You've probably heard of the phrase "know thyself". Many of us do not know ourselves, but yet we expect others to know who we are and understand us. Many relationships fall apart on this premise alone. How can you expect anyone to know you, if you yourself do not know who you are? There are many of you out there right now who are waiting for a perfect stranger to knock on your door and sweep you off your feet. This kind of this only happens in fairy tales. The more you know about yourself...your likes, dislikes, desires, wants, etc., the easier it will be for others to get to know you. We are not a society of psychics, so don't expect your partner to be able to read your mind and instantly know what you are feeling or what you need. If we learn about ourselves and learn to communication our needs to our significant others...we will have much more enriching relationships.

Sometimes it isn't just about asking...it has to be genuine. Genuine interest creates a feeling that you really care. That you want to know what's going on their lives. Oftentimes, men feeling the need to resolve an issue will interrupt a woman when she is opening up, not to be rude but to offer advice. What guys need to understand is that sometimes women just want to talk and get it off their chest. They don't need or want your perspective; they just want you to listen to them. So, try to just listen next time. Try to be their support, but let them open up, let them cry if they need to, and you'll be surprised at how positive a course your relationship may take.

Men on the other hand, don't usually like to talk about their problems. It's part of the male code to keep things inside. Though this is outdated, men tend to feel like weaklings if they sit down and talk and cry about their problems. While it is true that early in a relationship women really don't want to hear about a man's problems...later on in the relationship a woman feels that if a man isn't sharing his feelings with her that he really doesn't care about her. So, while it is important to share later on in a relationship, it is important to note that early in the relationship the woman isn't going to appreciate it or really care for that matter, because a bond has not yet been formed. Once the bond has been formed, then it's an entirely different story.

Finally, there are those on both sides, men and women, who don't know when to be quiet. Silence can be "golden". It is not always important to say something. In many instances silence goes much further than spoken word. Sometimes you can ask someone a question and 30 minutes later they're still talking. You can't get a word in edge-wise with these people. If this description sounds like you...I've got a bit of advice to offer you. If you find yourself with a case of diarrhea of the mouth and you are wondering whether or not you should continue with the story, shut up for a moment and ask them a question. If the other person asks you to continue with your story, then they are still interested in what you have to say. If they don't ask you to continue, then you are talking too much and you need to find a way to engage them more in the conversion. There is a saying that we have two ears and one mouth, try listening twice as much as you speak and you will be a delight at every gathering.

When you first meet a person, what are the things that shape your first impression of them? Is it their smile when they greet you? Is it their eyes that draw you in? Is it their lips and the way they move with each and every word that captivates you? Is it their mannerisms that draw on your wildest fantasies? These all may be clues to the personality type that excites you in a relationship. Take note of these traits and once it becomes obvious, seek out the places that will give you the best odds of meeting more of the personality and characteristics that interest you.

We all love and long to be loved in return. This longing for love is what keeps us searching for our love match. We aren't guaranteed that we will find that perfect match, but nothing in life is guaranteed. There is a saying that it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. What do you believe?