Top 10 Dating Tips
Top 10 Dating Tips
1. Get prepared for dating. If you really want to succeed in the dating game, be ready to commit to dating. Half-heartedness won't work. In fact, it won’t even get you half-way. If you really want to date, put some effort into it. Do some research and think about what you want out of dating. Prepare yourself for the inevitable rejection we all face at some point in dating and commit not to give up.
2. Get your act together. Begin a regime of looking your best. Join a gym, read health magazines, get fit and start a diet. Get your hair cut or styled and begin a new regime of good grooming or beauty treatment. Though it will not find you a date in itself, you will feel a million times more confident about yourself, and others can sense that.
3. Go shopping and treat yourself to new clothes and even a whole new look. Get your image right, one that you can manage and live with, but one that flatters you. Don't try to be someone you’re not, but amplify and accentuate your positives. Throw out those tired jeans, old sweaters or cardigans and spruce yourself up. Your date will appreciate that you demonstrated some effort.
4. Think about what you want to gain from dating and what timeframes you expect. Do you see yourself married within 2 years? If you do, then approach dating accordingly. If you are more laid back and don't take dating too seriously then ask yourself some honest questions about why you are dating and what you hope to achieve. If it is purely sex then ask yourself if you are about to be honest with those you hope to date.
5. Surround yourself with people who will support your dating aims. By following the first four tips you will feel better and be more focused. Don’t sabotage this by sitting around with friends who are negative about love and relationships (often the married ones). Start attending social functions frequented by singles. Sitting alongside couples at dinner parties in suburbia is not necessarily where you need to be right now.
6. Choose those you have a good chance of dating. Be realistic. In other words, your dating is based on the whole package you present as well as just your personality. If you are looking for a glamour girl or boy and want to date someone trendy and gorgeous, great! Just know that others will expect you to be the same.
7. Join clubs, societies, sports events, drama groups -- anything that might help you meet like-minded potential partners. You will not meet people by staying indoors and playing video games – many have tried and failed at this approach.
8. Take time off from dating occasionally if it’s not going well or causing dating fatigue. Recharging your batteries and keeping confidence and optimism levels high is an absolute must. We all hit rough patches, but don’t let your search for love become a death march. Date in phases if necessary.
9. Enjoy dating for what it is, dating. It is meeting people and socializing and spending time in the company of stimulating individuals who may or may not play a bigger part in your life down the road. The fact is, most people have something interesting to offer. While you may not be out on the dating scene looking for new friends, you may well find one or two fabulous people along the way.
10. Never make yourself too available. People like mystery and enigma and the thrill of the chase when dating. As part of keeping up the mystery, do not sleep with your dates early on. The longer a person is made to chase and fall for you within reason, the more likely that love may blossom. (And yes, this goes for both men AND women!) If the chemistry peaks too early, your emotions may never have time to catch up and the relationship will eventually wither away.
1. Get prepared for dating. If you really want to succeed in the dating game, be ready to commit to dating. Half-heartedness won't work. In fact, it won’t even get you half-way. If you really want to date, put some effort into it. Do some research and think about what you want out of dating. Prepare yourself for the inevitable rejection we all face at some point in dating and commit not to give up.
2. Get your act together. Begin a regime of looking your best. Join a gym, read health magazines, get fit and start a diet. Get your hair cut or styled and begin a new regime of good grooming or beauty treatment. Though it will not find you a date in itself, you will feel a million times more confident about yourself, and others can sense that.
3. Go shopping and treat yourself to new clothes and even a whole new look. Get your image right, one that you can manage and live with, but one that flatters you. Don't try to be someone you’re not, but amplify and accentuate your positives. Throw out those tired jeans, old sweaters or cardigans and spruce yourself up. Your date will appreciate that you demonstrated some effort.
4. Think about what you want to gain from dating and what timeframes you expect. Do you see yourself married within 2 years? If you do, then approach dating accordingly. If you are more laid back and don't take dating too seriously then ask yourself some honest questions about why you are dating and what you hope to achieve. If it is purely sex then ask yourself if you are about to be honest with those you hope to date.
5. Surround yourself with people who will support your dating aims. By following the first four tips you will feel better and be more focused. Don’t sabotage this by sitting around with friends who are negative about love and relationships (often the married ones). Start attending social functions frequented by singles. Sitting alongside couples at dinner parties in suburbia is not necessarily where you need to be right now.
6. Choose those you have a good chance of dating. Be realistic. In other words, your dating is based on the whole package you present as well as just your personality. If you are looking for a glamour girl or boy and want to date someone trendy and gorgeous, great! Just know that others will expect you to be the same.
7. Join clubs, societies, sports events, drama groups -- anything that might help you meet like-minded potential partners. You will not meet people by staying indoors and playing video games – many have tried and failed at this approach.
8. Take time off from dating occasionally if it’s not going well or causing dating fatigue. Recharging your batteries and keeping confidence and optimism levels high is an absolute must. We all hit rough patches, but don’t let your search for love become a death march. Date in phases if necessary.
9. Enjoy dating for what it is, dating. It is meeting people and socializing and spending time in the company of stimulating individuals who may or may not play a bigger part in your life down the road. The fact is, most people have something interesting to offer. While you may not be out on the dating scene looking for new friends, you may well find one or two fabulous people along the way.
10. Never make yourself too available. People like mystery and enigma and the thrill of the chase when dating. As part of keeping up the mystery, do not sleep with your dates early on. The longer a person is made to chase and fall for you within reason, the more likely that love may blossom. (And yes, this goes for both men AND women!) If the chemistry peaks too early, your emotions may never have time to catch up and the relationship will eventually wither away.
How to Stop Arguing With Your Girlfriend/Boyfriend
Step 1
The first and most important step is this: DO NOT ARGUE ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP IN FRONT OF OTHER PEOPLE. This can cause more harm to your relationship, reputation, and children than if you kept your conversation private. Other people may not know the extent of your relationship or the circumstances and may take things the wrong way. So many things can go wrong when others enter the equation so make sure that you and your partner are alone when you feel an argument coming on.
Step 2
Gain control of the conversation. During heated moments, it's easy for voices to flair up which leads to two people yelling at each other and neither one getting their point across. As soon as you recognize this type of tension building in the conversation, you need to stop and regain control.
An easy way to do this is by saying things like:
"I don't want this to turn into a huge argument. You start by telling me your problems and I won't interrupt you. Then let me speak and let me finish without interruption"
By doing this, you have inserted reason into the equation and a logical conversation can ensue.
Step 3Recognize an end goal. There's no point in arguing when you don't even know what you're arguing about! Unfortunately, half of arguments between couples are in this situation. Your job is to approach your differences as team looking to accomplish a goal.
Once the conversation is in control, say something like:
"Obviously we're not seeing eye-to-eye. Let's just figure out a solution that works for both of us without this conversation getting out of hand."
Step 4Be willing to apologize! Even if you know you're right, sometimes it's best to sacrifice your pride for the benefit of maintaining the relationship. Particularly in an argument, if blame is being thrown back and forth then it's up to one of you to accept the fault and move on. I'm not suggesting this is easy but it's the best thing to do. By apologizing and accepting the blame (rather right or wrong), you immediately lower the defense of your partner and communication can progress.
Step 5If all else fails, step away from the situation take some time to think clearly. You can say the worst things and make the worst decisions of your life when your emotions are running high. If you are not able to gain control of the conversation, then inform your partner that you would like to walk away and continue the discussion after you gather your thoughts.
Be sure to communicate that you would like to continue the conversation at a later time but you just need time to think. You don't want to end up saying anything you regret so walk away before it's too late!
Step 6As you can see, it takes a bit of maturity to control a difficult conversations but if you want your relationship to work, you have to be willing to calmly resolve your issues and make the best decisions. Good luck and God bless!
The first and most important step is this: DO NOT ARGUE ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP IN FRONT OF OTHER PEOPLE. This can cause more harm to your relationship, reputation, and children than if you kept your conversation private. Other people may not know the extent of your relationship or the circumstances and may take things the wrong way. So many things can go wrong when others enter the equation so make sure that you and your partner are alone when you feel an argument coming on.
Step 2
Gain control of the conversation. During heated moments, it's easy for voices to flair up which leads to two people yelling at each other and neither one getting their point across. As soon as you recognize this type of tension building in the conversation, you need to stop and regain control.
An easy way to do this is by saying things like:
"I don't want this to turn into a huge argument. You start by telling me your problems and I won't interrupt you. Then let me speak and let me finish without interruption"
By doing this, you have inserted reason into the equation and a logical conversation can ensue.
Step 3Recognize an end goal. There's no point in arguing when you don't even know what you're arguing about! Unfortunately, half of arguments between couples are in this situation. Your job is to approach your differences as team looking to accomplish a goal.
Once the conversation is in control, say something like:
"Obviously we're not seeing eye-to-eye. Let's just figure out a solution that works for both of us without this conversation getting out of hand."
Step 4Be willing to apologize! Even if you know you're right, sometimes it's best to sacrifice your pride for the benefit of maintaining the relationship. Particularly in an argument, if blame is being thrown back and forth then it's up to one of you to accept the fault and move on. I'm not suggesting this is easy but it's the best thing to do. By apologizing and accepting the blame (rather right or wrong), you immediately lower the defense of your partner and communication can progress.
Step 5If all else fails, step away from the situation take some time to think clearly. You can say the worst things and make the worst decisions of your life when your emotions are running high. If you are not able to gain control of the conversation, then inform your partner that you would like to walk away and continue the discussion after you gather your thoughts.
Be sure to communicate that you would like to continue the conversation at a later time but you just need time to think. You don't want to end up saying anything you regret so walk away before it's too late!
Step 6As you can see, it takes a bit of maturity to control a difficult conversations but if you want your relationship to work, you have to be willing to calmly resolve your issues and make the best decisions. Good luck and God bless!
Qualities Of A Good Relationship
Qualities Of A Good Relationship
I think a good relationship requires being each other's best friend, and trusting one another. I think each should respect the other's opinion and that stupid arguments over stupid things are healthy, as long as they are not taken too far.
Good communication. Never being ashamed of each other for any reason. On occasion surprising your mate with a nice romantic date or evening together and telling each other I love you.
There is a lot of love and caring in the relationship. There has to be love in order for a relationship to work.
A good relationship is when your partner is more than just a partner... they should be your best friend.
A good relationship is when two lovers understand each other, they're concerned for each other and they respect one another.
A good relationship is one purely based on trust, if nothing else. Being able to be miles apart yet never worrying a minute about what they're doing. Communication at all times is so important, and most importantly, respect for each other and their need for alone time as well as together time.
Two people trusting each other fully, not being afraid to tell the other what one thinks, whether it be good or bad, and the other respecting their opinion. Being able to enjoy the same things with each other, enjoying each other, and being able to take their separate lives and smoothly combine their lifestyles into a couple's lifestyle.
Being friends first, last and always. If you have friendship as the basis of your relationship, you can get through the hard times. The second ingredient is commitment. With those two things, you can't lose.
A good relationship is two people that are not afraid to tell the other anything that may come up in the relationship. Best friends. Honesty, devotion, love, and sense of humor.
A good relationship exists when either individual has the freedom to leave but neither wants to.
I honestly think that a good relationship is one where there are no secrets. You are completely open with each other. But the biggest key is that the other person knows the worst possible thing about you and they love you even more for it. On top of that you have to have faith and trust. So that when your man goes out with an old female friend you can completely trust him and know that no matter what happens, he will always come home to you. I know it may not seem like much but as long as you have that and love, you are in a wonderful relationship.
I define a good relationship by the way you treat each other. You could hold them and run your fingers down the side of their face. Feel comfortable you know. And you can also define it with fighting. Fighting is not my favorite thing to do with my girlfriend. But it needs to be done. It's not a real relationship until you do fight.
I would have to say good communication! Equality, LOVE, not just lust, and most of all, friendship is needed. -Morning Star
For me, a good relationship is being able to open up to each other even about the simple things in life. A relationship between two people cannot grow without trust. Loving a person is not enough, because if you've got doubts building up inside then you your relationship won't work. A good relationship is also based on friendship because it is so much easier to love someone you truly know than someone you've met 5 minutes ago.
I think it is where you can trust and respect each other; when you can have passion and romance whenever and wherever you wish.
A good relationship is when the two of you can actually feel better about your relationship after an argument; it's when you can really respect each other's differences and openly discuss feelings at all times.
You have good relationship where there is compromise, honesty, sensitivity, and a feel for the needs and wants of the other person and yourself.
When the couple listens and doesn't interrupt when they're trying to work out a fight. They care for each other deeply. They share similar interests.
A good relationship is when both parties can freely express themselves with one another and to have that open connection to be able to say anything to each other. To have trust and faith in one another. Basically a honest, trusting, loving and open relationship.
A good relationship is frankness and open-minded communication between friends. It is a two-way communication without dominance and/or hypocrisy in it.
A good relationship isn't necessarily flawless, because human beings aren't flawless. It's more important that you can grow with the person you love. If you can learn and grow each day with your best friend standing by you in body and in spirit-then you have a good relationship.
When you can feel comfortable about everything together. Always being able to talk, joke. Taking your commitment seriously with one another and never taking each other for granted.
A good relationship must a give and take basis, in order for you to understand each other. Never fail to listen and understand the situation your in to. Be open minded and be ready to any obstacle that will come in you're way.
A good relationship is when both members fully trust each other and can have a blast with each other, knowing how to laugh and be there for each other.
It's something divine. Where the understanding between the two partners is mutual. No talking required, but it's something you can just feel, something special. Where you can just believe in each other, really believe. How there is a difference between saying it and actually feeling it.
I think a good relationship requires being each other's best friend, and trusting one another. I think each should respect the other's opinion and that stupid arguments over stupid things are healthy, as long as they are not taken too far.
Good communication. Never being ashamed of each other for any reason. On occasion surprising your mate with a nice romantic date or evening together and telling each other I love you.
There is a lot of love and caring in the relationship. There has to be love in order for a relationship to work.
A good relationship is when your partner is more than just a partner... they should be your best friend.
A good relationship is when two lovers understand each other, they're concerned for each other and they respect one another.
A good relationship is one purely based on trust, if nothing else. Being able to be miles apart yet never worrying a minute about what they're doing. Communication at all times is so important, and most importantly, respect for each other and their need for alone time as well as together time.
Two people trusting each other fully, not being afraid to tell the other what one thinks, whether it be good or bad, and the other respecting their opinion. Being able to enjoy the same things with each other, enjoying each other, and being able to take their separate lives and smoothly combine their lifestyles into a couple's lifestyle.
Being friends first, last and always. If you have friendship as the basis of your relationship, you can get through the hard times. The second ingredient is commitment. With those two things, you can't lose.
A good relationship is two people that are not afraid to tell the other anything that may come up in the relationship. Best friends. Honesty, devotion, love, and sense of humor.
A good relationship exists when either individual has the freedom to leave but neither wants to.
I honestly think that a good relationship is one where there are no secrets. You are completely open with each other. But the biggest key is that the other person knows the worst possible thing about you and they love you even more for it. On top of that you have to have faith and trust. So that when your man goes out with an old female friend you can completely trust him and know that no matter what happens, he will always come home to you. I know it may not seem like much but as long as you have that and love, you are in a wonderful relationship.
I define a good relationship by the way you treat each other. You could hold them and run your fingers down the side of their face. Feel comfortable you know. And you can also define it with fighting. Fighting is not my favorite thing to do with my girlfriend. But it needs to be done. It's not a real relationship until you do fight.
I would have to say good communication! Equality, LOVE, not just lust, and most of all, friendship is needed. -Morning Star
For me, a good relationship is being able to open up to each other even about the simple things in life. A relationship between two people cannot grow without trust. Loving a person is not enough, because if you've got doubts building up inside then you your relationship won't work. A good relationship is also based on friendship because it is so much easier to love someone you truly know than someone you've met 5 minutes ago.
I think it is where you can trust and respect each other; when you can have passion and romance whenever and wherever you wish.
A good relationship is when the two of you can actually feel better about your relationship after an argument; it's when you can really respect each other's differences and openly discuss feelings at all times.
You have good relationship where there is compromise, honesty, sensitivity, and a feel for the needs and wants of the other person and yourself.
When the couple listens and doesn't interrupt when they're trying to work out a fight. They care for each other deeply. They share similar interests.
A good relationship is when both parties can freely express themselves with one another and to have that open connection to be able to say anything to each other. To have trust and faith in one another. Basically a honest, trusting, loving and open relationship.
A good relationship is frankness and open-minded communication between friends. It is a two-way communication without dominance and/or hypocrisy in it.
A good relationship isn't necessarily flawless, because human beings aren't flawless. It's more important that you can grow with the person you love. If you can learn and grow each day with your best friend standing by you in body and in spirit-then you have a good relationship.
When you can feel comfortable about everything together. Always being able to talk, joke. Taking your commitment seriously with one another and never taking each other for granted.
A good relationship must a give and take basis, in order for you to understand each other. Never fail to listen and understand the situation your in to. Be open minded and be ready to any obstacle that will come in you're way.
A good relationship is when both members fully trust each other and can have a blast with each other, knowing how to laugh and be there for each other.
It's something divine. Where the understanding between the two partners is mutual. No talking required, but it's something you can just feel, something special. Where you can just believe in each other, really believe. How there is a difference between saying it and actually feeling it.
Three Qualities of a Good Relationship
Three Qualities of a Good Relationship
All relationships have some adjustment periods, but being hurt shouldn’t be part of being in love. Loving relationships have good qualities, such as support from your partner, a willingness to communicate, a desire to compromise, and open an honest communication. When you do not have these fundamental qualities in a relationship, that relationship isn’t likely to grow, and become something that you desire.
We all turn to our loved ones for support from time to time. When your loved one does not offer you their support it may be time to look at your relationship. As we all want to nurture those that we love. We want the best in life for those that we care about. If your partner is unwilling to listen to you, and to your problems, they are not meeting your needs when you need support. Support can come in many forms, someone lending an ear, someone going out of their way to help you, or something as simple as a phone call to cheer you up. Make sure your partner gives you support when you need it.
When engaging in a relationship with another person there is always going to be things that you do not agree upon. You want to have the ability to compromise so both partners are getting their wishes met. This may mean one night you watch football, and one night your partner watches a movie you enjoy. It might mean that your partner can agree to try a dish that you enjoy cooking. In any organization with more than one person in it, there will be more than one opinion, work with your partner to see that both of you can compromise on different subjects. If someone isn’t willing to compromise, they are not willing to acknowledge your wants and desires. If they can not acknowledge your wants they are likely not emotionally developed enough for you to have your needs met.
Open and honest communication is one of the more desirable qualities you want to have in a relationship. Watch to see that your partner is not secretive, nor are they willing to tell lies to avoid certain subjects. For example, if a partner is married, and fails to tell you that, you can rightfully assume if they can lie about big things, they can lie about small things. While you may not like everything your partner may say, freedom to be honest should be there in your relationship. Likewise, you need to be open and honest with your partner; a relationship based upon false truths is not likely to be successful, because both partners do not have the correct frame of reference in the relationship.
There are many qualities that make relationships good support, compromise, and open and honest communication is just a few of these qualities that you may desire in a relationship. Engage only in relationships where both partners can openly discuss their wants and needs, this can take practice. Remember loving relationships grow and only become better, eliminate those who do not meet your needs when they continually fail to support you, will not compromise, and will not be honest. These three qualities alone will help you nurture and develop a deeper relationship with your partner.
All relationships have some adjustment periods, but being hurt shouldn’t be part of being in love. Loving relationships have good qualities, such as support from your partner, a willingness to communicate, a desire to compromise, and open an honest communication. When you do not have these fundamental qualities in a relationship, that relationship isn’t likely to grow, and become something that you desire.
We all turn to our loved ones for support from time to time. When your loved one does not offer you their support it may be time to look at your relationship. As we all want to nurture those that we love. We want the best in life for those that we care about. If your partner is unwilling to listen to you, and to your problems, they are not meeting your needs when you need support. Support can come in many forms, someone lending an ear, someone going out of their way to help you, or something as simple as a phone call to cheer you up. Make sure your partner gives you support when you need it.
When engaging in a relationship with another person there is always going to be things that you do not agree upon. You want to have the ability to compromise so both partners are getting their wishes met. This may mean one night you watch football, and one night your partner watches a movie you enjoy. It might mean that your partner can agree to try a dish that you enjoy cooking. In any organization with more than one person in it, there will be more than one opinion, work with your partner to see that both of you can compromise on different subjects. If someone isn’t willing to compromise, they are not willing to acknowledge your wants and desires. If they can not acknowledge your wants they are likely not emotionally developed enough for you to have your needs met.
Open and honest communication is one of the more desirable qualities you want to have in a relationship. Watch to see that your partner is not secretive, nor are they willing to tell lies to avoid certain subjects. For example, if a partner is married, and fails to tell you that, you can rightfully assume if they can lie about big things, they can lie about small things. While you may not like everything your partner may say, freedom to be honest should be there in your relationship. Likewise, you need to be open and honest with your partner; a relationship based upon false truths is not likely to be successful, because both partners do not have the correct frame of reference in the relationship.
There are many qualities that make relationships good support, compromise, and open and honest communication is just a few of these qualities that you may desire in a relationship. Engage only in relationships where both partners can openly discuss their wants and needs, this can take practice. Remember loving relationships grow and only become better, eliminate those who do not meet your needs when they continually fail to support you, will not compromise, and will not be honest. These three qualities alone will help you nurture and develop a deeper relationship with your partner.
GOOD RELATIONSHIP
What do couples who describe their relationship as spectacular do differently than those who describe theirs as simply so-so? The differences are quite small, actually.
"When we look at happy couples, we see that great partnerships are not the result of hours of hard work," says relationship researcher Terri L. Orbuch, Ph.D., who followed 373 couples for over 22 years as part of a marriage study funded by the National Institutes of Health. "It's small changes in behavior and attitude that can transform your relationship." In her new book, "5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage from Good to Great," Orbuch shares the steps you can take to a spectacular relationship.
The Best Presents for Him, Her, and Everyone Else
The Real Reasons Men Cheat
#1. Understand Each Other's Needs
"The main reason marriages break up is not conflict, communication problems, or physical incompatibility," Orbuch says. "It's frustration -- the day-to-day disappointment of the gap between what you expect and how your partner acts -- that is most damaging." To diffuse that frustration, share your expectations with each other. Maybe you desire more affection and he craves more relaxed couple time. "And be sure to check in with your partner once a year, as added pressures or life changes can create new expectations," Orbuch says.
#2. Show Him Some Love
Men whose partners give them affirmation -- those words and gestures that show they are appreciated, respected, and loved -- are twice as likely to describe themselves as happy in their relationship. And men may need affirmation more than women, Orbuch's research showed. "Women are constantly receiving flattery from friends and even strangers who say, 'Love your outfit!'" she says. "But men don't get that recognition." Can you imagine a passerby stopping your guy to compliment him on how well his tie matches his shirt? Not gonna happen -- which is why men rely on that attention from their mates. Luckily, there's another payoff to your flattery: He's more likely to return those loving deeds back to you.
#3. Take 10
A weekly date night is always recommended as a way to reconnect, but sometimes all you need is a few minutes. "I call this the 10-Minute Rule: Take 10 minutes a day to talk about anything, except for responsibilities or chores," Orbuch says. Throw out Mom's old advice about how an air of mystery keeps the flame alive: Orbuch's research showed that 98 percent of happy couples say they intimately understand their partners.
And knowing your partner intimately isn't always about engaging in heavy conversations: Anything that helps you learn something new will bring you closer, Orbuch says. You can bond over why you think your dog is the smartest one on the block or which superpower you'd want most. You'll get to know each other's inner world and strengthen your bond of happiness.
#4. Focus on the Good
The best way to make your relationship better is to work at fixing what's wrong, right? Nope. "The most effective way to boost fun and passion is to add positive elements to your marriage," Orbuch says. "That positive energy makes us feel good and motivates us to keep going in that direction."
This doesn't mean that you can't feel -- or talk about -- anything negative, but "pretend you are weighing your interactions on a scale," she says. "If you want a happier relationship, the positive side needs to far outweigh the bad." The more you honor the love and joy in your bond, the sooner you'll transform your partnership into one that is truly great.
"When we look at happy couples, we see that great partnerships are not the result of hours of hard work," says relationship researcher Terri L. Orbuch, Ph.D., who followed 373 couples for over 22 years as part of a marriage study funded by the National Institutes of Health. "It's small changes in behavior and attitude that can transform your relationship." In her new book, "5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage from Good to Great," Orbuch shares the steps you can take to a spectacular relationship.
The Best Presents for Him, Her, and Everyone Else
The Real Reasons Men Cheat
#1. Understand Each Other's Needs
"The main reason marriages break up is not conflict, communication problems, or physical incompatibility," Orbuch says. "It's frustration -- the day-to-day disappointment of the gap between what you expect and how your partner acts -- that is most damaging." To diffuse that frustration, share your expectations with each other. Maybe you desire more affection and he craves more relaxed couple time. "And be sure to check in with your partner once a year, as added pressures or life changes can create new expectations," Orbuch says.
#2. Show Him Some Love
Men whose partners give them affirmation -- those words and gestures that show they are appreciated, respected, and loved -- are twice as likely to describe themselves as happy in their relationship. And men may need affirmation more than women, Orbuch's research showed. "Women are constantly receiving flattery from friends and even strangers who say, 'Love your outfit!'" she says. "But men don't get that recognition." Can you imagine a passerby stopping your guy to compliment him on how well his tie matches his shirt? Not gonna happen -- which is why men rely on that attention from their mates. Luckily, there's another payoff to your flattery: He's more likely to return those loving deeds back to you.
#3. Take 10
A weekly date night is always recommended as a way to reconnect, but sometimes all you need is a few minutes. "I call this the 10-Minute Rule: Take 10 minutes a day to talk about anything, except for responsibilities or chores," Orbuch says. Throw out Mom's old advice about how an air of mystery keeps the flame alive: Orbuch's research showed that 98 percent of happy couples say they intimately understand their partners.
And knowing your partner intimately isn't always about engaging in heavy conversations: Anything that helps you learn something new will bring you closer, Orbuch says. You can bond over why you think your dog is the smartest one on the block or which superpower you'd want most. You'll get to know each other's inner world and strengthen your bond of happiness.
#4. Focus on the Good
The best way to make your relationship better is to work at fixing what's wrong, right? Nope. "The most effective way to boost fun and passion is to add positive elements to your marriage," Orbuch says. "That positive energy makes us feel good and motivates us to keep going in that direction."
This doesn't mean that you can't feel -- or talk about -- anything negative, but "pretend you are weighing your interactions on a scale," she says. "If you want a happier relationship, the positive side needs to far outweigh the bad." The more you honor the love and joy in your bond, the sooner you'll transform your partnership into one that is truly great.
How to Make a Relationship Work
How to Make a Relationship Work
Communicate about anything and everything. Have deep and meaningful conversations once in a while. Discuss what's going on in your lives right now, whether social life, school life, or family life, and learn about each other's pasts and childhoods. Celebrate accomplishments, encourage goals and ambitions, and explore each other's values and beliefs. Share your deepest thoughts, needs, wishes, hopes, and dreams. Know each other inside and out.
Establish trust on all levels. Mutual trust is founded in respect and loyalty toward each other. Strive to understand and respect your differences. Share and clarify your differing perspectives, and try to empathize with each other's point of view. In some cases, it is better to simply agree to have differences of opinion or your own ways of doing things. Pressuring your partner to do something that they really don't want to do, or neglecting or abusing them (whether emotionally, verbally, physically, or sexually) undermines your ability to trust and rely on one another. You should be able to trust each other in everything, keeping private your partner's innermost secrets, fears, and struggles.
Support each other. Be there through the good, happy, sad, and bad times—no matter what. Be willing to provide hugs, kisses, and emotional comfort in all circumstances. If your partner resists your attempts to comfort them and declines to talk about it, you should ease off of the subject and wait until they seem to be in a better mood before returning to it. Feel like you can count on each other; be reliable and loyal, and be emotionally available when you need each other most.
Be completely honest with each other. A truly emotionally intimate relationship requires open and honest communication. Keeping secrets from your partner creates a barrier between you that limits your mutual emotional trust. Honesty can be scary, but if you want your relationship to thrive, then you both need to become comfortable discussing your feelings, insecurities, and frustrations.
Spend time together. Carve out date times for togetherness as a couple. Spend time talking with each other and going out on dates, and doing other relationship-building activities. Really get to know each other and build a connection between you that's strong and enduring. Make an effort to see each other (in-person) and talk on the phone maybe once a day or every few days.
Spend time apart. Be independent and keep your sense of self, never losing yourself or your voice in the relationship. Don't suffocate each other. You should each continue to grow as individuals—not just as a couple. You should have your own space, too—physically and emotionally. Do your own things separately once in a while. Spend time with friends and family, and by yourself pursuing hobbies and other things. Just ensure that no other relationship or pursuit crowds out your partner from being your first priority.
Settle disputes peacefully. Apologize, forgive, and make up with each other. If you threaten to break up with each other after every fight or argument, you will never really resolve anything. Take breaking up off the table. Talk through disagreements as long or as many times as it takes until the issue is resolved and both of you feel comfortable moving forward.
Keep most things private between you two. When your partner shares with you and confides in you (emotionally and physically), resist the urge to disclose sensitive details to anyone without permission. You should treat it as something special, personal and private between you two, out of respect for your partner. A relationship is between two people—you and your girlfriend or boyfriend (or spouse), not anyone else. Don't involve others in intimate matters, however close you may feel to them.
Make continual efforts to maintain your relationship. Work on it. Work hard at keeping it positive, upbeat, healthy, and the very best it can be. Work on it every single day. Whatever you can do to improve your relationship or make it healthier, do it! Try thinking about, and then doing, at least one thing each day that will make life a little easier, brighter, or better for your other half. By challenging yourself to do at least one nice thing for your partner every single day, you stay focused on keeping your love front and center.
Be romantic. Romance is essential to have at least some of the time. Candles, candlelight, compliments, stargazing, watching the sunset or sunrise, fireworks, romantic bubblebaths, showers, and romantic dinners are good ideas. Make some things you do and some places you decide to go to on dates romantic.
Remember that every person, couple, and relationship is different. Don't compare your relationship to anyone else's—not your parents or other family members, friends, coworkers, that couple whose relationship seems perfect, etc. Every couple makes their own love rules, love agreements, love habits, love routines, and so on. Just focus on you two and making your relationship the best that it can be.
Show affection. Hold hands, kiss, hug, cuddle, snuggle, or wrap arms around shoulders or waists. Become close and really comfortable with each other physically and emotionally. Share every part of yourself (your heart, mind, and soul), not just your body.
Love is an essential. Love is the most important thing for a relationship. There's no "maybe" about love; you should know if you love someone. You enjoy sharing with each other anything and everything, you respect and trust each other, you're always honest with each other, you enjoy spending time and having special moments with each other, the good times outnumber the bad times, you're there for each other, you have great conversations, you're close on almost every level possible, you can balance the time you spend together and the time you spend apart, you can balance the time you do have together on emotional activities and conversations with the physical activities and conversations. You would do anything for each other and protect each other, you're kind to each other and show affection, and you spend time out of choice, not dependency.
Remember that intensity of emotion can ebb and flow over the years. There may be times when you are less aware of your loving feelings, more into your own interests, perhaps things have even become a little routine. Those are the times to remember all the wonderful things you have done together, and still want to do. You choose to feel committed and close, so when you feel yourself drifting or taking your love for granted, plan a romantic date night, do something special for your love, and just remind yourself of all the wonderful qualities he or she possesses that made you fall in love in the first place.
See family as one, not two. Include each other in decisions. One's worry is the other's, because both will be affected by it.
WarningsA relationship should be healthy, caring, loving, kind, upbeat, and positive. It should make your life better. If your life feels trying, upsetting, and worrisome, and even more so when you spend time with your boyfriend or girlfriend, it may be time to reassess.
Infatuation generally lasts for 2 years as studies show. Keep this in mind, and if your relationship manages to be 2 years or more, then chances are you two have something that is more than skin deep.
Communicate about anything and everything. Have deep and meaningful conversations once in a while. Discuss what's going on in your lives right now, whether social life, school life, or family life, and learn about each other's pasts and childhoods. Celebrate accomplishments, encourage goals and ambitions, and explore each other's values and beliefs. Share your deepest thoughts, needs, wishes, hopes, and dreams. Know each other inside and out.
Establish trust on all levels. Mutual trust is founded in respect and loyalty toward each other. Strive to understand and respect your differences. Share and clarify your differing perspectives, and try to empathize with each other's point of view. In some cases, it is better to simply agree to have differences of opinion or your own ways of doing things. Pressuring your partner to do something that they really don't want to do, or neglecting or abusing them (whether emotionally, verbally, physically, or sexually) undermines your ability to trust and rely on one another. You should be able to trust each other in everything, keeping private your partner's innermost secrets, fears, and struggles.
Support each other. Be there through the good, happy, sad, and bad times—no matter what. Be willing to provide hugs, kisses, and emotional comfort in all circumstances. If your partner resists your attempts to comfort them and declines to talk about it, you should ease off of the subject and wait until they seem to be in a better mood before returning to it. Feel like you can count on each other; be reliable and loyal, and be emotionally available when you need each other most.
Be completely honest with each other. A truly emotionally intimate relationship requires open and honest communication. Keeping secrets from your partner creates a barrier between you that limits your mutual emotional trust. Honesty can be scary, but if you want your relationship to thrive, then you both need to become comfortable discussing your feelings, insecurities, and frustrations.
Spend time together. Carve out date times for togetherness as a couple. Spend time talking with each other and going out on dates, and doing other relationship-building activities. Really get to know each other and build a connection between you that's strong and enduring. Make an effort to see each other (in-person) and talk on the phone maybe once a day or every few days.
Spend time apart. Be independent and keep your sense of self, never losing yourself or your voice in the relationship. Don't suffocate each other. You should each continue to grow as individuals—not just as a couple. You should have your own space, too—physically and emotionally. Do your own things separately once in a while. Spend time with friends and family, and by yourself pursuing hobbies and other things. Just ensure that no other relationship or pursuit crowds out your partner from being your first priority.
Settle disputes peacefully. Apologize, forgive, and make up with each other. If you threaten to break up with each other after every fight or argument, you will never really resolve anything. Take breaking up off the table. Talk through disagreements as long or as many times as it takes until the issue is resolved and both of you feel comfortable moving forward.
Keep most things private between you two. When your partner shares with you and confides in you (emotionally and physically), resist the urge to disclose sensitive details to anyone without permission. You should treat it as something special, personal and private between you two, out of respect for your partner. A relationship is between two people—you and your girlfriend or boyfriend (or spouse), not anyone else. Don't involve others in intimate matters, however close you may feel to them.
Make continual efforts to maintain your relationship. Work on it. Work hard at keeping it positive, upbeat, healthy, and the very best it can be. Work on it every single day. Whatever you can do to improve your relationship or make it healthier, do it! Try thinking about, and then doing, at least one thing each day that will make life a little easier, brighter, or better for your other half. By challenging yourself to do at least one nice thing for your partner every single day, you stay focused on keeping your love front and center.
Be romantic. Romance is essential to have at least some of the time. Candles, candlelight, compliments, stargazing, watching the sunset or sunrise, fireworks, romantic bubblebaths, showers, and romantic dinners are good ideas. Make some things you do and some places you decide to go to on dates romantic.
Remember that every person, couple, and relationship is different. Don't compare your relationship to anyone else's—not your parents or other family members, friends, coworkers, that couple whose relationship seems perfect, etc. Every couple makes their own love rules, love agreements, love habits, love routines, and so on. Just focus on you two and making your relationship the best that it can be.
Show affection. Hold hands, kiss, hug, cuddle, snuggle, or wrap arms around shoulders or waists. Become close and really comfortable with each other physically and emotionally. Share every part of yourself (your heart, mind, and soul), not just your body.
Love is an essential. Love is the most important thing for a relationship. There's no "maybe" about love; you should know if you love someone. You enjoy sharing with each other anything and everything, you respect and trust each other, you're always honest with each other, you enjoy spending time and having special moments with each other, the good times outnumber the bad times, you're there for each other, you have great conversations, you're close on almost every level possible, you can balance the time you spend together and the time you spend apart, you can balance the time you do have together on emotional activities and conversations with the physical activities and conversations. You would do anything for each other and protect each other, you're kind to each other and show affection, and you spend time out of choice, not dependency.
Remember that intensity of emotion can ebb and flow over the years. There may be times when you are less aware of your loving feelings, more into your own interests, perhaps things have even become a little routine. Those are the times to remember all the wonderful things you have done together, and still want to do. You choose to feel committed and close, so when you feel yourself drifting or taking your love for granted, plan a romantic date night, do something special for your love, and just remind yourself of all the wonderful qualities he or she possesses that made you fall in love in the first place.
See family as one, not two. Include each other in decisions. One's worry is the other's, because both will be affected by it.
WarningsA relationship should be healthy, caring, loving, kind, upbeat, and positive. It should make your life better. If your life feels trying, upsetting, and worrisome, and even more so when you spend time with your boyfriend or girlfriend, it may be time to reassess.
Infatuation generally lasts for 2 years as studies show. Keep this in mind, and if your relationship manages to be 2 years or more, then chances are you two have something that is more than skin deep.
How to Develop a Good Relationship with Your Boss
How to Develop a Good Relationship with Your Boss
A good relationship with your boss can make all the difference to how you feel about your job. A supportive, approachable boss is able to get the best out of their team – you feel like you can talk to them about a problem you have, ask for a morning off to go to a school play or that they will listen to your reasons for wanting a pay rise at your annual review.
Let’s look at some different ways to build a good relationship with your boss and how to maintain it – without looking like teachers’ pet.
1 Work Hard
– OK, this may seem like a simple one but it is very rare that the worst performer in a team gets on well with the boss, or certainly not for long.
2 Arrive on Time
– again, this is pretty obvious, but don’t forget that however well you perform in your job, if you are late all the time, or even some of the time, you wont be taken seriously.
3 Have Good Ideas
– in meetings, whether it be about the Christmas party or a new marketing strategy, make sure you have something to say. Meetings are not just a break from your desk and a chance to have free sandwiches.
4 Don’t Gossip
– if your boss considers you to be one of the team that spends more time hanging around the water cooler than actually working, they are unlikely to be your biggest fan.
5 Be Prepared
– if you attend a client visit or presentation with your boss, make sure you have your laptop loaded with a copy of the presentation, have back ups printed and have the client’s phone number in your mobile in case of hold ups.
6 Dress Like You Mean Business
– this does not mean wear a full-on power suit if you work in a primary school, but at least dress suitably to your role. It is too easy to get complacent and not iron your top or letting your suit jacket get a bit too ‘eau de pub’.
7 Take an Interest
– this goes for personal and professional details You don’t want to look like a creep by bringing your boss flowers for their birthday, but at least ask about their children, holiday or dinner parties if they tell you about them. When there is a project meeting, ask how it went.
A good relationship with your boss can make all the difference to how you feel about your job. A supportive, approachable boss is able to get the best out of their team – you feel like you can talk to them about a problem you have, ask for a morning off to go to a school play or that they will listen to your reasons for wanting a pay rise at your annual review.
Let’s look at some different ways to build a good relationship with your boss and how to maintain it – without looking like teachers’ pet.
1 Work Hard
– OK, this may seem like a simple one but it is very rare that the worst performer in a team gets on well with the boss, or certainly not for long.
2 Arrive on Time
– again, this is pretty obvious, but don’t forget that however well you perform in your job, if you are late all the time, or even some of the time, you wont be taken seriously.
3 Have Good Ideas
– in meetings, whether it be about the Christmas party or a new marketing strategy, make sure you have something to say. Meetings are not just a break from your desk and a chance to have free sandwiches.
4 Don’t Gossip
– if your boss considers you to be one of the team that spends more time hanging around the water cooler than actually working, they are unlikely to be your biggest fan.
5 Be Prepared
– if you attend a client visit or presentation with your boss, make sure you have your laptop loaded with a copy of the presentation, have back ups printed and have the client’s phone number in your mobile in case of hold ups.
6 Dress Like You Mean Business
– this does not mean wear a full-on power suit if you work in a primary school, but at least dress suitably to your role. It is too easy to get complacent and not iron your top or letting your suit jacket get a bit too ‘eau de pub’.
7 Take an Interest
– this goes for personal and professional details You don’t want to look like a creep by bringing your boss flowers for their birthday, but at least ask about their children, holiday or dinner parties if they tell you about them. When there is a project meeting, ask how it went.
Below are tips to endear you to your customers and friends to ensure their loyalty.
Below are tips to endear you to your customers and friends to ensure their loyalty.
1. Send Thank You Notes.
You would be surprised at how effective a simple thank you note can have in a relationship the impact it can make. It only takes a few moments and a few cents to write a short Thank You note, but what an everlasting impression your thoughtfulness can make by showing your customers, clients, and friends that they mean so much to you, that you want to take the time to acknowledge them! By nature we all like to be appreciated for what we do. When we tell someone that we appreciate the kind, efficient, or honest things they have done, we can effectively reinforce that behavior while making them feel great about who they are and how they act. (This can really be a great reinforcement of a behavior you like seeing in your kids!)
2.Make Thank You Calls
These should not take the place of the written "Thank You" but isn't it nice to receive a phone call unexpectedly, out of the blue from someone saying, "Thank You" for something? Any "Thank You" is appreciated but it's even more powerful to thank others unexpectedly.
3 Send samples.
This would apply mostly to businesses I guess, but if you can, try to send a sample of one of your products as a gift. Again, this is something so unexpected that it would be perceived as a pleasant, thoughtful surprise of great value. If you don't have a sample, you could just include something you think they would enjoy with a note saying, "thought you might enjoy this." That is something you could do for anyone and it would be considered a very thoughtful gesture because it is. It takes a little effort, but the rewards are great and lasting.
4 Send Birthday Cards
Who doesn't like to be remembered on their birthday? How about doing something really easy and send a birthday card to your friends and customers. Of course you'd have to find out when your customer's birthday is but if you've had a lengthy relationship with them, you should try to find that out. You could even go the extra mile and send a little gift with it. It wouldn't have to be much, maybe a "special offer" coupon or maybe free tickets to an event. Just a thought. Say something like, "I wanted to be one of the first to wish you a happy birthday and to offer you this special gift (or discount) for this special occasion.
5 Send Holiday Cards
Are your customers and friends worth a couple of bucks to you? That is about all it would cost (along with couple minutes of your time) to personalized a classy holiday card with a sentiment of appreciation, address it and toss it in the mail. You would be amazed at the impact that can make! If you really want to stand out from the crowd of all the other cards that might be coming in to that person, or business, send a Thanksgiving card and send it even a little early. That way you will be way ahead of the pack and they will have more time to soak in your message. Thanksgiving is a time of expressing thanks for friendships, associations, etc. Also, you don't have to worry about any cultural differences. Anyone would appreciate a Thanksgiving card. It would definitely be a memorable experience.
1. Send Thank You Notes.
You would be surprised at how effective a simple thank you note can have in a relationship the impact it can make. It only takes a few moments and a few cents to write a short Thank You note, but what an everlasting impression your thoughtfulness can make by showing your customers, clients, and friends that they mean so much to you, that you want to take the time to acknowledge them! By nature we all like to be appreciated for what we do. When we tell someone that we appreciate the kind, efficient, or honest things they have done, we can effectively reinforce that behavior while making them feel great about who they are and how they act. (This can really be a great reinforcement of a behavior you like seeing in your kids!)
2.Make Thank You Calls
These should not take the place of the written "Thank You" but isn't it nice to receive a phone call unexpectedly, out of the blue from someone saying, "Thank You" for something? Any "Thank You" is appreciated but it's even more powerful to thank others unexpectedly.
3 Send samples.
This would apply mostly to businesses I guess, but if you can, try to send a sample of one of your products as a gift. Again, this is something so unexpected that it would be perceived as a pleasant, thoughtful surprise of great value. If you don't have a sample, you could just include something you think they would enjoy with a note saying, "thought you might enjoy this." That is something you could do for anyone and it would be considered a very thoughtful gesture because it is. It takes a little effort, but the rewards are great and lasting.
4 Send Birthday Cards
Who doesn't like to be remembered on their birthday? How about doing something really easy and send a birthday card to your friends and customers. Of course you'd have to find out when your customer's birthday is but if you've had a lengthy relationship with them, you should try to find that out. You could even go the extra mile and send a little gift with it. It wouldn't have to be much, maybe a "special offer" coupon or maybe free tickets to an event. Just a thought. Say something like, "I wanted to be one of the first to wish you a happy birthday and to offer you this special gift (or discount) for this special occasion.
5 Send Holiday Cards
Are your customers and friends worth a couple of bucks to you? That is about all it would cost (along with couple minutes of your time) to personalized a classy holiday card with a sentiment of appreciation, address it and toss it in the mail. You would be amazed at the impact that can make! If you really want to stand out from the crowd of all the other cards that might be coming in to that person, or business, send a Thanksgiving card and send it even a little early. That way you will be way ahead of the pack and they will have more time to soak in your message. Thanksgiving is a time of expressing thanks for friendships, associations, etc. Also, you don't have to worry about any cultural differences. Anyone would appreciate a Thanksgiving card. It would definitely be a memorable experience.
Managing your customer relationships
Managing your customer relationships
customersAs a small business owner, you know that if you don’t provide superb service to your customer, you cannot grow your business. Your customers are your lifeblood: without them, you wouldn’t be here so you must nurture and care for each and every one of them. Right?
Yes. And no. On the yes side, there is no question that businesses today live or die by customer service. E-commerce has served to underscore the value of above-and-beyond service, with companies like Amazon setting such exceptional standards that it’s difficult for customers who’ve shopped there to accept anything less from other businesses.
On the no side of the scale, great customer service alone is not sufficient to retain customers and build business: to achieve these, service needs to be entwined with a commitment to customer relationship management (CRM).
One of the first and most difficult things you must accept when you embrace CRM is that all customers are not created equal, and therefore cannot be given the same level of attention. You must identify your most valuable customers, then assign your resources to servicing them and building strong relationships with them. This does not mean that you ignore, or dump, lower-value customers: it simply means that you channel finite resources into areas that provide maximum long-term return.
So What Is CRM?
Robert Wayland says in his book Customer Connections: “Customer relationships are assets that should be evaluated and managed as rigorously as any financial assets.”
CRM is simply a way of selling products or services by building individual relationships with each customer and each prospect, on a foundation of mutual trust, emotional support, privacy protection and tolerance for other relationships.
Relationship management is not flogging off product-line extensions, over-surveying customers, buying new customers with fabulous deals, discounts and lead-ins, irritating them with an endless stream of junk mail or telemarketing calls. CRM shifts the company focus away from being purely product-centred. “Get the order at any cost” morphs into “How can I help my customer?”
Through CRM, you encourage customers to continue purchasing from you in the future - without the old-fashioned ‘hard sell’. Perhaps even more importantly, you transform them into referral-generating advocates for your business. This is where the trust factor comes in. What’s the first step you take when you need a stockbroker, a health-care provider, or a plumber? You ask people you know for recommendations - because you trust your friends to give you reliable information.
In today’s sophisticated marketplace comprised of educated, informed, sceptical consumers, CRM is the only way to sell. However, it’s important to stress that creating loyal relationships with customers can never compensate for weaknesses in other areas of your business. So before implementing CRM, check that your organisation’s infrastructure is sound: that the products or services you offer meet customer needs, that your sales and distribution channels are up to scratch.
customersAs a small business owner, you know that if you don’t provide superb service to your customer, you cannot grow your business. Your customers are your lifeblood: without them, you wouldn’t be here so you must nurture and care for each and every one of them. Right?
Yes. And no. On the yes side, there is no question that businesses today live or die by customer service. E-commerce has served to underscore the value of above-and-beyond service, with companies like Amazon setting such exceptional standards that it’s difficult for customers who’ve shopped there to accept anything less from other businesses.
On the no side of the scale, great customer service alone is not sufficient to retain customers and build business: to achieve these, service needs to be entwined with a commitment to customer relationship management (CRM).
One of the first and most difficult things you must accept when you embrace CRM is that all customers are not created equal, and therefore cannot be given the same level of attention. You must identify your most valuable customers, then assign your resources to servicing them and building strong relationships with them. This does not mean that you ignore, or dump, lower-value customers: it simply means that you channel finite resources into areas that provide maximum long-term return.
So What Is CRM?
Robert Wayland says in his book Customer Connections: “Customer relationships are assets that should be evaluated and managed as rigorously as any financial assets.”
CRM is simply a way of selling products or services by building individual relationships with each customer and each prospect, on a foundation of mutual trust, emotional support, privacy protection and tolerance for other relationships.
Relationship management is not flogging off product-line extensions, over-surveying customers, buying new customers with fabulous deals, discounts and lead-ins, irritating them with an endless stream of junk mail or telemarketing calls. CRM shifts the company focus away from being purely product-centred. “Get the order at any cost” morphs into “How can I help my customer?”
Through CRM, you encourage customers to continue purchasing from you in the future - without the old-fashioned ‘hard sell’. Perhaps even more importantly, you transform them into referral-generating advocates for your business. This is where the trust factor comes in. What’s the first step you take when you need a stockbroker, a health-care provider, or a plumber? You ask people you know for recommendations - because you trust your friends to give you reliable information.
In today’s sophisticated marketplace comprised of educated, informed, sceptical consumers, CRM is the only way to sell. However, it’s important to stress that creating loyal relationships with customers can never compensate for weaknesses in other areas of your business. So before implementing CRM, check that your organisation’s infrastructure is sound: that the products or services you offer meet customer needs, that your sales and distribution channels are up to scratch.
Keeping in Touch With Your Clients Is Key
Keep Your Customers Around with Better Customer Service for Your Freelance Business
Keeping in Touch With Your Clients Is Key
There are many things which business owners can do in order to boost their business. Perhaps one of the most important steps you should take in order to not only gain clients but to keep them is to exhibit top-notch client communication. Keeping in touch with your clients is key and the following will list a few reasons why this is so.
Notifies Your Clients That Their Business Needs Are Being Met
By keeping in touch with your clients on a continual basis you are letting them know that their current business needs are being met. Even though you may be in the middle of a project, keeping them abreast of this information gives them peace of mind in knowing that an upcoming deadline will be met in time.
Contact with Clients Is Beneficial Should Job Related Changes Be Needed
It is also a good idea to maintain contact with your clients as it keeps the line of communication open should any changes be needed to the job which you are completing for your customers. In addition, this will make the customer feel comfortable in knowing that they can contact you at any time they feel it is necessary to discuss changes with you.
Earns the Respect of Your Client
Good customer service skills such as those associated with constant client contact will earn you the respect of your client. A business which maintains contact with their clients will be one which is spoken favorably of amongst the masses. This is a good way to not only gain the respect of your client but potential new customers as well.
Always Offer Top Notch Service
No matter how nice of a business owner you are or how many incentives you offer your clients, if you fail to offer top-notch services it can be the downfall to your business relationship. Therefore, another way to build a strong relationship is to ensure that the business offerings are always first rate.
Inquire About Customer Comments
Lastly, you should inquire with your customers from time to time with regard to how your business is doing overall. Ask your clients if there is anything you should consider changing to make your business more favorable to their needs. This is another way to really build a good relationship with your clients and keep them coming back for more time and time again.
Know Your Clients by Name
One of the best ways for business owners to build a strong relationship with their clients is to know them by name and address them as such whenever they contact them. A business owner who knows their client by name will make the customer feel appreciated and give them their due recognition. This will show the client that they matter to the owner and are good customers overall. It is also a good idea for the employees of the business to familiarize themselves with the clients and acknowledge them by name as well since employees are an extension of the business owner and the business itself.
Make Conversation with Your Clients
Keeping in Touch With Your Clients Is Key
There are many things which business owners can do in order to boost their business. Perhaps one of the most important steps you should take in order to not only gain clients but to keep them is to exhibit top-notch client communication. Keeping in touch with your clients is key and the following will list a few reasons why this is so.
Notifies Your Clients That Their Business Needs Are Being Met
By keeping in touch with your clients on a continual basis you are letting them know that their current business needs are being met. Even though you may be in the middle of a project, keeping them abreast of this information gives them peace of mind in knowing that an upcoming deadline will be met in time.
Contact with Clients Is Beneficial Should Job Related Changes Be Needed
It is also a good idea to maintain contact with your clients as it keeps the line of communication open should any changes be needed to the job which you are completing for your customers. In addition, this will make the customer feel comfortable in knowing that they can contact you at any time they feel it is necessary to discuss changes with you.
Earns the Respect of Your Client
Good customer service skills such as those associated with constant client contact will earn you the respect of your client. A business which maintains contact with their clients will be one which is spoken favorably of amongst the masses. This is a good way to not only gain the respect of your client but potential new customers as well.
Always Offer Top Notch Service
No matter how nice of a business owner you are or how many incentives you offer your clients, if you fail to offer top-notch services it can be the downfall to your business relationship. Therefore, another way to build a strong relationship is to ensure that the business offerings are always first rate.
Inquire About Customer Comments
Lastly, you should inquire with your customers from time to time with regard to how your business is doing overall. Ask your clients if there is anything you should consider changing to make your business more favorable to their needs. This is another way to really build a good relationship with your clients and keep them coming back for more time and time again.
Know Your Clients by Name
One of the best ways for business owners to build a strong relationship with their clients is to know them by name and address them as such whenever they contact them. A business owner who knows their client by name will make the customer feel appreciated and give them their due recognition. This will show the client that they matter to the owner and are good customers overall. It is also a good idea for the employees of the business to familiarize themselves with the clients and acknowledge them by name as well since employees are an extension of the business owner and the business itself.
Make Conversation with Your Clients
How to Have a Godly Centered Dating Relationship
How to Have a Godly Centered Dating Relationship
Steps
Know the ideal match for you. Date someone that you would consider marrying. Choose a person that has a similar desire for God, one that will build you up in your faith. If you are already in a relationship, positively encourage one another in pursuing God. Help your boyfriend or girlfriend to keep God the focus.
Remember that God’s Love is the ultimate. Keep in mind that the love God has for you means you do not have to seek fulfillment in how anyone makes you feel (the weakness of human love). Realize that the most perfect love comes from God, and it is always yours. He will do much more to fill the love-space than a person ever could. Approach your dating relationship knowing that God likes you and loves you, and there is plenty room for wonders of love, marriage and building your own family, of course. (Christians: Always remember He sent His son, Jesus, to die for your sins.) Make sure you are strong in your loving relationship with God. This means knowing that He is always there to help you along the way. Trust Him. Make God the most important in your life. Make Him the love of your life.
Pray. Pray about your dating relationship. Give everything over to God. Let God know that you are asking His approval. Talk to God about the problems that arise. Thank Him for the opportunity to be in a relationship and the happy times you experience. You can also pray with your boyfriend or girlfriend. It is a good way to help each other out with whatever stresses life brings. By praying together, you are experiencing God together. I would be very careful in doing this, though. The time you spend in prayer with the other person may bring you closer to them, but not necessarily closer to God. It could make the focus more about you two building intimacy. I would suggest each of you seeking after God and then being careful in what you divulge with each other.
1. Talk about God. Make an effort to bring God into your conversations. Not only will it help in keeping God on your minds, you will also find out about each other’s beliefs. Talking about a spiritual subject changes normal conversation into one of eternal significance. Discussing God also allows you to build up each other’s knowledge and confidence.
2. Read the Bible. Keeping God’s words in your heart helps you to remember the love and promises He has for you. Try reading the Bible together. It is fun, spiritual and good for conversation. Different verses will help you along the way in your relationship.
3. Get involved with Church. Make sure your boyfriend or girlfriend and you are active in the body of Christ. You will feel good about sharing God’s love. He calls us to serve Him. Find a bible study. Love on people. Find a church where you can be involved together.
4. Be careful with physical affection. Hugs are great. God created physical affection to be good. But be careful in how much physical permission you give one another. A relationship can easily turn sinful if physical bonding occurs too quickly. Everyone is different. But if you feel guilty at all for actions, it may be good indication that you are going too far. Avoid physical actions that might cause lustful thoughts. Save sex for marriage. Talk about your physical actions with each other, making sure you are both comfortable and feeling great. Remember, you might have to explain actions to your future spouse if you do not marry the guy or girl you are currently dating.
5. Show Christ’s love to each other. Make sacrifices for each other. Watch a chick flick. Go to a basketball game. Do not judge. Be willing to serve one another. Caress your girlfriend’s hair or even massage your boyfriend’s feet. Put one another above yourselves. Place their needs above your own. Find how to show love to each other. Use the love God has shown you and bring it to your boyfriend or girlfriend.
6. Pursue the Fruits of the Spirit. Strive to maintain the traits of godliness. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, meekness, etc. This will work to relieve the relationship of worldly troubles.
7. Have Fun and Praise God. Smile and know that God is with you. Enjoy the life that God has given the both of you. Whenever you get the chance, praise God for whatever He has poured into your life. Trust and know that God has your back. He wants what is best for the both of you.
8. Cherish your own personal God time. Make sure you spend time alone with God. You need moments of reading the Bible, journaling or praying just between you and God. Since God is your ultimate lover, it is good to have that alone time with Him.
9. Keep in mind the reality that God is real. While having a special someone can bring great happiness in this world, realizing the eternally wonderful nature of God’s love is something you do not want to miss. God is real. His love is real. God is love. Realize that God is working in your life right now. His forgiveness is real and His promises are real. Give the love God has given you to your boyfriend or girlfriend. God’s love is perfect. Let Christ’s love reign in your dating relationship. Let the love you have for each other be a banner to the world displaying God’s goodness.
Steps
Know the ideal match for you. Date someone that you would consider marrying. Choose a person that has a similar desire for God, one that will build you up in your faith. If you are already in a relationship, positively encourage one another in pursuing God. Help your boyfriend or girlfriend to keep God the focus.
Remember that God’s Love is the ultimate. Keep in mind that the love God has for you means you do not have to seek fulfillment in how anyone makes you feel (the weakness of human love). Realize that the most perfect love comes from God, and it is always yours. He will do much more to fill the love-space than a person ever could. Approach your dating relationship knowing that God likes you and loves you, and there is plenty room for wonders of love, marriage and building your own family, of course. (Christians: Always remember He sent His son, Jesus, to die for your sins.) Make sure you are strong in your loving relationship with God. This means knowing that He is always there to help you along the way. Trust Him. Make God the most important in your life. Make Him the love of your life.
Pray. Pray about your dating relationship. Give everything over to God. Let God know that you are asking His approval. Talk to God about the problems that arise. Thank Him for the opportunity to be in a relationship and the happy times you experience. You can also pray with your boyfriend or girlfriend. It is a good way to help each other out with whatever stresses life brings. By praying together, you are experiencing God together. I would be very careful in doing this, though. The time you spend in prayer with the other person may bring you closer to them, but not necessarily closer to God. It could make the focus more about you two building intimacy. I would suggest each of you seeking after God and then being careful in what you divulge with each other.
1. Talk about God. Make an effort to bring God into your conversations. Not only will it help in keeping God on your minds, you will also find out about each other’s beliefs. Talking about a spiritual subject changes normal conversation into one of eternal significance. Discussing God also allows you to build up each other’s knowledge and confidence.
2. Read the Bible. Keeping God’s words in your heart helps you to remember the love and promises He has for you. Try reading the Bible together. It is fun, spiritual and good for conversation. Different verses will help you along the way in your relationship.
3. Get involved with Church. Make sure your boyfriend or girlfriend and you are active in the body of Christ. You will feel good about sharing God’s love. He calls us to serve Him. Find a bible study. Love on people. Find a church where you can be involved together.
4. Be careful with physical affection. Hugs are great. God created physical affection to be good. But be careful in how much physical permission you give one another. A relationship can easily turn sinful if physical bonding occurs too quickly. Everyone is different. But if you feel guilty at all for actions, it may be good indication that you are going too far. Avoid physical actions that might cause lustful thoughts. Save sex for marriage. Talk about your physical actions with each other, making sure you are both comfortable and feeling great. Remember, you might have to explain actions to your future spouse if you do not marry the guy or girl you are currently dating.
5. Show Christ’s love to each other. Make sacrifices for each other. Watch a chick flick. Go to a basketball game. Do not judge. Be willing to serve one another. Caress your girlfriend’s hair or even massage your boyfriend’s feet. Put one another above yourselves. Place their needs above your own. Find how to show love to each other. Use the love God has shown you and bring it to your boyfriend or girlfriend.
6. Pursue the Fruits of the Spirit. Strive to maintain the traits of godliness. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, meekness, etc. This will work to relieve the relationship of worldly troubles.
7. Have Fun and Praise God. Smile and know that God is with you. Enjoy the life that God has given the both of you. Whenever you get the chance, praise God for whatever He has poured into your life. Trust and know that God has your back. He wants what is best for the both of you.
8. Cherish your own personal God time. Make sure you spend time alone with God. You need moments of reading the Bible, journaling or praying just between you and God. Since God is your ultimate lover, it is good to have that alone time with Him.
9. Keep in mind the reality that God is real. While having a special someone can bring great happiness in this world, realizing the eternally wonderful nature of God’s love is something you do not want to miss. God is real. His love is real. God is love. Realize that God is working in your life right now. His forgiveness is real and His promises are real. Give the love God has given you to your boyfriend or girlfriend. God’s love is perfect. Let Christ’s love reign in your dating relationship. Let the love you have for each other be a banner to the world displaying God’s goodness.
5 Tips For Turning A Good Relationship Into A Great Relationship
5 Tips For Turning A Good Relationship Into A Great Relationship
1. Commit to telling the total truth.
A relationship involves three essential components. You, your partner and the truth. Every time you hold something back from your partner, a piece of the passion in your relationship dies.
2. Astound your partner with your generosity.
Relationships work best when you ask yourself what you can give to your partner, rather than working out what you can get.
3. Take responsibility for feeling deeply loved.
Accept that it's your job to educate your partner about what makes you feel most loved. Love your partner how they want to be loved, not how you want to be loved.
4. Make loving each other a priority.
At some point in the day, ideally last thing at night, take the time to tell your partner exactly what you loved most about having them in your life.
5. Walk away when you get nasty.
Most of us get a little nasty when we feel backed into a corner. Come up with a plan that allows either one of you to walk away from a row when you catch yourselves saying things you'll regret.
1. Commit to telling the total truth.
A relationship involves three essential components. You, your partner and the truth. Every time you hold something back from your partner, a piece of the passion in your relationship dies.
2. Astound your partner with your generosity.
Relationships work best when you ask yourself what you can give to your partner, rather than working out what you can get.
3. Take responsibility for feeling deeply loved.
Accept that it's your job to educate your partner about what makes you feel most loved. Love your partner how they want to be loved, not how you want to be loved.
4. Make loving each other a priority.
At some point in the day, ideally last thing at night, take the time to tell your partner exactly what you loved most about having them in your life.
5. Walk away when you get nasty.
Most of us get a little nasty when we feel backed into a corner. Come up with a plan that allows either one of you to walk away from a row when you catch yourselves saying things you'll regret.
When it comes to the journey of a relationship
When it comes to the journey of a relationship, most of us take leaps instead of logical steps. It is common in new relationships to follow your heart more than your mind. Though this is not a bad thing it can often blind us to the truth of who a person really is. We so often get caught up in how good they look we don't look at how ugly they can act. We pay so much attention to how good they treat us as they are trying to win us over. We never notice clues to their character.
That would be the first step for a good relationship. Paying attention from the beginning. Another step we all know is communication. Learn to communicate early so you won't be focusing on communication when things get rough. You will already have built a foundation on great communication so it will be easier to talk about issues when they do arise.
Don't exhaust all the romance. It's romantic period getting to know someone. As your relationship grows throw in some romantic gestures every once in awhile. No need to go overboard in the beginning. If it is spanned out the romance will seem to never die. That also helps to keep the relationship interesting and the two of you will have started a tradition together. Believe it or not a lot of couples don't continue to date and do things romantic together after the fire has dimmed and the kids have come. We discuss some great romantic ideas, even recipes, on our Relationship Rescue website.
Since you are thinking with your head as well as your heart you will be able to grab a sense on how trustworthy this person may be. Pay attention now so later you won't be saying to yourself "I never thought they would do this to me". Remember there are always clues into a persons character from the time you meet them. If you want to have a good relationship. Set yourself up from the beginning. Don't wait until things go sour and decide to ask what are the steps to a good relationship. We share wonderful discussions on steps to a good relationship as well as signs of a bad one, so please come join the discussion and learn more!
That would be the first step for a good relationship. Paying attention from the beginning. Another step we all know is communication. Learn to communicate early so you won't be focusing on communication when things get rough. You will already have built a foundation on great communication so it will be easier to talk about issues when they do arise.
Don't exhaust all the romance. It's romantic period getting to know someone. As your relationship grows throw in some romantic gestures every once in awhile. No need to go overboard in the beginning. If it is spanned out the romance will seem to never die. That also helps to keep the relationship interesting and the two of you will have started a tradition together. Believe it or not a lot of couples don't continue to date and do things romantic together after the fire has dimmed and the kids have come. We discuss some great romantic ideas, even recipes, on our Relationship Rescue website.
Since you are thinking with your head as well as your heart you will be able to grab a sense on how trustworthy this person may be. Pay attention now so later you won't be saying to yourself "I never thought they would do this to me". Remember there are always clues into a persons character from the time you meet them. If you want to have a good relationship. Set yourself up from the beginning. Don't wait until things go sour and decide to ask what are the steps to a good relationship. We share wonderful discussions on steps to a good relationship as well as signs of a bad one, so please come join the discussion and learn more!
The big problem with finding good relationship advice
The big problem with finding good relationship advice is that it is nearly all written by women for women. Men often ask themselves if they speak the same language as their girlfriend. They often get into trouble simply because they do not understand her and fail to react as she would like them to. You men must understand certain ground rules if you are to succeed with women.
When your girlfriend isn't talking to you, ask yourself what you have done to upset her. Most men stop talking when they have nothing further to say, but women use their silence as a punishment.
If she is in a difficult mood it is not always because of her periods, so don't always assume that they are annoyed because of this; it may be you who has upset them for some reason. So when things are difficult don't assume it is always her periods or you will likely have some trouble keeping a girlfriend
You have no doubt noticed that women love discussing their problems, but by this do not think that they are looking to you to arrange things for them. They are perfectly capable of managing themselves but they like talking, so let them talk and leave them to solve their own problems.
If you are seeking good relationship advice for men, be careful where you look. Don't go to her father to ask what is troubling as he will likely have no better idea than you. You will, however, leave him wondering what you have done to upset her as in his eyes it is you who has done something wrong and not the daughter he adores.
Women also have memories like an elephant and so don't be astonished if she remembers all the mistakes you have made over the last few months.
Communicate as much as you can with her and let her know how much you are grateful to her. Give her a hug from time to time without expecting anything else. Everybody likes to be appreciated and women particularly like to be appreciated without being expected to give you something in return.
Great Relationship Advice For Men
When you have a problem remember that you can discuss it with her as she may be able to help you solve it. If you don't and she knows about it she may distance herself emotionally as she may think you are thinking of leaving her or you are having an affair with someone else.
Long term relationships require a lot of attention and work from both the partners, but always take care where you seek good relationship advice for men.
When your girlfriend isn't talking to you, ask yourself what you have done to upset her. Most men stop talking when they have nothing further to say, but women use their silence as a punishment.
If she is in a difficult mood it is not always because of her periods, so don't always assume that they are annoyed because of this; it may be you who has upset them for some reason. So when things are difficult don't assume it is always her periods or you will likely have some trouble keeping a girlfriend
You have no doubt noticed that women love discussing their problems, but by this do not think that they are looking to you to arrange things for them. They are perfectly capable of managing themselves but they like talking, so let them talk and leave them to solve their own problems.
If you are seeking good relationship advice for men, be careful where you look. Don't go to her father to ask what is troubling as he will likely have no better idea than you. You will, however, leave him wondering what you have done to upset her as in his eyes it is you who has done something wrong and not the daughter he adores.
Women also have memories like an elephant and so don't be astonished if she remembers all the mistakes you have made over the last few months.
Communicate as much as you can with her and let her know how much you are grateful to her. Give her a hug from time to time without expecting anything else. Everybody likes to be appreciated and women particularly like to be appreciated without being expected to give you something in return.
Great Relationship Advice For Men
When you have a problem remember that you can discuss it with her as she may be able to help you solve it. If you don't and she knows about it she may distance herself emotionally as she may think you are thinking of leaving her or you are having an affair with someone else.
Long term relationships require a lot of attention and work from both the partners, but always take care where you seek good relationship advice for men.
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