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Starting a Construction Company? Here Are 5 Things You Should Not Ignore

The construction industry is arguably the backbone of the US, as it assists with the creation of a range of vital new projects from housing to a host of other structures.

According to the Associated General Contractors of America, there are more than 680,000 employers in the industry in the US as well as seven million employees. It is a huge sector and it also feels like it is getting bigger all of the time, particularly as individuals who have vast expertise often choose to go it alone and begin their own ventures. However, if you’re planning to take the leap and establish your own building firm, what key issues should you consider? Here we offer up our suggestions on matters which you should not ignore.

Site, Crane, Construction Machinery

1. Address the basics

It is important to ensure you have some core items in place from the very beginning, from a business bank account and a registered company name to software that will help with your finances. Construction insurance is also a must, as such cover will ensure your business is protected in the event that anything goes wrong during a project that you are working on.

2. Spread the word

Marketing is essential for any new business, as it will help you spread the word about your offering and could ultimately boost your workload. Establishing a website and social media accounts could be a good start in terms of online promotion, while the tried and tested offline strategy of having a company name and contact details on vehicles should also not be ignored.

3. Be unique

As we have already touched upon with the figures above, the construction industry is a hugely competitive area with a lot of active companies. With that in mind, consider how you can make your venture stand out, whether that is in terms of your pricing structure or simply developing a service in a manner that few others can.

4. Build relationships

As ConstructConnect.com outlines, building new relationships with other firms can be vital for project success while it could also lead to further opportunities in the long run. The website outlines how general contractors might turn to others to expand into new areas of work, while subcontractors might also be able to break into larger projects through such partnerships too.

5. Look ahead

The construction world is always evolving, so it is important to ensure you do not rest on your laurels or fail to move with the times. Keep tabs on new developments in materials, design and construction, as this could help you secure work on major projects. Furthermore, consider your professional development and learn skills that will take your offering to a new level.

Plenty to consider

The construction industry is a vital component of most countries and it plays a particularly important role in many ways across the US. Starting a construction business can be a hugely exciting time, but it is clear that there are plenty of issues that those starting out on their own need to consider.

We hope the suggestions above might give you some ideas on the key matters to bear in mind, as tackling each of them could make a major difference to your business success.

All you need to know about images for websites

When visiting a company website, visitors naturally gravitate first towards colour and then imagery. These elements, beyond the amount or quality of text supplied, will influence their all-important first impression. A harmonious blend of images, colour and content placement is always better than a website which looks jumbled, haphazardly composed or thrown together on the fly.

Don’t get us wrong when we say that a person’s eye is naturally drawn to imagery and colours, and this being the most important element in drawing people to a website, we are definitely not discounting the vital role that written content plays in attracting people to a site. All we’re saying is that well-chosen pictures play a great role in helping people to become engaged with your brand.

Picture quality

These days, there is a lot of choice when it comes to choosing images for your website. There are a lot of free sites which provide fantastic-quality images however, their selection is quite limited. If you decide to take pictures for your own website, make sure that you only choose the best quality ones. Don’t risk posting pictures that are blurry and grainy as this will detract from your brand image.

Licencing

Don’t – whatever you do – do a Google Image Search and pick the first picture that pops up. This is because these images are copyrighted and, if the person who took the photograph, finds out that you used it without their permission they could take legal action against you.

At we said in the previous paragraph, there are a lot of sites which offer free-to-use stock images. Some of these are:

Alternatively, you can still do a Google Image Search but when you do this make sure that you select ‘Labeled for Reuse With Modification’. You can find this under Tools > Usage Rights on the Google Image Search home page.

Creativity

When you select images to use on your website, make sure that they tell your brand story well. – this is very important from a marketing perspective. If you pick arbitrary photographs, which have no relation – whatsoever – to your company, you mind as well not have any images on your site.

In fact, images that don’t accurately portray your company could hurt your brand. For instance, if you’re an apple farmer – and you decide to put an image of the Apple computers logo onto your website because you think that it looks ‘cool’, you may very well find that people will start contacting you about their Mac repairs more often than they seek you out for their next batch order of apples. So make sure that what people see on your website gives a true reflection of the products and/or services which your company provides.

Cropping

In order to emphasise a particular portion of an image or photograph, you may decide to crop out the areas of the image that are not relevant to the message that you want it to portray. However, when you’re doing your cropping, make sure that you cut your picture in such a way that it looks like an image on its own. For example, if you have a picture of a number of people and you want to isolate a particular person, make sure that you cut this individual out in such a way that makes the photograph look like it’s meant to be. Don’t leave part of a person’s arm in the cropped picture as this will not look right and will give them impression that you’re not professional.

3.2 billion images are distributed online every day. Generation Y – which today presents massive buying power on digital channels – prefers a picture-based method of communicating information rather than a text-based method. This means that the story that you tell with your images needs to be on point and your images need to not let you down.

 

Requirements to Pass a No Deposit Car Finance Deal

The good thing with a no deposit car finance deal is that you can get it any time you want. Since you don’t have to pay for the deposit, you just need to sign the application documents, and you can soon drive a new car. Before you get too excited, you will still need to apply for this loan. To qualify, you need to show these requirements.

Proof of capacity to pay

Since you’re not paying any amount upfront, the loan provider needs a guarantee that you have enough money to pay the monthly quotas. If you are currently unemployed or you don’t have any reliable income source, your chances of getting approved might be low.

Proof that you didn’t file for bankruptcy in the past 

Whether it’s personal or business, filing for bankruptcy under your name could reduce your chances of getting this loan. It’s already a risk on the creditor’s part to allow you to get a new car despite not paying a deposit. It’s an even bigger risk for someone who already experienced bankruptcy in the past. A low credit score holder might still have a chance to obtain this loan, but not someone with a history of bankruptcy.

Legal age and driving licence

Compared with other types of loan, it’s a lot easier to obtain this no deposit car loan. As long as you’re 18 years old or above, and you have a valid UK driving licence, you’re good to go.

Correct application documents 

Although it’s way easier to get approval for this loan, you will still go through a process. You need to submit application documents and wait for the approval. Don’t falsify any information in the hope of successfully getting the loan. When caught, you could be in serious legal problems. You will also ruin your chances of getting approved now and for any other future applications.

Read the details first

These requirements aren’t necessarily difficult to fulfil. However, you still need to think hard if you should obtain this loan. Since you don’t have to pay any amount upfront, your monthly payments might be high. When factoring in the interest rate, the monthly fees could even be higher. If that’s something you can’t afford, this loan might not work for you.

Not all companies offering this deal have the same terms. It’s crucial that you read the fine print before closing the deal. You also have to compare the choices and understand them well before determining if you will pursue the transaction. Car finance is a long-term commitment. You can’t sign up and be irresponsible with the monthly payments. The application might be easy, but it’s only the first stage of the process. You still have a lot to do to own the car finally. Don’t rush the process and wait until you’re ready. Settle your existing financial issues first, and you can finally obtain a car loan that works for you like the ones offered by car finance giant.

 

 

New Things to Buy for Your Home if You Have Enough Savings

Don’t hesitate to buy something for yourself especially after working hard. You deserve it and you need things at home that you will enjoy. Besides, whatever you buy for your house will also benefit the rest of your family. These are some of the new things worth buying when you think you already have enough savings.

Woman in a bikini swimsuit talking a shower before a swim

Wall mount

If you have a flat screen television at home, you will enjoy it more if you have a wall mount. You can watch your favourite movies and TV shows as if you’re inside a theatre. You won’t spend a lot on this item, so you don’t need to wait for a long time before getting one.

Air fryer

If you want to start a healthy lifestyle, but you can’t let go of fried dishes, you can consider getting an air fryer. You will have the same taste, but none of the fats coming from the oil produced when frying foods. Depending on the quality, air fryers could cost quite a lot.

Large mirror

You don’t need to use a small mirror at home or a mirror that comes with your vanity furniture. It’s not enough for you to check your entire body. You need a full-length mirror to help you determine if you look good from head to toe. Another reason for investing in a mirror is that you can create an illusion that you have a bigger bedroom. For people with a small bedroom, investing in this type of mirror is a great idea.

Shower enclosure

You spend quite some time in the bathroom. You want to feel good while bathing. It’s also the only time when you don’t have to deal with anyone else. You go inside to clean your body and entertain your thoughts. It’s time to step things up and invest in shower enclosures. They will help elevate your bathing experience. You might have to spend a lot on an enclosure, but you won’t mind it. Besides, these items are durable and will last for a long time despite daily use.

Patio furniture

You need to have furniture that you can use outside your house. You also want to spend some time alone while enjoying nature. At weekends, you might also want to stay outside the house with your family. You can relax more if you have patio furniture. Make sure that the furniture you buy can withstand the changes in weather and temperature, so it will last longer.

If there are things you have always longed to have, it’s time for you to buy them. Don’t wait until other expenses come up and you have no choice but to use your savings on them. At that point, you won’t have a chance to buy whatever your heart desires anymore. It’s unfortunate because you keep working hard, but you’re not reaping the fruits of your labour. Don’t feel guilty because you work hard to get what you deserve.

 

 

7 Reasons Why Travellers Fall in Love with George Town, Penang

Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, George Town is a city frozen in time, one that has no shortage of colonial buildings, temples, and mosques. These historic landmarks—seamlessly integrating with the city’s iconic street art and modern buildings—form a diverse and multicultural tapestry that’s truly a sight to behold.

The city’s storied past as a centre of spice production and as an important British trading post in the 19th century attracted a diverse population that included the Chinese, Malays, Indians, Thais, and other ethnicities. All these groups left a mark on George Town, giving birth to its unique cuisine while setting an early example of how multiculturalism can promote harmony and enrich a country’s identity.

Today, George Town continues to thrive, with attractions and establishments catering to young and old alike. Visitors often leave with a heavy heart, as they fall in love with the city’s authentic charm and youthful vibe. Find out why George Town, the capital of the Malaysian state of Penang, is on everyone’s dream itinerary.

Street Art

No Penang tour is complete without an introduction to George Town’s iconic street murals at Armenian Street and surrounding avenues. After the city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the government, through the Penang Public Arts Review Panel (PARP), commissioned artists to cover the city’s walls with murals, sometimes complete with prop installations. And while the panel sanctions most of the art, you may also view the “illegal” street art that are just as beautiful and profound.

Nature

George Town is not just an urban jungle, it has actual jungles, too. In fact, a few of its attractions are set in lush rainforests like the Penang National Park, The Habitat, and the Spice Garden.

Penang National Park is only 23 square kilometres and is Malaysia’s smallest national park, but it’s still a substantial trek amongst the beautiful flora and fauna unique to island. Meanwhile, The Habitat on Penang Hill dates back 130 million years and is one of the oldest surviving rainforests in the world. The highlights of this nature adventure destination are the Langur Way Canopy Walk and the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk. Finally, the Spice Garden located at Teluk Bahang gives visitors the opportunity to learn about different spices, with over 500 species of spices having been planted in the garden.

Street Food

Penang is one of the most famous street food destinations in the world. George Town, in particular, has organised food courts like the Medan Renong, Lebuh Kimberley, and Lebuh Chulia—all of which have an array of food stalls selling Penang favourites like Assam Laksa, Char Kway Teow, and more.

Hipster Cafés

For the young coffee-loving crowd who likes to drink their third wave coffee under beautiful ambient lighting, indie coffee shops are the destinations of choice. Make sure to try them yourself, including the China House at Lebuh Pantai, which offers a selection of up to 30 types of cakes, or The Bean Sprout at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, which attracts visitors with its savoury breakfast menu.

Clan Houses

Some of the most beautiful buildings in George Town are the Chinese Kongsi Houses or Clan Houses built by pioneering Hokkien immigrants. Visit the Khoo, Cheah, Yeoh, Lim, and Tan kongsi, and learn more about the history of each house through the museums and galleries housed inside them.

If you want to see what a fusion of Chinese, Malay, and European architectural design is like, visit the Cheah Kongsi clan house. Built in 1873 it’s the oldest of the 5 Hokkien clan houses in the island. Meanwhile, the most popular house is arguably the Leong San Tong Khoo kongsi, where public performances and events often take place.

Beaches

Since George Town is situated on an island, there are a number of white sand beaches here that you can explore and swim in. Batu Feringghi is the most popular beach destination, attracting the most tourists and serving host to a number of attractions such as a night market, an inflatable island, and a butterfly farm. However, if you want a more secluded hideaway, just head a little further to Gertak Sanggul beach.

Clan Jetties

One of the unique attractions of George Town and a part of the Penang Heritage Trail are the clan jetties. These are houses built on stilts that belong to 7 old Chinese clans. While these are actual residential communities, the families welcome visitors who are curious to learn about their heritage. Among the clan jetties open to visitors, the Chew Jetty is the most tourist-friendly. It is home to shops selling souvenirs, a photogenic walkway, and a small temple.

Whatever kind of tourist you are, George Town’s got something for you. With beaches, urban life, and jungles, you’ll never be bored in this city. After you’ve tried a few of these attractions, maybe you’ll fall in love with George Town like the many visitors before you.

 

How To Make Home-based Jobs Exciting

There are so many benefits one can get from working at home. But, some do not see the joy of working right at the comfort of their home as they see it boring and uninteresting. Actually, it is not the case if you know how to make your home-based job exciting. There are actually some ways you can do ensuring that home-based jobs are equally or even more exciting than working on an office based environment.

How To Make Home-based Jobs Exciting

Just to help home-based jobs professionals, below are some ways you can do to make your work fun.

Dress up

Dressing up once in a while is a good idea when working at home. Sure, the effort you are exerting and the things that you do minus the stress of traveling is comparable to working at a physical office. Wearing high heels, putting on your make up and blow dry your hair before your day starts can be a good idea.

Some jobs require face to face conversations with their clients, hence preparing and looking nice is a must.

Give yourself a break

One of the many perks of working at home is your ability to take a break when necessary. Your time is not fixed, hence taking a break when you feel exhausted is easy, play online casinos or sister sites, drive to a supermarket, walk your dog, etc.

Giving yourself a well deserved break is recommended, provided that you ask permission from your client. Most of the time clients are very lenient in terms of giving their employees breaks, but that leniency must not be abused and be the reason of not performing right and as expected.

Ask for a career path

Asking your client for a career path is also recommended when working at home. What would be your status in their business a few years from now, will your tasks change, are you expecting any professional growth, if so, how can you achieve it.

Of course, you do not want to do the same task over and over again for 10 years, unless it is your preference. Ask your client if they give their home-based employees with career paths to pursue. You may also want to request for one on one coaching from time to time to enhance your knowledge and expertise even more.

Designate a work area in your home

Working at home gives people the opportunity to work anywhere they are, but if you want to feel like you are in a real office, designate a work area in your home. Sometimes, working can be dragging if you lose focus and get more excited watching television. Designating a space where you can work peacefully can help you a lot in finding the focus that you need to finish tasks assigned to you.

There are many opportunities where one can work from home and taking advantage of it is highly recommended. Follow the tips above and for sure, you can find the joy you are looking for when pursuing home-based work opportunities.

 

Wedding Invitations Trends Sydney

The mere idea of getting married can get rather exciting for the bride and the groom. Planning out every detail of a wedding along with the right wedding gown to choose and the best suit for the occasion can often make everything seem like a dream come true. Even deciding upon a suitable wedding invitation trend has its own share of fun and excitement as you can see here. How you wish to let your friends and family come to know about the wedding, the date and venue is entirely on the two of you. It will be a good idea to gain some knowledge about the different trends of wedding invitations so that you get to choose the right trend for your special occasion.

  • Moody Colors: Just skip the traditional black and white invitations and go for colors instead. Black and white can often seem dampen the mood of a wedding. On the contrary, colors can make everything more exciting. You will notice that a moody and bold palette has come up in wedding paper, together with deep plum, black, and dark navy taking the center stage. If your wedding is during the fall or winter season, you may also opt for jewel tones to make it more exciting. Just make sure the keep the look appropriate for a wedding.
  • Handwriting and Calligraphy Inspired: Cute motifs and different patterns have become a thing of the past. Try handwriting or calligraphy instead. It will be straight from the hand. You will find several calligraphers who are creating modern and new feel that is entirely fresh when it comes to a wedding invitation. You can certainly try the trend by just allowing your names to be hand lettered.
  • Monograms: Instead of the letter-locking designs that flourished in the past, try the custom monograms that are taking on a completely new look with the help of different elements that are representative of the to-be-weds and also rather meaningful. You can try this trend on your wedding invitations, cocktail napkins, and any other personal stationery.
  • Envelope Liners: You will probably find it tough to find a stationery designer who does not have any fun with envelope liners. When guests excitedly open your wedding invitation, this inner layer is what they will first notice. Lines are not just great finishing touches, but they also provide the ideal place to add in some fun elements such as personal detail or a sketch of the skyline or even your wedding date. You can pair it with a colored envelope to make it a really eye-catching mail.
  • Watercolors: Adding color to your wedding invitation in this subtle manner has a romantic, delicate feel when designed in either bold and wild vibe or pastels. Brush it with bright hues and you will have a love wedding invitation ready to get distributed. You may also choose something that suits the overall wedding style. Put some additions to the design such as your envelope liner or reply card. You may also make it the backing of your invitation.

 

What Your Fingernails Say About Your Current Health

The fingernails are one of the first things you notice when you meet someone. There are also some instances when the colour, condition and shape of the nails serve as tell-tale signs of certain diseases or health conditions. A few examples of such health problems include psoriasis, anaemia, liver problems, diabetes or lung diseases. Discolouration and abnormalities on your nails may also denote either acute or severe infections. Below are some of the most common nail abnormalities and what they might indicate.

Yellowish and cracked nails

If you notice yellow stains on your nails, then you most likely have fungal nail infection. It is a highly prevalent form of acute infection that can damage your nails and nail bed. To prevent the disease from worsening, you can buy med packs from companies like https://www.anytimedoctor.co.uk. They can provide you with the necessary anti-fungal medication to resolve your problem as soon as possible.

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Rippled fingernails

Do you have pitted or rippled fingernails? It’s highly likely that you have inflammatory arthritis and/or psoriasis. Pits are tiny depressions while ripples or ridges are deep horizontal or vertical lines on the nails. You can consult with your doctor to find out the underlying medical condition that might have triggered rippled or pitted fingernails.

Clubbing

Nail clubbing is a condition wherein the nails thicken and change in structure and shape. This nail abnormality is a common sign of more severe health problems such as inflammatory bowel disease, pulmonary disease, AIDS and liver problems.

Leukonychia

It is a condition wherein tiny white spots appear randomly on the nails. It often results from nutrition deficiency, but it may also be caused by injury or trauma. It is not a serious condition. The white spots tend to disappear after a few weeks.

Terry’s nails

Terry’s nails is a condition wherein a dark band appears on the nail. You can often observe this condition among ageing people. However, it may also develop amongst individuals who suffer from health problems such as liver disease, heart failure and diabetes.

Onycholysis

This is a condition where the nails detach from the nail bed because of an infection or trauma. It can also be caused by serious medical conditions such as thyroid disease, yeast infection, and nutrient deficiency. Lastly, it can be triggered by severe nail fungal infection. It’s crucial to pinpoint its cause in order to manage the condition correctly.

Take care of your nails!

If you tend to neglect your fingernails and toenails, now is the perfect time to change your ways. There is a variety of things you can do to ensure that your nails grow healthy. Some of these tips include clipping the nails after you take a bath, keeping them clean and dry all the time and avoid biting or tearing them with your teeth. After using cuticle treatment to remove the old layers of nails, apply a small amount of cuticle oil for hydration.

Also, be more mindful when applying nail polish. As much as possible, you should let your nails breathe for at least a week before you start applying a new coating of polish.

 

 

Best New Slots to Play in 2019

When it comes to games, it’s a known fact that every player does have his or her own favourite title. However, sticking to only one preferred game at all times regardless of how much you love it may become monotonous hence boring.

It is in light of this that at times, we all take time to try other games and what better way than to try the newest and the freshest free slot games with bonus rounds no download. Below, there are some of the latest online slot machines that every player should try.

Dead or Alive 2

Net Entertainment is known for releasing nothing but the absolute best when it comes to online slot machines. Well, this year the software developer carried on with its tradition as it released yet another fantastic pokie dubbed Dead or Alive 2. The game is, of course, a sequel to the Dead or Alive slot which is loved by multitudes of gamers.

Just like its predecessor, Dead or Alive 2 comes with a Wild West theme. Players looking to play Dead or Alive 2 ought to know that it comes with a great RTP of 96.8 per cent, it does have a free spins bonus round, and its minimum bet amount is set at 0.09 coins per spin. The highest possible win that players can get is 2,000,000 coins!

Magic of Sahara

All41 Studios isn’t really a big name in the online gaming industry, but that can soon change if it continues rolling out incredible casino machines such as Magic of Sahara.

Magic of Sahara was released on the 15th of July, and to this day, millions of gamblers have already tried out the slot leaving positive reviews. The wild ride theme that this title comes with is appealing to fans of adventure-themed slots hence the reason many players flock to it.

Besides the theme though, there are many other features which make Magic of Sahara a great slot game, such as its RTP which stands at a reasonable 95.29 percent, the game’s optimization for mobile play, sleek graphics used in developing the game, its acceptance of players from most regions across the world including the UK and also its 100,000 max win coins.

Ruby Casino Queen

From the earliest times, the gem theme has always been a constant on the slot machines front, and this seems to be the case even in contemporary times. Ruby Casino Queen is powered by Just for the Win and was released on 12 June.

This gem-themed slot machine is pretty simple while at the same time elegant due to the impressive graphics used in moulding the gems as well as the background graphics. The game’s RTP stands at 96.03 per cent.

Players looking to play Ruby Casino Queen ought to know that the slot comes with numerous bonus rounds including the free spins bonus. Gamers from most regions across the world including those in the UK can play Ruby Casino Queen. The highest possible win when playing the game is 720,000 coins.

 

4 Simple Ways to Find Out If Your SO Is Cheating on You

How do you know if your significant other is cheating on you? What are the differences between real signs and possible paranoia setting in?

While every relationship is different, and the actions and behaviors in relationships can be different as a result, here are four simple signs that your SO is cheating on you.

An improvement in appearance

We know what you’re thinking… An improvement in appearance, such as your SO wearing better clothes or taking care of his or her body by going to the gym more, should be a welcoming sign. It is — as long as this person is doing these things for you or himself/herself.

Out-of-the-ordinary behavior could be seen as a positive, especially when your SO is trying to better himself/herself, but this behavior should also be taken with a grain of salt and a pint of caution, especially if this person is also showing the signs below.

Secretive technology use

If your SO is using his or her technology in private, quickly closes his or her computer when you enter the room, or is trying to be secretive in any shape or form, then that’s not a good sign. It might not mean your SO is cheating, but it at least signals that this person is doing something wrong or something he or she feels guilty about.

Secretive technology use could include periods of your SO being unreachable or unexplained expenses.

For example, if your SO uncharacteristically starts taking phone calls outside or in another room, then that could be a sign of him or her cheating. And if your SO is unreachable at random times, whether he or she has an alibi or not, that could be another sign of cheating.

Another red flag: If your SO starts changing (or adding) passwords on his or her devices.

However, if your SO has always shown these habits, then they likely value their privacy and aren’t doing anything out of the ordinary. Of course, if your SO says he or she has to work and you see a receipt from a 9 p.m. dinner at a fancy restaurant, then this person has some explaining to do.

A sudden schedule change

A sudden schedule change could be the result of your SO getting a job promotion, but, of course, this isn’t the 50’s — while every relationship is different, staying at the office all night or your SO telling you he or she booked a hotel in the city for the night because it was late … likely means something is up, especially if this continues to happen.

Having to stay late or canceling dinner reservations at the last second isn’t alarming in itself, but constantly doing these things is cause for concern. It could mean your SO is cheating on you, or this person no longer values the relationship. Everyone makes sacrifices, and also needs to compromise in a relationship.

Your SO always seems guilty of something

Does it feel like your SO is walking on eggshells? This could be because of a number of different reasons, but if your SO’s behavior drastically changes, then there’s a problem.

If your SO’s behavior becomes really suspicious, then you can do a free phone number lookup. While these types of services are commonly used for providing mugshots, arrest records, and phone number/address lookups, they can also help catch cheaters.

Your SO should feel comfortable around you and vice versa, but if it always seems like he or she is hiding something or feels guilty, then these acts could be a sign of infidelity.

While these are common signs of cheating, we want to make it clear that even if your significant other is showing the above signs, it doesn’t mean he or she is cheating. Everyone is different and acts differently as a result. Something else could be going on, which is why it’s important to be honest in your relationship and bring up concerns that are bothering you.