Why The Meridian Grand Is The Perfect Wedding Venue

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Weddings are such a joyous occasion but there’s no denying the fact that planning a wedding can be very stressful. From finding the perfect dress to making sure the venue you’ve chosen is suitable, getting everything right in the run up to your big day can feel impossible. Some of us have already made our minds up in regards to the type of wedding we would like to have. Some of us have already started planning every little detail (whether we are actually getting married or not).

In this post, I’m going to be talking about wedding venues. The Meridian Grand is luxury conference, wedding, banquets and events venue in London. As one of London’s best wedding venues situated in the North of the city, no stone is left unturned when it comes to assuring that your special day is one that you will remember for years to come. Here are some reasons why I think that The Meredian Grand is the perfect venue for a wedding:

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A choice of ballrooms – There are two ballrooms in the venue. There is The Grand Ballroom and The Meridian Ballroom and both ballrooms can actually be combined into one space, so if you want a big wedding it would be perfect for you. One of the most important aspects of wedding planning is the guest list. Once you and your fiance have agreed on who you would both like to invite, you can then sort out the rest of the finer details.

Event management – Planning an event is not easy so you may decide to hire someone to help you. Although event planners don’t come cheap, lots of brides are choosing to leave their special day in someone’s else’s hands and who can blame them? 100% involvement with less stress? It’s a great idea. The Meridian Grand have a designated event coordinator available on your big day. They specialise in turning your dreams into a reality. Be weary with relying heavily on a event planner, make sure that you are happy with everything that is being suggested. After all, it is you and your partner’s big day.

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Decor – One thing I like about this venue is the decor. All ballrooms are dedicated to a high standard. You are able to have the theme of your choice and customised lights are also available. The ballrooms have such a luxurious look and a virtual tour is available. When it comes to decor, coordination is key. Also, don’t be afraid to keep things simple. Sometimes going all out can take attention away from other things. Don’t forget to do some research to get a clear idea of what it is you want.

Cuisine – This is one of the most talked about aspects of any wedding. A part of celebrating the happy couple’s joy is by congratulating them, getting a glimpse of the bride’s beautiful dress and eating the food at the reception. At the Meredian Grand, you have the option of hiring your own caterer. A state of the art kitchen is also available so you won’t need to worry about the food getting cold. The reason why I think hiring a caterer is the best option is because there’ll be a lot more variety on offer. Food from event venues won’t really give you the freedom to have a certain preference. You get what you’re given and this isn’t necessarily for everyone.

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Another place I think would make a perfect wedding venue is Botleys Mansion.

What’s your ideal wedding venue? What would you like your wedding day to be like? What tips would you give to brides-to-be?

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post! I love to hear from you so do leave a comment below and don’t forget to like and subscribe!

Kel xo

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My Dining Experience At Ma Petite Jamaica

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I asked, you responded and I listened! I’m back with another restaurant review.

I had the pleasure of going to Ma Petite Jamaica, a Caribbean restaurant in the heart of Camden. Camden is famed for being one of London’s most vibrant districts but not much emphasis is placed on the fact that the area boasts an offering of many different cuisines (South African, Asian etc). I wasn’t aware of any Caribbean restaurants in the area so I was taken aback when I discovered Ma Petite Jamaica.

Since 1985, the restaurant has been serving authentic Jamaican food and proudly calls itself ‘London’s first Caribbean diner’. As I walk into the restaurant, there is something about the atmosphere. Beautiful pictures of Jamaica and the country’s flag are complimented by brightly painted chairs and decor reminiscent of that in the islands made me feel at home instantly. It was a Friday night and the restaurant was buzzing and I couldn’t help but notice the fantastic cocktails that were on offer. In the meantime, I received a warm welcome from the manager and was shown to my table. As I waited for my cousin to arrive, I couldn’t resist trying a Pina Colada. Fruity, strong and sweet: it was everything a Pina Colada should be.

The customer service was very impressive. As soon as my cousin arrived, we were asked what we wanted for our starter. We chose saltfish fritters and jerk wings. From observing the menu, I knew that Ma Petite was a jerk specialist so I had very high expectations for my chicken wings. They were beautifully presented on a rectangular plate and they had a delightful taste. You could taste the mouthwatering spices and the sweetness of the jerk sauce – the combination was absolutely divine.

The saltfish fritters didn’t disappoint either and what I liked about them is they weren’t greasy and flat as they can be in some Caribbean restaurants (hey, I’m just being honest) but they were very soft, round and the fish was just quality. Personally, I loved that the fritters were not crispy and the mango chutney was a nice addition to the dish. My only recommendation would be to perhaps serve the mango chutney on the side as a dip instead of using it for decorative purposes. Either way, both starters were sublime.

All of the mains are served with rice and peas, coleslaw and plantain. I had the Quarter Jerk Chicken and my cousin had the Jerk Red Snapper (fish).

The jerk chicken was absolutely delicious. I liked that it was fairly hot and you could taste the lovely array of spices. It was very succulent. The rice was also full of flavour and paired with the sauce, it tasted even better. The plantains were soft and the coleslaw was fresh and crunchy. The whole meal was extremely appetising. I felt very full before I had even finished half of my plate.

The jerk red snapper was crispy and fresh. I didn’t get a picture of it but like the chicken, it was also paired with a tasty sauce. It was excellently cooked. By the end of our meal, it was very clear to see why Ma Petite was a jerk pit. You can feel the passion and expertise they have for creating jerk dishes from their mouthwatering food.

The cocktails served were all amazing. As mentioned earlier, my pina colada was refreshingly sweet. My mojito was also refreshing and I just couldn’t get over how fresh the mint was. I also liked that it had the right amount of sugar. None of these cocktails disappointed me so it was clear to see why the bar was full of people enjoying drinks after a week of working.

For desert, we opted to share a carrot cake. It was warm, sweet and the perfect way to finish our meal. One thing I couldn’t help but notice was how soft it was, it literally melted in our mouths. The icing wasn’t overbearing and it was beautifully presented on the plate.

Overall, it is clear to see why Ma Petite Jamaica is one of the finest Caribbean restaurants in London. Every dish was cooked to perfection, the atmosphere is relaxed and natural, the pictures and architecture set the mood and it is clear to see the friendly and attentive team enjoy what they do. It was an experience that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon and I highly recommend visiting this restaurant.

Rating: 9/10

For more information about Ma Petite Jamaica, click here .

I hope you have enjoyed this review. Do leave a comment to let me know what you think and also don’t forget to like and subscribe to Its Kelle’s Space.

Lessons Women Can Learn From The #FraudBae Story

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If you are an avid user of Twitter like I am, then I’m sure you came across the hashtag or trending topic, Fraud Bae and wondered what was going on. Twitter was going crazy when it was revealed that a young lady who goes by the Twitter name @blessed_angell revealed that she was defrauded by a man she was dating. The tea in that thread was something else! I won’t go into details, if you are interested in reading it, click here.

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As a woman, it saddens me when I hear or read stories about women being taken advantage of. In the case of #FraudBae, the victim was lucky to have gotten justice because lots of women do not. Another thing that has been highlighted in this whole fiasco is the importance of paying attention to signs. Signs are ALWAYS there, this can’t be denied. It is up to us whether we ignore them or act on them.

In this post, I’m going to be sharing 10 things that I believe we can all learn from the story of #FraudBae

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Stop giving men money!

Yes, I said it and I’ll say it again, stop giving men money. Takers love to take and they never give. You may think you’re being nice or supportive by providing a man with financial help, but before you know it, you’ll realise most of your paycheck is gone. If a man hasn’t got a sense of order when it comes to his finances, you’ve got to run for the hills. He is not the right man for you. If he tries to charm you into giving him money, run for the hills. If his work situation makes no sense, run for the hills. If a guy is desperate for money, he can ask his friends or his momma. You are not a man’s ATM!

Pay attention to signs

The guy at the centre of this scandal was actually accused of domestic violence on Twitter earlier this year. A user claimed that he had been beating her sister and of course the entire TL was shocked. When #FraudBae started his relationship with his victim, he claimed that he had broken up with his girlfriend, who he later took to Paris on her dime. If a guy tells you he has done something, never ever take his word for it straight away. Do research, watch his body language, look out for changes in his behaviour. A lot of men are pursuing other women while they are in relationships and then telling the other woman that they’ve broken up with the main woman and this is usually a lie. Don’t be a victim.

You can walk away from a date

What puzzled quite a few people was that this guy told his victim that he had left his wallet at home and she’d have to pay for everything he had. Baring in mind that this was probably one of their first dates, this is a huge dealbreaker. If a man is pursuing a woman, he should pay for the first few dates. A man who can actually leave his house without his wallet isn’t a man, he’s an opportunist. If you ever find yourself in a position like this, exercise your right to leave. Just postpone the date.

Look into anyone you’re dating

There is no way such terrible actions can ever be condoned but if you are dating or talking to someone, do your research! Don’t be afraid to check out their social media profiles or anything else you can feast on your eyes on. It’s not being stalker-ish. You owe it to yourself to look out for you. Don’t believe things as soon as they are said to you. Also, pay attention to character. Do their actions match their words? Are they a clear and confident communicator? In the early stages ladies, your job is to sit back and observe.

Trust your gut instinct 

In one tweet, the victim did say that she suspected the perpetrator of having a girlfriend. I cannot stress how important it is to trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Again, paying attention to any changes in behaviour will help you out. Can they only meet you on weekends? Has their personality drastically changed? (for better or worse). Your gut will never let you down. If there’s no trust, there is no relationship.

Talk to the people around you

This may be controversial but I do believe to a certain extent, that women who live alone and are prone to useless men and time wasters. I feel like a useless man sees a self sufficient woman as a lottery ticket. All they need to do is get the right numbers, so basically do the right things and then they’ve hit the jackpot. If you’re not going to trust your gut, then try to talk to a few close friends about your relationship. Your friends love, support and encourage you and they should be able to pick up on things that might not be right about your relationship in a constructive manner.

Dating is one of society’s biggest challenges right now. You never know who you’re going to meet and what you’re going to experience. I am a big believer in learning from the experiences of others and I would encourage every other woman who is single to do the same. Remember that it is not your job to fix, help or heal anybody’s son. Open your mind, guard your heart and check out if you feel you are being played.

What did you think about the Fraud Bae scandal? What would you have done if it happened to you? What other lessons do you think women could learn from this story?

Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe.

Kel xo

 

 

How To Keep Romance Alive In Your Relationship

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Contrary to what many may think, being romantic isn’t lame. If you’re like me and you know your love language  , you will have a good understanding of what you expect from a relationship, regardless of the stage it is in. Both parties in a relationship should work up the courage to do sweet things for each other. Never stop showing your partner how much they mean to you, whether you’ve been with them for 1 year or 10 years. In this post, I’ll be sharing 5 ways you can be more romantic in your personal relationships:

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Thoughts do count

There’s nothing wrong letting your partner know that you’re thinking of them. The little things do count and you will definitely see or hear something that reminds you of your significant other. Don’t hesitate to let them know how you feel. If your gestures take energy, time and effort then you are definitely doing the right things.

Surprises 

Don’t be afraid to surprise your partner. Sometimes, things can get a little boring but it’s important to not leave things as they are. Try something new. If you do something that your partner isn’t expecting, your relationship will flourish. Surprise your partner with flowers or have their favourite snack sent to their workplace. Things like this will definitely reignite the spark in your relationship.

Simplicity

Relationships aren’t as expensive as everyone likes to think they are. There are things that you can do with your partner that don’t involve you breaking the bank. A great idea is having a movie night. Cook dinner, have a glass of wine and watch a movie. In the early stages of a relationship, some couples spend time talking about many things. The desire to get to know each other should run deep. We’ve all been through that feeling when you’re getting to know someone new and you think you’ve been talking to them for 20 minutes and it’s actually been 2 hours. You will come to see that spending quality time with each other is just as great as dinner at a fancy restaurant.

Assurance

I’m not saying this because the Nigerian singer Davido put this word on the map (if you know, you know) but assurance is essential in any relationship. I’m not saying you should shower your partner with affirmations 24/7 but if you like their shirt, let them know or if you like their hair, tell your special one how good they look. A simple way to assure your partner is to send that classic ‘Good Morning’ text. We’ve all had a major confidence boost when we wake up to see a message notification.

Remembering anniversaries

Whether you’re sentimental or not, we all remember special milestones in our relationships so why not commemorate them? Plan something special in advance for the big anniversaries and for the little dates, remind your partner of that special day or moment that helped to cement your relationship. This is where communication comes in. If anniversaries mean a lot to you, you’ve got to let your partner know. Don’t expect them to read your mind. Speak up.

Are you a romantic? Do you like being a romantic or do you believe romance is dead?

Do like, comment and subscribe. I love to hear from you all.

If you live in the East Midlands, there are many dating sites in Nottinghamshire. This fabulous Nottinghamshire dating site is perfect if you would like to meet someone special. If you are open to senior dating , there’s also something for you too!

Kel xo

 

How To Keep A New Relationship Exciting

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No matter how long you’ve been with your partner or how much you love them, sometimes things can feel a little boring. Relationships require a lot of work and you and your partner will need to work together to spice things up. The honeymoon phase will come to an end and as we become accustomed to our daily routines, it is natural that a relationship will suffer a little. Here are a few tips which may help you keep things interesting:

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Surprise each other

A little spontaneity never hurt anyone, so don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. Stop doing the same things over and over again as this can be a little predictable. Routines can kill a relationship so take it in turns to plan date nights or cook together or even try a new activity.

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Don’t be afraid to flirt from time to time

When we think of flirting, we don’t really associate the term with relationships but the key to keeping your relationship alive may lie in a flirty exchange. I’m not saying flirting will get you and your partner out of every rut but compliment each other from time to time, kiss more and inject some fun back into your relationship. You should never really stop dating your partner, and that goes for men and women. Keep doing the things that attracted you to them in the first place.

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Travel together

Research has actually proven that couples who travel together have stronger relationships. When you feel you’re both happy with your relationship, don’t say no to a little bae-cation. Sometimes a change of scenery can be so refreshing. You don’t even need to get on a plane to do it. Websites such as Wowcher have some really nice cottage breaks. Spa breaks are also a great opportunity to pamper yourselves and just relax.

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Communicate

Nothing can kill a relationship like a lack of communication. It’s so easy to do yet so many of us struggle with it! One of the most important things in a relationship, especially one that is new, is that you are able to communicate freely with each other. You shouldn’t feel like you need to hold back. Spend some time each day indulging in conversation. You don’t need to plan what you’re going to talk about. Sometimes the best conversations are the ones that come naturally.

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Socialise together

Another thing that can help you get the most out of your relationship is socialising. It is important that you and your partner are able to spend time apart but it is essential that you are familiar with the company they keep. Now, I’m not saying their friends need to be your friends but something as simple as hosting a mutual gathering can bring some fun into your relationship.

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Set goals

Last but not least, set some goals. Your partner should be your number 1 fan so work towards things together. Whether it’s going to the gym more often or saving money for a project. Support each other so that your goals can become a reality.

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How do you keep things interesting between you and your partner? As always, I love to hear from you all so feel free to leave a comment and don’t forget to like and subscribe!

If you live in the Hampshire area, then check out this fabulous Hampshire dating site . There are many dating sites in Hampshire, particularly for those who are interested in senior dating.

Kel xo

 

 

Celebrating Black British Heroes

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As Black History Month draws to an end, I’ve written an article for The Biographies celebrating Black British heroes. These heroes are redefining what it means to be black as they are using their platforms to discuss a variety of issues that affect people of colour. Once upon a time, issues such as gentrification or colourism weren’t even discussed so it’s about time our struggles are discussed and our triumphs are celebrated.

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You can read the article I have written for The Biographies by clicking here.

I also wrote an article about Notting Hill Carnival back in August, click here to read it.

Who are your black heroes? Did you do anything to commemorate Black History Month?

I love to hear from you so feel free to leave a comment.

Kel xo

How To Stay Positive While Online Dating

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Believe it or not, it is possible for dating to drag people down. It can be rough on a person’s self esteem if they are putting in a lot of effort into dating without not getting anything in return. This is why self love is key. No matter how you choose to date, you should always feel empowered  in the dating world. If you want to feel empowered while visiting online dating sites, start focusing on making real connections. Here are some tips that you may find useful:

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Step out of your comfort zone

A wise man once said ‘ Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results’. If you’re not getting what you want out of your online dating experience, then it may be time to try something new. Start saying yes to things you wouldn’t usually say yes to, for example changing the distance settings on your profile. It’s the little things that make the biggest difference and over time, you’ll be able to open yourself up to new experiences. Also, don’t be put off if your first date isn’t a dinner date. Coffee dates are just as great because you can use it as an opportunity to get to know the person that you’re with in a more intimate setting.

Appreciate yourself

Although it’s pretty obvious, you will be surprised at how many people are looking for a partner to compensate for a self love deficit. Before you put yourself out there, be confident with what you are bringing to the table. If this means writing a list about all the things you love about yourself then so be it. Spend some time to reflect on what is good in your life. Be grateful for the life that you have without instantly expecting anything in return. By living in the moment, you’ll be able to see dating as a fun way to get to know people.

Don’t overdo it

In a previous post, I talked about protecting your time and energy when online dating. Not everyone who gives you attention is worthy of your time. Only go on dates with people you know you have chemistry with. Going on a date for the sake of going on a date will feel like a chore. Don’t be like this individual who went on so many dates, she started tracking the potential of her dates on a spreadsheet. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t go on the date. Making empowering decisions will lift your spirits and value what it is you expect from a dating experience.

Listen to an uplifting anthem

…or video, podcast or whatever motivates you. Sometimes, when a dating experience doesn’t go your way, it’s easy to feel down. Instead of indulging in that tub of ice cream, listen to a song that makes you happy or a podcast that lifts your spirits. Listening to something that inspires/motivates you will shift your mindset. Once you’ve got over your rut, hold your head high and put yourself back out there!

The most important thing to remember when dating is to be yourself and everything will fall into place. If you live in the Cheshire area, then check out this lovely Cheshire dating site . There are a lot of dating sites in Cheshire  so if you’d like the chance to meet someone special, then create a profile today.

Are you an online dating optimist or pessimist? How do you stay positive if you’ve had an awkward or bland date? I always love to hear from you so do comment below.

Kel xo

 

Advantages of Online Dating

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Experiences with online dating tend to be mixed. Some people have been lucky enough to have excellent dating experiences with people that end in satisfying relationships. Contrary to what people may say, it is possible to date online successfully. Online dating is a lot different than dating traditionally so it’s important to keep an open mind. In this post, I’m going to be talking about some of the advantages of online dating:

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It’s simple

If you decide to try online dating, all you have to do is set up a profile. It’s really that simple. You will also need to write a pretty amazing profile without overselling yourself. Think about how you want to come across and most importantly, the kind of person that you can see yourself with.

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You don’t have to rush

Online dating is pressure free. There’s no rule book that states you must have one date for every day of the week. You can (and you should!) take your time, build a connection and make sure you are happy with what you see and most importantly what you know. Every singleton has a list or partner requirements so as you would with traditional dating, don’t let those standards and expectations slip. Know what it is you want and own it!

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You can be particular

This is one of the great benefits of online dating. As mentioned in the previous point, every single man or woman knows what they are looking for in a partner, whether they take their needs into consideration or not, so don’t be afraid of being picky! The dating pool is right at your fingertips. Decide who you like and who you would like to get in contact with. One thing I would also say is do not be afraid of utilising the block and delete buttons. If there’s just no chemistry or something inappropriate has been said, keep it moving! Don’t dwell on any virtual losses.

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You will have better matches

Dating sites will match you with potential partners in accordance with your compatability. Don’t expect anything amazing to happen overnight – what is meant to be will take time. As long as you’re determined and consistent, you will meet someone you are compatible with. So, unfortunately, that may mean many awkward, conversation-lacking dates before you meet someone you can actually take seriously. That’s just the way the online dating game goes.

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You can put your safety first

Surveys have shown that 86% of women will check out their date on Facebook ahead of their first meeting. It would be very wise to check out your date online if they aren’t on any social media websites. Remember that your safety is the most important thing. If you see anything you are uncomfortable with, don’t hesitate to cancel the date.

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Your confidence will improve

Although it may seem daunting at first, over time your confidence will improve. All you need to do is be yourself. Let any bad experiences go and transform your inner critic into your inner cheerleader. If you don’t focus on what you love about yourself, you will struggle. Put yourself out there and rise to the occasion. If you live in the South West of England, dating sites in Bristol allow you to meet singles in your area and have a relaxed dating experience. Check out this Bristol dating site for more information!

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Have you tried online dating? Did you have a positive experience or will you never date someone you’ve met online? I love to hear from you so feel free to leave a comment below.

Kel xo

 

 

Four Benefits Of Healthy Relationships

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Let’s put the ‘men/women are trash’ movements to one side for a moment. As humans, the relationships that we form with others our vital to our emotional wellbeing and our survival. As bold as the latter term may seem, most of us are familiar with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. We all need to feel like we belong, we thrive on developing intimate relationships in many forms and these kinds of interactions are proven to motivate behaviour. We all need to feel valued from time to time and there’s nothing wrong with that.

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In this post, I’m going to be sharing four benefits of healthy relationships. Before I start, I want you all to remember that healthy relationships breed love, support, encouragement, trust and most importantly respect:

Less Stress

It has been scientifically proven that healthy relationships significantly reduce stress levels. Stress can negatively affect relationships in a variety of ways. Being with someone who makes you happy naturally promotes a sense of inner peace. Emotions are contagious so in order to experience positive emotions, be around positive people. Nobody wants to experience stress in any capacity and couples in healthy relationships are able to resolve their issues in a fair manner. Remember that a relationship should be your safe haven.

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Support During Tough Times

A lot of single people may say that the one thing they miss about being in a relationship is having someone to talk to. There is nothing like coming home from a hard day’s work to the loving arms of an significant other. Emotional support from the person that you love can instantly lift your mood. I’m a firm believer that ‘love is best rooted in friendship’ so you should be able to talk to your partner about anything. We all have our bad moments in life and having a strong source of support is one of the best ways to move forward.

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Personal Growth

Being in the right relationship does create room for personal growth. One of the benefits is that both parties will be encouraging each other to grow and flourish. A supportive partner will want to see you do well and they will be willing to help you in any way. Your partner’s happiness should be yours and vice versa. One of the saddest occurrences in a union is when someone enters a relationship and tones themselves down because their partner is uncomfortable with it. This is why it is important to work on yourself before you allow someone else into the picture. You are looking to be complimented and not completed! This may differ with senior dating because the older you get, the more you may expect.

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Sharing Wonderful Memories

Last but not least, being part of a healthy union allows you to reminisce on all the wonderful times you have had together. This helps especially when things aren’t 100% perfect. It is an effective strategy for happiness in a relationship. Your shared memories might be a vacation you took together or something as simple as an evening when you cooked together and watched a movie. The little things mean a lot so don’t take memories for granted. Plus, the more experiences you’ve shared in your relationship, the more you learn about each other, it’s a lovely process.

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If you are a millenial in the Midlands, who is new to the dating game, check out this Derbyshire Dating Site. There are many dating sites in Derbyshire  so if you are looking to build a special bond with someone, you’ll have access to a number of tools to help you find your perfect match.

What do you think are benefits of a healthy relationship?

Kel xo