Cheap Winter Weather Dates

This entry was written on Dec 22, 2008 by our Relationship Guru Barbara Gibson

Looking for ways to enjoy some fun, together time on a tight budget? Try one of the following tips for winter fun that is free or cheap. The bonus - your date is sure to be impressed by your thoughtfulness, you'll likely enjoy more quality time and, of course, you'll save some green.

1. Have a game night. Scrabble, Guitar Hero, Twister, Uno, Cards or even Monopoly are great fun by the fire (or in front of the cable yule log if you don't have a fire). Add a little music (soft or not) to set the mood. Snacks and/or libation are optional.

2. Turn your bathroom into a spa. Light the candles and break out the bubble bath. A warm, sudsy soak for two, followed by a massage may be just the ticket for a great date that builds connection without breaking the bank.

3. Take a hike or head to the hardware store for cheap sleds. Getting outdoors isn't just for the summer months. Especially if you live someplace that has snow, going outside to play can help you feel like a kid again. Make a snowman or snow angels, have a snowball fights or collect enough snow to make ice cream or snow cones.

4. Build or repair something. It can be very satisfying when an activity leads to a tangible result.

5. Read a story or poem aloud together. Don't have any around? Try your hand at writing one together.

6. Just be together. With so much hustle and bustle and always something to do, time to be still is important. Slow down and enjoy time for reflection, meditation or yoga together.

Relationship Advice and The Rebound

There's a familiar relationship pattern among people who move quickly into a new romance after the old one dies (or, sometimes, while it's still limping along). Sad and brokenhearted, such a person finds a kindly soul who's willing to offer a comforting shoulder, or bed. The kindly soul offers support and relationship advice, believing that this will lead to healing, renewal, and love. And lo and behold, it does -- but not with the kindly soul. Often, the person who once seemed a source of comfort now becomes just a reminder of old pain. A happy new life begins -- with a happy new partner, someone who wasn't around for any of the bad old stuff. If you're fresh from a breakup, you can recognize this pattern for what it is, and choose to get your comfort from people who don't want long-term love. If you're tempted to play the role of the kindly soul, take two steps back and give the rebounder time and space to heal before expressing your interest.

Easy Ways to Say I Love You

This entry was written on Nov 29, 2008 by our Relationship Guru Barbara Gibson

Looking for ways to stay connected to your sweetie. The Internet has a few quick and creative tips that make it easy to say I'm thinking of you or I had a great time last night. Try these sites:

Egreetings.com

Lots to see at this site. Add your own touch with text and photos to the animated options available here. Easy and free, an economical and creative way to say, "you're on my mind."

Smilebox.com

Use pictures, video, text and music to tell your sweetie what you're thinking. Whether you want to say, "I'm sorry," or "can't wait for tonight," you can do it from here in flirty, creative and fun style.

Communication is key in relationships...so get clicking.

Ideas for Great Dates in Atlanta

This entry was written on Nov 25, 2008 by our Relationship Guru Barbara Gibson

What’s not to love about falling in love in Atlanta? There’s Atlantic Station, Buckhead, baseball and free things to do every day – if you know where to look. Dating fun that is anything but run of the mill is easy in Atlanta -where creativity rules.

1) Listen
The key to a great date is creating an experience that lets your date know you heard what s/he likes. Use cues from conversations to plan a date that sparks a connection. For example: your date mentions loving the movie E.T. Pack a picnic at Whole Foods (Your DeKalb Farmers Market is another great option) and head to Piedmont Park for a “Screen on the Green” showing of the lovable alien.

Whole Foods
650 Ponce de Leon Avenue
Atlanta , GA 30308
404.853.1681

Piedmont Park
400 Park Drive
Atlanta , GA 30309
404.875.7275

2) MARTA really is “Smarta”
Atlanta is a car town, but that’s changing - traffic is notoriously bad. Scooters are everywhere and MARTA transit ridership is up. You don’t need a car for a great date in Atlanta. In fact, you may even score green points from your date for choosing alternative transportation. A date is like an interview, so make choices that reflect who you really are. If you’re concerned about the environment, let your date know, not just from your words but your actions, too.

3) Head Outdoors
Whether it’s a hike at one of Georgia’s State Parks, picking blueberries at a U-Pick farm, or a live concert, there is no shortage of outdoor fun in metro Atlanta. Best of all, most of it is free or cheap. Here’s an idea, try Stone Mountain Park.

Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Drive

Stone Mountain , GA 30083
www.stonemountainpark.com

4) Work Up a Sweat
Climbing Stone Mountain is an Atlanta tradition. When you get to the top (after a sometimes steep 1.3 miles) you’ll be rewarded by breathtaking views. Take the sky lift down after you sit together and rest in the cool breeze.

5) Plan Ahead
Aim for a date that shows you put some thought into it. Check out the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Access Atlanta. The weekly circular is available in the Thursday AJC as well as in boxes around town. The free, but priceless pages list metro Atlanta events including theatre, sports, museums, live music, dining, free events and more. The same great information is available at ajc.com and in another local weekly, Creative Loafing.

www.ajc.com
http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/index

6) Don’t be Afraid to Include the Little Ones
Dating isn’t just for the young and childless. More than a few of the young at heart (many with kids) are also trying to make a love connection. The Access Atlanta and Creative Loafing include activities for kids and families.

7) Go to “Plan B”
Didn’t do your research? Head to ImagineIt! children’s museum or Centennial Olympic Park. Older kids may enjoy the Georgia Aquarium, Coca-Cola Museum or a movie at Atlantic Station – a cool place to be at any age.

http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/
http://www.imagineit-cma.org/

8) Dinner and/or a Movie – Redone
This least creative of dates can be remade into a unique experience by adding a little spice. Dine downtown and then enjoy a stroll over to the Westin Hotel for a view of the city from the Sun Dial, a revolving restaurant on the 73^rd floor.

Westin Hotel
210 Peachtree Street
Atlanta , GA 30303
404.659.1400
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1023

9) Learn to Dance
Ask a friend or take some lessons. There are countless clubs and bars with dance floors in Atlanta. Put your best foot forward with a little preparation. Don’t have time for a lesson? Confidence counts. Just let the music move you and give yourself over to the groove. Here’s where to show off your moves:

Lava Lounge (trendy, business casual dress)
57 13^th Street
Atlanta , GA 30309
404.873.6189
http://www.cosmolava.com/v2/index.php

Hole in the Wall (trendy, stylish dress)
3177 Peachtree Road, NE
Atlanta , GA 30305
404.233.9801

10) Relax
If it doesn’t fit, don’t force it. Above all else, dating should be a fun way to meet people and share new experiences. Be yourself for your best chance at finding your real soul mate.

Try Eyelash Extensions for a Flirty Look

This entry was written on Oct 22, 2008 by our Relationship Guru Barbara Gibson

We all know about hair and nail extensions for a little extra flair and change of pace. If that isn't your bag, or you want something different, its here! New on the horizon is a little extra help for eyes that want to deliver a message - eyelash extensions. Long lashes batted just right can start a conversation even before a word is spoken. Sexy and fun, eyelash extensions can be professionally applied for as little as $40 (these will last a few weeks). For a few hundred dollars, you can get a look that lasts a few months. If you want to step up your flirting game, lovely lashes may just be the boost you need.

Work Spouse Relationship

This entry was written on Oct 17, 2008 by our Relationship Guru Barbara Gibson

Much has been made of the "work spouse" phenomena, but what is it really all about and can it spell trouble for your "real" marriage?

Relationships differ but usually, a work wife or work husband is someone with whom you share a close (but platonic) relationship. You turn to and depend on this person in good times and bad, you may even share things about your personal life. In some cases, because you work so well and closely together the lines can get blurry.

What do you think?