Guys Prone to Grudges?

The secret to any solid relationship is enjoying the good times and forgiving and forgetting the not-so-good times. But, according to SELF Magazine and the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, moving past the tough spots could be easier for you than for your man.

Experts believe that how each gender handles conflict and resolution may be due to the different ways men and women are typically raised.

For example, women are often raised to be more empathetic then men, finding it easier to forgive and forget. Remember that in order to come out of an argument with your relationship still intact, or better yet, even stronger than before, he may need a little more time to come around. The experts recommend talking things out rationally and working toward a solution to spark your man’s sensitive and forgiving nature.

I have to wonder though, as a woman, there have been many times when it seems like I'm the one internalizing the fight while the conflict rolls off my partner's back. Am I crazy or does common sense lead you to believe the exact opposite of the expert's findings? Tell us what you think.

Meshing Love and Money

According to internationally acclaimed personal finance expert Suze Orman, “it pays to have a clear strategy when it comes to meshing love and money.” While this can be a problem for many couples over the years, it doesn’t have to be.

In a recent Q & A on Oprah.com, Orman discusses five key strategies to set for smooth sailing:

• Every woman needs her own savings in addition to a shared account

• Every woman also needs one credit card in her name only

• Debts you had prior to a marriage are yours alone–unless you actively merge them

• Be pragmatic about the assets you bring into a relationship

• After you marry, every asset either of you acquire is jointly held

What do you do? Stuff singles under your mattress for a rainy day? Hold a rousing game of rock/paper/scissors to figure out who will pay this months cable bill? Have a fun and effective strategy that works for you and your partner? Fill us in!

Frisky Puppy

Tongue-in-cheek or tongue-on-tennis ball? If you own a pooch who wants to make a statement (or attract some attention from sexy--and good humored--singles at the dog park), check out this doggy tee from love and sex writers Em Taylor and Lo Sharky (EmandLo.com).

Co-authors of six steamy and hysterical books on sex and relationships, Em and Lo's blog, the dailybedpost.com is a great daily read for those in search of advice and commentary on love, lust and libido.

New Rules for a Good Marriage

According to Sarah Mahoney, writer for MSN.com, there are some surprising new marriage rules that will help you and your partner get closer – or fall in love all over again. If you’re looking to reconnect with your spouse (or to strengthen what you've already got going for you) look no further...

“Many so-called "inevitable" marriage pitfalls are really just unexamined old wives' tales,” says Mahoney. “On closer inspection, two facts become clear: There's only a trace of truth in each fable — but there's also the potential to retool them to make your relationship even closer. Here are five of the most enduring myths, plus new rules to replace them.”

You can check them out here:

• Myth: Never go to bed angry. If you don't hash through every conflict right away, it'll lead to resentment and ultimately blowups.
• New rule: Sleep on it. Conflicts are best dealt with when you have calmed down and are well rested.

• Myth: One day the two of you will just realize you've grown apart and fallen out of love.
• New rule: A marriage doesn't run on feelings — it thrives because both spouses work hard on it.

• Myth: As you both get older, sex will simply stop mattering to you and your husband.
• New rule: There's no reason you won't grow more sexually connected.

• Myth: When the kids leave home, there will be nothing left to keep your marriage together.
• New rule: Your marriage can flourish in that new freedom.

• Myth: Every guy has a midlife crisis — any day, your spouse will drive off in a new red sports car.
• New rule: It's not a crisis — and it's not just for men.

Sexercise

If you’re looking to lose some weight, try skipping the gym--head for the bedroom! You may recognize her from Oprah or The Today Show, Kerry McCloskey, author of “The Ultimate Sex Diet”, claims she lost 23lbs having sex with her sweetie.

McCloskey says sex and food are the two primary components. By eating healthy and having sex 3 to 5 times during the work week and following up on the weekends, you can burn 1600 calories a week!

“It’s made us much happier,” said McCloskey. “When you’re intimate I think you treat each other differently, it’s just something natural. You have the endorphins from sex and you’re less irritable. I think it’s very healthy for both people.”

Sounds like it’s time to hit the sheets!

Pre-Presidential Pucker

According to a recent poll conducted by Match.com and Happen Magazine, 77% of Americans think Barack Obama would be a better kisser than John McCain.

"While the majority of our member base considers themselves 'middle of the road,' it appears that America is leaning to the left with their lips," said Darcy Cameron, senior director of marketing and advertising for Match.com.”

The poll was conducted online and received 1,433 total responses.

The part that we love best? “Neither Michelle Obama, Cindy McCain nor any babies were polled as part of this survey.”

What do you think? Which candidate has a winning smooch and which should kiss that nomination goodbye?

Bridal Wishlist

Check it out! Our romance tips were featured on the Bridal Wishlist Blog: Are You Romantic?

Bridal Wishlist is a great resource for brides looking to add a fun and modern element to their wedding--love love love their take on traditional and not-so-traditional dresses for the "big day".

Thanks for the shout out!!

He's Just Not That Into You

We hear that the "bible" of many a single girl, He’s Just Not That Into You, is set to hit the big screen in 2009. If you haven’t read the book yet, be sure to pick it up before you make your way to the movies. The New York Times best seller, written by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo in 2004, focuses on “the ever-widening gap between genders and the misunderstandings that often arise between couples.”

With an all-star cast and a light-hearted look at the (sometimes) cringe-worthy reality that is dating today, this is one film we won’t miss!

Bedroom Bliss

Did you know that most of us spend at least a third of our lives in the bedroom?

“If we experience a sense of harmony in there, we have a much better chance of coming out in to the world in a balanced way,” says Sophie Keller of The Huffington Post. “This will, in turn, affect how we go about our day, how much energy we have and how we communicate with others.”

In short, here are Keller’s 5 tips for making the bedroom the sanctuary it should be:

1. My number one motto for the bedroom is to keep it simple, peaceful and uncluttered.

2. If you're going to have any photos in your bedroom, please make sure they are really happy ones of you, with your lover.

3. The best place for a master bedroom is at the back of the house.

4. Put a plant in the bedroom to keep the atmosphere fresh and bring life and growth into the area.

5. Stand in the entrance of every room of your house and the back right hand corner of each room is the relationship area of the room. If you want to bring in a new relationship or enhance the communication in the one that you're in, then make sure those areas are clean and clear of clutter.

More Bang for Your Buck?

Want to receive daily romantic inquires but lack a full-time significant other? Japanese women may have just the ticket! The new virtual “Handsome Man Bank” provides a lustful compliment each time you save your pennies. Like a piggy bank only so much cuter.

The Ikemen (ee-keh-men) or “Handsome Man Bank” made by Japanese toymaker Bandai, comes in pink or white and allows you to pick from five handsome men – rendered in Japanese anime fashion. “Not only does your dreamboat stare out at you with big, soulful eyes, he also whispers sweet nothings.” I’m sold!

“Can I kiss you?” or “May I rub your shoulders?” are just two of the many romantic phrases you may hear. But, as with any true romance, you may have to make a few sacrifices...your money conscious Romeo needs a deposit of at least 500 yen – or $5 USD -- to utter just one sweet nothing.

Also doubling as an alarm clock, the Ikemen will run you 4,935 yen (about $47 USD).

A man that will help keep you running on time and assist in planning your financial future? Now that's a boyfriend you can bank on!

Fireworks on the Fourth

Fourth of July is the perfect time to enjoy a romantic night with your special someone. We suggest packing a blanket and some wine and heading to a romantic private locale to take in the fireworks and watch the sparks fly.

You’ll have the perfect excuse to cuddle up with your sweetie (a little chill in the night air, the startle of fireworks booming over head). What better grand finale could there be than getting home and making fireworks of your own?! (Or if you’re super adventurous, go for it right there!)