To Love and Be Loved - The Essentials in Establishing Real Relationships

Everything in life hinges on relationship. Relationship building is essential in our life, work and closing sales. In fact, it is everything. Notice some people seem so naturally blessed at being loved and loving others? There is something alluring in them and others are naturally gravitated towards them. What are they doing right?

Wait no further, let's break the code together.

1. Instinctively give, instead of receive

The most powerful, influential and successful people you will ever meet always look for ways to do nice things for others. When you meet someone under almost any circumstance, one of the best questions you can ask is this, "Is there anything that I can do for you?" This is best when you have established a certain level of trust and friendship with the other party.

In the event that this sense of trust is yet to be established, the above may turn out awkward and obtrusive. Thus, another way of doing this is to listen to what they have to say through the conversation. Subsequently, decipher what they are saying and assess what you can do to help them.

Some people may not be able to articulate their needs well. At this juncture, it is important for you to be intuitive and always look for ways to put in rather than to take out. The successful man or woman of today is a "go-giver" as well as a go-getter.

2. Be Open and Empathetic

The more that people feel that you are open and empathetic and sensitive to their needs and concerns, the more open they will be to your influencing them positively in some way. However, a caution to note. The motivation behind your actions have to be sincere. Remember people have an in- born "lie detector" and some people will sniff you out in disgust if you are insincere.

The more you can influence others with the power and impact of your personality, the more you will accomplish, and the faster you will accomplish it. This will help you move toward the great success that you desire and deserve.

More importantly, positive externalities are created as you raise the bar for those whom you inspired and touched as well.

Good actions have to be multiplied and the more people whom you can inspire, the more value you can create for everyone. Isn't this a beautiful win- win situation?

3. The Power of "Now!"

Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.

Firstly, look for ways to do nice things for other people. You can start small and do something for your family. Make them feel appreciated by thanking your wife for the wonderful dinner she has cooked for you, hug your kids when they share their daily life with you. Be thankful for everything. Keep doing it until it is ingrained into you like a habit. Gradually, extend this to your friends, customers and colleagues etc. The more nice things you do for others, the better you feel about yourself.

Secondly, take time to really listen to people, especially your staff and coworkers. The more and better you listen to others, the more you are able to create a ring of trust. Learn to be a powerful communicator with listening and influence others with the right words and actions. This is imperative for you to create a positive influence in their life.

Online Dating Sites Help Military Personnel Find Love and Friendship

Military life can be complicated, but a person in the military doesn't need to give up on the idea of dating and finding love. Online dating sites for military personnel and military pen pal sites for military service men and women and the civilians are interested in meeting them are a fantastic resource for men and women to find love and build a lasting relationships while serving their country.

Is an Online Dating Site for Military Personnel Right For You?

I met my husband a few years ago, using an online dating site that specializes in helping military servicemen and women find friendship and true love. And, now I can say that using a specialty online dating site to find my match was the best decision I've ever made.

When I met my husband, Cody was a sergeant who had just been deployed. I was a woman who had been alone for several years following the end of a fairly long-term relationship. I was ready to start over and serious about finding the perfect relationship. Almost by chance, I read an article in USA Today: Cupid's Arrow Land's in a War Zone.

That article sure got me to thinking!

According to the author, Greg Zorraya, military servicemen and women take relationships darned seriously. They spend more time enjoying online conversations with friends and partners than the average online dater in the United States. And, military servicemen and women can be quite focused and down to earth. They know what they want, aren't chasing rainbows and, in general, they don't assume the grass on the other side is always greener.

The article also pointed out that the availability of email, web cams and internet cafes on military bases all around the world make it easy for servicemen and women to get in touch and stay in touch with friends and partners. According to Zorraya, the number of service men and women seeking partners using an online dating site has increased by 56% in past five years.

I also read a convincing explanation for why military personnel make terrific dates written by Gian Gonzaga, an eHarmony.com research psychologist. Gian wrote:

    The life-altering experience of going to war often focuses the romantic mind. When you are reminded of your own mortality, the theory kind of boils down to you remembering what's most important to you: Relationships.

Well, I decided to give a military pen pal site a try.

I had nothing to lose, right? Maybe I'd meet someone who was nice, I thought. Maybe, I'd give cheer and comfort to someone stationed overseas, far from friends and family.

Sites like eHarmony and Match.com can be expensive although they often offer discount pricing. But don't let the price scare you away. Dating sites online are extremely popular. New niche sites designed for military personnel and, quite frankly, every lifestyle imaginable, are helping people all over the world connect with each other and build lasting relationships. Many of these sites are free or extremely affordable.

Of course, attraction is key.

But, when you're thousands of miles apart and getting to know each other online, good conversation is what builds a strong relationship. What's more, the medium, internet communication technology, encourages communication in a remarkably direct way.

Cody and I were positively attracted to one another, but it was the distance between us and the web technology available through our online dating website, emails, sms texting and a webcam, that led us to talk. And, I mean seriously talk!

Conversation, at first, friendly and flirtatious, became deep and personal; over time, becoming a kind of glue that joined us and led to our marriage.

Cody, longing for life back home, doted on my every word with genuine interest. Never before had I felt so appreciated. As for me, I listened, intensely fascinated, as Cody described his daily routine, sometimes dangerous, sometimes mundane, but always something that I wanted to learn more about and discuss with him. His everyday experiences, sometimes life and death experiences, drew me to him. I was fierce in my desire to protect him from danger; I was proud of the job he was doing and terrified I might lose him to his work.

Together, we cherished every moment shared online and looked forward to a time when we could talk in each other's arms with a growing desire.

Now we live together and are in each other's arms all the time. But, we haven't forgotten how we fell in love. Talking and listening to each another, reveling in each other's accomplishments and providing unwavering support for one another when things were less than perfect.

People change. But the key ingredient in our relationship, powerful interpersonal communication survives. I believe that is because we built the relationship online with the help of an online dating service designed for specifically for military servicemen and women and civilians, like me, interested in connecting with someone in the military.

Cody was my best first and last date ever.

Military life can be more complicated than civilian life, but that doesn't mean that a person in the military needs to give up on the idea of dating and finding love. Online dating for military personnel is a fantastic way to create a lasting relationship.

Claddagh Wedding Rings - Sacred Celtic Symbols of Love and Friendship

The Claddagh symbol is one of the best known Irish designs. It has a long and fascinating history, going back at least as far as Roman times. The Claddagh is a simple but eloquent symbol, portraying two hands surrounding a heart, with a crown above. This romantic image is a natural choice for many people looking for a wedding ring design. It can also be a sign of any kind of love, friendship or loyalty.

Claddagh rings have been the most popular wedding ring design in Ireland since the 17th Century, but the origins of the symbol go back much further. They are part of a type of ring called "Fede rings" in Irish, which translates into "faith." Faith rings go back to Roman times, and have traditionally portrayed two hands representing faith, friendship and loyalty.

For people knowledgeable about the Claddagh, its symbolism can vary depending on how its worn. If someone wears it on their right hand with the heart facing inwards, it says that they are engaged. Worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward says that the relationship is not yet solidified. Worn on the left hand with the heart facing inward says that the wearer is married. Of course, not everyone knows these traditional meanings, so you cannot assume that any of these conditions apply based solely on how someone is wearing a Claddagh ring.

Today, the Claddagh is as much a symbol of Irish or Celtic culture itself as a statement of love or friendship. As one of the most recognizable of traditional Celtic symbols, the Claddagh can be used by people of Irish or other Celtic heritage to show their pride in their heritage. Or it can be just as easily used by people of any heritage to display their feelings for another person!

The Claddagh is one of those symbols that is at once historical and timeless. Even someone who knows nothing about the Celtic tradition of the Claddagh could look at it and understand its meaning. For those who are familiar with its history, there is an added and richer meaning.

This ancient symbol is as beautiful and sacred a way of showing affection as ever before. Claddagh wedding rings, or any other kind of Claddagh symbol, is the perfect way to show someone that you will be true to them forever.

Famous Winnie The Pooh Quotes About Love and Friendship

Who is Winnie The Pooh? A.A. Milne created the fictional character Winnie-the-Pooh in 1926. Winnie is also famously known as Pooh Bear. When Disney adapted the famous bear's character in 1966, the hyphens were dropped in Pooh's original name. Children adore Pooh bear because of his sweet and innocent character. Pooh bear is one of the most favourite Disney characters of both the young and the young at heart.

If you are one of the many fans of Pooh Bear, you must be familiar with the famous quotes of Winnie the Pooh from the television series and theatrical feature-length films. Following are some of the most inspiring quotes of Pooh that tackle both love and friendship.

"Some people care too much. I think it's called love."
This line is from the original Pooh classics. Who would ever think that Pooh Bear is romantic? Perhaps, this is one reason why people love Pooh Bear so much. This quotation can be used when writing sweet nothings to a loved one or a friend. Funny, that this realization is coming from a fictional bear. If only people would realize that there are people who care instead of mumbling and ranting about the negative things around.

"If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you."
This inspiring quotation is taken from Christopher Robin & Pooh Come to the Enchanted Place & We Say 'Goodbye'. This story is about Christopher Robin and Pooh parting ways. They went for a walk in the enchanted forest. Pooh promised his best friend that he will never forget Christopher Robin even if he is already 99 and Christopher Robin is one hundred. Whatever happens, they will still have each other and they have memories to cherish. Surely, this scene is one of the most touching moments between Pooh and his best friend Christopher Robin.

Again, this is a very dramatic quote from Winnie the Pooh. People who can relate to this are good friends who have to part ways and move on with life. This is a good line to say to a friend during graduation party or to a loved one who has left.

"I used to believe in forever. But forever's too good to be true."
This infamous line of Winnie the Pooh comes from Winnie the Pooh's Most Grand Adventure. Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin are the best pals ever. They only hope that they can be together forever. But, Christopher Robin is not forever a kid and he needs to move on with life. He needs to go to school. Christopher Robin leaves him a note that they will be separated. However, Pooh misunderstood the message of the letter and he thought that Christopher Robin is in danger. From there, the story moves on to the great adventure of Pooh and his friends to rescue Christopher Robin.

This line is sad, but true. Truly, there is no permanent thing in this world except change and nothing lasts forever. Everyone can surely relate to this quotation especially when a friend or somebody dear has left. On the brighter side, change is also a good thing. Without change, there will be no more new adventure to experience and new friends to meet.

Expressing Love and Friendship With Creative Gift Giving

Money may be tight but that doesn't mean you have to be when it comes to family celebrations and gift giving. Whether you have money to spend or not, why not make the celebration a bit more entertaining with a splash of creativity? In this article I will share a few of my favorite ways to give gifts from the heart that express love and friendship.

For gift giving I like to create something that is highly personalized and creative. Something that the person would like, but may have never thought of doing for themselves. If you love to bake, why not consider giving some of your homemade cakes, cookies, candy or nuts and distributing them in gift boxes, bags or just plain paper lunch sacks with holiday stickers and colorful ribbons for decorations? My most enjoyable gifts to give usually involve either food or photographs. For example, I was invited to couples lunch by a friend who is very wealthy and eccentric. The menu was gourmet soup and salad, served with white wine, French pastries and coffee. I offered to bring fresh baked bread and chose to bring a sourdough loaf shaped like a turtle. Laughter erupted as soon as the loaf was placed on the table. Our hostess insisted that to start the lunch, we all grab whatever turtle limb was closest to our seat at the table and pull apart the bread at the same time. Do you know how funny adults look enjoying a fancy meal and while gnawing on a turtle's tail? We were hysterical!

Then there were a couple of friends who wanted to throw me a birthday party, but I didn't want them spending money. We negotiated that they would spring for pizza but they would not buy gifts. At the last minute I brought a birthday cake and explained that the cake was my gift to them for buying pizza. I cut the cake into three very large hunks and gave both of my friends a plate and told them that they could not leave until they ate the whole thing. We couldn't stop laughing at how ridiculous we looked trying to eat such massive pieces of cake.

If your creative gift lies in the arts or graphics, personalized cards and electronic gifts are also great ideas. Most of which can be done for free, if you have the right computer software. For my niece's 10th birthday I created a PowerPoint slide show/video featuring her as a celebrity fashion model, using enlarged family photos, and camera shutter sound effect. Fake celebrity magazine covers featured her face and a theme song was created just for her using techno-disco background sounds. On the day of the party, the kids turned the light switch off and on for the strobe light effect, and the slide show featuring my niece played on the projector for hours.

Whenever possible, I always involve children in my creative projects, especially if it is for a parent or sibling. Kids come up with greatest ideas sometimes. One of my nephews was turning 8 and his sister and I wanted to do something involving his love of cartoon superheroes and video games. We decided to create a comic book featuring my nephew as the superhero. I superimposed his picture on his favorite cartoon superhero and his sister wrote a short story with him in a comic strip format. We made him the leader of a new order of robotic crime fighters and incorporated as many of his favorite characters in the story line. We even added fake advertising that featured his favorite breakfast cereal. The pages were printed on a laser color printer and pasted together like a booklet. The spine was finished with blue duct tape that gave the comic book an official tape bind look. When it was presented on his birthday, all my nephew could do was flip through the pages over and over and say 'WOW.'

Cards are also a way expressing love and friendship on special occasions. You can do them by hand or print them from your computer. Personally, I enjoy sending e-cards from Hallmark online the best. Some of the cards are free; others are 99 cents or more. You will just need a credit card and the email of the recipient. Another option is Smilebox greetings from Hallmark online. They offer a free download where you can create all occasion cards from designs they offer. Most of the designs are free. You just personalize them for each recipient. You can add your own pictures for slide shows and choose from a selection of theme music. These cards are available free to send by email, but if you want to make physical copies or add your custom music, they do charge a small fee.

This is just a sample of creative gifts for any occasion. The whole idea is to give gifts that people will enjoy and in ways that will be memorable; gifts that express how much you care.

Creating Love and Friendship Using the Law of Attraction

Most people think that love and friendship is the same thing. But in reality they are very different. You can be someone's friend but not be in love with them. If you are married or in a love relationship with someone, you know that you should also be their best friend. Using the law of attraction to bring love and true friendships into your life requires that you extend this same love and friendship to all people.

Loving and extending true friendship to others is not a trait that comes naturally to most people. It is something that must be worked at. For you to extend this love and friendship to others, it is necessary to attract the right people to you. You can do this by using the law of attraction.

You get what you give. If you show compassion and kindness to others, they will return that kindness and compassion by becoming a trustworthy friend. There can be no room for envy, greed or jealousy in your life. In order to be a true and loving person you must put these negative qualities behind you.

In all relationships, love or friendship, there must be give and take. Of course you must recognize your faults and work on them constantly in order to become the loving person that is a true friend to all. Using the law of attraction can speed up this process of becoming the person you want to be.

One of the biggest problems that we all face when becoming the loving friend that we seek to be is that we become so involved with our work or career that we fail to notice the people around us. When in fact, by becoming a loyal friend to co-workers they will in turn help you to succeed. This does not mean using people for your benefit. This is a negative trait that will only return bad in the long run.