Sunday, January 6, 2013

Travel Tips to Keep You Both Smiling - 5 Simple Ways to Avoid Negative Reactions and Upset!

Today's article was inspired by my latest trip to Las Vegas and by many of my clients who have been traveling lately. I coach couples to be sure they discuss all the details with each other before they leave for their destination. I teach them how to communicate to each other so each listens with an open ear and open heart, avoiding upsetting or hurting each other. Many couples I see do not know how to communicate their wants and needs in an effective way. I help them to master this and to be a successful traveling couple as well. Here are just a few suggestions to begin that process:
1. Get to know each other's basic needs. First you have to know what you personally need to be able to tell your partner this. I know from years of traveling by myself that I need a 1/2 hr to an hour nap each afternoon around 2:00 or 3:00 pm if I am going to last all night. I also know I need to eat every 2 to 3 hours (I have really low blood sugar). My sweetheart knows this about me because I have told him (and he has experienced me when I haven't taken care of myself, and that's not too pretty!). It is also my responsibility to take care of my own needs, so I bring water and snacks with me wherever I go, and communicate when I am getting close to crashing. I have found when I don't take care of myself I get irritable and less patient (this can be the beginning of disaster).
2. Sit down together each day to plan and discuss the next day, at least the night before - to assure each person knows the activities, itinerary, departure times etc. This is a good opportunity to honestly discuss what you may like to do and not like to do, a time to decide on an earlier or later time depending on how you are both feeling. Planning and discussing the details helps you avoid upsets later. Also make sure each person makes commitments on time so that there are no upsets later. Synchronize your watches.
3. Continually check-in with each other throughout the day. Be aware of each others body language; if you see your partner avoiding eye contact or not wanting to talk or connect with you, you may want to ask her/him what she/he may be feeling or thinking. Catching upsets early and discussing them helps avoid big upsets later. I teach my clients specific communication techniques to make this process more successful.
4. Communicate openly and honestly. Be careful to tell each other all the details. This past trip to Vegas my sweetheart and I got into a bit of an upset. He underestimated how far it was to walk to The Bellagio from NY NY. It wouldn't have been a problem if it was daytime and I was in shorts and tennis shoes, but I was in long white pants and 4 inch heals (he said it was a block.) It turned out in my estimation to be about 10-15 blocks. First I was upset because my feet hurt. Second I was upset because he mistakenly did not tell me the whole truth. Third I was upset because he reacted to me like it was not OK that I was complaining. Fourth because he did not immediately apologize for misrepresenting the truth and for my feet hurting (he did apologize to my satisfaction later after much discussion of my upset and needs).
5. Learn from your mistakes while traveling and each take responsibility for your part so you can mature and grow. Use each mis-take, upset and or discussion as an opportunity to know yourself and your partner better. I coach people each day to become more aware of their own behavior and reactions so they can learn and grow. Traveling brings out the best and sometimes the worst in us due to situations we sometimes cannot control or prepare for. Every time I travel with my partner I learn something new about him and a lot more about myself. Use this opportunity to explore your intimacy and commitment from a different perspective and depth.
During your travels you can follow the simple tips outlined above for instant results. If you need additional more advanced support and help please contact me for some coaching sessions (310) 202-1610. I would be happy to assist you.

How to Make a Man Feel Wonderful? This Will Keep Him Smiling All the Time! Learn These Tricks Now

Your man will be the devoted lover only when he realizes that there is no one quite like you. He should get the feeling that he dates someone that is special and also treats him as such. A happy and content man will feel wonderful and will not hesitate when it is time to take the next step and commit for life. Here is how you can make him feel that way.
Never forget to compliment him
You like your man and you like it when he is well turned out. Whenever he makes an appearance and you feel your heart skip a beat do tell him that he looks good and handsome. Honest compliments will make him happy and he will know that you truly find him attractive.
Always acknowledge his contribution
He is your lover and your best friend. Always acknowledge his contribution towards making your life richer. Tell him you feel complete when he is by your side and you really appreciate his efforts to make you happy.
Leave him alone
There will be times when you will have to let him go. Men do need time and space to rethink their goals and workout their priorities. When you sense that he is getting a little claustrophobic or impatient give him space to work it out. Don't act clingy and needy and show that you trust him.
Always dress smartly
No man wants to drive an outdated pickup truck, they all want a Ferrari and you will have to ensure that you are fit and well dressed whenever you are with him. Other men should envy him for having such a wonderful girl on his arm. This will make him feel great.
Romance him
It is a misconception that men have to do all the romancing. Well, in this day and age it will do your relationship immense good, if you change that and romance him. Whenever he is busy or having a tough time plan something for him and bring the smile back on his face.
Faithful to him
Your man should trust you and have complete faith in you. You may have other male friends and colleagues but make special effort to be seen as a one man woman. When you know where to draw the line he will feel pleased.
Keep disagreements to a minimum
No relationship is immune from disagreements and arguments. What you can do is keep them to a minimum and at times agree to disagree. Conflict management is an art and if you master it he will definitely feel wonderful.
Pay Close Attention Here-
Take 2 minutes to read the next page and you'll discover a stunning psychological trick which will show you- How to Captivate a Man, Make Him Fall in Love with You - and Give You The World.

A Big Smile Can Get You a Lot More Than You Think

Have you ever wandered into a fast food place where there are a lot of cashiers and almost no line? You walk in and you have a choice of which cashier to walk up to place your order. One of the cashiers is a surly old guy, the other is a bored but beautiful girl and the third is a smiling and bubbly but plain looking young woman. Who would you walk up to? Chances are that if you are like most people, you would ignore the first two and walk up to the smiling cashier. Now, you may not know this, but that is a form of attraction. You were attracted to the smiling plain girl over the frowning hot one.
This is because, we crave human interaction and that need to be polite and have a hassle free experience is subconscious and supersedes the need to talk to a pretty girl. The concept of beauty is cultural whereas the concept of getting a hassle free meal is subconscious. Why does all this matter to you?
Well, the most powerful way for you to meet new people, make friends or even get into a romantic relationship is easier than you think. The way to do it is to simply smile. By that I don't mean you should smile like an idiot or like a fake poser, but to really smile and try to be happy inside. Happiness is communicated through your eyes and the difference between a fake and a real smile can be ascertained by looking at someone's eyes. You can make your mouth fake a smile but you can't make your eyes smile deceptively.
Smiling eyes are one of the most attractive features in a person. It says a lot about that person's personality. Happy and cheerful people have more friends because people like to be around them and feed off of their happiness. These people are also all too happy to spread the cheer and good humor around. After being assaulted by negativity on a daily basis, most people crave for cheer and humor and a smile will get you a lot of points.
So the next time you are going to a party where you know you will be expected to socialize and maybe meet someone cute, try smiling. If you spot someone you want to get to know better but are too afraid to go talk to them, hover around their vicinity and introduce yourself to someone of your own gender first. This will show the person that you are cool and approachable, and then when you smile at them, they will be compelled to smile back.

Add Smile Power to Your Life to Empower Your Relationships

Several years ago I was in a San Diego restaurant with my mother. While I paid the check, we both noticed an elderly woman waiting to be seated. As we left the restaurant, Mom asked, "Did you notice that woman with the wonderful smile?" I most certainly did. Her smile lit up the room. It was a smile to die for; one that would certainly win instant friends. It was a smile that you don't often see in a stranger. And maybe Mom and I smiled back, I don't remember. Mom later commented, "I wish I'd told her what a terrific smile she had." But neither of us had. We'd both received a gift without saying thank-you.
Later, on my long drive home, I stopped at a fast-food restaurant for a quick bite. A 70ish woman waited by the condiment bar while her husband ordered. She glanced my way and smiled brightly. It was one of those smiles that broadcast, "I love life!"
I wasn't going to let THIS opportunity pass. I was going to say SOMETHING. As I approached this woman from 30 feet away, her smile melted into a rather startled look; as if asking, "Did I do something wrong?" I walked over to her and simply said, "You have a wonderful smile!" Wow, did her face light up! And she responded with an enthusiastic, "Thank You". My comment probably made her day, but it also made MY day. We truly exchanged gifts that afternoon.
SMILES: INSTANT FACELIFTS
Life's lessons have taught me this: a smile is the number one feature that makes people attractive. It's a welcome mat. It's what makes folks approachable. People with a great smiles radiate a warmth that draws others to them instantly.
Some people naturally have a great smile. Others, analytical types like me, must work at it. One way to tell if you're in my category is to recall picking up your developed photos. As you flipped through the pictures, you didn't like the way you looked in most of them. But then...you discovered that one great picture of yourself. In it, you look friendly, you're smiling broadly and your eyes twinkle. Now THAT picture looks like you!
I hate to say it, but ALL the pictures look like you, even those you dislike. Unfortunately, those "bad" photos, where your face doesn't look its best, portray how you often appear. In fact, you might normally look even worse, since you were TRYING to look good for the camera. Usually you're not even making that effort, and may appear even less inviting than you do in "bad" photos. And if you're like me, you assume you're not particularly photogenic and that your smile needs work. When you've mastered your smile, you'll consistently look better in photos. Most important, though, you'll be more attractive and approachable every day.
When you're having a good time, does your face show it? You might be surprised. Years ago I dropped into a comedy club in Montgomery, Alabama. I was sitting in the front row, where one is typically fair game to be picked on by the comedian. But being the non-expressive, serious Norwegian that I am, I wasn't giving the comic the jovial feedback he needed. I was enjoying the show, but in a straight-faced manner. About halfway through the show, the comic interrupted his routine to ask me point-blank, "Are you having a good time?" I responded, "I'm having a great time." His comeback: "Well then, tell your face!" I was enjoying the program, laughing inside, even studying the performer's humor and technique. BUT...not giving him any outward indication.
In everyday life the same concept applies. You might be enjoying your job, but fail to show it. You may want to meet someone, yet not give them a single, friendly clue. You can even be IN LOVE with somebody, and totally hide it. Your face should express what you feel when you wish to connect with others.
SMILE AEROBICS FOR EMOTIONAL HEALTH
One way to become better at smiling is increasing your awareness. Take notice of those you find warm and inviting. Is it their smile? Make an effort to LOOK for great smiles. Notice the appeal of people who smile with their EYES, not just their mouth. The whole face gets involved. Consider these people your models. Study yourself in the mirror. How do you look in the rest room, when shopping, and while passing a reflective window? Do you look friendly? Approachable? Do you really LIKE the image you're projecting?
In fact, a mirror is ideal for your smile workout. Practice various smiles toward capturing that perfect look for the camera. Work on expressing your smile with your eyes. A tip: cut a paper rectangle that permits you to see only your eyes in the mirror. Practice smiling just with your eyes. Get used to the feel of your cheekbones as they lift to brighten your eyes. When you see how a great smile LOOKS, remember how it FEELS. When you can finally project your best smile, hold it. Turn away from the mirror. How does your face feel? What muscles are you using? Make an effort to develop muscle memory, so you can instantly recreate this smile at will.
THE SMILING REMINDER
Sometimes it's life's little reminders that help us focus on making self-improvements. I set out to find a "smile" lapel pin as a permanent token of my smile's importance. After a fruitless one-year search, I commissioned the design and production of smile pins. Now when I encounter a total stranger with a million-dollar smile (not an everyday occurrence), I share the compliment, "You have a wonderful smile...thanks for brightening my day! I'd like you to have my golden smile pin." Then I might add, "And someday, when YOU see a total stranger with a fantastic smile, you can pass on the pin to them."
This little reminder has conditioned me to search out life's glowing smiles, and not to allow them to pass unnoticed. I always carry "golden smile" pins. And when I spot a show-stopper smile, I always express my appreciation.
Other strategic pluses:
1. The pin reminds me never to leave home half-dressed: without my smile. Even while I'm running routine errands, it keeps me focused on smiles as life's true blessings.
2. By shaping my focus, the pin increases awareness of my public appearance and attitude. For example, when in a grocery line, I don't want the checker to glance up and think, "Why in heaven's name is this sourpuss wearing a smile pin?" It forces me to wear a friendly face all day.
3. The pin encourages me to compliment others. When I fail to say a kind word about someone's beautiful smile, I feel guilty. Now, that's what I call constructive guilt! We've often been conditioned to feel shame because we've not lived up to what others expect, but isn't it more positive to suffer guilt for failing our OWN expectations?
You needn't search for a smile pin to remind you. You can choose another object, like a clown pin, that will program you to focus on smile power. Or consider something that nobody else sees, like whimsical underwear. In fact, you may discover that the sheer strength of just your awareness can create positive life changes. With practice you can focus on life's smiles; and create your own relaxed, naturally warm smile. And THEN when you get back a roll of photos, you'll like almost all of them! That's certainly been my pleasant experience. And when you encounter customers, strangers, or loved ones, you'll always be ready to pass on your award-winning smile!