Blog Posts by HowAboutWe

A Christmas StoryBy Michelle L. Dozois for HowAboutWe

We asked, you answered: Here's a roundup of some amazing gifts our readers have received from, or given to, their significant others. Check them out and get inspired. (And tell us yours in the comments!)

"I'm an actor and all-around huge theater nerd; I also used to work in a rare books library at my college and love old books like nobody's business. For Christmas last year, my boyfriend got me the complete works of Shakespeare published by Yale in 1964 - each play is its own individual book, beautifully bound, and I have them all lined up on a shelf. The collection is missing Othello, so we get to look for it together at used bookstores, flea markets, etc."

Plus: In a Relationship? Check Out HowAboutWe for Couples!

"One Sunday, my boyfriend rented a car and took me on a surprise adventure to a winery where we ate, drank, and crushed grapes with our feet - item #17 on my bucket list! Turns out he had noticed my bucket list on my fridge and

An Intangible GiftBy Robin Hilmantel for HowAboutWe

Don't know what to get for your better half this holiday season? The solution is simple: Give them an experience rather than something they could potentially stash in the back of their closet. "People often have a hard time allocating money to experiences and activities because it can feel like you'll have nothing to show for it afterward," says Dr. Jane Greer, a relationship counselor and author of What About Me? Stop Selfishness from Ruining Your Relationship. "But it's a great way to show your partner you care and that you're supporting them in their efforts to do what they enjoy most." Not convinced? Check out five reasons you should give a no-wrapping-paper-required gift this year (and then check out these 5 ideas for great dates to give).

Plus: In a Relationship? Check Out HowAboutWe for Couples

1 Science says they'll like it. A bunch of research shows that shelling out your hard-earned cash on experiences makes people happier than

Instagram by Michelle L. DozoisBy Michelle L. Dozois for HowAboutWe

I created my first Flickr account back in 2005, when I decided I wanted to post my senior year party pics somewhere a little shinier and classier than Webshots. I loved the advanced features Flickr offered, and gladly shelled out $25/year for the "Pro" account.

But as the years went on, I begrudgingly thought "Do I really need this?" every time I had to re-up my subscription or else lose access to all but my 200 most recent photos. I was using Tumblr, Facebook, and Instagram much more than Flickr; I vehemently nodded in agreement every time someone on Twitter compared Flickr to a dusty old shoebox. It had become a repository for all of my photos, but sorely lacked any real community aspect.

Plus: 7 Creative, Thoughtful Last-Minute Gifts (So You Can Skip the Drugstore Gift Card)

Well, it seems like the perfect (reverse) storm has finally come to (potentially) revive Flickr:
On December 9, Instagram disabled photo integration with Twitter, meaning

8 Great Gifts for the Various Men In Your LifeIf there's one thing we've learned from dating, it's that the men you encounter are all totally different… but they all probably like getting stuff. Here's a guide to some really interesting gifts for the dudes who serve different purposes in your life.

Plus:

Last-Minute Gift Idea: A Flickr Pro Subscription, for your Favorite Former Instagrammer

The Ultimate First Date Guide: Everything You'd Ever Need to Know

23 Reasons to Date a Midwesterner

By Marcia Bunda for HowAboutWe

So your better half is a yogi! The ancient practice is good for the mind and body, improving concentration, balance, endurance, flexibility, and muscle tone. But for the uninitiated it can be confusing. What is a good gift for a yoga practitioner? All of the contraptions seem so odd… Here's a little help.

Plus:

Last-Minute Gift Idea: A Flickr Pro Subscription, for your Favorite Former Instagrammer

The Ultimate First Date Guide: Everything You'd Ever Need to Know

23 Reasons to Date a Midwesterner

By Brandon B Werner for HowAboutWe

Over the years, being a geek has become a lot more acceptable. After all, what's more attractive in a person than being passionate about something? Still, that doesn't change the fact that you may be stumped thinking of a gift for your significant other who seems to see every movie (and know about every gadget) before you do. Here are some ideas to help.

Plus:

Last-Minute Gift Idea: A Flickr Pro Subscription, for your Favorite Former Instagrammer

The Ultimate First Date Guide: Everything You'd Ever Need to Know

23 Reasons to Date a Midwesterner

LOTR Cosplayby Opal Adkins for HowAboutWe

Today, December 14, one Peter Jackson will unleash a force that cannot be withstood. A cinematic depiction years in the making. A story so compelling it could very well destroy your romantic relationship. I'm talking about the release of The Hobbit - and what it means to date a J.R.R. Tolkien fanatic.

You see, dear reader, dating a Tolkien fanatic is unlike any relationship you've ever had before. They will seem adorable at first glance: smart, sensitive, able to use a large vocabulary, a strong sense of right and wrong - charming by all precursory glances. But delve deeper - say, by the fourth or fifth date - and be prepared to discover the following:

Plus: 50 Ways to Tell Someone You Like Them (Without Just Telling Them)

1. He tells you he's bilingual. By bilingual, he means he also speaks Elvish.

2. She keep a couple of weapons in the house - you know, for safety. Incidentally those include a wall-mounted Bearded Axe of Gimli. When you inquire about

Mom tattooBy Alison Vingiano for HowAboutWe

Are red flags a surefire indication of incompatibility, or are we focusing so much on the little things that we deny ourselves the possibility of a real connection? In the world of Internet dating, it's easy to get picky; but hidden within a "red flag" might be an awesome person worth getting to know. Here are five red flags that might not be that bad:

1. They live with their parents. Having to meet the parents on a third date is never ideal. But spending time at home can be a smart and strategic short-term plan. Did he just graduate from school? Is she doing it to save money for opening a start-up? As long as they're working towards a greater goal, living at home may not be such a red flag after all.

Plus: How Do You Know When You're Communicating Too Much?

2. They have weird habits. His yawn is irritating. She chews her food funny. There are so many nit-picky excuses we can make as to why we shouldn't date somebody. If you've ever said anything