Creative Gift Ideas

Looking for a gift for that special someone? Before you go out and buy one, consider making one yourself. These gifts are always more personalized and most people would appreciate the extra effort. Here's a quick rundown of a few creative gift ideas for your loved one that shouldn't cost you much if anything at all.

Write a Love Letter

This one is more for the ladies than it is for men but could work either way. Write them a letter about all the things you love about them, how they make you feel, etc.

Make a Scrapbook

It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just fill it with memorabilia and photos of you two together. A lot of places let you create free photo albums online.

The Day

That's right, pick and day and tell your partner its their day and you will do whatever or take them wherever they want.

Night In

Stay at home and cook them a nice meal. Set the mood with music, candles, and their favorite wine.

Coupon Books

These can be a lot of fun for both of you and won't cost you anything but time. Fill the book up with coupons such as " one free back rub " or " I cook dinner tonight " or anything else you can think of.

Relationship Problems And Solving Strategies

Sooner or later every couple is going to have an argument. The more prepared you are on what these arguments could be about the more likely you are to get through without anyone getting hurt. Here are some common issues and ways to resolve them.

Problem: Communication

Argument Strategies

Make time to discuss things with no distractions

Don’t raise your voice

Set up some rules (no yelling, no interrupting, etc.)

Remember that a key part of communication is listening

Problem: Money

Argument Strategies

Be honest about your financial situation

Don’t hide income or debt

Construct a joint budget

Allow independence by having each person set aside a little to spend as they want

Problem: Household chores

Argument Strategies

Be organized about who is doing what

Spread the work evenly

Be open to compromise

Problem: Not prioritizing your relationship

Argument Strategies

Plan date nights

Respect one another

Set aside time to communicate

Problem: Trust

Argument Strategies

Do what you say you will

Don’t lie

Be fair

Call when you say you will

Notify them of any changes (working late, unexpected stops, etc.)

 

First Conversation Mistakes

So you finally have the confidence to approach that guy or girl you’ve had your eye on, but do you know what you should say? The initial conversation can either make or break a future date so here is a few topics you should probably stay away from.

1. Ex-boyfriends/girlfriends
 
2. Money
 
3. Politics
 
4. Religion
 
5. The Future
 
6. Your Job
 
7. Your Friends
 
8. Health Problems
 
9. Personal Gossip
 
10. Sex

Romantic And Casual Date Ideas

Whether you’re casually dating or romantically involved coming up with a date idea can be a challenge. Here is a few romantic and casual dates you can take your significant other on.

Romantic Dates

1.   Moonlight Walk

2.   Take a Dance Class Together

3.   Bed And Breakfast

4.   Candlelight Dinner In The Backyard

5.   Wine Tastings

Casual Dates

1.   Ice Skating

2.   Miniature Golf

3.   Horseback Riding

4.   Movie

5.   Coffee shop