Communicating More Effectively

Communicating effectively with those around us is a very important skill. Many times communication can seem difficult, often because we have problems understanding each other. If you take the time to understand how the other person feels, it can go a long way towards more effective communication.

Whether you are trying to communicate with a family member, friend, co-worker, or a client, the basic guidelines of good communication are the same. First, try to understand the other person's viewpoint. Even if you don't agree with their way of thinking, trying to understand what they believe and why they believe it can make mutual understanding much simpler. Stop and think about what they are saying and what it might be like to think the way they do. Ask questions about the things you do not understand, and be sure to really listen to their response.

It is also important to learn to be flexible. After all, just because you believe a certain way doesn't automatically make it right. Many times one of the primary keys to good communication is a willingness to compromise and be flexible. Try to be open-minded and consider all options, instead of adhering to only the options you think are appropriate.

Of course, being flexible doesn't mean you have to totally give up your own viewpoint, especially on things you feel strongly about. It just means that when communicating with others, you should be willing to at least listen to the other person's opinions, and respect their right to believe in them. However, if you are discussing something significant, especially if it is important that you reach a mutual agreement, then it is likely that both sides are going to have to engage in some compromise. The more you talk with others and strive to understand their feelings, the more your communication skills will improve.

Michael Bellson has been writing articles about communication for the past four years. He also likes to write about the benefits of signature stamps and why photo stamps make nice gifts.

Michael Bellson

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Top Ten Worst Wedding Music Selections

There's nothing worse than an awful song on your big day, but of course, with full editorial control well and truly in the hands of the bride that's not going to happen now is it!

However, there's nothing worse than having cringe-worthy or inappropriate music playing at someone else's wedding - particularly if you're there as a distant cousin or similar who won't know any of the sentimental reasons behind the erstwhile 'perfect' song selection.

Below we've compiled our very own list of the worst wedding music to walk down the aisle to so you can avoid them at all costs, a selection which you may or may not find mildly amusing...!

1. Anything in a minor key- This one is a big no-no, particularly anything which sounds 'grand' but is in fact a funeral march. Minor keys tend to sound sombre and downbeat - although you could consider this for the signing of any pre-nups.
2. Anything by Elton John- Now I'm a big advocate of the fact that good ol' Elton really has come up with the goods down the year, but really? Think trying to walk in time with 'Lu-cy in-the-Skyyy with diiia-monds'. No.
3. Letting anyone from your family who isn't a professional musician do their 'thang'- Whether expensive childhood lessons or the ability to sing lead in church on Sunday are the reason for offering, avoid this at all costs. If your great uncle happens to be Barry Manilow, then I'd let it go, otherwise a suitable excuse might be a non-refundable deposit, or a simple explanation that you want them to enjoy your big day and not to have to worry about music. Any further objections can be met with requests for assistance in other areas, such as standing next to your car stopping over-eager wedding day 'pranksters' from writing 'Just Married!' on the bonnet in paint stripping pen.
4. Anything "of the moment"- This is clearly a bad idea. These days there will inevitably be at least one official video camera in attendance, and if not, at least one smartphone between three people capable of recording the whole event. And in ten years' time, when you proudly show off the video (or someone finds it on Youtube) you will cringe at ever having listened to that awful song. No, you will... trust me.
5. Theme tunes- This is perhaps somewhat controversial, given that some couples probably love T.V. shows and would see no issue in going down the aisle to the theme to 'The A-Team' or 'Star Trek Next Generation' although it seems a little tacky. I suppose if you have no shame and people still turn up after seeing the invitations, then it might just pass. Just not at my wedding...
6. Silence- I guess this goes without saying, but imagine you didn't plan any music at all... Just imagined happy faces and laughter, a buzz of voices and then.... silence. Woah... that would be a little awkward.
7. J&K Style Wedding Dance (Unrehearsed)- For anyone who doesn't know, J&K had a song play as they, and the entire wedding party streamed down the aisle doing their very best Friday night moves. The result was pretty cool, because they could dance moderately well and it subsequently went massively viral on YouTube. However, a poor attempt to copy this, or the wrong type of guests would just be disastrous.
8. Kids Choirs / Bands- They say in movie business, "never work with children or animals", and while there is (probably) no good reason why you should have any animal bar a horse (and coach) involved, involving children will create an additional task to be concerned about on your big day and is probably best avoided.
9. Heavy metal if you are not a Goth- Clearly there is no reason to be having heavy metal at a wedding. Period. Unless you are a Goth.
10. Bagpipes if you are not Scottish- This is actually more of a personal one. Bagpipes in a Scottish wedding, where both the bride and groom are at least fifty percent Scottish is acceptable. In any other nationality and it is just odd now, isn't it?

Looking for quality entertainment from an experienced and professional wedding band? Highly experienced musicians and entertainment available for hire at Chemistry Live to make your event a truly memorable occasion!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Hester

Make Him Adore You - How to Make Yourself Irresistible

Are you thinking about a particular guy all the time and you'd love to find a way to make him adore you? Does he have all the qualities you're looking for in a man, but you don't know what he could be looking for? One thing is for certain, men today aren't looking for the same thing as back in the day of your mother or grandmother. So if you've been relying on their advice, you might need to get new tips.

Men today want more than just a housewife and mother to their kids. They want a woman who is independent, smart, capable and a great all around partner in life. Though men are initially drawn to the physical aspect of a woman, they want the chance to dig down deeper and find out what kind of woman she is.

Does she make him laugh? Is she capable of making him feel good about the man that he is? Is she full of surprises? Can he talk to her about anything and know that she'll understand? As much as he wants to impress her and have her appreciate him for the man that he is, he wants to admire her as well. He wants to be able to brag to his friends about the great woman he met.

Be cautious if you're the type who is apt to criticize easily. You might find it innocent and think that you just giving your opinion to help him out, but he may not really be looking for that kind of help from you. Try to be more supportive and less critical.

With the modern take on women's sexuality, you might think that it's the in thing to do to go to bed with the guy the moment you get the chance. This is the one thing that your mother may have been right about. Men can quickly develop a negative view of a woman who is too quick to give herself to a man; he's likely to realize he's far from the first you've jumped into bed with so easily. Be patient and trust that he will stick around to get to know you better, even if you don't have sex with him right away.

Love can be tricky sometimes, but if you take you're time you can make that man fall in love with you.

Imagine what if you could make any man adore you, chase you, love you, and commit to you? Click Unforgettable Woman Advice and learn 77 Secrets that 99% of women have never heard. You have got to see this!

This article is contributed by Tina Jones from the Unforgettable Woman Publishing Team. She works together with founder Alexandra Fox and writes dating/relationship articles for women. You can find more about Unforgettable Woman Publishing by visiting their website.

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Are Sex and Relationships Synonymous? Read What Men Really Think

Do you think that sex and relationships are the same thing? Do you feel pressured into having sex in order to have a relationship? Are you confused about signals you get from guys about relationships and sex? Read on to find out if men believe that sex and relationships are synonymous.

A recent poll revealed that most men were not in a hurry to have sex, and surprise, they even consider waiting until marriage. Very different than what most women believe men want today. Women assume that men want to have sex and this is one way of holding on to them. Evidently, the opposite is true....for most. It makes one wonder if sex and relationship are synonymous for men.

As the roles of men and women have changed, our conceptions and even misconceptions about sex have changed. As women continue to thrive in a "man's world" they think they need to develop a man's attitude in order to compete and this includes developing their attitudes toward sex.

The truth is, many men hide behind the mask of testosterone and saving face with friends, to hide feelings of insecurity they have about sex. Many men are willing to take things slow and develop a relationship and wait for the right time----for some, that may be marriage.

So, are sex and relationships synonymous to men; evidently not. Unfortunately, there are men who are only out for one thing in a relationship. If his calls are infrequent, or he calls at odd hours, if you are the last stop on his way home after being out for the evening, he probably is not interested in a relationship.

If he calls just to talk or he takes the times to plan special dates, if he wants to know more about you and what you like, then this guy is looking for a relationship. Are sex and relationship synonymous for a guy? Contrary to what women have believed for years....evidently not.

Imagine what if you could make any man adore you, chase you, love you, and commit to you? Click Unforgettable Woman Advice and learn 77 Secrets that 99% of women have never heard. You have got to see this! This article is contributed by Tina Jones from the Unforgettable Woman Publishing Team. She works together with founder Alexandra Fox and writes dating/relationship articles for women. You can find more about Unforgettable Woman Publishing by visiting their website.

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Weddings - Dresses - A-Line Style Bridal Gowns

A-Line Wedding Dresses

The A-line wedding dress is fitted around the bodice and the skirt widens to form an A shape as it falls. This style falls from the bust to the hem in an unbroken line. With this simple style, the A-line dress is adaptable to different lengths and fabrics. A classic choice for any occasion.

The princess line is variation of the A-line. Vertical panels that run from either the shoulder or the armhole to the hem. Because the princess line has long vertical seams it creates a slimming effect, and can make you appear taller.

The A-line style can be cut as separate bodice and skirt made of two different fabrics. The A-line dress can be cut above the knee for a fun and flirty bride, or you can wear it floor length which is suitable with a short train for the more traditional wedding dress.

You can achieve a lovely feminine silhouette with a soft, simple effect with a light, flowing silk or satin. A heavier fabric such as shantung will maintain its' shape, and will give you a more formal structured effect.

Because the A-line is so simple, lace and beadwork will be more prominent. if you are planning to embellish your wedding dress a simple style will not detract from the decoration.

Things to Consider:

The A-line dress is versatile and while the silhouette is clear cut and the neckline, sleeve, or fabric can be varied the style is an ideal canvas for embellishment.

Best Figure Type:

The A-line dress suits almost all body types. The princess line, in particular, can give you the illusion of height if you are on the shorter side. A well fitted A-line or princess line will slim down a rounded figure, and hide wide hips. A popular wedding dress, the A-line is considered to be flattering for most body types.

Fabrics to use:

For a soft, flowing silhouette try satin, crepe, or georgette. Velvet or duchess satin will give a more structured outline.

Wanda Arnold's website http://weddingsdresses.tv will help you find your dream wedding dress and buy it online. Helpful tips and information for choosing fabrics and styles. Explanations of different figure types to help you choose your perfect bridal gown. You can read site reviews and link to online Bridal Stores.

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Do Men Expect a Perfect Woman?

Perfect Is Overrated...I promise. Men don't need a woman to be flawless to be attracted to her.

After years of listening to women in my private practice, many women seem to think that men expect nothing less than perfection. If you were to visit some popular men's websites (such as askmen.com or maximum.com) you would certainly think that unless a woman is both highly attractive and incredibly accommodating, that men have no interest. This is not really accurate. At least not in the way you might think.

I often illustrate this to women by asking this question:

"If you had a choice between two men and everything about them was exactly the same, with the exception of one being worth millions and one being poor, who would you prefer? Would you select the wealthy one, or the one who was poor?"

Answer: If they were equal in all other aspects, most women state that they would choose the wealthy gentleman. I mean, why not if everything else is equal?

Now when men hear this some are likely to say, "That's right, all a woman cares about is a guy who makes a lot of money." In fact, that conclusion would be incorrect. A man would be wrong to assume that just because a woman likes the characteristic of a man with money that she cannot love a man unless he is wealthy. In fact, most women I speak with tell me this, "It isn't that he has to make a certain amount, but I would like to know that he has the potential to make enough for me to feel comfortable." In fact, most women are willing and/or expect to help out financially.

This same standard applies to men. If given the choice between a woman whom they believe is very attractive, or one who appears to take no interest in her appearance, they will choose the attractive one. This doesn't mean that they will only consider a woman who is striking. Take a look at most married men and you will see that plenty of women who would not be considered "perfect" have husbands who choose to marry them.

Why would this be? The answer is that the quality of being authentic is actually more potent in the arena of love than perfection. Being authentic causes a woman to act in such a manner that is enchanting.

This woman is well aware that she has issues (don't we all) and yet, she understands the balance between improving herself and being comfortable with where she is currently in her life. She doesn't work hard at convincing others (i.e. men) that she is perfect. Rather she is very attune to the needs of her heart, and takes full responsibility for meeting those needs. Men find such a woman adorable.

Here's an exercise that will illustrate my point. The next time you are in a crowded area take a moment and casually look around at the men. Take at least 5 minutes and you will find that the men are all looking at the women. ALL OF THE WOMEN! They will be looking at the tall ones, short ones, skinny ones, curvy ones and on and on and on.... Don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself.

You will discover that as a woman, you have exactly what men are looking for.

Bob Grant, L.P.C. is a licensed professional counselor and the founder of http://www.relationshipheadquarters.com.
He has sold over 40,000 copies of his best selling e-book, "The Woman Men Adore...and Never Want to Leave," and worked with thousands of women and couples in helping them discover how they can experience a wonderful relationship with someone they adore.

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