Easy Ways to Say I Love You

Looking for ways to stay connected to your sweetie. The Internet has a few quick and creative tips that make it easy to say I'm thinking of you or I had a great time last night. Try these sites:

Egreetings.com

Lots to see at this site. Add your own touch with text and photos to the animated options available here. Easy and free, an economical and creative way to say, "you're on my mind."

Smilebox.com

Use pictures, video, text and music to tell your sweetie what you're thinking. Whether you want to say, "I'm sorry," or "can't wait for tonight," you can do it from here in flirty, creative and fun style.

Communication is key in relationships...so get clicking.

Ideas for Great Dates in Atlanta

What’s not to love about falling in love in Atlanta? There’s Atlantic Station, Buckhead, baseball and free things to do every day – if you know where to look. Dating fun that is anything but run of the mill is easy in Atlanta -where creativity rules.

Try Eyelash Extensions for a Flirty Look

We all know about hair and nail extensions for a little extra flair and change of pace. If that isn't your bag, or you want something different, its here! New on the horizon is a little extra help for eyes that want to deliver a message - eyelash extensions. Long lashes batted just right can start a conversation even before a word is spoken. Sexy and fun, eyelash extensions can be professionally applied for as little as $40 (these will last a few weeks). For a few hundred dollars, you can get a look that lasts a few months. If you want to step up your flirting game, lovely lashes may just be the boost you need.

Work Spouse Relationship

Much has been made of the "work spouse" phenomena, but what is it really all about and can it spell trouble for your "real" marriage?

Relationships differ but usually, a work wife or work husband is someone with whom you share a close (but platonic) relationship. You turn to and depend on this person in good times and bad, you may even share things about your personal life. In some cases, because you work so well and closely together the lines can get blurry.

What do you think?

Adult Children Living at Home

If your adult child is planning to return home, talk first to avoid big problems later. Here are some things to hash out before the move in.

How will moving home make a difference? Talk with your boomerang kid about specific goals that will be advanced by the move. One of the most common goals is saving money. Using that example, discuss related plans, for example, if your adult child is working, is there a budget in place that reasonable allows her to reach savings goals? If he is not working has he identified a job search strategy?

When and what kind of company is okay? Every household is different. Talk together to learn what works best for everyone. For example, are overnight guests okay?

How will chores be handled? Ideally, everyone will pitch in to keep the house in order. Decide what works before you have a sink filled with dishes.

How long will the living arrangement last? Don't be afraid  to establish a deadline upfront.

How, if at all, will your adult child contribute financially to the household?

Keep the conversation going even after your adult child moves in. Your relationship has likely grown and changed since your child left home and returned. This can be a really great opportunity to rediscover each other in ways you never imagined.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Here are some fast facts on DV.

At least 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.

Domestic violence impacts every segment of the community. There are no exceptions. People from all walks of life, regardless of income, age, ability, educational attainment, race, class, religion or sexual orientation can and do experience or perpetrate domestic violence.

There is help for survivors. Most states and counties have local or regional domestic violence hotlines. Many are available 24 hours daily. Learn more at ncadv.org.

There is also help for abusers that are willing to accept responsibility for the choice to use violence. Men Stopping Violence (menstoppingviolence.org) is a good resource.

No one deserves to be abused. Bad days and too much alcohol are only excuses for bad behavior.

Leaving an Abusive Relationship with Children

Leaving an abusive relationship is often a process that feels like a journey rather than a short trip. The challenges of leaving can feel even more daunting when you are leaving with children. Use the following tips to create a little comfort along the road to safety.

1. Whether you are going to a safehouse, staying with friends or family, try as best you can to maintain your regular routine. Children should still be expected to go to school (even if that means transferring for safety reasons), do homework and chores, stick to bed time, etc.

2. If it is safe get some familiar things to take with you. Favorite storybooks, toys, CD's, sweatshirts and the like can be a great comfort in strange, new surroundings.

3. Give age appropriate explanations for why you are leaving home. Young children, especially, may ask many times to go home. Let your child know you understand how she feels. Allow him to talk about what he misses.

4. Some children may not talk about their feelings. Help them understand what they are experiencing by using reflective listening - "it sounds like you're saying...," "it sounds like you feel..."

5. Communicate as much as you are comfortable sharing with teachers and other caregivers.

6. Take good care of yourself. When your emotional resources are low it can be tough to be the kind of parent you really to be.