Men Vs Women - Our Different "Needs"

By Krista Dunk

So many times I've heard a man say to a friend, "Don't bother trying to understand women." I've also heard many women say things like, "What is wrong with him? I just can't figure him out!". It's fairly obvious that men and women have quite a few differences and needs. To give you a quick "needs summary", these are the top needs on both sides (from what I've discovered in my 15 years of marriage so far):

MEN:

Respect

Sex/Intimacy

Tenderness

Support

Appreciation & Honor

Activity

WOMEN:

Security

Love

To be Cherished

Encouragement

Communication

Intimacy

In fact, my own husband said if there could only be 2 items on the men's list, it would be respect and sex/intimacy! As he says, "We are simple creatures." Ladies, you know that those may not really be our top 2 deep needs! Nice, yes. Top 2, maybe not. However, understand that men actually feel disrespected and emotionally shut down when their wives commonly refuse sexual intimacy. Interesting, eh? And men, when women feel insecure about their relationship, it's bad news for all. We need to see that you're providing financially, being faithful, and protecting us (physically and emotionally). A fair number of women I know have distrust issues with men, and their husbands are wise to overcome that with the love and security part.

All of these differences make our relationships both challenging and interesting. Think about this: Our differences may cause struggles, misunderstandings and a steep learning curve, but they also bring an exciting partnership and the sense that we are completed by the other person. They bring strengths that we do not have to the relationship, and vice-versa. Together, we are one unit, capable of much more than when we are by ourselves.

It's not God's mean trick to bring two people together who are so innately different. We need to experience a relationship journey with another person who we have to grow and develop with. Couples need to put all selfishness aside, and seek to understand the other person's inner-most being, which is different from their own tendencies.

Hopefully you're grasping the point. Yes, we are different. No, it's not easy. Yes, it is worth the effort. When each person feels that their needs are being met, a cyclical process happens. The woman feels loved and secure in their relationship and she can freely give respect to, and care for her husband. Similarly, the same goes for the man - when he feels respected and cared for by his wife, it is easy to love and cherish her. The problem comes when a breakdown occurs, often then causing resistance, frustration, and unmet needs on both sides. If you feel like your relationship has broken down in this area of "needs", be the first person to start up the cycle again. Give your partner what they need, even if you don't get what you need in return right away. You will be pleasantly surprised what will happen with time.

Just keepin' it real. Be blessed :

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Author: Krista Dunk, Founder & CEO http://www.NWweddingplace.com Helping Pacific Northwest Couples Plan Their Dream Weddings & Successful Marriages in Olympia, WA. Read our Blog at: http://www.NWweddingplace.blogspot.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Krista_Dunk

Top Wedding Dress Trends For 2009 and 2010

By Cori Russell

Want to ensure a fashion-forward look for your upcoming 2009 or 2010 wedding? From sleek silhouettes to mini-dresses and tiered gowns, these latest looks for wedding gowns will help you put your best fashion foot forward to get you down the aisle in style.

Sleek Silhouettes
Slim is the silhouette of choice for the modern wedding dress - as sheaths, trumpets, and column wedding dresses ruled the runways. Don´t fret if you´ve always dreamed of donning a billowy ball gown, however, as this traditional style never goes out of style.

Colorful Details
Modern brides are experimenting with color to tie their ensembles into the color scheme. Adding a splash of color to the basic white gown remains popular through colorful sashes and appliqué details, or more dramatically through two-toned wedding gowns with a colored bodice against a white or off-white skirt.

High Hemlines
Not afraid to show a little leg, today´s brides are embracing the tea-length and mini shift dresses that have become de rigueur in nearly every wedding dress designer´s latest collections. The trend makes sense for destination weddings calling for laid back attire and brides opting to don a second dress for dancing the night away at the reception.

Tiered Skirts
Whether chiffon, tulle, organza, or even feathers - layers of fabric are the newest major detail designers are playing with to create soft, yet dramatic gowns. This flowing style is perfect for the bride who is a romantic at heart.

Floaty Fabrics
Dresses weighted down by heavy crepes, matte satins and silks are lightening up to fabrics like taffeta and organza. These airy fabrics are easy to layer and more comfortable for a gown worn for up to 10 hours. And for brides having a summer wedding, donning a lighter fabric will ensure they´re glowing - not sweaty and red-faced - on their wedding day.

One Shoulder
This asymmetrical look is a hot fashion trend that has crossed over into the bridal world to update the basic strapless gown. Carrying a simple, no fuss vibe, the one shoulder gown is a great option for a destination wedding. Bonus points for those blessed with toned limbs, as this neckline shows off the upper arms and shoulders.

Practical Pockets
Having graced gowns for a few seasons, pockets remain hot in 2009. The style lends a casual vibe for relaxed events, and - perhaps best of all - it´s practical too, allowing brides to keep essentials like lip gloss or tissues on hand throughout the day.


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Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a comprehensive wedding resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, along with articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to lead brides through every step of the planning process. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Russell


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Wedding Reception Timeline - What Happens When?

By Cori Russell

You may have been to dozens of wedding receptions, but it's hard to know what is supposed to happen when at your own wedding. Relax, this wedding reception timeline maps it out for you so you don't have to.

00:00 - Cocktail Hour - (bridal party takes pictures)

After your "I dos," you and your husband leave the ceremony first - followed by the bridal party and your photographer - to take your first photographs as husband and wife. At this time, your guests will head to the reception site. To keep the mood festive and fun, cocktail hour should begin as soon as guests arrive at the reception, whether that happens five minutes or an hour after the ceremony.

01:00 - Grand Entrance/First Dances

Husband and wife.....Mr. and Mrs....this is the time for your grand entrance. The facility or event coordinator will gather your guests to await your arrival. Typically the bridal party and both sets of parents are introduced, followed by the bride and groom. Since all eyes are on you, this is the perfect occasion to step immediately into your first dance. Sometimes the father/daughter and mother/son dances can take place at this time as well - or you can choose to hold those dances after the meal.

01:20 - Welcomes and Toasts

After your first dance, all eyes are still on you. With everyone gathered, this is a perfect time for the parents, the bride and groom, or the honor attendants to speak. The host (often the father of the bride) may choose to welcome and thank your guests for coming. Someone may say a blessing. The best man and maid of honor may also choose to speak at this time.

01:30 - Eat, Drink and be Married...

Whether you serve a sit down meal or buffet, this is the time when everybody eats. The bride and groom and their parents are typically served first or are the first to hit the buffet. This may seem contrary to etiquette, but serving them first affords the time to make table visits while the rest of the guests are seated. Your band or DJ will play subdued "dinner appropriate" music at this time (Sinatra and old standards are a favorite). Word of advice to the bride and groom: make sure you take advantage of this time to eat!

02:30 - Get your Groove On

Take the lead and hit the dance floor! Guests usually follow the lead of the bride and groom, so do your part to ensure a packed dance floor. At this point, you should have already greeted your guests and accomplished your duties as host. Remember - this is your party, so have fun.

04:00 - Cake Cutting

About an hour before the reception's finale - your waitstaff will begin preparing for dessert and coffee. The cake cutting signifies to guests that it is appropriate to depart anytime thereafter, so make sure it doesn't happen too early, or you could find yourself alone at an empty reception.

04:15 - Back to the Party

Of course, many of your guests will forego cake and coffee for more drinks and dancing. The band or DJ should kick right back into lively dance music for those all-night partiers who relish another turn on the dance floor.

04:30 - Bouquet Toss/Garter Removal

If you plan to do a bouquet toss, it usually occurs as one of the last events of the evening. You may want to have your florist prepare a throwaway bouquet so you can keep your original as a keepsake.

04:45 - Last Dance/Last Call

Take advantage of this opportunity to leave a lasting impression, and end your wedding on a high note. The right tune for the last dance will have your guests reluctant to leave. It needn't be slow song; something lively can ignite the mood for the after party, should you desire.

05:00 - Send-off!

These days, receptions are so fun and involve so much pre-planning, the bride and groom no longer wish to make an early getaway. In fact, they're often the last to leave! Make your send-off the evening's finale. Your coordinator will usher everyone to watch as you make your getaway. Have guests blow bubbles, toss rose petals or even light sparklers to wish you on your merry way towards a lifetime of happiness.



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Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a comprehensive weddings, wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, along with articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to lead brides through every step of the planning process. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Russell