lovefull

Falling in love is the easy part.
It's staying that way that takes some work.
So instead of saying...

"This relationship stuff. It gives me
a headache just to think about it."

Try to change your attitude a bit.

"Okay, I'm taking notes!"

Tip #1
Make a list.
When you find yourself feeling critical
of your beloved, sit down and make a list of
"All The Things I Still Love About My Mate."
This will remind you of why you first fell in love.

"Hmmm... Something I love about him?"

Pretty soon, you'll find yourself thinking...

"Say, he's not so bad after all!"

And making that list goes for both of you
—to help you both remember the good.

"That's what we do.
And it really works to
remind us of our love."

Tip #2
Start spreading the news.
At least once a day, compliment each other.
Because everyone loves to hear good news.

"Thank you, Mary, for taking such good care of me."

"And thank you for scrubbing out the roasting pan!"

Tip #3
Learn what to say.
(And how to listen.)
When it comes to communication,
men and women have different needs.
Men need to hear they've done a good job.

"Honey, I fixed that leak under the sink!"

So remember to compliment him for things he does.
(Even if he doesn't do them that well.)

"Who knew plumbing could be so rewarding?
I'll have to help out more around the house!"

Women need to feel their man is listening.
Men can help by learning the "Mantra for Men"
and practicing it often, saying to themselves,
again and again...

Just listen, don't give advice.
Just listen, don't give advice.
Just listen, don't give advice.

The results can be amazing.

"Wow, he really listened to me!"

Tip #4
Learn to soothe frayed nerves
When your partner is having trouble coping
—either with the world or with you—
don't shout, don't pout, don't run away.
Just turn to your mate and lovingly say...

"Honey, what do you need from me...
right now?"

So instead of wondering what to say or do...

Should I say X? Do Y? Not do Z?
What does that woman want from me?

Just remember those nine magic words:
"Honey, what do you need from me... right now?"
No more wondering, no more guess work.

"Who knew life could be so easy!?"

Tip #5
Give a little more.
Instead of trying to get your way,
try to give a little,
then give a little more.
So instead of...

"Listen up, lover boy!"

or

"This is the way it's going to be."

Learn to think more "We" than "Me."
You'll have a lot less...

"Gosh honey. I don't know what I was thinking."

And a lot more...

"I know what you're thinking!"

This "photo story" is based on the book,
Fairy Tales Can Come True (Just Not Every Day!),
published by Shake It! Books.

I always did tip #1. I never forgot why i fell for her, i accepted her for who she is.. i confess about having some thoughts of breaking up with her during those times when i was really down but i never did it. I never  brought up the issue. I love her.. but i haven't told her why.. i mean i may have, but it was never clear. And i'm not really that good with words.

I have always complimented her. How wonderful she is.. how i love her hair. how i want her hair not to be cut and other stuffs. I thank her for the reminders everynow and then. I may not have shared the good news everyday.. but i never forgot to say thank you and i love you to her. and when i tell her i love her. even when i'm whispering to her ears.. i have always meant it.

I learned what to say but i learned about it usually too late. After everything has happened or after an argument is over. About listening.. yes the question was how to listen. She always thought that i never really listened to her. Her stories, feelings and other stuffs. I guess i made her feel that way. It was how i listen. when she talks I must have made her feel that i wasn't interested in what she's talking about by being not that attentive.. forgive me about that.

I am usually good at this.. but thinking about it.. maybe not..  cause now, i am alone. I was not able to say the nine words at the right time. "Honey, what do you need from me... right now?"

Give a little more. I always tried to give a little more of what she was needing. But i guess circumstances that happens to our daily lives made it look like it was decreasing.. gah..