Tag Archives: dating
Three Jewelry Trends that Make Remarkably Romantic Gifts
Looking for a romantic gift for the special lady in your life? You’re in luck! Three of the top current jewelry trends make lovely, heartfelt gifts that will leave no question about how you feel. Vintage styles, pink topaz jewelry and pieces that feature hearts are all big right now, and each of these fads allows you to communicate your affection in a big way.
However, these trends aren’t just passing whims that will go the way of the pet rock and the Pony Express. While each of these types of jewelry is particularly popular right now, none of them ever go out of style, giving each one the potential to become a beautiful, lasting symbol of your love. Try one of these trends to say “I love you” in a way that will speak of your fashion sense as well as your affection.
1. Vintage Styles
Jewelry that’s inspired by the Victorian Era and the Art Deco Period is back, and it’s winning a lot of fans for its feminine charm and timeless appeal. Styles from the past are being given a fresh update with a rainbow of gemstones, from classics like ruby and amethyst to newer favorites like tanzanite and pink topaz (a trend in itself). Vintage Rings are not only on-trend and beautiful; they’re also fitting symbols of a love that can withstand the test of time. These designs have already proven their ability to endure as the decades pass, and by giving one of them to your special someone you let her know that your love for her will last.
2. Heart Jewelry
Hearts have long been a symbol of love, but lately they’ve been showing up in styles ranging from delicate engraved rings to dazzling, diamond-encrusted pendants to a wide variety of heart wedding bands. They’re even popping up in a wide range of engagement rings, providing meaningful twists on classic styles. Whether you’re looking for that once-in-a-lifetime piece to pull out when you pop the question or a pedant to reveal your love, it’s hard to go wrong with hearts, and right now, you have a lot of gorgeous options to choose from.
3. Pink Topaz
Pink topaz is feminine with being too frilly, and it possesses the perfect combination of sweet, sparkling charm and bold, unashamed vibrancy. Although pink is commonly associated with little girls and fairytale princesses, pink topaz provides a grown-up, sophisticated version of this shade that’s perfect for communicating a message of love in a way that’s next to impossible to ignore. Pink topaz adds a colorful zing to a wide range of styles, from classic solitaires and three-stone rings to intricately engraved Victorian designs, and any of these pieces is able to say “I love you” with unabashed color and glimmer.
Whether you choose a vintage style, a pink topaz ring or a piece of heart jewelry, your message of love will be gorgeously clear. Try a piece that incorporates one (or two or three) of these trends for a gift that’s remarkably romantic, on trend and timelessly beautiful.
Six Dates on a Dime
Did you resolve to save money this year? With news of impending tax increases, many individuals and couples have been thinking about how to live more frugally. While saving money isn’t always a ton of fun, it doesn’t have to mean resigning yourselves to evenings of watching reruns and eating ramen noodles. While it might seem that your date night options are pretty limited when you’re on a budget (especially in winter), there are plenty of fun dates that cost little or nothing, allowing you to keep your resolution to save, whether you’re trying to stow away some cash for a rainy day or have enough to buy that perfect 1 carat diamond ring. Here are six ideas to get you started:
Go to a play or concert at a local college. Many colleges and universities regularly make a wide range of plays and concerts available to the public for just a fraction of what you’d pay at a professional theater. And, you just might see a star of tomorrow.
Pack a picnic. Even if you live in an area where it’s too cold to eat outside, you can still plan a romantic picnic. Try eating by the fireplace if you have one, or simply set up candles and a blanket on the floor. The food doesn’t have to be fancy—it’s about the experience! If you have access to an outdoor fireplace, try making camping classics like hobo packets and s’mores.
Take advantage of the library. Chances are, your local library allows you to check out more than just books. Most of them also loan out vast collections of movies, allowing you to share a few flicks without spending a cent. In addition, some libraries allow you to borrow passes to local museums and other attractions, allowing you to get in for free or just a few dollars.
Break out the board games. When was the last time you played Scrabble with a board and pieces rather than on your phone? Spend an afternoon or evening playing the games that likely inspired your favorite ways to kill time on a screen.
Get active together. Whether you resolved to get in shape in the new year or you’re a regular at the gym, getting active together can be a healthy date activity for both your body and your relationship. Try a new sport, take a dance class at a community center (or just go dancing), go roller skating or bowling or even play an active video game.
Cook up some fun. Eating in is almost always cheaper than going out and it almost always generates more memories. While it’s romantic to cook for the one you love, why not try whipping up dinner together? Try making homemade pizza or tackle a new recipe.
Don’t let a budget stunt your dating life! Try one of these date on a dime ideas to give your relationship a boost and still have cash left over for a gemstone ring—or a honeymoon.
Relationship Resolutions for the New Year
Tis the season for resolutions! This year, instead of resolving to get in shape, save more money or get organized, why not make a resolution that will improve your relationship with your significant other?
Many New Year’s resolutions fall flat by Valentine’s Day, and often, it’s because they’re too vague or too lofty. However, there is a way to make a resolution that you’re likely to keep. We’re far more likely to follow through when a goal is attainable and broken down into small steps, and by setting the right goal, you can set yourself up for success.
Each of the goals to follow is actually a part of a larger goal: improving your relationship. Unlike resolutions to lose 25 pounds or run a marathon, you can fulfill any of these resolutions today. They’re measurable, doable steps that add up over time to help your relationship grow stronger.
I will give compliments. Some experts say that it takes as many as 20 bits of positive feedback to outweigh a single bit of criticism, and when that criticism comes from someone you love, it can be even more impactful. That isn’t to say that you should never offer constructive feedback, but be aware of the power of your words. Consider starting with the goal of offering at least one compliment a day and going from there. Just be sure to make your compliments sincere and thoughtful—otherwise they lose their meaning. Like a diamond pendant that is always complementary, words that build up the one you love bring out the best in that person.
I will be honest. They say that honestly is always the best policy, and it’s true. Honestly is essential to trust, and trust is essential to any lasting relationship. Sometimes being honest isn’t the easiest thing to do, but it’s worth it in the long run. Resolve to speak the truth in love, even when it would be easier to tell a lie.
I will say thank you. Saying thanks is a key component of a healthy relationship. It lets the other person know that they are appreciated and it helps you cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Strive to say thank you five times a day—whether for something your partner does (like take out the trash) or something he or she is (such as a good listener). Or, if you’d really like to say thank you, consider doing it with a piece of jewelry, such as a garnet ring.
I will speak well of the one I love. It’s easy to gripe to friends about all of the little things that irk you about your significant other; however, spending too much time complaining not only casts your partner in a bad light, but also changes your perception of him or her, making you more likely to notice (and be bothered by) all of those little quirks.
While building a strong relationship is a lofty goal, it’s reached by small, everyday steps such as these. Try one of these resolutions to take one step at a time.
Finding Time for Each Other at Christmas
Whether you’ve been dating for a few months, are planning your wedding or have been married for years, the Christmas season can easily become a time of year when you see less of each other. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with shopping, wrapping gifts and enjoying the festivities, these things can all cut into your couple time. Staying connected throughout the holidays often takes a little extra effort, but it’s always worth it.
If you’re planning a wedding on top of enjoying the holiday, you’re probably even busier, but it’s important to take time away from the whirlwind of seating charts and diamond engagement rings to spend some quality time together. It’s unlikely that you’ll look back on this Christmas season and wish that you had baked another batch of cookies or attended a particular party, but if you don’t spend time with the one you love most, you’re likely to regret it.
In “The Purpose-Driven Life,” Rick Warren writes,
Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.
It is not enough to just say relationships are important; we must prove it by investing time in them. Words alone are worthless. “My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.” Relationships take time and effort, and the best way to spell love is “T-I-M-E.”
In other words, the best way to show another person that we love them is by giving them our time. This statement of love becomes even stronger when there any many things competing for our time and energy. By putting the one that you love first, you demonstrate that they are more important than anything on your to-do list.
While intentionally spending time with one another is important in any stage of a relationship, it can be especially critical if your white gold engagement ring hasn’t been on your finger very long. Engagement is a time to not only prepare for a wedding, but also to prepare for marriage, and everything you do during this time helps to establish the habits you’ll keep as a married couple.
So, how do you carve out some time just for the two of you? First, you need to make it a priority. Writing together time on your calendar may not seem very romantic, but by putting it on your schedule, you’re more likely to follow through. Second, you may need to say no to a few things that won’t really matter in a month or two.
Time is at a premium at Christmas, which makes it even more precious. Don’t miss this chance to give the one your love such a valuable gift.
Say Thanks to Say I Love You
Whether you’ve just started dating or you’ve been wearing yellow gold wedding bands for years, saying thank you is a vital piece of a healthy relationship. It doesn’t take long to express gratitude, nor does it take a lot of effort, but the payoff is huge, especially when you making saying thanks a habit.
Saying thank you is something that many of us learn to do as children, and it’s a habit that we should never outgrow. However, expressing gratitude shouldn’t merely be a habit like brushing your teeth or always tying your left shoe first. If you only say thank you because it’s what you’re used to doing, you miss out on the benefits of expressing your thanks, both for yourself and for your relationship.
When you take time to truly appreciate someone, it changes you. For example, if you take time to look your significant other in the eye and tell him why you appreciate him picking up your favorite takeout on a busy evening, you’ll feel much more gratitude than if you had half-heartedly mumbled “thanks for dinner” as you started to chow down.
Simply recognizing the specific things for which you’re thankful and expressing why you’re thankful for them cultivates an attitude of gratitude that helps you see the person you love in a more positive light. Research has even shown that being thankful can stave off depression. Even if saying thanks had no impact on your relationship, it would be worth it; however, the reality is that saying thank you is a key component in building a lasting bond between two people.
When you thank your partner for something they’ve done (Thanks for giving me a ride! You know how much I hate driving in the city and getting a ride from you was a big relief.) or for something they are (Thanks for being such a good listener.) you let them know that you appreciate them. Feeling appreciated in important in any relationship, but it’s crucial in a romantic relationship. No one wants to feel as if they and their contributions have gone unnoticed, and by demonstrating that you notice and appreciate your partner, you let them know that not only do you recognize their contributions; you value what they do and who they are.
Saying thank you for the little things can have a big impact over time as it grows in you an attitude of gratitude and reinforces your love and appreciation. If you have a hard time remembering to say thank you to the person you love most, consider designating something that you regularly see, such as a piece of jewelry, as a reminder. For married couples, wedding bands can serve this purpose, but that’s far from your only option. Just choose anything that you see often enough to make it an effective gratitude aid.
In a roundabout way, saying thank you is one way to say I love you. It communicates that you value the other person and, over time, it’s an essential building block in a lasting relationship. What’s not to love about that?
Ways To Get Your Boyfriend Back
Ways to Get Your Boyfriend Back: This could mean two very opposite things and we better define right away what we mean by back.
Well, we could be talking about ways to get your boyfriend back, as in, “He really hurt me! Now I’m going to get him back!” But I don’t think this is why you came to this blog post. Being the optimist that I am, I’m going to assume that you mean, “We broke up, and now I’m trying to find ‘ways to get my boyfriend back’”.
With that being said, let’s get to the heart of the matter–
Communication – The #1 relationship killer (other than infidelity) is lack of communication. He broke up with you or vice-versa, and now there is a lot of hurt and pride going around and the door to communication has closed. If in your heart of hearts, you think there is any chance of getting back together, you have to take the step–no matter who was right and who was wrong–to pick up the phone or better yet, go to the person, and simply talk.
Do Something Sweet
If it really isn’t as bad as all that, and you think you can salvage it, do something sweet for him. For example? Send him something he likes. Tickets to that new ice-hockey game or a sweet love letter. And believe me: guys like flowers too from their sweethearts. It’s the gesture that will make the difference, and that cute, sweet smile on your face when you give it to them!
Get to the Root of the Problem
Guys are problem-solvers and they don’t rest easy until whatever you are fighting about is resolved. What caused you to break up in the first place? Get to the root of the problem and make any reasonable commitments to get your relationship back on track! Talk with him and see ways in which you can resolve whatever is holding you back from a healthy relationship.
Re-Evaluate Whether It Is Meant to Be
Sometimes women have a tendency to hang on to something that is just not there: and this isn’t restricted to women only, but people in general who have just come out of a relationship that was meant to end.
Now also may be the time to re-evaluate if you should even be reading, “Ways to Get Your Boyfriend Back” or whether it is time to make preparations to move on. Give real consideration to the fact that it just may not be meant to be, as difficult as that may seem to be right now.
Seek the Advice of Your Family and Friends
Don’t go at it alone. Enlist trusted members of your family and friends to help you evaluate the situation. You may just be too wrapped up in the situation yourself to see clearly, and a little help from your friends and family is not a bad thing. Talk to your parents, talk to your best friend, get their advice. They may be able to give you not only good advice on ways to get your boyfriend back, but also give you a reliable shoulder to cry on.
What Is Commitment? Committing To a Relationship
So, what is commitment exactly?
There are many types of commitment, but there are some people who fear the thought of being committed to their partner . . . which sometimes makes them end up being alone because oftentimes, people who are scared of commitments are also scared of being seriously involved in a relationship. Fear of committing to a relationship is the unwillingness to enter into a serious relationship; more exactly, it is actually the unwillingness of the person to be romantically involved with his/her partner. Getting married is often the biggest fear of most “commitment scared” individuals, but this type of issue can be resolved if you just discuss the matter with your partner.
Commitment in a relationship is very important . . . and it’s so much different than simple promises that you can just break anytime.
Being committed to your partner simply means that you have to be willing to go through good and bad, thick and thin with your partner. Commitment cannot just be turned off if you get tired or someone in the relationship just wants to give up. It is a lifelong routine that you should be happy to have . . . and, of course, the most famous and binding type of commitment is marriage.
Before a couple gets married, the fact is clear to them that they will be spending the rest of their lives with each other no matter how hard life situations may be. Commitment is being in love with one another and doing your part with joy in your heart and not looking at it as a burden. It is hard to be committed but if you love being in it, you will not have a hard time sticking to your commitment.
How to Get a Girlfriend: Where to Look For & Find Love
If you are so tired looking for someone to be with you for the rest of your life, then you are ready to have a lasting relationship. But where exactly do you look for and get a girlfriend? Meeting the right girl whom you will love is not impossible to do, since there are lots of ways to meet the girl of your dreams. Love is not something that you should look for because it just come along when you least expect it. How to get a girlfriend according to modern technology is easier now through the help of simple techniques.
First thing that you have to do is to know the type of girl that you like most. You need to make a list of traits and characteristics that you look for in a girl such as humorous, simple, witty, funny, and intelligent and others. If you had a girlfriend before, you have to make sure that you have settled all the differences that you had in the past because you cannot go on in life if you have an old issue with an ex-girlfriend.
You need to learn how to make a girl feel good and you also need to discuss inspirational matters with the girl of your dreams. You need to learn how to give yourself a chance to meet and mingle with other girls. Being sociable can be helpful to you when it comes to getting the girl of your dreams. You just have to be confident about yourself so that other girls will also notice you.
Am I In Love? How To Know If You Are Falling In Love
It’s a common question: “Am I in love?” How do you know if you’re really falling in love? Love is a funny thing: although it’s a very strong and unmistakable feeling, there have still been countless of people throughout history who have asked themselves the important question “am I in love?” Especially for someone who has never been in love before, romance can be very confusing, and trying to figure out if you’re actually falling for someone or whether you just like them can be a real romantic conundrum!
Luckily, there are a few symptoms of true love that can help you answer “am I in love?” and make your feelings easier to deal with. Unfortunately, love and it’s close cousins, puppy love and lust, can be easily confused for one another in the early stages, so it’s important to get it right and figure out if you’re really in love or if you just have a temporary crush on someone. As we wrote last year in our post Top 10 signs that you’re in love, it’s easy to define a few of the indications that your feelings are genuine love.
One very important factor to answer the question “am I in love” is whether you care more about their happiness and well being than your own. If you get the overwhelming feeling that you want this person to be happy no matter what, even if it means they can’t be with you, then you are probably falling in love with them. Putting someone’s well being above your own is a great indication that you are in love.
I mean do you lie awake at night and dream of one day purchasing wedding bands for your love? That’s when you know it’s really getting serious! You’re also probably in love with someone if you don’t mind giving up certain aspects or good things in your own life in order to be with them and make them happy. If you find that you don’t care as much anymore about giving up your extra time or money on that special someone, or you don’t want to hang out with the same old crowd anymore, then you may have you answer to “am I in love?”
Even if you do decide that you are really in love, make sure that you take it slow and don’t rush your romance with this new special person. A romantic relationship is something that needs to be developed slowly and nurtured, and the slower you take your romance the better chances you have for it working out. So, “am I in love?” . . . well the answer to that question is up to you, and the success of your attempts have everything to do with how you approach the person you are falling in love with!
101 Romantic Date Ideas & Fun First Dates Ideas
Are you looking for some romantic date ideas or fun things to do on a first date with your special someone? There are few better ways to add some good old-fashioned romantic ideas to your relationship or marriage than taking your wife, husband, boyfriend or girlfriend out on a thoughtful, fun date. Whether it’s your first date or you’ve been together for fifty years, an original, special romantic date will refresh your relationship and help you and your lover fall in love with each other all over again.
The possibilities for unique fun romantic date ideas are endless. Regardless of where you live or what your circumstances are, fresh romantic ideas for dates surround all of us. What might seem commonplace to one person can, with a little old-fashioned romance, be turned into an amazing, exciting idea for a date with your special someone.
While browsing through our fun romantic date ideas, also consider renewing your vows if you are married with a unique engagement ring to compliment your wedding ring, such as with pink sapphire engagement rings.
Below are 101 fun romantic date ideas, but they’re only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to possibilities for you and your husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend. Use this list to come up with fresh dating ideas of your own, and leave a comment if you think of any that should be on the list!
Dates are always suppose to be fun and memorable. Consider using online coupon codes to help prepare for your special date and to make it one neither of you will ever forget.
101 Fun Romantic Date Ideas & First Date Ideas
A date at your favorite coffee shop
A date at the local park
A romantic picnic date
A date to a baseball game
A romantic afternoon walk together
A date to fly a kite together
A date at the beach on a sunny day
A putt-putt golf date
A horseback riding date
A canoing date
A date to a soccer game
A romantic camping trip date
A date to a classic car show
A date to the local spa to pamper each other
A date to the local zoo
A date running a marathon or jogging together
A date at a high-class cocktail lounge or restaurant
A date to test-drive new cars together
A date to a volleyball game
A date to learn to para-sail together
A date cooking a romantic meal together
A date to meet each other’s family members
A date at the local museum
A date to the county fair
A birdwatching date
A date to pick fruit together at a local orchard
A date to take your kids, nieces or nephews to the park
A roller-blading or rollerskating date
A date to a football game
A date to tour new homes together
A date to learn to scuba dive together
A date to carve pumpkins together for Halloween
A date to the local flea market
A date to ride a romantic ferris wheel together
A date to look at flowers at the local greenhouse
A date to watch a romantic DVD or video together at home
A date to go on a hiking trip together
A date to play a round at the local golf course
A romantic dinner date at a four-star restaurant
A whitewater rafting date
A date to window shop at a nice shopping center
A date to go fishing together
A date to a basketball game
A date to a local art gallery
A date to color eggs together for Easter
A romantic tour of local historic places
A date to build a snowman together
A date at the first place you ever went out together
A date to a local air-show
A rock-climbing date
A date at the local mall arcade to play games together
A date to buy ice-cream on a hot day
A date to go to your local comedy club for some laughs
A date to pick wildflowers together
A date to tour local college campuses
A date to a hockey game
A date to an aquarium
A date to go boating together on a nice, clear day
A date to learn surfing together at the beach
A date to a play or a live stage show
The classic “dinner and a movie” date
A romantic afternoon sharing old pictures from your childhood
A date to the planetarium or science center
A date to a carnival
An afternoon sightseeing drive on a nice day
A date to a batting cage
A romantic ride in a horse-drawn carriage
A date to your local bookstore
A date to the pet store to pick out a pet together
A date to a boxing match
A date to the gym to exercise together
A date to a karaoke bar for some singing
A date to build a sandcastle together at the beach
A date to wash your cars together
A date to the horse-racing track
A date to your local pool or swimming hole
A go-cart riding date
A date to a romantic movie
A date to go shopping for new clothes together
A date to a downtown nightclub or dance club
A date to walk your dogs together
A date to a stock car race
A date to go target shooting or a shooting range together
A date to read to each other at the park on a nice day
An overnight date at a nearby bed-and-breakfast
A date to a local antique shop
A romantic sledding date on a snowy day
A date to a wishing well to make wishes together
A date to a wrestling match
A date to a local winery
A date to go bungee jumping together
A date to a friend or family member’s wedding
A date to local garage sales to go treasure hunting
A hunting date
A date to go skydiving together
A date to listen to the symphony together
A romantic hot air balloon ride
A date to play Frisbee together at the park
A date to a local amusement park to ride roller coasters
A date to a rock concert
A date to the casino to learn a new game together
