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	<title>My Lasting Love . com &#187; Understanding</title>
	<atom:link href="http://mylastinglove.com/category/understanding/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://mylastinglove.com</link>
	<description>About Men &#038; Women, Relationships, Communication &#038; LOVE</description>
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		<title>7 Ways To Love Your Elderly Friend</title>
		<link>http://mylastinglove.com/7-ways-to-love-your-elderly-friend/</link>
		<comments>http://mylastinglove.com/7-ways-to-love-your-elderly-friend/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:18:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lasting Love</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Good Habits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Understanding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[aged]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[elder care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[elderly]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nursing homes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[old age]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[older]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retirement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[senior]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seniors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mylastinglove.com/7-ways-to-love-your-elderly-friend/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[To love your elderly friend entails understanding some of their needs or demands. It also entails tender loving care and human warmth and compassion.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>To love your elderly friend entails understanding some of their needs or demands. It also entails tender loving care and human warmth and compassion.</p>
<p align='right'><a href='http://mylastinglove.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/love_for_cookiesana-schaeffer.jpg' title='love_for_cookiesana-schaeffer.jpg'><img src='http://mylastinglove.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/love_for_cookiesana-schaeffer.jpg' alt='love_for_cookiesana-schaeffer.jpg'  align='right' width='250' /></a>
</p>
<p>1)  Visit regularly- Some elderly people tend to lose touch of their &#8220;older&#8221; friends. Either most are deceased or have some type of illness or health condition. It is very common for your elderly friend to have &#8220;out-lived&#8221; their best buddies and closest family members even.</p>
<p>2)  Remember Holidays- Some elderly people are very lonely during the holidays and it is always a great idea to visit or call your elderly friend during these days. You will be amazed how valued you will become in their eyesight and they will simply love you for doing so.</p>
<p>3)Remember Birthdays- A birthday is always a special day to most. Although, not all elderly people suffer forms of dementia; however if your elderly friend seems a bit forgetful at times- you may want to remind them a few days leading up to their birthday that the birthday is coming soon. Once the day has come- do something very special for them. Think of the things they talk about most doing or having and surprise them with a favorite.</p>
<p>4) Buy Needed Items- When you are visiting or around your elderly friend, notice some of the things that they seem not to have; but desperately need to make life a bit easier and more efficient for them. It could be something as simple as a soft comfortable pair of slippers, maybe a handy storage bag for storing handy/quick items, clothes with custom made handy features to make dressing/undressing easier, handy apparatus,etc. Your elderly friend may not even seem to care or realize that the &#8220;handy gifts&#8221; you are giving them are necessary.</p>
<p>5) Check Ups- Frequently touch basis to see if your elderly friend is taking care of their  health needs, such as routine physicals and check-ups. If they need medication alerts to remind them to take their meds. in a timely fashion&#8230;ask or discuss how you can assist, if needed to do so. Encourage them to drink the require amt. or water each day and push healthy eating habits. The doctor could have very well prescribed a diet as well&#8230;If so suggest tips to help your friend maintain the diet.</p>
<p>6)  Pay Attention- Pay attention to anything unusual or different about your elderly friend; Such as a change in physical appearance, a change in behavioral, a change in eating habits, a change in health status, a change in anything that you feel remarkably different. Report and address these changes to the proper source.</p>
<p>7) Outings- If your elderly friend can tolerate fun &#8220;outings&#8221; or recreational ventures&#8230;.There is nothing like a breath of nature! Or simply volunteer to take them to their favorite spots, it could be in the park viewing the beautiful trees and the birds or kids playing. It could be a stroll through a beautiful garden or nature walk. If your friend does not like the outdoor, respect that and do fun inside activities with them depending on how well they are able to tolerate them.</p>
<p>The most crucial thing in dealing with your elderly friend is to be there for them when they need you the most. Let them know that you are &#8220;on their side&#8221; and that you love them and will be around. Let them know that regardless of any &#8220;age complications&#8221; or stresses that you will oversee their best  interest due to your love for them-if they will allow you to do so.  Your elderly friend whether mentally challenge or not will at-least be able to &#8220;feel&#8221; the gentle wisp of air that blows &#8220;genuine&#8221; LOVE.</p>
<p>© Beverly Smith copyright 2007 </p>
<p>Author: Beverly Smith,Business Builder: Health/Dental Benefit Specialist,<br />
Member of the Freedom From At Home Team,  Assisting Others In Choosing Their Financial Freedom,  Developing Genuine Leaders, <a href="mailto:BSmith290@ameriplan.net">BSmith290@ameriplan.net</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2007 by <a href="http://mylastinglove.com/">MyLastingLove.com</a>. All Rights Reserved.</p>
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		<title>Do What You Love With Courage, Laughter and Heart &#8211; Part 2</title>
		<link>http://mylastinglove.com/do-what-you-love-with-courage-laughter-and-heart-part-2/</link>
		<comments>http://mylastinglove.com/do-what-you-love-with-courage-laughter-and-heart-part-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2008 06:51:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lasting Love</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fullfill Your Dreams]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Getting onTrack]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Understanding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fresh perspective]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[insight in growing older]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[older and wiser]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mylastinglove.com/do-what-you-love-with-courage-laughter-and-heart-part-2/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Diane English
One of the greatest things about getting older is knowing yourself more.  Once you have discovered 1. what you really love to do, 2. realized you have the power to create the life you have dreamed of and 3. have chosen to make a leap of faith, you are ready to manifest [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By Diane English</p>
<p>One of the greatest things about getting older is knowing yourself more.  Once you have discovered 1. what you really love to do, 2. realized you have the power to create the life you have dreamed of and 3. have chosen to make a leap of faith, you are ready to manifest transformation in your life. Georgia O’Keefe once said, &#8220;I&#8217;ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life &#8212; and I&#8217;ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.&#8221; Experiencing and acknowledging fear is one of the most important steps we can take in our lives.  Once we have stared these hairy monsters of doubt and confusion in the eyes, we can move on and release them.  Once fear has been released we have all the possibilities and potential of the Universe in front of us.  Anything we want is attainable and a life founded on passion, desire and love begins.</p>
<p><b>You Deserve The Best</b></p>
<p>Once I let go of the attitudes and beliefs that held me captive I learned to accept blessings from the Universe.  Many times the god/goddess/creator/Grand Pubbah offers us gifts and we do not allow ourselves to take them.  I have learned we all loved and there is an infinite amount of it.  Each of us can simply allow the stream of unending love provide us with the divine support and inspiration that is available every moment for eternity.</p>
<p><b>&#8220;I offer you a basket of stars to encourage you to create your highest vision and follow your bliss wherever it leads.&#8221;-D.E.</b></p>
<p>This is a message from our higher selves, our guardian angels, the Cosmic Cookie.  Who in their right mind says no to infinite encouragement and joy when it is offered?  Only people who are obviously not in their right mind!  There must be millions of crazy people out there since many of us make the choice to reject joy and love.  Instead we accept negative attitudes and low self-esteem.  Acceptance is one of our greatest hurdles in understanding our lives are meant to be bliss!  We must accept this as truth, we deserve to be loved, to live full of joy, to do what we love every day.  If we believe this to be true in our hearts and minds it will occur.</p>
<p><b>This is a Public service Announcement:  HaHaHaHaHaHaaaaaaaaa!</b></p>
<p>Actress Katharine Hepburn once said, &#8220;I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun.&#8221;  The last and most important secret to doing what you love is to have fun, enjoy yourself, and laugh every day as much as possible.  Have the courage to laugh at yourself.  If you know you are loved and divinely supported then there is nothing to be embarrassed about.  Doing what you love every day is not about living a perfect life or being a perfect person.  I have come to see the hilarious nature of humanity as the key to our enlightenment.  When I am able to laugh at my flaws and mistakes I have succeeded and I am living the mystery, the beauty of human potential.  The process of changing my life and doing what I love, following my passion, is a wild ride.  And some days when I stop for a moment I realize my hair is sticking up from going so fast and my butt hurts from riding for so long, but it is worth it for the rush, the thrill I feel.  Take your own ride!  Free yourself and let potential and love lead you.</p>
<p>To see more inspirational and creative work please visit my web site at <a target="_new" href="http://www.greatcosmichappyass.com">http://www.greatcosmichappyass.com</a></p>
<p>Diane English is the artist-visionary-mastermind-crazy woman behind the Great Cosmic Happy Ass Greeting Card Company. She believes the expression of humor is a direct path to longevity and in the power of the Universe’s unconditional love.   For a good dose of laughter and inspiration visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.greatcosmichappyass.com">http://www.greatcosmichappyass.com</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2007 by <a href="http://mylastinglove.com/">MyLastingLove.com</a>. All Rights Reserved.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Do What You Love With Courage, Laughter and Heart Part 1</title>
		<link>http://mylastinglove.com/do-what-you-love-with-courage-laughter-and-heart-part-1/</link>
		<comments>http://mylastinglove.com/do-what-you-love-with-courage-laughter-and-heart-part-1/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2008 06:54:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lasting Love</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fullfill Your Dreams]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Getting onTrack]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Understanding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Change your life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[life transition]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mylastinglove.com/do-what-you-love-with-courage-laughter-and-heart-part-1/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Changing your life and your career can be a huge decision, especially when you are 
over 40 and have already had a successful career.  There are keys to making this kind 
of transition a powerful and exciting experience.  Change can be fun!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By Diane English</p>
<p>As I sit quietly, watching the sun sink behind the Blue Ridge Mountains, wrapped in<br />
the warm spring air of North Carolina I take a moment to celebrate the changes in<br />
my life.  Change has brought joy, doubt, growth, passion and confusion to me<br />
during the last few years, but I wouldn’t trade the opportunity to do what I love for<br />
anything.  The Buddha said “Your work is to discover your world and then with all<br />
your heart give yourself to it.”  My world is made of laughter, creativity and being<br />
who I really am and believe me, I give everything I have to it.  Each of us has the<br />
chance to live the life we have always wanted, regardless of age, gender, color or<br />
size; we just have to take it.</p>
<p><b>How I Discovered What I Truly Loved</b></p>
<p>For years I did what people do in the early years.  I wandered, wondered and tried a<br />
variety of career choices and jobs.   Medical technician, graphic artist, metaphysical<br />
bookstore owner-I was successful at all of these endeavors, but deep inside, hidden<br />
from sight was what I loved most.  The part of me that had been creating art since<br />
childhood was buried beneath fear, misunderstanding and logic.  While I managed<br />
my existing business I read a book called The Artist’s Way, which unlocked a part of<br />
me I had not known before.  I began to focus on what I loved most in every spare<br />
moment.  The ideas exploded and the response from those around me was<br />
encouraging and supportive.  I saw change coming and decided I would take the<br />
leap, I would trust and I would create the world I wanted to live in.</p>
<p><b>All The Power Lies Within You</b></p>
<p>When it came time to take action it was as if my guardian angel bopped me over the<br />
head with a neon sign that said “This Way” and my vision suddenly became clear.<br />
Everything we need to know is inside us.  Our life experiences lead us to the present<br />
situation and using what we’ve learned along the way is an important step.  In my<br />
14 years as a business owner I encountered many spiritual people and I noticed a<br />
repetitive pattern humans can’t seem to stop: we take ourselves too seriously!  You<br />
know the attitude!  I’m going to heaven and you’re not!  My prayers have to be more<br />
solemn than yours!  The UFO’s are coming, run for your lives!  Please!  Lighten Up!<br />
Like lightening, I suddenly knew what I wanted to do and I knew my whole life had<br />
brought me to this place.  So my new career was born and I dedicated myself to<br />
spreading this message: laugh, create, follow your heart and be who you are<br />
courageously!  Unlock your own power and as Rumi stated, “Let the beauty of what<br />
you love, be what you do.”</p>
<p><b>“You and I are essentially infinite choice-makers. In every moment of our<br />
existence, we are in that field of all possibilities where we have access to an infinity<br />
of choices.”&#8211;Deepak Chopra</b></p>
<p>Change happens a lot more easily when you believe in your ability to be a &#8220;choice-<br />
maker&#8221;.  I continue to see myself as a &#8220;choice-maker&#8221;.  I choose to create, to laugh,<br />
to believe in myself, to trust.  Leap and the net will appear!  Doing what I love has<br />
transformed my world and filled it with things I had only dreamed and imagined<br />
before.</p>
<p>Diane English is the artist-visionary-mastermind-crazy woman behind the Great<br />
Cosmic Happy Ass Greeting Card Company. She believes the expression of humor is a<br />
direct path to longevity and in the power of the Universe’s unconditional love.   For a<br />
good dose of laughter and inspiration visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.greatcosmichappyass.com">http://www.greatcosmichappyass.com</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright 2007 by <a href="http://mylastinglove.com/">MyLastingLove.com</a>. All Rights Reserved.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Love &#8211; Choose It</title>
		<link>http://mylastinglove.com/love-choose-it/</link>
		<comments>http://mylastinglove.com/love-choose-it/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2008 06:19:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lasting Love</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Life Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Understanding]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mylastinglove.com/love-choose-it/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD
Ever action we take is based in love or fear, not just those dealing with relationships. Decisions affecting business, industry, governments, religion, education, social agenda, economic goals, war, peace, attack, defense, aggression, submission, and the list goes on based on the only two possible mind-sets &#8211; love or fear.



Love is sometimes [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD</p>
<p>Ever action we take is based in love or fear, not just those dealing with relationships. Decisions affecting business, industry, governments, religion, education, social agenda, economic goals, war, peace, attack, defense, aggression, submission, and the list goes on based on the only two possible mind-sets &#8211; love or fear.</p>
<p align='right'>
<a href='http://mylastinglove.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/556744_summer_love_sanja-gjenero.jpg' title='Love - photo by Sanja Gjenero'><img src='http://mylastinglove.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/556744_summer_love_sanja-gjenero.jpg' alt='Love - photo by Sanja Gjenero' width='250' align='right' /></a>
</p>
<p>Love is sometimes presented as the opposite of fear, but true love is unconditional with no opposite. True unconditional love is more powerful than any other energy. It is the environment in which all things arise. Love has energy which is expansive, opens up, sends out, empowers, heals, reveals, warm and inviting. You are made of true energy to live your life whole at one with it, whether you recognize it or not.</p>
<p>Negative emotions are like alligators lurking beneath the surface &#8211; rearing their heads when humans allow fear to take over. Fear has energy which draws in, runs from, closes down, hides, withholds, precipitates anger and harms self and others.</p>
<p>It is an illusion that you are separate from this loving energy that causes you to believe that choosing anything other than love makes sense or is possible. In the relative, dualistic world of positive and negative, darkness and light, ying and yang energy, we make choices and we learn from them. This is what we came to this earth plane to do. Underlying these choices, though, is the choice to be conscious of, who we truly are, love in action. This as volitional, it is as love does. When we choose to be conscious of it, we choose love. We still exist in the world of negative choices and cause and effect, and we need to consciously make our way, through it all. Doing so with an awareness that we are all made of love enables us to be more playful, more joyful, more loving and wise, as we navigate the vicissitudes of the earth&#8217;s density.</p>
<p>Ultimately, the choices we make, sheds light on the love that makes us all one, enabling those who have forgotten the source to have a glimpse from hence they came. Earth&#8217;s vicissitudes makes it easy to forget this source, which is why we are here. We are here to remember and, when we forget to remember again, to choose love. And when we do, we are creating who we truly are &#8211; love in action.</p>
<p>Love is patient and kind.<br />
Love is not jealous or boastful.<br />
It is not arrogant or rude.<br />
Love does not insist on its own way.<br />
It is not irritable or resentful.<br />
It does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.<br />
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.<br />
Love never ends. &#8212; I Corinthians 13: 4-8</p>
<h2>About the Author</h2>
<p>Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Life Coach, Hypnotherapist, Author, &#8220;101 Great Ways To Improve Your Life.&#8221; Dr. Dorothy has the unique gift of connecting people with a broad range of profound principles that resonate in the deepest part of their being.  She brings awareness to concepts not typically obvious to one&#8217;s daily thoughts and feelings.</p>
<p><a target="_new" href="http://www.drdorothy.net">http://www.drdorothy.net</a></p>
<p>===<br />
Tip by MyLastingLove.com: For many, good articles on unconditional love &#038; healing, visit <a href="http://www.TherapeuticReiki.com/blog">http://www.TherapeuticReiki.com/blog</a> .
<p>Copyright 2007 by <a href="http://mylastinglove.com/">MyLastingLove.com</a>. All Rights Reserved.</p>
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		<title>Tell Your Wife &#8211; You are My Best Friend</title>
		<link>http://mylastinglove.com/tell-your-wife-you-are-my-best-friend/</link>
		<comments>http://mylastinglove.com/tell-your-wife-you-are-my-best-friend/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 Dec 2007 04:06:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lasting Love</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Good Habits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Understanding]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mylastinglove.com/tell-your-wife-you-are-my-best-friend/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Dave Pipitone
In his book, &#8220;Good Husband, Great Marriage,&#8221; Robert Alter affirms the strength and goodness of men. Particularly, in their ability to serve their wives. One of the greatest services a husband can give his wife is to tell her, &#8220;You are my best friend.&#8221;
Women find their meaning in relationships and relating to others. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By Dave Pipitone</p>
<p>In his book, &#8220;Good Husband, Great Marriage,&#8221; Robert Alter affirms the strength and goodness of men. Particularly, in their ability to serve their wives. One of the greatest services a husband can give his wife is to tell her, &#8220;You are my best friend.&#8221;</p>
<p>Women find their meaning in relationships and relating to others. That includes feelings of love, joy, being connected, and celebrating life.  As a husband, you can learn much from your wife about a strong, loving connection.</p>
<p>A fine dinner and night on the town are wonderful ways to connect with your wife. But a romantic love letter &#8212; ah, a personal love letter to your spouse is something that is kept and treasured. A life coach once told me that she worked as a chaplain with retired, rich people in their eighties who needed to move into a retirement community. They had to sell their large homes, sell or give away most of their material goods to move into a small one-room apartment. Guess what things they kept? Photos and letters. Personal memories of the best times that life had to offer. Precious treasures that money can not buy.</p>
<p>Encouraging words carry tremendous, positive energy that continues to touch the hearts and minds of people decades after they are said or written. It&#8217;s been said a handwritten love letter carries its own power because it is personal &#8212; written by the hand of one person who loves another.</p>
<p>So, if you desire to build an even stronger married relationship with your wife, tell her exactly what she is longing to her, that she is your best friend. Do you want to know how to write a love letter that will bring a smile to her lips, a tear to her eye and a prayer of gratitude that she is married to you?</p>
<p>Start with a notepad and jot down a few ideas of what your wife means to you. Does she have a sense of humor or a smile that knocks your socks off? How is she beautiful? How does it feel to you when she touches you and you touch her? How do you feel when she does all of those little things that save you time and aggravation? How do you feel when you go to sleep at night and wake up in the morning seeing her next to you, day after day, month after month, year after year?</p>
<p>Once you have those thoughts on paper, let them sit for a few hours or a day. Then, go back and circle or highlight the phrases and sentences that mean the most to you. If you feel a tug at your heart strings, or a tear forms in your eye, that is truth ringing through. Next, get a nice greeting card or sheet of stationery and write out your love letter. Here is an example.</p>
<p>My dearest Mary, You are my best friend. Every day when I wake up, I look over and see you sleeping securely and safely next to me. I am grateful for your (here is where you list the phrases from your notepad &#8211; smile, generous spirit, thoughtfulness to me and the children, etc.) I am so glad I married you. Today and always. Love, (your name.) Let your wife know how much you treasure her.</p>
<h2>About the Author</h2>
<p>Dave Pipitone is a professional communicator, loving husband and devoted father. For more information on  <a target="_new" href="http://www.songofourmarriage.com">love letters to your wife</a>, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.songofourmarriage.com">http://www.songofourmarriage.com</a></p>
<p>Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dave_Pipitone" target="_new">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Pipitone</a>
<p>Copyright 2007 by <a href="http://mylastinglove.com/">MyLastingLove.com</a>. All Rights Reserved.</p>
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		<title>Marriage Counseling: What Is the Cost and Return on Investment?</title>
		<link>http://mylastinglove.com/marriage-counseling-what-is-the-cost-and-return-on-investment/</link>
		<comments>http://mylastinglove.com/marriage-counseling-what-is-the-cost-and-return-on-investment/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Dec 2007 05:23:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lasting Love</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Getting onTrack]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Understanding]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Marriage counseling requires a significant amount of investment, both in time and money, in order to improve a relationship or save a marriage.  It is not uncommon for professional marriage counseling sessions to cost more than $100. Weeks or months of sessions may be necessary.  Thus, marriage counseling may cost more than $1000, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Marriage counseling requires a significant amount of investment, both in time and money, in order to improve a relationship or save a marriage.  It is not uncommon for professional marriage counseling sessions to cost more than $100. Weeks or months of sessions may be necessary.  Thus, marriage counseling may cost more than $1000, and sometimes several thousand dollars.</p>
<p>The out-of-pocket cost of marriage counseling can be greatly reduced when the marital strain is affecting one or both of the partners and increasing symptoms like anxiety or depression.  If the couple chooses a licensed mental health provider they may be able to use their health insurance benefits for covered family therapy sessions in order to alleviate their symptoms. In such cases insurance may cover a large portion of the costs.  However, no insurance company will cover therapy just to improve a marriage.  Some private information, at least a diagnosis of a mental disorder, will have to be documented and released to the insurance company. </p>
<p>Many times the marriage may not lack love or commitment but the partners may need relationship skills such as assertiveness, emotional regulation, and communication skills.  A good marriage counselor will help the couple focus on the process of improving the relationship, increasing intimacy, and resolving conflict, as well as teaching skills.  Many couples are not able to do this without a neutral person guiding them.  It also takes an investment of time and effort to change habits.</p>
<p>So what is the return of investment on a thousand dollars or several thousand dollars spent on marital counseling? </p>
<p>The success of marriage counseling is not guaranteed.  Therefore it is an investment that has a certain amount of risk.  <br />
It is possible that both partners will leave the counseling sessions feeling it was a complete loss of time and money.  However, that risk may be smaller than you would think.  A recent study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family (Volume 22, Number 1)  reported surprisingly high rates of satisfaction in a survey of clients from 526 marriage and family counselors in 15 different states.  More than 90% of the respondents rated the services as good or excellent, said they got the help they desired, said they were satisfied with the amount of help they received, said they were helped in dealing more effectively with problems, and said they were generally satisfied with the help they received. </p>
<p>The potential monetary return on investment of successful marriage counseling could be enormous.  Think about these few obvious potential sources of monetary return:<br />
·The cost savings of legal fees for divorce and child custody proceedings.<br />
·The cost savings of maintaining one household instead of two.<br />
·The cost savings of more secure children and avoiding the tendency of parents to try to buy children things out of guilt.<br />
·The cost savings of transportation due to shared parenting in two households.<br />
·The cost savings from not losing work time for divorce/custody activities.  <br />
·The cost savings from avoiding a second (or third) wedding. Not to mention dating and honeymoon expenses.   <br />
·The health care cost savings.  Research has shown that strong marriages are a big factor in health and longevity.   </p>
<p>But the cost savings are minor compared to the potential benefits compared to other things our money could be spent on.  What is the potential return of investment on a good marriage?  </p>
<p>Even if marriage counseling may cost more than a thousand dollars, how many things have more potential for increasing our quality of life and happiness than a good, secure intimate relationship?  Adults who would not question spending thousands of dollars for braces or for a good education should seriously think about what a good marriage would mean to themselves and their children in terms of health, happiness, and success in the future.</p>
<h2>About the Author</h2>
<p>by <a href=http://www.articlenorth.com/profile/Susan-Huebert/794>Susan Huebert</a><br /> L.S.C.S.W. Susan has practiced <A href="http://www.wichita-counseling.com/">counseling in Wichita KS</A> for over 15 years. Visit her <A  href="http://www.wichitamarriagecounseling.com/">Marriage Counseling Wichita</A> site to learn more about marriage counseling.</p>
<p>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlenorth.com">Article North directory</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2007 by <a href="http://mylastinglove.com/">MyLastingLove.com</a>. All Rights Reserved.</p>
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		<title>Recovering People Pleasers</title>
		<link>http://mylastinglove.com/recovering-people-pleasers/</link>
		<comments>http://mylastinglove.com/recovering-people-pleasers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Dec 2007 03:13:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lasting Love</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Men]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[About Women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Getting onTrack]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Problem Solving]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Do you find yourself wanting to make everyone happy, even if it means you are not? Have you hidden yourself in order to survive in your family? If you answered &#8220;yes&#8221; to the above, you are not alone. In my counseling practice, I have discovered numerous people pleasers, also known as adapters. After they overcame [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Do you find yourself wanting to make everyone happy, even if it means you are not? Have you hidden yourself in order to survive in your family? If you answered &#8220;yes&#8221; to the above, you are not alone. In my counseling practice, I have discovered numerous people pleasers, also known as adapters. After they overcame their issues and felt free to be their unique selves, I called them &#8220;Recovering People Pleasers.&#8221;</em></p>
<p>Do you find yourself wanting to make everyone happy, even if it means you are not? Have you hidden yourself in order to survive in your family? If you answered &#8220;yes&#8221; to the above, you are not alone. In my counseling practice, I have discovered numerous people pleasers, also known as adapters. After they overcame their issues and felt free to be their unique selves, I called them &#8220;Recovering People Pleasers.&#8221;</p>
<p>For example, Judy, a thirty-four year-old mother and wife, came to me because she was depressed. &#8220;I feel emotionally strangled by my husband,&#8221; she said in an angry tone.</p>
<p>Knowing that men and women often marry people like their mothers or fathers, I said, &#8220;Judy, go back to the time you felt that way. To her surprise, she regressed back to when she was two-years-old and her parents were yelling at her. She was crying and felt devastated. The decision she made from that experience was, &#8220;I have to please them or I will not be safe and loved.&#8221;</p>
<p>Then I asked Judy to go inside of her body and find the little girl that she locked up in order to survive in her family. She found little Judy in her heart, all curled up in a fetal position. I encouraged Judy to tell her little girl, &#8220;I am an adult now. It is safe to come out and be who you are. I love you. I will take care of you and protect you.&#8221; I guided Judy to imagine that she was taking little Judy to her home where she presently lived, to create a special room for the two-year-old, and then to say to the toddler, &#8220;This is your room from now on. We will walk life together hand in hand. It is safe to be who we are and we are loved.&#8221;</p>
<p>Judy took a deep breath of relief and felt much lighter and happier. She then realized that she chose a man who would fit her belief. I encouraged Judy to express to her husband in a loving way how she felt and what she wanted. I also recommended that she practice win-win problem solving so that they both felt empowered.</p>
<p>Can you relate to Judy&#8217;s story? Are you ready to be who you are and express your truth in a positive, loving way? When you don&#8217;t, you resent the people around you whom you allow to control you. In a sense, you become a puppet and give them the power to pull your strings. Then you are likely to be passive aggressive and get back at them in deceptive ways.</p>
<p>For example, you may make excuses to avoid being physically intimate, get sick, arrive late, be sarcastic, burn their dinner, or avoid spending time with them. Those negative behaviors are hurtful to them, you, and the relationship. This includes all forms of relationships, including lovers, children, parents, bosses, and friends.</p>
<p>I encourage you to resolve your fears of being who you are so that you can be happy, healthy, and loved. Then you can also be a Recovering People Pleaser.<br />
<P><br />
<HR><br />
Copyright 2007 by Helene Rothschild, MS, MA, MFT, a Marriage, Family Therapist, intuitive counselor, speaker, and author. Her newest book is, &#8220;ALL YOU NEED IS HART! Create Love, Joy and Abundance~NOW.&#8221; A Unique Guide to Holistic And Rapid Transformation. She offers international phone sessions, books, e-books, MP3 audios, teleclasses, independent studies, and a free newsletter. <a href="http://www.lovetopeace.com" target="_blank">http://www.lovetopeace.com</a> , 1-888-639-6390.
<p>Copyright 2007 by <a href="http://mylastinglove.com/">MyLastingLove.com</a>. All Rights Reserved.</p>
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		<title>Surviving The Challenge Of Long Distance Relationships</title>
		<link>http://mylastinglove.com/surviving-the-challenge-of-long-distance-relationships/</link>
		<comments>http://mylastinglove.com/surviving-the-challenge-of-long-distance-relationships/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Dec 2007 05:50:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lasting Love</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Good Habits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Understanding]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mylastinglove.com/surviving-the-challenge-of-long-distance-relationships/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Conventional wisdom tells us that absence makes the heart grow fonder. It also delivers a further disturbing homily: out of sight, out of mind. So how ought one keep long distance relationships going? Do you trust that the distance will add to your love? Or do you work out ways and means to ensure the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Conventional wisdom tells us that absence makes the heart grow fonder. It also delivers a further disturbing homily: out of sight, out of mind. So how ought one keep long distance relationships going? Do you trust that the distance will add to your love? Or do you work out ways and means to ensure the relationship wont die and deteriorate?</p>
<p>The challenge nowadays is particularly severe. As more and more young men and women are working in far-away places, away from each other. The traditional way to connect to each other by loving touches, caresses or cuddling are not there. Additionally, absent are opportunities to spend quality time in each others company as well as in the company of friends and relatives and acquaintances. What about conflicts and arguments? These, in their own way, strengthen relationships and can make them more fulfilling. If your are apart, then it is extremely difficult to resolve these in a nurturing way.</p>
<p>So how do long distance couples maintain their relationships and keep on going? One way is to bring your partner  near to you by placing their photograph on your desk, kitchen counter and in the bedroom. This will remind you of your companion all the time. You should also regularly update your common acquaintances with your partner and not allow him or her go out of your social loop. This will help maintain the picture of your partner constantly fresh in your mind.</p>
<p>Use e-mail, chat and voice mail to stay in constant touch with your partner. This communication need not be limited to How much I miss you and love you line but to real discussions concerning day to day issues. You furthermore have to work out who will take care of kids. The choice ought to be based on practicality, and not on customary arguments that the mother ought to bring up the child.</p>
<p>Yes, the mother is most suitable to bring up a child. But if she is working in a place where there are no decent schools then it is the father who has to accept this responsibility. So, even if you are separated,  your problems are the same as any couple, and you should still try to resolve them together as a team.</p>
<p>Try and be with each other on at least one occasion a month or once a quarter depending upon the circumstances. Also do not insist that only your partner ought to travel. You also must take time off your agenda and visit your partner as well. Allow there to be a  healthy and common respect for each others work. Only then will your relationship endure across the long distance.</p>
<p>Thought it is tough to thrive in this type of situation, a strong trusting relationship will endure this. In the end the hardships faced as a team can be a really positive long term binding effect for the future of the relationship.</p>
<h2>About the Author</h2>
<p>by <a href=http://www.articlenorth.com/profile/Udo-Vieth/1041>Udo Vieth</a><br />. Udo has a website dedicated to <a href="http://www.udov.com/relationships"><br />
Relationship Secrets</a>. Check it out for the latest on how to make your Relationship Sizzle.</p>
<p>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlenorth.com">Article North directory</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2007 by <a href="http://mylastinglove.com/">MyLastingLove.com</a>. All Rights Reserved.</p>
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		<title>Save Marriage by Understanding the Cause</title>
		<link>http://mylastinglove.com/save-marriage-by-understanding-the-cause/</link>
		<comments>http://mylastinglove.com/save-marriage-by-understanding-the-cause/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 02 Dec 2007 05:40:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lasting Love</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Getting onTrack]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Good Habits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Understanding]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://mylastinglove.com/save-marriage-by-understanding-the-cause/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are so many couples of today that are happily married and some that are on the verge of separation and divorce. Couples have tried to cope with different problems arising in their married life yet are unable to resolve those problems that have caused many marriages to fail. Being married is not entirely all [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are so many couples of today that are happily married and some that are on the verge of separation and divorce. Couples have tried to cope with different problems arising in their married life yet are unable to resolve those problems that have caused many marriages to fail. Being married is not entirely all wonderful and exciting but it is a relationship that both partners must work hard on to make it a wonderful marriage. In fact, marriage needs both efforts by partners to maintain a proper understanding of how their marriage should be.</p>
<p>What are the reasons for marriage failures? First and foremost, a couple should understand the reasons for their marriage failures and relentlessly, try to save their marriage. There are several reasons that can cause marriages to fail often leading to separations and divorce. Reasons behind a marriage failure are likely having a misunderstanding where lack of communication from couples are experienced, arguments due to money matters, infidelity and reasons whether the marriage at the beginning was a failure. </p>
<p>In order to save a marriage, the couples must be willing to undergo some changes in the way their marriage is viewed. Effort, patience, and understanding are necessary to make a marriage work. The following factors can help marriage failures save marriage by adding efforts by renewing the relationship between both partners.</p>
<p>Mutual interests are important for married couples where couples need to have intimate moments together to share and learn about mutual interests of their partners, where differences can arise that through understanding can ensure respect and a stronger relationship for marriage couples.  </p>
<p>Unpredictable schedules can also cause marriage failures, whereas both partners lack time for one another. Togetherness, after marriage, is very important most especially in time spent together, where passion and intimacy is practiced. But without the proper time given to their partners, they tend to loss interest and begin to disregard one another.</p>
<p>Communication is a very important matter in a marriage. Lack of communications means also lack of understanding, whereas couples tend to quarrel without considering any feelings for their partners, therefore, a continuance of their misunderstandings are left unresolved.</p>
<p>Criticism in a gentle-like manner is likely to save a marriage. Couples often make gestures offensively without their knowing, resulting for the partner to make criticisms that can lead to arguing. As much as possible, offensive criticism should be avoided in marriages, whereas gentle criticism can make the relationship in a marriage stronger.</p>
<p>Another factor is children, and having children in a marriage relationship are wonderful yet it can also cause marriage failure. Because as children, they tend to give problems that can arise in differences with the couples due to possible different disciplining tactics for their children. </p>
<p>Gifts are beautiful ways to give to a spouse as a sign of their love and with gift-giving, a spouse can woo their partner and even warm the heart of the spouse helpful to saving a marriage.  </p>
<p>Saving a marriage is very typical for those couples that still have love in their hearts. As said, romance should always be alive in a marital relationship because if there is love, marriage becomes stronger and longer for the couples. With just a little effort from both partners can liven up the relationship in the marriage and make marriage worthwhile for couples on the verge of a break up.</p>
<p>Most partners have disputes about sex and money, but having terms of endearment allows both partners to remember the main reasons why they got married. As such, renewal of vows is also advisable for saving a marriage because vows tend to challenge couples to reach their goals in having a perfect marriage. </p>
<p>Marriage can be perfect especially for couples in love but having a perfect marriage needs effort from both partners. Marital problems can result in divorce and separation, however, with the right tips for saving marriage, couples will be able to cope and solve their marital problems.</p>
<h2>About the Author</h2>
<p>By <a href=http://www.articlenorth.com/profile/Hector-Milla/1100>Hector Milla</a>, editor of <a href="http://www.mygoodmarriage.com/">http://www.mygoodmarriage.com/</a> :: <a href="http://www.mygoodmarriage.com/">tips on saving a good marriage</a> ::</p>
<p>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlenorth.com">Article North directory</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2007 by <a href="http://mylastinglove.com/">MyLastingLove.com</a>. All Rights Reserved.</p>
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		<title>How Does Your Relationship Size Up Astrologically ?</title>
		<link>http://mylastinglove.com/how-does-your-relationship-size-up-astrologically/</link>
		<comments>http://mylastinglove.com/how-does-your-relationship-size-up-astrologically/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2007 05:20:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lasting Love</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fullfill Your Dreams]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Understanding]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Are you married, in a long term relationship, or just starting out in a relationship, and wondering what your strengths and challenges are in your relationship?  Do you wonder if this is the person who is your soulmate, or if  your heart will be broken again?
Astrology is an amazing esoteric science.  And [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Are you married, in a long term relationship, or just starting out in a relationship, and wondering what your strengths and challenges are in your relationship?  Do you wonder if this is the person who is your soulmate, or if  your heart will be broken again?</p>
<p>Astrology is an amazing esoteric science.  And it has many answers to these questions.</p>
<p>If you are married, or about to be married, and you&#8217;re curious to know what areas in your marriage are the most harmonious, and which areas will possibly cause you some stress, astrology has some answers.  There are harmonious aspects between your natal planets that indicate areas that run smoothly, joyfully, and harmoniously.  Then there are challenging aspects between your natal planets that indicate areas within your relationship that will be a source of stress.  By knowing these areas of harmony and stress, you can help your relationship be the kind of relationship you truly desire.  As they say, &#8220;to be forewarned is to be forearmed&#8221;.  So being armed with astrological information can be sort of a guide to your relationship.</p>
<p>If you have recently met someone, or you are in a relationship, and you are hoping that this is &#8220;the one&#8221;, or your hoping that this is not another one destined for heartbreak, you need to check your interaspects to Chiron.   Chiron&#8217;s harmonious aspects to Venus, Jupiter, and Neptune hold the promise of a long term relationship and can indicate whether this person is your &#8220;soulmate&#8221;. However, challenging aspects from Saturn hold a strong possibility of heartbreak sooner or later.</p>
<p>If you want to get married and you are wondering if this person is the marrying type or is a commitment phobe, check his/her natal aspects that help to indicate these personality types. </p>
<p>The composite chart is also something to look at to indicate long term compatibility.  This chart represents the relationship itself. It will show you what emotional and circumstantial elements will be present in a long term or committed relationship.  You might change your mind when you read this !</p>
<p>Difficult aspects between the personal planets &#8211; Sun, Moon, and Venus, to the planets Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto could spell trouble.  I nearly guarantee when you read this part of a compatibility report you&#8217;ll recognize the &#8220;symptoms&#8221;.  Hope that there&#8217;s more harmonious aspects with Venus and Jupiter to counter balance these !</p>
<p>If however, you haven&#8217;t walked down the aisle yet and would like to, there are many areas in astrology that will assist your quest for relationship information.</p>
<p>Look to the progressed charts and transits to discover the years where you are most likely to become married, engaged, or commit to a long term relationship. There are even indicators of when there&#8217;s a possible wedding month or engagement &#8211; just look to the progressed Moon and Part of Fortune.</p>
<p>There is so much wonderful information you can derive from astrology&#8217;s tools, to help you make the best decisions for your relationship and for yourself.  All it takes is a little time and the desire to make your relationship the best it can be, know your areas of difficulty, and find out ways to make them work.</p>
<p>Astrology will also help you to determine if this is the relationship for you.  Why waste time on heartache, when, with a little investigation you can prevent it !    or hold on to your love because this one has a strong probability for long term commitment.</p>
<p>So wouldn&#8217;t it be great to have a guidebook on your relationship ? Astrology is the closest thing you&#8217;ll get to providing you with the most personal information that reflects this particular relationship, your particular relationship.</p>
<h2>About the Author</h2>
<p>by <a href=http://www.articlenorth.com/profile/Beverly-Broeker/1523>Beverly Broeker</a><br />. Beverly is passionate about astrology and has focused on the area of compatibility and relationships. She has done extensive research and believes in the validity of astrology to enhance our understanding of our closest relationships.  To continue on this journey of astrological investigation, check out this <a href="http://www.astro-de-la-soul.com/astrologicalcompatibility.html">Comprehensive  Guidebook</a>  or visite her <a href="http://www.astro-de-la-soul.com">astrology website !</a></p>
<p>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlenorth.com">Article North directory</a></p>
<p>Copyright 2007 by <a href="http://mylastinglove.com/">MyLastingLove.com</a>. All Rights Reserved.</p>
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