, and leads to increased thickness of lips and fat deposition in the cheek area.

Theoretically, men with more 'masculine' faces should be more attractive, because there are evolutionary costs involved in developing such characteristics. The reason comes back to the testosterone levels associated with the very male face-shape. Testosterone decreases the effectiveness of the body's immune system, and so only healthy individuals with high quality immune systems can afford to produce the hormones required to produce masculine characteristics.

The quality of our immune systems is linked to our genes. So an attractive masculine face should reflect the attractiveness of underlying good immunity genes.

Macho-face and baby-face

Faces with masculine features - such as a large jaw and prominent cheekbones - appear dominant, and dominance is associated with male reproductive success in many species, including humans.

For example, surveys show that male teenagers with dominant facial features report sexual intercourse at an earlier age than less dominant looking adolescents. In some situations facial dominance can predict career success. Researchers have found, for instance, that the facial dominance of graduates from a military academy predicts their final rank at the end of their careers. Increasing testosterone also has negative effects. Married men with high testosterone are more likely to suffer troubled relationships and to have extramarital affairs.

At the other extreme are feminine or 'baby-like' faces, characterised by smaller chins, high eyebrows and larger eyes. Both men and women with baby-like faces are seen as being warmer, more honest, and more sincere - but also more naïve and less physically strong. In simulated court trials, baby-faced individuals are less likely to be found guilty of charges involving intentional criminal behaviour. They are also given lighter sentences. Both results reflect the effects of attributed naïvety and honesty.

These stereotypes appear to reflect reality. Researchers have found that the more baby-faced a man looks, the more he perceives himself as approachable and warm, and the lower he ranks in terms of aggression. In other tests, people whose faces were rated as being 'less honest' were more likely to volunteer for experiments that involved them in deception than people who were judged to look more honest.

Reading a face

Our research here at the University of St Andrews has demonstrated that people both in the UK and Japan prefer a feminised male face-shape to a masculinised one. This finding probably reflects the fact that people read different personalities into subjects' face shapes.

They tend to associate feminised male faces with positive traits such as honesty, warmth, co-operation and skill as a parent. Conversely, traits such as dominance are associated with masculinised face shapes.

The personality of a potential partner is an important factor in reproductive success, so it's not surprising that the personality people 'read' from a face influences their perception of how attractive that face is. Femininity in male faces may be attractive because it is associated with positive personality traits.

But the matter is not as simple as that. Other studies have shown that people find masculinity and dominance in male faces to be attractive. The contradictory findings may reflect the costs and benefits of masculine and feminine faced males. A high status/testosterone partner may offer good immunity genes but such a partner may possess negative personality traits and be more likely to desert the female who chooses him.

A resolution to this conflict could be that very attractive male faces possess a combination of both masculine and feminine features. The most attractive faces could indicate both a dominant and a co-operative partner.

[Najibam]

Flirting is almost an art form. It takes much practice to execute the subtle signals of interest with perfect timing. Thankfully, there is no shortage of flirting tips for men out there. However, flirting is only half the battle. To truly make your rapport with a woman successful, you need to recognize when she's flirting with you.
Women are masters of subtlety, so it's your job to remain especially aware of every gesture, every word, and every move she throws your way. Always remember that attentiveness is key.

You sure know your stuff!

[RedWine]

What's your dating personality?

Before opting for dinner and a movie, determine what "personality" your date should reflect. Are you a dance-'til-you-drop diva or poetry slam patron? Do you crave the finest martini or prefer to ponder trees falling in a forest? Whatever your dating style is, impress your special someone by choosing a unique dating spot.

Active. You have boundless energy and get bored with a lapse in conversation - you are the party. Extreme sports are your preference, and no doorman has ever kept you behind the velvet rope. Your perfect mate will go bungee-jumping by day and rave with you all night long. You don't work for the man; you are the man. "No rules, no boundaries" is your mantra.

Quiet Intellectual. You prefer a good book to a loud club but thrive on a good, heated debate. Your perfect mate will discuss Sartre and socialism until the sun comes up and shares your admiration for Einstein and Warhol. When you watch TV, it's either PBS or "Jeopardy!". You prefer coffee to cocktails, and you kick *** at Scrabble. You know the best jazz clubs and independent bookstores. The unexamined life is not worth living.

Executive. You're a busy corporate type who appreciates the finer things in life. The best restaurant's maítre d' knows you by name, you own a Chagall, and you have season tickets to both the ballet and your beloved basketball team. Your perfect A-type mate owns a Palm Pilot, has the perfect portfolio, works out as much as you do, and loves to share a bottle of fine wine with you after a long day at work. Greed is good.

Outdoors. Your four-wheel drive is never clean. Your dogs have been your roommates and best friends since you left school. You like to hike, bike and camp, and your backpack is perpetually packed. Your special someone prefers Birkenstocks and hiking boots and thinks sunscreen is for wimps. Beer, beans and barbecue is your ideal meal. Your timeshare is a pup tent.

[RedWine]

As we start to date, we tend to focus on our ability to attract someone else. Like the bachelors on "The Dating Game," we often work to meet the imagined criteria of the potential date. Problem is, this one-down attitude keeps us from evaluating what we want, and can also make us less attractive. So, put down your mirror for a moment and notice what turns you on.

Ask yourself, "What excites me in another person?" If you respond "a nice butt," that's great, but not complete. Chemical reactions are sparked by a combination of body, personality, mind, and spirit. It's how the person relates to you, makes you laugh or inspires you. One of the most exciting opportunities of dating is the chance to experiment with different combinations of these factors. Yes, it's a complex mix. But the more we sort out what we want and don't want, and the closer we get to the winning formula, the more likely we will find it -- and have chemistry!

The way you begin to identify what you want in a person is to start paying attention. Pick up a magazine, go to a movie, sit in a coffee shop or bar, and look around. Take notes -- mentally or literally. What makes your heartbeat accelerate (and other body parts wake up), and why? Really try to identify the magical elements. Compare the different people you are attracted to and notice traits that keep coming up.

Allowing desire

Desire is a great motivator and automatically moves us toward our goals. Being aware of our desires also helps us notice when fulfillment is standing right in front of us. And desire is sexy. I've been amazed by the transformation in therapy clients when they learn to express their desires. Plastic surgery could not do as much for their attractiveness. And, not surprisingly, they start to get dates. Ever thought of what it means when you say someone is "hot"? Hot is turned on, alive, ready to engage. A hot person is about to create chemistry.

So let your excitement build. In fact, go ahead and add fuel to the fire. Fantasize, regularly. Self-help guides repeatedly tell us to envision our desired outcome, because it works. Don't be afraid of becoming preoccupied or regressing to an adolescent state. Revel in the fact that you get another shot at one of the most compelling experiences in life. Ah, chemistry.

An attitude of experimentation

As any scientist learns early on, an experiment that refutes the hypothesis is as valuable as one that comes out as expected. The same applies to dating. If we base success on liking everyone we date and having every date like us, we are not only setting ourselves up, we are limiting our experience and learning. My friend's therapist asked his clients to bring back stories of five date rejections to assure they were getting out there and experimenting. Remember the potential of kissing toads. Your image of what works will evolve and grow as you date. In experimentation, there is no failure, only discovery.

[RedWine]

You don't need to look like Brad Pitt or drive a Mercedes to sweep a girl off her feet. Those things, by themselves, will never work on a woman really worth courting. Here's how to let that special girl you've never talked to know that she's appreciated, without being creepy.




Steps
Find something about her that is truly special. Does she have anything about her that is really unique? A subtle little quirk or feature that you find endearing, but that no one else seems to notice?
Let her know that you think she's special, without expecting anything (a phone number, a date) in return. Here are some examples:


"Hi, I don't mean to make you feel weird or anything, but you've just got the prettiest freckles I've ever seen."
"Hey, I'm sorry to bother you, but I just wanted to let you know that I've never seen a girl with eyes like yours."
"Excuse me, but I can't walk out of here without telling you that you have an amazing laugh."
She'll probably smile, say thank you, look away, and maybe even blush. Remember that even if ultimately, it doesn't work out, you've at least made her day by giving her a true compliment.
Offer her your company, and walk away. That is, right before you leave, give her your phone number, or offer a time and a place to meet, and let her know that if she chooses not to take you up on your offer, you'll never bother her again. Don't give her a chance to accept or reject you. Make your offer and run. Give her a chance to think about it by herself, and wonder "Hmmm...I wonder what he's like." If you do this confidently, she'll feel compelled by her curiosity to get to know you better, and she won't feel like she's being pressured or chased. Also, the fact that she might never see you again will encourage her to follow up on any glimmer of hope she has about you being the guy of her dreams.
Don't look back. If she doesn't call or show up, leave her alone. She's not interested. Don't take it personally. But if she DOES call you or meet with you, you've probably swept her off her feet! The rest depends on chemistry and compatibility. Good luck!



Tips
Here's an example of what you can say: "Hey, look, I've gotta go, but you seem like a really amazing person, and I'd like to get to know you better. Here's my number; call me and I'd love to take you out for a cup of coffee and talk. But if you're not interested, that's cool, too. I just didn't want to let this opportunity pass."
For inspiration, watch the movie 'Office Space' and study the scene where the main character goes up to the waitress (Jennifer Aniston) and lets her know that he'll be at the restaurant next door.
The key is to make a woman feel special and appreciated, but there's a fine line between admiration and harassment. If you cross that subtle line and make her feel uncomfortable, you've ruined your chances of sweeping her off her feet.
If your intentions aren't genuine, and your words aren't honest, then even if you get the girl at first, it's bound to end in disappointment.
Steps 1 and 2 will probably sweep any woman off her feet, even if you've been married for 25 years.
Remember that all girls are different, and there's no one way to make any girl fall for you. For alternative takes on making a girl get butterflies in her stomach, check out the Related wikiHows below.
One thing girls can't stand is when guys are fake. If a guy says, "I think you have really beautiful hair," and the girl is having a terrible hair day, the guy sounds fake and just plain stupid. You need to make the girl feel special but not sound fake!
Warnings
Don't stare (no matter how beautiful you think she is). It's creepy and rude. Stick to occasional glances, and give a small smile and perhaps a wave if you happen to catch her eye.

[RedWine]

Telling her "I love you" is an important step in building intimacy in a relationship.




Steps:
1. Think about when and where you want to tell her. Is there a special place you want to be? A certain day? For example, you might want to tell her at the restaurant where you went on your first date, or on the two-month or nine-month anniversary of your first date.

2. Set the mood and be romantic. Buy her flowers or a romantic gift.

3. Look at her directly, take her hand and tell her how positive you feel about her. Give her examples of things you really like about her. Be sincere.

4. Tell her how you feel being with her, and how much you enjoy your time together. Be specific about what you value and appreciate about being with her.

5. Follow these positive statements with telling her you love her in whatever way feels best for you. For example: "I feel I've come to love you," "I realize I love you," "I feel so much love for you," "I've fallen in love with you," or simply, "I love you."

Tips:
Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for her possible response if you are not sure whether she feels the same way about you. For example: If you are hoping she will say "I love you" in return, what if she doesn't?

Decide if you are ready to be that vulnerable and if you could handle whatever she may say.

Go for it if you feel ready to take the risk. Love is risky!


Warnings:
Be sober when you proclaim your love. If you have to drink to tell her how you feel, you are not ready.

[RedWine]

Telling him "I love you" is an important step in building intimacy in a relationship.




Steps:
1. Think about when and where you want to tell him. Is there a special place you want to be? A certain day? For example, you might want to tell him at the restaurant where you went on your first date, or on the two-month or nine-month anniversary of your first date.

2. Set the mood and be romantic. Buy him a little romantic gift or something that sets a romantic tone.

3. Look at him directly, take his hand and tell him how positive you feel about him. Give him examples of things about him you really like. Be sincere.

4. Tell him how you feel being with him, and how much you enjoy your time together. Be specific about what you value and appreciate about being with him.

5. Follow these positive statements with telling him you love him in whatever way feels best for you. For example: "I feel I've come to love you," "I realize I love you," "I feel so much love for you," "I've fallen in love with you," or simply, "I love you."


Tips:
Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for his possible response if you are not sure whether he feels the same way about you. For example, if you are hoping he will say "I love you" in return, what if he doesn't? Decide whether you are ready to be that vulnerable and whether you can handle whatever he may say.

Go for it if you feel ready to take the risk. Love is risky!

Try not to drink too much. If you feel you have to drink to tell him, it conveys that you can't be yourself and tell him how you feel. If this is the case, wait until you are ready.


Tips from eHow Users:
Be natural
If the man is acting all goofy and sweet around you, and you're pretty sure he loves you but just hasn't said it in 3 words, you're probably OK saying that you love him. But if you're unsure, it's best not to say it. He may be confused about his feelings and would get scared off if he thinks you're marking your territory by stating your affections so bluntly. Be natural. When you're sure he feels it as strong as you do, you could drop it in regular conversation, by saying things like..."Yeah, that's one of the things I love about you." or "I've always loved that about you." or "I love the way you do that/make time for me/make me laugh so easily/etc (followed by) I love a lot of things about you. I'm glad we're together." Always smile during and after saying these things. Be prepared to move the conversation along if you get no response from him. He may need time to process the meaning of what you've said. Don't act disappointed if he says nothing. If in fact he does say nothing, give it a few days and say something with similar effect again. Sort of like dropping hints along the way. If you've done this several times and still get no response other than a fond smile or something, you can outright ask him during a particularly romantic moment, "Do you love me?" If he dodges the question or acts confused, tell him you just want to know what his feelings are about the relationship since you've been together for x amount of time. If it's still negative, then you're probably too available to him and need to be a little hard to get, without being cold and distant. Just be unavailable now and then. Have other plans or something. Show that you have an active social life beyond him. Just basically make him chase you a bit and soon enough he'll come clean about his feelings. The best suggestion though is not to jump the gun. Tell him you love him in the sweet simple ways that say you're thinking of him; call at work and invite him to lunch as a surprise, drop notes in clothes for him to find later, flirt with him and no one else, touch his hand briefly when you talk to him, look him in the eyes when you talk to each other, be a friend to him when he needs one, smile when you see him no matter what mood you're in. I guarantee results if you do all of this as a lead up to the I love the things you do statements. The Do you love me question is a last resort. If you still get no response, you'll need to face the possibility that you never will and maybe consider being non-exclusive to him. If you start seeing other people and treat him as a friend that you date now and then, faced with the prospect of losing you, he may finally make up his mind. If not, good riddance.

Saying I love you
Saying I love you to a guy for the first time can be really hard. But if you really mean it, and you get happy just hearing yourself say it about him, you know your ready. You just have to say there is no perfect time it's anytime that is most comfortable to you. It's just a feeling you'll know when it is time.

[jjbb]

Sensual Touch

Often times I find touch to be a very underplayed part in romantic encounters. The skin is the body's largest organism and is usually the first thing to weather the elements. It seems only natural that a sensual touch can heighten any sexual experience. What is sexual touch exactly? Erogenous Zones

Ears
Nape Of Neck
Adam's Apple
Toes
Buttocks
Lower Back
Behind Knees
Neck
Inner Thighs
Waist
Chest
Head

Touch means to come in contact with, or even more accurately described for this article, to affect the senses or the sensibility of; to move; to melt; to soften. Sensual means sexually exciting or gratifying. Therefore sensual touch is described as bodily contact with anything that creates sexual excitement.

Touch can be used for many things. If you and your partner are newly sexual you might use it to increase your partner's confidence and trust. You might also use it as a gentle but exciting reminder of your presence and sexuality. You can also spend the day touching your partner so that by the end of the night, they are dying to make love. The possibilities are endless. The more creative and open you are with each other the better your experiences will be.

I need to practice to see if works.

[jjbb]

Telling him "I love you" is an important step in building intimacy in a relationship.




Steps:
1. Think about when and where you want to tell him. Is there a special place you want to be? A certain day? For example, you might want to tell him at the restaurant where you went on your first date, or on the two-month or nine-month anniversary of your first date.

2. Set the mood and be romantic. Buy him a little romantic gift or something that sets a romantic tone.

3. Look at him directly, take his hand and tell him how positive you feel about him. Give him examples of things about him you really like. Be sincere.

4. Tell him how you feel being with him, and how much you enjoy your time together. Be specific about what you value and appreciate about being with him.

5. Follow these positive statements with telling him you love him in whatever way feels best for you. For example: "I feel I've come to love you," "I realize I love you," "I feel so much love for you," "I've fallen in love with you," or simply, "I love you."


Tips:
Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for his possible response if you are not sure whether he feels the same way about you. For example, if you are hoping he will say "I love you" in return, what if he doesn't? Decide whether you are ready to be that vulnerable and whether you can handle whatever he may say.

Go for it if you feel ready to take the risk. Love is risky!

Try not to drink too much. If you feel you have to drink to tell him, it conveys that you can't be yourself and tell him how you feel. If this is the case, wait until you are ready.


Tips from eHow Users:
Be natural
If the man is acting all goofy and sweet around you, and you're pretty sure he loves you but just hasn't said it in 3 words, you're probably OK saying that you love him. But if you're unsure, it's best not to say it. He may be confused about his feelings and would get scared off if he thinks you're marking your territory by stating your affections so bluntly. Be natural. When you're sure he feels it as strong as you do, you could drop it in regular conversation, by saying things like..."Yeah, that's one of the things I love about you." or "I've always loved that about you." or "I love the way you do that/make time for me/make me laugh so easily/etc (followed by) I love a lot of things about you. I'm glad we're together." Always smile during and after saying these things. Be prepared to move the conversation along if you get no response from him. He may need time to process the meaning of what you've said. Don't act disappointed if he says nothing. If in fact he does say nothing, give it a few days and say something with similar effect again. Sort of like dropping hints along the way. If you've done this several times and still get no response other than a fond smile or something, you can outright ask him during a particularly romantic moment, "Do you love me?" If he dodges the question or acts confused, tell him you just want to know what his feelings are about the relationship since you've been together for x amount of time. If it's still negative, then you're probably too available to him and need to be a little hard to get, without being cold and distant. Just be unavailable now and then. Have other plans or something. Show that you have an active social life beyond him. Just basically make him chase you a bit and soon enough he'll come clean about his feelings. The best suggestion though is not to jump the gun. Tell him you love him in the sweet simple ways that say you're thinking of him; call at work and invite him to lunch as a surprise, drop notes in clothes for him to find later, flirt with him and no one else, touch his hand briefly when you talk to him, look him in the eyes when you talk to each other, be a friend to him when he needs one, smile when you see him no matter what mood you're in. I guarantee results if you do all of this as a lead up to the I love the things you do statements. The Do you love me question is a last resort. If you still get no response, you'll need to face the possibility that you never will and maybe consider being non-exclusive to him. If you start seeing other people and treat him as a friend that you date now and then, faced with the prospect of losing you, he may finally make up his mind. If not, good riddance.

Saying I love you
Saying I love you to a guy for the first time can be really hard. But if you really mean it, and you get happy just hearing yourself say it about him, you know your ready. You just have to say there is no perfect time it's anytime that is most comfortable to you. It's just a feeling you'll know when it is time.

I need to send this to my friend.

[Rostam]

I need to send this to my friend.

You do this, I promise you it works without doubt.

Moovafagh bashi.

[RedWine]

Over the past few years we have all seen news and magazine reports on what women really want in a man. We have had stereotypes created and thrown at us from all directions and they always seem to change, depending on what station you watch or what newspaper/magazine you read. In the 80's we had the Yuppie, a man driven by material wealth and the pursuit of acquisition and social status that had women swooning all over the place. The 90's saw the advent of "new man" - the strong, sensitive type that would think nothing of helping out with the dishes, doing the laundry or changing diapers. With all these schools of thought offering different opinions on what the current ideal male should be, I decided to turn to do a little research on the subject and come up with my own conclusions.

The ideal man is actual a variant of the 80's male in that he is still has a take charge, strong personality but he has also met his match - the woman. Now, in order to fully understand what the ideal man should be, one really has to understand women. A woman is no longer, and hasn't been for quite some time, the weaker sex. She just likes to be looked after and romanced. She likes to be swept of her feet just as much as she likes to be in control and she wants a man that has the ability to allow both sides of her character to flourish, without being a wimp. He can be kind and sensitive, but he can never be a victim. Masculinity is a huge turn on for women. That does not mean that he has to have the body of Hercules, but he must be someone she can proudly show off to her friends and associates. While he does not have to be wealthy or have a great job, he does need to offer security for the woman. He needs to be strong in his convictions, well spoken and have personal goals. In other words, he must have dreams and have the ability to achieve them. If things don't go his way, he gets on with life rather than feels sorry for himself. He also has to be an excellent lover, husband and father.

Now what this actually means in real life varies with each woman, but the basics are pretty much as described above. Today's man is actually closer to the classical John Wayne type hero than anything else, in that he is strong and full of character and willing to take charge, but more importantly, he needs to offer security to the woman in his life. I guess what I am really trying to say here is that, guys, it is not really as hard as you have been led to believe. You can be a woman's Prince Charming, just be self-confident, articulate and believe in yourself!

[RedWine]

Ask a couple what's the one thing they'd like to improve in their relationship and more often than not their answer will be communication. It seems the thing we take most for granted, our speech, is the one thing that has the power to build or destroy a relationship. If you find communication is an area you'd like to improve in your relationship, take a few moments and read over the following tips and ideas for a better relationship through communication.

1. Communication is a power - don't abuse it.
As with any condition of power, the quickest way to ruin is by abusing it. Remember that your words have long lasting effects, even more so than you may realize. In the future, the reason why you were arguing or having difficulties may not be remembered, but the feelings and words you conveyed will be. If you feel yourself about to say something demeaning or unneccesary, stop yourself and don't say anything at all. Try other tactics like going out for a walk, writing in a journal, cleaning or doing something creative instead.

2. Communication is a power - use it!
If you have a tool that will make you the wealthest person in the world, not using it would seem to be the most absurd thing possible. The same applies to communication. By taking the time to let the person in your life know how you feel and how much you love and cherish them, you'll be taking your relationship to a new level. Both sexes love to hear how wonderful they are, and how much they are appreciated. If you're not taking the time out to tell your partner these things, then you're wasting the best tool for your relationship that you have.

3. Unspoken communication.
Have you ever watched a movie where the most powerful and moving scene was the one where no one spoke at all? Let this work for you the next time you want to truly convey your love. Spend some time everyday just looking at each other, not speaking at all. Use your other senses to express what you're trying to communicate. You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy this time together.

4. Communicating without realizing it!
Sometimes I find the moments that ended up being the most important and special to me happened when I wasn't even aware of it at the time. Create these moments for yourselves by keeping engaged in activity. Don't just sit in front of the TV and watch show after show. Play board games, listen to music, give each other back rubs, talk about your dreams, play on the computer together, go for a walk, paint a room, wrestle... your options are endless. If you haven't guessed, the point is to do something that is fun for both of you! You'll find that the more time you spend together in activites, the less time or desire you'll have for communication problems.

[RedWine]

Communication: The Art Of Listening .

When a relationship goes sour, one of the first things to suffer is communication. If you can't communicate with each other, then there is no possible way to salvage the relationship. The thing to do is to prevent communication from ever being a problem. One of the most important aspects of this is to learn how to be a good listener. Listed below are a few guidelines to help you achieve this.

Give Them Your Undivided Attention

When your lover wants to talk, put everything else out of your mind and actually be there with them while they are talking. You cannot possibly listen to them if you are thinking about other things you would rather be doing, or have to do.


Listen To What Is Actually Being Said

This is especially true if you are in a disagreement. It is very easy to pick out the things in what your partner is saying that you want to hear and can throw back at them. This is not some high school debate class where you score points for winning an argument, this is your sweetheart and your actions here and now will dictate the course of the rest of your life together!


Look At Them When They Are Talking To You

Have you ever tried to talk to someone that refused to make eye contact with you? It is very disheartening, especially when you have something important to say. When talking with your sweetie, actually look at them and not around the room.


Notice The Hidden Emotional Tone Of Your Partner

Very often, your partner won't say exactly what is on their mind straight away and it is up to you to draw them out. By looking for their emotional tone, through their body language, voice inflections etc., you will get a very good indicator of what is actually bothering them and also how it is affecting them.


Acknowledge Your Partner

A correct acknowledgement can very often completely resolve a dispute in one go. It has a two-fold effect: 1. It tells your partner that you have heard and understand what they are saying and 2. It makes them feel better by releasing some of the emotional baggage that may have built up on the subject. A good rule of thumb when there is a lot of emotional baggage attached to a situation, is to acknowledge them by repeating in your own words what they have just said to you.


Remain Calm

If your sweetheart is angry, very often they will lash out at you because you are there and are someone they can take their frustration out on. While this may not be pleasant and the most ideal way to handle a situation, I'm afraid it is part of the job description of being a sweetheart. Realize that it is just a way for your sweetie to vent and resist the urge to get angry back, it will only make things worse.

[RedWine]

Use a little common sense to keep yourself out of trouble.

Steps:

1. Meet in public places. If possible, double date or go out with a group of people.

2. Go Dutch. By paying for your portion you won't feel as if you are under any kind of obligation.

3. Remember that alcohol affects your judgment and lessens your inhibitions. If you are drinking, keep your drink in sight at all times.

4. Don't assume just because a person claims to be religious that he's safe.

5. Use your own mode of transportation. Your mom was right - don't ride with strangers. Always have your own ride to and from a date. And leave with a full tank.

6. Arrange to meet your date; don't let him pick you up at home.

7. Be cautious about letting someone know exactly where you live. It's scary to be stalked later if things don't work out.

8. Avoid secluded areas such as beaches and parks.

9. Listen to your gut. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.


Tips:

Always let someone else know where you're going and who you'll be with. You might even consider arranging a time to call and check in.

[RedWine]

Are you with someone who's captivated by love stories, candlelit dinners, and old-fashioned chivalry? If you and your significant other have very different ideas of what romance should be, here's how to come to terms with your differences.

Steps

Understand that there's a reason that we are attracted to the people we are attracted to. This is because relationships are the learning playground of life. How we choose to relate to others gives us information about ourselves. When we see things that we like in others, it illuminates those things that we like and admire in ourselves. And when we see things that we dislike in others, it often signals that we dislike something in ourselves.

Consider what your opinion says about you. For example, if you like that they are "hopelessly romantic," you may have your own "hopelessly romantic" side that you'd like to bring more attention to. If you dislike that they are so hopelessly romantic, it may mean that you have closed down the idea of romance in yourself, and their romance serves to remind you of all of the ways in which you were hurt when you were deeply connected to someone.
Give yourself permission to see the world differently. You don't have to see the world as a hopeless romantic does in order to relate to one. Your perception--as well as theirs--has merit, and is worthy of your appreciation and attention.

Ask yourself what you most want in a relationship. (e.g. trust, support, laughter, romance) and see if being in a relationship with this person would enable you to feel and have what you most want.
Have fun exploring and talking with this person in ways that allow you both to express and experience romance that feels fun, safe, and honest.

Tips

Drama is not a relationship. If you are experiencing lots of drama while in a relationship, it's a good time to take a look at how you might connect in new and different ways that feel great and are mutually supportive and fun for both of you.

Dating is not marriage. Don't feel bad about breaking up and finding someone more compatible.

Hopeless romantics can be low-maintenance dates/partners. Instead of needing to wow them with expensive gifts, dinners, and vacations, you can please them with gestures that are less expensive. Taking late-night walks, cooking a fancy dinner at home, and writing love letters are just a few things you can do to keep your hopelessly romantic partner happy without breaking the bank.

[RedWine]

Any new opinion to share ? :=)

[RedWine]

Wondering if that particular someone has more than a little friendship in mind? Check out our top ten list of ways people indicate whether they are interested in you or not.

10. They seem interested in anything and everything
you have to say.

9. The way they talk to you.

8. They frequently show public displays of affection.

7. They frequently try to talk to you.

6. They compliment you a lot.

5. They flirt with you.

4. They ask a lot of questions about you.

3. They try to spend as much time with you as possible.

2. They frequently call you.

1. The way they constantly look at you.

[RedWine]

If you haven't had the time for a vacation lately, take the next best thing... a day trip! Escaping to a nearby city, or for an excursion is the perfect way to spend one-on-one time with your partner. To start planning you'll need to do the following:

Decide where you want to go.
Ideas include:
- A nearby city within 100 miles distance.
- A balloon ride.
- A day cruise.
- A train adventure.
- A lake or beach.
- A fair or event taking place nearby.


Decide what day you want to go.
Once the day is decided, see if there are any special events or fairs taking place anywhere within 100 miles. You might find something of interest.


Determine how long your trip will be. Will it be a half-day, full day or even extended?
The length of your day trip will help you determine what type of food plans, transportation and entertainment plans you'll need to make.


Figure out what additional items you'll need to bring. Wherever you go you should always bring: a map, extra non-perishable food, sunscreen, blankets, additional clothes and a camera for catching those memorable moments! If you decide to have a picnic lunch or dinner, you'll need to bring picnic items. If the place you're going to will be cold, bring a blanket and warm clothing. If you're going to the beach, bring towels and additional clothing.

[RedWine]

The search for Mr. or Miss Right can be an incredibly daunting task without the right set of tools. Dating is an extremely fickle game. What works successfully for one person may spell disaster for another. With so many different types of people, interests and dating obstacles, how can anyone feel anything but helpless and lost when it comes to finding their perfect future mate? In the quest to find the answers, I found that the most successful "daters" all had certain successful things they did. Out of those I have developed the 7 rules to succesful dating. :) While these may not work for everybody, it's definitely a great place to start! Before you start applying these rules, remember, if you truly wish your dating experiece to be successful, treat it as you would a job or an important project. Your level of committment to this will determine your level of success. Above everything... just have fun!

Rule One: Be open to communication.
This is the simplest of rules to follow but is also the most overlooked and forgotten. Just about anything you try to do will eventually end up a failure if you're not open to receiving a response from the opposite sex. Remember, often times the only reason someone didn't come up to you was because they were too shy to. Remove that barrier by being confident in yourself, smile WHENEVER you think of it, laugh and have fun just being you! If a person doesn't initiate contact with you because they didn't like you being you, then you are defintiely better off without them!

On the other side of this rule, make an extra effort to communicate with others. If you see someone in the local store, say Hi! Make eye contact and smile with whomever you can. You'll find the more you do this, the easier it will become. If nothing else, you'll have some great conversations and maybe even find a few new friends!

Rule Two: Establish a relationship with all friends and acquaintances.
The second most important rule to successful dating is to make it known you are looking within your circle of friends. Dig up your old phone book and call everyone in it. Find out how they're doing and if they'd like to get together sometime. The more you stay in contact, and in the mind of your friends and acquaintances, the higher the chances of getting invited to social events where your potential future partner may be.

Rule Three: Be available.
It doesn't do much good to successfully do rule two and then drop the ball by not being available. When a friend calls to see if you want to do something, do it! (Even if it's just to go on a quick errand.) This follows the philosophy of rule two, the more you stay in contact and are a reliable resource, the more chances you'll have in being at places your future partner may be.

An additional note regarding this rule, it's up to you to keep in contact with the circle of friends you've chosen. If they stop contacting you or you find your social calendar dwindling, chances are it's because you stopped doing Rule 2. This is an on-going rule that is to be done all the time. If you find this happening to, DO NOT get upset with the particular friend. Just call them up, find out how they're doing and re-establish your communication with them. Remember the phrase... out of site, out of mind.

Rule Four: Do things!
No successful promotion relies on only one source for results, hence rule four. Make a list of all your favorite hobbies, sports, etc. Do some research and see what related clubs, events or programs there are. Pick the two that attract you the most and join them. If your office has any type of after-hours events... go to them. Join a gym. Take recreational classes in things you've always wanted to learn. Anything you can do in a public setting instead of a private one, do that.

While doing rule four keep in mind rule one. If you aren't be open to receiving communication then, chances are, your efforts in the end will be in vain.

Rule Five: Be organized.
With all your new activities and renewed social life, you may be feeling a bit bogged down with coming and going. Invest in a good day planner and USE IT! Decide in the beginning what amount of time you want to devote to your social life and create your calendar around that. (Don't forget to pencil in some personal time as well!) Once you start using your calender, make it a permanent fixture of your being. By doing this, anytime an invitation arrives you can quickly decide whether or not you can make it. A MUCH better alternative to having to call them back later to say yes or no.

Rule Six: Keep your belongings and yourself in good condition.
While this is truly a lifetime piece of advice, it is very critical to the dating game. First impressions mean everything. Take the extra time out to keep your car and your home always looking clean and fresh. You never know when a chance meeting may happen. Also, keep yourself in good condition by taking care of your skin, health, hair, clothes, etc. Nothing says success more than a well kept up person.

Rule Seven: Enjoy life and be okay with being single!
Remember, this is a game. Some days it may feel like you're losing and others like you're ahead of everyone. Don't expect everyone you meet to be the perfect partner. And, when they turn out not to be, enjoy yourself anyway. You never know what type of person they are if you don't take the chance to find out. Finally, have fun and enjoy living. With the activities you're doing and the friends you'll be around, take time to just relish the opportunity to have those things. In time you'll find your perfect partner. Who knows, they may turn out to be right under your nose!

[RedWine]

Flirting is, at its most basic, a way to meet potential mates and see if they are compatible. In some situations, such as at a dance or a party, flirting is the only way to open the door to a romantic relationship with someone you don't know and might not otherwise ever see again. Because of all of this, flirting is a very important skill, and it's one that makes a lot of people nervous. There is an art to flirting, though, and it's an art that can be learned. Here are some pointers.

Lower your expectations. Flirting is fun, but only if you don't take it too seriously. Most of the time, you'll just flirt with someone for a short time and then maybe never talk to them again. If you always go in to flirting expecting to date or even marry the person you're flirting with, you're going to be very disappointed--and you'll probably seem a little desperate. Remember, you're just flirting.

Look approachable. Relax and smile. Use your body language to give signals that you are the fun person that you are, and to show that you're comfortable and confident. There's nothing to be nervous about.

Read body language. Does the person look approachable? Do they appear interested in you? From the moment you see someone with whom you might want to flirt, you should read his or her body language. Once you're actually flirting with the person, body language is often the only way to tell if the person is actually interested in you . We all have a natural ability to read body language, but it's easy to misread signals, so be careful and take it slow. If you see one signal that indicates the person is interested in you, watch for other signals that might confirm that.
Make eye contact, but not for more than a moment or two. Do not stare. Just shoot the person a quick gaze, smile with your eyes, and then slowly look away. If you look back and notice the person looking back to meet your eyes, they're likely interested in flirting a bit.
Initiate a conversation with the person you're interested in. If you don't already know them simply make small talk. Perhaps the best way to strike up a conversation is to start with a simple observation which ends with a question: "Nice day, isn't it?" or "This place sure is packed, eh?" are just a couple examples. What you say isn't important. You don't really need an answer to the question; you are simply inviting the person to talk with you. If the person responds pleasantly, continue the conversation. If the person doesn't respond or seems preoccupied or disinterested, he or she probably isn't interested in flirting with you. At the beginning of the conversation, you don't want to talk about anything personal. Talk about the environment around you, the show you just saw, etc., but don't talk much about yourself and don't ask the other person personal questions.

Gradually share information about yourself in a reciprocal manner. If this small talk goes well, proceed to share a little information about yourself--just something small like what you do for a living or how you liked the show you just saw, for example. At some point, of course, you'll want to introduce yourself and, hopefully, get the other person's name. The key to sharing information is that you both gradually open up. Take turns talking, and each time the other person gives you some information about himself or herself, give similar information about yourself, and maybe give slightly more personal information than that person gave. For example, if you're talking to a girl who says she's taking summer classes, you might disclose that you are also taking summer classes, and then proceed to tell her which class you are most excited about. This invites her to disclose more information about herself. In this manner, the intimacy of the conversation increases over time. You don't want to share too much about yourself too quickly, and you shouldn't try to get the other person to do so either.
Give the person your complete attention. Laugh at their jokes, listen to their stories, and don't get distracted by what's going on around you. It's more important to seem interested than to seem interesting, and you don't want to hog the conversation. Being a good listener is far more important to successful flirting than being witty.
Use body language to hint at your romantic intentions. If things are going really well, you might want to try to break the touch barrier. Touch his or her arm briefly and gently as you talk. Or be more assertive and hold the person's hand when you cross the street, or if walking to a seat or a table, lead them by gently holding their arm. Touching in this manner helps break a "personal space" barrier. Pay attention to red flags, because some people have "personal space" issues and you don't want to make them uncomfortable. In general, women can get away with touching much earlier in a conversation than men can. Many women feel a little threatened when a man they just met enters their personal space, while most men are more open to being touched. In any case, proceed with caution, and back off if you get negative or mixed signals from the person.

Close the deal. Most flirting is just harmless fun, and nothing will ever come of it. Every now and then, though, you'll meet someone who you'd like to see again and who you think would also like to see you again. Flirting is, after all, a type of courting ritual, a way to meet potential boyfriends or girlfriends, maybe even your future spouse. Don't worry about wedding plans just yet, though; start by getting the person's phone number. For most people, this is the hard part, because you have to actually make your intentions known, and in doing so you risk rejection. Be brave. Tell the person you'd like to see him or her again, and just ask for their phone number or, if it feels right, try to set up a date for some future time. If the person isn't interested, don't sweat it. There'll always be another guy or girl to flirt with.

What you say is not particularly important, but whatever you say, try to keep your conversation positive. Don't be negative, arrogant, or pushy; just be friendly.
When you first start talking with someone, don't aim to flirt. Just aim to have a conversation. This takes a lot of pressure off both of you.
Do not pursue anyone if they do not reciprocate. Walk away if the person doesn't seem interested. Don't presume they're playing "hard to get" because they might interpret any pushiness in a negative light.
Compliments can go a long way. It's a great idea to compliment the person during your conversation, but don't try to pass off a compliment that you don't really mean, and be careful about compliments that might be embarrassing or offensive (compliments about a woman's figure, for example).

[RedWine]

Don't flirt with someone you're not romantically interested in, period. Otherwise, you risk accidentally leading them on, which can lead to an embarrassing moment and uncomfortable interactions afterwards.
Use flirting that is appropriate for the setting. Meeting at a library, for example, might not be conducive to talking too much. In this case, smile, act interested, wait for them to leave, and leave with them. Do not however, appear to be a stalker or you will scare them away.
Flirting is not appropriate everywhere. Funerals, for example, are generally not good places to flirt. Flirting in the workplace is also generally a no-no. If you happen to flirt at work, be on your best behavior, and don't press the issue if the other person isn't interested.
Though humor is often a good way to flirt with people, try not to make any jokes that might make your flirting recipient uncomfortable. Though dirty jokes often come to mind when flirting with someone, they often have little or no place in a conversation and can result in the person being turned off or an awkward silence, killing the mood and making you feel embarrassed. Think before you speak, and remember, you don't have to be funny all the time.

[RedWine]

I'm 24 and in my first serious relationship. I've been dating a 33 year old man for 5 months now, and things have been going really well... until now. Over the last couple of weeks, I've noticed that the woozy "lovey" part of my feelings toward him have dissipated a bit and I'm left feeling as though I'm not entirely sure I am in love with him. I do love him. I love his sense of humor, his kindness, and his attitudes toward life. But, he often tells me how much he loves me and it seems as though he cares much more passionately for me than I do in return. I am also haunted by opinions from friends of mine, who say that I should not be so settled in my 20s and that I should date more. So all in all, I'm having doubts about a relationship where really, nothing is wrong. I am as afraid to break up as I am to keep going, however, because I have had such a hard time finding someone with whom I relate to on so many levels. I'm not really unhappy, just afraid that I don't love him as much as he deserves to be loved. Is this something that needs more time, or should I consider breaking up and starting over in search of someone I feel more passionately about?
--Lopsided Lover

Dear Lopsided Lover,
Love is a personal feeling and choice. As well-meaning as your friends may be, they have no business sticking their noses into your love life, unless as a preventative measure against harmful actions. I would go back and try to gauge when you starting having doubts about the relationship. You'll probably find that it started around the time your friends gave you their input.

The "lovey" part of a relationship doesn't stick around the same way your entire relationship. You are going to have days where your feelings are less inclined and days where you are in romantic bliss. The only things that should really remain constant are your feelings of friendship and camaraderie and the respect you maintain for each other. Love will always be there in one form or another.

If you really feel like there might be a better type of relationship out there, you owe it to yourself to try and find it. However, if your doubts stem from what your friends say, you owe it to your partner to see how far the relationship could go.