David Zinczenko talks about what we ideally want out of a relationship and then what happens when reality hits. Here’s a little bit of his article:

Expectation: Wild Nights, Sleepy Days
Reality: Wild Days, Sleepy Nights

The joys of dating: Party all night, then lounge around during the day in anticipation of the night ahead. Of course, the initial excitement - about an impending date on the town or a friendly tussle in the bedroom - is one of the main engines that drives the relationship early on.

That power source will wind down a bit once commitment sets in and routine takes over. Fight the impulse to pull away when you start to feel this relationship shift; spending time with a romantic partner can curb work-related stress and lower blood pressure, according to researchers at the University of North Carolina.

The most successful couples are the ones who are able to adapt to the fact that crazy work days, the stress of life, and the daily grind of reality will become a stronger force than all-night talks under the stars.

Click here and you can read his entire article.

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/menlovesex/68576/do-you-expect-too-much-from-your-relationship/

“We love because it’s the only true adventure.” — Nikki Giovanni

“Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of joy, you must have somebody to divide it with.” — Mark Twain

“You don’t love a woman because she’s beautiful; she is beautiful because you love her.” — Anonymous

“Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.” — Zora Neale Hurston

“Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence.” — Erich Fromm

“Be generous in the bedroom. Share your sandwich.” — Homer Simpson

Rather than giving each other gifts, how about doing something together? Here’s five romantic gift ideas for the special person in your life.

1. Make your own candle kit. You’ll pour the candle wax, watch it dry, and then let the sparks fly over a candlelight dinner for two.

2. Massage for two. Make an appointment at your local day spa to learn the latest massage techniques. You’ll learn tips that will relax each other for years to come.

3. Chocolate supreme. Make an ice cream sundae together with loads of chocolate sauce. Pretty soon you’ll be feeding each other this tasty treat and kissing the night away.

4. Weekend getaway. Leave the laptop and blackberry behind and create a weekend for just the two of you.

5. Couples Photo Album. Go to your local photo studio and take a series of romantic poses together.

Use these tips to achieve a stress free get away:

1. Go at least one area code away.

2. Choose a location that fits your vacation style — a city if you need to keep busy, the country if you like to slow down.

3. Consider the size of the bed and breakfast. Do you want to be the only guests in a small inn or be part of the crowd at larger inn?

4. Let the innkeepers know why you’re coming. Many will put in a litle extra effort to help make your stay even better.

5. Make a deal with your traveling partner that work-related conversation is off-limits.

6. Leave behind your cell phone, laptop computer and beeper. If you just can’t leave them behind, bribe the innkeeper to keep them so you aren’t checking them constantly!

7. Bring along a personal project. Something you’ve wanted to finish for a long time (a book, cross-stitch project, etc.).

8. Bring a board game or two in case it rains and you wind up being stuck inside the bed and breakfast.

9. Remind yourself that everything at work (or at home) will go smoothly without you.

10. Afternoon naps can be quite effective at shutting out the worries of the world.

If you’re looking for a way to keep the romance in your relationship, then follow our hints and tips below to let your partner know just how much you care!

Buy tickets to their favorite kind of film. Whether it be science fiction, romance or a thriller, by showing willingness to compromise you will not only gain their respect, but you’ll get to see exactly what you want next time you go to the cinema!

Check in the TV guide when your partner’s favorite program is on and put it on before they ask, even if you hate it!

Book a hotel or bed and breakfast at their favorite place and keep them blindfolded until you get there. Spend the day doing exactly what they want. A day of dedicated pleasure is priceless!

If you haven’t much money, prepare a picnic of all their favorite food and drink and take them somewhere you can be alone. Even if it’s just your room with the door locked, light some candles and play some romantic music and enjoy the time together.

Buy your partner flowers. Men enjoy receiving flowers as much as women so pick out a bunch that mean what you want to say.

Just as your partner leaves for a night out with their friends, give them the most passionate kiss you’ve ever given them. They’ll spend the whole night thinking about you and wishing they were at home with you!

When you know your partner has had a particularly tiring day run them a bubble bath, pour them a drink and warm them a towel. To give them an extra relaxing experience, offer to cook dinner or wash up - this will guarantee a place in their good books!

Offer to read your partner a chapter of the book they are currently reading. Make sure the lights are dimmed and you’re both snuggled up in bed, just be careful not to fall asleep!