Meeting the Parents

Now, I know what you're all thinking once you read this week's new post, and I'm not just talking about Ben Stiller's movie...

So what comes to mind when you hear these words from your boyfriend suggesting to meet his parents? I bet a bunch of nerves just come rushing in huh? But don't you worry, today's blog post will be talking about the many tips and pointers to remember and perhaps even answer all of your questions regarding this dreaded or loved topic of "Meeting the Parents"


>> How to know when to bring your boy home
So, whether or not you've been going out with your current beau for 3 months, 6 months or a year, it all depends on when is the right time to bring your significant other to meet your mom and dad. Now, try to keep in mind that not all families are the same. Some families may be laid back or some could be really strict and traditional - this is what usually determines when or how to approach this situation. For instance, if your family is more of the strict and traditional type, parents usually demand to meet the boyfriend as soon as it gets serious OR there are also some parents that usually just ask to be casually introduced to the boyfriend as a sign of respect so that they have a general idea of who their child is spending time with. So as for the timing of when to bring your significant other home, it all depends on how your family is and where you and your beau stand in the relationship.

Furthermore, meeting the parents can bring a lot of mixed emotions into a relationship. Some couples may begin to question if things are getting serious between the two of them or whether or not one of them is moving things too fast or not. Regardless, the most important thing to remember is to WAIT to meet the family. If you're both in a relationship where you're both ready to take on the challenge as to meet one another's families, then it would be the right time to introduce them. Don't rush into meeting the family. Take your time to get to know one another first before you jump on that wagon, then you mutually decide on when the right time to do so in terms of when to bring them home.


>> Making an Impression
So if you were on the other end that has to meet the parents, remember that FIRST IMPRESSIONS LAST. Do your research and find out a little bit about your beau's family. Of course, the most important thing is to BE YOURSELF, don't be the 'try-hard-girlfriend' and laugh at every joke your boyfriend's dad says, just keep it simple and stay polite. But in terms of research, try to learn the names of his family members, find out who will be present during the time that you will be meeting them, etc.  Also, as for first impressions, dress appropriately and remember to be punctual. Your clothing says a lot about yourself, it's best to stay on the safe side and perhaps wear something simple and conservative that still says enough about your personality. Now, let's stay out of the 'looks department'...

Another thing that your boyfriend's parents will be looking at is your behaviour. Remember to BE RESPECTFUL, and perhaps bring a little something as a nice gesture, for instance, bring some flowers, or a bottle of wine (if they drink)... anything that shows that you are grateful for them opening their home to you and/or taking the time to meet you will definitely score you some mommy points.

Furthermore, it's also best to ask your boyfriend to brief you a little bit about what questions to avoid asking to avoid any awkward moments... Instead, try and figure out what are his parent's hobbies and interests in order to start some good conversations. Plus, you'll also score some daddy points if it looks as if you made an effort to get to know his family. Lastly, remember to ENJOY YOURSELF! Don't be too nervous and just remember that your boyfriend is still by your side through all of this, besides, your doing this because you love him right? So just make the best of it. It'll be over before you know it.

TIP OF THE DAY:

Approach the meeting as an opportunity to get to know your boyfriend's family and become their friends. After all, you both love your boyfriend, so already you have something important in common.

Things to do for Anniversaries

Just like how your parents celebrate every year they’ve been married, many couples celebrate every year they’ve been dating. Even every month. One thing to keep in mind is that everyone celebrates differently (or not at all).

So how do you celebrate?

Maybe by sending a text saying ‘happy 6 months baby’, or by going out to dinner, or maybe with a gift.

Time is what brings us closer and makes relationships grow stronger. Anniversaries are milestones in our relationships, showing us how far we have come and how much amazing time we have spent together. But the question still remains... to celebrate or not to celebrate?

If your boyfriend doesn’t remember that it’s your anniversary it’s definitely nothing to get upset over. Not everyone has the date marked down on their calendar or the memory of an elephant. And as I mentioned before, not everyone celebrates the same way. If you want to go out and do something special, discuss it with your partner and let him know. Don’t just expect him to show up with roses and dinner reservations.

It’s fun to do something or even to give a little gift. It shows that you care about each other and celebrates your relationship and all that you’ve overcome as a couple. Personally, I love to eat. So when my anniversary came around I invited my boyfriend out for dinner at a restaurant we had never gone to. It was a cute way to celebrate and we both enjoyed it. Here are some other ideas for what you might want to do on your anniversary...

***Stay in and cozy up on the couch for some of your favourite flicks.
***Make a collage of some of the best memories and photos you have together.
***Go to your favourite hangout/date spot, go somewhere you’ve never been, go somewhere or do something that brings back memories.

No matter what you do, it’s spending time together that matters most. Enjoy your special day with each other and Happy Anniversary!

TIP OF THE DAY:

Plan ahead so you both know what’s happening that day. Boys aren’t mind readers so they don’t always know what you want or expect. Communication is key.

Got V-Day Blues?

It's either you hate-it or you love-it, But whether we're ready or not, Love is in the air and Valentines Day is just around the corner...

Let's have a flashback shall we?
Remember all those times in middle school when Valentines Day rolls around, you just couldn't wait to get to school and see what was in-store for you that day?  You usually look for something in particular and see whether you'll be getting a special card or chocolate from a "Secret Admirer" - hoping it's the guy that you've been crushing on? Or how about the annual School Dance where everybody would just stand by the walls and wait for someone to ask you to dance the next slow song? Brings back memories doesn't it?

Now it just feels as if times have changed huh? You look back and think to yourself, we had it pretty easy back then... we were young and infatuated. Now that you're just a little bit older and understand the great things and even the complicated things when it comes to love, it seems like holidays such as this can easily take a toll on us. Nowadays, when you ask someone what comes to mind when February 14 hits? It's like a series of mixed emotions just come rushing in. Some of us may either dread this day and can't wait until it's over or there are those who just eagerly count the days until it arrives.  Even then, at some point or another, I'm sure the thought has even crossed our minds that there doesn't even have to be a holiday that should remind us when you should do something nice for your loved ones, because when you love someone, everyday should be Valentines Day right? But try looking at it this way... there must be a reason why this holiday exists, so why not make the best of it? Whether we like it or not, its a national holiday so don't be a grump and spend it with your loved ones. It may just be another day to you, but it's definitely a good reminder of the many great people you have in your life, so cherish the moment. Holidays are supposed to make us happy, not the opposite.

Also, Valentines Day is a day to show your appreciation for your loved ones, not just for your current beau or crush, but to everyone else around you that you love as well, whether it's your family, your bff or even your yourself. It's simply a day to just celebrate the love you have for the people around you and letting them know how much they mean to you.

***So, if you already were planning to loaft around and drown yourself with ice cream, watching the same-old chick flicks and  constantly think about why this is how you chose to spend the day... Don't even think about doing it.  Instead, gather your girlfriends and spend the day with them, if you don't want to go out, then have a "girl's-night-in" and have a chick-flick marathon.  There is just no use in sulking in and feeling blue during this time all by yourself. Try to keep in mind that there's nothing better than surrounding yourself with good company especially if you're with loved ones. 

Now, I think it's safe to say that we all have different scenarios when it comes to our love-life and I'm sure every one of us can exchange opinions and stories about why we either love or hate this day - but just remember to be optimistic. No matter what your situation may be currently, take this day to unwind and relax with your loved ones, whomever it may be. Go out for dinner, watch a movie,  or stay-in and just hangout with your bff's, do whatever pleases your heart. Single or not on Valentines, enjoy the day! Give yourself something to smile about and stay happy!


TIP OF THE DAY:
Keep an open mind. Try not to be so quick to write-off this holiday. Just be optimistic, because no matter what your situation may be currently, it isn't permanent. Staying positive just makes things that much better.

The Effects of Confidence

 Are you trying to get him to notice you? Talk to you? Ask you out?
Are you out on your first date? Second? Tenth?

No matter what the situation is, there's one word you always need to keep in mind: Self-confidence.

There's nothing more unattractive than a girl who thinks she's unattractive. Have you ever had a boy compliment you and you were so happy to hear him say it and then you put yourself down? "You look great" "Really? I don't think I look that good today but thanks". I hear girls say stuff like this all the time, and if you don't already know it yet, then I'm here to tell you - guys HATE it.

Rock your confidence with a hot new outfit. It's what makes you shine. And like your favourite Juicy purse, make sure you never leave home without it!

Here's a few tips to help make your confidence shine:

Smile. Have you ever heard someone say “you look beautiful when you smile?” Well it’s true. Nothing brightens up your look like a smile. Plus it will make you more approachable and make people want to talk to you.
Make eye contact. Not only does it show that you're confident in yourself, it also shows that you're interested in who you're talking to and what they're saying.
Use your voice. Don't be shy. When you talk it's your chance to show yourself off. Your intelligence, your opinion, your humour, and everything else about you.

You know You best. You know all the amazing things about you. Let them shine through and show everyone that you know you're worth getting to know.

TIP OF THE DAY:

Don't be afraid to approach a boy. There's no better way to showcase your self-confidence.