Relationship
Some signs he wants a future with you (final)
He genuinely feels lucky to have you
If a guy wants to marry you, you will notice that he genuinely feels blessed and lucky to have you. By this, I don’t mean him telling you this with words, and I’m talking about the actions here. You will notice how grateful he is to have you in his life. He will send this message across by treating you exceptionally well, like he is afraid to lose you. If he constantly makes an effort to impress you even though you are already head over heels for him, this means that he thinks you’re out of his league and you can do so much better than him, and he wants to marry you, but in reality, he isn’t the only lucky one. You’ve found yourself a keeper and reciprocate his efforts on your own because what both of you have is beautiful. Show him that you feel the same and that you’re in it for the long run too.
He makes an effort to impress your parents
Know that your boyfriend is dead serious about you when he plays all his cards to get the approval of your family even though you’ve told him dozens of times that their consent isn’t necessary. Even though he is already aware of the fact that you’ll still be with him despite your family’s opinions of him, he’d still want to get their approval because deep down, he knows that you will be happier that way. This is why, if he goes out of the way and tries his hardest to get your family to like him, he’s in it for the long run and definitely sees you when he thinks about growing old with someone. Don’t let this one slip away girl! There are very few cases when families oppose their children’s choice, but such families exist even in this day and age.
He introduces you to anyone and everyone
Guys don’t introduce every girl they are just dating to their circles. If they aren’t severe, they prefer keeping the relationship under wraps. If your boyfriend doesn’t miss any opportunity to introduce you to people around him, this means he’s proud of you, he likes showing his girl off, and he’s sending out the message that you’re here to stay. This one is definitely a sign which means that your boyfriend may as well be planning a future with you.
Source: www.dreamyhub.com
Relationship
Tips on building and maintaining healthy relationships
When you commit to taking up a new habit, it is essential to have a clear plan of action before you begin. Start with a long-term goal and keep it S.M.A.R.T: S- Specific M-Measurable A- Achievable R-Relevant and T- Timely
Habit Stacking
Habit Stacking is exactly what it sounds like: putting two or more habits together. We recommend choosing times of the day when routines are strongest. For most people, this is usually the morning or before bed. We know day-to-day life can get a little crazy, but there are certain times when patterns are created, making them the perfect place for a positive change.
The best way to form a new habit is to tie it in with an existing one.
Baby steps
Many experts agree that significant changes require high motivation levels, which can be hard to sustain. Instead, you should start with a slight change that will eventually lead to something bigger.
You can transition to something bigger once you have successfully implemented daily habits for a designated amount of time.
Consistency
Consistency is key. To make something a habit, you need to do it every day. We have all heard the magic ‘21 day’ fix, but the fact of the matter is, it’s not one size fits all.
Celebrate success
Perhaps the most important part of habit-making is rewarding yourself. We know habits take time, but in order to not give up, you need to celebrate every win.
Find the thing you love and allow yourself to experience it once you’ve hit a milestone on your habit-forming journey. Sometimes, the results of habits are not immediately apparent. Do not give up!
Relationship
How to deal with anxiety and uncertainty in relationships
Whether you have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or are simply going through a stressful period, everyone needs a little motivation every now and then, particularly in relationships.
These are three coping skills and strategies that can help you defeat anxiety in your relationship.
1. Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is a simple technique that is excellent for managing emotions. Not only is deep breathing effective, it is also discreet and easy to use at any time or place.
Sit comfortably and place one hand on your abdomen. Breathe in through your nose, deeply enough that the hand on your abdomen rises. Hold the air in your lungs, and then exhale slowly through your mouth, with your lips puckered as if you are blowing through a straw. The secret is to go slow: Time the inhalation (4’s), pause (4’s), and exhalation (6’s). Practice for 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Examine Your Thoughts
For instance, the thoughts that “something bad will happen” or “I will make a mistake” might lack evidence, but still have an impact on how you feel.
By examining the evidence and challenging these thoughts, you can reduce anxiety.
Put thoughts on trial. Choose a thought that has contributed to your relationship anxiety. Gather evidence in support of your thought (verifiable facts only), and against your thought. Compare the evidence and determine whether your thought is accurate or not.
Ask yourself:
“Is my thought based on facts or feelings?”
“How would my partner or best friend see this situation?”
“How likely is it that my fear will come true?”
“What’s most likely to happen?”
“If my fear comes true, will it still matter in a week? A month? A year?”
3. Imagery (Positive Imagination)
Your thoughts have the power to change how you feel. If you think of something sad, it is likely you will start to feel sad. The opposite is also true: When you think of something positive and calming, you feel relaxed. The imagery technique harnesses this power to reduce anxiety.
Think of a place that you find comforting. It could be a secluded beach, your bedroom, a quiet mountaintop, your prayer closet, or even a loud gospel concert. For 5 to 10 minutes, use all your senses to imagine this setting in great detail. Do not think fleetingly about this place; really imagine it.
(PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7)
“6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
#QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.
—Charles Spurgeon
To be continued …
Source: Excerpts from “HOW TO MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR COURTSHIP: Building a Strong Foundation for Your Marriage” Book by REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI (Psychotherapist, Lecturer, Author, and Marriage Therapist).
COUNSELOR PRINCE & ASSOCIATES CONSULT (CPAC COUNSELLOR TRAINING INSTITUTE)
