Tag: love

COVID-19: Dating from a Distance

As if dating wasn’t already hard enough, COVID-19 has caused basically the entire world to go into quarantine and follow rules of social distancing. How the hell are you supposed keep dating when you can’t leave your house or be around people you don’t already live with? This is truly a dilemma, right?

Well, not quite…

The other night my husband and I were on a group facetime chat with our two closest friends, who both happen to be single. I had mentioned that this is actually the perfect time for dating because it’s almost like a season of Netflix’s Love is Blind, but without the pods, weddings, and tropical vacations. While not being able to get out there and get physical, you have an actual chance to really get to know someone. 

I mean, besides having lots of extra time to spend chatting away and asking each other questions, this opportunity is one in a million. Although it isn’t exactly the same as meeting someone in person, talking on the phone or chatting via video can tell you a lot about who your date is. I know that the physical chemistry between two people can’t fully be felt over a video chat, but watching someone’s movements, motions, and mannerisms can help you gauge who that person is and if the attraction is there. 

Not to mention, this is an incredibly safe way to first “meet” some. A great deal of risk and potential danger is now removed from the equation. Wanting to chat on the phone or FaceTime prior to physically meeting someone based on comfort level is no longer something that needs to be addressed. Virtual dating is currently the new norm—let’s embrace it!

So how do you continue dating, keep things interesting and fun, and get to know someone without physically meeting? 

Check out these 11 ideas on how to date from a distance…

Coffee date

Just like any first date (or many dates thereafter), enjoying a coffee together is a great way to feel each other out. Make a latte or some tea and sit in your favorite chair while you chat with your date. 

Play a game

Whether you’re playing a card game, Hangman, or Charades on either side of the screen, or competing to see who can finish the New York Times crossword puzzle faster, do something that can help you connect. Not only are activities similar to this fun, but they allow you to see a different side of each other—also these types of pastimes can potentially help you create traditions if things work out in the long run. 

Virtual museum tours

Let’s get real—nothing is better than a museum date!! Several museums around the world are offering virtual tours. Imagine that you are side-by-side, hand-in-hand at the Louvre exploring and being taken away by all the beauty around you…  

Netflix and chill

Choose a show or movie to watch together and start it at the same time. For a limited time, HBO is offering 500 hours of free access to movies and shows. Get your viewing on, share your thoughts, and laugh the night away!

Cook a meal together

Just because you can’t be in the same kitchen doesn’t mean that you can’t cook together. Plan for a meal that you both like and follow the steps while on a video chat. Cooking together isn’t just fun, it’s also intimate. Besides, watching someone cook can teach you a lot about who they are.

Grub

Ah, the best part of any day! Whether you cooked together or not, have a dinner date. Light some candles, savor a cocktail, and enjoy your meal together. 

Dance it out

Have a dance party or a dance off! ‘Nough said.

Get creative

Engaging in creative activities can be both fun and relaxing. Consider a wine + paint night or attempting to draw silly comics for one another. Or how about taking an art class together? MoMA is now offering free art courses via Coursera. You can take each course at a pace you desire, discuss topics, and share ideas. Nikon is also offering free photography courses for a limited time. Whatever you choose to do to fully embrace your artsy side, get silly, get colorful, get creative, learn, and enjoy! 

Date night

Just because you can’t go out for date night, doesn’t mean you can’t have one! Get dressed up and set a date. Have a drink together or enjoy a charcuterie board. Even though my husband and I live together and technically have a date night every night, we like to dress up one evening out of the week and have a planned date night. It really does feel different, and it’s quite special <3

Travel

Travel is one of those topics that never gets old. Talk about places you want to go, places you’ve been, and places where you had weird, exciting encounters. Share your experiences and your hopes about the world. Travel to places far and wide without even getting up off the couch! 

Find joy

Even though we’re all stuck at home trying to save the world 6-feet at a time, there is beauty in every single day. Ask him what the best part of his day was and share yours. Ask what she was most grateful for today. Unveiling the small joys in your lives can help build both intimacy and connection. This too, will show you what your date values the most. 

Dating is not impossible during this time of social distancing and quarantine. COVID-19 messed up a lot of things, but this doesn’t have to be one of them. Stay safe and well, and remember, STAY HOME!! <3 

COVID-19: Dating from a Distance

Feeling weird about not meeting your date in person? Check out why dating should be about more than instant gratification…

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xx,

Paula

The Importance of Connection

Connection is one of the most beautiful aspects of life and it is fading away right before our eyes. I just had my 32nd birthday, and it occurred to me just how great it is to interact with others. Whether it’s a quick conversation with a stranger on the street while our dogs say hello, or having a chat with my favorite barista, the ability to connect with another human being is both meaningful and rewarding. To hear their story or learn more about who they are provides the opportunity to see someone in a different light…what a lovely way to live…

The issue, however, is that our ability to connect decreases juuuuust a little bit more each and every time we glance down at our phones during a conversation, or text someone vs. call, or look away when passing a stranger instead of smiling. We don’t realize that connection, as we know it, is becoming obsolete, and it’s pretty devastating. 

Connection allows us to bond with others; to attach to others and build relationships. Let’s imagine just for a moment what life would look like if we didn’t have connection anymore? Where would we be without the people in our lives? Connection supports us in expanding our circles by welcoming good people and good vibes, by building stronger bonds with others, and also by learning more about ourselves.

So, what makes connection so important? And how can we continually increase and appreciate the connections we build? 

Let’s consider these 7 concepts…

Be human

Sometimes life can get so crazy that we forget what it’s like to be human. To empathize with others; to convey kindness and love. Building connection allows you to open your heart and remember how important being compassionate to others really is…

Be kind

…speaking on kindness, this is the easiest way to connect with another person. Holding the door open, helping an elderly person with their grocery bags, or simply saying “thank you” are mere examples of how we can show kindness and appreciation. It really is the little things that matter the most.

Ask questions

When engaging with another person, ask questions. Get to know them. Learn about who they are. It’s rather special to become acquainted with someone new, especially if they’re totally different than you are. Each person you encounter is unique and can teach you something valuable…

Be genuine

When you’re getting to know someone, be genuine. Ask questions you actually want answered and remember not to be judgmental. Everyone is different and should be accepted just as they are. 

Be present 

I cannot stress this enough—be present when you’re with others. Give them your undivided attention and show them how glad you are to be spending time with them. Nothing says “I don’t want to be here” more than your mind, eyes, and conversation being elsewhere.

Embrace the moment

Being present isn’t just about who you’re spending time with, but it’s also about you. Allow yourself to embrace the moment—to take in the experience. Enjoy yourself and immerse your heart in the laughter, love, and joy that’s flowing through the room. There is nothing more beautiful than being with the people you love and making new memories…

Pay attention

Put down your device and notice the energy in the room. Notice how you’re feeling, as well as how you’re making someone else feel. Pay attention to the beauty of connection and enjoy every second of the interaction…

Not sure if you’re fully present when with your partner? Check out these 7 ways to be present and strengthen the connection in your relationship…

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xx,

Paula

Relationships and the Need for Control

Ever feel like you need to be in control of everything in your life? This has most likely happened to the best of us. The need for control is not because you’re a control freak, or because you’re OCD, it’s because you need to secure safety for yourself. 

Needing to feel in control in relationships has a lot to do with a sense of safety as well. I was sitting on the couch with my boyfriend the other night, and we were trying to figure out our plan for the weekend. I looked over at him and said, “we can do whatever you want.”This is very much unlike me, especially when it comes to relationships and decision making.

As I noticed this change in my behavior, I started to think about why this was happening. Was it because I didn’t want to deal with making plans? No. Was it because I wasn’t interested in the potential plan? No.Then it hit me! I left the plans up to him because I trusted him to make the right decision for the both of us. I knew that I did not need to interject in order to ensure that my needs were also met.

I’ve got to say, this was kind of a breakthrough…

Never before had I been this way in a relationship. I always wanted to be involved in making plans—I always wanted to know exactly what was happening. Why, you might ask? Because I didn’t feel secure. I didn’t feel safe enough in previous relationships to trust that my partner would take care of me.

Do you need to be in constant control in your relationship, but weren’t sure why? Here are some things that might be causing that…

5 things that might be contributing to your constant need of control:

Trust

It’s really simple: trust is key. If you feel that you constantly need to be in control, it’s probably because you don’t wholeheartedly trust your partner. Trust is crucial to the success of a relationship, so if this is an issue, you may need to reconsider if this is the right person for you…

Safety

The most basic part of life is making sure that our needs are met. This includes feeling safe. If you are unsure about your partner’s ability to keep you out of harm’s way, I don’t blame you for feeling the need to constantly be in charge of things.

If this is the case in your relationship, talk to your partner. Explain what causes you to feel unsafe, and request that they respect and honor it. If you find that this works, it may help you gain trust for your partner.

Consideration 

If you need to be in control because your partner doesn’t consider your needs when making decisions, this is a problem. More than anything, our partners should know what it is that we need to feel safe and happy and be able to incorporate this into your life as a joint couple. If you are constantly required to fight and advocate for yourself, this may not be the healthiest relationship for you…

Questioning

Questioning someone’s choices usually means that you don’t agree with what they’re doing. If you regularly wonder if your partner was in her right mind when making life decisions for herself, as well as for the two of you, this can lead to conflict in your relationship.

Being responsible 

Are you always needing to be the responsible one? Making sure things are taken care of, and that bothyou and your partner have things in order? It’s not fun being your partner’s parent, is it? Relationships are meant to be partnerships, where both parties are able to contribute to the relationship and support one another.

Know that things can be different. You can find a love that is brilliant and incredible, all while equally taking care of each other. Trust truly is at the foundation of any relationship, and if it’s not strong enough to hold the two of you up, your relationship will collapse.

Be with someone who can carry you sometimes—be with someone who you trust enough to decide what’s for dinner and what movie you are going to watch—be with someone who can make you feel safe enough to not sweat the small and big stuff. Be with someone who loves you like Kanye loves Kanye…

Feeling stuck in your relationship and not sure what to do? Consider these 7 things…

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xx,

Paula

7 Ways to Avoid Rushing Your Relationships

Falling in love and building strong relationships is arguably one of the most beautiful aspects of being alive. Relationships fill us with happiness and provide us with a companion—a best friend—to share our lives with. What greater gift is there?

The gift of love is one to cherish. What if, however, not all relationships are created equal? What if some relationships move slower than we hope? What if some relationships aren’t necessarily where we expect them to be? What if some relationships can’t provide us with what we want right then and there? There’s always a “next step” to take when it comes to relationships, whether you’re ready to move in, get engaged, tie the knot, or start a family. So, what do you do?

As they say, patience is a virtue. Sometimes the best thing you can do is wait. If you and your partner are invested, compatible, and truly happy, taking a step back to enjoy the ride and allow your relationship to take its course organically is your best option. Love is not meant to be rushed; relationships are not meant to be planned. Natural progression is definitely the goal. Wonder why? Let’s talk about it…

7 Ways to Avoid Rushing Your Relationships:

Timing is everything

Like life, relationships are all about timing. Your relationship is successful because you met at the right time, were at the right place in your life, and you were ready for the type of commitment you were both seeking. So, don’t rush. Let life take the lead, and in due time, when it’s the right time, your relationship will move into the next steps.

Live in the moment

Enjoy where you are in your relationship. Whether it’s the early stages, planning your wedding, or expecting your first child, enjoy every second. Time is so valuable, and it is not meant to be taken for granted. Things can change in an instant, so enjoy where you and your partner are today…

Go with the flow

Allow the universe to guide you and your partner in the right direction. See what adventures life takes you on. As long as you’re on the same page, go with the flow.

Don’t compare

You take a look around and literally allof your friends and their mothers are getting engaged, married, or having babies—and you’re not. It can feel awful to be behind-on-the-times, but remember, you are living for you, so don’t compare yourself or your relationshipto anyone else

Marriage isn’t for everyone

Due to societal pressures, marriageis always the expectation. Just because society tells us to wear a white dress and walk down the aisle, doesn’t mean we have to. Putting a ring on your finger doesn’t make a commitment stronger, only two people who love each other can do that. Plus, weddings are SUPER pricey…so take your time.

Trust the process

Know that the universe is looking out for you. Know that your partner has your best interest at heart. Know that things will progress just as they need to, when they need to. Trust the process.

Believe in your relationship

Love your partner to the fullest and put all that you’ve got into making your relationship as healthy and fulfilling as possible. Be happy, be present, be in love. Believe in your relationship.  

relationships | love | rushing | trust | timing

Wanting to improve communication and be more mindful in your relationship? Check out these tips on how to be present…

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xx,

Paula

Valentine’s Day: What Celebrating Love is All About

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate important relationships and love. Valentine’s Day has always been one that I was fond of, even if celebrating as a single lady. Galentine’s day is too much fun for words, as is celebrating with your siblings.

Whether involved or celebrating solo, the same Valentine’s traditions take place. You grab a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, pop some popcorn, and search for the sappiest rom-com that’s streaming. Cuddling with a heart shaped-pillow is a must, along with feeling super cozy in your PJ’s and organic, panda facemask.

Or, on the flip side, you’re out on the town with your beau celebrating over a fancy dinner with intricate desserts and bubbly so good it tickles your nose. You get super fancy because love has no price, right? RIGHT! But what if these traditions don’t quite capture what love is about? What if the “love” we are celebrating, or how we have been socialized to celebrate Valentine’s Day, doesn’t represent what love actually means to us?

Love is so much bigger than the one-day celebration known as Valentine’s Day. Love is this massive, undefined, unconditional, beautiful feeling that is comprised of light and happiness. How can one single day signify how much you love someone?

Valentine’s Day can represent many different things; some may go above and beyond, while others may choose to avoid the holiday. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, remember that there is so much more to love…

Here’s what celebrating love should be about:

Celebrate love every day

Valentine’s Day should be a simple reminder that love should be celebrated year ‘round. Whether telling your boyfriend you love him, bringing flowers home for your girlfriend, or surprising your wife by cleaning the kitchen floor, you can show the people you love just how much you love them each and every day…

Consider the simple things

Love doesn’t need to be shown via insanely extravagant gestures—love can be as simple as kissing your partner on the nose, or holding hands, or bringing home soup if he has the sniffles. In love, it’s the simple things that matter the most. In love, it’s the little gestures that mean the most.

Remember why

Remember why you love your partner and the many people in your life. Remind yourself daily of just how lucky you are to love, and receive love, from your social network. In order to appreciate love, you must be able to acknowledge and understand it.

You are loved

Along with reminding yourself of why you love others, also remember that you are loved. Many people hold you near-and-dear to their hearts and feel lucky to have you as an active part of their lives. Remember that.

Love yourself

First and foremost, love yourself. Loving others is such a significant part of life, but so is self-love. Embrace your energy and power, and truly value who you are. There’s no greater love than love for oneself…

Spread love like confetti

I believe that love is like karma—what goes around comes around. Spread love. The more love you put out into the universe, the more love you will receive in return. Whether smiling at a stranger, or giving your dog a hug, spread love.

Love is everywhere

Love is everywhere, and it’s important to recognize that. Embrace love. Love is taken for granted, but rather, it should be valued cherished. Really take it in and open your heart to it, regardless of where it’s coming from. Let love, and be love…

Valentine's Day | Valentine | Love | Relationships | Dating | Celebrate

Want to work on increasing self-love? Check out these 10 tips to help you learn to love yourself…

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xx,

Paula

Commitment and How to Customize Your Relationship

Commitment can be one of the most beautiful things in life. Having the one you love most—your person—by your side every single day provides a sense of stability and comfort that is unlike any other. Commitment, however, can also feel like you’re crashing down into a mountain of misery.

Things always start out beautifully, but the demands of life can sometimes alter how a relationship functions. Whether working together, or against one another, your relationship can potentially take a turn for the worse.

There is only one way to guarantee that your relationship will be filled with happiness, laughter, and love—make it your own. There is so much societal pressure to act a certain way, or follow a specific path, but that doesn’t work for every couple. Communicate. Sit down with your partner and discuss the ways in which your relationship will best operate. Consider what traditions and rules you want to create, as well as the type of lifestyle you hope to lead together.

Deciding what works best for you and your partner is vital in creating a strong, successful commitment. Take time to figure out, within your individual and shared values, how you would like to move forward in your relationship. Commit hand-in-hand, compromise hand-in-hand, and walk through life hand-in-hand.

Sharing a life isn’t always as easy as it sounds. In order to fully commit to your other half and keep your relationship out of the fire-pits of misery, figure out what works best for your both…

Ready to customize your commitment? Here’s how to do it:

Question social norms

Society tells us that we need to follow certain rules to be “accepted.” It can be difficult to veer away from what seems “normal,” but if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. Find your own way. Find the appropriate “norm” for your relationship and run with it.

Focus on your happiness

Being happy doesn’t always coincide with what is expected of you by others, i.e. parents, society, culture, etc. Talk to your partner about what is acceptable for you as a couple. Openly discuss some of those especially difficult topics like religion, or how to raise your kids, so you each know what you’re signing up for.

And most importantly, remember that it is difficult to please everyone at the same time—focus on pleasing yourselves and the rest will eventually follow…

Set boundaries

Whether setting boundaries with other people in your life, or with one another, make sure those are in place. Boundaries allow your relationship the space to grow in whichever direction you and your partner choose.

Be honest

Honesty is the best policy. Share your true thoughts, feelings, and needs with your partner. Allow room for an open discussion. If you need to create a special form of communication that you’re comfortable with, go for it. Do whatever it takes to help you both express your process.

Working together is a significant part of growth and commitment, so be sure to make it a part of your day-to-day communication…

Listen

Take the time to hear what your partner is saying. Ask questions when you don’t understand your partner’s perspective, and do your best to acknowledge where he’s coming from. Be respectful. Be understanding. Be kind.

Compromise

Make decisions together. Find what works for you both, even if it’s not ideal, and follow through. Come to a conclusion that both you and your beau are okay with—this will provide peace and comfort, and allows both of you to have your opinions considered. This way, you can avoid resentment, which is the silent-killer of many relationships.

Stick together

No matter what, stand by one another. Support each other. Give your partner the benefit of the doubt, and vice versa. Do not allow others to dictate what needs to happen in your relationship. Do not allow others to cause conflict on your relationship, or turn the two of you against each other. If you don’t have each other’s’ best interest at heart—if you don’t have each other’s backs—then who will?

Find your way—find what will support the needs of both you and your partner. Be different. Be unique. Be happy. Be in love. Be as committed as you possibly can to a relationship that you love…

commitment | relationships | love | dating | communication | happiness | boundaries | customize

Feeling stuck in your relationship? Here are some things to try…

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xx,

Paula

10 Ways to Learn to Love Yourself

Who would have ever thought it would be so hard to fully love yourself? We are who we are, and acceptance is key. But when surrounded by negative words, distorted perceptions, and unkind opinions that shouldn’t matter, it can be difficult to see the wonder in your soul…

We have relationships with people in our lives, and we choose to accept them as they are—the good, bad, and the weird. Wouldn’t it be incredible if we could have that same type of love and acceptance for ourselves? To know that our strange traits make us unique rather than different. To appreciate our insecurities and learn from them. To know that society does not define what beauty is. To know that we are perfect just as we are.

At the end of the day, even if surrounded by love and positive words, if you don’t believe those things internally, none of it is real. You are the best possible version of you, and you are incredible. Not one soul on the planet has the right to bring you down—but most importantly, do not give anyone that power. You are strong. You are resilient. You are worthy.

The relationship you have with yourself is the most important one—nurture it. Be kind to it. Respect it.

Here’s how to learn to love yourself:

Positive Affirmations

Say positive things about yourself daily. Start with 2 or 3, and then add a few more. Overtime, this will help increase self-love, and improve self-perception. Being nice to ourselves is very much underrated…

Positive self-image

Feel good about yourself. Feel good about the clothes you wear, and how your look in them. Feel good walking in your shoes. Feel good when you look at your image in the mirror. If you see yourself in a positive light, others will too. Set the tone, and fill it with positivity and love.

Self-talk

This one is important… self-talk is crucial when learning to love yourself. Get rid of negativity when talking to or about yourself. If you start to have a negative thought, try to replace it with a positive one. Doing this at first may seem difficult, but overtime, it will become an automatic correction.

Be yourself

Always be who you are—wherever you are, and whomever you’re with—be you. If you can put the real you out there, you will learn to love yourself (more than you already do). The best part about this? People will recognize how genuine you are and will absolutely love you too…

Accept Compliments

Part of self-love is hearing people when they compliment you. Look them in the eyes as they say it, take in their words, and respond with “thank you.” You are beautiful and you should know it.

Cleanse

Cleanse your life of any people that bring you down. It is important that any toxicity be removed from your life. While learning to love yourself, you also need to learn to let go of the demons that are bringing you down.

Keep your power

Do not give anyone to the power to judge or criticize you. The thing to know here is that people will always be unkind, but when you don’t give them any power, you are immune to the hurt they can cause you. Your only job is to be happy and please yourself. Don’t give up your power…

Give yourself permission

Give yourself permission to love yourself. Give yourself permission to be yourself. Give yourself permission to be quirky—those are the best things about you.

The strange things

Embrace the weird things about your personality. They make you who are you, and you are the best possible version of you. Stay weird!

Know your Worth

You are worthy of love, respect, and kindness from others, and most importantly, from yourself. You are valued, and you are worth loving.

Know that you are loved, give others permission to love you, and learn to love yourself…

self-love | love yourself | love | personal growth | positive thinking | wellness

Feeling like you’re not enough? Here’s 7 ways to know you are enough…

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xx,

Paula

7 Reasons You Shouldn’t Get Back with an Ex During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is all about love, cozy cuddles, and sweet kisses under the mistletoe. The holiday season calls for spending time with loved ones, and particularly your special someone. Having your beau by your side is especially lovely during this time of year. Exchanging fancy, well-thought out gifts, clinging arms at holiday parties, and kissing when the ball drops at midnight, are just a few of the many reasons why sharing the holiday season with babe is desirable.

But what if you’re not attached? The holiday season can feel lonely and a lot less cheerful if you’re flying solo. Scrambling to make plans with friends for New Year’s Eve, and doing everything in your power to dodge questions from family about why you’re not married yet make finding someone, anyone, a very high priority.

But wait—what if you could re-kindle the flame with a familiar mate? Someone you’ve already spent the holiday season with—someone who will pick out the perfect gift—someone who is a great kisser (and can actually stay up past midnight).

Getting back with an ex just for the holiday season may seem like a good idea, but it’s not. Re-igniting that old flame will most likely give you pretty deep burns. Familiarity and the need to hold on to old memories is not a valid reason to return to a relationship that you’ve already chosen to remove yourself from…

Here’s why you shouldn’t get back with an ex during the holiday season:

Why you broke up in the first place

Just because it’s a time of the year to be warm and fuzzy, doesn’t mean that getting back with an ex is the right thing to do. Unless pigs started to fly, the reasons you two broke up are most likely still valid reasons. Be sure to remember previous issues before sending that text…

Trauma

Depending on what went down in your relationship, getting back together can bring up traumatic feelings from the past. This can be detrimental to your wellness and sanity, so be sure to consider the effect reaching out to an ex may have on you…

Moving forward

After a break-up, it is customary to work very hard on moving forward. Contacting an ex will kick you two steps back, and cease all the hard work you put into healing. Is having a date to your work holiday party really worth it?

Making the right choice

You made the right choice when you left, so keep that in mind. Do not allow the desire to cuddle with beau lead to you taking a wrong turn. You left once—don’t question that decision.

People don’t change

And your ex probably hasn’t either. The things you hated about him probably still exist. Even if he’s wrapped in lights all cute looking like a Christmas tree, he’s still the same person you previously left behind…

Priorities

Prioritize yourself. By not getting back with your ex, you are putting yourself first.  Take care of yourself. You will get through the holidays, and feel stronger than ever once January rolls around. Focus on yourself and feel the joy.

Sometimes flying solo allows for a special sense of freedom and happiness. Take it all in…

Positive vibes

Channel all the energy it would take to 1) decide to reach out to the ex, and 2) move past all the drama, into something meaningful. Volunteer at a dog rescue, serve food at a kids shelter, or simply sing carols in the street. Whatever it is that you’ll spend time doing, create a positive experience for yourself. Enjoy every moment learning something new about you, and give love to those in your life that deserve it most.

Holiday season | holidays | dating | relationships | ex | love

Not sure how to cope with holiday stress? Check out our tips here…

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xx,

Paula

How to Know You’re Ready for Marriage

It’s scary to think that you might be ready for marriage, as it’s a really big step. I don’t think I’ve attended more weddings in my entire life than I have this year alone. Many of these friends were close friends—friends I watched grow independently, and then grow with their partner.

It was so crazy to watch the people I was basically a child with join forces, say “I do,” and choose to share a life with their soulmate. And let’s just pretend that I didn’t cry like an baby as I watched my besties walk down the aisle…so basic, right?

With the many weddings I witnessed, however, there was a common theme—love.

These newlyweds were clearly ready for marriage and showed their love in so many ways. From their vows, to their interactions with one another, to allowing us to see that they are family. Home is now where that person is. Home is in that person’s arms. Home is being lovers, best friends, and life partners.

Putting a ring on someone’s finger doesn’t necessarily make them family, nor does it make them your best friend. But the way in which two people care for and value one another is truly what creates the strong bond and sense of unity required to have a successful marriage. Are you ready for marriage?

Here’s how to know if you and your partner are ready for marriage:

Unconditional love

To love someone unconditionally also means to support them unconditionally. It means understanding that person in a way that no one else can, and having their back no matter what. Love isn’t just about hugs, kisses, and a ring, but rather, about giving it your all and doing your best for one another…

BFFs

Having not only a romantic relationship, but a friendship, is a vital component. If you plan on spending the rest of your life with someone, getting along is kind of important. Being able to do anything and everything together, tolerating one another for more than just a few hours, and wanting to live life in the same way is a must. Seriously, you gotta be BFFS.

Compatibility

Do you feel as though your partner was always around? Like he fits in so well that you can’t remember a time in your life when you were without him? Now that is true compatibility.

When you’re considering a marriage, compatibility doesn’t only matter for the two of you, but it also counts within your social networks too. Did she mesh so well with your family that it felt like they had known her forever? Does he get along with your friends so well that he instantaneously became part of the crew? If you’re compatible in the way that you’re supposed to be, everyone will love her just as much as you do…

Laughter

No matter what happens, you two find a way to laugh your way through each day. You know that you two can conquer anything when you’re together. Whether being playful, laughing with each other, or at each other, you give one another strength. So much of that comes from having a sense of humor and bringing joy to your relationship. Laugh together.

Adventure

Wanting to do the same things is super important. Whether spending Sunday’s on the couch with endless naps, or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you are side by side every step of the way. You don’t ever want to be apart, and you can’t imagine doing the things you love with anyone else…

Acceptance

I believe that the premise of love is to accept someone as they are, and to love them because of their flaws. Remember those little quirks that drive you crazy? Yeah, those—those are the things that make you fall crazy in love. To love someone is to accept them exactly as they are, good and bad.

Ready and steady

Are you able to accept your partner for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death does you part? If you’re feeling ready, with a steady hand, this may be the person for you…

marriage | ready | love | wedding | relationships | adulting

Know who you want to spend your life with, but not sure if it’s the right time? Read up on why millennials are choosing to postpone marriage… 

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xx,

Paula

Breakups: The Difference Between Heartbreak and Being Broken

Breakups are literally the worst. You feel awful, and you’re not quite sure what’s going to happen next. Everyone copes differently, but usually there are tears, tubs of ice cream, and drunken karaoke nights. The thing with break-ups though, is that they don’t always come from the same place.

You would think that most breakups lead to heartbreak, but I don’t agree. I think heartbreak is real, but I also think that many relationships leave people broken. Some relationships are so awful, that the aftermath is actually the best part. The part where you get your freedom back. The part where you get parts of yourself back…

The relationship itself caused so much damage that the breakup was a saving grace.

I had a friend reach out to me a few weeks ago for some support during his breakup. He was heartbroken, and he truly felt that I could relate. Unfortunately, I couldn’t. I’ve been in relationships that left me damaged. The actual break-up was the happy part, not the sad part.

It is far more likely that those stepping away from a healthy relationship will experience feelings of grief and sorrow, whereas those walking away from a destructive relationship will experience feelings on the opposite side of the spectrum.

Breakups are never easy, however, if I had a choice, I would take heartbreak over destruction. The heart and the mind are delicate, especially when it comes to love. Missing the person you loved because of  beautiful moments shared is far more desirable then missing someone because you have become addicted to abuse. Being grateful for escaping the wrath and cruelty of a person is a very different type of loss…

At the end of the day, loss is loss…

Here’s how to come back from a breakup, whether sweet or sour:

Talk about it

Talk about your feelings. Share your experience. Whether with a close friend or a mental health professional, let it out. Expressing yourself will help you better process what you’re going through, and hence, learn how to cope in a healthy way.

Find yourself

It is possible to get lost in a relationship, good or bad. Find yourself. Rediscover those missing pieces. You will feel whole again, and it will make moving forward much easier.

Access your support

Rebuild lost relationships. Find your support network. Whether it be friends or family, surround yourself with people who love you and bring you joy.

Smile

Learning to be happy again is honestly the worst part, but you have to try. The first step is to smile. Remind yourself of the beauty around you, as well as the beauty within.

Don’t place blame

Placing blame doesn’t help anyone. Yes, I’m sure both you and your ex were equally responsible for how things went down, but don’t let whose right or wrong bury you. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is letting go. AND be sure to NOT blame yourself.

Embrace being alone

Being alone again is terrifying, especially if you had been attached for a long period of time. Face the fear, and embrace being alone. I can honestly say that learning to be on my own again taught me so much. I learned that I can do anything and everything independently, even though my ex-partner thought otherwise. This allowed me to dispel many of the shortcomings my ex claimed I had, and I was able to reclaim my autonomy.

Get your life back

Get your life back. I mean that in every sense possible. Do the things you love, spend time with people that make you laugh, be happy. Take back all the things, and parts of you, that your ex seized. Take back the power and strength that were stolen from you. Get your life back…

breakups | heartbreak | being broken | love | relationships

Not sure what the long-term effects of an unhealthy relationship are? Read up on what the emotional consequences might look like… 

Don’t forget to subscribe and also connect with me on Pinterest, Google+, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

xx,

Paula

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