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	<title>Pink Apple</title>
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	<link>http://www.pinkapple.com.au</link>
	<description>better relationships</description>
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		<title>When Walking Away is the Best Relationship Advice &#8230;</title>
		<link>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/03/when-walking-away-is-the-best-relationship-advice/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/03/when-walking-away-is-the-best-relationship-advice/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:55:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Relationship Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Talking Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Triggers for Relationship Pain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[arguments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[being heard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[better marriages]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[better relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chris Owen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[disagreement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pink apple]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quarrel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[screaming match]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[we never argue]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.pinkapple.com.au/?p=665</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you were happy all the time in your relationship, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you were happy all the time in your relationship, then most of you probably wouldn&#8217;t be bothering to read Pink Apple&#8217;s relationship advice.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/argument.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-671" title="Dispute family" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/argument.jpg" alt="" width="425" height="282" /></a>So let&#8217;s assume that like all humans, not every moment of your relationship is a blissful event.  (If it is I want to talk to you and get you secrets!)</p>
<p>What&#8217;s more, in your loving relationship, there&#8217;s probably the occasional little quarrel, the odd fight, a quick snipe or two, the rare screaming match, a few disagreements and sometimes war breaks out!</p>
<p>Have you ever come across someone who told you they don&#8217;t fight?</p>
<p>Did they share this interesting information with a slightly righteous posture?  Did they seem just a little smug?</p>
<p>Of course they may be telling the truth, they may both be extremely conflict averse!  The thought of conflict may terrify them out of their wits.  So much so that they would no more &#8220;go there&#8221; than they&#8217;d step on a landmine!  However that scenario has it&#8217;s own drawbacks which is a topic for some other day.</p>
<p>Just be reassured that most people in relationships fight &#8211; in some form &#8211; at some time!</p>
<p>And that&#8217;s perfectly OK!</p>
<p>There is nothing wrong with having a fight.</p>
<p>The only way it will harm your relationship is if you don&#8217;t heal the relationship after the conflict.</p>
<p>But sometimes fights get out of control don&#8217;t they?  (And no, I&#8217;m not necessarily talking about &#8220;fisticuffs&#8221; or domestic violence.  And probably not even emontional abuse!)</p>
<p>Sometimes you say things you don&#8217;t really mean!  And they&#8217;re out of your mouth before you&#8217;ve really put your brain into full gear!</p>
<p>After you&#8217;ve cooled down you may even forget you&#8217;ve said it.  But maybe those few words, are burned into your partner/mum/dad/friend/sister/s brain.  Seared there forever with the scar an endless irritant.</p>
<p>And all for what?  Was the fight worth creating that scar?  Did the topic really matter that much?  Was the poin THAT significant?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/walk-away.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-668" title="walk away" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/walk-away.jpg" alt="" width="425" height="282" /></a>You see that&#8217;s why&#8230;</p>
<p>&#8230; the best relationship advice is to walk away.</p>
<p>And no I don&#8217;t mean stomp out of the room in a huff!  (One of Pink Apple&#8217;s occasional failings I&#8217;m afraid!  Usually accompanied by an oh-so-satisfying slamming of the door!)</p>
<p>I mean zip your lip for the millisecond that it takes to register that:</p>
<ul>
<li> you&#8217;re not actually in good control of your emotions</li>
<li>you haven&#8217;t got the whole issue in perspective</li>
<li>this is about a myriad of other small unconnected irritants</li>
<li>this may not actually matter in 24 hours, next week or next year.</li>
</ul>
<p>And then take a deeeeeeeeeeeeep breath</p>
<p>Say something  like, &#8220;<em>I know I need to gather myself together.  Can we come back to this when I&#8217;ve collected my thoughts and calmed down?  I really want to have this discussion, just not in this way!</em>&#8221;</p>
<p>&#8230; and walk away and do just that!</p>
<p>Go take a walk around the block.  Go sit in the toilet and deep breathe for five minutes.  Go and channel the energy into something fruitful.  Just go &#8230;</p>
<p>&#8230; and come back later, just as you promised, and complete the discussion.  (And I don&#8217;t mean days/months/years later)</p>
<p>Try it and let me know how you get on?</p>
<p>In fact, if you have tried it either successfully or abysmally failing, share your thoughts and comments below!</p>
<p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><em>If you’d rather, we can meet up on Facebook. All you need to do    is <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">become a Fan of    Pink Apple on FaceBook</a>.   I add a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">Relationship Tip  there    every day</a>.</em></p>
<p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Chris-Owen-reduce-2-25pc.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-666" title="Chris Owen reduce 2 25pc" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Chris-Owen-reduce-2-25pc-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Chris Owen is <a href="http://www.pinkapple.com/">Pink  Apple</a> and a bubbly Aussie    Relationship Expert.</p>
<p>If you’re a Mum who wants a better relationship,  but doesn’t know   how to get it, then why not get started by taking <a href="../2010/02/2010/02/2010/01/2010/01/2010/01/products-services/nolow-cost-pink-apple-resources/">the     Relationship Mojo Test</a> and get Chris’ free Audio Interview about    Refinding  Your Relationship Mojo.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Stop Copping Smart Cracks About Your Handbag &#8230;</title>
		<link>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/02/stop-copping-smart-cracks-about-your-handbag/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/02/stop-copping-smart-cracks-about-your-handbag/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:53:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[A Tarty Recommendation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[better relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.pinkapple.com.au/?p=657</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My wonderful image consultant Imogen Lamport over at  Inside Out [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/handbag-organiser.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-660" title="handbag organiser" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/handbag-organiser.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="159" /></a>My wonderful image consultant Imogen Lamport over at  <a href="http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #993366;">Inside Out Style</span></span> </a> is running a competition!</p>
<p>I thought you might want to know about it &#8211; if you&#8217;re a lady that is.  See I&#8217;m helping build better relationships between you and me with this heads-up ladies;-)!</p>
<p>She has three handbag organisers to be won.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>Switch bags in seconds! Every bag must have one&#8230;.</em></p>
<p><em>Change handbags without having to dump all your things out.</em></p>
<p><em>Fantastic for those change outfit &#8211; change handbag moments &#8211; quick and easy and ensures you never forget to grab your essentials out of your handbag when in a hurry and no time to check through all the pockets. </em>[<a href="http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2010/02/win-win-win-handbag-organisers-from.html" target="_blank">more</a>]</p></blockquote>
<p>Go <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #993366;"><a href="http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2010/02/win-win-win-handbag-organisers-from.html" target="_blank">check out the details and get yourselves into that prize draw</a></span></span>.  It closes THIS SUNDAY, so get cracking!  And don&#8217;t say I never tell you anything!!</p>
<p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><em>If you’d rather, we can meet up on Facebook. All you need to do   is <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">become a Fan of   Pink Apple on FaceBook</a>.   I add a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">Relationship Tip  there   every day</a>.</em></p>
<p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><a href="../wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen.jpg"><img title="Chris Owen" src="../wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen.jpg" alt="" width="163" height="122" /></a>Chris Owen is <a href="http://www.pinkapple.com/">Pink  Apple</a> and a bubbly Aussie   Relationship Expert.</p>
<p>If you’re a Mum who wants a better relationship,  but doesn’t know  how to get it, then why not get started by taking <a href="../2010/02/2010/01/2010/01/2010/01/products-services/nolow-cost-pink-apple-resources/">the    Relationship Mojo Test</a> and get Chris’ free Audio Interview about   Refinding  Your Relationship Mojo.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Better Relationships Between Dads and Sons</title>
		<link>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/02/better-relationships-between-dads-and-sons/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/02/better-relationships-between-dads-and-sons/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 01:00:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[A Tarty Recommendation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loving Yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parenting & Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[better relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chris Owen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fathers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fathers and sons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good men]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pete Aldin]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.pinkapple.com.au/?p=647</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We women want good men!
It&#8217;s not unreasonable.  I&#8217;m sure blokes [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We women want good men!</p>
<p>It&#8217;s not unreasonable.  I&#8217;m sure blokes want good women to share their lives with too.</p>
<p>But how do &#8220;good men&#8221; get to be good men?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/father-and-son.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-649" title="father and son" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/father-and-son-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a>By effective relationships with a significant man in their life as they grow, develop, and mature.  And by powerful modelling by good men.</p>
<p>Good men are just ordinary men trying to do their best, be self-aware, and be prepared to admit when they&#8217;re wrong, and seek knowledge when they recognise they got a gap there!</p>
<p>They&#8217;re men trying to be the best they can be.  And like all of us, they&#8217;re flawed.  They get it right sometimes and wrong sometimes.</p>
<p>And guys there&#8217;s nothing more sexy than a good man admitting he needs advice or help.</p>
<p>So if our sons are to turn into good men they need relationships of depth and love with their father (for preference).</p>
<p>And they need ordinary men to try be the best good men they can be.</p>
<p>I am watching with delight as Pete Aldin author of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #993366;"><a href="http://www.freakedoutfathers.com/" target="_blank">Freaked Out Fathers</a></span></span> takes on what I have always known was his mission in life &#8211; to help ordinary men be the best good men they can be.  And help those ordinary/good men build effective communicative relationships with their sons.</p>
<ul>
<li>If you (or your partner) are an ordinary man wanting to be the best good man you can be AND</li>
<li>If you have sons</li>
</ul>
<p>Then go visit these sites over at Pete&#8217;s website Great Circle<a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Pete-Aldin.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-648" title="Pete Aldin" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Pete-Aldin.jpg" alt="" width="192" height="228" /></a></p>
<p>He&#8217;s currently offering</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatcircle.com.au/upcoming-events/dads-n-lads-retreats/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #993366;">Dads and Lads Retreat</span></span> </a>weekends (for kids aged 11-13 and Dads of any age)</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #993366;"><a href="http://www.greatcircle.com.au/upcoming-events/peace-for-parents-program/" target="_blank">Covering All Bases</a> </span></span>a program for Dads (delivered by telesminar in the comfort of your home)</p>
<p>and<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #993366;"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=286233358177&amp;index=1" target="_blank">Mini Pitstop</a> </span></span>(for Dads of sons aged 1-4)</p>
<p>There is much advice for us as general parents but little that focuses on building Dad&#8217;s confidence in their fathering and providing skills to help Dads build greta relationships with their sons.  Pete<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #993366;"> <a href="http://www.greatcircle.com.au/about/" target="_blank">is the right man</a></span></span> to deliver this.</p>
<p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><em>If you’d rather, we can meet up on Facebook. All you need to do   is <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">become a Fan of   Pink Apple on FaceBook</a>.   I add a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">Relationship Tip  there   every day</a>.</em></p>
<p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><a href="../wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen.jpg"><img title="Chris Owen" src="../wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen.jpg" alt="" width="163" height="122" /></a>Chris Owen is <a href="http://www.pinkapple.com/">Pink  Apple</a> and a bubbly Aussie   Relationship Expert.</p>
<p>If you’re a Mum who wants a better relationship,  but doesn’t know  how to get it, then why not get started by taking <a href="../2010/02/2010/01/2010/01/2010/01/products-services/nolow-cost-pink-apple-resources/">the    Relationship Mojo Test</a> and get Chris’ free Audio Interview about   Refinding  Your Relationship Mojo.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Writing Your Way to a Better Relationship</title>
		<link>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/02/writing-your-way-to-a-better-relationship/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/02/writing-your-way-to-a-better-relationship/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:16:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Relationship Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[romance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[being heard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[better marriages]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[better relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chris Owen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[declutter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leaving a legacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love letters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pink apple]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relating better]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship advice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.pinkapple.com.au/?p=514</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A while ago we moved Mum into a nursing home. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A while ago we moved Mum into a nursing home. That meant cleaning out her house. Predictably for an elderly lady, there were lots of <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">crap</span> things.   We knew that in amongst the crap, were bound to be things of sentimental value, antique value, and just plain precious to Mum for no reason we could think of!  We had to try and honour all those things and be practical too!</p>
<p>But, as we all know, one woman’s precious CAN be another woman’s crap, so it was a wee bit stressful and draining!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/stack-of-old-letters.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium  wp-image-644" title="Precious love letters" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/stack-of-old-letters-300x198.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="198" /></a>However, I made one very precious find almost by accident.</p>
<p>Tucked into an old, small, wooden cigar box, that must have belonged to my Dad many years ago, I found three letters in my father’s bold, beautifully-crafted, and unmistakeable handwriting.</p>
<p>Yeah! You guessed it. I opened them.</p>
<p>In my defence, I had some conscience.   It took me quite a while to pluck up the courage to go plundering my parent&#8217;s relationship.</p>
<p>But how glad I was!  As I sat there with tears pouring down my face (I&#8217;m even crying now as I recall it) I felt so blessed to have this little glimpse into their early and precious relationship.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #6cce30;">Are you shocked &#8230;</span></h2>
<p>&#8230; at me invading my parent’s privacy like that?</p>
<p>I&#8217;m sorry if I&#8217;ve gone plummeting in your estimation!  But now that Mum&#8217;s memory has gone, it&#8217;s us, her daughters, for whom these letters have become precious. So I have no doubt in my mind any more.  I did the right thing.  The contents of that wooden box are now even more precious!</p>
<p>But opening that box was such a grief-flooding moment.  I could feel the physical hurt in my chest, as I caught sight of Dad’s handwriting again, after so many years.</p>
<p>At the sight of  those letters lying in their simple wooden cradle, I just reacted. I HAD to touch those letters, those connections with the Dad I’d lost to death, and the Mum I was losing to a disease gobbling away at her brain cells, days by day.</p>
<p>I ran my fingertip over the writing on the envelope.</p>
<p>I’d never had the chance to have an adult relationship with my Dad, he died before we had a chance to get over the polar opposite positions of my adolescence and his old age.  So despite the intervening years, the yearning in me is still powerful.  I endlessly seek to know my father as a man, the way most people get to discover their parents once they become adults and parents themselves.</p>
<p>In that old cigar box, were three beautifully-scribed love letters, written by my Dad to my Mum in the mid-1940s around the time of their engagement.</p>
<p>It suddenly felt like I was in the middle of a war-time movie.   My mum and dad seemed to leap out of the photo albums and come to life, 40&#8217;s fashions and all!</p>
<p>I saw two people I knew so well in a totally new and different light – madly in love. I’d never seen signs of romance, open affection, or anything else overt between them.  This was a window into A Fine Romance, a war-time romance between a quiet shy man and his friend&#8217;s secretary.</p>
<p>In his letters, Dad talked of how much he missed being with her, how it felt to leave her, and how wonderful it felt to see her again.</p>
<p>They were simple messages.  Simple words.  But powerful emotion.</p>
<p>The joy and excitement of his love was there in the respectful words, the gentle, tender wooing, and the encouragement he gave her. Without even a hint of eroticism, his ardour and desire for her jumped off the page.</p>
<p>It left me thinking about my own relationship, and grateful that some day our children will find our love letters too.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #63d827;">What legacy of your love are you leaving?</span></h2>
<p>What do you think your children will discover after they’ve buried you?</p>
<p>(What&#8217;s that?  Am I being a bit too confronting?  Sorry, but we NEVER know when death will separate us from our loved ones.  Hence why we need to love well &#8211; right now!)</p>
<p>The quick emails, and text messages that we tend to exchange now, won’t even exist. They’ll be gone into the technical ether.</p>
<p>Let’s get down to tin tacks here.  Have you ever written a love letter?</p>
<p>Have you ever received one? Do you remember what it felt like to receive it? When I receive a love letter, the rawness and vulnerability of the message of love will bring tears of gratitude and intense emotion.</p>
<p>Have you kept these precious love letters?</p>
<p>There’s a strong argument for not losing this old and cherished skill. That is, apart from the sheer joy of receiving love letters, of course.</p>
<p>How much poorer would the world be if Byron hadn’t written of his love? If Charlotte Bronte or Napoleon had used texts? If Elizabeth Barrett Browning or CS Lewis had whipped off a quick email?</p>
<h2><span style="color: #63d827;">Have I got you thinking?<a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/love-letter.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-645" title="love letter" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/love-letter-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></span></h2>
<p>So, what do you want your partner to know about your feelings?</p>
<p>How often do you convey that?</p>
<p>So what’s stopping you from saying those things in a love letter?</p>
<p>Are you scared of writing a love letter? Do you think letters are only for when someone is far away? Do you believe you’re not capable of flowery/romantic language, or even of writing a letter any more? Do you think your Significant Other will think you’re an idiot?</p>
<p>Go on, the challenge is out! I dare you to try it. Who needs wireless broadband when you’ve got a pen?</p>
<p>If I’m talking to the converted, why not add some extra impetus to my argument by sharing your story in the comments below.</p>
<p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><em>If you’d rather, we can meet up on Facebook. All you need to do   is <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">become a Fan of   Pink Apple on FaceBook</a>.   I add a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">Relationship Tip  there   every day</a>.</em></p>
<p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><a href="../wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen.jpg"><img title="Chris Owen" src="../wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen.jpg" alt="" width="163" height="122" /></a>Chris Owen is <a href="http://www.pinkapple.com/">Pink  Apple</a> and a bubbly Aussie   Relationship Expert.</p>
<p>If you’re a Mum who wants a better relationship,  but doesn’t know  how to get it, then why not get started by taking <a href="../2010/02/2010/01/2010/01/2010/01/products-services/nolow-cost-pink-apple-resources/">the    Relationship Mojo Test</a> and get Chris’ free Audio Interview about   Refinding  Your Relationship Mojo.</p>
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		<title>In Relationships You Can Always Dream</title>
		<link>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/02/in-relationships-you-can-always-dream/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/02/in-relationships-you-can-always-dream/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:58:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[romance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[better marriages]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[better relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chris Owen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dreams]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pink apple]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Valentine's Day]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.pinkapple.com.au/?p=610</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;m not much of a fan of Valentine&#8217;s Day&#8230;
In fact, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/maldives.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-612" title="maldives" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/maldives.jpg" alt="" width="696" height="446" /></a>I&#8217;m not much of a fan of Valentine&#8217;s Day&#8230;</p>
<p>In fact, I&#8217;d go so far as to say it&#8217;s a load of crock!</p>
<p>But I guess if it gets so<a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/love.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-611" title="love" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/love-300x222.jpg" alt="" width="276" height="204" /></a>meone to take action with a simple gesture when they would normally protest that they don&#8217;t know how to be romantic, then it can&#8217;t be ALL bad!  In fact it MIGHT contributr to better relationships SOMEHOW!</p>
<p>There is one advantage.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s a chance to look at advertisements for all those exotic locations you dream of going to.  Let&#8217;s face it for most of us, the ads are about as close as we&#8217;ll get.</p>
<p>But looking and dreaming and sharing that &#8220;<span style="color: #993366;"><strong>one day if we win lotto</strong></span>&#8221; moment together is also a pretty good to share with your love.</p>
<p>So <span style="color: #993366;"><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/InfoCenter-a_ctr.romanceAus" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">here&#8217;s some fuel for thought</span>! </a></span> This promo for the Top 10 Most Romantic Locations dropped into my Inbox the other day.  I kept it open so I could dribble and drool for a couple of days &#8211; and share it with SweetP.</p>
<p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><em>If you’d rather, we can meet up on Facebook. All you need to do  is <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">become a Fan of  Pink Apple on FaceBook</a>.   I add a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">Relationship Tip  there  every day</a>.</em></p>
<p>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-397" title="Chris Owen" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen.jpg" alt="" width="163" height="122" /></a>Chris Owen is <a href="http://www.pinkapple.com/">Pink  Apple</a> and a bubbly Aussie  Relationship Expert.</p>
<p>If you’re a Mum who wants a better relationship,  but doesn’t know how to get it, then why not get started by taking <a href="../2010/01/2010/01/2010/01/products-services/nolow-cost-pink-apple-resources/">the   Relationship Mojo Test</a> and get Chris’ free Audio Interview about  Refinding  Your Relationship Mojo.</p>
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		<title>Have the Kisses Changed in Your Relationship?</title>
		<link>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/01/have-the-kisses-changed-in-your-relationship/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/01/have-the-kisses-changed-in-your-relationship/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:39:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parenting & Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationship Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Secrets of Staying Together]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[romance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[better relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chris Owen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kissing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pink apple]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationship Advisor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship expert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.pinkapple.com.au/?p=501</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;ve got a few impertinent questions for you!  After all, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I&#8217;ve got a few impertinent questions for you!  After all, I am a Relationship Queen and part of my job is to throw out challenges!  So &#8230;</p>
<p>What&#8217;s the best kissing memory of your whole life?</p>
<p>Do you believe that long languorous kisses only belong to new lovers?  Or in movies and TV Shows?</p>
<p>Do your long languorous kisses only belong in the bedroom, once you&#8217;re married/partnered? Or at least in the privacy of your own home?</p>
<p>Be honest!  Do long languorous kisses still have a regular place in your relationship? Do you at least do them in front of your kids?</p>
<p>What does a long languorous kiss mean to you?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/teens-kiss.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-510" title="teens kiss" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/teens-kiss-201x300.jpg" alt="" width="201" height="300" /></a>I know it might seem like old Pink Apple has not had enough lip action, not played enough tonsil tiggy, and has generally resorted to getting her pleasures vicariously.  But it&#8217;s not true.  I&#8217;m perfectly happy with the kissing action in my life.  But my question is, are you?</p>
<p>Kissing is such a funny thing.</p>
<p>Do you remember your first ever romantic kiss?</p>
<p>Girls (and I guess boys) talk about it endlessly when we were teenagers.  I&#8217;m guessing that much adolescent (or pre-adolescent -sigh!) effort is put into becoming skilled at it.  How do you do it?  What about noses?  Who moves their head?  How do you breathe?  What about tongues?  It&#8217;s all so exciting, and just a bit scary.</p>
<p>We give it all kinds of names.  Snogging, pashing, necking, petting, smooching, sucking face.  Every era has a different name for it!</p>
<p>And then when we become partnered, kissing can become a perfunctory part of every day life.  There&#8217;s hellos and goodbyes, and sometimes not even that.  There&#8217;s birthday and Christmas kisses.  There&#8217;s kisses in the bedroom that are meant to send not-so-subtle messages.</p>
<p>But what happened to kissing for its own sake?</p>
<p>So recently I put one of my Relationship Tips up on the Pink Apple Facebook Fan Page and suggested a long languorous kiss just before you head out the door.</p>
<p>You see, it doesn&#8217;t take a lot to make you both stop and remember that this is your &#8220;Relationship&#8221; as much as it is your daily life.  Try surprising your partner with a long kiss just as you&#8217;re about to go out, and what happens?</p>
<p>Now if we assume you don&#8217;t suddenly decide to be late for the party and turn around and head for the bedroom&#8230;</p>
<p>What happens is that your surprised partner suddenly remembers who you are and why they love you.  The rest of your evening is spent with both of you just slightly distracted and with a secret smile hovering on their lips.  There&#8217;s hopes that perhaps the kissing may return when you get home.  You share a tiny little secret between you and the sense of connection between you is heightened.</p>
<p>They all sound like pretty good things for any relationship.</p>
<p>But, of course, you don&#8217;t necessarily need to be going out to break the monotony of daily life together, by injecting this spicy kiss into your twosome. It just needs to come at a time when your partner is least expecting it.  It needs to be a sexy kiss at a time when sex is not really an option.  Of course the point is to build some sexual tension/energy.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/The-Kiss.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-505" title="The Kiss" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/The-Kiss-300x198.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="198" /></a>It could be the morning kiss as you depart for work that gets the long languorous touch!  Or maybe the one in the kitchen while you&#8217;re preparing dinner that evening (together of course!) That&#8217;s a good one because while your kids may protest at the &#8220;obscenity&#8221; of their parents being &#8220;yucky&#8221; or disgusting, the message you send about you as two people who love each other, is REALLY IMPORTANT!  It&#8217;s good modelling of positive relating.  And that&#8217;s one of your jobs as parents!</p>
<p>Or maybe, you want to be a bit more public and choose the escalator at the local shopping centre, or a lift!</p>
<p>Anyway you get the message &#8230;</p>
<p>And maybe you&#8217;ve even got some suggestions &#8230;</p>
<p>Feel free to leave a comment!</p>
<p>So my challenge to you is to give it a try and see what response you get!  Go slap a kiss on that partner of yours that will take his/her breath away.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t forget to come back and tell us how it went!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><em>If you’d rather, we can meet up on Facebook. All you need to do is <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">become a Fan of Pink Apple on FaceBook</a>.   I add a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">Relationship Tip  there every day</a>.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-397" title="Chris Owen" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Chris Owen is <a href="http://www.pinkapple.com/">Pink  Apple</a> and a bubbly Aussie Relationship Expert. If you’re a Mum who wants a better relationship, but doesn’t know how to get it, then why not get started by taking <a href="../2010/01/2010/01/products-services/nolow-cost-pink-apple-resources/">the  Relationship Mojo Test</a> and get Chris’ free Audio Interview about Refinding  Your Relationship Mojo.</p>
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		<title>Mr Right or Mr Good &#8211; Choosing the Right Relationship Partner</title>
		<link>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/01/mr-right-or-mr-good-choosing-the-right-relationship-partner/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/01/mr-right-or-mr-good-choosing-the-right-relationship-partner/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:02:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Secrets of Starting Out Together]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[better relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[communication skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[compromise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[declutter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[feelings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fighting fair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[friends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[negotiation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pink apple]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[problem solbing styles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[problem solving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relating better]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationship Advisor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship expert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[respect and goodwill]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[values]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.pinkapple.com.au/?p=489</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you&#8217;re a Relationship Expert, you get some unusual calls!
The [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When you&#8217;re a Relationship Expert, you get some unusual calls!</p>
<p>The lovely Renee Mayne of  <a href="http://braqueen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bra Queen</a>, spied this article in a recent newspaper and, using <a href="http://www.facebook.com/chris.pinkapple">Facebook</a>, dialled up THIS Relationship Expert for my opinions and advice.  Since then, I notice the bandwagon is rolling along nicely as journalists and bloggers hitch a ride.  So why not me too?</p>
<p>I must say some authors are very good at using audacious claims for getting press and web coverage!  If nothing else you&#8217;ve got to give Lori Gottlieb a tick for free-publicity and maybe it&#8217;s even given her some income!  Because you see, the author of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marry-Him-The-Case-for-Settling-for-Mr-Good-Enough/222761141042" target="_blank"><em>Marry Him: The Case For Settling For Mr Good Enough</em></a> has fanned feminist flames with a nice little dose of audacity!</p>
<h2><span style="color: #993366;">What am I talking about?</span></h2>
<p>Well, according to <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/lifematters/stop-looking-for-mr-right-and-marry-mr-good-enough-20100126-mvnk.html" target="_blank">The Age</a> and SMH,  this 40-something author claims women should be accepting Mr Good-Enough over the endless search for Mr Right!</p>
<p>Gottlieb&#8217;s theory is that if you&#8217;ve hit 30, and still haven&#8217;t found Mr Right, then you should take her hard-earned wisdom and settle for Mr Good-Enough.  Once you hit her age, and still haven&#8217;t found your man, you&#8217;ll be rueing the day in your 30s that you knocked back Mr Uninspiring and Ordinary, and kept dreaming of the idyllic Mr Right!</p>
<p>Becky Hugh, another London journo, passionately responded the next day with <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/lifematters/we-must-never-stop-searching-for-mr-right-20100127-myfm.html" target="_blank">We Must Never Stop Searching For Mr Right</a>.  Both she and Gottlieb used fictional characters to develop their arguments quoting Jane Eyre, Mary Tyler Moore, Rachel from Friends, and the ubiquitous  Carrie Bradshaw as demonstrating informed decisions.  Come on ladies!  Enough with the emotive stuff!!!!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Engagement-couple.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-494" title="Man romantically proposing to surprised girlfriend" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Engagement-couple-300x299.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="299" /></a>Here at <a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au">Pink Apple</a>, I have no need to sell newspapers with outrageous claims or emotive arguments.</p>
<p>But I&#8217;m not ashamed to admit that I welcome a chance to air my thoughts so that you, my readers, can tell if I&#8217;m someone you&#8217;d look to for Relationship Advice.</p>
<p>Really it&#8217;s not about whether I agree with Ms Gottlieb, because I think she&#8217;s lassoed the issue and dragged it off over a paddock that&#8217;s far from the warmth of the farm.</p>
<p>So let&#8217;s see what&#8217;s at the farm&#8230;</p>
<p>What <strong>are </strong>the important things about choosing a life partner?</p>
<p>Should there be a <strong>checklist </strong>of ideal qualities?</p>
<p>Should there be a <strong>deal-breaker</strong>?  Should that be <strong>love</strong>?</p>
<h2><span style="color: #993366;">Pink Apple&#8217;s Tips on Choosing The Right Partner </span></h2>
<p><strong>1.  Develop communication skills as a journey not a destination.</strong></p>
<p>You&#8217;ll never be perfect at communication skills, any more than you will be perfect at anything else.  Like kicking a footy, knitting a complex pattern, or singing a folk song or an aria, it&#8217;s always a mix of a bit of talent and endless bloody hard work.  Seek education and feedback, and monitor your skills with endless attention and development.</p>
<p><strong>2.  Learn how to negotiate effectively and become more comfortable with compromise.</strong></p>
<p>Practise these skills in your workplace, amongst friends, and in your family.  Remember that compromise is NOT lying down and being a door mat, or getting your own way!   Learn to recognise your signs of assertiveness and aggression and cultivate win/win moments wherever you can.</p>
<p><strong>3.  Befriend your values and live them</strong></p>
<p>Reflect on what things you could not bear to be parted from in your life.  These are the clues to your values.  Become familiar with them to the point of knowing where they lie in your priorities.  If there&#8217;s any checklist to be had, it&#8217;s a checklist for you to ensure you&#8217;re living by your values.</p>
<p><strong>4.  Know your <a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/products-services/relating-better-programs/solutions-for-now/">problem solving styles</a></strong></p>
<p>We each go about solving problems with our own unique mix of preferences and aversions.  Knowing which parts of the process are your style and what you&#8217;ll actively avoid will help your awareness and develop your capacity for negotiation and compromise.</p>
<p><strong>5.  Feel your feelings</strong></p>
<p>Within all non-work relationships, problem solving cannot happen without each having an awareness of facts, as well as the opinions and feelings of the other.  If you don&#8217;t know what you&#8217;re feeling or can&#8217;t put a name to it, then problem solving is compromised.</p>
<p><strong>6.  Cultivate respect and goodwill</strong></p>
<p>One of the key indicators of lasting relationships is not if/how we fight but instead our capacity to heal the relationship after conflicts.  That&#8217;s when respect and goodwill become critical ingredients to our ability to create and nurture healing.</p>
<p><strong>7. Learn how to fight.</strong></p>
<p>Picking your battles is the first step in fighting fairly.  Running your negative reactions through the will-this-matter-in-12-months-time meter, is another important element.  Finally if you need to fight then learn to manage your emotions and be ready to go back after the fight and seek to solve the problem</p>
<p><strong>8.   Recognise what you are tolerating in your life and allowing to sap your energy.</strong></p>
<p>Tolerations are the things we put up with even though they conflict with our core values.  Because tolerations commonly fly beneath our conscious radar, they will drain us of emotional energy.  Regularly review your tolerations and declutter them from your physical, environmental, mental and emotional lives.</p>
<p><strong>9.  Be the Right Partner</strong></p>
<p>Show up to every person you meet as the authentic you.  Love yourself, appreciate yourself, take responsibility for meeting your own needs as a matter of daily habit.  You show up as a real and attractive person and not a needy one.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #993366;">You&#8217;ll notice it&#8217;s all about being the best you, you can be.</span></h2>
<p>So whether Mr Right has a cute bum, cooks well, loves kids, or is dedicated to work/life balance won&#8217;t really matter.</p>
<p>Being the best you you can be will ensure that self-awareness directs your decisions.</p>
<p>(If you struggle with building these skills in being the best you, then seek some professional help.  And keep your eyes open for upcoming Pink Apple Teleseminars!)</p>
<p>Finally, yes love is an essential part of the selection mix. And if I had a couple in front of me, for whom love was not a primary driver , then yes I&#8217;d see it as a deal-breaker!</p>
<p>But there was one thing I did agree with in Amy Willis&#8217; article in The Age.  She sought advice from Prof Cary Cooper, a psychologist at Lancaster University:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>&#8230; women unable to find their dream man should not see themselves as settling for second best.<br />
</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>He said: &#8220;No man or woman has all the characteristics you would look for; it would be a miracle to find your number one.<br />
</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>&#8220;You have to find somebody with as many good characteristics as possible. The main problem is that many people haven&#8217;t worked out what those characteristics are. People need to sit down and work out what they want and then go looking for someone who at least ticks some of your top priorities.&#8221;</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><em>If you’d rather, we can meet up on Facebook. All you need to do is <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">become a Fan of Pink Apple on FaceBook</a>.   I add a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">Relationship Tip  there every day</a>.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-397" title="Chris Owen" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Chris Owen is <a href="http://www.pinkapple.com/">Pink  Apple</a> and a bubbly Aussie Relationship Expert. If you’re a Mum who wants a better relationship, but doesn’t know how to get it, then why not get started by taking <a href="../2010/01/products-services/nolow-cost-pink-apple-resources/">the  Relationship Mojo Test</a> and get Chris’ free Audio Interview about Refinding  Your Relationship Mojo.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Depression &#8211; The Black Dog Might Be Living in Your Relationship</title>
		<link>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/01/depression-the-black-dog-might-be-living-in-your-relationship/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/01/depression-the-black-dog-might-be-living-in-your-relationship/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:50:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Triggers for Relationship Pain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[depression]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pink apple]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relating better]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship advice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.pinkapple.com.au/?p=419</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s Australia Day and we&#8217;re all supposed to be celebrating.
But [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/desperate-woman-shrunk.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-420" title="desperate woman shrunk" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/desperate-woman-shrunk-300x221.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="221" /></a>It&#8217;s <a href="http://www.australiaday.org.au/experience/" target="_blank">Australia Day</a> and we&#8217;re all supposed to be celebrating.</p>
<p>But if someone you love is not feeling like celebrating, perhaps there&#8217;s a good reason.</p>
<p>Depression.</p>
<p>I could write a whole article about that, but why would I? I&#8217;ve just seen a terrifically effective simple article about depression over on my friend <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00904019248982678156" target="_blank">Renee Mayne</a> of <a href="http://braqueen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bra Queen&#8217;s</a> site!  It may explain a lot.</p>
<p>And if depression is wobbling your relationship off it&#8217;s stable footing, Pink Apple (as a skilled counsellor) can help you establish a new footing that accommodates the Black Dog in your family.</p>
<p>Using Pink Apple&#8217;s <a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/products-services/relating-better-programs/">Relating Better Program</a>, all three of us could have a 2-hour (one-off and no obligation) <a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/products-services/relating-better-programs/first-steps/">First Steps Session</a> to establish how things are, and what might need to be different. It will help you:</p>
<ul>
<li>take stock of what the situation is</li>
<li>get clear what you want to do about it.</li>
<li>decide if you want some coaching assistance</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/products-services/relating-better-programs/">Relating Better</a> also has a <a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/products-services/relating-better-programs/solutions-for-now/">Solutions for Now Program</a> which may be one of the options you could choose.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/products-services/relating-better-programs/solutions-for-now/">Solutions For Now</a> is a series of four coaching sessions and uses an assessment tool to establish your preferred behaviour styles.  It&#8217;s intended to help you regain the lost connection between you.  It will help you:</p>
<ul>
<li>get over a problem that’s been holding back your relationship/could lead to the breakdown of your relationship</li>
<li>use new tools to address an old problem</li>
<li>get objective feedback on how your preferred behavior styles might be impacting your relationships</li>
</ul>
<p>Depression in your family creates hurdles for everyone including the sufferer.  Depression and that bloody Black Dog have visited our family just as it visits many!  So Pink Apple has an intimate knowledge of what happens when it starts running around in a relationship.  We&#8217;d love to help you move forward.</p>
<p>In the meantime, go over and read Renee&#8217;s simple and to-the-point <a href="http://braqueen.blogspot.com/2010/01/depression-checklist.html">Depression Checklist</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><em>If you’d rather, we can meet up on Facebook. All you need to do is <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">become a Fan of Pink Apple on FaceBook</a>.   I add a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">Relationship Tip  there every day</a>.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><a href="../wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen.jpg"><img title="Chris Owen" src="../wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="147" height="110" /></a>Chris Owen is <a href="http://www.pinkapple.com/">Pink  Apple</a> and a bubbly Aussie Relationship Expert. If you’re a Mum who wants a  better relationship, but doesn’t know how to get it, then why not get started by  taking <a href="../products-services/nolow-cost-pink-apple-resources/">the  Relationship Mojo Test</a> and get Chris’ free Audio Interview about Refinding  Your Relationship Mojo.</p>
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		<title>Hug Your Relationship</title>
		<link>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/01/hug-your-relationship/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/01/hug-your-relationship/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:29:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Relationship Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[better marriages]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[better relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chris Owen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[friends]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.pinkapple.com.au/?p=411</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There&#8217;s no one single clue to Better Relationships.
There&#8217;s no one [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There&#8217;s no one single clue to Better Relationships.</p>
<p>There&#8217;s no one simple action to miraculously change your relationship for the better.</p>
<p>But there are a million little things that, when combined, will make a big difference.</p>
<p>Today&#8217;s is a hug!</p>
<p>Here in Australia, hugs happen everywhere.</p>
<p>Some hug on arrival, some on departure, some even both.</p>
<p>Some hug at great news, some at great sorrow.</p>
<p>But there are some unwritten rules about social hugs.  The main one is that you don&#8217;t hang on for even a second longer than is appropriate!  It&#8217;s got to be a cursory hug.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Big-Hug.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-414" title="Big Hug" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Big-Hug-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="255" height="382" /></a>So if that&#8217;s what you do in social settings, how do you hug your partner in life?</p>
<p>The same?</p>
<p>Why?????????????</p>
<p>Out of habit, that&#8217;s why!</p>
<p>But hey, would you &#8220;air-kiss&#8221; your partner? No!  Of course not.  So son&#8217;t social hug him/her either!</p>
<p>Tonight when you get home, try holding your hug for<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> at least 3 seconds longer</span> than normal.</p>
<p>Lean into that hug, feel where you&#8217;re touching him all along your arms.  Feel where he&#8217;s touching you along your body.  Be in the moment and soak it all uo.</p>
<p>Then let me know how good it was!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><em>If you’d rather get a  short message from Pink Apple then <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">become a Fan on FaceBook</a>.   I’m adding a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">Relationship Tip  there every day</a>.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-397" title="Chris Owen" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="136" height="102" /></a>Chris Owen is <a href="http://www.pinkapple.com/">Pink  Apple</a> and a bubbly Aussie Relationship Expert. If you’re a Mum who wants a  better relationship, but doesn’t know how to get it, then why not get started by  taking <a href="../products-services/nolow-cost-pink-apple-resources/">the  Relationship Mojo Test</a> and get Chris’ free Audio Interview about Refinding  Your Relationship Mojo.</p>
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		<title>How Compliments Build Relationship Energy &#8211; Let&#8217;s Create A Benefits List</title>
		<link>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/01/how-compliments-build-relationship-energy-lets-create/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pinkapple.com.au/2010/01/how-compliments-build-relationship-energy-lets-create/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jan 2010 09:31:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Relationship Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[better relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chris Owen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[compliments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love language]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship expert]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.pinkapple.com.au/?p=396</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s a simple thing to compliment someone.
But surprisingly many of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s a simple thing to compliment someone.</p>
<p>But surprisingly many of us struggle with giving or receiving compliments or both.</p>
<p>If you want the person you love to know you love them, then compliments need to be part of your daily relationship toolkit!</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s assume you know how to give a compliment.   (If you need some help send me an email, a FB message, or a DM on Twitter and I&#8217;ll send you a tipsheet.)</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s also assume you know how to receive one. (Yes that&#8217;s right, just say Thank you, is all!)</p>
<p>So what&#8217;s in for you to give compliments out (AT LEAST ONCE A DAY to your lover, kids, and friends and colleagues)?</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/shy-smile-2.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-400" title="shy smile 2" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/shy-smile-2-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></a><span style="color: #993366;">Benefits of a Good Compliment Each Day.</span></h3>
<ol>
<li>More smiles in your day, improving everyone&#8217;s wellbeing.</li>
<li>The people around you feel respected and affirmed by you.</li>
<li>People around you whose Love Language is Words of Affirmation get a laser-like message of your affection and love.</li>
<li>Reignited romance in your love life, and who knows what benefits that might create!</li>
<li>Heightened co-operation in your family and household. The kids might even help with some chores!</li>
<li>With improved emotional wellbeing, comes improved physical well-being and reduced risks of physical illness and dependence on alcohol, cigarettes and overeating.</li>
<li>Leaving a legacy to the world of well-rounded, assertive, and compassionate children, and others, influenced by you.</li>
</ol>
<p>Now that&#8217;s just a few benefits off the top of my head.  If you&#8217;ve got more suggestions, then send em to me and I&#8217;ll add em to the list.  Surely between us all we could come up with at least 50 BENEFITS TO COMPLIMENTS or even more!!!!</p>
<p>The challenge is on!  (Leave a Reply below and add a benefit!)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p><em>If you&#8217;d rather get a short message from Pink Apple then <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">become a Fan on FaceBook</a>.  I&#8217;m adding a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Chris.PinkApple">Relationship Tip there every day</a>.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-397" title="Chris Owen" src="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Chris-Owen-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="147" height="110" /></a>Chris Owen is <a href="http://www.pinkapple.com">Pink Apple</a> and a bubbly Aussie Relationship Expert. If you&#8217;re a Mum who wants a better relationship, but doesn&#8217;t know how to get it, then why not get started by taking <a href="http://www.pinkapple.com.au/products-services/nolow-cost-pink-apple-resources/">the Relationship Mojo Test</a> and get Chris&#8217; free Audio Interview about Refinding Your Relationship Mojo.</p>
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