Monday, January 31, 2011

BALANCING your RELATIONSHIP


  Congratulations you are in a relationship!  You have made the effort to meet a lot of people and now the "boyfriend" has finally arrived.  However, this is only the beginning of a journey that will keep evolving.  Just because you have someone in your life doesn't mean that your life STOPS.  Remember that you have a built a WHOLE life before he showed up and maintaining your interests is part of having a healthy and solid relationship with him and with yourself.  Taking care of yourself in cultivating friendships, career, family and outside activities are still as important as when you were single. 

If you are in a healthy relationship , you will find that balancing your personal lifestyle is a breeze.  It's a wonderful thing to spend a lot of time with your boyfriend, yet you will find that if you don't do the things that make you happy, your relationship could suffer.  The "honeymoon" phase of a new relationship comes and goes in a flash.  Making your life interesting and full plays a vital role in making your relationship more vibrant.

 Remembering your friendships are imperative.  Keep growing your relationships with your single friends.  Just because you are in a relationship and some of your friends may be single doesn't mean that you can't continue to hang out with your girlfriends.  I am sure your new found love has friends that he wants to catch up with and making the time to see your friends will make you feel good too!  Of course, going out with couples is another wonderful idea as well because being around other healthy couples and being social adds more sizzle to your love life. Being social and spending time with your "beau"  will keep your relationship in check. 

Keeping your personal goals in line at work is also imperative.  Staying focused on the job can sometimes be challenging when entering a new relationship, but you will find that the more you succeed at work and taking care of your responsibilities will help you stay balanced and in control with a new man in  your life.  Remember that your life is still your life and developing your career is part of what will ultimately make "you" happy at the end of the day. 

Never forget the hobbies!  If you went to the gym before, stay active!  If you took tango lessons before you met your guy, keep dancing!  All of these things is why your special guy fell in love with you in the first place.  Finding your "ZEN" in a relationship will secure and promote your relationship with him and with yourself in the future.  Keep loving yourself and he will love you MORE!

Friday, January 28, 2011

"Dating the Dads"

  Deciding to plunge into a relationship with a man who has children is never an easy decision.  Not only are you dating the guy but you are also in a relationship with the kids (and possibly the x-wife.)
  The advantage to dating a good father is that he most likely is a caretaker, which works to your benefit because he might be more sensitive to your needs.  However, on the flip side, a man with a family will have to divide himself between you, the kids and his job. 
  Usually this dynamic works better when the woman has children too because a woman with kids will be more empathetic to a divorced family man.  Yet, you would be surprised to hear that most "dating dads" prefer to date women without kids.  Most of these guys love their children but enjoy the ability to go out and focus on their careers.  Seeing their family at whatever schedule is worked out, gives them the freedom to enjoy their independence.  In some cases they won't want to take on a woman with children because it limits their ability to feel free and they will have to take on the father role with the woman's kids. 
  If you are single girl without children getting into a relationship with a "Dad," it is best to be sure that this man is secure emotionally and financially. Having a balanced and healthy relationship in a world where "you" will always be compromising on some level is the only way to have a happy life together.
   Go in with your "eyes open" and never make excuses for anything that doesn't make you feel 100 percent comfortable.  Remember that you are "baggage-free" (as far as having no kids :D) and need to see if you can fully fit into his world.  My advice is to spend time with the children, if you are at that point.  It is the only way you will ever know if you are capable of handling a man and his kids.
 Ultimately deciding that you can't date with a man with children doesn't make you a failure.  It's about recognizing who you are, your desires and your limitations.  The more you get to know yourself brings you closer to the person you are supposed to be with and you should be congratulated on knowing what you want!  XO!