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

It's definitely not the type of light and airy chat you want to strike up on your first starry-eyed date. Let's be honest: Dredging up the past and owning all things that went right and wrong can be about as pleasant as having a root canal.But precisely because spilling the beans requires such a high level of comfort and trust, a Q&A session (topic: all things past) with your guy can bring the two of you closer in your relationship. And everything from the way he responds to your dig for details to the answers he gives will provide … Read More

The LoveFeed discusses the growing number of Long-Distance Relationships (LDR) in today's society. Did you know that telling your partner about the turkey sandwich you ate yesterday increases interrelatedness? 

What turns these guys on? I bet you'd never guess pornography! Also, the guys vent on experimentation, dirty talk, and a special "bedtime story" from Rich (aka, What NOT to Tell Your Grandkids!).

Understanding men isn't difficult. Contrary to popular belief, men aren't from Mars, and women aren't from Venus, although the general public might like to believe so.

Truth be told, many of the communication problems experienced by members of the opposite sex are instigated and exacerbated by pop culture. We're bombarded with books and talk shows telling us just how difficult it is to communicate with members of the opposite sex. We're told that we think differently, our brains are wired differently, and our words mean different things. Movies glamorize the communication difficulties between men and women in an effort to … Read More