The 36 questions that can make you fall in love with anyone

Relationships

Jan 15, 2015

Do you sometimes feel like resorting to magic potions just to get THAT guy to notice you? How about you get him to do this proven quiz to make him fall in love with you? Much easier.

Psychologist Arthur Aron study, which was published in 1997 contains 36 questions said to make you fall in love. The questions have been doing the rounds on the internet recently when New York Times journalist Mandy Len Catron decided to test it out…and fell in love.

So, what are these questions?! Well, they’re everything to be honest! From light questions like your ‘perfect day’ to deeper soul-searching questions like what friendship means to you, the test allows you to get to know the other person in a way that perhaps you wouldn’t in an everyday sense.

The last part of the questionnaire requires that you stare into your study partner's eyes for a full four minutes. Not easy but it may result in love…

The 36 questions that will make you fall in love

1. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?

2. Would you like to be famous? In what way?

3. Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why?

4. What would constitute a "perfect" day for you?

5. When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else?

6. If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?

7. Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?

8. Name three things you and your partner appear to have in common.

9. For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

10. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

11. Take four minutes and tell your partner your life story in as much detail as possible.

12. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?

Set II

13. If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?

14. Is there something that you've dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven't you done it?

15. What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?

16. What do you value most in a friendship?

17. What is your most treasured memory?

18. What is your most terrible memory?

19. If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?

20. What does friendship mean to you?

21. What roles do love and affection play in your life?

22. Alternate sharing something you consider a positive characteristic of your partner. Share a total of five items.

23. How close and warm is your family? Do you feel your childhood was happier than most other people's?

24. How do you feel about your relationship with your mother?

Set III

25. Make three true "we" statements each. For instance, "We are both in this room feeling … "

26. Complete this sentence: "I wish I had someone with whom I could share … "

27. If you were going to become a close friend with your partner, please share what would be important for him or her to know.

28. Tell your partner what you like about them; be very honest this time, saying things that you might not say to someone you've just met.

29. Share with your partner an embarrassing moment in your life.

30. When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself?

31. Tell your partner something that you like about them already.

32. What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?

33. If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? Why haven't you told them yet?

34. Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?

35. Of all the people in your family, whose death would you find most disturbing? Why?

36. Share a personal problem and ask your partner's advice on how he or she might handle it. Also, ask your partner to reflect back to you how you seem to be feeling about the problem you have chosen.

Things that always happen on a cinema date

Relationships

Jan 14, 2015

by Amber Saunders

It can be testing, a cinema date. While it may seems so simply just to pick a movie, go to the cinema, watch it and return home with your love, it’s not always so easy…

Here are some things that happen every time we go on a cinema date:

1. The movie decision
Which movie, you ask. Whichever one you like my love, he says. Before telling you that apparently Robotz 47 is really good. Unless there is a middle-ground movie that everyone is dying to see, picking a movie can be painful!

2. Cinema food
It’s January and he wants to get the extra large popcorn with and extra ladle of butter and two extra-large cokes. It’s not as if you’re strict with yourself on date night, but seriously?! You guys JUST went for pizza. Where does he put it… *silent resentment*

3. The sitting decision
You’d think all of the choices had been made by now, but no. You want to sit at the back, in the middle. He think towards the front is better. On what planet?

4. Sssh!
The film starts and you are super excited, it’s not that you’ve heard good things you’re just so relieved it’s not Robotz 47. Then…the rustling starts. Not just for a second, you have patience, but when people are starting to turn around and look at you and he doesn’t even notice. Ground, swallow me…Depending on how well you know him, you can either grin and bear it or slap the offending confectionery out of his hand.

5. Handsy
Is that a hand? On your knee? Good God man, we’re at Happy Feet 2 – control yourself!

What are your #FiveWordsToRuinADate?

Relationships

Jan 14, 2015

by Amber Saunders

Dating can be daunting and nerve-racking at the best of times – but what are just five words that would have you running out the restaurant door?

Last night, #FiveWordsToRuinADate, a hashtag started on Rick O’Shea’s 2FM show, began to trend not only in Ireland, but worldwide.

Lots of famous brands joined in on the hashtag, with Domino’s #FiveWordsToRuinADate being “I ate all the pizza” and Aldi’s “I don’t shop at Aldi” being two of just many.

Some of our favourite ones include, “How is your happy meal?” and “Want to see a body” made us feel infinitely better about our dating life.

Here are some of the hilarious submissions of #FiveWordstoRuinADate that will make you laugh:

@rickoshea my spirit animal guides me!

— Maria Ambrose (@mariaambrose) January 13, 2015

@rickoshea "Wow! Your friend is HOT!" #FiveWordsToRuinADate

— Meg Holmes (@MegHolmes) January 13, 2015

@rickoshea table for 3, here's Mam #FiveWordsToRuinADate

— Anne Mc Coy (@annemccoy) January 13, 2015

#FiveWordsToRuinADate Next Stop- Copper Face Jacks @rickoshea

— Sean O Farrell (@sofarrsogud) January 13, 2015

We think it's safe to say ALL of these would have us running out the door… What are your #FiveWordsToRuinADate?

The struggles of being the punctual one in your relationship!

Relationships

Dec 22, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Women have a serious rep for constantly being fashionably late.

Apparently we have to start getting ready for a Saturday night out on a Wednesday afternoon if we’re ever going to make it to the party on time.

Our poor old boyfriend’s are left playing GTA on the couch while we painstakingly apply nail varnish to the cat’s claws while we wait for our hair masque to set, right?

If that doesn’t sound AT All familiar, it’s because you're the punctual person in your relationship and here, girls, are just SOME of the struggles you go through.

1. Your other half thought you ‘suffered from your nerves’ for the first two weeks you dated because you revealed you had turned up twenty minutes before him every single time.

Well, excuse me for caring.

2. You know you shouldn’t take his tardiness personally, but you can’t help it.

“It’s fine. I said, it’s fine!”

3. You’re always show up embarrassingly early to parties with him shuffling awkwardly behind you, because you’re so afraid of being late. All of which only makes him think you’re even more irrational.

Life is cruel.

4. You repeat the time and day you’re next due to meet up a million times while he nervously nods because he knows you’ll be texting constantly between now and then anyway.

5pm on Friday babes. Not 5.30. FIVE!

5. You feel like a sap waiting on the couch for him to turn up even though you’re warm, cosy and there’s no reason to stress.

I told him cuddle time would begin at seven dammit, seven!

We're used to being the bigger person in these situations.

Five great reasons to have more sex!

Dec 19, 2014

by Amber Saunders

As well as the obvious benefits of great sex, did you know it could actually help your health and wellbeing, too?

Here are just five reasons to get yourselves to the bedroom ASAP!

1. You can skip that gym session
Just like a spinning class, sex counts as exercise. Unlike a spinning class, it's actually enjoyable. So get moving! The average sex session apparently burns around 150 – 200 calories depending on your weight… and how wild things get!

2. It's an immune booster
As well as filling you with mood-improving endorphins, sex is also great for your general health. A study of college students having sex once or twice a week showed that their levels of immunoglobin A (the first line of defence against colds and flu) was higher than those who had no sex.

3. It's a natural painkiller
"I've got a headache" should actually be an excuse to HAVE sex, not an excuse to avoid it – studies have shown that our orgasms can help to block pain receptors in our body just like painkillers do.

4. It makes you look younger
A study in Scotland discovered that participants who had lots of regular sex (four times a week or more) were considered more youthful, with people guessing their age at around 7 – 12 years younger than they actually were. Turns out that the hormones our body releases during intercourse, testosterone and oestrogen, actually help to keep us looking younger. Who needs Creme de la Mer?!

5. It'll help you sleep
Struggling to drift off? This could be your answer! After we orgasm, our body releases a hormone called prolactin which helps to relax the body. And aside from anything else, a great sex session will certainly tire you out!

10 awkward relationship ‘firsts’ we’ve all suffered through

Relationships

Dec 19, 2014

by Amber Saunders

We all know the standard relationship 'firsts'; the first date, the first 'sleepover', the first time you call him your boyfriend, but what about the the smaller 'firsts' which are a little less exciting and a lot more awkward?

Yeah, there's way more of them isn't there, girls?

If you've struggled through the majority of the following ten in our list, congratulations; you are now in, what society considers, 'a serious relationship'.

A seriously awkward relationship, more like.

1. The first time you said really over-dramatic things and then cried in front of him until your face melted off.

Can you please ignore the trail of snot leading into my mouth?

2. The first time you realise he really isn’t mad on the outfit you’ve chosen.

I'm dating an idiot.

3. The first time you discuss Christmas present budgets.

There should be no mathematical figure on your love for me, sir.

4. The first time you go to the bathroom and he’s not three rooms away.

Ehm, can you get under the bed, no UNDER it, and put some earphones in please?

5. The first time you see each other dance.

WHAT is that? No seriously, WHAT is that he’s doing?

6. The first time you put on a full face of make-up in front of him.

Ehm yeah, the first 17 products are the reason you asked me on date two, playa.

7. The first time you see how he behaves with his parents.

I sometimes forget you’re actually just a boy who has a mum who loves him and now I feel weird.

8. The first time you have a serious row.

These are ACTUALLY tears of anger, not sorrow, you insensitive, patronising moron.

9. The first time you get period on his bed sheets.

I think someone’s time of the month has arrived and it’s not…oh no wait…it IS mine. My bad.

10. The first time you realise you love him.

It's nothing, I’m just a slave to my emotions and his jawline.

Tis the season to be grilled about your relationship!

Relationships

Dec 18, 2014

by Amber Saunders

What is it about Christmas and relationships? You and your significant other can sail merrily through the rest of the year completely unaware of other people’s impression of the two of you, but come the festive season it’s like everyone in your life suffers from verbal diarrhoea and just can’t wait to share their thoughts on your relationship.

If you’re not being grilled by nosy aunts and uncles at the annual turkey sandwich buffet, you find yourself interrogated by friends who've enjoyed few too many festive vodkas.

Here are just some issues you and him face before the first bauble is even hung from the tree.

1. Your mother panics that you might dessert the family on the big day and have dinner with his parents.

You’re forced to talk her down off the ledge and admit that you haven’t been invited to his place on Christmas Day, something that didn’t bother you… until now.

2. His mother panics that she should have invited you to join them for the family dinner, Stephen's Day charades and the New Year's family trip.

He's forced to talk her down off the ledge. Sure, we only have five chairs. She’d have to sit on dad’s step ladder and…she does have her own family.

3. Your father panics when it looks like your boyfriend will be staying the night at some point over the holidays.

I don’t care what you get up to outside of this house, but that young lad will be plenty comfortable on the couch tonight.

4. You panic when people keep checking your ring finger on Stephen’s Day and then look unnecessarily sympathetic when they hear you got a juicer and not a sparkler.

What! The only ring I want right now is the chocolate covered biscuit one from that goddamn tin.

5. He panics when he realises that New Year’s proposals are apparently even more anticipated than Christmas Day proposals.

What! She wants a ring doughnut more than she wants a ring from me at the moment, I swear to God.

Roll on January when we can all get back to normal, right?!

How to choose his Christmas present based on his starsign!

Relationships

Dec 17, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Are you still struggling to come up with a present to give your other half on Christmas Day?

If Valentine’s Day, your anniversary and his birthday have stolen all your best ideas so far this year and you’re just fresh out, then fear not; we may just have the perfect set of guideline for you to follow!

Why not let his star sign be the determining factor in what you choose to leave under his tree this year!

Aries: March 21st- April 20th

Considered active, outgoing and adventurous, this fire sign is unlikely to thank you for a practical or traditional gift. Play to their adventurous spirit and gift them with an experience instead of an object!

Opt for tickets to a music or sporting event or alternatively book a weekend away and gift him with fantastic memories.

Aquarius: January 21st- February 19th

Considered creative, independent and inventive, this air sign certainly won’t thank you for a generic gift set or bumper box of novelty socks. Make sure to acknowledge his unique taste and creative side by gifting him with something that honours this side of him.

Opt for quirky gifts that stimulate the mind like a piece of art or the latest must-have gadget.

Cancer: June 23rd- July 23rd

Considered loyal, nurturing and sensitive, this water sign will appreciate any gift that acknowledges their love of home, family and friends.

Opt for something he can display in his place like a framed photograph of his favourite band or a big collage of a trip away with friends.

Capricorn: December 22nd- January 20th

Considered ambitious, determined and intellectual, this earth sign won’t see the point of a generic Christmas present. Acknowledge his interests and pursuits by choosing something specifically related to these hobbies.

Opt for something like lessons in an activity he expressed interest in or add to his collection of records, books or retro games.

Gemini: May 22nd- June 22nd

Considered outgoing, witty and creative, this air sign will have little interest in a coffee table book. Instead play to their outgoing and creative side and choose a gift that reflects these qualities.

Opt for a surprise weekend away or honour a past trip away with mementos, photos and souvenirs in a scrapbook or photo album.

Leo: July 24th- August 23rd

Considered confident, ambitious and generous, this fire sign definitely appreciates the finer things in life and won’t be happy with a gift that looks like it could be for any old person!

Opt for luxurious pampering products or a top of the line winter accessory!

Libra: September 24th- October 23rd

Considered romantic, charming and diplomatic, this air sign is the type of person that would appreciate a very simple, but very stylish gift.

Opt for a leather wallet or classic v neck sweater or alternatively, play to his romantic side and organise an elegant dinner for two in his favourite restaurant.

Pisces: February 20th- March 20th

Considered sensitive, passionate and imaginative, this water sign will appreciate anything that plays to these traits.

Opt for professional photos of their favourite place or alternatively gift him with a camera so he can let his passionate and imaginative side run free!

Sagittarius: November 23rd- Decemeber 21st

Considered adventurous and philosophical, this fire sign will see little point in receiving a gift he can’t do anything with, so acknowledge this in your choice of present.

Opt for lessons in an outdoor sport or organise a camping trip where he can nourish both his adventurous spirit and enjoy quiet time in the great outdoors.

Scorpio: October 24th- November 22nd

Considered mysterious, passionate and loyal, this water sign will appreciate any gift that plays to these qualities.

Opt for a set of classic mystery books or instead go for the latest thriller box set. Why not go one step further and organise a treasure hunt for him to find his gifts?

Taurus: April 21st -May 21st

Considered dependable, patient and practical, this earth sign may not appreciate a trip in a hot air balloon or an adventure weekend.

Opt instead for items that you know he was coveting throughout the year, but didn’t feel he could splurge on like a really stylish messenger bag or leather bound day planner.

Virgo: August 24th – Sept 23rd

Considered reliable, analytical and observant, this earth sign will appreciate practical or functional gifts.

Opt for a stylish watch or a book about a certain culture or country he’s expressed interest in.

Now girls, if you're still stuck after all that, then just go for a Selection Box and hope for the best!

The classic 12 stages of 12 Pubs with your other half

Relationships

Dec 16, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Most of the time, relationships and excess alcohol consumption do not go hand-in-hand. If you’ve ever had to sit through a blazing, gin-fuelled row between your friend and her boyfriend you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.

So, when the time for The 12 Pubs of Christmas rolls around, the idea that a row between yourself and your own boyfriend somewhere between the 1^st and 12^th pub certainly isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.

Someone will have seven G&T’s too many (you) and someone else will think that spilling a pint on your new bag isn’t a cause for tears (him), all of which lead to a furious, face-melting row under the Christmas lights, in front of the pub and beside the other rowing couple.

Here are the 12 stages of 12 pubs with your beloved.

Pub 1: Nerves
Remember what happened last year when his Guinness met your new jeans in the 1^st pub and his mate tried to score your mate? Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.

Pub 2: Concern
Dear God, maybe this really is the biggest mistake of all time considering how YOU get after 5 wines and how HE gets when his Christmas jumper becomes too scratchy. Lord, he's itching already.

Pub 3: Excitement
No! We’ve all learned from last year. His mate said he’d keep his hands to himself, you’ve promised not to cry and your boyfriend’s sworn that Captain Morgan’s won’t pass his lips this year.

Pub 4: Joy
You’ve hit pub #4 and it couldn’t be going better! Festive cheer galore! Would you look at his flushed cheeks, I want to kiss them off!

Pub 5: Drunkeness
You've made it to pub #5 and everyone’s getting into the spirit a little too enthusiastically. You’ve seen him neck a Captains on the sly after he promised not to and you’ve already had a cry in the toilets with your bestie who’s home from Oz.

Pub 6: Further inebriation
You're halfway there and his mate is already making a move on your mate, but it’s not the same one as last year! Now, that’s just rude.

Pub 7: Complete intoxication
It's the 7th pub and the phrase ‘Get a room’ has been thrown at you and your other half for the first time in your lives. What! Those bright red cheeks are just too sexy, dammit.

Pub 8: Frustration
You’ve hit pub #8 and you’ve already been heard trying to order a triple wine after yourself and himself had a furious, whispered ‘discussion’ in the corner of the pub because he forgot to clink your glass while saying ‘Cheers’.

Pub 9: Despair
This is where it truly starts to go downhill. You can’t find him in a sea of Christmas jumpers and he can’t find you in a sea of swaying girls wearing Christmas tree earrings. You’re never going to make it out of here alive.

Pub 10: Anger
He PROMISED to wait for you outside every pub if you didn’t leave together and you PROMISED not to leave via the fire escape. You’ve both failed on each count.

Pub 11: Elation
You’ve found him. He’s found you. You’re with all your friends, you’re celebrating the festive season and who cares that one of you has already puked? Isn’t this what Christmas is all about?

Pub 12: Relief
You’ve done it! You’ve made it to pub #12 and you’re still in a relationship. You think…

5 of the most ridiculous marriage proposals of all time

Relationships

Dec 12, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Whether we want to admit it or not, most of us girls have, at some stage in our lives, pictured the moment the love of our life would get down on one knee and pop the big question.

Regardless of whether you’re attached or not, fantasising about a special proposal is as standard an exercise as placing a pillow case over your head as a five-year-old and making your way up the aisle (also known as the front hall) to meet your Prince Charming (also known as the six-year-old next door neighbour who you secretly hated.)

We’re certain though that none of the proposals you pictured ever looked like these.

1. Well, that's all well and good, but who's going to wash that romantic garage door of love now?

2. We'd have devoured this before we realised WHAT was going on.

3. No.

4. We're not sure what Mild Sauce said, but we're sure it was a yes.

5. Why? So we can have a big, festive 'weeding'?

Really lads, really?

10 ways to tell you’re the ‘smug girl in a relationship’

Relationships

Dec 11, 2014

by Amber Saunders

We all have that friend who is so content in her relationship that she makes the rest of us question our own random hook-up’s, less-than-perfect boyfriends and permanent single status.

If you’re sitting there thinking ‘Wait, I don’t have a friend like that!’, we’re sorry, but you’re that friend. We know it’s tough to hear, but it’s vital you know.

If you’re still not convinced that you’re walking a fine line between smug and satisfied, then maybe read on and see if any of these ring true.

1. You don’t join in with the “My boyfriend’s a total head melt” conversation when the girls are dishing the dirt.

No, it doesn’t get on their nerves at all…we promise.

2. You admire how good you look together in every passing reflection and often request that he join you in your admiration.

And this doesn’t make him self-conscious at all.

3. You do the ‘How to know he’s the ONE’ quizzes with a secret smug smile and then reveal the results to your friends.

Seriously, that’s fine.

4. You bring him up in conversation at every opportunity.

Oh, your boyfriend has a radiator in his house too? Well, that’s swell!

5. You make fake sarcastic comments about being a boring couple, but you don’t mean a word of it.

Don’t worry, everyone believes you, we swear.

6. You throw words like ‘brunch’ and ‘walks on the beach’ around like nobody’s business.

No, keep going, we want to hear more!

7. You talk about his mum like you’re best friends.

Margaret said what about her casserole dish? Interesting!

8. You jokingly tease him in front of his parents with a knowing smile.

Margaret loves it, but his dad Martin’s not as in to it, if we’re honest.

9. You view other people’s Facebook relationship drama with a sigh and a smirk.

We know, why, oh why can’t they be more like you two?

10. You picture what you look like while having sex, excuse us, while ‘making love’ and it doesn’t make you laugh because you know the pair of you look perfect.

And you know what? Maybe, you do!

Ah don’t mind us girl, we’re just jealous.

Engagement parties: What people say and what they mean

Relationships

Dec 5, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Whether it’s from fellow guests or the engaged couple themselves, you and your boyfriend are bound to face awkward questions and curious remarks whenever the pair of you show up at the latest engagement party.

Some of these questions and comments may seem relatively straightforward, but believe us, they’re not.

If you and your other half need a little help deciphering the meaning behind some of these remarks, then why not refer to our handy guide to save yourselves time and confusion at the next loved-up bash.

Hell, just print out a few copies and stash them in your pockets for future reference.

1. "So how long have you two been together now?"

Implication: You’ve been dating even longer than we have, but we’re engaged. What’s the problem?

2. "Remind me, how did you two meet again?"

Implication: Have a good story because, take it from me, you’ll be made repeat it fifty times at your engagement party.

3. "Will you ever make an honest woman of her, hah?"

Implication: I don’t even know what this really means, but I’ve heard people say it at other engagement parties so I thought I’d go for it and I think I pulled it off.