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We argue, we fight but by the end of the night we're alright

Do you argue, fight, disagree with your partner?  No healthy relationship is free from these forms of communication.  If you are in a relationship where there are no arguments, disagreements or fights then you must be in a relationship with yourself. "All couples argue, but it’s the way they argue that determines if their relationship will go the distance". There are times when we may disagree with our partner as we all have our own set of beliefs and values.  We may disagr...

Step parenting: two heads are better then one

Entering an established relationship is not always easy, Russell took his time to get to know my children.  He is a great role model and someone who is kind and considerate.  He has a wonderful set of morals and values and I couldn’t have asked for a kinder gentler man in come into our lives. Following on from last weeks blog post, we set clear boundaries early in our relationship.  I would continue to enforce discipline and parent my children, he would be there to support me.&n...

The challenges step parent families face

The challenges step parent families face can be fraught with varying degrees of highs and lows.  For someone to come into an already established family and fit in mid way through is like a runner jumping into a race half way through and expecting to win the race.  It takes a very special person to love a child that is not their own especially when the child is a pre-teen and starting to become rebellious. When I met Russell, my children were 8 and 9.  They had had the luxury of al...

What will your relationship legacy be?

A legacy is something that is left behind when you die.  Whether it be money, personal property or something handed on for future generations.  Your legacy is what is left behind for generations to come.  How do you want to be remembered by your loved ones? Money, status, wealth, it all means nothing if you treat those around you poorly.  People will not remember the sculpture in your hallway, nor will they remember the pattern on your curtains or the brand of shoes you wore....

How to apologise to your wife

Like all husbands I have recently done something dumb to upset my wife which has got me thinking of a fantastic blog idea.  I am currently studying the Bachelor of NZ Business and have delved into a bit about human physiological behaviour.  Although I have a psychology background in my day job, I will discuss some aspects of marriage that can lead to divorce and suggest ways to reduce the damage. An ineffective apology can be the source of extensive damage in many marriages.&...

Do you wear your diamond engagement ring to bed?

If you wear your diamond ring to bed then you might be surprised to learn that by doing so you could end up losing the diamond while wearing it.  When set correctly into a ring a diamond will stay in position for thousands of years.  The only way a diamond can come loose is if it is pushed or pulled out of the setting.  This is therefore the responsibility of the wearer to ensure they are not being rough with their jewellery. Jewellers need to strike a balance of making a claw set...

Do you behave like lovebirds?

Their name comes from the parrots' strong, monogamous pair bonding and the long periods which paired birds spend sitting together.  The term 'Lovebirds' is also used to describe a couple in the honeymoon phase of their relationship.  Or at any stage of their relationship when they are 'Loved Up'. Like Lovebirds, generally when a couple meet they spend long periods of time together over the course of their relationship.  They enjoy doing things together and look forward to the next...

The secret of long and happy relationships

Acceptance and understanding play important roles in relationships.  Knowing when your partner needs patience is key in supporting a healthy relationship where love and understanding thrive.  How many times have you found yourself quick to judge a situation before knowing the full story?  We are all guilty of doing this at some stage.  Take the time to listen to your partner and hear what they are saying.  Don't be quick to respond, instead ask them what you can do to he...

If you could change one thing in your relationship what would it be?

Two days ago I posted this question on our Facebook page and received a huge response not only in terms of an organic reach but also in the amount of replies and the varied responses received.  We all have one thing that we are unhappy with in our relationship.  It's what makes us human. There are things that annoy us and things that grate on our nerves.  Some things we learn to let go of, they are not as significant as others.  The big things in relationships that cannot be ...

How does a relationship survive the loss of a baby?

Four and a half years ago Russell and I survived the loss of our baby as a result of a miscarriage.  Our baby was Russell's first child and would have been my third.  Having had two children already, I had no idea that a miscarriage was even possible nor the fact that it is very common. 1 in 4 women have lost a baby, I am now part of that statistic.  I had no idea about the world of those who have suffered such a loss and have since learned of those around me who have also lost a ...

How to get my husband to be more Romantic?

Here is the third video in our Q & A series where we answer your questions that you submitted as part of our current giveaway survey.  Today we answer the question, “How to get my husband to be more Romantic?”....

What was the first thing that attracted you to each other?

Here is the second video in our Q & A series where we answer your questions that you submitted as part of our current giveaway survey.  Today we answer the question, “What was the first thing that attracted you to each other?”.  Watch to see Russell perform in this one....

Why did we start Romantic Gestures?

Here is the first video in our Q & A series where we answer your questions that you submitted as part of our current giveaway survey. Today we answer the question, “Why did you start Romantic Gestures?”...

Domestic travel insurance and why you need it

Travel Insurance, you should never leave home without it.  Given the events of the last few weeks, you could be forgiven if you feel like stepping out the door is a bit dangerous.  Even staying indoors has it’s challenges.  Most people understand the need for travel insurance when you travel overseas. Well, except the UK couple who worked seven days a week for their trip and didn’t have travel insurance when they got angry about mother nature upsetting their plans in Kaikoura....

Are you gaining anything from take aways?

Yesterday I turned 41 and to celebrate I took a friend up to Hanmer Springs to see The Topp Twins perform at the thermal pools the day before.  How often do we spend time doing something for ourselves that makes us happy?  Not very often. I love a good laugh especially one with performers who are down to earth, warm hearted with beautiful voices.  I envy their talent as singing was always something I wanted to do but was told at an early age that I couldn't sing so that was when I...

Avoidable mistakes made on first dates

You walk into the restaurant and glance around nervously, scouring faces until finally you spot your date.  You excitedly join them for a meal or coffee and then talk hopefully about seeing each other again.  You watch your phone for the next couple of days, but to no avail.  You’re disappointed and can’t help but wonder … what went wrong? When a first date goes awry, it’s easy to get caught up in disappointment and question what could have made it successful.  S...

3 things we do every morning for a healthy relationship

How you start your day sets the tone for the remainder of it.  There are 3 things we do every morning that ensures our love for each other grows deeper every day.  Not only does it show our respect for each other but it also provides each of us with memories that are magical and memorable. When couples are in healthy relationships, they are more likely to have a stronger bond, worry less and be happier than those who are in unhealthy relationships. Do you take the time, before the worl...

Stress proofing your relationship these holidays

Every Tuesday, throughout the year, we have been posting relationship tips on our social media platforms and last week we began our ‘7 tips to stress proofing your relationship for the holidays’, in the lead up to Christmas, thanks to Dating with Dignity – Marni Battista. The holiday season is not quite over till the New Year’s Eve ball drops.  Some of you may be thinking about your vacation, visiting with family, or focusing on the stress that this holiday will bring. The holidays ...

Break free from your mobile phone addiction

Would you like help to break free from your mobile phone addiction?  Are you spending too much time looking down at your phone each day instead of spending it with those around you?  Do you find yourself constantly looking for the next text, email, message or update?  Is the amount of time spent on your mobile phone interfering with your relationship? Read on to find out how you can avoid conflict in your relationship which can lead to resentment and distance between the both of y...

Dating for everyone

Dating for everyone.   Are you dating correctly?  For those of you who are single, did you know that if done correctly chances are you won’t end up single again. According to Wikipedia, “Dating is a form of courtship consisting of social activities done by two people with the aim of assessing the other’s suitability as a partner in an intimate relationship or as a spouse”. Courtship – a period during which a couple develop a romantic relationship. So Dating consists of a...

3 ways to spend time together everyday

With only 24 precious hours in each day, couples are finding it difficult to spend quality uninterrupted time together as they juggle the needs of children, jobs outside the home, businesses, family, chores, bills, exercise and hobbies.  Days go by without having had the time to spend together without interruptions from those around them.  Are you one of these couples? Read on to learn about the 3 simple and easy ways to spend time together everyday and how by making these part of your...

Top five anniversary gifts for men

I have got my share of anniversary gifts in my lifetime, and although it’s a bad thing to say, many of them didn’t leave a good or permanent impression on me.  Sure, I know that giving gifts is all about the intent, but I think that gifts for anniversary have to mean more than intent. They’re the proof of a sincere bond between two people, where the people actually know each other, so there shouldn’t be much room for mistakes there. Turns out that people are not mind readers, even a...

The rest is history: Pt4

As they say, "The Rest Is History" and that was almost 11 years ago (2017) and I can still remember those first 2 days very clearly although we still disagree on who made the first move.  We have ‘dated’ from the beginning and I have enjoyed being treated like a Queen, in turn I treat him like my King. Three years in, he proposed to me at the same restaurant we met in and 2 years after that we were married.  We are about to celebrate our 6th Wedding Anniversary this year although w...

Our second date: Pt3

Standing together on the pavement after the movie had ended, he lent over and kissed me on the cheek to say goodbye.  We had sat through the whole movie with our hands in our laps not knowing what to do or how to behave. Teenagers these days could learn a lot about old fashioned dating etiquette.  I thanked him for a wonderful evening and drove home. I remember thinking how that would be the last time I would ever see this man again as he would not be interested in a middle aged, singl...

Our first date: Pt2

We were seated at a table for two next to the window at the front of the restaurant.  The food was amazing and I still remember to this day what I ordered as I have ordered it each time I dine there.  It was the Chicken Burrito.  He ordered the Lassoo of Hog.  I usually eat my food slowly when nervous but on this occasion I ate quite quickly.  In fact, we both did. Dinner was over in less than an hour.  Having had such a great time and not wanting the evening to end...