How to Talk to Your Man

Here’s a surprise: Men are needier than women when it comes to intimacy. Women often get emotional support from other women—friends, mothers and daughters, for example. Men, however, crave intimacy and affirmation from their spouses, because according to a recent Chicago Tribune article, it’s the only place they get it. And after speaking to a […]

3 Ways to Deal With Differences in Desire

Does this scenario sound familiar? Kate and Jim are settling onto the couch, finally able to relax after a long day. “Hey,” Jim grins. “Wanna have sex?” Kate looks at him with exasperation. She loves her husband, but she just sat down and, unfortunately, nothing about her is pulsating with desire. “Not really,” she answers […]

Better Sex? Breathe Deep and Do Your Kegels

In our April issue we’re celebrating the body, so as your faithful sex columnist, I’d like to draw your attention to your oft-neglected pelvic floor muscles. The group of muscles down there (also called PC muscles) that holds all our pelvic organs in place. You’re probably clenching them right now, just thinking about them. We […]

Polyamory: No Limits to Love

Here on the North Shore most couples base their relationship on the expectation of monogamy. If you’re married, becoming intimately involved with another person is an act of betrayal, and unless you change your cheating ways, your relationship is doomed. But people who practice polyamory (Greek for many loves) don’t see it that way. They […]

22 Reasons I'm Not Leaving Him—A Valentine's Salute

  Tired of your Facebook friends’ posts about 8-carat sparkly baubles, surprise trips to Fiji or even just reservations for two at an exclusive restaurant? Yeah, we know. But true love comes in all shapes, sizes and expressions. The next time you wish your significant other was just a little more romantic, take the time […]

Sweet Somethings: Valentine's Day Memories

Need some authentically sweet tales to counteract all the saccharine of the season? Here are a few North Shore Valentine’s Day memories, starting with my own story. It was Valentine’s Day in 1981, and a boy in my class named John asked me to “go with him.” It was my first real “boyfriend,” and to […]

10 Ways to Be the Best Valentine Ever

With all the hype, Valentine’s Day has the potential to be a big let down for women. Here’s an idea—this year, you play Cupid. Why set yourself up to be disappointed by a lame box of chocolates or a grocery store bouquet of roses? Set the stage for romance, and you might end up feeling […]

Modern Dating: Finding Love in a High-Tech, Hook-Up World

Today’s mating game is being played by a whole new set of rules, and they’re complicated. In a recent phone interview, relationship expert Emily Morse, radio host of Sex with Emily and star of the new Bravo TV show Miss Advised, gave me the lowdown on how singles get together. Spoiled for Choice Online dating […]

2012 Gift Guide: Girlfriend Gifts

    Express your appreciation for a favorite teacher, holiday hostess or BFF with these nifty little presents that are thoughtful, functional, creative and fun. Mariposa Little Piggy Napkin Box A whimsical way to display cocktail napkins—perfect for a hostess who already has the mostess. $48, Peachtree Place. Caravan Dreams 2013 Desk CalendarThis compact, glittery easel-style […]

Good Sex is Important in More Ways than One

Why is good sex important (especially compared to a good night’s sleep)? In September we kicked off a series of shows based on this column at the Wilmette Theatre, and our first panel discussion focused on that question. The answer may seem obvious—duh, of course sex is important—but the truth is, many of us aren’t feeling […]