Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze, Jr. Prove My Point. Communication Is The Basis of All Good Relationships!

I don't know about you guys, but I absolutely love a good hollywood love story... when it lasts. Freddie Prinze, Jr. has been one of my celeb crushes since he was Zack in 1999's "She's All That" and I worshiped SMG through all seven seasons of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." I thought they were perfect for each other when they announced their engagement back in 2001 and subsequent marriage the year after that. With only a few months until their 10 year anniversary in September, (gasp!) Yahoo! ran a story today about the secret to their decade-long union and  the impending big sisterhood for their two year old daughter, Charlotte Grace. Sarah pretty much proves my point that relationships are nothing without communication, whether they are personal relationships with friends and coworkers, business relationships, or intimate relationships with a significant other.  "We communicate. That's my secret. It's not a secret, but it's how I handle all my good relationships, whether they're male-female or not. If you bottle things up, it explodes on you." Not to mention that as humans, we lack the supernatural powers of mind reading. How does anyone know what you want or need if you don't tell anyone?  So, congratulations to the happy couple and thanks for restoring a little bit of faith that love and marriage can last.

(Image: Google)

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What Makes A Man or Woman Sexy?

It's easy right? Let's see...

We see couples everyday and we say "How did he get her?" Or maybe it's"That's the girl he was talking about?". It's not as easy as you think. I walked around on my vacation and asked 100 men and women what traits or actions are considered sexy in a man or woman.

Women said:

25% considered a man who is "nerdy" or really educated as something that attracts them to them

• 25% said that a man with gentlemanly qualities such as opening doors, respecting their elders, or even treating their moms with respect is attractive.

• 50% cited aspects of physical appearance like body type, face, hair, and teeth...

When I asked men, their answers were a little more specific:

•  65% named physical appearance as the primary source of attraction, focusing on body shape, face,long or short hair. Many of them compared women to movie stars. 

• 35% considered attitude important--how bossy the woman is and believe   it or not, the tone of her voice when you first meet her can be used to an advantage.

Whether you want to believe this or not, every woman and man is attractive in some way to a member the opposite sex. Even if it's the way they talk, how polite they are, the way their body looks, or just simple conversation. Every person has preference of traits they want in their partner. So, don't judge that odd couple you see walking down the street, because they are not you. They don't want the same things that you want!

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Hot or Not..Is Sex Appeal Really SOO Important?

Everyone wants to be attracted to their partner or potential mate & sometimes to the point where you can even brag to your friends about how hawt the new person you are dating is. Dating someone sexy, hot, fine, whatever you prefer to call it is all good & well but what about what they have to say or what they have to offer emotionally?

I have found that most sexy and/or really, really hot guys really just serve one purpose: to be eye candy. Now that's wonderful if you're in the club dancing & want to have a hot a** dance partner for a few songs to make the night more enjoyable or even a good memory to look back on later. However, if you're interested in a finding a sound, healthy, normal relationship with lasting potential, I am starting to feel that sexy isn't the first criteria necessary to look for. 

Case in point...the sexier guys that I have dated seemed to be all about their own looks (clearly because that is their main selling point) & not too much else. As far as holding a decent conversation or being "deep" in some form or fashion, that just hasn't been available. Well thus far anyway. Perhaps there will be one that proves me wrong, but I can only speak on who I've come across here lately.

At the end of the day, it really all boils down to what you are looking for or needing from a guy or girl at that particular time in your life. If all you need is a hot bod with abs to dance with for a night & perhaps have a "nightcap" with later on then likely going for a sexy guy is the way to go. If you desire a connection that goes beyond the physical into a space where there is common understanding, respect & all that warm/fuzzy/gooey stuff then I say the average Joe may just not be all that bad.

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Great Dates That Won't Leave You Broke

Photo by imagerymajestic

I'm a firm believer that a date shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. After all, I like you enough to hang out with you for a couple of hours, shouldn't your time and energy be enough? Besides, the same old dinner and a movie dates get tired. So here are some great ideas to keep your dates fresh and fun while not taxing your wallet.  

1. Local festivals

With the weather warming up, there are plenty of local festivals, galleries and concerts to be enjoyed. Many charge a low parking fee or price of admission but all the different sights to enjoy make up for the little cash you spent to get in. To search for festivals going on in your area, click here.

2. See a movie in the park

Lots of cities are starting to offer movie screenings in the park and many of them are FREE! All you have to do is show up with a blanket/towel/set of lawn chairs and your favorite snacks. Yes, many of the movies are family friendly, but who wouldn't want to watch Shrek under the stars while eating chips that you didn't have to sneak in your purse?

3.  Attend a wine tasting
Some areas have bars and restaurants that do frequent wine tasting nights, often for a low cost of admission or even a donation to a featured charitable cause. Feel free to sample the many varieties. Just be careful no to overindulge.

4. Play a sport together
A fun exercise session never hurt anyone, right? If you're both athletically inclined (or just really enjoy the game) play a round together.

5.  Host a game night
Everyone has a favorite board game from their childhood. Or maybe you're a fan of video games past and present. Whatever it is you like, be it Monopoly, Super Mario Brothers, or Modern Warfare 3, get your controller charged up or all your spare pawns (Don't act like you never replaced the boot with a penny) and start playing. It's even more fun with other couple friends.

6. Teach each other something
If you have a unique skill or special interest, why not spend the day teaching it to your partner? Maybe you're good at photography while your date is more musically inclined? I'm a writer, my boyfriend is a gamer. He taught me how to play Street Fighter (I'm more of a Mortal Kombat kinda girl--all you do is push buttons.) I helped him improve his writing skills. It seems really simple,  but you can really learn a lot about a person through their teaching style.

7. Learn something new together
Along the same vein as the previous idea, I  believe that learning a new skill together can increase a bond between two people. Take a class together.

8. Volunteer together
In my opinion, nothing says more about what's important to you more than the issues and causes you support. If the two of you share a particular passion for helping an aspect of the community, why not do it together? Many organizations are in need of volunteers and a quick Google search can get you on the right path. Another good place to start is Volunteer Match, which compiles opportunities from over 82,000 nonprofit organizations across the US.

9. Go on a picnic
Spring time is perfect picnic weather, especially here in the south. Head to the store with your date pick up some of your favorite foods from the deli and something to drink. Then find a shady spot in the park with just the right amount of sun and enjoy the time together.

10. Karaoke night
Depending on your comfort level, there are many ways to participate in a night of singing your heart out. If you're shy, you could stay home and play one of the many karaoke games out for your choice of video game console If you have a sense of adventure, you could brave a traditional karaoke bar where all eyes will be on you. If you can find a Korean-style karaoke bar, you'll have the best of both worlds.
The two of you will have a chance to get  out of the house, but have the privacy of your own room complete with a comfy couch, two mics and no judging eyes. Serenade each other or shake it fast to "Baby Got Back." It's a good time had by all.

A fun and interesting date doesn't have to break the bank. It just takes a little creativity and some willing participants. Check your local paper or message boards for other outings that are bound to create some good laughs and lasting memories.

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