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Ever wondered how power couple, Beyoncé and Jay-Z keep their love alive for 16 years? Hint: luck has nothing to do with it. If you've been blaming your failed relationships on "the wrong person"—think again. It may be time to reconsider who is really at fault.
Jennifer Coolidge is a star. Not only has she played unforgettable and iconic characters over the years, but the actress has that certain trait famous actors have. It’s not just wit, not looks, not even awards and achievements: it’s humanity. There’s a reason actors like Tom Hanks and Jack Black and actresses like Jennifer Garner and Mila Kunis are so universally well-liked, and it’s that they are down to earth human beings; despite all their success and fame, they act like regular people.RELATED: How Emily Ratajkowski and Pete Davidson Prove That Dating Doesn’t Always Have to Be SeriousWhich makes sense because celebrities are, first and foremost, just human beings like the rest of us - though with a number of benefits most of us don’t get to enjoy. But many face the same issues as the rest of the world. In the case of Coolidge, one of those issues was finding luck in love. But don’t worry too much: she handled her romantic follies and foibles with grace and a lot of humor.Who Is Jennifer Coolidge and What Is She Best Known For?Jennifer Coolidge in American Pie (1999)Jennifer Audrey Coolidge's, 61, catapult to fame came in 1999 when she was in her late 30s, even though she had been acting for several years prior. At the time, many didn't know Coolidge by name, but to a whole generation of film fans, Coolidge will always be known as Jeanine Stifler, better known as “Stifler’s Mom” from the comedy classic film American Pie.RELATED: Who Is Chris Evans’ Girlfriend, and What Does His Love Life Say About Dating?Today, Coolidge is also well-known for her work on the TV shows 2 Broke Girls and White Lotus and she has been in many miniseries on Netflix. She has appeared in a number of films, including Legally Blonde and several by director Christopher Guest, such as the famed mockumentary Best in Show, and she has of course reprised her famed role as “Stifler’s Mom” in follow-ups to the original American Pie film, such as American Reunion.Today, Coolidge is also known for being Entertainment Weekly’s “Entertainer of the Year,” an accolade the actress coyly addressed while in conversation with her friend, singer Ariana Grande — Coolidge joked that the voting must have been rigged. That was, of course, just one thing the ladies discussed during an interview in which Grande served as the interlocutor asking the questions, Coolidge as the interviewee. The other major topic was sex and romance, specifically following the American Pie role."And American Pie was just — it helped my dating life in a way that I can't ever explain. If I hadn't had that movie, I don't think… Well, let's just say it would've been a very dull decade."How “Stifler’s Mom” Approached Dating Later in LifeCoolidge was in her late 30s when she played the “Stifler’s Mom” role. While a striking woman then (and now in her early 60s), what Coolidge lacked before her scene stealing turn in American Pie was any real fame. That role would, Coolidge later said, lead her to land literally hundreds of partners — the number the actress hinted at was around 200.RELATED: Why We Need to Talk About the Pete Davidson and Kim Kardashian Dating RumorsHere’s the thing: she was joking. No, Coolidge did not have sex with 200 men following her role as “Stifler’s Mom.” But she surely could have. What starring in that role did for her was to open the gates to dating, as it were, and in many cases she did indeed date — or at least have a romantic encounter — with men many years her junior. Coolidge experienced a rare time when life truly imitated art, as it were."But it did sort of open up the world to a much broader group of handsome men — and younger men."What playing a sexually liberated (slightly) older woman on screen did for Coolidge in real life was allow her to be a commanding presence in the dating world, available to men of all ages and with her own pick of who she would engage with or not. We should all be so lucky, frankly, but it’s refreshing to see a woman who took control of her own romantic life, and stepped out of the usual rules and boundaries.Coolidge Teaches Us Gratitude Even For The Smallest ThingsThe other refreshing thing about Coolidge is her sense of humility and gratitude, and it is these qualities that make her so relatable even when she is talking (and joking_ about sex. Coolidge is genuinely grateful for every opportunity, from the American Pie days to working with Ariana Grande in the music video for the singer’s song “Thank U, Next” to her acclaimed work on White Lotus.RELATED: Why We Need To Take A Hard Look At Miley Cyrus’ Dating HistoryCoolidge expresses a thrill and even a bit of awe that, at her age, she is still relevant and successful and enjoying an expanding career. That gratitude and appreciation can inform us all of how to live our best lives, both in aspiring to do and be our best and in being grateful for what we already have.KEEP READING: Once A Sex Symbol, Sharon Stone Now Reveals Shocking Truths About Her Dating Life
You know how communication is the bedrock of any good and lasting relationship, correct? With communication and trust, you and your partner can make it through just about any challenge. But while trust is built up stronger and stronger and can, in a solid union, eventually be taken for granted, communication takes continuing effort all throughout the many years of a relationship.RELATED: These First Date Tips Will Pretty Much Guarantee a Second DateEven after years or even decades together, you can never truly know what your partner is thinking, feeling, wanting, or needing. That’s why communication always remains key. And when it comes to, shall we say, body language, the same is true. In this case the body language in reference is, of course sex. If your sex is proving less fulfilling than you want, then start talking more and it will get better. Because when your partner doesn’t have to try to read your mind (or your body language) and you theirs and you instead just talk it out, you will begin to be physically in sync in delightful new ways.How to Know When It’s Time to Talk(Unsplash)If you and/or your partner are frequently left unfulfilled by your coupling, then it’s probably time to talk about it – or even if you are occasionally unsatisfied, frankly; this is sex, after all, it’s supposed to be great. First, make sure you rule out any genuine sexual dysfunction issues or other problems that may be interfering with your performance or satisfaction, such a depression, addiction issues, and so on.Once you have ruled those out, you can then begin to see the unfulfilling sex not as a problem between the two of you, but rather an issue for the two of you to tackle. If there are specific things you wish your partner would do – and of course if there are things you wish he or she would not do – these are the most obvious things to bring up. And also, make sure you ask about what he or she wants to start adding in or wants to remove from the bedroom.RELATED: 7 Dating Tips for IntrovertsYes, it can be a bit awkward to start having this chat, but it’s so worth it. And really, if you’re intimate enough with this person for intercourse, you can handle some discourse on the matter, too.Make Communication During Sex the Opposite of Awkward(Unsplash)More often than not in life, the anticipation of something is much worse than the event itself. We may dread a public speaking engagement only to find ourselves energized and excited by the crowd in the moment. We may fear an upcoming review at work only to find ourselves praised and promoted. And we may dread talking about sex – especially during sex – as much as we love the thought of our sex lives improving, but without the talking, things won’t get better in bed.So, how to make the sex talk, so to speak, less awkward? Own it. You need to tell your partner that you want to start communicating more about sex and even talking during the act. Just break the ice directly, and then take a step back and see how the topic sits with him or her. Chances are good that your partner will be equally happy to begin communicating more about and during sex, and that, as is so often the case, you have built up anxiety about the sexual communication for no reason.RELATED: 25+ Fun Date Ideas for Every RelationshipIf the sex talk does seem to be a bit awkward, agree on a time that you will both discuss things in detail and agree to not talk about sex outside of this “safe” time. And during that time, agree on how you will communicate during sex.Create Your Own Love LanguageOnce you have breached the topic of sex and are ready to talk more during sex, know that you don’t have to have a long, in-depth running chat while you are going at it. It may be more than sufficient to use just a few words now and then, such as: “Keep doing that,” “Let’s skip that right now,” “Softer,” “Harder,” “Slower,” “Faster,” and on it goes.If you and your partner are comfortable with more complete dialogue and instructions and requests during sex, then by all means go for it. Think of something like: “OK, now I want you to lie down and start…” well, we’ll let you fill in the blanks however you want – the point is you don’t have to speak in single or few word commands, you can communicate however works best for you.RELATED: 100+ Questions to Ask a Girl You Have a Crush OnYou can also communicate during sex without words. A squeeze of the hand can be agreed to as a sign to keep going, while a gentle tap can be agreed to as a signal to take it easy or to stop a given activity. You can direct one another with your hands, your eyes, and with sounds other than words – just take the time to talk about nonverbal sexual communication at some point to be sure that you are both on the same page.And one final note on talking: it’s a good idea for every couple to have a safe word even if you don’t engage in any sort of highly active, aggressive, or role playing sex. Establishing a word that will immediately lead to a cessation of the given activity is a way to ensure that you both are ready to change or stop the sex without any judgement of your partner, guilt on anyone’s part, or a loss of trust or respect for one another.Don’t Overthink or Over-Talk It(Getty)Better communication will lead to better sex, that’s just a given. But there is also a time to stop talking. If you find being too vocal during the act is killing the mood, dial it down on the talk and consider using physical cues.And also, if you talk about sex during sex for a while and the sex gets better, you can probably stop talking again and it will remain improved.KEEP READING:Is Envy Harming Your Relationship? It’s Time to Understand the Three Dimensions of Jealousy
Even if you have never heard the term “partner enhancement,” chances are good that you have experienced it many times in your life. And it’s a good bet you have experienced it both in a giving and receiving sort of way.What is partner enhancement? Perhaps the easiest way to explain it is to first look at a different relationship in which one might experience what we’ll call “parent enhancement.” Think of all those times when your parents played up an achievement and how good it makes the kid feel. Examples include an outpouring of praise and support after a leap off a swing or a jump off the diving board, a celebration of a “graduation” from preschool or kindergarten, or cheers after a (let’s be honest, rather mangled) performance of a song during a piano recital.RELATED: Are You Being Emotionally Abused? Here Are The Signs To Look Out ForParents amp up the praise and support of their kids in part because they want the child to feel special and valued, of course, but we also tend to genuinely think of our kids as something even more special that most children. Which, statistically speaking, most are not by the very way that averages work.When it comes to partner enhancement, however, the person who is the object of the elevated opinion is not the one who so directly benefits from it: you are. The better you feel about your partner, the more you see him or her as a special, talented, and interesting person, the better your relationship is likely to do. And that’s true even if, frankly, they’re not all that unique of a person. It works even better if they think the same about you.How Partner Enhancement Helps New Relationships Grow Stronger(Unsplash)The early days of a relationship are a make or break time. As you get to know someone, you may soon find that there’s just not a genuine romantic connection, not a shared set of interests or ethics, and no real hope of a future. On the other hand, if you and a new boyfriend or girlfriend start to genuinely connect, you will likely soon begin to engage in what psychologists and relationship experts call partner enhancement.In casual terms, you can think of it as looking at your partner through the proverbial rose colored glasses. You will elevate their accomplishments – from a funny joke or anecdote to a meal he cooks to a project she completes at work and so on – even beyond the objective merits of what they have done, seeing this person as talented, competent, and attractive. In the early days of relationship, we tend to seek out and identify myriad positives about our new significant other, and we also tend to be able to minimize their negative traits and failings – this too is a type of partner enhancement.RELATED: Woman Survives Psychological Abuse And Proves You Can Find Healthy Love AgainAs a relationship progresses over the years, the partner enhancement tends to wear off to some degree. We still care for our partner plenty and see them in a positive light (in a good and loving relationship, anyway) and we still have cause to support and celebrate them often, but we’re not as likely to see every little thing they do as amazing. We’re also much more likely to allow ourselves to be annoyed by their quirks and habits.But that’s OK: assuming you say in a union for the long run, partner enhancement has already done its job.Why It’s OK That Partner Enhancement Fades Over Time(Unsplash)The fact that you celebrate every little detail of your significant other in the earlier days of the romance yet come to see them more as they really are (the old “warts and all” expression is a bit callous but illustrates the point here well) is nothing to be sad about. RELATED: Signs You’re Dealing With Narcissistic AbuseThe fact is that during the early partner enhancement days, you are building your relationship’s bedrock. If you and your boyfriend or girlfriend become close and loving enough in your early partnership, then chances are good that the foundation of the romance will be strong enough to endure for the long run, even after those rose colored glasses may have been traded in for reading glasses.The Flip Side of the Partner Enhancement Equation(Unsplash)If you find yourself always seeing the negative things in your partner – doing quite the opposite of partner enhancement, really – then that’s a red flag for the relationship in the early days, and it may well be a sign that you should not commit to being with this person.On the other hand, if you have been in a long and more or less loving and successful romantic relationship for a long time and yet you now see yourself identifying fewer and fewer positive traits and seeing more negatives about your partner, then that may be an issue that has more to do with you than with your partner. It’s important to do an honest gut check on yourself and determine if you are lacking in satisfaction with your own life and projecting this unhappiness onto the other person and onto your relationship.It’s also entirely possible that your partner is making you depressed or leaving you unfulfilled, and in that case it’s a problem you need to work through together. The larger point is to realize the partner you are with today may not have changed over time, but rather you may have changed how you see him or her. It can take effort, later in the relationship, to look for the good and overlook some of the shortcomings, but this effort is well worth it if it means that you can both continue on happily together, through good times, bad times, and boring times, too.KEEP READING: Domestic Abuse Survivor Marries The First Responder Who Saved Her Life
No matter how good your sex life is, you might wonder if it can get even better. The answer to that question is likely yes—and tantric sex can help you get there. This ancient spiritual and sexual practice is all about sensuality, intimacy, physical connection and awareness, and a deepening of pleasure. Even if you regularly have enjoyable sex, there are invariably ways to heighten pleasure, new things to discover, and levels of connection with yourself and your partner that you never dreamed of. This is the goal of practicing tantric sex. But is it for real? And can anyone do it?The good news is that the promise of tantric sex is accessible and available to all who wish to explore it—and that includes you. Trying tantric sex can sound intimidating, but once you try it, you’ll likely be hooked. Even better, tantric sex techniques can be practiced alone and with a partner. So, if you’re single or your significant other isn’t excited about pursuing tantric sexuality or you just want to explore a bit before sharing tantric sex with your special someone, you can try this sexual practice on your own. RELATED: These First Date Tips Will Pretty Much Guarantee a Second DateSo, don’t wait to practice tantric sex. In this comprehensive guide, learn what tantric sex is, what it is not, how to practice it, and tips for beginners. Then, have fun practicing the exciting, fulfilling spiritual and sensual art.Sex is a journey. It’s about the destination, sure, but also the adventure along the way that gets you there. Essentially, orgasms and straight-up sexual intercourse are great, obviously, but there is so much more to discover. This is where tantric sex comes in.What is Tantric Sex? (Getty)Tantric sex, which is also called spiritual yoga, is an ancient Eastern spiritual practice with roots in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Instructions for this sensual art were recorded in sacred texts known as the Tantras as far back as the sixth century. Tantric sex books are famous for including drawings of a seemingly limitless array of sexual positions, but this approach to sexual intimacy is about so much more.RELATED: 7 Dating Tips for IntrovertsTantra literally means woven together. And the true emphasis is just that—achieving heightened sexual pleasure and intimacy with your partner. Devotees of tantric sex often enjoy hours of enhanced sensuality, but also deepen their physical and spiritual awareness and relationship at the same time.There is also the practice of solo tantric sex, a way to become more intimate with your own body, in a way that allows you to better translate a healthy sensual relationship to intimate moments with a partner.Myths About Tantric Sex(Getty)It’s helpful to dispel some myths about tantric sex. First off, tantric sex is not just about having amazing orgasms, although you very likely will. Instead, many tantric traditions promote slowing down, getting in the moment, and fully experiencing the sensual and spiritual dynamic of each tantric sex session. In fact, orgasms aren’t the goal, just a potential by-product of spiritual yoga. Often people aim to go to the edge of orgasm and then back off in order to prolong sex and continue enjoying the experience.RELATED: 25+ Fun Date Ideas for Every RelationshipAnother myth about tantric sexuality is that you need to be a super flexible or athletic yogi or spiritual guru in order to engage in this erotic practice. Not true. All bodies, all minds, and all couples can explore tantric sex. Sure, some super bendy, toned bodies can get into complex or physically challenging tantric sex poses that most of us can’t even imagine attempting, but acrobatics and lasting all night aren’t essential—or even necessarily desired.The Benefits of Enjoying Tantric Sex With Your Partner(Getty)While the wow of the sexual part of a tantric sex practice is what gets most of the attention and allure, spiritual yoga is about so much more. Tantric techniques help you harness your sexual chemistry and develop a deeper connection to your partner and to yourself. This practice helps you use your sexual energy to explore pleasure as well as intimacy, sensuality, your bodies (yours and your partner’s), and your spirituality.RELATED: 100+ Questions to Ask a Girl You Have a Crush OnEssentially, enjoying tantric sex with your partner helps bring you closer as a couple as it improves your sex life—and it teaches you about yourself and each other, too. You can both discover more about your true desires, your physical bodies, your hearts, and your spirits. You’ll enhance your physical control and ability to experience (and surrender) to your feelings as you explore the depths, edges, limits, power, and beauty of your bodies, hearts, minds, and orgasms. Sounds amazing, right? Here’s how to get started.How to Start Exploring Tantric Sexuality With Exercises(Getty)Like yoga, tantric sex is a practice that you can access whether you’re a beginner or more advanced. And you can continually learn from and deepen your experience and ability. There is always more to discover, a greater connection to find with yourself and your partner, and heightened levels of intimacy, spiritual awareness, and pleasure to achieve.So, grab your partner’s hand (or your own) and begin exploring tantric sex. A new chapter in your erotic and spiritual life starts now. While tantric sex can be experienced in many different ways, if you’re a beginner it’s ideal to start with the basics. As you develop your practice, it may lead you to more complex tantric sex exercises, poses, and techniques.Set the Environment for PresenceTo begin, you’ll want to choose a private, comfortable space where you and your partner feel safe, relaxed, and uninhibited. You may want to set the tone with soft lighting and romantic music (but ideally something that won’t be distracting). Be sure to set aside an hour or more as tantric sex is intended to be a slow, meditative unfolding. You don’t want to feel rushed. Now, it’s time to begin exploring. There are a number of ways to enter into tantric sexuality, but the keys are going slow, following what feels good, focusing on sensation and your partner, and letting go of preconceptions or any kind of agenda or end result. Your job is simply to feel and connect, to give and receive. And move your bodies in ways (and positions) that feel good.RELATED: How to Flirt With A Girl: Impress Without Being CreepyYou can begin clothed or naked. Tune into your breath and that of your partner. There’s no right or wrong way to touch but aim to disrupt your normal sex routine by trying something different, something less hurried, less geared toward orgasm or sexual intercourse. Instead, try sitting opposite each other and simply looking in your partner’s eyes. Then, slowly begin to touch each other’s bodies. Or give each other massages or pick body parts to focus on and touch each other simultaneously—or take turns. Sit on each other’s laps or get into any other position that allows you to experiment with touch, motion, breath, and connection.Let Go of JudgementsTantric sex is meditative, which essentially means to be in the present moment. So, banish thoughts of what you’ll be doing later or worries you have about this or that. Banish any judgment of what you like or don’t or how your body looks or feels. Instead, think about what your body wants and feels. Notice how different touches make you feel and be responsive to your partner's reactions, too.Go SlowExperiment with using synchronized breathing as you look at each other and/or touch each other’s bodies. Use a variety of touches, such as long, slow strokes, gentle taps, squeezes, or holds, varying the pressure, speed, and motions you use. Aim to start away from the sex organs. Touch the whole body before slowly making your way to the genital areas. You can incorporate kissing, oral sex, and/or sexual intercourse whenever you like. However, again, keep things moving slowly with a focus on being mindful and present, which can heighten your pleasure and connection to your partner. Aim to continue eye contact and rhythmic breathing as much as possible. Your session ends when you both feel ready to stop, which might be after 30 minutes or after a few hours. It’s all up to you and what feels right.Have a Wind-Down RoutineThe cliche of sex being over, and both people immediately switching on the next thing (or smoking a cigarette) is an indication of the transactional nature of conventional, friction-based sex. However, tantric sex is all about deep connection, and sensuality. That's why it's crucial to not jump straight from the experience, into the next thing. Instead, create a wind-down routine with your partner.How that looks will be up to you; maybe you'll cuddle for a while in bed, slowly caressing each other with tantric massage, or maintaining eye contact. Maybe you'll have plans to cook a meal together, and watch one of your favorite shows. What matters more than the what is the how — the key is maintaining intimacy and connection outside of the bedroom.Tips for BeginnersIt can help to talk with your tantric sex partner ahead of time about what you’d like to explore together. Discuss your acceptance of each other's bodies and desires, as well as the assurance that saying no to anything that doesn’t feel good is just as welcomed as saying yes to something new. A tantric practice is all about the mind-body connection, so setting the right conditions is key.To get your ideas flowing (and maybe help you get in the mood), consider reading sex quotes or sex poems together and/or listening to music you find sexy. And talk about your desires, past sexual encounters, feelings for each other, and what you hope doing tantric sex together may bring to your relationship.Enjoy the PlayRemember, you may feel awkward at first as you begin exploring spiritual yoga. Know that with practice, you will enhance your tantric sex skills as well as your awareness of your sexual energy and spirituality. Let yourself laugh, play, and take pleasure. Aim to let go of any negative feelings and/or share them with your partner. Take the opportunity to dive into honesty and exploration together and with yourself. Relish in the sensations your body is capable of and in the loving embrace of your lover. The goal of tantric sex is goal-less, so enjoy the fun, and be curious to the potential of sensory pleasure.KEEP READING:Is Envy Harming Your Relationship? It’s Time to Understand the Three Dimensions of Jealousy
Nicknames have long been used as terms of endearment toward the people who hold special places in our lives. For example, maybe your parents have a nickname that's stuck with you since childhood – something that spoke to your personality or affinities at that time. Or, your grade school friends might call you something for short, an inside joke that only makes sense to the both of you.Many nicknames are given to us early on in our lives, but cute nicknames for boyfriends are unique in that they can be issued at any point in a relationship. For example, you may have a pet name you give to your boyfriend early on in dating. RELATED: Euphoria Quotes: The Show’s Most Biting and Powerful Quotes – And What They Say about YouEventually, you end up calling your boyfriend by that name instead of his real one for so long that it becomes second nature.If you've clicked on this article, you're likely looking for some inspiration on sweet nicknames for your boyfriend. Here's a look at how to choose adorable nicknames for your boyfriend and some affectionate pet names to consider if you're looking for inspiration.What Do You Call Your Partner?(Unsplash)Deciding what to call your boyfriend can be a process that may take a while to develop and feel comfortable with. While there are less personal pet names you can opt for, some of the more memorable nicknames for boyfriends come after you've taken the time to get to know one another. Some fun nicknames might be more obvious – for example, a nickname you give your boyfriend based on your first impression of him.Nicknames for boyfriends can inevitably take on deeper meaning as the relationship progresses. Some pet names stand as a testament to the longevity of your relationship and become more of a fun call back to a certain point and time in your relationship history. RELATED: 50 Inspirational Quotes to Uplift and MotivateOther affectionate nicknames get utilized when your boyfriend performs a sweet gesture or goes out of his way to show you that he cares.Now that you know the importance of pet names, here are a few categories to explore in order to find the right nicknames for your boyfriend.Pet Names You Can Call Your Boyfriend(Unsplash)This all-purpose list of cute nicknames is a great place to start for new couples or those in relationships who want to change their current pet name roster.-Babe/baby. A classic, this pet name is a great starting place to test the waters with your boyfriend as far as cute nicknames go.-Handsome. There's not a guy out there who doesn't like to be complimented.-Good looking. Same deal here – sometimes you just need to state the obvious.-Captain. Use this when he takes charge of date night plans.-Hot stuff. When he's looking extra good.-Sweetheart. Nice guys deserve sweet pet names.RELATED: 128 Leadership Quotes to Inspire You to Become a Better Leader-P.I.C. For when he's acting as your partner in crime.-Bestie. When he's not only being a solid boyfriend but a great friend who shows platonic love too.-Bae.-My hero. For when he saves the day.Flirty Nicknames for Boyfriends(Unsplash)Ready to spice things up? These flirty pet names for boyfriends are sure to do the trick. These nicknames for boyfriends are meant to make your partner feel strong and desirable, so use them when you're in the mood to take things to the next level.-Stud-Sexy beast-Hot pants-Stallion-King-Casanova-Sweet cheeks-Dreamboat-Beef cake-MusclemanRELATED: Why a Woman and Her Ex’s New Wife Became Best Friends – And Family-Boss-Cowboy-Sherriff-Iron man-Heartstopper-Knockout-Perfect 10-Hercules-Adonis-Eye candyCute Nicknames to Make Your Boyfriend Smile(Unsplash)Looking for something extra sweet to call your sweetheart? These affectionate nicknames will do the trick. Here are some adorable nicknames to call your boyfriend that are sure to make him smile.-Lover boy-Cutie pie-Honey bun-Tater tot-ChipmunkRELATED: Dad Invites Stepdad To Walk Daughter Down The Aisle, Sends Powerful Message About Divorce-Love bug-Sweet pea-Sugar pie-Heartthrob-Cake pop-Champ-Pooh bear-FavoriteNicknames for Boyfriends Who Love to Cuddle(Unsplash)Is your boyfriend a good cuddler? Does he make the best big spoon? These sweet nicknames for boyfriends are a tribute to the guys who love to cuddle – and are excellent at it. To cuddle aficionados – may we know them, may we cuddle with them.-Snuggles-Cuddle monster-Bubba-Love bear-FluffyRELATED: Wife Of 26 Years Brutally Dumped For Younger Woman Gets Ultimate Revenge-McSteamy-Snookums-Papa Bear-Pookie-DumplingUnique Nicknames for Boyfriends(Unsplash)Sometimes, the best nicknames for boyfriends are the ones that the two of you make up together. These may be based on inside jokes and personal to you, or something that came out of important questions to ask your boyfriend. Here are just a few examples of unique nicknames to call your boyfriend.-My lobster-Mr. Big-McDreamy-My preciousRELATED: Wife Of 26 Years Brutally Dumped For Younger Woman Gets Ultimate Revenge-He-Man-Padawan-Schmoopy-Drogo-Dork-Hot potatoActual Pet Names for Boyfriends(Unsplash)Does your boyfriend remind you of a certain animal? Finding a pet name to call him just got easier. Here are some pet names derived from actual animals that can be sweet names to call your sweetheart.-Lion-Wolf-Big bear-Dragon-PandaRELATED: 3 Signals Your Partner Is Making You Depressed – And What to Do About It-Puma-Tiger-Puppy-Bunny-Bug-FoxFood-Related Nicknames to Call Your Boyfriend(Unsplash)Does your boyfriend look good enough to eat? Is he sweet as sugar? Or maybe he's extra spicy. Here are a few mouthwatering nicknames for boyfriends that your significant other is sure to eat up.-Jalapeno-Cookie-Cheesecake-Jelly belly-Chicken nugget-EnchiladaRELATED: How To Handle Emotional Cheating In A Relationship-Meatball-Peanut-Pickle-Pudding-Pepper-Cupcake-Muffin-RavioliSummary(Unsplash)Giving your boyfriend a cute nickname helps foster the connection between the two of you. It shows that you care about him and are fond of him. Keeping the spark alive in your relationship takes work, but one way to do so that's sure to get a smile out of your significant other is to be called a nickname that means something to both of you – one that's become part of the regularly used vocabulary in your relationship between the both of you. Show your partner that you love him by choosing a fun pet name for him, and he just might do the same.KEEP READING:Why Handling Reactivity Is Essential For Healthy Romance
A true friend is someone who doesn’t tell you what you want to hear, but tells you what you need to hear. This is especially true when it may be the exact opposite of what you want to accept. And when the reality is the fact that your partner is bad for you, you need to hear the facts, and you need to act on them.But what about those times when you’re not the one who needs advice, but you’re the friend who needs to share the hard truth? RELATED: 7 Deep Questions Every Woman Must Ask Her Romantic Partner – And What The Answers MeanIf your friend has a toxic boyfriend, they may not be able to see their own situation clearly. It may fall to you to help them see his many flaws so that they can make their own decision to exit the partnership.But telling your friend that their partner is toxic takes a bit of finesse no matter how well-meaning you are, because if you do it wrong, you may instead push them away, and push them ever farther into his toxic embrace.What Is a Toxic Person? And How Does Toxicity Manifest?(Unsplash)According to WebMD, a “toxic person is anyone whose behavior adds negativity and upset to your life… They [tend to] act in ways that don't present them in the best light and usually upset others along the way.”To be clear, “toxic” is not an official term like “sociopath” and “narcissist,” and it’s not even a term that can be applied universally to a given person. In other words, a person may be toxic to some people but a perfectly good friend or partner to others; the toxicity comes into play when it manifests in a given relationship.RELATED: The 5 Love Languages, How Do You Speak Them – And Which One Is Right for You?The signs of toxicity to look for include manipulation, a lack of comfort in one’s own skin when the toxic person is around, a diminished sense of self-worth and pride caused by the toxic party, and a constant feeling like the person needs to make excuses for themselves and their partner.In short, a toxic boyfriend is someone is just no good for your friend; he doesn’t bring out the best in her (and may even bring out the worst) and never seems to have her best interests at heart. A toxic partner is self-centered rather than focused on an equal relationship, and he may feel and demonstrate a sense of entitlement, acting as if he is owed something merely for existing. But these negative traits may be hard for her to see from within the partnership, so don’t be surprised if she is surprised and defensive when you bring up the topic.How to Tell Your Friend Her Significant Other Is ToxicYes, there is a concern you are going to seem like a nosey person who is overstepping his or her bounds when you tell your friend you think her partner is toxic. Yes, it may be awkward and painful and ugly – at least for a while. If you truly believe your friend is in a bad place with her boyfriend, though, she’ll see your heart through the hurt sooner or later. So go for it.First, make it clear you are coming from a caring place and not a judging place, and make it clear you are giving thoughts and advice, not orders. And when possible, make use of the Socratic Method, asking questions that will lead your friend toward making the conclusions herself. Ask her how she feels about the relationship, ask her if she feels as safe and connected and free as she thinks someone should. Ask her if she has noticed any traits about her boyfriend that worry her.And then, depending on how she answers, you can frame your critiques of him as questions. Think: “Does he ever convince you to do things you don’t really want to?” or “Do you feel like you have to apologize to him a lot even though you’re not really sure why?” or “Are you as comfortable around him as you are around me and your other friends and family?”By asking questions rather than making comments (also known as criticizing) you are less likely to push your friend away and more likely to help her see the truth of the situation. That way, she will have come to her own conclusions which will make her more likely to act on them and less likely to lose her resolve.Just be ready to back down if she pushes back hard – it’s better to stay friends and try again later than to push too hard and lose your friendship.KEEP READING:Why Handling Reactivity Is Essential For Healthy Romance
No matter what, a father plays a major role in a child’s life. This is true whether he is a wonderful and devoted dad, it’s true if you had a present but emotionally unavailable father, and it’s true if he was completely absent. Dads have a major influence on their kids’ development and, later, on their adult personalities whether they were perfect or less than perfect. Children are both affected by and, for better or for worse, model themselves based on their parents before any other group or person on earth.All that said, “daddy issues” need not have been caused by a father figure – or by any parent or even by family life, for that matter – in order for them to manifest. RELATED: Are You Being Emotionally Abused? Here Are The Signs To Look Out ForWhat we call daddy issue for short (we’ll define the term more completely in a moment) can also be caused by other family members, as a result of a fraught romantic relationship, in the wake of failed friendships, and from myriad other factors.For our purposes here today, we won’t be discussing potential causes of your daddy issues, but will instead be focused on helping you identify if you have them and, if so, what you can do to get over them. If you do feel that past traumas, abuse, neglect, or other factors have led you to develop current mental health challenges, it might be best if you speak to a trained professional such as a psychologist or therapist who can help you deal with your underlying issues. If you feel that daddy issues are your primary problem holding you back in life, then read on.What are “daddy issues,” anyway?(Getty)The short story is that daddy issues refer to trouble people have forming healthy, lasting, and mutually rewarding romantic relationships with partners. They manifest in several different ways and cause myriad different issues, but writ large, the term refers to relationship issues that prevent the formation of a balanced, stable union.A father complex can wreak havoc on a person’s self-esteem, it can ruin his or her ability to trust others, it can cause a tendency to self-sabotage, and it can preclude healthy relationships even with a partner who would have made a great match. RELATED: Woman Survives Psychological Abuse And Proves You Can Find Healthy Love AgainThus we can see that though the term “daddy issues” may seem casual and even almost flippant, it’s a shorthand term for a raft of potentially major problems.Here are five common manifestations of daddy issues and a few tips for getting over them and learning how to form more successful adult relationships.You are too needy and clingy(Getty)If your father figure or any other major figures in your life was absent or was present but effectively unavailable, you may have developed abandonment issues. As a result, you may too quickly become clingy, possessive, and even obsessive over a partner, fearing – consciously or not – that they may bail out on you if you don’t keep them extra close.RELATED: Signs You’re Dealing With Narcissistic AbuseThe problem, of course, is that clinginess can have the polar opposite effect you want and can push the person away from you rather than drawing him or her closer. To overcome this tendency, you need to establish boundaries that you will be able to respect. If your partner needs a certain amount of space and freedom, you need to respect that. You also have every right to ask for good communication so you both remain on the same page even as you allow that space.You are unable to commit to relationships(Getty)Quite the opposite of being too clingy, many people with daddy issues are unwilling or unable to properly commit to a relationship. This may be because, subconsciously, they fear the other person will abandon them eventually anyway, so it’s emotionally safer not to commit.RELATED: You May Destroy Your Child’s Future and Not Even Know It if You Fall into This TrapIt can be hard to give your trust to another person when a major figure in your own life did not warrant being trusted. However, you need to find ways to let yourself trust your partner, or you will never enter into a truly meaningful relationship. A person who does not feel trusted or committed to will not truly be able to trust and commit to you.You have an unhealthy relationship with sex(Getty)If you suffered any form of abuse as a young person, especially sexual abuse, it’s entirely reasonable that, as an adult, you will have an unbalanced approach to sex. This could come in the form of hypersexuality, wherein you engage in potentially dangerous and/or emotionally devoid sex too often. It could also mean you have an aversion to sex.RELATED: Why the Term “Mutual Abuse” is Complete BS – And How We Can Do Better Right NowBoth of these opposite issues can lead to unhealthy relationships (and to much worse outcomes in the case of a glut of unsafe sex) and merit the support of a trained professional, a support group, or both.You regularly choose bad partners(Getty)Daddy issues caused in youth can manifest in the choosing unsuitable partners in your adult life. If you tend to form relationships with abusers, philanderers, people with substance abuse issues, or other problems, it’s a good bet that you are dealing with daddy issues that preclude you from seeking out and only connecting with safe, suitable partners.RELATED: How to Break the Cycle of a Traumatic Childhood and Save Your FamilyIf people have expressed concerns about your partners, if you have been or fear you will be abused by them, or if you form relationships even with people to whom you’re not really attracted because you just don’t want to be alone, those are all red flags. Read some relationship quotes and if few or none of them seem germane to your partnership, then you may need to consider ending things.You lack self-esteem(Unsplash)You should always be your own biggest advocate, you should believe in your dreams, and you should be willing to look after your own needs along with the needs of others. But if you had a parental figure who did not support and believe in you, as an adult you may be lacking in self-esteem. This can lead you to settle too easily in your romantic relationships, but it can also have a ripple effect out into other parts of your life.When considering your own sense of self-worth, think not about the desultory ways in which your dad related to you, but instead imagine the ways you wish you had been supported, and then direct that positive energy back at yourself. And if you have kids of your own, by all means break the cycle and raise them with the love, attention, and respect you are now aware was lacking.KEEP READING: Domestic Abuse Survivor Marries The First Responder Who Saved Her Life
No matter how you look at it—or the specifics of your marriage and its end—going through a divorce is difficult. It’s a painful loss. It’s a failure. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that just about no one planned for or wants to be on. And it takes a lot of strength, perseverance, self-love, grace, and patience to get through it. Especially for women, who tend to take the brunt of caring for the children and themselves along this challenging journey.And like a death by a thousand cuts, the pain of divorce can keep coming at you with a mind-boggling array of hurts, large and small. Sometimes, you might even wonder if this emotional turmoil will ever end, as the brutal assault of practical issues like child support, alimony, and who keeps the house and the dog just keeps coming. RELATED: Ed Sheeran’s Most Inspiring Quotes and Lyrics to Live a Happier LifeBut we’re here to tell you it will. Even better, you can come out stronger, happier, and wiser on the other side. In the meantime, draw strength from motivational quotes for women that can help you cope while going through a divorce. Here are 12 of the best divorce quotes for women to help you find strength—and motivate, inspire, and embolden you along the way.Find strength by reading uplifting divorce quotes. Know that you’re not alone. And rather than looking at divorce as an ending or a failure, aim to see it as a powerful, exciting, brave new beginning.“Divorce, the end of an error.” - Unknown(Unsplash)While divorce is undoubtedly a serious, heart-wrenching matter, try to see the humor in it—and reframe it as a logical step toward the goal of improving your life. If your marriage wasn’t happy or fulfilling, focus on the positives that the divorce will bring. It’s the solution to the problem, one that you can take pride in. It’s brave to walk away from an unsatisfying or unhealthy relationship. RELATED: Euphoria Quotes: The Show’s Most Biting and Powerful Quotes – And What They Say about YouThe divorce is like pulling off the bandage that will finally let your wounds heal—and let you thrive.“Half of all marriages end in divorce...” - Joan Rivers (Getty)“Half of all marriages end in divorce—and then there are the really unhappy ones.” - Joan Rivers It’s good to remember that getting divorced puts you in good company, as about half of marriages don’t last. Comedian Joan Rivers also reminds us, as she wrote in her memoir Bouncing Back, that just because the other half stays together doesn’t mean they’re happy. Sure, many long-married couples are still in love and enjoying fulfilling relationships, however, others are simply enduring. They might still be married but they might be suffering, too. RELATED: Grey’s Anatomy’s Deepest Quotes about Love, Life, and LossSo, when you look around at all the couples around you, consider that a few—or maybe more—of them might be just as miserable as you were once. But now, you get to remake your life and find the happiness you were missing.“Be the heroine of your life...” - Nora Ephron(Getty)“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” - Nora EphronThe life of a woman after marriage can be challenging but it can also be empowering. Renowned writer Nora Ephron tells us to be the star of our own stories. Center your own wants, dreams, needs, and questions, then make your life around them. Instead of focusing on what didn’t work out or what happened to you, take control of your own destiny. RELATED: 50 Inspirational Quotes to Uplift and MotivateDon’t wait for a partner to save you, protect you, or comfort you—you can do those things for yourself. Be your own hero because you are more than worthy and enough just as you are.“Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered.” – Michelle Obama(Getty)“Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered.” – Michelle ObamaDivorce and the reality of being alone and needing to remake your life can be scary, overwhelming, and lonely. But former First Lady Michelle Obama invites you to let go of those fears and believe in yourself. RELATED: 128 Leadership Quotes to Inspire You to Become a Better LeaderYou’re more capable, smarter, and stronger than you ever imagined. Think about the life you want to lead, then go after it. Good things will come your way.“I don’t have time for hate or negativity in my life...” - Reese Witherspoon(Getty)“There are things in my life that are hard to reconcile, like divorce. Sometimes it is very difficult to make sense of how it could possibly happen. Laying blame is so easy. I don’t have time for hate or negativity in my life. There’s no room for it.”- Reese Witherspoon.Movie star Reese Witherspoon has been through heartache just like the rest of us. But instead of getting mired in self-pity, doubt, or blame, she chooses to focus her attention on positivity and love. Yes, it’s understandable to feel defeated, hurt, abandoned, or mistreated, so give yourself time and permission to process those emotions. RELATED: 105 Strong Women Quotes to Celebrate Feminine PowerThen, aim to let the negativity and regret go. Make the bold decision to embrace and foster the good that’s left—or yet to come—in your life.“A divorce is always a good thing to have...” - Edith Wharton“A divorce is always a good thing to have: you never can tell when you may want it.” - Edith Wharton It might make you laugh to read writer Edith Wharton’s sentiment, in the book Custom of the Country: “A divorce is always a good thing to have: you never can tell when you may want it.” However, there is great wisdom embedded in this wry humor. RELATED: 120 Hope Quotes That Will Get You Through Any Tough TimesWhile it’s optimistic to think a marriage will last, the truth is that you never really know. So, the smart move is to know that if yours isn’t the happily ever after you’d imagined, then getting divorced can be a logical remedy. Divorce doesn’t have to be the tragedy or failure everyone assumes, instead, it can simply be the way to put an end to something that’s not working. "Divorce isn't such a tragedy...” - Jennifer Weiner(IG)"Divorce isn't such a tragedy. A tragedy's staying in an unhappy marriage, teaching your children the wrong things about love.” - Jennifer WeinerAuthor Jennifer Weiner, in her novel, Fly Away Home, reminds us that you—and your happiness—matter. Don’t feel like a failure for leaving a toxic marriage, feel empowered and inspired. It takes courage and grit and immense self-love to let go of an unhappy marriage. RELATED: Top 20 Inspiring Oprah Winfrey Quotes That Will Empower YouEmbrace your own strength and be proud of expecting more from your life (and how you want to love) rather than staying in a relationship that isn’t what you want. "I do not believe that there were more happy marriages before divorce…” - Ann Patchett(Getty)"I do not believe that there were more happy marriages before divorce became socially acceptable, that people tried harder, got through their rough times, and were better off. I believe that more people suffered.” - Ann PatchettThis quote from writer Ann Patchett in This is the Story of a Happy Marriage, speaks to the bravery of choosing divorce over suffering in an unhappy marriage. Instead of beating yourself up for not working hard enough to make your marriage a success, embrace the idea that you had the courage and self-love necessary to set yourself free.“Take a deep breath and try again...” - KT Witten(IG)“Your dream doesn’t have an expiration date. Take a deep breath and try again.” - KT WittenJust because one marriage ended doesn’t mean your next relationship is doomed to suffer the same fate. You don’t only get one shot at love. So, dust yourself off and be brave enough to try again, says poet KT Witten.“Sometimes good things fall apart...” – Marilyn Monroe(Getty)“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” – Marilyn MonroeGoing through a divorce can be brutal—but it's also a journey that makes you stronger as you remake your life. Take insights from your failed romance in order to learn how to build trust In a relationship for the next time around. RELATED: She-Hulk’s Sexual Liberation Is Crucial for Marvel and Disney+Because something better is on the horizon. Iconic actress Marilyn Monroe shares that not every relationship is meant to last—and just because it ends doesn't mean it wasn’t good at the start. Plus, remember that calling it quits on a now-so-so romance is the only way to make room for one that’s even better.“It feels like a weight has been lifted..." - Catt Sadler(Getty)"Divorce is never easy. I don't care who you are or what the circumstances are. It's a very, very heavy feeling, and at the same time, it feels like a weight has been lifted." - Catt SadlerYes, divorce can knock the wind out of you, but no one ever died of divorce. So, take a deep breath, give yourself grace, but keep your eye on the horizon. In fact, says entertainment reporter Catt Sadler, on the other side of the pain is a breath of fresh air that feels a lot like freedom.“I used to hope that you’d bring me flowers...” - Rachel Wolchin(IG)“I used to hope that you’d bring me flowers. Now, I plant my own.” - Rachel WolchinIn this quote, popular blogger Rachel Wolchin shares one powerful way to get over a breakup: Take ownership of your life and happiness. Recognize the ways your relationship was broken or codependent. Seek to notice and remake those patterns, so that in your next romance you can avoid tying your happiness to another person. Rather, go out and plant your own flowers. No more waiting for another person to “complete” you. Instead, find fulfillment and happiness within yourself—then you’ll be ready to share it with someone new.KEEP READING:13 Self Worth Quotes to Help Build Your Confidence & Self Esteem
There are a lot of great things about social media. It can help keep us connected to friends and family. It can introduce us to some exciting new brands and products. It can be an avenue for information, learning, and political discourse. Social media might even help us meet a new romantic partner. And of course, it offers hours of entertainment, and usually at no cost.At least, most social media comes with little or no cost in terms of money. The toll it can take on your life may be pricey in terms of your wellbeing though. Myriad studies have found that extensive social media use can lead to an increase in cases of depression, it can negatively impact a person’s attention span, it can interfere with school work or our careers, it can spread false information and promote hate and bigotry, and it can even have markedly harmful effects on your sex life.RELATED: Athletes, Actors, Artists, and Others: Celebrities and Famous People with DepressionIf you have recently found your sex life less fulfilling and you can’t identify any overt cause, such as a breakup, an illness or injury, or some other clear factor – or if your partner seems less satisfied and you’re not sure why – then your overuse and/or misuse of social media may be to blame. Let’s look at three common ways social media can deteriorate the quality of your romantic and sexual life.You struggle to grow aroused or remain stimulated(Getty)Social media use can cause issues with arousal in two primary ways. First, when stimulated by social media, the brain releases little hits of dopamine, the feel-good hormone that can also be released by things like a bite of chocolate, a favorite song, or the onset of a romantic encounter. When you are scrolling and swiping and tapping on various social media platforms all day long, your brain grows trained to get its dopamine fix from these engagements, and other previously exciting activities, even including sex, lose some of their appeal. (This is of course all the truer if you often view pornography.)RELATED: How to Talk to Your Kids About Social MediaThe second issue with social media and sexual arousal is the fact that an overuse of it reduces a person’s attention span and ability to focus. These issues can even extend to sex, so if you have found it harder to see a sexual encounter through to a mutually satisfying conclusion of late, it may well be your social media use that is the cause.Your relationship with your partner is suffering(Unsplash)Social media can easily cause friction between partners. It can cause jealousy if one partner regularly chats with other people in a flirty way, looks up exes, or of course spends time on dating apps potentially looking for a paramour on the side. And even if neither party has the intention to cheat, whether in a virtual or physical affair, constantly seeing pictures and videos of people to whom you are attracted can needlessly put space between you and your partner.RELATED: This Influencer Is On A Powerful Mission To Reveal The Truth Behind Instagram PicturesYou would not walk around a city street or shopping mall openly leering at people, yet you probably do pause and ogle people on social media. And on another note, if social media is getting too much of your time and attention, the communication between and quality time spent with partners is sure to suffer, and communication and attention are bedrock fundamentals for any successful relationship. If one or both parties in a partnership are overly dependent on social media, the relationship is very likely to suffer.You are less satisfied with your sex life based on comparisonsEveryone puts their best self out there when posting on social media. That one friend who always seems to be climbing mountains probably spends more time waiting in line or stuck in traffic than reaching summits, but if the peaks are all she shares, her life will seem one constant adventure. Your friend who seems always to be visiting new countries and meeting new people probably spends more time at work than in Paris or Bali or Tokyo, but if he posts a dozen pictures from every trip he takes, he’ll seem a consummate globetrotter.RELATED: Why a Woman and Her Ex’s New Wife Became Best Friends – And FamilyWhen it comes to sex and romance, people also posit their best selves online – even when they really shouldn’t. If you are suddenly less satisfied with your sex life, the issue may be that you are constantly comparing yourself to people you see posting videos or pictures of themselves with their partners.Envying the sex lives of others will do nothing but make yours ever less satisfying to you, and chances are good there’s nothing to actually envy anyway.How to stop social media from hurting your sex life(Unsplash)The best thing to do if social media is hurting your sex life is remarkably simple, but of course not easy: get off social media. You can indeed live a life without Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and all the rest of it. But if fully abandoning social media is just not an option, instead work to curate your experience to ensure it will not interfere with how you feel about sex and romance.Spend the time to unfollow people who cause you feelings of envy or unhealthy desire, hide posts you know negatively impact your libido to begin to train social media algorithms not to serve them to you, and set limits to how much time you will spend on social media. Also, set yourself time parameters, avoiding social media before you are going to see a significant other, for example, so you can keep your focus on him or her.KEEP READING:Why Handling Reactivity Is Essential For Healthy Romance
