An Unlikely Bond

Anyone who has a pet would know how much you can bond with an animal. Although some despise pets- especially cats- anybody who has a pet knows that there can be genuine love between them and their little friends. But sometimes a bond can build between more than just the normal household pets.

Lions

This picture shows that even the biggest of cats can be full of love for a human. 

Many of you may know about Leo the Lion. If you haven’t seen the heart-warming video yet, what have you been doing?! This demonstrates genuine love between the full-grown lion when he’s reunited with his owners, John Rendall & Ace Bourke, in 1972.

It used to be legal to own an animal like this, but as he grew larger and larger it was time to set him free into the wild in Kenya.

Bears

Although they will grow into big, dangerous animals, bears can be the most loving and playful of animals. If a bond is made from an early age, they can be your best pal. Take Brutus, the pet grizzly bear for example. 

The bond between him and his best friend, Casey Anderson looks unbreakable. I wouldn’t like to fall out with Casey; something tells me his friend’s got his back!

Mark Dumas, a 60-year-old man from Canada also has a ‘bear-bond’ with his polar friend. They say he’s the only man in the World who can swim with a polar bear. Would you jump in the pool?

Crocodiles

What would you rather do; swim with a polar bear or swim with a crocodile? It would be a tough choice. Go to Puerta Rico and you may bump into a man named Chito, who would probably be playing with his friend, Pocho- a crocodile he saved from a gunshot wound over 20 years ago

He said it took more than 10 years to really be able to get closer with the croc. If you can’t get over to Puerto Rico to see the odd couple playing around, here’s a clip.

Gorillas (with pets)

An even more unlikely bond is Koko the gorilla- who loves and cares for a pet kitten. 

She had so much love for the kitten that when she finds out it died, she’d cry! This goes to show that we’re all full of love and emotions.

So next time you feel like adopting a furry friend, maybe you could think outside the box! Depending on the law in your country, that is..

How to write a love letter

Text messages are useful, but they are hardly romantic. Sometimes, only a letter will do (or if you prefer to keep it electronic, a letter by email).
Perhaps you have been with the same person for decades and want to tell them how much you still feel, or perhaps you are in the early stages, looking to meet singles in Manchester with eHarmony. Either way, follow these tips for love letters that will impress.

Presentation

Presentation is important. Do not write your love letter on a scrap of paper torn from an exercise book – make the paper you write on reflect the way you feel. Use good quality writing paper, or a card. Stay away from schmaltzy pictures of hearts and flowers (unless you know that the person you are writing to will love them).
If you go for a card, choose something with a picture that means something to the two of you – a place you have visited, for example. If you write by email, send your letter as an attachment rather than in the email body – it will increase the sense of mystery and excitement.

The beginning

Let the person you are writing to know why you are writing. Perhaps you were thinking about a special time you had together, and want them to remember it too? Or you feel you have lacked romance recently and want to remind them? Or maybe you are telling them you love them for the very first time? Whatever it is – let them know.

The body

Expand on what you have told them in the beginning section. Try to avoid cliché – it will tend to sound insincere. Focus instead on things that you love about them, and the things you have done together.
Remember that this letter is about them and about you as a couple – it should not be about you as an individual. If they want to write a love letter back, they will do. Until then, do not fish for compliments. The letter should be focused on making them feel special and loved.

The end

Finish off your letter with a killer phrase that will stick in their mind and make them smile when they think about your letter. Tell them that you want to be with them forever, or whatever it is that you feel. If you get a little bit cheesy at this point, it does not matter too much – just try to stick with something that sounds sincere and meaningful. From singles dating nights to love letters – in relationship terms, you have arrived.

Resource box

Lovingyou.com: Love letters
A collection of love letters and articles about love letters
Love Letters of the Civil War
Love letters from American Civil War soldiers
Esquire.com: How to write a love letter
A guide to love letter writing

Flirting with your Dog when you’re Looking for Love

You've seen them in the street and the park: those dogs that just look so similar to their owners.  You will see the regular golden retriever with the blonde boss and the bulldog with the angry looking bodybuilder for a boss.  But how much do dogs really say about us and to they have an influence on our relationships?

According to research conducted in The Netherlands our dogs can have a substantial influence on our love lives.  The type of dog you own can determine how you are perceived by the opposite sex.  

Apparently over 75% of the research respondents agreed that flirting with a dog is easier than without. The most common answer appeared to be: “Having a dog by your side gives you something to hold on to. But you don’t have to talk to the dog or include the dog in the conversation as you would with a friend.”

So which dog should you keep on your side when going out for a flirt? Should you opt for a feminine Chihuahua or a manly Boxer?  Which dog will give the right impression on the other sex? Or the better question: which dog will you bring out with you when you’re looking for love?

According to the research it can make a significant difference which type of dog you own when you go dating someone new. In general men rather date a woman who owns a Pug than a German Sheppard. Women rather date a man that owns a Boxer than a Maltese.

The reason behind this preference can be subscribed to the characteristics of the dog race, which we also describe to the owner of the dog, only just after seeing both. Women almost always see the boxer as sexy, successful and intelligent.  Men love to see a woman with a Pug because they associate this dog with success, intelligence and loyalty. For dating purposes men would like to see a sexy dog like a Chihuahua but when it comes to finding a partner they prefer a Pug.

Dogs like Golden Retrievers, Terriers and Dachshunds are dogs that will make you look friendly and loyal. So next time you go out to park you should make sure to bring the right dog with you.  Go for the sexy Chihuahua, the faithful Pug or the friendly Golden Retriever. It depends which result you are looking for.

The best places to find love with your dog are parks. Most dog owners don’t mind to strike up a conversation with a fellow dog owner. However, when you are going out on a date you might fancy something different than a stroll in the park.

Make your Vacations Different

After a few months living the same routine: working hard every day, seeing the same faces, eating at the same time each day, sleeping with your favourite radio programme, waking up at the same hour… You need to take a breath and break away from routine….You deserve to be on holiday!

The first thing you have to think is how to make every day an experience. Your holidays have to be different; you have to plan it conscientiously because your life has already become a routine.

A good plan to prepare is to create brainstorm. Write down on a piece of paper the first things that come to mind. Later on, analyse what you have thought of and eliminate what you reckon is very stupid.

It is important that you cover good things to do, each day you are on vacation. Suggestions can be to take your boots and lose yourself in a city which you do not share anything related to - culture and language or in a marvellous and exotic beach. Dare to try an extreme sport which allows you to get rid of the adrenaline you keep locked inside. Rent a speedy car and do laps in a circuit. Taste the strangest meals you have ever tried (and which you will probably never try again).

Feel free and enjoy your vacation!!!

Six great gift ideas for when you lack inspiration

 

Giving gifts to people is always a bit difficult. Even if you know the person very well it can still be tricky. But fear no more because the following gifts ideas will have you sorted for the next couple of years. They will even get you shopping for the most difficult people!

1.  The person who asks for shopping vouchers

The good old “oh just give me a voucher or something.” Every year you try to buy it from a different store but it just feels boring doesn’t it? So from now on you have something much better to offer than a plastic card. Did you know you can buy a personal shopping experience as a present for someone? Well, you can. This is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to shop. Several websites offer the “Personal Shopping Experience” as a gift package in London or Birmingham. This is the ideal present when you want to stay clear from gift vouchers but want to stick to the wishes of the birthday girl/boy.

2. The distant relative or friend

The type of person you only see every once a while suddenly invited you to his or her birthday party. You don’t want to be rude so you accept the invitation but what do you buy? Birthday present hampers are perfect for family members or friends you do not see on a regular basis. There is a wide variety of birthday hampers available online. You will find hampers that consist out of food, sweets or beauty products. Whatever you choose, make sure you include at least one special luxury item such as a bottle of champagne or caviar. This way he or she will know you have put a lot of thought in to your hamper. 

3. The fussy partner

This one is only hard because you know that he or she expects something great from you. Your present has to top all the other presents he or she receives from friends and family.  Something that is just for the two of you will always be a good idea. It shows you care and it is fun for the both of you.  Make sure you pick something that is original such as a medieval banquet, a day at the races or a bike ride through the Hampton Courts.

Posh English tackles Ginger Irish

4.  Your loving parents

As you get older and start to earn money you cannot show up at your parents with a handmade card anymore. No, it is time you show appreciation for all those years they took care of you.  Pamper the lovely couple with a luxurious day in London. Start the day at the Elemis Spa in Mayfair for some anti-ageing skincare treatments and Arabian massages. When they are fully pampered you send them off for a luxury dinner cruise on the Thames. A great day guaranteed!

5. The doting grandparents

Buying gifts for grandparents is always tricky. There is an obvious age gap which makes it hard to determine what could be useful, funny or thoughtful. It is a great idea to take them out for the day, but where could you take them? The best idea for an afternoon well spent would be a visit to the Buckingham Palace Queen’s Gallery. Wander around the exhibition for a while and enjoy a gorgeous afternoon tea for two at the Grosvenor Hotel to end the day with. This shows you want to spend time with your grandparents whilst doing something you both enjoy. 

  

Singapore really packs a punch

An amazing place

Singapore is one of the most interesting places in South East Asia. Commonly thought of as either a stop over on the way to Australia or as a business hub, but there is so much more to it than that.

Whether you are on a business trip or on a stop over. Don’t miss out on what this amazing city has to offer. Although Singapore is a very small place, with only 5 million inhabitants, they have an extremely high GDP per capita of $59,936. The wealth of the nation means that they have invested heavily on making it a great place to spend time.

Singapore is mainly a Buddhist nation and this influence is clear throughout the city but it has not hindered their passion for innovation. One of the marvels of Singapore is the MRT, this is the same concept as the London underground however it is organised to perfection and with wide, air-conditioned carriages and light airy platforms, it is a pleasure to use.

No matter where you are staying, it is always possible to find one of the 90 MRT stations that cover the city. Even during winter Singapore is a very hot and humid country and this should be taken into consideration with everything that you do. Always have a bottle of water to hand and make sure you give yourself enough time as not to rush.

The Flyer

To get the best view of the city, you should take a ride on the famous Singapore Flyer. It is the largest of its kind and gives you a wonderful perspective of the city in an unparalleled way. You will get a completely different perspective at night compared to day but I would highly recommend it. If you are a budding photographer, don’t forget to take a tripod for the night shots as it is close to impossible to get a good shot without one.

An extraordinary if not bizarre experience is a trip to Sentosa island just off the coast of the city. With a large array of attractions it is well worth the trip, not to mention, the journey there is on a fantastic cable car ride. You can spend the afternoon on the beach or inside the butterfly park. This really is a place that everyone can enjoy, just visit with an open mind and you will have a great time.

Night Safari

Something for the evenings is a trip to the Night Safari, this is an experience in itself as the animals react completely differently at night. Just remember to forget about taking pictures and just enjoy the ride, it is far too dark to take any good pictures and there are no flashes allowed for obvious reasons. They have a great area for relaxing and enjoying a bite to eat that has some extraordinary fire shows.

Chinese Gardens

Singapore has one of the most amazing Chinese Gardens, located in the east of the city, this is a great place to get away from the busy city and just relax and enjoy the sun. The gardens were designed in 1975 and is populated by beautiful architecture in both buildings and bridges. In the middle of these vast gardens, there is an amazing Bonsai garden, with trees ageing over 200 years old but still only a few inches high. A little known fact is that the smaller the leaves the slower growing the tree.

If you are not sure where to stay in, there is a huge range of options, from 5 star hotels to holiday apartments in Singapore from the owner, there is something for everyone. A great place to find accommodation is Wimdu.co.uk; they have a wide range of apartments and bed and breakfast deals all year round. 

Dating again after heartbreak

We all know it can be hard getting over a failed relationship, and we all deal with it differently. Some like to spend time alone, learning from what went wrong and enjoying being single, while others are keen to move on to the next relationship. This article offers advice for those getting over a relationship and starting to think about a new one.  

Value your good points and work on the rest

 It’s easy to feel bad about yourself after a relationship ends. You might focus on the negatives and obsess over your little faults. Before you can start a new relationship, you need to learn to love yourself again.   Relish your positive attributes and remember all of the ways you have helped family and friends. Take action to improve the aspects of your behaviour or personality that you would like to change for the better.

Remove the rose-tinted glasses

 Once a relationship has ended, it’s common to only remember the good times and forget about the bad. While it’s a good idea to let go of bitterness and anger, it’s not advisable to place your ex on a pedestal. It will be very hard for anyone else to live up to that image.   Recall the positive and the negative aspects of your former partner to get a realistic perspective on why the relationship went wrong. Accept that it will take time to form such a strong bond again, but be confident that you will!  

Learn from positive relationships

 While some have a rose-tinted view of their ex, others might be so hurt by a betrayal that it is difficult to imagine a new partner could be any better. For whatever reason, your romantic relationship didn’t work. That doesn’t mean that every relationship will fail.   Just think of all of the positive relationships you have in your life with friends, family and work colleagues. There are lots of people who you love and respect. Focus on their good points and remain optimistic that you will meet a great person like them to share your life with.  

Join a club to meet like-minded people

 Once you’re ready to meet someone new, the question then arises ‘how?’ One way to ease yourself back in to being sociable with new people is to join a club. You could sign up to a gym or take an evening class.   You’ll be more likely to meet someone with the shared interests. It is also a non-pressured environment where you can get to know potential partners as friends first.

Head online to find compatible matches

It can be daunting to get back on the dating scene. That’s why so many people turn to online dating sites like www.eharmony.co.uk.   You will be matched with a compatible fellow singleton, giving you the best chance of finding love again. Whether you want to start dating Birmingham singles or Londoners looking for love, you’ll find them through online dating agencies.

   

Resource Box

Relationship advice
The Telegraph’s tips for a happy relationship.

Dating
The Guardian’s articles about dating.

Love poems
The BBC’s selection of poems about relationships.