#intentional-dating

#intentional-dating

I thought he would remain simply "first," but we're happily in love nine years later. Yet, there's one big milestone that we haven't reached: our first time living together. Unlike most couples, we've never shared a space for more than a few weeks. People are always shocked when they hear how long we've been together. The first question they usually ask is, "Why hasn't he proposed yet?" Their eyes widen even more when they find out I'm not going home to him.

I've always believed splitting a bottle of wine (or two) is one of the most romantic activities. My ideal first or second date would take place at a dark, intimate wine bar. We'd peruse the menu, illuminated by candlelight, and discuss our vino preferences, then wind up ordering the second least expensive bottle on the menu (because, of course). Cooking at home with your beloved and opening a bottle of wine you've been saving for a special occasion is also one

A set of studies from the University of Toronto's "MacLab" suggest that understanding the motivations behind romantic pursuit can help distinguish between healthy, self-driven motivations and those based on fear, pressure, or insecurity.