I never had a problem getting intimate with a woman.
However, I find it a problem getting aroused by my girlfriend. I'm starting to fall in love with her but when it comes to the bedroom I don't understand why it takes me so long to get aroused.
I know she's noticed because she's tried to seduce me in different manners, but it does nothing for me.
I'm not disgusted by her in any way; I adore her and can't bear the thought of being without her.
- Not Excited
This may be the girlfriend whom you think is The One, and that possibility could have you feeling overwhelmed or even anxious.
You need to try to relax more with her and worry less about your performance in bed. Cuddle, snuggle, stroke, and share emotional intimacy with her through being close, open and loving.
If things don't improve after several weeks, see an individual therapist to probe whatever may be holding you back.
I'm 26 weeks pregnant, my fiancé and I are moving in together, shortly.
Recently, I was busy packing with my sister's help. When my fiancé returned from playing squash and having lunch out, he complained that the water filter wasn't filled. What really got to me was he then decided I need to be "educated" on why it has to be filled.
I lost it; he said I had an anger management problem.
When I calmed down I said that once the baby arrives he'll have to help out more. He nags me daily, and usually I don't respond this way.
I keep my home neat and clean even though I have a son, 7, three pets and work full-time, with a two-hour commute.
He rarely compliments me although I say positive things to him which he doesn't accept graciously.
What gives?
I've met his parents, his mom is lovely.
He's hardworking and humorous and I know he's faithful. But I fear an extremely rough time once the baby is born because I know how much work a baby is.
- Overworked and Unappreciated
"What gives?" Answer: You give too much. You've clearly been the mainstay of this relationship, by showing him how well you manage a busy household, constantly boosting this guy's ego, and not asking for true partnership. Until now.
Maybe you thought you had to be Ms Undemanding in order to secure the romance, but it's gone too far.
Sit your fiancé down and have The Talk, without anger or demands, just reality: You're sharing a life together, including a new baby. If you're left to do this mostly on your own, you'll resent him, and eventually you'll likely leave him.
He needs to get on side, doing his share in the home, NOW. "Educate" him -gently, but firmly - about the daily chores that need to be shared; keep a joint calendar so that he doesn't schedule squash games at times when he's needed, etc.
It'll take some adjustment time but be vigilant about making it happen.
How do I deal with a self-involved sister? She went through a traumatic time and I was always supportive, but now things are okay and she's still so self-absorbed. She only calls when she wants to talk, doesn't return calls when she's busy.
I discovered that she's still seeing a married man whom she said she broke it off with. She states he "isn't legally married, and he and his wife have no sex life" (he lives with a woman he has a child with, owns a house with her, vacations with her, attends the child's school plays etc.)
I love my sister but I don't like her behaviour and I don't want to be the patsy who's only called when Mr. Right Now isn't available.
- Fed Up
You have a voice in this relationship: Use it. Tell your sister that you're uncomfortable with her behaviour; you believe the man is fully "married" and she's foolishly convincing herself that she's having more than an affair.
After that, when she calls to talk about him, change the subject. Also, explain that though you love her, you only want to converse with her when there's a two-way exchange, in which she shows interest in your life, too.
Be prepared that this may cause a period of silence between you two, which may be necessary for her to absorb that you insist on mutual caring.
Tip of the day:
Intimacy takes closeness and openness that sometimes requires time to flourish sexually.