As kids, we spend much of our free time drawing or creating some unique works of art (even if no one knows what they are), but as adults, we often let our creativity take a backseat to our many responsibilities. With that thought in mind, it’s time to get crafty with this date idea! On your next night out, take your honey to the local pottery store where you two lovebirds can create your own clay pieces or paint ones already made.
Let love be your muse this weekend with this date idea!
Bachelorette Hannah Brown with two of the guys from her season. Photo: Instagram/ @bacheloretteabc
By Amanda Sanders
In celebrity news this Memorial Day, viewers watched The Bachelorette’s Hannah Brown continue her search for her happily ever after. The latest episode of The Bachelorette showed the single celebrity discovering some red flags in Luke P.’s attempts to woo her and eventually her confronting him on how it made her feel as a result. On a group date, Luke P. tried to get some extra time alone with Hannah at the photoshoot before offering to walk her back to her dressing room in a way that the reality star viewed as aggressive, calling him “cocky.” This Bachelorette isn’t afraid to stand up for herself.
What are some ways to confront your partner about something that is making you uncomfortable or upsetting you?
Bonnie Griffin is a graduate student at Southern New Hampshire University where she is a student in their new online MFA Creative Writing program. Her main areas of study are in writing in the romance genre and teaching writing online. After working as a freelance writer for other authors and publishers, she published her first paranormal romance novel in 2017 as B.M. Griffin, and has since published four books in total with many more already in the works. Bonnie hopes to turn her love for writing into a career by teaching others in the profession she is so passionate about, while also continuing to write books that she is proud to put her name on. Bonnie lives in Richlands, North Carolina with her husband Jason, their two daughters, and two dogs she considers her third and fourth child.
Bonnie’s favorite celebrity couple is Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard. She’s been a fan of Shepard’s since he starred in the NBC comedy, Parenthood. Bonnie loves to see the couple laughing and having a great time together; they seem to truly enjoy being together. The video of Kristen meeting a sloth sealed the deal for her when it came to them becoming her favorite celebrity couple.
Woman is upset as her boyfriend texts on a date. Photo: Kzenon / Bigstock.com
By Dr. Jane Greer
When we think of family, we often have an image of togetherness, but for almost one-fifth of the population that is not the case. Studies have shown that family estrangement affects up to nineteen percent of people. And while it may be fairly common, it is often painful and can interfere with everyday happiness. That can be the case whether it is a child who no longer talks to a parent, a sister who no longer talks to a brother, an aunt who no longer talks to a nephew or any other variation. It can become even more relevant and harder to ignore when a family event takes place such as a big holiday, a wedding, or the birth of a baby because there is the natural desire to share those things with someone who, at least at one time, played a prominent role in your life. This may be what Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are experiencing since they welcomed their first child. She has been publicly estranged from her father, and the arrival of her son might raise questions and emotions about that situation, especially since her father told The Sun that he worries he will never meet his new grandson.
In this relationship advice, learn how to approach estrangement from your family members.
It is nearly impossible to do anything privately these days because almost everything is caught on camera and then shared on social media. With that in mind, breaking up and moving on can carry an even heavier and more transparent burden since most steps are documented on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or another social media site. For example, John Cena was spotted holding hands with a mystery woman only days after his ex, Nikki Bella, confirmed she’s in a relationship with Artem Chigvintsev. All of this played out on the internet. Sometimes the one left behind doesn’t feel ready to move on, but when they see their ex out there with a new love they might feel motivated to either try to put themselves out there too or, at the very least, look like they are. This raises the question, is using social media a good choice when trying to get over an old flame?
In this relationship advice, we explore how to approach social media after a break-up.
Couple walking in New York City. Photo: Maridav / Bigstock.com
By Dr. Jane Greer
Sustaining a marriage or an ongoing relationship can be hard, and everybody hits different rough patches along the way where they think they made a mistake choosing their partner and they can’t see a lasting future together. Even in what seems like a great connection, there are times when people think they want out. Fortunately, in most cases, they don’t act on these heat-of-the-minute thoughts, but rather look to find ways to move past them. Neil Patrick Harris and his husband David Burtka recently talked about how they keep their 15-year relationship happy and healthy. The couple, who share 8-year-old twins and got married in September 2014, said that for them it is all about communication. They said they try not to let emotions and disappointments get bottled up, but instead talk through the issues before they become too big to overcome. That’s a good strategy for everyone.
How can you navigate the potholes you hit in your relationship and get out of them so you don’t get stuck, and can instead continue to go the distance and stay on track? Check out this relationship advice from Dr. Jane Greer.
It’s not uncommon for married couples to fall out of touch as time goes on and their routine leaves less room for intimacy. The excitement that once characterized their relationship has all but run dry, and now, even their time in the bedroom feels dull and predictable. The good news is that every willing couple can reignite the passion in their marriage, and the process of exploring can be just as fun as the acts themselves.
If you’re on the hunt for some saucy ways you can surprise your spouse, here are a few tips.
Online dating can be physically exhausting for a lot of people. Add to that the emotional exhaustion that often comes with the territory, and it’s easy to see why so many people would do anything to get off of dating sites as fast as possible. If you fall into that camp, here’s 3 tips that may boost your ability to find love quicker than you think.
As painful as the truth may be, there are clear signs of infidelity that shouldn’t be ignored. You may have noticed some different behaviors or strange changes in your partner lately; at first, you may have chalked it up to them having a bad day at work, but now their actions are really starting to affect you and your relationship.
If you notice any of these cheating signs, it may be time to investigate further.
Rosé is the ultimate sip and chill with your partner or get together with friends kind of wine. While it’s perfect for any time of year, spring and summer, seem to be the time that people fixate on rosé. That means rosé will be popping up at your local wine store any minute. Which one should you try? Decisions. Decisions.
Question from Kaylee M: “My boyfriend and I have been together for a while now, and we both know we’re going to end up together for a while. But, he might have to take a job that’s 6 hours from my home, and that might be an issue for me. I’m very close to my family and not sure if this is a move I want to do. What should I do?”
Boyfriends moving away, should you go with him?
Hi Kaylee:
You have a lot of variables to consider before making a decision about this move. It’s great that you have a strong bond with your boyfriend, that he has a great opportunity, and he wants you to join him. Now it’s time to ask yourself questions. What are the opportunities for you if you join him? Do you have a career where you currently live? If so, can you get a transfer to the new locale or easily find a similar job there? Have you visited this location? Did you like it, and could you see yourself living there? Do you know anyone there? How difficult would it be to visit your family if you move? Six hours by car is substantial, but it’s not like moving across the country. You mentioned seeing yourself together with your boyfriend “for a while”. How long is a while? Is it long enough to pick up and move your life, career, and away from your family? Only you know the answers to what’s in your heart and what his intentions are.
I’m not trying to throw water on what could be a great opportunity for both of you. I’m suggesting you consider how all the variables of this move will impact you and your life, friends, and family connections. I’m also wondering what your boyfriend has to say about this opportunity as it relates to you. After all, you will be making a sacrifice since he already has a job set up. Was this opportunity a surprise or something he has been working towards? As you can see, there is a lot for you to consider prior to making a decision. You may discover that it can turn out great for both of you. Or not. Only you can get the answers you need to make a wise decision. After all, your number one priority and consideration is to yourself. Good luck!
If you would like relationship expert Robert Manni to answer your online dating/relationship questions, please email gillian@nvmediainc.com
More about the Guy’s Guy:
Robert is the host of Guy’s Guy Radio, featured on Blog Talk Radio and available on iTunes, Stitcher, and TuneIn. The weekly podcast features interviews with relationship coaches, entertainers, authors, wellness experts, spiritual teachers, sports personalities, and a weekly “Guys’ Guy’s Guide” exploring current guy-focused topics.
His novel, THE GUYS’ GUY’S GUIDE TO LOVE, praised as the “men’s successor to Sex and the City,” has been developed into two feature-length adapted screenplays, a scripted television series (pilot and treatment), and a series of non-scripted Guy’s Guy show concepts.
Robert has appeared on broadcast television (NBC’s Morning Blend, WPIX11 Morning News) and is a frequent guest across a spectrum of satellite, terrestrial, and web-based radio programs and podcasts, as well as a contributor to Huffington Post, Thought Catalog, Cupid’s Pulse, GalTime, is a featured expert on GoodMenProject and YourTango. He was also named a Top Dating Blogger by DatingAdvice.com.
Robert developed the Guy’s Guy Platform to help men and women better understand each other and bridge the growing communication gap between the sexes. He continually creates a fresh, robust palette of timely Guy’s Guy content focused on life, love and the pursuit of happiness. Whether it’s navigating the challenges of dating, relationships, friendship, career or wellness, Robert explores ways to help both men and women be at their best so that everybody wins.
Happy couple on a boat. Photo: Goodluz / Bigstock.com
The impact of technology has increased over the years, and it threatens to change our lives and the way that we interact with each other. Its influence is more substantial on relationships because they depend on real human interactions.
Relationship Advice: Being in a Happy Relationship in the 21st Century
As women strive for equality, they are exercising their freedom of sexual expression more and more, which for many might mean a choice to have casual sex. However, with that freedom and choice comes great responsibility, and the important task of taking care of your emotional self and well-being. That is possible only once you know what you want and can tolerate, and, when it comes right down to it, if you can handle sex without love. Diane Von Furstenberg spoke about her fling with Richard Gere, saying it was just a “f**k,” which is how she wanted it to be. While it is more common for men to have sex and keep it just about the physical connection, with few or no feelings of intimacy involved, women regularly struggle with separating the two. Often emotions come into play despite their best intentions, since so often women feel most vulnerable when they are in intimate situations and often literally are and symbolically feel naked. So how can you know if you can handle a fling with no strings attached?
With this relationship advice, learn if you can handle a fling without love.
Valentine’s Day is over and done. But, celebrating and expressing love should never be limited by a holiday or a certain month of the year. Trying out new things as a couple is proven to strengthen any relationship regardless of stage. Sure, a candlelit dinner, flower bouquets, and expensive chocolates do sound romantic, but you can do that any day with your S.O. Go for something new, and never be afraid to try out other things!
Once in a while, isn’t it amazing to go all-out? Whether you and your S.O. are the outdoorsy types or incorrigible homebodies, here is some dating advice with five simple activities you can do for fun.
It’s hot outside, and you and your beau have exhausted every effort to bare the record-breaking heat. One thing you may not have tried, though, is a day inside blending together your favorite ingredients to concoct the perfect smoothies. All you need for this date idea is a blender and your favorite fruits. A day well-spent indoors this summer is just what the two of you need to wind down and cool off!
Check out Cupid’s best relationship advice for beating the summer heat with this date idea!
Embrace the other elements with your cutie and spend a day exploring the ocean. This weekend date idea can include so many different activities at sea, including jet skiing, scuba diving or snorkeling, and sailing. Being out in the vast water and so far away from dry land will allow you two to really indulge in some alone time. Consider this relationship and love advice and make a day out of conquering the great, blue sea!
“See sparks fly” isn’t just an old idiom or part of a Taylor Swift song — we’re talking about the Fourth of July! What else turns up the heat more than celebrating our country’s independence? If you think you see fireworks every time you kiss your loved one or look into their eyes, then how about turning that dreamlike state into reality and finding the best fireworks in town for tomorrow’s special holiday? Watching fireworks bursting is invigorating, so use this weekend date idea to share it with the person who makes you feel most alive!
When you were a kid, there was nothing like summertime: no school for two months, water balloon fights, the classic Slip ‘N Slide, and frequent pool days. Just because you’re older now doesn’t mean you and your boo can’t enjoy some throwback fun! Follow this dating advice to enjoy all the summer activities you reveled in as a child.
Dates with your special someone don’t have to be the same week after week. To change up your usual nights of dinner and your favorite television shows, follow your partner during their typical day and be an active part of it. This date idea will not only give you insight into your sweetheart’s typical routine, but you’ll have new things to talk about when the day is over.
If you’re looking for a fun and active date idea, head into the city for a new adventure! Instead of doing the same old thing — shopping followed by dinner and a movie — change it up. A scavenger hunt is a perfect way to get to know your hometown even more. To turn this relationship advice into a competition, invite your friends and their partners to join you.
Follow This Dating Advice to Plan a Scavenger Hunt!
52 Reasons I Love You cards. Photo: Etsy/@
theBirdandtheBeard
By Rachael Pace
Sweet letters, cards, and personal trinkets often rank high on people’s best gift lists for a reason – because they mean something! Sure, diamond earrings and tickets to your favorite sporting events are gifts that are guaranteed to please. But, if you think back to the best gift that you’ve ever received, we’ll bet that it was something a lot more sentimental than jewelry.
If you’re stumped for what to get your sweetheart on this day of romance, one of our biggest love tips is for you to think outside the box. Get creative and pour your heart out in your gift.
Here are five romantic Do-It-Yourself gifts that your partner is going to cherish forever:
Easter is just around the corner! Who says you can’t act like a kid for the day? Searching for homemade treats and sweet notes from your beau is an easy way to enjoy the holiday and strengthen your relationship.
Sure, it’s tempting to snuggle up and stay in bed all day when April showers roll around. Instead of having a lazy, movie-filled afternoon, follow this relationship advice: Grab your rain jacket and colorful rubber boots, and head outside with your loved one to have fun without the sun. You can take a stroll to your favorite coffee shop and then warm up with a hot chocolate.