Signs That He Just Wants To Be Friends

Working out whether or not the man you are interested in finds you sexually attractive can sometimes be difficult, especially if he is giving you mixed signals. However, a recent study carried out by the University of Kansas has managed to pinpoint certain signs that you can keep an eye out for, so that you can know once and for all whether or not he just wants to be friends.

Keeping the Focus on Your Face
While the study carried out by the University of Kansas showed that men who look at a woman’s head could potentially be considering her as a romantic partner, staring at the face for an extended period of time could actually mean that they are less interested in you than you think. However, if his gaze keeps falling to your chest and hip regions, this does show a romantic interest, and correlates with past research that states that this is an evolutionary response to the way in which a woman is able to reproduce.

Looking at Your Legs and Feet
While a potential love interest looking at your chest and hips could be a good sign, this is not the case if he keeps glancing towards your feet and legs instead. Researchers believe that this is a firm sign that he considers you to be just a friend, so do keep a look out for his eye movements.

His Posture and Proximity
A man’s posture and proximity in relation to you can tell you quite a bit about his feelings towards you. A man who wants to be more than friends with you would lean into you during conversations, and try to stand quite close to you, finding excuses to place his hand on your shoulder. However, if you have not noticed any of this happening, and he has the same posture and proximity to you as he does his other friends, then it is likely that he also classifies you as a friend, rather than more.

He Rarely Initiates the Conversation
In addition to looking out for physical signs that he wants to be friends, there are many others that you can keep an eye out for too. If the man you are interested in rarely initiates the conversation with you, and it is always you that has to start it, this is a sign that he does not have romantic feelings for you. It likely means that he is happy to chat to you here and there, just like he would be with his other friends. If he was interested in you romantically, he would be more likely to frequently initiate conversations with you, as he would want to speak to you much more often.

While it can be difficult deciding whether someone has romantic feelings for you or not, there are certain signs that you can look out for. From his eye movements to his posture, keep all of these tips in mind the next time you are spending time with that potential special someone.

Do You Look Like Your Mate?

While opposites do attract, many couples end up looking quite alike, and there are actually a number of scientific theories about this. From sharing the same ancestry to sharing the same experiences, here are a few reasons as to why you may look like your mate.

Shared Ancestry
While this may sound far-fetched, many couples actually share the same ancestry, meaning that they were related long before they got married. A study that was recently published in the journal PLOS Genetics discovered that, out of a group of 879 spouses, couples had a tendency to marry people who shared their genes. The study looked at couples across three generations, and found that, in later generations, this became less common, and people would cast their nets a bit wider when it came to looking for love.

Shared Experiences
The idea that many couples looked alike is nothing new, and a study carried out at the University of Michigan in 1987 has been one of the most successful ones to date on this topic. Researchers found that couples who had shared a long life together also shared similar experiences, which left them with similar expression lines on their face. Whether this may have been a life of hardship resulting in deepened frown lines, or a life of smiles and crow’s feet, this is quite a promising theory as to why many couples look alike, especially if they have spent a significant number of years together.

Unconscious Mimicry
Unconscious mimicry is when a person unconsciously imitates the people around them. For example, adopting intonations from your friend’s voices, or copying the way in which a friend sits. This principle could also be potentially applied to couples that look alike, because as they will have mimicked each other so much over the years, this would end up gradually reshaping their face.

Other Theories
There is no denying that many couples tend to look alike, and while the above-mentioned theories may be some of the most popular, there are a few other ideas about this as well. One of these theories is that the increased resemblance is linked to living in the same environment, while others believe that a similar diet could have something to do with this.

Only Skin Deep
While the facial features of long-time spouses may start to appear similar, a study carried out in 2010 showed that this was only skin deep. The results of this study proved that people who had been married for 40 years or more had personalities that were just as different as they used to be, even if they had been sharing everything from a home to habits.

It has been known for a while that many spouses share similar features in appearance, but it would seem as though scientists are still a long way from pin-pointing exactly why this is. While each of the theories mentioned above do seem plausible, it is just as likely that it is a combination of all of them, from a shared environment to shared habits, and even to shared DNA.

The Pros of Dating a Younger Man

There used to be many social stigmas attached to the concept of a woman dating a younger man, but this is not so much the case any more. In fact, experts have identified that there are actually several benefits that come from dating a younger person, so do not be afraid to give this a try.

A Boost of Energy
In general, younger partners tend to be far more energetic and open-minded than older partners, and this refreshing mentality can really be a beneficial addition to your life. Younger partners will also tend to be less cynical about life and willing to take risks and chances, meaning that if you have been looking for a new adventure, then a younger partner could be just what you need to guide you through this.

A Parenting Partner
Whether you already have children of your own, or are wanting to start a family, many women find that younger men are more open to becoming a parent than older men. Whether this is due to the fact that many older men already have children, or simply do not have the energy at this stage in life to enter into fatherhood, a younger man is much more likely to be interested in either joining or starting a family.

Sexual Energy
It is a proven fact that younger partners will have much higher sexual energy, as well as stamina, than older partners, which can really raise the bar when it comes to bedroom activities. While many women may initially feel insecure about getting physical with a younger man, do not forget that your younger partner will be experiencing his own benefits from the situation too. From the extra years of experience that you have had to effective ways of communicating exactly what you want, a sexual relationship with an older woman can definitely be exciting for a younger man.

Finding Love
If you have been unsuccessfully searching for love, then expanding your dating pool to include a younger demographic may be exactly what you need to do. Since younger men tend to be less jaded about life, they are more optimistic when it comes to life and love, and not only will this endearing attitude have your heart fluttering, but it will also bring plenty of positivity into your life.

The Focus is on You
While an older man may be quite preoccupied with his career or other obligations, a younger man tends not to have as much of this to deal with, meaning that the focus of his attention can be placed more on you. Not only will he look up to all that you have achieved in your life, as well as your mature perspective on different situations, but he will also likely work even harder than an older man when it comes to impressing you.

It is easy to make decisions on who to date based on conventions within society, but this should not be the case. Rather than seeking out a man of a specific age group, simply open yourself up to meeting new people, because age most definitely does not define who a person is.

Picnic Under the Stars

When it comes to romance, there is nothing quite like spending an evening under the stars with that special someone, enjoying a romantic date for two.

Stargazing
Stargazing is a classic romantic activity, and one that you should definitely tie into your picnic. Your location needs to be somewhere distant from city lights, so it may be worth scouting for this in advance. Once you have found your perfect spot, it won’t take too long to learn a bit about astronomy. There are certain night sky fixtures that are easily recognizable, such as some of the bright stars and constellations out there, and you will no doubt impress your date with your stargazing knowledge!

Beach Picnic
A picnic under the stars at the beach, with the sound of the waves crashing in the background, is the perfect setting for a romantic date. A small bonfire will help the two of you to stay warm, and provide some extra ambiance, but be sure to check in advance whether or not this is allowed on the beach that you have chosen. The food that you pack for the picnic can reflect your beachy setting – think lobster rolls and decadent caviar, or even sushi. Of course, if you are able to set up a small bonfire, then marshmallows are a must!

Rooftop Picnic
If you live in a city with a stunning skyline, then try to find access to a rooftop and have your picnic under the stars up there. On a rooftop, you can set up quite the gourmet picnic, complete with tables, chairs and white linens. Serving up a chilled bottle of champagne adds even more sophistication, or you could get creative and whip up some cocktails that you know your date would love. Line the edge of the rooftop with small candles to make it even more romantic, and set up a small sound system to serenade the two of you while you eat and gaze out at the view.

Drive-in Movie
A drive-in movie is great for an initial or casual date, as it takes some of the pressure off since the entertainment will be taken care of. The food that you pack for the picnic can be classic movie theater items, such as popcorn, candy, hot dogs and nachos. For something more gourmet, consider a platter of different fruits and cheeses, such as Brie, Gouda and Cheddar, as this is not only tasty and easy to eat, but can also be visually stunning. If you have a few different local drive-in movie theaters to choose from, take a look at the movie screenings in advance and consider asking your date which they would prefer.

A picnic under the stars allows you to get quite creative with the planning of the date, not only with the location that you pick for the picnic, but also in the food that you pack. When planning a romantic picnic, be sure to remember to check weather conditions for that night, as you don’t want to have to make a mad dash for the car in the pouring rain halfway through!

Valentine’s Day Brunch

With Valentine’s Day falling on a Sunday this year, a long romantic lie-in followed by an indulgent and delicious brunch may just be the perfect way to spend the day.

Valentine’s Jazz Brunch, Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston
The Boston Harbor Hotel is hosting a whole weekend of fantastic Valentine’s activities, and their Valentine’s Jazz Brunch is a fantastic finale to this romantic event. With panoramic views across Boston Harbor, guests will be able to sip Moet & Chandon champagne while indulging in a lavish buffet spread. The dishes served will be an interpretation of traditional Creole cuisine by the hotel’s talented chef, and specific wines will be chosen to complement the food. To top it all off, the brunch will be accompanied by performances from a New Orleans jazz band, providing a brunch like no other!

Square 1682, Philadelphia
Square 1682 offers seasonal menus that feature fresh, local produce, and for this Valentine’s Day, they are serving up a brunch that you won’t want to miss. Some of the special dishes available include the Red Velvet Pancakes served with a vanilla bean whipped cream and a vahlrona chocolate sauce, and Cinnamon Banana Monkey Bread served with salted caramel and fresh strawberries. For those of you who want to celebrate the day with your children, the restaurant is running a special Valentine’s Day cookie-making session for little ones while they wait for their food to be prepared.

Juniper, Washington DC
From 11:30 AM until 14:00 PM, Juniper will be serving up a decadent Valentine’s Day brunch. Dishes are served up buffet style, with a huge emphasis placed on organic produce wherever possible. There will also be a colorful spread of fresh market salads, breakfast pastries, fresh fruit, the restaurant’s signature crab cakes, and, to top it all off, an interactive omelet station. The Valentine’s Day brunch will be served up alongside seasonal brunch cocktails, or an unlimited flow of the finest French champagne.

Valentine’s Day Brunch Cruise, New York
For those of you who want to do slightly different, how about enjoying an elegant Valentine’s Day brunch hosted by Hornblower, aboard a luxury yacht cruising down the Hudson? While taking in the city’s magnificent skyline, you and your partner can enjoy bottomless mimosas and the finest brunch spread, including dishes such as braised short ribs, Applewood smoked bacon, specialty breakfast sausages, grilled salmon, and so much more, as well as dedicated carving and dessert stations. Guests will also be able to enjoy Hornblower’s unlimited signature coffee, as well as their herbal teas. Each group of guests will have their own private table, and a live jazz band will be performing to add to the romantic atmosphere.

While a Valentine’s Day dinner may be standard for most couples, a Valentine’s Day brunch is a much more unique way to spend the day. Whether it may be cruising down the Hudson River sipping on mimosas, or enjoying a Creole spread overlooking Boston Harbor, these brunches will ensure that this Valentine’s Day is a romantic and unforgettable one for you and your partner.

Romantic Movies

Whether they make you laugh hysterically out loud or sob into some tissues, there is no denying the warm and fuzzy feeling that a romantic movie can evoke. A good romantic movie should have a strong and original storyline, while providing enough laughs and touching moments to please even the most hardened cynic. Even if romance is not usually your favorite genre, these romantic movies are definitely worth the watch.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)
When Harry Met Sally is a classic romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. The storyline focuses on the two title characters who share a cross-country car ride, frequently arguing about whether or not it is possible for men and women to ever be platonic friends. This movie is a great example of how excellent dialogue can really take a film to another level, with the entertaining banter really bringing the comedy genre into the movie.

Amelie (2002)
Amelie is a quirky French film that makes no apologies for its unusual camera angles, effective pauses and extremely striking colors. The plot is about a French waitress that decides to devote her life to making the lives of others better, by carrying out secret good deeds. Along the way, she realizes that she has fallen in love with a man whose photo she has discovered in an album. While it may not immediately stand out as being a romantic movie, the way in which Amelie charmingly falls in love with the world makes it quite unique.

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, Sleepless in Seattle is a romantic comedy/drama that follows a recently widowed man and his son, who attempts to find a new partner for his father. While it may be more of a drama than a comedy, there is definitely plenty of humor within the film, and it is the movie’s romantic concept of destiny that made it one of the most popular romantic movies to ever be filmed.

Notting Hill (1999)
A British romantic comedy, Notting Hill stars Hugh Grant as a London bookstore owner, and Julia Roberts as a famous Hollywood star. Grant ends up falling for Roberts after a chance encounter, and the love story follows the pair as they attempt to find a place for themselves in each other’s lives. This is another romantic movie with some fantastically clever humor, and is one that will have you rooting for the characters, hoping that they manage to make it work.

(500) Days of Summer (2009)
While most romantic movies tell the story of a couple that ends up living happily ever after, (500) Days of Summer is quite different. Instead, this non-linear movie focuses on one couple’s romantic journey, from start to finish. This is most certainly not your average love story, and while there may be plenty of heartache along the way, it is, in essence, a feel-good film that teaches you that life and love still go on, even when a romance comes to an end.

Romantic movies are not for everyone, but there are some that manage to break the mould and charm viewers that don’t normally enjoy such films. With unique storylines and beautiful sentimental moments, these are romantic movies that just about everyone will enjoy.

Top US Films of All Time

America may have released a staggering amount of movies throughout history, but only a small number of these films have staying power, and continue to be watched and talked about to this day. From classic dramas to crime thrillers, these are some of the top US films of all time.

Citizen Kane (1941)
Written, directed and produced by Orson Welles, Citizen Kane is considered by many critics to be the greatest film ever to be made. Welles was given a huge amount of creative freedom with this movie, and its success is perhaps due to the fact that so much of it came from such an artistic genius. With a number of incredible performances, as well as creative cinematography and narrative structure, Citizen Kane is considered to be extremely innovative and ahead of its time. The movie features Welles playing the role of Charles Foster Kane, with the movie depicting his life in the publishing world, as well as his subsequent pursuit of power. Although the film was not a commercial success at the box office, largely due to its delayed release and limited distribution, it received unanimous praise from critics and special editions are still being released today.

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The Godfather (1972)
Unlike Citizen Kane, The Godfather was the box office leader for the year that it was released, and is regarded by many to be one of the greatest films in world cinema. The film stars Al Pacino and Marlon Brando as the leaders of the fictional New York Corleone crime family, and every role in the movie has been so perfectly cast that you simply cannot imagine anybody else playing those characters. The movie resonates with many due to the way in which it focuses on immigrant life, bringing the gangster theme into it in an extremely clever way. The cinematography is also widely revered, as is the overall moral message that the movie conveys.

Casablanca (1942)
Casablanca, an American romantic melodrama, finds its way onto so many different top ten film lists, and while it may not have done spectacularly well when first released, it earned its reputation over time. The movie stars Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid, and, set during the second world war, depicts a love triangle in which both men are vying for the love of the same woman. While the film may focus on something quite inconsequential when compared to the war going on in the background, it is full of loaded political messages that give viewers a fantastic insight into the military situation at that time. The dialogue boasts several memorable lines, and the musical score is full of suspense, adding a rich element to the film. Whether you enjoy a romantic movie plot or not, Casablanca’s charm is sure to steal your heart.

Not only are these movies the top US films of all time, but they are also considered to be some of the greatest films in the world. Each of these movies have had a huge impact on its viewers, and, with such strong staying power, they are likely to continue having an influence on generations to come.

OROGOLD with Romantic Things to Do on Vacation – ORO GOLD Reviews

Many people have a lack of romance in their relationship. This is not how it should be however as there are many very easy ways to bring the romance into your everyday life. You can say “I love you” unexpectedly, leave your partner random sweet notes and much more. Another way to bring on the romantic train with your partner is to go on a vacation. OROGOLD reviews some of the greatest ways to turn your next vacation into a romantic one as well.

Pick a Surprise Location

Almost everyone, even those that say they do not like surprises, would love a surprise location vacation. You can let your partner know that you are going on vacation and you can even leave them sweet little hints the week or so before the trip if you would like to. However, you should leave the location as a surprise (maybe even go a bit further and blindfold them on the way to the vacation).

Give Small or Handmade Gifts

Everyone loves getting little gifts from their partners, even if these gifts are small or handmade. In fact, these are the best types of gifts that anyone can give their partner. If you have only been with your boyfriend or girlfriend for a couple of months or you have been married for 40 years, these little gifts can be your instant road to romance on your vacation. You can leave one of these gifts for your partner on their pillow for when they wake up or you can surprise them with the gift after dinner.

Play Relationship Games

There are actually many romantic things for couples to do on vacations and one of the things that can and should become a part of your vacation is to play relationship games with your partner. It can be surprising to many couples that they do not know as much about their partner (intimate, personal and other things) as they would like to believe. Playing relationship games can really improve the connection between you and your partner and there is no better time to play these games than when you are on a relaxing and fun vacation.

Going on a vacation with your partner at least a couple of times a year (even if these are very small vacations) can be a great thing for any relationship. However, when you plan out these vacations you should make sure that romance is a major part of them. Some of the ways to bring on this romance during your vacation is by picking a surprise location, giving small inexpensive or handmade gifts to your partner, playing relationship games and much more. You can bring your getaway with your partner to a whole new level with some simple tips for increasing the romance. You will enjoy every bit of it and so will your partner. Not only with your vacation turn into a fun and relaxing time, but you can become much more connected with your other half as well. Find your relationship’s romantic getaway today!