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!

7 best foods for your heart

Include these foods in your diet for your cardiovascular health. 

Walnuts: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, Vitamin E, and folate, eating unsalted walnuts regularly can go a long way in protecting your heart. Like walnuts, almonds too are a good source of nutrients for your heart. 

Spinach: Leafy veggies, particularly spinach, provide iron, vitamin C, vitamin A and magnesium. Saute spinach in garlic and have it as a side dish. 

Oats: This fiber-rich superfood also comprises omega-3 fatty acids, folate and potassium, all of which can help reduce your cholesterol levels and maintain healthy arteries. Start your day with a bowl of oats.

Asparagus: This thin, green stick comes packed with anti-inflammatory nutrients like folate and vitamins C and D. Low in calories, asparagus can be cooked quickly. 

Beans: Beans, particularly kidney beans, are a good source of heart-healthy and stress-busting vitamin B, iron, and calcium. Make a kidney bean, tomato and carrot soup or use them in a veggie dip. 

Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, blueberries contain lesser calories and sugar, so you can eat them to your heart's content. They are also a good source of fiber, which can help relieve the cramps and constipation that can occur when you're under stress. Eat them raw or make a blueberry smoothie. 

Salmon: Containing omega-3 fatty acids, having grilled salmon is a good way to keep your heart healthy.

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.

8 healthy foods every woman must eat

Essential nutrition for good health


While eating healthy is essential for both the sexes, men and women have different dietary requirements. Here are some foods that every woman must include in her diet... 

Flax seeds 

Have flax seeds daily for overall good health. They are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids and are known to reduce the risk of heart disease and breast cancer. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that prevent arthritis, apart from digestive properties which help ease irritable bowel syndrome. 

Salmon 

Not only is salmon rich in iron, which is usually lacking in women, but it is also full of omega-3 fatty acids, known to improve your mood. Experts say that omega-3 helps treat depression and prevent mood swings. 

Cranberries 

Certain studies over the years have found a link between eating cranberries and how it reduces the risk of breast cancer and heart disease. Also, they have the ability to prevent and cure urinary tract infections. Have a glass of cranberry juice every other day. 

Spinach 

While this might not be a much-loved food, spinach is packed with a host of vitamins, minerals and high amounts of magnesium. And magnesium is known to help reduce the physical symptoms of PMS like swelling, breast tenderness, bloating and weight gain. 

Walnuts 

Experts say that walnuts have omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols — all important in reducing the risk of breast cancer. The high omega-3 content also helps bone health, arthritis and depression. Walnuts also comprise nutrients like calcium, magnesium and folic acid. 

Oats 

Oats are bursting with health-boosting nutrients, great for female health. They keep your heart healthy, are great for digestion, keep blood pressure levels in check and also contain vitamin B6, which helps prevent PMS and mood swings. Another component — folic acid — prevents birth defects in babies and is essential for women during and after pregnancy. 

Milk 

Calcium deficiency is one of the major health concerns that affects women worldwide. Milk is an absolute must for women at any age. A great source of calcium, milk, when combined with vitamin D, is one of the best ways to keep osteoporosis at bay. Milk is also helpful in preventing symptoms of the dreaded PMS. 

Tomatoes 

A carotenoid that is essential for good health is lycopene, which is a pigment found in tomatoes. And several studies have said that lycopene can help prevent breast cancer. Apart from this, there is also evidence that suggests that it reduces the risk of heart disease.

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.

Keep saying `I love you` for happy marriage.

A recent study has revealed that kissing and telling your partner "I love you" ten times a week is the secret to a happy marriage.

The study, conducted by OnePoll.com, has found that 92 per cent of Americans considered themselves to be happily married, going on three dates a month, with three romantic surprises and ten deep conversations will also lead to a happy relationship, the Daily Express reported.

The survey revealed that having three arguments a month adds to the magic but, importantly, a couple must be able to say sorry and couples should accept each other's faults.

The survey also found that, in the perfect marriage, couples make love three times a week and spend six nights a month cuddled up in front of the TV.

The website said that anyone can get married, but it takes a lot of commitment and effort to make your marriage a perfect one, and if two people are not prepared to put the work in and take the rough with the smooth, they are going to struggle to find that ideal.

Foods for your Glowing face and Healthy Skin.

Why go for expensive beauty regimes, when the skin glow can be achieved through ingredients available at home... 

1) Lemon juice: This one is the simplest of ingredients and it can brighten up the skin like no other! There are numerous benefits of usinglemon juice too. It can tighten up the pores, get rid of the oil and lead to a squeaky clean facewith shine. Just use lemon juice directly on your face and remember to wash it off within a few minutes. 

2) Eggs: This isn't for vegetarians of course! Take the egg (either whole or simply take the white). The former will result in a more moisturising effect while the white part will just firm the skin. Gently rub it over the face and wash off. 

3) Honey: Honey can be used almost everyday on the face. It is a great moisturiser and can fight infections and acne and keep skin soft and supple. Just slather it on and leave it on for up to five minutes and then rinse off. An easy pack is to take honey, mix it with a little lemon juice and sandalwood powder. Apply this paste to the face and rinse off.

4) Strawberries: The fruit makes for a very effective cleanser as well as mask. It contains Vitamin C, antioxidants and exfoliants. You can put strawberries on the face by by simply crushing them them into a mask or then by rubbing over your skin. A strawberry smoothie mask can be made with blending fresh strawberries and blueberries with plain yogurt and honey. Coat the face with it and watch the glow. 

5) Bananas: These are a great moisturiser and can leave skin feeling refreshed. Just mash a banana with a little honey and rub it on your face. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off.

Compliments men should avoid making to Women.

If you say 'looking healthy', she hears 'fat'. Not happening. Here are avoidable compliment errors guys tend to make

Can anyone go wrong when complimenting a woman? No, right? But relationship counselors warn, more often than not, women don't hear what you intend to tell them, or hope to convey. They become both, sensitive and speculative. Here are common compliments that tend to backfire.

Looking young
Most women spend their entire teenage lives putting on makeup and buying clothes that made them look older. But when they finally hit their 20s, they like to dress young and so, want to hear just that. But when you actually tell your 20-something-girlfriend, 'looking young', she thinks you are referring to her small bust size. No woman wants to hear that her bosom reminds you of the size befitting a 14-year-old. Be careful with the words there.

You look pretty when you smile
What does that mean, she wonders. Does this mean she isn't otherwise? Besides, who walks around with a permanent grin 24/7. Being told to smile on command is like being told to do a dance in front of an audience. Women are not puppets. Instead, their face will light up when you actually make them laugh. So work harder on your witty quotient.

I love your personality
This sounds like a wonderful compliment to give. And your partner may probably smile politely and thank you for your words. But dating experts point out that even if your woman has a dynamic personality, or is a total geek, she may still want to hear how gorgeous she is and how you love her lustrous mane. So, go ahead and tell her how her pretty face compliments her amazing personality.

You are different 
Women hate to hear, 'You are not like the other girls I have dated'. They have spent most of their teenage years hoping to stand out for the guy they have had a crush on, hoping that they have that 'something special' that makes him choose her over the rest. So while they may initially blush, they will be quick to realise the subtext: we are with a guy who thinks all girls are rubbish, even if we're apparently the exception. Not cool.

You naive little one
No woman wants to hear that you think of her as naive or innocent. Not only does this mean you think of her as your little sister (gulp), but the subtext is also that she hasn't done anything that would qualify as experience (read between the lines). To prove you wrong, she might spend the next few meetings bringing up every edgy encounter she may had just to prove you wrong.

You know how to have a good time 
Even if it seems like an innocuous comment to pass, and makes her sound more fun and less boring, she thinks you think that she's the one who'll be up for endless nights of partying, watching porn, and kinky sex, and sometimes, 'easy'. No woman wants to hear she comes off as easy to get into bed. So, sorry guys. Think of something better.

You're too smart for a girl 
Woah! That's being too chauvinistic. Women in scientific and legal fields tend to hear this sort of sexist comment too often. It is the kind of stuff that a woman with a mind should dump you for.

Looking healthy
Of all the things, women are sensitive about their weight. Even if your intention is sincere and you mean well, what she will hear is, 'you'd look better if you shed a few kilos'. Avoid telling her she looks healthy. Remember her ears hear, 'fat'.