“Husbands honor your wives, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” ~ 1 Peter 3:7

Are You Part of a Dating Disaster?

At one time or another, all of us have found ourselves infatuated, in lust, and even in love during our days of dating. We meet someone who either looks, acts, or just is incredible in our eyes. That’s why first impressions are so important…or are they?

Most times, when you’re trying to meet the right person to spend your life with, it takes a lot of effort, time, and dates. Certainly, some people find that special someone right out of the gates, but for most of us it takes quite a while.

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So what happens when you think you found the one, only to end up with disappointment because the image of what the future holds has been tainted? 

Other Relationship Advice for Couples

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What Women Really Want For Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Throughout the Year

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Do men really know what women want…for a holiday, an event, or even in life? Do women really know what they want? Actually, the response takes on many different forms and answers depending on what we are talking about. When we talk about relationships and love, the answers are certainly very unique to each individual…and to each couple.

For many women, the question of ”What is it that I want out of love and life?” can be mind-boggling. Are you a material girl or a gal with very traditional values? Maybe you’re a business woman looking for her equal in every sense of the word. Any or all of your qualities and expectations are yours for the getting…if you know what you want.

How Do You Make Your Man Feel?

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Have you ever wondered if you are doing a good job when it comes to being a mate? Are you giving your partner what he needs in order to feel happy, confident, and successful? Or do you just go through the motions each day, not paying attention to the little details that can make or break a relationship?

Dating a Gentleman

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Here’s a question for you: Do you think that women enjoy dating a gentleman or is a man showing chivalry an insult to them? I posed this question on my blog, LovingwithPurpose.org, and got quite a bit of feedback.

What is chivalry? Well, chivalry dates back many centuries and has variations in its definition, most of which began with knighthood—where a certain code of behavior gave a mounted warrior special status in the social system.

Today, chivalry can have different meanings to different people, but generally it’s defined by having good manners, being polite, respectful, loyal, and courteous. Chivalry means a man has honor, he offers assistance to those who need it, and he treats others with a kindness like no other. In some cases, you can think of chivalry as a sort of romantic gesture; whether it be your man or another offering it up. Of course, there are other ways a man can be chivalrous which has no romantic connection to it—simply just part of a code of honor that makes a man a gentleman.

Women’s rights and independence are very important, and being a strong, independent woman does not exclude you from being the beneficiary of chivalry and good deeds. Equality isn’t responsible for the lack of chivalrous acts, and wanting chivalry has nothing to do with weakness. Perhaps you don’t realize that chivalry is just one aspect of a good relationship. Maybe you feel your independence will be threatened somehow—but it doesn’t have to be that way. You have a choice. In fact, it’s just one more way for a woman to be independent. Expecting chivalry has everything to do with being treated with respect, dignity, and kindness.

When you are considering a mate, or even just a date, think about what they can offer you. Dating is the ritual of deciding whether someone fits your needs, as well as, you fitting theirs.

When the choice is made on which type of guy to connect with, be with, or even marry, consider a gentleman. Their respectful mannerisms will complete your circle of happiness in a way like no other. Your self-esteem will be enhanced because you are being treated as you should…like a lady.

QUESTION: Is chivalry dead?

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Is chivalry dead or do we just need to expect more of it?  

A few weeks ago I posted a question on Facebook about chivalry and the response was interesting and overwhelming. Below are the responses I received.  

Here’s what I posted:  

I have a question for you: Do you think that younger women (20′s‑30′s) enjoy dating a gentleman—or is a man showing chivalry an insult to them?  

Before going into the responses let me define chivalry as I see it.  

Chivalry has different meanings to different people, but generally it’s defined as having good manners, being polite, respectful, and courteous. Chivalry means a man has honor, he offers help to those who need it, and he treats others with a kindness like no other.  

What does it mean to you???  

 Here are the responses:  

“It totally depends on the woman I would think. It’s taste-specific. I definitely don’t think chivalry is dead.”

Same Argument, Different Day by Mark Gungor

I am convinced one of the greatest problems that couples face in marriage, whether you have been together two years, 20 years or 40 years, is the fact that we have to deal with issues over and over and over… People get so frustrated when they keep circling around and coming back to the same arguments continuously and they never get resolved. Husbands and wives become convinced that there is something wrong with their marriage (or at least the other person!) and it can lead to great discouragement.  Read More of Mark Gungor’s article.

Re-Invent Your Future

Have you recently gained or lost something or someone, done or didn’t do something a bit scary, or reached a point in your life where you want to do something differently or just be someone other than you are now? Read more from Kat Bourgeois.

“If I always do as I’ve always done, I’ll always get what I always got?”

I have pondered over that saying for years. It gives me great encouragement when on the rocky road to somewhere.  Challenges we are faced with make us stronger. This we all know. As anticipation builds, the adrenaline in our bloodstream gets our minds flowing.

As with many coined phrases, “If I always do as I’ve always done …” we see the common sense of it all, but don’t always follow the right path. Perhaps we complain about our situation or lay dormant while life passes us by. Whether it is a relationship, a career change, or those other choices we make in life, we all land somewhere. 

If the idea of making a choice list sounds familiar, it’s because it works. Having the ability to see, on paper, what makes us tick (happily) is to do what they do in business. Make a plan! 

If we take the time to make a goal list, it does two things. Just as in business, it creates a goal…a place to go. How many businesses have you heard do this still today? It must work …that is, of course, if it’s a good business plan. Then as the juices start flowing in our brains, our thoughts begin to pour out into the universe. Now we have the universe working in our favor and everything is as it’s meant to be. Both of which are crucial for obtaining success in life. 

You can make one list or a breakout variety for different topics. In the meantime, start now with a simple piece of paper, writing things down as they come. If you are making plans to go somewhere, you probably won’t have the “…I’ll always get what I’ve always got” syndrome.  

Years ago someone told me to make a list of what I wanted out of a relationship. Simple things like personality, loyalty, trust, appearance, peace. Notice I said peace. Not something I would think to write down, but would sigh it under my breath during times where patience was needed. It’s so important in the grand scheme of things. 

Fifteen years later, I found my list and was surprised how many things I had gotten out of that little record.  It was just a tiny thing.  A list you could carry around in your wallet.  Since the finding of said note, I now have misplaced it.  Ugh!  How is it that someone is trying to tell you that a list is so important, but then says she misplaced her lifeline???  That’s true, but imagine how much more I may have accomplished if I did more homework!

Think about what you want, and deserve; then go after it. Making your list first enhances your ability to get all that you desire. You have a plan! Later, when you look over the inventory you created, you will be amazed at how much you have accomplished. Because you have a list, you have the ability to check things off. What a great feeling!

Fortunately, since we have more knowledge today, there are better ways to determine what you want out of life.  Just as I’m writing this sentence of my first post, I see a vision of what I can offer with my postings.   Now if I have a detailed plan it will go much smoother…for everyone.

My goal is to inspire people and enrich their self-confidence so they take the best of themselves out into the world.  My hope is that people follow me and build their own self worth by taking steps to enhance their life in this very instant.  I want to see palpable change in the way people treat each other and themselves.

If you would like to read more of my writing, please go to Amazon.com and check out Loving with Purpose.