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101 Deep Questions to Ask Your Partner, Boyfriend, or Girlfriend
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101 Deep Questions to Ask Your Partner, Boyfriend, or Girlfriend

How well do you know your partner? We don't just mean their favorite color or movie, but really know them. Have you ever asked the deep questions? Their likes, dislikes, trauma, regrets, passions, dreams and greatest desires.RELATED: Do the 36 Questions That Lead to Love Really Work?These are not meant to undermine your relationship, simply to point out an area for improvement, something that needs to be strengthened if you hope to get through not only the good times, but also the bad ones.Fortunately, there’s a pretty easy way to strengthen your bond. And luckily, it’s a lot of fun (even if it can get heavy sometimes). Think back. When was the last time you had a meaningful conversation with your partner? An open and honest discussion can help bring couples closer together by building trust, mutual understanding and compassion.How well do you know your partner? Discover Deeper Connection with Your Partner! Uncover the Secrets of Love and Intimacy with this Couples Card GameCommunication will bring understanding and understanding will cause harmonious mutual relationships which can establish peace and stability.– Lobsang TenzinAllowing yourselves to be vulnerable, by practicing active and empathetic listening, also tends to reveal a lot about your partner’s character, their values, their past and their visions for the future. It’s an opportunity to learn more about your partner and ultimately, more about yourself.The Power of Deep Questions in Every RelationshipAsking the right question at the right time can help us realize breakthroughs in many important areas of life, from finding out what we want to do with our life to improving personal relationships.RELATED: How Soon Is Too Soon to Move In? The 5 Most Important Questions to AnswerUnderstanding is the gateway to compassion and love, and questions allow us to obtain that necessary level of understanding, helping us learn why our partner behaves or thinks a certain way.Have you ever wondered what are the right, deep questions to ask your boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse or partner? Well, wonder no longer. Here below are 101 deep questions to help you connect with your partner on a more intimate level. May they help you realize a deeper understanding, boundless compassion, and open love.Couples Should Have Deeper Conversation about Life1. What’s something you’re glad you’ll never have to do again?When it comes to getting to know your partner on a more meaningful level, it really helps to build an understanding of any experiences they’d like to avoid — and why. Knowing the answers to these questions can be stress-relieving, or help to circumvent awkward situations, as well as cultivate empathy and a deeper understanding of their character. 2. What’s one thing you always procrastinate on?3. What would you do with your life if you were suddenly awarded a billion dollars?While winning a billion dollars is highly unlikely, anything is possible. What this question really reveals is more than their dream vacation, or how they would spend almost unlimited wealth. It reveals where your partner’s priorities lie when the usual obstacles and impediments are removed, and what their biggest dreams will be — the ones they’d like to pursue in their heart of hearts.4. What should a healthy relationship provide for the people in it?Relationship questions like this one are rather crucial to your expectations and theirs, and can be very helpful in determining whether your relationship needs and goals are aligned or not. If they’re not, you may find there is common ground enough to come together anyway — but knowing comes first.5. Do you believe everything happens for a reason, or do we just find reasons after things happen?6. Is there anything you consider absolutely unforgivable?If your partner has a deal-breaker associated with unforgivable acts, it doesn’t hurt to know what it is so you can be sure that it doesn’t conflict with any of your own unforgivable end zones. Plus, if you disagree on what’s forgivable, that’s worth discussing.7. If you woke up tomorrow with no fear, what would you do first?8. In your life, what has been the biggest blessing in disguise?This is a great way to understand how your partner’s mind works — how they put things in perspective for themselves, and how they process ‘positive’ vs ‘negative’ forces in their lives. 9. If you could pick one year of your life to do-over, which would it be and why? 10. What is one behavior that you never tolerate?Your partner may not tolerate clutter or messiness in their home, or they may not like the idea of having friends over late into the night. It's worth comparing and contrasting which behaviors you find acceptable and which you can’t stand. How else will you know if you’re well-aligned?11. If you could write a note to your younger self, what would you say in only three words?12. What is the one thing that makes you feel alive?Whether it’s mountain climbing, skydiving, performing in front of an audience, traveling to new places, or simply being creative on a regular basis, it’s worth knowing what gets your partner’s juices flowing. Because arguably, feeling alive is everything!13. What would your perfect day look like?Not only can this question help you plan the perfect surprise birthday itinerary, but it can teach you a ton about how your partner likes to unwind and have fun — always useful information!14. Do you usually follow your head or your heart when making decisions?Contrary to surface-level understandings, "heart people" can be highly compatible with "head people," even helping to balance one another out, so don’t worry about their answer being different than yours, or being overly emotional compared to them. Also, don’t get stuck on black-or-white answers, as these things never are.15. What is something that never ends well?16. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?Romantic Questions: Thinking about Your RelationshipThese are not just random questions to ask your boyfriend or partner. In real life, knowing how they want to spend date night, what the most attractive quality they find in others is, or what their favorite romantic movie is can seem like a silly thing to want to know at first. RELATED: 3 Ways to Beat Relationship BoredomHowever, they are also interesting questions that reveal much about compatibility, and the sort of romantic things and experiences they want in their lives. 1. What did you think when you first met me?If you haven’t discussed your first impressions of one another, there’s really no time like the present. The answer to this question might be amusing; it might also be romantic. One thing's for sure, it’ll give you an insider's view on the path your partner traveled to choosing you.2. What about our relationship makes you really happy?Best case scenario: you gain a deeper understanding of what your partner appreciates about you, which can serve as a wonderful anchor in your relationship. Not to mention, regularly communicating what you appreciate about one another is the stuff of strong relationships.3. If you had one word to describe our relationship what would it be?4. What’s your biggest fear for this relationship?Relationship anxiety is extraordinarily common, but there’s no antidote to this particular brand of fear like talking it through with an empathetic partner. Relationship fear is often based on past experiences, and once they’re out in the open, they have a greater chance of dissipating.5. What’s one difference between us that you absolutely love?They say opposites attract, and while this is certainly not always the case, having palpable differences is often a source of interest, intrigue and attraction between partners. Why not get some positive feedback on being yourself?6. What’s one similarity between us that you absolutely love?7. What about me (outside of a physical feature) made you fall in love?If you’re in love, and the feeling is mutual, this is a question that can only feed your mutual affection and appreciation for one another — so don’t be afraid to ask.8. What’s your favorite memory of us?9. What’s one thing you want to do together that we’ve never done before?This question is perfectly suited to laying sprawled out in a field of flowers, visioning for the long-term with your significant other. It’s really healthy to want to share certain experiences (be it singing a duet at an open mic, entering a marathon, or buying real estate). And it’s even healthier to express it!10. Where is your favorite place to be with me?11. What’s one thing you’re scared to ask me, but really want to know the answer to?These types of boyfriend questions are important: If your partner actually has an answer to this one, chances are you’ll want to ask the question. Better to get everything out in the open sooner than later. It may end up being an opportunity to hear the hardest truth, but one that strengthens the relationship over the long term. 12. What’s one thing you feel our relationship is lacking?13. What’s your favorite non-physical quality about me?Attraction is often based at least in part on physical traits, particularly at the beginning of a relationship. But if your relationship is a strong one, there is surely more to your bond than looks. Hearing all the other things that fuel your partner’s attraction can be really refreshing, enlightening, even.14. If our relationship ended, what’s the one thing about it you’d miss the most?15. What do you think was your most vulnerable moment in our relationship?Staying honest (and therefore vulnerable) is integral to any successful relationship. What better way to achieve this than to talk about moments of authentic vulnerability without judgment? 16. What’s one secret you’ve wanted to tell me, but haven’t?17. What’s your favorite way to receive affection?Different people have different love languages, from physical touch, to words of affirmation, receiving gifts, quality time, and acts of service. There’s no better way to give and receive affection than by speaking each other’s language.18. What’s one thing you think makes our relationship unique from everyone else’s?19. If you could change one thing about our relationship what would it be?It might seem counterintuitive to invite conversation based on the assumption that your partner would, in fact, change something about your relationship, but sometimes, it’s questions like these that make someone feel comfortable enough to raise an issue that's been on their mind.20. What do you think is your biggest strength in this relationship?21. What’s one thing about your life you would never change for someone else, including me?While the tone of this question may seem a tad negative at first glance, identifying your partner’s non-negotiable traits, habits or attachments can go a long way toward helping you understand what’s most important to them in life.22. What about us do you think works well together? How do we balance each other out?23. What does love mean to you?24. What do I mean to you?This question is makes both parties vulnerable, so it's natural to want to shy away from it. But at a certain point in your relationship (you’ll know what point — it’s different for everyone), hot and heavy questions like this one are fair — and, hell, they can be extremely romantic too.25. What was your first impression of me?26. What’s the most romantic movie you’ve ever seen?27. Do you believe in love at first sight?Fun Questions to Ask Your Girlfriend, Boyfriend or PartnerNot everything has to be so serious! Sometimes the best relationship advice is to be silly, and enjoy cute questions about crazy things. RELATED: The 60 Best Secret Crush Quotes to Help You Thirst in StyleFunny questions can sometimes lead to a really good conversation that you guys will be really glad you had.1. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?2. Would you like to be famous? In what way?3. If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you choose?Although questions like these have a bit of a party-trick vibe, they can also be very revealing of your partner’s core values. What does your partner value more: looks or lucidity? While answers should be taken with a grain of salt, you can learn lots from the inevitable explanations that accompany such answers.4. Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die? (If their sense of humor is dark like yours)5. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or ability, what would it be?Many of us fantasize about possessing certain "superpowers" or abilities. This is a fun question to ask, but it can also teach you lots about your partner’s deepest wishes (be it to fly above it all, turn invisible on whim, or set fire to things spontaneously) — so ask, ask away! 6. If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?7. Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?In the spirit of bringing the best out of one another, this question can help you plan a future in which you do just that. Why not encourage your partner to follow their dreams and talk through it with them if they get stuck?8. If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?9. Share with your partner an embarrassing moment in your life.Think of your most embarrassing moments as a treasure trove of a) good stories, b) hard lessons learned, and c) personal growth signposts. Sharing these with your partner will very likely bring you closer. After all, any partner worth their salt wants to know the real you — not the airbrushed version.10. Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?11. What’s your favorite karaoke song?12. What is your go-to Halloween costume?13. Who is your big celebrity crush?Questions to Ask Your Partner about the Future1. Where do you see yourself in five years?If your partner hasn’t given any thought to this question, and you have (or vice versa), a discussion wouldn’t hurt. Sometimes all it takes is a little communication for two people to start creating five-year plans together.2. How do you see our future together? Where do you see it headed?It may seem daunting, but it’s important to have ‘the talk’ with your best friend and potential lifelong mate. If your hearts and paths are aligned, there shouldn’t be much in the way of surprises. If they're not, it’s still definitely worth knowing so you can reassess.3. What are your goals in the relationship?4. What are your thoughts on having a family?This is not a peripheral question: if you want a big family but your partner would rather limit your dependents to cats and dogs, you need to have a discussion to determine whether there’s enough flexibility to move forward.5. Where do you see yourself living when you retire?6. What are your financial priorities and goals?Money and love may seem antithetical, but the strongest relationships are transparent on all fronts. In other words, if you couldn’t care less about money or saving for the future, but your partner is steeped in mutual funds and RRSPs (or vice versa), it may be worth talking about to avoid future conflicts or imbalances in the relationship.7. What is on your bucket list that we can do together this year?8. What’s the one thing you want to achieve the most before you die?If your partner has a goal to end all goals — something they don’t want to leave this earth without achieving (i.e. writing a novel, or opening a café) — you may want to consider getting behind it and supporting them. Because happier people make better partners!9. Do you have any habits you want to change?Be it quitting smoking and drinking, or curbing a bad temper, knowing your partner’s personal betterment aspirations can help you be a stronger support when they need it the most.10. What do you most look forward to about getting old?‘Getting old’ might not be a topic either of you naturally turn to, but talking about it can really help clarify your respective life trajectories (or at least the ones you see yourself following), as well as how your partner imagines life with you in the (distant) future.11. What are you hoping to learn in the coming year?12. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received in your whole life?13. If you could see into the future, what’s one thing you want to see?Many of us would rather not look into the future and find out things that might rob us of quality of life in the present moment. Then again, your partner may have good reasons to prefer knowing how certain life aspects will unfold. You should probably hear this.14. How do you want to be remembered?Questions to Ask Your Husband, Wife or Partner about Their Past1. When’s the last time you felt vulnerable? How did you cope?2. What have you accomplished in the past year that you are most proud of?Close as you feel to your partner, you may not actually be aware of how they judge their own achievements and what it is they take real pride in. True intimacy requires learning more about your partner’s inner world when the opportunity presents itself.3. What were the major turning points in your life?From past trauma dating back to one's childhood, to struggles with anxiety, depression, or addiction your partner may have dealt with before knowing you, ‘turning points’ come in many forms. Learning your partner means knowing their history.4. When’s the last time you pushed out of your comfort zone? How did it make you feel?5. What is your happiest memory?Sharing the happiest memories of our lives is a beautiful way of getting closer to our partners while opening the door to creating new happy memories together as a couple. 6. How have you changed in the past five years?7. When was the last time you cried and why?Some people cry often, and others rarely. We all have different relationships to shedding tears, and understanding your partner’s will only shed light on their emotional reality. Bonus: asking the question entails sharing a vulnerable moment, and vulnerability breeds intimacy.8. What is an important life lesson you’ve learned?9. What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?We don’t all have the same notions of courage, or of boldness. You can learn volumes about your partner by hearing them tell of the most daring thing they ever did, and the kind of results it manifested in their life.10. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from past partners?Not everyone likes to discuss their previous relationships with their current partner, and indeed, there should be a limit to such discussions. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t valuable lessons to be shared. Chances are that learning about your partner’s experiences in previous serious relationships will help you to better understand their behaviors today.11. What’s the most challenging setback you’ve ever experienced? How did you overcome it?12. If you could change one thing in history, what would it be?13. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?14. If you had to listen to just one of the songs you loved as a kid for the rest of your life, which song would it be?15. Did you have any pets growing up?Particularly if animals are important to you, and/or you plan on having pets in the future, it’s integral you get to know your partner’s attitude toward animals.16. What is your favorite childhood memory?Heavy Questions to Ask Your Girlfriend, Boyfriend or Partner1. Do you want to have kids? If so, how many?2. When you’re having a bad day, what makes you feel better?This is the kind of question that helps you better understand how to comfort your girlfriend when she's down and just needs a reprieve from life for a minute (or a day). Whether it’s cooking a meal, cleaning the apartment, or giving her a temple massage, these are important life skills, so never underestimate them!3. Do you consider yourself a jealous person?4. Have you ever cheated on a partner?If your girlfriend has cheated in the past, it’s worth knowing, just as it's worth knowing what led her to it, and how she feels about it in retrospect. People grow and change — they do it all the time. 5. Why did your last relationship end?6. How important is religion or spirituality in your life?Religion and/or spirituality may or may not play a significant role in your life — either way, unless the topic was at the forefront of your first meeting, your partner might have an altogether different relationship to faith. If you want to build a future together, don’t hesitate to ask her. If she’s worth being in a relationship with, she’s worth really knowing.7. Who was your role model growing up?8. Have you ever been in an emotional or physically abusive relationship?If your partner has coped with an abuser in the past (be it an ex-partner, a parent, or anyone else) getting closer to your girlfriend likely means learning what she’s been through — to whatever extent she’s willing to share.9. How important are looks to you?10. Do you think a relationship can come back from cheating?In a committed, monogamous relationship, no one wants a partner who strays. That said, your boyfriend might take cheating less seriously than you do — or vice versa. Put your mind at ease by addressing concerns as they arise, and with total transparency.11. How long was your longest relationship?12. How do you see our future together: do you envision a two-income household, or a different arrangement?Whether you envision yourself as a blissfully content stay-at-home-mom, a high octane corporate executive — or both — finding out what kind of household arrangement your boyfriend imagines for his future (i.e., blissfully content stay-at-home dad) can help circumvent a lot of potential conflict in the future. 13. Have you ever struggled with addiction?While it’s true that our struggles do not define us, your boyfriend’s history with any sort of addiction is something you’re within your rights to ask about, as it may affect you too. Even if this does not represent his current reality, understanding his past struggles can help you become a lot better acquainted with the man you’re sharing your life with.14. Have you ever been engaged or married?Becoming acquainted with the broad strokes of your boyfriend’s past romantic life can help you better understand his behaviors, interests, and hesitations in your current relationship.15. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?You might have a very different style of communicating or relating to others than your boyfriend does. This doesn’t make you incompatible—in fact, it might even make you extra complementary. Still, it helps to address these differences so you can better understand and empathize with one another, while also being supportive of your partner even if you can’t directly relate to their difficulties. Why Are Questions in Relationships So Important?Ultimately, when it comes to building and maintaining strong relationships, communication is both king and queen! The more deeply you open up to truly getting to know one another, the sturdier your foundation will be. Nothing can shake you if your version of intimacy includes sharing your best and worst moments with compassion, acceptance, and love. Asking questions (and answering them) without reservation is a surefire way to open up the floodgates of vulnerability—by extension cultivating deeper shared emotional experiences. With additions by MJ Kelly and Maya KhamalaKEEP READING: Are You in Love? These 5 Proven Signs Will Help You Know for Sure

14 Years After Receiving Christmas Shoebox Gift, Woman Marries The Stranger Who Sent It
Uplifting News

14 Years After Receiving Christmas Shoebox Gift, Woman Marries The Stranger Who Sent It

A gift from worlds awayMost love stories don't begin with two kids on opposite sides of the globe, but this tale is in a class of its own. It all began in Christmas 2000, when 7-year-old Tyrel Wolfe was helping his parents pack Christmas shoebox gifts for children in the Philippines. The project, headed by Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse, consisted of packing school supplies, toiletries and small toys.Each shoebox-packer was asked to include a photo of themself with their gift. And so, the boy sent a picture of himself decked in Western cowboy gear, and then was off into the sunset. A random friend requestOver a decade later, at 21, Wolfe received a Facebook friend request from a Joanna Marchan. Thinking nothing of it, he ignored it.Then two years, up popped another friend request from Marchan. With curiosity getting the best of him, Wolfe replied this time, asking how she knew him. Nothing could prepare him for her reply.Marchan told him that she received Wolfe's shoebox gift and picture, and how much she cherished it all those years. She added that she sent a thank-you note, however it got lost in the mail. With that, the two began chatting and were drawn together like magnets. It was only a matter of time before the pull was too strong. And so, after saving up enough money from work, Wolfe took bought a ticket to the Philippines for 10 days to meet Marchan. He told PEOPLE that it was a leap of faith. I knew I was taking a big risk. I had never traveled alone, let alone to a foreign country before and I was meeting people I didn't know or even knew really existed.- Tyrel Wolfe A leap of faithThat was quickly put to rest when he laid eyes on her. “When I finally got there and saw her, I had to punch myself a couple times because I thought it was a dream,” he recalled. The chemistry was reciprocal. However, in respecting Marchan's family tradition, the two couldn't officially be a couple until receiveing her father's blessing. When Wolfe finally had to return home, it was heartbreaking but only fueled his resolve. It was one of the hardest goodbyes I’ve ever had to say because we didn’t know the next time we’d see each other. I told her I’m going to do whatever it takes to come back to her.- Tyrel Wolfe It wouldn't be long. The two kept in close touch, planning their reunion. Finally, on a return trip to Manila a few months later -- this time accompanied by his father Ivan -- Tyrel got papa bear's blessing to marry Marchan. Have an open heartThe couple settled down in the United States because of Wolfe's job, which also lets him help Marchan's family back home. As for Marchan, it's all been alot to take in but she's enjoying the ride with her beau. “It was a big change and adjustment for me,” Marchan says. “I was raised in the city and now I’m living in the country with much less people and more space, but it’s a beautiful place.”Wolfe and Marchan are keeping another commitment: Packing a shoebox every holiday season, including a note with their story. We don t want to give them some fantasy, but we do want to show that we care and want to share our love.- Tyrel Wolfe Far from a fantasy, this incredible story teaches us that with an open heart and a little faith, there's love and magic all around us. More uplifting stories:Scuba Diver Found Lost Ring Worth $17,000–And Returned It To Its OwnerFamily Buys Ice Cream Vendor’s Whole Stock, Raises Over $53k To Help Him RetireNewlywed Nurse Jumps To Rescue A Car Crash Victim While Still In Her Wedding GownTeacher Noticed Nobody Showed Up For His Student’s Graduation–So He Did ThisBe courageous enough to love"To love is to recognize yourself in another." -- Eckhart Tolle

24 Breakup Quotes that Will Help you Heal Your Wounds Faster
Quotes

24 Breakup Quotes that Will Help you Heal Your Wounds Faster

While many of us have different opinions on how to get over a breakup, and we all experience heartbreak differently, one thing is for sure – breakups are never nice or easy.Sometimes people leave us, sometimes we are the ones to leave. Either way, what we all need to focus on after a separation is moving on. But how do we do that, especially when the cut is fresh?Unfortunately, there is no recipe to do so. Each individual reacts and feels on different levels of intensity. What I can tell you is that family, friends and all those little things you love to do in your spare time can help you heal faster, so let them.Know that it is perfectly normal to miss someone after a breakup and it’s okay to cry, scream and let it all out. The secret is to not make a habit out of it, and bring yourself even more misery. Make room for better things, because better things are yet to come. Don’t ever doubt that!Here are some breakup quotes to help ease your pain and speed your healingWhen someone leaves, it’s because someone else is about to arrive.– Paulo CoelhoHeartbroken? Channel your sorrow to become worthy of love. The world will be yours. ― Tapan GhoshOne of the best times for figuring out who you are and what you really want out of life? Right after a break-up.― Mandy HaleI can still love an ex as a person, regardless if the breakup was bad. I would never wish anything negative on them. It takes more energy to hate them than to wish them well.-- Ashley GreenePatience is key for getting over a breakup. That and trailing off your interaction after the breakup.-- DrakeHow do you know when it's over? Maybe when you feel more in love with your memories than with the person standing in front of you.-- Gunnar ArdeliusI believe much of the pain of a breakup comes from having a life plan that you have fallen in love with. When it does not work out, you become angry that you now have to pursue a new life plan.-- Karen SalmansohnI will not try to convince you to love me, to respect me, to commit to me. I deserve better than that; I am better than that. Goodbye!-- Steve MaraboliLike some wines our love could neither mature nor travel.― Graham GreeneSadly enough, the most painful goodbyes are the ones that are left unsaid and never explained.― Jonathan HarnischWhat happens to people that love each other? I suppose they have whatever they have, and they are more fortunate than others. Then one of them gets the emptiness forever.-- Ernest HemingwayWhat is it that makes you cry? It is only your attachments. What is it that you miss when it is lost? It is the object of your attachment. Ponder over this.– OshoIn order to truly value loyalty, you must first endure the affliction of betrayal.― Thomas MerrittThose who do not know how to weep with their whole heart do not know how to laugh either.— Golda MeirOne doesn't simply grieve the loss of a relationship. One grieves the loss of the possible future, as well as the wiping-out of the past.-- Katerina Stoykova-KlemerI think it’s important to realize that you can miss something, but not want it back.– Paulo CoelhoOne day they’ll realize they lost a diamond while playing with worthless stones.– Turcois OminekSome think that holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it’s letting go.– Herman HesseEver has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.– Khalil GibranHearts live by being wounded.– Oscar WildeYou may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call ‘failure’ is not the falling down, but the staying down.– Mary PickfordHealing yourself is connected with healing others.– Yoko OnoDon’t waste moments waiting and wondering. Don’t throw away your time dreaming of someone that doesn’t want you. No one is that amazing, certainly not the one who would pass you up.― Donna Lynn HopeTis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.— Alfred Lord Tennyson

50 Sweet Love Quotes to Send to Your Girlfriend
Dating

50 Sweet Love Quotes to Send to Your Girlfriend

Sweet love quotes to send your girlfriend. Sometimes it can be hard to find the right words, but no worries, we’ve got you covered with our list of romantic quotes for your girlfriend. These short love quotes for your girlfriend will surely put a smile on your girlfriend’s face, and she'll appreciate you even more. No matter how busy you get, never forget to send a simple message or some short romantic quotes for your girlfriend to remind her that she’s been in your mind lately. Some simple good morning quotes for your girlfriend will already make her day.There is no perfect time to tell her how much she means to you. Your simple and sweet gesture already means a lot to her. No matter how busy she gets, reading something that comes from your heart will not fail to brighten up her mood. Some cute love quotes for her will help you find the right words to say. People make time for things they want, thus, there’s no excuse for forgetting her. If you truly love your girlfriend, even the littlest gesture will matter. Any woman will appreciate a thoughtful man. Nothing beats actions, but words sure do helps. Make her feel special by sending girlfriend quotes to her and show your true love to her.Here are some sweet love quotes to send to your girlfriendLove quotes for your girlfriend I love you right up to the moon—and back.Sam McBratneyI've never had a moment's doubt. I love you. I believe in you completely. You are my dearest one. My reason for life.Ian McEwanI love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you. Ben FoldsI love you the way a drowning man loves air. And it would destroy me to have you just a little.Rae Carson Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide, but I love you until the end of time.Moulin RougeYou are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known—and even that is an understatement. F. Scott FitzgeraldBecause of you, I can feel myself slowly but surely becoming me I have always dreamed of being. Tyler Knott GregsonRomantic quotes for your girlfriendCome live in my heart, and pay no rent. Samuel LoverWhy, darling, I don't live at all when I'm not with you. Ernest HemingwayI seem to have loved you in numberless forms, numberless times, in life after life, in age after age forever. Rabindranath TagoreIf you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you. A. A. MilneIf I know what love is, it is because of you. Hermann HesseI love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you. Paulo CoelhoI love you as one loves certain dark things, secretly, between the shadow and the soul. Pablo NerudaYou’re always the first and the last thing on this heart of mine. No matter where I go, or what I do, I’m thinking of you. Dierks BentleyTrue love quotes for your girlfriendThere's no substitute for a great love who says, 'No matter what's wrong with you, you're welcome at this table.'Tom HanksI composed a beautiful letter to you in the sleepless nightmare hours of the night, and it has all gone: I just miss you, in a quite simple desperate human way. Vita Sackville-WestIf you make your best friend and your significant other the same person, you don't have to disconnect to go tell your girlfriend everything. Niecy NashIt's funny how all the things you would change are all things that are cute to me. Simple PlanLove is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. Bruce LeeIf I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever. Alfred TennysonOh I swear to you, I'll be there for you. This is not a drive by. TrainI love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. Ray CroftTo the world you may be one person, but to one person you are the world. Bill WilsonYou stole my heart, but I’ll let you keep it UnknownSometimes your nearness takes my breath away, and all the things I want to say can find no voice. Then, in silence, I can only hope my eyes will speak my heart.Robert SextonThere is a madness in loving you, a lack of reason that makes it feel so flawless. Leo ChristopherLet us flip the coin and see. Head, I am yours. Tail, you are mine. So, we won’t lose. UnknownEvery heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song. At the touch of a lover, everyone becomes a poet PlatoLove demands expression. It will not stay still, stay silent, be good, be modest, be seen and not heard, no. It will break out in tongues of praise, the high note that smashes the glass and spills the liquid.Jeanette WinterstonLove is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning. Paulo CoelhoDo I love you? My God, if your love were a grain of sand, mine would be a universe of beaches. William GoldmanCute love quotes for herBut the you who you are tonight is the same you I was in love with yesterday, the same you I'll be in love with tomorrow.Gayle FormanYou're the best thing I never knew I needed. So now it's so clear I need you here always.Ne-YoFor all the things my hands have held, the best by far is you.Andrew McMahonYou should know how great things were before you. Even so, they're better still today. I can't think of who I was before you ruined everything in the nicest way.Jonathan Coulton You think you're one of the millions but you're one in a million to me.Brad Paisley You see, this is all we need. A couple smokes a cup of coffee and a little bit of conversation with you and me and five bucks.Reality BitesSweet quotes for her It was love at first sight, at last sight, at ever and ever sight.Vladimir NabokovNo measure of time with you will be long enough, but we'll start with forever. Stephenie MeyerI look at you and I would rather look at you than all the portraits in the world.Frank O'HaraI couldn't crack the love code, dear, 'til you made the lock on my heart explode.RentI want you today, tomorrow, next week, and for the rest of my life.I.A. DiceI wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being.Hafiz of ShirazGood morning quotes for girlfriendWhen the sun came up… I couldn’t tell where heaven stopped and the Earth began.Tom HanksFor each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, for everything thy goodness sends.Ralph Waldo EmersonYou are my today and all of my tomorrows.Leo ChristopherLet me wake up next to you, have coffee in the morning, and wander through the city with your hand in mine, and I’ll be happy for the rest of my little life.Charlotte ErikssonA morning without you is a dwindled dawn.Emily DickinsonWhen you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, breath, think, enjoy, love, and then make that day count!Steve Maraboli

Unconditional Love: What is It & How Do You Find It?
Marriage

Unconditional Love: What is It & How Do You Find It?

Depending on the history of your love life, unconditional love may be something readily available, in short-supply, or even non-existent. If you’re not even sure it exists, you’re certainly not alone! Many people have never seen what unconditional love looks like in their own families, and so they struggle as adults with giving and receiving such transformative loving energy.That’s why gaining perspective into how unconditional love works is important. It can get you more in tune with your feelings. It can also help you better understand what work needs to be done - not just in your current relationship, but in your future relationships as well. Love is powerful, and it requires great effort and learning to sustain over time.Unconditional Love DefinitionDescribing this type of love we all desire AKA unconditional love is relatively straightforward. True to its name, it exists without conditions (ie., it comes without strings attached). This means you give it without any expectation of receiving anything in return. Unconditional love finds itself in all kinds of relationships from those we have with certain family members (ie., a child, parent, sibling) to the relationships we develop with pets and even some plants. However, it’s certainly not to be expected and isn’t guaranteed in these or any relationship. It has to at first be possible, and then nurtured and tended to with care. Consider that you water a flower in hopes it will bloom but if you do feel love in this regard, it exists regardless of the outcome. You water anyway.In other words, unconditional love in its healthiest form is defined by a level of free-flowing support that naturally brings out the best in both people (or beings involved). This support is born from a deep-rooted respect or admiration.Respect for individuality and the distinct nature you and others hold outside any single relationship in lifeRespect for the foundational loving relationship you can develop with yourself and use as a compass in current and future loving relationshipsRespect for the undeniable truth that love changes with events and time (and that people change, too)Respect for the other person’s boundaries, needs, dreams, triggers, etc.Respect for the other person’s life journey (ie., not trying to “control, take over, steer”)Relationships based on this highly desirable unconditional love are defined by strength through life’s struggle or, in other words, with kindness in the face of chaos. Life is always a challenge with ups and downs that we can’t predict, but unconditional life isn’t something that fluctuates with events. It only deepens with time. First, we need to find somewhere for it to sprout...On Finding Unconditional Love in a Romantic Relationship and BeyondFinding unconditional love isn’t necessarily easy, but it starts at home. It begins by looking inward and assessing your current ways of expressing and receiving love. It’s okay if unconditionally loving someone seems impossible. Unconditional love is nonetheless real, and can be truly liberating.You might want to do some journaling while you consider the following self-reflection questions:Do you have strings attached (ie., conditions) the love you give people? What conditions do you place on love?What happens when those conditions aren’t met? For example, do you go cold or ice people out?How have your reactions to unmet conditions impacted previous relationships?These kinds of self-examining questions are examples of “the work” that’s necessary to create desired changes in perceptions and actions. If you want to love and be loved unconditionally, you need to recognize the strings first so you can then cut yourself free.Reading about the five love languages and other forms of love can offer further insight into how you express feelings of different forms of love and how you would like to be treated by a romantic or other partner. Consider the following:Maybe you have some unlearning to do before being able to open your heart in this way. Maybe you have opened your heart too haphazardly in the past and you’re wondering what to do differently this time around. Maybe you really have been looking for love in the wrong places (ie., places that don’t understand your love language).Once you have a better understanding of your more dominating love languages (you’ll likely have more than one love language) or those of greater importance in a relationship, it narrows down what to look for.Love languages:Acts of serviceReceiving giftsQuality time Words of affirmationPhysical touchList them in order of preference to get a better sense of what you thrive on as a human being, and what your own needs are. When you know what you’re looking for, you can begin manifesting it into reality rather than wandering aimlessly from relationship to relationship. Healthy unconditional love is not out of reach! Unconditional Love: Part of a Healthy RelationshipDescribing unconditional love is easy when looking at healthy relationships, but it is not as easy to recognize in practice, and furthermore, isn’t a given in every single relationship (and that’s okay, too). You need to understand that some people will not be open to unconditional love because they simply have never seen it, known it, or felt it before. This is why choosing the right relationships is important. Ideally, you will find someone who can also love unconditionally. This way you both can flourish even during the hard times. However, even love that has conditions can be worthwhile and those conditions may dissolve with time spent together and work from both people. Yes, loving someone unconditionally means loving them through thick and thin and giving this love freely even during times of extreme relationship turmoil (and this can feel like a lot of work!). For example, if your spouse cheats on you and you find out they’ve been unfaithful, you can experience a broken heart that hurts but doesn’t destroy your unconditional love for the person. You may love them regardless of what they do (or you may not). Other rather extreme examples include:Your teen crashing your vehicle Your child telling you they hate you Your dog biting youUnconditional love will not change from these types of events. Nothing can shake it. Even if you feel other emotions like anger, disgust, fear, or disappointment, the love remains.If you’ve ever said or heard something like, “This is my chosen family,” or “You’re my chosen family now,” this is a sign of unconditional love already existing in your life.Unconditional love is the feeling behind other phrases like:“I may not like you very much right now, but I still love you.”“Of course I still love you! I could never not love you.”“Loving someone doesn’t just go away overnight.”“I need to detach with love.”“Your mom and I will always be proud of you.”Some people may also equate unconditional love with mature love because it’s the kind of love that doesn’t keep score and deduct points for bad behavior. With all of this said, it’s just as important for you to know that loving someone unconditionally doesn’t mean you stay in an abusive or otherwise unhealthy and unfilling relationship. If unconditional love doesn’t flow both ways, it also leaves room for unhealthy persons to take advantage, so just remember: Unconditional love isn’t an excuse for harmful and hurtful behavior, especially in a romantic relationship. If you’re experiencing relationship problems, seek support and outside help (professional or peer). You see, while loving someone unconditionally can sometimes mean different things to different people, it’s never an open invitation to cheat, lie, or steal. It is not an excuse to take advantage of another person’s willingness to love without conditions. While this may feel obvious to some, it may not be to others who have lived in environments with unhealthy power dynamics (e.g. with people with untreated addictions or mental illnesses). It takes practice to unlearn toxic ways of loving and shift toward healthier expressions of love, especially if you’ve learned these early in life from the parenting adults in your life.If you grew up with an active addict in the home or someone who was actively experiencing mental illness like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, you may have learned unhealthy ways of asking for love and giving love. This is not necessarily anyone’s fault, but it’s a wound that needs to be healed, and the future is in your control to change. How to Love Unconditionally Loving unconditionally is one of the most rewarding and life-changing goals you can cast. If you’ve been exposed to negative self-talk from parenting adults and mentors (or if those adults put heavy emphasis on things like “earning love” or “losing points,”) you may need some extra time, patience, and persistence in changing your relationship to love and how you love. But at any stage in your story, you can start encouraging and nurturing feelings of unconditional love. Try these strategies to get started.Open the Communication Lines ImmediatelyUnconditional love is free from the type of judgement you find in power-imbalanced romantic relationships. This means communication lines should be as wide open (transparent and honest) as possible because it’s actually safe to speak your mind. If you’re not sure what this looks like, here’s a few starter tips for getting it right without starting a fight.If you have a problem, address it as soon as possible and appropriate.Actively listen to your partner (head nodding, gesturing, asking follow-up questions)Speak softly to be heard and received Work to make the other person feel safeAllow for silent moments and pauses Have serious conversations in a private and appropriate setting (not public or in-front of children) Think about what the person said afterwards Honor and respect your partner’s opinions, beliefs, and needs even if you don’t share them or understand them Use humor sparingly and wisely Provide Emotional Support in Romantic Relationships Emotional support is the care work you put into being in another person’s world. It’s the gentle encouragement or vote of confidence that helps your partner see their passions and purpose come to life. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be cheerleading at all hours or encouraging ideas you don’t believe in, but you do need to be showing a consistent level of support for the other person and their goals outside of your relationship. In other words, you need to be supportive of the things they love that don’t directly benefit you (other than they make your partner happy and you like seeing them happy). Share Power in All Your RelationshipsUnconditional love (or any form of love for that matter) doesn’t involve games of tug-o-war or relentless battles to win alpha status, prove who’s right, or determine head of household. Rather, this healthy love type involves reasonable and realistic compromise, fair negotiations, and sometimes personal sacrifice, but never all from one person all the time. Power-sharing is crucial to maintaining an even ebb and flow that fosters a healthy relationship between two people. If one person hoards the power, an imbalance occurs that leaves people vulnerable to feelings of resentment. Practice Makes ProgressYou can practice to love unconditionally with pets and plants. Write down any current expectations you may have. Some examples include expecting your plants to grow, flower, or fruit and expecting your pets to love you in return (give affection) and behave appropriately because of how much you love them.While having expectations is healthy and normal, attaching those expectations to love is a choice. If you want to change this relationship to develop a different type of love, a power-shared and compassion-first love, you’ll need to begin dropping expectations attached to your feelings of love.Again, you don’t need to drop your expectations, but if you want to practice loving unconditionally, you need to cut the strings attached to your actions. The same holds true when we talk about unconditional self-loving. Ask yourself what current conditions limit your capacity for self-love? Is it the concept of grades, salary, weight, or where you live? From now on, consider these external factors as giant concrete walls standing in the way of loving yourself unconditionally. Grab a hammer. Start swinging.As these walls come down, self-acceptance and forgiveness can begin to take root. Now, rather than building walls for protection, you are growing roots for strength. Unconditional Love Isn’t Relationship InsuranceFeeling or receiving unconditional love also doesn’t mean that your relationship is shatterproof. Breakups and divorces happen even when unconditional love is present (and that’s okay!). Sometimes enforcing your personal boundaries will be a driving force behind leaving unhealthy relationships (and this is a positive thing!). You can still love people from afar when necessary for your personal wellbeing and safety.Unconditional love can be experienced as:A selfless actCompassionUnconditional positive regard (complete acceptance)EmpathyStability Sustaining Love like this can outlast marriages because it’s not attached to contractual ways of loving or what only one person can provide in return (AKA conditional love). Without this binding force, you’re free to find your own happiness and love exactly as comes naturally because you’re not doing it performatively (ie, because you promised you would, because that’s what you’ve always done, because that’s what you know is expected). Unconditional love can also be defined by everything it’s not. Like all kinds of love, the concept of conditional love exists on a spectrum. It can sound like many things from stark remarks to subtle and insidious comments:“After all I have done for you, you owe me this.” “If you love me, you’ll do [insert anything here].”“I need you to forgive me right now!”“Don’t you love me?”“I would have expected at least a thank you.” “I did all that, not that I expected anything in return, but something would have been nice.”*“You know, they could have at least acknowledged the amount of effort I put in.”And any and all phrases starting with, “If it wasn’t for me…”*When people say aloud to others that they expected nothing in return for whatever they did, they likely expected something (even if praise and recognition). Otherwise, they wouldn’t think to mention it. Unconditional Love Still Involves Healthy Boundaries Your love may not cost a thing, but loving unconditionally doesn’t mean you become a doormat and pushover, either. It means you recognize and respect another person’s boundaries while wanting and working for their happiness and encouraging them to continue making independent choices that serve their highest interests (even if it doesn’t serve yours). Don’t worry, your own boundaries serve your best interests. These boundaries define the space you take in this world. Specifically, they define the space where you end and another person begins. You can think of them as your soul boundaries, spirit boundaries, mental health boundaries, or physical (personal space) boundaries - anything that reinforces your own well being. Different people in different situations will have different types of boundaries. Whether or not it makes sense to you, respect a person’s communicated boundary anyway. Defining Your Own Boundaries in Unconditional Love RelationshipsA time will come when you’re ready to set boundaries with deep work-revealed intentions with a romantic partner. This means you’ll be fully prepared to embrace the purpose behind each boundary and acknowledge why they are important. This will help you in maintaining new boundaries with others and in respecting new boundaries others may establish over time.To begin narrowing down your own boundaries, you can do a self-check on the following specific boundary examples:Monogamy and nonmonogamy Sexuality and gender expressionsTime and energy (including how many days a week you can spend together)Body hair, modifications, tattoos, surgeries, medications, etc.Culture, religion, ethics, and beliefsCo-parenting or in-law visitations Drugs and alcohol consumption The healthiest boundaries are those that are communicated clearly and maintained despite any initial or continued backlash. If you’re still not sure where your boundary lines are, reread the list. Whatever thoughts arise while reviewing it can become your starting place for setting boundaries in loving relationships. Some boundary examples from the above list may include:I am only comfortable in a monogamous relationship.I am open to dating people from across all spectrums.I would consider converting to another religion.I don’t drink alcohol. It’s also important to have a conversation (or many conversations!) about other people’s boundaries. Knowing what people are and are not comfortable with upfront saves time later in miscommunications, misunderstandings, and missteps over boundaries. For example, you may want to know if someone, in turn, is only comfortable in an open or polyamorous relationship. While these may seem like technicalities that have little to do with unconditional love, respecting your own and other people’s boundaries is a key component in establishing the types of real bonds unconditional love can grow in. Backlash From Healthy BoundariesIf you’re new to setting personal boundaries, you may have to face some backlash from people who are less than thrilled you’ve found your voice. Boundary backlash happens because setting boundaries requires changing — and many people are resistant or hesitant to changing for a million reasons including emotions like fear and anxiety and self-limiting beliefs and behavior patterns. When you appear to be changing or developing different boundaries than previously existed, you hold up a mirror to other people’s behavior, too. While the other person may very well be impressed and intimidated by your emotional strength and commitment to your best interests, they may not express this as such. Instead, they may express negative emotions.Boundary backlash sounds like this:You’re no fun anymore (judgement)You never say ‘yes’ anymore (disappointment)You’ve changed (disapproval)What are you trying to say about me, then? (defensiveness)The phone not beeping anymore (abandonment)Yes, you may lose a few people who just will not be able to accept your healthy boundaries because they cannot set and maintain their own. It may sound harsh, but losing these people is ultimately much healthier than losing your voice and constantly having your boundaries crossed, ignored, or otherwise disrespected. Cut the cords and let yourself move to find the unconditional love we all desire and deserve. If these are irreplaceable people in your life, you may want to consider talking to them about boundaries before deciding to end the relationship. If you need help, you can start by reviewing this common list of healthy boundaries and considering where your relationship with this person stands. This way, you’ll have real-life examples to draw upon.In your relationship, do you both:Ask permissionTake each other’s feelings into accountShow gratitude Remain honestGive space (avoid codependence or controlling behaviors)Show respect for differences in opinion, perspective, and feelingsTake personal responsibility for your role in the relationship and actionsAnd don’t worry if things seem like a condition-laden mess right now. Change comes quickly when you start doing the work and maintaining your own healthy boundaries with healthier people won’t be a problem; it’ll just be the norm. With these boundaries in place, you can release yourself to love freely (without hidden costs) and fears that lead people to create unhealthy attachments, jealousies, and confines around relationships in the first place. Is Unconditional Love Healthy?The short answer is, yes: Unconditional love is healthy. The longer answer is that several small studies support that unconditional love is healthy, but in order to understand what that really means, we need to look at how these studies actually define unconditional love. In most cases, unconditional love is measured by nurturing behaviors, affection, and emotional warmth.Examples include:Unconditional love activates or lights up the same areas in the brain’s reward system as romantic love and maternal love, according to a study using brain imaging technology (known as neuroimaging).Parental unconditional love towards infant children in particular has been associated with their greater emotional resilience or strength against adversity in later adulthood (resulting in less distress).Parent-child unconditional love has also shown potential in offering some protective benefits against childhood traumas (meaning that if something traumatic happens, the child may have a more favorable response and recovery).Unconditional love can provide a secure foundation for children to learn because they feel supported if they make mistakes (which we all do). As we age, this type of love provides a beautiful opportunity for people to become their full selves without worry of abandonment and to experience a sense of security unmatched in relationships where people keep scores.Unconditional Love Can Be Used in Unhealthy WaysWhile unconditional love is a healthy and mature feeling, in some worst case scenarios, some people can use it in very unhealthy ways to gain control and power.In toxic relationships (romantic relationships or other), unconditional love can be something you’re made to believe exists in your relationship when it’s actually an idea that’s being weaponized and used against you. For example, you may hear things like:“No one will ever love you like I do” “You’re lucky I love you like I do”“You’ll never find someone to put up with you the way I do”“How can you complain with all I do”There’s a lot of “I” in there, and that’s not what healthy and selfless love sounds like. That’s what manipulation and sick love sound like. In ConclusionAddressing your relationship with love may not feel easy, but it does lead to personal transformation, an increase in self esteem, and even the possibility of a greater sense of self love. Once you start the process, you’ll find that unconditional love is possible everywhere and with everyone. Look inward!

Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen Had to Fail at Marriage to Find True Love
Love Stories

Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen Had to Fail at Marriage to Find True Love

Ted Danson has had an unbelievable career in comedy. Despite the occasional miss, his roles on Cheers and The Good Place alone have solidified his status as a Hollywood legend. Similarly, his personal life has been a smash hit for the past 20-plus years. But that wasn’t always the case. As Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen’s bumpy love story proves, sometimes you have to deal with your fair share of drama and heartbreak before being rewarded with unconditional love. Here’s what we can learn from Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen’s marriage:Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen have enjoyed over two decades of wedded bliss, but when the pair first met on the set of Pontiac Moon in 1993, the outlook was anything but promising. That’s because they had both sworn off love for good. Steenburgen had gotten divorced in 1990 and Danson was having zero luck in the romance department. Not only was he twice divorced, but his second marriage ended in scandal and a historic $30 million settlement. Everyone changes...Ted Danson’s first shot at love came at a young age. In 1970, at the age of 23, he married actress Randy Gosch whom he had met at Carnegie Mellon University. As their respective careers began taking off, however, they found themselves on different paths and separated in 1975. People change with every experience they have and don’t always remain compatible.It's a lesson Danson would soon learn for a second time. Unphased by his divorce, Danson said “I do” to producer Cassandra Coates just two years later. Sadly, a major health scare would soon drive a wedge between them. And tragedy can change your relationshipThe year was 1979 and Coates was giving birth to their first child, Kate, when she suffered a stroke that paralyzed her left side. Recovery was slow and painful, but Danson remained by her side, even sleeping on the hospital room floor for the first three weeks. Unfortunately, the trauma soon took its toll. Speaking candidly about their experience, Coates told People in 1982:For the first month, I did nothing but cry. I gave Ted permission to leave me. I thought I was going to be a wipe-out the rest of my life. Cassandra Coates, People MagazineAs she noted, they were still “adjusting to the fact that we aren’t the same people we were before this happened.” Not only was their intimacy gone — “You don’t think about your sex life when you’re paralyzed,” she told the outlet — but as they tried to find their new "normal," tensions grew. As Danson admitted, “There was a huge rift between us — a massive lack of trust” accompanied by a major “sense of sacrifice” on his part.Sometimes you have to lose everything to find joy Despite all of the challenges they faced, Danson and Coates remained a team for the next decade, but their foundation would crumble in the early ‘90s. Danson was accused of having an affair with co-star Whoopi Goldberg on the set of 1993’s Made in America and the media just couldn’t get enough. That’s when the actor’s life began spiraling out of control. His marriage fell apart, he was hit with a history-making $30 million divorce settlement, Cheers was officially over, Made in America was a flop and, when all was said and done, his new relationship with Goldberg just couldn’t withstand the pressure. The couple called it quits after only 18 months of dating, shortly after an embarrassing comedy routine in which Danson dressed up in blackface to roast his girlfriend. “I was a mess-and-a-half,” Danson told AARP Magazine of that time in his life. I thought, I’m incapable of being in a relationship. But I was working on myself.Ted Danson, AARP MagazineAnd that’s when the unexpected happened. As he noted, it’s “ironic how life works in those moments. Once you throw your arms up and surrender, a lot of times things come your way.”True love comes when you least expect it... When Danson met Steenburgen on the set of Pontiac Moon in 1993, she was in a similar headspace to his. She was a newly single mother of two, having divorced Malcolm McDowell in 1990, and, like her co-star, she had all but given up on love. "I announced to all my friends — not dramatically, but very seriously — that I was done with relationships," she told Closer. That all changed one fateful day. The actors, who were tasked with playing a married couple, spent five hours shooting a canoe scene that would alter their lives forever. As Danson told the magazine, "We went out as friends and by the time we came back, we were in love.”The timing of their encounter, which may have seemed odd at first, was actually perfect, as the pair had similar experiences to bond over. As Danson explained, “We found each other when I was 45 and she was 40 — we had lived a bit." Both of us stared down some demons within ourselves, and it was lucky that we met then.Ted Danson, Closer WeeklyThey soon restored each other’s faith in love and were married in 1995.True love gets stronger with age While Danson experienced his first three relationships crumble over time, with Steenburgen he learned a valuable lesson: True love gets stronger with age. When faced with hardships, personal growth, and changing outlooks on life, true love doesn’t dissolve. Rather, it’s able to withstand anything you throw at it. Which explains why the couple is as crazy in love today as they were when they first met. "I'm madly in love with Mary,” Danson proclaimed in 2017, gushing, “She's a remarkable human being so I'm just incredibly blessed. It feels like heaven on Earth,” he continued with the following love quote. “If I were to die, I can say, I know what it’s like to be loved and to love.”The feeling is mutual. “I’m ridiculously in love with him,” Steenburgen proclaimed in 2018. “I find him endlessly fascinating. He surprises me all the time and most of all he makes me laugh.” Ted and Mary's biggest lesson:It’s easy to have regrets or second-guess your choices in life, especially when the outcome isn’t the one you’d hoped for, but consider this: If you were to change even a single element of your past, your present might look very different. This is a truth Danson is acutely aware of. As he told AARP Magazine, "If I corrected my mistakes — which are cringers — would I take them away if it were to alter anything about where I am now? No. Life is messy. The older I get, the more I realize it’s okay to be imperfect,” he noted. “Because you can still grow and make changes in your life." Rather than pondering the what-ifs, use every experience, both good and bad, as an opportunity to learn. Treat failure as a chance to grow and better yourself and remember that your present is the result of everything that came before it, so there’s no time for regret. Instead, trust that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be or, at least, that you’re headed there.More inspiring love stories:Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart’s 18-Year Romance Had an Unexpected WingmanViola Davis Envisioned Her Perfect Soulmate and Met Him 3 1/2 Weeks LaterRuPaul and Georges Lebar Reveal the Open Secret to Their 25-Year RelationshipDemi Moore and Bruce Willis Saved Their Relationship by Getting Divorced

Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart's 18-Year Romance Had an Unexpected Wingman
Love Stories

Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart's 18-Year Romance Had an Unexpected Wingman

When Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart first began dating, their budding romance was met with a large dose of skepticism. First, there was the fact that the Star Wars actor is 22 years her senior. Then there was his not-so-perfect relationship past. Luckily, Flockhart ignored the critics (and the two-decade age gap) and the pair has since gone on to become one of Hollywood’s longest-lasting couples. Here’s what we can learn from Harrison and Calista’s romance:People do change Harrison Ford has had no shortage of success — and controversy — in the love department. The Indiana Jones star was first married to illustrator and chef Mary Marquardt from 1964 to 1979 and the couple had two sons together, Ben and Willard. However, their relationship was anything but perfect. When Carrie Fisher’s memoir was published in 2017, it was revealed that she and Ford had had an affair on the set of 1977’s Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. The infidelity likely played a major role in the end of their marriage, but it didn’t spell out the end of Ford’s quest for love. Fast forward to 1983 and Ford was saying “I do” to screenwriter Melissa Mathison. They had two kids, Malcolm and Georgia, and appeared to be absolutely smitten with each other, but unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. The pair began living separately in 2000 and, despite reconciling and putting in the work to try to rescue their union, Mathison filed for divorce in 2001. However, some relationships in life simply don't last forever and it is important to recognize that. Trying to place blame doesn’t yield positive results and that time is better spent looking forward while learning from the past.Calista made the first move Ford and Flockhart first met at the 2002 Golden Globes after the Ally McBeal actress hatched quite the sneaky plan. Deciding to take fate into her own hands — literally — she reportedly “spilled her drink on him intentionally in order to meet him.” The bold move paid off. Plans were made for a follow-up encounter and her next step was to enlist then-costar James Marsden to take on wingman duties. Recalling the incident in a 2013 interview, Marsden revealed, "She said, 'Come to dinner with me and Harrison.’ I'm like, 'Me, you, and him?' It turned out to be a small group of us, thankfully, but I ended up as her wingman."The group had dinner, then headed back to Ford’s home for drinks and music. “He was giggly and goofy around her but pretty aloof with the rest of us,” Marsden recalled. It was then that Ford made his intentions known, as Marsden noted, “We had more drinks, he played more music and then at some point he gave me a look that said, 'OK, you've got to get the f*** out of here.'"She looked past the numbersNot only did Ford’s romantic past not interest Flockhart, but she was totally indifferent about his age. As she once told Hello! Magazine, “It doesn’t faze me. Sometimes I even say, ‘Wow, I keep forgetting that he’s 22 years older than me’. It doesn’t factor into our relationship at all,” she confessed.“I like the way he looks first thing in the morning. It’s not handsome, it’s more cute. He looks like a little boy,” she added.Age was also never a factor for Ford. By 2003, he was absolutely head over heels for the actress, telling Hello! Magazine:I’m in love. Romantic love is one of the most exciting and fulfilling kinds of love and I think there is a potential for it at any stage of your life.Pointing out that it’s never too late for romance, he added, “I was not surprised that I was able to fall in love, and I wasn’t surprised that I did.”He became a father to Flockhart’s sonFord also showed no qualms about becoming a father for the fifth time. In 2001, a year before meeting her future husband, Flockhart had adopted a son. While Ford didn’t expect to become a dad again, he didn’t miss a beat. He happily “inherited” Liam Flockhart because when you love someone, you embrace all aspects of their life.Speaking with PARADE in 2010, he admitted, “I wasn’t expecting it at all. The unexpected part was certainly true, and the joy part is also true. I think Liam was about 6 or 8 months old when I met him and Calista. We have been together ever since.” According to the interviewer, “Ford’s eyes light up when he talks about Liam” and his devotion came through in his answers as well. Fords also added that, because of his age, he’s “much better at [parenting] now." “On the weekends, I do whatever Calista and Liam want to do. We’ll take a couple of hours on Sunday morning to go motorcycle riding or go for a hike. I just made a birdhouse with my son.” Their relationship keeps getting strongerFord eventually popped the question in February 2009 and the couple said “I do” that June. A decade later and they’re still going strong, enjoying married life and spending plenty of time with their now teenage son. And their bond just keeps getting stronger. When Ford was in a near-fatal plane crash in 2015 after a plane he was piloting suffered an engine malfunction, his wife rushed to be by his side. After the crash, Ford said, “My wife, who is a wonderful lady, understands my passion for aviation, she understands what it means to me and flies with me to this day.”It’s that understanding and support, paired with Flockhart’s ability to shut out critics and not judge Ford based on his past, that are at the very core of their relationship. By focusing on their love, rather than outside voices, they were able to put all of their energy into building a strong foundation and nurturing a relationship that has managed to stand the test of time. Their love story is a lesson in never judging a book by its cover and listening to your heart. Aligning our actions with our instincts can strengthen the foundation of the relationships we form in our lives.If you're feeling like a hopeless romantic after reading this article, check out our long list of love quotes!More inspirational relationships:Jennifer Lawrence’s Husband Found Her When She Wasn’t Looking for LoveAdam Driver and Joanne Tucker’s Marriage Story Stayed Behind the ScenesDaniel Craig and Rachel Weisz’s Surprising Love Story Took 16 Years to Bloom

It Took These Best Friends 50 Years to Realize They're in Love
Friends

It Took These Best Friends 50 Years to Realize They're in Love

Friendship is a precious thing. A great friendship can be just as valuable as romantic. They say, though, that friendship is unlikely to segue into romance once you are settled too much into the “friend zone” of platonic love. But it turns out that’s not always the case. This couple fell in love 50 years after they first met in high school. It all started in 1966 when Barbara Bosley asked Stan Jones to the Sadie Hawkins Dance at Dighton High School.Sounds like a recipe for romance, right? But they didn’t actually share their first kiss until 49 years later.Their long road from friendship to loveThe future couple actually met way back in 1957. Stan was the new kid in Barbara’s second-grade class, and they were instant friends. They would stay friends forever, even when they went to different colleges hours apart.Barbara never dated much. Instead, she concentrated on her education and her career. Through many moves and career changes, she and Stan kept in touch even if they couldn't see each other often.In 2015, their paths crossed at a high school reunion Barbara was single, and Stan was divorced. "He looked at the marks on my legs, which were from a medication I take, and we realized we took the same medication,” she said. Barbara has a form of lupus, and Stan has rheumatoid arthritis; they take the same kind of pill every day. It gave them something in common and they took it from there.Stan was feeling shy. "They were playing a slow song, and I thought ‘I should ask Barbara to dance,'" Stan recalled. “I took a couple of steps and then I thought ‘Nah.’ And I start to go back."It was like the devil and the angel talking to me. And then I thought ‘Go ask her to dance.’ Something made me go over.They hadn’t danced together since that Sadie Hawkins dance 50 years earlier!The band was playing “Stand by Me.” As they danced, Barbara felt the connection to how they had stood by each other as friends all those years. But there were worries too.“My biggest worry was that I would step on his feet,” she said.“She did step on my feet,” he said.Walking off the dance floor, Stan turned and kissed her.“That’s not like me either,” he said. ” I don’t know what drove me to do that. I usually ask permission.”“It wasn’t just a peck on the cheek; it was right on the lips,” she said.Their first kiss, at 65, changed everything-- but not instantly“It was just a dance and a kiss,” Stan said. “Looking back it seems like a big thing. But at the time I wasn’t thinking much about it.”However, Stan texted Barbara a week later and thanked her for dancing with him.She replied that the next time he was in Denver she would like to give him a tour.And that is when everything changed. The tour took them to a cabin in the mountains and by Christmas 2017 he gave her an engagement ring.“I wasn’t expecting it,” she said. But she didn’t hesitate to say yes.Then, on July 29, 2018, they finally married. “It’s nice to have somebody to share things with,” she said.There have been adjustments to make.“We have had to accept we have habits that won’t change,” Barbara said.But despite their differences, Stan and Barbara's bond has lasted for five decades. It just goes to show that the people in your life you may overlook or underestimate can have the biggest impact in the long run.More inspiring love stories:Childhood Sweethearts Separated at Age 8 Find Love Again at Their School ReunionA Brain Injury Made Her Forget Her Husband — Then They Fell in Love AgainThe Story of a Black Army Nurse Who Fell for a German POW50 Years After Their Love Was Torn Apart by Racism, They’re Finally Married

Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz's Surprising Love Story Took 16 Years to Bloom
Love Stories

Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz's Surprising Love Story Took 16 Years to Bloom

He’s James Bond. She’s an Oscar-winning actress. When Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz secretly wed in 2011, they took the whole world by surprise. Not only is the pair exceptionally secretive, but they’ve also had an unconventional love story that is a prime lesson in the importance of timing, dating back ti the ‘90s. They then went their separate ways and didn’t land back in each other’s lives until years later when everything finally aligned. Let’s take a closer look at their surprising journey to the altar… What we can learn from Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz' love story:They started out as university classmatesAccording to Metro UK, Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz met at university, long before either one of them was a household name. As The Telegraph reported, their first encounter was actually in 1994 at the National Theatre Studio. The Daily Telegraph's opera critic, Rupert Christiansen, told the outlet that he first saw the future lovebirds working together in a workshop play called Les Grandes Horizontales. Christiansen was a historical consultant on the play about 19th century courtesans and told the magazine: "Of course, neither of them were famous then so their first meeting went unrecorded.” He was there, however, and remembered, "The plot put them into a number of amorous clinches and there was a lot of faked sexual congress and 'tasteful' nudity."Their paths crossed again much later in lifeAs Craig and Weisz’s respective careers took off, their paths diverged as each found success, both in work and in love. It wasn’t until years later that their paths crossed again in 2010 when they were cast to play a married couple in the 2011 thriller Dream House. At the time, Weisz's nine-year relationship with Darren Aronofsky and Craig’s engagement to Satsuki Mitchell were both coming to an end. It was on the set of this film that they finally allowed themselves to explore deeper feelings for one another. So deep, in fact, that they wasted no time acting on them.Six months later, they were married in a secret New York ceremony in June 2011.In a 2012 interview with Marie Claire, Weisz was asked if she had experienced a sort of love at first sight on the film’s set and admitted, “It wasn't really like that. We'd been friends for ages."She'd never wanted mariageBefore Craig walked into her life, Weisz had spent nine years with director Darren Aronofsky and, despite their long-term relationship and the fact that they had a son, Henry, in 2006, they never walked down the aisle. So why was she in such a rush to say “I do” to him? As the actress told The Standard in 2018, Craig turned her beliefs upside down and changed her mind about marriage. "I never thought I would get married,” she confessed. “It was not an ambition of mine. It was the opposite. I couldn’t relate to romantic comedies — marriage seems to be the whole point of them,” she continued before concluding, "Then it just happened, happily, at a more mature moment.” The actor changed her outlook so much, in fact, that she couldn’t be happier as a bride. “I wear my ring with pride,” she stated. “I’m taken.” She continued that train of thought in an interview with The New York Times, gushing, "I’m very happy being married, very, very happy. I love being Mrs. Craig.” She added, “I’m Mrs. Craig on my checkbooks and passports and things." The secret to their success: secrecyNot only was the couple’s wedding top secret, but they remain exceptionally quiet about everything they do. As HELLO! noted in 2015, they’re "one of the most private couples in Hollywood.” As it turns out, there’s a very good reason for that: it’s not just a matter of privacy, but rather one of their keys to success. Speaking with MORE magazine, Weisz explained why she likes to keep their love out of the spotlight, saying, "He's just too famous. It would be a betrayal. You have to protect your marriage. When you're young, you tell your girlfriends everything,” she elaborated. “One of the great pleasures of not being an adolescent is that you don't have to share everything." When you're married, that door closes. The audience goes, and you're in your own life.They share in each other’s work (but not too much) Having a partner who’s just as successful as you are in the same field means you can bounce ideas off one another and share in each other’s successes and struggles. Which is exactly what Weisz and Craig like to do-- but not too much. As The Favourite actress told Good Morning America, she and her husband like to “talk about films that we love or plays. We love to go to see theater and discuss things that we've seen. We respect each other. We appreciate each other's work. He liked Disobedience very much."However, they do keep their acting talk in check because, as she told The Sun in 2013, "There is nothing worse than two actors getting together and talking about acting. It’s like the end — it’s the worst." So they focus on their other shared joys and interests instead, like cooking."I love to cook. Daniel is also very good at it," Weisz said in 2015. "We always enjoy trying out different kinds of cuisine and having fun with that."The biggest gift in their journeyAnother major priority is their daughter whom they secretly welcomed in April 2018. As with most other aspects of their lives, they’ve kept her completely out of the public eye. And when it comes to their older kids (Weisz has son Henry with Mother! director Darren Aronofsky while Craig has daughter Ella with ex-wife Fiona Loudon), they seem to be totally on board with their parent’s newfound love. In fact, when the couple tied the knot, Henry and Ella were two of just four guests. Not only do Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz show us that timing is everything when it comes to love, but they that when your bond is strong, you don’t need to seek validation from the outside world. Your relationship is yours and yours alone-- and you can define what makes you happy.If you're feeling like a hopeless romantic after reading this article, check out our long list of love quotes!More inspiring celebrity love stories:Carey Mulligan Married Her Childhood Pen Pal, Marcus MumfordJessica Chastain and Gian Luca Treasure Their Private RomanceStephen and Ayesha Curry’s Teenage Missed Connection Paid Off in a Big WayAdam Brody and Leighton Meester Refuse to Let Drama Poison Their Love

25 John Keats Quotes That Will Appeal to All Your Senses
Authors

25 John Keats Quotes That Will Appeal to All Your Senses

John Keats (October 31, 1795 - February 23, 1821) was an English Romantic poet whose writings are considered to be among the finest in the English language.Keats lost both his parents at an early age. He was eightyears old when his father was killed after being trampled by a horse.The poet’s mother remarried, but as soon as her secondmarriage fell apart, she left her children in the care of their grandmother. Sadly,when she came back, she did not have enough time to reconnect with her childrenas she soon died of tuberculosis.Keats quickly learned about suffering and loss and used his understanding of human condition to craft his own writing style. Still, his poems also focus on the beauty of life, emotions and sensuality.He perfected poetry as his words appeal richly to the senses. Keats’ metaphorical references bring his world vividly into his reader’s imagination.Keats died at the young age of 25, and while he never became famous during his lifetime, he left behind a legacy that inspired many other great poets. Here are 25 John Keats quotes that will appeal to all your senses:I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the heart's affections, and the truth of imagination.Do you not see how necessary a world of pains and troubles is to school an intelligence and make it a soul?Nothing ever becomes real 'til it is experienced - even a proverb is no proverb until your life has illustrated it.Poetry should be great and unobtrusive, a thing which enters into one's soul, and does not startle it or amaze it with itself, but with its subject.I must choose between despair and energy - I choose the latter.O for a life of Sensations rather than of Thoughts!Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.I almost wish we were butterflies and liv'd but three summer days - three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain.I was never afraid of failure; for I would sooner fail than not be among the greatest.Touch has a memory. O say, love, say, What can I do to kill it and be free?You are always new. The last of your kisses was even the sweetest; the last smile the brightest; the last movement the gracefullest.Two souls with but a single thought. Two hearts that beat as one!The only means of strengthening one's intellect is to make up one's mind about nothing -- to let the mind be a thoroughfare for all thoughts.The excellence of every art is its intensity.A thing of beauty is a joy forever; Its loveliness increases; It will never pass into nothingness.I have two luxuries to brood over in my walks, your loveliness and the hour of my death. O that I could have possession of them both in the same minute.Scenery is fine -- but human nature is finer.I have had a thousand kisses, for which with my whole soul I thank love - but if you should deny me the thousand and first - ‘t would put me to the proof how great a misery I could live through.I love you the more in that I believe you had liked me for my own sake and for nothing else.Pleasure is oft a visitant; but pain clings cruelly to us. I wish to believe in immortality - I wish to live with you forever.Can death be sleep, when life is but a dream, and scenes of bliss pass as a phantom by? The poetry of the earth is never dead.Time, that aged nurse, rocked me to patience.If I should die, I have left no immortal work behind me — nothing to make my friends proud of my memory — but I have loved the principle of beauty in all things, and if I had had time I would have made myself remembered.