February 19th, 2010
The United States we Americans live in today is widely referred to as the ” melting pot” by other countries. That’s because America has many nationalities from Caucasians, to African Americans, to Asian Americans, to Latin Americans, and many more. With all of the different cultures in the U.S, it should be considered inevitable that people from the different nationalities would began to intermingle, right? And if we live in such a “politically correct” society as many of us think we do, why are interracial relationships worth discussing?
Interracial relationships are obviously relationships that occur between individuals of different races. These relationships are often criticized by others who usually judge situations that they do not fully understand. Some critics could include friends and family. Most generalizations occur because of the stereotypes people have grown accustomed to believing. I don’t believe it is right or fair to judge someone based of their race.That being said, we should all give the people we know enough credit to know what they are looking for in a mate. So instead of giving people in interracial relationships funny looks when they walk by, we should thank them for doing something people are actually afraid to do these days : doing what’s best for them instead of the next person. Always remember, when all is said and done, we all bleed the same color because we are all human. In a relationship, or life in general, a race doesn’t make a person act the way he does, his actions do.
-Tevin Hugley
Tags: Interracial relationships, racism, stereotypes, Tevin Hugley
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February 14th, 2010
Here it comes again.
Valentine’s Day…
Some embrace it; others dread it. The ones who dread it are usually the singles out there. Believe me; I know. I have dreaded February 14 on most years. It’s so hard especially for singles to see all the chocolate hearts at Wal-Mart and smell all the dozens of roses that will go to all those “someone specials,” but worst of all it’s hard to see all the lovey dovey couples at the restaurants while you sit all alone.
Single girls have it harder than single guys. We wait to be asked on a Valentine date or to get flowers from a hopeful secret or even a known admirer.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be bad for singles! If you’re single (guy or gal) take my advice: don’t wait around for “someone special” to bring you some inanimate object that doesn’t last. Get out there and spread the love! I don’t mean go ask the next person you see out. I mean go help people, go out with your other single friends for a movie night, go do something fun! It sure beats sitting around and moping.
Tags: Kathryn Spain, valentine's day
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January 29th, 2010
Down time spent away from a boyfriend or girlfriend is probably one of the toughest aspects of a relationship. Any time you’re away from them, all you do is think about them and while you’re suposed to be having fun on your trip, in actuality you’re not having as much fun as you would like to. Talking with them while you’re gone is a key problem solver in dealing with down time away from your boyfriend or girlfriend. You’re not always gonna be able to spend evey minute with your signficant other. Communicating while you’re away is a good way to keep in touch and to let them know you care about them so you can concentrate on what it is you need to be doing, whether it’s for work or play. Just have fun while you need to, and when you have free time on your trip, talk to them so you don’t have to spend all your time worrying about them. Chances are, they’re thinking about you too, and calling them while you’re away is a good way to let them know that you’re thinking about them. If you can’t talk, go ahead and let them know ahead of time to make sure they know they won’t hear from you. That way, they don’t get upset if they try to call you and you aren’t able to talk. I can say from experience that it works! Shock right? It’s not that hard to do. Just try it and see how it works for you!
-Baxter Burke
Tags: Baxter Burke, Communicating, Down time, Experience, relationships
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January 26th, 2010
Relationship Resolutions for the New Year
The New Year presents a wonderful opportunity to set yearly goals and resolutions for many parts of your life. With that being said, New Years is also a great time to start your relationship off on the right note.
BE POSITIVE- Always try to be optimistic and positive. Try to give compliments when ever possible and avoid negative putdowns. Some times a negative comment is necessary but be sure to make it constructive and back it up with positive support.
GET RID OF A BAD HABITS- If you know of a habit that annoys your significant other then, by all means, Stop It! Set a goal to get of this pet peeve and your relationship will be more solid and enjoyable.
LISTEN- Listening is the best relationship advice that can be given in almost any circumstance. It is a simple thing that can make a huge difference in your relationship. If you devote all you attention to you partner, it shows that you care about them above anyone else. Don’t just “hear” some one, actually listen to what they are saying so that you can fully absorb what they are saying.
STOP TEXTING- If you are on a date or maybe just hanging out, DO NOT text other people. Some people may not be offended by texting but I assure you, no one enjoys it when their significant other is staring down at their cell phone. Instead, Show some respect and focus all of you attention on them. Texting divides your attention between several people and this does nothing but hurt a relationship.
TRY SOMETHING NEW- Trying new things can be hard, especially for those who have found their comfort zone in a relationship, but stepping out of this level of comfort may introduce you to a fun and exciting new activity that you can enjoy together for the rest of your life.
-Nick Iannuzzi
Tags: Bad Habits, Listening, New Years, Nick Ianuzzi, relationships, resolutions, Texting
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January 22nd, 2010
Have you ever gotten in a fight with your boyfriend/girlfriend and, at that point in time, you felt like completely giving up? Plenty of us have gone through this, but no matter the reason why you were mad at your boyfriend/girlfriend in the first place, you should try to work things out through communicating. Do not just give up on a relationship because it’s not working temporarily. If you do, you will probably regret doing so sometime in the future. There are things that can be done to fix the problem.
The first step is to think things through. Ask yourself: What is the problem? What can be done to solve it? How does my boyfriend/girlfriend see the issue? Step into the other person’s shoes and try to perceive things as they would.
After carefully thinking things through, the next step is to communicate with your significant other. What things can you say to calm each other down? What fundamental issue caused the fight? What needs to be said, and how should you say these things without hurting your boyfriend/girlfriend? Remember not to be harsh. Especially right after a fight, emotions can be pretty tense on both sides. This means that you should try not to be defensive or to blame your significant other because this will just delay the problem from being resolved. But be sure to get to the root of the problem in order to prevent any future arguments. Try to talk about what can be done to improve your relationship and your understanding of each other. It might take a little courage, but don’t hesitate to apologize, especially if you know where he/she is coming from. It’s not always easy to see things in somebody else’s light, but if you are able to, in the end, your relationship will be stronger.
Remember: you fight with the people you care most about because those are the relationships worth fighting for. One fight does not mean the end of a relationship. If anything, the fights that you are able to overcome are what strengthen your relationship because they teach you what core values you search for in your significant other, and which values your current boyfriend/girlfriend has or lacks. The best couples are the ones that can work through problems together, mutually trying to solve them, instead of criticizing each other constantly. You should always keep in mind is that you shouldn’t be quick give up on someone that you care for, cares for you, and appreciates you for who you are.
Tags: boyfriend, breakup, fight, girlfriend, Lena Liu
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November 21st, 2009
Is it just me or are there couples popping up EVERYWHERE! It seems like I can’t even walk down the hallway without bumping into someone showing a little too much PDA. Maybe to the couples this isn’t a big deal but to the single people it’s a bit much, not the PDA- although that can be a bit much too- but the fact that everywhere you go, there’s a constant reminder that, “Oh yeah, I’m single.” Seeing all these couples, you can’t help but stop and think “Man, what’s wrong with me? How can they have a boyfriend or girlfriend but I can’t”? The answer…NOTHING! Just because you’re single doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. I get so tired of hearing people say “Oh man I need a girlfriend/boyfriend as if somehow this will make things magically better. Just because you’re single it doesn’t obligate you to have any less fun than couples. You can have an amazing time with your friends and the best part is that there’s no “significant other” holding you back. So ladies, just because Mr. Rock-Hard-Abs-Perfect-Smile-Football-Star-Everything-You’ve-Ever-Wanted isn’t looking your way doesn’t mean you aren’t beautiful. Be happy with yourself and everything else will fall into place. And guys, just because Ms. Perfect-Body-Cheer-Leading-Captain-Everything You’ve-Ever-Dreamed-About isn’t eye-ing you doesn’t mean you aren’t worth eye-ing. Be confident in yourself and, in time, the right person will come along. So to all me single people, be patient and enjoy the time you have for yourself. Keep your head high and never let anyone feel like you’re worth less that what you are.
-Asia
Tags: Asia, confident, couples, fellas, ladies, PDA, single
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November 20th, 2009
So this is a topic that most people dread. No one wants to be the bad guy, and because of that, they usually go about breaking up in all the wrong ways. People break up over text or facebook, and I just don’t feel that this right. Of course your once-significant other is going to be hurt, but there is a way to make the situation better. In all relationships there should be some degree of respect for the other person. One of the best ways to show respect is to tell them in person and be honest about why you are breaking up with them. This way, even if you don’t remain friends, your once boyfriend/girlfriend can have the proper closure they need. I feel this is a really important aspect in healthy relationships, so that everyone has the chance to move on properly.
- Amany
Tags: amany, be real teens, break up, dating, respect
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November 6th, 2009
As the weather gets cooler, most people start thinking there is nothing they can do to have fun. I disagree, the fall/winter air is perfect for getting some friends together for some outdoor fun. Some great idea’s would be building a fire and roasting marshmellows, gathering some friends together and playing a movie outside under the stars. There are so many things to do as the weather gets cooler. Just remember have fun and the cooler air could bring some great memories.
He are a few other ideas that always make a good time:
Build a fire and invite some friends
Flash light tag
Just sit outside and enjoy the weather
Christmas light shows such as Callaway Gardens or just around neighboorhoods
Tag football game or any sports
Make cocoa and some homemade cookies
Any thing you enjoy can always be adapted for the cooler weather, just remember to wear the right clothes to keep you warm. Have a blast!
Saige
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November 3rd, 2009
The check comes. Is there an awkward pause and silence about who picks up the tab? Or does it flow naturally? Couples might have trouble deciding whether or not to pay when they are on a date. Some people think that guys should pay because it is the gentlemanly thing to do, and some people think that you should split the cost or buy your own meal. But paying on dates should not be a big deal. I think that payment on dates should be decided between the couple, not a universal rule.
The first thing to do is talk to your boyfriend/girlfriend about how it is going to work out. Is the boy going to pay every time, sometime, or never? Communication is key. If you didn’t talk to he/she about it, there will be plenty of awkward silences in the future at the end of dinner. Not cool. So talk to him/her. Establish the rules about how dates are going to work.
For girls:
If a guy decides that he wants to pay for every single date, then that is perfectly fine! You are only lucky girl! Just make sure you are with him because you like HIM, not his benjamins!
But sometimes a guy might get tired of paying all the time. After all, it does get a little expensive after a while. So offer to chip in every once in a while. Either split the check or just pay for your meal yourself. That way your boyfriend will know that you care and that you aren’t trying to take advantage of him.
For guys:
Maybe you don’t believe that the guy should have to pay for a girl’s meal. Then establish the ground rules with the girl first, so she won’t be caught off guard or be unprepared. It is perfectly fine to pay for your own share only. There is not law commanding you to pay for your date, it’s more of a tradition than law.
But I feel that every once in a while you should treat your girlfriend to something special. That way, she will know your care for her and enjoy her company. Talk it out with your significant other and establish ground rules so that you understand what will happen next time the check rolls around. Just remember to talk about it before any more awkward silences come up!
-Sarah
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October 30th, 2009
Is your one year anniversary coming up? If so, are you freaking out? If you answered yes, don’t. One year anniversaries can be scary, but they most certainly don’t have to be. There are so many things you can do that can make this a much better, and a much less stressful, experience for you and the other person in your relationship.
The first thing you need to do is communicate. Communication is the most important aspect of every part of your relationship and anniversaries are no different. Make sure that you and your
boyfriend/girlfriend are on the same page. You need to talk about it because you don’t want to be the one who gives your boyfriend/girlfriend a really nice gift and they don’t have anything
to give back, or vice versa. Also, if you and your boyfriend/girlfriend decide not to give gifts, mean what you say. Don’t tell them you don’t want to exchange gifts and then get them something really nice, hoping they realized that you didn’t mean it. Be honest!
When it comes to picking out gifts, if you decide that you do want to exchange gifts, don’t stress too much about them and don’t spend too much money either. Expensive gifts are not necessary. I know it’s cliché, but it really is the thought that counts. In my opinion, nice homemade gifts are definitely the way to go. You don’t have the be an artist to make something special and thoughtful. Do something as simple as cover a box with newspaper and put small objects and/or pictures that are special to the both of you in them. Or, buy a notebook and write something that you saw that reminds you of them in it each day. A homemade cake that you decorated is also a really cute and somewhat easy to make idea as well.
If you really can’t think of something that you want to make, buy something sweet. Maybe, a movie that the two of you saw together and both really liked. If you can’t think of anything, just spend a few hours and go to the mall and look around until you find something that makes you think of them or you think they would really like. That’s how I find my best gifts.
Now that you have the gift down, what are you going to do on your anniversary? Once again, do not stress. If it is a nice day outside, have your boyfriend/girlfriend come to your house and make a picnic lunch together and go to the park all day. If the weather is not so good or you’re not the outdoor type, go to a nice restaurant and then come back home and make chocolate covered strawberries together with fondue chocolate. Whatever it is that you do, make it different, make it special. You don’t want to do any routine activities because this day is special.
Do not stress about your anniversary. Remember that communication, thoughtful-instead of expensive-gifts and a special evening together will make your anniversary memorable.
Katy
Tags: Anniversary, gifts, Katy
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