Why I Fired My Secretary

Xiu Mai shared this with me and her friends and I thought to myself, it's got to be something worth sharing with everyone else... so let me tell you why I'd fire my sexytary... I meant Secretary.

Why I Fired My Secretary
Last week was my birthday and I didn't feel very well waking up on that morning.

I went downstairs for breakfast hoping my wife would be pleasant and say, 'Happy Birthday!',
and possibly have a small present for me.

As it turned out, she barely said good morning, let alone ' Happy Birthday.'

I thought...
Well, that's marriage for you, but the kids... they will remember.

My kids came bounding down stairs to breakfast and didn't say a word.

So when I left for the office, I felt pretty low and somewhat despondent.

As I walked into my office, my secretary Jane said, 'Good Morning Boss, and by the way Happy Birthday ! '
It felt a little better that at least someone had remembered.

I worked until one o'clock , when Jane knocked on my door and said, 'You know, It's such a beautiful day outside, and it is your Birthday, what do you say we go out to lunch, just you and me.'

I said, 'Thanks, Jane, that's the greatest thing I've heard all day. Let's go !'

We went to lunch. But we didn't go where we normally would go.
She chose instead at a quiet bistro with a private table.
We had two martinis each and I enjoyed the meal tremendously.

On the way back to the office, Jane said, 'You know, it's such a beautiful day.... we don't need to go straight back to the office, do we ?'

I responded, 'I guess not, what do you have in mind ?'

She said, 'Let's drop by my apartment, it's just around the corner.'

After arriving at her apartment, Jane turned to me and said, ' Boss, if you don't mind, I'm going to step into the bedroom for just a moment. I'll be right back.'

'Ok.' I nervously replied.

She went into the bedroom and, after a couple of minutes, she came out carrying a huge birthday cake ... followed by my wife, my kids, and dozens of my friends and co-workers, all singing 'Happy Birthday'.


And I just sat there...

On the couch...

Naked.

Chapter 10: How to Love

Love is a strange feeling that can be one of the most amazing in all the world. Sometimes the emotions associated with love are blissful, and there are times when they can really hurt. In the end, love is something most of us, if not all of us, will encounter. While there are many different ways to define love and there are many different ways to love someone(or even yourself), here is a general guide to loving.


Steps:

1. Say it. When you say the words "I Love You", they should carry with them the desire to show someone that you love them, not what you simply want to feel. When you say it, make sure you really mean it and are willing to do anything for that special person.
2. Empathize. Put yourself in someone else's shoes. Rather than impose your own expectations or attempt to control them, to understand how they feel, where they come from, and who they are. Realize how they could also love you back just as well.
3. Love unconditionally. If you cannot love another person without attaching stipulations, then it is not love at all, but deep-seated opportunism (one who makes the most of an advantage, often unmindful of others). If your interest is not in the other person as such, but rather in how that person can enhance your experience of life, then it is not unconditional. If you have no intention of improving that person’s life, or allowing that person to be themselves and accepting them as they are, and not who you want them to be, then you are not striving to love them unconditionally.
4. Expect nothing in return. That doesn't mean you should allow someone to mistreat or undervalue you. It means that giving love does not guarantee receiving love. Try loving just for the sake of love. Realize that someone may have a different way of showing his or her love for you; do not expect to be loved back in exactly the same way.
5. Realize it can be lost. If you realize that you can lose the one you love, then you have a greater appreciation of what you have. Think how lucky you are to have someone to love. Don't make an idol of the person you love. This will place them under undue pressure and will likely result in you losing them.
6. Never stop loving. Even if you have been hurt before you should not stop giving love.

Tips:

• It does not make you a bad person to desire someone else's love, even if they do not love you. However, to truly love someone, you must let them be free. It is selfish to blame them for your feelings.
• There are many types of love, for example: a mother-son love is different from a best friend's love, which is different from a romantic love. Don't be ashamed to tell anyone that you love your friends as much as you love anyone else in your life.
• You have to find someone that will suit you, someone you feel comfortable with - not just someone to make love to.
• As a word, love can be found worldwide and is often used to describe compassion and/or emotional attachment. Accepting those you love for who they are is part of love. You also need to learn to accept yourself before you can accept another. If you cannot love yourself, how are you to love another?
• Love genuinely. Do not compare your feelings now to what your feelings were when you were with another mate. At times, we can experience rejection.
• Realize that love is a feeling that I can describe and attempt to assist, but ultimately, you are the one who must take action in order to discover love.
• Do things that make the other person feel good and happy, but do not smother them with gifts and attention.
• Consider some tips about what people in love do.
• People in love are sensitive to each other's needs, and endeavour to meet them even when they do not feel like doing it.
• Men and women may be equal in value but different by nature. People who truly are in love give their mates "space" to develop their potential and find their fulfillment in life.
• Love does not brag. People who are truly in love refrain from rehearsing their good traits just to show off. Bragging in a relationship often is really defensiveness.
• People who are truly in love do not insist that their way is best and demand that their mates give in to them.
• People who are truly in love are considerate of each other's feelings and courteous in their actions toward one another. Sadly, sarcasm is a way of life for some couples. They ridicule each other, belittle each other and trade jibes with a fury. They may say it is all in fun, but it leaves wounds that will someday become festering sores.
• People who are truly in love look out for their mate's best interests as much as their own. Those in love should be concerned not only about their own individual interests, but about the interests of the other as well.
• People who are truly in love control their anger when the other displeases them. We are all human, and all humans feel anger periodically, but we only express our anger in destructive ways when we are counting on someone else to meet our needs.
• People who truly love each other do not take pleasure in their mate's disappointments or failures.
• People who truly love each other treat their mates with absolute trust. Some husbands and wives torment themselves with groundless suspicions. If you look for trouble you will find it every time.
• People who truly love look forward to their relationship growing more meaningful and precious. They have hope. Which is an attitude that happily anticipates the good. It isn't being blind and denying that there are problems, but it does look beyond the problems. People who truly love each other do not allow their problems to rob them of their happiness.
• Sometimes love is all we need. Remember there is no failure in love, because once you tell somebody whom you love, that you love him/her, then you have already succeeded in love.

Warnings:

• You must love yourself before you can love another
• There is always the risk of getting hurt, but that's part of letting yourself fully love and trust someone. Being hurt could be long-lasting and could hurt more than anything in the world.
• Realize what you have while you have it, and care for the person you trust.
• If something comes to an end, try to let go rather than holding on; it's for the best.
• The idea of love is fueled by childhood fantasies. The love shown in movies, as obtainable as it may be, is rare to say the least.
• You just may find your soulmate sooner than you intended.
• If you feel any doubt of the love your partner has for you, make sure that your suspicions are grounded in reality. If you hurt your partner as a result of undeserved mistrust, he/she may end up doubting both your love for them and theirs for you.
• Don't ask for love. You should receive love because your partner wants to give you love, not because you want it from your partner.
• Do not force love. It will come in good time—perhaps not with the person you initially want, but love definitely will come if you are willing to share it with someone.

Chapter 9: How to Find Your Soulmate

Many people feel that there's one person out there who can enrich your life in a way that no one else can. If this is true, how can you increase your chances of finding this person? And when you meet him or her, how will you know it's your soulmate?


Steps:

1. Be the person you would love to love. Instead of waiting for your soulmate to appear, make yourself the person you would like to find. Work on becoming the unique individual you're looking for. Just as you would want your soulmate to be comfortable in their own skin, work on just being yourself. You'll stand a better chance of getting noticed if you are comfortable, confident, and happy to be you. Expressing your individuality is the closest you can come to advertising your soulmate potential. Not only will you stand out, but you'll also be doing things that are more likely to bring you closer to your soulmate, who probably has similar interests and goals.
2. Remember that your soulmate might not be what you expect. If there's only one person in the world who can be your soulmate, what are the chances that they'll live in your town, look like the people you grew up with, or even speak the same language? Your soulmate does not have to live in the same country or even the same hemisphere as you. You don't have to be willing to span the globe for your true love, but you do need to be receptive to people with different backgrounds. Also, if you're expecting your soulmate to be love at first sight, you might never find what you're looking for. So keep an open mind. Part of the romance of having a soulmate is being pleasantly surprised.
3. Be patient. Life doesn't normally work on the schedule you envision. Your soulmate might cross your path when you're 8 or 80 years old. Don't be surprised either if there is a considerable age difference between the two of you. Yes, you might look forward to spending the majority of your life with your soulmate—perhaps buying a house, getting married, starting a family—but things do not always go as you plan. Your soulmate will color your world no matter how old you are, so don't rush into things, or else you might end up forcing the wrong person into the soulmate box, which will cause pain for everyone involved.
   
4. Accept people for who they are, not who you want them to be. When you've got all these fantasies flying around in your head about how wonderful and special your soulmate will be, it can be easy to look for those specific characteristics and features in anyone you get involved with. Unfortunately, unrealistic expectations can ruin a relationship, and might even chase your soulmate away. Whoever it is that you think might be your soulmate, appreciate their individuality and trust that if this person is your soulmate, they'll never need to change who they are for you, just like you'll never need to change who you are for them. That doesn't mean that you can't encourage them to try something new or help them to grow as a person, just don't force things on them that they are not comfortable with.
5. Weather the storms. Contrary to what popular media would have you believe, meeting your soulmate doesn't guarantee "happily ever after." Things won't get easier when you find that special someone, and in fact, they might get even harder. Ultimately, a soulmate is someone with whom you can grow, and the only way to grow together is to face challenges together. So if you put your heart and soul into a relationship, stick with it through the ups and downs, even when you question whether it's meant to be, and you might look back decades later and realize that you were with your soulmate all along. True love with your soulmate does not grow on its own: it must be cultivated and continually nurtured. So be lovable, and be willing to love like there is no tomorrow.
   

Tips:

• You need to find yourself before you find your soulmate. Once you're happy with yourself, a soulmate can make you even happier, but no one can fill a void created by not knowing who you are.
• Don't obsess over finding your soulmate. Coming off as needy and desperate for love is not attractive to a soulmate—nor to anyone else, for that matter! Just be yourself, keep an open mind, and wait.
• You need to know exactly what you want in potential partner; their personality traits, values, beliefs, outlook on life etc.
• A soulmate is someone who understands and loves you just the way you are. If they're bent on trying to mold you they want a slave.
• Be willing to try new things, new restaurants,new cinemas..etc as there is no telling where you might meet your perfect partner.

Warnings:

• Before you consider the steps above, reflect on the idea that a "soulmate" might be an idealized fantasy. It is a very real possibility that many people can qualify as a soulmate, not just one other person in the entire world. Although no one likes to entertain the possibility, it is equally true that you may never find your soulmate.
• Do not expect an incredible person who is kind in every way, that will, in a lot of cases, lead to disappointment, which can chase your soulmate away. “Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised.”

Chapter 8: How to Stay in Touch with a Girl You Like

Is there that girl that you are in complete love with but they live too far away? Do you want her to wait for you? A good way to let her know you care, (even though you're far away) is to compliment her! Here's how:


Steps:

1. Ask her for her phone number, mobile number, email address and home address so you have as many ways to contact her as possible. But don't be pushy or sneaky! If she feels uncomfortable giving you her personal information, respect her wishes.
2. Text message her occasionally so you stay on her mind but you aren't overwhelming her.When you text message make it lighthearted and humurous, avoid saying sappy things and compliments. If you don't run into any reason to text her for a while think of a subject you share common ground on and ask her a question relating to that subject. This shows her that you see her as an intelligent individual and as a valuable source of information.
3. On special occasions, such as her birthday, the anniversary you met, Christmas, Valentine's Day, etc., send her a bunch of red roses. They may be expensive, but this is the cutest thing ever a guy can do and will definitely win her over.
4. Write her love letters. Don't be obsessive, but send them regularly. Try and send them at the exact same time every month. That way, she will look forward to and get excited when she receives your letters.This is only after you know that she likes you and its established you like each other, otherwise your a Stalker. its a fine line that women wont tell you about.
5. Try to call her once a week. Do it on a day and at a time when she is not busy. If it's too expensive, try once a month. Or, use a cell phone that has free nights and weekends.
6. Send her cute emails. Do not send anything that involves porn, or is discriminating against women or about guys trying to get some. It will give her the wrong idea. Try to put cute pictures of little kids kissing or something like that, tell her you can't wait to see her again and write "original" poems for her.
7. When you have finally won her over, don't stop doing all the romantic stuff. Certain things can slow down over time but it set a precedent, plus it is important to never forget that it was the little things that drew her to accepting a relationship with you, and she'll always continue to accept and enjoy the romantic gestures.

Warnings:

• Sending letters is better than sending emails. Send cute things in them, too. Compliment her every day. Ask for photos of her and when you receive them tell her how gorgeous she looks in them (if you really like her she will look gorgeous to you all the time). If you can, try not to talk to her 24/7. You will eventually run out of things to talk about, thus making the relationship... Boring.
• If you don't respect her privacy, or if she seems to be uncomfortable with you contacting her, ask her if it's okay that you're doing these things. If she isn't okay with it, back off, or you could end up with a restraining order on you (if not from her, than from her suspicious and careful parents).
• A lot of these things are actually pretty creepy if she doesn't like you already, and even then it might still be a little needy and desperate.
• Don't try and be too pushy! It's weird, even from a guy's perspective talking to a chick.

Chapter 7: How to Bring Love Into a Relationship

If you're young and in a relationship, it can be difficult to know how to let it progress. This should help.


Steps:

1. Be open to love.First of all, you have to be willing to let love in your relationship and give love back 100%.
2. Don't rush into saying "I love you." Take the time to realize what you are saying, and that it means something. Unless you feel like it is a promise, then don't say it!
3. Make sure you trust, admire, and respect the person you are with. Can you see being with him (or her) forever? Can you really talk to each other? Can you be honest with, and support, each other? Do you have meaningful conversations? Do you mean something to each other? Is the relationship exclusive, serious, long-term, mature, meaningful, loving, trustful, respectful, and so on? If the answer is yes, then you may be heading towards love.
4. Take the physical aspect of the relationship slowly as well. This will give you time to develop other aspects of your relationship. Like the verbal, psychological, mental, emotional, affectionate, and other kinds of intimacy / closeness that has nothing to do with the physical stuff.
5. Don't let your life completely revolve around them. Your partner will find it sexy that you have other priorities. It's a sign of self-respect.

Tips:

• When you are comfortable with that person, open up and let them in your life.
• Trust your instincts.
• Make time for each other.
• Spend time apart as well.
• Connect/bond - on a deeper level (than physical, etc.) with one another - let there be time for the emotional, psychological, mental, and verbal (etc.) intimacy or closeness to grow, expand, and develop (etc).

Chapter 6: How to Plan a Perfect Date

Don't be silly, there's no such thing as a perfect date. I've tried and done all sorts of date and even the most perfect in others' eyes may not be the perfect date to her. OR it may not turn out as you plan it.

Here are some simple, fairly inexpensive date ideas for those of you who wish to add a little romance to your relationship:

1. Have a picnic in the middle of your living room, with a nice bottle of wine, candles and the music of your choice.
2. Host a candlelit dinner in your own backyard, patio or terrace. Use the stars as your backdrop and the candles to create intimacy. If there is a river or lake nearby, see if there is a company that does champagne river or boat tours. As your guide relates the local habitat, you and your honey can snuggle under a blanket and share a toast to your relationship.
3. Picnic in your local park or at your local beach. Enjoy feeding each other finger foods and fresh berries.
4. Call your local culinary school and see if you can hire one of the chefs in training to cook for the two of you. Their prices may be more reasonable than a dinner out, plus
   
   
   • you don’t have to worry about how much you drink
   • the mess is cleaned up for you.
5. Try some backyard tourism. Do you live near a museum, state or national park, beach, lake, or landmark? Have you been there lately? Has your date? Plan a day trip, pack a picnic lunch, and make a Saturday of it.
6. Pursue a hobby or sport together, or try a new one. Do you know what your date does for fun? Is there a climbing gym in your area? A miniature golf course? Do you both like to ride bicycles? Could you teach your date to dance, or could you both take lessons together?

Tips:

• It doesn't always have to be fancy. Just fun.
• Flowers. Many girls love flowers and it will gain you more points than anything else. If she has a green thumb, consider bringing a potted plant, instead.
• Remember that the purpose of a date is to get to know the person you are dating and to spend time with them. A hike in the wilderness will accomplish that goal far better than an equal amount of time spent in a movie theater.
• Can't cook? Go for simple foods, presented nicely. Pack fresh fruit and sandwiches or crackers and deli meats to assemble miniature sandwiches. Drink water or lemonade.

Chapter 5: How to Be Romantic

What "being romantic" means varies widely from person to person, but at its core, romance involves doing something to express affection in a meaningful yet unexpected way. A true act of romance requires creativity and sincerity, often inspired by love (either its presence or its possibility). While harboring affection for someone might be easy, translating it into romance usually is not. There are millions of romantic ideas in books, movies and on the Internet, but true romance comes from within. Here's how to get in touch with your inner romantic.


Steps:

1. Break the monotony. Many people associate the beginning of a relationship with romance, excitement and inspiration because everything is new. You've just met this person and the relationship is unfolding--what will happen tomorrow? Next week? Next month? Will he call? Will we kiss? Will she visit? But after the relationship is established, we settle into a routine, and nothing is new anymore. To be romantic, to reintroduce the excitement that characterized the beginning of the relationship, do something different, something that your partner wouldn't expect. The more out of the ordinary, the better!
2. Court them. Pretend that you and the person just met, and you want the person to fall for you. What would you do to impress them? To show them that you're interested? To win them over? Treat your partner like they're single, like you're trying to earn their affection and trust. The opposite of being romanced is being taken for granted. No one wants to feel like they've already been "caught" and it's over and done with. Put on a show! Stay on your toes! The most romantic ideas come to people when they fear they might lose the one they love. But you don't have to actually be on the verge of losing someone in order to tap into that mindset!
3. Make it personal. Romance is not "one-size-fits-all." The stereotypical icons of romance (roses,candles and chocolate) can only go so far. Think about what really gets that special someone excited. Recognize what makes your partner unique, and find/do things for them that only they would appreciate. What are their quirky (perhaps secret) interests, obsessions and fantasies? Whenever they're shopping, talking, or watching a movie, what makes their eyes light up? Pay attention! Being romantic means acknowledging how special a person is, and that means demonstrating that you know--better than anyone else in the world--what makes them unique.
4. Focus on the little things. Romance can be practiced every day, and it doesn't have to be expensive or grand. In fact, sometimes the most romantic moments are simple, spontaneous and free. There are millions of ways to say "I love you" and "I'm lucky to have you." Think of the world as your medium. You can write it, say it, sculpt it, look it, hide it, shout it, paint it, kiss it, fold it, grow it, touch it, and express it in unlimited ways. Make it a habit to find a new way to be romantic every day. Be creative and have fun with it!
5. Be sincere. To make someone feel appreciated, you have to really, truly be thankful for their presence in your life. Maintaining that sense of gratitude takes conscious effort. It's easy to forget how amazing someone is when you see them every day, but if you constantly remind yourself how lucky you are to share your life with that person, every day will be the most romantic day of your life.

Warnings:

• Don't assume that the person you're romancing is just like you. A night of ballroom dancing might be the most romantic thing in the world to you, but your partner might feel otherwise. Remember that no matter how close the person is to you, he or she is an individual, not an extension of yourself. Surprise your partner by doing something you'd never normally do on your own, just because you know it'd make them happy.
• If your partner doesn't seem to appreciate your efforts, it's not that you've failed to be romantic; it's that your partner has failed to receive your affection. Maybe they're not accustomed to being romanced, or maybe they're distracted by other stresses in their lives. If you feel rejected, don't just give up. Talk to the person about it.
• Being romantic doesn't mean being obsessive. There's a difference between expressing appreciation and expecting a person to devote all of their time to you in return. You're an individual, not just one half of a relationship, so don't be consumed by your efforts to romance someone else. You can be romantic and be yourself at the same time.
• Don't allow outward romance to drown out inward warnings. If a guy or a girl seems too good to be true, go slowly and find out what he or she is really all about. He or she may be all right, but only time will tell.

Chapter 4: How to Date a Hopelessly Romantic Person When You Are Not Hopelessly Romantic

Are you with someone who is captivated by love stories, candlelight dinners, and old-fashioned chivalry? If you and your significant other have very different ideas of what romance should be, here is how to come to terms with your differences.


Steps:

1. Understand that there is a reason that we are attracted to the people we are attracted to.This is because relationships are the learning playground of life. How we choose to relate to others gives us information about ourselves. When we see things that we like in others, it illuminates those things that we like and admire in ourselves. And when we see things that we dislike in others, it often signals that we dislike something in ourselves.
2. Consider what your opinion says about you. For example, if you like that they are "hopelessly romantic," you may have your own "hopelessly romantic" side that you would like to bring more attention to. If you dislike that they are so hopelessly romantic, it may mean that you have closed down the idea of romance in yourself, and their romance serves to remind you of all of the ways in which you were hurt when you were deeply connected to someone.
3. Give yourself permission to see the world differently. You do not have to see the world as a hopeless romantic does in order to relate to one. Your perception--as well as theirs--has merit, and is worthy of your appreciation and attention.
4. Ask yourself what you most want in a relationship. (e.g. trust, support, laughter, romance) and see if being in a relationship with this person would enable you to feel and have what you most want.
5. Have fun exploring and talking with this person in ways that allow you both to express and experience romance that feels fun, safe, and honest.
6. Remember the essence of romance is doing something that you would not normally do, simply because you care. You may never buy a bunch of flowers for yourself, and that's exactly what makes it special. The recipient knows you did it just to show you care, and for no other reason. Thoughtful, sacrificial effort is what makes a great long-term relationship. And it's the secret to "happily ever after." In other words, you're setting patterns and expectations that could last a lifetime.

Warnings:

• Drama is not a relationship. If you are experiencing lots of drama while in a relationship, it is a good time to take a look at how you might connect in new and different ways that feel great and are mutually supportive and fun for both of you.
• Dating is not marriage. Do not feel bad about breaking up and finding someone more compatible.
• Hopeless romantics can be low-maintenance dates/partners. Instead of needing to wow them with expensive gifts, dinners, and vacations, you can please them with gestures that are less expensive. Taking late-night walks, cooking a fancy dinner at home, and writing love letters are just a few things you can do to keep your hopelessly romantic partner happy without breaking the bank.
• Remember that romance doesn't have to be "hopeless." Our outward expressions of love can become the emotional framework for a relationship. These expressions tell us if we are in a relationship that is reciprocal, supportive, or healthy. Often, if we do not feel like expressing that love for our partner, we do not love them like we pretend to. When we express ourselves to our partner, emotionally and physically, we take the category of "love" and elevate it--make it greater than some place-holder that at times stands for little more than "dogged commitment."

Chapter 3: How to Understand a Non Romantic Girl

The Woman has always been given a stereotype of being 'hopelessly romantic'. But believe it or not, some of them despise flowers and hearts and other such paraphernalia.


(Disclaimer: I did not conclude this but it came from other girls. I'm not being a sexist or am I saying thus in any representation of any female in this world because I'm not a girl and I certainly can't think or know what they think if I'm not genuinely one.)


Steps:

1. Firstly, try and understand the reason as to why the woman in question does not appreciate romantic gestures. Maybe what's perceived as romantic to everyone else is seen as tacky or cliched to her?
2. Don't ignore the fact that she does not want a bunch of roses or a heart-shaped box of chocolates. Not only is this a pointless endeavor on your part, but she'll also be annoyed that you didn't listen to her and opted for the easy way out.
3. Find out little things she likes, such as a favorite childhood book or an obscure band and give her something in association with this.
4. Be thoughful when you are with her; the only reason why she doesn't want anything stereotypically "romantic" is because she wants to know if you are willing to put effort into getting to know her.
5. Realize that while she may not be into kissing you in public or walking down the street with your arm around her, she IS actually with you for a reason.
6. Do not pressure her into feeling like she must partake in PDAs (public display of affection) or something else she may feel uncomfortable with.
7. Give her space. Encourage her to spend time with her friends and family.

Tips:

• If 'The Cat in The Hat' was her favorite book growing up, presenting her with a copy of this on Valentine's Day will be more meaningful than a bunch of red roses.
• Take her to places you'd never think of going to, such as a Mongolian restaurant or an opera. The more random the better, as often non-romantic girls are into things that are somewhat obscure.
• Don't sugar-coat her. Pet names are probably not going to go down well.
• Chances are, this girl is very practical and matter-of-fact. Don't over-try to impress her, be honest with her and be open.

Warnings:

• Don't pressure her.
• Ask her friends for hints of little things she might like.
• Take everything one step at a time, or you could find her walking away.
• Make sure you appreciate her for all the little things, don't get annoyed with her just because candy hearts are not her thing.

Chapter 2: How to Tell if It's an Acquaintance, Friend, Crush, or Love

Think you're in love? Read these steps to help find out.


Steps:

1. Ask yourself why. Do you love that boy 'cause he makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside or because he's on the football team? Does that girl make your heart flutter because she's sweet and understands you or because she's a popular cheerleader? Think about it.
2. Figure out why they like you (if they do like you, that is). Is your love a good person who wouldn't hurt you for the world or is he/she someone who dates you 'cause "your body is perfect and would dump you as soon as you gained a few pounds"? Ask them or stuff the front of your shirt with some cotton and see what happens.
3. Do you feel genuine affection for this person or are you using them as an escape route?Say you just got dumped by someone. You meet someone else who you automatically think is the ONE. But you're probably just fooling yourself because you haven't gotten over your last boy/girlfriend. Take your time, assess the situation, and determine whether your affection is real.
4. If you talk on occasion, or at school you wave in the hallways, this person is most likely an acquaintance. You are comfortable enough around them to put yourself out there for a little bit. You can casually converse, but it's likely that you don't get into deep conversations about emotions. For girls, most of them just ask about love interests, etc.
5. If you spend a lot of time with them, help them with problems, or even know some personal things about them, this person would most likely be considered a friend. If you feel open around them and you're not afraid to really talk to them, that's a good sign. This person is also probably a friend if you know that they like talking to you too. For guys, you do the guy handshake thing. For girls, you hug as a greeting and a goodbye.
6. If you're very friendly with them, offer to help in any way, or notice physical attractions to this person, it's likely that they are your crush. A lot of crush characteristics come with physical/emotional attractions, so this is an obvious sign of your affection.
7. Depending on the circumstances, if you're in a relationship with this person, it could be love. One of the best ways to tell if you're in love is if you put them as a very big priority in your life, and mean it. For example, if you are willing to share something special with this person, it could be a sign of love. Depending on what your idea of love is, you should be able to tell how you feel about this person.

WARNINGS:

• Don't kiss someone because it is fun. Kissing someone frequently may make that person think that you are serious about him or her. But, kissing them too much may make them think that you're only with them because of their lips.
• Don't use alcohol or drugs to make your crush like you more. If thats what it takes to get his or her affection then they don't deserve it.
• If you think you can't unlove them, see if a friend will find out who they like. That way, if you do make a move, you won't look stupid.
• Don't go and get your heart broken over a cute guy or perfect/ideal girl. Don't ever feel like you need a relationship, because being single can be just as enjoyable.
• Don't get your hopes up for a person who is currently in a relationship with someone else. How do you know that he or she won't do the same thing to you if you two date?
• Don't even put any hope for a person who hasn't love you entirely at all yet. No matter how hard the both of you may try, it may NOT necessarily work and be the perfect one. Especially if you're not destined to be. Fate alone isn't sufficient enough.

Chapter 1: How to Make Someone Fall in Love with You (5 crucial steps)

You can't make someone fall in love with you because, simply put, you can't control the way someone truly feels. But, you can create a situation in which any inkling of love has the chance to flourish and develop into a deep love.


Steps:

1. Love yourself. Whether you're goofy, silly, crazy, quirky, smart, reserved, or whatever, how can you expect a person to love you if you feel unlovable? You've got to show this person how awesome you are, but first you need to know how awesome you are. Build up your self confidence. Now, this doesn't mean you have to be loud, boisterous, arrogant, chatty, or forward. It just means getting to a place where you're comfortable in your own skin. You can be secure, sweet and humble all at the same time.
2. Share a good laugh. It's been said that laughter is the sound of love. If you share many laughs together, you're both going to be a lot more receptive to love. However, don't put on a show, or make yourself a clown just to make someone laugh. The best laughs are spontaneous, and result from having a positive attitude towards life.
3. Pace yourself. You might be crazy about this person, but if you want a steady kind of love (rather than a fling that flares and fades quickly) then you're going to need to be patient and take your time. Don't be obsessive or suffocating. Give him or her the time to think about what life could be like with you by their side. You can't force someone to love you, and trying to hurry things up can ruin the courtship altogether. Let things progress at a natural pace, or fade out of natural causes.
4. Get to know the person inside out. Always be accepting and open-minded. He or she will sense this and feel like you're the only person who truly knows them and thus, the only person they can be their uninhibited selves around.
5. Unconditional love. Learning unconditional love is the key to making someone fall in love with you. Mastering your expectations will determine how deeply you can love. The more you learn to Love Unconditionally, the more Love you will have in your life. You will be a stronger person after you master this principle.

Warnings:

• Before trying this exercise, take a good look at the person you will be trying this technique with. You will want a person of good character, with good morals, who will be receptive to you as a human being.
• Maybe a friend would be good to try it with; but remember if you are sending out love to a friend - your friend may very well NOT fall in love with you - so do not ruin a good friendship if you can not carry out your love for your friend.
• Be selective, this is really an exercise for you and about you gaining more control over your love life and life in general. Use good judgment when practicing this technique.
• If you do fall in love, be careful because you might give them your heart and they might not want it. There's always a chance your heart will be broken.
• If that person is mean to you and you like that person you have little chance.

PETRONAS SIGNS AGREEMENT TO PARTNER MERCEDES IN FORMULA ONE (21 DEC 09)

PETRONAS today announced a five-year agreement with major auto-manufacturer Mercedes, marking a new partnership for the company in Formula One. Under the terms of the agreement, PETRONAS will become the title partner to the Mercedes GP team, the reigning Formula One world champions. The team will from 2010 be officially known as the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One Team.

The partnership also allows related business arrangements with Mercedes that will support PETRONAS’ international business expansion efforts, particularly in its global lubricant business.

The exclusive rights of a title partner and association with the premium, internationally-renowned Mercedes brand will further enhance PETRONAS and Malaysia’s ongoing global brand positioning efforts. PETRONAS will also be able to continue to leverage on the extensive international exposure offered by the sport to grow its existing business activities.

The partnership also presents PETRONAS with the opportunity to utilise and leverage on Mercedes’ long motor sport heritage to further supplement its talent development initiatives as part of its contribution towards the development of Malaysia’s motorsports industry.

In addition to enhancing its brand, PETRONAS’ association and involvement in international motorsport over the past two decades has been a significant contributor to the growth of its business in particular its lubricants business in the global arena. The association has also paved the way for technological and knowledge acquisition relevant to the oil and gas industry.

PETRONAS will also continue to be the title sponsor of the PETRONAS Malaysian F1 Grand Prix, which is proven to be an effective platform to promote Malaysia on the global stage.


Issued by
Corporate Communications Department
Group Corporate Affairs
PETRONAS

21 December 2009