The Blue Zones diet is awesome – except for one unfortunate flaw
Find out if a plant-based diet, daily activity, and community involvement can help you achieve a longer, healthier life
Love can be messy, especially the sex part. But to straighten things out, sometimes you have to start a difficult conversation. And that’s fine, if you do it with tact. “You have to develop the vocabulary to talk about sensitive issues,” says sex therapist Dr Arlene Goldman. “It will help you please your partner.”
In fact, a recent study published in the Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy found that communication is the most critical factor in a couple’s success – it’s even more significant than the sex itself. That’s why you should pause before you open your big mouth and say something you’ll regret. We talked to the experts to find out how you can ace the talks you’d rather avoid and still come out on top (or bottom, whichever you prefer).
1\ THAT ORGASM SEEMED AS PHONY AS CHEEZ WHIZ
Don’t accuse her, says Dr Eli Finkel, a professor of social psychology at Northwestern University. Instead, have that talk away from the bedroom. When the topic comes up naturally, say, “You don’t ever need to fake orgasms with me. I want our relationship to be totally honest.” You’ll foster mutual respect, in and out of the sack.
2\ NOT NOW, THANKS. I’D RATHER JUST READ MY BOOK
You’re allowed to be tired, but make sure she knows you’re surprised too. Try, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m too exhausted,” says Finkel. Then ask for a rain check – say, for the morning – and tell her you’ll do anything she wants. “Reassuring her is important,” Goldman says. If she knows you’re still interested, she’ll give you a pass.
3\ THERE’S SOMETHING REALLY WEIRD I WANT TO TRY WITH YOU
Congrats, now she’s leery. “If you say, ‘I know this is weird, but. . . ‘ your partner is bound to feel conflicted,” Goldman says. A smarter way in: “I’m curious about bondage. What do you think?” By starting a conversation instead of forcing her to say yes or no, you give her time to think. She’ll see that you view the act as a way to connect, not control.
4\ I’LL ENJOY THE SEX MORE AFTER YOU TAKE AN STD TEST
The message she hears: “I suspect you have an STD.” That’s not exactly a turn-on. So flip the script: make it about wanting to get tested for her sake, and ask if she’d be willing to do it with you. Frame the suggestion as something the two of you can do together, says Goldman, and she won’t feel accused.
5\ IS THAT SUPPOSED TO FEEL GOOD? I DON’T LIKE IT
Say this and you’ll look like an arse. Instead, show that you’re eager to improve too, says Goldman. Ask, “What do you want more of or less of in bed?” You’ll learn something about your own game, and when it’s your turn to share, she’ll be all ears. One trick: sandwich the complaint between two compliments and it will go down even easier.
More From
Find out if a plant-based diet, daily activity, and community involvement can help you achieve a longer, healthier life
Donald Trump is struggling to stay awake during his criminal trial. Here's what happens when you go cold turkey on caffeine
Can you knock out 50 push-ups? Then you might be ready to try typewriter push-ups, the toughest of all push-up variations
The Western Bulldogs superstar is working diligently on his rehab as he prepares his body for a return to the field sooner rather than later. As Smith told MH at the Australian F1 Grand Prix last weekend, being away from footy has only deepened his love of the game
How superstar Lenny Kravitz stays ripped as he approaches 60 years old. His body has to be seen to be believed
This total-body burner is a test of endurance, strength and determination. Use these tips to record a sky-high score
Eating all the fat you want sounds like a delicious way to lose the weight – but is it worth sacrificing carbs?
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was a popular Australian Grand Prix winner on Sunday in front of a record crowd. Stewart Bell was there to witness it
After enduring a year that would have broken most people, the surprise star of the Tokyo Olympics and Ralph Lauren Fragrances campaign face is feeling relaxed, confident and determined ahead of the Paris Games. As he tells Men’s Health at this week’s Australian Grand Prix, that’s when he’s at his best