Dating 8 Ways To Keep The Love Alive When You're Past The Romantic Stage 7:25 AM Love never dies a natural death. It dies because we don't know how to replenish its source. It dies of blindness and errors, and betrayals. It dies of illness and wounds; it dies of weariness, of withering, of tarnishing. -Anais Nin The honeymoon stage of a relationship is truly magical. The surprises, sweet gestures, and basking in each other's presence keep the happy hormones flowing. However, change happens as time goes by.In many cases, the romance begins to fade, and the frequency of dates and surprises diminishes. Even passion can dwindle. So how do you keep the love alive when you're past the romantic stage? Here are eight ways to keep the music playing! 1. Have open and honest communication.Maintaining strong and effective communication is crucial for keeping the love alive in a relationship, especially when you have moved past the romantic stage. Here are some tips to enhance communication and nurture your connection:Create a Safe and Judgment-Free Space: Foster an environment where both partners feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgment or criticism. Instead, encourage open dialogue and active listening.Practice Active Listening: When your partner is speaking, give them your full attention. Avoid interrupting or formulating a response while they are still talking. Instead, focus on understanding their perspective and emotions. Show empathy and validate their feelings.Express Yourself Clearly and Honestly: Be transparent about your thoughts, needs, and desires. Clearly communicate your expectations and concerns. Avoid assuming your partner can read your mind or understand your unspoken needs. Instead, be open and direct in your communication.Use "I" Statements: When discussing sensitive topics or expressing dissatisfaction, use "I" statements to convey your emotions and experiences. For example, say, "I feel hurt when..." instead of blaming or accusing with, "You always..." This helps avoid defensiveness and fosters a more productive conversation.Practice Non-Verbal Communication: Communication is not limited to words alone. Pay attention to non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These can provide valuable insights into your partner's emotions and feelings.Be Mindful of Timing: Choose the right time and place for meaningful discussions. For example, avoid having serious conversations when one or both of you are tired, stressed, or distracted. Instead, find a calm and neutral environment where you can focus on the exchange.Seek Compromise and Find Solutions Together: Remember that effective communication involves finding common ground and working towards solutions that benefit both partners. Approach conflicts as opportunities for growth and understanding rather than battles to be won.Practice Regular Check-Ins: Set aside dedicated time to check in with each other about the state of the relationship, individual needs, and any potential issues that may have arisen. This can be done through regular conversations, weekly date nights, or even relationship counseling if needed.Show Appreciation and Gratitude: Express gratitude for your partner's efforts, support, and love. Acknowledge and appreciate their contributions to the relationship. Small gestures of appreciation can go a long way in nurturing love and strengthening your bond.Be Patient and Understanding: Recognize that maintaining effective communication takes effort and practice. Be patient with each other and understand that it may take time to fully understand and address each other's needs. Be willing to learn and grow together.Remember that your partner is not a mind reader, even if you share a special connection. So be willing to keep your foundation strong by communicating your needs and making your partner feel they're heard and matter. 2. Protect secrets.The value of trust is paramount in a relationship. Consider it an honor if your partner confides in you, whether it be a childhood memory, a fear, or an aspiration. Their decision to open up and share a part of themselves is a testament to their trust in you. Make it your mission to protect them when they're most vulnerable. Never use their secrets as a weapon to hurt them.These seemingly small gestures are of utmost importance and contribute significantly to the strength of your relationship even when romance is not at its peak. 3. Value commitments.Reliability and dependability are critical components of a solid relationship. So, first, let your partner know they can count on you. Then, follow through on your word in everyday situations. If you've promised to take care of something, fulfill that commitment. Something as simple as calling them when you agreed, doing your part in the household chores religiously, or keeping your date nights sacred are seemingly insignificant actions. But they can bolster the bond between partners and demonstrate reliability.4. Say sorry and mean it.Inevitably, there will be instances where you unintentionally hurt your partners with your words or actions. When this happens, it is crucial to apologize right away. Saying "sorry" is insufficient; you must genuinely feel remorse and avoid becoming defensive. More importantly, avoid committing the same mistake again. Continuing harmful behavior towards your partner after apologizing can erode trust and ultimately lead to the end of your relationship. It is essential to recognize the impact of your actions and take responsibility for them if you want to maintain a healthy and fulfilling partnership.5. Forgive.Forgiveness plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy relationship. If your partner has hurt you and sincerely apologizes, wholeheartedly forgive them. Holding grudges only creates further negativity and tension. Remember, we are all human; even the most compatible and compassionate individuals may have disagreements. Love keeps no record of wrongs. -1 Corinthians 13:16. Have some time apart.Maintaining a balance between time spent together and time spent apart is crucial. While it's important to enjoy each other's company to keep the love alive, having separate interests and friendships is equally vital. Maintaining individual hobbies and social circles brings freshness and excitement to the relationship. Being together constantly can lead to feelings of suffocation. However, finding the right balance and carving out quality time for each other is essential. Here are some strategies to help you achieve this balance:Prioritize and Schedule: Make spending quality time together a priority by scheduling dedicated time in your calendars. This could be date nights, weekend getaways, or simply setting aside uninterrupted time each day to connect and bond. Treat this time as sacred and non-negotiable.Communicate and Coordinate: Openly communicate with your partner about your needs for alone time or pursuing personal interests. For example, discuss and coordinate your schedules to ensure you can engage in activities or hobbies you enjoy.Respect Personal Boundaries: Understand and respect each other's need for personal space and alone time. Recognize that time apart can be beneficial for individual growth, self-reflection, and recharging. Support each other in pursuing solo activities or spending time with friends.Engage in Shared Interests: Find activities you enjoy and can do together. This allows you to bond and have quality time while engaging in shared hobbies, such as cooking, walking, or watching a series together.Encourage Independence: Encourage and support each other's individual interests and passions. Embrace the idea that maintaining a sense of self is important for a healthy and fulfilling relationship. Pursue activities or hobbies independently that bring you joy and fulfillment.Establish Rituals or Routines: Create rituals or routines that allow you to connect and spend time together consistently. This could be a weekly date night, a morning coffee ritual, or a shared activity before bedtime. These rituals provide a sense of stability and togetherness.Embrace Quality Over Quantity: It's not just about the amount of time you spend together but the quality of that time. Make the most of your time by being fully present, engaged, and attentive to each other. Focus on building meaningful connections and creating shared memories.Foster Trust and Independence: Building a solid foundation of trust in your relationship allows both partners to feel secure and comfortable when spending time apart. Trust that your partner values the relationship and respects the boundaries you establish for personal time.Regularly Reassess and Adjust: Periodically evaluate how you balance time together and apart. Check-in with each other to ensure that both of you feel satisfied and fulfilled. Adjust your routines and schedules as needed to maintain a healthy balance.7. Appreciate each other.We all seek approval and reassurance from those we love. However, appreciating each other is crucial in keeping the love alive, especially as you move past the romantic stage of a relationship. Here are some ways to cultivate appreciation:Be grateful: Take the time to express gratitude for your partner and what they do for you. Let them know how much you appreciate their efforts, support, and presence in your life. A simple "thank you" can go a long way in making your partner feel valued and loved.Focus on Strengths and Qualities: Acknowledge and appreciate your partner's strengths, talents, and unique qualities. Let them know what you admire about them and why you feel lucky to have them in your life. Celebrate their achievements and personal growth.Notice the Little Things: Pay attention to the small gestures and acts of kindness your partner does for you or others. It could be making you a cup of coffee in the morning, leaving a sweet note, or helping with household chores. Express your appreciation for these little things that often go unnoticed but contribute to the strength of your relationship.Show Affection and Physical Touch: Physical touch is vital for expressing appreciation and love. Show affection through hugs, kisses, cuddling, and holding hands. Physical contact can create a sense of closeness and reinforce your emotional connection. In addition, it will keep things spicy and exciting, igniting the embers of love even when you're past the romantic stage.Quality Time and Presence: Make an effort to spend quality time together without distractions. Put away phones, turn off the TV, and truly engage with each other. Be fully present, actively listen, and participate in activities you enjoy. This undivided attention demonstrates that you value and cherish your time together.Surprise and Delight: Plan surprises or small acts of kindness to show your partner that you are thinking of them. It could be bringing home their favorite treat, planning a surprise date night, or leaving little love notes for them to find. These unexpected gestures help keep the romance and excitement alive.Compliment and Encourage: Offer genuine compliments and encouragement to uplift your partner. Acknowledge their efforts, achievements, and personal growth. Let them know you believe in their abilities and support their dreams and aspirations.Support Each Other's Well-Being: Show appreciation by supporting your partner's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Encourage healthy habits, listen to their concerns, and provide a safe space to express their thoughts and feelings. Be their cheerleader and source of comfort during challenging times.Celebrate Milestones and Special Moments: Take the time to celebrate important milestones, anniversaries, and memorable moments in your relationship. Create meaningful traditions and rituals that allow you to reflect on your journey together and appreciate how far you've come.Practice Active Appreciation: Make it a habit to express gratitude and appreciation regularly, not just on special occasions. Cultivate a mindset of recognizing and valuing your partner's and your relationship's positive aspects.8. Rekindle the romance.Rekindling romance is possible even when you have moved past the initial romantic stage of a relationship. Here are some ways to reignite the spark and bring back the romance:Plan Surprise Dates or Getaways: Surprise your partner with a special date or weekend getaway. Plan activities or outings that you know they will enjoy. Breaking the routine and injecting new experiences into your relationship can create a sense of excitement and adventure.Bring Back Romantic Gestures: Recall the romantic gestures you used to do early in the relationship and reintroduce them. For example, write love letters, leave sweet notes, or send romantic text messages throughout the day. Small gestures can make a significant impact in rekindling the romance.Create a Romantic Atmosphere: Set the mood for romance by creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Light candles, play soft music and prepare a special meal together. Transforming your space into a romantic haven can evoke intimacy and closeness.Engage in Shared Activities: Rediscover shared interests and engage in activities you enjoy. It could be taking a dance class, cooking together, hiking, or engaging in a new hobby. Sharing experiences and creating new memories can reignite the connection between you.Physical Intimacy and Affection: Prioritize physical intimacy and affection in your relationship. Kiss, cuddle, and hold hands. Make time for intimate moments and explore ways to enhance your physical connection. Physical touch can rekindle passion and desire.Prioritize Quality Time: Set aside dedicated quality time for each other. Put away distractions such as phones or work and genuinely focus on each other. Engage in deep conversations, share your dreams and aspirations, and actively listen to your partner. This undivided attention strengthens the emotional bond.Surprise Gifts or Gestures: Surprise your partner with thoughtful gifts or gestures that show you care. It could be their favorite book, a handwritten love poem, or planning a surprise outing. These unexpected acts of love can reignite feelings of excitement and appreciation.Explore New Experiences Together: Step outside your comfort zone and try new things together. Take up a new hobby, adventure, or explore a new city. The shared excitement and exploration can reignite the sense of discovery and bring back the thrill of being together.Rekindling romance takes effort from both sides. However, with time and dedication, you can reignite the flame and bring back the romance in your lives.Keep the Love AliveBoth partners seek and require validation, which can be achieved through trust and reciprocity. It's essential to recognize that this is a natural progression, as all couples experience these phases.A solid and lasting relationship is tested through various ups and downs. The pillars of respect, trust, commitment, and love are tested. Remember that romance evolves beyond candlelit dinners and boxes of chocolates and transforms into a deep sense of respect and understanding for one another.Work towards maintaining excitement and freshness in your relationship by keeping the love alive even when you're past the romantic stage.How do you keep the flame of love burning brightly in your relationship?
Faith The Sweet Fruits Of Waiting 8:00 AM Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. -Aristotle The waiting period is the most trying, most painful and will always be the longest period in a person's life---no matter how short it may be. The Sweet Fruits Of Waiting Waiting will reveal our character. It will teach us patience, it will test our endurance, and will shake our faith. The longer the waiting, the more we will appreciate and value that which we are waiting for once it has arrived. In waiting for the Lord to answer your prayer, you will encounter His most deafening silence. I have been waiting for God to answer my prayers. Some He has already given me, others He is still not revealing. Although I admit that sometimes I want to rush things and I get impatient with Him, I know that He has my best intentions in mind. I do not have a wise answer as to why He makes us wait. I don't want to put Him in a box because He is infinite for a reason. I may not understand His purpose but I know it is for the best. Besides, isn't that why He's God and I'm human? If I understand Him, then we'll be equals. So as difficult as it may be, in my waiting, I choose to believe. In my waiting, I choose to keep on serving Him. Sometimes in my service, I see His answer and I feel His love. In my waiting, I choose to be happy because whether I am miserable or joyful, I'd still be waiting anyway. So why not wait in joy instead? The waiting has made me wiser, although not as wise as one could be. At least now I know things I did not know before. People may be laughing at me because I seem to wait in vain, but that's alright. They are not the ones I made covenant with anyway. And I know that He who made His promises to me will surely deliver. That is another great thing about waiting. Waiting has revealed to me the faithfulness of God that I would not have known had all my prayers been answered immediately. Waiting may be painful at times, but I would not change it for anything else. God would not have put me here if He thinks the other way is better for me. I trust Him.
Listicle The Best Things That Happened In My 30's 8:00 PM But the thirties are a specially dangerous time for women. They have outlived the shyness and restraints of girlhood, and not attained to the caution and discretion of middle age. They are reckless, and consciously or unconsciously on the lookout for adventure. They see ahead of them the end of youth, and that quickens their pace. -Rose Macaulay The Best Things That Happened In My 30's Acceptance I got comfortable in my own skin. I grew up with insecurities. Although they're not that many and I never allowed myself to be envious of anyone (thou shalt not covet, right?), I still went through that phase of not liking what I see in the mirror. In my 20's, I started to appreciate myself more and accepted my flaws. It's only now that I'm in my 30's though that I can honestly say I don't give a damn about what people think about how I look anymore. I am so much comfortable in my own skin now. And that's very liberating. Freedom Speaking of liberty, I can freely express my feelings without fear. I was once oppressed and never really heard (hello, middle child syndrome), and I was always criticized and laughed at when I express my views. So I settled on not saying how I really feel or what I really think. I guess that's why I was always sick before. Thanks to writing and thanks to well, life experiences, I have now found my voice and am not afraid to use it. I am genuinely happy regardless of my relationship status, wherever I am, and just as sincerely happy for others. I don't think you can fake happiness for too long. It's either you're really happy or stop pretending that you are. And I couldn't care less about stereotyping of women especially women past their 20's. That's freedom right there. Better version I've been through hell and back and I've never been better. My pruning stage may not be over yet in my 30's but I can say I've emerged better than I first step into this stage. Believe it or not, I only started using makeup when I reached my thirties. I guess you can say I'm a late bloomer. Abundance I used to be laughed at because I'm very practical and frugal. I don't buy branded clothes and I seldom buy gadgets. I only do when what I have dies on me. I follow frugal tips I read. Funny thing is that instead of feeling deprived, I feel freer. Maybe the thought that I am actually buying myself a better and more secured future keeps me from feeling inadequate. When those people who laugh at my frugal ways run out of cash, do you know who they turn to? Me. Empathy I am more empathetic now to those suffering from heartbreak, loss, loneliness, confusion and dilemma. Because on my way to my 30's, I went through them too. I know what I love, what I want, what I need. I can clearly see what my desires are, I can better hear what my heart whispers. I can sum this up by saying the best thing to happen on my 30's is knowing myself more than I did years ago. In knowing myself I've learned what I deserve and to take better care of myself, love myself more, and accept me for who I am. I have learned that happily ever after indeed happens to everyone. We just make our own version of it. Sometimes we don't recognize it because it's different from what we expect and from what we see in others but it does happen. It took me 3 decades to finally see this beautiful truth but it's worth the journey. At your age, what has been the best thing to happen to you? Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Life Lessons The Incredible Power Of Your Name 8:00 PM What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet. -Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare There's an incredible power in your name. In the olden days, a name is more than what people call someone. It describes the person. More importantly, it defines them. The Incredible Power Of Your Name Your name defines you and your destiny Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. -Isaiah 43:1 In the Bible, there are those who changed their names or whose names were changed for them, ultimately changing their destiny. Jacob, for instance, means "deceiver". But God changed it to Israel which means "God rules" or "strives with God". It also means "God's fighter". (Genesis 35:10) Hello, my name is NOT Lux April 9, believe it or not, is National Name Yourself Day. Just for fun, given the chance, what would you rather name yourself? Lux isn't my real name. But I use it for my online profiles. Why Lux though? First because that's what some of my college friends call me. I like the ring of it. Also, a priest friend told me that Lux means "light" in Latin. Made me like it even more. Incidentally, I've always been an optimistic person. No matter what the situation is, I always tend to look at the bright side. I do get sad but I don't dwell. I don't care if the glass is only half-full. What's important is that it's not empty. I like to bring my "light" everywhere I go. Some people don't like me because of my RBF (resting bitch face). It doesn't help that I'm an introvert either. Some gets intimidated. So they told me once we become friends. But those whom I'm close with knows I like to make things better for everyone. I bring with me encouragement and sense of hope for those who want to give up. I offer a word of advice for the confused. I try to bring comfort when I know someone isn't well. I'm not a perfect friend, but I try to be a friend. I try to make people laugh. Family and some close friends are tired of my puns (I'm a punny person) and would tell me that I'm the corniest person they know. That doesn't discourage me from making jokes (to their dismay). I know some things should be taken seriously. But I always make things lighter and more fun. I believe Elbert Hubbard. He said and I quote, "Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive." Lux seems to suit me that I claim it. That's how I introduce myself now to strangers (it's not far from my real name anyway). I realized Lux is perfect for my personality. I've always been Lux all along. Why Name Calling Should Stop That's why it's important to choose the names we call people, especially children. It becomes their identity. I don't approve of negative name-calling even when it's done with fondness. I've been called silly and weird and not in a good way. Stupid, slow, ugly, ordinary, loser, and what-have-yous. Naturally, I grew up insecure. It felt off when someone tells me I'm smart and beautiful because that's not what I identify with. I thought, "That couldn't be right. I'm not smart nor beautiful." It took me a long, long time to get comfortable with who I really am and finally realize I am not what people call me. It was a challenge discovering and knowing my true worth. The truth is that I am a child of God. I've been intricately created and woven by His own hands so there's nothing ordinary about me. I am brilliant. I am not perfect but God created me perfectly for my purpose, just the way I am. When I look in the mirror, I see God's beautiful creation. And I don't say that with conceit. I say it because I believe I am God's very own and I praise Him for creating me so. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. -Psalm 139:14 People underestimate the power of name-calling. Sometimes name-calling come from other people, but it also could come from our most powerful critic---our own voice. We could be harsh towards ourselves. We sometimes forget that what we call ourselves make us into who we are. Change the way you think. Change what you call yourself. And ultimately, change your life. I remember one Batman Beyond episode I saw. There was a voice only Batman could hear and it kept calling him Bruce. They thought he's crazy, but he knew he wasn't. Excerpt: Terry McGinnis: Tell me something - why were you so sure those voices weren't coming from you? Bruce Wayne: Well, first, I know I'm not psychotic. Terry McGinnis: I hope your other reason is more convincing. Bruce Wayne: The voice kept calling me "Bruce." In my mind, that's not what I call myself. Terry McGinnis: What do you call yourself? [Bruce just looks at him for a moment] Oh, yeah. I suppose you would. [Batman voice] But that's my name now. Bruce Wayne: Tell that to my subconscious. When you know who you really are, no one can make you think otherwise. So...what's your name again? Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Events Only The Best For The Best - Mother's Day Giveaway 9:15 AM Being a mother is an attitude, not a biological relation. -Robert A. Heinlein Contest closed. Congrats Jenny and Angie. Mother's Day is fast approaching. For the best, it's only right to give the best. Who are mothers and why are they the best? We have all been mothers in one way or another. Mothers are those who... ...carried another human being for 9 months in her tummy and braved the incomparable pain of labor and child birth, nurtured her child and selflessly put her kids' needs over hers, or those who... ...did not necessarily give birth to a child, but has generously shared her all to those she considers her children, gives motherly love and care to people---or pets regardless his/her gender, has loved and continues to love unconditionally his/her kids or those s/he considers family. Dear mother, If you have lost a child, my heart goes out to you. I wish I have the right words to make you feel better but I don't. Let me send you my cyber hug and whisper a prayer for you instead. If you are a full-fledged mother---by blood, affinity, circumstance or choice, I honor you. You are our everyday hero. You are more important than you realize. If you have always been waiting for a child and have not been blessed with one yet, let me assure you that God has heard your prayers and He has great plans for you. Mother's Day Giveaway Time and service are great gifts, but here's another one to make their day extra special. A Touch of Dazzle has once again generously offered to give away coupons and gift cards especially for the best person in your life. Get them for your biological mother, soul mother, motherly friend, or for yourself. Because why not? Here are few samples of the many, many gorgeous items you can find on their Amazon store and their A Touch of Dazzle website as well. This is the best giveaway I’ve ever partnered with A Touch of Dazzle so far. Because we're giving away not only 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 gifts! (1) $30 worth of gift card from their Amazon store - (expires 12/31/16) (2) $25 worth of gift card from A Touch of Dazzle website - (expires 12/31/16) Just enter below to get the chance to win these exciting prizes. (First name to be picked will get the $30 gift card and the 2nd will get the $25 gift card. Accepting entries until May 5, 2016. Winners will be contacted via email.) Mother's Day Giveaway Amazon is restrictive on jewelry shipping internationally, so this contest is only for US residents. And because we want everyone (well, all US residents that is) to enjoy something dazzling, we'll give 2 more coupon codes with 15% discount without you doing anything. I'd appreciate a quick hello or a follow but here they are: (1) Amazon store coupon code MOMS2016 (expires 6/30/16) (2) A Touch of Dazzle website coupon code MOMS2016(expires 6/30/16) Please note that when you add any locket to your cart (on A Touch of Dazzle website, not Amazon) you will be offered a free Birthstone Charm Pack (April 8, 2016 - May 8, 2016). If you grew up with a selfless loving mother, I congratulate you. For not everybody has been blessed with one. Let's celebrate these wonderful beings and offer them the best that we can give. They deserve nothing less. This post may contain affiliate links. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Listicle How To Choose A Dating Agency 8:00 PM People always fall in love with the most perfect aspects of each other’s personalities. Who wouldn’t? Anybody can love the most wonderful parts of another person. But that’s not the clever trick. The really clever trick is this: Can you accept the flaws? -Elizabeth Gilbert In recent years, primarily thanks to the internet, dating has become big business indeed (especially when it comes to Russian brides). Just search for marriage agencies on Google and you will find almost 3 million responses. In fact, there are thousands of dating websites out there trying to get your attention. Some of them are highly reputable while others are simply scams that exist purely to take your money. However, online dating is still a fantastic way to meet your soul mate who is serious about getting married, but, in most cases, joining a marriage agency is actually not a cheap option. In this way, if you are thinking about signing up to such a website, in particular, Russian women dating agency, you should be confident you find the right one as you will be investing both financially and emotionally. How To Choose A Dating Agency The first thing you should do is to pay attention to the following: ● A reliable dating website, like https://www.marriageagency-nataly.net, should have such important sections as “Terms and Conditions” and “Refund Policy,” as well as some contact information and support. That’s actually the main guarantee that you won’t be cheated in the future. ● Make sure that profiles published on the website belong to the real-life women. Check the photos (absolutely all Russian girls cannot be supermodels, there should be just pretty ordinary women) and personal information (look for some details written instead of general phrases). ● Don’t hurry to pay at once. First, learn everything you can about the chosen dating agency. For example, how many profiles they have, whether they have partners or not, what are the fees, and so on. By the way, the reliable dating agency has no need to charge much as they usually earn on a large amount of letters. Moreover, most likely, they will offer some services for free. Some words about scams Scams are the main problem in the online dating world. That is especially true for small Russian women dating agencies that don’t have any credit at the international databases. What they do is they ask you to send lots of cash promising a desired happy ending with a beautiful Russian girl. Here are some scam warning signs you should pay attention to: ● similar, impersonal letters; ● plane ticket/insurance/visa charges soon after you start communicating; ● style of writing often changes; ● unanswered questions; ● odd emails; ● all photos too good to be true; ● sudden tragedy or illness in the family. These are just a few of the possible scenarios taking place in the online dating world. So you should be very careful selecting a marriage agency. Try to learn as much as you can before you sign up to one of them. Anyway, it’s always better to choose a big player with years of experience and plausible size of the membership. Good luck! This may contain affiliate links. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Faith 7 Stages of Moving On: A Dreamer’s Triumphant Journey Back to Wholeness 7:00 AM Life will break you. Nobody can protect you from that, and living alone won't either, for solitude will also break you with its yearning. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on earth. You are here to risk your heart. -Louise Erdrich I know heartbreak all too well. I know how it is losing your drive, crying yourself to sleep each night, waking up to a big gaping whole in your heart, helpless. Gutted. The struggle is real. Needless to say, I know about moving on as well. Here's another wounded healer who's been through that same dream-shattering, life-changing, colorful road to share his own journey. Reading his story proved to me that we are never alone. At one point, we've all been in that same place...together. May this give you hope and courage too: 7 Stages of Moving On: A Dreamer’s Triumphant Journey Back to Wholeness I’ve spent years chasing my dreams, turning my ambitious thoughts into beautiful things. I donned medals of academic rewards, earned certificates that attest to my competencies, obtained the trust of key people in their respective domains of expertise, and conquered worlds that gave me a rightful place. I’ve surpassed seemingly insurmountable challenges and with these, I have learned so much. I resolved that as a dreamer, I would never fall in love. I spent a great deal of conscious effort to guard my feelings because I know it is my greatest weakness. Then it came. Nothing has ever prepared me for this. I fell in love deeply. I’ve been hurt badly. Pain and Denial My heartbreak was like a giant tidal wave that came crushing over me. The whole world collapsed before my eyes. I felt defeated and helpless. Until now, I couldn’t find the exact words to explain the gravity of my pain. All I ever wanted was to make the pain go away...faster! It was very hard for me to see things beyond my pain. There were many questions that I begged answers for and the worst part of it all was that I denied myself of the reality. I convinced myself that my love just needed time and space to think things over and we would be together again. Lost and Shattered As the reality of my broken heart sank in my stricken mind, I found myself in the middle of nowhere. I didn't know how to proceed with my life. I lost my direction. I suddenly stopped doing my routine. I lost interest in the things that I used to find pleasure in. To top it all, I gave up my recent career promotion which resulted to financial difficulties. I wanted to protect myself from further pain so I shut my world, disconnected from life, and lived in darkness. Emotional Paralysis It was the stage when my heart became cold and hard. I was so focused on my pain that I became very insensitive to the needs and feelings of others. I felt lonely. I trusted nobody. I did not allow anyone to comfort me. It was as if the colors of life have faded away. Every comforting word fell on my deaf ears. Bitterness was everything I could taste. Prisoner of the Past I couldn't remember how long have I been a prisoner of the memories that I couldn't let go. I always saw my object of affection in everything I set my eyes on. Even when I closed my eyes, a vision of my beloved haunted me in my dreams. I kept loving this person so much; yet, I wasn’t receiving the treatment that I deserve. I was out of my mind! The Awakening I could still recall those lonely mornings when I wondered what I was waking up to. I dreaded the time between sunrise and sunset because I knew I was going to put up another exhausting battle with my emotions. One time, I happened to see my naked self on the full length mirror. I shuddered at seeing my appearance. This is no longer me! I realized that my life was going nowhere; that I was wasting so much time wallowing with my pain; that I've allowed myself to suffer terribly; that I needed to be kind to myself; that I needed to give myself a chance to be happy! Discernment and Acceptance It’s important to reflect on the desires of our heart before we engage in any relationship. If you're intention is to find someone to “complete” you, then you're setting yourself up to failure. The one you'll find might just be as broken as you are. Two hurt people coming together to find happiness isn’t a good start of a romantic relationship. In my case, at least, this is true. I didn't realize that I was already broken before I even entered the relationship. This is where I’ve gone wrong. It only made sense to me now after I've graciously accepted my pain. It put me to the right perspective that my struggle had a meaning. God allowed things to fall apart so certain family relationships would be restored. My heartbreak led me to rediscover a lot of things about myself, including my faith. I realized that fixing my broken relationship with God is the key to having a happy relationship with people. Relaunching My Spiritual Life When I surrendered my brokenness to God, my path to healing has started. More blessings initially disguised by pain have been unleashed. I'm closer now with my family. I’ve also found a new rewarding career that meets my learning and financial expectations. Sometimes, I think that I'm better off to be just on my own, with my God who truly completes me. About the author: Jayson Santos is a spiritual seeker, a dreamer, and a runner. On his blog, The Dreamer Writes, he devotes a special section called Dear Love, where he writes and collects stories, poems, unsent letters, love notes, and all other messages of joy and sorrow from a heart that faithfully loves. Read more of his writings by visiting his blog or following his Google+ page. You can also follow him on Twitter at @jaysonsnts. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
