Improving Your Sex Drive

Kicking your sex life to a higher notch not only would do wonders to your partner, but also improves your health. As they say, a healthy body makes a healthy sex drive. Here are some great tips that you should follow.

Consider circulation-enhancing dishes – Foods that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids like mackerel, salmon, and wild salmon, make your nervous system function better, which in turn contributes to good circulation. Another good food to improve circulation is chilies, which also stimulates the nervous system. A healthy blood flow means that your genital area receives fresh blood that improve sexual ability and pleasure.

Go for granola – Improved circulation also means greater erectile response. To accomplish that, go for foods rich in L-Arginine like granola, oatmeal, peanuts, cashews, walnuts, dairy, green vegetables, root vegetables, garlic, ginseng, soybeans, chickpeas, and seeds. L-Arginine is helpful for improving sexual functions in men. Although there weren't studies yet connecting L-Arginine and women, remember that erectile response is not exclusive to guys as they have erections too in their clitoris and the tissue surrounding the vulva.

Try soy – Soy binds estrogen receptors, which helps the vaginal area remain lubricated and combats symptoms of menopause. It is also beneficial to the prostate, a crucial male sex organ. However, it's important to note that women who have a history of breast cancer should not eat large amounts of soy because it increases the risk of reoccurence.

Reduce weight – Foods that promote weight loss also has libido-boosting potential. Obese men tend to have erectile dysfunction and low testosterone. Reducing weight, in turn, results in an increase of testosterone, and thus an increase in sexual function.

Have the right amount of fat – Too much is bad for you, as well as too little fat because you need it to produce your hormones. Cholesterol is metabolized in the liver and you get your testosterone and estrogen, which you need for your sex drive. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are the “good kind” of fats that your body needs. Olive oil, salmon, and nuts are optimal sources.

Avoiding stress – Medical and hormonal problems are major contributors to sexual dysfunction and low libido, as well as too much stress, relationship difficulties, and psychological issue. Antidepressants like Prozac can negatively affect sex drive as well.

Do some cardio endurance – Shoot for 3 to 4 days of cardio execise like running, walking, swimming.

Muscular endurance – Conditioning your body can be a plus for longer lasting sex. For endurance, you will need to lift lighter weights for more repetitions.

Muscular strength – Your muscles will be contracting no matter what sexual position you are in, so it pays to shape to avoid nasty leg or foot cramps. To achieve this, lift heavier weights for few repetitions.

Flexibility – This can enhance anyone's sex life by making it a bit easier to get in your favorite position with a minimum amount of fuss. Try a little Yoga or some stretches to get you in the mood.

Dealing your Sexuality While in Abstinence

People can have sexual urges and feelings while keeping their abstinence. We make choices about our behaviors to be abstinent or sexually active, and can still acknowledge, experience, and enjoy their sexuality. Remember that sexual thoughts, feelings, emotions, and desires are natural and a healthy part of sexual development.

Abstinence is viewed either as not having any type of sexual experience; or not having oral, vaginal, or vaginal sex; or not allowing penetration but accepting oral sex.

If you acknowledge these feeling but choose not to have any kind of sexual contact, you can redirect this sexual energy into other activities with or without a partner such as:

· dancing or exercising
· shopping or even window shopping
· reading a book
· watching a movie
· meditating
· taking a shower
· being with friends
· having a picnic in the park
· strolling on the beach
· playing video games
· giving or receiving hugs
· holding hands with someone you care about
· cooking dinner
· dining by candlelight

Aside from these, those who decide on getting physically intimate with a partner without having oral, anal, or vaginal sex can do the following:

· giving or receiving soft , sensuous, or deep passionate kisses
· enjoying a back rub or full body massage
· cuddling, caressing, or stroking each other with or without clothes on
· slowly and sensuously undressing one another
· touching one's self in front of a partner, with or without touching him or her, with or without orgasm
· skinny dipping in a pool or pond
· taking a shower or bathing together

There are many reasons for a person to become abstinent, including religious or cultural views as well as personal or family values. Some are abstinent because they are simply not ready to have sex. It is important to think about what abstinence means to you, and then to live by that belief.

Seduction Guide: Make Yourself Attractive

Being attractive does not only come from the surface, but also from within. That inner confidence is what attracts people—no matter what clothes you wear or education you have attained—and you can develop your positivity by doing the following tips.

Be relaxed – Do not stress yourself. People with a relaxed demeanor have loads of spare mental capacity to make jokes, ask questions, smile, and generally be a pleasant person to be around.

Be giving – Work on becoming someone who focuses on giving to others. You can either do volunteer work or donate to charity, even both. This would naturally result in others wanting to be around you.

Be positive – No one like to be around a negative person. Attractive people have a tendency to always see the positive in just about everything. Make the best out of any situation and focus on finding solutions instead of complaining about the problem.

Be caring, both to yourself and others – Attractive people understand that if they do not take care of themselves, they won't have anything to give to other people.

Heating up the Romance

Tired of the same routine? Have you forgotten the last time you were with your spouse alone? Thinking of spicing up the romance? It looks like the perfect time for you and the hubby to have a romantic getaway together. Even with the kids underfoot and your jobs and chores threatening to overtake you, there is still time for a romantic night with just you and your husband. Your marriage doesn't have to take a backseat to your daily responsibilities. A happy marriage requires some time together. Just because you are married doesn't mean that the romance has to fizzle. Here are some tips to make date night magical, even if it is only for one night a week.

Plan your date. The rules for dating still count. Having a plan for your date will make it a success. If you are going on a picnic plan on where you will leave your kids. Make dinner reservations at your restaurant.

Create the mood. If you have babies and can't leave the house, there are still ways to create that romantic setting. Set up your dinner in front of the fireplace. Set some candles in your bedroom and have dinner there.

Get out of the house. Let's face having your date night at home doesn't make it much of a date. Being at home will remind you of the kids and other matters when you should be concentrating on your spouse.

No entertainment that requires you to face the same direction. Talking and being together is the main purpose of date night. You are each other's entertainment for the evening. Just be together. If you are going to watch a movie or a play make sure you talk to each other over dinner about it.

Don't bring the entire family. Why go out at all if you're just bringing the kids along? Date night is just for you and your spouse. Don't attend anything social.

Schedule an entire night. Tell your babysitter or your oldest child that you'll be gone an entire evening.

Dress the part. It might help the mood if you dress up for date night. You'll be able to surprise your hubby and you'll feel good about getting out of your sweats for an evening.

Play your song. This may sound overly cheesy but request the band to play your song. If your husband doesn't remember it anymore, why don't you remind him?

Eliminate any distractions. Don't bring your cell phones. Don't even think of turning on the television or answering the door.

Be creative. Instead of doing the usual dinner out why not try something new? Go boating or go to the local fair. Take a nature hike. Just focus on each other.

Date night can help transform your marriage but only if you are both in the spirit of it. Try to connect with your spouse. Make date night a weekly ritual. Date night might lead to more interesting things later on.

How to Break Up

Breaking up is rarely easy. You both have feelings for each other at one point, and maybe you still do. And when it's time to end the relationship, sometimes things get out of hand. The key is to do it maturely, without deliberate pain, in order for both of you move on with your lives and find someone better suited for each other.
Acknowledge that the relationship is really over – Come to terms with your own feeling and make a firm decision to end the relationship.

Be honest – Although break-ups can be really hard on relationships, honesty salvages any possible future friendships.

Do not delay the inevitable – Once you decide to break up with your partner, think immediately on how, when, and where you will take action. Do not drag out a pointless relationship.

Select a private place – Breaking up is not a public affair. A secluded area in the park or your partner's house can do. Find or schedule an appropriate time to meet and be alone with your partner as you tell him or her the bad news.

Never break up on the phone – Not only it is rude, it also gives an impression that you took the relationship for granted.

Approach the topic when both of you are calm and rational – Never break up right after an argument (you might regret it later on). Also, announcing a break up in heated moments would just make the fighting worse.

Deliver the news personally – Tell your partner that you feel that this relationship on its current level needs to end.

Be firm and decisive – Help your partner understand why you want to end the relationship. Remember to be tactful, not brutal.

Be grateful of your partner – Remind him or her that you'll never forget the positive qualities in your relationship, but emphasize that you're ready to move on with your life.

Give your partner closure – He or she needs to accept the break-up. Answer questions and talk it over instead of leaving loose ends. Stay positive as you both make plans to go your separate ways.

More often than not, breaking up is as hard on the person ending the relationship as it is on the person being broken up with. Don't assume just because a person is breaking up with you means that they no longer care about you. Remember that caring about the person is different from wanting a relationship with the person.

How to Tell Someone I Love You

Telling someone you love them can be both the hardest and the easiest thing to say. Basically, to truly let someone see that you love them you simply need to make them feel loved. And if you really do love them, doing this should come naturally.

Plan the day - Think about when and where you want to tell her. Is there a special place you want to be? A certain day? Do you want to plan something special or just something simple.

Prepare yourself - Set your mood and be romantic. Buy her flowers or a romantic gift. Prepare a dinner with candles or a picnic with a bottle of wine.

Open your feelings - Tell your partner how you feel being with them, and how much you enjoy your time together. Be specific about what you really appreciate about being with them.

Look directly your partner - take your partner hand and tell them how positive you feel about them. Tell them what are the things you really like. Be honest and sincere.

Be prepared to your partner answer - Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for your partner response if you are not sure it feels the same way about you.

Make your partner feel special - You can show your partner that you love them by simple things like spend quality time together, cuddle in bed at night and talk together. You can also send a sweet card or email to your partner during the day.

How To Improve Your Love Relationship

What's the key to successful relationships? A couple relationships may be the most important in your life. It is often the main relationship in people's lives; it is the basis of a family and this is the place where most of us learn about love, commitment, communication, negotiation and compromise.

Quality time - Without quality time, your relationship will not survive. Try to have one evening out per week, just the two of you. If you have children this is more difficult to arrange – but it’s not impossible. And do try when you have this ‘date’ to avoid talking about your offspring or your work.

Security - A good relationship is built on compromise and a great deal of give and take on both sides.

Independence - Keep your dependence in balance. Tell and show your partner how much you need him, but don't strangle them, because you will make your partner feel trapped.

Communication – Women should explain, early in your relationship, exactly how to give you a fail-safe orgasm. Same thing for men, you should explain early in your relationship what do you prefer and how would you like your partner do it.

Support - Encourage your partner to listen to you, by showing appreciation when it does. Remember that most men aren't mentally programmed for conversation in the way women are. They need more silence and internal time.

Do not control - When conflict occurs, you should open to learning about yourself and your partner and discover the deeper issues of the conflict. Don’t try to win, or at least not lose, through some form of controlling behavior. When you try to control you create even more conflict.

Take care of yourself - It’s very sad that couples often stop making an effort with how they look. A small thing can transform a routine into more of an occasion.

Knowing If the Relationship is Over

Sometimes it is hard to tell if the relationship is really over. You have to make sure that you want to end the relationship because the person is not compatible to you after all, not because you are afraid of commitment. There are signs to help you understand where you should stand. If these signs are not obvious to you, check out some of the hints we have listed.
The relationship has become one-sided – A couple should compromise each other. If you feel as if you're doing all the work in the relationship, it's time to talk on amending it or break up.

The chemistry is gone – The two of you have become out-of-sync. Your conversations are not that alive as it used to be and the intimacy just doesn't feel the same.

Your partner prefers to hang out with others – You've used to the times when you dine together or having good time together, but if he or she is starting to enjoy the company of his or her friends more—or worse, with other singles—then your relationship has a problem.

The feeling of longing is gone – Do you find yourself feeling relieved whenever you part company?

You don't feel accepted and appreciated by your partner – Your partner begins to complain about things you do or quarrels with you for no apparent reason.

Your partner has become overly emotional – Your partner still loves you, but he or she has become jealous, obsessive, and even possessive about you. If you notice this, consider the extra burden you would carry in dealing with those behaviors in the coming months.

Your partner has hurt you – Any form of physical and emotional abuse is an absolute sign that you should break the relationship.

Ending a relationship is never easy, regardless of whose fault it is. If you loved your partner with all your heart and soul, it can be devastating to see him or her go. However, if you suspect that the romance has reached a dead end, do not hesitate to speak up.

Once separated, you need all the support you can get from your family and friends. Don't be afraid to cry, and don't be afraid to fall in love again either.

Flirting with a Man

First, let's make an agreement: men are forever different from women. For instance, men are more visual than women and they respond more effectively and quickly to visual stimuli.
Let's apply that to romance. Men are attracted to the physical aspects of women, but you don't have to be super-pretty just to catch their attention. Just follow our suggestions and you will be fine.

Smile – Men tend to notice a woman's smile before their eyes move around elsewhere. You have to remember that men have their insecurities and they usually approach women whom they feel would “welcome” them. Smiling is like saying, “Hi! Let's have some coffee!” or “Would you like coffee or me?”

Make eye contact – The eyes are said to be windows to the soul, and you want to make sure he know you're trying to get inside his soul.

Check his body language – Body signals are good indicators of how he feels about you more than anything he may say verbally. The eyes are the biggest giveaway when it comes to seduction of either sex. If he returns your gaze, and especially if he holds eye contact with you longer than you would normally expect, then chances are he's quite interested.

Flirt using your body – Answer back his interest by making some body language of your own. You don't have to overly-suggestive. It is best to portray that you are not so easy. A little combing the hair along the ears or a faint smile will do.

Ask about what surrounds him, not about him – Men tend to talk more about other things but himself. You should ask about recent events, or talk about his immediate surroundings, or even about the weather. The conversation would get some momentum (as long as you listen and answer to him) until the guy would feel comfortable into talking about himself.

Show your sincerity – Remember that you are not trying to impress him with how clever you are, you are trying to communicate a sincere interest in him.

Let the guys talk more – Men are not talkative by nature. If he talks more, then probably he is interested to you. Try to keep the focus on him. You should guide the conversation by asking questions. Offer bits of information about yourself, as they relate to what you are saying, but don't dwell on yourself.

How to Go Forth with Caution

You have found your ideal guy, but that doesn't you should just go all out to be with him. It is best to go forth with caution. Dating is like an unknown road every time you travel on it. No matter how many times you have dated, it always leads to different possibilities and different paths. Consider these following tips if you feel like your guy is “the one.”

Trust your gut – Does internal dialogue like “Why didn't I see it coming,” or “I should have known better” sound familiar? It simply means that you tend to internalize things and see failures as your own faults. You need to quiet such harsh criticisms from yourself and learn to listen to your inner self. Women often have a strong intuitive sense. If you think something is wrong, it probably is. Hone this instinct and you would save yourself some heartbreak.

Tag a friend along on your date – It is smart to bring a healthy dose of skepticism with you on a date. It also helps to bring a trusted girlfriend along too. You may fall head over heals and miss obvious warning signs. Suggest to your guy for a double date to see if you friend picks up on subtle clues that he may not be the one, like a tone in his voice that shows insincerity, which you may overlook.

Take the road less traveled – Many women approach finding a man through a list of qualifications. However, you will realize that love has nothing to do with his job, hair color, or social status. Consider dating guys that are a little outside your type. If you usually date tall men, go out with a shorter guy. Say yes to offers that you would normally turn down because it doesn't interest you. Mix it up and you may be surprised at what you find.

French Kissing for Beginners

Kissing is not a science, but there sure is a way of doing it. If you and your partner are beginning to explore each other’s sexuality for the first time, the first kisses may look awkward. But with these simple tips, you can give your partner mind-blowing French kisses in no time.

Start with a few pecks – Begin your kissing session with soft kisses on the cheek, neck, lips, even on the eyelids, where there are sensitive spots. Slowly build it up until both of you are ready for a more intimate, open-mouth kiss.

Use the tongue – In a French kiss, both people use their tongues. How you use your tongue is entirely up to you, but it requires a certain amount of skill. Don’t just stick your tongue and do nothing. Use your tongue to gently explore your partner’s mouth and play with his tongue as well. If you think you have a long tongue, why not try using it to tickle your partner’s palette (the roof of his or her mouth)?

Take short breaks – Let go of your kiss (but not too far from your partner’s face) for a few seconds to come up for air and swallow your own saliva.

Avoid clanking each other’s teeth – Teeth clanking happens most often when both of you fail to tilt your heads slightly to one side, or when your mouth are a little too open. If this happens, just laugh it off and start all over. In time, you will figure out how to avoid hitting your partner’s teeth.

Do not bite the tongue – Not only does it hurt, it would probably end your kissing session. If you feel like nibbling, you should do it at your partner’s lower lip, but not too hard. Conversely, if your partner bites your tongue and it hurts, tell him or her that it does not feel good.

Just enjoy your kiss – Kissing should be enjoyable for both people involved. Ask your partner gently what he or she likes in the way you kiss, and tell your partner what you want from him or her as well. Remember, the more you kiss, the better you get at it.

Successful Date: How to

To date successfully you need to increase your confidence levels. Some things you can change quickly, others you will need to practice. Follow these tips to increase your confidence levels:

Make a list – List all the things you are not comfortable with about yourself.

Be honest - Think about which things you think people may not like about you. Ask to your best friend.

Evaluate yourself - Evaluate the way you look and the way you dress. Change the most basic aspects of your looks, lifestyle and regime you will instantly feel more confident.

Feel comfortable - Ensure you are comfortable with any changes you make. Your confidence will grow as you feel better about yourself.

Take care of yourself - Make sure you are in shape or attempting to be. If you are dieting or exercising remember to be patient as these changes, though dramatic, will take a little while.

Do what you always want to do - Start doing the things you wish you had always had the courage to do. Maybe a hobby or sport.

Stay positive - Learn to enjoy the little things in life and give yourself time for these things. Don't wait for others to do something. Walk away from anything you don't like and keep a positive attitude. Do not allow negative family comments to influence you in any way.

Stay your priority – Put yourself first as priority number one. By feeling good about yourself your life has already changed for the better and your confidence levels are on the up.

Select your friends - Be selective about what kind of person you really like and want to keep around you. Keep positive and honest people tan make you feel good about yourself.

Start dating - If someone has asked you out, accept. Be proactive and ask someone out yourself who you like. Remember, you have to try and don’t be worried the person say no. Many will also say yes.

Be sociable - Become sociable and look every opportunity. Make conversation with the nice people you meet along the way.

Select the right person - Remember that your confidence levels will become sky high by people saying yes to you. This will happen when you select the right kind of person for you.

Safe Dating Tips for Teens

First date together – You should go out with another couple or go in a group.

Don't be isolated - Stay in places where other people are near enough to hear you and to be of help. Parking in a remote spot isn't a good idea at any age.

Know your limits - Before you go on a date, think through your own limits regarding sexual contact. It's easier to stick to principles you've determined when you're calm and alone.

Express your wishes - Be wary when your relationship seems to be evolving with one person taking control or acting aggressively- this same pattern could occur in a sexual situation.

Be clear - Be very clear in communicating what you feel, beyond just saying "No." It's important to be up front and tell the person you are dating your expectations, such as discussing abstaining from sexual intercourse before you find yourself in a sexual situation. If a person you are dating wants to go further sexually than you are willing, insist that the date and/or the relationship is over. If he/she won't leave, leave your date.

Warning signs - Being manipulated, verbally put down, pushed or slapped and kept isolated from other relationships are all signs of an abusive relationship.

He/She Likes Me?

How to Know If A Guy Really Likes Me?

Do you know if he likes you? The following actions are considered to be real message indicators.

He blushes and sweats because you intimidate him.
He stares at you.

He does things to deliberately gain your attention.
He stutters when he speaks to you.

His pupils dilate when you are up close and you see them..
He waits for you. He looks out for you.

He laughs at your jokes and like listen to you.
He teases you because he wants you to remember and notice him.

He listens to you and actually remembers little details.
He notices slight changes in your appearance.

He seems sad when you ignore him.
He seems jealous when you are with another guy.

His friends all know you when you don't know them.
He smiles back when you smile at him.

He often stares at you and when you catch him, he does that cute head turn, very fast.
He performs sweet acts for you. He defends and protects you. He tolerates you being mean to him.

How to Know If A Girl Really Likes Me?

How can you tell if a girl likes you or not? There are few little signs that girls often give off that can help you to judge how well you're doing. The following are the most obvious and telling.

She'll engage in elevated levels of direct eye contact when talking with you. She'll look more directly into your eyes and hold it a little longer than normal.
She laughs at anything you say.
Her crossed leg is pointed towards you or if that same leg is rocking back and forth towards you.

She raises or lowers the volume of her voice to match yours.

She rubs her chin or touches her cheek. This indicates that she's thinking about you and her relating in some way...

She winks at you while talking to you or winks at you from a distance.

She exposes the palms of her hand facing you.

She starts sitting straight up and her muscles appear to be firm.

She puts her fingernail between her teeth.

She laughs with you.

She touches your arm, shoulder, or hand while talking to you.

Plays with her jewelry, especially with stroking and pulling motions.

Big smiles with upper and lower teeth showing with a relaxed face.

Building Self Confidence for Men

Women are drawn in more towards men who are more confident than others. In the fierce competitive dating world, confidence is a sign of how successful or powerful a man is, as these two are part of the parameters that women look for in men.

But how does a guys develop self confidence? Is he supposed to be wealthy or have a great job? Is he supposed to be a celebrity or a powerful person? In reality, confidence is all about believing in yourself, believing in your positive qualities and in your potential. Here are some suggestions to make you gain more confidence.

Make your own space – Don't appear desperate by approaching every attractive woman you can find. When you're in a bar, just chill. Create your own “personal space” and just scan for that one single lady whom you find attractive.

Talk slow, deep, and affirmatively – Voice tone is an important indicator of your confidence level. Talking slow shows that you think before you speak, thereby saying things with confidence and affirmation. A deep voice adds the “masculine factor” in your voice, as women are in search for a male partner and not a male shopping buddy, if you know what I mean.

Radiate positive energy – As with every vital dating tip, smiling relieves tension off your body and off the conversation. Other positive body languages such as talking with open palms can make good impressions on your date.

Never panic – If the date doesn't go on as planned, don't panic. Don't feel uneasy, show signs that you are sweating, catch up on your words, and other downturn actions. In cases that your date turned you down, just relax, apologize, and leave your date. After all, she is not the only pretty girl in the bar.

Keep your focus – Remember your goal why you are looking for a date. It could either be you are in search for a relationship or a casual sex partner. In any case, remember not to deviate from your goal.

Do not fear anything – Breathe in deeply and imagine that you can do just about anything. Do not fear of being rejected once you approach a potential date. If you do get rejected, just keep your confidence, scan the bar again for other prospective dates.

Practice these tips daily, even beyond the dating scene, until they have become embedded in your subconscious. In that way, self confidence would become second nature to you.

Advanced Kissing Tips

Now you have read the basics of kissing and tried it on your date. It went well. In fact, it was awesome. However, is there a way of taking the kiss to the next level?

Yes, there is. And we are here to enumerate some of the best suggestions.

Don't feel icky about tasting your partner's lip gloss – The reason why some lips stick, lip gloss or chapsticks are flavored is because they are meant for kissing. Don't mind if you swallow some wax as you kiss your partner.

Use your sense of touch – As you kiss, make sure your hands are going around your partner's body. You can start on the neck, then going to the back of the head, going down to the shoulders, and the hips. You get the drift.

Close your eyes as you kiss – Closing your eyes as you kiss mean that you are letting your guard down as you accept your partner's intimacy. You can look at each other for a few seconds, just don't stare too much. That would be creepy.

Kiss other parts of the body – Aside from the lips, you can also kiss your partner through other parts of the body that have a high concentration of nerve endings like the neck, the eyes, the ears, chest, even underarms.

Don't lose your kissing – Kissing is an important aspect of a healthy romantic relationship. Don't settle down to the “companionship level” once you get comfortable towards each other as a couple. You need to maintain that level of intimacy as your relationship progress.

Incorporate kissing to your daily life – Greet your partner good morning with a peck on the cheek. Give her a smooch before she leaves for work. Then get a little intimate come bedtime with a petting on the neck.

Take advantage of your tongue – Don't just stick your tongue out when kissing. Make it explore around your partner's mouth, even going around some sensation spots that would make your partner feel really good.

Giggle as you kiss – Make kissing an enjoyable activity between the two of you. Smile before kissing, and giggle a little in between kisses. Don't overdo it though for your partner might mistaken it for some insult.

Overcoming Shyness

It is often very stressful to date or even try to date when you are shy. However, being shy is basically being afraid of rejection. You can transform yourself from the shy type to the confident person that you should be. The more confident you look, the better response you would get from people.

Stand straight – When standing, pull your stomach muscles in. Your spine would naturally align and your back is straightened. An erect stand is a sigh a confidence. Practice doing this in front of a mirror until it starts to look natural.

Do not cross your arms – The way your body poses tells something about yourself. Crossing your arms while sitting or listening to another person is a sign that you are defensive and shy. This can be stand-offish at times. Learn to avoid this mannerism to give your confidence a boost.

Make eye contact – When meeting people, it is best to look straight at them, focusing on the eyes and face. This does not mean that you are supposed to stare at their eyes, which can look frightening. Keep in mind to make your eyes “smile” by keeping a positive attitude when talking to other people.

Make the first move – Stand close enough to the other person to strike up a conversation. Catch their eye and smile briefly. If they smile back and make a direct eye contact, they are open to talking. Striking up a conversation first may be difficult at first, but would get used to it once more people talk to you and slowly building up your confidence.

Make yourself safe to talk to – When you meet someone you are interested in, be curious about this person. Ask open-ended questions (those that does not end on a yes-or-no answers) and create conversations out of mutual interests to keep the talk going.

Give a compliment – If you do not know how to start a conversation, a compliment is always acceptable. Make a truthful and personal compliment at the other person. However, steer clear from the obvious body parts and instead hone in on detail. Say something that make the other person proud, such as his or her laugh, positive attitude, or confidence among others.

Watch other people's reactions – You can tell if the other person is interested to you by the way he or she reacts towards you. If the person is happy to continue chatting with you, their smile would get wider, they would move closer and lean towards you. If they don't instantly drip with enthusiasm, don't worry because other people get nervous too.

Ask people out one after the other – A brief coffee or lunch usually works best for a first date. Start by chatting the the new person about the activity you are both participating in and then casually ask if the person would like to get together some other time.

How to Develop a Sense of Humor

A lot of girls look beyond the physical attraction in finding their ideal man. Besides, what's the use of good looks if you can't enjoy with the person? Sense of humor is vital in developing a great date, and eventually a great relationship.

When people come across with people with a good sense of humor, people tend to feel comfortable with them and find it even easier to approach and converse with them. Sense of humor builds much-needed rapport and a certain level of trust.

But just how does one develop a sense of humor? Is it something innate or that can be learned? Read these great tips to find out.

Create your own humor library – Start by collecting humorous and light-hearted books, comics, and even DVDs of TV shows or movies that give you a healthy laugh. You can use these either as tools to help you lighten up and get de-stressed, or as references when trying to woo your date with funny (and not cheesy) jokes and one-liners.

Visit the library everyday – Refer to your humor library everyday to build up your sense of humor. The fact that you are laughing at some jokes is a good start. Visiting the humor library is more essential before your date in order to eliminate any stress or nervousness that you have accumulated lately. It is best to go on to your date with a happy mind and a laughing heart.

Surround yourself with people who make you laugh – Do you have a funny relative, friend, or neighbor? Then hang out with them more often. The people around you could influence your personality. Check out your local area if there are “laughing clubs” that you can join. Getting laughter and humor from other people somehow enables you to share that laughter to others, especially your date.

Enjoy at least 10 laughs a day – We don't count our laughs by the number of “ha's” we can create in a laugh, but on how many times we have a good, hearty laugh. It is recommended that we should have at least 10 laughs a day not only to develop your sense of humor, but to have good health as well.

Poke fun at yourself – Self-effacing humor, where you tend to poke fun at yourself, can also signify to your date that you are a relaxed person, that you do not get angry easily in times of stress. However, it is best not to do too much of it during your date, as your date may not find some of the qualities you are making fun off as attractive.

Basic Kissing

A simple kiss can actually have different meaning. It could be friendly, romantic, affectionate, or passionate. What's important is that every time you kiss, you have to make sure that it is satisfying on both parties.

But before you pucker up your lips and start learning about the art of kissing, it is best that you learn some basic guidelines as your first base.

Kissing more than just touching lips – Kissing doesn't not only entail the touching of each other's lips. This experience actually involves touch, taste, and even smell. The touching of lips stimulates you and your partner's nerve endings, sending sensations throughout the body, not to mention couple's tendency to caress each other. A great kiss should also be void of bad breath and other distracting taste that you may sense. So before kissing, make sure that you popped a breath mint and offer it to your partner as well.

Practice first – You don't just go into something that you have absolutely no idea about. Before going on a date, it is best to practice how you should kiss to avoid embarrassment on your part. You could start with practicing with an inaminate object, kissing your hand, playing with a lollipop or eating ice cream on a cone. Also, consider watching romantic movies and see how couples kiss.

Expect a kiss, so be prepared beforehand – When you are on a date, or when your partner is about to approach you, expect some lip locking to ensue. Before that happens, make sure that your teeth are brushed, your mouth is clean, and your lips are moisturize. However, don't be too obvious about popping a mint or applying lip gloss as your date goes for a kiss. A little “bite and lick” on the lips would do just fine.

Look before kissing – A passionate kiss begins with an intimate stare into your partner's eyes. Gaze for a few seconds before closing your eyes. Then, lean forward and let your instincts take over.

Remember to pause – Once you have landed a soft kiss on the lips of your date, hold back a little. Relish the sensation it makes in your body, think about how it makes you feel good. Look into the eyes of your date for a few seconds, then close your eyes once again as you lean forward for a longer, more passionate kiss.

Keep your lips slightly parted as you kiss – Kissing with your mouth closed is not cool. It makes your lips stiff and it certainly looks “one-way,” even rude. Also, make sure that your lips are soft, moist, and warm as you kiss.

Keep your body in flow – Doesn't it fell awkward when you and your date bump heads while kissing? When kissing, open up your body by putting your hands on your partner's back, hips or shoulders. Also make sure to keep the distance close, and tilt your head as you go for a more intimate kiss.

A perfect kiss is firm, but tender – To make this trick work, imagine yourself softly eating a mango as you kiss your date. Approach the kiss with a little force from your mouth. Pout your lips as you close them, then open them again as you continue kissing.

Kiss with genuine intimacy – A kiss is something that you cannot fake. You may say that you are attracted to your partner, but the kiss says otherwise.

Dealing with Fear of Intimacy

The fear of getting intimate does not only have to do with the fear of holding your partner's hand or the uneasy feeling when he or she would rub your skin. It also involves dealing with co-workers, family members, friends, and even yourself.

Signs that indicate that you probably have a case of intimacy anxiety include the following:

• Getting busy all the time.
• Pointing an accusatory finger outward, judging other people instead of looking within.
• Displaying anger or hostility towards other people.
• Use of cutting and sarcastic remarks that are supposedly meant to be humorous.
• Being sexual yet closing down connections or chemistry.
• Adopting a superior attitude.

How do you know when to move past the fear and open yourself further into the relationship, or when to use your fear as a signal that being intimate in your relationship is not very wise?