Relationship
How to make your home more romantic
You don’t always need to go outside your home for a romantic getaway. You can create a more romantic home that can remind you of the love that you share with each other each passing day.
In this article, we share some best design tips to help create a more romantic home from your bedroom and beyond.
Declutter
This is not the most enjoyable chore for many people. However, nothing kills romance faster than clutter. So if you’re really bent on creating a more romantic abode, then your piles of random things on the various surfaces around your home should be the first things to go.
Decluttering will free up more space for you to add other decorative elements. Once you’re done decluttering, yon can now move on to feature your favourite home interior accessories to achieve that romantic look.
Lighting
Lighting can drastically change the look and mood of your home in an instant. The warmer and dimmer the lights the more intimate it will feel, and thus, more romantic.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lighting pieces that match your style. However, creative lighting does not mean you should settle for the types beyond your budget. Try to keep it simple but significant.
Wall Art
Another decorative element that can definitely set the mood in any interior space is wall art. It may be ideal to use photos taken during particularly memorable moments in your relationship such as your wedding or first date.
You may as well choose memorable words such as a favourite line from your vows or an inside joke that only the two of you share.
Cushion Covers
It is said that the more pillows you have, the more cuddling opportunities you’ll get. However, a pile of plain pillows can easily get boring. Hence, dress them up with stylish cushion covers. Choose soft colours in interesting textures over bright-coloured colours and patterns. And pile them together with layers of cozy blankets.
Candles
Candles are usually categorised under lighting but they can stand alone as another kind of decorative element. Scented ones can add up to the romance factor. Sweet, sugary scents like cinnamon, and vanilla are but a few of the options available.
Flowers
Natural flowers such as red roses symbolise love, passion, and romance. There’s a reason roses are given during Valentine’s Day. Other flowers are fluffy, delicate, and stunning and may be perfect for keeping things more ‘personal and intimate.’
Indeed some cultures consider certain kinds of flowers a good luck charm. It wouldn’t hurt to have that ‘extra luck’ around if you’re about to have a romantic dinner to patch things up.
Apart from their beautiful and natural outlook, flowers are considered a symbol of attraction and could go a long way to spice up the romantic atmosphere at home.
In conclusion, it must be emphasised that keeping your home neat and tidy is the first step towards creating a more romantic atmosphere at home.
Choose home accessories that show elegance but in more subdued colours and patterns. And remember that candles are more than just pieces for mood lighting. Their scent can stimulate the senses and create and add passion to any home. The same applies to flowers.
Relationship
When the tides change (Pt. 2)
Psst! Psst! Lean in closer… closer! Now listen, silence is golden, or so they say.
But when the Tale Bearer arrives with news from yonder, that golden silence suddenly turns into a shiny distraction you cannot ignore. So here I am, bearing tales from the gods, hot, fresh and ready for your ears!
Have you heard? Wonder Boy’s new status has him soaking wet like a sponge at a waterpark. And, oh boy, is he loving it! Ehem! Now, he is serenading us with a tune that has gotten us laughing and jeering mockingly ‘Johnny Just Come’, Johnny just come. Hehehe!
Who knew the rulers of the mighty kingdom of Umofia are living it up like royalty, while the rest of us are out here playing catch-up with life? Ah, life, the greatest comedian, always leaving us laughing, but with tears in our eyes.
Come to think of it, Umofians, the gods are clearly watching over us and this is their way of saying ‘wake up, Umofians! ‘He who does not see the clouds cannot predict the rain’. Well the clouds are gathering, pay ye heed.
Now, tell me, if our rulers have managed to build themselves a palace in the sky, should we, the children of Umofia, not ask for our fair share of the clouds? Should we not demand our own seat among the stars? Who knows, perhaps soon we shall all be sipping palm wine under the shade, enjoying the breeze together as equals.
Honourable Wonder Boy, if you think you are too small to make a difference, try spending the night with a mosquito. We the Umofians gave you a seat at the table of the rulers to speak on our behalf because we believe in you.
A word to the wise is enough, now show us you are not just another ‘Johnny Just Come, but the one who can stir the pot and serve justice hot! This is your moment, do not let it pass you by!
Tell your people that Umofians gave them the power, they should remember; power is like salt—use it too much, and it will spoil the whole food. Tell them oo, the people can snatch the power back quicker than a hare can outrun a tortoise.
Ah well! My elders always say, “Home affairs are best kept behind closed doors, not shouted from the public square.” So, I shall take my leave now before I turn into the village crier.
Until next time, keep your ears open.
With Eyram, the Tale bearer.
Relationship
Preparation for your marriage ceremony
A wedding day is one that many dream of—a day filled with love, joy, and excitement as two people commit to a shared future. Yet, the importance of this day goes far beyond the flowers, the venue, or even the vows.
As thrilling as it may be, a wedding is the start of a lifelong journey, not a one-day event.
Before this life-changing commitment, pause. Reflect on your reasons for marrying. Ensure you’re as ready for the marriage as for the wedding. The ceremony is beautiful, but it’s just the beginning.
This chapter will outline steps to guide you. They will help you plan a wonderful wedding. They will also prepare you for your marriage and the adventure ahead.
With divorce rates high in many parts of the world, it’s more important than ever to make intentional and thoughtful preparations for marriage. These steps aim to show you the way. They cover your relationship from its start to the wedding and beyond.
Practical Steps for Preparing for Your Marriage and Wedding Day
Let’s break down preparing for marriage into actionable tips. They will assist both your wedding day and, more importantly, your future marriage.
- Clarify Your Personal Intentions and Expectations
Take the time to understand why you want to get married. Reflect on questions such as, “What does marriage mean to me?” and “What kind of partner do I want to be?”
Make sure your reasons for marriage go beyond a desire for companionship or society’s expectations. They should align with deeper values.
- Set Aside Time for Pre-Marital Counselling
Consider participating in pre-marital counselling sessions. As a marriage and family therapist, I know that counselling offers a safe space. It can help address conflicts, discuss family backgrounds, and develop key communication tools for the future.
- Communicate Openly About Expectations for Married Life
Discuss your expectations of your roles in the marriage. Talk about financial goals, family dynamics, and career aspirations. Also, consider other factors that could affect your relationship. Open communication helps prevent misunderstandings down the line. Clear communication today builds trust for tomorrow.
- Align Financial Goals and Habits
Talk about financial matters, including income, spending habits, saving strategies, and financial goals. Money issues often cause marital conflict. So, build transparency and teamwork in this area.
- Plan for Practicalities Together
Deliberate on living arrangements, daily routines, and other practical aspects of married life. Decide together how household responsibilities will be shared. These actionable conversations help establish routines and expectations that will benefit you both.
- Establish Boundaries with Extended Family Members
Define healthy boundaries for your interactions with family and their involvement in your lives. Setting boundaries early on will help prevent tension with in-laws or extended family, a common issue in marriage.
- Create a Shared Vision for the Future
Spend time talking about the vision you have for your life together. Develop a “relationship mission statement” that expresses your shared values, goals, and dreams. This vision will act as a strategic guide for your marriage. A strong marriage is built on a shared vision, not just shared experiences.
To be continued …
Source: Excerpts from ‘Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage’ Book by REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI (Psychotherapist, Lecturer, and Marriage Therapist). ORDER BOOK NOW: https://selar.co/preparing-for-a-happy-and-fulfilling-marriage
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COUNSELOR PRINCE & ASSOCIATES CONSULT (CPAC COUNSELLOR TRAINING INSTITUTE)
