Ali Zafar

Long Distance Relationship

‘Distance’ is the one-word reason that countless couples have ended their relationships. While being in a long distance relationship can sure be tough, it does not have to take a toll on both of you. iDiva tells you how you can bridge the gap  

Stability
Trust is most important to build the foundation of a stable relationship. There should be a level of commitment between the couple even before considering a long distance relationship. Inherent mutual trust built up over time helps withstand any sort of challenges that come along.  An on-again, off-again relationship does not have the surviving power that a stable one does.
 
Transparency and honesty help a relationship grow and can only happen if there is no game playing and manipulation. A man and woman who are together because they want to be and not because they have to be, share a solid bond. “I have been in two serious long distance relationships and both times I never second guessed my choice because I knew that was where I wanted to be. You learn to live away from the person and cherish the moments you have together. Trust is the one thing that gives you the strength to do that and feel secure,” shares Nidhi Awasty, 23. 

Why is it difficult?
Very simply put, man is a social animal and is not attuned to living a solitary life. It is definitely better for a relationship if there is minimal distance. But, if both partners believe that they can see a future together, it is not impossible to overcome the distance. “The hardest part is the physical distance because it gets frustrating when you want the person you love to be around. Of course, you learn to deal with it maturely, but you always miss the person,” says Sanjana Keshava, 25. 

There needs to be acceptance of the situation and mutual loyalty, so that together you can come up with solutions to work through the time apart. It might even be harder if the couple isn’t married. “Three of my five-year relationship has been long distance, and there are times when we are miserable because we’re so far away from each other, but we both know that we would be even more miserable if we weren’t together at all,” adds Manini Chadha, 23.
 
People have differences in temperament. Hence, while some can handle the distance, some cannot. It is not a question of strength or weakness, and you shouldn’t berate yourself if you find that you are the type who can’t do it.  Being true to yourself will save you and your loved one from unnecessary pain and heartache later on.

What you can do before he leaves
Reassess. Ask yourself if you see a real future with this person in the first place before jumping into a long distance relationship. Evaluate the benefits of being with him and ask yourself if you are willing to put in the extra effort. Of course, duration of the time apart as well as the situational circumstances play an important role in your individual decisions. 

Define your boundaries. Talk to your partner and decide what is okay and what isn’t when you both are apart. Some sort of rules always help if either of you are feeling alone and vulnerable towards breaking it up. 

Communicate. It becomes doubly important to open the channels of communication when you choose to do long distance. This ensures that you stay connected and involved in each others’ lives. You definitely need to brush up on your communication skills because you will have only words to connect you. Work out a plan if you are in different time zones and use whatever technology available to communicate be it chat services, skype, cellphones and texting.

Plan trips. Try and meet as often as possible so that you both have something to look forward to. 

Pay attention to your needs. You must not feel shy of your physical needs and deny them. Instead, find more innovative ways, involving your partner to spice up your sex life.

Don’t clutch at straws. If you feel like you have grown apart and the relationship has run its course, have the courage to bow out with no regrets. It is not a good idea to hold on to a relationship only because you’re used to it and it is a habit.


Image and Article Credit: Idiva.com

Health Benefits

Health Benefits of Being in Love

Are you in a loving relationship? According to researchers, this pure and sincere emotion has health benefits too! But it takes a stable and secure relationship to reap all the benefits of being in love. 

Happier you
"Being in a nurturing relationship enables your body to release happy or 'feel good' hormones," says Mumbai-based clinical psychologist H'vovi Bhagwagar. This results in a happier, less grumpy you. You are in a great mood throughout and are a positive person to be around.

Better immunity
Being in love gives a boost to your immunity. "You are calmer and a much positive person. This makes you less prone to colds and coughs," says H'vovi. Being depressed or sad makes you vulnerable to attacks from viruses of colds and flus. It also means lesser tummy troubles.

Lesser pains and aches
"Being in a stable relationship, gives you the security to be able to share everything you go through. This feeling helps you deal with pains and aches better,"says Mumbai-based physician Dhwanika Kapadia. Your partner motivates you and helps you get through it.

Improved concentration
A loving and caring partner allows you to give your best while at work. "Your mind is not busy worrying about your family or how your partner feels about you," says H'vovi. This lets you concentrate on your work and thus improves your performance. "When you are happy, you are at your creative best too," says H'vovi. Which means, nurturing your bond with your partner results in better presentations and brain storming session with your team mates. "This is holds true, more so when you partner is constantly motivating you," says Dhwanika. 

Regular cycles
Our menstrual cycle depends on various things like our health and nutrition. Stress is an important factor too. "Women in a long term relationship are less likely to be stressed. Thy therefore have regular periods and are less affected by symptoms of PMS," says H'vovi.

Keeps stress related ailments away
Married women or those who have been with a loving partner are less likely to be troubled or anxious about trivial issues. They know that they have their partner to count upon. "The feeling of having a support system helps you deal with any kind of a problem with ease," Dhwanika says. This keeps stress related troubles like high blood pressure, hyper tension and migraine at bay. 

Image credit: shutterstock.com

Article credit: idiva.com

Single's

Single's Guide to a Rocking V-day!

Girls’ night out
Gather all your single girlfriends and head out for a night of complete madness. Whether you choose to go dancing and drinking or have a sober dinner, the point is to have fun just spending time with your buddies. Don’t let this one day dampen your spirits just because all you see around you are lovey-dovey couples and heart-shaped...well, everything. Something about how you can make all the girls jealous of the fun you’re having while they’re stuck with their boyfriends?

Rom coms
Guys are known to dislike romantic comedies because of the over-the-top display of romance. But since you’re single, you don’t need to give a hoot about anyone else’s view. Sit back and enjoy all those romantic comedies that girls in relationships are ridiculed about. Get your hands on classics like My Best Friend’s Wedding, When Harry Met Sally or Sleepless In Seattle. They are fun, feel-good films that are sure to leave you with a happy feeling.

Beat the red 
From heart-shaped balloons to stacks of varied chocolate boxes to big fat bouquet of roses, the one thing that stands out on every V-Day is the overdose of the colour red. So, the first thing you need to do is to stay away from the red to ensure you don’t feel blue! Get engrossed in all those tasks that you had been postponing due to busy work schedules and complete them; be it catching up on that novel or trying new baking techniques.

Get lost
If you prefer the outdoors, then travelling is your best bet. The thing that is most amazing about travelling to a new destination is that it lets you escape reality. Leave everything behind and let the discovery of a new place and its people engage you. In addition, chances are high you’ll meet fun and interesting travellers from all over the world. Moreover, you can also choose lesser known destinations— such as Binsar or Vengurla—that don’t celebrate V-Day like those commercial destinations. 

Benefits of being single

• You can talk to your girlfriends for hours on the phone without getting dirty looks.
• You can savour your garlic or onions without a second thought.
• You won’t have to spend all your time checking your phone, waiting for his call.
• No more emotional rollercoaster rides.
• You don’t have to be accountable to anyone anymore.
• You can join a gym because you want to, not because you’re constantly told you need to.
• You no longer need to feel guilt pangs each time you take a sinful bite of that chocolate pastry.

Article and Image Credit: idiva.com

Date

Glam-up for Your Date in Minutes

Got a date in 10 minutes? Worry not. We'll take you from drab to fab in just a few minutes with these quick beauty tips.

If you have: 15 mins 
You will need: Concealer, eye liner and lip balm
Tips:
o    Since you do not have much time, your mantra should be to look fresh and well put together.
o    Apply concealer where required.
o    You can totally nix the foundation because it takes time to apply it evenly and to set.
o    Line your eyes well and put a lip balm to moisten your lips a little and you're ready to go.
Quick tip: Because your look is simple, you can add some drama by winging the liner or by applying a thick line.

If you have: 30 mins
You will need: Smudge-proof kohl, eyeshadow, foundation
Tips:
o    If your date is at night-time, your best bet would be to do up the eyes.
o    It is always better to do the eyes first and then the foundation to get a cleaner finish.
o    Dab some gloss and you're ready to go.
Quick tip: You can do smoky eyes and add some colour to it by sweeping some eyeshadow to the outer corners of the eye.

If you have: 45 mins    
You will need: Face mask, makeup for the look you want
Tips:
o    Applying a cooling mask before applying makeup will make your face look fresher and enable your makeup to last longer.
o    You could also rub some ice cubes over your face for the skin to tighten and look prim.
o    You could do interesting eye makeup or defined cheeks, anything you like!
Quick tip: Since you have time on your hands, you can take a quick 20-minute power nap before you start prepping for your date. It will make your skin glow!

Image and Article Credit: idiva.com 

Chocolate

Sweet surprise! Chocolate healthier than many fruit juices

Superfoods are high in anti-oxidants and compounds that help prevent damage to healthy cells.

Researchers from the Hershey Centre for Health & Nutrition in the US found that powdered dark chocolate had more anti-oxidants and polyphenols, believed to protect us from cancer and cardiac conditions, the Chemistry Central Journal reports.

They compared single servings of dark chocolate, cocoa, and hot chocolate mix with fruit juices including acai berries, cranberries and pomegranates, according to a Hershey statement.

The research showed that both dark chocolate and cocoa had more antioxidant activity and more flavonols than fruit. Debra Millar, who led the study, said chocolate should be labelled a "superfruit".

Source: IANS

Aishwarya Rai

The magazine has spoken to people including Ash's husband Abhishek Bachchan, designer Manish Malhotra, director Ashutosh Gowariker and ace make-up artist Mickey Contractor, said a statement.

Abhishek shared the memories of his first meeting with Ash saying: "The first time I met Aishwarya was in August 1997. I was on a recce for my father's film 'Mrityudata' in Switzerland and she was shooting her first film 'Aur Pyar Ho Gaya' with my dear friend Bobby Deol. I remember one evening Bobby invited me over to his hotel for dinner and Aishwarya and the rest of the unit were there. That was the first time I actually met her."

"If you ask her, she will tell you the same thing - that the minute we came together, we both knew that this was something for keeps. So, there wasn't just this 'one' defining moment, it always felt perfect," he added.

Others too have shared similar interesting episodes related to the beauty queen.

Anaita Shroff Adajania, the fashion director for Vogue India magazine, has styled her for the shoot.

Source: IANS
Image credit: IANS

What Love Really Is

Love Is…

• Free. Love comes when it wants to. Nothing and nobody on this planet can make anyone fall in love with us. Love cannot be bought or sold. It’s free.
• Self Love. The only way we can be ready to receive love is when there's an adequate amount of love within us. The first step towards attracting love is to love yourself. Self love isn’t selfish or only about pampering ourselves. It begins when we accept ourselves just the way we are.
• Love is addictive. It is a high and all we do is hold on to the memory, the look, the connection. Our whole lives are spent searching for that happy high. But love is not a drug for the low times. Love is oxygen, all around us from the time before we were born and it will endure for a long time after we die. The first step in learning about love is becoming aware of the amount of love already in our lives. Think of the people who you love, who love you, the things you love and you’ll get an idea about the force of love.

Love Is Not…

• Trying to change or rescue the other person. The minute we believe the other person has to be a certain way, we’re asking for disappointment. All of us are perfect just the way we are. And love is acceptance.
• Expectations. Expect too much and we only get hurt. Expect nothing and prepare for pleasant surprises.
• Always the Same. Love changes, grows. People get closer or drift apart. Loving relationships require hard work and commitment from both parties. Loved ones will change over time.
•  Predictable. We never know when we fall in love. And no one can tell us either. If it happens, we just know.

Image and Article Credit: idiva.com

Bridal Sarees with Dupatta

Image Source: bharatplaza.com

Wedding Sherwanis

Image Source: bharatplaza.com

Rose Colors and Their Meanings

While no woman would turn down a dozen red roses, find out the other messages you can send by giving a different color or blending the colors in your bouquet.

Red: Love and Romance

One of the most universal of all symbols, the red rose represents true love. It has also appeared throughout history and across cultures as both a political and religious symbol.

Yellow: Friendship, Joy, Get Well

Throughout history, yellow has been closely associated with the sun, making these roses excellent for cheering people up. Yellow roses send a message of appreciation and platonic love without the romantic subtext of other colors. The color represents feelings of joy and delight.

Pink: Love, Gratitude, Appreciation

Pink carries with it the connotation of grace and elegance, as well as sweetness and poetic romance.

Dark pink roses are symbolic of gratitude and appreciation, and are a traditional way to say thanks.

Light pink roses are associated with gentleness and admiration, and can also be used as an expression of sympathy.

White: Purity, Innocence, Sympathy, Spirituality

Early tradition used white roses as a symbol for true love, an association which would later become the hallmark of the red rose. Also known as the bridal rose, the white rose is a traditional wedding flower. In this sense, white represents unity, virtue, and the pureness of a new love. White roses are also associated with honor and reverence, which makes them a fitting memorial for a departed loved one.

Orange: Desire, Enthusiasm and Passion

A literal mixture of yellow and red, orange roses were seen as a bridge between friendship symbolized by yellow roses and love represented by red roses. They can be an expression of fascination, or a gift to say 'I'm proud of you.'

Lavender: Enchantment, Majesty, Love at First Sight

The color purple has a traditional association with royalty. In this regard, shades of lavender roses suggest an air of regal majesty and splendor.

Source: proflowers.com