As Eleanor Roosevelt said, great minds talk about ideas; small minds talk about people. What do you and your significant other talk about? If you constantly hit the heavy stuff you're probably happier than if you spend time gossiping about your neighbors or coworkers.

A recent study published in Psychological Science says that people are happier when they spend more time discussing meaningful topics than engaging in small talk. Seventy-nine college students had their conversations recorded and analyzed by researchers, who distinguished between chit-chat about the food or the weather from discussions about philosophy, education, or religion. Subjects who reported the … Read More

Dr. John Gray, author of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, answers a question from Ask YourTango, where readers seek out advice on love and relationships. In this segment, Gray shares how to broach the topic of marriage to a man.

For more on Dr. John Gray, visit MarsVenusLiving.com. Weigh in on the original question. And, if you have your own relationship conundrum that needs to be solved, head on over to http://www.yourtango.com/questions.

Ever found yourself circumventing a conversation you know you need to have with your partner? Or maybe you've rehearsed precisely what you want to say only to have it fall on deaf ears, or worse, defensive ears!

Every relationship encounters its share of tough issues. An unexpected change in circumstances, or feelings of dissatisfaction, or a desire for change, for example, may trigger an issue. How you view them depends on a number of factors including your stage of life and your ability to effectively manage the issues that arise in your relationship. Excelle: Quiz: Are You Ready To Get Married?

If you've … Read More

Our man-panel discusses how they have been motivated by their partners to hit the gym.

Question from Ask YourTango: yourtango.com/questions.

Thanksgiving. The word conjures up images of a decadent meal, friends and family filling the seats at the table—unless, of course, you're going to your significant other's for the big day. Then, you picture the same lovely spread of turkey and all the harvest provisions—but this time, you're surrounded by strangers. Or some that you've only met once. (Or some that you're told you've met, but of whom you have no recollection. Sorry, Uncle Dave!) How To Address Your In-Laws

Enter holiday-party-conversation anxiety. Whom will you offend by bashing Tom Daschle? Who'll be put off when you bring up your … Read More

One of the most common complaints I hear from women is that men don't listen. Be it at work where their good ideas are ignored or at home when their spouse totally forgets what she told him. Why can't men listen? They can, if you follow these five steps.

So the next time you want to talk to your male boss, be heard in a meeting, discuss an issue with your spouse, or connect with your teenage son, remember Renee's Rules…

1. Speak Loud Enough

Men don't hear as well as women. Honestly. It starts at birth and continues through life. This was … Read More

Even though we live in a "post-racial society" (thanks, Oprah!), we're all still pretty much ignorant when it comes to stereotypes.

Before reaching across the color line to make nice, make sure to avoid uttering any of these awkward phrases that'll have the "cool" black guy seeing red.

10. "So what sports do you play?"
We love playing tag. As a matter of fact, you're "it." Go hide while we count to a hundred million. 1... 2 ... 3...

9. "Do you work here?"
No, but the guy over there does. You'll notice he has a name tag and a spiffy uniform that … Read More

"I took a job in another city, which will cause me to be away from my husband for long periods of time. What can we do to make our long-distance relationship work?" Phoebe, New York

Got a question? AskYourTango here.

Love Bytes: three must-click love and relationship links.

Cuddle parties give a lot of fun, without the risk. [BettyConfidential]

This tactile trend has been snuggling its way across the country the last few years. Cuddle parties feature consenting adults gathering in their PJs for an evening of cozy (nonsexual) snuggling. No drinking, no unwelcome cuddling (you've got to ask before you touch) and no guilt if you only feel like hugging the "hotties."

You don't think guys talk? Shows what you know. [Single-ish]

"Real Housewife" Bethenny Frankel talks about "trick guys." [TresSugar]

It can start with a simple question like: "What are you wearing?" Other times it starts with a focus on breathing or a loving, but stern, command. And sometimes it starts with a simple "hello" and an ordinary conversation. No matter how it begins, once it's underway you'd better hope you have unlimited minutes. If you're having phone sex, there's no telling how long the call will last or how hot and bothered you'll get.

If you're feeling even the least bit weird about spicing up your airwaves, know that a recent survey by Cosmopolitan magazine said that 85 percent … Read More