All to know about Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's wedding

Prince Harry and fiancée, Meghan Markle will be married in the coming months, after announcing their official engagement on November 27, 2017.

It's been three months since that lovely engagement and all eyes are now looking forward to their wedding day which is just around the bend if you'd crane your neck a little.

So ahead of the big day, here is everything you to know about the forthcoming wedding:

When and where will the nuptials hold?

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will be taking place on Saturday May 19, 2018, at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in England.

Wedding time

Kensington Palace announced via a couple of tweets On February 12 that the service will start at noon [British time, of course] at the Chapel.

Oh, you can be sure there’ll be no African time. So if, somehow, you get an invite be sure to be seated at the prescribed time.

Who and who makes the wedding party?

The Prince’s little niece and nephew Prince George and Princess Charlotte will be serving as pageboy and bridesmaid during the ceremony. Meghan Markle’s best friend Jessica Mulroney’s daughter, Ivy might be serving as a flower girl at the wedding.

Best man, chief bridesmaid? All of that remains unknown at the time of this publication.

Who knows, an offer to do the royal family this prestigious honour might be sitting in your inbox right now!

6 Signs He's About to Say I Love You

It's hard to say those three simple words. For most men it starts off as a suspicion ("Do I love this girl?") then it grows to certainty, then to anxiety about how and when to say it, and whether the woman might feel the same way. Even if your guy has a hunch that you love him too, it's nerve-wracking to be the first one to say "I love you."

Plus there's the pressure of getting it "right." He wants to be sitting in a park after the best date ever, have a sweet speech ready, and as soon as you say it back the previously inactive fountain comes to life and shoots beautiful streams of water into the air as you kiss. That's what the movies make us think this moment should be, and most men know it won't be that, so we avoid the actual act of saying these words longer than is needed or comfortable. Here are six signs that he's gearing up to finally tell you that he loves you.

He Talks Around It

Even if the setting is perfect and he's been meaning to say it it's still hard to get those exact words out: "I love you." Sometimes a guy will talk around it in a million other ways. For example, he'll start with the word "I," squeeze you tight, make a soft noise and then say "you." Or "I [insert sweet, knowing look] you." It's like we need to test the water to see if you'll please (please!) say it first. This is the I'm-going-to-open-the-door thing we do, where we make it so clear that we want to say it but don't actually do so.

He is Being a Creeper 

Speaking of looks, you will know your guy is getting ready to say it because you will be getting ready for a night out, or working away across the desk from him, and look up and he will be staring at you like a creeper, a slight smile playing across his face. He's admiring you, and inwardly copping to the fact that he does indeed love you, and you just caught him in the act of doing so.

He Has a Recurring Thing for You

Sometimes a man will express that he loves you in simple gestures. He will develop a little thing he does regularly so you know he cares. This could be flowers for no reason, or leaving a little mint on your pillow for when you wake up in the morning, or always having your favorite drink ready when you come over. These simple, routine gestures are a way of him relaxing into the relationship. He is building out a life with you, getting into sweet habits that he hopes to maintain for years to come. Even if he hasn't acknowledged that he's in love with you, he's showing it all the time by these little recurring signals.

He Keeps Your Stuff Around

In the same vein, he has your stuff at his place. Either it's the stuff you've left there, like your hair dryer, or stuff he has specifically purchased for you - perhaps a toothbrush, your favorite tea, or a type of wine you like. He wants you around all the time, and is building out his personal space to accommodate and invite you in.

He Has a Million Inside Jokes With You

If he keeps bringing up certain inside jokes, about a horrible movie you watched together, or something your mom always says, or a funny thing you saw in the streets, it's because he is gearing up to tell you I love you. He's laying the groundwork for a certain familiarity, building out a way of life and things you both care about, so as to establish a basis where a big admission like "I love you" wouldn't be so out of place.

He Makes Big Date Plans

Have you been going out to more expensive dinners than normal? Has he invited you to fancy cocktails at a swanky hotel bar? Followed those sorts of things up with long strolls through any parks? Yeah, he's on the verge of telling you that he loves you. In fact, if you've had a few of those sorts of dates lately he likely tried to get up the nerve to say it then failed.

He's looking for the right time to say it, but felt it hasn't been natural to do so yet. After a few of those big dates don't be surprised if he just blurts it out some time while looking at old photos on his couch. It may not be the most romantic story to tell later, but he simply couldn't hold it in any longer.

The 12 Emotional Stages of Being in a New Relationship

1. Oh my god, where did you come from, most perfect person I have ever met?! Kissing you is the best and hanging out with you is the best and also not having to date someone who is a total loser is the best! Plus, you are so hot! How are you so hot?

2. Oh my god, you listen to Sixpence None The Richer's "Kiss Me" unironically, too???/Wait, you listen to Dave Matthews Band and you're openly admitting that? I'll just tell myself you don't really like DMB and focus on the Sixpence tidbit, and we'll get through this.

3. Every song I listen to reminds me of you. "Drunk in Love"? You. This weird EDM song that's mostly just beeping sounds with a foghorn playing over it? Somehow still you.

4. That one thing you do is really weird and I'm not completely into it. I'd be lying if I said that the fact that you brush your teeth using only baking soda wasn't confusing and strange, but I still like you a lot, so who cares? No one is perfect.

5. I'm just gonna Google your exes really quickly. Just to see if I'm hotter than they are. No big.

6. Uh-oh, I'm mad at you and you're mad at me. I don't want to have a fight because I hate fighting but I'm also mad at you. And now you're mad at me because I was mad. I'm glad you told me about it and actually, you handled it pretty well, and you know what, I handled it pretty well too. Man, what can't we survive?

7. Man, the qualities I do not love about you are really piling up. Again, it's cool though because they don't really matter and all your other qualities are seriously top notch. Still feelin' it.

8. Will things always be this great? A lifetime of just pleasant experiences and awesome sex? Is that a thing?

9. Oh, no, what if one day things aren't great and this ends. I don't want it to end. Do you think it might end, every friend I know and also strangers I ask on the street? Do you? I would be so sad. Great, now I'm sad and nothing has even happened yet.

10. I'm so into you but also know basically nothing about you. Like, do you have a secret family? Is it weird to ask about diseases?

11. Why did anyone ever break up with you? Wait, why did they break up with you? Am I missing something? What if we break up for the same thing they broke up with you for? Oh well, they sounded like an asshole anyway.

12. I feel like I'm in love with you but I will not, will not, say it. I mean, I think it approximately five times every time I see you but I know it's too soon and I will not say it. Don't you worry about that.

Photos From Eric Arubayi’s Burial Ceremony

 Nigerian artiste, Eric Arubayi who was a gospel singer and the 3rd runner up at the maiden edition of the West African Idol died on Saturday, February, 11th 2017 at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital.

His Funeral happened in Abraka, Delta state yesterday 25th February 2017,

See photos:

A one-man show - Where would Man Utd be without Zlatan?

The Swede stepped up when his side needed him to net twice in the 3-2 EFL Cup win over Southampton

It was a cup final with absolutely everything. There was controversy, drama, a stirring comeback, a fabulous capacity crowd, and a succession of errors helping to make for wide open, heart-stopping football. But every big match needs a hero and, when the time came, Zlatan Ibrahimovic stepped up once again for Manchester United. And boy, did they need him.

Southampton will curse their rotten luck having been the better side on the day and seeing a stick-on opening goal cancelled out by poor officiating but it was ultimately their inability to deal with Ibrahimovic which settled the EFL Cup final in United’s favour.

United looked vulnerable from the start, with crosses from both wings flashing freely across the face of goal early on. Down the left flank in particular the Red Devils looked weak, with Marcos Rojo isolated and attacked time and again.

There was a let-off from one such situation when Manolo Gabbiadini’s strike was ruled out by an erroneous offside call. But Saints just didn’t respond well enough to the setback and, when Oriol Romeu made a dangerous challenge 25 yards from goal, Zlatan punished him wonderfully by curling the resulting free-kick over the wall.

Jesse Lingard’s third goal in three club games at Wembley should have been enough to secure the trophy before half-time, but Southampton made a point of going back at United’s glaring weaknesses. Another low cross was turned home by Gabbiadini as the Reds stood and watched on the cusp of the interval, then Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling were caught on the back foot as Gabbiadini reacted brilliantly to Steven Davis’ header and the scores were level.
It was the least the Saints had deserved as they continued to make United look atrocious at the back and, during a period which saw Romeu hit the post with a free header, the odds had to favour Claude Puel’s side. United, again, were riding their luck.
But that just set the stage for Zlatan. With little more than three minutes to go, he ghosted in off the back of Ryan Bertrand to head home Ander Herrera’s cross from the edge of the six-yard box. Just as happened when United came here in August for the Community Shield, Ibrahimovic had won it with a header from a right-wing cross.

Given the way they constantly gave up spaces and chances to the underdogs, this will not be a final that will live long in the hearts of United fans but for any other reason than Zlatan’s game-winning contribution.
They would have been lost without him.

Ubi Franklin and Lilian Esoro attended a charity event together in Abuja and you know what that could mean.

Don't we all love happy endings? At long last, Ubi Franklinand his estranged wife, Lilian Esoro, maybe letting by gone's be by gone's.

Months after their marriage crashed and it seemed like all hope was lost, the pair were pictured together at a charity event in Abuja.

Even better is the cozy picture they presented, with Lilian rocking a MMMG face cap.

Franklin was also pictured walking the runway with their son,Jayden, at the event.

Of course, their fans are elated at the prospect of a reunion between the pair, although we never knew the reason for their estrangement in the first place.

Lilian Esoro and Ubi Franklin got married on November 1, 2015, in a high-profile celebrity wedding.

They welcomed their son, Jayden on July 18, 2016, but cracks in their marriage became obvious in October 2016,never said anything terrible about each other.

We are waiting for an official confirmation from the pair but for now, we will settle for this.

‘I’m Bigger Than Endorsement Deals, I Now Do Partnership’ – Don Jazzy

Don Jazzy, is a Nigerian Multi award-winning record producer, singer-songwriter, musician former CEO of Nigerian record label Mo’Hits Records founded in 2004 and current CEO of the Mavin Records label which he founded.

The CEO of Mavin Records says he’s outgrown being a brand ambassador at this stage in his career who has a stake in Flobyt, a free WiFi service, said he’s now into partnerships.

During the launch of Flobyt in Lagos, He said:

“Brand ambassador? I stopped that a long time ago. We are bigger than those things now. We are more about partnerships,”

According to the ace producer, Flobyt will help increase the access of Nigerian consumers to local content. He revealed that Nigerian music is mostly streamed and purchased by those in the United Kingdom and the United States.

“It will be nice for your consumers to access your music on the go. If you look at our analytics on how our music is being consumed, we noticed that the people that buy and stream are more from the UK, US and other African countries.”

The co-owner of the defunct Mo-Hits Records noted that if Nigerians have easy, affordable internet access, they will be the highest consumers of local content.

“Obviously if there’s more WiFi here, the number will grow because our core fanbase is here,” he added.

DonJazzy also disclosed that he will soon be going into movie production.

Muma Gee Slams Prince Eke’s Accusation With Photos Of Injuries From Domestic Abuse

Muma Gee is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, fashion designer, television personality and politician.

As a result of Prince Eke’s post yesterday Saturday 25th February 2017, where he accused his wife of infidelity, Muma Gee has written an official report to the Nigerian Police, alleging that her life is under threat.

The mother of three also shared photos of injuries she got from domestic abuses she suffered in the
hands of her husband, that led to their break up on the night of 5th of November 2016.

According to her publicist Don Saint, more details will be shared soon, as Muma has decided to end her 6 years of torture in the name of marriage. He also disclosed that the couple are heading for divorce.

DiamondCelebrities.org reports that Don Saint also disclosed that Muma Gee granted Prince Eke access, to see his kids at Sheraton hotel between the hours of 5pm-7pm same yesterday. But as he came with an ulterior motive, he took photos of the kids, posted it on his social media accounts, to create the impression that she abandoned her kids, while he was just seeing them in months.

He went further to say that Prince Eke has never called to ask how his kids were doing, since he parted ways with his wife until the 24th of Feb. 2017.

Understanding how honesty works in relationships

Having a relationship of openness and complete honesty is an ideal that every couple should always look out for.

According to Psychology today, "what honesty gives you is a great deal of comfort. Knowing you can implicitly trust your mate allows you to be your best self, and your relationship will continue to thrive because you are able to give each other the positive energy you need to navigate life’s ups and downs."

But how does honesty actually operate in a relationship? The four steps below give an insight into this...

1. Complete honesty takes time

Relationships occur in stages, and so does everything in it. Being able to trust someone so completely to the point of divulging all your deepest secrets, fears and worries to them will take some time, and that is OK.

As a matter of fact, this could be used as a test for how the relationship grows, because the better a relationship becomes, the more comfortable partners become with each other, and that, of course, makes it easier to be honest with each other.

2. It's a two-way thing

The level of honesty you practice with a lover will most likely affect the level of honesty they in turn practice with you.

The best thing to do in a relationship, especially one with long-term potential, is for partners to choose a policy of complete, total honesty with each other, regardless of how what happens, or how difficult the situation is.

3. Honesty involves being real

Actions speak louder than words, the saying goes; and it is very accurate here.

Honesty is not always about saying the truth, it is also about being real. No hidden aspects of your personality, no secrets, etc.

It’s not just about what you say. It is also about what you do.

4. Requires effort

Relationships are a two way street, they require both people to make an effort.

Having a relationship based on total honesty has to involve both partners and not just one of them.

3 things that should not bother you in a relationship

Relationships require compromises and conscious efforts by both partners to remain together.

Partners need to look for ways to play on their strengths, enjoy and treasure every moment spent together and look out for issues that could potentially ruin the relationship.

While there are many relationship problems to watch out for, the three listed below should not trouble you in any way.

1. Friendship with your partner's friends

Your partner’s friends cannot always be your friend, and you might to even get along with them no matter how hard you try.

It’s wrong to push yourself so hard in order to get their acceptance or approval; they do not have to like you and you do not need to be part of your partner’s friends circle.

All that is required of you is politeness and cordiality, and that’s all.

2. Body count

Judging someone’s worth by their body count is not too sensible, and no matter what the answer to this question is, you shouldn’t be bothered.

That pretty, interesting, funny, witty and intelligent guy or girl is still the same person who caught your interest, and hearing about the number of people they’ve been with before meeting you should not change how you see them.

It is actually better to skip the question altogether if you know there’s a chance that the answer might bother you.

3. Jealousy

A reasonable amount of jealousy in a relationship should not bother you – as a matter of fact, it is usually desirable.

Loving someone and needing to be exclusive with them always brings about this slight unease when their relations with someone else are becoming a little too much and that is totally natural.

Keeping it at a reasonable level is very important though.

SUSTAINING A CHRISTAIN HOME

Things that will help you sustain a Christian home.

1. Lay Your Foundation On The Rock: The foundation of the building determines to a very large extent what happens to it. For your home to be sustained, you must lay your foundation upon the Rock, in the person of Jesus Christ. How do you lay your foundation of your marriage upon the Rock? By making Jesus Christ the central focus in your home and allowing Him take His rightful place.

2. Fulfill your marriage responsibilities: Marriage has responsibilities attached to it. The man and the woman must co-operate in fulfilling their responsibilities, so that the home can be sustained.

3. No Hide-and-Seek Game: For the home to be sustained, both the man and the woman must be open to each other. There should be no occasion to hide something from another.

4. Wisdom-The principle Thing: Wisdom is the principle tool for sustenance. Both the man and the woman must constantly ask God the wisdom in handling the day to day affairs of their home.

5.Constantly give God glory: As you take the step mentioned above, and enjoy the peace an blessings of God in your home, constantly give God back all the glory.

FALLING IN LOVE

Relationships aren’t for getting things, they are for giving things. Never fall in love to make yourself happy, rather fall in love to make the person you fall in love with happy. 

15 ways to make him ask you out again

Dating is like playing with fire. You can never really tell if it's going all wrong without actually burning your hand.

On most first dates, the couple is a bundle of nerves. After all you are going to unravel a mystery and the truth can go both ways.

But if you've really liked the guy and want to make sure he asks you out again, on a second date, you can salvage the situation with some quick tips.

1. Be friendly: It isn't going to work if you keep staring at him all dreamy eyed.  In fact it’ll make him think you are a lunatic of some sort. So get a hold of yourself, girl, and talk your way out. But remember to keep it friendly and low key. Share your likes, dislikes and hobbies. These are conversation starters which will help him know you better.
2. Exchange contact details: If you really like him, don’t forget to share your number (if you haven’t done it yet). This is the first step to make sure he calls you back to go out again. A subtle hint of sorts. If that’s sorted then add him on social networking sites like Facebook, which will make sure he understands that you are interested.
3. Thank you message: After the date, don’t forget to thank him for a lovely time with a message and leave him a hint with “Hope to see you soon”. This will make your intentions clear. This is also a great way to keep the communication channels on and will give you a chance to start talking and know him better.
4. Let him pay: Offering to split the bill is a good gesture but if he insists, let him do so. Apart from being chivalrous, if he really likes you he will want to pay to see you again. You can add that you will make it even the next time around, making a second date mandatory.
5. Make plans: Do not wait for him to come with a plan and approach you. Instead you can suggest some fun options to get together.  Just make sure it’s at least two days after the date to not look desperate. Think of a movie you both would be interested in or comedy show that you are eager to watch.
6. Don’t be overconfident: While confidence is an attractive trait, over-confidence can be a big turn off. Make sure you play it safe with just the right amount of confidence.
7. Seduce not: First dates are to get to know the opposite person so come what may, do not try to seduce him. Keep it friendly and casual, even though in your head you are drooling over him. P.S: Avoid all sex talks even in texts or he is going to think you are too easy to get.
8. Keep it casual: Don’t show signs of desperation by constant texts and messages, post the date. This will put him off. Instead play it casual. Show interest but just enough to let him know that you only want to go out again if he wants to as well.
9. Keep the exes away: No matter how friendly you've become, the thumb rule is to always keep the exes for later. Don't avoid the topic completely, but make sure you do not switch to that and vent out all your feelings making it quite an awkward moment. So it’s best to keep your previous relationships under wraps.
10. Do not boss him: Keep your dominant side under wraps and try and be as compromising as possible. Make an effort to know his point of view and understand it too. He might figure it out later, but for a first date it can be intimidating.
11. Avoid arguments: If you really like the guy and want him to call you back, make sure you do not indulge in a verbal war. Sometimes people get so carried away with the things they love that a quarrel becomes inevitable. This, friends is a grave for your future relationship especially on a first date.
12. Be honest: Honesty truly is the best policy especially if your keen on getting in a relationship. So make sure you are honest. Just be yourself, enjoy the company and take every minute as it comes.
13. Avoid other distractions: Choose a place that’s free of sounds, surrounding chatter and loud music. These things can be every distracting and the effort involved in making a conversation will double up. Keep your phones aside too and don’t answer calls unless they are extremely necessary.
14. Keep the talks on: Out of sight is out of mind and even though you had a great time, if you do not keep conversing or staying in touch, there is a possibility that you can lose something special. So no matter how busy you are, do try and make some small talk to make sure he doesn't completely forget you.
15. Pay Attention: No matter how bored you are when he’s talking about cricket and stock market, make an effort to pay attention. This will make him realise that you really like him. It’s also a subtle hint for him to call you back.

5 signs you're closer to your friends than your spouse

Lunch dates, long chats, and sharing dreams. Do you experience this more with friends than with your spouse?

It’s something to take note of during your marriage. Consider the following five signs that you’re closer to a friend more than a spouse.

1. Sharing Your Life: Do you share what is stressing you are keeping you up at night. Maybe it is stress at work or a struggle that you’ve been dealing with for a long time. Who do you go to first a relative, a friend? There is nothing wrong with this, but is there a pattern of not confiding in the person you live with?
2. Communication: Who do you communicate with more? If your friend knows about your week or day than your spouse it’s time for a check.
3. Check In: Try to make time and see how your spouse is doing during the week. Schedules can make it hard to stay connected, if you make an effort with your pals despite tough work weeks, it’s time to prioritize.
4. Value Your Spouse: Do you want a roommate or a spouse? Value your friendship with your spouse first. This will help rekindle your friendship, and make it feel like you have a partner, not just a roommate.
5. Have Fun: Have fun! If you associate fun being more with your friends, it’s time for a date night. Have fun together, find something you can enjoy. This can be a hobby that you are both bad at, and can have fun making mistakes together.

11 important things all happy couples know (according to scientists)

In the year 2014, scientists took a closer look at what makes people hook up, stay together, break up and everything in between.

So what exactly were their findings? Lots of things that will probably sound familiar to every happy couple out there.

The questions ranged from small (what sleeping positions say about a couple) to large (whether marriage is better than unmarried cohabitation). The overall conclusion: While we may act like love with a capital L is the most important factor for a long-lasting relationship, science proves it takes a lot more than that.

However, with the divorce rate finally dropping and people waiting longer to get into the best relationship for them, it seems lots of people are already in the know. According to ozigizaga.blogspot.com, here are 11 awesome things scientists learned about our relationships this year:

1. There's no need to rush into things: While a spontaneous, whirlwind engagement maybe seem romantic, taking it slower can have a major payoff. A study carried out by Emory University found that the longer couples date before marriage, the greater their odds of staying together. If fact, couples who date for three or more years are 39% less likely to divorce than those who date for less than a year. As Olga Khazan wrote in the Atlantic, "Dating for a while before tying the knot might indicate a level of planning that suggests the couple is in it for the long haul." The same goes for cohabiting: Research this year found that the longer a couple waited to make a serious commitment to one another (getting engaged, moving in together, getting married), the better their odds at marital success. Now if only your mother could get that message loud and clear...
2. It's not the money that matters: Fancy engagement rings are pretty, but they're not always the best idea. That same Emory University study, which surveyed 3,000 heterosexual couples, found that "marriage duration is inversely associated with spending on the engagement ring and wedding ceremony." Specifically, those who had spent $2,000 to $4,000 on rings were 30% more likely to get divorced. That doesn't mean fancy things are a relationship's downfall, but the researchers did note, "If wedding expenditures are indeed associated with debt stress, then it is possible that wedding expenses raise the likelihood of marital dissolution given that prior literature suggests a link between economic stress and marital dissolution." Money is a common source of disagreement between couples, so this is hardly surprising. Plus, most happy couples know that a quiet night in or cheap takeout can be better than a lavish night on the town any day.
3. Couples that cuddle up together stay together: Or at least couples that sleep together are happier than those who don't. A study from the University of Hertfordshire looked at couples' sleeping positions and found that 94% of couples who spent the night in contact were happy with the relationship, whereas only 68% of those who didn't touch were satisfied. With science already telling us that cuddling is good for our health, this is all we needed to get cozy this winter.
4. The two most important words are "thank you": A recent study from the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, examined whether there is a "glue" that binds relationships together. The answer, according the study, is gratitude. And it's now scientifically proven. The researchers placed 77 couples in situations where they both gave and received gratitude from their partner. Afterwards, the participants not only felt more peaceful and proud and perceived their partners as more understanding, caring and responsive, but they also saw increases in their oxytocin levels, a neuropeptide that promotes pro-social behaviors like trust and affection. That's a lot of positive impact from two small words.
5. The little gestures, like kissing, become more important than ever: A two-year study of more than 5,000 people from the Open University in England concluded that, for couples whose relationship stayed on track, "surprise gifts and small acts of kindness were valued highly, with 'a cup of tea' being singled out as a significant sign of their partner's appreciation." These couples "cherish[ed] affection and cuddles as much as sexual intimacy." That includes kissing. Another study out of England found that parents with high levels of "couple bliss," as demonstrated through happy behaviors like kissing, tended to be better, more positive parents. The little things never stop mattering.
6. Simple honesty solves lots of problems: Everyone has rough patches, but being honest with both yourself and your S.O. is often the best way to tackle an issue. For example, jealousy can be overcome, psychologist Michael Broder told Mic, if it prompts couples to be honest with each other about what they're attracted to and what they want. Another telling finding: Couples who are honest with themselves about the state of their relationship are the ones headed to marriage. A University of Illinois study of 232 never-married straight couples found that highly committed partners remembered their relationship history accurately, while couples faring worse basically lied to themselves, looking back and thinking everything was fine. In short, your mother was right: Honesty really is the best policy.
7. You don't need to be married to have an amazing relationship: There have been studies showing that married people experience health and life benefits that singles and dating couples don't. But since then, studies have also shown that cohabiting couples experience the same advantages as their married counterparts. In fact, 2014 revealed that fewer people than ever are married, and there are more cohabiting couples than ever: Twenty-four percent of never-married adults ages 25 to 34 are living with a partner, according to Pew Research analysis. And lots of couples cohabiting are still creating families. Plus, as the Emory University data found, some classic hallmarks of marriage are actually threats to the relationship. Both pricy engagement rings and fancy, expensive weddings actually correlated with higher divorce rates.
8. It's not about having a "soul mate" — it's about having a partner: A 2014 study by Spike W.S. Lee and Norbert Schwarz found that fixating on that term can actually be detrimental to the relationship. According to psychologist Benjamin Le, people tend to view romantic relationships as either part of "destiny" or "growth." Those who think of their partners as their "soul mates" view their romance as destiny — a belief that lays the groundwork for disappointment when reality falls short of the fantasy. On the other hand, viewing your S.O. as a partner on a journey (to use the hated Bachelor term) gives you the expectation of growth and change. "If we are soul mates, then nothing will go wrong in our relationship, and it will be easy. A conflict makes a destiny-believer question whether the current partner is actually their soul mate, and then they give up on working it out," Le told The Science of Us.
9. Long-distance relationships aren't all doomed: Thanks to technological advancements like Skype and FaceTime, an increased number of couples are making a go at it long distance — and succeeding. According to research from Cornell University, couples in LDRs are more likely to build stronger bonds than those in close proximity to one another. Another study found that people in LDRs also go above and beyond, including the healthy practice of savoring happy memories. "Taking the time out to place yourself back in a happy memory for just a moment has the potential to build upon your happiness in the present," lead researcher Jessica Borelli told Mic. And long-distance couples know this better than most.
10. Kids don't have to be part of the final picture: A major U.K. study of married and unmarried couples found that those without kids reported being happier and more valued by their S.O.s than the partners with kids. That widely reported finding came on the heels of another study that found parents, while reporting more joy, also have more stress and anxiety. As more and more women are proving, you don't need to have kids, or at least not as early as our parents thought. Eventually having kids is great — but only if you really want them.
11. It all comes down to kindness: Gratitude isn't the only telling behavior about relationships. Multiple studies, including that published by psychologists (and spouses) John and Julie Gottman this year after 40 years of studying couples, show that long-lasting relationships require two traits: kindness and generosity. How did they prove it? The Gottmans set up a "Love Lab" where they studied newlywed couples' interactions. They then predicated the couples' success — who would be the "masters" or "disasters" — and followed up six years later. The key distinctions of the ultimate "masters": They were connected and paid close attention to each other, and they performed small acts of kindness for each other regularly. The most important time to be kind, the Gottmans found, is during a fight. Otherwise it can build contempt, which the researchers say is the No. 1 factor in couples breaking up.

13 things you should NEVER say during sex

We've all gotten a little carried away in the heat of the moment, but saying the wrong thing in bed can bring even the best time to a screeching halt.

Hey, those intense love hormones can make you say some crazy stuff. So trust us when we tell you to scratch these phrases from your bedroom vocabulary.

Consider these the worst things you could say during sex. But come on, we didn't really need to tell you, right?

1. "Is it in yet?" Did you just pinch me? Or, wait… OK, so that's what we're working with. Cool. We know men seriously stress about their penis size — so this is a no brainer. Even if you're thinking it… don't say it.
2. "Let's just get it over with." Hey, sometimes a quickie is what you're really craving — plus, you have a bootcamp class in an hour, and it fills up so quickly. Your partner will understand right? (No, no they won't.) 
3. "High five!" Alright people, this isn't drunken sex in a dorm room. This is adult sex. You can do better.
4. "That's it?" I think you've watched Instagram videos that were longer than that. Still, muttering these words will not make them rally for round two, we promise. 
5. Any form of baby talk… ever. Nothing kills the mood faster than the tone of voice usually reserved for puppies and toddlers. Just, don't. 
6. "Can you grab my phone?" You know humanity is addicted to their cell phones when one in five people say they've used it during sex. Do yourself — and your partner — a favour, and let it go to voicemail.
7. "Are you done yet?" Talk about pressure! You're having sex — not reading Game of Thrones — you'll know when each person is finished. So don't ask for an Estimated Time of Arrival on an orgasm; it's just not good manners.
8. "Ugh, I'll just do it myself" We get that sometimes masturbation can be even better than sex (talk about an easy O). But don't throw in the towel if your partner isn't exactly blowing you away. Communicate, show him what feels good, and try not to utter this phrase.
9. "Oh, Gbenro Ajibade, yes!" Yep, you just blurted out the name of your celebrity crush (unless you actually are in bed with Gbenro… in which case, good for you!). While there's absolutely nothing wrong with a little visual fantasy, keep Gbenro's name — and washboard abs — in your head.
10. "Oh that reminds me, I'm out of tampons." In the words of every sports coach: Get your head in the game! You're having sex, after all. Besides, the more you're able to cut out distractions, the more likely you are to orgasm.
11. "You want to do WHAT?" Sure, this might be what you're thinking when your partner suggests a particularly creative move they saw in porn, but take a beat first. Of course, you don't have to agree or even try something if you're not into it, but shooting down their fantasy right off the bat will probably make them reluctant to open up again. Try a simple "Hm, well, I'll think about it" instead.
12. "My ex used to do it like this…" Talking about exes while naked with your new partner is pretty much always frowned upon. Besides, they're your ex for a reason…
13. "I love you!" MAJOR Disclaimer: If you're in a long-term monogamous relationship, you should absolutely shout this one! But if this is a casual hookup or someone you just started dating last Tuesday, this is probably your orgasm talking.