So you’ve gone on the required number of dates, explored each other physically, and established a real mental and emotional connection. The next step? You guessed it...it’s time to go exclusive. How exciting!
Most of the time, it’s pretty clear when you’re being asked out for a date. The guy or girl in question is pink-cheeked and nervous, and the situation makes it clear that this is about romance...not finding a new buddy who likes Star Wars as much as you do. But occasionally you can go out with somebody who either hasn’t made it clear whether or not this is a date...or, even worse, doesn’t seem to realize that you asked him or her out on a date instead of just a friendly outing.
Ever been in a relationship where, even though the physical side of things was great (hey, even mind-blowing), you just didn’t click with your partner on a non-physical level? Of course you have – we all have (haven’t we?). This is the kind of relationship that results from letting a physical attraction take its course...and ignoring the fact that there’s no real connection. And, hey, it’s a lot of fun. Even if it’s temporary.
Some things never change: women are always wondering when it’s the right time to get physical… and if today is “too soon”. And guys are always wondering just how to convince her that the right time was yesterday… so they’d better start getting caught up. But who’s right? When is it the right time?
“Just do it.” “Jump right in, the water’s fine.” “Get busy livin’, or get busy dyin’.” There are about a thousand clichéd phrases thought up by the oh-so-wise to encourage you to just…take a chance in life. But if you’re sitting in a bar, palms sweating and heart pounding, your mind wrestling with itself about whether or not to ask out that pretty blonde who’s been glancing at you all night, “take a chance” doesn’t usually feel like the most appealing option. “Play it safe,” probably sounds better. That and, “order another beer and then go home.”
Back in the 90’s I remember a movie coming out called ‘He Said, She Said’ with Kevin Bacon. I’ve never seen the movie, but I do recall thinking it was a great title and a great idea for someone to capitalize on by either writing a book or writing a screenplay based on the way men and women can see a similar situation, but somehow see it in a completely different way.
As we all know, moms come in all shapes and sizes, from those expecting their first baby to those who are the matriarchs of large, extended families. And as varied as their statuses and ages, so too goes their unique tastes and styles. With all that to consider, it's no wonder why gift shopping for Mother's Day can be so difficult! Sure, IOU's or coupons for taking on chores or home made cards consisting of macaroni and tissue paper are fine for small children to concoct, but us adults need to step it up a notch!
So you slaved all day to surprise your guy with a fabulous meal. You made his absolute favorite food, and you even remembered to compliment it with a nice wine. But when he sat down to eat, he didn’t even seem to notice and just shoveled it in. Or perhaps you fought with every ticket broker in town to get the most primo seats for the concert of the year, and all she did was bitch about being ten minutes late for the opening act and about the escapades of that floozy in the row behind you two. And of course, there is always the classic of the forgotten anniversary or birthday – wow, that never seems to go out of style! In all of these situations, the one who went out of the way to do something nice for the other half has been left with feeling rather stung, and rightly so. But at the same time, you know he or she honestly didn’t mean anything by it, so you let it slide, hoping the next time you do something nice, and the extra effort will get noticed.
But will it really?
One of the things I have always found silly is how women still feel as though they are expected to be passive when it comes to meeting men. This is the 21st century after all, so why is it that modern women are still allowing themselves to sit idly by, hoping the guys come to them? Let’s go over some of these fears and get over them!
So you and your partner have been dating for a fair amount of time, to where you're nearly joined at the hip. Many nights become sleep overs, the plants at your place are getting watered less and less, the milk is always going south in the fridge, and you are starting to receive phone calls at the other's home. You might even have a dresser drawer reserved for your belongings, just because it's easier to keep your stuff separate. At this point, it seems almost silly to have two separate apartments, when you two could be pooling your resources together and helping each other out with the chores. But are you really ready to move in together?
