My mother was meeting Mike for the first time, after hearing about him for many years. Mike Schwass: national speaker, published author, coach, therapist, namesake for the high school Blackhawks MVP award...and quadriplegic.

Many times we do things in life for no particular reason or occasion, we do those things because something from inside tells us to do it, as such in a relationship too love should be showed for no reason but simply the fact that you love your partner and it is the heart within us that tells to do it. Doesn’t your heart tell you to simply buy a gift for your lover when you come across something that reminds you of him or her? You gift should not necessarily be an expensive one as it is just a way to express your love and love is not big or small.

Emotion is the language of the ego. Emotion is the most wonderful honesty about how you feel, think and see life. But if you think your emotions are anything but a witnessing of your own “unconsciousness”, you may have a big problem in life. Emotions block love. No relationship, sacred or otherwise, can thrive when a couple considers their emotions a foundation. Those emotions are so changeable.

Sometimes men find it terrific to stay all weekend at home in his PJs, without shaving, brushing teeth, combing hair, or showering. They will do this to de-stress and not to embarrass us. It is the time when they let go of his ordinary activities and roles and almost literally enter their caves.

Perhaps it’s because life has become easier over the years or perhaps it’s just because people have higher expectations than they did in the past but whatever the reason one of the most common marriage problems is to bail out when the going gets a little tough.

Sometimes, the grass seems greener, but more often than not affairs are doomed to failure. Remember, an affair doesn’t have to mean the END!

If you are thinking of employing the services of a marriage counselor, here are some tips to ensure you get the most value for your time and money.

What is an anchor? And I am not referring to the nautical term. It is grounding yourself with a memory either positive or negative that reminds you of how you felt, what you did or what you believed when the anchor is thought of, touched, or focused on. Let me give you a positive and negative illustration of how an anchor is used.

Do you quiz yourself about your relationship? Do you question yourself and your partner about all the aspects of the relationships and what is satisfying and what is not? Do you work on your relationship? To have a relationship that works, one has to work.

Meeting future in-laws can be intimidating. You hope that you will like them and, more importantly, that they will like you. While it may seem like the most uncomfortable of situations, there are a few things that can be done to increase your chances of survival.

When you've lived with the same person for a long time, it's easy to fall into a rut. One common thing that happens is people stop talking, whether about important things crucial to the relationship or small things such as how the day went. But keeping the communication going is essential to a satisfying relationship for both parties.

If you are looking for cheap wedding favors, there are a large number of them to choose from.

Have you ever, wrongly, assumed that your partner shared your beliefs and attitudes? Do you make a point of gathering information about a new partner? Or do you just revel in the joy of a new relationship? If you allow love to blind you, what you don't know about your relationship, may harm you.

Giving an engagement ring, is a big step toward marriage. But the process has become so overwhelming, that it almost overshadows the wedding.

Birthdays mark ceremonial passages of time and are observed around the world in innumerable ways. Celebrating that exclusive day in someone's life, birthdays help break humdrum routines and invigorate relationships like nothing else can. It all revolves around your culture, religious beliefs, prevailing social customs and circumstance.

Get familiar with the different paternity tests available and how to use them.

One skill which I have been emphasizing in all my practice and in all my works is, you have to make whatever knowledge you have gained your OWN! Other people can share with you or teach you their secret “formulas”, their magical strategies and their powerful tips, but nothing will happen for YOU if you do not have the intention to put these teachings and strategies into practice, customize them, and make them work for you!

If people are giving you the cold shoulder or have clammed up and gone silent on you, there could be many things going on. Whatever it is, the silent person may be finding it hard to speak out and doesn't feel safe in doing so. When we grew up some of us only learnt to voice our displeasure by silent withdrawal. Here are some tips that I cannot guarantee will work with everyone, as each person and situation is different, however I have certainly found them helpful.

50 Reasons to Leave Skid Marks (Just one is reason enough to run fast!)

Did you know that self pity was a form of abuse, both to the individual who finds themselves in it and for their partner? If not then you may find this article relevant and informative.

Opposite personalities can contribute to the chemistry in a love relationship, but if a couple in a love relationship are too different, they might end up heading in different directions. How many shared similarities are necessary for successful love and marriage?

Remember that the other person you're involved with is not you. So, how do the ways he or she is different from you make your life easier, more fun, better?!