Jack Daniels details the relationship bewteen food and dating in Dinner and a Movie: The Concept of Food & Dating.
Jack Daniels gives advice on breaking up in Breaking Up is Hard to Do.
Jack Daniels has prepared Will You Marry Me? a complete guide to asking your love to be yours for life.
Married with Children, a guide to meshing stepfamilies.
We Have to be Back By StoryTime, a guide to single parent dating.
After I Do, the aftermath of marriage
Climbing up the Career Ladder, Sliding Down the Family Slide, exploring the trend of starting a family later.
Making Time for Family, a guide to making the most of your family time.
Raising Baby, a guide to starting a family
Jack Daniels has prepared a guide to creative dates in Creative Dates .
Making and Maintaining Friends-nuff said
Romantic Dinners at Home, a guide to romance on a budget.
When Friendships End-Many sims expect that their friends will always be there. Not the case.
Relating to Children, a guide to bridging the generation gap.
Choosing a Pet is an important process for any family and we can help.
Family Traditions, a guide about the importance of traditions and help in creating a family tradition
Serial Dating, a guide to playing the field.
Keeping the Marriage Hot, helps married couples to keep thier marriage hot!
Summer Love, a guide to finding love this summer
Family Vacations, a guide by Bryant Pierce to planning the perfect family vacation.
Bad Children, a guide by Jessica Pierce to disciplining children who are not little angels.
Should you Change for a Lover? Find out now!
Showing posts with label Love and Relating Article. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Love and Relating Article. Show all posts
Monday, July 27, 2009
Climbing Up the Career Ladder, Sliding Down the Family Slide
Gina Deere
There is a trend in Greymount that is growing to epidemic proportions. As families pursue their careers and have the goal of reaching the top and having a wonderful house, they are missing out on the joy of children. I agree, if you want to focus on your career-it is best not to have children, for children need lots of care and attention and it is not fair to the child to be in the parents’ second thoughts, after their careers.
Another reason for this trend is that families are trying to reach the top of their career before having children, this is not recommended, often making a decent wage and having favorable hours is enough for families.
Perhaps in the near future, Greymount will be home to more children and more relaxed families.
There is a trend in Greymount that is growing to epidemic proportions. As families pursue their careers and have the goal of reaching the top and having a wonderful house, they are missing out on the joy of children. I agree, if you want to focus on your career-it is best not to have children, for children need lots of care and attention and it is not fair to the child to be in the parents’ second thoughts, after their careers.
Another reason for this trend is that families are trying to reach the top of their career before having children, this is not recommended, often making a decent wage and having favorable hours is enough for families.
Perhaps in the near future, Greymount will be home to more children and more relaxed families.
Family Traditions
Andy Lake
If you are struggling for some sense of family togetherness, don't despair. You can enhance your feeling of collectiveness with the use of family traditions.
Traditions allow families to form identities and celebrate life changes. Traditions include daily activities, such as eating at the table for at least one meal and watching a television program. Regardless of their format, traditions are an important aspect of our social lives, and parents can utilize this hidden resource in developing more intimate families.
Often the most powerful traditions are the ones that come up naturally in a family. The Burb family makes a conscious effort of participating in Family Day with one family member choosing where to go for the day and birthdays are always celebrated with large parties. The Grey family makes an effort to play charades as a family at least once or twice a week and the Sweeny family, despite their large family size and late working hours, always eats dinner together.
If you still are unable to come up with a family tradition, have a family meeting about what members of the family would like to do on a regular basis. You might be surprised what ideas come up. If reasonable, try these suggestions until you find one that fits your family.
A family spends quality time together each weekend around the campfire.
The Burb family spends every Christmas out by the lake
If you are struggling for some sense of family togetherness, don't despair. You can enhance your feeling of collectiveness with the use of family traditions.
Traditions allow families to form identities and celebrate life changes. Traditions include daily activities, such as eating at the table for at least one meal and watching a television program. Regardless of their format, traditions are an important aspect of our social lives, and parents can utilize this hidden resource in developing more intimate families.
Often the most powerful traditions are the ones that come up naturally in a family. The Burb family makes a conscious effort of participating in Family Day with one family member choosing where to go for the day and birthdays are always celebrated with large parties. The Grey family makes an effort to play charades as a family at least once or twice a week and the Sweeny family, despite their large family size and late working hours, always eats dinner together.
If you still are unable to come up with a family tradition, have a family meeting about what members of the family would like to do on a regular basis. You might be surprised what ideas come up. If reasonable, try these suggestions until you find one that fits your family.
A family spends quality time together each weekend around the campfire.
The Burb family spends every Christmas out by the lake
Keeping a Marriage Hot
Jack Daniels
Welcome to the world of marriage! You will now experience a lack of attention to your needs, no more dates or kind and romantic gestures. You are now good for your paycheck, skills, friends and the occasional child that is produced. Does this sound like your marriage-well with a few simple steps, you can breathe new life into your marriage.
First, whatever you did to get your spouse, you should do to keep your spouse. It pains me to see couples neglected by their spouse and that they turn to other neighbors for that love. Try going out for a date occasionally, the Lakes make it a habit to go out at least twice a month for a downtown date, while the Grays make sure that during family vacations they spend some quality time alone.
Surprise your spouse with gifts of flowers and candy. Give kisses and hugs freely and frequently. Just these little actions can restore and revitalize a failing or stagnant marriage. The Wallaces never leave for work without giving each other a kiss and swear that it has kept their marriage full of fire.
Never underestimate the power of simple conversation. By communicating while watching TV or eating. The Burbs say that with their busy lives, they only talk while eating dinner and they believe that this has kept them together through many of their weakest moments.
Use these simple tips to rejuvenate your marriage.
Welcome to the world of marriage! You will now experience a lack of attention to your needs, no more dates or kind and romantic gestures. You are now good for your paycheck, skills, friends and the occasional child that is produced. Does this sound like your marriage-well with a few simple steps, you can breathe new life into your marriage.
First, whatever you did to get your spouse, you should do to keep your spouse. It pains me to see couples neglected by their spouse and that they turn to other neighbors for that love. Try going out for a date occasionally, the Lakes make it a habit to go out at least twice a month for a downtown date, while the Grays make sure that during family vacations they spend some quality time alone.
Surprise your spouse with gifts of flowers and candy. Give kisses and hugs freely and frequently. Just these little actions can restore and revitalize a failing or stagnant marriage. The Wallaces never leave for work without giving each other a kiss and swear that it has kept their marriage full of fire.
Never underestimate the power of simple conversation. By communicating while watching TV or eating. The Burbs say that with their busy lives, they only talk while eating dinner and they believe that this has kept them together through many of their weakest moments.
Use these simple tips to rejuvenate your marriage.
Bad Children?
Jessica Pierce
Does your child torment the other neighborhood children? Do you constantly find your child teasing your dinner guests? Then you have a bad child. Ok, now what? Well, your child’s behavior cannot be changed, but you can limit the types of social interactions they participate in.
Guests: Only allow them to greet and talk once or twice with guests, then send them on an errand. Studying, getting ready for bed or playing in their room with their toys should keep them occupied until you and your guest are ready to call it an evening.
Family: When the child begins teasing or taunting family members, a simple punishment or distraction will do, depending on the frequency and intensity of the action. If the frequency of teasing is light then simply redirecting the child to another activity such as reading a book. If the teasing is frequent, then a punishment is in order, taking out the trash or washing dishes for a week should be enough.
Just let your child know that they’re loved and cherished. Usually when children feel neglected they act out for attention. Spend time with your child, talking or playing a game. Take a day off and spend it with your child around a campfire or playing chess. Remember, there is no such thing as a bad child, only bad behavior.
Does your child torment the other neighborhood children? Do you constantly find your child teasing your dinner guests? Then you have a bad child. Ok, now what? Well, your child’s behavior cannot be changed, but you can limit the types of social interactions they participate in.
Guests: Only allow them to greet and talk once or twice with guests, then send them on an errand. Studying, getting ready for bed or playing in their room with their toys should keep them occupied until you and your guest are ready to call it an evening.
Family: When the child begins teasing or taunting family members, a simple punishment or distraction will do, depending on the frequency and intensity of the action. If the frequency of teasing is light then simply redirecting the child to another activity such as reading a book. If the teasing is frequent, then a punishment is in order, taking out the trash or washing dishes for a week should be enough.
Just let your child know that they’re loved and cherished. Usually when children feel neglected they act out for attention. Spend time with your child, talking or playing a game. Take a day off and spend it with your child around a campfire or playing chess. Remember, there is no such thing as a bad child, only bad behavior.
After I Do
Gina Deere
After the wedding vows are exchanged and the honeymoon is over, the real test of marriage comes. Life as a married Sim is daunting, now you have to maintain your relationships with friends as well as your spouse.
In Greymount, most Sims maintain a friendly relationship with their spouse and some marriages are full of spark and romance. For example, the Grey family still regularly goes out for dates, while the Wallace family surprises each other with tokens of affection and spontaneous vacations.
In addition, married Sims must now work at their career and family and decide if having children is an option for them. The most important thing to remember is that whatever you did while dating, this must be maintained during marriage to keep the love alive and your name out of the X-Report.
After the wedding vows are exchanged and the honeymoon is over, the real test of marriage comes. Life as a married Sim is daunting, now you have to maintain your relationships with friends as well as your spouse.
In Greymount, most Sims maintain a friendly relationship with their spouse and some marriages are full of spark and romance. For example, the Grey family still regularly goes out for dates, while the Wallace family surprises each other with tokens of affection and spontaneous vacations.
In addition, married Sims must now work at their career and family and decide if having children is an option for them. The most important thing to remember is that whatever you did while dating, this must be maintained during marriage to keep the love alive and your name out of the X-Report.
Married With Children
Jack Daniels
Marriage is a blissful union of two souls and their children. Their children? With the increasing number of non-traditional families there are more single parents in Greymount and SimCity. Getting married with children takes some special effort, for now two families are blending instead of two Sims.
First, make sure your future partner and your children have a good relationship-friendship is not necessary, but all family members should know your partner. Even though marriage creates unknown bonds between family members, it is better if the bonds are worked at before the marriage.
Make sure to discuss the possibility of more children and that it is expected that all the children be treated equally. There is nothing else that causes a child to hate a Sim then when that Sim plays favorites. Also make sure your future spouse is ready and prepared for the instant family, some unions come with one or two children, and others come with sisters and parents that the Sim is caring for.
When planning the wedding, involve the children. Children can be flower girls, ring bearers or even (jr) bridesmaids and (jr) groomsmen let them in on the decision process and remember to reward their efforts with treats and toys-ok bribe them if you must.
Now you’re ready to be married with children.
Marriage is a blissful union of two souls and their children. Their children? With the increasing number of non-traditional families there are more single parents in Greymount and SimCity. Getting married with children takes some special effort, for now two families are blending instead of two Sims.
First, make sure your future partner and your children have a good relationship-friendship is not necessary, but all family members should know your partner. Even though marriage creates unknown bonds between family members, it is better if the bonds are worked at before the marriage.
Make sure to discuss the possibility of more children and that it is expected that all the children be treated equally. There is nothing else that causes a child to hate a Sim then when that Sim plays favorites. Also make sure your future spouse is ready and prepared for the instant family, some unions come with one or two children, and others come with sisters and parents that the Sim is caring for.
When planning the wedding, involve the children. Children can be flower girls, ring bearers or even (jr) bridesmaids and (jr) groomsmen let them in on the decision process and remember to reward their efforts with treats and toys-ok bribe them if you must.
Now you’re ready to be married with children.
Making Time for Family
Tiffany Burb
Families are now houses of busy people, with the parents working full time and children in school all day-most families are too tired to eat in the evening, especially after studying and preparing for promotions. Well, there are two simple methods-one for families with no time to take off work, whether from struggling with bills or frantically studying for a promotion and those who are able to take a day off.
If you have no time, make the most of activities that everyone must do, eat together for dinner and breakfast if possible, watch your favorite TV programs together or even play chess, dolls or other games together. Also, you might want to rethink your priorities-it is not necessary to reach the top of your career, if you’re making a nice sum of money and have decent hours, stay there and work for bonuses.
If you have time, take the family to Old Town and spend the day at a park, barbequing, sitting around the campfire or shopping. This quality time can be well invested and keep your family well connected. If you have the money, go on a vacation-it’s the ultimate relaxation and connecting technique-no cooking, no cleaning, just eat-play-sleep 24/7.
The families in Greymount recommend the following schedule: work-work-study/friend building-work-work-off-work, therefore you work five days, yet have two days off, one for studying, preparing for promotions or connecting with friends, the other for family relations and unity.
Families are now houses of busy people, with the parents working full time and children in school all day-most families are too tired to eat in the evening, especially after studying and preparing for promotions. Well, there are two simple methods-one for families with no time to take off work, whether from struggling with bills or frantically studying for a promotion and those who are able to take a day off.
If you have no time, make the most of activities that everyone must do, eat together for dinner and breakfast if possible, watch your favorite TV programs together or even play chess, dolls or other games together. Also, you might want to rethink your priorities-it is not necessary to reach the top of your career, if you’re making a nice sum of money and have decent hours, stay there and work for bonuses.
If you have time, take the family to Old Town and spend the day at a park, barbequing, sitting around the campfire or shopping. This quality time can be well invested and keep your family well connected. If you have the money, go on a vacation-it’s the ultimate relaxation and connecting technique-no cooking, no cleaning, just eat-play-sleep 24/7.
The families in Greymount recommend the following schedule: work-work-study/friend building-work-work-off-work, therefore you work five days, yet have two days off, one for studying, preparing for promotions or connecting with friends, the other for family relations and unity.
Relationships Bewteen Parents and Children
Andy Lake
Establishing and maintaining healthy relationships between parents and children is important and challenging at any age. However, the parent/adult child relationship has a strong effect on the happiness of both parents and children and provides an enduring social tie between the family unit. It is important that the generations work together to make the relationship satisfying rather than strained.
Communicate. Listen to and try to understand the interests of the other person. Parents can try to learn more about what their children are interested in so that conversations at dinner and while watching TV will build relations and not cause disagreements.
Respect one another. Children-don’t tease and taunt your parents. Parents-don’t nag your children.
Relationships between children and their parents continue throughout life and building and maintaining healthy intergenerational relationships can give families knowledge, respect, and appreciation for one another.
Establishing and maintaining healthy relationships between parents and children is important and challenging at any age. However, the parent/adult child relationship has a strong effect on the happiness of both parents and children and provides an enduring social tie between the family unit. It is important that the generations work together to make the relationship satisfying rather than strained.
Communicate. Listen to and try to understand the interests of the other person. Parents can try to learn more about what their children are interested in so that conversations at dinner and while watching TV will build relations and not cause disagreements.
Respect one another. Children-don’t tease and taunt your parents. Parents-don’t nag your children.
Relationships between children and their parents continue throughout life and building and maintaining healthy intergenerational relationships can give families knowledge, respect, and appreciation for one another.
Raising Baby
Starr Grey
So you want to have a baby, how should you prepare? First make sure your family is stable, no child should be brought into the world and enter a dysfunctional family. After this, make sure that there is room for a baby-start preparing a separate room if necessary for the baby, for babies grow into children before our eyes. Then start saving cash, the family will be expected to miss three days of work-so save at least three days worth of salary, some families are lucky and have a previous child that cares for the baby.
You have the stable household, the extra room and the money, now you need the time and love. Start by sharing romantic encounters with your partner-kisses, flirting, kisses. Soon you will have a bundle of joy or a call from the adoption agency with an available baby.
Now you have the baby and are ready for three days of pure terror. Babies are helpless and need constant feedings and need to be sung to sleep. My husband and I used a technique of whenever the baby awoke, we feed-sung-feed and sung it to sleep a final time, other parents must add play in that sequence or an extra feeding, see what works with your child.
Now in three days, your little bundle of joy will be a full-grown child, ready and willing to help with the household either by cleaning, gaining scholarships or selling paintings. The child will also be a great addition to the family and will be a constant source of love and comfort.
So you want to have a baby, how should you prepare? First make sure your family is stable, no child should be brought into the world and enter a dysfunctional family. After this, make sure that there is room for a baby-start preparing a separate room if necessary for the baby, for babies grow into children before our eyes. Then start saving cash, the family will be expected to miss three days of work-so save at least three days worth of salary, some families are lucky and have a previous child that cares for the baby.
You have the stable household, the extra room and the money, now you need the time and love. Start by sharing romantic encounters with your partner-kisses, flirting, kisses. Soon you will have a bundle of joy or a call from the adoption agency with an available baby.
Now you have the baby and are ready for three days of pure terror. Babies are helpless and need constant feedings and need to be sung to sleep. My husband and I used a technique of whenever the baby awoke, we feed-sung-feed and sung it to sleep a final time, other parents must add play in that sequence or an extra feeding, see what works with your child.
Now in three days, your little bundle of joy will be a full-grown child, ready and willing to help with the household either by cleaning, gaining scholarships or selling paintings. The child will also be a great addition to the family and will be a constant source of love and comfort.
Choosing A Pet
Prisilla Lake
One popular gift this holiday season is a pet for a child. Wheter it be a fish or a puppy, families should carefully choose thier newest family member.
While all kinds of pets can bring children pleasure, it is important to choose a pet that is right for your family, your home, and your lifestyle; and one that your child can help care for.
Large pets, cats and dogs, should be brought in pairs if your family is very busy and can not provide socially for the pet-especially if the pet is very friendly. These pets are best for providing a shy or lonely child friendship and companionship.
Small pets, such as fish, birds, and turtles, are fairly easy to take care of-but provide little interaction bewteen family members and the pet. These pets are best for teaching responsibility such as cleaning out cages, feeding the pets and playing with the pets to keep them happy.
Many children expressed interest in owning the monkey that our neighborhood musician has-thank goodness it is not offered in pet stores. Try giving them a turtle instead.
Even SUPERSTAR Alisa Crawston spends time caring for her pets.
Children raised with pets show many benefits. Positive relationships with pets can aid in the development of relationships with others. A good relationship with a pet can also help in developing compassion. Pets can be safe recipients of secrets as children often talk to their pets, they can help develop responsible behavior in the children who care for them.
Also other physical and emotional needs are fulfilled by pet ownership such as physical activity, love, loyalty, affection, and the experience with loss if a pet is lost or dies.
So this holiday season, think twice and choose your gifts carefully.
One popular gift this holiday season is a pet for a child. Wheter it be a fish or a puppy, families should carefully choose thier newest family member.
While all kinds of pets can bring children pleasure, it is important to choose a pet that is right for your family, your home, and your lifestyle; and one that your child can help care for.
Large pets, cats and dogs, should be brought in pairs if your family is very busy and can not provide socially for the pet-especially if the pet is very friendly. These pets are best for providing a shy or lonely child friendship and companionship.
Small pets, such as fish, birds, and turtles, are fairly easy to take care of-but provide little interaction bewteen family members and the pet. These pets are best for teaching responsibility such as cleaning out cages, feeding the pets and playing with the pets to keep them happy.
Many children expressed interest in owning the monkey that our neighborhood musician has-thank goodness it is not offered in pet stores. Try giving them a turtle instead.
Even SUPERSTAR Alisa Crawston spends time caring for her pets.
Children raised with pets show many benefits. Positive relationships with pets can aid in the development of relationships with others. A good relationship with a pet can also help in developing compassion. Pets can be safe recipients of secrets as children often talk to their pets, they can help develop responsible behavior in the children who care for them.
Also other physical and emotional needs are fulfilled by pet ownership such as physical activity, love, loyalty, affection, and the experience with loss if a pet is lost or dies.
So this holiday season, think twice and choose your gifts carefully.
Family Vacations
Jessica Pierce
Besides visiting old town or spending a day at home, going on a vacation is a great way to reconnect with your family and meet new people, especially those not from your neighborhood. Vacations are also a great way to get great souvenirs and try new activities such as sky diving and snorkeling.
Make sure you chose a resort with tons of activities that groups can participate in. Avoid treasure hunts, reading books and archery instead have the family join group games of volleyball, water balloon or snowball fights and campfires. Make sure to eat together and have similar schedules to maximize together time. However, allow some time away from each other for meeting new people-it’s an excellent time to expand your circle of friends and enjoying new activities.
If your family wants to gain the coveted Vacation Award, try participating in multiple activities, interacting with guests and making sure that you’re in a good mood. Soon you will be the proud recipients of a beautiful Vacation Award, depending on the location-you can get the golden pinecone, winter snow globe or sunray award. Remember, a happy family means a happy life.
Besides visiting old town or spending a day at home, going on a vacation is a great way to reconnect with your family and meet new people, especially those not from your neighborhood. Vacations are also a great way to get great souvenirs and try new activities such as sky diving and snorkeling.
Make sure you chose a resort with tons of activities that groups can participate in. Avoid treasure hunts, reading books and archery instead have the family join group games of volleyball, water balloon or snowball fights and campfires. Make sure to eat together and have similar schedules to maximize together time. However, allow some time away from each other for meeting new people-it’s an excellent time to expand your circle of friends and enjoying new activities.
If your family wants to gain the coveted Vacation Award, try participating in multiple activities, interacting with guests and making sure that you’re in a good mood. Soon you will be the proud recipients of a beautiful Vacation Award, depending on the location-you can get the golden pinecone, winter snow globe or sunray award. Remember, a happy family means a happy life.
Creative Dates
Jack Daniels
Tired of the same dinner downtown? Want to try some truly unique dates? Good, that’s why I wrote this article for sims like you.
You want to eat-but you and your partner have been to all the diners downtown. Try a picnic in the park instead, sure it’s more expensive, but there is unlimited quality time, some stolen kisses and a refreshing break from your standard fare. Besides, when was the last time you ate reclining. Better yet, try a home cooked meal, it’s cheaper by far and offers you and your partner private time at the house. If the meal is not your main concern, but more of an afterthought, local food stands will fulfill your appetite for a moment.
Let’s say you don’t want to eat while on your date, but want to enjoy other amenities. Try a local arcade, relaxing over a game of pinball with your partner is far better than staring at each other in silence. Pool is a winner as well, as long as you’re not focused on winning, however I recommend that you stay away from casinos-sure the payoffs are great, but with two sims playing and all the money coming from the asker’s account-it’s better to just play boardwalk amusement games and earn tickets. Not the playful type? Try a game of basketball, swimming in the local pool or if you don’t want to move, a campfire or racing boats at the fishpond.
Now that we have fulfilled the need for hunger and fun-what about a little one-on-one action. There are a variety of swings and sofas where you and your sweetie can relax and talk the night away. Also, there are great hot tubs built for two and if you’re lucky…you might even get a kiss.
So next time your date complains about seeing the same diner try surprising them with a creative date.
Tired of the same dinner downtown? Want to try some truly unique dates? Good, that’s why I wrote this article for sims like you.
You want to eat-but you and your partner have been to all the diners downtown. Try a picnic in the park instead, sure it’s more expensive, but there is unlimited quality time, some stolen kisses and a refreshing break from your standard fare. Besides, when was the last time you ate reclining. Better yet, try a home cooked meal, it’s cheaper by far and offers you and your partner private time at the house. If the meal is not your main concern, but more of an afterthought, local food stands will fulfill your appetite for a moment.
Let’s say you don’t want to eat while on your date, but want to enjoy other amenities. Try a local arcade, relaxing over a game of pinball with your partner is far better than staring at each other in silence. Pool is a winner as well, as long as you’re not focused on winning, however I recommend that you stay away from casinos-sure the payoffs are great, but with two sims playing and all the money coming from the asker’s account-it’s better to just play boardwalk amusement games and earn tickets. Not the playful type? Try a game of basketball, swimming in the local pool or if you don’t want to move, a campfire or racing boats at the fishpond.
Now that we have fulfilled the need for hunger and fun-what about a little one-on-one action. There are a variety of swings and sofas where you and your sweetie can relax and talk the night away. Also, there are great hot tubs built for two and if you’re lucky…you might even get a kiss.
So next time your date complains about seeing the same diner try surprising them with a creative date.
We Have to be Back by 8pm for Story Time
Jack Daniels
If you have children, you know the tremendous amount of time spent with your child-making sure they are fed, entertained and well-adjusted to life. If you date, you know the time and effort it takes to maintain a relationship or meet new people. Now imagine trying to do both all alone. This is the predicament of single parents, but it can be done.
First, if you want to meet people, take a day off from work and send the children to school-then go downtown or to Old Town and mingle, meet and talk with anyone who catches your eye, maybe have lunch with a new friend, but get back in time to rest and have dinner on the table for the children.
If you are pursuing a relationship, have your partner come to the house as often as possible to interact with the children. Also, if going out for the night, prepare dinner for the children before going on your date-that way you don’t have to worry about feeding them when you return later. Again, dates during the daytime when you take a day off from work are good as well for you can rest during the day before the children come home.
Good luck with single parent dating and remember to be back in time to put the children to bed.
If you have children, you know the tremendous amount of time spent with your child-making sure they are fed, entertained and well-adjusted to life. If you date, you know the time and effort it takes to maintain a relationship or meet new people. Now imagine trying to do both all alone. This is the predicament of single parents, but it can be done.
First, if you want to meet people, take a day off from work and send the children to school-then go downtown or to Old Town and mingle, meet and talk with anyone who catches your eye, maybe have lunch with a new friend, but get back in time to rest and have dinner on the table for the children.
If you are pursuing a relationship, have your partner come to the house as often as possible to interact with the children. Also, if going out for the night, prepare dinner for the children before going on your date-that way you don’t have to worry about feeding them when you return later. Again, dates during the daytime when you take a day off from work are good as well for you can rest during the day before the children come home.
Good luck with single parent dating and remember to be back in time to put the children to bed.
Serial Dating
Alisa Crawston
(A few of my conquests)
Ok, you have either given up on finding love or are not looking for love, but either way you are not in a serious relationship and you’re officially a serial dater. Whether you like it or not, serial dating is a growing trend as sims become more picky about who they chose to spend their life with. So how can you successfully serial date?
First, don’t play games. Don’t confess your love for another sim and you don’t have plans to pursue a long-term relationship. This means avoiding interactions that give the message that you’re in love with them, such as passionate kisses, giving of diamond rings and of course the infamous vibrator bed.
If you do decide to engage in these interactions with several sims-like I do-make sure they are not around at the same time or jealously will become rampant in your life. Depending on whom you’re dating dictates where you go. For example, if you’re dating multiple Townies-go on dates to local community lots and on vacations, but not too many dates downtown as your other partners might see you. If you’re dating a celebrity, anywhere is fine to take them on a date since they usually congregate in StudioTown or their home. If you meet someone on vacation, take them downtown and if you must date multiple sims from your neighborhood-which I don’t recommend, take them on vacations only-everywhere else you’re bound to bump into a neighbor who will quickly spread the gossip of your other flings. What if you’re dating sims from every part of SimCity? Well, you’re safe at your home and when you go on vacations-unless you met them while on vacation-in that case, I recommend staying at home..
It may be hard, but it is possible to be a successful serial dater, until you find that special sim you want to spend all your days with.
(A few of my conquests)Ok, you have either given up on finding love or are not looking for love, but either way you are not in a serious relationship and you’re officially a serial dater. Whether you like it or not, serial dating is a growing trend as sims become more picky about who they chose to spend their life with. So how can you successfully serial date?
First, don’t play games. Don’t confess your love for another sim and you don’t have plans to pursue a long-term relationship. This means avoiding interactions that give the message that you’re in love with them, such as passionate kisses, giving of diamond rings and of course the infamous vibrator bed.
If you do decide to engage in these interactions with several sims-like I do-make sure they are not around at the same time or jealously will become rampant in your life. Depending on whom you’re dating dictates where you go. For example, if you’re dating multiple Townies-go on dates to local community lots and on vacations, but not too many dates downtown as your other partners might see you. If you’re dating a celebrity, anywhere is fine to take them on a date since they usually congregate in StudioTown or their home. If you meet someone on vacation, take them downtown and if you must date multiple sims from your neighborhood-which I don’t recommend, take them on vacations only-everywhere else you’re bound to bump into a neighbor who will quickly spread the gossip of your other flings. What if you’re dating sims from every part of SimCity? Well, you’re safe at your home and when you go on vacations-unless you met them while on vacation-in that case, I recommend staying at home..
It may be hard, but it is possible to be a successful serial dater, until you find that special sim you want to spend all your days with.
Summer Love
(The Kents enjoy a summer meal)
Jack Daniels
Besides going downtown for an evening or visiting old town, going on a vacation is a great way to meet people, especially those not from your neighborhood. Vacations are also a great way to revitalize a relationship or repair one that’s on the rocks.
If you’re using your vacation as a romantic getaway, make sure you chose a spot without a lot of activities that must be done alone. Resorts with fireplaces and plush rugs, love beds, Jacuzzis for two or other intimate amenities can bring the fire back into a dead relationship. Avoid activities like treasure hunting and this is not the vacation to pursue a Vacation Award. Instead spend about three to five days relaxing in the hot tubs, fishing, sitting around a campfire or lying in front of a fireplace sipping champagne.
However, if you’re single and ready to mingle, make sure you chose a resort with tons of activities that groups can participate in. Avoid treasure hunts, romantic and family centered resorts instead join group games of volleyball, water balloon or snowball fights and just put yourself out there and introduce yourself. Just be forewarned, Vacation Island attracts families and very few single Sims, at least your new love will know how to behave in a relationship.
Dinner and a Movie: The Concept of Food & Dating,
Jack Daniels
When most Sims call their significant other and invite them downtown for a date, there is always food involved. Either the posh restaurant is the main event of the date or the local ice-cream parlor is a forgotten pit stop. A full course meal and good conversation can cause any Sim to jump massive amounts in their relationship. In fact, over the Salamander Diner’s Glutton Special is how all of my closest friends became my closest friends.
If using the meal as the main event, I suggest greeting your date and refreshing yourself on their interests before ordering the largest meal available. Why the largest? This will produce the largest increase in relationships. If you’re seated at a table, be a gentleman or gentlewoman and offer a chair to your date.
Keep the conversation simple while deciding what to order and while eating the first course. Then during or before the second course, if you have been getting good vibes from your date, go ahead and compliment or admire them. If your date refuses your advances, continue talking for the remainder of the meal. If your date accepts your advances, the next step would be a simple game of footsie.
By the end of the game, your second course should have been placed on the table. Eat the meal and enjoy the faint blush of your partner’s cheeks then after eating, attempt to cuddle. For a first date, I advise keeping it simple; if you want to move beyond cuddling, try an embrace or a kiss. Do not attempt to make-out in the booths if it is your first date, many Sims have returned home with a black eye because of this.
After dessert, the date is finally over; you would have spent over seven hours sitting in the restaurant. Say goodbye to your date and go home basking in the joy of starting a new relationship with the help of a simple meal.
When most Sims call their significant other and invite them downtown for a date, there is always food involved. Either the posh restaurant is the main event of the date or the local ice-cream parlor is a forgotten pit stop. A full course meal and good conversation can cause any Sim to jump massive amounts in their relationship. In fact, over the Salamander Diner’s Glutton Special is how all of my closest friends became my closest friends.
If using the meal as the main event, I suggest greeting your date and refreshing yourself on their interests before ordering the largest meal available. Why the largest? This will produce the largest increase in relationships. If you’re seated at a table, be a gentleman or gentlewoman and offer a chair to your date.
Keep the conversation simple while deciding what to order and while eating the first course. Then during or before the second course, if you have been getting good vibes from your date, go ahead and compliment or admire them. If your date refuses your advances, continue talking for the remainder of the meal. If your date accepts your advances, the next step would be a simple game of footsie.
By the end of the game, your second course should have been placed on the table. Eat the meal and enjoy the faint blush of your partner’s cheeks then after eating, attempt to cuddle. For a first date, I advise keeping it simple; if you want to move beyond cuddling, try an embrace or a kiss. Do not attempt to make-out in the booths if it is your first date, many Sims have returned home with a black eye because of this.
After dessert, the date is finally over; you would have spent over seven hours sitting in the restaurant. Say goodbye to your date and go home basking in the joy of starting a new relationship with the help of a simple meal.
Breaking Up is Hard To Do
Jack Daniels
No Sim wants a relationship to end, especially if they are the ones to be dumped. If you happen to be on the recieving end of the bad relationship, I can help you.
First, identify the reason(s) for the breakup. There are a few reasons why Sims go through a breakup.
1. You did something that angered your partner (cheated, lied, etc)
2. Crises of circumstance. Maybe your partner wants to go for a career, the parents discourage the relationship, the partner moves, etc.
3. There is someone else
4. Your partner simply lost interest in you (does not necessarily mean there is someone else)
Normally, the reason why your partner is breaking up with you is never clear-cut. It could be a combination of the above. As the perfect Sim you are, you need to stop your pathetic whimpering and identify the reasons for the break-up. Cry if you like but don’t lose sight of your goal, to get your partner to tell you why they broke up with you in the first place.
Why does any Sim want to know why their relationship is over? Easy, to help you with your next relationship. The simple, "Could you tell me why you are breaking up with me?" should work since your partner probably has a list of the reasons.
Once you have identified the reasons, it's time to formulate a plan of action on getting them back or getting them out of your mind.
No Sim wants a relationship to end, especially if they are the ones to be dumped. If you happen to be on the recieving end of the bad relationship, I can help you.
First, identify the reason(s) for the breakup. There are a few reasons why Sims go through a breakup.
1. You did something that angered your partner (cheated, lied, etc)
2. Crises of circumstance. Maybe your partner wants to go for a career, the parents discourage the relationship, the partner moves, etc.
3. There is someone else
4. Your partner simply lost interest in you (does not necessarily mean there is someone else)
Normally, the reason why your partner is breaking up with you is never clear-cut. It could be a combination of the above. As the perfect Sim you are, you need to stop your pathetic whimpering and identify the reasons for the break-up. Cry if you like but don’t lose sight of your goal, to get your partner to tell you why they broke up with you in the first place.
Why does any Sim want to know why their relationship is over? Easy, to help you with your next relationship. The simple, "Could you tell me why you are breaking up with me?" should work since your partner probably has a list of the reasons.
Once you have identified the reasons, it's time to formulate a plan of action on getting them back or getting them out of your mind.
Will You Marry Me?
Jack Daniels
Ok, to pop the question or not to pop the question? That is the question. If you’ve been living together for who knows how long, there comes a time when it just becomes rude not to have popped the question. Understand that every Sim reaches a stage in their life when they want their partner to be legally obliged to come home every night. Don’t fight it, like a dentist appointment; you know you have to do it. But be calm. Don’t panic. If it feels like you’re about to resign yourself to a life sentence, best not say anything for the moment.
Is it time to get married? So you're in a relationship, and you're thinking about marriage! How can you be sure that you're making the right decision? Well, you can't. But I’ve come up with a list of issues to help you with the big questions.
RELATIONSHIP
You can tell your partner when they have hurt you, instead of holding a grudge and you are able to resolve fights.
You both know that relationships take work, and you are willing to go the distance.
You meet each other’s needs.
You love each other!
You are able to have fun together and your communication skills are well.
You share enough of the same interests and friends that you don't feel like you are always on your own.
MONEY
You have similar spending/saving habits, or you've discussed how you'll each compromise to keep the peace.
You are comfortable with the plan of merging your finances once you get married.
FAMILY
You generally get along with each other's households and if not, you've at least discussed to what extent they will play a role in your future family life.
You've talked about children -- how many you want, or if you want them at all.
If you have children from a previous relationship, your partner treats them with respect and kindness.
If a majority of these statements are true about your relationship, I say go for it! But if not, your relationship needs more work before you're ready to tie the knot.
But be aware that there are many traditions with the proposal. What about the ring? How much do you spend? Where do you pop the question? In the pub? In the bathroom?
The ring is crucial. No Sim wants to wear something for the rest of their life that looks like it came from the trash. Diamonds are a good thing and expect to spend $1000 for the ring. You may be wondering at this moment why you have to bother with all this preparation. Well, bear one thing in mind – your partner’s expectations are high. And when I say high, we’re talking stratospheric. Even the coolest Sim goes to pieces when their partner drops on one knee. Select your location with care. Always keep in mind you are doing the groundwork for making memories. Now all you have to do is actually ask your partner. You have the ring and the ideal spot, what could possibly go wrong?
Be careful with being too ambitious. In downtown Sim City, an unnamed Sim attached a ring to the collar of their partner’s cat, assuming it would trot to the mailbox to be petted by their unsuspecting partner. Unfortunately, the Sim stepped on the cat’s tail. It screeched, bolted out of the house and across the road into oncoming traffic. The ring was never quite the same. Then again, a wealthy friend of mine took their partner on holiday for three weeks in Tiki Village. While there the Sim had a private helicopter pick them up and take them thirty miles out to sea on a small deserted island, where a table for two set up in the shallow water, miles from anywhere. On the table were Champagne, oysters and a diamond-encrusted engagement ring. The Sim’s partner couldn’t say yes quick enough. Bottom line is that all you need is a bit of inspiration and imagination, oh and cash helps too. The ‘miles from anywhere’ is a nice touch. Proposing in public often backfires, another friend (no cash, no sense) popped the question by turning up at their partner’s place of work and dropping on one knee in the middle of the floor. The Sim died of embarrassment, refused, dumped my friend and took out a court order against him.
If your partner says no? Find out why and try again later, persistence is the key.
Ok, to pop the question or not to pop the question? That is the question. If you’ve been living together for who knows how long, there comes a time when it just becomes rude not to have popped the question. Understand that every Sim reaches a stage in their life when they want their partner to be legally obliged to come home every night. Don’t fight it, like a dentist appointment; you know you have to do it. But be calm. Don’t panic. If it feels like you’re about to resign yourself to a life sentence, best not say anything for the moment.
Is it time to get married? So you're in a relationship, and you're thinking about marriage! How can you be sure that you're making the right decision? Well, you can't. But I’ve come up with a list of issues to help you with the big questions.
RELATIONSHIP
You can tell your partner when they have hurt you, instead of holding a grudge and you are able to resolve fights.
You both know that relationships take work, and you are willing to go the distance.
You meet each other’s needs.
You love each other!
You are able to have fun together and your communication skills are well.
You share enough of the same interests and friends that you don't feel like you are always on your own.
MONEY
You have similar spending/saving habits, or you've discussed how you'll each compromise to keep the peace.
You are comfortable with the plan of merging your finances once you get married.
FAMILY
You generally get along with each other's households and if not, you've at least discussed to what extent they will play a role in your future family life.
You've talked about children -- how many you want, or if you want them at all.
If you have children from a previous relationship, your partner treats them with respect and kindness.
If a majority of these statements are true about your relationship, I say go for it! But if not, your relationship needs more work before you're ready to tie the knot.
But be aware that there are many traditions with the proposal. What about the ring? How much do you spend? Where do you pop the question? In the pub? In the bathroom?
The ring is crucial. No Sim wants to wear something for the rest of their life that looks like it came from the trash. Diamonds are a good thing and expect to spend $1000 for the ring. You may be wondering at this moment why you have to bother with all this preparation. Well, bear one thing in mind – your partner’s expectations are high. And when I say high, we’re talking stratospheric. Even the coolest Sim goes to pieces when their partner drops on one knee. Select your location with care. Always keep in mind you are doing the groundwork for making memories. Now all you have to do is actually ask your partner. You have the ring and the ideal spot, what could possibly go wrong?
Be careful with being too ambitious. In downtown Sim City, an unnamed Sim attached a ring to the collar of their partner’s cat, assuming it would trot to the mailbox to be petted by their unsuspecting partner. Unfortunately, the Sim stepped on the cat’s tail. It screeched, bolted out of the house and across the road into oncoming traffic. The ring was never quite the same. Then again, a wealthy friend of mine took their partner on holiday for three weeks in Tiki Village. While there the Sim had a private helicopter pick them up and take them thirty miles out to sea on a small deserted island, where a table for two set up in the shallow water, miles from anywhere. On the table were Champagne, oysters and a diamond-encrusted engagement ring. The Sim’s partner couldn’t say yes quick enough. Bottom line is that all you need is a bit of inspiration and imagination, oh and cash helps too. The ‘miles from anywhere’ is a nice touch. Proposing in public often backfires, another friend (no cash, no sense) popped the question by turning up at their partner’s place of work and dropping on one knee in the middle of the floor. The Sim died of embarrassment, refused, dumped my friend and took out a court order against him.
If your partner says no? Find out why and try again later, persistence is the key.
Changing For the Lover
Jack Daniels
(Tobi and Veronika Kent have lots of common interests)
Have you and your significant other had a conversation where there is no agreement on the topic and you were left wondering if you had anything in common with your true love. As some communities expanded to include access downtown, the interests in their residents have grown which caused some confusion between couples. So should you change your interests to have more productive conversations?
Yes…and no. It is healthy to want to learn about a few of the interests of your love, however to completely change ALL of your interests signifies that you and your love are not as compatible as you think, especially since learning about your significant other’s interests decreases your original interests. One compromise is to order a special made bookcase that delivers magazines monthly and allows you to learn about other interests without losing interest in your original interests.
The next time you and your significant other have a conversation, suggest that you each learn about one of the other’s interests to make the conversation, and the relationship, more interesting.
(Tobi and Veronika Kent have lots of common interests)
Have you and your significant other had a conversation where there is no agreement on the topic and you were left wondering if you had anything in common with your true love. As some communities expanded to include access downtown, the interests in their residents have grown which caused some confusion between couples. So should you change your interests to have more productive conversations?
Yes…and no. It is healthy to want to learn about a few of the interests of your love, however to completely change ALL of your interests signifies that you and your love are not as compatible as you think, especially since learning about your significant other’s interests decreases your original interests. One compromise is to order a special made bookcase that delivers magazines monthly and allows you to learn about other interests without losing interest in your original interests.
The next time you and your significant other have a conversation, suggest that you each learn about one of the other’s interests to make the conversation, and the relationship, more interesting.
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