Communication is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. At least that's what's been shoved down the throats of the love-hungry for decades. And perhaps it was true 150 years ago, when the best way to communicate over any real distance was to write down your thoughts, hand them to a dirty guy on a horse, and have him take off into the remains of the day.

Now, in a warm and fluid world of cell phones, text messages, and IMs, anyone can reach out and touch you, anytime, anyplace. Significant others, naturally, are hands-on. They "just want to hear your … Read More

It was cute back then. "She's so smart," you'd tell your friends and family. "Yep, she just got promoted. I'm so proud of her!" you'd sing over your cubicle walls to anyone who would listen. And, boy, was she grateful. "He's so supportive," she'd gush to her friends over a second glass of chardonnay. For everyone involved, it was great.

After that promotion came another. You loved it: It validated your intelligence and good taste. Ah, the pride you took in her being yours. And there were other benefits. After work, while she was off doing whatever it is smart … Read More

Since that first school dance when, like a newborn colt, you staggered over to her side of the gym, you've understood that music keeps the rhythm of romance. Back then, you were sure she felt it, too—along with what seemed to be a roll of nickels in your pocket.

Now it's a roll of quarters, and your musical tastes have hanged, but whether you're trotting through a long-term relationship or riding a speed stallion of lust, music still gets things moving.

We all have songs that help set the tone before we walk out the door to face the world. It’s … Read More

Travel, by nature, is stressful. Before astronauts are shot into space, they endure stress tests so insane they could have only been developed by former Nazi scientists. Sadly, the two of you don’t have a crack team of lab-coated sadists to help you prepare for team travel. So on every road trip you strap yourselves into a steel capsule, pack it with provisions, and blast off down the open road in what is essentially a four-wheeled pressure cooker.

Of course, technology helps keep the shuttle on course, and can ward off your desire to drive into the nearest and … Read More

Relationships are the ultimate experiment in teamwork. Ideally, a loving relationship is a lifetime contract filled with championship seasons and jewelry that screams happiness. But even the best teams struggle to find harmony—think Shaq and Kobe, George Steinbrenner and Reggie Jackson, Steinbrenner and Billy Martin (who was hired and fired five times), Steinbrenner and Joe Torre. Now think about "us."

Every team—good or bad—gets an off-season, a few months to heal, reflect on wins and losses, make adjustments. For professional athletes that means stepping away from the arenas, toward big-game fishing, rounds of golf, high-priced hookers, and maybe a trial.

… Read More

You don't even know what happened. One morning, after a wonderful night of high-grade passion and high-viscosity intimacy at her place, probably over an omelet and under a bright sun, you said something to the effect of, "I think we should move in together." That was it.

With the tactical pace of Colombian kidnappers, she began her offensive. Commands like "Move that there" and "You don't need that anymore!" flew like mother-and-hooker jokes in a frat house. Armed with clothing and toiletries, she continued her siege. You threw up your hands and surrendered.

The deal is done. The fat is … Read More