Sunday, July 31, 2011

Etsy Shopping Time

Here's my new list of things I wish I could have from the talented people on the Esty network. Henryandzoe
Not only is this a great play mat for little ones, it also folds out to be a napping mat!
I love the looks of this old-fashioned window turned mirror.
This skirt is so cute it makes me want to tear it right out of my computer and put it on!
I've been searching for a cute, light weight messenger bag I can wear across my chest to replace my big bulky diaper bag. This is prefect!
This is definitely for me. That's the motto I use for my picky eaters.

Friday, July 29, 2011

5 of My Favorite Sports Movies

Remember the Titans is the true story of one town's struggle and victory over racism. When the head football coach position at TC Williams High School is given away to African American Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) the town instantly becomes divided, none more so than the football team. Coach Boone has one chance to find a way to make them look beneath the surface.
This is probably Tad's favorite movie and I've gotta agree that it's an awesome one. When it came out I was in high school and our football team went to see it. They were very inspired and followed the Titan's lead all the way to the State Championship. They even adopted their unique warm up style!
Watch Clip Here
Invincible is another true story that was captured on film. It follows Vince Papale on his journey from being an out of work substitute teacher/bartender who's wife recently left him to becoming what he'd always dreamed of, a Philadelphia Eagle. In the process he also became the beacon of hope his family, friends, and even city needed to look to.
I really love this movie. Watch it, that's all I have to say.
Watch Clip Here
This version of The Longest Yard is a remake of a a previous version starring Burt Reynolds. While Burt has a role in this new version, it's not quite as large as his former starring role. Adam Sandler plays Paul Crewe, a former football star who was banned from playing football for point shaving. When he decides to get drunk and take an unauthorized joy ride in his girlfriend's car he ends up in prison. Against his better judgment he agrees to turn the inmates into a football team to play the guards in a 'tune up' game. This time around Paul is playing from the heart and things are getting very interesting!
This is the only movie on this list that isn't a true story. I was a little skeptical of this movie when I saw that Adam Sandler was the lead. Mostly because I thought it would be one of his crazy films. I was surprised to find that this is no Happy Gilmore. This movie has heart and substance. It was so good to see Adam play a strong, lead role like this. Although I wouldn't let your younger kids watch this one. There are a few crude parts that are for grown ups only.
Watch Clip Here
Glory Road, yet another true story, follows the Texas Western College basketball team as they make history for playing in the NCAA tournament with an all-black starting line-up. When the formally losing Texas Western basketball team hires a new coach, Don Haskins, they're surprised at his new ideas. Lacking the money and prestige to lure the top prospects of the day, Don decides to recruit African-American's. Taking them from being a 'token' member of the team, to the heart of it. Most people didn't take them very seriously until they started winning. The shear hatred thrown at the Texas Western team is enough to make anyone run for the hills, but Coach Haskins refuses to let it stop his players from going for the win.
The level of hatred that is thrown at this team made me take a step back. I had never realized the amount of racism that was still lingering in our not-so-distant past. This movie is amazing.
Watch Clip Here
Coach Carter (yet another true story) is about Ken Carter. Ken grew up in Richmond, and was their star basketball player on the Oilers. He learned first hand how the school system fails it's students every year, and now he's taken the head coach position in an attempt to fix it. Not only is he trying to teach his rude, undisciplined team some pride and manners, he's also trying to get them to want more out of life than a crappy apartment and a criminal record. When his mission gets in the way of the teams undefeated record things get ugly. Now we'll see if the Richmond Oilers have learned anything from their new coach.
This is another of Tad's favorite movies, whenever we see a commercial for it Tad always says, "I'm not a teacher. I'm your new basketball coach." in what, I'm sure, he thinks of as a good imitation of Samuel L. Jackson. Another awesome movie. Watch it. Love it.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

90's Favorites

Remember the good old days? I sure do! And for me those were the 90's. Here are a few of my favorite things from the 1990's.Oh the scrunchie. I must of had 20 of the large and fluffy wonderful things!
Wow! What teenage girl DIDN"T have a Blossom hat?
Overalls were oh so cute, especially when you let the one side drop. What's cooler than that?
Super sexy body suits!
The oh-so-attractive baggy pants. Who doesn't love to be able to check on the cleanliness of your honey's underpants while they're wearing them? I know I do.
Bright neon colors.
Denim cut offs. The epitome of cool.

What is your favorite 90's artifact?

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Birthday Party & Almost Sugar Free Boston Cream Pie

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This weekend we had a double birthday party for my mom and my little Scarlett. Scarlett turned 1 and my mom turned the other cheek :) And I made the cake! You see my mom and both of my grandparents are diabetic so I try to cater to their sugar needs. And since my mom's favorite cake is a Boston Cream Pie (I'm still not clear on whether it's a cake or a pie), I made an ALMOST sugar free version of it. And I think it turned out pretty well! I didn't get one complaint.
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The birthday girls had fun :)
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Scarlett inspected each present with care.
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Mom was pleased with her birthday present from all of her children!
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Grandpa may have had a little TOO much fun.
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And now back to the cake. I found a recipe for a diabetic friendly Boston Cream Pie on Group Recipes and set to work. Now I did go a short cut route for the actual cake part. It gives a recipe to go the homemade route, but I opted to make a sugar free yellow cake mix instead. But if you're feeling ambitious please go ahead!
  • Cake: shopping list
  • 1 3/4 cups sifted cake flour shopping list
  • 1/2 cup Splenda (sugar Blend for Baking) shopping list
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder shopping list
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt shopping list
  • 1/3 cup butter, softened shopping list
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten shopping list
  • 1/3 cup 1% low-fat milk shopping list
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract shopping list
  • Custard:
  • 1 tablespoon Splenda (sugar Blend for Baking)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup 1% low-fat milk
  • 2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Glaze:
  • 6 tablespoons whipping cream
  • 4 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, finely chopped(you can get sugar free semi-sweet chocolate chips)

  • Cake Directions:
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Lightly grease and flour 2 (8-inch) cake pans. Set aside.
  • Combine flour, Splenda, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  • Cut butter into flour mixture with a fork or a pastry blender until crumbly. (This procedure may be done with a mixer at the lowest speed. Cover mixing bowl with a clean tea towel to prevent spattering).
  • Combine eggs, milk, and vanilla in a small mixing bowl; add 1/3 of the egg mixture to flour mixture.
  • Beat at low speed of an electric mixer until blended.
  • Beat at medium speed for 30 seconds or until batter is smooth, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl.
  • Repeat procedure 2 times.
  • Spoon batter evenly into prepared pans.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool on wire racks.
  • Spread custard filling between layers.
  • Spread Chocolate Glaze over top.

  • Custard Directions:
  • Combine Splenda, cornstarch, and salt in a heavy saucepan, mixing well.
  • Gradually whisk milk into Splenda mixture.
  • Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Beat egg yolks until thick and pale.
  • Gradually whisk 1/2 cup of hot custard mixture into yolks; return to remaining hot custard mixture, whisking constantly.
  • Cook over medium heat for 1 minute or until mixture comes to a boil, whisking constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.
  • Cover with plastic wrap, gently pressing on filling.
  • Cool slightly.

  • Glaze Directions:
  • Heat whipping cream in a small saucepan until cream is thoroughly warmed; stir in chocolate.
  • Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate melts.
This is a great recipe to try! I was a little intimidated in making the custard, but it was easier than I thought it would be. Good luck!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Pick Your Poison

Some days it seems like all I do is chore after chore. Dishes, laundry, dusting where does it end? Where does it end?!?! I'd have to say that dusting is the chore I'd rather gnaw my foot off than suffer through. Let's see if anyone else agrees with me?

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Color Coded Personality

Have you ever wondered what color you'd be coded under? Well here's your chance to find out! This is a great personality test recommended by my Psychology Professor. In case you were wondering I'm a Blue with a minor in White :)

HARTMAN PERSONALITY PROFILE (COLOR CODE)
Directions: Mark an “X” on the answer sheet by the one word or phrase that best describes what you are like most of the time. Choose only one response from each group. Read down first. After you have finished question 30, total your scores for each letter.

PERSONALITY STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
1.a)___ opinionated
b)___ nurturing
c)___ inventive
d)___ outgoing

2.a)___ power-oriented
b)___ a perfectionist
c)___ indecisive
d)___ self-centered

3.a)___ dominant
b)___ sympathetic
c)___ tolerant
d)___ enthusiastic

4.a)___ self-serving
b)___ suspicious
c)___ unsure
d)___ naive

5.a)___ decisive
b)___ loyal
c)___ contented
d)___ playful

6.a)___ arrogant
b)___ worry prone
c)___ slightly stubborn
d)___ flighty

7.a)___ assertive
b)___ reliable
c)___ kind
d)___ sociable

8.a)___ bossy
b)___ self-critical
c)___ reluctant
d)___ a teaser

9.a)___ action-oriented
b)___ analytical
c)___ easygoing
d)___ carefree

10.a)___critical of others
b)___ overly sensitive
c)___ shy
d)___ obnoxious

11.a)___ determined
b)___ detail conscious
c)___ a good listener
d)___ a party person

12.a)___ demanding
b)___ unforgiving
c)___ unmotivated
d)___ vain

13.a)___ responsible
b)___ idealistic
c)___ considerate
d)___ happy

14.a)___ impatient
b)___ moody
c)___ passive
d)___ impulsive

15.a)___ strong-willed
b)___ respectful
c)___ patient
d)___ fun-loving

16.a)___ argumentative
b)___ unrealistic
c)___ directionless
d)___ an interrupter

17.a)___ independent
b)___ dependable
c)___ even tempered
d)___ trusting

18.a)___ aggressive
b)___ often depressed
c)___ ambivalent
d)___ forgetful

19.a)___ powerful
b)___ deliberate
c)___ gentle
d)___ optimistic

20.a)___ insensitive
b)___ judgmental
c)___ boring
d)___ undisciplined

21.a) ___ logical
b) ___ emotional
c) ___ agreeable
d) ___ popular

22.a) ___ always right
b) ___ guilt prone
c) ___ unenthusiastic
d) ___ uncommitted

23.a) ___ pragmatic
b) ___ well-behaved
c) ___ accepting
d) ___ spontaneous

24.a) ___ merciless
b) ___ thoughtful
c) ___ uninvolved
d)___ a show-off

25.a)___ task-oriented
b)___ sincere
c)___ diplomatic
d)___ lively

26.a)___ tactless
b)___ hard to please
c)___ lazy
d)___ loud

27.a)___ direct
b)___ creative
c)___ adaptable
d)___ a performer

28.a)___ calculating
b)___ self-righteous
c)___ self-deprecating
d)___ disorganized

29.a)___ confident
b)___ disciplined
c)___ pleasant
d)___ charismatic

30.a)___ intimidating
b)___ careful
c)___ unproductive
d)___ afraid to face facts

STRENGTH AND LIMITATION TOTALS
___ Total a’s ___Total b’s ___ Total c’s ___ Total d’s Enter your totals in the proper spaces. Now let’s see if you respond the same way to the following situations as you did to groups of descriptive words. Again, pick only one answer, and record your totals for each letter at the end of the section.

SITUATIONS
31. If I applied for a job, a prospective employer would most likely hire me because I am:
a. Driven, direct and delegating
b. Deliberate, accurate and reliable
c. Patient, adaptable and tactful
d. Fun loving, spirited and casual

32. When involved in an intimate relationship, if I feel threatened by my partner, I:
a. Fight back with facts and anger
b. Cry, feel hurt and plan revenge
c. Become quiet, withdrawn and often hold anger until I blow up over some minor issue later.
d. Distance myself and avoid further conflict

33. For me, life is most meaningful when it:
a. Is task oriented and productive
b. Is filled with people and purpose
c. Is free of pressure and stress
d. Allows me to be playful, lighthearted and optimistic

34. As a child, I was:
a. Stubborn, bright and/or aggressive
b. Well-behaved, caring and/or depressed
c. Permissive, easily persuaded and/or often overwhelmed
d. Playful, casual and/or irresponsible

35. As an adult, I am:
a. Opinionated, determined and/or uncompromising
b. Concerned, sensitive and/or critical
c. Permissive, easily persuaded and/or often overwhelmed
d. Playful, casual and/or irresponsible

36. As a parent, I am:
a. Demanding, quick-tempered and/or uncompromising
b. Concerned, sensitive and/or critical
c. Permissive, easily persuaded and/or often overwhelmed
d. Playful, casual and/or irresponsible

37. In an argument with a friend I am most likely to be:
a. Verbally stubborn about facts
b. Concerned about others’ feeling and principles
c. Silently stubborn, uncomfortable and/or confused
d. Loud, uncomfortable and/or uncompromising

38. If my friend was in trouble, I would be:
a. Protective, resourceful and recommend solutions
b. Concerned, emphatic and loyal--regardless of the problem
c. Supportive, patient and a good listener
d. Nonjudgmental, optimistic and downplaying the seriousness of the situation

39. When making a decision, I am:
a. Assertive, articulate, and logical
b. Deliberate, precise and cautious
c. Indecisive, timid and reluctant.
d. Impulsive, uncommitted and inconsistent

40. When I fail, I feel:
a. Silently self-critical, yet verbally stubborn and defensive
b. Guilty, self-critical and vulnerable to depression -- I dwell on it
c. Unsettled and fearful, but I keep it to myself
d. Embarrassed and nervous — seeking to escape the situation

41. If someone crosses me:
a. I am angered, and cunningly plan ways to get even quickly
b. I feel deeply hurt and find it almost impossible to forgive completely. Generally getting even is not enough.
c. I am silently hurt and plan to get even and/or completely avoid the other person
d. I want to avoid confrontation, consider the situation not important enough to bother with and/or seek other friends

42. Work is:
a. A most productive way to spend one’s time
b. A healthy activity, which should be done right if it’s to be done at all. Work should be done before one plays
c. A positive activity as long as it is something I enjoy and don’t feel pressured to accomplish
d. A necessary evil, much less inviting than play

43. In social situations, I am most often:
a. Feared by others
b. Admired by others
c. Protected by others
d. Envied by others

44. In a relationship, I am most concerned with being:
a. Approved of and right
b. Understood, appreciated and intimate
c. Respected, tolerant and peaceful
d. Praised, having fun and feeling free

45. To feel alive and positive, I seek:
a. Adventure, leadership and lots of action
b. Security, creativity and purpose
c. Acceptance and safety
d. Excitement, playful productivity and the company of others

SITUATION TOTALS
____Total a’s ____Total b’s ____ Total c’s ____ Total d’s

Now add your totals from number 1-30 to those from Situations 31-45 to get grand totals. At this point, the four personality color types are assigned to each of the letters’: Red for “a”, Blue for “b”, White for “c”, and Yellow for “d”.

GRAND TOTALS
Red (a) _____ Blue (b) _____ White (c) _____ Yellow (d) _____

The Color Code NAME________________________________
A New Way to See Yourself, Your Relationships and Life
By Taylor Hartman, PhD.

Count up your totals of A's, B's, C's and D's for questions 1-30.
Strengths and Limitations Totals
_____ A totals _____ B totals _____ C totals _____ D totals

Count up your totals of A's, B's, C's, and D's for questions 31-45
Situation Totals
_____ A totals _____ B totals _____ C Totals _____ D totals

GRAND TOTALS
_____ A RED _____ B BLUE _____ C WHITE _____ D YELLOW

PERSONALITY OVERVIEW
RED
Motives: Power
Needs: To look good academically, To be right, To be respected
Wants, APPROVAL, To hide insecurities (tightly), To please self, Leadership, Challenging adventure

BLUE
Motives: Intimacy
Needs: To be good morally, To be understood, To be appreciated
Wants: ACCEPTANCE, To reveal insecurities, To please others, Autonomy, Security

WHITE
Motives: Peace
Needs: To feel good inside, To be understood, To be respected
Wants: ACCEPTANCE, To reveal insecurities, To please others, Protection, Contentment

YELLOW
Motives: Fun
Needs: To look good socially, To be popular, To be praised
Wants: APPROVAL, To hid insecurities (loosely), To be noticed, Freedom, Playful adventure

COLOR CODE PERSONALITIES

RED “Power Wielders”
Strengths:
natural leader
creative in crisis
thrives on independence
operates in a logical, sensible manner
direct and honest with opinions
communicates thoughts well in verbal conversation
directs conversation in productive, pragmatic way
tell others where they stand in relationship

Weakness:
unemotional and detached from feelings
insensitive and tactless
bored with idle chatter
harsh and judgmental
lacks ability to shore self intimately

BLUE “The Do-Gooders”
Strengths:
strong aesthetic sense
highly disciplined
able to enjoy sensitive and deep conversation
strong skills to empathize with others
prefers small groups
willing to let conversations run their course
deep sense of purpose
sincere and deeply emotional
stable and dependable

Weakness:
tends to over kill issues
feels intense on many issues
rigid with principles and unwilling to negotiate
argues from emotional perspective
self abusive verbally

WHITE “The Peace Keepers”
Strengths:
receptive to other’s input
quiet, reflective and peaceful
enjoys life’s simplicity
negotiator and mediator on issues
listens superbly
strong empathy skills
dependable in all situations
patient with self and others

Weakness:
fearful of confrontation
unable to respond quickly in conversation
agrees to please others
doesn’t contribute openly
prefers to observe others interact
refuses to take a stand on issues

YELLOW “Fun Lovers
Strengths:
highly optimistic
sees life as an experience to be enjoyed
spontaneous thinker
enjoys and promotes the physical
easy to converse with
comfortable with people
energized by large groups
superb at superficial conversation

Weakness:
speaks before thinking
poor listener
talks too much about everything and nothing
light minded and superficial
interrupts others freely
overly dramatic

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Things Men Do In Secret (But They Wont Admit)

As a woman I am often highly confused by the thoughts and actions of the silly man I married. I found this awesome article on Manolith it's got some great secrets to share.

We all have secrets, some that could be monumentally embarrassing if they were exposed to the fairer sex. Since nobody enjoys humiliation evidence of some of your less than manly habits must be deeply buried. So what’s manly? Actually, you might be surprised. There are some things that many men enjoy that they’ll never acknowledge to anyone, for fear of seeming soft. However, they may not realize how common their quirks are because they’re so artfully hidden in order to avoid ridicule. Today we reveal things that men do that they’ll never admit. Go ahead and laugh at the guys who do these things, but we bet you find yourself on this list at least once. It’s okay, we won’t tell.

Enjoy a Good Chick Flick

chickflicks

Source

We refused to watch Thelma and Louise. We hated Sixteen Candles. We moaned when we were dragged to the theater to see The Wedding Planner and The Notebook. We watch this crap just to make the girls happy, right? Not entirely true. Some seriously good movies just happen to fall into the “chick flick” genre, and although we put up a fight and profess a distaste for chick flicks, lots of guys secretly enjoy them.

Cry at a Movie

cry

Source

The reason we hate tearjerkers is because, well, they’re tearjerkers. No man really wants to cry in front of anyone, let alone over some stupid movie. Right? It’s okay. We cried during Terms of Endearment and All Dogs Go To Heaven too; we just pretended to have a coughing fit or something incredibly urgent to do in the other room to cover it up. It’s okay to be touched by a film, even moved to tears, just don’t let her see your emotional outburst or you could lose some man points.

Primping, Preening and Grooming

waxing

Source

Do you think everyone at the gym and down at the pool thinks your back and chest are naturally smooth and hairless? Men like to look good, but can’t be seen putting as much effort into it as women do. We try on clothes and check ourselves in the mirror from all angles to make sure the look is solid. Some of us even go to the salon for secret waxing sessions to stay smooth. The unibrow has got to go too, so we take care of that privately as well. No one will ever see you looking like the caveman you are, so there’s no need to admit that you do put a lot into your sharp look.

Fake Spray Tans

faketan

Source

Of course your skin is naturally orange. We all believe that. No matter how natural you may think it looks and how much you may deny it, everyone realizes that you went for the spray tan. It’s okay, you’re still a man. A bronze man who fake tans.

Look at Women’s Magazines

cosmo

Source

So you want to keep all of your odd habits a secret, but you’re curious about what’s in Cosmo? We know, those covers do suck you in. Lots of men flip through women’s magazines. They’ll never own up to knowing what this month’s Q & A is about, but they do like to stay informed of the other team’s game plan. It’s cool, if you get caught with one of these mags, you can just say the girl on the cover is so hot you were looking for more pictures of her. Of course that’s going to open another can of worms entirely, so try not to get caught.

Cuddling and Pet Names

cuddling

Source

Of course your girl knows about this one, because she’s there, but when you’re around the guys, your cute little sugar bear will have to deal with being called by her real name. Privately though, guys do like a little cuddling and a little sweet talk from time to time, as long as it stays private.

Casual Gaming

zuma

Source

Zuma anyone? Casual gaming just isn’t very manly, or is it? Simple games are generally perceived to be more of a woman thing, but a recent study found that men love these games just as much – they just don’t admit it. Hardcore gaming is so much more masculine, in theory anyway.

Enjoy Chick Music

chickmusic

Source

You may not have the CDs in your car, but you’ll bop to the Spice Girls if they’re on the radio. It’s okay to listen to Celine Dion if you’re in your girl’s car, no one will know but you, and the people laughing at you at the stop light as you sing along and belt out the high notes. Your secret is safe with us.

Check Out Other Guys

noticeguys

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No heterosexual man wants to admit that he notices anything at all about other men. The truth is, you do notice other men, much in the same way women notice other women. You’re not obsessing about his shoes or man purse, but you see that he’s been to the gym. It’s okay, just get your ass to the gym if you want pecs and guns like that.

Confide in Their Mother

mom

Source

What’s wrong with being mama’s boy? Nothing, if you’re asking your mother. Plenty of men confide in their mothers more than their girlfriends or wives. The main reason for never admitting this simple fact boils down to female jealousy. It’s best if mom and your girl get along, right? So they both have to think they are number one. It’s tricky, but this may be one of the most important secrets to keep.

Continue an Argument For No Valid Reason

argument

Source

You’re always 100% right, even when you’re wrong. That’s just how it is. During a verbal sparring matchup, you may sometimes realize your opponent does have a valid point. That’s no reason to back down. Just continue the argument until you can devise a viable exit strategy and end it there – without admitting anything. It’s the man way.

Giggle at Babies

baby

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Cute babies are hard for anyone to resist. However, giggling and cooing at a baby, especially when you’re not the father, can feel a little less than masculine. Babies are frickin’ adorable though and can be quite irresistible. It’s not just the women who are captivated by their charms. Same goes for puppies and kittens too, although nobody needs to know that.

Keep Up With the Latest Gossip

gossip

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We like being in on the latest news just as much as women do, we’re just not as silly about it. Men like gossip, and if there is no safe and secret outlet to quench this thirst, there’s always TMZ, Perez Hilton and the tabloid rags to glance at in the grocery checkout line. Then there’s the ultimate gossip – the sports gossip – ESPN.

Enjoy Being Nurtured

nurture

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You’re the man, you’re supposed to take care of your woman, right? Well, sometimes guys like to be taken care of too. You may not admit it, but when she dotes on you it makes you feel cared for and special. Basking in these good times privately is great, but it can be excruciatingly uncomfortable if she insists on smoothing your hair or dabbing at your mouth with a napkin in public.

Fear Rejection

rejection

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It’s not just women who want to be wanted. For single guys, striking out can be very common. It’s rough out there and the rules of the game are never clear. The last thing anyone wants is to pour their heart out and have it stomped to dust by a four inch heel. When this happens, it can really be a big blow to the ego – so much so that it prevents many men from taking chances they want to take. Just remember: No risk, no reward. Confidence is sexy, own it and never let them see you sweat.

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