CTHF, CLC, CMS
Andrea Riley is a TV talk show host, blogger, podcaster, author, certified life coach, certified trauma healing facilitator, licensed relationship instructor, certified biblical counselor, licensed minister, and keynote speaker. She has an overall experience of 14 years and co-founded the Marriage Service Technicians with her husband, Clifton, in 2008. Their mission is to ‘equip relationships with tools to go the distance’. They use comparisons between maintaining cars with up-keeping relationships to help simplify their teaching points. They are co-authors of The 30-Day Prayer Challenge, Break Through to the Next Level in Your Relationship in One Month or Less. Their current project, The Unique Blend, Strategies for Your Stepfamily’s Success, is scheduled for release in early 2021.
MomJunction believes in providing the most accurate content to its readers. Hence we get our articles reviewed by highly skilled experts in the relevant fields. The articles are reviewed to ensure their authenticity, factual correctness, and relevance. The board members also add inputs drawn from their years of experience. Learn more about our expert panel.
Your first date went well. You and your partner had incredible chemistry, laughs, and stimulating conversation. However, you must send the appropriate text after the first date to get things moving. One good date isn\'t enough if you wish to continue the relationship. Dating is similar to a game, and you must be on your toes to succeed. Sending a good message after the first date may seem quite difficult. When to text, what to say, and how to ask for a second date may occupy your thoughts, causing you to overanalyze situations. Conflicting thoughts might perplex you. You may have come across a few messaging guidelines. For example, some may advise you not to text for three days, while others may urge you to text right away. Sounds confusing, right? Read this post to know when it\'s appropriate to text after a first date and how to write a beautiful message for your special someone. [mj-toc] When To Text...
[mj-toc] Raising a child comes with many responsibilities, and they need to be shared by both partners. However, things get complicated when a couple separates and opts for co-parenting. The primary focus of co-parenting should be on putting your child's well-being first and ensuring that they group up in harmony. You have to show that both parents love them and bring a sense of stability into their lives despite the shared custody. In this post, we discuss what co-parenting is and tell you the dos and don’ts. What Is Co-Parenting? Co-parenting is a type of parenting style or situation in which the parents are not married but share the responsibility of bringing up the child. In such a situation, the parents may not be in a marriage, may not be living together, or may not be in a romantic and typical couple-like relationship with each other. In the United States of America, the word co-parenting is mainly used to describe...
Adoption is a legal process that helps establish familial relationships between the adoptee (child) and the adopter (parents). While adopting a child is a noble gesture, ambivalence, hesitations, and specific adoption problems can make the process difficult. However, you can easily overcome these challenges or issues if you properly understand the adoption process specific to your country’s adoption laws. Generally, adoption can be open or closed. In an open adoption, the adoptive parents stay in contact with the birth parents or family. On the other hand, there’s no contact between the birth parents and adoptive parents in a closed adoption. Since both the adoption methods are quite different, understanding each technique and the problems they may cause is necessary to make an informed decision. Read on to know as we take you through the different problems and challenges you may face during the adoption process. [mj-toc] Challenges And Problems Of Adoption 1. Financial Challenges: The financial aspects of adoption will...
Sisters share a special bond, and it is usually be the strongest and lasting one in many people's lives. We bring you a few sister quotes to help you express your affection with your sister. She can be your guardian angel and secret keeper. She is your forever companion, and growing up with a sister is a blessing. Sisters support and motivate you in your worst and best times and make you laugh no matter how low you feel. So, delve into this post for some wonderful lines on sister, share them with yours and celebrate your beautiful bond. [mj-toc] Sweet Sister Quotes Use any of these quotes and let your beloved sister know how much she means to you. Try writing them in a card, texting them to her, or sharing them with her in a heartfelt conversation. “It’s hard to be responsible, adult and sensible all the time. How good it is to have a sister whose heart...
As you enter the third decade of your life, you unlock a fresh set of aspirations. One of those is the quest for your special person if you haven\'t found the one already. However, unlike the 20s, dating in your 30s can be a completely different scenario. The main reason is you tend to perceive life differently, and desires from life also change in your 30s. You may want to be in a deep, serious, and long-term association at this stage of life. Therefore, the term dating could mean more of a life-changing decision than just a playful juncture because you might now consider your date to be your life companion. Most people grow mindful of whom they see romantically and modify their dating style in their 30s. Read on as we tell you useful tips and dos and don\'ts to follow while dating in your 30s. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/most-important-thing-in-a-relationship_00497027/" title="15 Things That Are Most Important In A Relationship"] [mj-toc] 15...
A wedding anniversary is a special occasion for all couples. Be it their first or their 20th, this is an occasion that couples use to thank each other for always being by their side no matter what. This post on wedding letters will help you convey your wishes, love, and gratitude to your beloved partner in a special way. An anniversary is a perfect occasion to look back at the beautiful memories and reminisce the memorable moments. Of course, there are ups and downs in a relationship, but holding on to each other through thick and thin is what makes a successful marriage. Expressing your feelings and gratitude towards your partner with the help of a handwritten letter will make them feel special and loved. Dive into this post for a list of special messages you can write to your partner on your special day. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/love-letters-for-wife_00475059/" title="21 Melting Love Letters To The Wife"] 30 Anniversary Letters How To Write...
You can always think of simple yet fun ideas to make your boring routine interesting. Couple costume ideas can help you dress up in matching outfits with your partner. It's fun to stand out as a couple in casual outings, parties, or even on Halloween. Click photos to display your spark on social media as it can add to all the excitement. If you are searching for some interesting couple costumes, read this post to know about some amazing, unique, and easy ideas. [mj-toc] Funny Couple Costumes Add some humor to the get-together with a funny costume. Here are some hilarious couple costume ideas. 1. Clowns: [caption id="attachment_469668" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Clowns are goofy and funny too. You and your partner can dress in clown outfits with details such as face paints, bushy hair masks, and clown noses. Carry balloons to enhance the look or do some funny acts together. 2. Santa and His Reindeer: [caption id="attachment_469669" align="aligncenter" width="720"]...
The ideas of romance are boundless. While some people choose simple romantic gestures to express love, others like it in a much-hyped and grand manner. Whether you choose a cozy, quiet dinner at home or a splendid date night arranged on an intimate yacht, the true essence of romance lies in the way you treat and express love for your significant other. It is all about how you make them feel and show your affection and care for them. Whether it is their birthday, your anniversary, or just a calm alone time with them, you may express love to your partner with some impressive romantic gestures. Want to know more about the romantic ways to express love? Scroll down. [mj-toc] Romantic Gestures For Him Men may not be as vocal about it as women are, but most enjoy being pampered with love. Here are a few romantic gestures that can melt your man’s heart as well as give him a...
A poem about broken friendship may serve to channel your emotions or help you relive the beautiful moments spent together. Friendship makes our lives worthwhile as you can share anything and everything only with your friends. Sufferings become bearable, and you feel intense pleasure when your friend is by your side. Unfortunately, you may feel like the world is crumbling around you when friendships end. When circumstances cause friends to drift away from one another, it can be a void in their lives. The best way to deal with this state of agony is to accept the pain, keep no hard feelings, and move on. May these poems help you overcome the pain of a broken friendship. [mj-toc] 14 Poems About Broken Friendship When you feel disconsolate about breaking up with your friend, read these heart-warming poems to lift your spirits. 1. When We Were Friends [caption id="attachment_890585" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Such a good time we had, Then what...
If your loved one pampers you, takes care of you, and always makes you the center of attention, you may also be wondering how to keep him interested in you. While the internet is full of ideas on how men can charm women, there are ways you could make your man feel special too. Contrary to what many women believe, you don’t have to purchase expensive gifts to make him feel appreciated. Instead, simple gestures or moves can make him fall for you all over again. In this post, we have compiled some interesting ways women can make their better halves feel special. [mj-toc] Ways To Keep Him Interested These tips don’t mean you have to change yourself for your partner. They are meant to help you highlight your attributes and apply them for your man as much as he does for you. 1. Don’t be over-possessive Everyone needs some private space even when they are in a relationship. Support...
A successful relationship should be emotionally fulfilling and bring happiness to your life. But, if it is not, you must look for the signs of toxic relationship. A relationship becomes toxic when it makes you unhappy, and everything you do feels like a burden. Sometimes, couples may be ignorant of a toxic relationship that they are in. In addition, the occasional love moments that the couple may have, make such relationships difficult to identify. A toxic relationship can drain you emotionally, and thus, you must interpret the signs and take the necessary steps. Continue reading this post to understand the manifestations of a toxic relationship and what you can do about it. [mj-toc]What Is A Toxic Relationship? Before we dive into the signs of a toxic relationship, let’s first try to understand what a toxic relationship is. The term ‘toxic relationship’ was coined by Lillian Glass, a California-based communication and psychology expert in her 1995 book Toxic People. She defines...
Marriage is not necessarily meant for everyone. Are there signs that you will never get married? As people get older, they reach certain milestones in their lives, including completing education, receiving a degree, getting a job, finding a partner, getting married, starting a family, retiring, and enjoying the rest of their retirement lives. But is it mandatory for everyone to follow the set milestones? What if you don’t want to get married? Could the remainder of your life still be happy and productive? Read on to know about some signs that you will never get married. [mj-toc]31 Signs You Will Never Get Married Marriage is a life-changing decision, and it is natural to feel unsure about it. Here are some signs you don’t want to get married. 1.You don’t understand the purpose of marriage You have found the love of your life and are living happily with them. Everything is smooth, and you do not see the need for marriage...
Steadiness is the key to understanding your true feelings and knowing each other. Knowing how to take a relationship slow is important, else, you will end up losing the spark and falling apart. A new relationship ushers in joy and excitement. The newfound joys of budding romance encourage you to look for the future with excitement. Although these moments are crucial for a strong relationship, you must not move too fast. Taking time can help you make adjustments, develop compatibility and spot any red flags. So keep reading as we discuss why it’s important to keep it slow in a new relationship. [mj-toc]15 Ways To Take A Relationship Slow Read on to learn a few effective ways to take a relationship slow and steady while keeping the fun alive. 1. Be upfront from the beginning Partners need to be on the same page for a smooth and loving relationship. If they have different perceptions and expectations, the relationship could fail....
You wish to know if your crush is reciprocating your feelings. But it is difficult to identify signs a shy girl likes you. Shy girls are often afraid of being rejected if they express their thoughts. So they tend to hide their emotions by maintaining a cloak of mystery around themselves. It\'s difficult for a man to judge and move on with a girl who happens to be shy. So with this post, we make it simple for you by providing some apparent signals that a shy girl likes you. [mj-toc]35 Clear Signs That A Shy Girl Likes You To know if a shy girl likes you, you must pay close attention to her body language and behavior when she is around you. Observe, and you might get a few hints that give you the confidence to make the first move. 1. She finds your jokes funny [caption id="attachment_870502" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] She is the first one to laugh...
Knowing some romantic dinner ideas for couples can help you spice up your special day. Both partners will cherish a romantic dinner on celebratory occasions such as an anniversary, birthday, or a date night, with a simple home-cooked dinner. You may also have a sumptuous meal and a creamy dessert and fine wine, rather than going to a fancy restaurant or a movie and night out. You can enjoy the evening and have a good dinner date night with simple ideas. Plunge into this post for some dinner ideas for couples that will add spice to your romantic date. [mj-toc]55 Romantic Dinner Ideas For Two 1. Creamy Parmesan risotto with roasted shrimp It contains creamy risotto, salty Parmesan, and sweet, juicy roasted shrimp, making it a flavorful yet comforting dish. Since many of us order risotto at a restaurant and do not cook much at home, it adds a restaurant-like flair to the meal. Moreover, it involves slow cooking, giving...
Dating in your 40s can be more interesting and fun than most perceive. As you enter your 40s, you gain more confidence and are wiser than you were in your 20s and 30s. This maturity can be a blessing for your dating life and makes for a stable relationship. Dating need not necessarily lead to a committed relationship, but it can be the start of a long-lasting friendship. Read on to know some dating advice tips to try in your 40s and use your learnings to find the perfect companion. [mj-toc]15 Dos And Don’ts Of Dating After 40 Dos 1. Start with a clean slate If you are in your 40s, likely you have already been in a relationship previously. Make sure you and your date have both moved on from previous relationships and heartbreaks and are ready to date. Ensure you enter the dating field with a clean slate. 2. Be clear about what you want Before you start...
Dating a married man can be complex. The connection might feel simple initially, but it eventually puts several lives at stake. The story begins like a usual attraction where you see each other and feel attracted. Then, you two bond over dinner, lunch, or coffee and start a casual friendship that gradually buds into a relationship. Finally, you two feel inseparable but not happy because you know the relationship has no future as he is married. Having a crush on married men is quite common. However, rushing into a relationship is often a roller coaster of emotions where you risk hurting yourself and complicating the lives of the people around you. The tension in the relationships can sometimes turn so severe that it may have adverse consequences for you. If you feel attracted to a married man, we have this post to help you introspect your emotions carefully and make a conscious decision best for yourself and those around you....
When you are in love, you may miss your partner often and be expressive about it. However, if your partner seldom speaks about his emotions and feelings for you, you may be wondering whether he feels the same and how to make him miss you. Many women do not shy away from expressing their love to their partners. However, when don’t give them the space they need, your affection may overwhelm them. If you want to make your partner miss you, identify his space and give him the time he needs for himself. This doesn’t mean you should completely avoid him and be insensitive towards his needs. On the contrary, every man wants the love and warmth of their partner. They need someone who listens to them and supports them emotionally. So be a partner who will stick with them through thick and thin and cheer them up when they feel low. When you become a supportive partner, they will...
Being the host of a party, you would want to make it a memorable one. For example, if you are hosting a welcome party for a newlywed couple, then start with some fun newlywed game questions to let everyone at the party know the duo better. Through the game, the participants can ask from the 200 questions we have shared in this post. These may also be tweaked for other couples attending the party. The newlywed couples themselves may ask these questions to each other as well! [mj-toc]49 Newlywed Romantic Questions The stepping stone for a new beginning is romance. Here are some entertaining romantic and dating questions you can ask and enjoy the couple questions game. How did you two meet? Where did you go on your first date? What was your first impression when you saw your spouse on your first date? What was your other half's impression about you? When did you first kiss? What was your...