Love and Relationships, Love and Romance Charlene Eckstein Love and Relationships, Love and Romance Charlene Eckstein

All The Ways You Are Sabotaging Your Relationships

You say you want a relationship, but the minute you are in one you tend to do things to end it. It is a pattern repeated all too often by you. You are a self-saboteur, and relationship destroyer. If you find yourself entering relationships with high hopes, only for it to crash and burn unexpectedly, time and time again, it may be time for some self-analysis.

There are many reasons people will sabotage a relationship, but fear is usually the number one culprit. Fear of being of alone, and fear of rejection. Sounds weird, right? You fear being alone, so you do things in relationships that make you end up alone.

It’s about protecting your heart, and self-preservation. Unfortunately, you may lose out on a great relationship, maybe even the love of your life, due to your sabotaging.

Perhaps after reading this blog, you won’t stop sabotaging your relationships, but at least you will be aware of the signs when you are doing it.

The Ways You Are Sabotaging Your Relationship

Unrealistic Expectations

Did you really think that you would continue having sex twice a day, every day, for your entire relationship? Sex is a very important part of a relationship, but it is unrealistic to think that your sex life would not change over the course of your relationship, for many different reasons.

If you find yourself unhappy with the frequency of sex in your relationship you need to make your feelings known, in a thoughtful, non-accusatory manner.

Did you think your partner would not age, or that their body wouldn’t change over the years, especially after having kids? Completely unrealistic, shallow, and possibly indicative that you are not truly in love if you hyper-focus on your partner’s aging, or gaining a few pounds over the years.

Comparing Your Relationship To Others

If there is one thing that I have learned over the years, it is that things and people are not often what they seems to be. People tend to have a public and private persona, and that goes for couples as well. Some couples can seem so loving and perfect in public, and may be a hot mess behind closed doors.

It is often after couples split that truths come out, and only then do we realize we were trying to live up to an illusion.

Focus on your relationship. Live your best happy. No one’s relationship is perfect. Your relationship may be amazing, or it may completely suck. Either way, your thoughts and feelings about your relationship should be based on how your relationship makes you feel about yourself, and how it makes you feel about your partner.

Not Communicating Your Feelings

While we sometimes assume or wish our partners were mind readers, they are not. If something in your relationship is bothering you, or upsetting you, you need to speak up, and let your partner know. They cannot fix a problem they are unaware of.

Yes, there are times when it should be obvious, at least to you, that something they do or say is not okay with you. But remember, they are not you.

If your partner is constantly doing and saying things that annoy or anger you, tell them. If it continues, it may be time to move on.

Keeping Secrets

Whether you sneak the occasional cigarette or hide purchases from your partner, eventually you will be caught, and the issue of trust will come up. Do you need share every single thought or desire that comes to mind, I would say not necessarily, but keeping secrets in a relationship can be dangerous.

The gauge I recommend using regarding whether or not you are keeping a secret is to think about how your partner would feel about the information you are not sharing. If you are withholding information from your partner because you think they would be hurt, angry, or feel betrayed, then you are keeping secrets.

Being Selfish

It’s all about you, all the time. It has to be your way, and if it is not, temper tantrums, and bouts of sulking will commence. Does that sound familiar? We all want to have things our own way. We all have our own wants, desires, and preferences, but in a relationship sometimes you don’t get your preference.

Relationships require compromise, and sometimes that compromise may mean doing what your partner wants. If you choose your partner wisely, their wants and desires will closely align with yours. If you chose an opposite, or someone pretty different, be prepared for a lot of compromise, or to be completely selfish.

Relationships are challenging, and require work to maintain a healthy one. Not every relationship will work out, or is meant to be, but is important give yourself an opportunity to truly be happy. If the right person comes into your life, don’t sabotage things because you are afraid. Life is short and there are no guarantees, but taking a risk for a chance of happiness will be worth it every time.

What are your thoughts on sabotaging relationships? Do you agree with my list? Are you a self-saboteur? Please share your story or experience!

“It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

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The Science Of Soulmates...Explained By Spooky Quantum Entanglement

Did I pique your interest just a little bit with the title? I mean after all, aren’t the terms soulmate and spooky quantum entanglement interesting topics to say the least? I am a romantic, and a bit of a nerd, so this combination of topics are most certainly up my alley.

I have a particular fascination with time, and whether or not it truly moves linearly, or if it even exists at all. This blog is all about time, and soulmates, and spooky quantum entanglement.

This is where romance and love, meets science and the possibilities of the impossible.

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The Defined

Many of the terms and their definitions used in this blog are complex, arguable, and not easily defined, but in my simplest terms, and Wikipedia’s, here you go.

Time

Time is the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole. The truth of the matter is that time is a human concept, which is purely subjective.

We use clocks and devices as a means of tracking time, but how slow or fast, and in which direction time moves is individual. We all experience time differently.

The true meaning of soulmate is to have known and loved one another in many lives. Death does not separate true love, and soulmates will always find their way back to one another. The modern definition of soulmate is more simplistic.

Soulmates are two people who are drawn to each other, and connect on every level. There is an intensity and passion between soulmates that is difficult, if not impossible, to replicate. Very science-y right?

Spooky Quantum Entanglement

Spooky quantum entanglement is a physical phenomenon which occurs when pairs or groups of particles are generated, interact, or share spatial proximity in ways such that the quantum state of each particle cannot be described independently of the state of the other(s), even when the particles are separated by a large distance—instead, a quantum state must be described for the system as a whole. - Wikipedia

Mind blown, right? Spooky quantum entanglement is not for the faint of heart, or the easily confused.

The Intertwined

Everything is made of particles, and that includes human beings. With the knowledge that humans beings are made of particles, and applying the theory of spooky quantum entanglement, can we not see the possibility of the connection of two people, via their particles.

Whether they are sitting right next to one another, or in different cities, they are connected and their bodies can react to one another’s. They are soulmates in every way possible.

Soulmates may not physically be together, whether the separation is due to geographical distance, other relationships, or different timelines keeping them apart, the pull still exists.

Think back on all of those times you would feel happy, or sad, or your heart would just start racing for some unexplained reason. Those were the times you were feeling most connected to your soulmate.

You were feeling each other’s emotions. You were reacting to and mimicking the joys, and the emotional and physical pains of your soulmate.

The Belief

What do you call that feeling when you meet someone for the first time, but you feel like you have known them before? Something about them is familiar. Or what about when you keep running into the same person over and over again, as if something, the universe perhaps, is pulling you two together?

We have created all of these terms to explain away the mysterious. We call events coincidence and refer to some experiences as deja vu, but are they really? It’s more comfortable to dismiss and explain away, then it is to question and challenge the accepted.

Some might say that I am oversimplifying one of the universe’s most complex mysteries. Maybe I am, but that does not make it any less of a possibility.

If you believe like I do that nothing is ever truly gone, just changed in form, then you must believe that distance, time, and not even death can separate two people who are connected by the very fiber of their beings.

This blog is a combination of research, fiction writing, and my own personal theories. I am neither a scientist nor a mathematician, but the facts remain that there is more of the unexplained in our universe than there is of the explainable. Do you think I am wrong? Prove it…

“Our universe grants every soul a twin—a reflection of themselves—the kindred spirit – And no matter where they are or how far away they are from each other—even if they are in different dimensions, they will always find one another. This is destiny; this is love.” – Julie Dillon

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Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein

5 Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Life

For unknown reasons, people self-sabotage themselves sometimes in life. It is done both consciously, and unconsciously, but never the less it ruins their life and prevents them from finding their happy.

I think that many of us have sabotaged ourselves at one point or another in our lifetime. It happens, but doing so will ruin your life if it is reoccurring behavior.

So, I think we all can admit that we have made bad or questionable decisions before, especially in our youth, but it is never too late to turn things around. The first step in preventing self sabotage is recognizing that you are doing it.

The Ways You Are Sabotaging Your Life

Repeating Old Mistakes

You have made mistakes in your past, but you are not learning from them. You keep making bad decisions, deep down knowing that the outcome will not be good, but foolishly hoping things will be different.

Instead of wishful thinking, and hoping the same choices will produce different results, make the hard decision. You are likely picking what is the easiest option for now. Instead, you need to be willing to make the sacrifice now, do what’s difficult, and you will reap the benefits in the long run.

Focusing On The Negative

You frequently give yourself pity parties. The world is not against you. Everyone has their own crap they are trying to deal with. Yes, things will not always go your way, or work out, but that is life. But you cannot spend your time focusing on all the things that went wrong. Try to learn from bad situations, and bad outcomes, create a plan, and move on.

Not Believing In Yourself

You are your own worst enemy, and always your biggest critic. An opportunity comes your way, but you don’t go for it because you do not believe in yourself. You have to get out of you own head, and stop psyching yourself out.

It’s true, you are not perfect, but no one is. You may not ace the test, or get the job, or get the guy, but remind yourself that those are singular events. Getting a B on a test isn’t failure. Not getting the guy you liked just means that he wasn’t meant for you.

Keeping The Wrong People In Your Life

A great way to sabotage yourself is to surround yourself with people who are bad influences. Maybe they are negative, unfocused, or honestly just losers. Either way, you want people in your life with similar goals and morals. You need people in your life who you can look up to, not people who are mentally or emotionally draining.

Being Irresponsible

You know right from wrong. You also know what being on time means. Not paying your bills on time, showing up late to work, and just being plain old unreliable are great ways to sabotage your life. Being irresponsible and unreliable ruins your reputation and stunts your personal growth.

What To Do About It

Old habits are hard to break, but break them you must if you want to see a change in your life. Create a plan, stay focused, and surround yourself with positive, motivated people.

Your changes can be small at first, but once you have it in your mind that you want a change, you will find that good things start to happen for you, and your life will be better.

Everything happens for a reason, just don’t let that reason be because you sabotaged yourself.

What are your thoughts on the ways that we sabotage our lives? Do you agree with the list? What is your experience? Please share your story or experience!

“Loving yourself starts with liking yourself, which starts with respecting yourself, which starts with thinking of yourself in positive ways.” - Jerry Corsten

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5 Signs You're In An Emotionally Abusive Relationship

Unfortunately, sometimes people find themselves in emotionally abusive relationships, without even realizing it. Unlike physical abuse, the scars from emotional abuse are invisible, but just as damaging.

Emotional abuse can destroy the person that you once were, and leave behind an empty shell.

Sadly, many people stay in emotionally abusive relationships because they make excuses for the behavior of their partners, often blaming themselves. All signs of emotional abuse are not cut and dry. Relationships have ups and down, and people have fights and disagreements, but it is how you fight and disagree that can be abusive.

Signs Of Emotional Abuse

Talked To Disrespectfully

In an emotionally abusive relationship there is a lack of respect. You may be told to shut up, yelled at, or completely dismissed as you try to communicate your feelings or concerns. Sometimes the verbal abuse happens in front of others, but many times while you are alone. Emotional abusers are good at hiding their abusive side.

Blamed For Everything

Your partner is mean and disrespectful to you, but guess what, it’s your own fault. If you were not so overly sensitive, or whiny, or demanding, then they wouldn’t lose their temper and have to be mean to you.

They make you feel like everything is your fault, including their poor choices and mistakes. You often fear their anger here.

Gaslighting

Gaslighting is a form of abuse, as it diminishes your self-esteem, your self-confidence, and your self-worth. The gaslighter convinces you that it's all in your head and you are just being paranoid or remembering incorrectly.

Your partner makes you feel completely faulty. As if you have the worst memory ever, and are going completely crazy. It’s not them, it’s you.

Made To Feel Stupid

An emotionally abusive partner loves to belittle and make you feel less than. Your partner will humiliate and embarrass you in front of others with blatant disrespect, or making you the butt of a joke. They are even worse in private.

If you dare to challenge or question their judgement, they are quick to remind you how mentally superior they are to you. They do not value you or your opinion.

Controlling

An emotionally abusive partner tends to also be controlling. They want to know where you are at, where you are going, and who are you with. They want to tell you how to dress, how to act, and what to do. You are punished with silence or withdrawals of affection if you do not do things their way.

An emotionally abusive relationship can leave you feeling depressed, alone, and questioning your self worth. It is important to remember that you are not worthless, you do not need to stay in an abusive situation, and that you will be loved again, the right way.

What are your thoughts on emotional abuse? There are many signs to look for, which would you add? Please share your experience!

“Sometimes we refuse to see how bad something is until it completely destroys us.” - Unknown

Photo by Pixabay

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Food and Recipes Charlene Eckstein Food and Recipes Charlene Eckstein

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

As the weather starts to cool, we tend to retreat more indoors and fire up the ovens more frequently. One of my favorite things about fall is the cool, crisp weather. I love curling up with one of my favorite throws, when my home is nice and warm, with slight touch of coolness reminding me of the outdoor weather.

After a full summer of avoiding turing on my oven as much possible, I am finally back to making soups, stews, and some of my favorite baked recipes. Flaky, buttery pie crust filled with delicious chicken and veggies in a creamy sauce. Chicken pot pie is comfort food at its best. My recipe is simple, quick, and very flavorful.

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Cooked Diced Chicken

  • 1 Bag Mixed Veggies

  • ½ Medium Onion, Diced

  • 1 tsp. Minced Garlic

  • 1 ½ cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth

  • 1/2 cup Flour

  • 1 1/3 cup Milk

  • 1 tsp. Thyme

  • 1 tsp. Rosemary, Finely Choppped

  • 1 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

  • ½ tsp. Black Pepper

  • 2 Pie Crusts, allow to come room temperature to soften while preparing filling

  • ¼ cup Butter

  • 1 tbsp. Olive Oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large pot add butter, olive oil, garlic, diced onions, and sauté until onions are clear. Add flour, black pepper, salt, thyme, 1/2 tsp. of rosemary, milk, and broth, and stir until mixture slightly thickens.

Add chicken and frozen veggies and continue to stir until blended. Once blended allow to simmer until filling is very thick, which should be about another 7-10 minutes.

Place one pie crust in the pie pan and spoon in filling to the top. Cover with a second pie crust and cut and roll the pie dough edges as needed. Place pie in the center rack of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

For Rustic Chicken Pot Pies

Place pie crusts on a baking sheet or pie dish. Spoon filling to the center of the pie crust and then fold in crust edges around filling, creating a pie shape, and sprinkle remaining rosemary over pie.

Place pie in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.  Allows cooling for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

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Love and Romance, Love and Relationships Charlene Eckstein Love and Romance, Love and Relationships Charlene Eckstein

6 Signs You Have Outgrown Your Relationship

As the years go by, we grow and we change. Our wants and desires from 10 years ago may be vastly different than what they are today. It is inevitable. Life happens, priorities change, and as we gain insight and knowledge, our world view changes as well.

Unfortunately, sometimes our growth can negatively impact relationships in our lives, especially romantic relationships. The guy or girl that you were at 25 is not the same person at 35. You basically outgrow people in your life, including romantic partners.

If you are reading this, chances are you have already realized that you have outgrown your partner, but are looking for some definitive signs. Here are the six signs that you have outgrown your relationship.

6 Signs You Have Outgrown Your Relationship

Your Priorities Are Different

She is an ambitious, career focused money saver, while he prefers to focus on his hobbies, spend money like there is a never ending pot of money, and bounces from job to job. While once on the same page, one person has grown and become focused, while the other partner has become stagnant.

Your Interests Are Different

He is a political junkie and a huge Star Wars fan, while she is into reality television and fashion. He wants to talk about the upcoming election, and she is not even a registered voter. There is a problem here.

At some point these two people became polar opposites, and started to lack commonality. One is interested in world events, while the other is interested in looking cute and taking selfies.

Nothing To Talk About

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You know that you have outgrown each other when you really have nothing to talk about, or it is the same old stories over and over.

It important to recognize that you have nothing to talk about because you have nothing in common, and you have nothing in common because you have outgrown each other.

You’re Bored

If you find your partner boring, you have outgrown them. The truth is that you find them boring because you now share different interests, are on a different intellectual levels, and no commonality any longer.

Different Values

Once upon a time you were both drinkers and into going out a lot. Now she’s a homebody, but he still likes to drink and go out a lot. She also likes to attend church, but he is a non believer.

Lifestyle and differing religious beliefs are big changes that happen as we grow and mature.

Different Goals

His goal is to have a nice family life with a few kids, while her goal is retire by 50 and then travel world. She doesn’t see kids in her future, and views them as a burden, while he sees children as a blessing.

It is hard to admit to yourself that you have outgrown your relationship without sounding like you are criticizing your partner or being judgey, but it is what it is. You should not feel guilty because you have grown and changed, especially if your growth has been for the better.

What are your thoughts on outgrowing relationships? Do you agree with the signs? When you outgrow a relationship do you stick it out or move on? Please share your experience!

“Sometimes the door closes on a relationship, not because we failed but because something bigger than us says this no longer fits our life. So, lock the door, shed a tear, turn around and look for the new door that’s opened. It’s a sign that you’re no longer that person you were, it’s time to change into who you are. It’s going to be okay.” - Lee Goff

Photo by Pexels

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Food and Recipes Charlene Eckstein Food and Recipes Charlene Eckstein

Roasted Lemon Rosemary Chicken

I love a roasted chicken and make one almost every Sunday. For me, roasted chicken is the epitome of comfort food. I truly love everything about the process of cooking a roasted chicken. I love getting the fresh lemons and rosemary from my garden, and best of all I love watching this ugly pale piece of meat turn into a golden, beautiful, delicious meal.

Although a whole chicken, is just a whole chicken, you can really do so much with one. For this recipe I am making a lemon rosemary chicken, but I also occasionally like to do a nice cajun rub and roast the chicken, or cook the chicken spatchcock style on the grill.

Cooking a roasted chicken is super easy, but also a crowd pleaser, and not nearly as difficult as people think. Give it a try. Bon Appetit!

Roasted Lemon Rosemary Chicken

Ingredients:

Lemon Chicken Prep.jpg
  • 1 5lb. Whole Chicken, Giblets Removed

  • ¼ Cup Butter

  • 3 tsp. Olive Oil

  • 3 Sprigs plus 1 tbsp. of Rosemary, Finely Chopped

  • 1 Lemon, 1/2 Lemon Quarterd, 1/2 Lemon Squeezed

  • 3 Whole Garlic Cloves

  • Salt

  • Pepper

  • Paprika

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine butter, olive oil, lemon juice, and rosemary in a bowl. Pat the chicken completely dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle chicken liberally with salt, paprika, and pepper. Using hand, coat chicken inside and out with butter mixture and place in roaster, breast side up and wings tucked under.

Insert rosemary sprigs, garlic, and quartered lemons in chicken cavity. Bake for about 1 hour on lower rack, and reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees. Continue to bake for another 30-45 minutes, until juices run clear.

Remove chicken from oven and let sit for about 30 minutes before carving. I recommend that you ladle pan juices over your chicken before serving.

That’s it! Pretty simple right. Not much prep time to a roasted chicken. You basically season it and pop in the oven for a couple of hours. Easy peasy! Enjoy!

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6 Signs He Wants To Be More Than Friends

Some friendships are destined to take a romantic turn. A relationship rooted in friendship has a solid foundation, and the strong possibility of great compatibility, and many years of happiness. A beautiful friendship can become a beautiful romantic love.

Hopefully both individuals in this friendships are on the same page about whether or not the relationship will remain platonic.

We are often terrible at hiding our feelings from those who barely know us, and it is even harder to hide our feelings from those closest to us. Despite the fact that secret love, and crushes, are often obvious to the bystander, those involved are frequently clueless.

The signs that he wants more than friendship are there if you know what to look for.

6 Signs He Likes You More Than A Friend

FEATURED VIDEO - 6 Signs He Wants To Be More Than Friends

The Way He Looks At You

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Do his eyes get all googly when he looks at you? Does he try to hold your gaze for a little too long, or stare at you intensely? If he is your “friend” but gazing into your eyes, he most certainly wants to be more than friends. Unfortunately for him, our eyes often betray us.

We cannot help but want to stare at the object of our affection. His eyes tell you how he feels, and deep, longing looks usually mean feelings of deep longing.

The Way He Communicates With You

Does he frequently find little ways to text you, call you, or just chat you up. You two have your own language, and he often teases you, or calls you by pet names. It is not just about the frequency of the communication, but also the way he talks to you.

He will likely be softer and gentler in his approach, or extra funny and charming. He will also be easy to talk to, which is a big one with women.

How He Treats You In Contrast To Others

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Pay close attention to how he treats you in contrast to how he treats others. Do you find that you get to see the softer, funnier, more charming version of him than what others get to experience. While some people might describe him as cold, unapproachable, or quiet, with you he seems to be the complete opposite.

With you he tends to be warm, upbeat, and easy to talk to. So he is basically adorable and hard to resist.

The Amount Of Attention He Gives You

You are never far from his mind, so his focus is usually on you. In a group setting he will seek you out. If you are at a gathering he somehow always ends up by your side. He is always your biggest supporter, and advocate, and will not entertain a negative word against you.

If he cannot be by your side, he will keep you in his line of sight.

His Reaction To Your Presence

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If your friend secretly wants more, his body will react immediately to your presence. When you walk into the room he will likely straighten his posture, he may unconsciously start to groom himself, and his eyes will beam, even though he doesn’t realize it.

He wants to look good for you. He may also get a little fidgety and nervous because he wants to make a good impression.

He Gets Jealous

He cannot help himself. The thought of you with another guy drives him crazy. Maybe you’re taken, or perhaps he’s taken, but no matter your current situations it doesn’t change the fact that he wants you to be his.

It doesn’t change the fact that he wants you all to himself, which is why seeing you talk to other guys, or hearing about your dates or relationships not only infuriates him, but also breaks his heart a little.

If a guy does more than a couple of these things in relation to a woman who is not his chick, he has got it bad. If you are interested in your friend as well, flat out confess, or find a way to let him know how you feel. However, if you are not interested, and he is permanently friend zoned, add some distance between you two so as to not lead him on.

What signs do you look for when think someone wants to be more than friends? Do you agree with my list? Please share your thoughts and experience!

This isn't a crush, it's obsession. You are never not in my thoughts. Your scent carries across a room and paralyzes me with longing. I don't want to hold your hand. Part of me wants to set you on fire and hold you while the flame consumes us both, to eat your heart so I know that only I possess it entirely.” - Gwen Hayes, Falling Under

You can also find the video version of this blog on YouTube. Please don’t forget to like the video, and to subscribe to my channel.

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Entertainment, Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein Entertainment, Lifestyle Charlene Eckstein

Halloween Costume Ideas For Women

If you are like me then you love Halloween. I love everything about Halloween. I love the decorations, the excitement of the kids, taking my girls trick or treating, handing out candy, and the crisp air on Halloween night. Best of all are the costumes, although they are the hardest to decide on.

Each year there is a decision to made on how big or small to go for costumes. Keep it simple with some cute ears, or a witches’ hat, or go big with a full on costume, wig, and make-up.

As I discussed with my girls what their costumes this year might be, I started pondering my options as well. I have narrowed my options, and I think I have made my choice. Any guesses?

As for you, whether you want to exude power or be a super hero, I have the costume for you. Now all you have to do is decide. Easier said than done, right?

Halloween Costumes For Women

If you were looking sexy police woman, sexy firefighter woman, sexy teacher, or sexy…well I think you get my point. This blog consists of funny adult costumes for women that don’t include the word sexy in the description. It’s not the costume or the clothes that make you sexy, it’s your attitude and the way you carry yourself.

What are your thoughts on adults still dressing up for Halloween? I have kids so that still gives me an excuse for now, but I hope to never lose the joy and fun that comes with playing make believe and dress up. Please share your experience and opinion!

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Love and Relationships, Love and Romance Charlene Eckstein Love and Relationships, Love and Romance Charlene Eckstein

First Date Conversation Starters

First dates can either be super fun and cute, or crazy awkward and uncomfortable. There’s usually not a whole lot of in between. I equate a first date to a job interview. You are nervous, but trying to project confidence, and make a good first impression.

There are literally thousands of questions you could ask your date, but remember your goal, and remember that you are also being interviewed for a possible date number two as well.

The goal is to get to know enough about them on the first date to make a determination of basic compatibility, which is the decider for a second date.

I chose the below questions for the first date because I think they are safe, non controversial questions that give you enough intel about your date, but shouldn’t creep them out. You do not want to make them feel like they are being interrogated, or like they being interviewed to be a sperm donor.

The first date questions should be light and fun, but also informative.

First Date Conversation Starters

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1. Where are you from originally?

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Many adults move for education and for work, so there is a good chance your date is not a local native. Depending on the part of the country someone is from, or if they were born and raised outside the US, it really shapes the person they are.

2. Where did you go to school?

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Asking about his school will give him an opportunity to humble brag, and for you to learn about his educational background and career. Alma Mater pride talk is always fun.

3. What are you favorite things to do?

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The purpose of this question is to find commonality. If he enjoys spending his weekends antiquing and visiting art galleries, while you spend your weekends surfing and camping, you are probably not a good fit.

But you also find out that you both love doing the same things, which makes planning a second date a no-brainer.

4. Do you have pets?

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Is he a cat lover or dog lover, or hates animals altogether? Sounds like no a big deal, but it would be if the relationship progressed.

It’s great to find out early that your potential mate is allergic to cats, and you have two cats at home.

5. What’s your favorite form of entertainment? Books? Music? Movies?

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I do not necessarily consider any answers to these questions deal breakers, and you do not need to have everything in common with a mate, but it is nice when you share similar taste in music and movies.

6. What is your guilty pleasure?

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This is just a fun question, and a test to see how much they are willing to open up, and possibly a peek into their silly side. We all have a guilty pleasure, but will they admit to theirs?

There’s nothing wrong with being a terrible singer and loving karaoke.

7. What really annoys you?

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Some people find large crowds annoying, while others would rather not interact with children or animals.

It might be helpful to know that their pet peeve is people who are indecisive, especially if you know that is one of your main quirks.

8. Who is your favorite entertainer?

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The answer to this question should be very telling, and it should spark lively conversation. Is he open to fun banter and disagreement about who is the best singer, actor, writer, or musician, or does his opinion have to rule?

Be sure to keep the conversation natural, and space your questions out over the course of your time together. Hopefully you will find these questions helpful on your next first date, but remember that while you are asking these questions you are also trying to determine if you and your date have good chemistry.

What is your experience with first dates? Do you agree with my list of conversation staters? What questions would you ask on a first date? Please share your experience!

“Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, falling in love with you was beyond my control.” - Gwen

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