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We Got It All For You!

I bet all 80's and 90's kids would relate and reminisce about this tagline. "We got it all for you!" (I know you are on LSS (Last Song Syndrome) mode when reading this phrase) Who could forget the tune being played around the actual mall and radio air plays, right? Whether you like it or not, SM Supermalls have been part of every Filipino generation.

As time goes by along with technology advancements, SM Supermalls never failed to be left behind with its mall jingle. They are always in tune with the latest and trendiest stuff all year round. And their promotions are designed to be accessible to any individual wherever you are, yup! They got it all for you! :)

Now is the perfect time to download the SM Supermall Mobile App!
First, it is for free via Google Play Store and Apple App Store then you will receive a digital gray scratch card where you can have the chance to win a box of 3 Original Glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts from April 30 - June 28, 2016! Secondly, this is offered daily to 100 unique SM Supermalls Mobile App registered users. What a free, simple and sweet way to get a treat every single day! (Of course, until the promotion ends)

This promotion was launched during SM Supermalls’ 30th Anniversary in March. They gave away every day free mobile data, free Spotify, Facebook, Games, Unli-Call and Unli-Text. This time, they wanted to satisfy our sweet tooth with Krispy Kreme doughnuts! 

As long as you have the App, you'll be up to date with the upcoming promotions, discounts and events of SM Supermalls as well.

#EverythingsHere on the #SMMobileApp Good luck to all and keep on scratching! :)

My First Voting Experience

#PHVote2016

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. 

Indeed, especially if it is during an Election Day. I know, I'm already 32 yrs. old and this is the first time for me to exercise my right to suffrage due to the following reasons:

• Mismanagement of authorities that my registration documents had to be reprocessed while I was in Abra for our college thesis

• Lack of interest since my schedule was upside down during my BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) years that I preferred to sleep and do other things than register to vote.  

  So, after venturing to other careers, I was finally able to find time, rather I had a lot of time to visit our organized City Hall, therefore, I had finally completed my registration and biometrics and hopefully I'll get my actual Voter's ID soon! 

As a first time voter, I prepared myself by being informed about the dos and don'ts imposed by the COMELEC (Commission on Elections) and knowing each candidate based on their portfolio, moral acts and actual public service. And I firmly believe that those candidates I have selected today truly deserve the position they are running for and that they will greatly lead the Philippines, one step at a time, to a positive and a progressive change. I felt it as I look at my Voter's receipt. I'm glad that I did not encounter too much hassle compared to others, or else!

Now I also understand the reason why others choose not to vote. No matter how we try to modernize the equipment being used during elections, we still have the same old low tech and unorganized system. Sir/Ma'am, please do not forget that it should also be included in the advancement of things. No one or nothing should be left behind. Little things take for granted are the things that can pull you down or slow you down in the course of life. Be it in terms of personal or career goals. I know this first hand in many ways and situations. Since the choices I made have dictated the life I'm living now. 

I have said before that I wanted to be a Senior Citizen as soon as I can but in a scenario like this, I wanted to be a Super Senior Citizen. I pity them when the system plays them around and makes them feel helpless. My mama is a senior citizen and she was eager to vote. Instead of seeing guides or a map upon entering the school assigned to our barangay, we have to check the posted list of voters on each classroom that shows our polling precinct number. 

Lo and behold! Her name was not on the list under her precinct number. We asked some officials and confirmed that they don't have an access via computer to easily search our inquiry. There was a section for PPCRV (Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting) where you can manually go over the paper copies of all the voters’ names. We confirmed with our family friend that her name was also missing and she found out that it was included on a different precinct number. I was thinking maybe, since my mother recently became a senior citizen, COMELEC, decided to transfer her on a different polling precinct number together with other Senior Citizens without even sending any notice, great! And to my surprise, she was! I left her to the “new” polling precinct assigned to her.

So, off I go and I went to my polling precinct upstairs. There was also a man who had the same situation. His children's names were listed except his wife's and his name. He approached one of the BEIs (Board of Election Inspectors) and went through the paper master file list they have. He was also not on the list, therefore, the man wasn't able to vote and he was upset that he has to waste his time searching where his name got listed.

A vote missed, a vote wasted.

While I was waiting for my turn, I prayed that everything will go smoothly and be followed as planned when my moment comes. 

This is the outline version of what had happened to me:

• Presented voter's slip and SSS ID
• On the list outside the polling precinct I was #62
• Confirmed that I am #82 on the master list
• Signed across my name and logged my name on a separate bond paper that looks like for attendance purposes, there was one for the Males and the other one noted for the Females
• Got my ballot, folder and marker
• Sat on the chair close to the window farther to the ride side of the room
• Took my time in shading my bets cause I don't want to get any error messages or other excuses
• I wanted it badly that my vote will be counted!
• A bit ticked off when someone tap her folder on my table while I was writing, excuse me!?
• Ha ha, I was able to contain my emotion cause I was focused on what I was doing
• The VCM (Vote Counting Machine) had a bit of an attitude like an idle time or lag time error every after 2 ballots were fed. It was like wanting a continuous feeding of papers to its mouth
• Finished! I had the same feeling when I was taking an exam in school and I know I have given my all to answer every question, didn't under or over vote (I have all the time, chance and power in my hands now not to put it into waste or let the moment pass by for nothing) and I am satisfied whatever the result will be because I know that my participation in this event will be worth it
• Asked the BEI the next step
• Went forward to the VCM to feed my ballot
• Praying it will take it smoothly
• Gave back the folder and marker
• Allowed the VCM to take the paper instead of shoving it to the feeder resulting to paper jam or possible errors 
• Surprised when I got a message on the screen that my “time has expired” while the entire ballot is going through the feeder and the BEI assured me that it is okay
• Waited for my voting receipt
• Voila! It showed completely my selected candidates, I'm a happy kid/voter inside
•  Got inked, He he, but I felt I was up for a manicure and presented my 2 hands to the BEI, she inked my left forefinger instead of the right looking like my nail has a smudged eyeliner after crying blue tears
• Folded the receipt and inserted it on the black receptacle box
• Went outside the polling precinct and looked for my mama (No time for Selfies or what not, I did not go there for a photo shoot, I went there to vote!)

While I was looking for mama, the number of voters in the school doubled! It pays to be early indeed! I also saw my friend in line & I asked her if she saw my mother. She said that there were some inconsistencies in the master list that my mama went towards the PPCRV to get assistance. 

True to that, I saw my mother exhausted and disappointed. She confirmed that her name was not on the masters list on both the “new” and previous polling precinct numbers assigned to her and the BEIs advised her to go back and forth for her to find out the real score. She has arthritis on her knee joints and this charade made it distressing for her. 

I’m not sure how COMELEC save or update their files, if they have 2 separate files for the list outside the polling precinct and the ones they use before you are allowed to vote. Should it be identical in the first place? My father's name was included on the list and my mother is using the same last name. How come it was not there? Was it accidentally deleted together with the other registered voters whose names were also missing? Oh man, the endless what ifs. Well, instead of bidding for the shirt/uniform/other paraphernalia, I’m grateful that it was fortunately cancelled! It could have been beneficial for all of us if you have spent your time organizing your files to end this inconvenience especially to Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities. It could have greatly changed your image for the better without even spending a lot, if that was your only main concern.

Well, a vote missed, a vote wasted, again.

At the end of the day, I can say that all is well. Let us continue on praying because it has not ended yet until the proclamation day of the victors. At this time, I am opting out to watch newsfeeds about violent happenings in other regions and delaying tactics. (I’m thankful we do not have these kinds of nuisances in our place)

Thank you for your guidance, Jesus and Mama Mary.

God bless the Philippines.

This was previously asked to me in order to get pass the job hiring process as a "magician" or as an employee of Magic. I guess it was not enough or exceptional for them and sadly, I did not receive any follow up emails to continue or to get an interview schedule at their main office in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
I wanted to share it with you to know what else I should have said or could have added on it.
Still, enjoy reading away and I hope you'll like it. :)

Describe your favorite restaurant and why you enjoy it. Please convince me in detail why I should go:

When I pick a restaurant, the first thing I check is the cleanliness and coziness of the place. A plus point
if I had a previous good experience with how the food tastes and how the crews made me feel special with the fast and quality service they have rendered. And there is a particular restaurant and branch that we enjoy the most as a family. It is the Max's Restaurant inside SM Sta. Rosa Mall in Laguna where we usually go to at least once a year. Although this branch that we prefer is just a franchise, it has been opened since 1945 with the same recipe as the main restaurant.

In general, my family and I enjoy Filipino cuisine. However the good thing about Max's, it offers a variety of dishes for young and young at hearts. From milkfish tofu steak, seafood, beef, pork, vegetables, sandwiches, soups, salad, cakes, pastries, desserts, cold beverages and yes, beer in can!

My son's favorite ( and mine as well) is the crispy and juicy mysterious golden fried to perfection Chicken that at first glance looks small but before you can finish it, you would feel so stuffed and satisfied. It does live up to its famous tagline of "Sarap to the Bones" (Delicious to the Bones). And my grandmother and aunts would prefer the all-time healthy veggies like the Chopsuey and Pinakbet. While my husband would never pass on the home style macaroni salad served in an edible crispy lumpia (spring roll) wrapper cone. Who would forget a dessert after a meal with this restaurant?  I won't, because the Caramel bar is already included per table set menus or even the combination meals.

This location is closer to our hearts as well compared to other branches that you can find within Laguna Province. It is a part of our family's tradition to eat out every December 26th after visiting my late Grandfather's grave. It has been more than a decade since he has been gone physically and through this family gathering we can still get to reminisce those good old days and keep the bond between us alive.

Most Filipinos have a close family tie culture and they also love to eat. You can obviously notice this whenever you see Filipinos gathered in any part of the world. They even bring this culture and share it to other nationalities. To better spend a quality time with your loved ones in this fast phased world, I do recommend eating out with Max’s Restaurant which can also be found in United States, Canada and United Arab Emirates. It was built after the World War II but until now you can still see it standing tested and loved by many generations and I’ll bet more to come.

-Haiku-

The heat is absorbed
Hallucinating all day
It is summertime

Is it summertime?
Reminiscing good old days
Changes are constant

Changes can be good
It is how you perceive it
Real change within you

Good night, my supernova

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/cathyb423/camping-theme/

I miss this feeling, #CampingUnderTheStars 

Last night before sleeping, I can't help but notice a star near the illuminating moon. Fixing my sight to it, I see a dot brighter than the rest. At first I thought it was an airplane until I realized it was motionless.
I remember reading before that when a star reaches its last evolutionary stage, it will shine at its brightest
until it explodes and fades. Was last night a supernova experience?

As I gaze upon the star and the sky, I can't help but imagine what is out there. My fantasies about aliens and astrology relived. I believe that there are great things out there beyond what the eyes can see. I just can't wait to be part of it in some way. Experiencing it first hand would be a bliss that I will never be able to explain into words.

Snap back to reality. My time is running out. Beside me is my son who clings to me wherever I go. Who seeks my attention in every way possible. Who will benefit from my decisions in terms of career choice, fulfillment of my moral obligations and my nationalistic goals.

Metaphorically associating myself to a star, I do feel that my light curve is currently exposed to subsequent
radioactive heating these past few months. (Aside from the fact that there is El Nino in the Philippines this season)

There have been stressful life events that led me into venturing different endeavors. And these events taught
me to evolve and radiate in a different light. I am hoping for the best for myself and for my son. It would take a light-year until I can say that he is covered. My last stellar evolution is yet to burst.
By that time comes, it'll be my supernova experience.

Shining Star Becky

THE BATTLE BEGINS

More Personalized Shirts! :-)

Personalized T-Shirts, Hoodie Jackets, Bags and more!

We started this personal hobby through the help of my husband's Aunt in September 2014.
I hope you like the designs. :-)
At this time, we print shirts and jackets to our friends here in the Philippines using transfer papers and colorful vinyls.
We would love to know if you have also your own designs and personal favorites, so we can collaborate and work on it ASAP. :-)
Looking forward to your messages! :-)

BabbleTop on Facebook

 

hehe, delayed posting... it's already afternoon! eventhough, this is my first post in 2014!

In Progress...

it has been 3 days since i tried choosing healthy stuff only...but consistency is the key...eating salads and drinking milk or yogurt drinks...i still can't resist the chocolatey stuff calling me...wanting me to eat a bit... >.<  may the fruits and vegetables help me! :)

"Let's Move & Let's Love"

After 28 years of existence, my perception to move and love have changed. Now as a mom, I need to stay fit to take care of my child. When I was single, I was only concerned about myself. I never knew what it means to be a mom until I became one. 

We have an advocacy at the office to choose, to stay and to live healthy as always in order to be a productive employee. However, being healthy does not end only within office grounds. It is best shared with the ones we loved the most, our family.

By leading as an example to others, we can effectively influence each ones way of living. I started last September 15th. I really need all the motivation I can get to keep up and stay strong. Check out my pics at Say Cheese.

As I write this down, I am trying to move to healthier choices to be able to show my love to my family longer than I ever can. :)

 

Let's Move & Let's Love

At last! new post!

Check out my other page, Say Cheese! to view my new post. :)

One Plush One = Happiness

"You Got It!" - Alex the lion from Madagascar (2005)

I'm back! I can't believe it that this awesome movie would make me revive my blog today!
I just gotta have that plush toy!!! And I wanted to share the world how I feel about this whole Madagascar Experience I had from the start... ^_^

My first reason why I wanted to watch this movie back then was because of the voice of Ben Stiller. I love everything about Ben Stiller. ^_^ I liked him since Zoolander. (As far as I can remember.)

The child in me loved all the Madagascar movies! ^_^

The graphics are so alive that I can really imagine how soft Alex's hair was! haha!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0351283/quotes?qt=qt0448803

And the soundtrack lingers up to this day. ^_^
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0351283/quotes?qt=qt0448821

Anybody can relate to the  movie. Although the characters are animals (Aesop Fables). I believe each movie has its own moral lesson.

The first movie is to go out of the box, explore and find adventures that will be worth to remember and worth to learn about, meet new friends especially at this day and age, it has been so easy to build and rekindle memories with past and new friends through these amazing technologies, mobile phone, computers, Internet, Social Networking sites, etc. And smile and be positive that there will always be a way for any dilemma to be resolved, even if you are stuck in an island unknown to you, you will and you can adapt eventually.

The second movie, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, has the lesson that in some point of our lives one has to go back from its roots to move forward. We can be famous, travel to different places, relocate residences, do things totally new from the usual ways we had in the past, however, it will always bring a bitter, sweet and nice feeling looking back that we have achieved this "level" through the help of these awful and rewarding challenges. We can never be complete and successfully contented without these bits and pieces in our lives, sprinkled with good vibes, positive energies, and for me, God's everlasting guidance and providence that will endure every wound and every weird moment that we may experience.

And I wish definitely not the least, Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted.

You can always have and find a family in any body at a given time even though you are not related by blood.

You can feel at home even if the location is not the usual place you have been too. (Suddenly I remembered the task I have to accomplish by Wednesday at the office.What could be the most appropriate and best tagline that could describe our team, our portfolio? I'll have to think about that later...)

Thanks to innovations that are good, fun and very entertaining! I love the circus part with one of my fave songs being played at the background. It really brought tears in my eyes! I just can't explain the feeling of being so engrossed about how the circus came up, I was like crazy laughing and crying at the same time. Yes, you did a great job on the graphics, sounds and concept of that intergalactic circus... cheers! to the highly intelligent penguins!

Firework by Katy Perry

Here are some of my pics that obviously show how I love the Madagascar gang. It really made my day when we happened to be at the Festival Super Mall in Alabang during their promo for Madagascar 3. I was really happy to see Alakai! (Sorry to whoever was wearing that costume because I think I squeezed him/her so much because I really wanted to hug Alex the lion that day. ^_^)

Well, plush or without plush...I will always be your number one fan and supporter! Of course, it is the Americano Trapeze, Circus Afro! ^_^

The Wild Trapeze, solo album of Brandon Boyd

can't wait to hear this! i wanna have a copy!!! hopefully soon! :)

(cross my fingers!)

to read the full bio written by Brandon

Boyd himself here is the link:

http://www.enjoyincubus.com/us/thewildtrapezeletter?utm_medium=epic-email&utm_source=incubus&utm_campaign=epic-emailincubus20100706

every single thing he perceived about this solo album hit me straight to the heart.

he really never fails to amaze me!

all the words and realization uncovered me again, for me to start anew...

to appreciate what i have become, "the way i am" today.

a lot of things happened in my life (as you noticed, the last time i dropped by was back in 2008?!) and i'm glad this blog that i started to help me heal myself from the wounds of sorrow and pain has endured the years of idleness and surprisingly still up and running up to this point, waiting to feed on the left overs of my exhausting day...

hopefully, i can still find the time to serve you of those left overs since i mentioned its an "exhausting day" already from all the talking and typing, blah, blah, blah! and now at home, still doing the same old thing :D

i'm just glad that after all those changes that had transpired in my life, there are some things i thought i already completely lost and i was meant to believe that loosing them made me less of a person today.

while they are just waiting in the corner for me, ready to catch me again when all else fail. :)

looking back on all the things i said on this blog, really made me think twice, did i really compose those thoughts before?! i just can't remember it any more!?

i need back that self confidence, that positivity in me that i think got into a coma! ;p

i really do not want to end this now, i miss this feeling, this moment...

but no matter how i convince myself, its not the same any more...

more responsibilities, priorities, more people who need me to stay alive and kicking! managing well my time for a better health, better life and future.

at least i know you are here and that i can still get a chance to have a time off with you even just once in a while :)

thanks so much for sticking up with me! :)

ta ta for now! :D

THE RIGHT PERSON

i can totally relate to this!..wooh!....

A nice article for the married, soon to be married, and waiting to bemarried... Food for thought and in the words of Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ:THE RIGHT PERSON?During one of our seminars, a woman asked a common question. She said,"How do I know if I married the right person?"I noticed that there was a large man sitting next to her so I said, "Itdepends. Is that your husband?"In all seriousness, she answered "How do you know?"Let me answer this question because the chances are good that it'sweighing on your mind. Here's the answer.EVERY relationship has a cycle. In the beginning, you fell in love withyour spouse. You anticipated their call, wanted their touch, and likedtheir idiosyncrasies.Falling in love with your spouse wasn't hard. In fact, it was acompletely natural and spontaneous experience. You didn't have to DOanything. That's why it's called "falling" in love... because it'shappening TO YOU.People in love sometimes say, "I was swept of my feet." Think about theimagery of that __expression. It implies that you were just standingthere; doing nothing, and then something came along and happened TO YOU.Falling in love is easy. It's a passive and spontaneous experience.But after a few years of marriage, the euphoria of love fades. It's thenatural cycle of EVERY relationship. Slowly but surely, phone callsbecome a bother (if they come at all), touch is not always welcome(when it happens), and your spouse's idiosyncrasies, instead of being cute,drive you nuts.The symptoms of this stage vary with every relationship, but if youthink about your marriage, you will notice a dramatic differencebetween the initial stage when you were in love and a much duller or evenangrysubsequent stage.At this point, you and/or your spouse might start asking, "Did I marrythe right person?" And as you and your spouse reflect on the euphoriaof the love you once had, you may begin to desire that experience withsomeone else. This is when marriages breakdown. People blame theirspouse for their unhappiness and look outside their marriage forfulfillment.Extramarital fulfillment comes in all shapes and sizes. Infidelity isthe most obvious. But sometimes people turn to work, church, a hobby, afriendship, excessive TV, or abusive substances.But the answer to this dilemma does NOT lie outside your marriage. Itlies within it.I'm not saying that you couldn't fall in love with someoneelse. Youcould. And TEMPORARILY you'd feel better. But you'd be in the samesituation a few years later. Because (listen carefully to this):THE KEY TO SUCCEEDING IN MARRIAGE IS NOT FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON; IT'SLEARNING TO LOVE THE PERSON YOU FOUND.SUSTAINING love is not a passive or spontaneous experience. It'll NEVERjust happen to you. You can't "find" LASTING love. You have to "make"it day in and day out. That's why we have the __expression "the labor oflove." Because it takes time, effort, and energy. And most importantly,it takes WISDOM. You have to know WHAT TO DO to make your marriage work.Make no mistake about it. Love is NOT a mystery. There are specificthings you can do (with or without your spouse) to succeed with yourmarriage.Just as there are physical laws of the universe (such as gravity),there are also laws for relationships. Just as the right diet and exerciseprogram makes you physically stronger, certain habits in yourrelationship WILL make your marriage stronger. It's a direct cause andeffect. If you know and apply the laws, the results are predictable...you can "make" love.Love in marriage is indeed a "decision"... not just a feeling.

notice the dates from last post to recent post..

howdy everybody! :)
notice the dates?!? incredible! its been a long time since i last posted on this blog!
sorry i wasn't able to keep it "fresh"...its totally outdated...
well, its because mainly of the internet access, all blog related sites are blocked in the office, ( where i spend most of my time during the day) since i don't have my own internet access at home yet, i have to live within my means, hehe..and lately i haven't gone to internet cafes to update these things compared before that i really spend hours on the computer chatting and posting on blogs, honestly, my priorities now have changed, bigtime!hehe. :)
but its nice to look back in the past, reminisce about good old days and keep in touch to long lost friends, breaking some shocking news that they do not expect from you! haha! :D
i've created new links about me that you can access in case this "old friend of mine" miss an updated post... :)
so, see you around and i'll just have to take a snooze for my next shift, cause calls are flowing endlessly, man! whoa! :)
keep in touch! take care y'all! :)

lovelots,
-beck-

Pinaka Hot na Pinoy Band By (Pinaka!) a show in QTV Channel 11 in the Philippines:

10 Imago

9 Sandwich

8 Orange and Lemons

7 Itchyworm

6 Hale

Elite Circle of Five

5 SugarFree

4 Rivermaya

3 Kamikazee

2 Bamboo

1 Parokya ni Edgar

QTVs "top 10 rock band survey" is just like any other survey ever happened in the face of the entertainment industry. of course these were just produced to "entertain" us. "in my own opinion", i categorize it as unofficial, not worth to spend the rest of my precious time with (like pia guanio said in the end, results may vary when you share it with your friends). so at the end of the day, we still uphold what is inside our hearts and minds regarding who is truly the "best" among the rest. but still i strongly consider the statements of those people who gave their constructive criticisms about the bands. in surveys like these its my most awaited part, you know, the thing they gonna say about these bands cause we all know them, they really conduct reviews wholeheartedly especially luis katigbak and francis reyes!:) just a parting thought for all of the bands who were included in the list or even not:

all your success are fruits of your labor, you did your best and that was fantastic!, the fanatics appreciated it, we go gaga about you guys, can't take you out of our heads, so as the birth of surveys to know who's in or out in this business/market. but then again being down to earth about every achievement reached adds to the sweetness of these "fruits of labor", there is still no harm in keeping those feet on the ground. a band is composed of two or more persons. whoever is the frontman, spokesperson or leader of the band, roady, whatever you call it is given a chance to speak, or to react any thing about the band has to take full responsibility for the outcome of whatever is said and done. i believe they must behave accordingly in behalf of the band's total image or impression on its target market. let's not forget the saying that "every" action has its "equal" reaction, right?

but still there will always be fanatics (i believe that is you and me, hehe) who will always be there whichever bad publicity they may encounter.:) because i will always believe in what they can do, the way i see them perform live, sweats all over their faces, and in what they will do to keep the fire burning in my heart through their songs that truly inspire my life. that's the only thing that matters!:)

A Soulful Relationship
by Rev. Ronald McFadden

If you're not married yet, share this with a friend. If you are married, share it with your spouse or other married couples and reflect on it.

An African proverb states, "Before you get married, keep both eyes open, and after you marry, close one eye." Before you get involve and make a commitment to someone, don't let lust, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or a low self-esteem, make you blind to warning signs.Keep your eyes open, and don't fool yourself that you can change someone or that what you see as faults aren't really important.

Once you decide to commit to someone, over time his or her flaws, vulnerabilities, pet peeves, and differences will become more obvious. If you love your mate and want the relationship to grow and evolve, you've got to learn to close one eye and not let every little thing bother you. You and your mate have many different expectations, emotional needs, values, dreams, weaknesses, and strengths. You are two unique individual children of God who have decided to share a life together.

Neither of you are perfect, but are you perfect for each other? Do you bring out the best in each other? Do you compliment and compromise with each other, or do you compete, compare, and control? What do you bring to the relationship?

Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past mistrust, past pain? You can't take someone to the altar to alter him or her. You can't make someone love you or make someone stay. If you develop self-esteem, spiritual discernment, and "a life", you won't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or responsible for your pain.

Manipulation, control, jealousy, neediness, and selfishness are not the ingredients of a thriving, healthy, loving and lasti ng relationship!

Seeking status, sex, wealth, and security are the wrong reasons to be in a relationship.

What keeps a relationship strong? Communication, intimacy, trust, a sense of humor,sharing household tasks, some getaway time without business or children and daily exchanges (a meal, shared activity, a hug, a call, a touch, a note). Leave a nice message on the voicemail or send a nice email. Sharing common goals and interests.Growth is important. Grow together, not away from each other, giving each other space to grow without feeling insecure. Allow your mate to have outside interests. You can't always be together. Give each other a sense of belonging and assurances of commitment. Don't try to control one another. Learn each other's family situation. Respect his or her parents regardless. Don't put pressure on each other for material goods. Remember for richer or for poorer.

If these qualities are missing, the relationship will erode as resentment, withdrawal, abuse, neglect, dishonesty, and pain replace the passion. The difference between 'United' and 'Untied' is where you put the I.