By: Shannon (guest writer)

Teenage dating violence and abuse is more common than most people would care to admit, with most presentations of teenage relationships being somewhat idealized and/or sanitized. If you are the parent of a teenager, or a teenager yourself, you should be aware of some warning signs of an abusive relationship. You can keep yourself, or your children, safe by being attentive to warning signs that may precede more explicit and violent abuse.

The first main warnings are aggressiveness and possessiveness. Forwardness and determination can initially be attractive traits, but can easily become an overbearing (or even bullying) attitude. Forced physical closeness, even the absence of other outwardly sexual behavior, is a major red flag that the person is potentially willing to force themselves on others.

This overbearing aggressiveness can quickly progress to unwanted sexual advances and more. It is often partnered with an extreme possessiveness: For example, a boyfriend who violently challenges anyone who they even vaguely perceive as “checking out [his] girl”.

Very often, those with these paired traits will progress into increasingly violent abuse. It may start with the grabbing of the arm, or the close and intimidating violation of personal space during an argument. This type of behavior is a severe warning sign of probable teenage dating violence, as statistically such a person is very likely to continue this pattern into more severe behavior, such as rape and outright beatings.

Other common warning signs are an unusually short temper and unsolicited defensive statements about never hurting a partner. These are indications that a young person may be prone to “fly off the handle” and commit violence.

A demeaning attitude is another important behavior to notice. No one should belittle or put down the person they love, especially on a regular basis. It is a form of emotional abuse and often coincides with teenage dating violence. A strong need for control, such as demanding to know every detail of a daily routine, is a disturbing marker. Those people with a need for such overwhelming control will often resort to violence, and any other means necessary, to maintain their sense of command and control.

If you are a parent and notice some of these warning signs, you should tactfully and carefully raise the issue with your child. No teenager likes to feel as though their parents are interfering in their lives and aggressively pushing the issue will likely only push your child to defiantly pursue the relationship. It may be helpful if you can speak with one of your teenager’s friends and express your concerns to him or her. A teen is more likely to respond positively to peers than to parents in such a situation.

If you are a teen and notice some red flags indicating the potential for teenage dating violence, talk to someone immediately. Your friends, parents and even your school counselor are all there to support you and help you get out of a dangerous relationship. If your partner threatens you, your family or your friends in any way, it is important to contact the authorities to protect yourself and your loved one from harm.

TAGS: teenage dating, teenage dating violence

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By Shannon (Guest writer)

Listen up Guys. Have you ever felt bewildered by what women want in a date and you’re in need of the best dating tips for men? Do not worry! You are not alone. Most women have a very difficult time understanding us (and we usually have a difficult time understanding you). To help you out, here is a short set of my absolutely best dating tips for guys.

First things first gentlemen … we want you to act like gentlemen. That is, we want you to treat us like ladies. Be polite and respect our boundaries. Try opening doors for us. Tell us we look wonderful tonight! Few things can warm up a girl’s heart like a considerate gentleman. Do not overdo it though, which leads into the next point: Do not try too hard. If you are tripping over yourself to impress us, believe me, we notice and it is not an attractive thing. It comes across as desperate and a bit icky. Be confidant, generous and kind, but do not lay it on too thick.

On the next point, once you are dating us, we do appreciate sentiments like flowers, being told how wonderful we are and all those other great signs of interest. However, by that point, we already know you are interested in us and pushing it too much becomes trying too hard. Instead of making superficial indications of how much you care, actually show it to us. Do your best to remember our birthdays. Take an interest in our lives and pastimes. Come meet our families. Show us through your actions what we mean to you, not through throwaway compliments and store-bought things. I cannot emphasize how high this ranks among the best dating tips for guys.

Communication is vital to us. If you do not understand what we mean or you are not really paying attention, do not lie to us and pretend otherwise. I am sure most of you guys out there have had a lady yell at you that she specifically told you something that you did not remember. She did tell you, but you were not listening or did not understand what she meant. Avoid digging yourself into this whole and communicate with us!

Women have an overblown reputation for being emotional, but we do tend to think we are more emotional than men. However, be careful not to offend us by disregarding our emotions. If we cry watching a sad movie or get gushy after a romance flick, do not trivialize our reaction by insisting “it’s just a stupid movie” or asking us why we are reacting that way. We are reacting to what we watched, empathizing with the movie. The emotional response is real and few things can be more offense than a reaction that comes across as “what’s wrong with you woman?” To us it is being human to express ourselves. We would not mind if you expressed yourself a bit along with us, but we are not foolish enough to expect it.

Keep in mind these best dating tips for guys and you will find yourself receiving much better reactions from women, even if you still do not understand us.

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TAGS: best dating tips for guys, dating tips, dating tips for guys

“Before I had children I had several theories about raising children. Now I have several children and no theories.” I forgot who said that, but I’m sure you parents, including the single parent can relate.

Dating for the single parent can be daunting. You have a child or children to consider, plus a job, homework, custody issues and other things in the mix, all of which are important to you.

But you certainly do not have to become a hermit. Even so, there are some very important things you must do regarding your dating life.

Foremost is safety. You see, you have not just your own safety to consider, but that of your child/children) as well. It behooves you to be extra careful about the sort of person you date. This is true for both single mothers and fathers. The rules of dating for single parent dating are pretty much the same for both sexes.

While you may not be looking for marriage, it is still vital that you choose a dating partner whom you feel is safe to be around your children. Usually outings will include your children at some point so things are going to either be fun or stressful.

This is why it is so important that any potential date know from the beginning that you have children and are a single parent.

The ideal situation for single parent dating would be to know someone personally before deciding to spend time together. If there is someone in your life already and there is some interest, it might be an excellent way to go. But, alas, this is not always the case.

For the single parent, dating someone who has children of their own, or who is particularly interested in finding a partner who has children may be the best option.

One way to add to your dating prospects is to use the internet. Surprisingly, there are many sites that cater to dating for single parents. These sites offer the opportunity to get to know someone in an anonymous and safe setting.

In most cases, other people at these sites are also parents and will understand your situation better than someone who does not have children. They will, most likely, have a lot of the same concerns as you.

However caution must still be exercised. Some of the considerations of having children and dating are really no brainers. Use your common sense, do your homework, and you will enjoy the dating scene once more.

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Find top rated single parent dating sites now.

TAGS: single parent dating, single parents dating

Good romantic evening ideas make a lasting and lifelong impression on a first date. Dinner and a movie, while tried and true, is just not the kind of “zing” that leaves a lasting impression. On the same note, a bouquet of flowers and complimenting looks are much of the same old humdrum. If you want to have a date to remember, you need to be bold and spice it up!

Art galleries can be a wonderful choice for first dates. Art tends to spur both thought and emotion, leading to some great conversations and deeply romantic moments. Leaning against each other in silence in front of a moving piece of art can easily become a tender and long-lasting memory. An animated discussion about what a particular painting means can become more than a simple chat and get into “deep” issues, where both of you share part of yourselves.

A picnic in the park may seem old-fashioned, but that is part of what makes it a wonderful choice among romantic evening ideas.

This common impression of picnic dates evokes a sense of nostalgia and brings to mind the magical “true love” first dates of movies. While it is a safe public place, this kind of date is very endearing and has a sort of easy intimacy. A good bottle of wine can add to the sense of romance, but be mindful of your local alcohol laws.

Sightseeing can be another great choice. A lot of people neglect many of the local sights that visitors will go to see. It can be very exciting to learn new things about the place that you live in and realize how much is around to see and do in your area.

This sense of wonderment and interest creates a great atmosphere for building bonds with a new person and creating a delightful memory. Prepare a list of more sights than you actually plan to see. When on the date, just randomly pick the next place to go after finishing with another to help create a sense of spontaneity and fun, building on the feeling of excitement. Avoid visiting too many places with large crowds or a lot of noise, as they make it difficult to talk or cultivate a sense of intimacy.

There are a lot of fantastic romantic evening ideas for first dates, but you should be sure to pick one that suits you. If you are not going to have a good time, do not pick one simply because you believe your date would like it.

If you are not enjoying yourself, your date will pick up on that negative vibe and it will ruin your well-meaning date idea. It is important that you both enjoy yourselves, so that you can relax, enjoy each other’s company, and develop an intimate bond.

With a good date idea and a little luck, your first date will turn out to be fantastic and quite memorable.

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TAGS: love and romance, romantic evening, Romantic Evening Ideas, romantic idea

We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.
- Unknown

TAGS: compatibility, quote, weirdness

So you want to romance your partner but you need some romantic date ideas. Well, whether you’re just beginning to date and want to make a good impression, or you’re knee-deep in a hot and heavy relationship a little romance will let your partner know just how special they are.

When perusing romantic ideas, remember to concentrate on your partner and think of what she/he would enjoy. It’s easy to get off track and incorporate your likes and wants and forget about the other person. Keep this in mind and you’ll find it easy to come up with your own romance ideas, once your mind gets on track and your innovative juices start flowing.

Some of these dating ideas are complex and will be costly, while others are more affordable! Take these ideas, modify if you need and make them your own.

Rent a limousine and show up at your partner’s door, dressed in your finest to take her/him out for a surprise evening. If you can’t afford the limousine, ask a friend to drive you in a rental car OR pay for them to have their car washed and have them drive you around throughout the evening date.

Bring a camera and take pictures of the places you go and of the two of you in the limousine or ‘rented car’. Bring a bottle of wine or champagne along as well.

Start off your adventurous day with a train ride. Plan to stop at some interesting locales in town; share a cup of coffee in a trendy café or coffee shop. Purchase a small bouquet of flowers, nothing extravagant, but simple and colorful.

Create a booklet and title the cover “Memory Lane”. Gather songs, pictures and mementos of your time together. You can have these booklets printed up at a mall or local photo shop.

Have a CD created full of romantic love songs; Create your own CD cover and case.

Take your partner on an old-fashioned romantic date; get dressed up, show up with flowers and go out to dinner, a comedy show, a concert or a movie.

Take your partner on an adventurous date; go ice skating, roller skating or to an amusement park. Remember the innocence of teenage dating and the wanderlust of just having fun.

These are just a few romantic date ideas but you get the plan. This should inspire you to come up with some ideas for your big romantic date.

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TAGS: love and romance, romance ideas, romance ideas, romantic date ideas, romantic ideas

If a movie is the best creative dating idea you can envision, then perhaps you’ve reached your dating peak. You know the old standard, fancy restaurants, and a night out at the movies or Blockbusters. You need to diversify, create some spontaneity and put a bit of spice into your life. You need something different.

Many people think creative means expensive. Creative dating ideas do not have to burn a hole in your pocket. Be clever and imaginative. The simple things create more of an impact and heartfelt impressions that are sure to earn you brownie points. Here are some ideas to consider.

Miniature Golf – you don’t have to putt like tiger just enjoy the company. Practice your swing and laugh, have fun.

Cook Dinner – choose something you’re not accustomed to eating or cooking. Get creative and select a dessert to bake! Have an “exotic foods” night and try something you’ve never eaten before. Ever wanted to travel to another country? Try a food item that is popular there.

Horseback riding, roller skating, bumper cars – nothing says creative like bumping, jumping or falling. Get in the spirit of your younger self and become impulsive for a day.

Try each others hobby – if your partner enjoys art galleries, take a day, surprise him or her and visit some galleries. Have them explain everything they enjoy about the art, the artist and use of colors. Your date will appreciate you taking the time to learn something he or she likes. It won’t even matter if you really enjoyed yourself, your partner will still value the thought.

Breaking from your standard dating habits will give each of you a new understanding of each other, a fresh perspective into your capabilities, and a point of view of your compatibility. Becoming more adventurous and including more creative dating ideas into your relationship is undeniably worth the trying!

TAGS: creative dating ideas, dating ideas

In a perfect world, Valentine’s Day would come complete with a rose-scented bath, expensive wine, succulent sweets, and enough time off of work to thoroughly enjoy it all with that special someone. But let’s face it; you’ll be lucky to leave the office early enough to prepare the normal evening meal let alone anything special. Since running past the supermarket for a bouquet of faded flowers seems a bit cheesy and overdone, what can you do to show your significant other that you care on Valentine’s Day without calling in sick?

Although calling in sick is a good option, it is not always feasible. There are just times when you must buckle down and get the job done, even if it is Valentine’s Day. Here are a few sweet and simple things that you can do to show your sweetie that you care on this special day for lovers:

*If you start early, you can shower your special someone with small gifts all day. This will make him/her feel like they are constantly on your mind even while you are at work. A simple card at breakfast, a phone call or email in the morning, and a flower delivery in the afternoon will do the trick. And the best part? It won’t take a lot of time to shower your lover with small gifts all day long.

*If you work within close proximity of each other, you may want to schedule a special lunch rather than wait for the evening to celebrate. Once home, the rigors of the day are bound to catch up with you leaving you feeling tired, stressed, and not in the mood to put forth the extra effort to celebrate. You may also have children that will be home in the evening. This makes it difficult to enjoy time alone as a couple.

*Never underestimate the power of a small note tucked away into a briefcase or work folder. Sometimes the simplest gestures mean the most especially if they are unexpected.

*Plan to meet right after work for a romantic evening out on the town. This will allow you to spend the evening out, but still be home in plenty of time to go to bed for work the next morning. To keep the date from feeling impromptu or casual, hire a car and driver for the night.

*Give a rain check. Give your significant other a coupon to be used on your next day off together. List on the coupon possible things that you could do to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Have them check off the things they would guaranteed no fax payday loanno fax payday loan missouripayday loan 1000chicago in loan payday store,chicago loan payday storeadvance cash fax no paydayadvance loan payday software? ?cashcheck credit loan no payday,no teletrack no credit check payday loanpay day cash advance payday loan,pay day loan cash advanceadvance cash fax no,1000 advance cash no fax,cash advance no fax requiredadvance cash check credit nocash advance payday loan softwareadvance cash loan onlinenational cash advanceadvance cash fast loan paydaybudget line cash advance,advance cash on line,advance cash line loanonline payday cash advance,online cash advance,online casino cash advancefast cash advance payday loanadvance cash lawsuit pre settlement,lawsuit cash advance,lawsuit settlement cash advanceadvance america cashadvance business cash unsecured,cash advance for small business,business cash advance5 advance cash illinois loan,cash advance loan illinoiscash until payday loancash advance no credit check,advance cash check credit no,advance cash check credit no onlinecash advance loan online,advance cash loan online,advance cash fast loan online paydaycash loan payday tiladvance card cash creditace cash advanceno fax faxless cash advance payday loan,faxless cash advance,advance cash faxless loancash loan payday tillquick cash payday loanadvance cash company,scams on cash advance companyadvance cash loan payday softwareloan oneclickcash paydaycash in advance loan,cash advance loan no fax,cash advance loan new jerseyadvance cash overnightadvance advance america cashinheritance cash advanceallied cash advanceadvance cash day pay,cash advance until pay daymagnum cash advance,advance cash faxing magnumbusiness cash advance,cash advance,cash advance no credit checkcash advance nowadvance cash company loan,advance cash company scams,cash advance companycash advance payday loaninstant cash advance,advance approval cash instant secure,instant approval cash advancecheck cash advance,advance cash cashing check gary,gary,no credit check loan cash advancecash advance detroitpayday us fast cash loan,fast cash payday loanbank of america cash advance,advance america cash loan,cash advance americaadvance cash loan loan payday like to do and cash it in on a day that you can both share.

However you decide to celebrate Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to do something special for the person you love even if you have to work all day. Remember; it’s the thought that counts and even a small effort will be appreciate.

Wishing you a most happy valentine’s day and lots of love and romance,

David

TAGS: Dating, love, romance, valentines day

Chemistry? What exactly is that? The following interesting and well-written article talks about 5 different kinds of chemistry:

5 Kinds Of Chemistry: Have You Felt Them All?
By Jonathan Small

Pretty much all of us know what someone’s talking about when they say, “Hey, I was on a date, and — wow — we had incredible chemistry.” In a nutshell, that means that these two people felt such a strong attraction to each other that they couldn’t wait to get somewhere, ahem, a little more private, right? Sure, that may be the most traditional kind of chemistry, but it’s hardly the only type. According to experts, that earth-moving, spark-flying phenomenon can assume many forms. To help you sort through all those crazy feelings you may have for someone, we’ve described five of the most common types of attraction you can experience. Recognizing and savoring all of them can lead to a fantastic, long-lasting relationship.

Read the full article

TAGS: chemistry, Dating, love, Personals, relationship, Relationships, romance

Need some tips for adding some spark to your romantic life? Well, here are some suggestions for romantic getaways that will light up the fire in your romance in no time.

ideas for romantic escapes range from very modest to elaborate. Let’s take a look at a few, shall we?

Make Your Home a Hideaway

Yes, home. I know: you’re probably thinking that this won’t work, but if you prepare just a little bit, it will be a great success. What you want is an at home vacation. Schedule your vacation in advance, like if you were leaving home, unplug your phones, and let your friends and family know you are on vacation.

Once your “at home” vacation starts, here are some things you may want to include to add to the experience:

-go to the library, pick out a book you both like, and read it out loud to each other while sitting on your back porch, or by the fireplace.

-rent a documentary about a foreign city you always wanted to visit, like Paris, and afterwards have dinner at a local restaurant that serves the cuisine you would find in that city.

-watch a romantic movie and fall asleep in each other’s arms.

Seclusion in the Woods

The woods can be magical. Especially if you apprediate nature’s gifts; the singing of birds, trees swaying to a gentle breeze

a vacation away from everything can be wonderfully romantic. You can rent a cabin, or go camping (if you both enjoy it), and really get to know each other again, both emotionally and physically.

Need a few more ideas? Here they are:

-build a fire in your cabin, if it has a fireplace, or a bonfire outside (make sure it’s legal!), and roast some marshmallows, which you can feed each other

-go for a long hike, and bring along a blanket so that when you get tired you can lie down in a private area and add some spice to the hike

-make some music together: if you can play an instrument such as guitar or harmonica the better: serenade each other. Or, if you are not musically inclined, bring along a CD of old favorites and sing along with the music

Relax on a Tropical Island

Well, this is a more costly one, but may be well worth it. Why are tropical islands romantic? With the sun and tropical breezes on your bare skin, the sunsets by the ocean, coupled with some quality relaxing time it’s impossible not to feel reenergized and more romantic.

While on the island, schedule some pampering for both of you: a nice spa treatment complete with a massage, followed by a glass of quality wine, some chocolates, and whatever else you are inspired to do….

Return to Your Honeymoon Hotel

Call it a second honeymoon or anything you like. But this trip may be even more romantic than the first time you made it.

Now you know each other’s bodies enough to be able to drive your partner wild. And with a treasure trove of memories to share, nostalgia will play a great role in the reenactment of this love story.

You may even want to take some new vows: this time design them to protect and rekindle your romance.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go and plan your next romantic getaway!

TAGS: Dating, love, love and romance, Relationships, romance, romance tips