I haven’t come across such a good article on arranged marriages for a long time, hence why I’m sharing this with our readers.

“It matters to think about the qualities of that person – and indeed to know yourself. There is an aspect to arranged marriage that is about thinking ahead, about what relationships are for, about consequences, and we’re beginning to get a shift towards people thinking like that.” Article

As I sat in my office today, talking with a client, I heard a familiar refrain: "All he wants to do is watch the tv. He says he wants to do stuff with the family, but that just means watching his tv shows with him!" This wife obviously doesn't feel very appreciated, and the husband has very little idea. He feels he's being available, but the message being received is "You're not as important as the television to me." So, how do you communicate that you really want to be with someone else? You can say it, but sometimes, for some people, actions speak louder than words. Do you know how to please that special someone in your life? And do you know specifically what you want and need your partner to do to show they care about you? Doc V's survey is constructed to glean some of this information, so feel free to refer back to your survey answers if you're stuck!

Awhile back, Anju brought forward a question about men: Why don't we communicate? Well, actually, we do. We just don't talk in the same ways that women do. I think women tend to talk to each other about many different personal thoughts, where that's the main focus of the interaction. For men, I think that level of intimacy is intimidating and uncomfortable. But men tend to communcate with each other fairly well when they're engaged in some other activity, such as working on something or a leisure activity. I think most men have been socialized to not talk as much in general, so that can also be a barrier to communication. So, what can you do? Well, instead of saying "We need to talk" or even "Let's talk about that", you might have better success with "let's go for a walk/hike" or "Why don't we go work in the yard together?". That takes the focus off the talk, and gives your man the freedom to have a discussion while he can feel less threatened. So, does that seem accurate? Any success stories using this idea? Let me know!

Hello again, Sense2Love community. I'm back, and have finally sorted through a number of issues involved with moving residences. Isn't it amazing how entangled we become in the technologies and responsibilities we have? I know it's especially frustrating and difficult when moves are made due to circumstances outside your control or desire, such as a divorce or change in business. I think relationships can certainly help this process, although sometimes, unfortunately, they can also be a hindrance. How have you managed significant changes in your life while in a relationship? Has your partner been supportive, or have they become more needy or more distant? I look forward to reading your comments, and plan on having more blogging entries on a regular basis! Keep checking back, as we continue to build our community!

Hi, this is Doc BW, and today I'm wondering about how environmental factors influence dating and relationships. Can a relationship be successful if one person is most comfortable indoors if the other is planning all week for the moment they can be outdoors again? Have you had to reconcile someone in your life who loves shopping or reading? Or that person who loves to rock climb or fish? On a related note, do you have to appreciate the same seasons in the year for the most happiness in a relationship? For example, do you both need to enjoy skiing for maximum fulfillment? Or can there be a way to find compromise between snowmobiling in the winter and sunbathing in June as each person's favorite activity? How do the differences impact planning for vacations or getaways? I'm sure there must be many ways to navigate through these issues, and I'd love to hear from any and all of you about them!

I’m linking this article from the Times because I’ve followed Tads earlier posts which have left women in England, aghast. He compared women both sides of the Atlantic. To cut a long story short he described the English female population with an unsavory reputation.

Molly lashed back at Tads observations with her English finesse.

Who said opposites attract? they appear to have joined forces :-)

Why women are sluts & men are studs

In the United States, when a couple goes out on a date and each individual pays for his/her own date expenses (entertainment, food, drinks, etc.), we refer to the behavior as “Going Dutch.”

As our dating behavior and gender role expectations change, who is expected to pay dating expenses?

–Is he responsible?

–Is she responsible?

–Is the person who extended the invitation responsible?

–Should the couple take turns paying for each date?

OR

–Should the couple “Go Dutch?”

I am looking forward to hearing what you think!

Happy hunting,

Doc V.

As we all become busy with our daily lives, raising of our children, and tending to our own profession advancement , it is often difficult to find the time to nurture our most important relationship; our love relationship. Tired from a long day at work, it often takes a great amount of energy to emotionally support both my partner and family’s daily needs. On these days it is important for us all to remember that our best efforts are “good enough.”