Between The Sheets

When most people think of Fourth of July the first word that comes to mind is independence. This has always been an important theme throughout my career and throughout the history of Pure Romance. When I started out as a Consultant I wanted to experience the freedom that came with owning and operating my own business, and the freedom to learn about my sexuality, body and intimate relationships without being embarrassed or ashamed.

Today, Pure Romance continues to give women permission to do this both in and out of the bedroom, and I couldn’t be prouder of our Consultants who are out in the community providing the tools for sexual independence for others.

Whether you are looking for freedom to explore new worlds of intimacy in your relationship this month, or you are interested in exploring your sexuality on your own, use this time to remember that true freedom comes from giving yourself the permission to learn more about you. The journey to finding your sexual self is just that – a journey. So this Fourth of July, (regardless if single or attached!) use this new-found freedom to create some fireworks between the sheets!

Last week I shared some ideas on how to take a vacation for one to remember. With summer in full swing, below are some ideas of how to get away with the one you love.

Planning a vacation can be exciting and fun, especially when you are going to enjoy it with someone you love. Taking a reprieve away from your major obligations can be rejuvenating, and separating yourself from the stress that can accompany those obligations will give you time to sit back, relax and enjoy your significant other without a lot of distractions. Just remember, when you are packing for your trip, don’t forget to pack items that will enhance your intimate life, too! Your “vacation for two” can be hot and steamy…and I’m not referring to the summer sun!

Planning:
Make the planning process as fun as possible by including your significant other on all the details. Sit down together and discuss the various things you want to do on your vacation. You can look up excursions, restaurants, theaters, and activities available in the location you plan to visit. This can incite excitement for the upcoming trip, but it will also be an opportunity to communicate both of your expectations for your vacation.

During this planning process think about incorporating some sexy accessories to keep your vacation hot from start to finish. Pure Romance carries everything from lotions, lubricants and bedroom accessories, to sexy lingerie that can bring out your inner vixen! You might be the type of gal who enjoys surprising her partner, but it can also be fun foreplay to select different Pure Romance products as a couple for your vacation. Selecting intimacy-enhancing products with each other can build anticipation and excitement for when you actually get the chance to use them together. Whether you plan to surprise your mate, or let them in on planning the intimate aspect of your vacation, every product in our line has the capacity to make your vacation much more exciting!

Packing:
When you are packing for your trip, make sure to include your “vacation for two” essentials! Here are some fantastic suggestions for your travel bag:

Mini Nights of Passion
This travel-friendly passion set is sure to make your hotel room hot. The one ounce bottles will fit conveniently in your shower bag, and the variety can truly enhance all aspects of your sexuality. Many of Pure Romance’s staple products come in this set including Coochy, Body Dew, Sensations, and Lickity Stiff.

After a day in the sun at the pool or the beach you will want to shower, and what better way to get your skin smooth, moisturized and smelling good than with two of the amazing products that come in this kit. Coochy, a rash free shave cream, will make your skin smooth and oh-so-touchable. When you get out of the shower Body Dew, an all-over body oil spray, will moisturize your skin and make you smell irresistible. Once your partner sees your sexy new glow and gets close enough to indulge in your sexy scent, it won’t be long before he will want to explore your entire body. Sensations, another product that comes in the Mini Nights of Passion, is a warming lubricant that gets warm when you rub it and hot when you blow on it. This is a fantastic lubricant to incorporate into foreplay. Another wonderful foreplay lubricant that comes in this set is Lickity Stiff; it will have him begging for more! Lickity Stiff is formulated with mint oil, so it will increase the blood flow to the shaft of the penis making him more sensitive to touch. You should definitely pack an Everyday Lubricant for your vacation for two, and Just Like Me is the perfect one for any woman. This odorless and flavorless lubricant is gentle enough for most women.

Aura (sensual massage oil mini set)
These mini massage oils will be perfect for that sensual massage. Massage is a great way to communicate with your partner without having to say a word, and the variety of scents, including eucalyptus lavender, ginger jasmine and seductive sage, are sure to set the mood.

Date Night Game
I collaborated with a team of experts to create this game specifically for couples! It is the ultimate way reconnect and open the lines of communication in your relationship. This game will get things really heated by giving you suggestions and prompts to try new things and expose deep fantasies to one another. Look at this card game as the best foreplay you have ever experienced, and it can last as long as you both want!

Jelly Tool Belt
I cannot stress the value of a good c-ring in your sex life. Not only does it add a little spice to your intimate life, but the majority of women require clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm. This intimacy enhancement toy will provide clitoral stimulation to the female partner, while the c-ring restricts blood flow in the shaft of the penis so he can maintain his erection for longer. The small vibrating bullet comes out, which means you can use this to stimulate different areas of the body before or after using the Jelly Tool Belt; it’s like two toys in one. In fact, it’s actually three in one, because you can also use the bullet or c-ring independently!

By taking the time to discuss your trip with your partner and packing the proper essentials you will ensure that your vacation for two is that much more exciting. Happy Travels!

Achieving a high level of intimacy is an important part of our lives. Experts have shown us over and over again that having an intimate connection with others is more than just a deep-seated desire, it is often times a necessity to true happiness and well-being. People who have close relationships with friends, family members and spouses are happier, healthier and eager to live longer than those who are lonely and disconnected.

So what does this mean for us in the realization that there may be a lack of intimacy in a present relationship? The first step to achieving true intimacy is be aware of what it means to be intimate.

Intimacy is the experience of connection to another, knowing and being deeply known with all our vulnerabilities, flaws and fears exposed. It is at the core of love and friendship, and is a closeness made up of sharing and understanding. In an intimate relationship we can let go of our inhibitions, we can be vulnerable, and we do not have to be in control in order to feel safe and strong. When we are vulnerable and open in these ways, parts of us become available that are not exposed often in our day-to-day lives. We are vibrant, and completely present in our experience, leaving us to feel whole and alive.

The capacity for intimacy requires a basic confidence and ability to trust others. To allow another person to see us and know us, we must believe that we are worth knowing and that others will treat our true “selves” with care, respect and acceptance. And, even if they don’t, we have to know that we will be able to survive and go on to try again. We must also be willing to extend this same care and respect to the other person. When this process occurs, it is perhaps the greatest gift that a human being can give—the gift of ourselves to another.

Intimacy is NOT a term automatically interchangeable with sex or lust, and is far from an immediate process. True intimacy is not possible on a first date, or even in the first weeks of dating, although sex certainly is. Intimacy in a relationship can only be achieved over time, with nurturing efforts on both parts. It can continue to grow as the two partners get to know one another, become friends, touch, hug, kiss, and show genuine affection.

In this same regard, genuine intimacy and making love are important components in any stable relationship. In a rewarding relationship, sex becomes simultaneously an expression of the closeness that is felt, and a way to deepen and sustain that closeness. It is a path back to one another when the demands of the world – children, jobs, household chores, and even other friends and relatives – seem to be pulling you in opposite directions.

It is so easy in this busy world to become like ‘business’ partners or roommates with your partner, each of you attending to the daily tasks of running a home, a family and a career. Stopping and taking the time to re-establish your intimate relationship with yourself first will allow you the chance to reconnect with your partner.

Too little time is a never ending excuse for lack of effort. So instead of telling yourself there is no time, make time. Let someone else pick the kids up from the school, get takeout instead of making dinner, push taking the trash out until the morning—and don’t feel guilty. Also, allow yourself time to relax and reflect as an individual. This will make it easier to unwind and reconnect with your inner thoughts and emotions, thus making it more enjoyable to relax and enjoy your partner.

Do not to take for granted the power of a simple soft touch, a romantic dinner, or a bubble bath together. These are moments that preserve the intimacy that is so essential to a satisfying life with one another.

To begin again when intimacy has faltered sounds challenging and, quite frankly, may very well be. But to ignore the need to repair injured feelings is sure to result in slow death and destruction of your relationship.

If you know there is a lack of intimacy in your relationship, the process for renewing it will actually provide a richer outcome than you may have thought possible. Just remember, it takes two to make intimacy work. If only one person is putting forth effort you may have to take a step back and evaluate if what you are involved in is in fact a healthy relationship.

Summer is upon us, and many of you are more than likely planning for, and excited about, a vacation. Whether that vacation is to a tropical destination or simply in your own backyard, Pure Romance can make your leisure time that much more enjoyable. Taking time away from daily responsibilities gives you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. A vacation is a perfect time for you to pamper yourself and get in touch with yourself, doing the things that make you feel good. One way I’ve always done this is just through a simple manicure and pedicure. As a woman, pampering yourself can be both relaxing and rewarding, not to mention lead to a boost in confidence.

Pure Romance has many products that are great for pampering yourself. One great product in this category is Coochy, a rash free shave cream that leaves your skin smooth and alleviates razor rash. Now that it’s officially summer, it will also get your legs and bikini line bathing-suit ready! It moisturizes the hair follicle so you can get a closer shave without irritating the skin. Get your skin wet, apply the cream to the area you intend to shave and allow it to soak into the skin. This will give it time to moisturize the hair follicle, alleviating some of the irritation that can occur when you shave. This product smells great and will leave your skin smooth and ready for the pool or beach.

Moisturizing your tanned skin can prolong your summer glow and leave your skin silky smooth and oh-so-touchable. Pure Romance’s Body Dew is an all-over after bath oil infused with carnation oil. Body Dew comes in three delightful scents, and is more moisturizing than most lotions. This is another great way to pamper your skin. The pheromones infused in this product can increase your confidence as well, making you feel sexy during your vacation and all summer long!

If you aren’t planning a fantasy getaway to a tropical paradise, making a plan to get together with your closest girlfriends is a fantastic way to spend some of your vacation time. Whether it’s for a relaxing dinner or a Wine Tasting, this is a wonderful way to unwind and relax. It gives you time to catch up with each other, which can be therapeutic. Another fun way to spend a night together with the girls is by hosting a Pure Romance party. What better way to share your time than in the comfort of your own home? Go to PureRomance.com to learn more about hosting a Pure Romance party; it promises to be a night filled with friends, fun and laughter!

Having personal time is a luxury worth indulging. Learning more about yourself and your likes, wants, desires and passions can be very rewarding. Pure Romance offers different types of products that can help you to learn more about these aspects of yourself. Your vacation may be the perfect time to spend getting to know your body and your sexuality. Besides our bath and beauty products, we offer books and intimacy enhancement products for you to explore your sexual needs and desires. Pure Romance’s Nectar Connector is a great clitoral stimulator that can assist in the exploration of your body. This vibrating bird provides stimulation to the entire vulva. The beak will provide clitoral stimulation, while the wings vibrate around the lips of the vagina. The tail will stimulate the opening of the vagina. There are many other options available. I encourage you to find the right one for you, and have fun! Being away from day-to-day responsibilities can be a great time for you to explore your body because you will be less likely to focus on what you have going on in those busy aspects of your life.

Vacation is also the perfect time to pick up a new book. My first book, Pure Romance Between the Sheets, is a wonderful resource which will provide you with information and diagrams that can strengthen your self-awareness. This book can also give you some fresh ideas on self-pleasure.

Taking time to relax and enjoy time away from your daily obligations and responsibilities is important. Remember to use your vacation as a time to rejuvenate. Relax, pamper yourself, set some time to catch up with your girlfriends, and remember to take time for yourself. Self-exploration is important, and incorporating this in your down time can be beneficial since you will have fewer distractions.

Working in a business that promotes romance and intimacy, you would think I were some die-hard romantic. I will be the first to admit that movies like the Wedding Date and Sleepless in Seattle have always hit a chord, and there is nothing more romantic than a Kenny G. CD and a glass of wine with the one you love. Yet, one thing that is so important when it comes to romance and especially relationships is the practical side of love. You might think to yourself where in the world is the romance in being “practical”?

However, like two sides of a coin, answering the tough questions and being honest with one another will do more for long-term romance than you could ever know.

So often we see couples rush to the altar, head over heels in love, but they haven’t even sat down to discuss something as simple as basic whether they want to have children or not. Communication is EVERTYHING in relationships. It is so important to learn everything about your partner from something as small as their favorite color to how they manage their finances. This creates a united front that the two of you can rely on when you come against the inevitable hurtles and obstacles that will confront you over the years.

I once had a friend who was born and raised in the city; she loved the easy accessibility and the hustle and bustle that the city life provided. When she pictured her life five years from then, she undoubtedly saw herself somewhere in this demographic. She incidentally fell in love with a ‘country boy’ who loved the simplicity and isolation that farm life provided. They dated for several years even though the vision of the future they each held was about as compatible as oil and water. Needless to say, in the end, even love couldn’t help them find a happy medium.

Other issues include lifestyle (Do you want to have children? How do you plan to raise them? Do you see marriage in your future? If so, when? What is your religion or take on spirituality, and how will that be passed on to your children if you do have kids?); finances (Who is the saver? Who is the spender? Will you have joint accounts? How will you handle debt?) Friends and family (Do you enjoy each other’s circle of friends? Do you get along with each other’s family?); intimacy (Do you share similar tastes or chemistry in the bedroom? Do you communicate openly and honestly about intimacy roadblocks? Will you work together to renew intimacy after the honeymoon is over?).

You may think that asking serious questions like this is as about as romantic as a 100-page thesis in Grad school, but believe me, you will be glad you did it. Just like a romantic fire needs practical resources like wood, kindling and pokers to keep it going, romance needs its own support to last long throughout the years.

An older couple holding hands can be a rare sight to see, but when you do it tends to warm your heart. It is easy to assume that they have been happily married for years, triumphantly overcoming the rising divorce rate. You admire them from afar and imagine them sharing their golden years together, but it can challenge social stereotypes to think of them just starting their relationship, and can challenge our perspectives even more by thinking about them being intimate with one another.

Unfortunately, there are major misconceptions that people become less and less interested in sexuality as they age. The reality is that many older adults across America are still very interested in intimacy and find much pleasure from these experiences. There is becoming a much higher need for sexuality education among older adults in nursing homes and other assisted living communities across the country. The fact is that intimacy contributes to both physical and psychological health, and can be a benefit to any relationship…no matter how old you are.

Growing older doesn’t mean that you stop desiring intimacy, and it definitely doesn’t mean that you no longer gain pleasure from it. As people age, though, there are some physiological changes that take place, which can make sexual intimacy more of a challenge. Identifying those challenges and gaining an understanding of them is the first step to finding ways to cope with them. The potential changes that could occur to both men and women in later life include:

Women:

• Decrease in vaginal lubrication
• Rapid decrease in arousal after orgasm
• Loss of elasticity in the vaginal tissues
• Changes to the shape, size and color of the vulva and vagina
• Thinning of the vaginal tissues

Men:

• Changes in erection: slower, less full, may not last as long, disappears quickly after orgasm, longer time between erections
• Less sperm volume
• Loss of ability to detect ejaculation

Despite the list of physiological changes that occur with age, studies have shown that sexual satisfaction increases, rather than decreases, as people grow older. There can be different reasons for this that can relate to the changes listed above. For instance, after menopause a woman can enjoy sexual activity without worrying about pregnancy. Couples can explain to each other the changes they are experiencing and work together to determine ways to cope with these changes.

During later adulthood it is also important for a couple to try new things in order to overcome the challenges that may occur; if you are in a relationship, this can create a new spark. If you are single, you can take the opportunity to explore your own sexuality in a safe way and learn ways to experience pleasure independently.

There are several things that you can do in order to continue enjoying your intimate life during later life. First and foremost, it is important to understand that intimacy has a very broad definition that encompasses much more than just “sex”. Holding hands, cuddling, or talking can help you and your partner to maintain intimacy even if you are unable or do not want to be sexual. Communicate with your partner. This can help the two of you understand each other’s thoughts and feelings about sexuality, intimacy, and aging. This is also a great way to discuss any physiological changes you may be experiencing and discover ways to work through those together. Try to find ways to overcome some of those physiological or psychological issues that you both can agree upon.

As you grow older, the changes that may take place can take time to which you need to adjust. You may feel as though these changes aren’t “normal,” but try to keep in mind that the definition of “normal” is subjective. What you may be used to doing as a couple or how your body once responded to arousal may change with age; this is normal. Normal is defined with each person and each relationship. As people change it is natural for sexuality to change as well.

If you are experiencing a decreased libido or a difficult time reaching orgasm than before, you can experiment with an arousal cream. There are several options available to women that include Ex-T-Cee, Nympho Niagra and X-Scream. Arousal creams can help to increase blood flow to the genitals, making them much more sensitive to touch. This may help to increase arousal, possibly making it easier to achieve an orgasm. For men experiencing erectile dysfunction, using an arousal cream can help increase sensitivity, enabling him to get and maintain an erection.

Another product that can help with the challenge of erectile dysfunction is a c-ring. One of the best c-rings to use for men experiencing ED is the Jelly Tool Belt. This c-ring will give the shaft of the penis a nice firm grip, keeping the blood flow in the penis, which may help maintain an erection for a longer period of time. (It is important to note that using a c-ring for longer than 30 minutes is not recommended.) This wonderful couples toy has a vibrating clitoral stimulator on it as well, which can provide extra stimulation to the female and may help some women reach orgasm.

As women age, the vagina will change in both shape and size. The tissue of the vagina becomes thinner and the production of lubrication decreases. All of these changes can make penetration uncomfortable, or even painful. Using a lubricant becomes vital as women age for these very reasons. I suggest using a water-based lubricant such as Pure Romance’s Just Like Me or Sweet Seduction. Both of these lubricants are gentle and non-irritating, making them safe for most women. A water-based lubricant can help replenish lost moisture, helping to make penetration more comfortable. For those women who find that using a water-based lubricant is not enough, Pure Romance’s Fresh Start is a vaginal moisturizer that can help restore the elasticity of the vaginal tissue that is often lost as we age. It should not be used in place of a lubricant, but it can enhance the functionality of a water-based lubricant. Fresh Start is estrogen-free and very gentle, making it safe for even the most sensitive women.

Intimacy can be an important part of many people’s quality of life, and the desire for it doesn’t always dissipate with age. For those of you who are experiencing the physiological changes that may occur with age and are interested in more information regarding this topic, please email me at Ask Patty on the Pure Romance website, www.pureromance.com.

Maybe it was that I was born in August at the height of summer, or maybe it’s just the beautiful sunshine-filled days and relaxing reveries by the pool – whatever the reasoning, summertime has always held a special place in my heart. Most of us have fond memories of summer breaks away from school and outdoor activities that stretched well into the night. Well, there’s no reason that you should lose that carefree feeling just because you’re now a hard-working adult. Summer is less than a few weeks away, so kick off your shoes and let down your hair! Below are some tips for feeling sexy this summer. I have a hunch that by doing things that make you feel sensual, you will create the sort of sex appeal that promises for sultry summer nights!

• Spray Between The Sheets on your bed linens to create a soft and heavenly-scented haven, but don’t just stop there! Sleep in the nude – with all of the windows open to let the summer air breeze over you.
• Wear sexy lingerie under your clothes to everyday events like the grocery store or a summer picnic.
• Prepare a feast of aphrodisiacs, focusing on foods like peaches, bananas and vanilla ice cream that will cool you and wet your palette.
• Transform bath-time into a sensual delight, with the Romance Bubbles, and the Pulsa Bath Ball.
• Add a new twist to chores by doing your house-cleaning in the buff.
• Find a cozy spot under a tree, at your favorite park, and bury yourself in a sexy, erotic novel.

This is the time of year when matrimonial bliss takes place: wedding season. Enjoying my dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, I looked over to see a young bride and her new husband getting pictures taken in front of the golf course to document their special day. The waitress came over to hand me my drink and commented on the scene we were witnessing, exclaiming, “If only we could keep that honeymoon stage alive forever!” She and I talked for a bit and I learned that she was 28, married with two young children, working through graduate school and more than interested in learning ways to increase the intimacy in her own marriage.

Intimacy is one of the most important aspects of our daily lives, but sometimes daily stresses and responsibilities tend to interfere with intimacy. The good news is that there are several things a couple can do to bring the spice back to the bedroom.

One way to incite some sexual energy is to shake things up a bit by breaking your routine! This is a lot easier said than done, but it can make a huge impact between the sheets. It is easy to fall into a routine; after all, they are comfortable and familiar. Trying a new position or incorporating a bedroom accessory is a great way for some couples to alter the monotony of their intimate life. This can open up the lines of communication and create a closer bond between you and your partner. The Complete Manual of Sexual Positions, offered through the Pure Romance line, is an exciting and educational read providing over 175 sexual positions for couples. Both of you can discuss the positions that you feel will be the most enjoyable or exciting, and make a plan to try them out. Set aside time at least once a week to try a new position. Experimenting and trying new things can often lead to increased sex drive and a stronger connection between you and your significant other.

Trying a new bedroom accessory is also a fun way to open the lines of communication and keep the relationship from becoming stagnant. This allows couples to share fantasies and desires and introduce novelty into the relationship. When it comes to trying a new toy, I recommend Pure Romance’s Jelly Tool Belt. This is a vibrating c-ring that can be used during lovemaking. The vibrating bullet comes out of the c-ring, so it can be used during foreplay to stimulate each other. Over 80% of women require clitoral stimulation to reach orgasm and the majority of positions people engage in during intercourse don’t always stimulate that hot spot. The Jelly Tool Belt is designed to provide direct clitoral stimulation while constricting blood flow in the penis, which will make him last longer so she can achieve pleasure for a longer period of time. The vibrating power will stimulate the shaft of the penis and the testicles, so both partners experience different types of stimulation in addition to the normal pleasure achieved during intercourse.

Changing the routine in the bedroom is a great way to spark interest in intimate relations with your partner. However, it’s also very important to feeling good about yourself in order to enjoy those intimate encounters. One way to do this is to exercise. Exercising can boost your sex drive and make you feel more confident in your physical appearance. These two factors are vital to our intimate lives. Try exercising for 30 minutes, three days a week. When we work out, endorphins are released in the brain, making us feel good, energized and more confident. Exercising is also great way to increase circulation, which is important for the sexual cycle. When we are aroused, blood flows to the genitals; having healthy circulation may help increase a person’s sex drive. You will also feel more confident and sexy since you are doing something good for your body and health. Boosting your self-esteem in general can increase your sexual desire, making it easier and more exciting to slip your clothes off and just feel altogether more comfortable in your own skin.

When you and your partner go out to dinner together, make sure you don’t over indulge. When you eat a large meal, the blood flow will increase to your stomach to aid in digestion, in turn slowing down the blood flow to the genital area. When you go out to dinner, or if you plan to make dinner for your partner, choose light meals instead of heavy meals. You could go out for your favorite meal, or learn to make a meal together as a couple. This is a great way to bond with your partner, which may help increase desire. There is also a misperception about alcohol consumption. Some people think it will increase their sex drive, when in reality it does the opposite. More than one alcoholic beverage can dehydrate you and reduce circulation in the genital area, making it much more difficult to reach orgasm. If you stick to one drink at dinner, you will decrease inhibitions and still preserve the sensation necessary for an enjoyable sexual experience.

Libido can impact our intimate life in a major way. As women our libido fluctuates throughout the month depending on a number of factors. There are so many variables that can affect a woman’s libido: stress, medications, childbirth, illness, as well as our mental and emotional state. Using an arousal cream can increase sexual desire and pleasure. An arousal cream will increase the blood flow to the clitoral area, engorging it with blood. This will this make the clitoris more sensitive to touch, helping to increase the opportunity for orgasm during sexual activity. Pure Romance carries three different types of arousal creams and selecting the right arousal cream is important. Arousal creams are designed to enhance the nerve rich areas of the erogenous zone and to speed up the arousal process. They all have their own specific functionalities.

Ex-T-Cee is designed for women who have never used an arousal cream before. This is a great product for women who don’t need a lot of added stimulation to the clitoris. It is edible, which makes it a great product for oral favors. Mint oil is the active ingredient in this product, which will give the genitals a tingling sensation. The mint oil will open up the blood vessels and help elevate the physiological response that occurs during arousal, so it can speed up the arousal process for most users. To use Ex-T-Cee, apply a pea-sized amount to the clitoris.

Nympho Niagra is more intense than Ex-T-Cee because it has menthol in it, which is stronger than mint oil. It is flavorless, fragrance free and colorless, which makes it ideal for a woman who is prone to infection. This is a good arousal cream for women struggling with low libido due to birth control or stress. To use Nympho Niagra, apply a pea-sized amount to the clitoris.

X-Scream is the most intense arousal cream because it has twice the amount of menthol in it than Nympho Niagra. This is designed for women struggling with low libido due to anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications, surgery and childbirth to name a few. X-Scream is flavored, so it can enhance oral favors. Due to the high potency of menthol in this product, it is unisex, so men can benefit from this product as well. To use Apply a pea size amount to the clitoral area. Men should apply a pea-sized amount to the the genital area.

It is easy to get into a routine, but remember to fit your romantic life into your schedule. There are three simple things to keep in mind for those of you in a new relationship, as well as those of you in a long-lasting one: try new things with each other, participate in activities to increase confidence and don’t be afraid to explore your erogenous zones with products such as arousal creams. Feel free to visit www.pureromance.com to shop around for different intimacy items for you and your partner to keep your love life fresh and exciting!

One of my good friends is an avid fan of Esquire magazine and handed me an article the other day that I found pretty interesting. The feature, entitled, “I Think I Love My Wife: An Investigative Report”, talked about the latest attempts of science to break down concepts of love, romance and sex through technology like MRI’s and brain scans.

While very intriguing, there’s still so much to be said for good old fashioned choices and effort when it comes to romance and intimacy. Do we really want to wake up one day and blame failed relationships or lagging sex lives on chemicals or simply “bad genes” that are “beyond our control”? I’m going to venture not. While those factors can play a role in our intimate life, I believe each individual has to take the time to choose behaviors and attitudes that promote their wellbeing as a couple; it’s easy to make excuses when a relationship gets tough, but it’s how we take responsibility for our actions and how we choose to respond to it that can make or break a relationship in the end.

While falling in love can be an amazing and grand experience, it can sometimes blind you to the hard work that goes into maintaining a loving relationship down the road (when some of those euphoric feelings begin to naturally wane). This can be one of the most challenging times in a relationship because it’s when you realize that love’s not just a feeling that you “fall into”, but that love is also a choice. Below are some behaviors that you can choose as a couple to help you navigate your way through the storms that are inevitably going to hit you throughout the years.

Choose to Love. As I mentioned earlier, love is a choice that two people make to treat one another with respect, affection and support. Often times people forget this simple principle and begin to take one another for granted. When you find yourself in a challenging situation with your partner, always choose to approach it with love.

Choose to Remember. Many people begin to take one another for granted because they forget to take time to remember and appreciate what attracted them to their partner in the first place. Take time out of your day or week to reflect on the earlier times when you first fell in love and stir up some of those feelings. Like embers in a flame, they can always be rekindled.

Choose to Be Positive. Choosing a positive attitude can transform the way you and your partner communicate with one another. It can also attract positive outcomes because the energy you are putting out is one that is focused on the good of all involved.

Choose to Stay True. Infidelity can be destructive to a relationship, with many of them failing to survive indiscretions altogether. The grass is always greener on the other side, and nine times out of ten the decision to stray from a committed relationship will not end positively. Treat your partner with respect. Even if you have decided the relationship has run its course, give them the respect of having that conversation prior to stepping outside the relationship/marriage.

Choose to Grow. No one understands this better than Pure Romance! It’s so important to try new things and keep your relationship fresh, both in and out of the bedroom! We carry a whole line of products from pampering and massage and bath items to bedroom toys and games which enhance communication. Take advantage of these resources and remember, you both have the power to keep things from becoming stagnant.

Choose to Let Go. Try to put yourself in your partner’s shoes and let go of past grievances when you choose to forgive. Also, don’t grasp your partner too tightly! You are both independent individuals and should have the freedom to grow within the relationship, and together as a couple.

When you are in a relationship it is so easy to look at the single life and remember how much fun it once was, but as I’ve always said, “The grass may be greener on the other side, but that usually means there’s just more to mow!”

Singles often get caught up in the games and fear of rejection that sometimes come along with dating, and lose sight of the “fun” they should be having. In addition, society puts a strong emphasis on the importance of finding “The One” which places added pressure on your new relationship, and dating in general. For those single ladies out there, I’ve provided some key points for keeping the dating scene fun!

You both are on an interview:
I have always told my own children that dating is similar to going on an interview. However, you shouldn’t stress too much because when you go on a date you are both the interviewee and the interviewer. Think about it this way, when you go in for an interview you dress your best, you turn on the charm and speak as articulately as possible, you discuss your best assets and characteristics; you are essentially selling yourself while being respectful of the person interviewing you. But, this is where it can get tricky. If you go in to a date thinking that you have to sell yourself, you tend to talk more about yourself and fail to listen to what the other person has to say. Make sure you interview your date as well. When they ask you a question, answer it and reciprocate the question for them to answer.

Relax and be yourself:
Often times we focus on the end result of dating instead of enjoying the journey. This happens all too often in the bedroom, but it can happen in dating as well. Don’t concentrate on whether or not this person will fit into your future, or vice versa. Sit back, relax, take comfort in the fact that you look your best, and engage in a fun “get to know you” conversation. Keep in mind that even if this person doesn’t end up being “The One”, you might just make a new friend. And, you never know, this new “friend” probably has other single friends! Keep your networking options open.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket:
When you find someone you are interested in seeing again, remember to continue “dating” them. You still don’t know the person very well, or well enough to establish a committed relationship. It’s all about balance. You have an independent life outside of the dating realm, and so does the new person you are dating. So enjoy your friends, continue to participate in your hobbies, and do not revolve your schedule around someone new. This is the best part about dating; allowing the other person to see what the rhythm of your life is like, and if things are going well enough, introducing that person to your circle of friends. Don’t focus all of your energy on this one person. Like the saying goes, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Swim around a bit and check out your options!

Patience is Virtue:
Stressing out during the first dating encounter can be unattractive. When you first start dating someone, observation and time is all you need to answer the questions you might have. For instance, if you are planning on meeting somewhere for your first date and your date is running late, give them five to ten minutes. Grab a drink at the bar and engage in conversation with people sitting around you. Don’t be preoccupied with where they are, what they are doing and what their lateness actually means in terms of their level of interest. This will give them the idea that you are laid back and relaxed, which is an attractive quality in such a fast paced world. As I mentioned before, make sure to take notice because factors such as their late behavior, how they handle it, and if it’s reoccurring, might answer the long-term question of whether or not this person is right for you.

Choose the location of your date with care:
Dating is all about getting to know the other person, so going to a movie will make that feat a difficult one. Make sure to include the other person in on the decision making process. Ask them where they would like to meet. If you aren’t sure how the date will turn out, schedule a simple drinks-and-appetizers-date, which can remain short and sweet, but can be extended if things are going well. If you want to make it as quick as possible because of your busy schedule, inform your date and meet for coffee or a quick lunch.

Create a pre-date ritual:
Preparing for a first date can be a little stressful, so engage in tranquil activities prior to your date to help you relax. You can start by pampering yourself with a nice long bath. The hot water will relax your muscles and soothe your mind. Afterwards, I recommend using Pure Romance’s Kiss, a body splash that smells fresh and clean. You can keep this product in your refrigerator to make it cold. After a hot bath it will refresh warm skin and invigorate your senses, while making you smell wonderful as well. Using a pheromone based perfume will derive your natural scent, bringing your own pheromones, or natural sexual attractant, to a different peak. Pure Romance’s Basic Instinct is a great pheromone based perfume that can make you feel more confident, and your date will more than likely notice! Pure Romance has a variety of beauty products that can help you get ready for your big night. Visit www.pureromance.com to shop around for the perfect pampering products for you!

Life can get hectic, so try not to allow dating to add to that stress. Focus on the fun and excitement associated with dating. You only have control over yourself and your own actions so don’t try to control the situation, and definitely don’t stress over what the other person is thinking or doing. It is absolutely normal to stress before a date, but try to take pleasure in the process of dating, because even if there isn’t a “love connection,” you might spark up a new friendship. And if the date fails miserably, you still walk away with a funny story to tell your friends! So relax, be confident and enjoy the journey.