This Is Exactly How Long You Should Wait to Text After a First Date

 Relationship experts have answered the age-old question of when you should reach out.

For many people, there is nothing more nerve-wracking than a first date. But even if the date goes well, the dreaded questions that come up after the date may be even worse. Did you talk too much? Did they laugh at your jokes? And the inevitable: How long should you wait to text them? You may be worried that you're being held down by the arbitrary "three-day rule," but fortunately, it may turn out you're doing more worrying than necessary. According to experts, the best rule of thumb is that you should text someone within 24 hours after a first date.

Send a basic "thank you" text within the next 24 hours.

"When it comes to texting after a first date, you should text no later than the next day to say you had a great time, or to thank them for their time," says Susan Trombetti, a matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking. "Most people will text within a few hours of arriving home and thank their date."Andrea McGinty, a digital dating coach and founder of 33 Thousand Dates, says that "texting a few hours after the date shows you appreciate the person's time, and you enjoy their company." And the research backs this up: According to McGinty, out of 752 single men surveyed by 33 Thousand Dates, 84 percent said they like hearing from a woman the same day as the first date.

But you can wait a few days to ask for a second date.

According to Trombetti, the 24-hour timeline is just when it comes to sending "the most basic thank you text." If you're looking to text about a second date or just to flirt, you can wait as many as three to five days after your first date.

And you can make exceptions for extraordinary cases.

McGinty says that 95 percent of the time, texting a few hours after a first date is the most appropriate course of action. However, there could be some instances where you may want to wait."The only circumstance where you wouldn't want to text soon after would be if they tell you something personal is happening later that day, and even then, you can incorporate this into your message," she says.

If the other person texts you first, you should reply within the same day.

You might not always be the first one to text after a first date. And while this may seem like it takes the pressure off of you, your response time is also important if you are interested in pursuing things further with this person."Not responding to texts is the quickest way to sink a new relationship before it even starts," Trombetti says. "If someone texts you, answering is a must during the same day you received the text. If you don't, your date will think you aren't interested in them." And to make sure you're keeping the conversation going, find out which One Question You Always Ask Can Kill a Conversation, Experts Say.

But avoid any late-night texts.

Both Trombetti and McGinty say you should leave the late-night texting out of the picture, especially if you've only gone on a first date with this person. McGinty says that if it's after 11 p.m., you're best waiting until the morning as a text this late at night could "signal you're getting too cozy with your glass of wine." And if you are drinking, you especially want to wait, as you don't want to scare your date away with a sloppy text.

Kali Coleman

20 Compliments Women Can't Resist

 These phrases will always be music to her ears.

Flattery will get you everywhere. (Or so says the cliché.) But when it comes to your relationship, it's only partially true.Compliments that are hollow will fall on deaf ears. (Or, worse, will backfire.) But if you deliver the right compliment—and you mean it—it will do wonders for your relationship. With that in mind, we've compiled all of the irresistible sayings that the woman in your life will always appreciate. So read on to discover how to win her all over again with just a sentence or two.

1."That New Hairstyle Looks Sexy"

"What a woman wants to hear is that you notice her specifically," explains Stefanie Safran, matchmaker and founder of Stef in The City. "If she has been spending more time putting on makeup and clothes, at the gym, or getting a new hair cut/color, compliment her on that. Noticing and giving this kind of compliment can show that you are paying attention, which is what every woman wants."

2."I Love How You Always Take Care of [Insert Thing She Always Handles Here]"

"Women tend to take on a lot of the emotional burden in most households," notes Michelene M. Wasil, a licensed marriage and family therapist in San Diego, CA. "Making a comment on how kind or thoughtful she is means you really take notice that she's doing all those little things."

3."This Trip Has Been So Fun. I Know You Put A Lot of Effort Into It and It Shows"

This one isn't so much about what you say, but how you say it, according to Meredith Silversmith, a licensed marriage and family therapist and relationship coach. "Saying, 'you look pretty,' is nice, but different than something like, 'I really love that dress on you. I know you've been working really hard to stay consistent with going to the gym and that dress really shows off your progress. You look great!' Adding a second layer to highlight reasons why you feel inclined to give the compliment provides more depth and allows for a deeper connection in that interaction."

4."I Can't Wait to Grow Old With You"

"Too frequently in our culture, getting old or things that are old are not valued as much as newer things," explains Monique Honaman, relationship expert and author of The High Road Has Less Traffic: Honest Advice on The Path Through Love and Divorce. To hear a compliment about growing old together builds a sense of excitement about all the things you will be able to do together as life changes and transitions. It conveys a value over the depth of the relationship and not a desire to move on to the next new thing. There are a few things we seem to value as they age (e.g., wine) and relationships should be on that list!"

5."You're An Amazing Mom"

An oldie, but a goodie. "If she is a mom, saying this validates her effort, shows respect for a job that doesn't get much feedback from a 'boss,' and shows you are appreciating the hard work it takes to be a mom," says Dr. Stacy Friedman, a clinical sexologist and certified sex coach.

6."I Love What You're Doing In Bed These Days!"

Even better, reference something specific she did between the sheets that you loved. "We are used to people complaining about the lack of sex, or the lack of creativity in bed," Safran points out. This is especially true when you've been together for a long time. "When you express that you enjoy things in bed, you might find her enthusiasm gets even stronger!"

7."I Admire Your Work Ethic"

"Genuine acknowledgement is the best compliment whether it's to a male or female partner," says Rori Sassoon, relationship expert and CEO of VIP elite matchmaking service Platinum Poire. If you think she's killing it at work, let her know. "When you acknowledge her for her talent, knowledge, or the skills that she is passionate about, she will feel validated and valued for her accomplishments."

8."You're My Favorite Person to See Every Day"

This compliment is a favorite of Nina Rubin, an LA-based life coach, because it's both sweet and effective. Not only does it show her that you look forward to seeing her every day (even if you live in the same house!), but it also speaks to the quality of the time you spend together, and hints at the fact that she's the reason that time is so good.

9."I'm Grateful For…"

"Find things you are grateful for about your partner and share it with her," suggests Kimberly Hershenson, LMSW, a couples' therapist. "Whether it's gratitude for working hard, cleaning up the house or taking care of the children, complimenting your loved one in this way leads to increased positivity in the relationship."

10."What Do You Think?"

Asking her opinion shows you care what she thinks, which is a compliment in itself. "When you seek her advice in an area that she is knowledgeable in, it makes her feel valued," Sassoon says. "Tell her it is an area that you respect her knowledge or expertise in. She'll feel respected and admired."

11."Being Around You Makes Me Happy"

Knowing that she's a positive influence in your life will go a long way. Wasil suggests a remark about her attitude like, "I love how when things go really bad, you always have a way of getting through it and staying positive," or "You're so gracious and you know how to make me feel special."

12."What Would I Do Without You?"

"We often forget that expressing gratitude and appreciation is a compliment," Silversmith points out. "When your partner picks up your dry cleaning, you can say something like: "Thank you so much for picking up my dry cleaning. I really love how you take care of me. I wouldn't be able to do _______ without you." This takes the interaction to a deeper level of connection and feels super genuine."

13."I Could Never Leave You"

"You may be cringing or shaking your head at the mere fact that I am suggesting this needs to be said, but it does," says Nicole Merritt, founder of jthreeNMe. "So many married women are fearful that each and every fight and argument may lend itself to discussion about divorce. Sometimes us women just need it to be made clear that you are in it for the long haul, disagreements and all."

14."You Are Beautiful"

Make eye contact as you say this, Dr. Friedman suggests. "By looking into her eyes and saying she is beautiful rather than that she 'looks' beautiful (or that she is hot or sexy) is like saying that she as a person is beautiful." That includes not just her outer appearance, but who she is on the inside, too.

15."You Made The Holidays So Special This Year"

Showing you've noticed and are thankful for anything she's worked hard on will definitely brighten her day. "If she's spending time making your home festive, coordinating with family (yours or hers) to get everything done, letting her know that you appreciate it is something that helps her feel that you notice her efforts," Safran says.

16."You're Perfect for Me"

It's true that no one is perfect, but your partner absolutely can be perfect for you. Everyone has moments of insecurity, and Hershenson says this one can do the trick when a woman is feeling down or not quite herself.

17."You're The Prettiest Woman in The Room

"You can't go wrong with this especially when you are genuine in the compliment," Sassoon says. Of course, only say this when you think it's true—otherwise it could come off as disingenuous.

18."Your Bond With Your Family Is Really Incredible"

Or something positive about anything else she really cares about. "We tend to give the type of compliments we would like to receive, thinking our partners feel the same way," Silversmith notes. "Think about what's important to your partner. Does she cherish her family relationships? Does she highly value her career? Hone in on one of the areas she devotes a lot of time and energy to, then highlight something specific about that. It will make her feel really known and seen by you—and have a greater impact."

19."You Are So Resilient"

"Or substitute the word intelligence or strength for resilience, if you would like," Merritt says. "The point is that women respond so much more to compliments that are about traits that are outside of their appearance that they work hard to maintain."

20."I Wish I'd Met You Earlier"

This one works wonders, though it really needs to be true in order to have the full effect. With one little phrase shows that you love your life with her so much that you wish it could have started sooner.

Julia Malacoff

20 Compliments Men Can't Resist

 Say these sweet nothings and he's all yours—all over again.

Praise is crucial in any romantic relationship—yes, even for guys. Though your partner might exude coolness, confidence, and independence, trust me: When he does something right, he definitely wants to hear about it. Whether it's in the bedroom, around the house, or in a social situation, giving recognition where it's due will not only bring you closer to your partner, but will also make him feel more secure in the relationship. That's always a good thing. Ahead, find expert-approved compliments to give your guy that will make him fall for you all over again.

1."I Love The Way You Think"

"Rather than going to war with who is 'right' in the relationship, reward your partner for the way they think and problem solve," suggests Stacy Karyn, online dating consultant. "After all, you are a team, so it's best to start acting like one."

2."You Always Know Exactly What to Say"

"Men want to make things better, solve problems, and make you feel more seen, heard, safe and supported," says Allana Pratt, an intimacy expert and coach. Letting him know he made you feel better with his insightful words is a guaranteed win.

3."You're an Incredible Father"

"Although this compliment often goes to moms, most men take pride in their fathering skills and appreciate the recognition," notes Michelle Afont, relationship expert, divorce attorney and author of the upcoming book The Dang Factor. "Hearing what a great dad he is makes him want to be a an even better dad. Complimenting his nurturing skills and his tenderness with his children will warm your man's heart in all the right places."

4."I Love You Just The Way You Are"

"To be told you are accepted just the way you are is one of the greatest gifts you can receive," says Dr. Beverly Palmer, psychologist and author of Demystifying Love: Strategies for a Successful Love Life, which is why this is such an incredible compliment. "The essence of a lasting love is total acceptance of your partner, with judgment suspended."

5."You're Such A Good Cook!"

"Guys want to know that they are able to contribute and provide for you and, sometimes, they need reassurance that they have," explains Caitlin Bergstein, Boston-based matchmaker with Three Day Rule. "My boyfriend is a great cook and is typically the one to make dinner for us. For two years now, after my first few bites of food he looks at me anxiously and asks if I like it. When I compliment his cooking, he is proud of his accomplishment."

6."Can You Help Me Fix This?"

Yes, really. Showing you trust him to help you with a problem (or literally fix something that is broken) is one of the best ways to show him you trust him without repeating it over and over again. "This might sound weird, but men are natural fixers," says Dr. Ty Belknap, Professional Relationship Coach. "They want to help, so don't be afraid to ask."

7."You're A Great Listener"

"This compliment is twofold," says Justin Lavelle, Chief Communications Officer for Been Verified. "One is just he is good at listening to what you have to say but more importantly it says that he is connecting with you as you need by simply listening to you and not trying to fix you."

8."It's Amazing How Hard You Work"

"Men are bred to build and create," says Stephanie Lee, lifestyle strategist. "Complimenting him on how well he is doing at work or in his career will cause him to swell with pride and increase his desire to work even harder."

9."Your Beard Looks Nice Today"

You can change this one up to be more tailored to your partner, but the key here is to be specific. "Think of something about his physical looks or clothing that you know he likes and tell him how nice it looks," suggests Bergstein. "My boyfriend is very proud of his beard and when he's complimented on it, he lights up and it puts him in a great mood for the rest of the day."

10."I'm Lucky to Have You"

"This little saying can mean a lot to your man," Lavelle says. "It says that he is doing something right in the relationship department," and everyone likes to hear that they're killing it in the romantic arena.

11."Wow, You Really Know Everything About…."

One of the surest ways to a man's heart is to compliment him on a hobby he cares about. "All men know a lot about something, even if it's sports," Belknap says. "You may not like sports, but it certainly won't hurt to compliment him on his knowledge. It will make him feel good, and his buddies will be jealous that he has such a cool partner."

12."That Was So Thoughtful"

It's important to give credit where it's deserved, and you might even notice that he's being thoughtful more often than you expect. "Chances are, he's actually thinking about you all the time, and when you notice he is, it'll reinforce him to keep doing thoughtful things," says Andrea Leiser, Boston matchmaker with Three Day rule. "Plus, you'll feel even stronger in the relationship when you notice how thoughtful he is every day."

13."You Have Such A Good Heart"

"The more people hear things about themselves, the more they become a reality," Karyn says. "And I'm sure we can all agree that this world can sure use a bit more love. By building up your partner and the way they relate to others, you'll be creating a chain reaction of good hearts in the world. What compliment is better than that?"

14."I Loved How You Took The Lead on This"

If he put a lot of time into arranging something, give him a little heads up that you noticed his hard work. "Complimenting his planning skills will encourage him to want to take the lead more often," Afont says. "Men are often hesitant to take the lead in the relationship for fear of backlash for making the 'wrong' choice in a restaurant, hotel, destination, or outing. Although his choice may not have been your choice, you need to appreciate and compliment his effort."

15."You're Sexy"

Simple and deadly effective. "Men are just like women in this regard; they love when you compliment them on their looks," Leiser says. "So if he shaved, got a haircut, or hit the gym, let him know how sexy he looks."

16."You Handled That Really Well"

"Two of a man's inherent needs are to feel admired and respected by his lady," explains Susan Golicic, PhD, a certified relationship coach and co-founder of Uninhibited Wellness "These two are tied to his status with you and make him feel important and a priority in your life."

17."Your Smile Makes Me Melt"

Experts say it's a good idea to keep "dating" your partner long after your relationship is established, and compliments like this one—that you might say to someone on the first few dates—accomplish this effect. "This compliment is also great because it promotes happiness in your relationship," Karyn says. "The more you appreciate each other's smiles, the more good times there are going to be. And, as a bonus non-verbal compliment, make sure to respond to your partner's smiles with your own to spread some extra good vibes."

18."I Feel So Safe With You"

"It is in a man's nature to protect," Lavelle says. "He likes to hear that he is doing a good job by making those people who are in his inner circle feel safe."

19.Laugh at His Jokes

Showing that you love his sense of humor is one of the best ways you can flatter him. "All men are performers," Leiser says. "They need positive reinforcement for when they're trying to entertain you. The ultimate compliment is if you can play into his jokes and laugh together!"

20."You're Totally My Hero"

If he saved the day, give him the props he deserves. "It's not that you can't do what he did," Pratt says. "It's that he did it FOR you. Praise him. Mean it. Say it from your heart. Be a little vulnerable and let him see how his support moves you." 

Julia Malacoff

The World's Fastest Full-Body Workout

 If you have time to stand in line for a cup of coffee, you have time to rev your heart rate and make your muscles feel useful today. Try this quick multi-move exercise and say adios to all those lame excuses about lack of time for fitness. It engages just about every part of your anatomy, says Scott Rankin, CSCS, personal training director at Totum in Toronto. Do 12 reps, then get back to work.

1.Grab a pair of lightweight dumbbells and get into a pushup position—arms straight and hands on weight handles directly under your shoulders.

2.Do a pushup, Then, bring your feet underneath you, one at a time.

3.Keeping your back flat, stand up. (This is a deadlift.)

4.From the standing position, curl the weights up to your shoulders.

5.Swing your elbows out to your sides so the weights are above your shoulders.

6.Lower your body until your thighs are parallel with the floor. Pause, then stand up as you press the weights over your head. (This is a pushpress.) That's one rep. Return to the pushup position and repeat.

Scott Rankin

This One Thing Can Tell You If a Man Wants Love or Sex, Study Says

 Experts say that noticing this pattern can reveal his true intentions.

When it comes to dating, your potential partner's intentions are often shrouded in mystery. And though clear and honest communication is the hallmark of any solid relationship, some prefer to delay those conversations that might define the relationship too soon. In the meantime, you may be wondering whether a man is interested in you as a potential relationship partner, or if instead, he's only interested in sex. The answer, scientists say, is simple and observable: what a man wants is all in the eyes.According to researchers at the University of Chicago, tracking a man's eye movements can reveal "whether love or lust is in the cards." They claim that in as little as a half a second, a person's brain makes a snap judgement about others as part of an "automatic attentional process" to biomarkers in that person's appearance. If the basis of a person's attraction is solely physical, their eye patterns should reveal that they spend more time stealing glances at their date's body. If instead they're interested in romantic love, they're likely to focus on their date's face.Now, some might wonder, "Aren't these things intertwined? How could scientists possibly decipher between the two when even the person themselves may not know what they want?" It's a good question.

Stephanie Cacioppo, PhD, director of the UChicago High-Performance Electrical NeuroImaging Laboratory and co-author of the study, conducted previous research that answers it. That study (and others) found that while love and sexual desire are of course intertwined, they use "different networks of brain regions" to process the two feelings.To get to the bottom of whether two distinct intentions could be tracked using visual patterns, Cacioppo and her team designed an experiment where subjects were asked to look at black and white photos of attractive individuals they had never met. They were then tasked with deciding as quickly as possible whether the photos elicited a romantic or sexual interest, all while the researchers collected eye tracking data. They found there was no difference in how long it took subjects to identify potential love and lust: both appeared to be instantaneous reactions. Furthermore, the eye tracking data revealed that the location of the subjects' gaze was consistent with their reported interest.So, if you should find yourself on a date trying to decipher a man's intentions, this simple trick may give you a clue. Take note of how (and where) he looks at you to find out if it's lust or love he's after.

Lauren Gray

50 Easy Ways to Be a (Much) More Romantic Man

 It's the little things that make her swoon.

To be clear: Despite what rom-coms and the above headline might imply, romance isn't simple. In fact, there's no formula, fix, or surefire move that will automatically make you worthy of a Luther Vandross lyric. That's because romance depends on so many factors—from your relationship status (are you courting or are you comfortable?) to all the other internal stuff that you bring to a relationship, a rendezvous, or any one moment in time. And that's not even including the factors like self-esteem and trust that influence how we give and receive romantic gestures throughout our lives.Despite romance's complexities, that doesn't mean you can't improve your amorous arsenal with your partner. After all, isn't the whole point to dance with your beloved through life in sync, close together, and maybe even a little sweaty, too? So read on, and learn how to raise your romance-level through the roof.

1.Hug Like a Dog

Hugs and kisses should have energy, says Dr. Jessica O'Reilly, host of the @SexWithDrJess Podcast. "Use your dog's energy and enthusiasm as inspiration," she says. "When a dog greets you with a wagging tail and affection, it calms your nerves and makes you feel loved."

2.Text an Emoji for No Reason

Shoot her the old "heart eyes" in the middle of the day.

3.Give This as a "Just Because" Gift

A favorite Instagram post of the two of you, printed and framed.

4.Commit to One Minute

Take 60 seconds every day to do something that makes your partner feel important, says O'Reilly. That can be anything from making their tea to warming up the car to cleaning a laptop screen. "Small favors pack a huge punch in terms of maintain the connection," she says. "When you make them feel important, they benefit from a boost in serotonin, which can help you ignite passion in the relationship."

5.Thanking for the Little Things Means a Lot

Say thank you for things you take for granted, like grocery shopping or any kind of run-of-the-mill responsibilities, says O'Reilly. It reduces the resentment and increases the harmony, she says.

6.You Can Never Go Wrong With Extra Attention

To the neck.

7.Warm Wins

Greet your partner exiting the shower with a towel you just took out of the dryer.

8.Memorize the Law of Floral Relativity

Getting flowers < knowing which flowers to get < Surprising with flowers for no reason at all.

9.Memorize the Law of Domestic Relativity

Doing chores < doing your partner's chores < cleaning the toilet/sheets/towels before they need cleaning.

10.Memorize the Law of Social Media Relativity

Posting < commenting < keeping it to yourself.

11.Prepare More Meals Together

Ava Cadell, Ph.D., author of Neuroloveology: The Power of Mindful Love & Sex, recommends a fruit salad as the go-to dish. "I know it sounds simple," she says, "but once you stand by side, slicing juicy mangos, peaches, oranges, plums, and apricots, it won't be long until you'll be feeding each other the succulent fruit."

12.Back Off Sometimes

Smothering may work for butter, gravy, and marinara, but not for relationships. Time alone makes for better time together.

13.Say These Phrases More Often

"You look…"

"Miss you."

"Wanna dance?"

14.Say These Phrases Much Less

"Wanna [other verb]?"

"I think."

"Dilly dilly."

15.New Never Gets Old

Date night for long-term couples should use strategies from short-term couples: Trying something new each time. Studies show that novelty is good for romance. It can be as simple as driving across town for dinner to get away from routine spots or more elaborate outings like doing some kind of weekend retreat that focuses on something like cooking or yoga. 

16.Take Turns Taking Charge

Goes for decision-making, meal-making, love-making.

17.Sugar Needs to Overpower the Salt

Research shows that when communicating with a partner, you need to make five positive comments for every negative one, says Sadie Leder Elder, Ph.D., associate professor at High Point University who studies romantic relationships.

18.It's Better in Real Life Than in an Emoji

A wink is only effective if it comes sparingly and selectively.

19.Volunteer Together

Research shows that those who do something altruistic outside of the relationship have a better connection.

20.Write More

Love notes are good. I'm-sorry notes are better.

21.Cheer!

Treat good news from your partner the way you would a sporting event. A study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found better relationship satisfaction when a person was very enthusiastic about good news from their partner.

22.Play

Ping pong.

23.Untether When You're Together.

A Baylor University study found lower relationship satisfaction when couples perceived their partners choosing their phones over them.

24.Don't Try Too Hard

Cliché that doesn't come off like one: Wine, pizza, and a movie. Cliché that does: 4-foot tall stuffed animals.

25.Share

Dessert. The remote. Laps.

26.Do Not Share

Toothbrushes. Offices. Sub-tweets about your relationship.

27.Schedule Some Stealth Convo Time

If logistically possible, carpool every so often. It's a chance to catch up and slow down in an otherwise hectic schedule.

28.Get Away

Hike a little more. Hustle a little less.

29.Accordion the Way You Touch Each Other

Vary from so-so-so-so light to love-love-you tight.

30.Shop for Smells

Candles can bring different scents into your home, but you can make the smells even more personal by taking a trip to a spice or herb market and picking out ones you both like, Cadell says. Combine them to make a customized bowl of scents for the bedroom.

31.Summons Your Inner Detective

Notice something that never gets noticed.

32.Give In

You don't need to win every disagreement. The willingness to sacrifice is a big component of increasing connectedness in a relationship, Elder says.

33.Practice Patience

Undress yourselves slowly and silently, Cadell suggests. Watch. Listen. Wait.

34.Good Ears Will Never Let You Down

Tune in for birthday-present hints starting at 180 days out, not 180 minutes.

35.Text for More Than Logistics

Wordplay is foreplay.

36.After-play Is As Important

One recent study showed that both relationship and sexual satisfaction increased when as much time was spent being close with each other after sex as it was beforehand.

37.Customize Every Toast

When you clink glasses, say something short, say something specific, say something sneaky. "For helping our daughter with her history project" trumps "Cheers."

38.Volley, Volley, Volley

Ask more than you answer.

39.Add This to Your Shopping List

One of Cadell's favorite ways to sweeten sex is a game using honey, your body, and blindfold.

40.Use Your Bathroom Better

Shave her legs. Shave his face. Hot water, lather, steam, skin, and sharp objects make a cocktail of trust and sensuality.

40.Keep Your Eyes Open During Sex

Especially at the most vulnerable moment, Cadell says. "Even sexier than seeing is to truly feel like you are being seen," she says.

41.Get Away to Get Together

Vacations, even for one night, can start the simmering. Vacations, if they involve bathing suits and bodies of water, raise the temp to boiling.

42.Read the Most Important Sentence in This Whole Piece

The most underrated use of your own tongue: Biting it.

43.Surprise More

Remembering a wedding anniversary is a given. Remembering a stealthier anniversary—a first date, a first sight—is golden.

44.Forgive Mistakes More Easily

People with high self-esteem report having higher levels of connectedness, Elder says. Part of that comes from feelings of unconditional love—the kind that parents give children, she says. That doesn't mean you can't have conflict, but forgiveness shows relationships are less fragile.

45.Share Content

Send an appropriate-to-your-partner story link with the subject line "reminded me of you."

46.Walk the Dog Together

And not as a chore. It's a time to bond, a time to chat, and a time to—literally and metaphorically—show that you're willing to be the one to clean up the crap.

47.Commit to 15 Minutes

One night a week, help each other stretch before bed.

48.Be Kind

To your partner's other circles—friends, family, co-workers—even if you mix together like OJ and toothpaste.

49.Compliment

Accomplishments as much as—if not more than—appearances.

50.Hold Hands

When nobody is watching. When everybody is watching.

Ted Spiker

This Is Exactly How You Can Have More Energy in the Morning

 From a cold shower to a cup of matcha, here's how to get a morning energy boost. 

Despite what you may think, not many people jump out of bed feeling like the Energizer bunny every day. Even your friends who power through their mornings without any grogginess in sight probably had to put in the effort to get there—and there are some simple tactics anyone can do to get on their level. Whether it's adding a few extra steps to your morning routine, switching up your breakfast, or reexamining the eight hours before you open your eyes, these are the changes you can make now to up your energy levels.

1.Put yourself first.

How often do you wake up and instantly start going through your email before getting out of bed? Even if you initially woke up with energy, that's a surefire way to zap it. Instead, Hilary Hinrichs, the New York City-based health and nutrition coach behind Holistic Hilary, recommends taking time for yourself before you dive into work and catching up on messages."A great way to help ease stress and have a more productive morning is by putting yourself first," she says. "Stress can deplete energy, so avoiding things like emails, social media, or texts until you absolutely need to check them can keep your morning energy levels up."

2.Get in some light exercise.

Moving your body first-thing in the morning can help wake you up and increase your energy for the day. "Engaging in some light exercise or going on a walk in the morning is an easy way to uplift your mood," Hinrichs says. Even 10 minutes of yoga or a quick HIIT workout will help. Do whatever feels best for you, and you'll reap the energy-boosting benefits.

3.Don't drink coffee right after waking up.

If you tend to pour yourself a cup of coffee in the morning in order to get an energy boost, switch up your habits and go for water or herbal tea first—two things Hinrichs says will energize your mornings much better than a cup of joe."Staying hydrated is crucial for energy levels to stay up all morning long," she says. "Even though most people love drinking coffee, it's not only dehydrating but can also cause you to crash earlier when you drink it right away. By putting coffee off for a few hours, you'll wake up more naturally."

4.Dim or turn off lights at least 30 minutes before bed.

According to Hinrichs, sometimes having more energy in the morning starts the night before. And the best thing you can do to wake up feeling more energized is dim the lights around your bedtime."A great way to increase energy in the morning is by avoiding lights at least 30 minutes before the time you'd like to fall asleep," Hinrichs says. "This can help naturally increase melatonin in your body to alert your brain that it's time for bed. When we have lights on, it can act similar to the sun keeping us more alert and make it harder to fall asleep at night."

5.Put away your phone before going to bed.

Speaking of the night before, there's one other thing you can do, too. Not only does your phone emit blue light that messes with your sleep, but that endless scrolling can also stress you out before bed—two things that won't have you waking up feeling happy and energized. "Place your phone out of reach in order to avoid checking it over and over again," Hinrichs says. By doing so, you'll start your day much more refreshed, both mentally and physically.

6.Eat healthy fats.

If you want long-lasting energy, the key is adding in healthy fats. That way you won't be left hungry and tired an hour after eating. "I recommend keeping several healthy fats in your kitchen so you can easily add them to your breakfast," says Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, a plant-based registered dietitian in the New York City area. "For instance, pistachios add delicious satiating plant-based protein, fiber, and better-for-you mono- and polyunsaturated fat to [your] oatmeal and yogurt parfaits. I'd also recommend keeping avocado on hand as a topping for omelets or breakfast burritos."

7.And get some protein.

Are you getting enough protein in your breakfast? According to Gorin, it's an important complement to fiber and healthy fats. "Whether your protein of choice is a couple of eggs, beans in a breakfast rice bowl, or Greek yogurt in a parfait, having ample protein in your breakfast will help your meal stay with you for longer—which means more energy," she says.

8.Drink plenty of water.

Gorin says every day should begin by drinking water, as it's not only a way to combat headaches, but also fatigue. "Accomplish this however works best for you, whether that means leaving a bottle of water on your nightstand or pairing a large glass of water with your breakfast," she says. "You can even infuse fruit such as strawberries in a pitcher of water overnight."

9.Eat more fresh fruit.

Having some fruit first thing in the morning is one of the most simple ways to up your energy. "It can be a great way to gently wake up your digestive system," Hinrichs says. "It contains fiber, is full of nutrients, and has the healthy carbohydrates our bodies thrive on for energy. Whether you're pairing fruit with oats, making a smoothie, or eating it on its own, any of those options can be a great way to energize you in the morning."

10.Try some matcha.

Matcha is one of the best morning beverages for upping your energy levels. Although it contains caffeine, it's different than coffee in that it's balanced out with L-theanine and therefore energizes you more slowly—aka there's no sudden crash an hour later. You can sip it as a tea, or make a frothy matcha latte."L-theanine promotes both alertness and calm at the same time," Michael J. Breus, PhD, a clinical psychologist and sleep expert in Manhattan Beach, California, wrote on his website. "It can put you in a state of wakeful relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety while at the same time improving focus and concentration."

11.Limit how much negative news you consume.

A lot of people start their day by turning on the news, reading the newspaper, or checking the latest headlines online to see what's happening in the world. But according to the Mayo Clinic, news overdose is a thing, and it can really get you down—especially with everything happening in the world right now. Instead of letting the negativity suck all your energy, do something happier first-thing instead.

12.Get some fresh air and sunshine.

What's more simple than stepping outside in order to give your energy levels a boost? A past study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found the exposure to bright morning light can be effective against insomnia, making you feel less tired and more energized. Bonus: It can also help with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

13.Take a cold shower

Kicking your day off with an ice-cold shower might not sound pleasant, but it's a proven way to up your energy in the mornings. A 2016 study published in PLoS One found 91 percent of the participants wanted to continue their cold shower routine after the study ended because of how energized it made them feel in the mornings. In fact, they said it gave them a similar effect to drinking caffeine. When you shower, finish with at least 30 seconds of cold water to reap the benefits.

Tehrene Firman