Sometimes all you want to do is binge-watch comedy films and eat pizza with your beau. We can often feel guilty for not doing enough, but it turns out that being boring is really good for your relationship.
According to author Mark Manson relationships should “be as boring as possible.”
He told Business Insider, “That sounds really weird to people but if you think about it, a really happy 80-year-old couple that’s been together for 60 years, the reason that they’ve been together for 60 years, it isn’t because they took all these private jets and they had these crazy vacations and “Oh my God, look at their pictures.”
“It’s because they were able to be boring together.”
Apparently, the happiest couples aren’t the ones who jet off to New Zealand or South Africa at the drop of a hat.
The happiest couples are the ones who enjoy simple, quiet lifestyles.
Mark explained: “A lot of people…don’t want to be a boring person, like we really want to be interesting people and have interesting lives but the problem is that, that conflicts with what makes a relationship good in a lot of cases.”
Christmas is an expensive time of year. The list seems never-ending, going on forever. We need to buy a gift for our sister, best friend, work wife, parents and even the dog.
Oh and don’t forget about bae.
Or maybe you could if you plan on being guilty of the cheapest dating trend.
Scrooging is a dating trend that’s growing in popularity and it is not pleasant.
Ever get dumped just before Christmas and wonder what went wrong? Things seemed all fine and dandy and then bam! You’re single again and hoping to God you can get a refund on the surprise weekend away you booked as a gift to beau.
Well, according to Metro, scrooging is essentially dumping your other half so you don’t have to buy them a Christmas present.
Yes, you read that right.
Apparently, one in ten are guilty of this dating trend and men are more likely to do it. Not surprised, to be honest.
Relationship expert for EHarmony, Rachael Lloyd, told Metro, “We know that relationships can often become less of a priority in the run up to Christmas. It’s also a time when dating significantly slows down.
“However, it seems particularly miserly to end a relationship simply to avoid buying your partner a present and indicates that you weren’t ready for a romantic commitment in the first place.”
Staying single just seems like a much easier option.
They say the world was made for two, and in the case of the glorious fright-fest that is Halloween, this is doubly true when it comes to the sacred choosing of the costumes. You just have so much MORE choice with another person added to the equation.
And you don't just have to think of a couples' costume as something meant for you and your bae; what about your beloved BFF? The one who always helps you stash the extra vodk… I mean, goodies, as you proudly indulge in a spot of treating and trickery before the main event – the house party (how else are as many peeps as possible going to catch you both at your most fabulous?).
To that end, if you're still stuck for some ideas on what to don in the Halloween couples costume department, we've trawled the Internet for the most eye-catching and hilarious of inspo.
Feel free to recreate these any way you see fit (no judgment. Okay, maybe a little) and don't forget the obligatory dual selfie when the outfits come together on the night.
Porn is something that people watch, be it when they're single or in a relationship.
And while many admit to using it to satisfy their urges, how damaging is it to people's sex lives?
Can you watch it without consequences?
This recent survey spoke to more than 1,200 men and women to analyse how porn plays into their sex lives.
The findings were…surprising, to say the least.
It seems that 1-in-4 men would rather be having sex with the people they see in porn, and this is compared to just 7% of women.
Shocking or duh?
As well as that, even when lacking arousal for their partner, 37% of women will only watch porn once-a-week; however, 39% of men that share those feelings watch porn every day.
Worrying figures show that more than half of women have an easier time achieving orgasm while watching porn than they do while having sex – what is going on guys?!
The ease of access to porn is a cause for concern.
What about couples watching it together – does it help or hinder their action between the sheets?
Sixty percent said that they do, but a quarter of men said they'd rather have sex with the individuals in the porn they viewed than their real-life partners.
What's strange about it all is that the more men watched porn, the less likely to be turned on by their partners they were and the more frequently women watched porn, the more likely they were to feel aroused by their partners.
It seems that consuming porn is a slippery slope – maybe more of us should give our partners the time and attention they deserve in the bedroom, and leave watching sex on the screen altogether.
Love Island star Nabila Badda isn't overly shocked by the latest reports that her co-stars, Chris Taylor and Harley Brash, are the first couple to break up.
Nabila was close to Harley before she even entered the villa over the summer, so she was happy to give her opinion on the split while talking to FUBAR Radioyesterday.
"I am not surprised about that, I'll be honest with you," she said.
The Casa Amor Islander, who received barely any air time, revealed that she never had much hope that Chris and Harley would make their romance work outside the villa.
"I knew her before and who she'd be interested in and I don't think that Chris is her kind of type," Nabila explained. "She said that as well. So, yeah. Chris will be lapped up real quick."
Almost straight after leaving the villa, Chris was confronted on live TV over photos of Anton Danyluk getting pretty cosy with Harley on a night out.
"Every time I'm asked about it, I'm asked questions we haven't discussed yet," Chris stated on This Morninga few days after the Love Island final.
"We haven't had a chat about it, we're moving at the pace that we want to move at, regardless of the situation of people pushing it and stuff."
He then stressed: "This is a real-life situation." Well, that situation is now over, it would seem. RIP to the first Love Island couple, gone but not forgotten.
Considering every single Love Island couple from season four broke up within six months, we don't have high for series five's lovers. Not even Greg and Amber (hello, Limerick to Newcastle?).
New data has now revealed that the couples will break up after only 69 days, and our jaws ain't hitting no floors. The show really doesn't produce romance, just pure lust and instant fame.
Watches2U have analysed the length of time that the couples usually stay together within one year of leaving the villa, and the Islanders are set to pie each other off by October 6, 2019.
The data analysed how many of the top three couples were still an item after their series ended, and just three of the 12 couples were staying strong 365 days after the series they starred in finished.
Cara and Nathan broke up 273 days after the show finished, but got back together a year later. It's clearly not an easy feat to make it as a couple 'on the outside', as the study proves.
With each series that goes on, surviving outside of the villa appears to be causing more problems- most likely because of the ITV reality show's massive growth in popularity.
Series two couples were going strong for an average of 334 days, and one relationship even ended with marriage (Olivia and Alex) and a baby for one lucky pair of Islanders (Cara and Nathan).
Season four pairs were loyal for just 159 days on average, barely making it to Christmas.
The pilot season was considered an anomaly, as only two romantic couples placed in the top three and lasted only three months. It's no formula for catching a long-term boo, that's for sure.
Instagram/@loveisland
The team predicts that the top three season five couples will last a total of 69 days on average, which is pretty measly.
There was a huge amount of tactical recoupling this year, and more than the villa's fair share of fuckboi snakes (Danny, Michael, Jordan- looking at you).
The lack of strong couples and exclusivity are the reason for such a small prediction, but we're praying that #Gramber survive longer than that.
Watches2Ucreated a graph to depict how long the final three couples lasted within the first year of leaving the villa.
From this, the percentage decrease in relationship length between each series from two to four was investigated, calculating an average percentage decrease of 24.065 percent.
This means that the data predicts series five's couples lasting 19 percent out of 365 days- just 69 days in total. Sob. Come on Greg and Amber, prove them wrong.
Builder Dan Rose is rumoured to be entering Casa Amor this week and we just feel the fireworks a-comin'.
In 2018's series, there were scenes when Georgia 'I'm loyal babes' Steel was left on her arse after Josh Denzel came back to the villa with Kaz Crossley.
With Lucie being open someone who isn't Joe and Arabella and Maura not being in a solid couple, could their heads be turned?
Or will it be one of the longer-standing couples that will think, ''I'm happy, but could I be happier?''
Well, last nights votes were as expected – Joe and Elma's time in Love Island has come to an end.
While Anton once again single, Joe's departure leaves Lucie without the guys he's been coupled up with since pretty much day one.
While Joe's behaviour towards her has gotten a huge media backlash and he has been accused of being controlling and possessive, Lucie's reaction when he was booted off showed that she does have feelings for the lad.
Fans had varied opinions – some think that she should keep her options open while others want her and Joe to be together.
One said, ''Why does nobody do a @ItsRykard on #loveisland anymore?? If you're really into someone you'd go with em #Lucie #Joe.''
Lucie won’t walk out the villa to Joe let’s be honest. She’ll consider it but then either try and split tommy and molly up or hook up with someone else. It’s how the game works #Loveisland
When decorating your bedroom the key is to dedicate this space to sleep and intimacy, reflecting a relaxing and rejuvenating environment. Essentially, the words to associate with the bedroom of your home are: rest, romance and relaxation.
I used Feng Shui to call in my husband into my life. I made space in my wardrobe, I bought spare hangers for him, had an empty bedside table and also a high shelf in my bedroom empty (wanted a tall husband)
Here are my tips to create a bedroom magnetic to love:
Focus on creating a ‘sanctuary’, frame your thinking about your bedroom in terms of relaxation. Does your bedroom represent rest, romance, and relaxation? If it doesn't, it's time to honour the space where you get your rest, where you sleep, where you have intimate relations with your partner.
Powerful positioning
The better rested you are, the stronger you will be and the more able you are to look after your body and support your family. To make sure you get the best rest, let’s look at the way your bed is set up.
To create harmony and call in love in a bedroom – think about pairs and balance on both sides of the bed having a great bed with comfortable mattress, two nightstands with two lamps of equal size. Ensure everything is matched and harmonious. However, on your nightstand, make sure you only place items that are relevant to you and your relationship status right now.
Keep your nightstand of clutter, including most books. Bear in mind that the bedroom is a place of rest, romance, relaxation, so the bedroom is not the place for a whole library of books. Books carry a great deal of energy, information and charge, which affect your sleep if stored in the bedroom. If you have nowhere else to keep your books, put them inside a cupboard or wardrobe, or ensure the books aren’t on display towards you while you’re in bed.
Switching off
Ensure all work-related items, computers, TV, electronics and exercise equipment are in another room. If you can't live without a TV or your partner doesn't want to get rid of the TV from the bedroom, also cover that while you sleep.
Like work, exercise equipment represents a feeling of doing work, so you don’t want to see this as you’re falling asleep either.
Are you in bed with your phone? Get it out of the bedroom buy a traditional alarm clock and honour your relationship.
Calming colour
When creating a sanctuary colour makes a real difference. Best colours for bed linen are creams, browns and earth tones. Combine these tones with colours you love in the décor of your bedroom with a splash of colour that makes you feel happy, keeping the overall ambience calm.
Bear in mind also that pillows, duvets and sheets should feel luxurious.
Powerful artwork
Imagery is so important in the bedroom and crucial for attracting a loving relationship, be mindful of the pairings you introduce to this space. While you are asleep your subconscious mind is taking in all the images that you have in your bedroom. Think about making your bedroom a physical vision board for the relationship of your dreams making sure the pictures you are hanging up reflect what you want to welcome into your life. What do you want to welcome in?
If you are in a relationship, add in a stunning photo of yourself together with your partner. Choose one that sparks joy, such as a memory of an amazing day together, your wedding day or your first date. The image should make you feel incredible, so that each time you see it, you think, "I love that picture of us."
Hang images facing you in bed and not over your head – this can make you feel unsafe and the image can disturb your dreams.
If you are single and want to attract love, add a picture of a couple doing something that you would love to be doing with a partner. The image should spark joy and inspire you.
Keeping your room, clear, clean and organised with a feeling of a sanctuary will bring you so much more sleep and joy in your life and relationships.
The strongest couple – surfer chick Lucie (whose vocabulary solely consists of ''surfing'' ''bev'' and ''bevy'') and Londoner Joe were the ones we were all hoping would be left alone by the ride that is Tommy.
It kinda gives us flashbacks of the whole Dom/Montana thing from Series 3 when Jess Shears came in and nabbed Dom.
This time it was Lucie who was cruelly ripped from Joe, who – we can see in tonight's preview, isn't taking it well.
(Lucie, on the other hand, looks fairly chuffed to be on a date with boxer Tommy – shocking, right?)
Tommy saying that he “doesn’t want to tread on Joe’s toes if Joe and Lucie’s connection is strong.”
*Joe and Lucie kiss three times on the second day*
Tommy: tHe giRl I woULd LiKe tO CouPLe uP wiTh iS…LuCiE #LoveIslandpic.twitter.com/0grosjCFrz
But – Tommy wanted Lucie the most – and sure who can blame him for picking her when his other option was Amber aka The Rudest Person On The Planet?
The whole point of Love Island is to find your perfect match – so why wouldn't Tommy go for the girl he fancied the most?
We also have to remember that the show needs storylines and drama – Lucie is gorgeous but it's a bit odd that Tommy wants the only girl who is happily coupled up.
In other news, Curtis and ''international'' air hostess Amy bonded over being dorks and it's actually quite cute.
Everyone going mad on Tommy picking Lucie, saying hes ruined the power couple and they were really good together … they've known each other for 24 hours … cmon guys!#Loveisland
She said, ''I was surprised about Zara and Adam, I'm secretly hoping they're going to get back together.''
Montana Brown, contestant on the 2017 series, also gave her opinion a sto why the couples are calling it a day.
She said, ''They’re all really young and at the start of their career. It’s really hard to grow with somebody when you’re in the limelight dealing with all this extra attention.''
She continued, ''You develop trust issues as soon as you leave Love Island and get this automatic anxiety, almost, because you’re not used to it. You’re in such a bubble when you’re there, you don’t realise how big the show is then suddenly it’s all photos, you’ve got to be media trained and watch what you say all the time, who you’re with and watch where you’re going.''
Sounds like a nightmare to us – fair play to those that stand the test of time – wonder will Dani and Jack stick it out?
The Love Island couples are breaking everyone's hearts at the moment with what feels like CONSTANT break-ups, one after another.
A string of break-ups in quick succession from Megan Barton Hanson and Wes Nelson, Josh Denzel and Kaz Crossley , and even winners Jack and Dani had brief split back in December. News has just broken that Zara McDermott and Adam Collard have parted ways.
Zara posted a heartfelt message to her Instagram which expressed how she felt she wasn't enough for her former boyfriend, writing;
"I am heartbroken to announce that Adam and I have parted ways,' she wrote. "I love him very much and will always have a special place in my heart for him & our time spent together. I have tried so hard to be the best person I can possibly be and to make it work."
Instagram / @zara_mcdermott
The couple reportedly decided to break up following Adam's party-boy ways since the show ended.
McDermott finished the emotional statement by saying; "Sometimes in life, you just aren't enough for someone, no matter what you do for them or how much you try to be. For everyone asking if I am okay, I dont know that I am. But I know that soon I will be."
Dani Dyer and Jack Fincham are now officially the last pair standing.
Now the viewers are speculating that the ITV reality show implore the couples to sign a 'six-month contact' which prevents them from breaking up until at least six months after the show ends.
How people say love Island isn't a fix yet after 6 months every couple suddenly spit up
It was recently reported that series champs Dani Dyer and Jack Fincham had called time on their relationship in December, but reunited just a few days later. Many people believed back then that it was all a publicity stunt to gain more attention…
It was then alleged a few days ago that the pair had taken a break following Jack's admission that he took a class A drug on nights out with friends, only for them to show PDA after Dani's return from Tanzania.
Josh Denzel and Kaz Crossley split earlier this month, despite Kaz insisting she "still loves" 26-year-old Josh. Suspish.
Megan Barton Hanson split with Wes Nelson following his introduction to Dancing On Ice partner Vanessa Bauer. It was claimed that Hanson was jealous at how much time Wes was spending with his partner, and tensions rose.
The pair released a statement after ending their seven-month relationship, even using the famous phrase 'consciously uncoupling' and announcing that they would co-parent their hamster. (GAS)
However, fans are calling bullsh*t, insisting that the entire thing is a hoax. Especially since Megan showed up to Dancing on Ice that same evening.
Are Megan and Wes trolling us with this break-up statement? They’re ‘consciously uncoupling’ and going to ‘co-parent’ their hamster? I’m calling BS #loveislandpic.twitter.com/erX5djhf8I
"Does Love Island have a contract with the couples that they have to stay together for six months after the show ends? They're all breaking up this month…"
Hmmm, we need to get our detective hats on for this one, because something fishy is 100 percent afoot.
Does love island have a contract with the couples that they have to stay together for 6 months after the show ends ? There all breaking up this month #LoveIsland
Another fan of the show commented that suddenly, their jobs just HAPPEN to get in the way of their romance:
I think the Love Island contestants should have to wait 6 months before accepting work, maybe then they wouldn’t all split up after 6 months due to ‘work commitments’
Kaz Crossley spoke about her split on Monday's Capital Breakfast Show, she shut down rumours that her and Josh's romance was fake: "Basically when we met each other on the show everything was so perfect."
She confessed: "I definitely was in love. Definitely. I'm still in love. We still have a lot of love for each other."
Yet the online speculations keeps gaining heat, seeing as boyfriends are being dropped "like flies" according to one Twitter fan:
Convinced the Love island lot have a ‘relationship for 6 months after you leave’ contract dropping boyfs like flies these gals
We have to admit, the whole thing is pretty believable. Yet… the show's runners-up, Laura Anderson and Paul Knops, split up WITHIN the six month limit:
Laura rubbished accusations that her relationship was false, telling people to be "more kind" considering "Love Island relationships are REAL."
The show is essentially an eight-week summer sunshine binge, and we all want to believe that it's all real but let's be honest: it ain't so.
Do we think that the couples are contractually obliged to stay together when the show ends?
We may never know the answer to this INCREDIBLY important question, but we've contact the FBI, MI5 and CIA to get on the case. We need answers, people.
