Relationship Health + Original Articles

Being a caregiver for a loved one is a demanding role, and you may find you can't do it all on your own. If you're thinking of hiring live-in help, here are some things to keep in mind. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease is a difficult, energy-sapping job that can trigger a lot of stress and anxiety. It's such a demanding role, in fact, that eventually, you'll need outside help. If you're thinking of hiring a live-in caregiver, here are some factors to consider.

Not only does holding a grudge affect your relationships, but it can also hurt your health. Here's how to begin letting go of resentment. Forgiving another individual can be hard, but if you learn to do so, the benefits are rich and varied. For one thing, it can "turn your focus to the joyful experience of relationships and values-driven living that can heal both mind and body," says Jeanie Tse, MD, Associate Chief Medical Officer at the Institute for Community Living, a non-profit behavioral health organization in New York City.

It's the fear of being out of cell phone contact, and two out of three adults have this phobia. Are you one of them? Donna Talarico, who works in marketing at Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, PA, realized she was addicted to her cell phone when it "died" and she had to leave it charging in her car. That night, as she listened to a band at a nightclub, Talarico found herself clutching a small rectangular box of crayons "for comfort" while she didn't have her phone.

You exchange emails and texts with someone else but never get physical. Are you being unfaithful to your partner? "A virtual affair is when a man or woman cheats by proxy," says Carole Lieberman, MD, author of Bad Girls: Why Men Love Them & How Good Girls Can Learn Their Secrets.  "The person would like to have a real-life affair, but is just too scared at the moment.

In small doses, worrying can keep you in check. But in excess, it can be downright debilitating. Anxiety isn't all bad. Being anxious can have a purpose. It can motivate you to be well prepared for an important presentation, test, or job interview. In addition, worry warts are often conscientious workers and make wonderfully attentive friends. But there's nothing good about excessive anxiety.

If working with Lupus is becoming part of your job description, it’s time to know your rights and responsibilities. If working with Lupus is becoming part of your job description, it's time to know your rights and responsibilities. It may also be time to learn new ways to tackle your job so you can continue being an excellent employee.  According to the Lupus Foundation of America: 1.

In a time of high-tech medicine, can a simple technique involving nothing more than the power of your own mind be the key to health and happiness? Some would argue that the only way to achieve inner peace and outer health is by going within. That's the theory behind Ho'oponopono, an ancient Hawaiian healing technique that's proving life- changing for those who practice it. Ho'oponopono is a ritual of reconciliation that originated centuries ago in many island cultures.

Think you always have to be the one in charge? It's time to think again. If you are like many women today, there's a lot on your plate. You work, care for family, run a household, cultivate relationships with friends and colleagues. But there's an underlying part that really drives you—the feeling that you must do it all, and do it perfectly.

Listening to your loved ones is an essential way to gain trust and respect. You may think you're really listening when your spouse, child, or friend is talking to you. You may even look as if you're hearing every word. But the truth is (yes, admit it!), you often tend to zone out and not really focus on what the other person is saying.

While some symptoms of neurotic behavior are natural, displaying too many could have a negative effect on your relationships. Although you rarely hear the expression anymore, mental health professionals traditionally used the term neurotic to refer to conditions associated with poor functioning, anxiety, and depression. Diagnosing mental health conditions, such as personality disorders, is generally not as straightforward as it is with many illnesses.

Looking to rekindle some of the closeness between you and your partner? Try a little TLC. If you and your partner often tend to take each other for granted (which given the pace of most people's lives, is very easy to do), chances are that you both feel underappreciated from time to time. But it's not hard to show your tender side, and you don't have to spend a lot of time and money to do so.

You might think that syphillis is no longer a concern, but in fact it's becoming a public health issue once more. It's an alarming trend, to say the least. The rate of syphilis in the United States is rising, and the sexually transmitted disease is affecting a disproportionate number of young minority gay and bisexual men, according to research by the Centers for Disease Control.

Date night can reconnect you to your special someone, but avoid the letdown of the preconceived romantic ideal. Here's how. Next time you're feeling a little disconnected from your partner, ask her out for a date. But don't just settle for the routine dinner and a movie. Instead, resolve to spice things up a bit, by doing something a bit out of the ordinary. "Date nights are an important part of strengthening a marriage," says Lisa Rene Reynolds, Ph.

When it comes to choosing a partner, the nose knows. Never underestimate the power of your nose when it comes to choosing a partner. Women say a man's scent is the most crucial feature of all when it comes to determining if she would want to have sex with him, according to two large studies by an olfactory expert at Brown University.

Find fantastic gifts to match every budget that provide the extra lift of supporting good health. 'Tis the season to buy gifts for those who are near and dear to you. Why not celebrate your loved ones by giving presents that promote wellness? "After the holidays, everyone is all geared up to start getting in shape," says Alison Massey, RD, CDE, of Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.

In the wake of Sandy, be aware of the psychological impact such a disaster can bring. Manmade and natural disasters certainly test our resilience. In just the last decade or so, we've experienced terrorist attacks, major hurricanes, wars, and now, superstorm Sandy. Relief efforts for Sandy are in the early stages, and professionals and volunteers are focusing on restoring basic services and fulfilling victims' needs for food, safety, and medical care.

At a certain point during menopause contraception is no longer needed. But take this information into account. Whether you're on the pill, have an IUD, or use some other form of contraception, practicing birth control can be a nuisance. Depending upon what method you choose, there can be side effects. It costs money. And if you use condoms, it certainly might dampen spontaneity in the bedroom.

In order to grow, you have to be honest with yourself. Here's how to get back on track. Nearly everyone is guilty of being less than honest with themselves at some point. It's an easy behavior to fall into, and can be a hard habit to break. "Lying to yourself is a defense mechanism, designed to help keep us going when things get tough," says Tina B Tessina, Ph.

What are the options when you've decided that your family is complete? When you are truly certain that you don't want to ever be pregnant again, permanent birth control may be worth considering. It buys you peace of mind, means you can be more spontaneous about your sex life, and can be a great choice for those who've completed their family.

Whether it's a romantic, familial, or friendly union, these red flags signal danger ahead. Nearly all relationships—whether with your spouse, your co-workers, or your friends—go through some bumpy times. But sometimes, a relationship can be so toxic that it simply may not be worth continuing. Here are some tips for how to spot negative patterns in relationships.

Approach this sensitive situation with these steps. Suicide is a significant-and growing-public health problem. Between 2000 and 2009, suicide rates increased and in 2009, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) ranked suicide as the 10th leading cause of death. The increase in suicides may be partially due to ongoing U.

Distinguish the signs of mental illness from other behaviors that may seem odd. Mental health and mental illness fall on a continuum and there is no clear dividing line between what is normal and what is unhealthy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) define mental health as a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his own abilities, can cope with normal life stresses, works productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to his community.

It has nothing to do with flying and everything to do with your sleep schedule on weekdays vs. weekends. See if you match the pattern. If you're like many people, you have a set bedtime and wakeup time from Monday through Friday. On weekends, however, anything goes. The problem is this: If you go to bed and get up at different times on different days, you may suffer the side effects of a phenomenon known as social jet lag.

Left-side snoozers live differently than those who sleep on the right. What's the deal? If you're one of those people who must sleep on a particular side of the bed, you're not alone. For many folks, it's entirely possible to get up on the wrong side of the bed. But does your personal preference reveal certain things about your personality? An unscientific study by a British hotel chain maintains that it does.

You can eat out on a budget and eat healthy at the same time. Just remember these tricks. Sure, you can find coupons and two-for-one sales in newspapers and online to get discounts at all types of restaurants—and you should take advantage of these savings. But instead of waiting for a special deal, you can eat out almost anywhere, on any day, and get more nutritious meals by spending less money.

To be a responsible partner, it's imperative to know if you have any communicable diseases, but when it comes to testing at home, there are pros and cons. An estimated 19 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea occur each year in the U.S., making sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) a major public health concern. Close to half of all cases occur in young people between 15 and 24 and, when left untreated or treated late, grave physical and psychological consequences can result.

Review these red flags to determine if you're dealing with sociopathic behavior. Before he stepped into a darkened theater and started pumping bullets into moviegoers last month, James Holmes, the suspect in the Aurora, Colorado shootings, didn't seem to display any signs that he would soon commit mass murder. Many Americans are left wondering whether any behavioral red flags could have let on that he was a dangerous sociopath.

Listen. Stay calm. Ask questions. Follow these tips to benefit from feedback and not just become defensive. Being criticized is a part of life that everyone needs and no one likes. Criticism is essential to intellectual growth and self-improvement. If teachers refrained from commenting on your essays and tests, it would stunt improvement in the classroom. Without parents applauding their children's good behavior and condemning misbehavior, many would have difficulty learning right from wrong.

These surgeries don't come without risks. Here are the facts. Vaginoplasty and labiaplasty are cosmetic or reconstructive surgeries designed to repair or alter the appearance or function of the vagina and/or labia. While some women have medical conditions that might be improved by these surgeries, most of the time vaginoplasty and labiaplasty are performed purely for cosmetic reasons.

Here's how to move forward when it's time to move on. It's over. The divorce papers are signed, your spouse is now your ex, and you're trying to move on. Actually, you should do more than just move on. This period is a time to reinvent yourself, to rediscover who you really are, and to rethink who you want to be going forward.

It's a real and hidden danger among the older generation. Here are ways to combat isolation. Can loneliness be deadly for the elderly? Apparently it's as dangerous as obesity, smoking, and alcohol, according to a recent British summit on loneliness that was reported in The Independent. "Loneliness is the great unspoken public health issue," British Care Services minister Paul Burstow said, according to The Independent.

Before you pack your bags and move, try these smart tips for overcoming noisy neighbors. Unless you live on an isolated patch of land, dealing with noisy neighbors is a fact of life. Apartment dwellers naturally hear more neighbor noise than those in private homes, but even suburban cul-de-sacs can be beset by barking dogs, summer parties, and car alarms.

Consider this if spermicides are a part of your birth control plan. It's certainly not uncommon to become fed up with birth control pills, and wonder if jellies, foams, condoms, and sponges containing spermicides would be a great alternative. Yet it turns out that some foams, films, and so forth contain the spermicide N-9, the short name for nonoxynol-9.

Try our fixes to solve the top issues behind why you're just not in the mood. Evening rolls around, and once again, you have about as much interest in having sex as you do in ironing a week's worth of work outfits. It's not that you're angry at your partner. You simply aren't interested. Low libido can have many causes, including certain medications, a heavy load of unresolved conflict in a relationship, depression, and headaches are the classic reasons for saying, "Not tonight dear.

If your spouse complains that you move frequently at night, you may have this condition. A person with Periodic Limb Movement during Sleep (PLMS) experiences repetitive movements, usually in the legs, about every 10 to 90 seconds. The episodes last for a few seconds each and may continue for hours. Regardless of whether you're awake during the episodes, your sleep surely is being disrupted.

There's no debating the stress of some jobs. But even enjoyable work can encourage mood disorders. Work, even enjoyable work, can cause extreme stress, which may lead to mood disorders and depression. Some researchers suspect that growing worker stress may be associated with the increasing prevalence of depressive disorders and suicide, but they are still trying to unravel whether it's coincidence or cause and effect.

The day-to-day commute is hard enough without having to pay more at the pump. It's not news that ever-rising gas prices can be a burden on your bank account. The average family spent $4,155 filling their tanks in 2011—that's 8.4 percent of the median family's income. Numbers like these are troubling at best and many are taking measures to cut down on their expenses.

File under: no surprise. The economic climate has eroded not only retirement portfolios, but our relationships. While investors are still busy trying to recover their losses, many couples are still reeling from the effects the economic downturn has had on their relationships. A survey commissioned by Caron Treatment Centers, one of the nation's leading non-profit addiction treatment centers, has shown that the economy has a profound impact on relationships-from decreasing intimacy to eroding communication.

As the average life span continues to increase, more people are requiring caregivers in their later years. Here's a look at the trend by the numbers. The golden years aren't always as shiny and gilded as they're meant to be. And as Americans live longer, the sobering truth is that many will need long-term care at some point. Unfortunately, such care is very expensive, and it's usually not covered by public programs—at least until one's savings are basically exhausted.

A self-absorbed attitude can cause health hazards, reveals a new study. As it turns out, narcissism may create health hazards. Narcissists are notoriously bad at relationships but now a new study has revealed health concerns on their list of unique challenges. Researchers at the Universities of Michigan and Virginia recently analyzed 106 undergraduate men and women and found that those with certain narcissistic personality traits (in particular, entitlement and exploitativeness) had elevated levels of cortisol—the primary stress hormone.

Is it better to "sleep on it" or resolve the issue? A new study answers this question. Ever get so mad at your mate you just couldn't make it right before turning out the light? Did "sleeping on it" somehow dilute the argument? Or, did you wrestle till dawn—tossing and turning over the details—trying to figure out a solution? And in the morning, did you wake up rested and ready for round two or did you feel the need to work it out and make peace? Well, researchers at the University of Massachusetts decided to investigate the theory.

Thanks to TV ads erectile dysfunction is no longer under the covers. Still, misconceptions remain. Learn what causes impotence and ways to reduce your risk. Between 15 and 30 million men suffer from some form of impotence or erectile dysfunction. At first glance this range seems wide, but it's due to the fact that some health professionals use the term "impotence" to include a host of sexual problems in men—not just the total inability to have or maintain an erection.

Planning for your retirement is exciting—and perhaps a bit intimidating. Here's what to consider. Here's what to consider as you think about your retirement:  Retirement At what age do you want to retire? Delaying retirement-even just a few years-provides an opportunity for your nest egg to grow and can make a significant financial difference.

There's no doubt that shedding excess pounds is a big boost to your health and well-being, but not everything is totally rosy after weight loss. Like millions of others, you might be thinking about losing weight. Whether you've got five pounds or 50 to spare, chances are at some point you thought, "I'll start tomorrow." However, you might find that with your new, slim figure comes a few downsides: Changing relationships.

Do you sleep or cuddle after sex? New research says your choices might reflect on your relationship. For some people, happiness is curling up for a post-sex snuggle. For others, it's conking out immediately. Scientists at the University of Michigan and Albright College recruited 456 heterosexual undergraduates to fill out anonymous online surveys about their behavior and their partners' behavior after intercourse.

At the heart of healthy relationships, you'll find communication and understanding. These same qualities are essential in the bedroom. Want to spice up your romance? Look inside yourself for a minute. If you can honestly say that you possess both empathy and self-esteem, you have the foundation for a wonderful love life. If, however, you find yourself not only with poor self-esteem but also irritable and unforgiving with your partner, chances are the two of you don't have the warmest, sexiest relationship ever.

Protect your health by learning how to avoid these common blunders. Condoms—the only available form of birth control for men except a vasectomy—are effective at preventing pregnancy 97 percent of the time. Or at least this should be the effectiveness. The reality is that they really only work between 80 and 90 percent of the time, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Here are the basics to know about emergency contraception before you need it. Accidents happen: a condom breaks, or it can slip off. Maybe neglected to use one at all. Whatever the scenario, you've had unprotected sex and now may be facing an unwanted pregnancy. For these emergency situations, there is a way to prevent it—but you need to act fairly quickly.

Single? Married? Divorced? Your answer may have a direct impact on your health. Want to live a long, healthy life? You may stand the best chance if you're happily married. Married folks are less likely to get heart disease, cancer, and even dementia, according to research reported in The New York Times.  But don't think you'll stay healthy if you're in a toxic relationship.

Broken Heart Syndrome can be harmful to your mind and body, and it can be treated. Chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and generalized weakness are all well known symptoms of a heart attack. However, they may also indicate a condition called Broken Heart Syndrome—officially called takotsubo cardiomyopathy. While this condition sounds like something straight out of a blues ballad, it is very real.

Could you really enjoy multiple climaxes or are they simply a copulation crock? Ever wonder whether it's possible to experience multiple orgasms? For women, it is indeed possible, although after the first big one, they may seem like "momentary spasms, not one big explosion," says Alexandra Katehakis, MFT, CSAT-S, CST-S, clinical director of the Center for Healthy Sex in Los Angeles.

Insomnia affects more than 70 million Americans. Find out more about what's keeping you awake at night. "To sleep, perchance to dream." Shakespeare's famed words sound so tranquil, but if you've ever read Hamlet, you know the story's about to take a bad turn. For many Americans, sleep is also a maddening prospect representing hours of tossing and turning with little to show for it other than the eventual fatigue, irritability, and exhaustion.

Get the real story on America's most prevalent mental illness—from symptoms and diagnosis to treatment. Depression has been called the "common cold of mental health"—and is it any wonder? Approximately 18.8 million American adults, or 9.5 percent of the U.S. adult population, suffer from a depressive disorder each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Millions of Americans suffer from irrational or excessive fears. Learn about the five most common phobias. Do you have an irrational or excessive fear of something? If so, you're not alone. More than 19 million Americans suffer from a phobia of some kind. What Is a Phobia? A phobia is defined as an abnormally emotional and physical response to an imagined or irrationally exaggerated fear.

Mornings are hectic. This checklist has quick and easy ideas you can start incorporating into your routine to day. Feeling rushed and crazy is not a good way to start the day. Mornings are the family's launching pad. It's important to send kids to school feeling calm and ready. They'll perform better, feel happier, and have more confidence to face the day's challenges.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be a challenge. Follow these tips to make it easier. According to the National Alzheimer's Association, more than 10 million Americans are currently caring for a relative with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Although the task can be challenging and even overwhelming at times, there are things you can do to ease the process.

Learn how to spot the warning signs and break the vicious cycle. Controlling spouses, unstable siblings, friends you just can't trust. Does any of this sound familiar? If so, you may be in a toxic relationship—and you're not alone. According to experts, most Americans have struggled with at least one unhealthy social bond by the time they're in their late teens, and sadly, many continue to endure these connections throughout their lives.

Want to enjoy the festivities without piling on the pounds? Check out our top eight tips. It starts with Halloween and plastic pumpkins full of sugary treats, then continues through Thanksgiving weekend, with plentiful mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, pies, and leftover turkey sandwiches. And don't forget December: office parties, cookie exchanges, and that food-filled week between Christmas and New Year's Day.

Find out if you're sending the right signals. According to a groundbreaking UCLA study, it takes just 30 seconds to make a lasting impression on someone—and 55 percent of that impression is based on a common set of nonverbal cues. For example, crossing your arms may be perceived as stand-offish, while raising your eyebrows could gain you a reputation as a flirt.

Get the top eight signs, and learn how to break the cycle. Perfectionists often believe that doing everything right can win them success, acceptance, even love. But sadly, their seemingly flawless behavior can actually undermine their efforts. According to counselors at the University of Illinois, the desire to be perfect can rob people of their sense of personal satisfaction, preventing them from achieving as much as those with more realistic goals.

Desks and cubicles may seem benign, but they're often a breeding ground for bacteria. Follow these six tips to stay healthy at work. If you're like most Americans, you put in long hours at work--and you have less time off than anyone in the developed world (U.S. workers average 13 vacation days a year, while the Japanese have 25, the Canadians take 26, and the French enjoy 37). Is all that time at the office making you sick? It could be, according to a study conducted by the University of Arizona.

Are your feelings of discomfort just shyness, or a sign of a more serious health condition? Here's how to tell the difference. Imagine this: A woman hates to stand in line at the grocery store—not because she's impatient, but because she's afraid that everyone is watching her. As she approaches the clerk, she becomes anxious and self-conscious. Her heart begins to race, her face turns red, and she begins to sweat.

Learn how to find the middle ground between being accommodating and being stepped on. According to a University of Iowa study, excessively nice people often feel as if they have no control over their decisions, thoughts, or opinions. As a result, they can become resentful, frustrated, even depressed. Are you too nice for your own good? 1.

Here's how to improve your intimacy despite your physical differences. Is bigger always better? Not necessarily, although size does count when it comes to having a good sex life. "If your partner is really well endowed, that can be a problem, but you can work around this by doing things like exercises to help the vaginal muscles relax," says Bat Sheva Marcus, Ph.

You've probably heard you should "forgive and forget." But new research shows old standard is flawed logic. Here's a better way to process your emotions. The old saying "to err is human; to forgive divine" are good words to live by. The act of forgiving others provides powerful health benefits. In fact, even renowned medical institutions such as the Mayo Clinic advocate forgiving as a sound strategy for good mental health.

For millions of people living with lupus, having a satisfying love life can be complicated. It doesn't have to mean life without one, however. Here's how to keep your the bedroom sizzling even if lupus is part of your life. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects many different body organs, including the skin, joints, muscles, and vital organs. People with lupus experience fatigue, pain, skin lesions, and other symptoms that can directly impact their desire for and ability to have sex.

Researchers may finally have a vaccine for herpes. But will it be as beneficial as you hope? It's highly contagious, extremely common, and doesn't have a cure--or even a vaccine to prevent it. But one day, herpes simplex viruses type 1 and type 2 may be preventable with a vaccine. Certainly, a vaccine could help millions. About 16.2 percent, or one in six, people in the U.

When it comes to assisted living, understanding all of the options available can be a challenge. Here, the most frequently asked questions and answers. It's never easy when an aging loved one needs to move to a residential facility. But understanding the basics in advance can help ease the transition when the time comes. As you and your loved one prepare for the future, refer to this Frequently Asked Questions guide provided by the national nonprofit Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living (CCAL).

These strategies can help you cope with the most common caregiver emotions. When you're caring for an elderly loved one, it's normal to feel sad or discouraged from time to time. Ignoring your feelings won't make them go away; in fact, it may even make them grow stronger. Instead, try these six suggestions from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

How sick is too sick for work? Follow our cold and flu guidelines. Everybody knows what it's like to wake up with a cold. You feel groggy, congested, and exhausted. In a perfect world, you could sleep the day away. But with bills to pay and bosses to please, how do you know when to stay home? Follow our cold and flu guidelines.

Millions of women and girls are affected by ADHD, but they're rarely diagnosed. Learn how to spot the symptoms. When most people hear the term "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" (ADHD), it conjures images of children, usually boys. And there's some data to support that: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, experts estimate that, of the 3 to 5 percent of school-age children affected by ADHD, the majority of them are boys.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be overwhelming. Follow these tips to help deal with the diagnosis and cope with the holidays and every day. Caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease (AD) means that each new day brings a unique set of challenges. Coping with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior can become overwhelming at times. Not surprisingly, research has shown that caregivers often are at increased risk for depression and illness, especially if they do not receive adequate support from family, friends, and the community.

Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be a challenge, but these tips can make it easier. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can present any number of challenges for adults, from keeping focused to maintaining healthy relationships. The good news is, there are several steps you can take to make living with ADHD easier. Try the following seven tips to help manage your condition.

Study shows that preparedness makes all the difference when it comes to caregiving. Findings from the CVS/pharmacy and Caring Today 2007 "Caregiver Insights Study: Well-Being and Care Management" indicate that family caregivers find the caregiving experience more enjoyable than expected. Findings further revealed that those caregivers who were better prepared to fill the caregiver role and responsibilities had more positive experiences than those who were unprepared.

Understand your choices for better decision-making. It goes without saying that those of us who see our aging parents' needs change want for them exactly what we would want for ourselves. Quite simply, we want them to have the right care at the right time in the right place. But wanting it and knowing what it means specifically for our moms or dads, understanding what our options are, and knowing where to find reliable information on each option isn't at all simple.

12 Ways to Beat Exhaustion and Burnout For caregivers, juggling the demands of work and family with parenting our own parents can be a struggle. Just listen to the emotional turmoil expressed by fellow caregivers attempting to manage a turbulent, uncharted course and fill a role they most definitely never wished for.

Feeling stressed out? Regain your calm with these tips. Sometimes daily life can get the best of us, and our stress levels can zoom off the charts. Family issues, workplace worries, and day-to-day obligations can take a toll on how we feel, both physically and emotionally. To ease feelings of anxiety or tension, try these methods of stress reduction: 1.

A healthy love life will bring you closer to your partner and strengthen your relationship. But can it improve your overall health and protect you from illness? You try to keep yourself from coming down with the flu or a cold by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and trying to exercise as often as possible. Chances are, having sex isn't on your list of ways to stay healthy. But maybe it should be. Experts say that having sex can actually be beneficial to your health.

Strange, wild, passionate, frightening. Your dreams may provide insight into who you really are. You're plummeting naked from an airplane after failing an important test. Your teeth are falling out and a dinosaur is chasing you. You awake suddenly, relieved it was just a dream. We all dream, and while the scientific community may not agree if dreams really say something about you, many people believe they do.

Who can you count on to motivate, inspire, and coax you? To sweat, grunt, and whine with you? To kick you off the couch and run with you? Your gym buddy, of course. But how do you find a good one? A good gym buddy shares your fitness goals or has goals a little more challenging than yours and is ready to exercise regularly. It helps if she's roughly your age and close to your fitness level (or better)-but that's not mandatory. The important thing is to look for someone who shares the following qualities.

Persevering through trying times may have long-term benefits, new research suggests. What can you reap from life's difficulties? Martin Luther King, Jr. said the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. King, of course, was speaking of adversity and the power to overcome it.

Communication is key when it comes to a successful sexual relationship. But it's not always the easiest subject to talk about. Here's a head start to knowing what men want. He may never come out and say it, but chances are your special someone wishes you knew certain things that would make him feel more special, sexy, and confident about your relationship. Just because he won't tell you himself doesn't mean he won't love it when you 1.

While your intentions may be innocent, the illnesses that can be transmitted through a simple smooch are not. Watch out for these. You may think a kiss is just a kiss, but in reality, it can be much more. Smooching can be romantic, but it can also transmit a variety of infections. "When I think of the infectious risk of kissing, what comes to mind are viral infections," says Bruce Hirsch, MD, attending physician in infectious diseases at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York.

Selecting the right form of birth control depends on a variety of factors including hormone levels and sexual habits. Follow these five tips to make an educated decision. Half of all girls are sexually active by the age of 17 and menopause doesn't typically take place until a woman reaches 50, so there are a lot of years during a woman's life when birth control may be needed, according to the Associated Press. Yet choosing the right contraceptive can lead to confusion and uncertainty.

Balancing office and home life can create conflicts between demands and stress from both sides. But there may also be healthy benefits to working outside the home. Several recent studies have demonstrated that working, especially part time, provides mental health benefits for women. A study in the December 2011 issue of the Journal of Family Psychology examined several aspects of well being in mothers who worked part time compared to those who worked full time or not at all.

This alternative treatment has proven benefits for conditions like chronic pain and stress. But can it combat infertility? If you're trying to have a baby, acupuncture is one treatment you may never have considered to help increase your chances of conceiving.  The centuries-old Asian medical practice, in which sterile, ultra-thin needles are placed in various pressure points (or Qi, pronounced "chee" in the body), is believed to reduce stress and improve circulation.

If you're having trouble climaxing, you're not alone. Many older adults have difficulty achieving orgasm. Here, five reasons why you're having difficulty. If your sex life is suffering because of your inability to reach orgasm, chances are you're trying to figure out why and what you can do about it. Experts say, there are physical, as well as psychological causes to your sexual dilemma. "There are psychological, physical, and biological reasons for the inability to orgasm," says Renee Horowitz, MD, FACOG, director of the Center for Sexual Wellness in Farmington Hills, New York.

Contrary to popular belief, it's not weak for men to show emotions. As a matter of fact, research found that the more "macho" a man is, the less likely he is to be healthy. Diet and exercise aren't the only parts of overall health. Here's how to sharpen your mental and emotional skills. Lack of emotion has long been considered a sign of strength. The most masculine—or macho—men don't reveal or discuss their feelings and are admired for their toughness. Real men don't ask for directions, don't go to the doctor, and rarely (if ever) shed a tear.

If you and your partner don't have the same sexual appetite, worry not. We'll provide the insight to diagnose the issue and 9 exciting ways to get you seeing eye-to-eye. Getting older can take a toll on your sexual appetite. And if you're in a relationship where you and your partner have different sexual needs, frustration and tension can result. Often, it's the woman who experiences a diminished sexual appetite, experts say.

Nerve damage doesn't only affect the legs, fingers, and the toes. It can also result in erectile dysfunction (ED), or impotence. Read on to find out how you can prevent ED from affecting you. Also called neuropathy, nerve damage is not uncommon in those with type 2 diabetes, especially when the disease is poorly controlled. In fact, about half of all individuals with diabetes develop some form of neuropathy. But nerve damage can also affect individuals who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and  who smoke, explains Elizabeth Kavaler, MD, a urology specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

Guys whose sex life isn't exactly red-hot may want to examine their diet as a possible culprit. According to recent research, Individuals who don't consume enough protein actually risk having a low testosterone level. Guys whose sex life isn't exactly red-hot may want to examine their diet as a possible culprit. Individuals who don't consume enough protein actually risk having a low testosterone level, according to recent research. And low levels of this important hormone can cause not just poor sexual function, but muscle loss, damage to bones, and reduced red blood cells, according to the research, reported by the BBC.

Most men cite becoming a dad as one of the best moments of their lives. That said, research shows that fatherhood has a definite sexual downside. Read on to find out what it is and how to avoid it. Becoming a dad has a definite sexual downside, research shows. Fatherhood causes a drop in testosterone, according to the study, which was reported in The New York Times. Researchers measured the testosterone levels of single men at the age of 21, and again some years later.

The ups and downs associated with relationships don't pertain only to emotions. In fact, your partnership, good or bad, can have a real effect on your body. When you and your partner or significant other are happy together, your stress level plummets, and your heart thanks you for it. Conversely, a toxic relationship puts considerable stress and unhappiness on a couple, and their hearts can show the strain, experts say.

If you have Erectile Dysfunction (ED), getting your sex life back on track is probably a top priority. As a first step, consider whether these lifestyle changes are at the root of your sexual woes. If you have Erectile Dysfunction (ED), getting your sex life back on track is probably a big concern. The condition often has a lot to do with lifestyle, experts say. "Erectile dysfunction is a subject that is near and dear to our hearts," says Carol Ash, a hospitalist at Meridian Health New Jersey in Red Bank, NJ.

Whether you're the jealous one or the recipient, sibling rivalries are never easy to cope with. Here, tips on how to get past the green-eyed monster and rebuild your relationship. Jealous of your brother's great job? Envious that your sister's kids are always so beautifully behaved that your parents compliment her constantly? Whether you're the jealous one, always feeling like your sibling has a better job/house/car/kids than you, or you're the sibling that others in your family are jealous of, envy can be stressful and draining.

A recent study provides more evidence for what most of us know intuitively--getting along with people at work is good for you. The study reports that having a positive relationship with coworkers has long-term mental and physical health benefits. A recent study in the journal Health Psychology provides more evidence for what most of us know intuitively—getting along with people at work is good for you. The study reports that having a positive relationship with coworkers has long-term mental and physical health benefits.

Nothing terrible will happen to your figure if you spend a night indulging in your favorite comfort foods. But unfortunately, if you get into the habit of noshing as a way to numb the pain of a breakup, you may be horrified the next time you hop on the scale. Everyone knows digging into a carton of ice cream or polishing off a bag of cookies spells contentment—even if it's fleeting. And sure, after a traumatic breakup, turning to food for solace seems like a great solution. But, it's not. Nothing terrible will happen to your figure if you spend a night or two indulging in your favorite comfort foods.

Despite the proliferation of in-law jokes, when in-laws come between husband and wife, it's no laughing matter. In-laws...love 'em or hate 'em. Unlike choosing a spouse, you didn't have a hand in selecting them. Your wife loves them and they're part of your life—like it or not. Of course not all in-law relationships are fraught with tension, but if yours is, learning how to peacefully co-exist can improve your marriage as well as your emotional well-being.

Nearly every workplace has one, yet few know how to deal with him effectively. Follow these 6 tips to make your day go more smoothly. Nearly every workplace has one: a truly annoying employee who gets under everyone's skin and who puts everyone into a bad mood. You may actually have entertained fantasies about him being transferred to another branch office. The office jerk is likely...

A new observational study uncovered why men seem to struggle when it comes to talking about their problems. Read on to get the scoop. The media and popular books, such as John Gray's Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, lead us to believe that men and women have very different communication styles. This is only partially true. Men and women are actually more similar than not in how they communicate in close, personal relationships.

If you're a new divorcee, you may be surprised to find the dating game has changed—drastically. In order to navigate the rules of courtship, follow these tips. If you've recently split from your partner and are about to dip your toe into the dating pool once again, you may be surprised at how technology has changed it. Texting, online dating, and social networking sites have made old-fashioned dating seem, well, outdated.

A great sex life might seem like one of life's perks for young people. But these days, it’s not uncommon for younger as well as older individuals to suffer from a low libido. Here, common causes and how to address them. A great sex life might seem like one of life's perks for young people. But these days, it's not uncommon for younger as well as older individuals to suffer from a low libido, says Michael Krychman, MD, executive director of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and an associate clinical professor at USC Medical School in Los Angeles.

Although it's the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) of all, chances are you've never heard of it. Though trichomoniasis is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) of all, many people haven't ever heard of it. Caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a microscopic parasite, it can cause no symptoms at all, or it can present with symptoms such as vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, and redness.

If you're the partner of someone who is depressed, it can take a toll on your relationship and your own mental health. Here, a guide to keeping your relationship intact in the face of mental illness. Suffering from depression is emotionally frustrating. So is living with someone who suffers from depression. Unfortunately, this is more common than you may imagine. In a Reader's Digest survey, 42 percent of respondents said depression was a major challenge in their relationship.

All couples experience some moments of uncertainty, but if your spouse possesses too many of these 10 traits, he may not be the right man for you. All couples find each other maddening at times, and it's certainly not uncommon to have occasional disagreements and spats. But if you're miserable more than you're not, and you increasingly find yourself wondering if the guy you're sitting across the table from is the same guy you married once upon a time, it may be time to reassess your future with him.

A healthy dependency is a two-way relationship; both parties contribute to it in positive ways. A codependent relationship, in contrast, is an unhealthy, dysfunctional, perhaps even abusive, one-sided relationship. We depend on family and friends to fill some of our needs for love, companionship, and security. A healthy dependency is a two-way relationship; both parties contribute to it in positive ways. A codependent relationship, in contrast, is an unhealthy, dysfunctional, perhaps even abusive, one-sided relationship.

Here are tips for working through grief in a healthy way when it involves an entire community. Everyone handles personal grief in an individual way, processing it at a different pace as they struggle to cope. But nationwide grief following a horrific tragedy such as the events of 9/11 is anything but private. National grief and mourning like what gripped the country after 9/11 is different from grief experienced on a personal scale.

If you're newly single, you may be feeling a whole range of emotions, both negative and positive. Still, assessing yourself honestly is an essential step to avoiding future relationship blunders. If you're newly single, you may be feeling a whole range of emotions, both negative and positive. On the negative side, you may be lonely. On a positive note, you may be relieved that the constant fighting between you and your partner has stopped. You also may be experiencing such emotional overload that you're resistant to the idea of stopping and taking stock of where you are--and where you're going.

The effects of fibromyalgia are far reaching and may even extend to your love life. But it doesn't have to ruin everything. We've got five tips for coping with fibro, so that you can enjoy your relationship. The effects of fibromyalgia are far reaching and may even extend to your love life. But it doesn't have to ruin everything. Fibromyalgia is a challenging autoimmune disorder that causes deep muscle pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and joint stiffness.

Research shows that people in stable, supportive marriages are generally mentally and physically healthier than couples in relationships fraught with conflict. Saying "I do" may have more effect on your health than you might expect. Humans are social creatures and we need close, intimate relationships. Research shows that people in stable, supportive marriages are generally mentally and physically healthier than couples in relationships fraught with conflict.

Strong parenting and emotional well-being are closely connected. Dr. Gerald Newmark, author of the book "How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Children," offers his top child-rearing strategies. "For reasons having to do with the peculiarities of our civilization, we pay a great deal of attention to our scholastic educations, which are formal and supervised, and we devote much less public thought to our emotional educations, which are unsupervised and haphazard.

If your sex life feels limp and lackluster these days, resolve to spice it up. No, not with dietary supplements or prescription pills, but by exercising with a purpose. If your sex life feels limp and lackluster these days, resolve to spice it up. No, not with dietary supplements or prescription pills, but by exercising with a purpose. Certain exercises can help rev-up your performance and level of satisfaction, experts say.

Are you hyper-focused on one particular person? Can't resist calling him several times a day? Do you analyze his every action? If you've answered "yes," you may have one-itis. If you're hyperfocused on one particular person, cannot resist calling him several times a day, and analyze his every action, you may have one-itis. If this sounds like you, you may have one-itis, and it's worth curing. "When someone is so focused on another person, it's obvious that she is trying to compensate for, or make up for, not feeling whole herself," says Karin Anderson, Ph.

Sure, there may be a laundry list of activities that make you happy, but when it comes to reconnecting with your partner, these are key (and the reason is chemical). You smooch your pooch, cuddle with your baby, and engage in all manner of close physical contact with your partner. And afterwards, no matter how stressful and exhausting your day was, you find yourself feeling lighter and more relaxed. Well, there's a reason cuddling and other forms of physical touch have a positive effect on you.

Resolving conflicts doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, you can make the process easy on the both of you by following these ten tips. You and your partner are becoming seasoned experts at sniping, bickering, and arguing. And yet all too often, you're no closer to resolving your differences even after hours of butting heads. It's possible to resolve things in a less stressful way, experts say, when both partners are willing to work things out - and to learn the art of compromise.

Approximately 3.4 million Americans are stalked every year; women three times more often than men. Here are the steps to take if you become a target. Approximately 3.4 million Americans are stalked every year; women three times more often than men. Forty percent of them will be victims of violence or crime. Who's at risk? Almost anyone. That's why protecting yourself from becoming a stalker's target is so important.

If your libido seems to be waning and you're just not as interested in sex as you used to be, you may have wondered whether you should try to get help. Moreover, you may be concerned about from where that help will come. If your libido seems to be waning and you're just not as interested in sex as you used to be, you may have wondered whether you should try to get help. Moreover, you may be concerned about from where that help will come. Natural supplements may be worth considering, some health experts say.

We all know what pressure feels like. But when it comes to making a long-term commitment, are you prepared to overcome cold feet? Many people know what it feels like to have "cold feet." You may experience pressure in your chest, butterflies in your stomach, confusion in your heart—and ambivalence about just what the future holds. All the uncertainty can be unnerving, to say the least.

Can waiting until after you tie the knot mean better sex in the long-term? Waiting until after the wedding to have sex—and being in a monogamous long-term relationship—has definite benefits. One is that your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease is lower than if you had many partners. Another is, not having to worry about an unwanted pregnancy.

A satisfying relationship with a special someone doesn't happen overnight. If you're looking for love, you may wonder why it's just not happening. You may find the process much easier if you learn to love yourself first. A satisfying relationship with a special someone doesn't happen overnight. If you're looking for love, you may wonder why it's just not happening. You may find the process much easier if you learn to love yourself first, experts say. "If you don't put yourself first, then you are denying your abilities to the world around you," says Carolyn Bates, a certified personal life coach, or ICF.

Follow these tips to improve communication with your partner and do away with the criticizing, berating, and belittling you've become accustomed to. You love your partner, and can't quite imagine life without him. Yet when the two of you are together, it's all too easy to fall into the pattern of criticizing, berating, and belittling, with each of you feeling wronged by the other. No wonder it sometimes feels like the two of you are oceans apart when it comes to intimacy.

The weather's not all that heats up in the summer. This can also be the season of love, whether you're single and looking for a relationship or in a committed partnership. The weather's not all that heats up in the summer. This can also be the season of love, whether you're single and looking for a relationship or in a committed partnership. "Summer's a great time to develop a new relationship or to spice up the one that you already have," says Terri Orbuch, Ph.

If you don't have much interest in sex these days, you may worry that you'll never reclaim the passion and sexual desire you once had. Well, worry not. These supplements will get that fire raging once again. If you don't have much interest in sex these days, you may worry that you'll never reclaim the passion and sexual desire you once had. You can't seem to recall just when you started feeling less than passionate, and wonder if you'll ever again enjoy a care and worry-free sex life.

You're newly single, and this may be an excellent time to re-enter the dating game. But before you hop back into the game, consider these tips. You're newly single, maybe feeling lonely, and perhaps feeling disconnected from all your "couples" friends. This may be an excellent time to re-enter the dating game, but you're understandably hesitant because it seems so intimidating. Before you hop back into the game, it's essential for you to make certain considerations.

Having close friends is essential to any productive social life; however, it is possible that one of your "friendships" may be more than just that. Read on to find out if you're really partaking in an emotional affair. You spend as much time with him as possible, seeing him is the bright spot of your day, you share your fears and your secrets, and you simply feel good when you're with him. Nope, not your husband--but a dear friend upon whom you've come to rely. But is he really just a friend, or something more? If the following scenarios resonate with you, your relationship could be in jeopardy.

Close friends are essential to your social life, but know the signs for when a "friendship" moves toward something more. You spend as much time with him as possible, seeing him is the bright spot of your day, you share your fears and your secrets, and you simply feel good when you're with him. Nope, not your husband--but a dear friend upon whom you've come to rely. But is he really just a friend, or something more? If the following scenarios resonate with you, your relationship could be in jeopardy.

Being sensitive can be an admirable trait. However, if you're highly affected by other people's moods and actions, you could be too sensitive. Do you let other people's moods affect you? Do you try hard to avoid making mistakes or forget things? Do you become unpleasant to be around when surrounded by a lot of activity or stimulation? If you answered "yes" to these questions, you may be a highly sensitive person—and you're in good company.

If you find that your fire is burning one minute only to find it extinguished the next, you may have an irregular sex drive. In order to remedy your libido woes, you need to know what's causing it. Here, the four most common culprits. If you find that your fire is burning one minute only to find it extinguished the next, you may have an irregular sex drive. In order to remedy your libido woes, you need to know what's causing it. When your libido's plummeted to the point where your sex life is anything but satisfying, taking a close look at what's going on in your life may be the first step toward revving it up again.

Sure, expressing your emotions in positive ways can be a challenge, but keeping them bottled up is likely to lead to an explosion down the road. When it comes to anger, health and psychology experts agree: Better out than in. Expressing anger in healthy ways can be a challenge; but keeping your emotions bottled up is likely to lead to an explosion down the road. What happens when you get angry, and how can you let it go? Anger is a physical and psychological response to fear, stress, confusion, anxiety, or some other negative situation that puts you on guard.

Getting the most out of a loving relationship takes time and effort, but the personal satisfaction that results from it is well worth it. Getting the most out of a loving relationship takes time and effort, but the personal satisfaction that results from it is well worth it. Being your best self means taking charge of your physical as well as your mental well-being so you can share a long, healthy life with those you love.

Don't wait for fate to bring you together: it may never happen. Instead, take a chance with one of these attention getting tips. You notice him from across the room, and you're pretty sure he's spotted you, too. Or maybe the two of you play on the same weekend softball team and you'd love to ask him out. Don't wait for fate to bring you together. The reality is that it may never happen.

When sex stops being satisfying between you, your relationship becomes vulnerable. The remedy: effective communication. Follow these ten tips to voice your concerns without offending your partner. A breakdown in intimacy is a leading cause of marital discord, says Danine Manette, infidelity expert and the author of The Ultimate Betrayal. And when sex is no longer satisfying, your relationship becomes vulnerable. Resentment, withdrawal, and unhappiness can settle in when the sex life sours.

If your partner frequently says one thing when he means another, you may question his sincerity. Before mixed signals start causing your relationship to unravel, there's a lot you should consider. If your partner frequently says one thing when he means another, or acts in one way only to behave in a completely different fashion later, you may question his sincerity. Before mixed signals start causing your relationship to unravel, keep in mind the following considerations: 1.

Many things can temporarily derail a relationship, including an episode of depression. It is possible, however, to get relationships back on track after treatment. Many things can temporarily derail a relationship, including an episode of depression. Although mental health issues can take a toll on your relationship with your spouse, children, extended family, friends, and coworkers, they do not have to cause permanent damage.

If you're suspicious that your partner has broken your trust, it can be a heavy burden to carry around. Get at the truth by looking for these ten tell-tale signs. If you're suspicious that your partner has broken your trust, it can be a heavy burden to carry around. After all, trust is what your entire relationship is built on. Without it, you may well wonder what the two of you have. "The two biggest things people hide from a partner are definitely an affair or money problems," says Stacy Kaiser, MA, MFT, author of How to Be a Grownup.

Your partner is undergoing a traumatic experience. You want to be supportive, but he's not the easiest person to help. Here's what to do. Your partner is undergoing a painful, traumatic experience—the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, or a business failure. While you want to be supportive, he's not the easiest person to help. So the two of you start going at it, and before you know it, you've got a crisis brewing between you that just seems to grow worse by the day.

Is your ideal man one who can "protect" you from the evils of the past? Or are you a guy who feels the need to "rescue" women who have been wronged? If you answered "yes" to either question, you may have Knight in Shining Armor Syndrome. Answer honestly: If you're a woman, Is your ideal man one who can "protect" you from the woes of past relationships? If you're a man, do you constantly feel the need to "rescue" women who have been wronged? If you answered "yes" to either question, you may have Knight in Shining Armor Syndrome--a relationship faux pas that can take you down treacherous paths.

What benefits do you reap if you're part of a committed, healthy relationship? As most of us know, it's important to eat a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, avoid smoking, and reduce stress in order to live a long life. But there's another way you can extend your lifespan that has nothing to do with your daily health habits: get married and stay married.

Having trouble getting in the mood? You can feel amorous, sexy, and ready for love without having to resort to pills or patches. Having trouble getting in the mood? Given the stressful schedules and lack of free time that most people endure these days, it's hardly surprising that you lack the will or desire to be intimate with your partner. But you can feel amorous, sexy and ready for love without having to resort to pills or patches.

When conception becomes difficult, it can affect both partners. Read on for information about your options and how you can keep a positive perspective. Infertility can be heartbreaking for couples who are faced with wrenching decisions about treatment and a variety of emotions ranging from disbelief that something so natural eludes them to depression when friends and siblings conceive easily. Even for couples who are very close, infertility tests a relationship like few other things do.

If your relationship's been nearly as chilly as the cold, dark winter, warm things up with these tips for a spring relationship cleanup. If your relationship's been nearly as chilly as the cold, dark winter, it may be time to warm things up with a spring relationship cleanup. Along with those showers and flowers comes a hint of romance; so take advantage of the warmer, longer days and the great outdoors.

If sex hurts, a woman can find it hard to get into the mood for intimacy, her partner feels frustrated, and no one's happy. Discomfort during intercourse isn't uncommon, and, fortunately, there are effective treatments that can help you get your sex life back on track. If sex hurts, a woman can find it hard to get into the mood for intimacy, her partner feels frustrated, and no one's happy. Discomfort during intercourse isn't uncommon, and, fortunately, there are effective treatments that can help you get your sex life back on track.

If you're always putting yourself first without thinking of your significant other's needs, you're setting up your relationship for failure. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! It's one thing to take care of yourself. It's another when you're so self-focused that your partner is always taking a back seat while you do and say whatever you like without regard for his feelings.

Has your unconscious come to surface and forced you into a sticky, embarrassing situation? If so, worry not. There are ways to bounce back. "What was I thinking?" We've all uttered these words from time to time when we say the wrong thing, make a stupid decision, or engage in some other temporary lapse in judgment. Despite our tendency to joke away our gaffes, they can be quite embarrassing.

Researchers have a hunch that antioxidants—long touted to decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease—may also help fertility-challenged couples to conceive. Researchers in New Zealand and Australia have a hunch that antioxidants-long touted to decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease-may also help fertility-challenged couples to conceive. Cochrane Library lead researcher Marian Showell, who works in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Aukland in New Zealand, recently reported the results of a small study of 2,876 couples and the effects of oral antioxidants on "subfertile" males.

Most people enjoy having sex, but for a small group of men, the very act of having an orgasm can make them sick. Most people enjoy having sex, but for a small group of men, the very act of having an orgasm can make them sick. Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome This condition was first discovered about a decade ago and is relatively rare, causing some doctors to question whether it's psychological in nature.

Everyone moves around in their sleep. But if you're constantly flailing about, knee-jerking your partner, and generally disturbing the peace, it may be time to make a change. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! You may not realize that you are tossing, turning, and kicking up a storm each night. But if you're not waking up feeling rested and refreshed in the morning, or if you're okay but your sleep partner is complaining, you know something is up.

Telling your partner he's gained weight is not easy. Try these 10 tips to help motivate him tactfully. You're worried about your partner's health, to say nothing of his appearance. But no matter how much you wish that he'd shed those extra pounds or lose the spare tire around his middle, it's really not up to you. "You can't force someone to get in shape," says Jennifer Brennan, RD, CDN, who works at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

What's the key to happiness? While some believe it's a genetic trait shared by a lucky few, recent studies find that true happiness comes as a result of the choices we make. Social scientists continue to identify factors that influence how happy an individual is during his or her life. The results are interesting and, more importantly, give us some concrete steps we can take to increase our own happiness. For many years, the set-point theory dominated the happiness psychology field.

If you partner cheats, and you find out, you’re probably expecting a certain reaction–like remorse, maybe, or genuine sadness. But how about if he blames his genes? Is this a valid excuse? Find out here. If you partner goes astray and has an affair, and you find out, you're probably expecting a certain reaction--like remorse, maybe, or genuine sadness. But how about if he blames his genes? If cheaters want a new excuse for their actions, they may have found just the ticket.

More people than ever are turning to online dating to make a love connection. While a healthy relationship is a great goal to work toward, here are tips to keep in mind as you navigate your way. Meeting that special someone who just might rock your world is easier than ever, thanks to online dating. And it's more popular than ever before, with an estimated 20 million Americans now using online dating sites, a figure that's more than doubled from just five years ago, says the market research firm IBISWorld, as reported in The New York Times.

You and your partner may be the best of friends during the day, but what happens at night? If you're not sleep compatible, your relationship can suffer, as can your physical and mental health. You and your partner may be the best of friends during the day, but what happens at night? If you're not sleep compatible, your relationship can suffer, as can your physical and mental health. You can't sleep poorly every night, so you have to find a solution.

New lovers attribute their passionate feelings to matters of the heart. However, scientists are unraveling the science of falling in love and linking it directly to the brain. Ah, romantic love; that all-consuming, butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling you so enjoy when you first fall in love with someone. New lovers attribute their passionate feelings to matters of the heart. However, scientists are unraveling the science of falling in love and linking it directly to the brain.

Compromise is the key to any healthy relationship. Here, 8 tips to help you help your partnership. Everyone likes getting their own way. But if you're in a relationship, learning the art of the compromise is essential. It can be a delicate balance, experts say, because if you always do what your partner wants, you'll ultimately feel resentful. But if you determinedly move forward with your own agenda all the time, and don't attempt to meet your significant other halfway, there'll inevitably be feelings of negativity and resentment.

Learn to stay tight with your sweetie year round. Hearts, flowers, chocolate and lace-trimmed cards. Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion for saying "I Love You" in many beautiful and delicious ways. But keeping the passion alive - and making your partner feel cherished and special - is really a goal to work toward year round.

Women simultaneously give their best as professionals, mothers, wives, friends, sisters, daughters, and more. They work inside and outside the home and somehow find time for everyone...except the one person who is most important: Herself. What if Superwoman were overweight, depressed, anxious, and crabby? What if she was forgetful, distracted, and downright unhappy? Would we still consider her a superhero? That's what millions of women worldwide experience when they try to do it all; simultaneously giving their best as professionals, mothers, wives, friends, sisters, daughters, and more.

Sexually aggressive men are the most likely to misread important signals. Men who are sexually aggressive tend to be worse at reading a woman's cues that she's not interested than men who are more relaxed about sex, according to a new study. The study's finding - that difficulties interpreting a woman's cues are linked with sexual aggression - certainly does not excuse rape, says University of Iowa psychologist Teresa Treat, a study researcher.

Here, 10 signs that there may be trouble ahead. You may be happily involved with your significant other, and either married or contemplating it. You know your partner was in a serious relationship before you two met, and you thought it was over. Now you're wondering if it's not, and whether he still has feelings for his ex.

Since we can't really sleep the day away, here are a few tips for coping with Valentine's Day. If the thought of another Valentine's Day makes you want to stay in bed and pull the covers over your head, don't despair; you're not alone. Although Valentine's Day is a made-up, highly commercialized holiday, it still manages to stir up a brew of unrealistic expectations and powerful emotions.

Sex life taking a downward trend? Here, a dozen ideas for how to reignite the passion. A lagging sex life doesn't have to be a chronic, incurable condition. Whether you've been married for a long time and have kids together, or you're a busy, stressed-out single with no time for sex, there are effective (and fun) strategies to help to rekindle the romance and add some sparkle to your sex life.

Fewer couples are tying the knot, but romance is still very much alive. First comes love, then comes marriage?  These days, one doesn't necessarily follow the other. Some 39 percent of Americans now say marriage is becoming obsolete, according to a study by the Pew Research Center. That's quite a drastic drop from 1978, when 28 percent of Americans felt that way.

Family therapist Allison Cohen says separate beds are not a symbol of a dysfunctional relationship if they lead to healthier interactions between couples. Instead of tearing you apart, separate beds may actually bring you closer together. For some couples, sleeping together is a cure for insomnia; for others, it's a cause. If you have trouble sleeping in the same bed as your partner, don't let it lead to more trouble in your relationship. When the National Sleep Foundation polled adults about their sleep habits and conditions, about 25 percent of participants who are married or living with someone reported that they lose sleep because of their partner's sleep problems.

Here, how fading friendships can affect your health and why friendships are so important. Whether your circle of friends includes individuals you've known since your elementary school days right up to the present, or it's made up of mostly people you know through your kids, chances are they are important to you. You rely on them for companionship, socializing, advice and support.

New research studies further qualify how the quality of the relationship affects a couple’s individual happiness and health. Early research on marriage and happiness has uncovered a positive association between the two. This so-called "marriage advantage" showed that, on average, married people tend to be healthier, live longer, and be at less risk for many serious health conditions than those who never marry.

Here's a look at six health practices and how they can affect intimacy. If you want to have a sizzling sex life, take a good look at how healthy the other aspects of your life are, experts say. And remember, you're never too young to make changes in your lifestyle that will promote health and vigor, says Maria Ordonez, MD, urological surgeon at NewYork Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia Medical Center in New York City.

10 tips to infuse your evening with love and intimacy. Ready to spend the last night of the year with your sweetie? Start by resolving to focus on each other, to avoid spending more than you can afford, and to keep your celebration simple. Here are the 10 tips from Sara Nasserzadeh, Ph.D., author of The Orgasm Answer Guide, Tina B.

Here, 5 tips to keep both of you satisfied in the bedroom. In a perfect world, you and your partner would want sex simultaneously and you'd both be happy with the amount of intimacy in your relationship. There would be no finger pointing, no self-recrimination, and no feelings of inadequacy on one partner's part and frustration on the other partner's part.

The holidays can be a happy, joy-filled time. However, if painful memories make you wish you could sleep until after New Year's, you are not alone. The holiday season is upon us. Tis the season to be jolly. Or, maybe not. The holidays can be a happy, joy-filled time. However, if painful memories make you wish you could sleep until after New Year's, you are not alone. Loss of a loved one, divorce, or other tragedy make holidays emotionally difficult to navigate.

Did you know you should also have regular sexual health check-ups? At these appointments, your doctor not only can pinpoint any physical conditions early on but may be able to help with certain problems keeping you from enjoying a satisfying sex life. You're vigilant about scheduling an annual physical, and you pay attention to your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight. But did you know you should also have regular sexual health check-ups? At these appointments, your doctor not only can pinpoint any physical conditions early on but may be able to help with certain problems keeping you from enjoying a satisfying sex life.

Whether it's bad breath or body odor, here are some ways to ease into a conversation. It's a conversation you'd just as soon not have with your partner. But his bad breath (or body odor, excessive flatulence, or another repulsive condition or habit) is such a turn off that you've decided you have to bring it up. "If you don't it will erode the relationship," says Irina Firstein, LCSW.

All orgasms aren't created equal. Here, differences between men and women. The truth about orgasms? They're just not the same for both sexes. While experiencing an orgasm for a woman depends a lot on where her head is at (and whether she remembered to take care of all the details of the day before she'll even allow herself to think about orgasms), it's a whole lot simpler for guys.

Are you and your partner looking to start or add to your family? Don't let stress put a stop to it. You desperately want to be a parent and all your friends seem to be announcing their pregnancies to the world. While you're happy for them, you're experiencing a wrenching gamut of emotions about your own situation that ranges from anger to despair to fear.

Here, we reveal the truth about how she really feels. Typically, we're inundated with TV shows and movies suggesting only men are the ones who complain about lack of intimacy from their partner. However, it's equally as frustrating for a woman whose husband has no or little interest in sex. Especially in a society in which many wives seem to complain about their lack of desire for intimacy with a spouse, a woman who wants more intimacy (and is getting less) from her husband can experience a low self esteem and wonder if something is wrong with her.

Getting away for some pressure-free, stress-free time with your partner sounds like a terrific idea. After all, how can two people not get along in a beautiful spot with no kids, no irritating coworkers, and no nagging bosses? Couples retreats have both pros and cons, so weigh both before you sign up Getting away for some pressure-free, stress-free time with your partner sounds like a terrific idea. After all, how can two people not get along in a beautiful spot with no kids, no irritating coworkers, and no nagging bosses? Couples retreats have both pros and cons, so weigh both before you sign up.

If the feeling just isn't striking you, don't worry. We have the fixes to get you back in the mood. A lack of interest in your partner can make you feel a range of emotions: guilt, frustration, sorrow and anxiety chief among them. Whether it's been a long time coming or it's seemingly overnight that you find yourself simply not caring anymore, a disinterest in that someone who's been so incredibly special in your life usually occurs for one or more reasons.

Considering how prevalent depression is, it’s not surprising that many marriages have at least one spouse who suffers from depression. Over time, untreated depression can really take a toll on relationships. Considering how prevalent depression is, it's not surprising that many marriages have at least one spouse who suffers from depression. Over time, untreated depression can really take a toll on relationships. Research shows there is a two-way link between depression and marital distress.

Family life can be busy. Here, the top 10 tips for how to put your marriage first. It happens so sneakily that you don't even know it at first. Without any warning, you've suddenly gone from having your daily intimate moment to the most harried parents on the block. At the detriment of your marriage, you've become the enablers of your child's rich social and cultural life as you rush around on endless rounds of sports practices, kids' birthday parties, and play dates.

Learn how to beat fatigue and rev up your romance. Stifle that yawn! Daytime sleepiness and fatigue don't have to come between you and your significant other. In fact, you can often achieve a much more harmonious relationship simply by figuring out how to get more z's and making sure you get the sleep you need.

Without a doubt, older women bring depth and maturity to many relationships, but there can also be valid reasons to steer clear of courting a cougar. According to Fayr Barkley, Ph.D. human behavior research expert and founder of cougar international (a cougar/cub dating site) younger men are driving the dynamic behind the younger man/older woman dating trend. "I see a ratio of more than 10 men to every woman who join my website, www.

Does the idea of retirement scare you? Here's how to prep for this major life transition. For some people, leaving the workforce is a long-held dream. For others, the thought of giving up the job they've had for years is a great source of anxiety. If retirement is something that scares you, it's important to be well prepared for this major life transition.

Exhibiting defensive qualities is usually viewed as negative, but this may not always be the case for men. Typically, defensiveness-a trait characterized as rejecting, repressing, or contradicting information that's perceived as threatening-is viewed as a negative quality, and in a lot of ways it is; for men, however, this may not be the case. You've seen it: the coworker contradicting or becoming uptight about constructive criticism, or the friend that flips the switch from friendly to antagonistic once you crack a joke.

If you're feeling a definite lack of sparkle and sizzle in your love life, it may just be all in your head. You can look glowing, desirable, self-confident and utterly sexy again, but it has to start with you. If you're feeling a definite lack of sparkle and sizzle in your love life, it may just be all in your head. You can look glowing, desirable, self-confident and utterly sexy again, but it has to start with you. "The most powerful sex tool we have is our brain," says Lisa Rene Reynolds, Ph.

From having more sex to monitoring your testosterone, here are six ways to lower your chances of developing ED. Erectile dysfunction (ED) drug manufacturers spent $313.4 million on measured media last year, according to TNS Media Intelligence. Watch any television channel, read any magazine, drive on any major highway and you'll see an onslaught on advertisements for ED treatments.

Do you believe that most people will tell a lie if they think they can gain by it? If you answered yes to this question, chances are you have a bit of a cynical streak. Do you believe that most people will tell a lie if they think they can gain by it? If you answered yes to this question, chances are you have a bit of a cynical streak. The dictionary defines cynicism as a bad attitude, a belief in bad outcomes, resentment, sarcasm, or suspicion.

You and your partner have a caring, mutually supportive relationship, except for one little sticking point: he’s still friendly with his ex. You don’t know whether this is perfectly healthy and natural, or whether you should call him on it. Here’s how to know when it’s okay and when it’s not okay. You and your partner have a caring, mutually supportive relationship, except for one little sticking point: he's still friendly with his ex. You don't know whether this is perfectly healthy and natural, or whether you should call him on it. Here's how to know when it's okay and when it's not.

Being married seems so easy at first: everything's new and fresh, from the bone china to the queen-sized comforter to "officially" sharing a last name. But at some point, the honeymoon's clearly over and you both find yourselves marveling at how tough being married can be. Being married seems so easy at first: everything's new and fresh, from the bone china to the queen-sized comforter to "officially" sharing a last name. But at some point, the honeymoon's clearly over and you both find yourselves marveling at how tough being married can be.

Ask any guy and he'll tell you that he believes it's the women in his life who are the emotional or vulnerable ones. Though that may be true in some circumstances, a recent study has found that men are actually the ones who are most affected by rocky relationships. Ask any guy and he'll tell you that he believes it's the women in his life who are the emotional or vulnerable ones. Though that may be true in some circumstances, a recent study has found that men are actually the ones who are most affected by rocky relationships.

Do you command attention? Are you quick to get into a fight? Did you engage in sex at an early age? While these questions may seem inquisitive, various studies suggest that these queries, among others, can be answered simply by the sound of your voice. Do you command attention? Are you quick to get into a fight? Did you engage in sex at an early age? While these questions may seem inquisitive, various studies suggest that these queries, among others, can be answered simply by the sound of your voice.

It’s the question every man dreads to answer and every woman seems to ask: “Do I look fat?” Here, how to answer tactfully. It's the question every man dreads to answer and every woman seems to ask: "Do I look fat?" On first thought, you may feel that a simple "No, honey. You look beautiful." would suffice; and in many situations, it might. However, a person's body image, in certain circumstances, has been found to negatively effect one's health.

Believers say it can heighten your romance and enhance intimacy between the two of you. Can the very old Chinese art of aesthetics, which stresses the power of placement, really give you a better sex life? Experts say that it can. "Feng shui can ignite a fire between the two of you," says certified feng shui master practitioner Debra Duneier, founder and President of Living Home by Debra, LLC.

How to stop the snoring, kicking, and teeth grinding. Your partner may be snuggly, cuddly, and cozy in bed. But once the lights are out,  instead of falling into blissful dreamland, you lie awake enduring snoring, teeth grinding, and kicking. It's not your partner's fault, of course. But admit it: you do feel a tad irritated in the morning when you're so tired you can barely drag yourself to the coffeepot, while the sound sleeper on the other side of the bed is chipper, cheerful and ready to greet the day.

Here, warning signs that show you when it's time to call things off. Like the song proclaims, "Breaking-up is hard to do." Futhermore, ending a relationship in which you were truly invested and severing all ties can be the most painful experience of all. So how can you tell when it's time to stick it out and work on the relationship, or admit things aren't working and move on? Here, 10 signs to look for that will tell you it's time to split.

Here, ingredients for the perfect pre-sex meal and how to choose the menu for a love-fest feast. Of course setting the stage for great sex involves the obvious--candles, soft music, low lights, and maybe some rose pedals. But why not also whip up a sensual feast to put you both in the mood for amore? Enjoying a meal that's light, yet slightly exotic and replete with the foods that encourage romance gives both of you the delicious opportunity to share a feast as you anticipate what's to come after dessert.

Men are likely to live longer if they marry a younger woman, new research suggests. It's a pretty common pattern for men to date younger women--and this extends to marriage too. In the Unites States, on average, a groom is 2.3 years older than his bride, according to the US Census Bureau. While it might seem obvious that dating a younger...

When sex hurts after menopause, you'll look for guidance. Here, tips for how to make intercourse feel good once again. Menopause isn't called the change of life for nothing. Sleep habits change (for the worse), your mood changes (minute to minute), and your hair changes (gets thinner). But perhaps the most unexpected change of all has to do with your sex life. Not only is intercourse downright uncomfortable, but it can actually be painful.

A lot changes when you age. Here, the sexual changes you and your partner may experience. Let's face it, growing older means facing some physical changes--graying hair, some wrinkles, maybe a few extra pounds that stay stubbornly on the hips. But aging brings changes in sexuality, too. Every person's experience is different and to some extent, age is less of a predictor of changes in sexuality than health.

Ever wonder why sex feels so good? Here’s what happens to your body when you make love. Your body is like a pleasure powerhouse that cycles through a series of sexual responses each time you and a partner have sex. The phases of response differ somewhat for men and for women, but they both follow a fairly set physiological pattern, experts say.

Despite what you might think, talking about others has its benefits. "Pssssst! Did you hear what she said? He did what? How could she have said that?" Whether it's a whispered conversation over coffee with a friend or a late-night telephone gabfest with your sister, gossiping bestows a feel-good aura on women who are feeling stressed-out, jilted or just having a bad day.

Learn how to get into online dating and get the results you desire. Whether it's the commericials you've seen on T.V. or the stories friends have regaled you with at dinner, you've heard the stories of people meeting Mr. or Mrs. Right through online dating. Still, you're a little wary of the whole idea. (Don't just people who are desperate use the sites? Isn't it dangerous?) Online Dating for Dummies Here are the top 11 strategies for first timers, from Mary Jo Rapini, LPC, a relationship expert, and Irina Firstein, LSCW.

While the penis itself undergoes changes as a man ages, your sex life can still be satisfying. As men age, some of the common fears are that his penis will get smaller, that it will be too small to satisfy his partner during sex, and that he will lose sexual desire and function. While the penis itself undergoes changes as a man ages, your sex life can still be great.

Not in the mood? Those fries you had with lunch may be dampening your desire. Read on for a list of foods that are most likely to take a toll on your libido. Not in the mood? That cheeseburger and fries you had for lunch today may be dampening your desire. Believe it or not, your sex drive is affected by many of the lifestyle choices you make from day to day, including what you eat and drink. Some of these choices, like eating gassy foods or drinking too much vino, can affect you the very same day (or night).

How—and when—is essential to communicating sensitive information. Embarrassment, shame, or the fear that your partner will want to end your relationship. Any of these could be the reason for not being forthright about a particular health condition. Whether it's a sexually transmitted disease, a chronic disorder like multiple sclerosis, or an invisible but life-impacting illness such as fibromyalgia, there just hasn't been the right time to discuss it.

The G spot. What is it and where is it? More importantly, does it even exist? The G-spot is an elusive pleasure zone that some women swear provides them with an intense sexual experience and some researchers doubt even exists. While it has never been definitively located, many women believe they have a small area in the front of their vagina that, when stimulated, results in an intense orgasm.

Relationships with mothers and stepmothers can be very confusing, but don’t give up. Aim to find common ground. Mother's Day is supposed to be a day to honor and celebrate the efforts of your mother or stepmother.  But for many of us, the holiday can seem like a chore and emotional torture at worst.  Here are three of the most common "Mother-Adult Child" scenarios in families on Mother's Day.

Make sense of your scents. Make perfume or cologne work for you. Our sense of smell is so powerful that a whiff of a freshly baked apple pie brings us right back to the warm security of Grandma's kitchen, a piney aroma evokes Christmases past, and the lingering scent of cologne or perfume can be a turn-on or a turnoff.

If you’ve been with a few women, you may think you know a lot about sex. But with some bedroom experience you soon learn that what is a turn on for one woman is a deal-breaker for another. Good sex means using your brain as much as your body. If you've been with a few women, you may think you know a lot about sex. But as you gain bedroom experience, you'll soon learn that what is a turn on for one woman is a deal-breaker for another. Good sex means using your brain as much as your body. Sex Mistake #1: Thinking sex is only physical Guys tend to get caught up in the physicality of sex.

It’s possible to be too nice, experts say. Do mean jerks always come out on top? Not really, but it sure seems that way sometimes. It's enough to make kind, considerate and caring people actually ponder getting a little pushier, more selfish, and more into self-promotion. You might not want to change those inner good qualities just yet.

The right and wrong way to enhance your romance with texting, email and social networking sites. Modern technology is a mixed blessing when it comes to romance. On one level, social networking sites, texting, and emailing have made it much easier to date. But these forms of communication have also made dating more complicated. There are no set rules, no established guidelines, and no code of etiquette to follow.

How to determine if you two would have a red hot love life. You've met a great guy or girl and the future looks bright. But will your sex life sizzle, and more importantly, will it stay hot? Love at first sight doesn't always happen, and it can take awhile for a deeply satisfying relationship to thrive and grow.

Ever wonder what a woman is thinking on your first date, after the first kiss, or after sex? Read on to get a glimpse into the female mind. Ever wonder what a woman is thinking on your first date, after the first kiss, or after sex? Read on to get a glimpse into what women are thinking during every step of the game. On a First Date Even on a first date you might be focused on getting her into bed, but she'll be thinking of lots of things before the "moment of truth" is even close.

It works for some people, but not for the long haul. In a recent episode of "Grey's Anatomy," Alex and Lexie, two of the doctors who aren't romantically involved, engage in a "no feelings" quickie, as it's referred to in the show's episode recap. Unlike the fictional characters in ABC's hit TV series, having sex with a friend just for sex's sake is not uncommon.

Want to have a great evening together? Here’s what to talk about. You've made a restaurant reservation, switched in and out of three different outfits, and inspected your appearance so many times you've lost count. You're about to spend your first evening ever with someone with potential, but you feel tongue-tied. What can you find to talk about that will be mutually interesting? "Keep it light, fun, entertaining and interesting," advises Stacy Kaiser, licensed psychotherapist and relationship expert.

How to heat up your sex life once the nest empties out. Since the kids moved out, the house is quiet, the kitchen always looks neat, and you're not forever running out of clean towels. You're alone and together with a spouse who may have been swept to the side for years as the children's demands took up a lot of your time.

How to whip up the perfect recipe for a stress-free and enjoyable evening. The time is set, the meeting place arranged. The mirror confirms that your hair and outfit look great. Then what's with the butterflies in your stomach? The perfect date is well within your grasp, experts say, whether you're single or married. You just need to keep a few pointers in mind.

Every marriage has challenges even among the most healthy, well-adjusted adults. When you add a mental health condition such as bipolar disorder into the mix, it can really strain a relationship. If you or your significant other has bipolar disorder, you can still make your relationship work. Every marriage has challenges even among the most healthy, well-adjusted adults. When you add a mental health condition such as bipolar disorder into the mix, it can really strain a relationship. If you or your significant other has bipolar disorder, you can still make your relationship work.

Considering 10 to 25 percent of the population experiences depression at some point, it’s not surprising that this disorder takes a toll on marriage. Considering 10 to 25 percent of the population experiences depression at some point, it's not surprising that this disorder takes a toll on marriage. In fact, research suggests that one spouse in 50 percent of all distressed couples is clinically depressed.

Are you overly concerned about your partner's sexual past? Insecurity may be behind your need to know everything. You may have caught yourself speculating about your partner's former flames and wondering whether they've enjoyed the same intimacy that the two of you do now. You may also wonder whether your partner thinks the sex is better this time around. Somewhere there may even be that lingering worry as to whether you can keep things hot between the two of you.

When it comes to sex, women and men truly do seem to inhabit different planets. When it comes to sex, women and men truly do seem to inhabit different planets. Women tend to have a very strong emotional connection to sex that men simply aren't saddled with, explains Cheryl Pappas, Ph.D., a psychotherapist and social commentator. Men just do not have the need to be as connected emotionally to a partner as a woman does when having sex, she says.

Killer abs may not be linked to better sex, but another body part is. Disappointed that you don't have time to both spend at the gym and in bed with your sweetie? That's not to say that you can't occasionally use sex as a form of exercise, says Cathie Helfand, MS, a marriage and sex therapist. "Using sex as a workout from time to time can help trim the body," she explains.

Learn how to get it right when you want easier intimacy with the guy in your life. If sex unsatisfying, don't rush to point the finger your male partner. In fact, the blame could be put on none other than yourself. All too often, sexual misunderstandings can be cleared up by better communication, experts say. If you want to jump start your sex life, see which of these mistakes you're guilty of, and what you can do to right them.

Forensic psychologist Debra Warner explains how love and passion can give way to depression and how you can negotiate a balance between your relationship and your emotions. It can be easy to fall into the trap of comparing a current relationship to some romantic ideal and feeling dissatisfied if what you have doesn't compare to what you think it should be. With that dissatisfaction you can experience some depression.  However, you should understand that there are different t types of love that match an individual's needs.

It can make sex better for both of you, if he doesn't overdo it. If your partner likes watching porn occasionally, it's probably nothing to worry about. But if he's obsessive about it, hunkering down at his computer in another room for hours on end, then there may be a problem. The Upside Pornography is a visual medium, explains Peter Kanaris, Ph.

Your sex drive’s not gone, it just needs revving up. Rekindle romance in your relationship. If you're feeling apathetic and disinterested in intimacy with your partner these days, the first person to call is your doctor. A variety of prescription medications as well as even small illnesses can kill off sexual desire—and once it happens, you can start to lose confidence in the bedroom.

Can kissing help you pick a compatible mate? Studies say it could. Kissing feels good, but it serves even more of a purpose than that. It's a great way to check out how compatible you are with the one you're kissing, says Tina B. Tessina, Ph.D., LMFT, and author of The Unofficial Guide to Dating Again. "Kissing is a way to tell if you fit together physically," she says.

Kindle a romance by knowing when to smile and when to start up a conversation. We've all done it--cast an extra glance at a person who looks attractive, occasionally smiling, maybe striking up a conversation. Flirting is fun, it's sociable, and it can lead to an enduring romance. That said, there's an unwritten code of behavior that should be followed when you flirt.

Taking part in a healthy marriage may make you happier in all aspects of your life. Think about this next time you and your spouse are in an argument. Despite all your squabbling and minor skirmishes, marriage is actually good for you. That's the result of a study of 34,493 people in 15 countries over a 10 year period. The study was based on surveys conducted by the World Health Organization's World Mental Health (WMH) which appeared in the journal Psychological Medicine.

Stuck in a sexual rut? Read these tips to rev up your sex life with your partner. Yes, it is often true that the heat of passion dips in even great relationships.  The first two years of dating and marriage are usually the hottest--sexually speaking.  Your love hormone, oxytocin, is high, and you feel close, alive, special, and very sexual.

You’re suspicious your partner may be cheating. What comes next? Here, mind-calming strategies for uncovering the truth without a blow-up. You've noticed some telltale and very disturbing signs, yet you can't put the full picture together. Your spouse seems to have a lot of late-night meetings, he seems disinterested in you, and he's distracted much of the time. On occasion, you've caught him furtively texting from his cell phone.

You'll both experience sexual satisfaction when you tell each other what feels good. It's an all-too-common scenario: A spouse feels overworked, underappreciated and overwhelmed with a job, household and kids to care for. Resentment and exhaustion take their toll, and she feels less and less like having sex. With a busy life, there just isn't time for everything, let alone having an all night lovefest.

Instead of stuffing your feelings or squelching your intuition, learn to follow through on your 'no' signals. Have you ever gone along with something--or someone--despite that little voice in your head or flop in your stomach that screamed 'no' at you?  Of course you have.  In fact, most of us have ignored those signals.  Like it or not, we are social animals who often like to please, be liked and included.

The hormones in oral contraceptives may make boyish-looking guys more attractive to women. Pretty boys like Zac Ephron and Chace Crawford are modern-day sex symbols, which is quite a switch from the 1950s and 1960s. Back then, the rugged, very masculine look was in vogue, and Sean Connery, Marlon Brandon and Steve McQueen were considered the heart stoppers of the day.

The hands-on approach for those who need help rekindling their sex life isn’t as hot as it was in the 1970s. Many couples who reach an impasse in their sex life begin seeing a sex therapist who can help them learn how to love and care for each other the way they did when they were first together. The sex therapist may give them "homework" to do--like giving each other massages, for instance, or taking a warm bath together.

Watch out for signs of stress. They can hurt your relationship more than you think. Stress has gotten a bad rap. Sometimes it's necessary. Stressful situations trigger physical reactions such as increased adrenalin and our fight or flight response.  We rely on these reactions to help us cope with all kinds of threatening situations, including daily ones.

Monogamy’s not for everyone, with some people preferring multiple intimate relationships. While polyamory is taboo for most of America, a large number of people are finding that it works for them. In its simplest form, polyamory refers to nonmonogamy, or having more than one serious partner at a time. The practice is described in depth by Peter J.

Good health ups the odds that you and your partner will have a better time in bed. It's hard to get revved up for sex if you're not feeling well. Before you start blaming your less than vigorous libido on getting older or becoming disinterested in your partner, take a long, hard look at your health profile. Medications used to treat...

If your relationship feels “flat”, add new activities and re-kindle forgotten, pleasurable ones. All relationships get into ruts because, in part, we all need some degree of order. Eventually, we trade a little excitement for balance, calm and peace.  But this sense of predictability and control extracts a price by dimming those sparks of love that brought you together.

Here’s all you need to know--and why you need to talk to your teen. There's a lot of misinformation floating around about STDs these days, and it's a subject no one likes to broach with their teenager. Regardless of how uncomfortable it may be, it's a conversation that needs to happen, since teens who are sexually active are at high risk for an STD.

Sometimes it's as simple as just listening and offering her a warm hug. When your woman is feeling stressed, here's how to help. Sure, you can't take your woman's stress away. However, you can often lift her spirits and make her feel better, experts say, by offering a sympathetic ear, solace, and an embrace. "I tell men, if you want to score points with her, you have to learn to just listen," says Ingrid Schweiger, Ph.

Does having sex make women happy or is being happy a natural aphrodisiac? Clearly, there’s a link between sex and happiness for women. What’s less clear is whether there is a cause and effect relationship. A new study funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia is the most recent to draw a connection between sex and happiness. There have been numerous scientific studies and polls on women, sex and happiness in recent years. A study at Dartmouth College found women retrospectively rated sex as the activity that produced the single largest amount of happiness.

Don’t be fooled by using chemistry—or lack of it--to rule a partner in or out. Chemistry usually takes time. See if these situations sound like you-or your friends: Michael passed up a wonderful woman because he wasn't immediately attracted to her.  He always preferred dark, voluptuous beauties.  After a few more failed relationships, Michael's colleague announced his engagement to "the kindest and funniest woman" he ever met.

Find out how communication breakdowns can cause real emotional issues down the road. Studies have shown that men and women have very different communication styles.  Some experts have even gone so far as to describe these different styles as completely different languages. Many authorities attribute communication differences to disparities in the way that men and women think.

Five classic excuses that scream insincerity. Honesty is always the best approach when considering a breakup. But it's difficult because the person who's doing the breaking up doesn't want to hurt the other person's feelings, explains relationship expert Ingrid Schweiger, Ph.D. "We are afraid to be honest and we fear confrontation," she says.

The disturbing truth about emotional affairs is that they’re harder on a marriage than purely physical flings. If you've ever wondered whether an emotional affair is as damaging as one that involves mostly sex, the answer is yes--maybe even more so. That's the word from relationship experts, who say it can be harder to break off an affair when it's purely an emotional thing.

Don’t be tempted to tell your life story at the beginning of a relationship. It seems so difficult today to find someone you really like to the point that, when you do, you are tempted to rush the connection by telling too much too quickly about yourself.  But don't act on this impulse.  Here are the dangers of moving too hastily and how to handle revealing details about your past.

When the two of you can’t hear what the other one is saying, you may need to address your communication skills. Men and women communicate differently, experts say. When we talk with each other, men tend to sit side by side rather than face to face, which seems unconfrontational to them, says Mary Jo Rapini, LPC, an intimacy/sex relationship psychotherapist. And men often don't make eye contact when they talk, she says, because they find it "threatening.

From money to sex, certain subjects are simply off the table for discussion. What are the most common topics that wives tend to keep mum about? "Usually money and sex," says Sheenah Hankin, Ph.D., a psychotherapist and the author of Complete Confidence.  "Women spend money on things like shoes, facials and hair coloring, and then they feel guilty about what they spent.

Don’t kick yourself for making mistakes. We all do. Learn these tricks for overcoming regret. Uh-oh. It's that time of year again. No matter how good or bad your past twelve months have been for you, the reality of starting a new year almost automatically trips off feelings of sadness or regret.  And in these tough economic times, it's easy to fall into the "I Shoulda/Why Did I?" trap.

Some of the best and most thoughtful gifts can come during crunch time. With decking the halls, shopping in crowded malls, wrapping gifts, baking cookies, and trying to keep the peace among all the family members. With all that pressure it's no wonder the holiday season can be a time to feel a little underappreciated. If your special someone is a little out of sorts these days, there are small but meaningful ways to tell her or him that you think they're wonderful.

Don’t go back with a previous partner until you’ve developed new solutions for old problems. It's very tempting to go back with a previous partner. After all, there might be very good reasons why you were attracted to this person in the first place as well as very understandable reasons why you broke up. But can you really re-kindle old love?  Unfortunately, there is no right answer for everyone.

The holidays can bring out the best in a relationship. Similarly, the increased stress and pressure of the holiday can bring out the lesser points of the partnership as well. Didn't we just put away the holiday decorations, make New Year resolutions and resume our normal, everyday lives? Believe it or not, it's that time of year again. Chances are you've had a challenge or two navigating your relationship through the (sometimes) stormy holiday season without springing a few leaks.

Do the holidays take a toll on your mood year after year? Put into practice some proven tools to combat holiday depression and you could make this holiday season one of the best ones yet. Holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, right? So why does the depression rate soar at this time of celebration? If the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past, tune into the some of the tools below to combat holiday depression this season.

While celebrity hijinks seem to be part and parcel of American culture, there are lessons to be learned. Here, relationships expert LeslieBeth Wish, Ed. D. MSS examines golf great Tiger Woods' infidelity. Like most revelations about the rich and famous, the news about Tiger Woods' early morning car crash on Friday, November 27, 2009, and alleged extra-marital activities can turn the best of us into scandal junkies. We like--and don't like--to see prominent people falter.

If your partner's stress makes you stressed, then fights and disagreements are probably in abundance. Here, learn how to better cope with your loved one's mood. Since bad moods and stress seem to be contagious, it's easy to be brought down by and enmeshed in your partner's negativity, says Debbie Mandel, the author of Addicted to Stress. Furthermore, she adds that men and women experience stress very differently, so it can be difficult to react and respond to your partner's stress in a way that disables it.

Food and sex are two of life's great pleasures. However, sustained overeating leads to unwanted weight gain. This often produces unexpected consequences such as squelching your interest in sex. Prolonged stress–such as many of us are experiencing during the current recession--increases the likelihood we will develop unhealthy ways to cope. These inadequate behaviors take a toll on our overall health and vitality and may even put the kibosh on our sex drive.

The body’s sexy zones can be just about anywhere you can reach. It's easy for men to become sexually aroused. For women, though, sex may seem like just another "task" in their busy day-to-day. This can be because of their crazy schedules and an unwillingness to ask for what they want in the bedroom, according to LiveScience, and so women may tend to just settle for so-so sex.

ED may be even more serious than it first seemed. At some time in their life, all men will experience erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to engage in sexual intercourse. Although erectile dysfunction is sometimes called "impotence," impotence refers to other problems that interfere with the sexual act, such as low libido, or lack of sexual desire, and problems with ejaculation or orgasm.

Don’t let life’s stresses tempt you to settle in love. Give and take, yes. Settle, no. Tough times often make us choose or stay with partners we might not select when our lives are more stable. Increased family responsibilities and long hours at work leave less time and energy to meet new potential dates and mates. Furthermore the economic downturn puts greater financial burdens on singles and main earners.

If you and your spouse are in a sexless union, you might need some relationship Rx. A sexless marriage. While it's not something you'd want to participate in, experts estimate that nearly 15 to 20 percent of American couples aren't being inimate regularly. It's the very rare marriage in which both spouses are happy with a no-sex policy, says Israel Helfand, marriage counselor, sex therapist and member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

Don’t turn most of your communication into professions of love. Instead, be sure your contacts resemble real life. Long-distance relationships require commitment, patience and a rich imagination.  But love can grow and thrive--even if it has to travel far.  Here are some do's and don'ts about how to make your long distance relationship a success.  These skills are especially important now because one partner might be serving time in the military or have to move away from home for a job.

Tips for enhancing the experience for both of you. Whether or not foreplay is important is controversial these days. Some people say it's overrated. In fact, a survey in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, says that women apparently think foreplay doesn't really add all that much to the experience and that they would rather just concentrate on intercourse.

Don’t let being alone or unhappy in love at the holidays ruin your mood. Use your discontent to kick-start changes. All that tinsel, holiday music and ads for the perfect gift--it's enough to make the happiest of us feel the pressure of shopping, wrapping, decorating and returning.  Imagine how it feels when you're going through tough economic times.  Now add being single, divorced or unhappy in love and having to answer the yearly question:  What are you doing for the holidays?  Be careful before you answer.

Emotions run high after recovering from breast cancer and rightfully so. Here, a guide to coping with changes in body image and treatment-related sexual problems. The National Cancer Institute reports that about half of women treated for breast cancer experience some form of long-term sexual dysfunction. Increasingly, younger women are being diagnosed with breast cancer. These women are particularly vulnerable to, or distressed by, treatment-related sexual problems.

Don’t rely on holiday family get-togethers to “settle the score” or “get things off your mind.” Even the best families have unresolved issues.  And the holidays seem like a convenient time to address them.  Everyone's together, you've got allies, more time to talk and high hopes that the holiday spirit will bring out the best in people.

You may be pleasantly surprised to learn how easy it is. If you have trouble attaining orgasm, you're far from alone. Surveys show that about a quarter of American women report they have some sort of orgasm related problems. Some women say they can't have one at all, which is called anorgasmia, while others can only get close but can't seem to climax.

In some instances, refraining from sex may benefit your love life. Generally, the lack of sex in a relationship signals a problem. "People can rationalize it away, but when couples stop having sex it often means there is conflict," says Dr. Scott Wetzler, a psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. "Our sexuality is part of who we are and it's healthy to have sex.

An uncommon condition in some women causes itching and burning during intimacy, but fortunately, it is treatable. Not tonight, dear, I'm allergic. This excuse sounds even less plausible than a headache but it can actually be a valid one: a small number of women actually are allergic to their partner's seminal fluid. In fact, between 20,000 and 40,000 women in the United States may have this allergy, Dr.

General health problems that put your sexual health at risk — and what you can do about it. Consider this: Thirty to 50 percent of men with diabetes suffer from erectile dysfunction. Men in their 40s who have erectile dysfunction (ED) are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease compared to men without ED. These are just a few examples of how your sexual health relates to overall health.

Despite our modern American society, experts say emotions are perceived differently. Male versus female: It's definitely a gender thing when it comes to showing one's feelings. Men tend to hold their feelings close and be stoic while women tend to express themselves more openly. The bottom line, experts say, is that males and females are hardwired to respond differently.

If your partner—or you—cheat, don’t assume that it’s over between the two of you. See the incident as a wake up call. First, let's look at why most partners cheat. To feel connected to someone. Since cheating involves sexual intensity, the brain's love and attachment chemicals such as oxytocin and endorphin increase—which make you feel close. To feel appreciated and to matter to someone.

Experts say that fighting (fair) actually may help you live longer. No one's telling you to rush out and engage in a below-the-belt, no-holds-barred battle with your mate. But getting those mutual feelings of anger out in the open can have a beneficial effect on your health. The stress that is caused by unresolved anger can result in emotional and physical problems, says psychotherapist Joanne Stern.

The timing varies, but experts say it can be the best medicine of all. If you've had a heart attack or heart surgery, you've probably wondered when, if ever, it's okay to resume sexual activity. And if you're the partner of a heart attack victim, you may be scared to initiate anything for fear of causing another attack. Well, worry not.

Egg donation provides couples with infertility other options to have a child. Learn more about how egg donation works. In 2005 there were nearly 39,000 live births resulting from assisted reproductive technology in the United States. Egg donation plays an integral part of this process, helping many couples to finally realize their dream of having a child. Although egg donation increases yearly, many of us are probably more familiar with the process of sperm donation.

Men and women need to get some “Income Etiquette” no matter who makes more money! Because men generally make more money than women, today's economic crisis has created more lay offs for men—and more "stuck in the same old job/same pay" for women.  Furthermore, since men still put more of their "identity eggs" in the work basket, when a man loses his job or has to work for less pay and status, he is also likely to lose some self-esteem.

Genetics may be why some guys get cold feet. A gene variant may explain why some males want to maintain their single-forever status. Men with one or two copies of the "allele 334" have trouble committing to a relationship, according to a Swedish study. When the researchers looked at 500 couples, they found that men with this variant not only were commitment-phobic but also had marital troubles if they tied the knot.

Here, the facts and myths surrounding why couples are unfaithful. Take a poll on what people believe is the most common reason for an extramarital affair and the answer you are likely to get from the majority is: sex. While this may be a common belief, it's not necessarily true, says Andrea Syrtash, a dating and relationships expert.

Don’t speak first and think later. Here are some tips for those times when your reactions rule. Almost all of us have been in situations when we said or did the wrong thing.  You might feel the response coming on, but by then it's too late.  Your slip up behavior is already a runaway train.  Besides being embarrassed and ashamed, you worry about giving your date the wrong impression or hurting the feelings of your partner.

Snoring ranks among the top three things people want to change in their mate. If you lie awake at night as your partner saws the log, you're far from alone. Although snoring can affect anyone, it's most common in males and those who are overweight. According to the National Sleep Foundation, this nighttime disturbance affects 37 million Americans on a regular basis.

Having sex on a daily basis may be just what the doctor ordered. Frequent sexual activity improves the quality of a man's sperm and may even help couples conceive a baby, according to new research reported by Reuters. Genetic defects in men's sperm dropped significantly after they embarked on a regimen of daily sex, according to a study of men attending a fertility clinic.

Research shows that certain foods make sperm healthier and improve reproductive ability. You may never complain about eating a bunch of broccoli or filling up on fruits again. There's new evidence that antioxidants may be the best foods for healthy sperm and improve the ability to reproduce. Scientists have been trying to get to the bottom of a worrying trend--the decline in the quality of semen and sperm, and male fertility in recent decades.

Feeling anxious? Regain a sense of calm with these easy tips. Anxiety can strike at any time, and some of us are more susceptible than others. Family issues, workplace worries, and the day-to-day obligations of our busy schedules can take a toll on how we feel, both physically and emotionally. To ease feelings of anxiety or tension, try these easy methods for stress reduction.

Don’t overlook the importance of your partner’s siblings and best friend. You might need them as allies. It's difficult enough to get along with your mate's parents.  In the movie Meet the Parents, actor Ben Stiller has to earn the acceptance of his future father-in-law, played by Robert de Niro.  At times, it seems like Stiller's task is impossible.

An overview of the side effects of the birth control pill and the birth control patch. You may be relieved to learn that the risk of breast cancer from taking the birth control pill is very small, as revealed in research from the Mayo Clinic. However, there are many other side effects associated with the pill and the birth control patch.

Postpone those candlelight dinners and sex too soon. The flame and the rush can trick you into falling in love quickly—and too often with the wrong person. Most of us want to feel romantic because it makes us feel valued, special and less alone.  At the beginning of a relationship, great sex and the thrills and chills of exciting activities can fool you into feeling that you've really found that special someone this time.

Victoria Zdrok, Ph.D., answers a reader's question about whether his sex life with his wife is normal. Q: I'm a 45 year old male and have been happily married to my wife for over 20 years.  One of our few points of contention is the fact that we only have sex once or twice a month. This is fine for her, but I have a higher sex drive, and this sometimes isn't enough for me.

Is there sex after menopause? You bet, say doctors and sexual health educators. Reports that women's sexuality ends with menopause now fall into the category of urban myth or old wives' tale. While some women do experience sexual problems in menopause, many don't. Also, many women discover that sex after menopause is more pleasurable and gratifying than ever before.

Don’t think you’re being weak if you have trouble recovering from a short-term relationship break up. These break ups can hurt in different but important ways. People most likely offer you sympathy when your long-term relationship ends.  Few know why or how the short-term ones hurt so much, too.  Here, the top reasons why you might be feeling hurt when these briefer love connections fall apart: These relationships are often more intense and passionate.

Are you feeling too tired for sex? Survey after survey shows that busy couples are choosing sleep over sex. Try these tips to reawaken your love life. It's a broken refrain: Americans are just too tired for sex. In the Romance and Parenting poll conducted last month by AreYouRomantic.com, 63 percent of women and 49 percent of men admitted to being too tired for sex. In this year's National Sleep Foundation "Sleep in America" poll, sleep-deprived people were more likely to not have sex (18 percent) compared to better sleepers (6 percent).

Can long-distance relationships work? For millions of modern couples, they do. For millions of couples there truly is no mountain high enough or river wide enough to keep them apart. They're living proof that a long distance relationship works. In 2005, there were about 3.5 million people in long distance marriages, a 30 percent increase since 2000, according to the Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships, an online information clearinghouse.

After a break up, avoid rebound love by not falling for someone new too quickly or by not choosing someone who is too opposite. Rebounds are only good in sports.  But when it comes to break ups, the word "rebound" should be flashing in your mind as a big, red warning sign about your next attempts at love. But how do you know if you are falling into the top traps of rebound love?  If you've just ended a relationship, here are the top two missteps to recognize.

Thinking of moving in with your partner? Don’t—until you’ve answered the questions below. Pick the choices that apply. Or, add your own. The Living Together Quiz  1.  Why are we moving in together?   ___Because of having financial issues ___We're trying out a "pre-marriage" ___I'm hoping that living together will "fix" a problem ___I fear I'll lose my partner ___We feel like it's the "next step" 2.

New study suggests that women with high emotional intelligence get more enjoyment from sex. Want to improve your sex life? Scientists believe they have once again discovered an important factor in a woman reaching her sexual peak. According to a study conducted by the Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology at King's College London, emotional intelligence in a woman (or the ability to monitor her own and others' feelings and emotions) appears to increase the number of orgasms she can have.

What you don’t know can hurt you. Here we clear up some contraception confusion. Your reproductive system is one of the most fragile systems in the body, according to the Office of Women's Health (OWH). Yet, every day women make birth control decisions without all the facts. Your gynecologist is one of your best allies when it comes to choosing contraception.

Money worries keeping you up at night? Follow these seven steps to help you relax and take control of your stress. It seems like there's more bad news about the economy every day. Stock values are plummeting, some people owe more money for their home than it's worth, and big banks are going under. So it's no wonder that almost everyone is worried about their bank...

Lying isn't always a bad thing. Q: I've always been taught that lying is wrong. When is it okay, or even beneficial, to lie? A: When we were young, we were taught not to lie.  Yet, as it turns out, there are benefits of lying—and sometimes it's even a necessity. The "white lies" we tell to others serve as the social glue that allows us to sustain and enrich our relationships.

Get the truth about sex during pregnancy. The myths surrounding sex during pregnancy are endless. Sex can hurt the baby. The baby will know what's happening. Sex can cause a miscarriage. What's an expectant mom or dad to believe? Here, we separate fact from fiction. Q. Can you have sex during pregnancy? A.

Many women find it difficult to leave an abusive relationship. Here are 13 ways to make the break easier. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States. Every year more than one million women seek medical assistance for injuries sustained in an abusive relationship. And about one in five female high school students have been physically or sexually abused by someone they're dating.

So, your ex found love in what seems like no time at all. Don't fret. The reasons behind it may reassure you. When your ex finds love, gets engaged, married or moves in with someone else within months of your break up, your ex could be dealing with emotional issues that are--and were--beyond your influence.  It's a tough truth to accept, but an ex's new love does not have to conquer you.

New study finds that a bad marriage takes a toll on a woman’s health increasing their risk of heart disease and diabetes. A recent study from the University of Utah revealed that a woman in a strained or bad marriage is at risk for depressed mood, hypertension, obesity and other signs of metabolic syndrome. This makes women  more vulnerable to diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Still in search of the big "O"? Learn about the surprising factors that affect female orgasms. For many women sexual satisfaction can be as elusive as post-coital cuddling. While the anatomy of male orgasms are better understood, many studies and popular literature still refer to the female orgasm as "a mystery" or "misunderstood." Scientists—from Freud to Kinsey—have attempted to shed light on women's sexuality.

How long of a break from dating should you take between a break up? Find out here. Failed love hurts.  And it hurts so bad that you might swear off marriage and relationships, loathe the thought of dating and close your heart and mind to finding love ever again.  The glass of life feels half empty, and you've just joined the unofficial Club of Love Pessimists.

You may not want to think about sex when PMS symptoms take over. But sex may be just what you need. Premenstrual syndrome isn't an aphrodisiac, to say the least. Symptoms like bloating, cramps, fatigue and depression hardly arouse sexual desire. So it seems like a cruel joke that when you're in a sexiness slump, sex is one of the PMS remedies you need.

Unhappy in your marriage? Don’t rush the decision to get divorced. Once you open that door and go out, you might not be able to return—or choose wisely the next time. If you're thinking of getting divorced, think some more.  After all, you could choose to split up later. Hasty decisions can lead to regret, and if you don't understand how you got into this situation, then you might repeat the same love problem with someone else.

Here, a guide for how to know you are in love and have chosen the right person to marry. Marriage is scary.  We're too good at hiding our fears, feelings and secrets from our partners—and ourselves.  So, it's no wonder so many people are putting off finding a mate until later in life. There is no guaranteed list of do's and don'ts about making a wise choice, but relationship research provides some sound advice.

Nice girls do have sex on first dates. And few men would turn down an offer. But if you set aside issues of morality and values, then what could be wrong about having sex at the beginning of a relationship? Most of us want to feel chosen, connected and cared for. Unfortunately, it's easy to be fooled into thinking you are falling in love, and one of the sure ways to cloud your judgment about your new partner is having sex too soon.  Here are the top reasons how a hasty decision to have sex endangers your relationship health.

The word is out — sex can be great for your health in more ways than you can imagine. Looking for the secret to a better quality of life, or longer life? Some of us think the answer lies in a bottle of herbal pills, a better diet, or more aerobic exercise. Few of us would think sex could have the same benefits. But according to research, sex does much more than satisfy desire - it can have a significant impact on your health and increase your lifespan.

Boredom? Conflict? Communication breakdown? Learn how to solve some of the most common relationship killers. Few feelings in the world can top the sheer exhilaration of finding your other half or soul mate. But unlike the blissful Hollywood portrayals, romance isn't always all it's cracked up to be. In real life, love can be challenging and difficult. Has your relationship taken a few wrong turns? These six couple-saving strategies can help you get your love life back on track.

Get the basics on sex addiction, the consequences and the treatment. In the past few years sex addiction has garnered lots of attention, mostly because of celebrities such as David Duchovny and Eric Bénet (Halle Berry's ex). While sexual desire and sexual activity is a natural, healthy part of life, sex addiction isn't.

If you’re dating someone with HIV, or considering it, here are a few important things for you to know. Relationships where one person is HIV-positive and the other isn't are commonly referred to as serodiscordant relationships. If you're in a serodiscordant relationship, you want to enjoy the same intimacy and sexuality of couples not coping with HIV, but it's natural for you to have concerns about your partner's health - and about your risk of HIV infection.

See what the studies are saying. Depression is a real illness that causes real suffering. But depression sufferers who are married or in committed relationships don't suffer alone. People living in close quarters are quite sensitized to each other's moods and actions, and when one spouse spends most of his or her time depressed, with the attendant complaining, moping, worrying, criticizing, crying or complete withdrawal, it's not surprising that the other spouse's emotional state will be negatively affected as well.

Don't cut corners when deciding on this permanent form of birth control. Here's what you need to know about the vasectomy procedure. Approximately 500,000 to 600,000 vasectomy procedures are performed annually in the America. Now sources such as the Cleveland Clinic and The New York Times report that the recession has sparked an increase in the number of vasectomies. The decision to have a vasectomy procedure shouldn't be taken lightly, even though vasectomy reversals are possible.

Psychologist and relationship expert Dr. LeslieBeth Wish answers a reader's question about maintaining distance in a healthy partnership. Q:  How do you manage emotional and physical space in a relationship? A:  If you're lucky in love, then you've probably found someone with problem-solving abilities and what I call  the "relationship rhythm range" of time alone and time as one that mesh with yours—two things that are necessary to resolve emotional and physical space issues.

Contrary to popular belief, sex therapy isn't just for sex addicts. Learn about how sex therapy can help you in your relationship and life. Most of us became familiar with the term "sex therapist" when the frank, bubbly Dr. Ruth Westheimer appeared on the scene. Her debut book Dr. Ruth's Guide to Good Sex was an international bestseller; yet many of us still couldn't explain what sex therapy is or what a sex therapist does.

When you’re going through menopause, sex may take a backseat to coping with hot flashes, mood swings, and other menopause symptoms. Learn how to cope and keep your sex life alive. Few positive images come to mind when you think of menopause. Bouts of moodiness, hot flashes, increased weight, sleeplessness, menstrual changes, and vaginal changes seem to define the process. Then there are all the myths surrounding menopause and sex.

Some researchers believe the connection between human pheromones and attraction is nothing to scoff at. Can a perfume or cologne with pheromones turn you into a love magnet? The prevailing wisdom is that you should hold on tightly to your purse for now. Pheromones are defined as chemicals secreted by an individual that produces a change in the sexual or social behavior of another individual of the same species.

Researchers say, despite commonly held beliefs, romance can thrive in long-term relationships. Find out how. Most of us are in awe - or disbelief - when we hear that a couple has been married for 50 years or longer. These days few marriages, let alone relationships, last that long. For instance, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 76 percent of men who married in 1955 to 1959 stayed married for at least 20 years, while only 58 percent of men who married in 1975 to 1979 stayed married as long.

It turns out that women aren’t looking for just a pretty face when it comes to choosing a mate. What researchers have discovered will surprise you. Not so long ago society was abuzz with the discovery that women preferred more feminine features in male partners - think Brad Pitt. Researches found that women associated less masculine features in a man - rounder face and fuller lips - with being a good husband and provider, a good parent, and emotionally supportive.

Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in America. Emerging research points to possible new treatments and better ways of controlling the STD epidemic. There are approximately 19 million new STD infections each year in the United States, reports the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Nearly 50 percent of sexually transmitted diseases occur among people between ages 15 and 24; however, women and minorities are also severely affected.

Thanks to Viagra, erectile dysfunction is out of the closet forever. However, medications aren’t the only way to treat this common health problem — interventions range from lifestyle changes to injections and sex therapy. Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects between 15 to 30 million men in the United States, preventing them from being able to get or keep an erection. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) explains that ED is sometimes called "impotence," but this term includes other sexual problems such as lack of sexual desire or premature ejaculation.

Dr. Jeff Aroesty answers a reader's question about snoring and discusses the innovative Pillar® Procedure. Q: My husband has always been a snorer, but over the past few years it seems to have gotten worse. It's to the point where I'm often forced to get up in the middle of the night to sleep in the guest room. We're both in our fifties and extremely health conscious.

Discover some of the most common reasons for a lagging libido. Remember when you were young and crazy in love, and the world revolved around your mate? Now think about your marriage or partnership today--notice any difference in your sex life? For many women, sex takes more of a back seat as time goes on. This can be due to family pressures, work stress, and physiological changes.

Sure, sex is enjoyable, but could it turn deadly? Find out here. It’s not something most of us want to think about. After all society — from alcohol commercials to Dr. Ruth—promotes sex as a pleasurable activity that’s a natural part of life. For the most part, they’re right. Unfortunately, in some cases sex can lead to conditions that will kill you.

Providing the sample was so easy; it was just a small saliva sample. Then off it went to the lab, where my DNA would be analyzed. Soon I'd have a window into the future of my health. I took the NavigenicsTM test around holiday time, during the hustle and bustle of the season. Providing the sample was so easy—it was just a small saliva sample. Then off it went to the lab, where my DNA would be analyzed. Soon I'd have a window into the future of my health.

Recent research has shown that those with a sunnier disposition may live longer. We all have that one co-worker, friend, or neighbor who is constantly (and maybe even annoyingly) happy.  And while some believe that people are just born optimists, recent exciting studies have shown that happiness is learned-much like crocheting or table tennis.

Friendships come and go. Learn how to regain the meaningful ones. A difficult truth to cope with is the fact that friendships fade. Distance takes its toll, disagreements happens, priorities shift and change. Life adjusts course. As we grow, friendships are gained and lost, and although it may seem easy, maintaining healthy, lasting friendships take a lot of commitment and energy.

With the right knowledge and preparation, you can properly care for your condition while on the job. If you think you're the only person with diabetes in your workplace, odds are you're mistaken. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) shows that diabetes now affects nearly 24 million people, or 8 percent of the population, in the United States.

Sometimes the things your partner does drive you crazy. Learn how to thwart the bad habits. For any couple, compromise is vital to maintaining a healthy relationship. Individuals who are committed to each other give and take in a way that is balanced and fair. Compromising becomes difficult, however, when it seems to infringe on who the individual is.

You steal blankets like you should be on “America’s Most Wanted” and the sounds that come from him are akin to a freight train. Because the phrase "sleeping together" is usually used as a euphemism for having sex, we rarely talk about actually sleeping next to a loved one. However, sharing a bed with someone special can be one of the most reassuring and comforting aspects of your day.

Sometimes escaping the daily grind doesn't require a tropical vacation. Being stressed is an awful feeling. It can toy with your mental state ("I'll never get my work done") and can affect your physical well-being: according to a recent study, being stressed can actually make you itchy. But the secret to stress management may lie in an activity that involves fundamental human actions: stretching, breathing, and relaxation.

Follow these tips on how to actually keep your New Year's Resolutions. Everyone makes them, few keep them. That's right, it's the New Year Resolution, so popular that it has its own Wikipedia entry and a page on the government's Web site. Come January 1, everyone wants to lose weight, pay off debts, and quit smoking. But we're not interested in which resolution you're making or which one is most popular.

Your goals for the New Year shouldn't be costly. Read on for some tips on how to make the most of your resolution without spending a penny. It's undeniable that most of us have made New Year's resolutions that we didn't keep. Along with requiring extra time and scheduling changes, resolutions also frequently entail forking over extra cash-something that is far from easy in our current economical climate.

Follow these tips to keep your fitness levels up when temperatures drop. When the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall outside, it's hard to justify a good reason for getting off the couch. But even though lounging in front of the television feels a lot more tempting than taking a jog or even driving to the gym, there's no reason you have to completely surrender your fitness goals until spring.

Parkinson's disease touches more than just the person with the disease; family members and close friends must alter their lifestyles, too. Use this guide to help prepare for the changes ahead. Accepting that you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease is a process. Learn more about the steps most people go through, and what adjustments to expect at home and at work. Dealing With the Diagnosis It's normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious after learning that you've been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Not surprisingly, married couples flock to the suburbs, while singles are clustered in college towns across the U.S. Where does your town fall? Ever feel like everyone you know is married? Or perhaps you have the opposite sensation: that all your friends are single? Well, it might be more than just your imagination. It might have to do with where you live. According to statistics from the U.S.

Here, we explore some of the most common misconceptions surrounding the season. Are the holidays really the happiest time of the year? Does everyone really gain at least five pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's? During a season ripe with fantasy, it can be hard to separate myths from reality. Here, we dispel four bogus holiday health myths.

Give your loved ones a head start on their New Years resolutions by offering gifts that will help keep them fit and healthy all year ‘round. If you were a child who often got gifts of socks and underwear, giving or receiving healthy holiday gifts may not sound much more exciting. Fortunately, these five gifts are not only good for the person receiving them, but they're better than tube socks.

Sometimes you can get a little more than free coffee and bathroom privileges. As the saying goes, "Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life." But when you're picking between two very similar jobs, how do you know which one you'll love? One key difference to consider is benefits. Do you need health care coverage? Dental? Paid vacation days? With the job market the way it is, it seems like you may not have much choice.

It's not just good looks that make some people appear more attractive than others. Wouldn't it be great if there really was such a thing as a love potion? Take a few sips, and magically, potential dates appear everywhere. Without a true love potion, we're resigned to attracting future mates with nothing but our own charming personalities—and perhaps a few pointers from self-help books, late-night infomercials, and reality TV shows.

May-December romances are on the rise. Here, we explore the chances for success. Older men have dated younger women for centuries, but in the past decade, the tables have turned: Older women are now coupling with younger men in droves. In fact, a National Association of Retired Persons survey found that one-third of single women between 40 and 60 are currently dating younger men—and for some very interesting reasons.

As these true stories prove, getting hitched doesn't always go off without a hitch. Every bride should look beautiful on her wedding day. Every groom should show up on time. And every couple should create memories they'll treasure for a lifetime. But certain wedding calamities-like food poisoning, last-minute cancellations, and run-ins with the law-can quickly transform a couple's dream day into a nuptial nightmare.

It's all about her--or at least she thinks so. Learn how to spot the signs of an out-of-control bride. Every year, an estimated 2.3 million couples get married in the United States. And it's safe to assume that many of the brides have been dreaming about their perfect wedding day since they were little girls. Add to those already high expectations a sizable...

Gain a spouse...and gain weight, too? Learn why tying the knot can contribute to unwanted pounds. You may have heard of the freshman 15-those inevitable pounds college students are likely to gain in their first year. But what about the newlywed 30? In a recent University of North Carolina study, which tracked 1,200 couples over a five-year period, married people gained six to nine pounds more than their single counterparts.

Don't let these toxic types bring you down. There are probably a few people you wish you could avoid--your mother-in-law, your nosy neighbor, or the woman at church who always asks you for a favor. Although you may not always enjoy their company, you know in your heart they mean well and that you shouldn't stay away from them entirely.

Certain things are better left unsaid—especially these six bombshells. You can't stand your spouse's family. You make more money than your coworker. You've been sleeping with your boss for months. It's often said that honesty is the best policy, but by spilling certain secrets, you could be opening a Pandora's box. Which...

As if dating isn't difficult enough, these popular misconceptions can make navigating the singles circle even more challenging. Myth: Men are from Mars Fact: Contrary to popular literature, men and women are both from planet Earth. You probably already knew this one was a myth, but some of the other falsehoods we'll expose here might surprise you. Find out how much you really know about the desires and motivations of the opposite sex.

When it comes to certain topics, "mum's the word" for many men. Conventional wisdom holds that men are simple creatures, whose needs and desires can be handily pegged. There's just one catch: Guys often prefer to keep quiet about their health concerns and problems. To promote better communication (and better health), it's important to encourage the men in your life to open up, but don't be surprised if they're reluctant to share the following seven secrets.

Looking to keep your love alive? Avoid these missteps at all costs. Happily married couples usually credit love, tolerance, and devotion as the secrets to their success. But when a relationship goes sour, people often find themselves wondering what went wrong. According to experts, there are several common mistakes—from infidelity and neglect to communication breakdown—that can cause a once-loving partnership to end in a bitter breakup.

When you've been wronged, can you forgive and forget, or do you need to exact revenge? Many of us love good revenge stories—tales in which victims ultimately become victors by wielding vengeance on all who've wronged them. But in real life, retribution isn't always all it's cracked up to be. In fact, according to experts, letting go of revenge fantasies may be one of the best things you can do for your health.

Ending a relationship can be a painful. Follow these tips to bounce back from a broken heart. It's often said that breaking up is hard to do--and anyone who's been through a split, separation, or divorce knows exactly how hard it can be. You might feel hurt, lonely, resentful, angry, confused, or jealous. And what's worse, you may experience all of these emotions at the same time.

Learn how to navigate through minefields of misinformation and uncover the truth. Honesty may be the best policy, but it's not a policy people follow very often. In fact, according to a Cornell University study, people lie in roughly 25 percent of their daily interactions. How can you detect dishonesty in relationships, friendships, and business? It's easy, if you know how to spot the clues.

From gossip and bullying to chronic lateness, we reveal seven things you should never do on the job. Sexual harassment, profanity, and absenteeism were probably all covered in your company orientation. But chances are, a few egregious behaviors-like gossiping and bullying-didn't make their way into the employee handbook. Even so, these missteps might be grounds for immediate dismissal.

Here, some of the most unbelievable reasons people have found themselves searching for new employment. If there was ever a time when simply being qualified for a position was enough to prevent you from being fired, this most certainly is not it. In fact, there are entire websites devoted to people telling their most ridiculous stories of being let go. From posting a comic strip to talking behind a coworker's back, here are six of the craziest reasons people have ended up on the unemployment line: 1.

Don't worry, be happy. And you can be—if you follow these helpful tips. With the cost of living skyrocketing, the stock market plummeting, and a recession looming, it can be pretty hard to stay optimistic these days.  Yet according to ongoing research, a positive point of view will not only help you cope with adversity, it can also keep you healthier than your pessimistic peers.

Could you have cause for concern? What ever happened to the notion of "'Til death do us part"? With America's divorce rate sitting at sky-high levels, "'Til divorce do us part" is perhaps a more realistic wedding day exchange. But amid the startling statistics, it's important to remember that marriages rarely die overnight.

These surefire strategies can help you win every debate—without losing your cool. Whether it's a friend, a family member, or a coworker, we all know someone who manages to win every argument, even when they're in the wrong. How do they do it without raising their voice or coming to blows? According to psychologists, it's simple: These master debaters have perfected the art of persuasion—knowing what to say and how to say it in every situation.

Although the holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, they can also be a time of stress and depression. Find out how you can avoid the holiday blues. Many of us will attend or host a winter holiday party this season. We have to balance normal work and home demands with special holiday events and shopping for gifts. Festive lights, warm fires, and family gatherings are common during the holidays, but unfortunately so are stress, anxiety, and sometimes, depression.

The National Alliance for Caregiving and MetLife Foundation honored innovative programs for caregivers. Caregivers are most often family members of the person for whom they are caring. Currently there are 44.4 million family caregivers in the United States, and experts anticipate that family caregiving will continue to grow in the years ahead. Because nearly 60 percent of caregivers work and 40 percent have children under the age of 18, it can often result in caregiver stress, burnout, and other health problems.

Every year, more than 5,000 people die from injuries sustained on the job. Find out who is most at risk. Who do you think has the most dangerous job in the world? Could it be the window washer, who dangles dozens of stories above the concrete? Perhaps it's the circus lion tamer, who regularly sticks his head in the mouths of roaring animals. Or maybe the people who perform wild stunts for action-packed movies.

From stress, suicide, and substance abuse to joint and back injuries, these jobs may be hazardous to your health. Most jobs come with some form of stress, but some are known to carry more physical and mental risks than others. While you probably rely on your job to pay your rent or mortgage and other bills, the stress and possible dangers could be doing you more harm than good.

When it comes to intimacy, misinformation abounds. Here, we put the 10 biggest sexual myths to bed. When it comes to sex, most of us think we know it all--or at least enough that we don't need further education. But no matter what your background or relationship status, you've probably heard (and believed) a sexual falsehood somewhere along the line.

Sure, your diet and exercise schedules can contribute to your weight. But who knew that your job could, too? Ever-improving technology has replaced manual labor at many American jobs, making sedentary lifestyles commonplace. A whopping 60 percent of the population is overweight or obese, and occupations that require little or no movement certainly haven't helped.

Gruesome accidents and injuries run rampant on Independence Day. Find out how to keep your family safe. Fourth of July is a time for picnics, parades, and of course, patriotism. But for many Americans, the holiday may end very differently than it began--with a terrifying trip to the emergency room. In addition to common culprits like fireworks and grilling, Independence Day injuries often arise from seemingly safe sources, such as foods, drinks, and fun in the sun.

As it turns out, some U.S. locations are more lustful than others. Read on to see how your city stacks up. How often do you have sex? The answer may depend partly on where you live. As it turns out, some U.S. cities are hotbeds for love-making, while others are less than lustful. And where people are making the most whoopee might surprise you ("sin cities" like Las Vegas, Miami, and New York didn't even make our list).

From matters of size to sex addiction, we answer your most blushworthy questions. How often do most people make love? Do certain foods boost your libido? Can men really have multiple orgasms? When it comes to copulation, there are probably lots of things you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask. That's why we've grilled the experts with your most intimate questions.

Learn about the key factors that will help you determine when you can set off on the road to retirement. Have you spent your entire working life dreaming of the time you could retire to worry-free, unscheduled existence? If so, it's important to remember that retirement isn't always that simple. It an emotional, financial, and physical change—and is not a decision that should be taken lightly.

Late-shift workers put themselves at risk for certain illnesses. Is there anything they can do to protect their health? Trying to get enough sleep while working the late shift can feel like trying to swim upstream. Simply put, the human body is meant to be active during the daytime hours. In fact, humans' circadian rhythms (the body's biological sleep clock) are naturally programmed to promote sleep at night.

Find out what the statistics about teen pregnancy means for you and your teenager. It may seem as though stories about teen pregnancy--both fictional and real--are everywhere. First, there was the news about a Massachusetts high school where 17 girls under the age of 18 had become pregnant on purpose. Then, it was news that Bristol Palin, the teenage daughter of Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin, was expecting a baby with her boyfriend.

Learn about the symptoms of alcoholism and what kinds of treatment are available for this disease. Most Americans can't go a whole day without viewing a beer ad on the television, passing the neon signs of a bar, or glimpsing a billboard promoting the newest brand of vodka. Alcohol permeates American culture, and it's unlikely to change anytime soon.

By giving thanks for what you have and not dwelling on what you don't, you'll be happier this holiday season. Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time to reflect on people and events you are grateful for, but this year, with so much bad news about home mortgages, increased heating prices, and the reality of job cuts, it may seem hard to find reasons to be thankful.

It's important to begin capturing memories to pass along to the next generations of your family. The holidays are the perfect time to get started. Many of us congregate around the dining room table during the holidays, whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or New Years. These are the times when families come together in the spirit of reunion and caring. We listen to Grandpa's stories about the good old days, and we watch Grandma put together that memorable recipe as no one else can.

Genetics plays a role in many of our health matters and actions, including learning from out mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes from time to time. But the way people deal with their errors is often vastly different. While some people dwell on their missteps or simply refuse to acknowledge them, others view their blunders as unique opportunities for self-improvement and personal growth.

Ending a friendship is never an easy decision. Here, what to do when a relationship isn't working anymore. Whether your buddy is behaving badly or you've simply grown apart, sometimes friendships must come to an end. But how can you conclude your relationship without starting a fight? The key, experts say, is to behave maturely, be as honest as possible, and follow a few strategies for a smooth transition.

A sense of humor and perspective can help you maintain your dignity—even in the most humiliating circumstances. You mistakenly sent a scandalous email about your love life to your entire company. Your mother-in-law accidentally walked in on you in the bathroom. You received an award, then tripped and fell on your way to the podium. Some embarrassing scenarios are unavoidable, while others can be prevented.

When it comes to decision-making, relationships, and even health, intuition may be one of the greatest tools to have. Do you trust your gut instead of rationalizing your way through problems? Are you likely to stick with your first instincts about people rather than waiting to make character judgments? Do you ever question the beliefs of others because you had a hunch that you were right? If you answered yes to two or more of the above, chances are, you're an intuitive person.

Skepticism and pessimism can wreak havoc on your health. Here, how to make some important attitude adjustments. We all know someone who is deeply cynical: a friend, a relative, or perhaps even ourselves. A cynic is someone with an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, who usually doesn't hide their feelings from anyone. In fact, cynics seem to be almost compelled to make others feel negative about their own lives as well.

Can elective procedures boost your confidence and enhance your self-esteem? Over the past decade, television has been infiltrated by shows about elective surgery. Whether it's fictional dramas like Nip/Tuck or reality shows like Dr. 90210, cosmetic surgery seems to be everywhere. In fact, these shows' popularity has risen about as quickly as the popularity of plastic surgery itself.

Before you jump into an office relationship, ask yourself these important questions. Jim and Pam from The Office, Sam and Diane from Cheers, Meredith and Derek from Grey's Anatomy. They're all workplace sweethearts whose relationships, albeit fictional, have met with varying degrees of success. But what about in the real worldare office romances a good idea or an automatic career buster? A Common Occurrence According to a 2006 CareerBuilder.

As it turns out, heartbreak may be more than just a metaphor. You've seen the movies, read the books, and heard the stories of love and loss of people not being able to go on without their significant others. But is there really such a thing as a broken heart? A growing body of research suggests that the emotional trauma of losing someone you love may lay the groundwork for a genuine medical condition.

Are men really from Mars and women from Venus? Here, we explore the most common assumptions surrounding the sexes. Men are obsessed with sports, cars, and the remote control. Women are hopeless romantics who can't do math. These are just a few common myths about men and women. Are they just gender stereotypes, or do they contain nuggets of truth? Some studies suggest there are, in fact, distinct differences between the sexes.

An addiction to your job could compromise your health. Find out whether you're a workaholic, and get on the road to recovery. Lately, your spouse has been complaining about the long hours you're putting in at work. Maybe you really want that promotion, or perhaps you just don't trust anyone else to get the job done. Whatever the reason, you've been glued to your desk for weeks, and your personal relationships are starting to suffer.

Do people walk all over you? Follow these tips to start becoming more assertive. We've all met those people who can't stand up for themselves. Even when they know they should be assertive, they can't express their opinions. When others try to take advantage of them, they can't seem to take charge of the situation. And no matter how overwhelmed they are, they'll never say no or ask others for help.

Do you see the glass as half-empty or half-full? Your answer could have major effects on your health. They're like night and day: Optimists manage to maintain a sunny outlook, even in the worst of times; pessimists assume the darkest possible outcomes, even when things are going their way. Which one are you? A growing body of research suggests that your answer could affect not only your attitude, but also your health, success, and longevity.

Keep these tips in mind to find the right nursery or day-care center for your child. No one can care for your child the same way that you do, but there are many care providers who can offer a safe, comfortable atmosphere for kids. The key, of course, is finding the right provider for your child. As a parent, keep in mind that you aren't just looking for a babysitter to stay next to your kids while they watch TV and become couch potatoes.

Everyone worries from time to time, but too much worrying can affect your health. Here, 10 ways to stop stressing. Did you forget to turn off the lights? Weren't you supposed to call your friend? What ever happened to your high-school yearbook? For many of us, worrying just seems like a natural part of our daily lives. But experts warn that too much worrying can affect your emotional and physical health.

An ever-growing topic among psychologists, emotional intelligence can play a significant role in your job, your relationships, and your own self-worth. Emotional intelligence (EI) is a hot topic these days. But what exactly is emotional intelligence, and why is it so important? According to Daniel Goleman's groundbreaking book, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, while intelligence quotient (IQ) is a measurement of cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence is more difficult to quantify.

Want to lose weight, quit smoking, or start saving this year? These simple tips can help you achieve your goals. New Year's is a time for fresh beginnings and lifestyle changes. So, making resolutions and sticking with them may seem easy for the first few weeks of the year. Once February rolls around, however, willpower often lags, and New Year's goals generally fall by the wayside.

Follow these 10 tips to live a healthier lifestyle in the new year and beyond. Many people ring in the new year with the best of intentions. They resolve to hit the gym, improve their eating patterns, and kick their bad habits to the curb. But just a few weeks later, those resolutions are usually forgotten, and they've reverted back to their old ways.

Follow these basic strategies to manage your time more efficiently in the coming year. As the end of each year approaches, we tend to think back over the past 12 months and wonder, Where did the time go? Many of my clients have difficulty answering this question. It seems as if they never had enough time during the past year to get things accomplished.

Nearly everyone has procrastinated, perhaps putting off a load of laundry, but for some, procrastination rules their lives. Here are five reasons people procrastinate. Did you put off going to the gym last week? Is there an unfinished scrapbook buried in your closet or an expired gift card in your wallet? We're all guilty of occasional procrastination, but some people become what experts call chronic procrastinators.

Our warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season and a happy new year. 'Tis the season for gratitude and here at QualityHealth, we're truly grateful for all the kindness, goodwill, and cheer you've shown us throughout the year. From emailing us your most pressing health questions to providing support in our forums and sharing...

To keep your family out of harm's way, follow these simple guidelines. December is the time of year for decorations, houseguests, and lots of parties. But along with fun and festivities, it can also bring about potential hazards. Follow these tips for a safe holiday season: Keep trees fresh. Choose a fresh Christmas tree, and secure it in a sturdy stand.

Like many things in life, New Year's resolutions are easy to make but hard to keep. Follow these tips to make lasting changes. This year, you've vowed to lose weight, shape up, and cut back on caffeine. Or perhaps you're determined to quit smoking for good. Maybe you've decided it's time to get to bed early, no matter what. If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone—more than 100 million Americans make New Year's resolutions every year, according to researchers at the University of Washington.

A national survey recently examined 21 major occupational categories and found that people who change diapers, tend to the elderly, and wait tables have the highest rates of depression, while the lowest rates occur among engineers, architects, and surveyors. Are you a daycare worker, caregiver, or full-time waitress? If so, you may be at a higher risk of becoming depressed. A national survey recently examined 21 major occupational categories and found that people who change diapers, tend to the elderly, and wait tables have the highest rates of depression, while the lowest rates occur among engineers, architects, and surveyors.

An estimated 10 million Americans, or about 6 percent of the U.S. population, experience these feelings in their most extreme form--a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For many, the holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends. But for some, the season can bring on feelings of intense stress and sadness. In fact, an estimated 10 million Americans, or about 6 percent of the U.S. population, experience these feelings in their most extreme form--a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

After getting no answers from doctors about her severe pain, numbness, and tingling, Karen Calvert finally discovered the cause of her problems: multiple sclerosis. Learn about her courageous journey. Karen Calvert, a retired educator, wife, and mother of two in Columbia, South Carolina, discusses her frustrating and agonizing journey with multiple sclerosisand explains how family, friends, and faith have kept her going. My life was very full and active.

Long hours, a heavy workload, and the office candy jar can all take a toll on your waistline. Follow these tips to stay slim on the job. You worked hard to land that dream job, and now you're looking forward to watching your bank account grow. But instead, it's your dress size that's been growing. Quick doughnuts on the way to work, snacks between meetings, and late-afternoon trips to the vending machine are all taking a toll on your waistline.

No matter how far away you live, these strategies can help you improve the time spent with an aging loved one. An estimated 6.9 million Americans are struggling to care for an aging parent or loved one who lives far away, according to Caring from a Distance (CFAD), an independent, nonprofit organization created by men and women who personally struggled with the anguish, stress, and frustration of long-distance care.

Follow these steps to make the holiday season easier for you and a loved one who lives far away. If you're caring for an elderly parent or loved one who lives far away, you're not alone. According to the National Institute on Aging, approximately 7 million adults are long-distance caregivers. And perhaps at no time is the challenge of long-distance caregiving greater than when you can't be there for the holidays.

What's under that bow? Find out if the gifts you're giving this year are naughty or nice. When shopping for children's toys this holiday season, you may have to pay attention to more than just wish lists and price tags. Dangerous levels of lead in paint and toys that contain toxic chemicals have forced Mattel, Fisher-Price, Disney, and other companies to recall some of their most popular children's products.

Crowded and bustling malls, repeated trips to the airport to fetch long-lost relatives, and the constant shuffling of cookies and turkey out of your oven can translate into one reaction—stress. Crowded and bustling malls, repeated trips to the airport to fetch long-lost relatives, and the constant shuffling of cookies and turkey out of your oven can translate into one reaction—stress. So how do you stop from flying off the handle at this supposedly glorious time of year? Sometimes holiday festivities can become overwhelming.