Room to Breathe – How to Give Each Other Space

I'm a homebody, no doubt about it. I'm perfectly content with my own company, so it doesn't bother me in the least to have hours, days, and weeks pass between visits with my friends. Those who know me best have come to accept my hermit-like ways as endearing. It's even a joke among my friends and I that I'm pretty much notorious for never initiating contact.

Not everyone is quite so comfortable with so much time and space to themselves, however. If you've reached that awkward stage in your relationship where you need to give each other some breathing room, I have some words of advice for enjoying personal space without going crazy.

• Take a Night Off – Time away is important. If you're just starting a new relationship it's easy to maintain at least one night a week to yourself to do anything you want to do. This could be anything, or nothing at all. You decide, it's your time to spend as you please. Be sure to treat your sweetie to the same sort of luxury.
  

  If you're in an established relationship and you've found yourself firmly joined to your partner's hip it may be a little tricky to get a night off. Maybe consider chilling out in different parts of the house, or simply doing something out of the ordinary, like taking the kids out for ice cream.
• Do Your Own Thing – Remember that art class you've been meaning to take, but you've been too busy pouring all of your time and energy into your relationship? Well, now is the time to go take that class! Seriously, you're worth it. Never give up on your own growth, being involved in chasing your varied interests will only give you and your honeypie something new to talk about. That's a good thing, right?
• Visit Friends – Are your buddies complaining about how much time has passed since they last saw you? This is a sure sign that you need to catch up with friends. Plan a spa day, a golf outing, a LAN party, something that will allow you to gather together and have fun.

Putting the FUN in Fundamentals

Everyone needs a bit of solitude once in a while, a chance to get back to who they are as an individual. The important thing to remember when seeking space for yourself, or allowing your sweetheart some space when they ask for it, is keep your attitude light and positive. This free time is an opportunity for fun, relaxation, and adventure. Allow yourself the opportunity to indulge often.   

Does That Ever Work? - Pick Up Lines that Fall Flat

Every time I go out with my gal pals we can count on at least one person trying to flirt with us. Not that I'm complaining, the positive attention and compliments are nice. Flirting is fun, I love that stuff!

There are occasions, however, when flirtation takes a sharp turn into Creeperville. Nothing can ruin an oceanside lunch date with the ladies quite like a lecher who doesn't know when to cut his line and cast his bait into more promising waters. Guys, I say this because I care. I want to see you be successful in the dating scene. Even if you're looking for a quick fling, there are some more graceful ways of getting your point across.

Flirtation Strategies With a Very Low Chance of Success

• Any Sort of Grunty Animal Noise – Look dude, we know what you're after - it's written all over your face. Literally. Me and all my girlfriends saw you look us up and down before you started licking your lips and grunting husky, “hot damns” in our direction. What you're considering a compliment is actually pretty skeevey. We don't like it. In fact, we'd like it if you would please stop. Better yet, go away.
• Begging – Most times I would say that a persistent attitude will pay off in the long run. However, if your idea of persistence is to hound me for attention and sexual favors, I'd really rather be alone. Begging has probably paid off in the past as some women have given in to stop the increasing levels whining. Even worse is begging me, then begging each of my friends, then begging all of us at the same time (ewww!). That doesn't really make you a suave pick-up artist.
• Cheesy Cliche Lines - “Hey baby, what's your sign?”, “Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?”, and other over-played pick-up lines are just worn-out and tired. Sure, they might be good for a laugh-inducing ice-breaker, but that's only if you've got the confidence and wit to carry the rest of the conversation without resorting to canned humor.

Keep It Simple, Stupid

Start with hello. Follow up with a friendly introduction and a confident hand shake. Seriously, it's as easy as that. Do all of this with a sincere smile and there's a good chance you've made yourself a new friend. Whether this will lead to sex or marriage remains to be seen, but it's such a rarity among pick-up methods that it's bound to be get someone's attention.

What are some of the worst pick-up lines you've ever heard? What's the worst line you've ever tried? Leave it in the comments!