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	<title>Tips &#8211; Dr. Holly Richmond</title>
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	<description>Your Body. Your Mind. Your Health.</description>
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	<title>Tips &#8211; Dr. Holly Richmond</title>
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		<title>7 Tips on How to Have Hot Period Sex</title>
		<link>https://drhollyrichmond.com/7-tips-on-how-to-have-hot-period-sex/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[drhllyrchmnd_1uxfzg]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Feb 2018 16:06:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Allure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Better Sex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Period Sex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sexual Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://drhollyrichmond.com/?p=867</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Period sex is like pizza: If you want it, you deserve it. You're a human being whose sexual needs don't switch off when blood starts coming out of you. We rounded up seven things you should know about period sex, including insight from experts, to help you make that time of the month even more enjoyable.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h5 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.allure.com/story/period-sex-tips" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Originally published @ allure.com</a></h5>
<p style="text-align: center;">By <a href="https://www.allure.com/contributor/sophie-saint-thomas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sophie Saint Thomas</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Period sex is like pizza: If you want it, you deserve it. You&#8217;re a human being whose sexual needs don&#8217;t switch off when blood starts coming out of you. (If sex during your period really <em>isn&#8217;t</em> your thing, though, that&#8217;s cool too — more on that ahead.) We rounded up seven things you should know about period sex, including insight from experts, to help you make that time of the month even more enjoyable. Read on, bleed on, and get off to your heart&#8217;s content.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>1| Think</strong> of<strong> period fluids as extra lube.</strong></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.allure.com/story/lube-sex-tips" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lube</a> makes sex better, end of story. Buying lube simply means you&#8217;re an adult who understands sex feels better slippery. However, along with usual vaginal wetness, your period fluids can act as an added bonus. &#8220;It&#8217;s extra lubrication, which can be a fantastic experience,&#8221; says sex therapist Holly Richmond. It&#8217;s not gross; it&#8217;s natural. Menstrual &#8220;blood&#8221; is more than just blood — it&#8217;s <a href="https://www.self.com/story/this-is-whats-actually-in-your-period-blood" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">thickened endometrial cells</a> married with blood from uterine arteries. It&#8217;s actually a pretty great consistency for sex.</p>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>2|</strong> Get<strong> it on when you&#8217;re horny.</strong></h3>
<p>Some <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/oct/15/how-period-affects-sex-drive-menstruation-ovulation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tend to find their libidos are highest</a> at around the time they ovulate, while some say they notice <a href="https://jezebel.com/why-youre-so-horny-during-your-period-1613540825" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heightened arousal</a> during their periods (or <a href="https://tonic.vice.com/en_us/article/ne3zzg/getting-horny-right-before-your-period" target="_blank" rel="noopener">right before</a>). If you fall into the &#8220;gotta have it&#8221; camp while menstruating, rad, get it on. Concerned your partner won&#8217;t be into it? Ask them. But take it from someone who has had plenty of sex with people of all genders: People are generally pretty excited about an opportunity to get laid, period or no period.</p>
<p>In fact, your period could very well turn them on. There&#8217;s something primal about the blood: Things are messy to start with, which can allow all parties to tap into their animalistic nature. To avoid mess, you can simply put a towel underneath you and your partner. If you want to get a little fancy, you can even invest in a luxe &#8220;sex blanket&#8221; designed to absorb liquids — Liberator makes <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Liberator-Fascinator-Throe-Moisture-Resistant-Blanket/dp/B00EOXYQPE?th=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a great one</a>. Shower sex is another good option for cleaning up while you get it on.</p>
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<h3 class="image-embed-wrapper" style="text-align: center;">3|<strong> But if you&#8217;re not in</strong> the<strong> mood, know that that&#8217;s okay too.</strong></h3>
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<p>The same rules apply to <a href="https://www.allure.com/story/flex-menstrual-cup">period sex</a> as they do for any sex. Not into it? Don&#8217;t do it. Research suggests that people who menstruate are may be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/oct/15/how-period-affects-sex-drive-menstruation-ovulation" rel="nofollow">horniest during ovulation</a>, which takes place right in the middle of your cycle, rather than at the end of the cycle when you get your period. If you feel cranky and bloated during your period, how about requesting a massage from your partner as a way to enjoy intimate touch without straight-up sex? You can also turn to the pros to alleviate symptoms: Some spas, such as <a href="http://www.massagegreenpoint.com/moon-cycle-massage/" rel="nofollow">Greenpoint Massage</a> in Brooklyn, even offer special massages designed to ease period pains. What&#8217;s more, sometimes waiting to have sex makes it so much better when you do. &#8220;If you don&#8217;t like period sex, the sexual build-up for when you’re done is fantastic,&#8221; Richmond says.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>4| Don&#8217;t</strong> forsake<strong> birth control.</strong></h3>
<p>While it&#8217;s less likely, you <a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/ask-experts/can-you-get-pregnant-if-you-have-sex-during-your-period"><em>can</em> still get pregnant during this time</a>. So don&#8217;t forget about contraception during period sex. Likelihood of pregnancy depends on the length of your menstrual cycle. Sperm can live inside of you for up to five days. If you have a <a href="https://www.self.com/story/can-you-get-pregnant-on-your-period">shorter cycle</a>, that means those suckers could still be around come ovulation — specifically, if you have sex at the end of your bleeding and then ovulate early. &#8220;Also, what people think is a period is [often] not,&#8221; says gynecologist Jessica Shepherd. Sometimes what you may think is a period is actually mid-cycle spotting. What&#8217;s more, it&#8217;s just as important <a href="https://www.allure.com/story/sti-transmission-safer-sex-tips">to protect against STIs</a> during your period as at any other time of the month with a method such as condoms.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>5|</strong> Don&#8217;t<strong> be</strong> afraid<strong> of oral.</strong></h3>
<p>If your partner has a penis, I hope to goddess they aren&#8217;t using your period as an excuse to get a week of blowjobs while disregarding your pleasure. If you&#8217;re into it, and so is your partner, there&#8217;s no reason you can&#8217;t get eaten out while menstruating. In fact, some people are really turned on by going down on someone on their period, Richmond says. If your partner focuses their tongue on the clit, you can also receive oral while they avoid the blood. You can keep your tampon or menstrual cup in if you like. The <a href="https://www.allure.com/story/flex-menstrual-cup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Flex menstrual cup</a> was even designed with mess-free period sex in mind.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>6|</strong> Practice<strong> safe sex.</strong></h3>
<p>It bears repeating that you should practice the same safer sex practices while on your period as you would any time of the month. If you&#8217;re in a monogamous relationship, have both been tested, and don&#8217;t use condoms, there&#8217;s no reason to pull out the rubbers unless your partner doesn&#8217;t want blood on their penis. If you don&#8217;t know each other&#8217;s STI status, please stick with condoms, especially since Shepherd says that some <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8885071" rel="nofollow">research shows</a> period sex may have a higher STI transmission rate.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">7|<strong> Enjoy the pain-relieving power of orgasms.</strong></h3>
<p>Yes, period cramps <a href="https://www.allure.com/story/man-said-menstrual-pain-is-myth-internet-isnt-having-it" target="_blank" rel="noopener">are very real</a> and can be mega painful. Thankfully, one pain-killing activity doesn&#8217;t have to cost a thing: having an orgasm. &#8220;Dopamine that is released during an orgasm kills pain and can help with that heavy feeling a lot of people report&#8221; during their periods, Richmond says. Want an orgasm, but don&#8217;t feel like dealing with another human? That&#8217;s what masturbation and <a href="https://www.allure.com/gallery/best-vibrators" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vibrators</a> are for. While no one should ever shame you for wanting to have sex that time of the month, you know for certain that a vibrator never will.</p>
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		<title>The Truth About Whether 5 &#8220;Vaginal Tightening Treatments&#8221; Actually Work</title>
		<link>https://drhollyrichmond.com/the-truth-about-whether-vaginal-tightening-treatments-work/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[drhllyrchmnd_1uxfzg]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Dec 2017 21:05:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Allure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Surgery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wellness]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://drhollyrichmond.com/?p=818</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The idea that you can develop a "loose" vagina from too much sex is a myth created by capitalism and the patriarchy to feed vagina insecurity and sell you dumb products. Or at least, that's the theory I subscribe to after learning about "vagina tightening" pills and the tragically titled "18 Again" cream.]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h5 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.allure.com/search?q=The+Truth+About+Whether+5+%22Vaginal+Tightening+Treatments%22+Actually+Work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Originally published @ allure.com</a></h5>
<p style="text-align: center;">By <a href="https://www.allure.com/contributor/sophie-saint-thomas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sophie Saint Thomas</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The idea that you can develop a &#8220;loose&#8221; vagina from too much sex is a myth created by capitalism and the patriarchy to feed <a href="https://www.allure.com/story/vagina-hygiene-trends-exploit-insecurities" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">vagina insecurity</span></a> and sell you dumb products. Or at least, that&#8217;s the theory I subscribe to after learning about &#8220;vagina tightening&#8221; pills and the tragically titled <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Vaginal-Tightening-Premium-Lubricated-Condoms/dp/B00V53Q89I/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=hpc&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1513020392&amp;sr=1-2&amp;keywords=18+again" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">&#8220;18 Again&#8221; cream</span></a>. I can confirm that you can have rigorous penetrative sex with penises, dildos, and even fists and your vagina won&#8217;t &#8220;stretch out.&#8221; (It might, however, feel nice and well-cared for due to all the good sex it&#8217;s having.) &#8220;Having sex and using toys is not going to cause dramatic changes in your vagina, the size, or shape, or functioning,&#8221; says <a href="http://newsroom.cumc.columbia.edu/blog/2016/01/22/hilda-hutcherson-diversity-award/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">Hilda Hutcherson</span></a>, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Medical Center.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Exercises such as <a href="https://www.allure.com/story/kgoal-elvie-kegel-trainer-reviews" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">Kegels</span></a>, meanwhile, can improve the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/kegel-exercises/art-20045283" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">strength of your pelvic floor muscles</span></a>, which support your pelvic organs (including your uterus, bladder, rectum, and small intestine). A strong pelvic floor can reduce incontinence issues, help you have stronger orgasms, and make for easier vaginal delivery if you plan on having kids — but it is <em>not</em> about having a narrow vagina.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Childbirth — especially multiple births — and regular old aging can fatigue vaginal muscles, but still, &#8220;The vagina is a miraculous organ that can stretch way out and deliver a ten-pound baby and then snap back into shape,&#8221; Hutcherson says. In fact, especially for those for whom penetration was previously painful, Hutcherson says giving birth can actually make sex feel better. Still, the toxic idea that your vaginal canal has to be narrow continues to persist — and manifests in the form of &#8220;tightening&#8221; products and techniques that just don&#8217;t work. Read on for ways people have attempted to tighten their vaginas.</span></p>
<h4 class="p1"><span style="line-height: inherit;">1. &#8220;Vaginal tightening&#8221; pills</span></h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">A company on Amazon wants to sell you <a href="https://www.amazon.com/IsoSensuals-TIGHT-Vaginal-Tightening-Pills/dp/B00K6ZQ1AW?th=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">251 vaginal tightening pills for $50</span></a> . You can buy a <a href="http://www.babeland.com/magic-wand/d/2487" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">254 Hitachi Magic Wand </span></a>vibrator for just $10 more, and I promise your body will be much happier if you do.</span></p>
<p>&#8220;There is nothing you can take orally for your vagina that&#8217;s going to affect the &#8216;tightness,&#8217; and I always put that in quotations. That&#8217;s ludicrous,&#8221; Hutcherson says. These so-called vaginal tightening pills contain ingredients like Manjakani extract, or oak gall, which is a tumor-like bulb that grows on oak trees. Spoiler alert: Hutcherson says there&#8217;s no way in hell it works. Inexplicably, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/IsoSensuals-TIGHT-Vaginal-Tightening-Pills/dp/B00K6ZQ1AW?th=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">these pills</a> have a nearly five-star rating. &#8220;The placebo effect is absolutely possible,&#8221; says certified sex therapist Holly Richmond. &#8220;However, it&#8217;s more troublesome that women would even be in a position to think that their vagina isn&#8217;t fabulous in all of the ways.&#8221; Don&#8217;t spend your money on these pills. Use the $50 on a vibrator or martinis with friends to toast to the death of the patriarchy and the fabulous vagina you already have.</p>
<h4><strong>2.</strong> Squats.</h4>
<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t get me wrong: Squats are terrific if you want to strengthen your butt and quads, but they won&#8217;t do, well, squat for your vagina. Yet they still <a href="https://www.vwhcare.com/how-to-tighten-vagina-naturally/3-essential-exercises/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pop up</a> as a supposed way to tighten your vag. &#8220;Unless you&#8217;re doing Kegels at the same time as you&#8217;re doing your squats, that&#8217;s not helpful at all,&#8221; Hutcherson says. (And again, for the cheap seats in the back: Kegels don&#8217;t make your vagina tighter, they make your pelvic floor stronger.)</p>
<h4><strong>3.</strong> &#8220;Vaginal<strong> tightening&#8221; cream.</strong></h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The names of some so-called vaginal tightening creams, such as &#8221; <a href="https://shopinprivate.com/products/18-again-cream" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">18 Again</span></a>&#8221; and &#8220;<a href="https://www.pureromance.com/Shop/Sexual-Health/Like-a-Virgin-24-Hour-Tightener" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">Like a Virgin</span></a>,&#8221; are sexist and creepy as hell. And the bad marketing doesn&#8217;t stop there. &#8220;Sex with that random guy from the party who might have been cute lasted 30 seconds if you were lucky. But, hey, you had a tight whoesy whatsy!&#8221; 18 Again&#8217;s product description says of what life was supposedly like when you were 18.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">As a general rule of thumb, never trust anyone who calls a vagina a &#8220;whoesy whatsy&#8221; with your gynecological care. What&#8217;s more, the main ingredient in this scam of a product is glycerin, a compound often found in lube. Lube is awesome, but experts caution <a href="https://www.allure.com/story/lube-sex-tips" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">against using lube made with glycerin</span></a> as there&#8217;s evidence it can lead to yeast or bacterial infection. Bottom line: Neither 18 Again and other &#8220;tightening&#8221; creams are a waste of money — &#8220;and why would you want to be 18 for the rest of your life? You don’t want that. You want a mature, experienced vagina,&#8221; Hutcherson says, one that provides you pleasure. Amen.</span></p>
<h4>4. Vaginal Weights</h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Unlike &#8220;tightening&#8221; creams and pills, vaginal weights can definitely have benefits: When used correctly, they can make your Kegel practice easier and more fun. &#8220;Doing Kegels and pelvic floor exercises with weights are good for women because they can make you have stronger, more predictable and dependable orgasms,&#8221; Hutcherson says. (You&#8217;ll want to make sure that the weights you use aren&#8217;t too heavy, and that you&#8217;re using so that you don&#8217;t injure yourself.) Hutcherson&#8217;s emphasis on the pleasure you get on the other side of Kegels is important: Products like &#8220;18 Again&#8221; are so obviously marketed to capitalize on sexual insecurity and center cishet men&#8217;s pleasure. If you do invest in a vaginal weight <a href="https://www.allure.com/story/goop-jade-yoni-egg-chakrubs-sex-toy-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">such as a yoni egg </span></a>or <a href="https://www.allure.com/story/best-amazon-prime-sex-toys" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">Ben Wa Balls</span></a>, do it for you.</span></p>
<h4>5. Surgery.</h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Recent years have seen the rise of vaginal <a href="https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/vaginal-rejuvenation/vaginoplasty"><span class="s2">plastic surgery </span></a>such as labiaplasty, which changes the size or shape of the lips around the vulva, and vaginoplasty, which is designed to &#8220;tighten&#8221; the vagina. A vaginoplasty is done by removing skin from inside the vagina and then suturing together the vaginal tissue. Labiaplasty can easily cost upwards of <a href="https://www.realself.com/labiaplasty/cost"><span class="s2">$4,000</span></a>, while <a href="https://www.realself.com/vaginoplasty/cost"><span class="s2">vaginoplasty </span></a>can cost $5,000 and more.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">While some people opt for vaginoplasties post-childbirth, Hutcherson says that surgery is really only needed after delivering if there a tear that goes through the muscles that support the vagina. &#8220;Childbirth is a natural process that’s been going on from the beginning of time,&#8221; she points out. &#8220;It’s only recently that the surgical procedures have come up.&#8221;</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">In the case of labiaplasty, which people usually have to reduce the size of their labia, some choose the surgery because the length or size of their labia is causing them serious discomfort. Often, though, people have the surgery because they&#8217;ve been made to feel self-conscious about their perfectly healthy genitals. When it comes to cosmetic procedures, whether it&#8217;s Botox or a labiaplasty, do what makes you happy — but the choice to alter your body shouldn&#8217;t be to please anyone else. Richmond says when a client expresses interest in an elective genital surgery, she shows them the diversity and beauty of labia and makes sure they aren&#8217;t comparing themselves to porn stars. &#8220;It’s not a realistic representation of vaginas,&#8221; she says, adding that emulating the genitals shown in porn is like attempting to look exactly like a movie star (which, after all, is not only unnecessary but totally anxiety-provoking). So go forth and do your Kegels, but do them for you. And, if I may say so, I feel confident your vagina is beautiful the way it is.</span></p>
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		<title>20 Things No Wife Ever Wants to Hear</title>
		<link>https://drhollyrichmond.com/20-things-no-wife-ever-wants-to-hear/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[drhllyrchmnd_1uxfzg]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Dec 2017 20:34:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Best Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://drhollyrichmond.com/?p=816</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[We all know that honesty is generally the best policy when it comes to long-term partnerships, but there are certain cases where brutal forthrightness can cause more harm than good. Herewith, you’ll discover all of the phrases and sayings your wife absolutely never wants to hear.]]></description>
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<h5 class="post-title center-block" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bestlifeonline.com/things-no-wife-wants-to-hear/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Originally published @ bestlifeonline.com</a></h5>
<p style="text-align: center;">– <a href="https://muckrack.com/julia-malacoff">Julia Malacoff</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1">We all know that honesty is generally the best policy when it comes to long-term partnerships, but there are certain cases where brutal forthrightness can cause more harm than good. Herewith, you’ll discover all of the phrases and sayings your wife absolutely <i>never</i> wants to hear. So read on, and think carefully before you speak. And if your marriage is going wonderfully and you’re looking to spice things up in the bedroom,<span class="s2"><a href="http://bestlifeonline.com/sex-toys/"> don’t miss these amazing secrets. </a></span></span></p>
<h4>1| &#8220;You remind me of my mother.&#8221;</h4>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">This might sound like a compliment in your head, but chances are that’s not how she’ll hear it. “It doesn’t matter if she gets along great with her mother in law, comparisons to any family member can completely kill the mood,” says </span><span class="s2">Kimberly Hershenson</span><span class="s1">, LMSW, a therapist based in NYC. Also, never say she reminds you of her own mother, for similar reasons. This is definitely one of the <a href="http://bestlifeonline.com/marriage-mistakes/"><span class="s3">40 Worst Mistakes Married People Make</span></a>.</span></p>
<h4>2| &#8220;Get over it.&#8221;</h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">“If a woman is expressing her concerns or needs in the relationship and they’re dismissed, it makes her feel voiceless and powerless,” explains </span><span class="s2">Dr. Wyatt Fisher</span><span class="s1"><strong>,</strong> a licensed psychologist and founder of a couples retreat. No matter how unreasonable you think she’s being, find a kinder way to acknowledge her emotions. And for ways to really heat up your marriage, consider <a href="http://bestlifeonline.com/shower-sex/"><span class="s3">embracing your wilder side. </span></a> </span></p>
<h4>3| &#8220;Don&#8217;t take this personally.&#8221;</h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Similarly, it’s virtually impossible not to take your spouse’s words and actions personally. “We have a right to feel what we feel, and to work through those emotions with our partners,” notes </span><span class="s2">Jodi J. De Luca</span><span class="s1">, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist. “To be denied this right is to invalidate a very intimate part of who we are, and often results in psychologically unsafe relationships.” You can try regaining your significant other’s affection by using any one of the <a href="http://bestlifeonline.com/relationship-quotes/"><span class="s3">50 Relationship Quotes to Reignite Your Love</span></a>.</span></p>
<h4>4| &#8220;You&#8217;re just better with the kids than I am.&#8221;</h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">This is basically just a cop-out, even if you feel that it’s true on some level. “Women need help, especially from their significant others,” points out </span><span class="s2">Vikki Ziegle</span><span class="s1">r, celebrity divorce attorney, relationship expert, and author of <i>The Pre-Marital Planner</i>. “They want their spouses to step up and help with the kids, not solely rely on them to do everything.”  Get more connected with your wife by taking part in some of the <a href="http://bestlifeonline.com/bonding-activities-married-couples/"><span class="s3">Best Bonding Activities for Married Couples</span></a>.</span></p>
<h4>5| &#8220;I want a divorce.&#8221;</h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">No one wants to hear this from their spouse out of the blue, but it’s especially bad to say these words when you don’t really mean them just to incite a reaction. “So often, couples run into temporary moments of discomfort in their marriages, and instead having logical conversations about how to make the relationship better, they go straight for the ‘D’ word,” notes </span><span class="s2">Allison Maxim</span><span class="s1">, lead attorney at Maxim Law. “This is not only unhealthy rhetoric, but making these comments could leave your spouse feeling unsafe and insecure.”</span></p>
<h4>6| &#8220;Relax!&#8221;</h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">“In the midst of something tense, the word ‘relax’ from your spouse only ramps things up,” says </span><span class="s2">Mitzi Bockmann</span><span class="s1">, a certified life coach. Heed her advice and avoid this directive at all costs.</span></p>
<h4>7| &#8220;Why don&#8217;t we have sex like we used to?&#8221;</h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Sex can be a pain point that’s absolutely worth addressing, but this phrasing is likely to put your wife on the defensive. “The first 18 months of a relationship are magical in almost every way, particularly sexually,” notes </span><span class="s2">Dr. Holly Richmond</span><span class="s1">, Somatic Psychologist and Head of Advisory Board for Ella Paradis. “This frenzied phase cannot be sustained, but is typically replaced by amazing levels of security and deep, attuned attachment. A lot changes happen in relationships over the years, including having children, career stress, financial strain, health problems or perhaps having to care for a parent. It is absolutely possible for long-term couples to have an exciting sex life, but it is unlikely it will ever be like it was at the beginning. Be open to moving passionately into the future, not trying to recreate the past.”</span></p>
<h4>8| &#8220;You were so hot when we met.&#8221;</h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Again, this might seem like a nice thing to say, especially if you still find your wife attractive, but the emphasis on the past makes it easy to take offense. “Having kids, aging, exhaustion and just getting comfortable in a relationship may lead to her not dressing up as much, working out as much or even having time for makeup,” Hershenson says. “She’s still the same person, so this comment can be very hurtful.” Reconnecting can be hard. If you want some great help, check out the <a href="http://bestlifeonline.com/gay-couples-relationship-advice/"><span class="s2">30 Things Straight Couples Can Learn From Gay Couples</span></a>.</span></p>
<h4>9| &#8220;Is that what you&#8217;re wearing?&#8221;</h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">“Clearly if she has it on, that’s what she was planning to wear,” says </span><span class="s2">Tiya Cunningham-Sumter</span><span class="s1">, a relationship coach. This dreaded phrase will make her second-guess her outfit choice and likely deliver a hit to her confidence.</span></p>
<h4>10| &#8220;Stop nagging me.&#8221;</h4>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Often what’s interpreted as nagging is simply asking for help. “It can be particularly aggravating when the wife is reminding their husband of something they promised to do (several times) over the past weeks, months, or years or when the wife is expressing concern about their spouse’s health,” says </span><span class="s2">Gina Gardiner</span><span class="s1">, relationship expert and author.</span></p>
<div class="number-head-mod number-head-mod-standalone">
<h4 class="number">11| “Yes, that outfit <em>d</em><i>oes</i> make you look fat.”</h4>
</div>
<p>Trust us, no matter how many times the question is asked, the right answer is always, “No, you look great!”</p>
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<h4 class="title ">12| “What did you say?”</h4>
</div>
<p>Having to repeat herself because you weren’t listening is likely to evoke annoyance. “For most women, emotional intimacy is a core need,” Dr. Fisher explains. “Therefore, if you respond like you’re not listening to her, it can be very hurtful and make her feel detached.”</p>
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<h4 class="title ">13| “We’re out of money.”</h4>
</div>
<p>“I find that when married couples find themselves in this situation, it is because neither of them can get on a financial plan that they both can agree on,” says Nolan Martin, a personal finance expert. “Typically, one of them is the spender and one of them is the saver. In many cases, they find difficulty in reaching common ground to prevent not having enough dollars to make it through the month.”</p>
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<h4 class="number">14 | “…in a minute.”</h4>
</div>
<p>“This is code for maybe sometime, probably never,” Gardiner says. Heads up: Women know this.</p>
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<h4 class="number">15| “Did you finish?”</h4>
</div>
<p>“Most women don’t like to be asked about their orgasm prior to or during climax because it feels like pressure,” Richmond explains. “Most women would rather enjoy the entire sexual experience rather than being focused on having an orgasm—that’s an extra bonus but certainly not a prerequisite for having great sex.”</p>
<h4>16| “I know I said I would do it but…”</h4>
<p>It can be tempting to say you’re will do something you know you aren’t going to do just to end a conversation about it, but that’s not an effective strategy in the long-term. “Men want to keep their wives happy, so they agree to do what they are asked to do. Unfortunately their follow through isn’t always the best,” Bockmann says. “And not getting things done that they say they are going to get done is worse than saying they can’t do it.”</p>
<h4>17| “I’m not attracted to you right now.”</h4>
<p>“Our culture emphasizes looks above all else for women, and most women scrutinize themselves in the mirror for not feeling like they measure up,” Dr. Fisher says. “Therefore, commenting negatively about your wife’s looks can be extremely hurtful.”</p>
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<h4 class="number">18| “Calm down.”</h4>
</div>
<p>The worst thing you can say to your wife when she’s not calm? This. “Men often find emotional outbursts difficult to deal with as they don’t have the resources to deal with them,” Gardiner says. “Men generally want to fix things, and when they can’t, they feel they have failed their partner. They become impatient, so instead of giving their partner the hug and support they need they are brusque, leaving their wives feeling they don’t care.” Try saying something simple and supportive instead.</p>
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<h4 class="number">19| “I have an STD.”</h4>
</div>
<p>This is a particularly touchy topic because it often means there’s something extramarital going on, or can be an unwelcome reminder of past relationships. “It’s scary to learn that you may contract something from your loved one who had unprotected sex in the past,” Ziegler says. “Getting tested and being proactive can help a spouse protect themselves.”</p>
<h4>20| Silence.</h4>
<p>“In my experience, when there is a lack of engagement, no response to questions, or no empathy expressed when they are upset, it is incredibly hurtful and damaging,” Gardiner says. “The wife feels unseen, unheard, and describes a feeling of disappearing. It destroys their confidence and sense of self-worth.” So even if you’re not sure what to say, say <i>something</i>.</p>
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		<title>5 Things to Consider Before Having a Threesome While in a Relationship</title>
		<link>https://drhollyrichmond.com/5-things-to-consider-before-having-a-threesome-while-in-a-relationship/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[drhllyrchmnd_1uxfzg]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 21 Oct 2017 02:07:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Popsugar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Better Sex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Threesome]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://drhollyrichmond.com/?p=686</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[If you&#8217;re about to have a threesome, you might want to consider a few things before jumping right into bed. A threesome can be super fun and exciting, but it can also change a relationship, for better or worse. (Either way, things will be different.) So if you&#8217;re in a relationship or you&#8217;re having a [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #000000;">If you&#8217;re about to have a threesome, you might want to consider a few things before jumping right into bed. A threesome can be <a href="https://www.popsugar.com/love/Adventurous-Sex-Challenge-43923371">super fun and exciting</a>, but it can also change a relationship, for better or worse. (Either way, things <em>will</em> be different.)</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">So if you&#8217;re in a relationship or you&#8217;re having a threesome with people that you know, you&#8217;ll want to think things over first and communicate any anxieties you might have.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">For instance, though the thought of a threesome is exciting — and it definitely can be a fun addition and experience for a couple — it can also conjure up feelings, whether they be of jealousy, intimacy toward the &#8220;third&#8221; partner, or just plain awkwardness if it didn&#8217;t go as planned.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">So you&#8217;ll want to plan accordingly and be on the same page. Here are a few steps to take.</span></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000000;">Pick Your Magical Match, Together</span></h2>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Who might that lucky person be? Either way, make sure both you and your partner are OK with the chosen one. Surprisingly, this is a lot trickier than it sounds, and many couples realize they are not on the same page.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">&#8220;Do you and your partner want to include a trusted friend, a casual acquaintance, someone you randomly meet somewhere like a bar or the gym, or have the anonymity of a stranger you contact online? Often, this decision is based on what comes after the threesome and whether the couple wants a one-and-done evening or a long-term relationship with the third person,&#8221; says Tino Dietrich, sex expert and CEO and founder of <a href="https://www.ellaparadis.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ella Paradis</a>.</span></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000000;">Know Its Purpose and Rulebook</span></h2>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Why are you having a threesome, exactly? Define the purpose so you&#8217;re both aware of how it&#8217;ll affect the relationship.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">&#8220;Is it about novelty, adventure, a deeper sense of connection to your partner, a same-sex experience, or all the above? It is absolutely necessary to talk about expectations if they are going to be met. Having a threesome without prior discussion often results in hurt feelings or arguments,&#8221; says <a href="https://drhollyrichmond.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Holly Richmond</a>, somatic psychologist, certified sex therapist (CST), and licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT).</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">As for rules? They surely apply here. It isn&#8217;t as simple as &#8220;the three of us will just hook up.&#8221;</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Things you need to discuss: &#8220;penis-vagina intercourse, oral sex, anal sex, kissing, and anything else that may be on the table,&#8221; says Richmond, as well as who can take part in these activities with whom. For instance, she adds, &#8220;Some couples start slowly and keep the sexual acts that are most special to them reserved just for each other. And some don&#8217;t, and everything is game.&#8221;</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Other important rules to consider: what happens afterwards. Will you stay in touch? Is it OK for one partner to communicate with the third person without the other person knowing about it? Can two of the three people get together without the third? Discuss these things first to save yourself from arguments later.</span></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000000;">How to Be Safe</span></h2>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Enter: condoms, please. And maybe you should request that your third person get an STD test, too. Safety is a top priority. A tip? Make grabbing condoms easier (however many you&#8217;ll end up needing here) by keeping a condom box by the bed, say sex experts at <a href="https://unboundbox.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unbound</a>. Try this one: <a href="https://www.popsugar.com/buy?url=https%3A%2F%2Funboundbox.com%2Fproducts%2Fcondom-box&amp;url_pos=body-url&amp;p_name=Condom%20Box&amp;evar1=tres%3Aus&amp;evar3=article%3Atext&amp;evar9=44144224&amp;evar98=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsugar.com%2Flove%2FShould-I-Have-Threesome-44144224&amp;list1=sex%2Cadvice%2Crelationships%2Csyndicate%2Cpopsugar%20voices%2Clove%20carousel&amp;prop13=desktop&amp;page_name=tres%3Aus%3Aarticle%3Ashould-i-have-threesome-44144224&amp;pdata=18979700" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Condom Box </a>($16).</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">&#8220;Every couple has their own preference about this. If they are having a threesome with someone they know and have been in open conversation with, they may ask for testing — all three people would share their test results. Or, for couples who are more spontaneous, condoms may be enough assurance. I&#8217;ve seen many couples have vastly different needs around protecting themselves and the relationship, so again, it needs to be part of a discussion prior to the threesome,&#8221; says Richmond.</span></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000000;">How Kinky Do You Want to Get?</span></h2>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">It&#8217;s important to explore each person&#8217;s preferences for toys and kinks prior to a threesome. Some people assume their favorite toy — or bondage gear — is fine, but it may not be. And if you need a vibrator to orgasm, share that with the new person so he or she knows what to expect.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">A few ways to spice things up with bondage: <a href="https://www.popsugar.com/buy?url=https%3A%2F%2Funboundbox.com%2Fproducts%2Fsilk-bondage-rope&amp;url_pos=body-url&amp;p_name=Silk%20Bondage%20Rope&amp;evar1=tres%3Aus&amp;evar3=article%3Atext&amp;evar9=44144224&amp;evar98=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsugar.com%2Flove%2FShould-I-Have-Threesome-44144224&amp;list1=sex%2Cadvice%2Crelationships%2Csyndicate%2Cpopsugar%20voices%2Clove%20carousel&amp;prop13=desktop&amp;page_name=tres%3Aus%3Aarticle%3Ashould-i-have-threesome-44144224&amp;pdata=18979700" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Silk Bondage Rope</a> ($14), <a href="https://www.popsugar.com/buy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fshopdocjohnson.com%2Fproduct%2FDJ010902%3Futm_source%3Ddocjohnson%26utm_medium%3Dunpd%26utm_campaign%3Ddocjohnson-product-links%26_ga%3D2.251660489.1304550983.1508008938-1895993596.1507679742&amp;url_pos=body-url&amp;p_name=Doc%20Johnson%27s%20Platinum%20Cuffs&amp;evar1=tres%3Aus&amp;evar3=article%3Atext&amp;evar9=44144224&amp;evar98=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsugar.com%2Flove%2FShould-I-Have-Threesome-44144224&amp;list1=sex%2Cadvice%2Crelationships%2Csyndicate%2Cpopsugar%20voices%2Clove%20carousel&amp;prop13=desktop&amp;page_name=tres%3Aus%3Aarticle%3Ashould-i-have-threesome-44144224&amp;pdata=18979700" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Doc Johnson&#8217;s Platinum Cuffs</a> ($25), or <a href="https://www.popsugar.com/buy?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ellaparadis.com%2F50-positions-of-bondage.html&amp;url_pos=body-url&amp;p_name=50%20Positions%20of%20Bondage&amp;evar1=tres%3Aus&amp;evar3=article%3Atext&amp;evar9=44144224&amp;evar98=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsugar.com%2Flove%2FShould-I-Have-Threesome-44144224&amp;list1=sex%2Cadvice%2Crelationships%2Csyndicate%2Cpopsugar%20voices%2Clove%20carousel&amp;prop13=desktop&amp;page_name=tres%3Aus%3Aarticle%3Ashould-i-have-threesome-44144224&amp;pdata=18979700" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">50 Positions of Bondage</a> ($6).</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">What&#8217;s more, if toys are OK, is <em>sharing</em> them OK? Maybe personal ones are better, says Richmond.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">&#8220;Or maybe your boyfriend has a strong foot fetish. He probably won&#8217;t be able to keep that under wraps during a new, exciting experience, so it&#8217;s always best to disclose if he&#8217;s comfortable sharing that information. The idea here is the fewer surprises, the better,&#8221; Richmond adds.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">A few fun ways to get kinkier: the <a href="https://www.popsugar.com/buy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fshopdocjohnson.com%2Fproduct%2FCNVELD-DJ6027-05%3Futm_source%3Ddocjohnson%26utm_medium%3Dunpd%26utm_campaign%3Ddocjohnson-product-links%26_ga%3D2.252657737.1304550983.1508008938-1895993596.1507679742&amp;url_pos=body-url&amp;p_name=iVibe%20Select%20iWand%20Body%20Wand&amp;evar1=tres%3Aus&amp;evar3=article%3Atext&amp;evar9=44144224&amp;evar98=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsugar.com%2Flove%2FShould-I-Have-Threesome-44144224&amp;list1=sex%2Cadvice%2Crelationships%2Csyndicate%2Cpopsugar%20voices%2Clove%20carousel&amp;prop13=desktop&amp;page_name=tres%3Aus%3Aarticle%3Ashould-i-have-threesome-44144224&amp;pdata=18979700" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">iVibe Select iWand Body Wand</a> ($162), <a href="https://www.popsugar.com/buy?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ellaparadis.com%2Fsex-toys-for-couples%2Fcouples-toys%2F50-shades-darker-principles-of-lust-romance-couples-kit.html&amp;url_pos=body-url&amp;p_name=50%20Shades%20Darker%20Principles%20of%20Lust%20Romance%20Couples%20Kit&amp;evar1=tres%3Aus&amp;evar3=article%3Atext&amp;evar9=44144224&amp;evar98=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsugar.com%2Flove%2FShould-I-Have-Threesome-44144224&amp;list1=sex%2Cadvice%2Crelationships%2Csyndicate%2Cpopsugar%20voices%2Clove%20carousel&amp;prop13=desktop&amp;page_name=tres%3Aus%3Aarticle%3Ashould-i-have-threesome-44144224&amp;pdata=18979700" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">50 Shades Darker Principles of Lust Romance Couples Kit</a> ($46), and the <a href="https://www.popsugar.com/buy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwe-vibe.com%2Fsync&amp;url_pos=body-url&amp;p_name=We-Vibe%20Sync%20Couples%20Toy&amp;evar1=tres%3Aus&amp;evar3=article%3Atext&amp;evar9=44144224&amp;evar98=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsugar.com%2Flove%2FShould-I-Have-Threesome-44144224&amp;list1=sex%2Cadvice%2Crelationships%2Csyndicate%2Cpopsugar%20voices%2Clove%20carousel&amp;prop13=desktop&amp;page_name=tres%3Aus%3Aarticle%3Ashould-i-have-threesome-44144224&amp;pdata=18979700" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">We-Vibe Sync Couples Toy</a> ($200).</span></p>
<h2><span style="color: #000000;">Be Self-Aware</span></h2>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">And, lastly, know yourself. If you&#8217;re the jealous type, would a threesome work for you?</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">&#8220;Often, it&#8217;s hard to know until you&#8217;ve done it, and in some cases by then it&#8217;s too late and your jealousy is raging. Most of the time a couple can recover, but I have seen some instances where it ended the relationship — that is the absolute opposite outcome you should be striving for by spicing up your sex life with a threesome,&#8221; says Richmond.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;">A tip? If you have been jealous in the past or have enough self-awareness to recognize you are often jealous now, a threesome may not be the best for your ego or relationship.</span></p>
<div class="post-meta"><span class="byline standard" style="color: #000000;"><span class="by">by </span><a title="View user link." href="https://www.popsugar.com/blogger/Isadora-Baum">Isadora Baum</a></span></div>
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		<title>5 Ways To Build Endurance In Bed</title>
		<link>https://drhollyrichmond.com/5-ways-to-build-endurance-in-bed-2/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[drhllyrchmnd_1uxfzg]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jun 2017 23:23:20 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Bustle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Better Sex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://drhollyrichmond.com/?p=540</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[So, you love having sex. You like the ins-and-outs of the whole process and of course, the grand finale. But when you’re going at it, you find yourself getting exhausted, tired, and ready to throw in the towel (long before you actually get to a point of ecstasy). Your ability to maintain energy during sex [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So, you love having sex. You like the ins-and-outs of the whole process and of course, the grand finale. But when you’re going at it, you find yourself getting exhausted, tired, and ready to throw in the towel (long before you actually get to a point of ecstasy). Your ability to <a title="Link: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2012/01/how-to-increase-your-sexual-energy-jerry-stocking/" href="http://www.elephantjournal.com/2012/01/how-to-increase-your-sexual-energy-jerry-stocking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">maintain energy during sex</a> is a lot like your strength to push through a tough boot camp class: it’s all about endurance.</p>
<p>“Endurance is important in bed because it gives us a sense of control and feeling of empowerment. We are able to meet our <a href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/97257-why-a-difference-in-sexual-desire-doesnt-mean-the-end-of-a-relationship-according-to-science" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">partner’s sexual needs</a>, and feel sexually and erotically fulfilled ourselves,” <a href="https://drhollyrichmond.com/archives/1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dr. Holly Richmond</a>, psychologist and sex therapist tells Bustle. “It lets us know for certain that we are a good lover. If two people’s sexual endurance is equally matched, there will be no reason to ask, ‘Was that good for you?’ Having sexual endurance gives each person a sense of sexual self-efficacy and know-how.”</p>
<p>If you’re struggling with getting up your stamina, don’t worry. There are easy ways — both mentally and physically — to get your <a href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/111392-how-to-relax-during-sex-and-tune-in-to-your-body" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">head and your body into the bedroom:</a></p>
<h2>1. First, Define What Endurance Is</h2>
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<p>When experts speak about endurance, it’s not just about how long you can stay on top of your partner or hold a position. As Richmond notes, it’s actually about all aspects of love making that require a strong will. As Dr. Richmond explains, physical endurance might be what you first think of: “The physical aspect, giving and receiving pleasure, is one of the most important pieces of sexual health that I help my clients explore. In a nutshell, it’s asking, ‘What feels good to you? How do you enjoy being sexual with others? How well do you know yourself and your sexual needs? How willing are you to ask your partner about their needs, and meet them if possible?’” she explains.</p>
<p>But then there’s emotional strength while having sex which she explains: “The act of staying present and attuned to your partner, is also an essential element of great sex. I might ask, ‘Do you want sex to be just about your genitals, or are you open to mind/body eroticism, an embodied experience that can make good sex great sex?’”</p>
<h2>2. Make Sure You Invest In Foreplay</h2>
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<p>Part of what will get everything flowing in the right direction is ensuring your body turned on. A big way to do this is with foreplay — from using your hands to your mouth on one another. This helps build your endurance because you spend less time in actual intercourse trying to turn one another one and more time warming up everything. As Richmond advises — f<a href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/172941-8-best-sex-toys-for-foreplay-depending-on-what-turns-you-on" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">oreplay can actually start long before you get naked</a>, too: “Explore what gets you in the mood. Is it sexting with your partner, putting an explicit sticky note on their car seat, whispering in their ear that morning about what you want to do to them or want them to do to you? Build endurance that lasts all day,” she says.</p>
<h2>3. Get Out Of Your Head</h2>
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<p>It’s easier said than done, but the more you can <a title="Link: https://www.bustle.com/articles/174970-why-do-i-get-distracted-during-sex-what-to-do-about-zoning-out" href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/174970-why-do-i-get-distracted-during-sex-what-to-do-about-zoning-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">stay present during sex</a>, the better your endurance will be. You waste mental energy that could be focused on intimacy when you start rattling off to-do lists in your head while trying to also have sex. When you let go of everyday stresses for just an hour, you won’t wear yourself out as quickly.</p>
<p>One way to do that is to prioritize your daily choices, Richmond says. “Stress is not sexy. If you are constantly running from one engagement to the next, always in work mode or mom mode, your sexual endurance will be nil. It sounds cliché, but taking time for yourself (not necessarily by yourself) — time where your needs come first — is essential. Exercise, quiet time alone, and social time with friends and family are all necessary qualities that enhance your overall health and sexual health, of which endurance is feel-good byproduct.”</p>
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<h2>4. Masturbate</h2>
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<p>It’s no secret that masturbation can seriously make your sex life better. From when you do it all by yourself to using it as a sexy addition for your partner to watch, knowing your own pleasure zones and what gets you off helps you have a fun experience. It can also help build your endurance because you don’t spend time doing things that don’t work and instead, focus on the ones that do.</p>
<p>“If you don’t know your body and mind, and what keeps your aroused, how do you expect your partner to? Be willing to explore your fantasies when you masturbate, and then if it feels safe, <a title="Link: https://www.bustle.com/articles/172204-how-to-be-a-more-mindful-partner-during-sex" href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/172204-how-to-be-a-more-mindful-partner-during-sex" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">share them with your partner</a>,” <strong>Richmond</strong> tells Bustle. “Also, practice with your hand or a vibrator by bringing yourself close to orgasm, and then bringing yourself back down…and then bringing yourself back up again. Being able to control your orgasm with your technique can extend a quickie to hours of pleasure.”</p>
<h2>5. Lastly, Breathe</h2>
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<p>If you’ve ever ran a race or tried to make it through a grueling workout, you likely heard your instructor (or your internal coach) reminding you to inhale and exhale. Breath is so important in anything physical, sex included. It helps you structure your pace, slow down and then dive right back in.</p>
<p>“The pacing of your breath is as important as the pacing of your body. Things may go too quickly if your breathing is shallow and rapid. Think long, slow deep breaths, and let your body follow,” Richmond says. “You can learn to easily regulate your excitement with your breath for an extra erotic mind/body charge.”</p>
<p><i>Images: Andrew Zaeh for Bustle; Giphy</i></p>
<p>Original Source: http://www.bustle.com/articles/180016-5-ways-to-build-endurance-in-bed</p>
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		<item>
		<title>5 Ways To Build Endurance In Bed</title>
		<link>https://drhollyrichmond.com/5-ways-to-build-endurance-in-bed/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[drhllyrchmnd_1uxfzg]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Oct 2016 15:00:12 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Bustle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Better Sex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://drhollyrichmond.com/?p=463</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[“Endurance is important in bed because it gives us a sense of control and feeling of empowerment. We are able to meet our partner’s sexual needs, and feel sexually and erotically fulfilled ourselves,” Dr. Holly Richmond, psychologist and sex therapist tells Bustle. “It lets us know for certain that we are a good lover. If [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-478" src="https://drhollyrichmond.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Bustle.png" alt="bustle" width="331" height="264" />“Endurance is important in bed because it gives us a sense of control and feeling of empowerment. We are able to meet our partner’s sexual needs, and feel sexually and erotically fulfilled ourselves,” Dr. Holly Richmond, psychologist and sex therapist tells Bustle. “It lets us know for certain that we are a good lover. If two people’s sexual endurance is equally matched, there will be no reason to ask, ‘Was that good for you?’ Having sexual endurance gives each person a sense of sexual self-efficacy and know-how.”</p>
<p>Read the full article by <a href="https://www.bustle.com/authors/1124-lindsay-tigar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lindsay Tigar</a> on Bustle here: <a href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/180016-5-ways-to-build-endurance-in-bed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.bustle.com/articles/180016-5-ways-to-build-endurance-in-bed</a></p>
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