The successful dinner party. It almost sounds like a myth or a legend – the combination of having enough people over, having them come over at the right time, preparing a meal that’s ready at the right time, preparing a meal that’s tasty and not too expensive, having a conversation that’s lively and entertaining…well, it all sounds like too much pressure for one night.

And none of it is going to go off without a hitch if you don’t get the invitations handled right. (more…)

We’ve all been there. It’s an argument that started about a problem – even a trifling one – and it elevated into a philosophical debate about who bears responsibility for the problem. Tempers flare – and so do nostrils – and nothing ultimately gets accomplished. And you haven’t even been able to answer the central question: “Whose fault is it?” (more…)

The Bad Movie. It ruins a pleasant evening like nothing else, robbing you of your time, energy, and money – until you decide to ponder the ultimate question of whether or not you should simply walk out. It makes for a first date nightmare, but it’s equally frustrating when you’re already in a relationship. But when you factor in the possibility that one of you might like the movie, you’re starting to see just how uncomfortable a situation the Bad Movie can become. (more…)

We all want intimacy in our lives. We want to share our lives with someone like us, and we need a support system in place when our own emotions aren’t enough to keep us centered all the time. That all happens when you build a long-lasting bond with someone else, and there are few bonds more powerful than that of the romantic relationship. (more…)