Another traditional wedding component is the wedding ring. However, as wedding trends evolve and become more diverse, more people than ever before are deciding against wearing a wedding ring.

While on the outside this might seem like a strange phenomenon, there are several reasons why people choose this path, from not wanting to pay out for an expensive wedding band to simply believing that a ring is unnecessary as a token of love.

What are your options if you do go down the alternative route?

A Different Piece of Jewellery

Some people choose to wear a wedding band on a necklace, or buy matching lockets inscribed with the date of the wedding. In some countries, it is traditional to wear a necklace or even have your nose pierced, if you wanted to explore these options. Others might opt for a wedding band, but go for tunusual metals or colours rather than the traditional gold and silver.

The vast majority of couples that shun traditional wedding bands, however, move away from jewellery altogether.

Tattoos

This is perhaps the best-known and most widely seen idea around the world. Couples are increasingly going for tattoos where their wedding band would ordinarily go, often featuring their partner’s name as well as the wedding date.

The appeal and meaning of doing this is obvious enough, but so is the downside; if the marriage ends in a split, you can take off a wedding band, a tattoo isn’t so easy to get rid of!

Planting a Tree

Tree planting is something that has been popular for years when people die. Particularly if a person has been cremated, relatives and friends can plant a tree, pay for a plaque, and then scatter the ashes around the tree or place them into the soil prior to the tree being planted.

However, planting a tree is also becoming a popular thing to do for newly married couples, too. We’re not sure where or when this started, but it certainly seems like a fair idea if you’re looking for a permanent monument to your marriage.

A Personal Gift

Why not buy something truly personal that the person can keep and cherish forever. This might mean you and your partner swap your favourite books and write a message inside the cover to each other, or even buy each other a piece of artwork to be displayed around the home.

The beauty of this task is that it is down to you what you decide. Even if you decide not to exchange anything, the wedding vows themselves matter most.

Will This Become the Norm?

We’re not sure that wedding band alternatives are set to become the norm, but they will definitely remain an option for those who are looking to shun tradition or do not see the value in wearing a regular wedding ring.

Adam wears a wedding band that his wife found on Men’s Tungsten Online, a website selling high-quality tungsten rings for men. He also has his wife’s name and wedding date tattooed along his ring finger.

Fortunately you can keep this from happening, or if it has happened, you can usually reignite your passion with a bit of effort.

Appearance Matters

It’s all too easy to decide that you don’t need to work out, put on makeup, shave, or wear nice clothes, because your spouse has seen you at your worst so it really doesn’t matter.

STOP!!!

You can’t always look your best, and you shouldn’t try to be fabulous every waking moment. But you should a few times a week try to dress up nicely and show your husband or wife that you’ve still got it. Wear something sexy or handsome, groom yourself, and spend some time in front of the mirror.
If you can try to do some exercise to help keep your body toned, you don’t need to look like your 20 again, but if you put effort into yourself and your health, your partner will notice.

Plan a Date Night

Not everyone is good at being spontaneous, so don’t force them to be. Instead agree that a few times a month will be date night. On that night one of you has to plan a nice date, it can be fun, romantic, exciting, cultured, whatever, but has to have some thought in it. Alternate who’s in charge each time.

Even if your husband chooses a sporting event, try to have some fun, and when it’s your turn you can pick a French restaurant, and expect him to pretend to enjoy it. Once you get into the swing of things, you’ll both have a great time, and that is essential in getting the romance back.

Say Thank You

If your husband or wife does something nice, thank them for it. Even if it’s really minor, smile say thanks and make sure they know you’re happy. This will encourage them to do it more often and do other things to make you happy. This will gradually lead to more romantic gestures that leave you smiling.
Too many married couples I’ve met have taken it for granted that they should have certain things and stopped thanking their partner for them, expecting more and more things before they’ll say thanks. Then they’re surprised when the small gestures stop.

Tell Them You Want Some Romance

Some people, especially men, need a hint when it comes to romance and relationships. Instead of expecting them to pick up small cues, and waiting for them to realize that you want something more from the relationship, tell them what you need.

You can sit them down and tell them, write a letter, give them a book on romance and tell them to read it, or whatever else you think may work, but be tell them.

Don’t let your romance die, simply because you’ve been together for a few years, do what you have to to keep your romance alive. And remember you can’t just rely on your partner, you have to do your part to, even if it’s just kicking him or her in the butt and telling them what you need.

Dan Clarke is a writer as well as a husband and father. After writing on a variety of topics for a number of years, he is now focusing on his passions, romance, parenting and travel. To find out more about him and see more of his articles visit his website. Jane Rahman via Compfight

There are three things you can do to help yourself walk away from your divorce satisfied:

1. Prepare.

This starts with preparing for your first meeting with a Salt Lake City family attorney. Gather all your necessary financial documents and make a short-list of your assets and debts. Bring this information to your attorney so they can determine the magnitude of the case. They will eventually ask you for copies of documents to be produced during discovery, so it will save time if you have these documents ready. These items include anything related to your assets and debts, including separate property. Make copies of tax returns, bank statements, credit card statements, retirement accounts, mortgages, land deeds, and car notes.

2. Prioritize.

Give serious thought to what you want to fight for. Keeping in mind that Utah divides property equally, determine beforehand exactly what you want. List all your marital assets and personal belongings and highlight what you want to receive, while keeping your list fair. Now is the time to decide how much a lamp or painting really means to you. Keep in mind you could spend $300 in attorneys fees just to receive a $100 lamp. Decide things like which vehicle best suits your needs and whether you want to remain in the marital home, which will mean a substantial offset to your spouse’s side. This will help streamline the negotiation process, saving you money and possibly a trip to court.

3. Be Civil.

Be willing to negotiate outside of court. If you and your spouse can come to an agreement, you can save time and money staying out of court. It is also better to make decisions regarding your children, money, and property yourself, rather than having a judge decide these important issues. Do not think of divorce as winning or losing. Instead, treat each issue with the mindset of whether the result – although not ideal – is something you can live with. No one walks away from a divorce 100 percent happy. Make sure you walk away content with the outcome and able to move on with your life based on what you received.

Do Research

One of the best ways to help your partner through their recovery is by doing research on their specific addiction and addiction in general. There are many addiction resource articles online that thoroughly explain several aspects of addiction such as how people become addicts, the effects of addiction on addicts and their families and how to get over an addiction.

Help them Find Help

Many addicts don’t attempt to find help on their own. They may need a helping hand to get enrolled in rehab or therapy. Talk to them about possible recovery options such as group therapy, professional rehabilitation centers and more. Research various addiction resource articles that list helpful recovery options in your area.

Ensure that they understand the weight of their situation and the effects that it’s having on your partner and everyone that they love. Explain how finding professional help can improve the situation and help them achieve a better quality of life.

Enough is Enough

If you truly love your partner, don’t let them spiral out of control. Stop them before it gets any worse than it already is. Don’t be afraid to get tough and put your foot down. Part of addiction is losing control. If you help them regain control, they can start on the road to recovery.

Participate in Treatment

Many support groups and rehab centers will encourage participation from family and friends to assist addicts in their recovery process. Family counseling, seminars and more are all great ways to get involved in your loved one’s treatment.

Being There for Them

One of the simplest ways to support your partner through recovery is by simply being there whenever they need support. However, there are some key things to keep in mind while doing this.

Remember, getting over addiction is a long and difficult battle. There will be setbacks, frustration and possible relapses. You will have to try your hardest to be patient and understanding through the rough times to keep as much emotional strain off of your partner as possible.

Don’t forget that you’re important as well. Recovering from addiction can be almost as difficult for family and friends as it can be for the addict. If you need a break from it all, take some personal time for yourself. There are also support groups available for family members and friends of addicts to help them cope.

Addiction is a difficult battle for everybody involved, but it is a battle that can be won with some patience, hard work, understanding and love.

Learn how to stay focused on the current problem. Men and women alike have the tendency to stray from the current topic when they’re angry. We tend to incorporate other things that are not part of the problem, making them say things that need not to be said. For example, when a wife wants to tell her husband that she thinks she is doing most of the work at home, and she feels like her husband “isn’t doing anything.” She has the tendency to lash out and say, “I’m doing all the work here at home! You are so lazy, I can’t believe you can live with yourself! If not for me you will be living like a disgusting pig!” Adding in false accusations and insulting your partner can lead them to feel hurt and offended, thus increasing the risk of letting the relationship fall apart. Instead of this, she can calmly, concisely tell her husband the problem, and immediately offering her solution to the problem. That way her husband knows what’s going on, as well as how he can help solve the problem.

Avoid poking on your partner’s weak spot. As their partner, you know your partner’s weak spot or “Achilles’ Heel.” You know their insecurities, and you know what can possibly hurt his or her feelings. However, this doesn’t give you the liberty to use it and touch it when you’re in argument, just so you can “win” it. Do not take advantage of their particular vulnerabilities just because you want to win your fight. Keep in mind that your relationship should be more important than your ego. If it is otherwise, then something must be wrong. Any type of arguing that involves insulting or causing your partner to feel worse about himself or herself is considered “fighting dirty.”

Hence, it is extremely important to think before we act and speak, especially during arguments. Often times when we are in the middle of a fight, we tend to say things that we don’t mean, and end up hurting other people way more than we intend to. We must be careful with our speech, because although in the end we say that we didn’t mean what we said, we can never take it back and the impact it has on the other person will inevitable remain. If we convey our point in a calm manner, then we will increase our chances of getting what we want and achieve the goal of letting your partner know the problem without ensuing a pointless fight.

Avoid the extremes and giving ultimatums when arguing.

Extreme fighting is similar to extreme sports. Athletes who participate in extreme sports do it for the thrill, and the excitement it provides. They like it because of the different kind of satisfaction it gives and the sense of “high” that it provides. Similarly, some people magnify arguments because it gives them some kind of satisfaction when they think they’ve won the argument, which in all honestly only fuels their egos and not their relationship. They argue in an overly dramatic, fabricated manner that only damages their relationship. In addition, some people give ultimatums when in an argument. These ultimatums turn minor misunderstandings into major ones, when it is very unnecessary so. For example, when a girl’s boyfriend didn’t call her back when he said he would and she tells him, “Make a false promise again and I will break up with you!” The small problem, which could be solved in a really peaceful manner, has been completely magnified by the ultimatum.

Giving ultimatums sometimes gives a person some feeling of power over the relationship, and thus makes them feel supposedly better about themselves. This should not happen because both parties have equal control in the relationship, and it is very unnecessary that either person issue an ultimatum when there really is no need to. It only makes the argument more dramatic when it could’ve been solved in a more quiet, toned down manner. Both parties should realize that screaming, accusing, and ultimatums don’t solve the problems in the relationship, but a calm conversation would.

About the Author: Elizabeth Davis has 20 years of experience as a relationship adviser. She writes and shares more relationship tips and marriage advice on her blog Relationshipsadvice.co. 

1: Couple

Couple is a private communication endeavor for couples. They can instant message each other, send little doodles, pokes, even pictures. It allows for a sense of intimacy and closeness with your partner, even when they aren’t necessarily physically close.

2: Kindu

It’s an unavoidable fact that in order for a romantic relationship to work, there needs to be a certain physical chemistry between both partners. Even though this is well known and understood, many couples feel uncomfortable discussing their sexual preferences. Fortunately, Kindu helps. Through an anonymous quiz (you’re partner will never know what you liked directly), the app will dispense useful information, tips, and ideas for cardinal romance. Unsurprisingly, it comes highly recommended.

3: Fix a Fight

Couples occasionally fight. It’s a natural, often unavoidable aspect to any relationship. However, many couples don’t know how to act after a fight or when they feel one coming on. Download Fix a Fight with your mobile phone plans and start fixing the fight now. After all, they certainly don’t want to hurt the person they love or make matters worse. Fix a Fight dispenses information and relaxation techniques to help both parties keep everything in perspective.

4: Date Smart

No matter how creative the partner, eventually it becomes difficult to procure truly good ideas for dates. Date Smart offers randomized selections of dates to inspire both parties. Date Smart offers a number of date categories from normal/casual stuff to romantic Valentine’s events. What’s proposed may not be the final, official plan—but whatever happens will usually owe its inspiration to this app. Get Date Smart now on your Samsung Galaxy from Bell.ca.

5: The Ice Break

Most couples absolutely cherish the unknown aspects of their partners. It gives them things to discover over the course of the relationship. However, there’s hardly an opportunity for these things to come up. The Ice Break offers an excuse to ask your partner questions about themselves on a deeper level than when you first started dating. It’ll provide loads of entertainment and remind you of why you fell so deeply in love in the first place.

Extreme Sport Can Make Extremely Good First Dates

Going out with a daredevil or wondering if your date has the same wild streak as you? Find out on the first date by going skydiving. Available in both big cities and suburbs, skydiving will let you find out quickly whether your date is open to adventure or if he or she is more timid. Bond together while flying through the sky and then celebrate with a drink afterward.

Have a Friendly Competition at a Lower Speed

Not quite ready to dive out of the sky? Try out a lower key sport like bowling or miniature golf. Challenge your date with dinner or drinks as the stakes. An active date means that you can get rid of the awkward silences that often plague first dates. By the time you get done with your round of miniature golf or a game or two of bowling, you and your date will have plenty to chat about over dinner.

Enjoy Some Culture

Share one of your interests with your date by taking him or her to the aquarium, a favorite museum or the zoo. Gauge what he or she thinks of your favorite topic while enjoying a romantic stroll on a Saturday afternoon. Whether you are taking in frolicking polar bears at the zoo or gazing at a magnificent Monet masterpiece, you can be sure that the afternoon will not get boring. Look for restaurants or coffee shops nearby so you can suggest a drink or dinner afterward if the afternoon goes well.

Dramatic First Dates

Already know your date has a soft spot for the theater, opera or orchestra? Snag tickets to a performance and show off your cultural chops. More exciting and interesting than going to the movies, these high culture events typically have an intermission that gives you time to talk. Get dressed up to show of your sense of style and get ready for a memorable night.

A Little Music

Being able to talk on a first date is an important part of deciding whether you both want to go on a second date. The importance of ambiance, however, cannot be overstated. Pick a local coffeehouse or bar that features live music and snag a cozy table for two. Make sure that you are far enough away from the stage that you can talk all night if you want.

Find Some Local Flavor

Look online for a listing of local festivals, fairs and other semi-touristy events. Whether it is a festival celebrating local fish or a country fair, you and your date can enjoy seeing your hometown from a different perspective. Snack on fair food or go all in by signing up for the pie contest to show off your sense of humor and spontaneity.

Attached Images:

•  License: MBG Stock Image by Smart Photo Stock

Jessica Bosari blogs about extreme sports for Perth skydiving company Southern Skydivers.

Don’t Lie

It is very easy to lie to someone online, but that does not mean you should do it. If you want to develop a long-term relationship with someone, you should not lie to him about anything. If he discovers the lie later, he might not trust you anymore.

Choose a Quality Photo

Make sure to choose a quality photo for your online dating profile. In the photo, you should be flashing a big smile and wearing a flattering outfit. If your photo is of you in your pajamas, it will not make a very good first impression. Also, choose a recent photo. If you pick a photo that is five years old, you aren’t giving a true representation of what you look like.

Don’t Hesitate to Get Personal in Your First Email

If you are searching through online dating profiles and see one that you find interesting, do not be afraid to send a personal email. Take the time to read the person’s profile to find something significant about her. For example, if you found out that one of her hobbies is mountain climbing, mention that in the email. She will realize that you made the effort to find out more about her.

Avoid Talking About Sex

If you want to develop a serious and long lasting relationship with someone, you should avoid talking about sex in the beginning. It is best to talk about this subject after you have met and gotten to know this person very well.

Meet in a Public Place

When you are meeting someone for the first time, make sure to meet her in a public place. Even if she seems like the nicest and most trustworthy person, it is better to be safe than sorry. For example, you can meet her at a local restaurant or coffee shop.

Don’t get discouraged if you do not meet someone right away. It might take time to find someone you are compatible with. If you want to search for people at coffee shops or bookstores, consider looking into CLEAR products. When you use one of these products, you can access the Internet anywhere.

Breakfast in Bed

Before she even has the chance to ask you if you know what day it is, get up early and make her breakfast in bed. You should have a good idea of some of her favorite foods. Make her the perfect breakfast. You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to do so. Look up recipes or ask someone for advice on how to cook a certain dish. If you absolutely cannot make a dish from scratch, store bought food is totally acceptable.

Love Notes

Before either of you leave for work, slip a love note into a place she is sure to find it. If she packs a lunch, stick it in her bag. You could leave the note in the bathroom so she notices it when she is getting ready for the day. You could even put the note in her car or behind the windshield wiper.

Gifts

Women generally love flowers. Check with her place of work first to make sure they allow deliveries. If she’s a stay-at-home wife, have them delivered to your house. You can send her a heartfelt card or attach that love note that was previously mentioned. Jewelery is also always a plus. Pick out something you know she would enjoy. Look for some earrings, a necklace, or even some akoya pearl jewelery”. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It’s the thought that counts.

Romantic Dinner

If you have the opportunity, you could greet her at the door with a candlelit dinner. Again, make her her favorite dishes or purchase them. Play some of her favorite music low in the background to set the mood. Even if the food isn’t great, she’ll appreciate the effort.

After that you have a few options. You could take her out to do an activity she enjoys. Look for a movie or play she may find interesting. Even a concert would work. You can blindfold her to increase the surprise as well. These are some great ways to make her special day great.

1 Go on Holiday

Nothing brings out the romance more than a change of pace and location. Just by moving around the house you can come up with inventive ways to get it on. By going on holiday you remove all the stress of day to day life, you get the joy of knowing you don’t need to tidy up afterwards, and depending on where you go you get a nice warm location, or somewhere warm to snuggle up and stay in bed. Holidays cost less and less these days and a quick weekend away is even more affordable than it used to be. Everyone should get some holiday time at least once a year.

2 Bring out the toys

Bring the fun into the bedroom with toys. There are far too many toys to mention, but if you have a kink, there is probably a toy for it. You can get toys designed to share with partners, or you can get ones for playing alone, but this doesn’t mean you can’t use them together with your partner. Try something kinky like cuffs, or like the famous fleshlight. There are different lubes, creams, potions, movies and more to use, and you can still be frugal by using a coupon code at the checkout. Most places even give you free toys at the checkout if you spend over a certain amount.

3 Talk to each other

This is a simple one but its surprising how many people just don’t talk to each other. Have a word with your partner, see what they want to try. Don’t judge them and don’t let them judge you. Find a nice middle ground where you can’t start playing. Remember you don’t even need to live out the fantasy, talking about it during sex can be more than enough to get the engines revving.

4 Start Dating Each Other Again

Start dating again, go on date nights, have a glass of wine over a meal. Get out of the house and start enjoying each others company. Instead of staying in and watching a movie, go out to the cinema or theatre. Acting like you’re dating again can be enough to get that dating spark back.

Jane Giilo writes for Naughty Coupon Codes on saving money in the bedroom and issues around sex and relationships.