7 Things you must tell your partner

Seven important things you just have to tell your partner.

A relationship is based on conversation between the two people involved, more than anything else. At times, there's no way around but to be vocal about certain things, when with your partner. While it may be hurtful or unpleasant at the moment, more than often, it does good in the long haul. Here are seven thing you must let your partner know, to be in a healthy relationship.

Sex? Not now, please
So you are not in the mood to do it and he is probing you about the same? Don't just give in to his demands or feel obliged to do the bed-deed, because it's OK to say no. Be vocal about times when you don't want to have sex. This is an important detail you should not keep away from him.

My expectations
Where's this relationship heading at? You prefer the FWB (friends with benefits) bit, or is this something much more than the regular attraction, or are you sure about a future with this man? These are things he needs to know, because well, you've got to be sure how he feels about it too, right?

Love? Not you
You've been with this man for four years, but in between met another 'Mr Right'. Let him know about this. It is important, and don't just ignore the conversation because you think it'll break his heart. If so, you will be extremely unfair not only to yourself, but also to the two other men involved.

I spent that much...
A little spending here and there can be information avoided. But if you've had a major dent in your wallet like never before, or bought something unimaginably extravagant, be it jewellery, property or something else under the sun, it's best you let your man know. Such matters do make a difference at times.

I'm upset
His aunt taunted you on the way you dress, or his brother's girlfriend has made it clear that she thinks you're annoying; anything to do with his family or friends that makes you uncomfortable, discuss with him. Tell him what you feel about it and also ask him if there's anything you can do to save the situation.

Likes, dislikes and more
Things that end up being a bone of contention, in the long run, such as likes, dislikes, preferences in terms of food and other activities, also serious past relationships, must not be kept a secret from your partner. You don't want to run into troubled waters later in life, would you?

I need space
Sometimes you just need your lone time and then there's no two ways about it. But make sure when you do need that space of your own, you tell your guy the same, so you can avoid any conflicts at the moment. You know, he wouldn't know what you feel at the moment unless you tell him.

10 men women should avoid at any cost

Here is a list of types of men that women should avoid at any cost. Read on...

Are you looking out for a new relationship or want to just date men? You might come across somebody and hit it off nicely for a year or so, and then you begin to notice things that could make you part ways. To avoid the pain you undergo when things go wrong, here's a list of ten types of men you should run miles away from.

The rebound shot
A man, who is fresh out of a relationship, is still lurking in the transition. At this point of time, he can be quite weak and might lean on the nearest support he can find. But that doesn't mean that he's really fallen for you. Although for some people it has worked, but mostly in the long run, there can be no assurance of this one coming to term.

No money, honey
Understood you are not a materialistic girl, you are independent and are alright with going dutch on a date. Women don't necessarily want a rich millionaire, but a little something can be a good thing. Even the guy would feel his dignity is safe if he can contribute some. And a man who still cannot understand this - girl, dump the moron now!

'Ex' factor
'You are good, but she was better!' Are you still with a guy who says that? Bang your head on the nearest wall and tell him you might as well go back. He's not yet over the ex-relationship, and somewhere he's sulking about it. Good or bad, the experience could be anything, but the fact that he still talks about her doesn't help in getting the current relation any better. And even if you don't dump him, but make him realise, talk it out; and if it still doesn't work, it's unbelievable you are still putting up with it!

'Ex' out the friendly factor
Men do have a tendency to still retain a certain amount of care for the woman they once loved. So, it doesn't make any sense for them to remain friends once it's over. What was there once can be reignited in some weak moments. So, dearest men, dump the 'ex' as 'friend' and concentrate on your current love. A bird in hand is always better than two in the bush.

Love at first sight
Well, it happens only in books or films. Most often, it's just a liking or lust. But love, dearies, takes time to blossom. So, lady, if the gentleman has told you 'I Love You' a bit too soon, hold your horses and don't jump into taking yet another big step.

'The world is hard on me'
No darling, you are just a selfish man who has taken certain wrong decisions perhaps, but doesn't want to admit it. I know you just said 'no', but deep down you know it's a 'yes'! Unaccountable, selfish or plain immature, grow up or stop pulling the other person down with you by blaming the world or her for your problems, lest she decides to move the 'problem' away from your life.

Can't take 'no' for an answer
Even if it's just gaining control over the remote. Read the key words 'gaining control' and get the hint. If you are ready to be a doormat, and are happy with it, man your relation is going to last a historical era! But if you are a person who commands respect, there are better people out there who give you that. Let Hitler be, you don't have to become his Nazi army.

Mr. Richie Rich
The poor little rich guy, if he shows off a lot of moolah, either he's going to run out of it or, well, just keep believing that 'love can be bought'! And if you're the guy who's lying about it, you're hurting your chances of having a real relationship as the facade will eventually come back to bite you.

Momma's boy
Better stay in momma's lap! If your guy can't move a nerve without 'mom's consent', you better move yourself away from him. Why? Because you don't know if she's anything like Jane Fondain Monster-in-law, baby you are not necessarily Jennifer Lopez!

Dad's the financier
If the guy is still living with his parents despite being all but 25 years of age, are you still going to to live with him? The first thing he should do is get a job! If he cannot do that, he's be dependant on dad, or you! And if you cannot pay his bills, 'you are a no-good girlfriend' is all you'll hear from him!

Married couples avoid talking about sex

Sharing office gossip, discussing finances and friends, are common among couples. A relaxed chat in your living room sipping hot cups of coffee is a respite for most working couples, after a long tiring day. 

However, trouble starts when the conversation moves from the living to the bedroom. While couples enjoy every topic on the earth, why is sex such a dreaded subject, let's find out.
"The way the bar tender asks Bond how he likes his martini, stirred or shaken, that's the way they talk about being intimate/sex there," says Dr. Myaank Keswani, clinical psychologist. "However, talking about sex doesn't exist in India, at least not for middle class couples. For us, the term 'bedroom talks' means sorting out personal differences that cannot be discussed in front of friends or family or some health and hygiene problems," adds Keswani.
Most of us are stereotypes like Bosky Maniar Patel, who questions, "What's there to talk about sex?" She further adds, "Not that I come from a traditional family who never allow their women to work outside or put a host of restrictions on them. I have done fashion designing and all said and done, I still can't sex-talk with my husband. It's embarrassing." That's what most couple feel when it comes to having such talks. They feel it is something so private that it cannot be discussed, like everyday issues.

"However, what they fail to understand is that this is one thing that creates major issues among couples, since they do not understand what the other wants," points out Prantika Goswami, a marriage counsellor.
Prantika suggests sex-talk to most of the couples who come to her for pre-marriage counselling. "I advise couples to indulge in intimate talks, discuss what the other partner likes. Knowing each other's likes and dislikes makes the relationship better. Couples who have a healthy sex life mostly have a healthy marriage, since it is a great emotional boost," she says.
Let alone discussing positions and fantasies, couples don't even discuss if they want to get intimate or not. "Women keep waiting for the men to make the first move, and they just get into the flow. I've hardly seen couples who talk and laugh about intimacy. Those who do are happier and have a better marriage. The reason being, both the partners are sexually satisfied, which decreases the chances of infidelity and they are also able to tackle issues amicably, as both of them have an equal share of say," says Sadhana Patil, marriage counsellor.
As opposed to the stereotypes, there are some modern couples, who don't just have intimate talks but also use the information to make each other happy, when in bed. One such couple is Raghu Subramanium and Vanya Jadhav, who openly talk about sex. "We even talk about it on chat, or send each other good reads on the subject that suggest that it's good for health. Also, there are times when interesting pictures follow," laughs Vanya. She adds, "Yes, many may argue that it is taboo, but we like to indulge in intimate talk since it strengthens our relationship," adds Vanya.

4 sexual positions that women love.

This Valentine's Day, pleasure your partner in bed with these moves that are sure to send her straight to ecstasy

1. The cowgirl: Let her take charge in this girl-on-top position. It lets her be on top of things while you enjoy the ride, making it a win-win position. Another advantage is that when the woman is in control, she can decide how she wants to reach orgasm.

Tip: For a sureshot clitoral orgasm, ask your woman to lean forward while arching her back and leaning on her hands. Instead of going up and down, she can move laterally so that you hit the right spots and stimulate her in the sensitive areas. Show her some love by sitting up straight and hugging her.

2. Countertop sitting: You've had a brilliant Valentine's Day cookout and can't wait to go to the bedroom get at each other. Make good use of the kitchen counter by lifting her up onto it. Ask her to take on the spread eagle position with you facing her. This position provides maximum G-Spot stimulation and arouses both partners. Since you are taking the lovemaking out of the bedroom, it's also quite spontaneous. However, it's a tricky one since guys tend to ejaculate prematurely.

3. Missionary position: Predictable though it is, the missionary (man on top) position is a classic hit with women since it's pleasurable and also harbours closeness. It allows you to kiss, touch and gaze into each other's eyes while your body gets the loving treatment.

Tip: The slant of your entry makes all the difference. Swivel your hips for a happy twist.

4. Sideways: Sideways positions — spooning and side by side —are good news for men who suffer from premature ejaculation since there are fewer chances of losing an erection. Although it limits the movement of both partners, it gives leeway for more snogging. You can caress your woman and the constant contact with your body will soothe her while you whisper sweet nothings into her ear.

Include tomatoes in skin care regime.

The benefits of potatoes in removing dark circles have been proved time and again.

But did you know tomatoes are as effective in giving you a fresh look and relieving you from stress? Rubbing raw tomatoes on your face does not only help in reducing sun tan and damage, it also helps in getting back your lost glow. It is also helpful in removing those stubborn dark circles.

Here are a few short and quick face packs made out of tomatoes to give your skin a healthy shine.

Squeeze the juice from a tomato and a lemon into a bowl. Mix them together really well with a spoon. Apply this mixture carefully under your eyes before you wash your face. Leave it on for an hour and then rinse it off. If you are battling dry skin, you can also add honey to this pack. You can also use this mixture to tighten your skin and removes wrinkles. Use it thrice a week for best results.

Another amazing face pack is a mixture of tomato, orange and cucumber juice. Mix these three juices and apply on your face at night as a mask. Wash off after 30 minutes. This will not only boost your complexion but will also remove pigmentation marks effectively

10 ways to be a super daughter-in-law.

Here are a few tips to improve your relationship with your mom-in-law 

One of the biggest challenges of married life is to get along well with your in laws. Though this goes for both partners in a marriage, it is the woman who is affected the most. 

According to research around 60 per cent of all marriages suffer from tension with mothers-in-law that is normally between the woman and her husband's mother. The nagging, meddling mother-in-law  is often the cause of worry and the central idea that can help better the situation is to have a positive attitude and to show respect to the older woman. 

Positive attitude 
Just like being a daughter-in-law is new to you taking up the role of a mother-in-law is new to her too. Always try and convey a positive attitude towards her. The older woman is probably just trying her best to fit into her role as a mom-in-law. 

Equality 
Try to treat your mother-in-law and your mother equally. For example if you give your mother a birthday gift, then give your mother-in-law a gift for her birthday too. If you have children, then visit your mother and your mother-in-law with similar frequency. 

Sensitivity 
The fact that the lady has spent a significant part of her life raising her son may make her a little sensitive when another person becomes the centre of attraction of her son's life. 

Though most mothers do not consider her daughter-in-law competition, there are some mothers who do. The ones whose life revolved around their child for a long time because they are a single parent or had only one child are the ones who are most likely to behave in this way. If, for example, your mother-in-law mentions how much her son always liked her home cooking, do not try to compete by asserting how much he likes your cooking now. This would invariably hurt her. 

Respect 
Treat your mother-in-law with respect. Consider her older and wiser. She may have been through a lot of hardships in her life. In fact, talk to her and ask her about her childhood, growing up, raising kids, and life experiences. When she shares her life with you she will develop a liking for you and that can lead to a strong bond between the two of you. 

Expectations 
Getting to know the family you have married into may take time. Though most daughters-in-law are welcomed into the family with open arms, do not get disheartened if it does not happen. Give them time to know you better. 

Be attentive 
When your mother-in-law is at home be attentive towards her. Sit and chat, show her around town, and if she wants to help you prepare meals, then let her. You two can get to know each other better and bond. If she prefers to sit around being waited on hand and foot, then enlist your husband to help prepare meals and clean up. 

Information 
Try to keep mother-in-law informed; call and let her know about important events. Keep her in the loop. If you have children, send pictures to your mother-in-law. Grandmothers love getting pictures of their grandchildren. 

Advice 
Your mother-in-law has years of experience. Don't hesitate to take her advice. You may disagree with her and decide to not follow any of her suggestions, but be open to different ideas, at least listen, show respect, and do not take any advice as a personal attack. She is only trying to be helpful. 

Children 
Allow your mother-in-law to take care of your children. For them their grandchildren are more important than their own kids sometimes. If she wants to, let her spoil them a little, i.e. she lets them stay slightly past their bedtime or gives them some more chocolate than you would want to.

Communication 
Try and talk out things with the family. If something that someone said hurt you, do not keep it bottled up inside you. Discuss with your husband and your mother-in-law any slights or snubs and how it makes you feel.