Ways to bond with your partner. Photo: Goodluz / Bigstock.com
By Jessica Nappi
It’s Monday morning and your alarm clock goes off just as it does every week. You still have to shower, pick out an appropriate outfit and, with luck, even squeeze in some breakfast. But before you find the strength to start your day, you feel a slight tug on your arm. A longing pull from your beau followed by a whisper so soft you can barely make it out makes you want to stay in bed for the rest of your life. “Stay with me,” your partner says. Of course, even the most romantic words often can’t overshadow the piles of work you have waiting for you on your desk. If you’re tired of your daily routine and stressed about missing out, consider these five ways to put your life on hold and keep your partner in bed:
Couple dressed in western clothes. Photo: chesterf / Bigstock.com
By Ché Blackwood
Put on a pair of Daisy Dukes, tie a cute flannel shirt above your belly-button and giddy-on up to a rodeo this weekend with your love. Whether you’re looking forward to the clowns, the bulls or just an excuse to be outside, you won’t ever forget a fresh outdoorsy day with cowboys (and your sweetie.)
Friends at a cookout. Photo: monkeybusinessimages / Bigstock.com
By Matthew Sullivan
Many different writers and relationship experts, not to mention everyday people, have pondered the dilemma of whether or not two people can remain friends after they’ve dated. Clearly, this question has no easy answers. Whether or not a couple can remain friends after their exclusive relationship has ended depends on a host of different factors, especially the personalities of the individuals involved. In order to accurately answer this question, it’s important to look at and consider the different scenarios that might lead to a friendship:
Couple enjoying a romantic meal. Photo: Patryk Kosmider / Bigstock.com
By Ché Blackwood
Spoil you and your partner this weekend by indulging in an untraditional three course meal, at three different restaurants. After a long workweek and a definite lack of quality time together, bond with your lover while experiencing the cuisine and atmosphere of the best restaurants your town has to offer. Plus, with a constant change in scenery, you’re more likely to stumble across a few memory-worthy moments.
Today, 40-50% of first marriages worldwide end in divorce. Interestingly, the statistic for second marriages is even higher, with 50-60% of them ending. This shouldn’t be taken lightly. Deciding to divorce someone is every bit as serious as deciding to marry in the first place. Just like marriage, divorce is a legal contract, but more importantly, it also has the same sort of personal and family consequences that can last a lifetime. Sure, sometimes the welfare of everyone affected by a relationship will be best served by a divorce, but sometimes, a couple’s issues can still be resolved. Whenver possible, that’s a better plan, so be sure to think about your situation before deciding to split with your spouse. There are a lot of potential consequences, so give these things some thought before you accept divorce as the best course of action:
The key to a lasting relationship. Photo: Lisa_A / Bigstock.com
By Dr. Tranquility — Lydia Belton, PhD, Ct. H.A.
The fun and flirtiness of summer makes this season notorious for lust and love. Whether you’re still testing the waters like Kim Kardashian and her new beau Kanye West, or you have found long-lasting love like Jennifer Anniston and Justin Theroux, here are some tips to make your summer romance endless.
How to reconcile arguments with in-laws. Photo: TatyanaGl / Bigstock.com
By Deanna Atkins
We all laughed at Ben Stiller’s struggle to remain in his fiancé’s father’s “circle of trust” in the hilarious film Meet the Parents, but it’s hard to find the comedy of fighting with your own in-laws. Sure, we get to choose the person we marry, but unfortunately for us, we aren’t able to pick their parents. Not everyone’s father-in-law is a retired CIA agent, but in-laws are almost always tough to deal with. The next time you have to deal with the family of someone you love, try to remember these tips:
Justin Theroux and Jennifer Aniston. Photo: KM/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES
By Liz of WeLoveDates.com
I’ve always been fiercely and annoyingly Team Jen, so when the news of her celebrity engagement to Justin Theroux broke out, I was possibly a bit too excited. As a complete and utter romantic, I’m just happy she’s found her happy ending. In honor of America’s Sweetheart, here are four things Jennifer Aniston has taught me about relationships and love:
Couple volunteering at a soup kitchen together. Photo: monkeybusinessimages / Bigstock.com
By Ché Blackwood
It’s good to get creative and thoughtful with the way you and your loved one spend time together. After all, there’s more to a relationship than dinner and a movie. So, forget arguing over whether you should see the newest romance flick, or the latest blockbuster action movie. Instead, share your love with others by involving yourself in volunteer work.
A great way to spend your time together is by cuddling up with those who are less fortunate, and the animal shelter is the perfect way to start. Innocent pets that have been abandoned and abused need loving too. Maybe you and your significant other will both fall in love with these furry friends, and decide to adopt one of them. Regardless, you can spend time with one another by helping out some lonely animals in need. The shelter is always open to visitors.
If you enjoy spending time in the kitchen, why not share your cooking skills with the less fortunate at a food bank or homeless shelter. It will make you and your sweetheart think twice about the food we take for granted. Serving people who are less fortunate will help to put a smile on their face.
Life, as in dating, should be about the simple things. If you don’t have time to volunteer right now, grab your calendar and do some planning. All you need to do is find a little time to help those around you.
Have some good volunteer experiences? Let us know in the comments below.
Rupert Sanders and Liberty Ross. Photo: Landmark / PR Photos
Watch out ladies, because Liberty Ross officially steals the title for Miss Independent. The British model stepped out in Los Angeles on Sunday with her two, young kids and a big smile. The only thing missing? Her wedding ring. Despite what the photos show, a source tells UsMagazine.com, “Liberty is very upset but hasn’t made any decisions. It’s too early to tell what will happen with them.” What we do know from the source is that the 33-year old was aware of Sanders’ affair with Snow White and the Huntsman star Kristen Stewart before the photos were ever leaked. The couple has not spoken post-cheating scandal.
What are some ways to know your relationship is no longer salvageable?
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries. Photo: Fame Pictures
By Amy Osmond Cook
Thanks to Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian, we have the celebrity divorce spectacle to which we’ve become accustomed. There are no kids (and apparently no deep feelings) involved, but oh, do we have drama! This divorce, like so many others, is all about money. Consider the top ten biggest divorce payouts in history below:
Prince William and Kate Middleton. Photo: Landmark / PR Photos
Although they may have had one of the most publicized weddings in history, Prince William was still embarrassed to appear with Kate Middleton on the Kiss Cam at the London Olympics’ Velodrome. Although the two have been major supporters of the 2012 Olympic Games, and William and Prince Harry are two of the Olympic ambassadors, People reports that William said, “I was absolutely dreading they were going to come and show myself and my wife.” Still, with the Games in full swing, there was a lot more to pay attention to, and William seems to have escaped the camera’s focus.
What are some ways that PDA can detract from those around you?
Kristen Stewart and Rob Pattinson. Photo: Solarpix / PR Photos
It seems that Kristen Stewart’s shocking affair with her Snow White and the Huntsman director Rupert Sanders has marked the end of the actress’ off-screen Twilight fairytale with longtime boyfriend Robert Pattinson. One body language expert even says the 22-year old showed signs of her infidelity months before the release of the photos on July 17th. In reference to a picture with Stewart, two of her co-stars and Sanders’ wife, Liberty Ross at the movie’s premiere, Dr. Lillian Glass tells UsMagazine.com, “This is the photo of the ultimate betrayal. Kristen has got what’s called an ambivalent smile. Her eyes aren’t smiling, but she’s got like a half smile of her mouth.” Sounds like Stewart has bigger issues than simply choosing between Team Edward and Team Jacob.
What are some signs that your partner feels guilty for something they aren’t sharing with you?
Couple fly fishing together on a river. Photo: Goodluz / Bigstock.com
By Ché Blackwood
Take advantage of the weather this weekend by getting slippery with your cutie and go fishing. Regardless of how you feel about spending the day with a few worms, strap on some sneakers and a bikini top and take on Mother Nature with your beau. By sitting on a dock, buying some bait and maybe even grabbing a beer or two, you and your sweetie can make memories while being adventurous! Enticed? Read more now!
Katie Holmes with Suri. Photo: Marquez/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES
By Audrey Melnik
Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise have been the center of a media circus since they announced their divorce. A number of rumors have surfaced about why their marriage ended, but no matter what the true causes were, it’s clear that Holmes is doing what she thinks is best for her daughter, even if that means ending her marriage. Going through a divorce isn’t easy and it always takes time to recover, but it should never be avoided when you think a split is important for you and your family. Thankfully, being single allows you to focus on what makes you a better person. Here are some great ways Holmes, and other singles, can enjoy their independence:
Sure, sometimes it’s fun to splurge on a fancy date, but other times, it’s nice to do something simple, entertaining and budget-friendly with your guy. Regardless of what you do, he’ll be excited that you took the pressure off of him and planned a cheap outing. Whether you enjoy exploring a new area of town, staying indoors (and avoiding the summer heat!) or being active, there’s a date idea on this list for you:
Couple flying a kite together. Photo: tan4ikk / BIgstock.com
By Amanda Martin
Relax this weekend by flying a kite in the beautiful outdoors with your honey. It’s an inexpensive way to do something laid back while still being romantic.
Kites should be flown in an open, breezy area, making the beach the perfect location. Find out if there are any kite clubs nearby. Flying with other people will allow you as a couple to admire these embellishments that are said to have originated in China. Don’t worry about your beginner abilities or keeping up with the more serious people around you; just have a good time.
As summer wedding season continues, it’s possible that your own marriage has been on your mind. There are a lot of stressful decisions to make before you say “I do,” but you shouldn’t feel intimidated. There’s no better way to design a unique, stylish wedding than to look to those style-makers. Here are some top tips for using the style of celebrity couples to create your own memorable wedding:
James Righton and Keira Knightley. Photo: SGP/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES
Keira Knightley and her musician fiancée James Righton are among many young, hot Hollywood couples. The Pirates of the Caribbean veteran and her talented man seem to be over-the-moon happy and in love since the announcement of their engagement in May. A source close to the pair tells UsMagazine.com, “Honestly, they’re great for each other. They love being engaged.” The future bride and groom have been dating publicly since April of last year.
Couple with a bow and arrows in the wood. Photo: GekaSkr / Bigstock.com
By Amanda Martin
Get out of your comfort zone this weekend by trying a unique sport with your other half. Summer is the perfect time to be adventurous. It’s warm outside and there are a variety of activities that can keep you and your partner learning something new.
For example, you can act like cupid and shoot arrows during an archery lesson. Or, spend time in the country and fire up some heat at a shooting range. You can make a game out of either of these activities and whoever wins gets to pick a romantic location for lunch. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture these very special moments.
Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise. Photo: FameFlynet.com
By Jane Greer, Ph.D. for GalTime
Why has it been so surprising to us that Katie Holmes filed for divorce last week in an effort to end her marriage to Tom Cruise when so many of us had a hard time taking their union seriously in the first place?
Maybe it’s because despite the public’s initial cynicism, people eventually embraced the couple as an example of a true Hollywood love story.
According to the papers, Tom was as blindsided as we were by the news, but, unlike the couple’s fans who watched from a distance, he was close to the action. How is it possible that he was chugging along, seemingly happy, when she was evidently so unhappy that she secretly planned her exit?
Couple enjoying their time on the beach. Photo: karelnoppe / Bigstock.com
By Amanda Martin
Enjoy the sun this weekend by hitting the beach with your babe. The clear blue sky is the perfect backdrop for you and your honey as you listen to the sound of the waves crashing and feel the soft sand beneath your feet.
This is supposed to be a relaxing day, so don’t put too much pressure on planning it perfectly. Simply pack a picnic lunch to bring along, and make sure it includes a lot of water so you don’t get dehydrated. Put together a fresh fruit salad with cantaloupe, honeydew and the sweetest assortment of berries for you and your significant other.
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to dating. Usually these differences are insignificant, like preferring blue eyes or waiting until the third date for the first kiss. However, other differences matter a lot more, like those who love the single life versus those who prefer to stay coupled up. While few will say no to being treated to an expensive dinner date, not everyone wants to commit afterward. You can tell these “commit-a-phobes” the advantages of dating over and over, but they’ll be filled with reasons why they’re better off on their own. While there’s nothing wrong with staying single, there’s also nothing wrong with taking on a partner. We gathered the most common arguments for staying single, and explained the reasons why they’re wrong:
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. Photo: Flynet UK/FameFlynet Pictures
Kimye is at it again. Bad-boy Kanye West held a solo concert in Atlantic City this weekend in which Ms. Kardashian attended. The rapper performed for thousands as the reality star sang and danced in the V.I.P. box. According to UsMagazine.com, West sang directly to his equally famous girlfriend as he performed his hit song “Way too Cold,” in which Kanye sings “I admit I fell in love with Kim.” The musician later yelled to the crowd, “If you love someone tonight… hold on real tight!” Although the pair weren’t side-by-side, it is clear the rapper is taking his own advice when it comes to his love for Kim K.
What are some ways to publicly show you care about your partner?