I used to be one of those self-righteous types who declared I'd sooner break up with a man than stoop to snoop. This stance wasn't because I was noble or had never been tempted—I'm not and I have. I just remember all too well the day my mother read my journal aloud to my entire family. I was 17 and, as you can probably imagine, that book was bursting to the seams with embarrassing, angst-laden, mawkish, teenage drama. To say I was mortified ... well, that doesn't begin to describe the way I felt. The Frisky: Dear Wendy: "Should … Read More

Men are not the masters of the subtle. We're the sex that laughs at farts and watches Jean-Claude Van Damme movies, and we wouldn't know subtlety if it hit us over the head with a brick (which it probably wouldn't do, since, you know, it's subtlety and all).

As such, many of us have problems when it comes to dealing with women. Women communicate very subtly, and guys are looking for something more along the lines of a large neon sign declaring that you're willing to sleep with us or that you'd like to see us thrown through a plate glass … Read More

The New York Times Magazine recently sat down with the Obamas to discuss the State of the Union—the union between Michelle and Barack that is. In this extensive interview with the president and the first lady, writer Jodi Kantor tries to capture the strengths and weakness of the "first marriage." And regardless of which side of the political spectrum you fall on, we believe the Obamas have got a couple of timeless, bi-partisan policies when it comes to keeping a relationship healthy.  4 Obama-Inspired Date Ideas

1. Personalize Your Nicknames. Barack likes to call Michelle, "Flotus," short … Read More

One of the best things about being married is that you have someone to lean on when the going gets tough. But even in new relationships, knowing that someone cares about you is helpful when you're having a hard time. When your partner is stressed, consider proactively offering support, instead of waiting for him to come to you. Here are six situations when your partner needs a little extra loving. 101 Ways To Improve Your Relationship Right Now

When they have an important day at work. Even if he doesn't look like he's stressed, his big day at work … Read More

Dating someone new means learning about each other's quirky behaviors, emotional baggage, and the past experiences that have shaped both of your lives. But what if this involves a health or medical secret you're hesitant to talk about?

Jill*, a 33-year-old from New York City, knows that finding Mr. Right also means telling him that she has bipolar disorder. Though she takes medication to manage her condition, she still lives with residual symptoms: She has trouble sleeping for more than two hours at a time, and can't shake her cigarette habit—traits that she feels a date might question.

"It's the smoking … Read More

Technology has fundamentally changed the way we seek, nurture, and experience intimacy. Beyond the coy status updates, drunken emails and occasional sexting, we find soulmates on dating sites, we send "I <3 U's" with our thumbs, we fight over IM, make up over email, then go on Facebook to announce to the world our renewed devotion. Gadgets have enhanced our love lives, but they also enable mixed messages, vague sentiments and other bits of intentional or unintentional confusion. Texting Your Way To Love 

The questions around protocol are endless: Should I text him or email him? She sounds sad … Read More

There are dealbreakers and then there are dealbreakers—and a past history of domestic violence is a dealbreaker on a lot of people's list. Salon.com's advice columnist, Cary Tennis, fielded a question from a former abuser who's nervous about telling his new girlfriend he physically abused his ex-wife half a dozen times during their marriage. The Frisky: Helping A Friend Who's Being Hit

After divorcing, "Ex-Abuser," as he signed his letter, entered therapy and said it helped him "understand my reasons for the abuse, and the effect it had on both my wife and our relationship." Also after the divorce, … Read More

Whether you're starting a new relationship or already married, there are some things that don't change, like the need to feel sexy, appreciated and needed. And it's not just women who want these things—men do too! Below are seven things you can say to a man, at any stage of your love life, that will leave him glowing.

You look great.
Men have insecurities, just like women. And whether he shows it or not, sometimes he's wondering if his shirt looks better tucked in or out, or if his belly is sticking out a little too far over his belt. This is … Read More

RH Reality Check (the website for "information and analysis for reproductive health") recently received the following letter from a reader named Jessica:

My boyfriend does not satisfy me sexually. He only lasts about ten minutes, he won't rub my clit because he doesn't want bodily fluids on his hand and he won't eat me out because he thinks it's nasty, but he thinks that I should give him head. We have been together two years and now it is really affecting me. What can I do?

The RH Reality Check advisor, Heather Corinna, tries her best to support Jessica by saying … Read More