Novena to Saint Jude

May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, loved in all tabernacles until the end of time, Amen.
May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised and glorified now and forever, Amen.

St.Jude pray for us and hear our prayers, Amen.

Blessed be the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Blessed be the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Blessed be Saint Jude Thaddeus in all the world and for all eternity.

O glorious apostle, St.Jude Thaddeus, true relative of Jesus and Mary,
I salute you through the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Through this heart I praise and thank God for all the graces He has bestowed upon you.
Humbly prostate before you,
I implore you through the heart to look down upon me with compassion.
Oh, despise not my poor prayer,
let not my trust be confounded.
To you God has granted the privilege of aiding mankind in the most desperate of cases.
Oh, come to my aid that I may praise the mercies of God.
All my life I will be grateful to you, and will be your faithful client until I can thank you in heaven,
Amen.

The short prayer mentioned above is a novena to Saint Jude Thaddeus. Make a deep affirmation about your intentions or wishes and pray intently.

Remember that no problem is too big for the Lord Almighty. We all have our ups and downs. We all undergo hardships in life. There comes a time when we encounter the crossroads in life and have a hard time deciding what to do.

Life is all about love.

The Lord is about Love.

Love the Lord above all, and learn to love oneself fully.

Only then can you learn to love others and spread the joy that life has in store.

Try

Misery is always part of the equation.
In life, you learn to give yourself fully as an expression of true love.
You learn to forget hate.
You learn to think of others first before yourself.
You learn to shut up when in fact it is really time to talk.
You learn to divulge in your own feelings and consider the feelings of others as a priority.
You learn to do things you do not normally do and enjoy it in the process.
You learn to forget luxury and focus on necessities instead.
You learn to love by sacrificing yourself.
It is through the above manifestations that love has truly presented itself.
But what about misery?
Self sacrifice will eventually take it's toll.
Love is the sole purpose of our existence.
This you should figure much.
But loving oneself is far more important than loving others.
It is through self growth that you learn to improve on loving yourself.
Only then should you consider the act of self sacrifice.
Only then that love can be openly given.
Only then that your soul can truly express the depths of your capability to love.
With no hate.
No misery.
And above all, no regrets.
Misery is a result of inadequacy.
Inadequate love.
Inadequate attention.
Inadequate expression.
Inadequate passion.
Learn to love yourself more.
Learn to pay attention to what your body and soul desires.
Learn to express yourself fully with no apprehensions.
Learn to harness your passion and never stop improving under any circumstances.
Passion is a manifestation of love.
This kind of love is inherent in any individual and should not be wasted at all.
Passion is an expression of self love.
Passion is a gift from God.
Misery should not deter you from expressing love.
Or passion at it's worst.
In fact, misery should let you gauge your thoughts and emotions.
Misery should inspire you to become a better person.
Misery should uplift the soul and energize the body towards improvement.
Misery is not the enemy.
You are the enemy.
Only you can harness and control the demons that forever linger inside your head.
Only you can create a harmonious environment to nurture passion and express love.
It is through you that the world can truly change.
It is through you that love can be openly given and felt.
Love yourself.
Love others.
And love the Almighty above all else.
It never hurts to try.

Special thanks to Wallace Wattles and Albert Einstein.

Auto Repair and Maintenance

It would be great to talk about cars for a change. Talking about auto repair and maintenance, when was the last time you checked the oil inside your engine? Did you know that this task should be done at least every week? Certified car enthusiasts have the habit of checking their engine oil everyday, especially those who have tuned engines. High performance engines require frequent oil changes to optimize power and efficiency.

When it comes to auto repair and maintenance, always entrust the services of a certified and qualified repair shop with years of experience in the auto industry. It does not mater if you happen to drive a simple, mundane compact or a high end sports car. Sure, modern metallurgy enable engines to perform at higher compression and heat ratios but proper maintenance is essential for a smoother driving car.

Courtesy of Repairpal.com

Notice the kind of cars that traverse our roads today? It used to be dominated by huge SUV's and pick up trucks that guzzle gargantuan amounts of fuel. The roads are now dominated by small and compact cars that offer fuel efficiency with an acceptable level of performance. The default brand for mid size cars would have to be the Toyota Camry and is a worthy alternative to other brands offered in the market. And why not? The Camry is sized just right for the intended task and offer the ride oppulence similar to luxury brand Lexus. The engines are torque rich and fuel efficient given the Camry's portly weight but would still succumb to heavy wear and tear when not properly maintained. The Camry (or any other Toyot for that matter) is a smart investment in that it offers reliability at a considerably friendly price. Remember that modern cars are governed by sophisticated computers and ECU units so careful consideration should be given in the event of a check engine light. This particular warning light is located on the dash as acts like a diagnostic tool to arn the driver of immediate engine repair and/or maintenance.

New car owners should take note. It is okay to do car maintenance at home provided that you know sufficient knowledge about auto repair and maintenance. Always read the owners manual for proper maintenance and repair tips. Always consult an expert in auto repair for all your maintenance needs. This means you always get the most out of your hard earned money. It never hurts to ask around or look for qualified repair shops in your area and get an estimate based on the job you want done. Like going to a doctor, it helps to get a second opinion regarding car repair.

                                                     

Why Aaron Matters

This is a story worth telling and is designed neither to inspire nor draw pity from the reader. A lot of people are probably under the same plight and already suffering from within. There is nothing more painful than being taken for granted or being misinterpreted for every action. Emotional pain is something we all have to deal with. The demons inside might prevent you from taking logical action-instead it provokes a sense of desperation and haunting. Read on and try to assess yourself based on the story below.

Nobody understands Aaron. He is a sensitive guy with a love for life and everything that is offered by the Almighty. He never thinks about himself and focuses on the people around him. It don't matter if he's hungry or craving for much needed attention; in fact, everybody around him comes first. He makes it a point to be jovial and cordial at the same time, despite being lonely as hell.

Aaron wants to die, and he hates life to the fullest.

He was brought up by caring parents whom he loves dearly. His father is touted to be the best dad in the world and considers him to be his best friend. Everything that Aaron is..the way he talks, the way he moves and the way he thinks is a direct result of his father. His father made sure that Aaron grew in a well loved environment and sent him to the best schools in order for him to sustain much needed knowledge to the fullest. Aaron did his best to be the man that he is but grew up to be spoiled and dependent on his parents.

Nothing wrong there you might say, and you're probably right.

His mother loves him so dearly and considers him to be the apple of her eye, as what all mothers should do. Aaron loves her dearly and could not imagine what life would be like without her. He was given everything that he wanted including all the luxuries that life could give him.

Yes, life was good for Aaron.

But why is Aaron feeling this way?

Aaron is a deep thinker. He likes to ponder on all aspects of life and tries very hard to explore his inner being.

Life made a sudden downturn and Aaron was caught unprepared. Yes, he gave up all the luxuries in exchange for a simpler life and was actually cool with it.

But with all the hardships came pain; not the kind that would break bones and cause painful scars. It was much worst than that.

Aaron came to a point when he no longer gets the attention he deserves. It seems he is surrounded by people he loves dearly..so much, in fact, that he is willing to give up EVERYTHING just to make things work.

Aaron is far away from home and has no access to the family spirit and support that he used to enjoy.

He keeps saying to himself, "..I wonder what is wrong..why am I feeling this way?"

"I never think about myself. My personal life be damned!"

"Do I really need to shout just to be heard? Do I really need to pound the walls and watch my hand bleed in agonizing pain before somebody listens to my heart?"

Words don't mean much to Aaron. He prefers to observe the people around him, and somehow has the talent to correctly judge a persona even without directly knowing who the person is.

He was blessed with a kind heart and a personality that everyone will surely enjoy. He connects with everyone rich or poor, man or woman, human or otherwise.

Of course Aaron is not perfect. Nobody is! But he prefers not to think about such things.

What is important is that the people around him are comfortable, no matter what the circumstance. That's the kind of person Aaron is.

He is capable of too much love that the only thing he asks in return is a little attention and a smidgen of sensitivity to the people around him.

He deserves it! He has sacrificed so much..to the extent of not being with the family he loves most.

Aaron has a brother that he loves dearly. He is prepared to do everything for him, much in the same way that he is prepared to do everything to everyone he loves.

His brother is the complete opposite of what Aaron is, but it is this kind of distinction that makes Aaron love him more.

He is prepared to battle life and limb, all in the name of brotherly love. And his brother knows this. It is in this regard that Aaron feels secure when he is with his brother, as the two share a common bond that never fades even when they are apart.

You might be wondering why the hell Aaron is so depressed and feeling so much pain..up to the point that he wants to die.

It is because despite all the effort he puts in his everyday life, Aaron is most often misinterpreted by the people around him. Despite all the love that he manages to give..despite all the sacrifices that he makes.

And it is in this regard that pain fills his heart and managed to corrupt his soul.

He is looking to escape the reality that surrounds him, and could think of no better way than giving up his life.

But the thought of his family makes him strong, even when strength is nowhere to be found.

He does not need much attention.

He does not need much support.

What Aaron needs is understanding; but not the kind that you get from friends.

True friends are there no matter what the situation may be and Aaron is lucky to be surrounded by friends that really care about him.

But every person in the world is looking for a kind of support that reaches deep into the soul. Something that will not only uplift the mind but the spirit as well.

Aaron will not die, nor give up his life just to be heard, praised or even seen.

He fears the Almighty for all his negative thoughts and even regrets the idea of giving up his life.

He is left with no choice but to just keep silent and keep every rant upon himself.

It is in this regard that you, the reader, should never take anyone for granted.

Not all people are the same and you have to be sensitive to the people around you.

Life is not all about you and you alone. There is something much bigger than that.

Look around you..when was the last time that you hugged your friend? Your parents? Your brothers and sisters? Your dog or cat?

Your lover? Your husband or wife?

Think about it. Someone around you must be feeling a pain far greater than what Aaron is feeling right now. And not all people are like Aaron, either.

DO NOT take someone for granted, especially the people that you love the most.

Would you like to feel the kind of pain that Aaron is going through?

Share a moment with your loved ones and cherish their presence each and every day of your existence in this world, no matter how hard life could be.

Remember that life is short. Every second that ticks by is a wasted opportunity to express love and give thanks.

Thank your father for being the man that he is.

Thank your mother for bringing you up in this world.

Thank your brothers and sisters for all the good and bad times that you shared together.

Thank your significant other for sharing this wonderful life together.

And what about Aaron?

Despite all the demons that fill his heart and mind, he still finds compassion to fully understand that life is not about him.

It is about how you continue to give yourself to others while never asking for anything in return, even when it hurts the most.



Blog Networking in Real-time

Welcome to Cars and Relationships

Image courtesy of pictures-of-cars.com

This blog is meant to appeal to the man or woman who happens to have nagging questions about cars and relationships. Why this combination, you may ask?

Well to tell you frankly, I happen to know a lot about car maintenance, car reviews and unbiased opinions about the various makes and models of cars. Yes, I am a car enthusiast and have been so since puberty. Let me just clarify that I am by no means a know-it-all car guy. Yes I am a man, and a sensitive one at that. Which brings us to our next topic..

Image courtesy of http://www.iamatechie.com/

Relationships are the root cause of happiness and frailty in every human being. It is by connecting with other people that our emotions are exercised and practiced as human beings. A happy relationship, whether the married or going out kind, is an accurate meter of how we feel and how our life will transpire in the future.

I'm just a small voice trying to make a difference in life.

I am first and foremost a struggling businessman engaged in the garments trade. I am also a writer with a deep passion for the beauty and functionality of the automobile. Cars inspire me to be better and maintain a positive attitude. Cars are also the window to my inner soul. It is with cars that I feel free and in control of my life.

But I am also a friend. I love answering questions about cars and ultimately, relationships as well. Such is the purpose of this blog. Feel free to ask questions, no wonder how mundane it would be. Let this page be a comfort zone where you can express all your thoughts and sentiments. Feel free to make this site as your car, as it it is for me. It never hurts to express your thoughts in one way or another. In fact, it's a good way to express creativity.
                                                                    

Car Engine Repair Tips: Understanding your Car Engine

Image courtesy of http://www.turbomagazine.com

Every car owner will encounter a few problems with the car engine every once in a while and this holds true for most pre owned or used cars. Buying brand new is preferred but in today's trying times, most people only have enough money to buy a used car.

Nothing wrong with buying a used car. This topic will be discussed in another time but for those with minor engine problems (such as sputtering, engine vibrations, inability to start, hesitation when accelerating, etc.) these few helpful tips might save you a lot of money and the hassles of being duped by an opportunist mechanic or repair shop.

ENGINE PROBLEM 1: CAR WOULD NOT START


If your car fails to start in the morning (or at random occurrences during the course of the day) it would be best to first check these 3 vital components:

• car battery
• ignition
• starter

If your car refuses to start, press the horn button on the steering wheel. If the horn sounds unusually weak, or if the car interior lights are dim then your car could have a weak battery. The battery connections could also be loose. Pop open the hood and check for looseness on the battery cables. Have the battery replaced in the event of a weak, old or dead battery.

The ignition components would also have to be checked. The would include the spark plugs, ignition cables and distributor. Most modern cars run on a distributor-less system and if this is the case, then the condition of the spark plugs would have to be determined. You would either have to replace or clean the existing spark plugs to eliminate engine problems. Worn out or dirty spark plugs will affect engine starting performance.

If an unusual sound is heard when cranking the engine, then the engine starter would have to be checked. Unfortunately, you will have to hire the services of an expert and trustworthy mechanic to properly determine the condition of the starter. Remember that the car engine starter is quite durable and could last the life of the car. It is not unusual, however, to replace the starter at least every 4 or 5 years on abused and neglected cars.

ENGINE PROBLEM 2: ENGINE HESITATION and POOR ACCELERATION


If you step on the gas pedal and feel a slight hesitation or poor acceleration, then special attention should be given regarding this matter. All things being normal, changing the spark plugs and the engine oil is usually enough to get the most performance from your car engine. But if the problem persists (especially on automatic transmission model cars) then the car would have to be checked by an authorized dealer or repair shop.

It could be the result of a sensor problem. Modern engines rely on various sensors to properly operate and one such sensor that is vital to engine performance is the crankshaft position sensor. It is then important to read more about the symptoms of a bad crankshaft position sensor to solve engine problems that lead to hesitation and poor acceleration.

Engine Problem 3: Engine Knocking


This sound is often referred to as the sound of "crashing bottles" and is often prevalent when climbing steep hills or when accelerating. The quality of fuel you put into your car is the leading cause of engine knocks. A dirty combustion chamber could also result to these annoying sounds. Changing the spark plugs and using the required type of fuel/petrol in your car will help eliminate knocking and pinging.

A dirty fuel injector, fuel filter and fuel line will also starve the engine of the right mix of fuel and air, leading to pre detonation or engine knocks. Commercially available additives will help solve the problem but remember to read the instructions on the bottle carefully. Check your owners manual regarding the use of car engine and fuel injector cleaners.

Car maintenance will play a crucial part in determining the life and performance of your car engine. Every car owner should practice diligent car maintenance not only to make the most out of your ownership experience but to preserve the environment as well. With proper maintenance, potential car engine problems could be avoided.

What Are Friends For - The Value of Friendship

courtesy of http://www.commentsyard.com/

People are as diverse as the stars in the entire universe and are unique in their own ways. We differ vary according to race, creed, political views, religious beliefs, DNA and culture. Such is the wonders of true friendship as this type of relationship can cross the barriers of space and time. Space, because no matter where you or your friend is, the fact remains that you are still friends. And nothing can change that. Time, because even after the passage of numerous years, you and your friend are still connected and even remember the jolly good times of the past. friendship knows no boundaries and-dare i say it-can even be more powerful than agape love.

Friends are companions that somewhat share the passion as you, although not directly. For example, both of you could be artistic and could excel in the different fields of the Arts. Friends could be man, woman or anything in between. Friendship could even transcend species, as your dog is thought to be all the friend you will ever need (and they are indeed wonderful creatures to have!) Friendship is universal and can be developed quickly or overtime. No man could ever explain this phenomenon except the fact that human beings are social creatures and are designed to interact with one another. 

courtesy of http://hubpages.com/

The Almighty has given us a perfect set of senses to be able to interact with the people (and animals) around us. Of course, as previously mentioned above, not all people are the same. Conflicts could arise between friends and would put a strain on the relationship. Other friends can spread nasty rumors which may affect your friendship with others. To the married couple out there, your partner is supposed to be your best friend as the two of you are now bound by the sacrament of matrimony. But have you ever treated your partner the same? How do you treat your best friend?

The painful thing about life is that it is always too late to realize what you have done, and wish you could do something about it in the first place. No human being is perfect, especially when emotions come into play. Too much emotion will rob you of logical thinking. 

The good thing about life is that it is never too late to correct all the wrongdoings that may have affected your life early on. This means there is always a chance to rekindle lost friendships, no matter what type of friendship you are in. People change and they do all the time. But again as mentioned above, friendship transcends time and should make no difference regardless of the time spent apart.

The society has changed for the worst. People are now more enamored about work and how to earn vast amounts of money. The recent fiscal crisis managed to change the lives of millions of people around the world. It is only human to say that survival is of the utmost priority in today's changing world. 

Friendship would have to take a backseat. Two people that were friends before are now enemies because of a tryst at work. Or maybe because of a woman/man. Maybe your friend used to be a struggling entrepreneur and is now operating on a more profitable level than you. Your friend that used to hitch a ride now owns a car (and probably better than the one you have.) 

You will get to encounter a lot of people each and every day, with each person worthy of your friendship. Motives would have to discussed on a separate topic, but time to face reality. There are people out there who want to be your friend because you are either wealthy, good looking, famous or of much better use to them.

It really doesn't matter. Why?

The important things is that you were able to offer your friendship to them. Period.

And by friendship, it means you were able to connect on a certain level that managed to draw interest or arouse a certain passion.

Let them deal with their own demons. It is not your fault that they failed to realize the kind of friendship you were willing to offer to them. 

There are no good guys and bad guys to this equation. The cool thing is, you get to play both parts.

But the important thing to remember is that as your friends grow in number, never forget who your real friends are and what they really mean to you. Life is short but we have all the time in the world to realize who our real friends are.

True friendship is not only based on trust. It is also based on charity and love.

True friends are there when you need them most, even when you are not looking or asking for them. True friends will not only listen but will try to find ways on how to make things better. True friends will not only talk but will share a special moment worth mentioning in future conversations. True friends will not only give advice but will also seek advice when needed. True friends will not only give but are willing to graciously receive as well.

Now that wasn't so hard, wasn't it?

To all of you who have found true friends, cherish them for the rest of your life. Get to know their families, children and new areas of interest when given the chance. Do not let boundaries affect your friendship-because as mentioned above, there are no boundaries when it comes to friendship.

The Internet revolution has made the world a smaller place. It is now more easy to connect with friends from afar and friends of old. When was the last time you talked with your true friend who is out of the country?

True friends are actually very hard to come by. They are treasures worth more than any money or gold. It actually feels good to be surrounded by true friends, the kind who know exactly what you are and are willing to accept you for what you have become.

Special mention should go out to childhood friends such as Ernani and his wife Joyce, Dino, Bernie and Joel.

Kudos to Sherwin, Michael and Adrian. No matter where these guys are, the memories of friendship will always remain.

To Alexander and his wife Jenny, Jomer, Eugene and the rest of the crew, remember to always stay positive and maintain a favorable outlook in life. 

True friends encourage one another to succeed, right Jeff? Paula is lucky to have you as you are lucky that she bore your daughter Halley. 

To my good friend Michael Tabuac, thank you for being a part of my life. I will always remember the days when we used to laugh out loud to the various nuances and jokes of class 1993-1994 of BMC in Marist. Kudos to the members of class 93-94 of St.Cecilia in St.Scholastica as well. Remember that life will play nasty games throughout our journey of life but no obstacle is too gargantuan to endure when true friends are around. Cherish the people that matter most in your life.

Life is always full of open opportunities. Yes, life will play nasty games that will test your faith and enthusiasm in life. But friends are always there to support you and listen to your rants and raves. 

Learn to count your blessings. In retrospect, who would you be without your friends?

Aftermath of the Manila Bus Hijacking Incident

courtesy of  http://www.alagukanthavel.blogspot.com

Time and time again I promised myself never to talk about ugly incidents as this will only draw negative energies to my entire well being. But relationships span in every race and creed, and it will only be appropriate to say a few words about the tourist bus hijacking that happened in Manila last August 23, 2010. Call it a case of the hungry ghost month if you like, but what happened during that incident was shameful and a showcase of being unprofessional.

Rolando Mendoza was a decorated police officer. Whatever transpired during his case with the Office of the Ombudsman in Manila will never be known. What is known is the fact that the police senior inspector was dismissed by the Ombudsman on drug related charges. Mendoza is also due for retirement next year but will suffer the consequence of not getting any retirement benefits due to the dismissal order against him.

What Mendoza did, without question, is unfathomably wrong. Wrong in the sense that picking innocent Chinese tourists as his main target should be the last thing on his mind. Staging a hijack would definitely take a lot of balls, but when a person is fueled by rage and desperation then common sense and rightful thinking takes a back seat. Add to the fact the current economic crisis which has left millions in hunger and debt and the situation is further aggravated still.

courtesy of http://www.alagukanthavel.blogspot.com

The Manila bus hijacking that left 8 Hong Kong nationals dead is a source of disgrace amongst the people of the Philippines. Why is this, you may ask? Is the harsh comment really necessary?

What happened that night was shameful beyond words. It only showed inadequacy in handling a delicate and potentially life threatening situation. Such is the case with a country that was fed on corruption and greed. The entire Filipino nation is not to blame for this inadequacy. In fact, nobody wanted the Manila bus hijacking incident to happen. But it did. And when it happened, the police could have shown a little professionalism in handling the claim.

I was amongst the millions of viewers on that rainy Monday night who lay witness to the incident. The way the police handled the situation was, for lack of a better word, humorous. Why? Because all the basics were foregone and everything was left in disarray. Yes, including the chain of command.

Hostage dramas are nothing new. In fact, a lot of hostage dramas could be seen on cable or Hollywood movies. As stupid as this may sound, the movies depict that the first thing to do in a sensitive situation as the Manila bus hijacking was to seal the area and create a solid barrier between the scene of the crime and the onlookers. This should be basic. My apologies to the police officers involved in that incident, but this negligence alone is reason enough for an early retirement.

courtesy of http://www.news.ph.msn.com

I could go on and on, but this would not change a single thing. What needs to change is how the Filipino people should focus on self growth and how discipline should play a major part in everyday life. This is the result of corruption, as the police officers were clearly not equipped to handle the situation. Everything was done harshly and without consequence. No wonder the Chinese people are mad! They have every right to express their anger. They lost someone they know and love. They lost their fellow countrymen. Innocent tourists, at that.

But the President of the Republic of the Philippines is not to blame for this matter. The young President is all too sentimental about the Manila bus hijacking incident. Rest assured that everything will be done in accordance with the law. But this incident should serve as the crossroads towards change.

courtesy of http://www.news.ph.msn.com

To all the Chinese nationals who lost their lives, may all your souls rest in peace in the arms of the Almighty.

Apologies are clearly not accepted but is diligently offered from the heart.

The Manila bus hijacking incident will live forever in the hearts and minds of all those who witnessed it. The Philippines may be concerned about the fall of tourism in the country and deserves every bit of negative data that surveys can come up with. The country deserves all the insults and shame, as when fame and honor was garnered during the winning days of Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (before becoming a congressman.)

This is the time for true change. Such a pity that innocent lives were sacrificed through the consequences of inadequacy.

How to Make a Relationship Last

This topic could spawn a thousand ideas and anecdotes about how to handle a relationship. Take note that in order to make a relationship last, you would have to consider the seed that you planted at the beginning of the relationship.

Courtesy of  MyNewsletterBuilder.com

What do I mean, precisely?

Think of a relationship as the human body. It would not matter what kind of relationship you are in, be it married, going out or a blossoming friendship. What you put inside your body will be reflected on how you look and ultimately, how you act. The same goes true with a relationship. Love alone is not enough to make a relationship prosper. Let this be known to one and all.

If you care for the seed properly, then the plant will grow healthy and strong. Building a solid relationship takes time, courage, perseverance and patience. You will notice that things fall naturally when you are with the right person. Plant the seed in the wrong kind of soil and the plant will ultimately die. People will differ accordingly and will tend to look at relationships differently but if you want to know how to make a relationship last, then the human essence should come into mind. It's easier said than done, I know, but its better than beating around the bush. Sensitivity should come into play and both of you should be sensitive to the needs of the other. This can be achieved by having a casual conversation every now and then. It never hurts to be honest. This is better than pretending to be quiet and everything is okay. No. You will hurt yourself in the long run.

While it is definitely important to spend a lot of time together, a successful relationship can be had with quality time apart as this will enable you and your special someone to grow as a person. This is an important aspect of every relationship, whether married or not. Learn to enjoy the company of friends even when the two of you are apart and you will find out that you ended up missing each other more.

The act of giving should also come into play as this is a crucial part on how to make a relationship last. But the act of giving should not be relegated to physical gifts alone. Learn to give yourself both physically and emotionally, especially if your partner manifests the same towards you. Simple chores like taking out the trash, cooking breakfast or dinner will play a big part in the foundation of your relationship. If your partner wants to watch TV with you (despite the fact that you have other things in mind) then do it. The simple act of allocating a few minutes of your time will yield dividends in your relationship.

Image courtesy of juddlegum.com

Money should not be the sole reason for an existing relationship and if this is the case, then I wish you all the best. Money is best left to be enjoyed, not as a means to build a solid foundation with your special someone. This holds true to any culture in every part of the world. In these tough financial times, you and your partner are always in a constant struggle for everyday survival. The ideal couple will talk things out and find ways on how to better supplement their income. Learn the value of sacrifice and do not be afraid to let go of habitual luxuries for the sake of the relationship. Common sense should come into play. If you cannot afford to buy a new car then don't. If getting a tall Starbucks latte is out of the budget, then why not whip out the blender and make your favorite coffee drink at home. Your partner will love you for it and appreciate the effort.

These are just a few things worth considering when finding ways on how to make a relationship last. In fact, all of these should fall naturally if you are with the right person. But what is the right person, anyway?

For me, the right person is the one who not only makes you fall head over heels in love, but allows you to grow and mature as an individual person. The right person will praise you for your success and scold you for your mistakes. The right person will be there regardless of financial condition and will stay there in times of desperate need. The right person will laugh with you in times of happiness and cry with you in times of despair. Finding the right person is never easy. But believe me, he/she is out there. I am lucky enough to find the right person for me and here's hoping that you find yours, too.

Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts regarding the topic. I would love to hear your insight regarding how to make a relationship work. I am not a guru or a shrink. But I am witness to countless trials and errors not only to myself, but with my friends as well. Of course, a break up is inevitable and we all get the chance to undergo such trials.

Remember that breaking up is not the end of the world. In fact, it marks a new transition period in your life-a transition towards self growth. A break up is the opportunity for both of you to reassess yourselves and think about the future. It really doesn't matter if you came from an abusive/tormented relationship, or if the break up was inevitable because you really were not meant to be together (probably due to personal differences) but the truth still remains.

A break up means yearning for personal growth. Others may call it "freedom" or "liberation" but the concept remains the same. What happens next after the break up is entirely up to you (as break ups tend to be temporary) but remember that a lasting relationship should enable both of you to grow individually as a person. Tips on breaking up are hard to come by but do not be ashamed to ask advice from your true friends.

This blog is meant for the average person to tell the world your feelings and thoughts regarding relationships with friends, lovers, family or the person you just met while going to/from work. In fact, this blog is better because you are ascertained that a kind heart with a kind soul is ready to listen to you or give advice no matter what the situation may be. You could use this blog to voice your opinions, frustrations, tribulations and other praises to the special someone in your life.

If you are willing to read, then I am very much willing to listen.

Compact Car Prices

Have you guys noticed the change in trends that took place in the automobile industry? The last time I looked, gargantuan SUV's were everywhere and the love affair with gas guzzling vehicles have begun. Then came the rise in petrol prices and consumers are now shying away from cars that have a poor fuel efficiency rating.

Image courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors

Compact cars used to be predominant only in Asia and Europe. Folks from the United States have always preferred huge automobiles that epitomize highway cruising comfort at the expense of sharp handling. But all this has changed. Take a look at the new Honda Civic and Mitsubishi Lancer. These cars used to be delegated purely to the compact class but with the world's fascination with small cars, the compact class has matured not only in looks and size but in performance and amenities as well!

Small cars like the Hyundai Accent and Honda Jazz/Fit are ideal for the college student or up and coming office executive. A lot of people may scoff at the idea of owning a Hyundai but believe me, the company is showcasing every piece of ship-building engineering into their cars-which means their cars are reliable and well engineered. A quick look at the Hyundai Genesis will make you a believer.

Image courtesy of Hyundai Motors

Cars like the Accent and Fit/Jazz are probably all the car that an average person might need, and more. In some markets that offer the amazing CRDI (common rail direct injection) diesel engine in the accent will love the torque available from idle all the way to the diesel-shallow 4,500RPM red line. Try 37 km/liter of consumption and figure out for yourself how the Accent can save you a lot of money.


Compact cars have managed to capture the imagination of the average individual. The consumer is now presented with a wide variety of makes and models designed to suit every imaginable preference. When looking for the average price of a car take into consideration your needs and wants and see for yourself what kind of car will fit your passion and your budget.