Calum MacLeod, of the USA Today, reports that some 9000 Chinese couples are set to be married on August 8th, 2008, in Beijing, China. The push for so many to marry on that date comes in two parts. One, because 8 is a lucky number in China and they want to take advantage of the 08/08/08 date. The second part is that theChinese coupleswant to honor the opening day of the Olympics Games, also on 08/08/08.

Couples married on Friday will be taking part in a promotional event, wherein they will sign a billboard that states, “A century of the Olympics; a century-long dream; a century-long prayer for happiness; a century of perfect marriage.”

Okay, I get the dream and the prayer, but where does the “a century of perfect marriage,” fit in with a country that hold a 39% divorce rate?

For more of the story, check out MacLeod’s article at 9,000 Chinese couples to wed on lucky date - USATODAY.com. For more Olympic Games related information, see whatthey have to offer over at http://www.lightthetorch.net .

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This evening, I wasn’t feeling very good about my relationship.Everybody has fears,everyone hastheir “thing” and my thing isworrying that I’munnecessary. I want to matter to S. I want to be on his mind, in his plans, a part of his every day. I don’t feel that I am any of those things right now.

I’ve tried to be more relaxed about our relationship lately. We’ve been a couple for a year now and although I love him very much, it’s been a challenging year. We live 6 hours apart and that may not sound far, but between us we have the responsibilities of 6 children and 4 jobs. It’s not easy to get together time.

He’s spoken about long term plans in a loose sort of way - he sees us together. I can see that happening, but I’m also somewhat focused on the day to day. A long distance relationship requires maintenance like any other relationship, maybe even more.

He went through a sort of crisis this past Winter which lead to a move and job changes. It took some time and he struggled. When he struggled, he would be out of touch. When we would speak again, he would be surprised that I was upset. Didn’t I know that he loved me? Didn’t I understand that sometimes he just needed to be left alone? I resented that everything was on his terms. Didn’t he understand that I hademotional needs, as well?

At one point I found that I felt morally superior to him - I’d never treat the people that I loved in the way that he treated me. It bothered me that I felt that way. I didn’tthink that things would work out between us, I thought it’d be easier to find someone who lived close, butI made the decision to wait the rough patch out.

Currently, we are on the other side of that patch. Still, nothing is perfect and today he hurt my feelings. I felt angry. I let it go. I emailed my friend and vented a bit. Itold myself that thisproblem was not here to stay, it was a temporary thing that would pass.I reminded myself that this did not have to be solved today, that I love him and my kids love him and yeah, sometimes he’s complicated, but he’s not only complicated.

Dating, relationships, they are tough. There’s no perfect person anywhere. Sometimes I have to remind myself to relax, to remember that men and women are different. In the past I’ve given up on things when they got too challenging. I don’t want to do that anymore. I’ve watched my sister and her husband, I’ve seen that sometimes I’m going to think my guy is a jackass, because sometimes he is a jackass. If I can’t handle that, then we aren’t meant for the long term.

So, again, I’ll wait it out. I hope that he will do the same when I am inevitably playing the role of jackass.

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John Gray, Ph.D, author of the well-known Men Are From Mar, Women Are From Venus,now offersFree Online Dating on his website. I’m a fan of John’s simple way of explaining the basic differences between women and men. Some of my first insights into the male mind I picked up from watching him on Oprah, years ago.

The dating site is totally free and offers tools such as dating advice and personal quizzes (I love quizzes), as well as a discussion board for members. And did I mention it’s FREE? (I also love bargains).

Have you tried online dating? Care to shareyour experience?Which services do you feel work best? If you give the Free Online Dating a try, please drop us a line and let us know how it went.

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According to the relationship experts over at Women’s Health magazine, found via AOL, there are some key steps womencantake in order toavoid divorce. Theyareobtaining a good education, wait until you are at least 25 to marry,enjoy a closerelationship with dad (or asuitable substitute dad), make faith a part of your life, make money, wait for baby, and pick a guy who is younger than you.

Thepoint here is that knowledge and experience lead to a higher income and agreater chance to avoid the problems that plague many marriages.

The article brings up some interesting points and I agree that a good education is vital, but I don’t believe that money is the most important factor in a marriage - which appeared to be the main idea behind the list. In my experience, if people make more money, they spend more money.

Of the factors listed, I think the most important point is to wait until age 25 (or older). I got married at 23. I don’t feel that my failed marriage was totally a mistake, because I have my wonderful children, but Iam sure thatmore life experience would have helped me to chose a life partner more suited to my personality.

What do you think? What would appear on your list of good marriage building blocks? To read the list in it’s entirety, go check out Avoid Divorce - AOL Health.

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Being a fan of Kate Hudson films, I couldn’t pass up the chance to get myself a bit of an update even when I knew from reading the title that it’ll be of a personal nature — her dating life.

Kate Hudson Moves OnQuickly

After the quick read, I can’t help but wonder if it’s true. Will you truly think about a former “failed” relationship after you end your current one? Thinking that this time it will work? Curious thought.

Though I’m a firm believer in second chances, I do draw the line on what will be a healthy move. Changes may have happened, a rekindled passion with the familiar may be comforting but I still consider the unresolved issues — issues that can haunt the couple. Will you truly find yourself in the right sort of relationship?

Another thing that struck me in the article is the mention of the bit about having kids or being a single mom as a way to weed out boys from the men. Wouldn’t it be awesome to be able to do that? I’m no single mum, though. I need to find another way to do that. Suggestions, anyone?

But, yea. Two things worth thinking about: rekindling past relationships and boy weeding. Hehe.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter.

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