Now, don't worry of losing your mobile contacts and stop paying to mobile operators for their backup services.
Now you can get back up of mobile contacts and get instant online access to your mobile contacts with ZYB. By signing up, you'll be able to store, manage and even share your mobile's contacts online with friends within minutes. No cables or downloads needed. Signing up is free. They may charge for some of their premium services.
Interested? Please click here.
(Please share your experience of this service for the benefit of all, in the comments section below)
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Friday, October 06, 2006
How to get rid of credit card debt
(By www.personalfn.com)
Do you know a good credit record can help you get a job, make major purchases, and accomplish many short- and long-term goals?
A poor credit history can make it harder for you to rent an apartment, buy a car, or fulfill a dream. It is important to know how credit can change your spending power and how you can recognize the danger signs of credit and avoid serious problems.
The problem arises when people tend to use their credit card for almost every expenditure from grocery, accessories, entertainment to children's toys. Soon they find themselves facing a severe cash crunch, unable to pay back their card dues, and forced to borrow from friends and relatives.
There are several people out there who use their card like there's no financial tomorrow. Don't forget that as soon as you roll the bill over, the interest clock starts to tick.
Warning signs
Your card does not give you credit for free. And once you allow the outstandings to pile up, the sum can pose as much danger to your financial security. It's the same old addiction thing. You can get as addicted to irresponsible spending as you can to drugs or alcohol.
So, first admit that there's a problem. The symptoms are easy enough to detect: huge credit card statements, plenty of unused clothing and gizmos, a wallet full of ATM receipts and charge slips and, the worst, a savings bank account with no savings.
Credit cards can reduce your future buying power if you carry a balance and let finance charges build up.
You are in trouble if:
*You reach for your card automatically when you don't have cash.
*The monthly statement you receive has several expenses you could have avoided.
*You pay just the minimum due on your credit cards each month.
*You use the cash advances facility regularly, often to pay off other debts.
*You use one credit card to pay off the bills on another card.
If one or more of the above apply to you, you are headed for serious trouble. Still not convinced? Calculate the sums you paid over the years in credit dues, interest and late payment fees: they will add up to a fortune.
How can you get rid of your credit card debt?
Financial freedom can be yours if you exercise some willpower and take a few basic steps to eliminate debt.
*The first thing to do is get all your credit card bills together. For each account, write down the total balance and the minimum monthly payment required. Prioritize your repayment.
*The next step is to be sure you can make the minimum payments on your credit cards. Look at your spending and make cuts where you can to find the money to pay your credit card bills.
*Call the bank today and ask for a lower credit limit. Once that's done, you won't be able to charge as much on your card, and will be forced to use it only when absolutely necessary.
*If you have already used your card to the hilt, keep lowering the limit as and when you pay off the balance. Also if your interest liabilities are huge, consider transferring your balance to a low-interest card. The difference of even half a basis point in interest can save you a few thousand rupees in payments.
*Make it a priority to pay off your credit card bills. If need be, use your savings to bring your outstandings to zero. Once you eliminate the debt, make sure you pay your card dues in total each month.
*Don't put off settling your dues for another day. The more you delay, the more the bills will mount. 'Decide How Many Credit Cards You Need' and 'Decide How Much Credit Is Too Much.' Choose strategies to cut your debts as soon as possible.
*Pay off cards with the smallest balances first. Paying off cards with small balances gives you extra money to pay on the bigger balances. Once you pay off a bill, next month add the amount you have been paying to the check you write to your remaining creditors.
For example, let's say you pay Rs 350 a month on your Citibank account. Once it's paid off you can start adding Rs 650 to the check you write to pay your ICICI account. Then when you've paid off your VISA, add that amount, including the Rs 350 from the Citibank account, to the check you write to pay your MasterCard account, and so on until all the accounts are paid in full.
*Stop making new charges. If you have to, cut up your cards, hide them, or lock them in a drawer. The key to sticking to your credit card debt repayment plan is to stay flexible.
*If you find that you set unrealistic spending limits in the beginning, revise your spending plan the next month. Find one or two low-rate cards and cancel all the others. Switching from a high-rate credit card to a low-rate card can easily save you Rs 20,000 or more a year.
*Carry just what you need. Most people need only one or two credit cards one for purchases they pay off each month, and another for emergencies (or business purposes). Any more than that is usually overkill.
*Get some free stuff. If you're going to use it anyways, why not get something back for your trouble? If you consolidate your spending on one card, consider getting a 'rewards' card where you earn miles, stuff, or cash back on your spending. Look for a card that will award you stuff you'll actually use.
*Cash is usually a good option. Still, don't let your spending get out of control just so you can get a free travel bag or a few extra airline miles.
Other Interesting Readings:
How to get financially organized?
Married? 7 money tips you must know.
Do you know a good credit record can help you get a job, make major purchases, and accomplish many short- and long-term goals?
A poor credit history can make it harder for you to rent an apartment, buy a car, or fulfill a dream. It is important to know how credit can change your spending power and how you can recognize the danger signs of credit and avoid serious problems.
The problem arises when people tend to use their credit card for almost every expenditure from grocery, accessories, entertainment to children's toys. Soon they find themselves facing a severe cash crunch, unable to pay back their card dues, and forced to borrow from friends and relatives.
There are several people out there who use their card like there's no financial tomorrow. Don't forget that as soon as you roll the bill over, the interest clock starts to tick.
Warning signs
Your card does not give you credit for free. And once you allow the outstandings to pile up, the sum can pose as much danger to your financial security. It's the same old addiction thing. You can get as addicted to irresponsible spending as you can to drugs or alcohol.
So, first admit that there's a problem. The symptoms are easy enough to detect: huge credit card statements, plenty of unused clothing and gizmos, a wallet full of ATM receipts and charge slips and, the worst, a savings bank account with no savings.
Credit cards can reduce your future buying power if you carry a balance and let finance charges build up.
You are in trouble if:
*You reach for your card automatically when you don't have cash.
*The monthly statement you receive has several expenses you could have avoided.
*You pay just the minimum due on your credit cards each month.
*You use the cash advances facility regularly, often to pay off other debts.
*You use one credit card to pay off the bills on another card.
If one or more of the above apply to you, you are headed for serious trouble. Still not convinced? Calculate the sums you paid over the years in credit dues, interest and late payment fees: they will add up to a fortune.
How can you get rid of your credit card debt?
Financial freedom can be yours if you exercise some willpower and take a few basic steps to eliminate debt.
*The first thing to do is get all your credit card bills together. For each account, write down the total balance and the minimum monthly payment required. Prioritize your repayment.
*The next step is to be sure you can make the minimum payments on your credit cards. Look at your spending and make cuts where you can to find the money to pay your credit card bills.
*Call the bank today and ask for a lower credit limit. Once that's done, you won't be able to charge as much on your card, and will be forced to use it only when absolutely necessary.
*If you have already used your card to the hilt, keep lowering the limit as and when you pay off the balance. Also if your interest liabilities are huge, consider transferring your balance to a low-interest card. The difference of even half a basis point in interest can save you a few thousand rupees in payments.
*Make it a priority to pay off your credit card bills. If need be, use your savings to bring your outstandings to zero. Once you eliminate the debt, make sure you pay your card dues in total each month.
*Don't put off settling your dues for another day. The more you delay, the more the bills will mount. 'Decide How Many Credit Cards You Need' and 'Decide How Much Credit Is Too Much.' Choose strategies to cut your debts as soon as possible.
*Pay off cards with the smallest balances first. Paying off cards with small balances gives you extra money to pay on the bigger balances. Once you pay off a bill, next month add the amount you have been paying to the check you write to your remaining creditors.
For example, let's say you pay Rs 350 a month on your Citibank account. Once it's paid off you can start adding Rs 650 to the check you write to pay your ICICI account. Then when you've paid off your VISA, add that amount, including the Rs 350 from the Citibank account, to the check you write to pay your MasterCard account, and so on until all the accounts are paid in full.
*Stop making new charges. If you have to, cut up your cards, hide them, or lock them in a drawer. The key to sticking to your credit card debt repayment plan is to stay flexible.
*If you find that you set unrealistic spending limits in the beginning, revise your spending plan the next month. Find one or two low-rate cards and cancel all the others. Switching from a high-rate credit card to a low-rate card can easily save you Rs 20,000 or more a year.
*Carry just what you need. Most people need only one or two credit cards one for purchases they pay off each month, and another for emergencies (or business purposes). Any more than that is usually overkill.
*Get some free stuff. If you're going to use it anyways, why not get something back for your trouble? If you consolidate your spending on one card, consider getting a 'rewards' card where you earn miles, stuff, or cash back on your spending. Look for a card that will award you stuff you'll actually use.
*Cash is usually a good option. Still, don't let your spending get out of control just so you can get a free travel bag or a few extra airline miles.
Other Interesting Readings:
How to get financially organized?
Married? 7 money tips you must know.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Married? 7 money tips you must know
(By Nasreen Haque, www.rediff.com)
Managing finances is furthest from the mind when wedding bells are tolling. But, once the honeymoon is over and couples start the business of day-to-day living, money begins to matter.
And if you aren't in step with your partner when it comes to spending, savings and investment, money can become a major marital issue in a marriage.
Here are seven tips on how couples can avoid arguments over money and plan for a secure future together.
1. Set common objectives
Once married, you have to plan a common future with your partner. Agree on the broad goals: buying a home, children's education and marriage, and retirement.
Once you've agreed upon this, you can work out the details -- how big a house you want, how big a loan you can afford, and how much to save for the downpayment.
You may not see eye to eye with your spouse on many of these details, but they can be easily ironed out in pursuit of common objectives.
2. Share information
In many cases, it's usually one partner who plays the primary role in managing finances.
Nadish Bhatia, group accounts director, Lintas, takes the investment decisions for his family because his wife Deepika, who works at Mumbai's National Centre for Performing Arts, "is just not inclined towards it and believes that I will do a better job of it."
Regardless of who takes the decisions, both partners must discuss all investment and spending decisions and be equally aware of the shape of their finances.
Take the case of Ujjal and Aparna Bhattacharya, who have been married for five years and work in software and production engineering respectively.
While it's Ujjal who takes most of the financial decisions, he keeps Aparna in the loop as he thinks it fosters mutual understanding.
Responsible spending and accountability is a must for married people. Tell your spouse when you're spending something. You don't need to show him/ her your purse before you step out, but returning home with an LCD TV or a diamond ring one fine day without informing your spouse is a no-no.
3. Bank on togetherness
Do you need to keep separate bank accounts or go in for a joint one?
Separate accounts are good for couples who want a degree of independence and not be in one another's way all the time, which can be a liberating experience. But a joint account has distinct advantages. For one, it creates a sense of togetherness and unity, which is vital for a successful marriage.
There are some practical advantages as well. For instance, both partners can operate it to spend on household expenses. And, since all the records are in one place, it's easier to keep tabs on spending.
It's also helpful when either partner is irresponsible with the finances. You can immediately find out if your spouse has spent huge amounts and curtail such spending. Most couples we spoke to swore by a joint account for household expenses.
Another option is to take the middle path, and have separate accounts and a joint one for some expenses. You and your partner can decide on how much each puts into the joint account, depending on how much you earn and your monthly expenses. This way, you have a degree of independence while retaining that sense of togetherness.
Suparn Verma, debutant director of the just-released film Ek Khilaadi Ek Haseena, shares the household expenses with his wife Radhika, an HR consultant. The two put in a predetermined amount into a joint account that's used to meet expenses. "One of us may put in smaller amounts sometimes, but that's never been an issue between us. It's a marriage after all, not some business relationship," says Verma.
4. Manage differences
Often partners may have different investing styles. While you may be a high-risk, high-return investor, preferring to invest in stocks, real estate, company deposits and the like, your partner could be conservative and prefer safer options like bank and post office deposits.
Devang Shah, Mumbai-based certified financial planner, points out the example of a client who favoured the stockmarket, while his wife was into art.
Says Ujjal: "I go for the stock market when I want to invest, while my wife likes to play safe with LIC policies and fixed deposits. Of late, however, she has taken an interest in stocks and asked me to invest some of her money in them."
"It's not like it's your money or my money. It's our money and we are working towards making it grow. Ideally, there should be openness between partners. When one partner comes up with a smart idea, the other should be open to consider it. There shouldn't be any ego hassle," says Bhatia. "If you are able to complement each other financially and can help your partner in turning his or her dream into reality, then it's simply great!" he adds.
If conflicts do arise, the smart thing to do is to keep separate investment kitties. Shah says men and women may have unique investing styles. "Women have a holistic approach to financial planning, while men are keen on making fast gains," he says.
5. Talk while you spend
While partners look at many factors to figure out whether they are compatible or not -- physically, temperamentally, mentally -- financial compatibility is the last thing on their minds. Aparna, for example, feels that Ujjal sometimes spends too much. She balances it by saving a bulk of her earnings in low-risk options.
Says Shah: "Both partners should understand the financial decisions taken by them as a couple, since their implications are felt by both." He encourages his clients to visit him along with their spouses. An open talk with the financial advisor, he says, will "spur healthy discussions at home."
6. Stick to a budget
There are many advantages of having a monthly budget. The most important is that you can keep expenses in check and find out when you are straying from your financial roadmap. It also helps you stick to your savings target, since your spending has already been predetermined.
Network engineer Yezdi Rabadi and his fashion designer wife Amrita meticulously maintain an account of their monthly expenses and stick to a budget. "We fix a ceiling for our expenses. Though we exceed the figure more often than not, it allows us some kind of control over our money," says Rabadi.
7. Plan your estate
Estate planning is important for couples, says Shah. Make sure you have a will. Most people avoid making a will or procrastinate over it, causing problems for their successors.
In addition, name your spouse as a nominee for every investment you make individually. "Put your will in place and decide on a power of attorney for your spouse in case of untimely death. Most importantly, plan all this when you are in the best state of mind," says Shah.
Other Interesting Readings:
How to get financially organized?
Handling In-laws - Wife & Husband's perspectives.
Managing finances is furthest from the mind when wedding bells are tolling. But, once the honeymoon is over and couples start the business of day-to-day living, money begins to matter.
And if you aren't in step with your partner when it comes to spending, savings and investment, money can become a major marital issue in a marriage.
Here are seven tips on how couples can avoid arguments over money and plan for a secure future together.
1. Set common objectives
Once married, you have to plan a common future with your partner. Agree on the broad goals: buying a home, children's education and marriage, and retirement.
Once you've agreed upon this, you can work out the details -- how big a house you want, how big a loan you can afford, and how much to save for the downpayment.
You may not see eye to eye with your spouse on many of these details, but they can be easily ironed out in pursuit of common objectives.
2. Share information
In many cases, it's usually one partner who plays the primary role in managing finances.
Nadish Bhatia, group accounts director, Lintas, takes the investment decisions for his family because his wife Deepika, who works at Mumbai's National Centre for Performing Arts, "is just not inclined towards it and believes that I will do a better job of it."
Regardless of who takes the decisions, both partners must discuss all investment and spending decisions and be equally aware of the shape of their finances.
Take the case of Ujjal and Aparna Bhattacharya, who have been married for five years and work in software and production engineering respectively.
While it's Ujjal who takes most of the financial decisions, he keeps Aparna in the loop as he thinks it fosters mutual understanding.
Responsible spending and accountability is a must for married people. Tell your spouse when you're spending something. You don't need to show him/ her your purse before you step out, but returning home with an LCD TV or a diamond ring one fine day without informing your spouse is a no-no.
3. Bank on togetherness
Do you need to keep separate bank accounts or go in for a joint one?
Separate accounts are good for couples who want a degree of independence and not be in one another's way all the time, which can be a liberating experience. But a joint account has distinct advantages. For one, it creates a sense of togetherness and unity, which is vital for a successful marriage.
There are some practical advantages as well. For instance, both partners can operate it to spend on household expenses. And, since all the records are in one place, it's easier to keep tabs on spending.
It's also helpful when either partner is irresponsible with the finances. You can immediately find out if your spouse has spent huge amounts and curtail such spending. Most couples we spoke to swore by a joint account for household expenses.
Another option is to take the middle path, and have separate accounts and a joint one for some expenses. You and your partner can decide on how much each puts into the joint account, depending on how much you earn and your monthly expenses. This way, you have a degree of independence while retaining that sense of togetherness.
Suparn Verma, debutant director of the just-released film Ek Khilaadi Ek Haseena, shares the household expenses with his wife Radhika, an HR consultant. The two put in a predetermined amount into a joint account that's used to meet expenses. "One of us may put in smaller amounts sometimes, but that's never been an issue between us. It's a marriage after all, not some business relationship," says Verma.
4. Manage differences
Often partners may have different investing styles. While you may be a high-risk, high-return investor, preferring to invest in stocks, real estate, company deposits and the like, your partner could be conservative and prefer safer options like bank and post office deposits.
Devang Shah, Mumbai-based certified financial planner, points out the example of a client who favoured the stockmarket, while his wife was into art.
Says Ujjal: "I go for the stock market when I want to invest, while my wife likes to play safe with LIC policies and fixed deposits. Of late, however, she has taken an interest in stocks and asked me to invest some of her money in them."
"It's not like it's your money or my money. It's our money and we are working towards making it grow. Ideally, there should be openness between partners. When one partner comes up with a smart idea, the other should be open to consider it. There shouldn't be any ego hassle," says Bhatia. "If you are able to complement each other financially and can help your partner in turning his or her dream into reality, then it's simply great!" he adds.
If conflicts do arise, the smart thing to do is to keep separate investment kitties. Shah says men and women may have unique investing styles. "Women have a holistic approach to financial planning, while men are keen on making fast gains," he says.
5. Talk while you spend
While partners look at many factors to figure out whether they are compatible or not -- physically, temperamentally, mentally -- financial compatibility is the last thing on their minds. Aparna, for example, feels that Ujjal sometimes spends too much. She balances it by saving a bulk of her earnings in low-risk options.
Says Shah: "Both partners should understand the financial decisions taken by them as a couple, since their implications are felt by both." He encourages his clients to visit him along with their spouses. An open talk with the financial advisor, he says, will "spur healthy discussions at home."
6. Stick to a budget
There are many advantages of having a monthly budget. The most important is that you can keep expenses in check and find out when you are straying from your financial roadmap. It also helps you stick to your savings target, since your spending has already been predetermined.
Network engineer Yezdi Rabadi and his fashion designer wife Amrita meticulously maintain an account of their monthly expenses and stick to a budget. "We fix a ceiling for our expenses. Though we exceed the figure more often than not, it allows us some kind of control over our money," says Rabadi.
7. Plan your estate
Estate planning is important for couples, says Shah. Make sure you have a will. Most people avoid making a will or procrastinate over it, causing problems for their successors.
In addition, name your spouse as a nominee for every investment you make individually. "Put your will in place and decide on a power of attorney for your spouse in case of untimely death. Most importantly, plan all this when you are in the best state of mind," says Shah.
Other Interesting Readings:
How to get financially organized?
Handling In-laws - Wife & Husband's perspectives.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Body language tips for your date
(By Veyoleen Mehrotra, www.rediff.com)
Ever been on a date where you get the feeling you're invisible? It's the feeling you get watching your partner check out every man or woman walking by. It could have been subtle, but you may have noticed anyway.
If the lack of interest is obvious, leave. Why invest time and effort in something that isn't going to pan out?
Our everyday interactions are filled with non-verbal signs -- also known as body language. And, in the world of dating, understanding this communication can be a huge asset.
Alan D'Souza, a 22-year old psychology major from Pune, relies heavily on these 'vibes'. "If she leans in while having a conversation, you know you're doing something right," he says. "I tend to look at my date and what she does with her hands. This is because the part of the brain that controls the motor skills of your hands is right next to the portion that controls your speech."
To help those who do not have Alan's insights, here's what you should watch out for.
Reading the senses
They say your eyes are windows to your soul. Sounds like a clich, but it may be true, at least on a date. You can look into your date's eyes and read if they show interest in you, or if they betray a sign that your date is praying for a natural calamity to get out of the situation.
Gaurish Korgaonkar, a 25-year old marketing executive based in Mumbai, relies on eye contact. "Of course, someone who is shy will need a little prodding and take time to relax. Once relaxed, however, constant eye contact is vital."
Restless eyes are not promising -- the kind that constantly scan surroundings and fail to settle on you. On the other hand, a touch on the arm is a big leap forward -- a sign that your date is comfortable with you. Alan believes that any kind of touch communicates interest. She could be running her hands through her hair, for instance, in a way that says she wants to look appealing and make a good impression.
Jaya Bodke, a 28-year old who works at a bank in Mumbai, finds this behaviour common in men as well as women. Men like to draw attention by adjusting their clothing, thus drawing attention to their bodies.
A smile can say a lot
Next to eye contact, a smile is the most important non-verbal sign we send out or receive on a date. It is our reaction to any pleasurable stimuli and is a no-brainer. A blank face or forced smile in response to your jokes is discouraging. It can make you feel like a performer whose act has fallen flat and is now afraid to step under the spotlight.
Silence isn't always golden
Pregnant pauses could have two meanings. They are good if combined with a lot of eye contact and smiles. They are bad if your date is constantly fidgeting or keen on finishing dinner and making a run for it.
If your attempts at conversation are met with monosyllables, you could be headed for disaster. Jaya believes interest can be judged by participation. A lazy response could mean your personalities don't match. A lively conversation usually involves a lot of emphasising through gestures and facial expressions.
In a tearing hurry?
Compared to the other signs, this is more subtle. According to Shubham Saraf, 26, who works in Mumbai's hospitality industry, a date's reluctance to leave is one of the most positive signs. Even taking your time to order means you want to prolong your time together. Making impromptu plans to extend your time is also encouraging.
Observe and learn
While these are some of the signs commonly sent out and interpreted, there are many others that come into play, depending on the situation and persons involved. Moreover, while on a first date, it is unlikely that the two of you will hit it off instantly. You need to give it some time and not let a sign or two discourage you.
Alan recollects a date where things were headed downhill. "It was clear we had nothing in common; she kept staring at everything but me," he says. "That is until we began talking about our friends. We soon realised that, although we had no common hobbies, we had similar personalities. As the evening progressed, she started looking me in the eye, smiling, leaning in and using her hands to gesture."
A little effort and things certainly clicked for them -- she called Alan the next day!
While all these signs are insightful and offer an excellent advantage, exercise caution when drawing your conclusions. Arms crossed over one's chest could be an attempt to warm oneself, rather than a gesture of defensiveness or discomfort.
All theories on non-verbal communication clearly advise against using just one sign to judge. Remember to take into account the external environment and other influential factors. However, don't forget to relax and enjoy your time together. The rest will take care of itself.
Other Interesting Readings:
Want to Speak Good English?
How to Get Financially organized?
Handling in-laws - Wife and Husband's Perspectives.
Ever been on a date where you get the feeling you're invisible? It's the feeling you get watching your partner check out every man or woman walking by. It could have been subtle, but you may have noticed anyway.
If the lack of interest is obvious, leave. Why invest time and effort in something that isn't going to pan out?
Our everyday interactions are filled with non-verbal signs -- also known as body language. And, in the world of dating, understanding this communication can be a huge asset.
Alan D'Souza, a 22-year old psychology major from Pune, relies heavily on these 'vibes'. "If she leans in while having a conversation, you know you're doing something right," he says. "I tend to look at my date and what she does with her hands. This is because the part of the brain that controls the motor skills of your hands is right next to the portion that controls your speech."
To help those who do not have Alan's insights, here's what you should watch out for.
Reading the senses
They say your eyes are windows to your soul. Sounds like a clich, but it may be true, at least on a date. You can look into your date's eyes and read if they show interest in you, or if they betray a sign that your date is praying for a natural calamity to get out of the situation.
Gaurish Korgaonkar, a 25-year old marketing executive based in Mumbai, relies on eye contact. "Of course, someone who is shy will need a little prodding and take time to relax. Once relaxed, however, constant eye contact is vital."
Restless eyes are not promising -- the kind that constantly scan surroundings and fail to settle on you. On the other hand, a touch on the arm is a big leap forward -- a sign that your date is comfortable with you. Alan believes that any kind of touch communicates interest. She could be running her hands through her hair, for instance, in a way that says she wants to look appealing and make a good impression.
Jaya Bodke, a 28-year old who works at a bank in Mumbai, finds this behaviour common in men as well as women. Men like to draw attention by adjusting their clothing, thus drawing attention to their bodies.
A smile can say a lot
Next to eye contact, a smile is the most important non-verbal sign we send out or receive on a date. It is our reaction to any pleasurable stimuli and is a no-brainer. A blank face or forced smile in response to your jokes is discouraging. It can make you feel like a performer whose act has fallen flat and is now afraid to step under the spotlight.
Silence isn't always golden
Pregnant pauses could have two meanings. They are good if combined with a lot of eye contact and smiles. They are bad if your date is constantly fidgeting or keen on finishing dinner and making a run for it.
If your attempts at conversation are met with monosyllables, you could be headed for disaster. Jaya believes interest can be judged by participation. A lazy response could mean your personalities don't match. A lively conversation usually involves a lot of emphasising through gestures and facial expressions.
In a tearing hurry?
Compared to the other signs, this is more subtle. According to Shubham Saraf, 26, who works in Mumbai's hospitality industry, a date's reluctance to leave is one of the most positive signs. Even taking your time to order means you want to prolong your time together. Making impromptu plans to extend your time is also encouraging.
Observe and learn
While these are some of the signs commonly sent out and interpreted, there are many others that come into play, depending on the situation and persons involved. Moreover, while on a first date, it is unlikely that the two of you will hit it off instantly. You need to give it some time and not let a sign or two discourage you.
Alan recollects a date where things were headed downhill. "It was clear we had nothing in common; she kept staring at everything but me," he says. "That is until we began talking about our friends. We soon realised that, although we had no common hobbies, we had similar personalities. As the evening progressed, she started looking me in the eye, smiling, leaning in and using her hands to gesture."
A little effort and things certainly clicked for them -- she called Alan the next day!
While all these signs are insightful and offer an excellent advantage, exercise caution when drawing your conclusions. Arms crossed over one's chest could be an attempt to warm oneself, rather than a gesture of defensiveness or discomfort.
All theories on non-verbal communication clearly advise against using just one sign to judge. Remember to take into account the external environment and other influential factors. However, don't forget to relax and enjoy your time together. The rest will take care of itself.
Other Interesting Readings:
Want to Speak Good English?
How to Get Financially organized?
Handling in-laws - Wife and Husband's Perspectives.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Festival Offers.
In this festive season, many companies are offering discounts / special price etc. on their products in order to increase their sales. I have come to know about the following offers being made:
(1) MTNL (Delhi) is giving upto 40% extra talk time on its Trump recharge coupons of Rs. 675, 1125, 1785, 2250 and 2700. For details, click here.
(2) ICICI Bank has launched cashback scheme for its Credit Card Customers. For details click here.
If you are aware of any others offers, please give the details in the comments section below for the benefit of all.
(1) MTNL (Delhi) is giving upto 40% extra talk time on its Trump recharge coupons of Rs. 675, 1125, 1785, 2250 and 2700. For details, click here.
(2) ICICI Bank has launched cashback scheme for its Credit Card Customers. For details click here.
If you are aware of any others offers, please give the details in the comments section below for the benefit of all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
