Romance - Can It Last?

I'm a sucker for romance. I love movies where boy meets girl, boy loses girl and, against all odds, they find their way back to each other. Or films about star-crossed lovers, as in Bridges of Madison County, who return to their separate lives forever changed.

In real life, though, I have learned to be wary of my own longing to be swept away. It's fun being pursued by an ardent admirer and flattering to be wined and dined in style. But after a few months I ask myself if all this attention leads to anything more than a romp (or two) in bed.

In spite of changing times men are still the hunters ? they like to give chase and use all their wiles to win the women they desire. They may want to develop a long-term relationship but sometimes it's the thrill of the chase they enjoy most of all.

Women, on the other hand, can be lured by romance itself. We want the whole fantasy ? usually in the form of an attractive, charismatic man who is more successful than us ? and that includes "happily ever after."

In a new relationship we believe a man when he claims to miss us and how he'll do anything to keep us in his life. If we are physically intimate with him, those potent love chemicals (like pheromones) kick in, making him even more desirable. We offer him our bodies and our hearts. If things have moved too quickly, we may find that the man we are starting to love is no knight. If he wears armour, it is to protect himself, and as complications arise he may very well jump on his horse and ride away.

I find that it takes at least six months to get to know someone. In courtship a man will show you what he assumes you want to see and will do everything in his power to keep your interest. It is difficult for you to judge how sincere he really is.

Here are a few ways to tell if your romance will last:

1. What his actions say

The proof is not in what he SAYS but in what he DOES. Does he call when he says he will? Is he punctual? He may say that he loves you, but does he give you importance in his life? or do things like watching football with the boys get a higher priority?

Too many women make excuses for their men and accept bad behaviour. The truth is, his actions always speak for him. You just need to listen.

2. He pays attention to you

Does he recall how you take your coffee, know your favourite cuisine, and just where you need your back rubbed? Is he quick to offer assistance when you need help or do you have to ask him repeatedly before he steps in? A man who really cares about you will use every opportunity to show it.

3. Who is the focus of conversation?

Do your conversations usually center around him and his concerns? An interested man wants to know everything about you, from how your day went to what is currently on your mind. Does he sound bored or disinterested when you discuss your work or relationship problems? Not a good sign!

Beware, too, of someone who puts you down to build himself up. No matter how "helpful" he appears, pay attention to how his comments make you feel.

4. How he treats others

How does he treat his co-workers, family members, or a stranger asking for directions? Pay particular attention to how he speaks to people who are serving him, such as a waitress in a restaurant. Is he polite or arrogant and condescending? Ouch! This is his true character peeking through.

5. You consider him your friend

Is he only a lover? Or can you turn to him when you need a shoulder to lean on? Romance with friendship at its core has a much greater chance for success.

In the grips of romance, it is easy to be lured by extravagant outings or gifts. However, a man who constantly tries to impress is usually insecure and unable to connect at a deeper level. One day the novelty of getting to know each other will fade and you will be left with each other. What becomes important is how likable your man really is and how honestly you can communicate with each other.

For me romance can only last if I perceive my partner as a confident and considerate person whom I can trust. He must prove that he cares by his actions, whether he calls just to hear the sound of my voice or makes time for me in his hectic schedule.

With the right man, I feel loved and appreciated ? and that's fertile ground for romance.

About The Author

Copyright 2004 by Thelma Mariano

Thelma Mariano, life coach and author, is dedicated to bringing clarity and direction to people's lives. See her on-line coaching programs, articles and column at http://www.u-unlimited.ca.

thelma@u-unlimited.ca



A Life Time of Strategic Thinking

You may be one of the thousands who think "Strategic... Read More

Inspiration: A Few More Things Ive Noticed Along the Road So Far

Here's a quote from the late great columnist Sydney Harris... Read More

A Life Touched

Direct Answers - Column for the week of February 17,... Read More

Dream Board

DREAM IT, CREATE IT, BECOME ITIf you've been reading my... Read More

A Feline Example On Courage

Fangs. Killer claws. Hisses, grrrs...and later, yelps. Who is not... Read More

Tending the Fire

In old buildings there was a boiler room where men... Read More

I Dare You To Be Successful

Just imagine how it would feel to be successful...., to... Read More

More Than I Can Bare

One of my long time best friends called me the... Read More

Body Acceptance: The Secret to Weight Loss Success

Can we love our bodies? As the years go by,... Read More

Abused as a Child

Child abuse is a much more common event, than is... Read More

A Faux Pas Is A Mistake In A Tuxedo

Everyone who is anybody has a hobby or at least... Read More

Let Change Be Your Friend, Mentor, and Inspiration

People have a tendency of anticipating pending change on the... Read More

7 Keys for Joyful Living!

Here are some thoughts for finding and experiencing joy in... Read More

Call To Action

Direct Answers - Column for the week of February 3,... Read More

A Reason For Living in a Nutshell

In brief, my book A REASON FOR LIVING is the... Read More

Succeed by Whistling While You Work

Mark Twain (1835-1910) believed that having fun is important if... Read More

Three Bricklayers

The story of the three bricklayers has been around for... Read More

Fail Your Way To The Top

Have you had a challenging day or week? Feel a... Read More

The Art of Letting Go

It has been six months since I left the corporate... Read More

Need A Boost? Take a Look at How Far Youve Come

Too many of us are too hard on ourselves, always... Read More

Heavy Weather Guide

Direct Answers - Column for the week of April 26,... Read More

Have You Voted Today

Huh? You're probably wondering when this article was written, and... Read More

Inspiration, the Living Force

These moments of awareness are powerful motivators. They boost our... Read More

Are You Taking Responsibility?

It is time to take responsibility for our actions and... Read More

The Ant Philosophy

Over the years I've been teaching kids about a simple... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language:
 

العاب منتديات هيدى الزاوية الحمراء

Pharaohs products    egypt products    Egypt shopping   Shopping in Egypt   sho  Egypt Bazaar Pharaohs Shoping Center   Egypt  Pharaohs