The 3 Flirt Signals a Man Will Show a Woman He Adores Her

Men display various flirt signals to show he is interested in the woman he is flirting with, but women find it hard to read and do not realise that the man is showing her flirt signals which usually means he wants to be more than just friends with the woman. Some men are confident and clearly display flirt signals towards women whereas some men have more hidden, discrete flirt signals that they hide so it becomes difficult to tell if he is flirting with you. So if you want to know if a man is showing you different types of flirt signals then read below for the three most obvious and notable flirt signals a man will show you.

1. Body language is one of the most obvious of all the flirt signals there are as it is a great giveaway. This will be when the man is clamping his hands together as he speaks to you because he is nervous and keeps his hands held together throughout the conversation. Another sign is when he also tries to lean towards you to show he is interested in you and slowly moves closer and closer as he gets ready to try and make a possible move.

2. When men speak to women they are interested in some men become so nervous that they tend to stutter. They do this unknowingly as their nerves tend to get the better of them because when they are in the company of a beautiful woman they adore it becomes difficult for the man to get his words out correctly.

3. One of the most sneaky of the flirt signals is when the man loves to be alone with the woman he is interested in and wants to be on his own with the woman to spend quality time with her. So the man will always look for private moments on your own with you and grab every opportunity he can so he can gradually become more intimate with you so you are comfortable and relaxed when he is with you.

Men have strange ways of showing a woman flirt signals so follow the steps above to note when a man is showing you flirt signals and be aware of when he is spending a lot of time with you when you are on your own, when his body language leans towards you and when he sometimes stutters when he is nervous when you are with him. All these flirt signals will show you this man adores you and wants more than just friendship with you.

The Secret to Self Loving

This past year, I have come to appreciate the power of truly loving myself. Most of my life, being alone was one of my biggest fears. I found myself in numerous relationships for the wrong reasons and ended up settling in ill-fitting ‘partnerships’. This deeply rooted fear and lack of understanding of myself caused the relationships to become my whole world; my focus of attention; my center. I would sacrifice my own goals for the other person. And, when the relationship collapsed, so did my sense of self.

Through much introspection, I realized the source of these failed relationships was myself. I realized that I didn’t truly love or appreciate myself and had relied on external sources for love and approval. I decided to change. I had to overcome my fear of loneliness by finding independence and personal freedom. Even since I found true appreciation for myself, the quality of relationships I have attracted has been phenomenal. I have discovered that the more I loved and understood myself, the less I feared being by myself, and the more healthier relationships I was able to attract into my life.

I started doing what I called “Dates with myself“. Regardless my external relationship status, I would schedule time with myself. I would literally take myself out on a date and spend that time totally focused on myself. It’s my time. We spend so much time and energy focused on others that we forget to recharge the source of that energy. It is only when you are well that you can have the energy and internal resources to make a positive difference and help others. This is a simple, yet powerful concept that can dramatically improve your wellbeing, effectiveness and mental health.

Before attempting a ‘date with yourself’, Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Remove Disturbances - unplug your phone, power down the cell phone and blackberry, shut down the computer, turn off the tv. Do not let your mind get distracted during your self-date. This is your time to just be with yourself.
• Being Solo - It’s important that you are on your own. You can talk to strangers, and make new friends, but you are on the self-date to get acquainted with yourself, no one else. If you live with a partner, schedule it so he/she isn’t home, or just take yourself out of the house. If you have kids, find a sitter, or plan around when your kids are not at home. It’s also important to realize that this time is a gift for yourself, and you should only be focused on your well-being.
• Schedule - Plan how long you would like your dates to last. Set a minimum time, and commit to focus on yourself for at least that time. I typically schedule 2-4 hour dates with myself.
• Communicate - if you are in a relationship, it’s important to communicate what you are doing and it’s benefits clearly with your partner. Not only do we get their support, but also avoid any misunderstandings or neglect.

Here are some ideas for ‘dates with yourself’. You can intermix several activities below into one date:

• Reading Date - Go to a trendy café or find a comfortable place at home and read something inspirational for an hour or more. Have some hot herbal tea, cut up some fruits or crackers with cheese. Fully enjoy the experience.
• Forgiveness & Gratitude Date - Find a comfortable spot. I like to sit on a bench overlooking the water at sunset, or curled up on the couch in my living room table surrounded by candles.
  • Forgive - Write on a journal or loose paper all the things you forgive yourself for. We tend to be very harsh on ourselves, and voluntarily blame ourselves internally for failures, failures of achievement, failures to action, etc. Take this time to forgive yourself for all the harsh things said, for mistreatment of your health, etc.
  • Gratitude - List out all the things in your life you are thankful for. This is my favorite thing to do.
  • Admiration - List out all the things that others admire about you. What are some things they’d say that you are good at or have natural abilities towards? Notice that I wanted you to pretend to be another person looking at yourself. We tend to blank on this question when asking ourselves directly.
• Musical Date - Take in a live concert after treating yourself to a healthy and satisfying meal. For example, every Thursday, I used to make myself a great raw vegetarian meal and then go to the Symphony. Did you know that you could get cheap single tickets in the first 4 rows? In Seattle, it’s $15 at Seattle Symphony. Most people are not aware of this. It’s not advertised.
  Another idea is going to a jazz club or a show. Talk to strangers when you are there. You’ll find the experience much more rewarding.
• Yoga or Meditation Date - Take a group yoga or meditation class at a local gym, community center, or temple. I used to do drop in classes at YMCA. They are $10 a class for non-members. After class, jump into the Jacuzzi if there is one. Come home, enjoy a light meal and relax for the evening.
• Outdoors Date - Go for a long walk in an area that interests you. Go to a park, go camping, go for a long drive. I like to spend an hour on Sundays walking through the ‘pike place’ market (local farmer’s market) with my dog, Tommy. I enjoy seeing all the tourists, fresh produce and the energy in the market. I also like to walk along the waterfront. It’s a good idea to bring a book and some water with you. Wander without rushing.
• Art & Culture - Go to an art gallery opening or a local museum. In Seattle, we have the art walk the first Thursday of every month where many galleries are open into the night. It’s very festive and inspiring, and I especially enjoy the people watching.

7 Steps to Good Relationships

Improve Relationships

The joys and pains of relationships are never as pronounced as during Holiday periods. With Thanksgiving and Christmas fast approaching, use these seven steps as building blocks to strengthen your relationships. You'll have a more satisfying and joyous Holiday period, and so will those close to you.

Although the approaching Holidays provide an immediate incentive, there are also long term benefits to be gained. Reputable studies show a strong correlation between happiness and high quality relationships. It's therefore in our best interests to nurture and build strong relationships for this Holiday season and beyond.

From many articles and studies of the characteristics of strong relationships we can distill the following list of seven important steps or components; think of these as relationship building blocks.

• Commitment
• Freedom
• Respect
• Support
• Equality
• Healthy conflict resolution
• Trust

Committed Relationship

Fundamental to a strong relationship is commitment. Commitment to making the relationship strong and healthy is the foundation on which it can grow. Relationships take work. They take effort. Like life itself, relationships are dynamic, ever changing because we are ever changing. A strong relationship requires continuous nurturing, and that takes commitment.

Commitment to the relationship means unconditionally caring about maintaining and improving the relationship, even during times of anger or disappointment. There may be times when you aren't even sure you like the other person, but if you're committed you'll spend the effort to sustain the relationship during tough times.

Freedom to Be Me

Freedom may be the toughest component of all to implement. But it may also be the most important after commitment. All humans desire freedom; more than desire, freedom is a drive we have to be ourselves. From the two-year old who proclaims, "I can do it myself!" to the twenty-two year old who forgoes the family business to go her own way, we all want freedom to do it our way.

While we each crave and value our own freedom, we often have just as strong a drive to control others. Call it a carryover from parenting or a way of assuring our own freedoms, controlling another person is a sure way to weaken and damage a relationship.

Granting another person the freedom to be themselves, to stretch and grow or to wither and stagnate, is the ultimate result of love--unconditional love. The freedom inherent in unconditional love may sorely test our own feelings of self confidence and self esteem, yet it's so important for us to realize that we bring people toward us when we let go of any inclination to control.

Respect Others

Respect, R-E-S-P-E-C-T as Uretha Franklin sang it, is a critical component of freedom. It's the partner of freedom in that respecting another person's competence and individuality provides the positive support so important to freedom.

A contrast makes this point: suppose someone grants you the freedom to follow your dream with an underlying current of disrespect. It might sound something like, "Go ahead if you must, I'll be right here after you've chased that dream." In other words, the person thinks you'll fail and you'll come crawling back.

The same scenario with respect might sound like, "Go ahead, I know how important this is to you and I support you 100%. I know you can do it!" Obviously, we'd all like to hear this latter response because of the inherent respect and support it conveys.

Support Those You Care About

Support is an important factor in any relationship. As we stretch ourselves, as we encounter rough spots and obstacles, a supportive relationship gives us strength and reassurance. Support rejuvenates and re-energizes. Aren't we all attracted to people who are supportive of us?

Treat Everyone as an Equal

Equality is the enabler that says we're both equal partners in this marriage, partnership, or friendship. A parent-child relationship is fine for teens and below, but among partners, friends, and adult children and their parents, without the underlying recognition of equality, respect is limited, support is more controlling than supportive, and commitment is probably more toward control than growth.

Learn Healthy Conflict Resolution

Healthy conflict resolution is a component that smoothes the rough edges of relationships. Rough edges will occur. There will be disagreements, differences of opinion, and even disappointments of behavior. A knowledge of techniques and dedication to resolve conflicts with respect, support, and equality can actually strengthen a relationship. Unstated is the recognition of "look what we've gone through together. We're strong."

Trust is a Relationship Glue

Trust is an attitude that could have been the first step mentioned. For without our inherent trust of each other, we will be unable to grant freedom, to treat each other with respect and equality, and be supportive. Some say that trust is earned. But trust must be an assumed attitude that is fundamental to commitment to the relationship. If someone distrusts you until you prove trustworthy, you cannot provide the freedom, respect, and support that nurtures and strengthens a relationship.

Obviously, the seven steps of a strong relationship do not come serially, one after the other. They are all important and must be simultaneously present. It is helpful, though, to consider them as step by step tools for building a strong relationship. And commitment does come first, as the foundation for stable and strong relationships. When we commit to something, it happens.

25 fun things to do with your girlfriend

Have you and your girlfriend seen one too many movies together? It may be time to add some fun to your dates! Here are 25 ideas for fun things the two of you can do together.

Here are 25 fun ideas for things that you and your girlfriend can do together:

1. Cook together. Nothing is more romantic than making a meal together. Go to the grocery store and pick out your ingredients and then head for your kitchen. So you’re not a great cook? Make the salad while she makes the pasta. Make the sauce together. Open a bottle of wine and take your time preparing a meal to remember.

2. Get pampered. Who says pedicures are just for women? Treat your girl to a day at the spa. As a special surprise, join her for a relaxing pedicure and massage. You’ll both feel refreshed and relaxed afterwards.

3. Run a marathon together. So you’re a little out of shape? Start out by going for short jogs together and work your way up to a 5K run (3.2 miles). You’ll be ready for a marathon in no time flat.

4. Read together. Find a book that interests you both and take turns reading it aloud to each other. Have a discussion about the book when you’re done.

5. Go camping. Show your woman how to rough it by taking her on a camping trip. Explore nature while you’re out in the woods. Go for a long bike ride or a hike and look for interesting birds and butterflies. Pick wildflowers along the way.

6. Build something together. An ongoing project is a great way to keep your relationship energized. Research for plans to build a bookcase or another piece of furniture. Build it and stain it together. The piece will be a one of a kind, long lasting reminder of something you did together.

7. Take a walk down memory lane. Take your girlfriend to her hometown and do a tour of special places from her past. Drive to the home she grew up in, the schools she went to, her favorite hangouts, etc. Then, take her to your hometown and do the same.

8. Go shopping together. Most men hate shopping and women know it. But by accompanying your girl to the mall you can get a good taste of what she likes to shop for, which can come in handy when it’s gift-giving time. Utilize her fashion savvy and let her pick out an outfit for you. Treat her to a special lunch afterwards.

9. Go on a picnic. Surprise her by packing a picnic lunch of sandwiches, fruit and cheese and eat lunch on a blanket in the park. Afterwards, fly a kite together.

10. Go to the zoo. You don’t need to have a little kid with you to have an excuse to go to the zoo. Take your girlfriend and enjoy all the unique and exotic animals. If you haven’t been to the zoo in a while, you may have forgotten how much fun it can be.

11. Work out together. Join a gym together and run on the treadmill, use the exercise machines and lift weights. You’ll both get fit and you’ll be motivated to go if you do it together.

12. Go caroling. Sound corny, but it’s fun. If it’s holiday time, shock your girl by suggesting that you go to a retirement home to sing to the elderly residents. Even if she snickers at the suggestion, she’ll be secretly impressed by your kindness. But if she says yes, you’d better be ready to sing!

13. Go to an apple orchard. Pick a bushel of apples and make homemade apple pie together. If neither of you are great bakers, learn together.

14. Get spiritual. If you and your girl practice different religions, try visiting each other’s church once in a while. It’s important to share in something so important, especially if marriage is in your future. If neither of you are religious, try to find a place of worship to visit together. You may be touched in a way you didn’t expect.

15. Change your oil and knit a scarf. The two of you can teach each other things-- so share your knowledge! Next time her car is due for an oil change, do it together in your driveway. Then, sit down with her and learn how to knit, sew, cook or whatever else her specialty may be.

16. Go bowling, roller skating, ice skating or play a round of miniature golf. Better yet, if you’re an avid golfer, take her to the driving range and hit a bucket of balls. You may soon find that you have a new golfing buddy.

17. Play tennis. Brush up on your skills and hit the courts-- this is a game you can enjoy together on an ongoing basis. If tennis isn’t your thing, try ping pong.

18. Take an adult education class together. Many local schools offer adult evening classes. You can take a cooking class or learn about wine tasting, art or computers.

19. Go to garage sales. Get up early on a Saturday morning and take your girl on a whirlwind ride to all the area garage sales. Or, scour all of the local antique shops for unique finds.

20. Get your fortune told. Even if you both scoff at the thought of psychics, go to one together just for fun. It will be interesting to see what the psychic predicts for your future together.

21. Go on a hot air balloon ride. Have you ever seen one of those beautiful balloons in the sky and wished it were you? Consult a local balloon riding company and book a romantic early morning ride for you and your sweetie.

22. Play paintball. Get your adrenaline rushing by challenging your girl to a game of paintball tag. Check the yellow pages for a paintball facility near you.

23. Go boating, skiing, or horseback riding. Rent a boat and sail along the river. Or trek to the nearest mountain and hit the slopes. Even if you’ve never set foot on a horse, try taking a lesson together.

24. Enjoy the local culture. Go to museums, galleries and local historical sites. Learn about your neighborhood together.

25. Finally, go to a professional photo studio and have your portrait taken together. It will be a lifetime memory of your happy relationship and it may come in handy some day in the future-- when you need a photo for the newspaper engagement announcement!

How do You Know When a Man is in Love

When he starts picking you over his friends. He will spend a quiet Friday night with you instead of playing poker or going for a drink only with his friends.

When he seems to be overjoyed when he meets her and when he spends time with you.

When he gradually welcomes her feminine stuff in his house; her special soap in the bathroom, her earrings on the table and her tampons in the bathroom.

He makes long term plan about sharing his activities with her. He will make sure that his girlfriend can participate in his social activities.

When he never really thought about getting married or having children and he wants those things with her

He will take care of himself financially, physically and spiritually to make her feel secure and happy.

He will wake up before her and makes sure that she is okay, wonders if she is hungry, checks to see if she is warm enough or if she would need anything else.

He constantly tries to impress her; he will pick her up and brings her home, brings her food, offers to pay for some activities, gives her surprises…

Other temptations are not a threat. He is just not interested in any of those distractions

She will have no doubt in her mind. She won’t need to ask. She will feel it in her guts. If she doesn’t, and still remains with him, she is settling for less