RELATIONSHIP RESOLUTIONS

Come the 1st January, we all start making our New Year Resolutions, mainly about ourselves, our new diet, our new fitness regime or our bad habits we are getting rid of.
But we should also focus our energy on New Year Resolutions for the relationship we are in, as we may have overindulged over Xmas, but our relationships will have become malnourished in the process.


So here are some idead for your Relationship Resolutions for 2011.............


Have More Sex - The Xmas drought has been and gone, so it's time you both get back to the bedroom.


Hug More - Did you know 20 seconds of hugging can release a cuddle hormone called Oxytocin and makes intimacy greater for you both. Men need three times more hugs in order to get the same amount of Oxytocin, so get those arms wrapped around him!


Recommit - It can become too easy to take our other half for granted, letting life get in the way and assuming everything is fine. Remember your respect for each other and show your appreciation more.


Share New Hobby - Too much routine is definitely a passion killer, so find something new to do together, like a dance class or sport together.


I Love You - You may still say it everyday, but if it's over texts or from the kitchen while he's watching TV, then you need to connect better. Look into their eyes and say you love them and I guarantee you will be glad that you did!


Pitch In Around The House - This one is for the guys and trust me it's not just because you love her and should help more with housework. Researchers in the Netherlands found it can act as a link to female arousal, due to the relaxation and gratitude it brings. So I'll put it simply to you men...If you want more oral from your woman wash the dishes!

WHAT HIS XMAS PRESENT REALLY MEANS

So Xmas has been and gone for another year, but here's how to tell what your man really feels about you depending on what present he got you.

Slippers

Run now! He desperately needs a maternal figure and I'm pretty sure the last time you checked, you weren't his mother.

Home Appliances

OK, so yes your vacuum did break and yes you have had your eye on that new flashy red toaster, but that doesn't mean you want it as a xmas present, right? A man that gets you this type of needed, but not wanted, gift is simply a very practical and logical man. You need to take him by the hand and explain in plain English thanks, but more romance is needed from him, not Dysons!

Stocking Fillers

If you recieve personal small gifts, such as books and Cds, this is a good thing, as it shows he has actually thought about what you really like, who your favourite author is, or what you have been pining over. He is more likely to keep it up throughout the year too, you lucky girl!

Jewellery

Earrings, bracelets, etc can be fine and thoughtful, providing it is to your taste and he went out of his way to get what you like. However, if it is a ring of the non engagement and no proposal type, beware as he is trying to get you to stick around, but is on no way looking to marry you yet.

Lingerie

He obviously finds you sexy, however, if you never really wear lingerie and tend to sit around in your PJs or girl boxers, he may be trying to hint that your bedroom life needs more spice in it.

Perfume

If he buys your favourite then it shows he listens and is attentive. Scent is very important to humans and it can create more intimacy, so if he bought you something that smells like your Gran's loo or a hooker, then he couldn't care less about your personal wants or taste.

Holiday

If he is whisking you away for a break and some quality time together then let me tell you, don't let him go! It's the ultimate romantic gesture that most girls, including me, would give their right arm for!

Gadgets

OK, so it might not be mushy or heart shaped, but trut me a man that buys you the best ipod or new phone is a keeper! Why? Because since caveman began, men like to be the sole owner of cool gadgets and if he is buying you one, he is showing his admiration for you by sharing this ownership.

Shoes

This can depend if he gets it right or not. A man who can get the perfect fit, latest style and perfect shoe is clearly either gay or the most amazing man on this earth and definitely worth holding onto! A woman's relationship with shoes is sacred and if your man gets it right don't let go, however if he gets it wrong don't worry, just explain to him you are too picky at shoes.

PRINCESSES RULE OVER WAGS

It seems the days of girls wishing they could be the next Coleen Rooney or Abbey Clancy are on the decline and more girls now dream of being a Princess.


Perhaps we are sick of reading about every footballers' new affair and infidelity scandal, but The Sun Newspaper recenlty published a poll for 13-19 year old girls with the results showing that whilst 35% admire Victoria Beckhams' relationship with the ever gorgeous David Beckham, 50% would rather have the realtionship of Kate Middleton and Prince William.


So with Princesses currently ruling the crown due to the recent engagement of Kate and Wills, the question begs will it last or will girls revert back to envying the WAGs?

Please girls, get your brain in gear and stick to preferring royalty over rubbish!


Princess Pros:

• Posh frocks and posher parties.
• Royalty and possibly a tiara.
• Power to rule and worldwide respect.
• Your very own decorative plate for people to put up in their cabinets.

Princess Cons:

• Must behave like Princess and set Royal example.
• Royal duties may get tedious.
• Lack of freedom.
• Public Scrutiny.

WAG Pros:

• Married to a famous footballer.
• Can make career and money off status without need for any actual brains or talent.
• Great clothes and fashion deals.
• Fame and fun parties.

WAG Cons:

• Married to a famous footballer, so when he cheats you will be pubicly humiliated.
• Spend a lot of time apart from your famous roving eyed footballer.
• Seen as skanky and stupid.
• Likely to develop eating disorder due to media calling you fat.

VERDICT: Princesses Rule!

FESTIVE FLIRTING

Tis the season to be flirty, so here's my top tips on flirting this Xmas......

• Eye contact - let your eyes meet and linger for just over a second. If he returns the gaze and smiles then he's interested.

• Chat Up Line - Too much worrying goes into what to say first and the so called chat up lines often backfire, so instead comment on something mutual, such as, the food, music or decorations and allow it to act as a springboard into a conversation.

• Body Language -don't fold your arms, look over their shoulders or appear tense as it all gives of a signal that you're not interested. Smile, listen and focus on them with your body turned towards them.

• Less To Impress - don't try to drink them under the table, boast about what car or job you have and how much money you earn, because they won't be impressed.

• Friendly - keep it light hearted and show that you are fun and friendly and whatever you do, don't bring up your aunt's death or your recent visit to the doctors.

Try these tips next time you're out for your festivities and grab yourself some flirty fun. But remember if they are already taken, step away and leave well alone.

HOW TO AVOID ARGUING AT XMAS

Every year thousands of couples break up due to the sheer stress and havoc the Xmas period can bring.

With so many problems rearing their ugly heads throughout December, it's no wonder relationships come under fire and people often rail road through December, forgetting to keep their relationships on track. Whilst this isn't enough to break a couple up, if you then add all the issues that Xmas brings, it can all too often end up in disaster.

The most important thing to do is sit down with your partner before December and chat about Xmas and what you want from it. Talk about where you want to spend Xmas, what budget you had in mind and what you expect from your partner, this way you will both be clear on what's ahead and be able to get organised with planning and letting family and friends know your plans.

So let's take a look at a few of the most common problems that can arise.....

Problem 1: Finances and Overspending.

If things aren’t talked through and planned properly, it can all be too easy for overspending to occur and arguments to start over the money problems that follow.

Solution: Do a Budget.

Sit down with your partner and plan out a spending budget for Xmas, including gifts, food, and alcohol. If you both live together then you should already be used to budgeting your finances for the household so make it the same for December.

Problem 2: Where To spend Xmas.

You're torn between whose family to please and so you end up leaving it until the last minute, making it a touchy subject between you both.

Solution: Decide in November.

Have a chat the month before about where you both want to spend it and compromise on what to do before the tension builds. By coming to a mutual decision early on you avoid the last minute stress and let down of others, including your partner.

Problem 3: Lack of Romance.

With so much going on, you find the only time you spend together is either with family or whilst drunk at parties, which can create distance between you both and lower the intimacy and romantic time you spend together.

Solution: Stay In More.

Don't go to the opening of every envelope! Just as you planned in advance the Xmas budget with you partner, you need to also plan which parties to go to and prioritise you partying. Whilst Xmas is the jolly time of year for going out more, don’t overdo it, as all the issues of being too drunk or spending too much on alcohol rear their nasty faces along with making sure you spend less 'alone' time together. People often spend all of December focusing so much on the festivities they forget to actually keep dating and loving each other. Go see a movie or have a romantic night in and you will find not only is your love life kept alight, but it keeps the lines of communication between you both running smoothly.