Nurturing Love: From Winter Bliss to Summer Fun

As the winter frost begins to melt away and the first signs of spring emerge, couples and/or families find themselves transitioning from cozy holiday moments to the promise of sunny days ahead. This shift in seasons offers a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate and nurture the love that blossomed during the holiday season, while eagerly anticipating the adventures that summer has in store. Our winter holidays are always in frenzy, right after Halloween, we celebrate Diwali, then jump right into Thanksgiving and then the magical Christmas. With holiday travel to snow country, and then Easter right around the corner, I get no break. Here are some delightful ways for couples to unwind, connect, and prepare for the joys of summer:

• Embrace Nature's Awakening: Spring is a time of renewal, making it the ideal season for outdoor activities. Take leisurely strolls through blooming gardens, have a picnic in the park, or plan a romantic hike in the countryside. Connecting with nature together can deepen your bond and create lasting memories.

• Plan a Romantic Getaway: Escape the daily routine by planning a weekend getaway to a charming bed and breakfast or a cozy cabin nestled in the woods. Whether it's a quaint countryside retreat or a seaside adventure, a change of scenery can reignite the spark in your relationship and provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and romance.

• Cultivate Shared Interests: Use this time to explore new hobbies or revisit old ones together. Sign up for a cooking class, try your hand at gardening, or embark on a DIY home improvement project. Engaging in activities that you both enjoy can strengthen your connection and foster a sense of teamwork and companionship.

• Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: With the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's essential to carve out moments of tranquility and relaxation. Set aside time for couples' meditation or indulge in a spa day complete with massages, facials, and aromatic baths. By prioritizing self-care and mindfulness, you can rejuvenate both body and soul, allowing your love to flourish.

• Dream and Plan for Summer Adventures: As spring unfolds, start dreaming and planning for the exciting adventures that await in the summer months. Whether it's a road trip along the coast, a beach vacation, or a camping excursion under the stars, let your imaginations run wild as you anticipate the fun-filled days ahead. Planning together can build excitement and strengthen your bond as a couple.

• Enjoy Quality Time Together: Above all, cherish the simple moments spent together. Whether it's cuddling up with a movie, cooking a delicious meal together, or simply enjoying each other's company over a cup of coffee, prioritize quality time and meaningful connections. These everyday moments are the foundation of a strong and enduring relationship.

As couples bid farewell to the winter chill and embrace the warmth of spring, let this be a time of renewal, connection, and anticipation. By nurturing your love and savoring the simple pleasures of life together, you can lay the groundwork for a summer filled with adventure, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

My motto is to never miss a chance to say cheers. So, cheers 🥂 to love, laughter, and the joys of spring!

Can’t wait for the sundress season!!!

Holidays for couples - Magical time together

It’s magical time of the year for all, especially for couples!

Spending holidays together is crucial for couples as it fosters emotional connection and strengthens the long lasting bond between partners. The holiday season is often associated with warmth, joy, and a sense of togetherness, creating an ideal backdrop for couples to create lasting memories. Sharing these special moments helps build a reservoir of shared experiences, contributing to a much deeper understanding of each other. It’s also gives opportunity to couples to make traditions that are meaningful to them!

The holiday season provides an opportunity for couples to escape from the banalities of the daily life, offering a chance to relax and rejuvenate together. Amidst the festivities, couples can engage in shared activities they both enjoy, reinforcing the idea that their relationship is a source of joy and fulfillment. This shared leisure time would contributes to overall relationship satisfaction and can serve as a reminder of the importance of investing, and learning about each other.

Moreover, holidays often involve family gatherings and social events, providing couples with a chance to integrate and connect with each other's families. Well this may for all the couples, but gathering with families are moments of fun and joy. This shared participation in family traditions and celebrations helps create a sense of unity, demonstrating commitment and support for one another's extended networks. It reinforces the idea that a couple is not just a partnership between two individuals but a merging of families and their shared values.

Celebrating holidays together also allows couples to communicate and negotiate their expectations regarding traditions, rituals, and future plans. This collaborative decision-making process contributes to the overall health of the relationship by fostering effective communication and mutual understanding. It’s the communication and mutual understanding that gets husband and wife closer! It helps create a shared vision for the future, enhancing the couple's sense of unity, partnership and love for each other.

In essence, spending holidays together is more than just a seasonal tradition; it's a well needed investment in the relationship's well-being. It builds a foundation of shared memories, strengthens emotional bonds, and reinforces the idea that a couple is a team, capable of navigating challenges and enjoying the worldly pleasures of life together. As the world will celebrate Christmas together, let’s reflect on the things we accomplished as couples and look forward to celebrating the magical time of the year!

Listening or solutioning to your partner

Ladies need lots of love, they deserve lots of love from their men. Men on the other hand don’t always listen and before their partner is done, they start the laundry list of potential solutions that they want their partner to start implementing right away. Not getting the point of listening. Lot of time they don’t want the solution, just someone to hear!

Anyway listening and solutioning are two essential aspects of effective communication in a relationship. Both play crucial roles in fostering understanding, empathy, and growth between partners.

• Listening: Active and empathetic listening is the foundation of any healthy relationship that one would have. It involves giving your partner your full attention, being present in the moment, and genuinely trying to understand their thoughts and feelings. Here are few key elements of effective listening:

• Focus: Put aside distractions and make an effort to concentrate on what your partner is saying. This shows them that you value their words and opinions, not just the looks.

• Empathy: Try to put yourself in your partner's shoes and understand their perspective. Empathizing with their emotions can help you connect on a deeper level and build trust.

• Non-judgmental attitude: Avoid passing judgment or jumping to conclusions when your partner shares their thoughts or experiences or clumsy situations.

• Active responses: Show that you are actively listening by nodding, using affirmations like "I understand" or "I see," or “I am with you”, and asking open-ended questions to encourage further expression.

• Solutioning: When it comes to problem-solving within a relationship, one doesn’t have be Sherlock Holmes, however it's important to remember that both partners need to contribute and collaborate. Here are some steps to effective solutioning:

• Open communication: Encourage open and honest dialogue about the issues at hand. Create an atmosphere where both partners feel comfortable expressing their concerns and needs. Without undercutting the partners view or thoughts.

• Acknowledge emotions: Validate each other's feelings and emotions related to the problem. Emotions are a natural part of problem-solving, and addressing them respectfully can lead to better outcomes.

• Brainstorm together: Work as a team to generate potential solutions. Be open to each other's ideas and suggestions, even if they initially seem different from your own. No question is dumb and no answer is stupid.

• Evaluate options: After brainstorming, discuss the pros and cons of each solution. Consider the potential impact on both partners and the relationship as a whole.

• Mutual decision-making: Aim for a decision that both partners feel comfortable with and committed to implementing. Compromise might be necessary, but it should be a collaborative effort.

• Implement and review: Once a solution is chosen, put it into action and monitor its effectiveness. Be willing to adjust if needed and have regular check-ins to see how the solution is working for both of you.

Remember, effective listening and solutioning require patience, understanding, and a willingness to work together. By nurturing these skills, you can build a strong foundation for a healthy and harmonious relationship which should mature with the age.

What it means to be a passionate partner?

Passion: extreme desire to do something with great interest! A passionate partner is a true gift. Sharing passion with your partner is important to create or enhance intimacy, better communication, share experience, sharing pursuits, shared projects, dedicating time to each other, sharing experiences and enhancing personal growth.

Sharing passion among partners can be a wonderful way to deepen your connection and create a sense of shared excitement and purpose. Here are some suggestions on how to share passion with your partner:

1. Enhance/create intimacy: Passion fires the flames of intimacy. It can create or help build it stronger and better. It makes partners closer than ever. Sex without passion is flowers without smell.

2. Communicate openly: Start by discussing your passions and interests with your partner. Share why these things matter to you and how they bring you joy. Encourage your partner to do the same. This open communication will help you both understand each other's passions better.

3. Show genuine interest: Actively listen to your partner when they talk about their passions. Ask questions, express curiosity, and show genuine interest in what they are sharing. This will make your partner feel valued and supported in pursuing their passions.

4. Share experiences: Find ways to experience each other's passions together. For example, if your partner loves cooking, join them in the kitchen and prepare a meal together. If you enjoy hiking, take your partner on a hike and share the beauty of nature. By participating in each other's passions, you create opportunities for shared experiences and memories.

5. Support each other's pursuits: Encourage and support your partner in pursuing their passions. Offer help, provide resources, and be their cheerleader. Attend their performances, exhibitions, or events related to their passion. Your support will strengthen their commitment and make them feel loved.

6. Collaborate on shared projects: Identify areas where your passions overlap and consider collaborating on a project together. It could be a creative endeavor, a hobby, or a cause you both care about. By working together, you can combine your skills and interests, and create something meaningful as a team.

7. Plan dedicated time: Make sure to set aside dedicated time for each other's passions. Schedule regular date nights or dedicated days to explore and engage in your respective interests. This will reinforce the importance of your partner's passions in your relationship and provide space for individual growth.

8. Be open to new experiences: Be open to trying new things and exploring new passions together. This will allow you to discover shared interests that you both can be passionate about. Attend workshops, classes, or events in areas you both find intriguing and see what sparks your enthusiasm.

9. Encourage personal growth: Recognize that passions and interests can evolve over time. Support your partner's personal growth by encouraging them to explore new avenues and expand their horizons. Be open-minded and embrace the changes that come with individual exploration.

Remember, sharing passion is not about giving up your own interests, but about finding common ground and fostering a supportive and enriching environment where both partners can pursue their passions and grow together. Passion is a very powerful driving force. It motivates one to reach higher and deeper. Find your passion or share the passion of your partner in way that defines you or both!

Further reading: Passion defines many things in life, but at the same time it’s important to be empathetic lover. Read more how to be a empathetic lover here in my previous blog here.

Good Partner - Effective Communication - How to talk that my partner so that he listens? Part 3

How many times it has happened that I have for a spoon and in the return my partner has handed me a hammer? Obviously, it’s an exaggeration and it’s not that hammer is not a good alternative to coffee, it’s not. What made him get the hammer is an interesting question. I can say things got lost in translation but why it does happen all the time? Was I not clear or my partner never listened to what I asked? I will go out on a limb here and say it’s the latter one. Say hello to Effective Communication - speaking in a way the other person listens.

Effective communication is crucial in any relationship, and being able to speak in a way that your partner will listen is an essential part of that. Here are some tips that may help:

1. Set the stage: Find a time when you and your partner can talk without distractions, and make sure you both have enough time to fully discuss the issue at hand.

2. Use "I" statements: Instead of blaming or accusing your partner, focus on your own feelings and experiences. For example, instead of saying "You never listen to me," say "I feel unheard and frustrated when I don't feel like my opinions are valued."

3. Be specific: Clearly explain the issue or concern you want to address, and give specific examples to help your partner understand.

4. Listen actively: Communication is a two-way street, so make sure you're also actively listening to your partner's responses and feedback. This will show them that you're open to hearing their perspective as well.

5. Avoid being defensive: Try to stay calm and avoid becoming defensive, even if your partner's response is not what you were hoping for. Remember that your goal is to have a productive conversation and work towards a resolution.

6. Consider seeking outside help: If you find that you and your partner are struggling to communicate effectively, consider seeking the help of a couples therapist or counselor who can provide guidance and support.

Remember, effective communication takes practice. It’s important to approach these conversations with an open mind and a willingness to work towards a solution together. Keep these tips in mind and make a conscious effort to communicate effectively with your partner. Will leave you with this joke by AI

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Boo.

Boo who?

Don't cry, it's just a joke. But seriously, can you ask my partner to stop tuning me out when I talk to them?

Do let me know what do you think!

Further reading: Follow the first blog in the being a good partner series, here: How to be a good partner? Part 1

Good partner - Being an empathetic lover - Part 2

In my series about being a good partner, what I believe is being an empathetic lover is extremely important. Showing empathy involves being able to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is an important aspect of building and maintaining healthy relationships, whether it's with friends, family members, colleagues, or romantic partners. Being an empathetic lover means being able to connect with your partner's emotions, and responding to them with sensitivity and care. In my opinion here are some tips for developing empathy in your romantic relationships:

1. Practice active listening: Nobody listens anymore. We have already decided what we want to hear, even before other person had finishing talking. What we can do is pay close attention to what your partner is saying and validate their feelings. Show that you are truly engaged in the conversation by asking questions and reflecting back what you hear.

2. Put yourself in your partner's shoes: What I do is I try to imagine what it would feel like to be in my partner's situation. Empathy requires that I understand and relate to my partner's emotions, even if I don't necessarily agree with him.

3. Communicate effectively: Communication is key in any relationship. Communicate often, communicate more. Be willing to share your own thoughts and feelings, and encourage your partner to do the same. This will help you both develop a deeper understanding of each other.

4. Show affection: Physical touch can be a powerful way to show empathy and support. Hug your partner, hold their hand, or give them a gentle touch on the shoulder to let them know you are there for them.

5. Practice empathy: Put yourself in your partner's shoes and try to imagine how they might be feeling. Empathy requires time and effort. Don't rush your partner to feel better or try to fix their problems for them. Instead, offer your support and patience as they work through their emotions.

Remember, being an empathetic lover is not something that can be learned overnight. It takes practice and a willingness to be vulnerable and open with your partner. With time and effort, you can develop a deep and meaningful connection based on empathy, understanding, and support.

Further reading, do my checkout my blogpost that I wrote previously about how to be a good partner, here, it’s not an exhaustive list, however it’s few top things take makes us better for each other.

How to be a good partner? Part 1

With Valentines Day just around the corner, love is in the air. I can’t wait to go out and see the wonderful decorations. Everywhere you see is red hearts ♥️ and all kind of Valentines Day themed things. This month puts pressure to search aggressively to finding your partner, or if we have one, we strive to be a good partner to them. Question is what it takes to be a good partner? Five words - Trust, Empathy, Communication, Respect and Commitment.

My take - How to be a good partner?

Being a good partner is essential for a healthy and fulfilling relationship. A good partner is someone who not only loves and supports their significant other but also helps to bring out the best in them. A good partner is someone who is dedicated to the growth and well-being of the relationship. They are willing to put in the effort required to make it work. In this essay, I will discuss the key qualities that define a good partner and the importance of each.

Empathy is one of the most important qualities a good partner should possess. Empathy involves the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. A good partner should be able to put themselves in their significant other's shoes and see things from their perspective. This helps to build a strong emotional connection and allows for a deeper understanding of each other's needs and wants.

Trust is another crucial aspect of being a good partner. Trust involves being honest and reliable. A good partner should always be truthful and never hide anything from their significant other. They should also be dependable and keep their promises. Trust is the foundation of a healthy relationship, and without it, the relationship will not last.

Communication is another critical factor in being a good partner. Good partners are excellent communicators and are able to express their thoughts and feelings clearly and effectively. They are also able to listen actively and understand what their significant other is trying to convey. Good communication helps to resolve conflicts and ensures that both partners feel heard and understood.

Respect is another important quality of a good partner. A good partner should respect their significant other's opinions, boundaries, and needs. They should also respect their partner's individuality and not try to change who they are. Respect helps to foster a healthy and supportive environment in the relationship and allows for mutual growth and self-expression.

Finally, a good partner should be committed to the relationship. This means being dedicated to working together to achieve shared goals and being willing to put in the effort to make the relationship work. A good partner should also be supportive and understanding, even during difficult times.

In conclusion, being a good partner requires empathy, trust, communication, respect, and commitment. These qualities are essential for a healthy and fulfilling relationship. They help to build a strong emotional connection between partners. Mistakes do happen. We don’t always know how to handle ourselves, I am not perfect myself by any stretch, but I do try my best learn from every mistake that I make. By being a good partner, individuals can experience a deeper level of love and happiness in their relationship.

Mindfulness - Why I am always lost? - Part 1

Mindfulness - What is it?

Someone wise has said “Mindfulness is the practice of purposely bringing one's attention to the present-moment experience without evaluation, a skill one develops through meditation or other training” source Wikipedia.

Why I am always lost?

It’s so hard to focus these days, with technology encroaching every aspect of life, calendar pop ups, e-mail notifications, news alerts, exercise reminders, ovulation estimates etc, the list goes on and on. With so much technology around us, it encroaches into our personal space whether being on the date or worst case in the bedroom. It’s very easy to get lost or super distracted.

How not to get lost?

Lot of things can be done to turn our focus onto things you care about. What I am doing lately is trying a meditation every morning from my favorite yogi, Boho Beautiful. She has several mediations of 5-15 minutes. They are perfect for busy life like mine. She does guided mediation and they are absolutely fabulous. Her calming voice, guided mantras to recite while focusing on the breathing aka pranayama with eyes closed has helped me a lot. It has brought more focus and awareness into my personal life and my professional life as well. With laser sharp focus at my disposal, I am seeing great results. My day starts with more calm. My boyfriend is more attentive as I not lost anymore, he feels loved, cared and I feel the same way toward him. I feel there is more awareness to what I am doing and thinking. I am creating positive energy and a better environment to those around me. I feel more at peace within myself.

I am hoping I can continue this way and achieve mindfulness in every task or moment that I care about.

Two of us and one of me - for you

As they say two is better than one. It’s not like me living solitary life is not fun. You don’t have to respond to anyone and anybody. One can party out late and have shots after shots. But it’s not fun to come home to an empty house. I have done my fair share of the parties. I said to myself, enough is enough!. I wanted to find someone where I can be myself and not lose myself, but perhaps rediscover myself. I want someone to show me my adventurous side, someone who can learn my wildest side and will still be there for me the next day.

Lets take a sneak peak at my journey

Before meeting my partner, there was part of me that would keep that side private. I only showed to myself, not always revealing to past boyfriends, family or friends. My fear and self doubt would creep in. If they knew this side, would they still be there? Would they still love me? It would quickly turn into a downward spiral. As other women may know, we feel that we have to keep it together for those around us. To stay balanced and not show our true selves. It is always a coverup. Its a mask. When I finally found my partner in life, he helped remove that cover and unmask me, which was ultra-liberating. He loved me and all sides of me. I don’t have to project that cover or that balance for having love in my life. I can be my more authentic self. Sometimes I am normal and polite and other times, more wild and a party girl, but my partner is still there. I have felt in past that if I showed the other side of me, that the man would feel intimidated by me and find a reason to chicken out of the relationship. That was not that case! Men do want to know the real you. When you find your partner, they want to share in that with with you and partake of it. It brings us closer together. I have now realized those expectations; be they, societal or cultural, was not realistic at all. To feel you have to be a lady and act like this or that way, Life is too short for that. YOLO, as cheesy as that may sound! So your answer should be why not? Why not try those things? Why not share those things with your partner and be that person you want to be? Stop beating yourself up to portray a certain person, and for what? What does it get you? Do you want to live trying or not live? Embrace that side of yourself. Who cares if you have people who don’t accept this side of you. They weren’t the right person anyway. The people who are your true friends, and who are your partner, they will be with you and will accept you. Life should be fun and not lived with so many rules that you can’t express yourself. It’s ok to be you, everyone else is taken! Your partner will be there for you, appreciate and reciprocate back to you. Be wild! Only one question remains, can you handle their wild side in return?