Bumping into your Ex.. Now What?

Have you ever run into your ex-significant other unexpectedly? It's definitely happened to me! What do you end up doing in that split moment?

When it has happened to me, it caught me off-guard. Once a relationship ends, I do not end up on talking terms with my ex-relationships. My last relationship ended on an okay note but something happened that made it horrible and that ended on bad terms due to insecurities with his new fling. I ended up running into him at a party in our college town but we didn’t end up speaking to each other. It was a bit awkward and I literally saw him walk in, see me, turned around trying to avoid me, and ended up walking really quickly past me. I expected nothing less but I didn’t know what else to do either!

So what would you advise someone to do if they run into their ex-relationship? My personal advice: keep it classy, cool and short. There’s no better revenge than seeming cool, calm and collected when running into your ex-relationship! Even if you are boiling with anger at seeing your ex-relationship on a date with another person or full of awkwardness, keep it inside and don’t lose your cool! 

Busy Bee... But Too Busy for You??

Relationships require hard work! There's always that one couple that seems "perfect" to everyone- doesn't get into arguments, both lead seemingly "perfect" lives, amazing connection!

However, I honestly believe that no matter what, relationships take a lot of hard work to keep one going. Both partners in the relationship need to put in effort, not one over the other. Sometimes one may feel that he or she is giving more in the relationship but that hopefully is not the real case with the relationship. Otherwise, it may be time for a talk.

Another scenario: Peter is currently immersed in his life: school, work, sports, social life. His girlfriend, Mary, currently feels that she is being a bit left out of his life. She understands that Peter is busy and the fact that they both go to different schools doesn't really help because of the short distance. However, she feels that he squeezes her in his schedule whenever it is convenient for him rather than for the both of them. She just wants him to put aside a few minutes at the beginning or end of the day so they can talk about their day or anything... any reassurance that their relationship and connection is still the same. She doesn't know whether or not to express this to him or just to hide her feelings and stick it out. What should she do?

My personal opinion is that she should talk to Peter about it! I have been through this certain experience before and if I had hid my feelings, I might have just bottled it up until one day it burst out and made the situation worse than I intended. I think tone and reasoning are extremely important in this situation because if handled in the wrong way, Peter may take Mary's feelings in the wrong way and take the situation in the way that Mary is being too sensitive and wanting Peter to take on less things in his life and spend it with her instead. However, Mary also has to realize that she has to find the line between being too sensitive and actually justifying her emotions. If she is able to convey that she understands that he is busy with his commitments but asks that he put aside 5 minutes at the end of the day to catch up and say good night to each other with him understanding that she is only trying to help their relationship, it will hopefully end well for the both of them. (Compromise always works well!)

What's your opinion? Do you agree or disagree with my handling of the situation? Have you been through this before?

Did You Know About This??

Today I bring you some more shockers about dating and relationships!

Some not so shocking but interesting data:
1) Couples usually wait around 6-8 dates until they are both willing to enter into a monogamous and exclusive relationship. I agree with this. However, people do enter into relationships within maybe 2 dates but each person rolls their own way, right? I can completely agree that this seems average though.
2) The most common time for a break-up of a relationship is around 3-5 months. I also agree with this. A good amount of relationships end up being over after the "honeymoon period" where one person in the relationship may start getting annoyed with the other's habits that they may have glossed over before. There are also other reasons of course.
3) 92% of single parents would rather date other single parents instead of singles. Honestly, if I was a single parent, I would also want to date another single parent. I just feel like the other person would understand what I have been through or am going through. There's also always that chance that if the person I was dating, hadn't mentioned that they did not want or like children. There is no future in that and ends up being a waste of time for the both of you.

Here comes the shockers:
1) 33% of online daters form a relationship, 33% do not end up in a relationship and 33% end up giving up. Those numbers made my eyes open wide... also the fact that all the numbers are 33%. However, those numbers also seem plausible as well. It makes me sad that some people could end up with nothing though.
2) There are 95.9 million unmarried people in the United States. 47% of that 95.9 million are men and 53% are women. Nothing to say except that 95.9 million is a whole lot of people.
3) If you want to create an instant link with a date, say his or her name at least twice in the conversation. It will show that you are paying attention to your date and flatters the other person.
4) HOT DEBATE: What is the appropriate time to call after you meet someone? It is usually 2-4 days but does not go beyond 4-5 days. However, calling too soon can seem desperate but calling too late can seem like you're playing a game.

What do you think? I honestly thought the factual data was interesting but found it relatively true and not-so-shocking. I also found the shockers actually surprising. I agree that #4 is a hot debate between people though... I personally prefer for a man to call me sooner than later but to each their own right?

Friends, Friends with Benefits, or Friends Zoned?

We've all heard about friends with benefits and being friend zoned, right?!

For a movie example concerning friends with benefits, let's take "Friends With Benefits" starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis. It was a hilarious rom-com (aka romantic comedy) and tugged at our heartstrings when Timberlake rejected the idea of him being with Kunis with her overhearing it. Do you believe that you could be in a strictly friends-with-benefits relationship?

I know that people say they are satisfied with a "hook-up only" relationship with no strings attached. No cuddling, no having to commit, no "real" relationship. However, a lot of these friends-with-benefits-only relationships end up with one person having feelings for the other but the other person may not reciprocate the same feelings, ending up with hurt feelings and a damaged relationship. This may not be the case for everything but rarely have I seen a friends-with-benefits relationship that has yet to work out but then again, not many friends of mines have done just a friends-with-benefits relationship.

On the other hand, I've seen a million and one of my friends get friend zoned. It's really hard once you get into that area to get out of it. It stinks that one person works up the courage to tell their friend that he or she has feelings but the feelings are not reciprocated as well. Some people just keep hoping and wishing that maybe someday, their feelings will be the same for each other. However, when is the time to either move on or to keep hoping? There is no real answer that I can give you; if you two are friends and happy, then that's what you should remain with for now. It may or may not happen but if it is supposed to, then it will. Sooner or later, you never know but everything about being friend zoned is unpredictable!

We're Back & Better Than Ever!

Hello my Blogspot people!

For your enjoyment, we will be having this blog up as well as our blog on our website (<-- click to go there!). There will be different reading material on each one so visit both to learn! ;)

To welcome you back, I just wanted to ask: did you know? I learned some interesting facts from the Internet about dating and relationships so I'm going to share them!

1) The most common time for a relationship to break up is between 3 to 5 months. Not too surprising to me honestly... from my experience, a good number of couples end up breaking it off after their "honeymoon phase" slowly dwindles down.
2) MSNBC.com and Elle Magazine collaborated on a survey and discovered that more than 31% of men confessed to breaking it off with an overweight partner. This compared to 12% of women that confessed to doing the same thing... a bit shocking but definitely an shake of my head for me. Appearances do have power in the relationship.
3) Wear blue! If a man cannot decide what to wear when going on a date, wear blue if in doubt. Studies have shown that women are attracted to men that wear blue. I love blue so it works in my favor! Blue is also an attractive color for both men and women, albeit not the only color.
4) A matchmaker in Manhattan charges $20,000 as a starter. If the match is successful and ends up in marriage, a bonus is expected. What?! A good chunk of people make less than that a year... reminds me of the millionaire matchmaker though.
5) Dating was started from a courtship ritual where young women entertained male callers under a chaperone's watch during the 20th century. Later on by the 1960s to 1970s, dating was replaced by "hooking up", considering the standard/socially acceptable age for marriage started increasing. It sounds a bit sleazy to me but I also appreciate the fact that women were finally given the right of marrying whenever they wanted to, rather than at 16 years old like back in the past.

So did some facts shock you? I can tell you that I learned a couple of new things from this!

HAPPY LAUNCH DAY!

We have finally officially launched!! Please come celebrate with us at FeaturedDate.com!

P.S. Check out the prices! ;) Hint, hint.

Since we have officially launched, I'll be writing at the blog on that website. Just go visit the website and click on the "Blog" tab to read my ramblings on relationships. Thanks for being readers of this blog and I hope you continue to do so. :)

VISIT US AT FEATUREDDATE.COM !!

What are some turn-offs and turn-ons of pursuing a possible relationship with someone?

I know some people are picky about what type of person they want to get involved with. There’s someone looking for a quick, no strings attached hookup. There’s another person who wants to have a boyfriend but not even trying to look ahead to the distant future. Then there’s another person who wants to find true love and can’t wait to start thinking about the future, what house to live in, and how many children to have.

What are some turn-ons and turn-offs that you have from approaching somebody? Looking online, some top female turn-ons* are: 1) a man who can make you feel like a woman (respect is a big turn-on- a man who can respect a woman and appreciate her for who she is), 2) a man who is not afraid to take charge (mental, physical or spiritual strength), 3) a successful man (needs to be able to support himself and his family; ambitious, passionate and confident!), 4) a man with a brain, a sense of humor and can hold a conversation (smart, funny, intellectually challenging!). Some top male turn-ons** are: 1) women who leave something to the imagination (women who maintain a certain degree class are more attractive than women who bare and share everything), 2) has a strong sense of self-esteem (women who can think for herself, believe in herself and has the confidence to speak her mind), 3) loves her body (confidence! Men love a woman who appreciate what she has and isn’t afraid to show it. Embrace your body!), and 4) independent women (self-sufficient, can have fun, not needy. You can live your own life and share with your man!).

Be confident, be smart. Be able to laugh at yourself! Love yourself because you are who you are meant to be. Remember that you do not need someone to feel completed, but you want someone who will love you for who you are and only make life better.

*For more top female turn-ons, visit: http://socyberty.com/sexuality/top-10-female-turn-ons/
**For more top male turn-ons, visit: http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/top-10-male-turn-ons-77.html

TGIF!

TGIF, everyone!

Just a reminder that the contest is still on! Any memory or story will enter you in the contest. Even a short sentence or two is acceptable. Don't be shy! You could be the one to win a special prize. :)

Lately, I've been thinking about high school friends and college friends. Has anyone ever heard that you don't keep your high school friends but you keep the friends you make in college? I know that I mostly hang out with my friends from college now but I still try to keep in touch with a few select high school friends. Of course I see middle school and high school friends around my home city but it's mostly small talk and saying hello when we do bump into each other. One of my friends is leaving to go back to Socal after finishing her last quarter. This made me nostalgic and reminiscing about certain times and places. I do miss college sometimes... just not the schoolwork. The great professors, hanging out with friends, getting swiped into the dining hall, living on your own with roommates/housemates... Good times!

Have you had a significant other in college but had to part ways because of distance and/or location? Story of my life for my last ex... share any stories you have! It's definitely interesting to hear what other people have to say about college relationships... especially mines, haha.

Stay warm and drive safely! Just don't drive as slow as a snail... people get angry quick!

Special present for you!

Wednesday... the dreaded hump day of the week. Along with the rain coming down (not at this moment but for the next few days!), it looks gloomy outside. Just remember the Christmas cheer in the air! :)

Tonight, I have a special surprise for my fellow blog readers.

Whoever leaves a comment with a fun/inspiring/random story about you and a loved one (a significant other) during a rainy day can be qualified to get a free online gift that was exclusively only sent out to our email list! Leave your email and name along with your story. Excited to read what you share! :)

BTW, we'll also have a surprise coming fast at you soon! Get ready for it. ;)

Christmas is coming...

Thanksgiving just passed but it's almost time for my favorite time of the year -- Christmas!! I love the Christmas songs that start playing on the radio (judge me all you want but Justin Bieber's Christmas album from last year is so good), the Starbucks red holiday cups, the cold weather and Christmas cheer in the air. Friends on winter break, annual Christmas traditions, exchanging presents and being thankful every time. Can you believe that it's almost 2013?? Cliche, but I remember the end of 2012 like it was yesterday.

So what's your favorite thing to do during this time of year? Do you have a favorite memory?? For me, one of my favorite memories is this annual Christmas gathering my friends and I have done for the past 3 years, this year being the 4th time. Even though it's different every year, it's nice to have something that has been here so long. Every person has definitely changed- grown up, gone somewhere else for college, hangs out with other people now but we come together this one time of the year and just hang out like we did before years ago. I'm grateful for the people who still attend and I get to see them one of the few times of the year. It's just good fun!

My other favorite thing is when my family and I travel somewhere during Christmas. For the last few years, we've gone to Reno/Tahoe where we usually go skiing or another snow-related activity (we've done dog sledding and snowmobiling!). I'm not sure what we will do this year but Disneyland or Florida have been thrown in the mix!!

One favorite thing I've done with a significant other has just been lie in bed and relax while watching movies on TV. The usual snacks and everything, and then waking up the next morning to exchange gifts. Sounds a little boring but honestly, the simple pleasures in life are sometimes the most rewarding.

So what are some of your stories/memories?? Love and cheer in the air!

Favorite thing to do with a significant other

Happy #smallbusinessSaturday ! Support small, support local and support your small businesses. :) Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! There's still some leftovers in my fridge... so much food!
How was your Black Friday? I thought it was a little much this year, considering that Great Mall opened at 10 PM rather than the usual 12 AM, and Target opened at 9 PM (the Target in Cupertino opened at 6 PM!!).. shoppers went crazy. My friends and I went to the mall a little after it opened and parking was already ridiculous but there were still spots open considering that the mall being open at 10 PM wasn't advertised much. The usual atmosphere: crowded, body heat, lines and so much people. I didn't end up getting much but it was fun because of the people I was with and seeing some familiar faces in the crowds.

 So today's question is: what is your favorite activity to do with your significant other and/or loved ones?? Do you like to go shopping, eat at new restaurants, go hiking? Personally, I like being spontaneous and trying new things. But then again, a good date night of dinner and a movie can never go wrong either. :) Don't be afraid to switch it up though! Once after eating out with a ex-significant other, we randomly decided to go to the beach. It was cold but spontaneous and memorable.

So what's your favorite thing to do?? Any out of the ordinary activities that you've experienced with someone?

What was the most disastrous date you have ever been on?

Did it end up being a complete failure of a date? Or did it end up being hilarious and connect you with the other person? Some dates that are horrible can still end up with two people connecting.. and leaves you with a great story to tell your friends when they ask how you met each other.

Sometimes I think dating is a lost art. In college, it was definitely something I had to make time for- date night. It would mostly be dinner, sometimes a movie too or just hanging out with just each other. I think it's different when you hang out with friends and your significant other compared to just you and your significant other hanging out, if that makes sense. My opinion is that you should leave personal time for yourself, for you and your friends, and for you with your significant other. It's a hard balance, especially if you have classes or work or other obligations. Make time! I know sometimes it's really hard for me personally because there's so much going on and I'm a people pleaser so I want to be able to be there for anyone and everyone.

So what do you think? Have any juicy stories?? I don't have any good stories (no real horrible date stories, sorry!) but I want to hear yours if you have any! :)

What was your best relationship story?

Happy Monday/Veteran's Day to everyone!

So what was your best relationship story? It could be the relationship you're in now, or any relationship you were in before. Why was it such a good relationship? How did your significant other in that relationship treat you? I want to hear stories that made you all happy. :)

There were plenty of good moments as well as bad in my relationships- all memories nevertheless. There are always going to be songs or places that will always remind me of the significant other but after all this time, it's a fond memory instead of a painful remembrance.

So were there any cute, significant moments, memories or sayings that you look back on affectionately? Share in the comments! The best comment will be mentioned in the next blog post. :)

P.S. Sign up now on our interim website (featureddate.com) and get a chance to receive an iPhone 5!

Does age matter to you in a relationship?

It's Saturday, yay! :) Hope your weekend got off to a great start so far!

My thought of the day is if age matters to you in a relationship. Some date younger people, some date older people and some only like to date those in a close age bracket. I know some people have limits of how young or how old they will go for but honestly, sometimes you can't help who you love!

So what is YOUR opinion on this? Personally, I wouldn't go for more than 2 years younger than myself, and no more than 4 years older... but if the right man comes along, who says I wouldn't break that rule? Whoever makes you happy, makes you happy. I think that's what matters!

I know other people have their own stories and opinions though so share them in the comments below! :) I'd love to hear them.

P.S. Enter your email address in our interim site (featureddate.com) and receive a complimentary gift! Limited time to get this so hop on it!!

Favorite love song

What's your favorite love song? Or any song concerning love, relationships, etc.?

While I drive around, I blast the radio. A few songs that have been playing on the radio (repeatedly... I hear some of them every single day!) have been: Give Your Heart A Break by Demi Lovato, Adorn by Miguel and Let Me Love You by Ne-Yo.

Other songs that I've listened to constantly have been: Tonight (Best You Ever Had) by John Legend and Refill by Elle Varner. Have you guys been hearing these on the radio too?? I swear, sometimes I don't want to hear a song on the radio and switch to another station but it's playing the exact same song! It's crazy...

What are some songs about love that you like to listen to? Are there some songs that you always go back to? Some throwback songs? (I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston is always a classic!)

Leave some songs in the comments section! It's always interesting to find out what type of songs people listen to. Maybe I'll even get to hear some new music! :)

P.S. Are you one of those people who like to blast a certain song when it comes up on the radio and just belt it out? I honestly sing at the top of my lungs sometimes in the car while driving. No shame! When you're feeling it, you go with it!

FeaturedDate.com official website launch

TGIF! Happy Friday to everyone! :)

First of all, we at FeaturedDate.com offer our sincere apologies to everyone about our official website not being up yet. We are currently working hard on it because we only want the absolute best for each one of you- our possible clients! ;) There have been a few bumps on the road but please be patient because it will definitely be worth it! We at FeaturedDate cannot wait for you all to see what we've been working on and are bursting with excitement to share!

GUESS WHAT! If you go to our current site (featureddate.com) and sign up on our email list RIGHT NOW, you may just be receiving a surprise soon as well as updates! A huge thank you to everyone already on our email list- we deeply appreciate and are grateful for your patience. We are working hard for you all! :)

Do you think men and women can stay friends after being in an intimate relationship?

Hello readers! :)

I haven't been here for a bit but we at FeaturedDate.com have been working hard on our official launch website. We did say that we were launching last Friday (11/02) but some last minute technicalities came up so we're currently in testing but don't worry- we should be launching ASAP! We only want the very best for you all! :)

So what has been on my mind lately is the question of whether or not YOU think that men and women can stay friends after being in an intimate relationship. I know there are some women and/or men out there that say it's impossible to stay friends with your exes after you break up with them but there are others that claim that they are still friends with their exes.

I do have friends that have stayed good friends with their ex flames but there's way more people that I know that haven't been able to stay friends with their exes. What's your opinion?

My personal experience is that my ex and I have always tried to stay friends with each other but it just didn't work out and we ended up becoming distant while moving on with our own lives. My last relationship wanted us to be friends- until he discovered another girl to move on with and she decided to tell him who he could be friends with. So that's done and over with!

So what do you guys think? I honestly want to believe that there is a possibility of exes staying friends but in my own time, it hasn't worked out so far. Tell me your experiences and opinions!

WE'RE MOVING!

We're officially moving over to another avenue for the blog. I'll try to link it up ASAP! Look out for us!

Don't forget that the official launch for FeaturedDate.com is October 26, 2012!!! Register ASAP for a chance to win a new Apple iPhone 5!!!!!

It's been nice blogging here for a while and thank you for those who commented and read the blog. See you soon!