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Posts from the ‘Relationships & Family’ Category

10
Feb

How to Make Breakfast in Bed

Breakfast in Bed

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Whether you're married, in a relationship or casually dating, you should know by now that doing something unexpected is always well received. Do something special to surprise your mate and more often than not, you'll have them falling all over you.

The problem that many of us encounter is we frequently make a couple of common mistakes when trying to surprise someone:

  1. Focusing on the material purchases like jewelry, clothes, shoes, etc. Not saying that won't go over well with a person, but at some point it is nice to see something with a little extra thought and effort put into it.
  2. Waiting until a birthday, anniversary or other significant event/day to do something special for someone.  Just because can be as good or even better!

A breakfast in bed is a great romantic gesture that is very adaptable. It’s miles better than breakfast at the best restaurant and will get way more respect. The great thing about this is that it can serve not only as a romantic gesture but also a great apology for a mishap or fight you’ve had. Sounds good? Well let’s continue. Read moreRead more

9
Feb

11 Amazingly Cheap and Easy Romantic Ideas

Cheap Romantic Ideas

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Newsflash, Newsflash!!! The economy is awful right now. And when times are tough, most folks are looking for ways to cutback on spending and save a little money.

But there’s no cutting back on being romantic. The important thing about romance is that thoughtful gestures go much farther than spending tons of money. Why? Because anyone can go to a jewelry or electronics store and slap their credit card down. Sure the gift will be appreciated by the recipient. But what I’m suggesting isn’t rocket science.They aren't even new concepts.  It just involves contributing something that can’t be bought – The gift of time and thoughfulness.
 
Below are 11 cheap and easy romantic ideas to share with that special someone in your life. Read moreRead more
3
Feb

Valentine’s Day Giveaway: The Body Shop Gift Basket

With huge sports events like the Super Bowl and NBA All Star Weekend upon us, it can be easy to forget Valentine's Day. FYI, it's February 14th.

It's always tough trying to brainstorm creative ideas for gifts. How often can you really rely on the same ole red roses and dinner out? We all know how much women look forward to gifts, surprises and catered to. Valentine's Day is a perfect time where you cam earn brownie points. But mess up and you'll be in the doghouse!

Because we want to help you put a smile on that special lady's face, we've partnered with the good folks at The Body Shop to offer you a Valentine's Day prize that will make you shine and save you a little money. Read moreRead more

28
Jan

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters Book Review

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker, M.D.

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Before my wife and I found out that we were having a baby girl,I wanted to find a book that talked about father-daughter relationships. I felt it was important to be proactive and seek out strategies to raise a healthy and productive girl.  While debating which book to read, I heard an interview on the Dave Ramsey Show with pediatrician and counselor Meg Meeker.  When it was mentioned that she was the author of the book, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know, I had to check it out.
 
I think it is very important for us all to constantly seek resources and strategies that will help us be the best fathers for our daughters. Remember, a building is only as strong as it's foundation!
 
The book, per its subtitle, claimed to have 10 secrets every man should know.  So I decided to find out if these secrets were hype or helpful.  Let's dig in and learn more about Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters. Read moreRead more
19
Jan

Things to Know Before You Propose

Reaching the point of proposing to someone means you've taken this journey from casual dating to exclusive dating and now, hopefully, to the point where you can't picture your life without them. But the infatuation with not only the women but the thought of being married can cloud our decision-making ability. 

Before proposing, each man needs to really sit down and ponder one question, "How well do I really know this person?" If you remove yourself from the infatuation of getting married, you may find some tendencies or lifestyle habits that may be cause for concern and pose a problem down the line.

So to take a step back from thinking about what size diamond to buy, let's take a look at some things you should know before you propose to a woman. Read moreRead more

4
Jan

5 Reasons Every Man Needs A Mentor

I had a very in depth conversation with a slightly older man a couple of days ago about the direction of my company, which is in its infancy stages.  The conversation, coupled with his advice, brought something to light that I failed to consider.

The gentleman I had this conversation with was one of my two mentors.  I came into contact with what would turn out to be my first mentor while obtaining my undergraduate degree.  At that time, I can't say I was even seeking a mentor. But over time, I realized that this was a person going where I wanted to go.  Thus, just like driving directions, you get as much information on how to travel from point A to your final destination. Read moreRead more
2
Dec

Tiger Woods Is Human…Period

Ok, so what most of us thought when we first caught wind of last week’s Tiger Woods “car accident” has finally crystallized. It has been reported by several tabloids, blogs and TMZ.com that Tiger Woods was caught cheating on his wife, Elin. In fact, Jamie Grubbs, a women who reportedly has had a relationship with Woods, has released a recent cell phone voicemail message she received from Tiger Woods. Read moreRead more
17
Nov

Program Allows Parents to Catch Up on Child Support [Fair or Foul?]

According to recent single parent statistics, there are more than 13 million single parent households in the United States. And when you mention single parents, one of the first things many think about is child support!

With the growth of the internet and entertainment/gossip websites and tv programs, we know much more about celebrities' and public figures' lives.  And their child support situation is always a hot topic with us. 

I'm not sure what the actual stats are, but I do know a lot of single mothers that complain about the lack of getting child support from their child's father.  As a product of a single parent household, I can relate to that as my father was one of those that did not see paying child support as a high priority on his to-do list. Read moreRead more

16
Nov

How Important Is The Engagement Ring?

For many men, purchasing an engagement ring is one of the most confusing and frustrating processes ever. To even get to this point means he has very strong feelings for a particular women in his life, which is a great thing. But confusing, nonetheless!

I was thinking back to when I went through the process of buying my wife an engagement ring. I had a descent job, but really didn’t make a whole lot of money. To get extra money, I was pawning and selling stuff like I was collecting bail money or something. And many dinners consisted of ramen noodles. Read moreRead more
12
Nov

Who Do Women Like More? Mr. Nice Guy or the Bad Boy

Nice Guy or Bad Boy

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I can vividly remember growing up and going to school. Not only going to school, but beginning the process of dating girls.  And although classmates from those days post throwback pictures of Facebook reaffirming how skinny and nerdy I looked, I thought I was a pretty cool dude.  

When segmenting the general population at that time, I found myself targeting cute girls I thought it would be cool to date, court or go steady with.  While going through that process, one thing became very clear to me.  The bad boys got way more play than the nice guys with the girls I found to be most attractive. Read moreRead more

23
Oct

Six Things To Remember About Cheating

Think Before You Cheat!

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Cheating or infidelity seems to be all around us. We either have been cheated on, have been the cheater or knows someone who cheats.
Media has brought to our attention several entertainers who have recently been impacted with infidelity. 
With the topic of cheating being very popular, I thought I would list six things to keep in mind about cheating: Read moreRead more
19
Oct

How Much is Too Much?

We all got that close friend that we talk to about life and relationships. That person that you confide in. You may get some advice from them or maybe they just lend you an ear. Whatever the case may be they know some of the most intimate details about you and your life.

One of the main topics in your discussions is the obvious, relationships. Maybe you talk about things like cheating, the bedroom or finances. This is your best friends , nothing is off limits. Or is it? Read moreRead more

12
Oct

How Do You Choose Friends After A Break Up?

Love Jones 

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The other day, my wife and I were watching one of our favorite movies Love Jones. Throughout the movie and the interactions with the main character’s (Larenz Tate) friends, it made me think a bit.
 
Being in relationships, more often than not, you eventually begin hanging out with other couples you meet via friendship. These are couples you probably enjoy doing the same things with. And over time, you form a tight bond by spending lots of time together. Read moreRead more
5
Oct

Do Relationship Ultimatums Work?

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This weekend, I was waiting to checkout at a local Target. As the norm on a Saturday, the store was packed with people checking items off of to-do and grocery lists.
I happened to be standing behind a 20-something women in line. She seemed to be having quite an animated conversation with who I guessed was a close friend. They were having a back and forth about the 20-something’s boyfriend.
I usually try to tune folks out, especially when they are having private phone conversations, but this lady was getting louder and louder as if to say she didn’t care who overheard her.
Her conversation revolved around her long-time boyfriend not taking the next step in their relationship. This next step meant “getting some bling on her finger” as she put it. Apparently, they have been dating for a long time, have two kids and lived together. I couldn’t help but to think about our Four Reasons Why He Won’t Marry You article and its comments from readers. Read moreRead more
30
Sep

Ask Us Wednesday #5: Should I Tell Her He’s Cheating?

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Today is "Ask Us" Wednesday. This gives readers a chance to submit a problem, question or dilemma to Men’s Playbook for our opinion.  This week’s question comes from a wall post on our Facebook Fan page by Stephanie:
Why would an engaged man still want to date other women? What if you know the girl that he’s engaged to? Do you tell her that her man is still trying to talk to other women?