Love is a beautifier. Your marriage should grow more beautiful each year if you never loose sight of the thing that brought you together—you’re attraction for each other.
If your husband thinks you are a good cook, that’s wonderful. If he thinks you are a good housekeeper, that’s wonderful, too. But, if he continues to think you are the nicest person to be with, that’s the most wonderful thought of all.
When you are single your beauty habits are unusually locked in the privacy of your own room. Once you marry, you acquire a roommate. Unless you learn to adjust your beauty routine to this new life, your husband will think he’s a one-man audience who wandered backstage. A little thoughtfulness on your part will help to preserve the illusion of your glamour. Here are some suggestions that may help:
Let’s talk about getting ready for sleep. Never be too busy or too tired to neglect your evening bath. This is the time to apply a mild deodorant and follow it with a soothing rubdown with your favorite cologne.
When it comes to bad dates, let’s face it ladies . . . we all have a share-worthy story to tell! Tell us what went down on your worst date ever! Email your story to TrueLoveMagazine@yahoo.com. And don’t forget to check in every Wednesday for your dose of Worst Date Wednesday!
Mothers mean well, but they don’t always know what’s best—especially when it comes to playing matchmaker in their daughter’s love lives.
Mama was worried that I, at just twenty-one years old, was too critical when it came to men and dating. I knew what type of men I was attracted to, and it wasn’t the sons of the women in Mama’s card group. But she just wouldn’t stop meddling in my love life.
“I want you to meet Ruth’s handsome son, Markie,” Mama said excitedly. She had told Ruth that I didn’t feel “complete” because I didn’t have a boyfriend.
Markie was the umpteenth loser I met though Mama’s matchmaking. He was twenty years my senior and had obviously never been introduced to personal hygiene products. Markie’s foul stench, greasy hair, and green, toothy grin was nauseating. He lived with his sickly, elderly parents in a one-bedroom apartment; the sofa in the living room was his “room.” He worked from time to time as a graphic designer for an independent newspaper company in Long Island that was run by his aunt and uncle.
I didn’t agree to go out with him to boost his ego or to please myself; it was to make Mama happy. At the time, I lived in New York City. Markie had a phobia that prevented him from learning to drive—although I think it was more about cheapness than fear—so he had to take the train.
There are countless great, ethnic restaurants in Manhattan, but Markie’s “allergies” and “sensitive stomach” would not allow him to experiment with all the exotic herbs, spices, and flavors of my favorite foods. Markie could only eat bland, boring, American cooking, from chain-owned establishments. At the end of the date, I was the one stuck paying the bill, not to mention the tolls and parking fee. And on top of all that, I even had to give him money to ride the train back to Long Island. Had I known he was a paranoid moocher beforehand, I would never have agreed to let him take me out!
After explaining my worst date ever to Mama, I begged her not to interfere again in my search for “Mr. Right”—or else she could date him herself!
Here are some fresh ideas for Valentine’s Day, no matter what your relationship status.
Start a Tradition
Establishing a tradition will allow you and your loved one to bond and give you something to look forward to every year. In addition, if you want to avoid some of the stress that comes with making reservations at popular restaurants and deciding on unique date ideas, traditions give you something to rely on. If you both enjoy music, head out to concert and vow to repeat some form of this every year. If you always eat out, try cooking a meal at home together. Get a recipe that appeals to you, shop for ingredients, whip up dinner, and enjoy the time together. Encourage friendly competition by cooking secret recipes for each other—and judging which one is better. On the other hand, if eating out is more of a privilege for you and your loved one, make reservations at a swanky restaurant and enjoy the luxury. Be sure that your tradition is special to you both because it will prove more meaningful in years to come.
Spend a Night with the Girls
If you are single on Valentine’s Day, get with your single ladies and let loose! Don’t dread this day; instead make it work for you because after all, Valentine’s Day is not only for lovers, but also for friends. Have a spa day with your best friends, dress up in that va-va-voom dress and head out for a night of fun. To switch things us, don’t accept any numbers, or on the other hand, see how many you can score. If staying in is preferred, rent a few movies with everyone’s “dream man” and have a Hugh Grant or Patrick Swayze marathon! Surrounding yourself with people that you love being with will make this day one worth repeating!
Treat Yourself
Fulfill a longtime dream or goal of yours with someone you care for: a parent, best friend, lover or spouse. Do something that you have always wanted to do, but have not yet done. If you have always wanted to go bungee jumping or scuba diving, seek places that offer these activities. You will be treating yourself by doing something that you truly want to. As a plus, a Valentine’s Day discount may be in store. Moreover, Valentine’s Day can be one where you reward yourself—for being amazing! Splurge on the item that you have been gazing at in the store or online, or have a second helping of the luscious red velvet cake from your office party. Think “It’s my day and I can choose to do something for myself because I deserve it.”
My fifteen-year-old brother-in-law was a cute, vivacious teenager full of charisma and fun. He loved to tweak my nose whenever he was around me, no matter where we were. Of all my brothers-in-law, he was my favorite. He had a lot of friends and was well liked by everyone that came in contact with him.
Buddy is ten years old. He’s been my faithful friend and companion since he was six weeks old. Teddy is his favorite toy. Buddy likes to be next to him all the time.
—Eileen Wood, Pennsylvania
Hmmm, interesting…I was reading an article on this yesterday