Love + Relationships

A relationship begins to decay when one or both parties stop trying. Though relationships shouldn’t be work, they do require the effort of both parties. Whether your relationship has been struggling for some time and you want to get it back on the right track, or you simply want to make sure your relationship stays strong, there are a few things you can do on a daily basis to strengthen your relationship, and maintain your bond with your partner.

It was an October Saturday. The air was crisp and clear with the essence of Autumn in the air. Since the air exuded pumpkin spice and sweaters, I decided to stay in and cook that night. The week had been strenuous, but the excitement was scheduled to arrive. The love of my life, AJ suggested that we meet at my place and have dinner and watch our favorite movies.

Asexuality is complex as a whole. The various degrees of it are hard to digest as one thinks: I like guys (or girls) but I feel deep connections only after I get to know them. Or: I have no sexual attraction towards anyone nor do I feel romantic attraction no matter how well I know them. For me, I am still mapping out the degree of my asexuality. I discovered I am asexual when I turned 21. I am 22 now and do I wish I had known sooner? Not entirely. There is a huge possibility that I would not have thought there was something wrong with me and had felt the need to act out sexually in order to feel something. At the same time, I feel that not knowing and discovering something about yourself on your own, in your own way, is beautiful. It is like finding a dusty puzzle piece underneath a sofa after months and you are one step closer to finishing something challenging. Personalities, identities—the mind—it is all complex. I am not a complete rebel, but I do like to discover things on my own when it is against the wishes of others. Within reason. My virginity was one of these things.

My life has always had its ups and downs, just like everyone elses'. I have faced discrimination for my choices, and I have been praised for them. It has definitely never been easy... but I get by. Things got worse as I grew older, that is until I learned to not care what other people think. This story starts when I was thirteen, back when I had just started high school.

Eric checked himself in the mirror yet again. He was getting some lunch, to catch up with his old friend, Julia. He had known her since high school, and had been in love with her for just as long. Even though they were just friends, and nothing more—Julia had certainly never thought of him that way—butterflies still rose in his stomach at the thought of seeing her.

Today, modern wedding cakes are often adorned with handcrafted sugar roses, icing patterns that mimics the bride's dress, and a price tag marking it as one of the most expensive items on display. A gorgeous wedding cake is often the centerpiece and symbol of the wedding itself. Yet, it wasn't always a tasty dessert. Its origin has a less sugary and decorated beginning.