Top Advice for Happy Relationships with Your Spous

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Here's one hard truth we all have to face as adults: rom-coms and Disney movies lied to us. There's no such thing as a perfect relationship that's free from squabbles or petty fights. 

One minute you're looking up Asian brides on a dating website and stumbling upon the love of your life. The next minute, you're both yelling at each other in the kitchen over a sink full of unwashed dishes. 

Inasmuch as we all want a fairytale romance that ends in a firm happily-ever-after, real life relationships don't exactly work that way. There will be days when your happily-ever-after feels like an angrily-ever-after. The worst part? Love isn't enough to pull you through on those days. 

So what can you do? Well, if you're looking to build a quiet and happy relationship with your spouse, here are some tips that can get you through the bad days:

Acknowledge your feelings

Sometimes, you may start an argument with your spouse because of an underlying emotion or situation that you haven't acknowledged yet. For instance, you may think that you're upset with your husband because he left a wet towel lying on the bed again. However, in reality, you may actually be hurt because he never appreciates the work you put in around the house. 

If you don't acknowledge this feeling and its primary cause, resentment will continue to build up and before you know it, you're laying into your partner for "breathing too loudly." 

So what do you do? The next time you have an argument or disagreement with your spouse, take a few minutes to self-reflect. Ask yourself questions that will help you identify how you truly feel, such as: why am I really angry right now? What do I actually need? 

When you identify how you truly feel, you become able to communicate better and iron out issues with your spouse. 

Listen to each other

We get it: you’ve had a really long day and you’ll give anything to be able to lay down on some crisp, clean sheets and fall asleep. Unfortunately, your spouse chooses that very moment to start talking about how bad their day was and how annoying the new coworker is. What do you do? Do you ignore them and just hit the sack, or should you take a few minutes to listen to whatever it is they have to say? 

Of course, this is a no-brainer. If you're looking to build a happy and peaceful relationship with your spouse, you should be willing to listen to them even when it's inconvenient for you. 

However, this doesn't just apply to pillow talk alone. During arguments, regardless of how "right" you feel you are, don't talk over your partner. You should give them the opportunity to express their feelings and listen to them constructively. 

Use the compliment sandwich 

"My partner is always criticizing me. It's like I never do anything right!" 

We've all heard this line before. From couples therapy to divorce courts, this scenario always plays out when a marriage is headed for the rocks. 

Here's the thing: it's completely okay to point out your partner's flaws or shortcomings. However, you have to do it constructively so as not to hurt their feelings. 

That's why we've come up with the compliment sandwich. It's just like a regular sandwich but with compliments acting as bread slices and criticism as peanut butter or jelly. It involves complimenting your partner first, pointing out their shortcomings, and then wrapping it up with another compliment. 

For instance, if your partner constantly spills water and makes a mess in the kitchen while doing the dishes, you could say something like:

"Babe, thank you so much for doing the dishes tonight. You've been really helpful, but could you try mopping up after? The spilled water always makes a mess that I'll have to deal with in the morning. Other than that, you're the best!" 

See? In just a few sentences, you've managed to point out what's irking you without making your partner feel terrible. It's definitely better than saying something like:

"Why do you always have to spill water on the floor? I have to clean all of this in the morning and it's so annoying. Can't you just mop up after?" 

While these two sentences are conveying the same message, the former will guarantee better, happier results while the latter will only lead to a sulking partner who feels unappreciated. 

Don't bottle things up

Your partner stepped out for a couple of drinks with some friends. You're mad at them for bailing out on a cozy night in, and it's perfectly understandable. However, when they try to reach out to you, you keep giving one-word answers so that they could figure out you're angry and then apologize. 

Unfortunately, this is no way to communicate and is a sure recipe for disaster. Your partner may be many things, but we can bet they aren't mind readers. If they can't read your mind and you don't communicate, they certainly won't understand why you're unhappy or how to make you happy. 

Studies have shown that there is a strong link between communication and satisfaction in marriages. Thus, when ugly scenarios pop up, try as much as possible to help your partner see things from your point of view instead of bottling your emotions up or giving them the silent treatment. 

Date your spouse 

Everyone says that marriage loses its lustre after the first few years. Once the kids start coming, you'll find yourselves focusing on your new responsibilities and bills. Before you know it, the spark you once had with your partner is long gone. 

However, it doesn't always have to be this way. Whether you've been married for over a decade or not, you can still enjoy the honeymoon phase with your spouse and keep the spark alive. 

Wondering how to do this? It's simple. Schedule weekly date nights where you and your partner can dress up, go to a fancy restaurant, and have a quiet candle-lit dinner. 

You could also go to see a movie together or schedule a simple ice-cream date. Regardless of your personal preferences, there are tons of opportunities to have a nice, romantic date with your partner. 

Find something to appreciate about your partner everyday 

As a married couple, it's easy to lose sight of what attracted you to your partner in the first place. Over time, the long, luscious hair you once fell in love with might turn into a perpetual messy bun. The charming smile that once made your heart flutter could be replaced by stress lines and a scowling demeanor. 

However, instead of focusing on these changes, it's important to identify one or more positive things about your partner every day and appreciate them for being as they are. It could be something as simple as them bringing you coffee or holding your hand as you both walk down the street. 

Just tell them how much you appreciate their tiny acts of kindness and service. This can go a long way in encouraging them and keeping your marriage happy. 

Apologize and accept apologies in return

During an argument, emotions tend to run high and vicious words may slip out, no matter how hard we try to rein them in. However, even after tempers may have cooled down, it's important to ensure that you apologize sincerely to your partner. If you struggle with pride and you find it hard to apologize verbally, you can start by writing them a heartfelt note that expresses how sorry you are. 

Over time, learn how to swallow your pride (no matter how lumpy it may feel) and offer a sincere verbal apology. Don't try to put the blame on your partner by saying things like:

"I'm sorry if you felt offended by what I said". 

Ifs or buts have no place in a sincere apology. Apologies like these are often insincere and are a trademark of gaslighters. Instead, take full responsibility and apologize without trying to share the blame. 

In the same vein, when your partner offers a sincere apology, don't hold their offenses over their heads by reminding them every week of what they did. Accept the apology in good faith and move on. 

Give each other personal space

Here's the thing: as a married couple, you're probably in each other's faces 24/7, except for the hours when you're both at work. Even though your partner truly loves you and will fight off a thousand gremlins for you, they probably need a little personal space every now and then. 

On some days, they may want to go out for a few drinks with some friends or have some alone time with their phone. Respect their basic need for space and let them enjoy a little personal time.

It may seem strange, but it definitely doesn't change how they feel about you and it certainly doesn't mean that your marriage is headed for the rocks. Rather, this wll help you both spend time enjoying the things you love separately and when they get home, you both can reconvene and talk about how your day went. 

In the same vein, try to get in a little "you" time occasionally. Get a new haircut, hang out with your friends, or even go see a movie alone. Remember: when you do the things you love, you'll be much happier, and that happiness will seep into your relationship. 

Final Thoughts 

Keeping your marriage happy and peaceful is harder than the movies make it seem. However, the little consistent things can really go a long way in helping you enjoy marital bliss with your spouse. With these tips outlined above, you can strengthen your marriage and make it a fun adventure that anyone would admire. 

Here's to a happy, quiet, and peaceful marriage! 

Author's Bio 

Kelly Richardson is an exceptional writer and dating coach at BroomStickWed. Over time, she has helped several men and women find love online without falling prey to scammers or online predators. 

 

Give the gift of meaningful innovation this holiday season by Philips Domestic Appliances

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

From kitchen tools to cleaning gadgets, find the perfect gifts to give yourself and your loved ones a happier, healthier home this Christmas.



Gift giving is such an important tradition that comes with the holiday season. In the days leading up to Christmas, we spend so much time thinking of the perfect presents to give our friends and loved ones. After all, giving gifts can show how much we appreciate the people in our lives, strengthening connections and deepening the bonds we’ve built over time.

To save yourselves from the stressful situations that come with the Christmas rush, it’s always a good idea to prepare ahead and get presents before the busy days set in. With more people spending time at home nowadays, gifts that enrich the home living experience make for thoughtful gift ideas. From kitchen appliances that cover a wide range of meals and cooking styles, tools that make housework easier and gadgets that make our home spaces safer, Philips Domestic Appliances continues to empower Filipinos to follow healthy and feel-good routines with personal health solutions made for your homes.

 

 

For the budding health-conscious home chef – The Philips Essential Airfryer XL

For great tasting fries made with up to 90% less fat[1], anyone can make meals tastier and healthier with the Philips Essential Airfryer XL. Thanks to Rapid Air Technology with a unique “starfish” design, the Philips Essential Airfryer XL creates food that’s crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Aside from frying, the Philips Essential Airfryer XL opens up a whole range of culinary possibilities from baking, grilling, roasting and re-heating – in a size that can make meals for a family of up to five people.

For the home barista – The Philips Daily Collection Coffee Maker

It’s now easy to enjoy the optimal aroma and taste of coffee made at home with the Philips Daily Collection Coffee Maker, designed with an aroma twister that evenly circulates the flow of coffee through the jug for consistently aromatic and rich tasting coffee. Available online, the Philips Daily Collection Coffee Maker makes up to 15 cups in one brew[2] in a size that takes little space on top of your kitchen counter.

For the fashionable friend – The Philips Handheld Steamer 3000 Series

Designed to be light, compact, and foldable, the Philips Handheld Steamer 3000 Series is an ideal companion for quick and easy outfit touch-ups at home or on the go. Sporting a detachable 100ml water tank that steams up to a full outfit, the Philips Handheld Steamer 3000 Series delivers up to 20g/min of continuous steam, eliminating 99.9% of bacteria[3] on your clothes. Readily available to purchase online, it’s also safe to use on your curtains and bed sheets as well.

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Keeping the floor of your home clean can be a tedious task. To make things easier, the Philips Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner 4000 Series cleans all hard floors and even harder-to-reach areas thanks to its lightweight design. Available online, it features an ultra-compact digital motor engineered for powerful pickup on hard floors, while a three-stage filtration system captures 99% of microparticles[4] – helping keep your homes clean and dust-free.

For a loved one with allergies – The Philips Air Purifier 800 Series

The quality of the air we breathe can affect our health. To help ensure clean and safe air at home, the Philips Air Purifier 800 Series filters invisible allergens, pollutants and viruses from the air with just a push of a button. Available online, its powerful air circulation effectively covers rooms up to 49m². The Philips Air Purifier 800 Series is also equipped with a two-layer filtration system with NanoProtect HEPA and pre-filter that captures 99.5% of ultra-fine particles – keeping dust, pollen, pet dander, and bacteria from spreading through the air in your home[5].

These gifts from Philips Domestic Appliances are now available on Lazada and Shopee. Follow us on our Facebook (Philips Home Living) and Instagram (@PhilipshomelivingPh) pages for updates.




For more stories about Philips Domestic Appliances, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.




[1] https://www.philips.com.ph/c-p/HD9270_91/essential-airfryer-xl


[2] https://www.philips.com.my/c-p/HD7462_20/daily-collection-coffee-maker


[3] https://www.philips.com.ph/c-p/STH3010_70/3000-series-handheld-steamer


[4] https://www.philips.com.sg/c-p/XC4201_01/4000-series-cordless-stick-vacuum-cleaner


[5] https://www.philips.com.ph/c-p/AC0820_10/800-series-air-purifier

How Vaping Has Evolved Over The Years

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The evolution of vaping doesn't come as a surprise, especially when technology is in the mix. From its humbling beginnings, vaping has managed to unite a large percentage of the globe and gets vapers to speak the same language

The rise can be attributed to the industry's ability to accommodate enthusiastic vapers' vaping needs and wants. Manufacturers are putting their creativity into the task by breaking barriers.

It's also interesting to note that the journey is far from ending since there's still much to discover. Here's how vaping has evolved over the years.

Multiple Flavors

Then came the e juices that are now available in a wide variety of flavors. Before their inception, vapers were only exposed to access to essential Nicotine with no flavors to mention.

The evolution of vaping has come as a blessing in disguise that has granted vapers due to exposure. Most of them are in the process of learning something new that's becoming efficient in their vaping journey.

The existence of multiple flavors has added more zest to the pastime that's been viewed as ordinary since the beginning. Vapers have seen modern-day vaping products in a different light.

The evolution journey has been a partnership between the consumers and manufacturers. Consumers keep the communication alive through timely and constructive feedback, which keeps the manufacturers on their toes.

Through the constant adjustment from previous inventions, vaping, in general, has become polished compared to its previous appearances. Vapers can now access the best salt nic juices at the click of a button.

What's more, those who prefer a different section of e juices are counted in. Vaping still goes on even when vapers fail to find their e juice of choice for some reason.

E-Cigarettes

They have not always been around, but their presence has made a significant difference in vaping. From traditional cigarettes to electronic ones, vaping has made quite a stride.

This is one of the primary definitions of vaping and has made it an enjoyable and convenient pastime. The evolution of vaping is visible since e-cigarettes are used around the world.

Not too long ago, traditional cigarettes were highly revered, yet so essential. Their electronic counterparts are taking the world by storm, especially since technology is involved.

One of its outstanding qualities is that you don't need a lighter or any external flame to turn it on. An electronic cigarette is composed of different parts, including batteries, which keep it functional.

Better still, its method of operation beats the traditional ones. Since batteries power them, E-cigarettes convert e liquids to vapor, which becomes more accessible for the vaper to inhale.

They come in all shapes and sizes for passionate vapers to take their pick. Variety has contributed immensely to the evolution of vaping and is still on the verge of releasing more assorted vaping products.

Advanced Personal Vaporizers

Manufacturers are on a spree to draw as many vaping clients as they can. This is seen through personal vaporizer products that enable vapers to indulge on the go.

As the name suggests, these categories of vape products are more advanced due to their sophisticated features. The likes of vape pods and mod kits are rapidly rising and curving niches for themselves.

Advanced personal vaporizers (APV) are meant for vapers with a penchant for breaking the norms and trying new ideas. APVs can be customized to suit the vaper's needs.

They possess elegant features such as temperature setting buttons, digital displays, higher wattage levels, etc. Each of these features is crucial to a splendid vape experience, and vapers must be familiar with their ideal tastes.

Their price ranges might scare some aspiring clients away, but they are worth every penny. Aside from their delectable features, APVs can accommodate the various flavors of e juices available on the market.

Their flexibility adds to their list of attractive factors and has helped shape the evolution journey of vaping.

Voice-activated Vape Products

Technology has taken a massive leap by introducing ecstatic vape fans to voice-activated. However, these products are accompanied by much tighter rules and regulations that vendors must observe.

For instance, they are only limited for sale to individuals who have reached the legal age to engage in vaping. Breaking this rule may be disastrous and even lead to the eventual banning of these timely vape products.

Voice-activated products can be termed as quintessential due to their illumination features. They stand out since manufacturers have made improvements from all the previous products.

The illumination factor has grasped the attention of keen vapers who wish to dig deeper and know everything about it. Most of them are already satisfied with what they know so far but are keeping their ears to the ground in case of any groundbreaking developments.

Disposable Products

The replacement option is open due to factors such as divided interests in the vaping arena. Not everyone will be drawn to some vaping products such as vaping oils and will want to try something else.

Disposable vape products make room for others that can accommodate different vape juices and oils options. Disposable vape products are convenient because they last a significant period before they are replaced.

Another benefit they possess is avoiding congestion by creating space for others once they outlive their usefulness. They also put users out of the misery of care and maintenance practices that might be extremely daunting for some vapers.

Disposables are flexible and can conform to any kind of lifestyle that vapers choose to adopt. What's more, new designs keep making their way into the market for vapers to explore.

Conclusion

The evolution story of vaping is fascinating, especially since it holds the potential to expand. Vapers shouldn't rest on their laurels but dig deeper for more exciting features and products.

Manufacturers have taken it upon themselves to expand the vaping industry by all means.