Foot massage technique- Does foot massage enhance your relationship?

Playing with and massaging a person's feet is a sign of warmth and respect for your partner's body and feelings. It is an ice breaker when you just don't feel in the mood for intimacy and a way to relax.

These little things make a HUGE difference in a relationship.

Here's an article that I found which I enjoyed so I just thought I would share.

45 Tips for a Happy Marriage

Author: Mush Panjwani

We just celebrated our 24th marriage anniversary and it’s been over 25 years since we started seeing each other. We consider ourselves very fortunate to enjoy a great relationship and still be in love. Considering that we are so different from each other in so many ways and that we rarely agree on anything, we often wonder what has kept us so happy together. It’s a few things.

We realize and accept the fact that everyone is different; everyone has his or her strengths and weaknesses. We don’t try to change the other. We choose to focus on the strengths and accept the weaknesses – unless one needs help and encouragement in overcoming a certain weakness. We have come to understand that being in love is not enough for a happy marriage. Happy partners choose to be happy, and they do certain things in a certain way. We have been following a certain unwritten code of conduct about how we treat each other and how we deal with our differences.

Communication is the key. Like in any other relationship, good communication is the key to a happy marriage. You don’t need a degree in communications; it’s mostly common sense. It’s Ok to argue, but you must follow certain rules. Few tips to enhance communication with your partner:

Be honest.
Talk to each other often.
Listen when the other is talking.
Express any concerns quickly.
Compliment often; criticize rarely.
Never criticize in public.
Never yell at each other.
Never bring up mistakes of the past.
Never use the word ‘always’ and ‘never’ in arguments.
Don’t go to bed with an unsettled argument.
Say ‘I love you’ often… and mean it.
Be quick to say ‘I am sorry’.
Forgive and forget quickly.
Never keep secrets from each other.
Keep the in-laws out of your marriage.

What happened to the romance? Remember the first time you started seeing each other? You used to dress up, make-up, put on your best self, hold hands, and do things to please your partner. Why does it have to be any different after few years? Keeping the romance alive is an essential part of being happy with your partner. Some tips for the un-romantics:

Hold hands.
Hug and kiss every day – few times a day, actually.
Give flowers or gifts or love-you cards without any occasion.
Remember birthdays and anniversaries. Plan surprises.
Share whatever chores you can – cooking, dishes, laundry, bills.
Go on dates.
Watch romantic movies together.
Walk on the beach when it’s a full moon.
Watch sunrise or sunset together.
Learn what turns your partner on or off.
Don’t make a chore out of sex. Experiment; be creative.
Make his or her favorite breakfast.
Dress up, or make-up, just for him or her.
SMS your love when you are away.
Don’t compare and praise other men or women.

Small things make the big difference. Many of them have been covered in the above lists. Here are some more:

Talk about your dreams, goals and ambitions.
Give foot massages and back rubs when your partner is tired.
Call during the day.
Switch off your iPhone or Blackberry while on a date together.
Do it his or her way, once in a while.
Beware of bad breath and body odor.
Respond quickly to your partner’s requests.
Pray for each other daily… from the heart.
Don’t start sharing your problems as soon as your partner shows up after work
Keep his or her photo in your wallet, or as the wallpaper of your phone.
Go for walks together.
Accept their ‘annoying’ habits. Do not nag
Don’t offer an advice unless asked for.
Cuddle.
Be prepared to sacrifice your interests and preferences for the sake of your partner.

Very importantly, we must learn to be happy as individuals before we can be happy together. Please tell us which ones are your favorite, and share your own tips too.

Read other articles by Mush on happiness, health, relationships and motivation at Enhancing Life.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/marriage-articles/45-tips-for-a-happy-marriage-1201078.html

About the Author

Mush Panjwani is a salesman, marketer, publisher, trainer, coach and motivational speaker, living and working in Hong Kong. Visit his blog: MushPanjwani dot com

3 Tips for Giving Great Foot Massages

Author: Lance Compton

Nothing makes you feel relaxed faster then a nice, stress-reducing foot massage. Learning the correct methods to give one can certainly be a great gift for a friend or dearly loved one. The best news is that it is really quite simple to give a great one because foot massage techniques are not that difficult to learn.

Before beginning have the person wash their feet. It is also wise to make sure both of your hands are clean. Look at both the left and the right foot for any potential health problems like sores or fungal infections like athlete's foot. If some of these issues are present you should not give the massage.

Do the following strategies, and the person you massage will be in your debt forever. The best foot massage position is to have the individual lay down on their back or recline in a chair with the feet elevated on a stool or cushion.

Gather What You will need

Sure, a foot massage can invariably be an unplanned gesture. However, if you'd like to make the massage especially satisfying, there are some foot massage supplies you should gather before hand. Things like a basin of warm water (not too hot), comfortable socks or slippers, Epsom salt, essential oils, massages oil or lotion, towels, relaxing music and scented candles.

Prepare the Feet

First of all, be sure the feet are clean. Prepare a basin of warm water and soak the feet around 5 to 15 minutes, drying the feet appropriately. By properly preparing the feet before you begin the massage, it can help ensure that the massage is relaxing in your case as well as the recipient.

Start the Massage

At this point the feet are clean you're all set to start the foot massage. Let the person sit or lie in a very comfortable situation. Lay a towel under your work place to catch any oil or lotion that drips. Be sure both hands are warm before commencing the massage. Cold hands can ruin a massage, so warm them up by rubbing your hands together. Begin by massaging the cream tenderly onto the entire foot, top and bottom. Then do whatever foot massage techniques that come to mind, you really can't go wrong.

How long you massage the feet really depends on how much time you have and how long your hands can last for. Don't try to press too hard with your hands because this will tire them out quickly, leading to a short massage.

Finish Up

If the person will be putting on socks and shoes afterwards its best to wipe off any excess lotion or oils that you have used. Now is also the time to ask what the person liked best about the massage so you can improve your foot kneading technique for the future.