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Sex

Is Bang With Friends Changing How People View Sex?

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine.

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine. Today, Ashley Papa looks into the new website Bang With Friends.

Facebook has given a new meaning to the word "friend." Now, a new website that promotes casual sex between Facebook friends may be redefining sexual relationships.

Bang With Friends allows you to select the Facebook friends you'd like to have sex with. If the feeling is mutual, both parties receive an email message to establish a rendezvous. The website also features a "bangability" score, which measures your trending sexiness based on the number of people who view and click on you.

The site was created by three college students who say it makes online dating more "honest."

Friends With Benefits Relationships On the Rise

"We saw the problems and frustrations people have with online dating, so we decided to create a dating website that was honest, simple and fun," says C, one of the creators who prefers anonymity. "We think it helps break the ice between people who are already friends and share a sexual attraction."

While it may seem convenient, casual sex with friends can lead to all sorts of relationship problems.

Psychologist Jeff Gardere says the site is innovative, but he emphasizes the importance of getting to know someone before jumping into a sexual relationship with him or her.

"This cheapens the idea of what relationships should be about," Gardere says. "It eliminates some of the things that should lead to sex, like emotional and physical connections and trust."

Keep reading for more expert opinions on the casual-sex app.

relationships

He Called Me Fat . . . Now What?

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine.

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine.

When reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian told boyfriend Scott Disick that she was struggling to lose weight, his response left something to be desired.

"Ugh, I feel like 93 (pounds) is the dream," Disick told the petite 33-year-old, sparking a public backlash.

In Kardashian's case, it was pregnancy weight that was making her feel insecure, but it isn't uncommon for women to pack on pounds when they enter into a relationship. In fact, a recent study concluded that couples living together were more likely to become obese.

Ask Diana: My Friend Is Still in Love With Her Married Ex

But when is it OK for your partner to weigh in? And is brutal honesty helpful or hurtful?

"Nobody EVER loses weight because of being criticized by a loved one, in fact the opposite is true," says Nina Atwood, therapist and author of "Soul Talk." "Criticism diminishes self-esteem, and low self-esteem is related to increased weight problems. Brutal honesty is hurtful in this situation because it hurts the relationship by signaling lack of acceptance. When you love someone, you are supportive. Love is acceptance, so if the person you love accepts you, his only job is to continue loving you," she adds.

"Many people think that being hurtful will motivate someone to do something faster," says relationship expert Lindsay Kriger. "It's possible that your partner wants you to lose weight, but isn't sure how else to get you to do it. I have heard a wife call her husband a 'fat pig' before. Instead of being a motivating force, it causes people to shut down, do the opposite or develop resentment and anger towards the criticizer."

There may be many reasons a man would address his partner's weight gain, ranging from loss of attraction to being controlling, but it could be as simple as genuine concern.

"Sometimes we need to get things off our chest and we don't know how to express something that is bothering us," explains Marina Pearson, founder of Divorce Shift and author of "Goodbye Mr. Ex." "I believe we are always doing the best we can with the resources we have. Being hurt by another person's opinion is something to look at. And something to remember is that we are only hurt by something we judge about ourselves."

Of course, it can be difficult to discuss such weighty issues without hurt feelings.

"There has to be a way to talk about the situation without blaming or criticizing," says Beverly Hills-based psychotherapist Dr. Fran Walfish. "It's very important to acknowledge out loud that you're feeling hurt. It's also important to take an honest look at yourself and ask if there's any way your partner can talk about this without you getting defensive. The person delivering the critique also needs to ask, 'Why do I care so much?' And the receiving person should hopefully be open enough to do self-exploration and understand why they're overweight. Discussing the matter could actually make couples feel more bonded."

On the other hand, Atwood says if your partner can't be supportive, kick him to the curb.

"If your partner tells you that you are fat, lose the partner first, then work on yourself," says Atwood. "You should never put up with being criticized in a hurtful way. You may be allowing him to stay in your life because he reflects the bad feelings you have about yourself. To accomplish positive goals, you must first accept yourself, be honest with yourself in a caring way and then only allow supportive people close to you."

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relationships

"My Boyfriend Is Planning to Cheat on Me"

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine.

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine. Today, Diana Falzone, whose work has been published in the textbook Sexuality Education, answers a woman's relationship question.


Diana Falzone is a FoxNews.com contributor. Her work has been published in the textbook "Sexuality Education" which is distributed in universities across North America.

Dear Diana,

I think my boyfriend wants to cheat on me, if he hasn't already. We have been together for three years, and I've never had a reason not to trust him until recently. He left his laptop open and I saw he was on a dating site. He even has a profile pic up that I took of him when we were in Vegas together. I keep acting weird around him now. He asks me what's up, but I'm afraid if I say anything, the situation will become real and ruin our relationship. I don't understand why he is doing this. Please help me.

Thanks,
Mary

Hi Mary,

First of all, I'm sorry you are going through this. However, you cannot ignore the fact your boyfriend is on a dating site. Unless he's a covert spy (which is highly unlikely), he is seeking, at the very least, attention from other women. There may be a multitude of reasons for his actions, yet you must confront him.

Ask Diana: My Friend Is Still in Love With Her Married Ex

I recommend that you set aside a time when you can have a lengthy discussion. Prior to your talk with your boyfriend, think about what you will do should he say he has cheated, or wants to. Are you willing to leave him? Would you want to try and work on the issues he is dealing with? Having a plan will give you more strength to do what is best for you.

Should he say he wants to be with other women, do not take it as a personal insult. Obviously, he is going through something, and to take the blame for his bad behavior would be extremely unfair to you. He has disrespected you, your relationship, and himself with his actions. Please find the strength to love yourself first and foremost. Sometimes, it's better to walk away than let someone walk all over you.

All the best,
Diana

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community

Fifty Shades Author Wants to Dominate Writing Guides

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine.

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine. Today, we find out E.L. James is working on a writing guide.

Ever wish you could write a steamy novel like Fifty Shades of Grey? You're in luck, because the author is planning to share her know-how in a new book.

According to the Associated Press, Fifty Shades of Grey author E.L. James is teaming with the publisher of her popular novels to put out a how-to guide titled Fifty Shades of Grey: Inner Goddess (A Journal). The book is said to include tips from James herself, along with blank journal pages for would-be writers to jot down their stories and ideas.

For fans of James' series, this certainly seems like a novel idea. Others, however, might not be so impressed. In the past, James' work was met with criticism from reviewers (such as The Telegraph and The Chicago Tribune) and authors (such as Chelsea Handler and Salman Rushdie), who knock the books for their writing style.

But regardless of the reviews, James's books have sold more than 70 million copies worldwide. So what do you think? Would you take writing advice from James on your first foray into fiction?

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relationships

One Way to Stop Fighting? Define Roles in Marriage

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine.

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine. Today, licensed NYC therapist Rachel Sussman gives advice to stop fighting in your relationship.

All couples argue from time to time, and that's perfectly normal. There are many things to bicker about in today's hectic world. Many couples argue about finance, sex, parenting, and work/life balance.

Many couples also argue about roles. Meet Tara and Steven who are clients in my psychotherapy practice. They sought my guidance because they are arguing more than usual and they are afraid of the long-term impact on their relationship from the friction.

Tara and Steven mostly have a solid marriage and the issues they are grappling with are representative of the myriad struggles that couples have. Both have demanding jobs, plus there are three children (ages four through ten) at home requiring care, guidance and love. Additionally there is a marriage that needs tending as well.

In my office, they had an explosive argument about an unpaid bill that left them temporarily without cell service. What they didn't understand was that they're not arguing about the bill, they're arguing about the defined roles they each take on in the marriage.

"Why is it my responsibility to pay all the bills?" asks Steven. "Don't I have enough on my plate these days?"

Tara barks back, "You have always paid the bills, Steven. It's always been your job! Just like taking Michelle to swim team is my job. In fact, you know I hate the swim team mornings!"

Deciding how much time to devote to a career, family, and a spouse is a major issue among couples.

Unfortunately, most couples don't take the time to sit down and discuss the "business of family." Instead, roles are randomly assigned or taken on without much thought. This haphazard set up, which isn't ideal, leaves too much room for error.

Keep reading for Rachel's solution to this common relational issue.

relationships

Making Date Night Fun Again

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine.


We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine. Today, licensed NYC therapist Rachel Sussman gives advice for spicing up date night.

The term "date night" has become ubiquitous. I'm so glad to see that many of us are eagerly embracing an activity that has so many positive benefits. Clearly, we understand the premise that connecting with our spouse as an adult is a necessary ingredient toward keeping a marriage healthy and vibrant. Plus it's a great way to ensure that romance will live on.

There are so many good reasons to have a regular date night on your calendar. Date night should be something you and your spouse enthusiastically plan for and look forward to. View it as a special moment in your hectic lives when the children and other stressors are temporarily shelved. Plus, studies show that when couples do new and fun things together it actually builds new neural pathways in their brains, which allows them to connect in deeper ways.

Enticed? I hope so! Now get to work. Here are a few great places to start:

"My Turn, Your Turn" dates. Women often complain that their husbands never put any effort into planning dates. Put him to the test and take turns planning something new and unique to do with each other. Keep it a secret until the day of.

Do a fun activity together. Don't just go to dinner. Go dancing, see live music, attend a cooking class or a sporting event. When you do something you really enjoy with your partner, it stimulates your brain's "feel-good" zone and actually makes you happy!

Tease your brain. Plan a date out of your intellectual comfort zone. Take a class together. Attend a lecture. See a play or a foreign movie and discuss it with your partner afterward.

Make a commitment to have some sex date nights as well. If you're in a rut, putting a sex date on the calendar is a really good thing. Try not to make excuses ("I'm tired" or "I'm stressed"), and remember that once you get started, it's always fun.

Tennis anyone? Exercising with your partner is a great way to burn calories and get your competitive juices flowing as well. Book a court, join a sports league, or hit a yoga class.

Find time to kiss. Kissing is so romantic, erotic and fun. It's a great non-verbal way to say, "I love you, I'm attracted to you, and you are important to me."

Volunteer for a good cause together. Sign up to assist a cause that is important to both of you. You'll spend time with each other, but you'll also make a difference and help others.

Can't find a sitter? Try a date night at home. Put the kids to bed. Then, crack open a fine bottle of wine and cook a delicious meal together. Eat it slowly by candlelight.

Schedule a couple's massage. Benefits of massage abound. Plus relaxing together with your paramour is really special. If you've done this already, go again. And if you've never experienced it, book it now.

These are just a few ideas from my personal repertoire. Challenge yourself and create some unique traditions to keep date night exciting for you.

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relationships

Why Not Let Every Day Be Valentine's Day?

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine.

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine. Today, licensed NYC therapist Rachel Sussman gives advice for making every day romantic.

As yet another Valentine's Day approaches, I've stopped to think about the true essence of the holiday. While its red roses and heart-shaped boxes of candy have become ubiquitous, in actuality, Valentine's Day stands for so much more than those symbols.

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love and romance — two of the most important ingredients that make up a healthy relationship. Much like our yearly wedding anniversary, Valentine's Day should serve as a reminder to all couples of the importance of honoring their love, connection and devotion to each other.

So when you're sitting down to write a romantic or sexy card, be sure to say thank you in your words and deeds. Tell your partner that you appreciate having him or her in your life, day in and day out. Make a commitment to honor the romance in your relationship not just on Valentine's Day, but every day.

Consider making Valentine's Day a "New Year's resolution" for your romance. Each Valentine's Day talk about what's important to your relationship. Promise to keep romance and date night alive and well. Pledge to put sex back on the front burner where it belongs. Promise to love, cherish and adore each other for each day forward. And remember how lucky you are to have someone special in your life.

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Valentine's Day

Is Your Relationship an Online Overshare?

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine.

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine. Today, Christine Ruane identifies couples who need to tone down the online overshare.

Valentine’s Day is coming up, and this social media moderate is making a specific appeal to all you social network fanatics out there: Get a room.

Before you call me the green monster, I can honestly say that this plea does not come from a place of jealousy. In fact, I love seeing my friends happy (a G-rated happy), but advice from some relationship experts may make you re-think your instinct to publicly display your relationship via the Internet.

Putting your relationship all over social media can be risky business. You’re not just sharing information about your life, but you’re also sharing private details about the life of your significant other. As we all know, opposites (sometimes) attract, so while you may be comfortable documenting your relationship online, your significant other may not.

Not sure where to draw the line? Here are a few tips on how to play it cool:

Be Consistent

According to Laurie Puhn, author of Fight Less, Love More if it’s in your nature to share information about yourself in real life, then there is nothing wrong with putting it on social networking sites. However, if someone comments on your excessive online activity when it comes to your relationship, listen up! You don’t want your family and friends to be annoyed with your relationship as they see it from the Internet. Ask yourself this: Would you call a friend of yours and talk about your relationship every day? If not, then don’t subject them to it on Facebook.

Proceed With Caution

As Puhn points out, your group of Facebook friends, Twitter followers and other social connections does not solely include your close friends. Make sure that the information you’re sharing about your relationship (and life in general) is appropriate for your entire audience.

The Relationship-Saver

Also, ask yourself the golden question BEFORE you post something: What would my significant other think? Would he/she be comfortable with what you’re doing? Try to put your relationship first. Social media expert Peter Shankman suggests having the rules laid out before either of you start sharing.

Communicate

Just because you exchange messages, “poke” each other, share pictures or tag one another, that does necessarily mean that you’re communicating. Shankman says nothing will ever replace face-to-face conversations in a relationship. Most importantly, do not use social media as a way to passive aggressively send a message to your mate. If you have an issue, turn off the electronics and talk it out.
The Talk

If you didn’t have the pre-sharing talk that Shankman suggested earlier, you may be forced to have the post-sharing talk. When your mate has posted something that you are not comfortable with, Puhn advises to be BLUNT! Share your standard of privacy, because if you don’t, you'll be left wondering what else your partner is telling people about you. This conversation is great indicator of how the rest of your relationship will go, because if he/she cannot agree to respect your privacy, then it’s likely that your significant other is more interested in appearances than reality. If that’s the case, breaking up might be the right decision.

But Don’t Be Afraid

You can use social networking to help your relationship as well, so don’t be afraid to tweet, post, pin, etc. For instance, if there’s something you see that your mate would like, post it to their wall or tweet them. Use it as opportunity to let them know that you’re thinking about them. Plus, your friends will be happy to see that you’re happy and have found someone special.

Books

10 Most Romantic Stories of All Time

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine.

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine. Today, we're looking at the most romantic stories out there.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and who doesn't enjoy a good love story?

From the snow-swept landscape of Pasternak's early-20th century Russia, to the bustling streets of Tokyo during World War II, tales of true love have been told across the ages and have won over the hearts of readers everywhere. We asked Miriam Tuliao, assistant director of collections development at the New York Public Library, to narrow the field down to the greatest love stories in all of literature. Read on for the list.

community

Ryan Gosling's Leading Ladies

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine.

We're happy to present this story from one of our favorite sites, Fox News Magazine. Today, we're looking at Ryan Gosling's leading leadies.

Man, that Ryan Gosling is one handsome devil. But being as beautiful as the Gos presents him with a very real problem: he needs to be surrounded by equally attractive women to balance out his beauty, lest the universe be sent into an irreversible tailspin. Perhaps this is why the producers and directors of Gosling's films often cast the hottest actresses in Hollywood to star alongside him. We've compiled a list of Gosling's lovely leading ladies, starting back in his younger years and continuing into the present day.