By Marcelina Hardy

How many people look at Demi Moore and think, “Wow, she is so hot!” … and yet Ashton Kutcher couldn’t stop turning his head, body and well, everything else towards other women.

So what is it?  Why do men look at other women when they have the lady of their dreams standing right beside them?  Don’t worry ladies.  It’s much less heart wrenching than you think, but yes, they still need to quit it.

Related: 5 Reasons Why Men Cheat

Creating Perfection When There Is None

No one is perfect, not even Demi Moore.  Guys have this wish fulfillment that they can create the perfect woman by piecing them together.  What they do is look at the huge boobs on one girl and then places it on the tight butt of another.  Then they take the perfect, long, tight legs of another girl and join it with the flat tummy of another.  In their minds, pieced together, is the perfect woman.  They daydream about this with all of their pieces put together.

Something is always missing though, and it never seems quite right.  This is why: It’s the one thing that makes them love you for who you are, no matter what you look like – your heart and soul.

See, the images they collect of other woman are just that, images.  It’s like taking puzzle pieces, putting them together and seeing a complete image, but they can’t do anything with it.  They can’t have fun with that, and they aren’t in love with that.  They aren’t attached to the image, and they just don’t have any sense of belonging and care for it.

Related: How To Gracefully Deal With Rumors In A Relationship

Sure, it’s exciting for them to see the “perfect woman” because it’s something they created.  However, the thrill is gone once they create it and realize it’s not real.

Stopping the Wandering Eyes

Does that give men the right to continue to gawk over other women?  No, it’s disrespectful to you and to other women.  The next time your man turns his head, don’t make a big production about it.  Wait until you’re not emotionally charged about it and then calmly say:

I noticed that you looked over at that woman earlier today.  I just want to let you know that it upsets me.  It would make me happy if you wouldn’t do that.

Do not say anything more.  He will most likely feel defensive about it, but also surprised that you aren’t starting trouble over it.  Watch his behavior change right before your eyes.  Soon, he’ll be staring at you and no other women will matter.

Are you having a difficult time communicating with your partner?  Communication is essential in a healthy relationship. If you need help in your relationship, Marcelina Hardy, MSEd can help.  She is a relationship coach with 10 years of experience helping people improve their relationships and move on from relationship trauma. Visit her website, Relationship Repair for help. 

For more videos from CupidsPulse.com, check out our YouTube channel.

By Amanda Martin

Many couples don’t realize the pressure and work it takes to move in with a significant other.  Lack of communication, romance, bad habits and finances can all take a toll when two people shack up for the first time. “Will you move in with me?” seems like a benign question for so many couples who’ve been together and are ready for the next step before marriage. However, you may never make it to the alter if you don’t set boundaries and expectations.

Tiffany Current, dating guru and author of the new book How to Move in with Your Boyfriend (and Not Break Up with Him), gives us her personal experience and advice about sharing a home with that special someone in order to make a live-in relationship last:

What inspired you to write “How to Move in with Your Boyfriend?”

It’s basically from my own experience.  I moved in with my boyfriend and after a month I was ready to call it quits, break up with him and go back to being single. Then I went out to a women’s luncheon and that was actually what inspired me to write the book.  I was complaining about my live-in relationship and everybody went around the table and said “I’ve been there” or “I know somebody who has been there,” and they were naming the same problems I was going through.  As I was listening I was thinking, “Why didn’t someone key me in to all these problems we would hit, all these things I should’ve talked about?” Nobody had talked to these ladies; nobody had given them advice, so that was the reason I decided to write the book.

Related: Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux Move In Together

What advice do you have for those who don’t feel comfortable moving in with their partner before marriage?

I would definitely recommend sitting down and talking about everything.  If you’re not living with the person, you won’t know if one of their bad habits could be one of your biggest deal breakers.  You want to have a conversation before it becomes a legal situation.  It’s a lot harder to leave once you’re married, so I would definitely say discuss your deal breakers. Everybody handles their finances differently; some people are good with their money, some people are bad with it.  You don’t want to get married and discover that your partner is $30,000 in debt.

How soon is too soon to move in together?

Anything before three months is probably too soon.  In the first few months of a relationship, you’re on your tiptoes.  You’re on your best behavior, putting on this great front, acting really romantic, and being the best that you could possibly be.  Your partner has not seen you at your worst.  I would definitely wait six months before moving in.  I was with my boyfriend, now husband, for a couple of years before we lived together.  Still, once we were moved in, I was like “Wow, I had no idea you were like this.”  I had no clue.

Related: How to Communicate to Get What You Need

What would you say are the most important chapters of your book?

I’m a big fan of my “Reality Bites” chapter because it talks about communication.  For me, to be able to talk openly with my partner is the most important part of a live-in relationship.  You constantly have to discuss what is and isn’t working, and how you can fix your problems, whether it’s chores or finances.

The other chapter couples should read is “Some Like it Hot.”  Romance is a huge deal when you’re living together.  Your partner can easily become your roommate instead of your lover.  If you remember to keep the romance alive and do all the little things you used to do in the beginning, your live-in relationship will be a success.

Want to find out more about how to make the big move?  Buy Tiffany Current’s book, How to Move in with Your Boyfriend (and Not Break Up with Him) on Amazon.com.

By Abbi Comphel and Whitney Johnson

As evidenced by the popularity of ski resorts like Park City, Utah and Telluride, Colorado, celebrity couples love sneaking away for a snowy romantic vacation — and what’s not to love?  Afternoons spent on the slopes of a majestic mountain and evenings spent snuggling up by a fire or exploring the local nightlife make for a perfect wintery holiday.

When temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, there is sure to be an influx of Hollywood couples at the following ski destinations:

1. Aspen, Colorado: The slopes of Ajax Mountain or Snowmass are often teeming with celebrity duos — although it may be hard to spot these famous faces when they’re covered in scarves and snow goggles. Celebrity couple Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell keep a house here, often inviting children Oliver and Kate Hudson and their families to join them.

Related Link: Have Winter Fun In The Sun

2. Park City, Utah: Although this winter wonderland is a popular destination for tourists and celebrities alike, the rich and famous come out in droves during the Sundance Film Festival. Married celebrity couple Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have been long-time snowboarders and enjoyed a snowy getaway here early on in their relationship. Although these two are now celebrity exes, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, who played a concert during the Deer Valley Celebrity Skifest in 2011, took their oldest son Kingston to Deer Valley in Park City for a day of family fun on the slopes.

3. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada: Whistler, known as the host of some of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, is as popular for its nightlife as for its 7,000 acres of ski-worthy terrain. Seal proposed to Heidi Klum here in 2004, while Paris Hilton and boy-toy of the past Doug Reinhardt took advantage of the skiing, snowboarding and sledding during a snow-filled vacation in 2009.

Related Link: Date Idea- Go Ice Skating

4. Telluride, Colorado: This snowy spot is a favorite playground of the rich and famous, perhaps because of its particularly remote location. Oprah Winfrey recently sold her “log cabin” here, and before their celebrity divorce, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes would steal away for a romantic getaway to their home away from home in Mountain Village, a sister town connected to Telluride by a free gondola.

5. Chamonix, France: Located in the French Alps, Chamonix, known as the birth place of skiing, is one of the most popular ski resorts in Europe. In addition to the unbeatable snow and challenging trails of Mont Blanc, the city is known for its apres-ski offerings as well: great French food and a cozy village atmosphere. David and Victoria Beckham often choose this spot for a family vacation.

What is your favorite snowy spot for a romantic getaway? Share your thoughts below.

By Pamala Oslie

Ever wonder why you feel drawn to some people and not others?  There’s a reason why certain people are compatible, and that reason is that their energies, or auras, mesh well together.  An aura is an energy field that radiates from you and broadcasts who you are at all times.  People can feel your essence, just like you can sense theirs.  In fact, different aura colors reveal different personality types, and certain color personalities are more compatible than others.

Take this simple quiz to find out what your aura colors say about you and your most compatible partner:

Related Link: Finding Lasting Love- The Last Blind Date

Aura Colors Quiz

Yes      No       Color #1

___        ___        I like to laugh, play, and cheer people up.
___        ___        I tend to look younger than my age.
___        ___        I like to be creative, artistic, athletic or a healer.

___        ___        Total

Yes      No       Color #2

___        ___        I am analytical and logical, not an emotional person.
___        ___        I enjoy working with computers, machines, or electronics.
___        ___        I prefer to work for others & enjoy working on details.

___        ___        Total

Related Link: Tips For Having A Happy Love Life

Yes      No       Color #3

___        ___        I tend to be a workaholic, perfectionist, ambitious, and strong-willed.
___        ___        My top priorities are money and accomplishing goals.
___        ___        I am organized, efficient, and often write lists.

___        ___        Total

Yes      No       Color #4

___        ___        I tend to help, counsel, and nurture others.
___        ___        Love, spirituality, and relationships are my highest priorities.
___        ___        I tend to be emotional and can cry easily.

___        ___        Total

Yes      No       Color #5

___        ___        I have a strong desire to help save or improve the planet.
___        ___        I have always felt that I was going to be famous, be a leader or do something big and important.
___        ___        Freedom, travel, and independence are major priorities to me.

___        ___        Total

Highest number of “yes” answers: Color #______
Second highest number of “yes” answers: Color #______

Your Aura Color Key

#1       = Yellow
#2       = Tan
#3       = Green
#4       = Blue
#5       = Violet

Most people have two main aura colors, so the personality traits of both colors will apply to you.  Below, notice what you’ll need in a partner and which colors are your best match:

Yellows: The fun-loving Yellows need playmates.  They need to laugh and enjoy life.  They enjoy partners who are playful, happy, spontaneous, curious, optimistic, physically active and healthy.  Best partners: Yellows, Blues, some Violets and Tans.

Yellows: Goldie Hawn (Yellow/Blue), Johnny Depp, and Mike Myers.

Tans: Practical, down-to-earth Tans value long-term commitment.  They need partners who are logical, devoted, reliable, sensible and who can be content with a basic, secure lifestyle.  Best matches: Tans, some Blues, Yellows, and Greens.

Tans: Clint Eastwood (Tan/Violet), Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt (both Yellow/Tans.)

Greens: These movers and shakers are intelligent and ambitious with a strong, commanding presence.  They’re driven, often workaholics and may not be at home much, so partners need to be independent and self-reliant.  Greens need mutual respect and to feel intellectually stimulated by their mates. Best partners: Greens, Violets, and some Tans.

Famous Greens: Barbara Walters, Bill Gates, and David Letterman (Green/Yellow.)

Blues: Blues are nurturing, devoted partners.  They live for love and a committed, monogamous relationship. There is nothing Blues won’t do to keep their relationship together. What Blues needs from a partner is love, loyalty, emotional connection, faithfulness, mutual trust, and long-term commitment. Best mates: Blues, Yellows, Violets, and some Tans.

Blues: Ellen Degeneres, Jennifer Aniston, and Kate Hudson (All Blue/Yellows.)

Violets: Violets have strong, dynamic personalities. They’re visionaries and leaders.  They typically radiate charisma and sexual chemistry.  Violets need to live big lives so they need partners who can soar with them; equal, inspirational partners who share their visions.  Violets must experience excitement, growth, expansion, and passion.  Best partners: Violets, Blues, Greens, and some Yellows.

Violets: the Beatles, Oprah, Martin Luther King Jr., George Clooney, and Spielberg.  (All Violet/Yellows.)

For over 27 years, Pamala Oslie has helped people better understand themselves and live happier lives by using her psychic abilities and her rare ability to see auras.  She has discovered different colors in the aura reveal a person’s personality, best life direction, and more.  Check out www.LoveColors.com and www.AuraColors.com for more information.

With New Year’s Eve around the corner, people are beginning to dream about who they’d love to lock lips with at midnight.  According to a recent survey of over 1,000 readers from omg!, the two who dominate this list are Jennifer Aniston and George Clooney.  For the celebrity men, the survey reported that 28 percent of women wish for a smooch from Clooney on Dec. 31 with Johnny Depp coming in at a close second with 27 percent.  Surprising to most, star of Crazy, Stupid, Love and The Notebook Ryan Gosling only stole 7 percent of women’s dream kisses.  On the female celebrity side of things, Aniston, the star of Friends and Horrible Bosses, captured 22 percent of men, while Halle Berry came in second with 18 percent.

If you could share a kiss with a celebrity at midnight, who would it be?  Share your choices below.

Some of our favorite Bachelorette and Bachelor Pad all-stars are gearing up to celebrate the premiere of the sixteenth season of ABC’s The Bachelor during a Reality TV Star Premiere Party hosted by Jesse Csincsak, Jesse Kovacs and David Good.  The event will take place at The Parlor Hollywood on Monday, January 2, 2012 from 6 p.m. to midnight.

There will be a Red Carpet Entrance, VIP gifting area, appetizers, cocktails and a special viewing of the Season Premiere of The Bachelor–LIVE!

As if that’s not enough, rounding out the good time will be a celebrity date auction, featuring Bachelor Pad’s Kasey Kahl and Most Eligible Dallas’ Matt Nordgren.  All proceeds benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a foundation that raises money to fight childhood cancer.  The auction will be followed by music, dancing and a midnight champagne toast!

The party will be hosted by three of The Bachelorette’s fan favorites but it will be one huge Reality TV celebration.  Expect appearances from your favorite reality stars of The Bachelor, Most Eligible Dallas, Survivor, Big Brother, Dancing With The Stars, The Hills, The Real World, and many more!

RSVP: SocialStefProductions@gmail.com

Remember the celebrity-filled movie Valentine’s Day and the classic film Pretty Woman?  Well, just in time for the holiday season, stars are lending their talent again for another film full of love on a very special holiday. This movie tells the various stories of multiple couples and singles on New Year’s Eve in New York City.  Jessica Biel plays a woman with a baby on the way, Lea Michele and Ashton Kutcher get stuck in an elevator together, Josh Duhamel is on a journey to find a woman he met a year ago, and Michelle Pfeiffer needs to fulfill all her New Year’s Day resolutions.  The star studded cast will have you yearning for that magical New Year’s kiss that happens at the stroke of midnight.  Happy New Year!

Cupid’s Advice:

You don’t have to travel to the city that never sleeps to have a romantic New Year’s Eve.  Here are some fun ways to spend the holiday:

1. Inside: Watching the ball drop in your warm living room with egg nog and confetti is a great way to ring in the new year and the perfect place to share a steamy New Year’s Eve kiss.

2. Outside: If you live in New York City or want to travel, how about being in Times Square when the ball drops?  Yes, you might freeze your toes off, but thats gives you even more reasons to snuggle up with that special someone.

3. A New Place: A fun way to spend New Year’s Eve is in a place you have never been before.  Start the new year off fresh by trying a new restaurant, movie theater, lounge, park or city.

Where do you and your partner plan on spending New Year’s Eve? Share your comments below.

By Abbi Comphel and Linda Guma

On December 22nd, the first official day of winter is upon us. The sun begins to rise late and set early, which can lead to some minor winter blues. As you start to go stir crazy, take this piece of relationship advice to heart, and start planning a romantic getaway for you and your partner. A nice break from the same old routine is probably just what you need to re-ignite a spark in your relationship.

Cupid has some love and relationship advice on where to escape with your loved one this season:

1. Tampa Bay, Florida: With the winter chills fast approaching, the birds aren’t the only ones heading south this winter. Located along the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay is an ideal destination for a couple vacation. Enjoy long walks along the shore of one of the beautiful beaches, like hot spot Archibald Beach Park, which is often busy on weekends and features restaurants and bathrooms nearby. You can even indulge in your sporty side and check out a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game with your mate.

Related Link: The Most Romantic Destinations of the U.S.

2. Montego Bay, Jamaica: With its vibrant reggae, tropical shores, and relaxing atmosphere, there is no doubt that Montego Bay, or “Mo’Bay,” is Jamaica’s center for tourism. You and your partner can adhere to this piece of dating advice and enjoy an array of water sports, from fishing to snorkeling and scuba diving.

3. Riviera Maya, Mexico: With its warm climate, the Riviera Maya an ideal destination to get away from it all with your partner.  Enjoy swimming in the beautiful Caribbean Sea in the city of Tulum, as you gaze at the only archaeological site located near the sea, and then immerse yourself in a rich cultural experience as you discover Maya history.

4. Bangkok, Thailand: Among the most urban and safe cities in Asia is Bangkok.  Known as the hottest city in the world, its coolest period is November to February, so it’s definitely worth checking out at this time of the year.  The city’s diversity and glamour, infused with a romantic ambiance, make it an ideal destination for a couple’s holiday.  Palaces, Buddhist temples, museums, and parks will keep you busy sightseeing during the day, while exotic performances will entertain you at night.

Related Link: “Out Of The Way” Vacation Spots

5. Paris, France: There is something about Paris that continues to entice tourists and celebrity couples alike year after year. Come visit the “city of love” during low season for tourism, and allow yourself to be compelled. Drenched in art and culture, Paris is home to the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Chateau de Versaille, and the Chartres Cathedral. The Seine River is an ideal make-out spot… among many others! Other absolute musts include indulging yourselves in a bottle of wine and a baguette, warming up at a local coffee shop and enjoying a jazz show. You can definitely spot some celebrity couples enjoying their time here!

6. Quebec City, Canada: Winter is a great time to visit Quebec City.  The St. Laurence river freezes, and the streets are covered by a pristine blanket of white, transforming the city into a winter wonderland. These features give the city the charm and glamour that make it the perfect site for a romantic holiday. You and your partner will be amused by ice sculptures, night parades, dance, and music during the Winter Carnival in January and February. These are some perfect date ideas!

7. Kitzbuhel, Austria: Located on the Kitzbuhel Alps, this small medieval town is a truly enchanting location, ideal for sports fanatics. One of Austria’s most famous winter sports resorts, Kitzbuhel offers a wide array of exciting activities that will allow you and your partner to reconnect by skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and hiking together. In the evening, go for a romantic stroll through the picturesque town.

8. Dillon, Colorado: This is another enthralling winter paradise.  You’ll be bedazzled by the glow and sparkle of the Lights Festival throughout December and half of January. Dillon is also home to the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, the highest skiable terrain in North America. Adorned with snow, Dillon offers plenty of great couple’s activities which will allow you and your honey to really unwind.

9. Charleston, South Carolina: This historic city is distinguished by its rich array of churches and museums. Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage tour of the quaint town. There are plenty of relaxing spas, which will make this destination a perfect couple’s retreat. If you head over in February, check out the Oyster Festival.

10. Sun Valley, Idaho: This unique resort city is known as one of the world’s top winter resorts. Its peaceful setting creates the perfect backdrop for a romantic vacation. Spend your days engaging in fun physical activities like cross-country skiing or snowboarding, and during the evening rekindle your passion by a flickering fire place in one of Sun Valley’s many beautiful lodges.

Where do you plan to take your honey this Winter break?  Share your ideas below.

It looks like Bachelor Pad alum Michael Stagliano has finally tapped into his winnings from the show, as he recently indulged in a getaway.  The reality star vacationed in Mexico where he spent a week at Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto.  During his time there he enjoyed kayaking, paddle boarding and playing golf.  He even displayed some holiday spirit by helping to decorate the resort’s Christmas tree and gingerbread house.  There’s nothing like some R&R in the sun coupled with seasonal merriment!

By John Powers

Contrary to popular belief, men are simple creatures.  It doesn’t take much to make us happy.  All you have to do is find out what your man likes and then take an interest.  That’s honestly all it takes.  Spend quality time together doing things you both appreciate and your relationship will flourish.  Here are some ways to make that happen:

Enjoy each other’s company.

Laugh, smile, and be silly and lighthearted.  It may sound impossible, but it’s necessary to eliminate stress.  Do this by sharing inside jokes and special moments.  A good relationship will bring out the best in both of you, and you should look forward to being together.  Most guys are low-maintenance, and we want our downtime to be carefree.

Related: She’s Got Game: The Women’s Guide to Loving Sports

Make together time count.

Each of us has a different schedule, and it’s important to make the most of time together doing things you both enjoy like playing tennis, going wine tasting, or watching a movie.  Plan exciting activities that involve cooperation and interaction and you will build great memories of time spent together.  Take plenty of pictures but avoid distractions like text messages or phone calls.

Appreciate relaxation.

Some guys like watching the game with a beer, while others prefer chess and pomegranate juice.  Sit beside him, pour yourself a drink, and snuggle up to him.  If you discover your guy enjoys road trips it might be fun to plan one.  If your man likes playing guitar it would be good of you to listen, or take piano lessons.

Related: Signs to Know He Is The One

Rest assured.

There’s nothing that will scare a man away faster than insecurity, but if your man is satisfied in bed and on weekends then you have nothing to worry about.  Men are straightforward creatures and you should be confident that your man is happy unless he tells you otherwise.

So enjoy each other, relax, and stop asking questions.

John Powers is a heterosexual, single male.  He does graphics for TV by day and standup comedy by night.  He enjoys playing and listening to rock music, driving around with the top down on his convertible, walking aimlessly around Manhattan, and sipping on deep red wine near the beach.

By Jessica DeRubbo

You may think that you’ll never find lasting love if you’ve been part of one failed relationship after another but Linda Yellin, author of The Last Blind Date, is here to tell you that there is hope for a happily ever after.  In her new book, she chronicles with wit and hilarious detail, the lead-up to her current marriage to Randy Arthur and her subsequent move to New York City.  She lets it be known that although there are no steadfast rules to a lasting relationship there are things you can do to keep a healthy and happy outlook on life with your partner.

We had a chance to interview Linda Yellin about her book, and this is what she had to say:

What inspired you to write a book about your experience with love?

Now that’s a good question.  I’d written a book eons ago called Such A Lovely Couple. That book was about my first marriage.  Interestingly, all my husbands get books written about them, whether they need one or not.  (This might be the appropriate time to note that there have only been two husbands and two books.  And that I’m currently not planning any sequels.)

I loved my first book, but it was totally unread. (Second note: I said unread. Not unreadable.)  By the time anyone in the bookstore got to the “Y” section, they’d already bought two other books and gone home.  So I figured if I wrote a new book, maybe people would like it enough to go read the first book…which Mr. Simon and Mr. Schuster have thoughtfully just re-released.

Of course, I still have that end-of-the-alphabet problem, which just goes to show I’m an idiot, since I’m now married to Randy Arthur and could have moved up to the A’s.

Related: Going from ‘It’s Complicated’ to Monogamy

How would you explain the book’s title, The Last Blind Date?

I went through 8,000 titles.  If I’d strung them all together, they would have added up to another book.  But my Editor-in-Chief picked The Last Blind Date out of the “short list.”  I think the short list only had 500 titles on it.  Randy’s the last blind date.  At least I thought he was, until I moved to New York from Chicago to marry him and found myself “dating” for friends.  That was one thing I hadn’t considered before moving — that I’d be starting all over without any girlfriends.  So really, Randy’s my last guy blind date.

Related: How to Campaign for a Better Relationship

Many reviews focus on the way in which you use humor to tell your story.  Was this a conscious decision during the writing process?

No.  I’m not that self-aware.  If I could make a conscious decision to add things into my writing process, I’d be Aristotle or Plato.  Or at least Jim Patterson.

What advice would you give our readers when it comes to finding lasting love?

Well, you won’t know if something was lasting love until you’re at your own funeral.  And if Randy outlives me (and boy do I hope he does; it scares me silly to imagine myself as The Widow Linda, without him — to say nothing of having to come up with all those corned beef platters for his relatives) — even if yes indeed, we’ve had as great of a relationship as I think we’re having, there’s no doubt that before my casket’s halfway into the ground, women will be throwing tuna casseroles at him and offering him tickets for a night out at the theater.

So assuming everything is hunky dory until then, one of the most romantic things Randy ever said to me was that he didn’t want to change me, and that if he tried, he’d just mess it up.  (I’m wondering… maybe that wasn’t romantic… maybe that was seduction; but it worked at the time.)  Regardless, I make a point to remind myself that I’m his lover, not his mother.  If I was his mom, by now he’d know to put the toilet seat down.  So we don’t pick at each other, which is a little thing, but maybe a big thing, too.  And we’re always saying, I love you. Sometimes I’m saying it to a black and white cookie, but most of the time I’m saying it to Randy, and he’s saying it to me.

When I first told him that I loved him (yes, I said it first — so sue me!) he gave me this whole big speech about how he didn’t like saying all that love stuff because if one person says it then the other person feels obligated to say it, and then the first person… blah, blah blah… Basically, it was the biggest dodge in the history of romance.  So I stopped saying I love you until he started saying I love you (took another two months), but now we tell each other I love you all the time, which I like.  Plus, it fills in the gaps when we run out of conversation.

So there you have it!  For more information about Linda Yellin and her book, visit LindaYellin.com.  To purchase your own copy of the book, check out Amazon.

By Abbi Comphel and Whitney Johnson

There are plenty of pairings that just make sense: peanut butter and jelly; flip-flops and the beach; bright red lipstick and that little black dress, to name a few. That’s not to say that unexpected matches don’t make their mark: bacon and chocolate (seriously); navy and black; cowboy boots in the summertime. This idea holds true for relationships, too. Sometimes, a couple just seems right, and other times, it takes a bit more convincing to understand why they’re a good fit.

If nothing else, the celebrity couples below prove that love can pop up in the most unexpected places and that opposites do attract.  As for bacon and chocolate, the jury is still out.

1. Johnny Depp and Amber Heard: In latest celebrity news, this A-list actor married the Magic Mike XXL star in February 2015. The celebrity couple have been together for quite some time now. With a 23-year age difference, the pair have definitely made headlines. Heard doesn’t want to be known as Depp’s wife. She wants to make a strong name for herself in the acting world. This is one beautiful power couple!

2. Heidi Klum and Seal: For Klum, it was love at first sight: she saw Seal in a New York City hotel lobby and knew that he was “the whole package.” They were together for quite some time and were madly in love. The celebrity couple sadly did not make it like everyone thought they would, and the relationship ended up celebrity divorce. But they are still very good friends and enjoy raising their four children together.

Related Link: Heidi Klum & Seal Shoot Revealing Music Video 

3. Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney: Everyone was shocked when they heard Lady Gaga was dating someone and even more surprised when they found out it was actor Taylor Kinney. The two are talked about in the media because they keep their relationship very private. They have been together for about four years now and seem very happy together. They were first introduced when Gaga was filming her music video for “You and I.”

4. Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen: This petite, fiery redhead and tall funnyman wed in a private ceremony in Paris in 2010 after eight years together. The couple are now raising their three children in Los Angeles. Keeping in line with the secrecy of their celebrity wedding, the couple waited quite a while to reveal the names of their celebrity kids: Olive, Elula Lottie Miriam, and Montgomery Moses Brian Baron Cohen.

5. AnnaLynne McCord and Dominic Purcell: The 90210 starlet and Prison Break actor were first spotted together in June 2011 and the two were very in love. With a 17-year age difference this celebrity relationship had a few struggles. But it seems the two are back together and still in love. McCord celebrated her 28th birthday this summer and Purcell was there to celebrate.

Related Link: Isla Fisher Vacations with Sacha Baron Cohen, Kids

6. Ellen Pompeo and Chris Ivery:  Viewers are used to seeing Pompeo, who is best known for playing the title character of Meredith Grey on ABC’s medical drama, Grey’s Anatomy.  On the show she was courted by and now married to McDreamy, the lead neurosurgeon at Seattle Grace Hospital played by Patrick Dempsey.  However, in the real world, she has found her own McDreamy in record producer Chris Ivery, who she married on November 9, 2007.

Who are some other unlikely celebrity couples? Share your thoughts below.

By Shoshana Davis

Being in love under the spotlight comes with many disadvantages.  All your critics have something to say about you. Celebrity marriages have lasted between nine days (Carmen Electra and Dennis Rodman), to two weeks (Mario Lopez and Ali Landry) and the infamous 72 days (Kim and Kris). With the start of “Kourtney and Kim Take New York” last week on E!, fans are hoping to get a glimpse into what caused the new marriage between Kim and Kris Humphries to collapse. It’s not just rich and famous relationships that are tough. For every two marriages in the United States each year, there is one divorce. Most couples could learn a lot from what makes designer Josie Stevens’ marriage to rocker Steve Stevens special.

Josie, featured with her husband of Billy Idol Fame on another E! Network reality show, “Married to Rock,” knows what it takes to keep that wedded bliss going and not fall victim to the typical relationship hurdles.  “What keeps the spark alive starts outside the bedroom,” she said.  “We video chat, we text, we call each other, we send each other cute emails, photos, little presents or flowers.”  Josie also claims that the key to a stress-less relationship is communication and patience.  “No one is perfect, and everyone is going to have a few quirks that drive you crazy, but you have to remember that you have a few that drive them crazy too.”

Related Link: Five Ways to Get Your Partner to Put Down the Phone When You’re On a Date

The couple met in person for the first time at a store called The Pleasure Chest almost ten years ago and have been together ever since.  They avoided having a public wedding in 2008, and were married in a park by a justice of the peace they found online.  The decision to have a smaller ceremony was largely because Steve’s father had just passed away and they did not feel it was appropriate to have a big event.  A year later they joined the cast of “Married to Rock”, and during the taping of the show they threw a rock star sized wedding of their dreams.  Josie and Steve’s dream wedding took place in a castle and had lots of pink accents.  It was also broadcast on the same network that televised the Kardashian mega-wedding.  Kim has been quoted in the media as saying she felt a burden to move forward with her nuptials due to being a public figure, but Josie felt quite the opposite.  “The only pressure I got was from some of my friends to have a more traditional wedding, but I knew what I wanted and just followed my heart.”  She continued, “I think a wedding should reflect your personality, relationship and  love.”  The Stevens’ wedding did just that.  Josie came down the castle roof on a trapeze, and the bridesmaids wore Hello Kitty necklaces.

Josie is a makeup artist by trade, and just launched a new clothing line called Josie Loves JValentine.  Steve tours on his own, with Billy Idol’s band, and occasionally with The Magnificent Seven and Camp Freddy.  Although the two lovebirds travel between two to nine months a year, they make an effort to be together whenever they can, and often go on the road as a pair.  Josie credits Steve as an inspiration for her work, and she acts as his stylist, make-up artist and day to day business manager.

Related Link: Kim Kardashian’s Divorce: A Reminder About Relationship Mistakes to Avoid

“One of the most important things in any relationship is to always make the other person feel loved and appreciated, whether you are together or apart.  It’s easy to take the other person for granted or get too comfortable.”  “On Married to Rock,” Josie went as far as to create a “Josie Doll,” which was a complete replica of herself to send to Steve while he was on the road.  “Don’t get so caught up in life that you stop taking time to just have fun and enjoy each other.  Do something silly now and then.”

The Stevens’ are a good example of a couple who know how to keep the romance alive, and still focus on their careers.  If all else fails, Josie has “found roller skating through the studio naked tends to work wonders,” for getting Steve’s attention.

For more information on Josie’s fashion line, you can find it at www.jvalentinecatalog.com.

By Jessica DeRubbo

Why are nice girls attracted to bad boys?  Because opposites attract — duh!  For decades, we’ve been throwing around this cliché without really investigating why it may be true.  I mean, at one time or another, haven’t we all been drawn to those who are so different from us that we’d be hard pressed to actually find a similarity?

For instance, your idea of having fun is to hit the bar scene and meet new people, while he wants to sit at home and watch sports.  You’re super bashful at a dinner party, and he’s the life of the party. You were always a straight “A” student with no “naughty” record, while he struggled to pass in school and spent the majority of his time in the principal’s office. Despite those glaring differences, the thing is, sometimes being in a relationship with an opposite personality works.

So, let’s find out why those who have very little in common find each other irresistible. Here are five solid reasons:

1.  It’s all in the science: A recent study shows that females are naturally attracted to men whose immune systems differ from their own.  In fact, the more unlike a man’s immune system is to a woman’s, the more likely the woman is to remain faithful.  Pretty soon, a simple DNA test may be the answer to all of our relationship problems.

Related: Laws of Attraction Between Celebrity Couples

2.  Curiosity: Sometimes it’s simply that we want to know how “the other half” lives, according to Ronnie Ann Ryan, MBA, CCC (known as The Dating Coach and author of MANifesting Mr. Right).  “I am the type that wants to get from point A to point B as fast as possible,” she says.  “My husband wants to go the long way so he can see the sunset at the beach on the way to his destination.  Learning to slow down has been very good for me.”

3. New and improved: Having a relationship with someone whose perspective on life is completely different than yours serves to bring out a spanking new, and sometimes better side, of each person.  Plus, being with someone who has a completely different opinion than yours can keep the spark alive in a relationship.

Related: Male Perspective on How to Not Strike Out in Dating

4. Divide and conquer: “Opposites can make fabulous partners because they complement each other,” says Ryan.  Instead of arguing over who gets to do the “good” chores and who gets stuck with the “bad,” your likes and dislikes don’t overlap.  You prefer washing the dishes, while he’s totally fine with drying.

5. It’s a challenge: Let’s face it: they don’t call it the “dating game” for nothing.  Yes, eventually dating can turn from a contest into a serious relationship, but it starts out as a challenge to overcome.  It becomes even more of a feat when you add opposite personalities to the mix.  Bottom line is — the Venus vs. Mars dynamic is exciting!

What are some other reasons that opposites attract? Share your thoughts below.

As the weather goes from brisk to brash, we drag out our North Face jackets and holiday scarves in preparation for the winter ahead.  Sometimes it takes the glow of a loved one to keep us cozy, which is why the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree can produce some of the warmest moments of the holiday season.  Beneath the glow of the freshly lit evergreen, Javier Colon (Winner of NBC’s “The Voice”) serenaded a crowd with Christmas classics.  Afterwards, we chatted with him about his upcoming plans with his family for the Holiday season.

Video courtesy of Richard Zangrillo and NBC Studios.

For more videos from CupidsPulse.com, check out our YouTube channel.

By Liz from WeLoveDates.com

I finally caught Kim Kardashian’s wedding special while I was home sick one day, and now there are two hours of my life I wish I could get back.  Three days later, when news of her impending divorce broke, I wasn’t surprised at all.  I mean, anyone who tuned in to her wedding special could tell that the couple barely liked each other.  I was originally ready for Kim to go away, but Lord knows I love a great reality show train wreck.  So, I couldn’t look away.

While Ms. Kardashian and I couldn’t be more different, we also have a few things in common.  We’re the same age, in love with being in love and have a particular affinity for high heels and hair extensions.  I then came to the conclusion that Kim Kardashian could teach me a thing or two about marriage:

Related Link: How to Make Your Marriage ‘Easy Breezy’

Womens Intuition Is Real: There is a small part of me that actually feels bad for KK.  I have to believe that beneath all the makeup, the spanx, and the money, there’s a real person with actual feelings.  Putting myself in her very expensive shoes, I wonder what I would have done if I had that “this isn’t right” feeling in the pit of my stomach.  Knowing that when I called off the wedding it would affect so many people and would make me feel bad.

Money and Marriage Don’t Mix: By Kim selling out her wedding, getting married became part of her job description.  This is where it gets tricky, because marriage should be about love between you and your partner … and that’s it.  I highly doubt that anyone wants to pay me to film my wedding (if you do, call me!), but this was a reminder to keep my eyes and mind on what matters, and to keep it sacred.  The more you treasure it, the more you should protect it.

Eloping may be the way to go: I’ve always wanted a fairytale wedding, but watching this Kardashian sh*t show has really forced me to re-evaluate my priorities.  It seems as if we forget that marriage is not about the wedding day, the dress and the registry.  It’s about joining your life with someone else’s, whether he lives in Minnesota or not, and whether there is an NBA lock-out or not.  There’s simply is too much emphasis placed on the wedding, and not on your future life together.

Related Link: Advantages of Eloping

And, ladies and gentlemen, I want the life.  I want that happily ever after.

As the Holidays draw closer and families get together, it’s easy to get roped into the manic hustle and bustle. Cooking with your loved ones, especially your special someone, can act as a great escape from all of the stress. It can even bring you and your partner closer. CupidsPulse.com spoke with Food Network’s Anne Burrell and Geoffrey Zakarian and got their take on whipping up some holiday romance in the kitchen.

For more videos from CupidsPulse.com, check out our YouTube channel.

By Cara Davis

The countdown to the holidays has begun. With it comes the only time of year that’s simultaneously joyous and stressful. For some, this season will bring with it the event of a lifetime: a wedding.  Those planning holiday winter weddings have several opportunities to save money and lessen the stress burden for themselves and their guests.

Related: 8 Alternative Wedding Trends for 2011

1. Deck the Halls.

Most event locations will have already decked the halls for the holidays, allowing you to piggyback their efforts for a low-cost wedding. Go with Christmas hues of gold, red and green — or go for a silvery winter blitz. Strings of white Christmas lights will transform any room into a holiday paradise.

2. Silver Bells.

Create budget large-scale ornaments as decorations using Styrofoam balls spray-painted and covered in glitter. Or create groupings of bare branches spray-painted white and covered in silver glitter. Paper ornaments, like these ornament greeting cards, make great wedding invitations or wedding favors.

3. Seasons Eatings.

Comfort food is a popular winter wedding choice (think soups, pasta, pot pies and mac-n-cheese). Don’t shy away from cost-cutting measures like serving family-style or buffet. Consider a hot chocolate, cider, eggnog or coffee bar to which your guests can immediately help themselves (plus, you’ll save hundreds by skipping the alcohol).

4. Marshmallow World.

Gingerbread houses make quaint table centerpieces, as do natural greenery and berries. Cocoa mixes or cookie cutters also make inexpensive wedding favors.

5. Peace on Earth and Online.

Couples are increasingly using online wedding planning tools, like creating or sending save-the-date and invitations online (40-percent increase over the last two years), personal websites and online RSVP services (23-percent and 31-percent increases respectively) and using social media to communicate wedding details (78-percent increase), according to TheKnot.com. Brides and grooms also have the option of registering online for gift cards at sites like CardAvenue.com, which is a great option for guests already overwhelmed with holiday shopping lists.

6. Jingle Bell Rock.

If you chose to have your wedding around the holidays, it’s likely a favorite time of year for you. As such, incorporating favorite holiday tunes into your wedding reception is a must, and a fantastic way to get your guests into the holiday spirit. Pandora is an excellent, economical method to pipe in some yuletide carols at the appropriate time during your reception.

When all is said and done, you’ll begin your first happy new year together, and that’s something to celebrate indeed.

Related: How To Have A Special At Home Proposal

Weddings expert Cara Davis is the author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot and blogs from her home in Orlando, FL, about cheap ways to spend and save at CheapWaysTo.com.

In Young Adult, a fiction writer, Mavis Gary (Charlize Theron), has just finalized her divorce and is heading back to her hometown in Minnesota.  When she reconnects with her ex, Buddy Slade (Patrick Wilson),  she wonders if they can rekindle the  relationship they use to have in high school.  The problem?  Her ex is married with children!  This is going to be a good one, and we can’t wait to see Theron back in action on December 9th.

Cupid’s Advice:

Ending a long term relationship can cause you to start remincising about past loves.  Bumping into an ex after breaking up with your partner can cause you to think fate is at play.  Be careful!  Here’s when you should rethink those thoughts:

1. He’s happily married: This should be an obvious one, but you would be surprised.  Even though you want to give the relationship another try, it’s probably not worth breaking up a happy home.

2. He shows no interest: If you’re doing all the work to make old memories a reality, move on.

3. You just feel lonely: Feeling lonely doesn’t mean you should try to get an ex back.  Move on with someone new, and don’t look back.  If it’s meant to be, it will be.

Have you ever tried to get an ex back that was spoken for? Share your experiences below.

By Sarah Batcheller

If you and your significant other have taken in all that your town has to offer and you’re ready for a change of scenery, it’s the perfect time to embark on an unforgettable road trip! With the warmer months approaching, the two of you can follow this weekend date idea to take a small adventure and prepare for spring. Road trips are a great way to spend quality time together, something we often forget to do as we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of a new year. Cupid’s dating advice is sure to help you and your honey make the most of this weekend date idea!

Related Link: Enjoy a Secret Sunset on Your Next Date Night

Dating Advice for Couples Looking for Adventure This Weekend

If you’re ready to leave behind the colder weather once and for all, drive South to a warmer state for some fun in the sun. If you’re the more adventurous type and want one last cold weather rendezvous before the snow melts away, embrace the chilly season and set your sights North for winter sports. Or you can travel to the nearest mountain and go for a romantic hike. Camping together is another idea that will be sure to keep you snuggling all night. It also adds to the minimalist attitude that road trips are all about! For those couples who want to hit as many destinations as possible, you can fuse romance and adventure and take a weekend cruise.

You and your sweetie can take this time to show love like your favorite Hollywood couples do since they’re always on the road. No matter where you decide to go, if you plan on being in the car for a while, find ways to beat boredom by playing some fun games or using the time to catch up with one other after a long work week. Playing your favorite music or an audio book will give both of you something to enjoy while driving too.

Related Link: Date Idea: Kidnap Him!

Just remember to turn off your phone and ignore your calls, e-mails, and texts. Make this weekend only about you and your significant other. For those couples who haven’t gone on a getaway, this date idea could be an important next step in your relationship and love.

Ever been on a road trip with your honey? Share your dating advice with us in the comments below! 

Written by Aimee Wilcox

The holidays are for celebrating those meaningful traditions with the person who matters most to you.  But, often times those celebrations are synonymous with food.  So, how can you keep all the delicious treats and calorie-rich meals from adding up on the scale?  Here are a few tips:

1. Be there and be square: Bring the healthy food.

If it’s a potluck, holiday party or a family get together, ensure your access to healthy foods by volunteering to bring a healthy dish.  It doesn’t have to be fruits or vegetables (although those are great options); think outside the box with things like hummus, roasted vegetables or low fat cheese.  But don’t just bring it; the point is to fill up on the healthy food first.  Or, eat a small meal (like soup) before you go so that you don’t throw all self control out the window on an empty stomach.  Keep your indulgences after that to a minimum (picking 2-3 other foods to sample is a good goal).  Don’t forget that drinks have calories, too.  And, by all means, don’t linger near the food table!

Related Link: Diets and Dating

2. Make your wish list known: Enlist the support of others.

Tell your well-intentioned friends and family about your goals and kindly request that they steer clear of gifts that include holiday treats this year.  It’s probably inevitable that you’ll get at least a few boxes of candy and cookies, so don’t hesitate to re-gift them (unopened, of course) to others.  If people ask, suggest gift cards for smoothies or a health food store.  Or, ask them for a gift card so you can go on a shopping spree for a new workout outfit.  And, don’t forget to use the buddy system.  Designate that trusted loved one for moral support through the holidays.  An added bonus: share your dishes to cut down on the calorie intake.

3. Run like a turkey on Thanksgiving.

Instead of meeting your date at a restaurant, try going for a bike ride, walk or hike instead.  You can even go bowling, rock climbing, dancing or ice skating.  Just find a way to be active together.  Besides, you’ll probably have a lot more fun.  Even better, sign up for a Turkey Trot or holiday race.  Those are the kinds of things that make for memorable (and healthy) holidays.

Related Link: Learn a New Sport With Your Significant Other

Staying healthy through the holidays may require a little more planning, discipline and activity,  but you’ll be glad when the number on your scale doesn’t resemble the bill from your credit card this holiday season.  Cheers!

A full time mom to her four young muses, Aimee is also a part time writer and avid runner, and is always looking to keep a perspective on motherhood, life with kids and the Great Balance.

By Brea Gunn

One more Hollywood divorce has entered the official records. Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries’ fairy tale marriage lasted less than three months. Say what you will, but I think that this whole mess could have been avoided if they made their relationship more private. When you live your life so publicly, I’m sure that it’s difficult to separate reality … from reality TV. Even so, it seems that many stars have been swept away with the ratings, only to realize that they aren’t as perfectly matched as they originally thought.

Why don’t we start at the beginning of the end? Here are seven former celebrity duos whose relationships may or may not have dissolved as a result of being featured on reality TV:

1. Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey: We all fell in love with Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey on their series, Newlyweds. She was so sweet and innocent, and he was her protector. Unfortunately, they split shortly after their show wrapped in 2005.

2. Carmen Electra and Dave Navarro: This former couple took a run at reality television, too. They split while planning their wedding because they had agreed to air their plans on MTV and couldn’t make up their minds.

3. Hulk Hogan and Linda Hogan: Hulk and wife Linda split after filming multiple seasons of Hogan Knows Best.

Related: Hulk Hogan Supports Ex’s Engagement

4. Jon Gosselin and Kate Gosselin: This duo lasted longer than most, but split during their series that focused on them and their eight children.

5. Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler: Remember Meet the Barkers?  The former couple filed for divorce after only two seasons … and two and a half years of marriage. This on-and-off again couple is still a little confused about whether they should be together or not.

6. Christopher Knight and Adrianne Curry: Christopher Knight, a.k.a. Peter Brady, and his love, America’s Next Top Model winner Adrianne Curry, split in May of this year. Apparently their show, My Fair Brady wasn’t enough to keep them together.

7. Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries: Let’s face it:  This whole debacle is going to be well overplayed while their divorce is pending.

Related: A Reminder About Relationship Mistakes to Avoid

The question is, what can you learn from all of these couples? A lot, actually. And your other half will thank you. Here are a few quick tips:

Have a Courtship

It’s old fashioned, but it’s necessary. Kim and Kris dated for six months and look where it got them. Yes, Khloe and Lamar were engaged and married much faster and they are happily married, but they’re the exception, not the rule. So take your time and date your mate a while before deciding on mariage. You’ll learn more about each other, and be more prepared for a lifetime.

Watch for Warning Signs

I don’t want anyone to be paranoid, but think about this: how often did Kim and Kris fight during their relationship? I’m not talking about the little disagreements, like where to have dinner. I’m talking about kids, your home, and money. If you can’t come to an agreement that makes you both happy, you’re not going to be happy, and you’ll follow in some pretty famous footsteps.

Discuss the Big Stuff

Before the wedding, hash out all of the big issues. Discuss kids, money, location, pets and general life preferences. These are big items that you need to agree on before you walk down the aisle.

And after you’ve tied the knot, how do you keep your relationship going strong?  The most important thing is to remember three simple words: I love you.  Say them, and then say them again.

Brea Gunn writes about the best Westchester wedding venues. Check out what these wedding business marketing insiders have to share.