Samantha Burns

In order to navigate the process smoothly, compromise will be a valuable skill. Similar to dating and finding your perfect match, in searching for your first home it’s important to get clear on your wants versus needs, your firm deal breakers, and ability to analyze the pros and cons.

Before you go judging others’ profiles, how are you presenting yourself?

Hoping he’ll surprise you and roll out the red carpet when he’s never been a planner before is likely setting yourself up for disappointment.

“An entire day dedicated to declaring your love for someone? If you’re casually hooking up or in a new relationship, Valentine’s Day can be awkward.”

Whether it’s your first holiday season together as a couple, or you’ve been married many years, the pressure may be on to find the perfect holiday gift. So what if I told you that you can be more strategic in picking out a present and communicating what you really mean when you give a gift— “I love you.”

Keeping up your self-protective wall for too long can stunt the growth of the relationship.

You lock eyes with the man behind you as he struggles to balance his cereal and frozen pizza. You make a crack about his healthy diet, and before you know it he’s asking for your digits.

Sex early on shifts the focus away from developing an essential emotional connection, and towards the passionate and intense physicality of a new partner. That’s because it’s easy to be blinded by the love potion — the chemicals, such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which enhance excitement and reward.

You’re not the only one feeling totally overwhelmed and frustrated with the ever-changing nuances of modern dating, especially online dating.

After the initial hot and heavy stage that every couple experiences — when you actually shower, shave, and brush your teeth before each date — things naturally cool off a bit. It’s the stage where you don’t need to have sex to feel close and connected.