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

5 Signs Your Relationship Will Last

Some relationships are not meant to last, but the ones that do tend to have some common elements. Love is a beautiful thing, but relationships are hard work.

Relationships will have ups and downs, which is normal, but it’s how you handle those challenges, and how you feel about each other that determines your relationship longevity.

No one can truly predict which relationships will stand the test of time, although there are usually some obvious red flags when it comes to those that won’t. But what about identifying relationships that will make it?

Today, the average marriage lasts about 8 years, and that’s including the waiting period for the divorce. So how do you know if your relationship will beat those odds?

5 Signs Your Relationship Will Last

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You Are Friends

You actually like your partner as a person and consider them a friend. They are your person. You enjoy spending time with them, talking to them, and it’s just a lot of fun to be together.

You often confide in your partner, and seek their advice, and use them as a sounding board for your thought and ideas.

You Admire Each Other

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You have a lot of respect and admiration for your partner. Sometimes you are in awe at the amazing person that they are, and you feel so lucky that they chose you as their mate. Your partner inspires you to do more, and be more.

You View Each Other Positively

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In your heart and in your mind you view your partner in a positive light. You know they are not perfect, but you don’t secretly think they’re dumb, or lazy, or dishonest. You beam with pride when speaking about them to others, and could truly go on and on about all of their wonderful attributes.

You Consider Yourselves A Team

When either of you speaks, it is always “us” and “we” because you are a united front. You are a team, ready to take on any challenge together. It is never a “me” against you attitude, or about always being right.

You Would Choose Them Again

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A huge sign that your relationship will last is, if knowing what you know now, you would still choose them again. They say hindsight is 20/20. So if you can honestly say it has all been worth it, and they are worth it, and you would do it all over again, then you have a relationship that is likely to stand the test of time.

I believe that finding the right person isn’t about luck. Being in a lasting relationship is about choosing the right person for you from the beginning, and choosing them over and over again.

If you are fortunate enough to be in a relationship with someone whom you truly believe to be your friend, whom you admire, and who you view in a positive light on a regular basis, you have chosen wisely. If you cannot say that this list applies to your partner or relationship, I think perhaps you should keep your options open.

What are your thoughts on the signs that your relationship will last? Do you agree with the signs? Please share your thoughts and experience!

“As much as I enjoy romance, it’s commitment that I need the most. I need to know a love I can depend on, a love that says, “I will be with you through it all. I love you. And I will love you even when you may not be all that lovable, for sometimes I'm not very lovable either. You can count on me - always.” ― Steve Goodier

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6 Signs He's Not In Love With You Anymore

I know it sounds harsh to say that someone doesn’t love you. “He is not in love with you anymore” is definitely not the words anyone ever wants to hear, but it is sometimes the harsh reality.

Even though the words may not have been spoken, chances are the heart is more than aware that they are not loved by their partner.

You love your man, and may have had hopes that things would get better, or that his change in behavior towards you was just a phase. However, continued displays of unloving behavior is indicative that the love is gone. Denial ultimately does you no good, as it only offers a temporary state of make believe.

People fall out of love, it happens. If he doesn’t love you anymore, he may exhibit all or some of the signs below. The important thing for you to recognize is his overall change in attitude and behavior towards you.

6 Signs He Doesn’t Love You Anymore

You Annoy Him

One of the first signs that you will notice when your partner is falling out of love with you, is their tolerance level when it comes to you. You have always been indecisive about what movie to watch or where to eat, but unlike how they used to react your inability to make decisions, your partner now becomes clearly annoyed and angry with you.

Everything you do is annoying. You take too long to get ready, you breathe too loud, and even the way you dress or eat. They find fault with you because they are not in love, and they are emotionally done with the relationship.

He Doesn’t Care About Your Feelings

If your man has become insensitive or dismissive of your feelings, he is not in love with you anymore. You may find some inconsistencies in his behavior with this sign. He may reveal his true feelings by being cruel or insensitive, but then feel guilty about his behavior, and then will try to be nice or sweet again. His sweet behavior will not last because his feelings are gone.

His inconsistent behavior will give you emotional whiplash, but the hot and cold behavior is due to him feeling guilty about not loving you anymore.

FEATURED VIDEO - 6 Signs He’s Not In Love Anymore

He Is Disrespectful

You may notice that the way your man speaks to you has changed. His words and his tone are often rude and disrespectful. He doesn’t care about or respect your opinion, your time, or your feelings.

He Doesn’t Communicate

Your guy used to call or text to let you know he’s running late or working late. But now it’s radio silence. No more cute check ins throughout the day to see how you are doing, or how your day is going, because you are not on his mind anymore, and he doesn’t care.

You will also find that he takes forever to respond to your calls or texts, if he responds at all.

He Doesn’t Want To Be Intimate

Your man has gone from barely being able to keep his hands off you, to rarely touching you or initiating sex. When you do have sex, he seems to be going through the motions, or treating it like a chore, but he is not emotionally present.

This sign can be a little tricky because some men will still have sex with you even if they have a woman on the side, or are planning on leaving you.

He Doesn’t Tell You He Loves You

If your guy doesn’t say I love you anymore, or has to be prompted by you saying it first, he doesn’t feel it. Of course, love is not just about words, it is about actions as well, so if he doesn’t say it, and he doesn’t show it, he is not in love anymore.

If you are trying to determine whether or not he is no longer in love with you, it comes down to the changes in your relationship. How were things in the beginning, and how are they now? Your man’s love for you over time should have deepened and become stronger, but if he is displaying the above signs, then that is not the case.

What are your thoughts on the signs? Do you call it quits or stick it out hoping things will get better? Please share your thoughts and experience!

How do you know when it's over?" "Maybe when you feel more in love with your memories than with the person standing in front of you.” ― Gunnar Ardelius, I Need You More Than I Love and I Love You to Bits

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5 Binge-Worthy Shows You Should Be Watching

As you may, or may not know,  I have a small Netflix addiction. But as a busy working mom, I do not get to indulge as much as I would like to. I always try to make time for the important people in my life, while keeping up with my favorite hobbies of writing and reading. During that time there has been, and continues to be, many televisions shows that look interesting to me, and have great reviews.

Unfortunately it is hard to find the time to watch everything I fancy, and the DVR will only hold so much. But once I catch up on my viewing, I like to share my intel. Maybe you have seen some of these shows already, want to watch for them first time, or want to watch them again.

5 Binge-Worthy Shows

The Expanse

A police detective in the asteroid belt, the first officer of an interplanetary ice freighter and an earth-bound United Nations executive slowly discover a vast conspiracy that threatens the Earth's rebellious colony on the asteroid belt.” - IMDB

I first heard of this show when it was getting cancelled by the Syfy channel, and getting picked up by Amazon. The premise sounded interested, so when it became available on Amazon Prime, I thought I would give it a try, and by episode two I was sold.

I binge watched all three seasons in a weekend, and it was so worth it. Many consider this series to be Game of Thrones in space, and I really cannot disagree. Season 4 of The Expanse returns at the end of 2019.

Killing Eve

“After a series of events, the lives of a security operative and an assassin become inextricably linked.” - IMDB

Killing Eve had been getting rave reviews, but I never had the opportunity to watch it on television. While doing a trial subscription with Hulu, I found my opportunity to see what all the buzz was about. It was so worth it. The psychology behind Villanelle, who is the assassin/ sociopath/stalker is very riveting. Season 2 premieres April 7th.

The Haunting Of Hill House

Flashing between past and present, a fractured family confronts haunting memories of their old home and the terrifying events that drove them from it.” - IMDB

I have seen so many versions of the Haunting of Hill House story that I wasn’t sure I wanted to bother with this one. But my daughter wanted to watch it, , not by herself though, so we decided to give it a try together. I have to say that this Netflix series is by far my favorite. It’s dark, and creepy, and sad, all wrapped into one, with a satisfying ending. No word on if there will be a second season, but the window was left open to do another season.

You

“A clever bookstore manager relies on his savvy Internet know-how to make the woman of his dreams fall in love with him. “ - IMDB

“You” is really a tale of stalking. Stalking in the worse kind of way. Joe is geeky cute, smart, and charming, and totally cray cray. He meets this girl Beck, and he just has to know everything about her, and have her. She is perfect, or so he thinks. Joe will not let anything, or anyone stand in his way of having Beck as his girl.

This show is very easy to get wrapped up in, and crave more episodes, although it does require suspense of disbelief a few time. Season 2 will premiere in 2019 on Netflix.

Black Mirror

“An anthology series exploring a twisted, high-tech world where humanity's greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide.” - IMDB

I am not going to lie, Black Mirror is dark and kind of weird. But also entertaining, and a great way to kill time. The great thing about Black Mirror being an anthology series is that each episode is stand alone, and offers lot of viewing choices.

All of the above shows are excellent. And yes, I am sure you notice a trend in my viewing choices. With the exception of The Expanse, all the shows are dark, but great studies in human behavior. Although not for the faint of heart, these shows are highly entertaining. So pick one to start watching. I do no think you will be disappointed.

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

Fall In Love ....5 Ways To Meet Someone New

A new day means an opportunity for a new beginning. A new beginning for whatever you want. The possibilities really are endless. If you are single and want to change that, right now might be that time. Find the relationship you’ve been hoping for now.

Relationships cannot be forced, and neither can love. It has to happen naturally, but in order for it to happen, you have to be open and willing to put yourself out there a little bit more. There are many ways to meet new people, you just need to decide which method works best for you.

Ways To Meet New People

Online Dating

Online dating is a great way find others, like yourself, who are also searching, without having to leave your home. You can swipe right, chat them up, or choose to meet up. You decide what your level of comfort is, and what works for you.

Mutual Acquaintance

Meeting someone through a mutual acquaintance is like having a mini background check conducted on a potential mate. The acquaintance knows you both, a little or a lot, and can vouch for each of you to some degree.

Events

Weddings are great places to meet people, and so are sporting events, outdoor festivals, and concerts. Just be careful of the beer goggles if you are looking for love. While events are great places to meet someone new, they are also places to get very intoxicated as well.

Groups/Clubs

Whether you join a hiking club, a sailing club, or a running club, you are sure to meet others with similar interests, and plenty of potential mates. Shared interests and commonality is important when finding a new mate. Groups and clubs are great places to find potential mates whose lifestyle is compatible with yours.

Matchmaker

A matchmaker is a bit of an old fashioned concept, but is also pretty successful in setting up compatible people. Matchmakers can be unbiased, but shrewd observers in the game of love. You tell them what you are looking for, and they will try to match you with someone who meets those qualities.

As you can see, there are many ways to meet new people if you are willing to maybe try something new, or step out of your comfort zone. What are your thoughts on the best ways to meet new people? Where did you meet your current or last partner? Please share your story or experience!

"Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable." — Bruce Lee

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

5 Signs You Are Looking For Love In All The Wrong Places

We all know these people, perhaps maybe you are one of them. Amazing people, who make bad relationship choice, after bad relationship choice. The friends and family members, who are either head over heels in love, or miserable and depressed because they had another relationship failure, and cannot bear the thought of being alone.

If you want love, and a long lasting relationship, but cannot seem to ever make it happen, you may be looking for long in the wrong places.

5 Signs You’re Looking For love In All The Wrong Places

Always Getting Ghosted

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You thought things were going great, and that you were really going somewhere with this new relationship, until he stopped taking your calls, or returning your text.

Lots Of One Night Stands

You seem to never lack male companionship, and by male companionship, I mean you have lots of sleepovers. Which is fine if that’s all you’re interested in. But one night stands or random hookups are not likely to lead to long-lasting relationships.

Lots Of Failed Relationships

You have had a lot of relationships, but they never seem to work out. You enter the relationship with high hopes, always believing this is the one. But something always seems off, things go wrong, and you are usually left feeling disappointed.

Lots Of Drama In Relationships

When a relationship there seems to be non stop drama. The drama may be due to you picking the wrong one, trying to force what isn’t meant to be, or just sabotaging the relationship. Either way, the relationships always seems to be emotional rollercoasters.

Feel incomplete When Single

You hate being single. Instead of using your singledom to have fun with friends, recharge, and figure out what you really want from a partner and in a relationship, you spend the whole time desperately trying to find another partner and relationship.

As the saying goes, “if you are unhappy single, you will be unhappy in a relationship…eventually”. Happiness comes from within, and a partner or relationship should add to it, not be the sole reason for it.

What are your thoughts on looking for love? Do agree with my signs? Please share your thoughts and experience!

“If you’re searching for that one person that will change your life, take a look in the mirror.” - Unknown

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

Best Quotes About Breaking Up

Breaking up is hard to do, usually. I say usually because sometimes breaking up is the best thing ever. If the relationship was no longer fulfilling, or joyful, and ending may indeed be needed.

The great thing about endings is that they allow for new beginnings.

For this blog, I picked 15 great quotes about breaking up. Some are sweet, some are sad, but they all share the common thread of ending. A break up can make you feel sad, relieved, and sometimes hopeful.

Best Quotes About Breaking Up

“Breaking up is just like having the worst nightmare, after having the best dream. “- Unknown

“The hardest part about walking away from someone is the part where you realize that, no matter how slowly you go, they will never run after you.” - Unknown

“Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option.” — Mark Twain

“So lets ignore each other, try to pretend the other person doesn’t exist, but deep down, we both know it wasn’t supposed to end like this.” - Unknown

“The last time I felt alive – I was looking into your eyes. Breathing your air….. Touching your skin…. Saying goodbye…. The last time I felt alive…. I was dying.” – Ranata Suzuki

“I learned that people leave. Even if they have promised a thousand times that they won’t.” - Unknown

“When someone leaves, it’s because someone else is about to arrive.” – Paulo Coelho

“It hurts when you realize you aren’t as important to someone as you thought you were.” - Unknown

“New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.” - Unknown

“How do you know when its over? Maybe when you feel more in love with your memories than with the person standing in front of you.” – Gunnar Ardelius

“The hottest love has the coldest end.” – Socrates

“If someone does not care about losing you, then move on. There are many people out there that would die if it meant losing you.” - Unknown

“Cheating and lying aren’t struggles. They’re reasons to break up.” – Patti Callahan Henry

“Sometimes you have to accept that just because you can have room for someone in your heart, it does not always mean that you should have room for them in your life.”

“There comes a time when you have to accept …You chose wrong, he wasn’t the one, and you deserve better.” - Charlene Eckstein

We all can relate to heartbreak and break ups. Relationships end, one way or another. Just remember, while it may hurt for some time, the pain will not last forever. Just like memories, pain fades with time.

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5 Reasons Valentine's Day Is A Lame Love Day

Valentine’s Day, the one day of the year that manages to make millions of women feel like losers, and sad and depressed about their singledom. I am not saying that all women feel this way of course, but for too many years I have seen the negative affects of Valentine’s Day.

Did you know that the origin of Valentine's Day is religious? Hence the true name Saint Valentine's Day. It somehow morphed from religious to romantic around the middle ages, as it became associated with the bird's mating season in France and England.

Fast forward to today, and it is a widely accepted, and an expected day of love.

I am a romantic, I truly am. But I cannot remember a time when I ever cared about Valentine's Day. I guess that's because, while I am a romantic, I am also a cynic. I suppose a lot of it has to do with all those men standing in line at the grocery store on February 14th buying flowers, and candy at the last minute.

The poor guys have been guilted, pressured, or programmed to believe that this one day is the "be all end all" day of showing your boo that you care.

The problem I have with Valentine's Day is that it is a designated day of love, romantic overtures, and false romance. Not to mention the over commercialization of this day. Let's see, do I get a mushy card, a dozen roses, and a long wait at a restaurant, as everyone else prove their love too?

5 Reasons Valentine’s Day Is A Lame Love Day

It’s Commercialized

The day after Christmas, the shelves in stores are filled with Valentine’s Day candy, cards, and decorations.

A Designated Day Of Love

It’s not very romantic if the flowers, box of chocolates, and cards are only given because your partner feel they are required to do so.

It’s Expensive

The jewelry commercials will tell you that you show love with a nice diamond. Now I am not opposed to a nice diamond, but why wait. And not to mention that It starts to add up with all of the other expectations on this “day of love”.

It Gets Competitive

For many years now, I have seen the Valentine’s Day competition in the workplace. Women strutting around like peacocks trying to compare bouquets, as if receiving flowers on Valentine’s Day is indicative of how much they are loved, and their great relationship.

Makes People Feel Bad

Valentine’s Day tends to make the single woman, who longs for a relationship, feel especially bad on this day. It also makes the man, who cannot afford a fancy dinner or piece jewelry for his partner feel bad as well.

Hey I said I was a cynic, but I also love love, and romance too. As a romantic, I love spur of the moment romantic gestures. I like fresh flowers all of the time. I love a sweet note, or a cute text to let me know he is thinking about me.

Personally, I would always prefer my man attempt to cook or grill me a nice meal, than to go out for a lame dinner in an over-crowded restaurant.

I like for my guy to treat me well all of the time, and this goes both ways. I want him to tell me he loves me, but more importantly, show me he loves me on a consistent basis. I want a lot of laughs, unexpected kisses, and comfortable silence. That's romance to me. No special day needed.

If you enjoy Valentine’s Day, and feel it is important to have a card or gift on this day, I say to each their own. What are your thoughts on Valentine's Day? Do you love it, feel indifferent, or hate it? Please share your thoughts or feeling!

People call it Valentine's Day, I call it Wednesday. - Unknown

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February Book Club Recommendations

If you are like me you love a good book. I read all of the time, but tend to stick to one or two genres and authors. A great way to find new authors and be exposed to literature you would have never considered is by joining a traditional bookclub, or signing up for a book of the month club.

If you are already in a bookclub, but looking for some suggestions I am here to help. Or if you are just trying to figure out what to read next I think I have some great choices for you.

I enjoyed all of the below books, albeit some were more satisfying than others, but that's the beauty of reading a book. You never know what you are going to get, or how it is going to end.

February Book Club Recommendations

  • The Girl With Seven Names

  • The Girl Who Lived

  • Shattered Glass

  • The Hundredth Queen

  • The President Is Missing

  • My Mother, The Liar

  • Her Name Was Rose

  • The Storytellers’ Secret

The Girl With Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee with David John

An extraordinary insight into life under one of the world’s most ruthless and secretive dictatorships – and the story of one woman’s terrifying struggle to avoid capture/repatriation and guide her family to freedom.

As a child growing up in North Korea, Hyeonseo Lee was one of millions trapped by a secretive and brutal communist regime. Her home on the border with China gave her some exposure to the world beyond the confines of the Hermit Kingdom and, as the famine of the 1990s struck, she began to wonder, question and to realise that she had been brainwashed her entire life. Given the repression, poverty and starvation she witnessed surely her country could not be, as she had been told “the best on the planet”?

Aged seventeen, she decided to escape North Korea. She could not have imagined that it would be twelve years before she was reunited with her family.

The Girl Who Lived by Christopher Greyson

No one believes her story.
The police think she's crazy.
Her therapist thinks she's suicidal.
Everyone else thinks she's a dangerous drunk.
They're all right--but did she see the killer?

As the anniversary of the murders approaches, Faith Winters is released from the psychiatric hospital and yanked back to the last spot on earth she wants to be--her hometown where the slayings took place. Wracked by the lingering echoes of survivor's guilt, Faith spirals into a black hole of alcoholism and wanton self-destruction. Finding no solace at the bottom of a bottle, Faith decides to track down her sister's killer--and then discovers that she's the one being hunted.

Shattered Glass by Maria V. Snyder

While trying to teach her adopted daughter, Reema, how to work with molten glass, Opal receives a letter from Master Magician Zitora Cowan requesting Opal's immediate help. Zitora resigned from the Sitian Council over two years ago to search for her lost sister, and no one has heard from her since. The letter is probably a trick, but Opal refuses to pass up the opportunity to help her mentor, who may be in genuine trouble. Good thing Opal isn't that easy to fool. With her two soldier friends Nic and Eve providing backup, the three travel to a small town in the Jewelrose Clan. But can they rescue the Master Magician without being caught in the same trap?

The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King

As an orphan ward of the Sisterhood in the ancient Tarachand Empire, eighteen-year-old Kalinda is destined for nothing more than a life of seclusion and prayer. Plagued by fevers, she’s an unlikely candidate for even a servant’s position, let alone a courtesan or wife. Her sole dream is to continue living in peace in the Sisterhood’s mountain temple.

But a visit from the tyrant Rajah Tarek disrupts Kalinda’s life. Within hours, she is ripped from the comfort of her home, set on a desert trek, and ordered to fight for her place among the rajah’s ninety-nine wives and numerous courtesans. Her only solace comes in the company of her guard, the stoic but kind Captain Deven Naik.

Faced with the danger of a tournament to the death—and her growing affection for Deven—Kalinda has only one hope for escape, and it lies in an arcane, forbidden power buried within her.

The President Is Missing by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

The President Is Missing confronts a threat so huge that it jeopardizes not just Pennsylvania Avenue and Wall Street, but all of America. Uncertainty and fear grip the nation. There are whispers of cyberterror and espionage and a traitor in the Cabinet. Even the President himself becomes a suspect, and then he disappears from public view . . .

Set over the course of three days, The President Is Missing sheds a stunning light upon the inner workings and vulnerabilities of our nation. Filled with information that only a former Commander-in-Chief could know, this is the most authentic, terrifying novel to come along in many years.

My Mother, The Liar by Ann Troup

Every family has a secret…

When Rachel Porter’s estranged mother dies, she returns to her family home filled with dread about having to face her past, and the people who populated it.

Little does she know that there are dead bodies waiting to be discovered, and a lifetime of secrets are about to unravel.

Here Name Was Rose by Claire Allan

Rose Grahame had everything Alex D'Arcy dreams of. A handsome husband, a stunning home and a baby boy with twinkling blue eyes and a smile that would brighten the darkest of days. It's a stark contrast to Alex's life - her dead-end job, her borderline addiction to drink and pills, her failed engagement and her cluttered flat. But the women's lives are about to collide - and nothing will ever be the same again.

Strangers in a lift in a shopping centre, Alex gestures to Rose to go ahead of her when they reach the bottom floor. But tragedy strikes when a car ploughs into the young mum - killing her instantly - before driving off at speed. But was this a tragic accident? Or was it more than that? And just how involved is Emily truly going to become?

With twists that will keep you guessing until the very end, Her Name Was Rose makes you question who you can really trust and if any of us are truly honest about ourselves in the social media obsessed world.

The Storytellers’ Secret by Sejal Badani

Nothing prepares Jaya, a New York journalist, for the heartbreak of her third miscarriage and the slow unraveling of her marriage in its wake. Desperate to assuage her deep anguish, she decides to go to India to uncover answers to her family's past.

Intoxicated by the sights, smells, and sounds she experiences, Jaya becomes an eager student of the culture. But it is Ravi - her grandmother's former servant and trusted confidant - who reveals the resilience, struggles, secret love, and tragic fall of Jaya's pioneering grandmother during the British occupation. Through her courageous grandmother's arrestingly romantic and heart-wrenching story, Jaya discovers the legacy bequeathed to her and a strength that, until now, she never knew was possible.

All of these books are great choices for your February bookclub selection, or for just an "any time" read. What are you currently reading in your bookclub? Have you read any of these books? If so, which is your favorite? Please share your favorite!

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What Men Want In A Relationship...According To Men

We all have wants and needs for an ideal relationship. Women tend to have strong opinions about what they want in a relationship, and often set relationship goals. Men are no different. Communication is often a biggie for women in relationships, but men have a slightly different list.

In the beginning, a relationship may be based on attraction, but that will not be enough to sustain a relationship in the long run. There are elements needed in a relationship for both individuals to feel emotionally and mentally satisfied and fulfilled.

In my opinion, men are pretty simple and straight forward creatures. This blog is specifically discussing things men want in a relationship. Here are the top six things men want in a relationship, based on discussions with the guys in my life.

6 Things He Wants In A Relationship

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Respect

Respect is a must for any healthy relationship. Men want to be treated with respect in a relationship. Although what one considers respectful or disrespectful may vary, it goes without saying that yelling, cursing, and talking to your man any way you choose is not respectful.

Affection

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Men want and crave affection just like women do. You can show him affection by rubbing his back, or with a soft kiss on the lips. But affection can also be shown with sweet, loving words. Tell him how much you miss him. Let him know that you appreciate him. Let him know how much he means to you.

Good Sex

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I think it goes without saying that a man wants good sex in a relationship. Not sure what he likes? Make the effort, and find out how to please him. I’m just guessing, but I think there are some universal ways to please a man, but your man may have a particular preference in the bedroom, or kitchen counter, or wherever the mood strikes.

Space

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We all need alone time, and time outside of our relationship. Your man needs his space to do his hobbies, hang with buddies, or just to be alone with his thoughts. The good thing about him needing space is that you get have your time as well.

Good Conversation

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Physical attraction, and great sex are important for a relationship, but good conversation is just as important in the long run. If you can have good conversations, that likely means you are compatible, and share things in common. Your man wanting to talk to you is a good thing.

Support

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He wants to feel supported by you. Your man wants to feel like you have his back, and that you are always team “him”. It’s you and him against the world so to speak. Your words of encouragement, and belief in him mean a lot, because you mean a lot to him.

I think that men and women often want the same things in relationships, but the orders of priority are different. Men want communication in a relationship as well, but that is not necessarily high on their list of needs in a relationship.

What are your thoughts on what men want in a relationship? Do you agree with my list? What would you add or remove from list? Please share experience or opinion!

"What women want: To be loved, to be listened to, to be desired, to be respected, to be needed, to be trusted, and sometimes, just to be held. What men want: Tickets to the World Series." — Dave Berry

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Psych and Health, Positivity and Motivation Charlene Eckstein Psych and Health, Positivity and Motivation Charlene Eckstein

5 Positive Things You Can Do Right Now To Improve Your Life

I believe we are all looking for ways to improve our lives. We only get one life, and we want the best one possible. The place to start with a better life, is by improving ourselves. I mean, after all none of us is a perfect specimen, and we are works in progress. Just perhaps some of us are closer to perfection than others. 

We have all been told that change doesn't happen overnight, but that does not always have to be the case. There are little changes, and some big ones, that we can make today that would change our lives for the better. Below is my list of five things you could do right now to improve your life.

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5 Positive Things To Do

Help Someone Else

Helping someone else doesn't have to break your bank account, or mean spending all day at a soup kitchen. You could help someone by doing something as simple as rolling out your elderly neighbor's trash cans. Or by walking your sick friend's dog. The little things make a difference to others, and make you feel good as well.

Be Appreciative

It is easy to focus on all the things are wrong, or didn't turn out how we wished they would have. But if you look at your life there is some good, maybe even a lot of good. Appreciate what you have, including the people, and more good things will likely come your way.

Exercise

There are so many ways to exercise. Take a walk. Hit the gym. Go to pilates of yoga. Exercise is not only good for you physically, but also mentally. Whatever you choose to do for exercise, you will most assuredly feel less stressed, happier, and have better mental clarity when you finish, at least that is the goal.

Reflect

When I say reflect, I mean for you do some self-reflection, and a little soul searching. Reflection can show you how far you have come in this life, and open your eyes to where you want to go.

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Set A Goal

Having goals keeps us moving forward. Whether your goal is to lose 10 pounds, or to read 100 books this year. A goal gives us focus and purpose. A purpose driven life is a life with meaning.

Anyone can do these five simple tasks on any given day, and make their life better. So what are you waiting for? What are your thoughts on the five ways to improve your life? Please share your thoughts and suggestions!

By admitting your inadequacies, you show you're self-aware enough to know your areas for improvement - and secure enough to be open about them. - Adam Grant

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