Gifts For Girls

1. Jewelry Gifts

• For a spouse or significant other, the gift of jewelry can really show the lady in your life how much you care. It's a good idea to take note of the styles of jewelry she wears and what type, gold, silver or both. Custom-made jewelry can be made by you or by an artisan and can be a terrific way of personalizing a gift. Another approach is to purchase a piece of jewelery and have it engraved with a personalized message that reflects the occasion, be it a birthday, anniversary or Christmas gift.

2. Decorative Gifts

• Decorative gifts can be excellent gifts for a daughter, mother or a good friend. If you have skills in quilt making or another craft like basket making, these types of projects can be excellent ways to personalize your gift. This type of gift can also be a great idea for a child to pursue making. For example, he might give a hand-painted vase.

3.Entertainment Gifts

• Tickets to a production of a Shakespeare play can be the ideal gift for the theater lover, while tickets to a classical musical concert can be the perfect gift for a lady who enjoys this genre of music. Another idea is to give her a selection of DVDs of award-filming films or a CD collection of music. For a really creative entertainment gift idea, put on a family production for mom's birthday.

4.Small Kitchen Appliances

• Perhaps you've noticed that your female friend or loved one's kitchen lacks certain small appliances. Maybe she's talked about wanting a waffle iron, a coffee grinder, a new blender or a food chopper. Start a list with gift ideas for upcoming holidays or her birthday. When she mentions a gadget she wishes she had, add it to your list. She'll be thrilled that you took the time to notice her needs and wants.

5. Manicure and Pedicure

• Most women take pride in their hands and feet, but often are too busy to get manicures or pedicures, and sometimes they may feel guilty about indulging in these services. Giving a woman a gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure (or both) gives her no excuse for not treating herself. At many small nail shops, manicures run from $10 to $15, while pedicures are around $15 to $25.

6. Adventure Gifts

• You would probably like to send her on an all-expenses-paid trip to Paris, but when you are on a budget you'll need to be a little more creative. If she loves danger, spend $75 to $100 for her to go bungee jumping or even sky diving. If she prefers to stay close to the ground, offer to take her hiking or mountain biking at a local wooded park.
  
  Another adventure you to could arrange for her would be a trip to the art museum in a nearby city to see a new exhibit or just take her for high tea at a local tea house. Some people don't take advantage of local tourist attractions so visit local monuments or historical sites in her area.
  
  Sweets or chocolate can be a sweet adventure, so purchase a small box of specialty chocolates from the local candy store or pick up a small box of cupcakes or pastry from a popular bakery.

7. Useful Gifts

• When in doubt, pick up a gift card for iTunes, Starbucks or a local retailer. iTunes and Starbucks gift cards can be purchased in small amounts and some retail stores allow you to select the amount.
  
  Another idea is to purchase a special cookbook by her favorite chef or novel by her favorite author. If she loves to workout you could purchase an inexpensive yoga ball or a exercise DVD as a gift.
  
  A busy career woman could use a special skin for her iPhone, Blackberry or laptop. You could also give her a new earpiece or even a cute mouse pad or mouse for the computer. Purchase a decorative business card holder if she hands out a lot of business cards or you could create special stationary for her, using paper from the stationary store and your computer.

10 Gifts For Guys

1. Sporting Goods

• If the guy for whom you are buying a gift enjoys participating in feats of athletic fancy, get him a sporty present. Buy him sporting equipment to replace his tired old ones, a customized sporting equipment item or a jersey that features his name or the name of his favorite player.

2. Watch

• Take away any excuse your guy may have for being late by buying him a watch. Select a sporty watch if he spends most of his time at play or a more professional version if he is often formally dressed. Have the watch engraved, customizing the present.

3. Video Game System

• Give your guy something with which to fill his leisure time by buying him a video game system. If he already has one, buy him an upgraded version or purchase new games.

4. Cell Phone

• Trade your guy's cell phone in for a newer, smarter version. Buy him an upgraded model of his current cell or get something entirely new with features you think he will appreciate.

5. DVDs

• Present your recipient with a gift designed to induce relaxation such as a collection of DVDs. Get him some macho action flicks or buy some movies featuring his favorite actor, allowing him to spend his down time relaxing, perhaps with you, in front of the television.

6. Clothing

• Add to your guy's wardrobe by buying him clothing. If your man has recently acquired a new job, get him some work-ready clothing. If he instead only wears casual clothes, buy him a hoodie, pair of track pants or graphic T-shirt.

7. Shoes

• Get your recipient some shoes for work or play. Buy an athletic guy a pair of pricey tennis shoes, allowing him to retire his pair that has seen better days. If your recipient is always at work, get him a pair of formal shoes that will take the place of his scuffed ones.

8. Bag

• Even though guys don't carry purses, they need to tote things from time to time. Get your guy a bag to use when he heads to the gym or goes to work. Buy him a gym bag, having it customized with his name to make it more unique. Or get him a leather briefcase so he can fit right in with the rest of the professional crowd.

9. Trip

• Give your guy the chance to get away by buying him a trip. Book tickets on a cruise, buy some plane tickets or rent a hotel room. Try to cover all of the costs associated with this trip to ensure that your guy's gift doesn't require him to spend any of his own money.

10. Food

• If your guy is constantly hungry, a gift of his favorite tasty treats may be just the thing. Buy him some decadent delights if he prefers fancy foods or get him junk food if he has relatively simple tastes.

by: erin schreiner

She's Not That Into You

1. She doesn't return your calls. She's not too busy, she's not shy and she didn't loose your number. She isn't returning your call because she doesn't want to go out with you.

2. She always has other plans when you ask her out. This may be the case once or twice but every time? It's not likely. Plus, if she is interested in you she will offer times that she is available.

3. She does agree to go out with you but cancels at the last minute. Things come up in life but you have to wonder when every time you have plans she gets sick or has to work late

4. She declines gifts from you or if you send flowers to her house she doesn't call to thank you. Everyone enjoys receiving gifts and if she declines or doesn't acknowledge the gesture then its a clear sign that she isn't interested in pursuing a relationship with you.

5. She does not engage in conversation. If she lets you do all the talking and only replies with "uh huh", "yeah" and "I don't know" then she is telling you that she has no desire to get to know you or have you get to know her.

6. She keeps her back to you. You see an attractive woman sitting at the bar and you would like to strike up a conversation. You sit down next to her and introduce yourself. If she positions herself so that her back, or even the back of her shoulder, is to you then it's time for you to set your sights elsewhere. This is the rule even if she is talking to you. A woman who is interested will turn to face you or, at the very least, turn in the seat so that she is shoulder to shoulder with you.

Another sign is if she places her arm that is between the two of you on the bar. This is a roadblock. For example, if you sit on her right side, she will put her right arm on the bar. This is a sign that she is keeping a barrier between the two of you.

7. She tells you that she just wants to be friends or that she thinks of you as a brother. This means that you will never be romantic with her. If you did have a relationship in the past it means that you will never have one again. She enjoys your company but she does not want to sleep with you.

8. She talks about other men when she's around you. She's letting you know that she is interested in someone and it is not you.

9. She talks about her future plans and not one of them include you. This is her way of letting you know that she does not see a place for you in her future.

10. She tries to get you to notice other women. If you're out with a woman and she continually says "You would like my friend Lisa" or "Check her out, she's cute" she is trying to deflect your attention from her. You may want to consider asking out Lisa or the cutie because you will have a better chance with one of them.

11. She doesn't laugh at your jokes. She either doesn't get your sense of humor, which means you probably aren't compatible, or you're not as funny as you think you are. A woman who is interested in you will let you think that you are the funniest, most clever man she's ever met.

12. his one should go without saying but unfortunately it must be said. If a woman says the words "I am not interested in you" then take that at face value. This phrase may come in many different forms such as: I don't like you, I don't want to date you, I don't want to have a relationship with you, leave me alone, stop calling me...the options are endless. The fact is she is NOT playing hard to get. So take it like a man and move on. Why would you want to waste you time on someone who obviously isn't interested in you. There will be plenty of women out there who would love to date a great guy like you!

by: ehow

He's Not That Into You

1. If he doesn't call you.....at all!! He's really not that into you. Maybe your date went great, maybe there were 'sparks' and stars falling, and the moon moving and all of that, but if three or four days later, you've dropped your cell phone in the toilet at least twice because you refuse to set it down for even a second, you've almost killed yourself in the shower trying to get to it only to discover it's your mom calling, and you've called your best friend over 500 times just to test the dial tone....and HE still hasn't called- I'll help you out on this one-he's not going to.

2. If you send him a text message, or a cute Xoxoxox email, and hours maybe even a day later he still hasn't responded, or he waits hours or a day later to respond: You are an afterthought. He's really not that into you. Fact: When a man really wants to be with you, if you text him during surgery, he will respond. If he doesn't, he has other things occupying his time and attention

3. If he does call you, but it's at 11:00pm or later, umm....need I spell this one out for you. Unless his job is closing down the Taco Bell drive thru and this is when he gets off work, any and all after 10pm calls can be taken for exactly what they are and I wouldn't be doodling your name with his last name any time soon.

4. This one is tricky, and most men might even argue this one out with me, even still I know it to be true: If he calls you "cool" "cute" or "hot" before the 2nd date and more times than he calls you by name: He's not that into you. If you are "cool" it means he's already pegged you as being understanding and accepting of all the devious or otherwise not forth coming things he's about to do on an ongoing basis. If you're "cute" well...you'll just always play 2nd to the one he's calling "hot" and if you're "hot" ...yep, you guessed it.

5. If at anytime during conversations or even if you've been dating a while, you hear the phrase "I'm no good at relationships" or anything to its effect: don't wait this one out. You are not that 'special someone' whose going to completely turn him around! What he's telling you is, he has no intention on ever being in one, at least not with you, so any time you spend together is simply in the mean time.

6. This one almost goes along with the 'him not calling you' scenario and yet it deserves it's own place: If you have been talking to a guy, and then days and weeks go by before he out of the blue calls you again, and especially when this happens repeatedly!! He is simply bored. He calls you when he is lonely and bored and already knows you'll fill the gap. He's really not that into to you.

7. I hate adding this one, simply because it is so 'high school' and well, tacky that I want to leave it out. But it must be said: If he attempts anything, and I do mean ANYTHING (even simple things) other than a kiss on your first date: I promise, he really is not that into you. If he saw the potential of anything meaningful coming out of the relationship, he wouldn't even try on the first date, if he does he's already viewed this one with one single agenda in mind.

8. This is another tricky one: But if he interrupts you often, or changes the topic completely to something more 'self satisfying' or if he in no way reacts to the story you are telling: He's not listening because he is thinking of something else completely because.....he's really not that into you. Another Fact: When a guy REALLY likes you, they record & memorize important details like a playboy bunnies phone number! Granted it's usually to be used to their benefit later, but they do it because they really like you and want to impress you by remembering your favorite flower, or the song you turned up in the car, or that Easter is your favorite holiday? If they don't, they know they will have no use for any of this information later, so they tune it out completely.

9. Look for signs during the date to see if he is interested in you or just being kind. Men who are into you will move closer to you, attempt to hold or kiss your hand, compliment you, and make plans to see you again. Men who are just being kind will not move closer to you, wait for you to start the conversation, they may look at other women, and they will generally take you to your door and leave you.

10. Watch for how he introduces you when confronted with friends and family. He may not introduce you as his girlfriend, but just a friend. Pay attention to how often he returns your phone calls. If he has a pattern of not returning your calls, you are more than likely not a priority and he is just not that into you.

11. Observe how he prioritizes holidays, birthdays, and special events. If he doesn't acknowledge special days like anniversaries or your birthday comes and goes once again without a card or phone call, then he probably does not have any consideration for you. End the relationship and move on when you understand he is not into you anymore.

12. Ask him how he feels. Let him know the specific details that make you think he is not that into you anymore. In the beginning, you talked about love an marriage, and now you can barely get him to come home for dinner. In his mind the decision may already be made to move on. Though painful, confronting him will be best in the long run for both of you.

by: ehow.com

Things Women Should Know About Men

1. ALL BLACK SHOES LOOK THE SAME TO HIM. -   Of course this may be somewhat of an exaggeration. But face it, Ladies...Men typically are not offered as many styles in the same color as women are. Therefore, that strappy black slingback, is EXACTLY the same as the peeptoe black slingback.

2. HOW WAS YOUR DAY?" doesn't mean "How was your day?" - As insensitive as it sounds, when men ask this question, they typically do not want a play-by-play of your entire day. Quite frankly, it's boring. And unless you have something specific you want to discuss with him, he really doesn't care about your co-worker's son's Little League Game.

3.  INITIATE SEX. - Yes, sometimes men want women to be a bit more aggressive in the bedroom, especially if they tend to make the first move most of the time.  Men do enjoy a chase.  But after being together for a while, they need to feel wanted as well. Initiate sex a bit more often, and you could see dramatic improvements in your sex life. 

4. "NOTHING'S WRONG" means, nothing is wrong. - Sometimes that quiet, brooding type of man is simply having a quiet moment to himself.  Women are the ones who ordinarily like to discuss and plan the details of almost everything.  But men are more hands on. When they are quiet, it doesn't necessarily mean that something is wrong - only that they are thinking. 

5. "I LOVE YOU" isn't always said with words. - Once women understand that men show love in a variety of ways, women will happier.  Recognizing loving gestures will definitely help get the point across. Sometimes those three little words are being screamed loud and clear, with actions instead. 

6. HE DOESN'T REALLY WANT TO KNOW ALL ABOUT YOUR PAST. - Sure, you've had honest dialogue about your previous racy adventures.  But guess what? Men don't want to know EVERYTHING you've done, and EVERYONE you've done it with. A little mystery helps keep some of the fire alive. And besides, there is nothing wrong with keeping some private things, private.

7.  DON'T BE A DOORMAT. - Whoever coined the phrase that nice guys finish last, was actually onto something. While this doesn't mean that you should be rude or inconsiderate to your sweetie, it does mean that you should stand firm about things you believe in.  Don't cave in to every whim for the sake of keeping your man around.  In the end, it doesn't usually work anyway.  Stand firm in your beliefs, and you'll maintain not only your integrity, but a healthy relationship. 

8. HAVE A LIFE! - Make sure that you've got something going on the side. No, not someone -something.  Activities, friends, and hobbies are all important in keeping you sane.  It's fine to do things together. But no one can stand to be around someone 24 hours a day without there being tension from time to time.  The phrase "absence makes the heart grow fonder" has a huge ring of truth. 

9.  DON'T LET YOURSELF GO... -  This doesn't mean bending your looks to satisfy the whims of your man.  And it doesn't mean refusing to wear a particular style that he likes.  Women should make sure that they feel as sexy as they did on the day they met their mates.  A few pounds here and there may not make a difference to your beau.  But if you've gained over 100lbs, first ask yourself if YOU'RE happy with it. If not, then do something about it - FOR YOU.   A happier YOU makes for a happier "us". 

10. COMPLIMENT HIM. - Men like and need to feel attractive too. However, make sure that the compliments are genuine.  If you like the way he looks in his favorite shirt, say so.  Not only is it a boost to his confidence, but it lets him know that he's still attractive to you as well! 

11. Men don't know what to do when women cry. So help him out & tell him what to do! Otherwise he will assume there is a problem & he WILL try to fix it!

12. Men take sports, gadgets, hobbies, work or something else seriously. And he really love it when women show more than just a passing interest.

13. Men are not good at taking hints. So please tell him directly what you want. Incidentally hints become nagging when oft repeated, so please avoid multiple hints. Try another approach e.g. tell him you are going to spend lots of money getting a tradesman to do what he won't do!

14. Men generally prefer to be left alone when processing problems. Believe it or not he don't need to talk about it to process it. Strange I know but it's what they do! They'll talk when we are ready.

15. Men need mates for 'bloke only' chats & connections. Likewise, they like their wives to have girlfriends because.... well, they think it just helps!

16. Men can be romantic but we worry that we will do it all wrong. So help us out by telling us what you prefer.

17. Men's sexuality is different to a womens though I reckon you might have already figured this out! They operate visually so modest dress sense please. Also unless we (and you) are single, no flirting... it scrambles our brains & we end up quite confused. Even more confusing for everybody is that sometimes we can mistake over-friendliness for flirting. This does get complex so bear with us!

18. Men often feel inadequate, insecure & uncertain. In years gone by our roles were readily understood. We thought we were the leaders and that was it! Feminism has achieved some wonderfully liberating things for women however the downside is that sometimes they are unsure about our place. So they need your help to be all we're meant to be. Forgive them when they let you down... your forgiveness certainly helps them forgive theirselves.

19. Men care about how they look... but only sometimes! They really care about how women look & they do prefer you to be as feminine as possible.

20. Men crave respect. More than anything else they want women to respect them. They love it when you tell them "I'm so proud of you". They die on the inside when you cut them down in front of others, especially their mates. They know they have significant egos & they'd prefer you to just accept this fact. You hold immense power in their worlds for good - use it to build them into the men they should be.

by: associatedcontent.com 

How To Move On After A Break Up

1. Give yourself plenty of time to heal and recuperate. Remember that time heals all wounds. Put away pictures, gifts or any mementos that remind you of your ex. It is natural to experience feelings of denial, but do your best to resist the urge to call your ex and ask to get back together. Immediately after a break-up, you are at your most vulnerable state, so be careful not to get into a rebound relationship that may prove to be a mistake. Avoid some of the pitfalls, such as drowning your sorrows in alcohol, and instead channel all of your energy into positive activities that make you feel good about yourself.

2. Surround yourself with friends and loved ones. Talk about how you're feeling and allow them to comfort you and offer you advice. A break-up can be a very lonely experience, so surrounding yourself with others you love and trust will help to erase some of the loneliness. Don't try to deal with the experience all by yourself. Go out and meet new people, rebuild old relationships, network and immerse yourself into social situations. Keep yourself busy doing things you enjoy with the people you love, and don't dwell on the past.

3. Go out and have fun. Don't stay home and sulk, as it will only make you feel more miserable. Round up a group of friends and hit the town. Do something fun and exciting, such as a night of dancing or bar hopping. Plan a weekend beach or camping trip or take a quick out-of-town getaway. Going out with friends will remind you that being single can be just as fun as being in a relationship. It will also help to keep your mind off your ex.

4. Take some time off for yourself and get away from the world for a while. Use this time to reflect on your life and expectations for the future. Enjoy your time alone with relaxing activities such as reading, taking long baths, watching your favorite movies or engaging in a favorite hobby or pastime. Basically, take this time to do whatever makes you feel the most relaxed and calm. Clear your mind of all negative feelings to help you slowly let go of any lingering bitterness.

5. Start dating again. After you have given yourself adequate time to get over your last relationship, consider getting back into the dating game. Allow yourself to fall in love again and enjoy the start of a new relationship. Be careful to not rush things and take the time to really let your partner into your life. Take care not to be consumed in this new union, or any other relationship, for that matter--you never know when another break-up may happen.

6. Whatever you do, don't let a break-up get you down. Remember that everyone experiences break-ups regardless of age, race, class or social status. Even celebrities go through bad break-ups, so don't let the end of a relationship destroy your self-esteem.

7. If you don't feel like you are recovering from your breakup after a significant amount of time, seek professional help. You may be suffering from clinical depression.

8. Realize that you are better off. This may be the hardest step to do, but you must take into consideration that you broke up for a reason. You can find someone much more compatible with you.

9. Make goals. Focus on you. Whether you want to score that A in history class, or get a promotion at work make a goal for yourself. The more goals the better as long as you try to work at all of them. When these goals are met you will feel like you have accomplished something.

 

10. Get a part time job. Make some extra money while you recover from your breakup. Get a seasonal job that will put you in a new environment and allow you to meet new people whom you might make friends with.

11. Pick up a new hobby. Now could be a good time to do something that you have always thought of doing. Take dance lessons. Start a blog. Volunteer with the homeless. Before you know it you will forget all about old what’s his (or her) name.

by: ehow.com

How To Overcome Jealousy

1. Identify the cause of your jealousy. Resist the temptation to blame your feelings on others. Experts agree that in most cases, jealousy is a result of your own insecurity rather than the actions of others. Jealousy is justified in some cases, but not most.

2. Bolster your self-confidence. As stated above, most jealousy is a result of personal insecurity rather than the actions of others. If you have a hard time building self-confidence you could get tips from self-help Web sites.

3. Examine the past and then leave it there. Look at the negative impact jealousy has had on your life in the past. Determine that you will not allow jealousy to continue to damage your relationships.

4. Build a network of supportive family and friends who will help improve your self-confidence, rather than fostering your insecurity. You may even wish to establish a "code word" with your significant other, known only to the two of you, which indicates that you could use support.

5. Put your plan into action. Learn to recognize jealous feelings when they arise. Analyze the feelings as soon as possible (you may wish to bounce ideas off others) and determine if they are justified or the result of your own insecurity.

6. Set boundaries for each other. Make your partner aware of any actions that can cause you to become jealous. That way, when one of you breaks the rules, there is reason to be upset. Arguments can then be based on reality and not imagination.

7. Ask a trusted confidant for his opinion of the situation. Ask your friend to observe your interaction with your partner. A neutral party might help you understand the ways in which your jealousy affects you and your partner.

8. Talk calmly and openly to your partner about the behaviors that make you feel jealous and insecure. Avoid making accusations. Express yourself clearly and blamelessly, and give your partner the chance to respond. Work to develop an open, trusting relationship.

By: ehow.com

How To Be Happy Single

1. Don't think about destructive thoughts. What is the use of drowning over if someone has a boyfriend or girlfriend? It will only make you feel bad. Look on the bright side, it gives you more opportunity to flirt with anyone you want.

2. Go out to parties and bars and have a fun time. You can either go by yourself (you don't have to worry about tagging someone along) or with a group (have girls/guys night out or night on the town with friends).

3. Just be patient but open. You should wait for the person that will make you feel great but don't say no to every person that walks up and says hi to you.Have the courage to say yes to a date or two even if you barely met, or at least ask/give a phone number.

4. You should always have a positive attitude at parties and never look angry. You should smile if you catch a person's eye and maybe walk up to them and say hello.

5. Focus on your freedom. You don't have to check in with anyone before going to the gym or planning a girl's night out. Whatever you feel like doing you are able to, without having to coordinate your schedule around somebody else's life.

6. Realize that a lot of the happiness that comes from being in a relationships is available through strong friendships as well. For love and support look to a close friend. If you don't have a lot of friends try joining an activity that you are interested in chances are you will find someone you have a lot in common with.

7. Make a rule for yourself that you will meet new people when you go out. Maybe you will try and make three friends every time you are in a social situation. This will help you to appear more open.

8. Work on making yourself happy by doing things that you believe to be admirable. By doing things that you admire in other people you will learn to respect yourself.

9. Make friends with other single people. It can be hard to be single and happy if all your friends are married. It may make you feel like you're a third wheel hanging out with couples, so get out there and join all those other independent singles having fun doing other activities.

10. Spent time in God's presence. He is our refuge, our strong tower, our best friend. If you have Him, you will know that you have everything.

By: ehow.com