When To Propose

It depends on your age. If you're 24 or under and have been together for 3 years, that's not a problem, because a lot of times people just take a long time. The closer women get to their 30s, the sooner a proposal should happen. If he is 28 and she is 26, and they have been dating for two or three years, and marriage hasn't even come up, it's time to bring it up. Don't wait for him at that point. Women should never bring up anything about marriage during the first year, because it is going to put pressure on him. Men like to set the pace. Usually, a man who is interested in marrying a woman will propose or start talking about marriage within the first 2 or 3 months. After a year, you can ask him what his intentions are. If a man doesn't talk about marriage and does not propose marriage within two years, he is not going to marry you. If you are in that relationship with a man and all of a sudden he meets another woman, then three weeks later he marries her, you know you should have seen the signs.

Does Age Matter In A Relationship?

Age can come into play. I know there are stories of people who met in high school and made it through for a long, long time. It certainly can happen, and it's a beautiful thing when it does. It can be difficult, though. Who you are at 18 or 16 is not necessarily who you'll be at 30 or 40. The question is not so much about age, but maturity in terms of allowing the other person to grow and not expecting them to stay the same. Hopefully we are always changing. We expect children to change and can visibly see them growing up. Adults are no different. We all grow and change. Hopefully we are always learning and trying out new activities, skills, and information. In any relationship, whether you met in high school or come together at 30, people are going to change. The important aspect is to support the growth and to be supportive of who they are becoming, not just who they used to be. It can be very hard no matter what the age you are.

Tips for Caregivers - How to Take Care of Yourself as a Caregiver

Caring for someone with lung cancer, or any chronic illness, is one of the greatest expressions of love. Putting aside the busyness of life to care for one less fortunate can be incredibly rewarding. There are few things we do in our day-to-day lives that benefit another as much. It can also be draining. Doing too much without the support of others can create feelings of resentment that linger long after the crisis is over. What can caregivers do to care for themselves, while they care for others?

Maintain a Sense of Humor

Watch a funny movie. Recall amusing memories. Compare the nurses and doctors around you to your favorite cartoon characters! Cancer is a serious, scary disease, but sometimes laughter is the best medicine. There is a time to laugh and a time to mourn.

Take Care of Yourself

Getting adequate rest, exercise, and good nutrition are more important than ever when you are caring for another. For those who feel guilty considering their own needs important, consider what you would hope for if the situation were reversed.

Make Use of Available Resources

Seek out resources in your community that are available for cancer patients and their caregivers. Ask for a list of local organizations from your cancer center. Support groups allow you to share your experiences with others in a similar situation, and can be a source of further resources. Several online cancer support groups are available, that you can join without leaving your home.

Maintain Your Boundaries

Give as you can but know your limits. Stop periodically and think about your giving. Are you feeling pleasure in your efforts? Giving beyond your ability and sacrificing your own needs may leave you feeling resentful and bitter.

Keep a Journal

Writing a journal can be a great way to express those thoughts and feelings you can’t share openly. Checking back over your entries can also help you monitor your stress level and know if you are overextending yourself.

Educate Yourself

Learning as much as you can about your loved ones illness can help you understand more about what they are going through. It can also prepare you – a bit – for some of the inevitable bumps in the road.

Pamper Yourself

Take a bath. Indulge in a massage. Listen to your favorite music. Read an uplifiting or inspirational book. Take time to maintain your friendships. Caring for another does not mean giving up your own needs and desires.