Sex

Can This Marriage Be Saved? I Can’t Stand Sex

May 13, 2011 at 10:30 am , by Jennifer Castoro

Wives (and husbands, too) come up with many a reason to skip out on sex: a headache, a sleepless kid, an especially compelling episode of Dancing With the Stars. But what happens when you’d love to get it on, but it actually physically hurts? The couple in our latest issue’s Can This Marriage Be Saved? column (on newsstand’s now! go buy it! Sheryl Crow is on the cover!) is dealing with that heartbreaking issue. Kiera, 38, has suffered from endometriosis her whole adult life but it’s recently worsened, which makes sex with her husband of 10 years, Ryan, virtually impossible. The condition causes terrible pain in the days before, during and after her period, making even everyday activities excruciating.

Kiera’s turn She longs to be intimate with her husband, but the constant pain and discomfort caused by her endometriosis makes it tough to run errands or cook dinner, let alone have sex. She’s noticed a change in Ryan recently – he gets home late from work and has strange, dark mood swings – and she thinks he may be having an affair. She’s caught him looking at online porn, which she hardly blames him for, since there’s no action anywhere else, but it hurts her that he’s resorted to that option. He’s withdrawn from helping around the house, too, and they constantly argue over parenting decisions. She’d rather be alone than feel like she’s letting her husband down. Read more

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Can This Marriage Be Saved? Valentine’s Day Edition

February 10, 2011 at 3:25 pm , by Jennifer Castoro

In the spirit of a certain lovey-dovey holiday, we’re setting the warring couples aside for a week and focusing on the fun side of marriage. These quizzes, tools and stories will get you in the mood for love (or at least make you smile!).

-Check out these sweet stories of couples who said “I do” all over again.

-Great ideas for celebrating on the cheap.

-If you’d rather not fight the crowds at the card store or all that’s left there is “I love you, Aunt,” send your sweetheart a cute e-card.

-Second honeymoon, anyone? Enter to win a 4-night stay at the couples-only Rendezvous Resort in St. Lucia!

-Must watch: a hilarious video about what happens when a wife loves the dog more than her husband.

-Does the thought of an amorous Valentine’s Day leave you feeling a little . . .  eh? Do you dread the holiday because you feel pressured to get it on? Get thee to this page, immediately.

-Or should you just call the whole thing off? Take this quiz to find out if you should skip V-Day entirely.

-And as always, follow us on Twitter for fun date ideas, relationship news and expert tips year-round: @marriagebesaved.

So let’s be honest: What’s your take on this day o’ looove?

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The Five Best Things You Can Do For Yourself This Weekend

April 23, 2010 at 2:03 pm , by Julie Bain

1. Lay off the sweet stuff.
Give up processed or packaged foods with added sugar for one whole day. Sure, eat fruit, whole grains or other natural complex carbs—you need them for energy. But new research shows that extra sugar raises your bad cholesterol and lowers your good cholesterol. Step away from the cupcake—and you’ll feel better and lose the cravings soon.
2. Hug a tree.
Communing with nature is one of the best built-in stress-busters we’ve got. It’s glorious, blooming spring in most parts of the country now, so before you tackle your long list of chores and errands this weekend, write at the top of the list: Go for a walk in the park (or the woods, or along the stream or up the mountain). Smell the flowers, feel the bark of a tree, dip your toe in the water, listen to the sound of the wind in the pine needles. Breathe deeply and be in the moment.
3. Let it out.
Studies have shown that when women bond with their friends, it lowers their blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol. Had a rough week? Get it out and share! Then don’t forget to ask, “How are you feeling?” You’ll both be healthier.
4. Get it on.
Studies show that in a safe, committed relationship, regular sex improves intimacy, reduces stress, burns calories, and keeps you feeling young. It also helps you sleep better.
5. Hit the hay.
Writing down what’s keeping you up at night won’t solve your problems, but it does give you permission to set them aside to deal with them tomorrow. Get into bed early with a little notebook, write down what’s bugging you, then let it go and have sweet dreams!

Photo copyright AlienCat, Fotolia.com

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