Monday, April 25, 2016

Romance - One Man's Point of View


Thinking about romance and what is considered romantic, in general, I casually asked my husband, at the dinner table, a few questions. His off the cuff responses were honest, funny, and fairly interesting. Here’s a little excerpt of our conversation. Keep in mind, English is my husband’s fourth language.

Me: “What does romance mean to you?”

Husband: “Love, relaxation, and sexiness.”

Me: “Haha. Okay. Tell me what kind of activities you think are romantic?”

Husband: “Walking on the beach. Watching the sunset. Talking about the future.”

Me: “Interesting. What would you consider a romantic date?”

Husband: “I never had a romantic date.”

Me: “What? Really? That’s not true.”

Husband: “Well, my lady always plans the romantic dates, so…”

Me: “Hmmm. What comes to mind when you think of romance or what have you seen in real life or movies that you thought was romantic?”

Husband: “I like when I see old couples still together. That’s really rare and really special. Also someone surprising their partner on a special day when they weren’t expecting it, like a birthday or anniversary.”

Me: “All right. Anything else come to mind when you think of romance?”

Husband: “Romance comes from ladies. Men are rough, tough, disgusting. It’s all about the love. Without love, there is no romance.”

Me: “I like that. That’s a great sentiment.”

Husband: “I mean, you think it’s romantic when I cook you something nice, right?”

Me: “Right.”

Husband: “But you don’t think it’s romantic when I try to give you a lap dance.”

Me: Bwahahahaha!!!

And we ended the conversation on that note. A lot of his statements were the cliché versions of what romance is to most, which makes me think men aren’t that different than women. I liked hearing he enjoys talking about the future. He also thinks romance is the woman’s responsibility, which was surprising. But, he’s romantic. He just doesn’t know it. Especially when he’s not trying.
Not trying = my husband cooking a beautiful dinner, ready when I come home from work.
Trying = my husband giving me a strip tease/lap dance that’s more funny than romantic.
But that’s us.

Ladies, reading this post, I challenge you to ask the man in your life what he considers romantic and comment with their response below.

Men, reading this post, comment and tell me what you think is romantic.

I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA, and have a husband and two children. Music is an addiction. I can often be found in the car, singing along at the top of my lungs to whatever is playing. I work full time, and I split my spare time between family, reading, blogging, and writing. I’m a habitual quoter. Lines from films and TV shows constantly pop into my head—my kids are the only ones that really get it. I’m an only child, and so of course I married a man who is one of ten children. Other than English, I speak Spanish, Moroccan, and a little French. I love to travel, but don’t do enough of it. Reading has been a passion for most of my life, and I now love writing. I’m klutz, and in my own mind, I’m hilarious.


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Monday, February 8, 2016

Relationships are Hard


Relationships are hard.

Yes they are. If anyone tells you a long-term relationship is all champagne and roses, they’re lying to you. Couples argue, they fight, and they fantasize about tearing the other’s hair out. Life is tough. Things happen. Do you let those things tear you apart? Or do you pull together and come out stronger on the other side?

There are times when the kids drive you nuts and your opinions differ on how to deal with them. Finances can get tight and suddenly what the other wants to spend money on starts an argument. Stress from work or lack of work is easy to take out on your partner.

Realize that all of the above have nothing to do with how much you love your partner. Life is knocking you about. Don’t hurt the one you love because you're hurting.

Sometimes there are situations in which a compromise cannot be reached. Sometimes love is not enough, and each person must decide what they can and cannot live with. Do all the good things about this person outweigh the bad? Do I love this person enough to live with the things they do that I hate?

Make a list of all the reasons why you love your partner. Remember why you fell in love with them. Pay attention to the things they do on a daily basis that warm your heart. Be romantic. Make an effort to show them how special they are. Appreciate the good times.

Relationships are hard. But in the end, isn’t a loving relationship worth the work?

I’m not talking about abusive situations. In that case, get out now. The sooner, the better.

I’m talking about the ups and downs of real life that can tear couples apart. Fight for the one you love. Fight for your relationship. Show the other how much you value their love.

Don’t give up just because it’s hard. It’s hard for everyone.

Stay strong for you. Stay strong for each other.

I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA, and have a husband and two children. Music is an addiction. I can often be found in the car, singing along at the top of my lungs to whatever is playing. I work full time, and I split my spare time between family, reading, blogging, and writing. I’m a habitual quoter. Lines from films and TV shows constantly pop into my head—my kids are the only ones that really get it. I’m an only child, and so of course I married a man who is one of ten children. Other than English, I speak Spanish, Moroccan, and a little French. I love to travel, but don’t do enough of it. Reading has been a passion for most of my life and I now love writing. I’m klutz, and in my own mind, I’m hilarious.


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