Showing posts with label Marriage and Relationships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marriage and Relationships. Show all posts
In grade school, making friends was a snap. You looked around the classroom, located a kid whose jumper you liked, bonded over a shared hatred of math, and voila – you were BFFs (or at least BFs until the next grade.)

Woman having coffee with friend

After college, however, making new friends becomes increasingly more difficult. It's hard to know whether people are open to having a new friend or are just being polite, and it can be tricky finding people you hit if off with, especially when you've moved to a new place. Although it may take some effort, finding new BFFs isn't impossible however.

Tip #1: Hang Out With Co-Workers

Perhaps the easiest way to make new friends is to hang-out with the people you spend most of your time with anyway. If you work at the same company or have similar jobs, then you already have something in common and studies have shown that having at least one work friend reduces stress levels and increases work productively significantly.

If there aren't already any built-in opportunities for socializing at your office, try sending a casual email to see if anyone wants to meet up for lunch or knows any good places for after-work drinks. Just be careful that you don't fall into a trap and gossip and/or bad-mouth your boss as a way to get chummy after-hours. You may think what you've said is in confidence, but it could come back to haunt you.

Tip #2: Figure Out What You're Looking for in a Friend

Many dating columnists, myself included, always stress making a list about what you want in a potential mate before you begin dating, and, likewise, it's equally beneficial to make a list of you want in a friend. Of course, everyone hopes that to find friends who are caring and honest, but try to be more specific: what do you envision yourself doing with your new friends? Do you want a shopping partner? An art-loving friend who will check out museums with you? A friend who has the same spiritual beliefs? If you can decide specifically what interests you'd like your future friends to share, you'll have an easier time finding ways, such as joining a Meetup.com group, to meet those types of people.

Tip #3: Make Personal Business Cards

You never know where you might meet a potential friend: the grocery store, a yoga studio, your university's alumni association. However, after chatting with someone, instead of just walking away, make an effort to exchange numbers or email or at least give them yours. If you don't want to give them your work email or phone number (especially if your boss isn't so keen on you making personal calls during the day) make up a personal business card with just your name, cell number, and/or email. Giving someone a business card is the easiest way to exchange info and many printing companies, like Vistaprint.com, offer free cards in exchange for putting their advertising on the back.

Tip #4: Avoid Potential Frenenemies

As much as you would like to make new friends, however, it's important not to befriend people who will ultimately cause you more distress than joy. As fabulous as a potential friend may be, if she is passive aggressive or if criticizes you, even subtly, then it's best to avoid her like the swine flu because, most likely, it will only get worse, not better.

Where are the best places to meet new friends post-college? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

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Spruce up your love life

Makeover your relationship


As Americans, we love a good makeover. Just look at our films and TV shows: Pretty Woman, My Fair Lady, What Not to Wear, TBS' Movie and a Makeover, and, most recently, singer Susan Boyle of Britain's Got Talent who donned a new hairdo before making her stateside debut.

Happy Couple

However, while it's not a wise idea to try to makeover a person who doesn't want to change (you should love the person you are with, hairy arms and all) – making over your relationship can help increase your overall happiness and satisfaction as a couple. Below are five ways to give your relationship a new look and feel.

1. Decide what your dream relationship would be

It's important when making the decision to makeover any part of your life, including your relationship, that you are able to articulate the specific changes that you want to make, both to yourself and to your partner. Think of this process as Extreme Makeover, Relationship Edition. Before you can start tearing down the walls, you have to know what you want to replace them with. Try observing the interactions of other couples that you admire and focus on specific behaviors, such as 'I want to fight less' and not generalizations like 'I want us to be happier.'

2. Nix destructive habits

In his book, Getting Together and Staying Together: Solving the Mystery of Marriage, Dr. William Glasser identifies seven of the most common and destructive relationship habits: complaining, criticizing, nagging, blaming, threatening, punishing, and bribing. Are you guilty of any of these? If so, becoming aware of the patterns that are hurtful to your relationship is the first step to changing and getting rid of them for good.

3. Spruce up your look as a couple

Have you gained weight over the years? Or has your hubby had the same hair cut since the 90's? Sometimes making over our physical selves can have a profound effect on our inner and emotional well-being. And you don't have to go to the extreme of plastic surgery to see a difference. Even small changes such as throwing out old clothes, starting an exercise program, or flipping through some magazines together for hairstyle inspiration can have a positive affect on your relationship.

4. Evaluate your communication style

Frustrated with the level (or lack of) communication in your relationship? Being able to communicate effectively is important to the success of a relationship and keeps it thriving. And while improving your communication skills as a couple is possible, it's not always easy, as people's different styles can sometimes clash. However, learning to really listen, showing respect, and focusing on your relationship during a conversation (and not just proving that you're right) will lead to improvement on the communication front.

5. Become closer

Lastly, break out of a relationship rut and reinvigorate your relationship by planning activities, trying new things together and discovering new interests as a couple. Not only can it breathe new life into a previously stale relationship, but it will also bring you closer than you were before, the ultimate goal of the relationship makeover.

READ MORE » Spruce up your love life
In grade school, making friends was a snap. You looked around the classroom, located a kid whose jumper you liked, bonded over a shared hatred of math, and voila – you were BFFs (or at least BFs until the next grade.)

Woman having coffee with friend

After college, however, making new friends becomes increasingly more difficult. It's hard to know whether people are open to having a new friend or are just being polite, and it can be tricky finding people you hit if off with, especially when you've moved to a new place. Although it may take some effort, finding new BFFs isn't impossible however.

Tip #1: Hang Out With Co-Workers

Perhaps the easiest way to make new friends is to hang-out with the people you spend most of your time with anyway. If you work at the same company or have similar jobs, then you already have something in common and studies have shown that having at least one work friend reduces stress levels and increases work productively significantly.

If there aren't already any built-in opportunities for socializing at your office, try sending a casual email to see if anyone wants to meet up for lunch or knows any good places for after-work drinks. Just be careful that you don't fall into a trap and gossip and/or bad-mouth your boss as a way to get chummy after-hours. You may think what you've said is in confidence, but it could come back to haunt you.

Tip #2: Figure Out What You're Looking for in a Friend

Many dating columnists, myself included, always stress making a list about what you want in a potential mate before you begin dating, and, likewise, it's equally beneficial to make a list of you want in a friend. Of course, everyone hopes that to find friends who are caring and honest, but try to be more specific: what do you envision yourself doing with your new friends? Do you want a shopping partner? An art-loving friend who will check out museums with you? A friend who has the same spiritual beliefs? If you can decide specifically what interests you'd like your future friends to share, you'll have an easier time finding ways, such as joining a Meetup.com group, to meet those types of people.

Tip #3: Make Personal Business Cards

You never know where you might meet a potential friend: the grocery store, a yoga studio, your university's alumni association. However, after chatting with someone, instead of just walking away, make an effort to exchange numbers or email or at least give them yours. If you don't want to give them your work email or phone number (especially if your boss isn't so keen on you making personal calls during the day) make up a personal business card with just your name, cell number, and/or email. Giving someone a business card is the easiest way to exchange info and many printing companies, like Vistaprint.com, offer free cards in exchange for putting their advertising on the back.

Tip #4: Avoid Potential Frenenemies

As much as you would like to make new friends, however, it's important not to befriend people who will ultimately cause you more distress than joy. As fabulous as a potential friend may be, if she is passive aggressive or if criticizes you, even subtly, then it's best to avoid her like the swine flu because, most likely, it will only get worse, not better.

Where are the best places to meet new friends post-college? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

READ MORE »

The dos and don'ts of success

How to get what you want in a relationship


It's easy to ask for things, but will you get them? Not necessarily. Just like mastering a skill, you'll need to know the tricks to the trade when it comes to getting what you want in your relationship. Granted, these tips may not work on everyone - after all, all men are different - but they sure can't hurt, right?
Man Giving Woman MassageNext time you need something from your honey, consider these dos and don'ts before you make your case.

Do Ask Nicely

You're not going to get what you want from your beau by being mean and demanding. Next time you want your honey to make dinner, start it off with a compliment. Say something like, "Baby, I loved that spaghetti you made that one time. Can you make it again? It's one of my favorite dishes!" Buttering him up should work. The key here is to find his strengths, highlight them, then make your case.

Don't Ask at All

If you know he'll see right through the compliments, try not asking at all. Don't come out and ask your boyfriend or husband what you want. Instead, mainly hint at your request and hope for the best. Say something like, "Oh my gosh - I absolutely love that handbag. But ugh, I have no business buying myself something that expensive right now."

Afraid this might not work? Consider a more aggressive approach by employing a little reverse psychology. When doing so, however, be very careful. Your plan could go terribly wrong. He might actually do what you ask.

Do Give a Little

Getting what you want can be as simple as giving what you want. Do you want him to give you a back rub? Then, give him one first. Plan ahead and do the types of things to your love that you would like. He'll be so grateful for your generosity, he'll likely return the favor. Sometimes these are the types of things he forgets about. You doing sweet things for him - the kind that you want to benefit from, too - will give him ideas.

Don't Ever Threaten

Please, ladies, don't be that girl who gives her man ultimatums and threats. Don't say anything along the lines of, "You better clean the house before I get home or else" or "If you don't stop doing what you're doing, I'm gone." If you have to say the former, you'll just anger the man. You're trying to get what you want, right? You're not trying to make him detest you. If you say the latter, perhaps you shouldn't be with this man at all - if what he does is so awful that you'd be willing to leave or if he doesn't mean enough to you that you can let him go just like that, it can't be a good sign.
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The sex-starved marriage

Many couples find themselves tangled in a troubling web when their sex drives are different, and it can wreck havoc on a marriage. Michele Weiner Davis, author of The Sex-Starved Marriage: Boosting Your Marriage Libido - A Couple's Guide, shares some advice to put your marriage and your sex life on the right track!
Sex-starved marriage?

Many couples find themselves tangled in a troubling web when their sex drives are different, and it can wreck havoc on a marriage. Michele Weiner Davis, author of The Sex-Starved Marriage: Boosting Your Marriage Libido - A Couple's Guide, shares some advice to put your marriage and your sex life on the right track!
Sex-starved marriage?
From a frustrated husband
Dear Michele,

Please, please help me. I am going through hell!! I am 28 years old, married with a three-year-old daughter. For the past three years, my wife has avoided being sexual with me. It has slowly gone from having sex maybe twice a week to now, if I'm lucky, once a month. And even then, it's not really having sex. It's more like her saying, "Hurry up and get in here, and let's do this before our child wakes up." There is no foreplay. She doesn't even kiss me. I'm the one who always is initiating any sort of affection.

I get completely angered, hurt, and resentful toward her because I can't understand how she could be so cruel to me. I want to tell her, "If you don't love me anymore, then we can split up and move on," but we have a child together, and I don't think that's right or fair to our daughter. I want to be there when my little girl wakes up in the morning and goes to bed at night. But I also don't want to be with a woman who doesn't want to be with me.

So I struggle every day with what I should do because I can't keep living like this. I'm miserable. I have talked to my wife about how I feel numerous times, and nothing I say seems to change anything. Is there anything else I can do besides getting a divorce? Is there something you could write to her so she hears from another person about the importance of a good sexual relationship in a marriage?
Mismatched desire
Does any of this sound familiar? Are these things you've thought or said to yourself? Or have you heard words like these uttered from your spouse in an attempt to get you to change? Either way, you need to know that you are not alone. It is estimated that one out of every three couples struggle with problems associated with low sexual desire. One study found that 20 percent of married couples have sex fewer than ten times a year! Complaints about low desire are the number 1 problem brought to sex therapists.
And if you've been thinking that low sexual desire is only "a woman's thing," think again. Many sex experts believe that low sexual desire in men is America's best-kept secret. Just read what women have to say about what really goes on behind closed doors:

I am so tired of reading articles in women's magazines and watching talk shows that perpetuate the myth that men are always more interested in sex than women. This is a bunch of hooey! There are many, many women who would love to have a spouse who wants to have sex, touch, or kiss. I've spoken to many women who have this same problem. . . . Their husbands simply aren't interested. I cannot believe my circle of friends is so different from the average. None of their husbands are "getting it on the side"... they simply are not interested. In my case, my husband of 26 years has never been as interested as I in sex, and during the last 5 years our sex life has been nonexistent. This lack of sex is more than just a lack of physical attention. It goes deep into a woman's heart. I think in a normal marriage, a couple can fight about anything, but then they can make love and soothe the bad feelings... sort of like a rebirth... a forgiving ritual. But when you are deprived of even that, bitterness and resentment and desperation accumulate. I have a husband who is a good guy, great father, good provider, but I have no lover. I'm angry about the wasted years, the years I could have been loving, but spent agonizing about why I was being deprived. It's so much more than sex. It's feeling wanted, and sexy and desired by the man that you are committed to for life.

As you can see, women have no corner on the low libido market. Maybe you're asking yourself, "If low sexual desire in men is commonplace, why are they so closed-mouthed about it?" That's a good question. When a woman lacks sexual desire, although it may be troubling to her, she's not likely to start questioning the core of her femininity. After all, she's almost supposed to have "headaches."

Men, on the other hand, are thought to have only three things on their minds: sex, sex and more sex. To be disinterested in sex is to feel less than a man. Just thinking about low libido, let alone talking about it, strikes terror in men because it threatens the very foundation on which their feelings of self-worth are based. No wonder they're tight-lipped. But make no mistake about it: there are millions of people, women and men, who just don't feel turned on.




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Remedies for premature ejaculation

You need a diversion

This past week I received the following e-mail from a reader: “I am confused and I don’t know where else to turn. I have this problem.I suffer from premature ejaculation.I can’t think of anything more humiliating. I know the trick about picturing something ugly. The trouble is, I can’t keep that picture in my mind. I’m like overtaken by the intensity and I just lose it. Is there anything else you can suggest?”


This past week I received the following e-mail from a reader: “I am confused and I don’t know where else to turn. I have this problem.I suffer from premature ejaculation.I can’t think of anything more humiliating. I know the trick about picturing something ugly. The trouble is, I can’t keep that picture in my mind. I’m like overtaken by the intensity and I just lose it. Is there anything else you can suggest?”
I don’t usually do this but I’ll share a little bit of my personal life here. I’ve experienced premature ejaculation too. It’s part of sex. The experience can be so overpowering, the energy so focused and relentless, that yes, we just lose it.

What you need is a diversion. Something to take your mind off the intensity, something to unfocus your energy. Here’s a list of the first five things that come to mind. Feel free to use more than one simultaneously, if the need should arise.

1) Listen to bad music during the lovemaking.
I’ll even suggest a tune: Debbie Boone’s “You Light Up My Life.”

“So many nights I sit by my window

Waiting for someone to sing me his songs

So many dreams I kept deep inside me

Alone in the dark but now

You’ve come along”

Yuck. Can you imagine ejaculating prematurely while that’s playing? No way. The syrupy sentimentality is a sure turn off.

And if for whatever reason that doesn’t do the trick, consider a different version of “You Light Up My Life.” The duet sung by Pat and Debbie Boone.

“Rollin’ at sea, adrift on the water

Could it be finally I’m turning for home?

Finally, a chance to say hey,

I love you
Never again to be all alone”


This is a father and daughter we’re talking about. Fathers and daughters should never sing romantic duets. There should be a law.

And if for whatever reason that doesn’t do the trick, consider a different version of “You Light Up My Life.” The duet sung by Donnie and Marie Osmond. This is a brother and sister we’re talking about.

2) Turn on the television.
I know, I know, there’s no way she’ll go for it. But I’m not talking about watching football. Let her choose the programming. All you’re after is the background noise and the image to distract you.

If she lets you choose the programming, watch a comedian. There’s some incredible footage of Chris Farley from his Saturday Night Live days. There’s no way you’ll ejaculate prematurely with Matt Foley in the room. He’s the motivational speaker living in a van… down by the river.

3) Wear condoms.
If I sound like an advertisement for safe sex, good. But condoms also serve a function here. They slow everything down. Getting that thing out of the package, unrolled and on is a form of gymnastics. Use that time to calm down. This in fact is the most effective time to picture something ugly. Personally, I’m a fan of Ronald Reagan. Yes, that’s right. I picture the old man while I unpackage the condom. A sure relaxant.

4) There is a sex toy worth considering.
Desensitizing penis creams. These are “control creams,” according to the advertising, to “keep it hard and strong, all night long.” If that’s really what you want.

Because this is America, the land of choice, these desensitizing creams come in different substances. There’s Ginseng Root and Hemp Seed and Benzocaine and even cherry Benzocaine. Yum. The Benzocaine numbs the head of the penis. There’s a spray too, for less mess.

I’m not sure how these others work. The hemp, I assume, gets you high and silly, which reduces the overall intensity.

5) Finally, I’ll offer one more suggestion. I alluded to it in number three. Men need to take breaks.
Consider a sports analogy. In football and basketball, there are timeouts and ends of quarters. In baseball, the inning ends. In tennis, there’s a change of serve. Why are these breaks built into the games? For the players to relax and reinvigorate. Why is sex any different?


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How much would you change for a guy?

A Little Mermaid?

The Little Mermaid changed from a mermaid into a human for Prince Eric. Michelle Obama abandoned her impressive career to become First Lady for Barack. Anne Heche became a heterosexual for cameraman Coley Laffoon. These women made drastic changes for their men. Would you?

The Little Mermaid changed from a mermaid into a human for Prince Eric. Michelle Obama abandoned her impressive career to become First Lady for Barack. Anne Heche became a heterosexual for cameraman Coley Laffoon. These women made drastic changes for their men. Would you?

Change is scarier than Amy Winehouse's hair (bees aren't the only thing living in that beehive). We're not talking about minor changes like hair color, lipstick or breast size. It's the major changes like moving to a new city, switching jobs and changes in family status that make us inhale sharply. Changing for someone else is a bit scarier than Amy's hair, but not quite as terrifying as Brett Michaels' extensions (it's a good thing those bandanas can't talk!).

Change: Not always a choice
I became an accidental expert on change when my mostly happy, 20-year marriage hit a speed bump last year. Actually, it was more like my marriage went hang-gliding into a jagged cliff. Change was at the forefront of many discussions. After all, the jagged cliff wasn't about to move. Eventually we had to choose a different route.

Neither of us necessarily needed to change, but we did need to do some "tweaking," which is far less intimidating than changing! Slapping a prettier face on change meant I was ready for the mack-daddy of personal change: personality.

This is where we introduce the big boys: quirks, idiosyncrasies and shortcomings. These personality traits affect all of our relationships, from spouses to kids to co-workers. Assuming you're not a freak show, you probably need to tweak just a few unflattering traits. You owe it to everyone in your immediate circle to do just that (unless you like perpetrating the same mistakes, slamming into the same walls and living a life plagued by aggravation and frustration). Are we not, as Oprah will attest, here to learn?
Where to begin
The learning process starts with awareness. I began my journey with a ride on the "I Am Fundamentally Screwed Up" train. This is where I faced my husband's complaint that I'm defensive (which was answered with a knee-jerk "No I'm not!"). I was forced to re-examine my position after a disagreement with my teen son. He rolled out his side of the argument, and before I knew it an extensive list of justifications came flying out. Talk about an "uh-oh" moment.

When you change for the sake of personal growth, you are changing for you. Ultimately, you should be with someone who is willing to work on his wildly irritating habits too. If you're doing all the heavy lifting in the personal growth department, you'll eventually become one of those hateful, bitter old ladies who squabble with department store clerks over sale flyers.
When it works, and when it doesn't
Certain degrees of change are healthy -- others are not. If you need a personality transplant to be with someone, they are not right for you. You and your mate's personalities should mesh in a significant way -- either because your personalities are similar (you both like to people-watch and make disparaging comments about the crowd) or because your personalities compliment each other (you like spending money you don't have on the latest Louis Vuitton bag, and thankfully he doesn't).

So how much would you change for a guy? Would I become a human if I were a mermaid? Heck yes. Eric was a hottie, and hello, a prince! Would I abandon my career to become First Lady? Sure. Look at the designer duds Michelle gets to wear. Would I change my sexual orientation? No. A true lesbian should be with a lesbian. But then I wouldn't stumble around the desert in a bikini waiting for the mother ship to pick me up either, so who am I to say?
We want to hear from you!
Tell us below how you changed for a guy, what you would change for a guy, and what you would refuse to change for a guy.
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Should You Sleep with Him?

It's hard to put a time stamp on anything. When girlfriends ask me for my advice when it comes to any relationship standard, I usually answer: "It really depends on the couple." But now that I think of it, when it comes to hitting the sack with a new boyfriend, friend or potential lover, it's important to have your reasons. Don't just jump into bed just because you feel like it.
Couple in Bed
It's hard to put a time stamp on anything. When girlfriends ask me for my advice when it comes to any relationship standard, I usually answer: "It really depends on the couple." But now that I think of it, when it comes to hitting the sack with a new boyfriend, friend or potential lover, it's important to have your reasons. Don't just jump into bed just because you feel like it.

Couple in BedHave you ever heard anyone say that women can't have sex like men? Well, it's true. When a woman sleeps with a man something happens, emotions take hold, she may get attached. And, it's important to protect yourself because this has happened many times before. Do you want to be that girl who is hopelessly devoted to a guy who may not feel the same way?

In order to protect your heart and rep, look for these reasons before you hop into bedroom fun.

If you're over your last boyfriend
Girl, if you're on a rebound of any kind, stay away. You may find yourself wanting to get intimate with someone just to get over that last guy. Don't do it! I've seen this happen before. Girl goes through a breakup and jumps into the next guy's bed. Do you know what happens next? She ends up staying with someone she will later realize she's lukewarm for. When you're going through a breakup, sometimes your heart lies to you. It just wants to be happy, but sleeping with just anyone won't necessarily make it happy in the long run. Make sure you're over your last beau before you get a new one.

If neither of you are attached and are just looking to have a good time
Yes, "F buddies" are okay. But here's what's important about partaking in such a union – you both have to be agreement that neither of you want a commitment. If neither of you are attached to each other (and other people, that is) and you're just looking to have fun and fulfill those sexual needs, then I say go for it. But, if one of you may have feelings for the other (you know, in that "I want to be with you" sort of way), please refrain. That can only lead to heartache. Make sure you're on the same page of fun then go have some.

If you're exclusive
Enough said – if you and your new guy are seeing each other and only each other, then go for it. The commitment can be hot, for one thing. Not to mention, it's the safest sex you can have. Not only will your heart be safe (after all, you know how your man feels about you), but you know he's not running around sleeping with others. But beware ladies, some men may lie to get you into bed. Make sure he is, in fact, into you and you only. Then, go at it and enjoy.

If he's the one
Is he the one? You're sure of it? You're going to marry him? You two will live happily ever after? Then there's no other reason not to make love. But wait, make sure he feels the same way. If you're ready to march down the aisle, might as well test the product before you buy it. Let's just hope you like what you're going to get.

If you know you won't regret it
Sleeping with someone should be an enjoyable opportunity. Intimacy is great when it's with the right person. Clearly, if you think you'll feel "icky" about sleeping with some guy, he is probably not the right person to make love to. Many a times, girls sleep with men and end up feeling so grossed out, they won't even tell their friends it happened. That's not right – that's not fair to you or the man you slept with. This is obvious enough, but I still feel the need to say it – if you're going to regret having sex with him, then why are you having sex with him? Pick someone worthy and will make you feel the warm fuzzies.




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Restart your sex drive

The popularity of television shows like Sex and the City has shown that women are interested in sex. Unfortunately, real life tends to get in the way. From taking care of the kids, the house and oftentimes dealing with work on top of that, there isn't always enough time or energy left over at the end of the day.
Man and Woman
Despite the challenges, there are women who are enjoying an increased sex drive after kids, but for many it remains a continuing problem. Here, moms share their hints and tips about what has helped them improve their sex drive.

Be comfortable with yourself

One of the reasons many women report an increase in sex drive as they get closer to age 30 is because they begin to feel comfortable with themselves. Having a child forces women to focus on the good things their bodies do, and for some this feeling carries over and permanently changes how they see themselves.

"Having a son made it actually 'hit home' that I was a woman. A lot had to do with my inner feelings about myself," says Joyce Anthony of Pennsylvania.

Get help in other aspects of life

Don't try to do everything yourself. If you're too tired to stay awake for sex, it obviously isn't going to happen. Ask your partner to help out. If they know that it will make you more likely to be open to sex later, many partners will jump at the chance. Aline Zoldbrod, PhD, a Boston-based sex therapist and author of Sex Talk: Uncensored Exercises for Exploring What Really Turns You On urges women to "stop being a superwomen." "You will never feel sexual if you are exhausted and depleted and up to the gills in responsibility. Ask for help. Buy the brownies, don't bake them."

Spice things up

Sometimes all it takes to get things moving again is a change in scenery. Try staying at a hotel for the weekend to get away from your regular life. Look at your partner suggestively while at a party. Sleep in the nude. Try something different sexually that you have always wanted to try.

"Initiate sex," recommends Rhea Palmer from Tennessee. "Buy some sexy panties and wear just them to bed. Take control and be sure he knows what you want. I think foreplay is the key to anyone who has a lower sex drive."

Get physical

Getting physically active can help women increase their sex drive in two ways. First, we feel better about ourselves, so we are more likely to feel comfortable enough to be intimate with our partners. Second, according to Debbie Mandel, author of Turn on Your Inner Light: Fitness for Body, Mind, and Soul, exercising releases hormones that raise your libido. Strength training in particular helps releases testosterone, which increases sexual desire.

Try it, you'll like it

Many women, especially those with younger children, are very reluctant to give up sleep for sex. When they are "on call" 24/7, sleep becomes a precious commodity.

"I really think it all boils down to exhaustion in my case" states Kate*, a mother ofDo Not Disturb Sign two in Pennsylvania. "I'm just too tired. If I get a few minutes to myself, I just want to sit, and veg, and interact with no one."

While many women agree with these sentiments, some pleasantly discover that when they give in and forgo sleep for sex, they really enjoy the results. The key is remembering these times when libido is low. Sex is actually a great stress relief.

Anthony reminds women that "great sex calms your nerves, actually gives you greater energy, helps you sleep sounder and generally increases your mood."

If that doesn't work...

If, even after trying various things, your desire level is still low, you may want to try these two tactics:

One, if you had a sex drive before, think about what has changed. Zoldbrod recommends making "a list of the ingredients of your 'sexual recipe' back in the days when you were feeling more desire. Look at the list and see how far your current experience has diverged from your old experience with sex."

Make sure you discuss this with your partner, but be careful to not lay blame. You are simply trying to brainstorm ways to make things better, not point fingers.

Two, go to your doctor. The cause may be hormonal. Sometimes problems with the thyroid can cause desire problems for women. Also ask your doctor about birth control pills. Some doctors, including Dr Andre Guay, the director of the Center for Sexual Function/Endocrinology, think that the hormones in birth control may have something to do with low desire.

Whatever the cause, increasing your sexual drive will benefit your marriage and your well being. Make the effort. Kelly Muzyczka in Pittsburgh recalled telling her husband that they were so likely to be interrupted that she would rather say no and be frustrated than say yes and be annoyed later. "I think now that I was wrong. Try anyway. It's worth it for the times you DO succeed."


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