How your man cooks says a lot about him

How your man whips up a meal says a lot about his personality

The mix and matcher 

These men are concerned with nutrition, but also enjoy the convenience of packaged foods. They look for opportunities to achieve both goals, often adding their own special touch (like seasoning or additional ingredient) to the packaged item. They happily follow directions, feeling relief at not having to figure the whole meal out by themselves. The idea for the meal possibly came from a magazine or advertisement because this type of person likes to have a framework in place. So, playing hard to get with a person like him is likely to backfire.

The barbecue expert 

Men who like to barbecue their meals tend to be masculine and usually ascribe to the 'bigger the better' school of cooking and philosophies in life. It's all about taste with hearty marinades and rich sauces. This chef knows what he's doing. From preparing the grill to determining cooking times, it's all instinct and meant to impress. Though the Grill Master likes to be in control, underneath the tough exterior can be a tender ego that responds well to praise.

The unusual foodie

This type is all about trying new things, whether in the kitchen or anywhere else for that matter. He is up on the latest trends and must-try ingredients. They tend to be extroverts and look to experts for guidance. This guy will be focused on the meal and have great reverence for the ingredients being used. Foodies love to share their discoveries, and your appreciation will show that your sense of wonder is intact — a turn on for them.

The fancy free 

Does he let inspiration dictate his menu? People who regularly cook without recipe books in front of them tend to be creative thinkers. When determining ingredients, seasoning, time and temperature, they turn to personal thoughts, experiences and feelings. This chef holds an image in mind of the finished dish, and uses that as guidance for to what to do next. These are attributes of creative types who tend to be sensitive to their surroundings.

The easy gourmet 

This guy is not interested in complicated directions. A few simple guidelines are all he needs. Convenience is key. Some may start a dish in the wave and finish it by another method. Microwaves are fast and food can often be cooked in the same vessel it is served in, saving valuable clear-up time. They are super fussy, too.

The devout vegetarian 

Vegetarian men tend to be compassionate. They are concerned with health, the environment, and humane treatment of animals. They are willing to spend extra time in the kitchen for the benefits of lower fat intake. So brush up on your environmental awareness so you can make good dinner conversation. Vegetarians like to be around people who share their values. So, don't try to fake it. Nobody likes to be patronized.

The nurturer 

These chefs are all about taking care of their guests and like to prepare comfort food. Dishes will often be prepared from memory, or using a recipe written on a piece of paper that is many years old. While the ingredients used may not be as health conscious as today's consumer trends, there will be an incredible amount of love poured into this meal. But be sure and tell them how nice it is to have them cook for you. They can't hear it enough. The more you soak up the experience, the more the nurturer will ladle it on.

The health freak 

This fellow is focused on health and weight control in particular. There may be some insecurity issues going on or doubts about self image, as well as some need to control what they put in a recipe in order for them to enjoy the meal without guilt. This chef will go extra mile in the kitchen to meet goals — precise measuring of ingredients, dietary points tallied and controlled servings. He needs to feel in control.

Happy explorer 

This guy likes to go off the beaten track. Ethnic foods offer intrigue, mysterious flavors. He is likely to be open-minded and see the world as one big community. The chef will follow a recipe and may interpret a dish with what he has on hand. He isn't afraid to experiment, grow and learn. This is a person who is willing to step out of his comfort zone, palate and otherwise. He is ready for spontaneity, whether it's picking a to watch or planning a last-minute weekend away.

4 things to do when you are bored in your relationship

Do you think your relationship has become extremely boring? Here are certain things you can do. 

Remember why you fell in love: 

One of the best ways to invoke love back into your relationship is by reminding yourself why you fell in love in the first place. You may have various things like going out with your friends over weekends, work etc to keep you busy, yet when you ponder what is it that made you fall in love with this person; you will soon feel the butterflies in your stomach once again! 

Do things together: 

There is nothing better than doing activities together that will reignite the fire in your relationship again. This way you will also spend quality time together and will get ample amount of time to focus on each other and on your relationship as well. Thus, setting one day in the week to either do home chores together or an activity together will strengthen your relationship for a long time. 

Look for innovative ways to have fun: 

Other than doing activities together, you can look out for ways the two of you can spend time together. This can be anything from going out for a bicycle ride during the weekends and exploring nearby areas or hiking to some destination. 

Focus on yourself as well: 

Other than spending time with each other, you should also look at spending some time with yourself. This will ease your mind and help you think clearly and also figure out ways the two of you can bond. Space is extremely important in a relationship and doing things on your own at times broadens your mind.

Here's how to keep a deep secret

Got a secret that you can't reveal? Here's how to keep your silence, and your friend

Zip it, lock it 

If someone close has decided to share information with you — despite your disclaimer — try and weigh the importance of this information, advises clinical psychologist Dr Manasi Bhat. Put yourself in their shoes suggests Shetty. Would you want those around you to be in the know if this was your secret, for instance?

Interestingly, there is a remedy. Pranayama, vipassana or any other form of meditation is a good tool to help your mind focus, and reflect on your actions. "Wait before you speak. Run the conversation you are about to have in your head first," says Shetty.

If you must tell, choose who you reveal the secret to wisely. Besides being a good keeper, this person should not be connected to your friend's world. This does away with the fear that more people in your group will find out. Better still, keep a journal in which you can jot down all that you can't repeat. Sites such as Whisper and Postsecret, where you can post anonymous entries, can help you scratch the itch without doing much damage.

Apologize, explain 

In case the damage is done, "think through an apology that will work" suggests Shetty. "Offer an explanation but make sure you admit you were wrong and take steps to rebuild the trust," says Bhat.

Forgive, maybe forget 

If someone has blabbered about your innermost fears and feelings to the world, do they deserve a second chance? Shetty says it's important to learn to differentiate between a mistake and a habit. Mistakes can happen once or twice but if you see a pattern, take a call.

If it's a friend you would like to keep, try talking it out. Express your feelings of hurt and betrayal in an assertive — not aggressive — manner. "Listen before you judge. Your friend is the same person who you chose to share your feelings with," Bhat says.

5 Things that turn men off

Five things that surprisingly could be a turn off for men

Second-guessing your thoughts, your instincts

Some women avoid communicating and expressing their feelings and thoughts. They expect men to read their minds and guess their thoughts, which is not always possible. And when they fail they receive the cold shoulder for not playing the guessing game right. Nothing is more annoying for men then a woman who will just not say what she wants but expect you to read the 'signs'. Another thing that really gets to men is some women assuming that men know what they want them to do. Saying one thing and doing just the opposite just confuses things even more for men. So, play it straight and just speak up, it leaves no room for miscommunication or misunderstandings.

Playing the I am the superior card

Some women equate men with being dumb, everyone makes mistakes but there is no need to constantly rub it in. It only makes you a nag and can be annoying.

Smothering you with too much attention

Always remember that your guy has a mother and there is no need for you to step into her shoes. While it's okay to comfort and be there for him, don't treat him like a child and smother to such an extent that it starts bugging him.

Sharing too much information

Men are not always comfortable talking about their problems, unlike some women who would go overboard sharing every minute detail with everyone in sight. Learn to exercise caution, and don't overshare. Learn to keep things to yourself at times, especially something thats shared with you in private. It will build trust and also encourage the guy to open up more. Also, if you have just got to know the guy, there is no need to share every little detail with him. Learn to keep somethings to yourself and share only what is necessary.

Planning future way ahead of time

Learn to live in the moment, and while planning what to do on your birthday is okay, planning what you will do in your 50th anniv while you are still dating will only freak the guy out. Learn to take small steps and enjoy the moment rather that fastfoward with an over active imagination, leaving your partner confused and spooked.

(Compiled by Melissa D'costa)

4 Places You Shouldn’t Go On A First Date

First dates are usually nerve-racking. Unless you can fly her off to Paris or some other romantic location, chances are you are in for a very few jittery hours. You have to present your best side, you have to be funny, you have to be interesting and most of all, you have to impress. Here is a short list of places you should never go to on a first date.

1. To the Movies

Now we know this is a staple of the dating world. But when it comes to a first date, you should try as much as you can not to go to the movies. You may think that watching a movie will save you hours of endless awkward silence; which it will, but you will not get to know each other either. The reason you are both going on this date is so you can get to know each and see if there is a spark there. Not talking to each other, sort of negates the whole point of this exercise.

2. To Your Favorite Bar

This might sound like a good idea for a first date; you know the scene, it’s your home turf and everybody says hi or nods in your direction. This might give you a bit of a ‘popular guy’ vibe and it might even impress your date how cool and well known you are. The problem is, this is the same place your friends come to and it is the very same place where everyone knows you. You and your date may never get those precious one on one moments that can be the beginning of something special. Besides, she might get uncomfortable being around all your friends the first time out with you.

3. To The Club

You should never take your date to the club on a first date. It is too loud, too crowded; all the wrong elements that you want to avoid for a successful first date.

4. To Dinner

What was that? Did we just say not to take your first date out to dinner? Yes, we did. It’s romantic, reasonably quiet, there’s just the two of you at the table sitting across from each other and there’s food. Therein lies the problem. 

Sitting across each other in a fancy restaurant ordering foods you can barely pronounce may seem romantic and it appears to work in movies all the time, but it can be too intimidating in real life. If conversations get dry and no connection is established between the two of you, the rest of the night is going to get real awkward fast. Don’t forget you will be on the hook for an expensive bill too.