Movies for the couch potato couple

Big, extravagant date nights are great. And you know me — I’m a girl who loves bling, flash and all kinds of fabulous scenes. But even I know that some of the most special date nights happen at home, on a couch, sharing a bowl of popcorn. A movie night is often the best thing you can do with your boo. And with the economy the way it is, it’s also the best thing you can do with your wallet too. So here are some of my favorite date-night movies. Hope this inspires you to cuddle up close with your man this weekend. Read more

Happy Wednesday: Surprise your boo with a Hump Day celebration

Ho hum. Now that the holidays are over and not everything is a countdown to Christmas, the days can seem a little blah, right? Especially Wednesdays, a.k.a. Hump Days. Last weekend is a memory. Next weekend is nowhere in sight. And New Girl isn’t even on. One thing that could make Wednesdays more special is if you use them as an opportunity to get romantic with your boo by surprising him with something great. You’ll have something to look forward to on Wednesday, and you’ll definitely turn his Hump Day frown upside down. So here are some surprises to kick your midweek blues to the curb. Read more

“Smile!” and other simple acts that will improve your relationship

Keeping a long-term relationship healthy takes a lot of work, good communication and a hearty dose of luck. A long-term relationship is simple in the way that climbing Mount Everest is simple — one foot in front of the other and repeat. No one ever said climbing the tallest mountain in the world was easy, but it really is as simple as walking up a hill. A long-term relationship is simple — respect each other, compromise, keep the spark alive and repeat. Get it? So here are some of the simplest things you can do to keep your long-term relationship chugging along. Read more

Spending the holiday apart: How to deal with distance this time of year

The holidays are the worst time of year to start a relationship. I’m not saying close up your love shop and stop looking for love from October through January, but just know it’s going to be tough if you find a new boo during those months. Thanksgiving and Christmas can mean up to two full weeks apart in a six-week period. I’m no mathematician, but take that, add on the holiday parties that you’re not going to together because you were each invited to separate parties on the same night, and you have way too much time apart for a fledgling relationship. Of course, there are ways to make it work, but you've got to work to make it happen. Read more

10 Things you should never say when you’re mad

Remember that show Kids Say The Darndest Things? Well, I have a new idea for a show — Mad People Say The Darndest Things. It’s less funny and cute, more hurtful and life-destroying. Sounds great, right? Who wants to produce it! Seriously though, when we’re mad, we can say some pretty icky things to people we love. And even though the expression is, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” the truth is that words can hurt. And once you say something, you can’t take it back. So when you’re mad, try to avoid saying these terrible things that could ruin your relationship. Read more

Moving in with your new dude: Secrets from experience

Moving in with your dude is a huge step. Massive! Major! Stop the presses and report on this because it’s big! Seriously, this is a whopping commitment. Really, it's one step away from getting engaged. You all know that I believe the ring should come first, but since many people feel rules are made to be broken, I have tips for you rebels too. Don't go into it lightly. This isn’t just the next step in a relationship after saying, “I love you.” It’s a step that involves a lot of planning, talking, compromise and some serious patience. For cohabitation to be successful, you should take advice from an expert or a friend you trust. Here are my thoughts: Read more