• About
  • Contact
  • Contact Us

Follow my adventures at @cheryltaysg!

  • Home
  • Cars
  • Motorsports
  • Sports
  • Fitness
  • Lifestyle
  • Photography
  • About
  • Contact

11 little things you can do to improve your relationship

0 Comment
 17 Nov 2014   Posted by Cheryl Tay


Trust and communication – these are the two most important elements needed in a relationship. If you can’t trust your partner, it will lead to a lot of problems because you will end up living in paranoia and suspicion. Likewise, you need to be able to communicate with your partner and share your thoughts and feelings with him/her. There are other important elements of course, like honesty, security and respect.

Well, the big things aside, there are little things that you can do to improve the relationship. I am no expert in relationships, but here are 11 which will not take you a lot of effort but will help the relationship go a longer way:

1) Try not to use your phone too much on dates

Social media has pretty much killed a lot of quality time between people, be it family, friends or partners. I admit I derive pleasure from scrolling down my news feed in Facebook and Instagram, double-tapping as I go along and exclaiming at new gossip if any. However, I don’t think your partner will be interested in the affairs of others, especially if they don’t know them personally. Respect your partner’s time and try to minimise usage of your phone when on dates. It’s best if you can put your phone away entirely on dates, such as leaving it in the car or in the bag.

cell-phone

2) Give a call to say “Good morning” and “Good night” every day

Unless you are overseas, just give a quick call at the start and end of your day. Call please, and not just text! Reading “I love you” on your phone is not the same as hearing “I love you” over the phone.

3) Give random calls in the middle of the day to say “I love you” or “I miss you“

When you have a five-minute break during the day, drop a call to your partner just to say “I love you” or “I miss you“. You don’t need a reason to call, so when they answer the call and go, “Yes dear?” Just reply with a simple “Nothing much, I’m just calling to say I miss you.” Don’t give excuses and say that you are too busy at work to call; if you can spare time to go to the toilet, you can also drop this brief call.

4) Give surprise hugs from behind

Surprise hugs can be given easily – when your partner is brushing his/her teeth, standing in line to buy bubble tea, washing the dishes, browsing books at the store and more. That feeling of having your partner wrap his/her arms around your waist from behind and lean against you is gold.

48847-Hugs-From-Behind

5) Do your texting in the open

If you have nothing to hide, openly reply your messages on WhatsApp. Turning the phone away from your partner will make him/her think something is up even when there really is nothing. If you have things that you don’t want your partner to read, they are most likely things you shouldn’t be texting then.

6) Inform your partner if you are going to be away from your phone for some time

You might be going into a meeting or catching a plane, thus being unable to use your phone for the next few hours. Even if you have not been texting your partner throughout the day, just drop a text to say you will be away from your phone for some time, in case he/she suddenly tries to get you and worries when unable to reach you.

7) Have lunch with your partner at least once during the work week

Some people might think, “I’m already meeting my partner after work, why do I have to meet for lunch?” Yes, you may regularly meet your partner after work for dinner, but it’s not the same when you meet for lunch. That mid-day meal, albeit shorter than dinner would be, goes a long way in helping your partner get through the second half of the day better.

8) Write an occasional note to your partner

Write cards or letters to your partner once in a while. Some people don’t have the habit of writing or they feel that they aren’t good with words, thus it can be as simple as leaving a Post-It note in his wallet or her handbag to say, “See you tonight love“. Somehow, a handwritten note holds more meaning than a text or an email.

9) Learn to tease each other (but know the limits)

Go ahead and make fun of each other, lovingly of course. All in good humour, don’t take offence at your partner when they make a joke about you. There is no intention to humiliate, so laugh along with it and tease him back!

cute-romantic-couples-with_quotes1

10) Take random walks even when you are tired

After a long day at work, you might be feeling weary and exhausted. Sometimes, that is the best time to go for a short walk around the neighbourhood with your partner. Walk to the supermarket or just go around the block hand in hand; you don’t even need to talk much.

11) Introduce your partner to your every friend/acquaintance/colleague you bump into

Girls will probably be more affected by this than guys. So guys, please introduce your partner to every friend, acquaintance or colleague that you bump into. Leaving her standing there while you talk and laugh with your friends will make her feel uncomfortable and awkward.

Related Posts

  • Couples who work out together, stay togetherCouples who work out together, stay together
  • 11 signs you are a workaholic11 signs you are a workaholic
  • 9 things people think of when they see an attractive girl with an average guy9 things people think of when they see an attractive girl with an average guy
  • Sparks Episode 7: Stand by MeSparks Episode 7: Stand by Me
  • WD TV simplifies personal content playback on any TVWD TV simplifies personal content playback on any TV

Share and Enjoy !

0Shares
0 0
Written by Cheryl Tay


Related Posts


Couples who work out together, stay together
February 14, 2014

  • Search Cheryl Tay’s posts

  • About Cheryl Tay

    563588_392090887491821_131620790205500_1178808_177312844_n_resized


    First establishing herself in the world of cars and motorsports, Cheryl Tay is a sports and fitness blogger who advocates living an active and healthy lifestyle. Founder of body image movement Rock The Naked Truth, Cheryl overcame over a decade of eating disorders and is now passionate about helping people with similar struggles. She also has a running club ROCKrunners and a tri-enthusiast club ROCKtri.

    Rock The Naked Truth encourages others to be comfortable in their own skin and to learn that there is more to life than just being a slave to the numbers on your scale. Truly, life has more meaning than just forcing yourself to look good - it's most important to be happy and feel good about yourself!

    Previously...
    > Fitness columnist for Yahoo! Sports
    > Founder of ELITE (fitness competition)
    > Motoring writer for TODAY
    > Columnist for Rev / Run magazines
    > Official photographer for ONE Championship
    > Media manager for Formula Drift Asia
    > PR manager for PETRONAS Syntium Team
    > Business development for Kartright Speedway
    > F1 youth speaker for Singapore GP
  • Recent Posts

    • Summing up 2020…
    • Goodbye, Golf
    • The N*ked Athlete
    • Rock The Naked Truth x Our Bralette Club
    • Me Too.
  • Archives

    • 2021 (1)
      • January (1)
    • 2020 (14)
      • November (1)
      • September (2)
      • August (1)
      • July (1)
      • April (4)
      • March (1)
      • February (2)
      • January (2)
    • 2019 (23)
      • December (4)
      • November (3)
      • October (5)
      • September (1)
      • August (1)
      • June (3)
      • May (2)
      • April (1)
      • March (1)
      • February (1)
      • January (1)
    • 2018 (21)
      • November (2)
      • October (1)
      • September (1)
      • August (1)
      • July (3)
      • June (2)
      • May (3)
      • April (1)
      • March (3)
      • February (3)
      • January (1)
    • 2017 (35)
      • December (1)
      • November (4)
      • October (4)
      • September (5)
      • August (5)
      • July (3)
      • May (7)
      • March (2)
      • February (1)
      • January (3)
    • 2016 (55)
      • December (7)
      • November (3)
      • October (3)
      • September (5)
      • August (2)
      • July (3)
      • June (2)
      • May (5)
      • April (1)
      • March (7)
      • February (8)
      • January (9)
    • 2015 (149)
      • December (4)
      • November (8)
      • October (12)
      • September (15)
      • August (19)
      • July (16)
      • June (16)
      • May (16)
      • April (8)
      • March (13)
      • February (14)
      • January (8)
    • 2014 (469)
      • December (16)
      • November (26)
      • October (20)
      • September (16)
      • August (38)
      • July (52)
      • June (64)
      • May (71)
      • April (49)
      • March (55)
      • February (29)
      • January (33)
    • 2013 (135)
      • December (23)
      • November (30)
      • October (31)
      • September (38)
      • August (13)
  • cheryltaysg

    Boys bailed on us girls so it was just @sarahhy0r1 Boys bailed on us girls so it was just @sarahhy0r1n and I and we decided to take on the hills of the South. Spent all morning grunting and cursing and swearing, hahahahaha!

#cheryltayworksout #triathlon #triathlete #trifit #trilife #trilove #trigirls #getfit #lovefit #fitforlife #fitness #fitnesseveryday #instafit #igfit #ironmantri #ironmantraining #activelife #cycling #thecyclinglife
    Some roller skating action with @jadeseah this arv Some roller skating action with @jadeseah this arvo. Well, not really a lot of action because it's my first time trying roller skating so we mostly just went round and round. It's different from inline skating, harder!

P.S. like my Hello Kitty socks? Heehee

#rollerskating #roundandround
    Found this in my archives. A time in 2011 when I h Found this in my archives. A time in 2011 when I had long permed hair and youth (and non existent eyebrows) on my side. Wow. I like my eyebrows better now, thank goodness for eyebrow embroidery hahahaha.

#throwback #nojudging #pastorpresent

📷: @ansonchew
    After setting up @rockthenakedtruthsg, I started t After setting up @rockthenakedtruthsg, I started to learn more about body image and I came to a realisation that the more attractive one is, the more likely he/she is insecure about their body.

You would think otherwise because they have a 'great body' with skinny legs, thigh gap, small waist, "11" abs, nice boobs (for girls), but they are actually not as confident as you think they are.

People would die for these bodies, people are dieting and doing stupid things to get this kind of body, but these 'more attractive' people are actually insecure about the very body society desires.

Why insecure? I spoke to some of them and they cited reasons like: Afraid to lose the body because they feel their identity is tied to their body, afraid they may not look like that one day, afraid they do not look good enough.

So my hope is that everyone will come to accept their body no matter how it looks, and not be afraid to be judged. I mean, who gives these people a right to judge you?

Your body, own it!

#rockthenakedtruth
    No such thing as too pink. 🤭🤭🤭 Queen Bit No such thing as too pink. 🤭🤭🤭

Queen Bitch II always makes me so proud.

#rockthenakedtruth #cheryltayworksout #triathlon #triathlete #trifit #trilife #trilove #trigirls #getfit #lovefit #fitforlife #fitness #fitnesseveryday #instafit #igfit #ironmantri #ironmantraining #activelife #cycling #thecyclinglife
    Wooooo managed to get some speedy action (on a wet Wooooo managed to get some speedy action (on a wet track which made things so slippery) thanks to @audisingapore! Oh my back and arms... how did I use to race those kart endurance races 10 years ago? 🤣🤣🤣

#audisingapore #gokarting #aging #motorsports #motorracing #karting #kartracing #vroomvroom
    Had so much fun at the @grityardsg x @jyanyogastud Had so much fun at the @grityardsg x @jyanyogastudio collab event today where we got to do a combo of HIIT then acro yoga, an opportunity to try 2 types of workouts in one session, to see how fitness can be translated across different activities!

I wanted @jyanyoga to base me just for ONE photo, but she ended up sending me into several moves, which scared me a little but with the help of @branstands, I got into a few poses so now I have a few photos to share. Yay!

To more of such collabs!!!

📷: @_yaops_

#GRITYARDSG #jyanyogastudio #acroyoga
    HELLO 2021! Thank YOU for being here with me thro HELLO 2021!

Thank YOU for being here with me through my journey of life, as I grow and progress. You, my IG fam, are a significant part of support network! Happy new year everybahdee!!

😘😘😘🥰🥰🥰❤❤❤

P.S. Let me know what kind of content you want to see more from me?

#happynewyear #2021
    My favourite 9 photos of 2020! Even though this ye My favourite 9 photos of 2020! Even though this year took us down different paths, it has still been a very fulfilling year for me and I am grateful for everything that I have - my health, my family, my work, my friends, my sports.

Here's a quick recap of how my 2020 went:

1) Kicked off the year with @rockthenakedtruthsg's 4th anniversary with a track relay event that had 100 participants, supported by Moulmein-Cairnhill CSC

2) Spent a weekend at integrated fitness resort Thanyapura Phuket for @teampurpose's inaugural retreat

3) Passed my Class 2B test and bought a motorbike (Honda CBR150R)

4) Raced in the Ironman 70.3 Bangsaen, my only race for the year

5) Appointed Editor for @runsg

6) Got my own wakeboarding gear, woooo!

7) Opened up about my Pruvit journey and how it has changed my life, as well as shared about the benefits of ketones

8) Did lots of live stuff like IG live workouts for @100plus_singapore and also a live FB launch for @theragunsg

9) Did my second strategically nude shoot with @ivanjoshualoh for @rockthenakedtruthsg

10) Had the privilege to work on key campaigns with brands like @aveenosg, @huawei.sg, @jaybirdsport, and also produced virtual content for Moulmein-Cairnhill CSC and Sengkang East CSC

11) Ran the second edition of @100plus_singapore's OUTDO YOURSELF 2020 programme and trained 5 individuals @tngying @bec010 @reneetee72 @channelweng @angmo_kantang for the @sgmarathon Grand Finale

12) Created content with and for homegrown brands @teampurpose and @grityardsg, implementing several key launches and initiatives

13) Collaborated with @our.braletteclub, @goyathelabel, @standsg, @sloggisg, @huawei.sg on campaigns for @rockthenakedtruthsg

14) Started going into video production in the role of a producer and helping to produce videos

15) Got a new car - traded my 5yo VW Golf for a Honda Civic

16) Revamped my humble bachelorette pad, which is now so cosy and feeling more like a home

Thank you to all who have continued to support me and believe in me, both in the personal and career space. The year has turned out differently from planned, but it still turned out good!

How has 2020 gone for you?
    Following my house revamp, it's now time for some Following my house revamp, it's now time for some deep cleaning. Since I've moved in 3.5 years ago, I've not done any deep cleaning so there is definitely work to be done heh.

The @surecleansg professional cleaning team came over to work on my home and I was so impressed with their cleaning! (You know you're upping your auntie level when you get excited seeing things get cleaned and get intrigued by these fancy cool machines.) You can swipe to see the before/after results!

For my bachelorette space of 600 sqft, they sent a team of 3 who worked on the place simultaneously. Altogether they took 4 hours for the Home Deep Cleaning and Disinfection; sofa and mattress cleaning are add-ons to the package. 

They also have their own products, like their own Germclean disinfectant that has silver ion technology and 24h residual disinfection and can last on surfaces for 30 days, which they used on my home AND you can purchase to use too.

Quote 'CHERYLTAYSG' to get 15% off with min. spend of $250 before GST. You can book on sureclean.com.sg!

#sureclean #homecleaning
    Who can say no to ice cream or froyo? And when it Who can say no to ice cream or froyo? And when it has NO SUGAR ADDED, that's even better.

@yolesingapore has opened their newest outlet at Vivocity and the ice cream and froyo served all have NO sugar added! Soon, the rest of the outlets will follow suit.

But hey, don't use this as an excuse to go mad on the toppings ya!

Use 'CHERYLxYOLE' to get $1 off their NO SUGAR ADDED ice cream and froyo at Yole Vivocity from now to 31 December.

P.S. the photo wall damn cute!

#yolesingapore #yolevivocity #nosugaradded
    Someone came over today and made himself very comf Someone came over today and made himself very comfortable on my couch whilst watching Bee Movie for the 100000000th time.

#spotthehuman
    Not shown in picture - my pink socks and pink bicy Not shown in picture - my pink socks and pink bicycle. 🤣🤣🤣 Only one way to spend Christmas, all decked out in pink for a 160km ride. MERRY CHRISTMAS everybahdee!!

#cheryltayworksout #triathlon #triathlete #trifit #trilife #trilove #trigirls #getfit #lovefit #fitforlife #fitness #fitnesseveryday #instafit #igfit #ironmantri #ironmantraining #activelife #teampurpose #purposeasia #cycling #thecyclinglife
    Home revamp completed! 🥰🥰🥰 I've been spen Home revamp completed! 🥰🥰🥰 I've been spending a lot more time at home this year, which gave me the push to make some improvements to the house so I can be more comfortable at home.

It's been 3.5 years since I moved in, but I've mostly just treated this as a house, somewhere to stay, and not really put the effort to make it a home home.

When I first moved in, I wasn't keen to do up the house much because I felt that I might get married one day and move out, so why bother to spend money? So I only added a counter to separate the kitchenette from the living area, and set up my bike trainer next to the sofa.

These made the house quite cluttered and it just got messier and messier over the years as I accumulated more stuff, and was often too tired or busy to clear up. I mean, it was just me and I don't invite friends over, so I let the mess manifest.

Finally, I decided to revamp the place and I'm glad I did!

I got rid of the counter, built cupboards and shelves into the walls for more storage space, got zip blinds so I could convert the balcony into a usable space, did vinyl flooring over the original glossy floor which is hard to maintain (and I was wearing bedroom slippers all the time), and got a dining table set that doubles up as my work station.

The result is amazing! I wish I could say this was a DIY project, but no, I engaged the services for the various things I did... after taking time to source for the best deals with value and quality!

The home feels like a home now and this might sound strange, but having more physical space actually has a calming effect on me and psychologically I feel better!

If you have any budget home decor ideas, please share! My only decor ideas are multiple stuffed toys and Hello Kitty memorabilia lol.

Now I'm looking forward to hosting friends at my revamped space I call home!

#homesweethome
    One good thing about the frozen meals from Not Jus One good thing about the frozen meals from Not Just CarrotSticks is that you can take it straight from the freezer into the microwave oven. In just 5 minutes, your plant-based meal is ready!

The plastic sheet will peel off by itself once the food is heated, so all you need to do is peel it off and you're good to start eating.

I've tried all 3 meals and they taste good! The Thai basil chicken and the beef rendang are quite spicy, but I'm terrible with chilli so it should be fine for you.

You can order online at notjustcarrotsticks.com and use SOCIAL20% to get 20% off all products (limited to one use per customer only).

You can also purchase them exclusively at Bukit Timah Plaza NTUC Finest and Parkway Parade NTUC Finest for the month of December.

#plantbased #notjustcarrotsticks #sp
    [GIVEAWAY: 3 x visors from @greybyortenhill] Some [GIVEAWAY: 3 x visors from @greybyortenhill]

Sometimes, all you need is just one accessory to make your look cooler. Cue my Super.visor from @greybyortenhill! I love how it goes well with active wear, outdoor wear, beach wear... so long as you're in the sun, it completes the look.

I'm giving away 3 visors (of your choice) to 3 people. They have the half (which I'm wearing here) and the full, and a few different colour options. My favourites are the gold (seen here) and the rainbow.

To take part, follow my IG and @greybyortenhill, and tell me in the comments below how you will wear this, eg. what outfit will you match this with, where will you go with this etc.

I will choose the winners by Sunday 2359h!

#supervisor
    PERIOD FATIGUE. Besides belly bloat, water retenti PERIOD FATIGUE. Besides belly bloat, water retention, moodiness and junk food cravings, the other thing I struggle with, during PMS, is the fatigue. The fatigue is real!

I find myself needing to sleep more, getting tired more easily, and even after sleeping more, I still feel tired?! What is this! Do you feel sluggish too?

Also, in the few days leading up to day 1 of the period, your athletic performance is likely to be affected so don't be hard on yourself if you don't find yourself hitting your targets or doing weaker than usual. You might want to chill a bit prior to the period, OR, manage your expectations and don't let it affect you mentally when you don't perform at the level you're used to.

Interestingly, I read that the body is the strongest in the first few days of the period! But with the heavy flow and the cramps, it's hard to feel pumped yknow.

Whatever it is, I continue to exercise through my period. You just gotta manage the intensity, effort and expectations!

P.S. Wearing the @teampurpose x @zachbitter running singlet in XS that is lightweight and comfy, and the women's high waisted 4" running shorts in M that is great for the no-thigh gap so you don't get abrasion from the bunching up of shorts between the thighs.

P.P.S. The gap on my medal holder is supposed to be for the 3 major races I signed up to complete in 2020 - Challenge Roth, Berlin Marathon and the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand. It will be filled eventually I believe - a part of me is like, whew the pain will come later; whilst another part of me is like, damn I wanted to get the pain over and done with. Either way, it's akan datang (Malay for coming soon)!

#cheryltayworksout #triathlon #triathlete #trifit #trilife #trilove #trigirls #getfit #lovefit #fitforlife #fitness #fitnesseveryday #instafit #igfit #ironmantri #ironmantraining #activelife #teampurpose #purposeasia #cycling #thecyclinglife
    When you think of a plant-based diet, some of you When you think of a plant-based diet, some of you might visualise eating carrot sticks, celery and cabbage, but there's more to a plant-based diet than just vegetables.

Not Just CarrotSticks offers plant-based frozen ready meals that are filling and nutritious. They go straight from the freezer to your plate in just 5 minutes so you don't have to worry about thawing. So convenient!

With both Asian and Western choices, the meals are 100% from plants, meat-free, vegan and halal. They also have a Fibre+ range for additional fibre and vitamins to help with digestion. Each meal costs less than $10 and can be kept frozen for three months. No MSG and preservatives are used as well.

If you wish to try, you can order online at notjustcarrotsticks.com and use SOCIAL20% to get 20% off all products (limited to one use per customer only). You can also purchase them exclusively at Bukit Timah Plaza NTUC Finest and Parkway Parade NTUC Finest for the month of December.

#plantbased #notjustcarrotsticks #sp
    The only time you should look back is to see how f The only time you should look back is to see how far you've come. Live a life without regrets, or at least try to. There are some incidents or experiences which you wish you could have avoided, but everything happened for a reason. It led you to where you are today. Learn from these and be better. You can always be better.

#pumasg
    BELLY BLOAT TALK. Hiiiiiiiii who goes through this BELLY BLOAT TALK. Hiiiiiiiii who goes through this every month? About 7 to 10 days out from the period, the tummy will bloat in ways that make you feel uncomfortable.

Clothes don't fit or you look "terrible" in some. You wonder if this is gonna be permanent. You question your body because not all your friends get it. You hate being a woman suddenly because of this monthly affair. Your boobs hurt. You keep craving for junk food.

Damn, this bloated belly can really affect your confidence. But hey, you're not alone! WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER.

I put on almost 2kg of water retention during the period and I have trouble fitting into some of my shorts and tighter tops. And then I have this habit of stroking the round round tummy and once I was subconsciously doing it outside, and this random guy said to me, "Pregnant ah?" I was so stunned I just smiled at him and walked away quickly.

But you know what? It's just temporary! Hang in there ya. Any remedies for reducing PMS water retention and bloating? Share please!

P.S. This photo is only the start of the bloat - it's gonna get bigger lol. Didn't stop me from walking around Sentosa with my tummy out though hahaha.

#PMStroubles #bellybloat
    Load More... Follow on Instagram



Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Tay. All Rights Reserved.