Dropping Hints

Let’s admit it – we all do it.

It’s fun and harmless to drop hints for birthday presents or where we want to be taken for dinner, but too often we drop hints that are actually major emotional bombs.

A lot of the time, we use hints to skirt around really important issues in the relationship that need to be discussed, but we would rather jab at each other until the other person surrenders and brings it up.

Dropping hints is a very non-confrontational way of letting the other person know what’s on our heart and mind. Then, when the other person gets frustrated at our mixed messages, we get frustrated that they are frustrated and aren’t picking up on our confusing clues.

Though we might not have the courage or energy to sit down and really explore the issues with our partner, it is imperative to communicate clearly and openly if we want to get anything resolved.

Do the real work required in a relationship, and I guarantee it will yield a harvest of good results for both parties.

If we don't, it could turn into a real mess:

Paying Compliments

Compliments are like the icing on the cake during a really great date. Compliments spice things up and make everything a little sweeter during that first stage of dating.

The problem is, compliments fly out the window once things settle down.

Compliments easily turn into insults when we get mad each other, and a sarcastic compliment can be like a bullet to the heart.

The good thing about a really genuine compliment is that it can turn everything around. A well-timed compliment can be a life-saver when the date is going horribly wrong. A well-received compliment can also reignite that spark that used to burn bright.

When the night is spiraling downhill, consider the art of paying a good compliment. It will certainly pay off.