Open relationships may be taboo to many, but if it works for you, here are 15 open relationship rules you can use to have a better love life. By Sarah Summer

An open relationship is a tricky maze.

It can seem like a lot of fun, but as with anything that seems too good to be true at first, it’s better to be prepared than sorry.

There are many couples who enjoy a perfect open relationship with their own partners.

And they’re happy with their lives.

If you and your partner believe in the logic that sexual infatuation and love are two different emotions, well, an open relationship may work out just fine for you.

[Read: What is an open relationship really?]

Open relationship rules for beginners

There are no rules written in stone for anything we experience.

What works for one person may not work for another.

But through the experiences of other couples who indulge in an open relationship, there are many things we can learn in order to avoid those pitfalls and enjoy those sexual highs.

You should remember that these open relationship rules aren’t created to restrict you.

It’s only a guide to help you enjoy the benefits of an open relationship and yet keep your love life happy.

15 important open relationship rules that matter

#1 Be prepared. When both of you have been in a relationship for a while, the prospect of having sex outside the relationship could seem like a heady rush. But are both of you psychologically ready for it? If you jump into an open relationship when one of you isn’t prepared, your relationship could only lead to a breakup.

#2 Test the waters first. Party with your own friends one night and hook up with someone fancy. The next morning, talk about your experiences with each other. How do both of you feel in the morning? Is there jealous or insecurity in the air, or are both of you happy and excited for each other? [Read: How to kiss a friend and get away with it]

#3 Is it lust or a lifestyle change? Sometimes, it could just be a buildup of sexual lust over the years that may lead to both of you believing that an open relationship is the best choice ahead. But at times, it takes a few anonymous shagathons to realize that you don’t like what you’re doing.

Try this test. Do both of you feel like participating in an open relationship a few minutes after having sex with each other, even after both of you have orgasmed? If you don’t feel enthusiastic about sleeping with someone else when you’re not horny, you just have an imaginative mind that goes haywire only when you’re horny. [Read: How to fantasize about someone else with your partner and satisfy yourself sexually]

#4 Avoid mutual friends. If you’re still convinced that you’re ready for an open relationship, here’s a good rule to start off with. Always try to look for partners who aren’t involved with your life in any way beyond sex. And keep it that way.

Make it seem like you’ve having an affair to the person you’re sleeping with, but let your partner know the real truth. By telling your friend with benefits that your partner knows about the relationship, they may try to get revenge or publicize your open relationship to the world to get back at you at some point in future. The fact that you’re having an open relationship should be a well guarded secret that stays between the two of you. To any other lover either of you are sleeping with, always make it seem like an affair.

#5 Hide the details, don’t hide the people. An open relationship is a delicate balance between love, lust and a lot of trust. By hushing things up, you’ll end up making your partner feel insecure which could damage the trust in the relationship. It’s a sexual agreement between both of you, so don’t ever hide the people you’re involved with.

#6 Have sex, but don’t fall in love. This is hard, but it’s something you always need to remember. An open relationship is not a hall pass to fall in love with other people when you’re already committed in a relationship. Don’t stay over or get cuddly with your buddy. Falling in love with someone else because you’re sexually infatuated by them will only complicate things further. Always remember that it’s sex and nothing but sex.

#7 Jealousy. You may get jealous of your partner, especially if you aren’t getting as much attention as your partner is. Remember, it’s easy for a girl to get attention when she wants it. Most of the time, a guy has to work for the attention. Don’t let jealousy come in the way of this sexual arrangement. [Read: Tips to deal with jealousy in a relationship]

#8 Don’t share your secret with the world. We’re all busy with our own lives. All of us have secrets, big and small. So learn to keep it that way. Telling everyone that you enjoy a perfectly happy open relationship may take the guilt or fear off your shoulders, but it can be embarrassing to both of you if others are not as understanding. Share these secrets only with a few friends who won’t judge you, but understand your decision.

#9 Nothing changes in the relationship. Just because you’re having sex now and then with someone else doesn’t mean your relationship should change overnight. Don’t let it change and don’t let sex get in the way. Work harder to let your partner know that there’s still a lot of love and sexual attraction in the air. [Read: 25 sweet romantic gestures for everyday life]

#10 Communicate. Don’t exchange all the horny details, but be aware of each other’s interests and partners. Tell your partner about all the people you’re sleeping with, and your partner should do the same. And if some sexual partner of your partner bothers you, voice your thoughts. Be frank and communicate to each other if you want to enjoy this happy sexual arrangement with no hitches.

#11 Stay protected outside romance. Get checked for any sexual diseases now and then to reassure your partner. Always use protection and avoid lovers who may have a very amorous and sexual past. If you go wrong somewhere, your mistakes could affect your partner’s life. Would you ever want that?

#12 Set clear boundaries. Define the things that bother you and the things that don’t. So what’s cheating and what’s not in an open relationship according to you?  What’s allowed and what’s not? Talk frankly with each other and discuss every detail until both of you are satisfied with each other’s answers.

And while setting boundaries, always respect yourself and your partner. Just because you’re sleeping with someone else doesn’t mean you’re a bad or immoral person. You’re just being truthful to yourself and your partner about the fact that you do get sexually attracted to other people. And quite frankly, don’t we all?

#13 Don’t bring a lover home under any circumstance. This is an absolute no-no. Your partner may know you’re sleeping with others, but bringing the other person into your own home can destabilize the fragile balance. Your home is your love nest, where nothing comes in between both of you, well, unless you’re bringing another couple to bed! [Read: The guide to start swinging with your partner]

#14 Your partner gets first preference. No matter what, always give your partner the first preference over any plans or events you may have with your other lovers. Always plan ahead and let your partner know about it so your partner doesn’t start to feel like a second fiddle while trying to get your attention.

#15 Set a time frame. There are two time frames to think about here. Firstly, how often are either of you allowed to meet and interact with other sexual interests? For some, once a month may seem like too much, while for others, meeting another lover once a fortnight may seem perfect. Choose what works for you, and always have enough time to be with each other so both of you can live like a perfect couple with no distractions. [Read: Things to know when your partner has sex with someone else]

Secondly, how long do both of you want to enjoy an open relationship? Have a plan or an understanding to go back to monogamy if the open relationship isn’t working out to your expectations. [Read: Top 50 kinky ideas to keep sex exciting]

If you’ve been contemplating about an open relationship, consider these 15 open relationship rules seriously. They really can be the difference between a happy open relationship and a failing and confused romance.

At times you need some sugar and spice to keep the love alive. Use these 10 fun sex games to play with your boyfriend and have the sexiest fun time ever! By Nicola Scholes

Ever found yourself spending a whole afternoon with your boyfriend and wondering what to do?

Both of you may love each other a lot, but on a lazy afternoon, it can get rather boring even in the best of company.

If you’ve got no plans to get out of the house, and still want to have some fun at home, here’s all you need.

[Read: 20 sexy questions to ask a guy and seduce him]

[Read: 20 dirty questions to ask a girl and make her wet]

Sexy games to play with your boyfriend

While love and romance is great for a relationship, it’s not enough to keep the excitement alive.

To enjoy each other’s company, you need some giggles and sexy times too.

Tease your boyfriend, have fun with him and you’ll see how easy it can be to turn a boring afternoon into a day of fun, games and sex that both of you will love.

Pick any of these 10 games and give it a whirl.

Your boyfriend may be apprehensive at first, but it’ll only take a few minutes for him to get into the naughty mood.

[Read: 16 tips to make your boyfriend want you more than ever!]

#1 Cross dress in each other’s clothes. When you have some time in your hands, stand in front of each other’s wardrobes and start wearing each other’s clothes. Don’t forget the underwear too. With each dress up game, you’ll have more fun with each other, especially if you both decide to make out wearing each other’s clothes.

#2 Webcam chat. Sit in front of your computer with your boyfriend and log onto any webcam chatting sites like omegle or chatroulette. You don’t need to have sex in front of your webcam if you don’t feel like it.

Just indulge in a bit of foreplay while watching other couples or singles on the cam. It’s a sexy time killer that’s also exciting and a lot of sexual fun. But just a word of caution, avoid showing your face on your webcam to protect your identity if you’re getting naked.

#3 Doctor and nurse. Role playing is a game that’s definitely fun and sexy. You can dress up as characters and try to force/convince each other to have sex. One of you can be the doctor while the other is a patient or a nurse. Just choose your own characters and have fun enacting them. [Read: The sexual role playing guide for first timers]

#4 The sexy 20 questions. Cuddle up next to each other or get in bed and cover yourselves completely so you’re in the dark under the blanket. Kiss each other or start making out. But while doing that, take turns to ask each other sexy intimate questions about crushes, fetishes or favorite times.

When you’re horny and in the dark, the truth will flow easily and both of you will feel less awkward to confess any dirty secrets. This game will not only be fun, but it’ll also bring both of you and your sexual desires closer.

#5 Strip poker and dice. These are all time classics in sexual games. While strip poker may be more fun involving another couple, it can still be a lot of fun if you add a few dares and truths in the game if it’s just the both of you.

Or just pick up a couple of sexy dice and roll away. Don’t have dice? Make little sex notes by tearing small sheets of paper and write a few dirty things to do, and take turns to enact what’s written on the piece of paper.

#6 Play drunk. Playing drunk can be a really sexy game to play with your boyfriend, especially if both of you like drunk sex. Pretend like you’re drunk and wasted, and tell your partner to imagine if he was somewhere else and walked into you *he doesn’t know you in this fantasy*.

Ask him to do anything to you and pretend like both of you are complete strangers. You can either have your eyes closed the whole while, or you can resist him mildly like a drunk girl would do!

#7 Massage or body paint. Give your boyfriend a happy ending massage. It’s easy and a sexy game that can bring his fantasies to life. Or slather a bit of lotion or massage oil on him and move your hands all over him. [Read: What happens in a happy ending massage?]

On the other hand, take your clothes off and give your boyfriend a few edible body paints or water colors and ask him to use your body as a canvas. It’ll always be fun, and the sex in the shower that follows will be just as fun too! [Read: Tips to make sex in the shower so much more enjoyable!]

#8 Read out from an erotic book and play the characters. Pick out your favorite erotic novel or collection of short stories and read out to each other, taking turns to play the lead characters. And each time one of you have to read out an erotic passage that involves touching or fondling body parts, read the action and do the exact same thing on your partner’s body.

#9 Sex toy. Dress your boyfriend up as a sex toy, and don’t forget the makeup! He may protest at first, but if both of you have some time in your hands, this would definitely be fun. Dress him up like a sex toy and don’t forget to have sex with him. After all, he is a sex toy! [Read: How to dress sexy for your boyfriend]

#10 Spell out words on the body. This is a fun game to play with your boyfriend that can be hilarious and sexy too. Get him to lie down naked on his stomach. Spell out words on his back and ask him to recognize it. As he gets better at recognizing it, scribble faster so it becomes tougher for him.

For each right answer he gets, you get to kiss him wherever he wants you to. For each wrong answer, you get to smack his butt or spank him with a stick. Switch roles now and then and you’ll see just how funny and sexy this game can be.

[Read: How to talk dirty to a guy and sound really sexy]

Just use any of these 10 sexy games to play with your boyfriend and you’ll definitely have a really sexy, fun and memorable day with your boyfriend.

The walk of shame is every girl’s nightmare of a morning after. Use these 8 tips to make your walk of shame feel more respectable and less insulting. By Cheryl James

If you’re a girl who likes living on the fun side of Saturday night, the early morning walk of shame on a Sunday morning may be an all too familiar affair.

Hey, I’ve been there often too.

What’s life without a bit of wild fun now and then, right?

I mean, we don’t stay young forever.

Perhaps, someday we young things will start to get bored of these mindless sexy nights.

But that’s not today.

As embarrassing as the walk of shame may be, it’s almost always worth it. Unless you’ve shacked up with a guy who’s so embarrassing that you’d want to get swallowed into oblivion.

[Read: The right way to hook up with a guy you like]

The walk of shame

The walk of shame almost always invites attention.

You’ve got joggers and morning walkers all around, and there you are, walking in an eye catching skirt that rides up your ass, a stagger and smudged mascara.

Along with attention, it also invites a lot of stares from women and drools and catcalls from men.

Yes, it’s annoying. But it’s insulting only if you feel insulted.

Every time I’ve had to head out on a walk of shame, I feel confident and happy, like I’ve accomplished something the others only wish they had *no, I’m not talking about STDs*.

The walk of shame doesn’t have to make you cringe. In fact, I’ve had several walks out of a guy’s place the next morning completely hiding the fact that I’m in the middle of a walk of shame. [Read: How to kiss a guy for the first time and turn him on]

How to make the walk of shame feel more respectable

If you want to hide the fact that you’re walking back home after shaking the bed with a guy all night, in attire that’s bare minimum and definitely inappropriate for an early morning, just use these 8 easy tips. It’ll make that walk of shame easier to handle, and you’ll feel great about yourself too.

#1 Better safe than sorry. As exciting as going home with a perfect stranger may be, avoid it. It’s just not worth the risk. He could turn out to be a serial killer. If you have no idea about a guy or if none of your friends know anything about him, completely avoid the idea of letting him take you home, especially if you’ve had one too many shooters at the club. Expect your friends to do you a favor and hold you back when they think you’re going home with the wrong guy. [Read: 25 friends with benefits rules to remember]

#2 Don’t sneak out in the morning. Sneaking out in the morning may work in the movies, but it’s not a nice thing to do in real life. I’ve sneaked out a couple of times and I’ve felt terrible about it.

Firstly, it makes you feel like a whore working on a timer. Secondly, it makes you feel more insulted and ashamed about the whole one night stand thing. Wake him up if you’re up early and he seems like a nice guy, or prod him with a stick and tell him you’re leaving.

#3 It’s okay to be late. Never rush out early in the morning. It may feel like the right thing to do, but it never is. You may be late for a prior appointment. But spend a few minutes to compose yourself and collect whatever you’ve dropped behind in his place. If you leave in a hurried confusion, you’d be more disoriented than you can imagine. Spending fifteen minutes more in his place is better than walking out like a disheveled prostitute after a busy night.

#4 Carry a few basic essentials. Your basic essentials are like condoms. You may not have sex every night, but you still make sure you carry it, just in case. Just like a condom, there are a few things you need to carry with you to a party, just in case you hook up with a cute guy you fancy. Carry a jacket or a coat, enough money to pay for a cab *plastic is no good here*, a pair of sunglasses and your essential minimal makeup. It’ll make your morning walk of shame easier and well concealed.

#5 Spend a few minutes in the bathroom. This is important. I’m not a morning person, but I do have regular morning routines. Don’t be in a hurry to leave. If you think the guy you left in bed is embarrassing, wait till you walk out on a busy street in your worst bed head look.

Always spend a few minutes in the bathroom to clean yourself up for an as-fresh-as-possible morning look. Use your finger to brush your teeth, untangle your hair, splash some water on your face, dab on some makeup and cover up any smudges. You’ll look a lot better when you’re walking down the street.

#6 Call a cab. If the guy seems nice, ask him to drive you home if it’s not an inconvenience. No nice guy will decline it. But if he’s too drunk to remember your name or if he isn’t moving, call a friend who lives close by and ask them to pick you up. You could always make it up to your friend by returning the favor. [Read: How to kiss a friend accidentally and get away with it]

#7 Tell him exactly how you feel. Okay, so you’ve spent the night with a guy. Are you happy about it or are you annoyed with yourself? If you don’t want to see him again or if you want to erase the earlier night from your memory, drop a few hints to let him know about it. No matter how you feel, make sure you tell the guy about it, be it a happy feeling or otherwise. One night stands have a way of making us feel like we have unfinished business.

And if you don’t tell the guy exactly what’s on your mind, you may end up walking down the street with your hands over your face wondering how to get through the whole ordeal. [Read: Is it okay for a drunk girlfriend to kiss another guy?]

#8 Don’t be ashamed. You had sex the earlier night. You go girl! That’s a great thing you did. You had a wild night and you had fun. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. A walk of shame is shameful only if you feel ashamed about it. Lift your chin up, smile radiantly and walk down the street with your head held high. [Read: How to look sexy without trying]

And perhaps you should remember this. All the others who stare at you when you’re walking down the street fell asleep with their fingers for company. All the girls secretly envy you. All the guys secretly wish they could have spent the night with you.

Now how on earth can that ever be a walk of shame?

[Read: Easy ways to get an attractive friend to have sex with you]

So the next time you’re lying in a guy’s bed the morning after and wondering how to get back to your place, just remember these 8 tips. It’ll definitely make your walk of shame a lot less insulting and a lot more respectable.

Do you like building up the sexual tension before doing something in person? Here are some really naughty texting games you could use to do just that. By Sarah Summer

To many, staying awake the whole of Saturday night just to text another person can seem ridiculous.

Speaking to each other is a much better option, isn’t it?

Well, in all probability, speaking is definitely a much better option.

But what do you do when you run out of things to say?

[Read: Perfect things to talk about with the person you like at any stage of the relationship]

Or what if you want to talk naughty but are too scared to initiate a dirty conversation?

This is especially common in a new relationship.

And we’ve all been there.

You’ve been on a couple of dates and now both of you are crazy about each other.

And both of you want to take the next step into the seduction game, but just don’t know how to start talking dirty without making it seem like it’s all going too fast.

Dirty texting games to your rescue

Almost all the time, bringing sex into a new game of love is tricky.

And yet, the only way to bring sex into your new love life is by slipping sex into the picture when both of you spend a lot of time texting each other and speaking over the phone.

If you want to build the sexual tension and initiate sex talk into a new relationship, dirty texting games are the way to go. [Read: 10 other sexy ways to build the sexual tension when you're near someone you like]

Even if your new squeeze feels awkward about it or isn’t ready for that stage, you can just make the whole thing seem like a joke and get away with a laugh.

In more ways than one, texting games always take the pressure off your shoulders when it comes to conversations about sex.

It’s easy to initiate, it drives both of you on a crazy sexual high, and you’d be able to build the sexual tension up to such a peak that your mate would want to make out with you on your very next date.

Doesn’t that make the entry of sex into a new relationship so safe and easy?

7 naughty texting games to play with your partner

Now these games don’t just work for new couples. It can work very well for seasoned couples too, just as long as both of you are far away and missing each other. [Read: Naughty ways to make a long distance relationship work]

You can pick any game out of these, and as long as you keep sex in your mind, you’ll be able to get to know your partner better and arouse them like never before too!

After all, arousing a new lover from far away always makes us feel awesome about ourselves, doesn’t it?

Use these 7 games, bend the rules when you have to, and have a wild and sexy time even when both of you are away from each other.

Game #1 Would you rather…? This is a safe game to play when you’re trying to build the sexual tension. You can start by asking tame questions and build up to something naughty and dirty as the game progresses. Start off by asking something easy and date-like, say “would you rather watch a movie or go to a restaurant on a date?”

And as the game progresses, get intimate when you see the chance. It’s alright to drift away into conversations and ask more questions now and then as long as you constantly look for ways to turn your date on. [Read: 60 get-to-know-you questions for a new romance]

Game #2 Texting and creating stories. This is a simple game which can also help you clearly see if your date’s ready to text naughty back at you. Start a sentence and leave it halfway so your date can complete it. And when your date texts you back the sentence, say something else that’ll be a continuation of their sentence. Take this back and forth for a few minutes, and it’ll definitely start to get naughty and exciting.

Game #3 Role playing over the phone

This is a great texting game that’s safe and yet, extremely arousing if played the right way. When you’re running out of things to text or say, tell your new date that you have a story you want to share with them. But they’ll have to add to the story with every text of theirs. Start off by talking about your own story so your date can realize what you’re up to within a text or two.  But remember not to use your name.

You: “A girl met a boy last week for a romantic dinner at Luigi’s restaurant…”

Your date: “…and the boy really liked the girl!”

You: “…the girl liked the boy a lot too. She’s actually missing the boy right now and is wondering when she could get to spend more time with him.”

Your date: “Well, the boy’s wishing the girl could be with him right now…”

You: “and what does the boy intend to do with the girl if she were with him right now?” [Read: 30 subtle, obvious and sexual flirting tips for girls]

You get the drift, don’t you? Can you see how easily this conversation can get naughty in no time, without really involving you and your own new date?

By playing this same, you’re hinting at getting sexual, and your new lover will reciprocate and start getting naughty with you too.

Game #4 Text sex. This works just like phone sex, but without the voices. You don’t need to talk about the game with your lover. Just ask personal questions like “what are you wearing?” which will eventually get more arousing for both of you.

Take it slow and watch your date’s text response. Push the questions more into the sexual zone with each new text and your lover will start to respond to you. [Read: How to start text flirting for the first time]

Game #5 Texting truth or dare. Truth or dare is one of the sexiest and naughtiest games to take the inhibition out of any new couple. It’s a great game to be played as a couple or with company. But in this case, text each other a question or a dare and the other person has to respond to it either by acting it out or answering the question.

To make sure both of you are actually executing the dares, you can click pictures and send it to the other person if you’d like. Just remember to delete all the pictures after you’re done with the game though! [Read: 30 dirty truth or dare tips for a sexy night]

Game #6 Text strip poker. This is a text version of the strip poker game. To start off, both of you have to mention the total number of clothing that’s on your bodies, and that includes all the little negligees.

Each person takes a turn to ask a question about the relationship. It could be about a date, what one of you ordered or wore, or even personal information both of you have shared with each other over the first few dates. [Read: 12 devious ways to see your friend naked!]

When a person answers a question wrong, that person has to take off one of their clothing. Take pictures for proof if you trust your new lover, and delete it all after the game. But in this case, we’d advise you against sexting pictures to each other, especially in a new relationship.

Both of you should be a sport about the game and really strip off the clothing for every wrong answer. Even visualizing each other naked or saying something like “what are you taking off this time?” or “so you’re just in your underwear now, aren’t you? I wish I could see you right now” can end up turning both of you for a long time. [Read: 20 dirty questions to text a guy and make him horny]

Game #7 The confessions game. One of you takes a turn to pick a topic. And both of you take turns to confess a deep secret about it. Start off easy and clean, and start turning the questions towards romance and lust after a few questions. It’ll bring both of you closer, help both of you understand each other better and make both of you really horny. Could you ask for more from a naughty text game?!

[Read: 30 facts about guys that can help you read his mind]

Use any of these naughty texting games and you’ll definitely have a dirty and sexy time. And the best part, you can warm up towards making out with each other on the next date without even talking about it!

I’ve been in love with my best friend and made all the wrong choices. But if you like your friend, here are a few things you can do to win them over. By Ethan Kent

The line between friendship and love is extremely thin.

Think of it, you share everything with a best friend that you’d share with a lover, the only exception being sexual intimacy.

And it’s so easy to get confused about your feelings, isn’t it?

If you have an attractive and charming best friend of the opposite sex, big chances are, you may have fallen in love with them at some point of time or are secretly in love with them even now.

[Read: Are you experiencing a big crush or is it limerence?]

It could have been love, a little crush that passed over in a month or two, or even a huge sexual urge to become sex buddies.

You don’t have to feel embarrassed about it though, because almost all friendships between attractive opposite sexes go that way now and then.

I’m in love with my best friend

About three years ago, I experienced the same dilemma with my best friend.

I had known her since we were little kids, but she had moved to another city for a few years.

She got back home during her two week vacation from work and we met up the very evening she returned. But something within me changed when I saw her this time around. She just looked beautiful. It felt weird to even look at her as my best friend.

Even as she hugged me that night, all I could feel was her attractive body against mine. And as she stepped back, her fragrance lingered like love in the air. [Read: Are you really falling for your best friend?]

We met each other all the time, and she told me everything about her new life, her work, the guys she was dating, and everything else. But all I could think of was how I could tell her that I was falling in love with her.

The two weeks passed swiftly, and without thinking, on the last night before she had to leave, I told her that I was in love with her. At first, she laughed. Then she appeared shocked. And then came the awkward silence because I told her everything I felt, including all the romantic and the sexual details. It was stupid. And the biggest mistake I did.

Telling her that I loved her wasn’t the stupid part though. The way I professed my love for her was the stupid part. It was abrupt, idiotic and just plain dumb. [Read: 8 perfect ways to tell someone you love them for the first time]

We parted ways that night with a warm hug and she left the next morning. Things seemed really fine even though I asked her out, but in reality, things were never the same again. We could never be friends again the way we once were. Every time she told me something about the guys she was dating, I was hurt. Every time I told her how much I missed her, she felt weird about it. We wanted to be friends, but we just couldn’t anymore.

Are you in love with your best friend?

Well, all romantic best friend stories don’t have to end the way mine did. I know exactly where I went wrong, and I spend quite a few lonely nights wishing I could turn the clock back so I could have done the right thing. But there’s no point regretting about something that can’t be changed. [Read: How to get over a crush and have fun doing it]

But if you’re secretly in love with your best friend, there are a few things you need to think about and a few things you need to do before you pop the big question out of the blue. And if you follow all my tips right, you may just be able to win your best friend’s heart and turn your friendship into love.

What are you really feeling?

So you’re in love with your best friend. But how sure are you that it’s love and not a passing infatuation? How long have you liked this friend of yours?

Could you just be jealous because your good looking friend is dating someone else, or is your feeling of love a side effect of having less time to spend with each other because your friend is now busy doing something else or dating someone else?

Always ask yourself if it’s truly love that you’re feeling. There’s no point throwing a friendship of many years away just because you couldn’t figure out the emotions you’re feeling towards your best friend. [Read: How to stop thinking about someone you like a lot]

What matters more to you?

You have to understand that there’s no going back once you fall in love with a friend and decide to ask them out. You may think things will stay the same, but it never will. It may work in your favor or not, but your relationship is bound to change forever.

So what would you rather have, your best friend or a hope for something more romantic? If you value your friendship more than anything else, back away and avoid any romantic thoughts as soon as you get it. Try to think of it as a little crush, and forget about it by dating someone else.

But if you feel like you’ve crossed the point of infatuation and just can’t stop getting attracted to your best friend, well, you don’t have a choice. You need to let your friend know what’s on your mind, and hope for the best. Just don’t hide your feelings and try to stay as a friend. You’ll only end up hurting yourself a lot, and your relationship with your best friend will start to get affected too. [Read: What should you do when you like a friend?]

How to tell your friend that you’re in love with them

If you’ve decided to throw caution to the wind and take a chance, well, I’m with you. There’s no way you can fall in love with someone and behave like a friend. It’s painful and frustrating, and just not worth it.

If you do want to confess your love to your friend, just don’t make the mistake of asking your friend out, out of the blue. Learn to understand your best friend’s mind first and try to find out if your friend can ever like you in a more-than-friends manner.

Does your friend treat you like a lover?

This is an annoying experience to deal with, especially when you’re crazy about your best friend. Your friend may cuddle you, hug you, give you pet names and spend hours talking to you. Sometimes your best friend may even say that they love you, but you know they mean it only in a friendly way, right?

When you have a best friend of the opposite sex, the line between romance and friendship is very thin. Don’t jump to conclusions ever, and take your time to find out if there can ever be a chance of being more than friends with your best friend. [Read: Signs both of you are more-than-friends already]

Don’t say it out just yet

Sometimes, when you love someone, it makes sense to just say it out loud and be done with it. But that’s not being tactful. And there’s a bigger chance that you’d lose your best friend and the one you love at the same time by popping the question out of the blue.

A sudden confession about love could even destroy your friendship, especially if your friend doesn’t like you back the way you want them to. By reading the signs and watching how your best friend reciprocates to your moves, you can back away if you feel like your friend doesn’t like you. [Read: 20 reasons why a guy may never ever like you]

Steps to make your friend fall in love with you

Don’t ever ask your friend out unless you think they like you back romantically. It’ll do you no good, and you may just lose your best friend.

Instead just use these flirty steps to try and convince your best friend to start looking at you in a more-than-just-friends way!

#1 Compliment your friend. If you find your friend attractive, then you’d definitely have no problems coming up with lines to compliment them. Don’t overdo it, but every now and then, say something sweet and memorable, so you send out the right signals to let your friend know that you find them attractive. [Read: 25 compliments for guys they'll never forget]

#2 Support your friend. Be the friend in need. Spend more time with your friend and let them see just how great a person you are. Be a helping hand when you have the time, but don’t be a pushover and be available at your friend’s beck and call all the time. By helping your friend out with little errands or shopping trips, you can let them see you as someone who’s an important part of their decisions and their life.

#3 Avoid getting physical. Friends are quite touchy feely, but not in a romantic way. Do you guys hold hands, slap each other or put your arms around each other all the time? Well, you need to put a stop to that. Don’t let your friend get too familiar with your touch. Instead learn to play with lingering touches and soft grazes that’ll make your friend feel a tingle of sexual excitement. [Read: How to flirt sexually with your friend by touching the right way]

By avoiding friendly touches and indulging in sensual, soft touches, you’d be able to build the sexual tension and make your friend fall for you even before you say what’s on your mind. [Read: 10 ways to build sexual tension with a friend you like]

#4 Talk naughty. Both of you may spend hours over the phone every day, and that’s just great. Use these conversations to turn the friendship into romance and sexual excitement. Start talking naughty, especially late at night. Spend a few days or weeks building the flirty conversations and you’ll see just how sexually attracted both of you can get in no time. [Read: The guide to flirt by texting late at night]

#5 Meet up for dates. Meet each other often, be it for coffee dates, dinners or new movies. The more both of you *date* each other exclusively, the more closer both of you will start to feel towards each other.

#6 Use your flirting side. Don’t be obvious about this, but start flirting with your friend at every opportunity you get. And always try to use double entendres or lines with double meanings all the time. If your friend says something, try to find a sexual pun to their line and make a joke of it now and then. [Read: 7 naughty texting games to play all night long]

#7 Don’t ever be possessive. If your best friend spends a lot of time with some other person, or is already dating someone, don’t be rude or behave possessively. You may end up losing your best friend with your attitude. Remember, you’re the best friend. You already have an unfair advantage. Just learn to use the closeness you already have to make your friend a lover.

#8 Make your friend addicted to you. This is the most important thing you need to do. If you can make your friend miss you every time you aren’t around, you’ve worked your magic just fine. Speak for hours every night of the week and appear busy one night. Try to create a routine and skip the routine now and then. By doing that, you’ll make your best friend realize just how important you are to them.

[Read: How to kiss your best friend accidentally and get away with it]

And that’s all there is to it. You may be in love with your best friend, but if you use these moves, you’ll definitely make a huge romantic impression on your friend too. Now all you need to do is express what’s in your heart and hear the same words back from your best friend!

You may be having an emotional affair and not even know it. Use these emotional affair signs to find out if you’re more-than-friends with a friend. By Francesca Marie

These days, as close as two lovers may be, they can’t always be by each other’s side all the time.

Other than the weekend, most lovers spend a big part of their day away from each other.

And as humans, we have a need to feel loved and appreciated wherever we are.

In all probability, the good times you share with your friends and colleagues may be one of the biggest reasons why you enjoy your workplace.

[Read: 15 reasons why you're bored of your own relationship]

Falling into an emotional affair

As time passes by, even though you have your own lover, you may start to like someone else’s company too.

At first, it may start off as someone to have a conversation with when you’re bored and your partner isn’t around to talk to you.

And then, the person turns into someone you like talking to.

And before you know it, this person becomes a pretty important part of your life.

[Read: Is casual flirting with someone else cheating?]

Add opposite-sex and stranger-to-your-partner into the equation, and you’ve good yourself a good chance of an emotional affair.

Signs of an emotional affair

An emotional affair is exciting. You get to experience the same flutter of the heart as you feel in love, but in this case, your partner isn’t around. It’s just harmless flirting, isn’t it?

Harmless flirting is good. It’s fun, it’s sexy and makes you feel more confident about yourself and your conversational skills. But is your harmless flirting with a colleague at your workplace turning into an emotional affair without you realizing it?

You may just be more addicted to your *friend* than you think! [Read: Signs both of you are already more than just friends]

18 emotional affair signs to judge your secret relationship better

So could you be cheating on your partner emotionally without even realizing it? Most of us are, and we just don’t know it.

Use these 18 emotional affair signs to find out if you’re having one. And once you get that answer, ask yourself the big question you have to eventually face one day, what are you going to do now? [Read: 10 tips to share a platonic relationship with your friend]

#1 Your behavior. You’re very friendly with this good friend of yours. But subconsciously, both of you keep some distance from each other when your lover is around. There’s more awkwardness and formality in your conversations when your lover’s by your side.

#2 Excitement. You feel really excited to share any new thoughts or ideas with this friend, be it your review of a movie you just watched or gossip about another coworker or classmate.

#3 You need to talk. Do you ever feel incomplete or feel like something’s missing when you don’t speak to your friend for a couple of days? Even when you’re on a vacation, do your thoughts drift and make you wonder what your friend is up to?

#4 You share your secrets. Do you share your innermost secrets with this friend? You may be sharing secrets that even your partner doesn’t know about. It makes you feel good to share such intimate details with your friend. At times, the idea of sharing a new secret may even excite you or make you feel more connected to each other.

#5 You want their attention. You get annoyed if you call your friend up late one night and realize they’re busy on another call with someone else. You find yourself feeling jealous if they date someone else, or speak highly about someone else to you. You’re not dating each other, but both of you like getting each other’s attention.

#6 It’s an addiction. You’re addicted to this friend. Both of you feel really happy to meet each other after a long weekend. And you feel like you’ve missed out on happy time if you don’t get to spend some time talking to this friend. [Read: What should you do when you start liking someone else?]

#7 You’re easily aroused. Do you get easily aroused when you’re having a conversation about sex with this friend? If you feel good talking about your own intimate sexual details with your friend and it somehow arouses you, there’s definitely an emotional affair in the air.

#8 Sexual tension. There’s a lot of sexual tension in the air. Even when both of you sit close to each other, you can clearly sense every part of your bodies that are touching each other.

#9 You flirt naturally. Both of you don’t always realize it, but there’s a lot of flirty conversations in the air when both of you share a moment with each other, and there’s no one around. [Read: 15 obvious flirting signs between a guy and a girl]

#10 You want to make an impression. You always find yourself dressing up better when you have to meet this friend. You may not consciously realize it, but you always try to look your best when you spend time with your friend.

#11 Compliments. If you’re sharing an emotional affair with a friend, big chances are, you take their compliments pretty seriously. If your friend tells you that you look prettier with your hair done a particular way or that red looks beautiful on you, it just makes your day!

#12 You’ve found your secret soulmate. This friend of yours understands you better than anyone else in the whole world. And you respect your friend’s advice more than you care about your own partner’s.

#13 You make sacrifices. You’d be willing to sacrifice anything just to make more time for your friend. You could stay up the whole night just to talk to your friend after your partner’s asleep. Or you could leave your place and head to work an hour early so you can spend more time with your friend. You don’t realize it, but you put your life, love and your career aside just to spend time with this friend. [Read: Understanding your mind - To cheat or not to cheat?]

#14 Together time. You spend more time talking to this friend of yours than you spend time with your own partner. And even if your partner tries to communicate with you, you subconsciously push them away because you’d prefer to have intellectual conversations only with your friend.

#15 Fantasies. Your friend pops into your sexual fantasies all the time. You may be having sex with your own partner, but somehow, you can’t stop thinking about how amazing it would be to make love to your friend.

#16 Downplaying. Whenever you speak about this friend with your partner, you talk about this friend like they’re not important at all. You try not to speak about this person with your partner or you portray your friend as someone insignificant in your life.

Additionally, you make a conscious effort to downplay your friend’s role in your life, and you try hard not to bring up this person’s name while in conversation with your partner. [Read: 10 ways to resist temptation in love]

#17 A secret wish. Even if you’re in a long term relationship with your partner, you spend a lot of time secretly wondering about how your life could have been if you and your friend had met earlier, before you started dating your partner.

#18 Talk of partners. Your friend and you avoid talking about each other’s partners too much. And even if one of you talk about your own lovers, it’s only for a few minutes before the conversation gets back to how nice both of you feel talking to each other and having each other as such good friends.

It’s a subtle way of reassuring each other that even though both of you are in love with other people, there’s still something magical about your emotional relationship. [Read: How to fall out of love when you see no future]

Are you experiencing an emotional affair?

Emotional affairs are extremely common. And almost all of us have been on the verge of getting into one without realizing it!

So if you’ve used these emotional affair signs and see that you’re experiencing almost all of them, it’s time to give it a serious thought, because as fun as they may seem now, it’s only ruining everything else around you. [Read: How to end an affair and completely get over it]

If you’re in an emotional affair with someone, you’d be jeopardizing your own relationship with your partner and may even start picking flaws in a perfect relationship. So now that you know you’re in an emotional affair, what do you want to do?

[Read: Should you ever confess to cheating on your partner?]

There are just two things you can do in this crossroad. Break up with your partner. Or end the emotional affair. These emotional affair signs don’t lie. Now it’s time to stop lying to yourself and make that decision, before it’s too late.

Getting an attractive friend interested in a booty call can be really easy if you understand these sneaky and sexy tips on how to make a booty call. By Jake Butler

The allure of a booty call is what sexual fantasies are made of.

Really, can you imagine calling a sexy friend over and just having wild, passionate sex with no strings attached?

If you already have an attractive friend whose pants you want to get into, this would definitely be a fantasy worth bringing to life.

But do booty calls and flirty friends really exist?

You may not see it around you, nor would the friends indulging in it ever talk about it.

But it happens. All the time!

[Read: 12 devious ways to see a sexy friend naked without getting caught!]

Friends flirt without realizing it, and at times, all it takes is a tiny butterfly effect to change the flirty banter into something a lot more sexual.

What is a booty call?

Most people get to enjoy the pleasures of lusty lovemaking when they get into a relationship.

But what about the others, the horny and lonely beings that still want sexual pleasure without the baggage of romance and relationships?

Well, that’s where the booty call enters the picture. [Read: 6 ways to accidentally kiss a friend and get away with it]

A booty call is a call you make to an acquaintance or a friend with the sole intention of having sex with them.

It’s a perfect arrangement between two mature adults who are sexually attracted to each other, but don’t want to share a romantic relationship with each other.

As long as you find the perfect friend with benefits and follow the rules, both of you could sexually exploit each other and still stay friends, without the risk of experiencing heartbreaks anytime soon. [Read: 25 friends with benefits rules you need to know before making a booty call]

How to find the booty call pal

If the idea of sleeping with a sexy someone with no strings attached excites you, well, all you need to do is find the right person, and subtly seduce them into desiring you sexually.

If you meet someone on a one night stand, it just makes things a lot easier if they want to keep in touch. But if you’re looking to get a friend interested in a booty call, you need to plan your way into their loins.

Firstly, you need to remember this. A booty call is an insult, at least in the realm of the society’s conscience. It is taboo, and no one you ask will ever jump with excitement like you just went down on one knee and proposed marriage. Always be subtle in your approach while hooking up a friends-with-benefits relationship.

Pick the person you’re sexually attracted to, and work your way into their pants, one step at a time. You need to warm them up, build the sexual tension, and finally make the infamous call. [Read: How to have sex with a friend by seducing them through texts]

Warming the booty call over phone

Is this a good friend of yours? Good friends and BFFs are usually best avoided for booty calls. If things don’t turn out right, you may end up losing a good friend over a few awesome but mindless minutes of sex.

Always approach someone you don’t spend too much time with, preferably an old crush from school, someone you meet at the gym, or a sexy someone you meet at a café now and then. And then, warm their booty up!

#1 Get them interested. Cozy up with this friend of yours when you meet them or speak to them over the phone. It’s alright if they assume you’re trying to woo them, at least for the first couple of calls. After all, sending out subtle hints that you’re interested in them is the best way to pave the way for sexual encounters.

#2 Make it clear that you’re not interested. Once this friend has started getting closer to you and may even have a tiny crush on you, let your friend know that you’re not interested in dating anyone at the moment. Make it clear that you’re not going to fall in love with anyone anytime soon.

#3 Talk about your sexless lovelife. Once you get closer and more flirty with each other, nag about how annoyed you are because you haven’t hooked up with anyone in such a long time. [Read: Tips to pick the right guy for a sexy hook up]

#4 Confess your booty wish. Over a call late at night, tell your friend how you’re looking for someone for a no-strings attached relationship. Go as far as asking your friend to hook you up with one of their friends. Laugh it off, but let the message stay in their mind that you want someone to have sex with. [Read: Signs to recognize the right naughty girl and hook up with her]

#5 Your last booty call. Confess about your last booty call and tell this friend how sexy it was. Make up a story if you have had no booty call experiences, and make sure the story has a happy ending.

#6 Get your friend thinking. Find excuses to get your friend to think of you naked. Tell your friend you just walked out of the shower, or that you were just giving yourself a trim down there. As long as you get your friend to imagine you naked, it’ll be pretty hard for them to get your naked body out of their mind.

#7 Play dirty games. This is the best way to build up the sexual tension that could lead to a sexy booty call. Ask each other dirty questions over text, and you’d be on the verge of becoming sex buddies in no time. [Read: 20 sexy text message examples to start a sexy conversation]

These 7 steps are best used over the phone or while texting because it’s easier to pretend like you’re joking if your friend takes offence. Speaking dirty in person would be awkward and risky unless your friend is just as sexually desperate as you are.

Warming the booty call face-to-face

Once you’ve warmed your date up over the phone, the air would be crackling with sexual chemistry each time both of you meet. Use these tips to get those hormones raging all the more harder.

#1 Touch a lot. When both of you are together, find every excuse to graze each other’s body parts often, be it while pointing at something, while crossing the street or while kissing each other goodbye. [Read: 8 sexy ways to get a girl horny and wet just by sitting next to her]

#2 Sexual flirting. Flirt in a very obvious manner and let your friend know you’re sexually interested in them. You don’t need to say anything about a booty call just yet. Just make your friend desire you sexually just as much as you desire them. [Read: 30 subtle, obvious and very sexy flirting tips and moves]

Make the booty call

There are two ways to make the booty call for the first time. You can use either ways as soon as you’re confident that there’s enough sexual tension in the air.

#1 The booty call phone call. The first booty call takes a while to warm up to the idea. On one evening when you know your friend is idle, call them up and flirt with them a while. And at some point in the conversation, ask your friend what they think about the booty call. If you’ve made all the right moves, the call should lead straight to bed.

#2 The booty call date. This method is safer, because you can go with the signs and back off or push ahead based on the circumstances. Invite your friend over to your place to watch a movie together. And while watching the movie, make sure some parts of your bodies touch each other. Over the next two hours, the subtle grazing of arms or feet while sitting next to each other would excite both of you. [Read: The subtle art of flirting by touch]

And somewhere along the way, cozy up closer and ask your friend what they think of the booty call. If the chemistry sizzles, both of you would be on top of each other within the next few seconds!

Set the ground rules after the first booty call

Don’t set ground rules before hooking up at least once unless both of you have shown interest in the booty call idea for a long time. Once you’ve had sex at least twice, it becomes easier to set the ground rules because both of you like the sex. If it’s a one off incident and your friend doesn’t want to do it again, perhaps they’re not in it for the sex.

It’s very easy for one of you to fall in love, so make it clear that if one of you starts to develop feelings for the other, it’s time to back away. Add any rules that you think both of you may need to ensure that this sexual relationship stays that way without any complications. [Read: How to have phone sex like a sexy sassy minx]

Avoid falling in love with each other

The irony of a sexy booty call is the big chance that one of you will fall in love with the other. So unless you want to experience a broken romance that’s built on sex, avoid falling in love. Avoid all things that could make the booty call feel like romance.

#1 Jealousy. Don’t get jealous if your friend is booty calling someone else. If your friend starts to date someone else, walk away for good.

#2 Don’t call each other. Call each other if there’s a good reason to call, but avoid calling each other to pass the time. If you’re having sex, both of you already share something very personal. Don’t bring intimacy into the picture or one of you will fall in love.

#3 Don’t give gifts or lend ears. Stop behaving like both of you need to support each other or please each other every now and then. By doing that, you’d end up needing each other for support very soon. [Read: 13 physical attraction tips to look way hotter and sexier]

The best friends for booty call

A booty call is easy to fantasize about, but it’s not at all easy to pull off. It works best with people who can differentiate sex from love and intimacy. So before you go picking your next booty call pal, make sure you pick the right friend. Here are a few good friends and acquaintances to use for a booty call.

#1 The just-want-sex friend. This is the friend who is single, but isn’t interested in dating someone because they’ve got other commitments that need their attention.

#2 The rebound friend. Has a friend recently broken up? Are they now looking for someone to get into a rebound relationship with? This friend would be perfect. But then again, don’t ever seduce someone who doesn’t want to be seduced or is looking for something serious. You’d end up feeling disgusted about yourself. [Read: 16 signs your friend wants a rebound relationship]

#3 The sexual chemistry friend. Both of you share a lot of sexual chemistry and catch each other stealing glances all the time, but don’t want to date each other.

#4 The ex-lover friend. Do you have an ex lover from several years ago, where the love has just sort of faded away into neverland? If both of you are single and want sexual intimacy without the risk of heartbreak, perhaps falling into each other’s bed is the perfect way to fill the empty sexual space in each other’s lives. But remember, this is delicate and tricky ground. Don’t fall back in love! [Read: The sexy and scary rush of having sex with an ex]

A booty call is a secret

A booty call can be a reputation ruiner, so don’t go bragging about it to the world. If you want the fun and the games to continue for a long time, try to keep it a secret from everyone in the world, including your closest friends.

Respect each other, and give each other the space to be with other people. This is a no-questions-asked relationship, and both of you have no right to talk about the other person with anyone else.

Walk out when the booty call hurts

There are four ways a booty call can end. And trust me, it will end. One of you could fall in love with the other person. Both of you could fall in love with each other. The booty call could start to get boring for one of you. And finally, you could get hurt because you can’t separate the sex from emotions, be it jealousy, anger or hate.

If it ends smoothly one fine day, that’s good for both of you. Just avoid getting attached to this person and everything would go just perfectly. If your booty call pal starts avoiding you or starts making excuses to avoid meeting you, get the hint and brace yourself for the end of the affair. Learn to accept rejection gracefully, because there is no happy way to end this kind of a relationship anyway. [Read: How to end a sexual affair and get over it completely]

Look for someone else to booty call with, but just don’t go begging your old booty pal to take you back into bed. Really, you’re not in love here, are you?

Should you have a booty call?

Let’s face it, booty calls aren’t for everyone. It’s extremely hard to separate love from sex, especially when they both feel the same at the start of a relationship. Sometimes, lust could overpower you and cloud your judgment which could eventually hurt you.

So if you want to take a plunge into booty call land, go for it. It’s an experience worth having if you’re looking for casual sex. But if you think you’d fall in love or suffer from jealousy, walk away because a booty call isn’t for you!

[Read: 13 untold sex secrets that could change your life]

Make up your mind on whether you’re mentally prepared for a sexy booty call. If you are, use these tips on how to make a booty call and make that lusty call. If you aren’t ready for a booty call, laugh at the idiots who’ll probably get their hearts broken someday!

Use these 36 random funny questions to get closer to a guy or a girl, build the flirty tension with the friend and share a laugh at the same time. By Cheryl James

Funny questions can be perfect ice breakers.

Of course, you can’t ask random funny questions to just about anyone you meet or you’ll just seem corny.

But if you enjoy a friend’s company, especially if they’re of the opposite sex, a few flirty fun questions can bring both of you closer while having a laugh at the same time.

[Read: 10 tips to have a platonic friendship and avoid sexual tension]

If you intend to just stay friends, well, these questions could be rather revealing and may even create a bit of sexual tension.

But if you’re okay with a little flirty fun between the sexes, well, look no further.

[Read: 10 flirty ways to build the sexual tension with a friend]

Funny questions for flirty friends

To get the best results, these questions are best asked in person when it’s just the both of you and no one else around for a while.

It may seem awkward for the first few minutes, but soon enough, both of you may be in splits confessing secrets and imagining yourselves in awkward and funny circumstances.

But if you’re planning to get flirty or naughty, text these questions late at night when both of you are in bed.

If you just want to get flirty, use these random questions. But if it’s the naughty kind of sexual flirting you want, use these 20 questions for guys and girls.

[Read: 20 dirty questions to ask a girl and make her wet]

[Read: 20 sexy questions to ask a guy and seduce him]

36 random funny questions to have a flirty laugh

Use these questions with a friend you’re comfortable with. If things start to get awkward, tone the questions down or move on to a few subtler ones. [Read: 60 get to know you questions to get to know someone better]

But remember, these questions need to be answered by both of you. Squirming out of even a few questions can kill the mood. So be a sport, have a laugh and get naughty and flirty with these 36 fun questions.

#1 Tell me about the most embarrassing or awkward experience you’ve had around me *even if it’s silly* that you’ve never told me about yet?

#2 If you were to lose your power of speech tonight, what’s the one thing you would want to tell me to improve myself?

#3 Which is the first region your eyes would wander to if you were to ever see me naked? [Read: 20 things that turn a guy on sexually when he sees a girl]

#4 When was the first time you got a whiff of my body odor?

#5 If I’m feeling horny when you’re around, do you think you’d realize it? And how do you think you’d recognize the signs?

#6 If I caught you masturbating in bed, would you blush awkwardly and accept that I caught you, or would you pretend like you were just shifting your butt about on the bed?

#7 What’s the meanest thing you’ve ever done to someone to get back at them?

#8 When was the first time you had a wet dream?

#9 Have you ever played doctor as a child? With whom did you play and how old were you?

#10 What is your wildest sexual secret that you want to indulge in at least once in your lifetime? [Read: Top 10 sexual fantasies for guys and the top 10 sexual fantasies for girls]

#11 Have you ever been caught naked by someone?

#12 Have you ever found something valuable on the street and kept it for yourself even though you knew you could return it to the owner?

#13 What is the most embarrassing moment you’ve experienced in your lifetime?

#14 Can you tell me your funniest childhood memory that you can remember?

#15 What are the things about me that you particularly like and what is the one thing you don’t particularly like? *Physical and psychological asset*

#16 Which is the one word in my vocabulary that I use excessively?

#17 Do you think you could punch someone and knock them off their senses?

#18 If you had to make out with a friend of the same sex to save the world from aliens, whom would you pick?

#19 Which sex toys have you experimented with so far, and which ones would you want to stay away from? [Read: How to plan a sex toy party and explore sex toys with friends]

#20 If you had to have a sex change, what part of your body would you want enhanced more than anything else?

#21 Have you ever had a secret crush on any of your teachers or friends, and have they ever got to know about it?

#22 If we had kids together someday in the future, what features/characteristics of mine and yours would you want the child to have?

#23 When was the last time you felt possessive about me?

#24 Have you ever eavesdropped on me or peeked at me without my notice? [Read: How to see a friend naked in 12 devious ways]

#25 Personally, do you think size matters in reality? [Read: The Kamasutra and its explanation on sizes]

#26 If you had no choice, how many days do you think you could abstain from sex or masturbation at a stretch?

#27 What gets you wet faster, phone sex or sexting? [Read: How to have phone sex like a sexy sassy minx]

#28 While having sex, would you prefer getting on top or staying down in bed? [Read: Hot tips to ride a man and look sexy doing it!]

#29 If you had to pick an animal, which animal do you find the sexiest of all?

#30 If you had to explain about the birds and the bees to a child, let me hear how you’d go about explaining it to them?

#31 Who is the biggest jerk/bitch you’ve ever come across in your life and why?

#32 Have you ever accidentally and yet intentionally kissed someone or tried kissing someone? [Read: How to kiss a friend accidentally and get away with it]

#33 When was the last time you scratched yourself down there in public?

#34 If the world froze for an afternoon and only you could move and no one could see you or remember what you did, what would you do?

#35 What’s your routine every night just before you go to sleep?

#36 If you felt that I was starting to get a crush on you, what would you do?

[Read: 30 dirty would you rather questions to have the sexiest time]

If you and a friend have got a bit of time in hand, and want to have a laugh and a tease, these questions will definitely help you.

When you start asking each other these questions, it’ll reveal a lot about each other, especially the kind of details a regular conversation won’t give you. And in all probability, it may bring both of you closer too.

[Read: 7 naughty texting games between friends to have fun all night long]

These funny questions may be random and fun, but it’s something that will help both of you break the ice and get to know each other a lot better. Try it, you’ll know what we mean!

Are you stressed out about making out for the first time? Use these 10 naughty and sexy steps on how to make out and you’ll feel like a pro in minutes! By Gerry Sanders

If you were to ask a friend how to make out, the first thing they’d tell you is that it comes naturally.

And they’re definitely not wrong.

Arousal and sexual intimacy does come naturally, because it’s in our instincts.

But instincts don’t work in your favor all the time, especially when you panic or get stressed out.

[Read: A first kiss story that went embarrassingly wrong!]

A first kiss is always a bit of a worry, even if you’re a serial kisser.

It’s a whole new experience and you just don’t know how your new sweetie would move or use their lips and their tongue.

So if you’re worried you’d end up making out badly or make a fool of yourself, seriously, don’t worry about it!

As long as you know these steps here, you’d be able to work your magic every single time!

[Read: 15 secrets to make your first kiss really memorable!]

How to make out like a know-it-all!

It doesn’t matter if you’re making out for the first time or the hundredth time, just keeping a few simple steps in mind will always make making out feel really good.

Firstly, you need to remember that a kiss is just a small part of making out. There’s so much more to do! Think about it, you have a whole body that’s tingling with sexual arousal, so why limit your make out moves to just the lips?

Many guys and girls assume making out is all about starting at the lips, and moving downwards one step after the other. But really, making out is so much more than that, and it’s so much more sexier than that too!

10 steps to make out and make it feel oh-so-sexy!

If you’ve just started dating someone and are on the verge of making out with them, read these 10 steps on how to make out and use them. Your sweetheart would definitely be amazed by how good you are, and assume you’re a sex god or a sex goddess who’s a know-it-all when it comes to making out! [Read: How to be a seductress and a sex goddess who’s desired by all guys]

#1 The perfect setting. If you want to have a good time making out, both of you need to feel comfortable in your surroundings. Find a place that’s quiet and isolated where you won’t be interrupted by anyone. Privacy is important if you want to avoid distractions and build the connection.

#2 Don’t expect the mood to be perfect right away. The way both of you feel at that very moment plays a big part in making out. If you’ve had phone sex or texted each other a few dirty lines the earlier evening or if both of you decide to finally make out on the next date, don’t assume the mood would be just right when both of you meet up. [Read: 22 tips to have phone sex like a sexy sassy minx!]

Just be yourself, and don’t worry too much about how you’re going to make out. When the moment comes, you’ll instinctively be ready. [Read: 6 sneaky ways to get a guy to kiss you just when you want him to!]

#3 Don’t be hasty. If you want the first time you make out to be steamy and passionate, don’t rush it. Rushing into it too fast will almost always ruin it. Just relax and sit down with each other. Both of you could watch a movie together, just talk or hang out.

#4 Build the sexual tension. Both of you may like each other a lot and find each other attractive. But what you do at that particular moment while hanging out together can make everything feel so much sexier, and build the right setting for a perfect make out. [Read: 13 signs you’re feeling the sexual tension in the room]

Find excuses to sit down next to each other without making it obvious that you’re coming closer just to make out. Talk softly in a low voice and avoid getting jumpy or overexcited while saying something, or you’ll kill the sensual mood you’re trying to set.

Clasp your sweetheart’s hands gently and talk about something romantic or sweet, like the first time both of you started falling for each other. [Read: How to make a girl horny and wet just by sitting next to her!]

#5 Get close, really close. Warming your partner up before you actually start making out with each other is a perfect way to connect with each other and build the passion even before kissing each other.

Touch your partner or move your index finger gently across the length of their arm or their cheek, and compliment them about their appearance as you’re doing that. Just doing this will get your partner’s heart racing with sexual arousal!

Look into each other’s eyes, and occasionally run your fingers through their hair. Sit down really close and just sink into that moment of carnal bliss, because at this very moment, both of you would be feeling really horny and aroused. [Read: 6 clever ways to kiss a friend and get away with it!]

#6 Don’t kiss immediately. If you feel like the moment is right, you can kiss your partner as soon as you feel it. But if you’re still nervous about kissing, hold that thought. Forcing a kiss on your new sweetheart too soon may make things awkward for both of you, especially if you’re not ready for it.

Instead, move your face really close to your partner’s face as you sit next to them. You can rub your nose against their cheek or even kiss their cheek really close to their lips. Or if you want to take it slower, place your palm along the back of their neck, move in close and softly kiss the neck right under the chin or the ear, and just breathe into the kiss. Take your time, and don’t try to rush in at any point. Just enjoy the moment. [Read: 10 sexy tips to kiss really passionately and romantically]

#7 Enjoy the sensation. Close your eyes and enjoy the sensation as you run your hands all over your partner. Breathe into their skin, enjoy the way your hands feel over their arms or shoulders, feel the texture of their hair through your fingers. Wrap your arms around them and run it along the length of their back. Relish the sexual intoxication you feel as both of you run your hands against each other.

#8 Arouse the erogenous zones. You can kiss your partner at any point of time, when you feel like it. But every few minutes, take a break from the kissing and enjoy the rest of your lover’s body. Without breaking the sensual moment, move your lips away from their lips. Slowly and passionately, continue kissing them around their lips, their neck or their ear lobes.

Bring your face away from their face, and without breaking the flow, kiss their shoulders, move on and bite their arms gently and eventually bring their fingers to your lips. Kiss their fingers and run your tongue over their fingers, while moving your hands all over their body.

Every little body part that sticks out like the nose, ears, fingers, toes, ankles, elbows is a potential erogenous zone that is just screaming for your touch when you make out with someone. Run your hands and lips all over their body, and you’ll definitely arouse your partner and make them want to explode in sexual ecstasy! [Read: How to kiss a girl by arousing her senses]

#9 Perfecting the kiss while making out. One thing you need to know about the kiss is that it’s just like clasping hands and interlacing fingers with your boyfriend or girlfriend. It’s really simple, isn’t it? But just to hold each other’s hands, both of you have to move your fingers perfectly while coordinating with each other to make sure your fingers interlace perfectly, right?

A kiss works the same way. Tilt your head slightly *it’ll help you breathe more easily*, part your lips just a little and place your lips gently against your partner’s lips and kiss them. Don’t move your lips a lot at least for the first few seconds so you can enjoy the sensation without any worry of what you need to do next. [Read: 18 tips to kiss for the first time and turn your partner on instantly!]

You don’t even need to use your tongue the first time. But if you do want to, then go ahead and try it. When both of you get the rhythm right *just like interlacing your fingers*, you can push the tip of your tongue into your partner’s lips for a few seconds and see how it feels. If you like it, you can go ahead and let your tongue wander just a bit more as time passes.

As long as you don’t stress yourself out and just enjoy the sensation, your instincts will kick in and work its magic.

[Read: How to make out with a guy like a sex goddess]

[Read: How to make out with a girl and make her love it!]

#10 Don’t get carried away. Making out is fun and the pleasure is an intoxicating rush. But that doesn’t mean you should get carried away and try something that both of you aren’t ready for. If you do use these moves to the tee, your partner will turn into soft putty in your hands, and they’ll have a hard time resisting anything you do! So you must remember to avoid taking advantage of the situation.

Don’t push your luck when you’re making out, at least for the first time. If your hands wander somewhere that your partner isn’t comfortable with, and they hold your hand back or stiffen up, don’t push ahead in the heat of the moment. Respect your partner so both of you can have an enjoyable experience.

Remember, both of you will always have plenty of time to take things further and try something new with each other. And making out always feels best when every new sexual experience is experienced one step at a time!

[Read: Dry humping and the virgin’s guide to orgasms!]

Just remember these 10 tips on how to make out, and both of you will have an exceptionally good time making out. But keep this in mind, the stronger and slower you build the passion and tension, the better the making out will feel!

Love can seem like a blissful experience until lust enters the picture. Read about the invisible strings that hold love and promiscuity together. By Elizabeth Arthur

What’s the biggest difference between love and lust?

Or is there any difference at all?

In a corny kind of way, love is about the craving of the heart, while lust is a craving of the loins.

But what’s the real deal behind love, relationships and promiscuity?

A relationship always seems perfect until lust or love creates a new equation. And we can try to resist it, but it’s not always possible.

[Quiz: Will you ever cheat on your partner? P.S. This quiz won't lie!]

Love and lust in an orchard

The ebbs and flows of an ocean look mesmerizing.

But it needs the effect of the moon’s gravity to create the smooth and turbulent waves.

It’s the same thing with men and women, and love and relationships.

We experience times in love when we’re just not happy to be in a relationship.

And we experience other times when we can’t imagine living without that special someone.

But more than anything else, the fact remains that monogamy requires a lot of effort.

[Read: 10 sexy ways to make married sex feel like a one night stand!]

Being involved in a long term relationship, as a friend of mine says, is like “sitting in an orchard with different fruits and eating the same fruit every single day, because that’s the fruit you chose to eat first!”

That sounds quite depressing, but reality doesn’t really have to be as bad as it sounds. We could actually even call it the best tasting fruit, while all the other fruits are just plain poisonous. Whatever makes you happy and whatever helps you stay committed to the relationship.

But sometimes, the initial blaze of the relationship flickers to a dim, and eventually all we’re left with is a cold feeling all over. Sex too, can get quite monotonous after a while. That healthy boost of a juicy fruit just won’t do anymore, and you’d want something else, even if it doesn’t seem as good as the first fruit you tasted. You need that variety to keep your life exciting. [Read: 15 reasons why you may be bored with your relationship]

Monogamy and promiscuity

Do you ever wonder why sex with your partner isn’t as fascinating as it once was, when both of you first got together?

Does that cute guy staring at you while you’re shopping on Sunday excite you on a lot more, or is it that girl who sits next to you at work and stares at you every now and then? We can’t help it, external excitement excites all of us.

If Shakespearean tragedies were to be lifted off real life stories, Romeo would probably stray and hook up with some sweet Italian perky, and perhaps that’s why Juliet would have killed herself! Who can really tell? But one thing’s certain.

We do get attracted to people other than our own partners. It’s only logical and human. We would love looking out at potential hotties when we were single. How can we just change that part of ourselves when we enter a relationship? Those feelings may be masked for a while, but it’s never really gone. [Read: Why do men cheat? - 3 big reasons and 27 more!]

And whenever you’re away from your partner, it’s spring time of the raunchy kind! You’d always be tempted to do something outrageously stupid and promiscuous. [Read: Why long distance relationships are so hard to survive]

When we start going out with someone, we may make a promise that we’d never stray, but in these days of liberated sexuality, skimpier clothes, money and quick getaways, promiscuity has turned into an irresistible rage.

Is curiosity to blame for promiscuity?

Promiscuity is bad, definitely. But sometimes we just can’t help it. Is it your fault that you start losing your libido when you’re with your longtime partner, but are instantly turned on by some other hot looker?

Are you supposed to hate yourself because you still love someone but aren’t attracted to them sexually? Most importantly, is it your fault? Or is it theirs? My guess is, it’s nobody’s fault. It’s just the way we humans are built in the head.

Maybe the whole problem lies in our childhood. Many of us aren’t promiscuous. We fall in love, and in some cases, fall in love with the first or second partner and end up getting married. [Read: 10 reasons why saying 'I love you' too soon sucks!]

Sex is glorious to start off with, but a few raunchy movies or flirting conversations with others later, you wonder how it would feel like to be in another person’s bed. I have quite a few friends who were extremely promiscuous early in their life. Most of them have turned out just perfect now. They’re married, and aren’t tempted anymore. Sex is the same with any person, after a while, they say. It’s the emotional connection that really matters, to them.

But I also do have a few other friends who just can’t stay with the same mate for over a couple of years. So which is the better option, being promiscuous or never being involved with more than a few people sexually? [Read: How to resist the temptation to cheat when you're in love]

Love’s got nothing to do with lust

Temptation is all around us. And however loyal we are, it’s hard to pretend like we have given our mind, body and soul to our lover, even though we really want to. If someone sexually attractive shows a sexual interest in you, there is a conflict of emotions. But if you are so loyal to your own lover, why is there a need for a conflict? The answer is right there. The answer is ‘stay loyal’. But yet, we need to ponder about it over our sleep.

A friend of mine even broke up with her childhood sweetheart when she was getting attention from another great looking, smooth guy. No, she didn’t want to go out with him, though she loved flirting with him. But something inside her told her that she may just be better off being single and flirting with other men until she can get over the temptation and find the perfect guy. [Confession: I want to be single again!]

It’s been said that when someone falls in love, they devote themselves completely to their partner. True, everyone does, but their sexual urges don’t.

Unfortunately, and contrary to popular belief, sex has got nothing to do with love. Sex does feel special when you’re in love, but that’s probably because you’re involving two special feelings, love and sex, to mingle together. There’s nothing in the world that proves that sex feels best when you’re in love!

How many people who have been in love for over a decade say that they’ve had explosive sex on a one night stand, and even go to the extent of saying that they had the best sex of their lives while they were having an affair? Sounds crazy, and confusing, doesn’t it? So what the heck has love got to do with lust? [Read: Should you cheat or avoid cheating? - Find your own answer here]

Why we avoid getting into an affair

In reality, lust is compromised when we’re in love. And that’s the straight fact. You do think another person is hot, but the love and respect you have for your partner overrides the infatuation you have for another person. You don’t want to have sex with another person outside your relationship because that might hurt your sweetheart. [Read: How to end an affair and get over it completely]

The fact that your affair would hurt your lover is what keeps you from having one in the first place. So, as a matter of fact, you are compromising and giving up your sexual urges, just so you could live happily with your lover.

Most of us already know this, on a subconscious level. That’s why we resort to role playing and fantasizing in bed.

Isn’t that the easiest way to stay away from promiscuity? If you can talk about and imagine having sex with someone else, do you really need to go out and do it? Maybe not. And role playing gives you a chance to make out with different people without actually leaving your bedroom or your lover out of the picture. [Read: The beginner's guide to role playing in bed with your lover]

Some people resort to swinging, and swapping partners. Many of them even give testimony that swinging and exchanging partners has brought them closer together, and helped them love each other a lot more. Their reason *or excuse* is that there’s no real conflict between love and lust. And when there’s no conflict, there’s no need for love or lust to be undermined. [Read: Things to know before you start swing with your partner]

Many swingers claim that both love and lust bloom in their own gardens, and are separated by a picket fence of trust. Whatever that means, even if it does sound philosophical and vaguely true.

How to deal with promiscuity in love

Everyone in the world has their own way of dealing with promiscuity. Back in the earlier days, issues like these were taboo, and even close friends wouldn’t know if someone’s having a torrid affair. The men used to be a lot more immoral, and it was understood and accepted if he had mistresses. I can only imagine how women used to feel. Sexually deprived, jealous, or cheated?

We’ve come a long way from there today, and women too demand the sexual prowess that men ‘deserved’ in the old days. And maybe that’s why there’s so much promiscuity in the air. [Read: 18 signs you may be having an emotional affair and not even realize it!]

Everyone wants to have a fling, and no one thinks twice about it. And now that we’ve come this far, it’s only a matter of time before it gets worse. Right now, even as you’re reading this, there are thousands of men and women getting their sheets dirty with someone outside their marriage.

How many lovers have you had?

In a survey I read a few years ago, I remember reading that Kiwi women are the most promiscuous in the world. On an average, one woman sleeps with twenty men, whereas the global average for women is around eight men. That’s one woman sleeping with eight men in her life, on an average. The figures aren’t any different for men either. Can you believe how things are these days?

When we used to be younger, even about two decades ago, if you told someone that your lover is the only person you’ve slept with in your entire life, they would go “Awww… that’s true love” but now, the only thing you’d hear is “Are you serious?!”

The teens these days are a lot wilder, and don’t really think twice about experimenting with each other. [Read: The dark secret behind teens and their rainbow parties]

Just the other day, while using my little nephew’s computer at my sister’s place, I saw a few porn videos in his playlist. I was shocked and spoke to him about it. He didn’t seem too disturbed or ashamed about it. He rattled off several raunchy websites and also told me that all his friends, girls and guys watch this ‘stuff’. You don’t think it’s a big deal? Think now. He’s in fifth grade! And so are all his friends!

The world has definitely changed. But I’d still stick to the same fact. True love is always better than promiscuity.

Love gives us a sense of fulfillment, while lust gives us instant gratification. The difference between love and lust is like dancing in a club. Love is like dancing after one drink. It’s smooth, mellow and happy all the while.

Lust is like dancing while tripping on LSD *don’t try it if you haven’t already!*. It’s a rush that nothing else in the world can give, but you’d feel terrible and empty after the trip’s gone. [Read: How egos in a relationship effect the outcome of an affair]

Look out if you must

Being promiscuous isn’t really bad. I’d even advice you to be, just as long as your mind and body is ready for it. And if you were to ask me, I’d tell you to explore the options and have fun, until you realize for yourself that there’s nothing better than finding that one special person with whom you want to spend the rest of your life.

There’s nothing worse than finding the love of your life, and worrying about dipping your feet into the waters of promiscuity just because you’ve been with just one person your whole life while the global average is around eight.

Makes you feel small and inadequate, doesn’t it?

But hey, you should consider yourself lucky. You didn’t have to put up with bad lovers to get to your best. You got the best lover in the whole world without trying too hard, right? [Read: Love triangles and the complications it could lead to]

The war between promiscuity and love will never end, and quite frankly, these days, promiscuity and lust are beating love hands down, but it’s never too late.

Remember, love is the final answer at the end.

Love is the super power when compared to lust, when we look at their roles throughout one’s life. Both, love and lust, are two entities that are plugged into your body, and there’s always a conflict between the two. Which one wins defines the outcome of your relationship and your happiness.

Unless, of course, both of you are willing to compromise on lust and love, once in a while. If you were at ask me, I’d suggest staying in love instead of falling for lust. But if you can’t handle it, choose the middle path that’ll make both of you happy. [Read: How to have an open relationship by choosing the middle path]

But can that really make things better, giving rein to lust while love takes the back seat now and then? It may not be the easiest way to satiate your lustful cravings while being in a committed relationship. But if you want to experiment in bed, start by experimenting in your mind through sexual fantasies. But then again, if you need more than just a bedroom fantasy to satiate your lust, you definitely need to remember the consequences. [Read: How to fantasize about someone else with your own partner]

Promiscuity always rears its head when you’re in love. But will you get more satisfaction and happiness from true love, or would you prefer to let lust control your mind? Your decision here will choose the direction of the relationships in your life.

Are you really ready for rebound sex? The idea may sound fascinating, but these 13 questions will help you uncover the truth better than anything else! By Jake Butler

Is rebound sex a good idea?

Or is it a disastrous one?

There may be contradicting views on rebound sex.

But more often than not, it’s not the idea that’s good or bad. It’s the two people who are involved in the act that makes it painful or enjoyable.

Rebound sex can work wonders for many ex-lovers who have just broken up.

On the other hand, it can also leave many other ex-lovers more hurt and confused than ever.

[Read: Rebound sex and why it's the perfect answer to get over an ex instantly!]

What is rebound sex?

Rebound sex is a no strings attached sexual relationship between two people, and it involves at least one person who’s just had a break up.

It’s been said many times that the best way to get over someone is by getting under someone else.

And a rebound relationship works around that idea.

You have a hard time holding yourself back from contacting an ex or thinking about them all the time, so you involve yourself in another relationship *purely sexual to prevent more emotional drama* to try and completely get over your ex by distracting yourself. [Read: 12 reasons why the no contact rule always works!]

Yes, rebound sex works, and it can work very well too. But there are odd circumstances where rebound sex can actually rebound on you and have damaging results too!

The most common reasons for rebound sex

Before we get to finding out if you’re ready for rebound sex, you need to ask yourself why you’re really getting into one, and what you expect to get out of a rebound relationship with a stranger or a crush.

Here are 8 common reasons for rebound sex, and chances are, you may be experiencing one of these reasons in your life right now.

#1 It’s an excuse. You tell the world and yourself that you just need someone to get over your ex, but deep inside, you’re just looking for a good excuse to sleep with random people because you’ve felt so restricted when you were in the relationship.

#2 Revenge sex. You want your ex to burn. You want your ex to know you’re having sex with someone else and you’re hoping that it’ll piss them off *which it definitely will IF your ex is still in love with you* [Read: Is revenge sex ever worth the effort?]

#3 Mask the emotional pain. You think having sex with someone new will help you feel better and quell the emotional pain you feel inside.

#4 You want to break free. You just want to have fun. You’re sick and tired of wallowing in self pity and you just want to fill your life with adventure and fun all over again. [Confession: I can’t wait to be single again!]

#5 You’re horny. You crave sexual intimacy and you miss having sex. You want to hold someone in your arms and you want to experience the bliss of carnal pleasure, with someone… anyone!

#6 Distraction. Your ex is running circles in your mind 24/7 and you just want to fill that space with something else. You want to stop thinking about your ex and you’re ready to take that big sexual step to push your ex’s thoughts away from your mind.

#7 You’re being reckless. You don’t know what you want, you’re confused and reckless. You aren’t thinking through your decisions and you’re just going with the flow. Your friend’s told you rebound sex works, and you’re diving headfirst into it without thinking if it’s right for you. [Read: 10 signs you're really love sick and 10 ways to get out of it]

#8 The ego boost. You’re feeling low on confidence and you feel like a complete loser. You think shacking up with a sexy someone on a one night stand will make you feel better about yourself.

Why do so many rebound relationships go wrong?

Rebound sex can be great to get over a break up. But instead of wondering if it’s good or bad, you need to focus on whether you’re ready for something like that. Of course, getting into the sack can help you get over someone *even if it’s just momentarily* but would you know where to draw the line?

Most people feel worse after rebound sex, not because rebound sex sucks, but because they get into something without asking themselves if they were ready for it in the first place. [Read: 15 rebound relationship signs to keep an eye on!]

13 rebound sex questions to ask yourself before getting into one

Has the thought of having rebound sex with someone ever crossed your mind? Have you considered it, or even been excited by the idea? Here are 13 questions you need to ask yourself.

If you can answer these questions and convince yourself with the right answers, perhaps, you’re ready for it. On the other hand, if you can’t really answer a few of these questions, maybe you just need more time or another way to heal your aching heart. [Read: A step-by-step guide to getting a friend to have sex with you effortlessly]

#1 Can you disassociate sex from love? You may think this is easy. After all, you’re just having sex, and not falling in love, right? But for many of us, we feel an intense connection with the person as soon as we have passionate sex with them. And it gets worse if you’re a woman because women always have a harder time disassociating sex from love.

If you fall in love with your rebound, you’re only going from the frying pan into the fire. And you’ll feel worse because your heart will be torn between two people who may never really love you back! [Read: 25 friends with benefits rules you always need to remember]

#2 Are you in a rational frame of mind? You may be a sweet and innocent thing just looking for a fling to heal your heart. But if you’re not sure what you want or can’t point a finger on why rebound sex is your best way to get over a break up, you may find yourself in the company of several people who use you to their advantage in your weak moment.

#3 Do you compare? Do you find yourself comparing your ex with your rebound all the time? Even if you like someone or are interested in hooking up with someone on a rebound, do you compare this person to your ex?

If you’re doing something like this, chances are, you aren’t looking for someone new, you’re just looking for someone similar to your ex to replace the void in your heart. Remember, your rebound is someone you’re using to have fun, they’re not your ex’s replacement. [Read: 10 signs your past relationship is holding you back from having a happy life]

#4 Do you think a rebound will heal you? A rebound is a distraction, nothing more. Don’t jump into just about anyone’s bed in the hope that you’ll start to feel better as soon as you start having sex with them. It doesn’t work that way.

If you get into a rebound relationship with someone, you need to do it because the person you’re having sex with is fun and both of you share sizzling sexual chemistry. The sexual chemistry you feel may create a hint of infatuation, and the high of the infatuation will cheer you up.

#5 Have you found the right person for a rebound? You can’t have rebound sex with an older ex, or someone you like. There’s a big chance that the physical intimacy will turn into emotional intimacy very soon. The best person for a rebound is someone who understands your needs and doesn’t have any long term expectations from you. [Read: 10 casual relationship rules to keep it just casual]

#6 Are you sure you want to move on? Have you decided to move on for good? Don’t use a rebound relationship to get back with your ex or to show them just how awesome you are. Use it to distract yourself and get your ex’s thoughts out of your mind.

#7 Can you overcome the guilt? If you still love your ex, you may feel terribly guilty when you have sex with someone else. Your mind may convince you that having sex with your rebound is cheating, especially when you’re in love with your ex. And if you didn’t like the sexual experience with your rebound, you may feel dirty and used. [Read: 16 scenarios when you can and can't ever be friends with an ex]

#8 Are you excited to have a rebound relationship? Does that thought excite you and make you happy? If the idea of having sex with someone else, or even meeting someone else with the intention of having sex makes you happy, well, good for you. It’s a happy sign that you are indeed interested in moving on instead of pining over your ex.

#9 Can you avoid falling in love with this person? This is something you need to keep in mind. A person who is interested in your rebound arrangement is interested in you only because of the sex you’re offering them. You’re using them to get over your ex, and they’re using you to have sex with a hottie like you. The odds of something like this turning into mutual love are slim. Are you sane enough to differentiate love from a sexual arrangement? [Read: 19 sure signs of falling in love to watch out for!]

#10 Why do you want to do this? Be truthful to yourself, and don’t lie. You can have rebound sex with someone to get over an ex, but if that’s your only intention, you’ll only feel worse the very minute you orgasm. Use rebound sex as a distraction while your heart heals. Use the distraction to unhook the hooks that your ex has left behind in your heart. Rebound sex won’t heal you, time will.

#11 Are you sexually attracted to your rebound? You should be. If you’re having sex with someone you’re attracted to and like as a person, chances are, you’ll feel good about yourself. On the other hand, if you have sex with someone you’re not attracted to just for the sake of having rebound sex, you may not enjoy what you’re doing and you’d feel worse about yourself. [Read: 13 lusty signs of sexual attraction to keep an eye on]

#12 Do you know where to draw the line? Many guys and girls who are looking for a rebound just don’t know this answer. They get carried away and end up throwing their lives away or risk getting stereotyped as the neighborhood slut.

Look at rebound sex has a discreet short term relationship with no strings attached, not as a one night stand where you hop and jump from one person to another. Remember, this is your weak moment, and there will always be several opportunists *people who have a crush on you, and even your friends!* waiting to use you and abuse you as soon as the word goes out that you’re looking for a casual fling.

#13 Do you think it’ll work for you? You’re the only person who can answer this. Rebound sex doesn’t work for many people because they’re not clear in the head before jumping into a fling.

Try to heal your broken heart and try to have a nice time by meeting friends and having fun with them. If that doesn’t work, you can try to look for a rebound as a last resort. After all, rebound relationships are effective, but they’re like landmines for a weak and broken heart! [Read: How to move on and deal with a break up with a smile]

Don’t rush into rebound sex

If you’re sure rebound sex is just what you’re looking for, approach the idea of rebound sex as a casual date. Take your time, flirt with your rebound, have fun and try to have a nice time when both of you are together instead of trying to make rebound sex seem like a sleazy arrangement. And chances are, you may start to feel better about yourself very soon.

[Read: 14 things to keep in mind when you run into your ex!]

So are you ready to have rebound sex to get over your unforgettable ex? These 13 questions would definitely help you figure that answer for yourself!

Are you enticed by the idea of a NSA fling thing? Use this guide and these tips to get yourself a no strings attached relationship buddy in no time! By Christopher Villa

Many guys and girls love the idea of a no strings attached relationship.

All the fun with no hassles of being tied down?

The idea seems really exciting, because you get to have the cake and eat it too!

But is it all so rosy and fun?

Are no strings attached relationships for you?

Quite frankly, no strings attached relationships are a lot of fun, but it isn’t for everyone.

Not everyone can handle the delicacy of this fake relationship that feels like love but isn’t anything more than a few moments of lust and fun.

[Read: 13 no strings attached sex questions to know if you’re ready for it!]

For some, it starts off fun and turns into a one sided romance.

For others, it ends with insecurity and jealousy.

And for almost everyone else, it ends in awkward encounters where one or both partners try to avoid eye contact for the rest of their lives!

When are no strings attached relationships good for you?

If you’re a big believer in love and fairy tales, or if you like the whole idea of rescuing someone or being romantically rescued by someone, then these casual NSA relationships aren’t for you.

You may just end up falling in love with your casual sex buddy, even if they have no intention of dating you seriously. [Read: 10 casual relationship rules to keep your fling just casual]

Here are 6 best workable scenarios for no strings attached affair.

#1 You’ve had a bad breakup and just want to have some fun.

#2 You don’t have time for a committed relationship.

#3 You love your space, but you love sex too!

#4 You want to stay single and avoid commitments for a while.

#5 There are so many cute and sexy things all around you that you just don’t want to be tied down to a single person.

#6 You’ve been in a long term relationship, and just want to explore a few fun opportunities before settling down again.

No strings attached relationships work only when your mind has the maturity to disassociate love from sex. But unfortunately, it’s not something most of us can do. As humans, we always end up emotionally attaching ourselves when we have frequent sex with the person. [Read: 10 worst people you can have a no strings attached relationship with!]

Most importantly, don’t lie to yourself. Don’t try to convince yourself that you can enjoy sex with someone, get intimate and have personal conversations with them, and still stop yourself from falling in love with them.

11 things to keep in mind for successful no strings attached sex

If you’re interested in hooking up with someone for a no strings attached relationship, here are a few things you need to keep in mind.

#1 Good friends. Don’t have no strings attached sex with a good friend of yours. If things do go downhill someday, you may jeopardize the relationship. As friends, both of you may talk and interact often. So you’re mixing emotional intimacy with sex, which is a perfect concoction for a romantic relationship. One of you may fall for the other person, and the arrangement could just confuse both of you! [Read: 6 sneaky ways to accidentally kiss a friend and get away with it!]

#2 Don’t get emotionally involved. Don’t have casual no strings attached sex with someone you’re in love with, or someone you have deep feelings for. It may just be your excuse to get closer to them *and hurt yourself eventually*.

#3 Protected sex. Always have protected sex with a no strings attached partner. There’s no way you can ever know just how many others this person is sleeping with at the same time.

#4 Be honest. Always be truthful and don’t try to sugarcoat your words and your feelings. If it’s not working out, it’s not. It’s alright to be selfish and walk out when you feel like it.

#5 Make it clear. Have a conversation with your partner so both of you know where this arrangement is going. It’s just casual sex and nothing more. [Read: 25 friends with benefits rules you definitely need to remember]

#6 Don’t sleep with a random stranger. If you’ve hooked up with someone, that’s acceptable. But if you want to turn this person into a no strings attached partner, always make sure you know the person better. Get to know them over a few dates or conversations, and then initiate the no strings attached scenario.

#7 These things end. Don’t hate yourself for it, or hate your partner. No strings attached relationships end all the time, once one of you get bored or want to move on. Have fun while it lasts, but don’t get attached to it.

#8 Don’t screw an ex. You can’t have no strings attached sex with an ex, because it just defeats the purpose of avoiding emotional attachments. Of course, it may work for a while, but one of you may end up falling in love. If you really want to screw your ex again, then you can try this arrangement with them for a few weeks, and back away after that *or you may end up falling in love*. [Read: Things you need to know before getting back with an ex for sex]

#9 NSA sex can cure heartbreaks. You’re going to be having a lot of fun with your NSA partner, and odds are, it may help you heal faster and it may help you overcome your feelings for your ex sooner too. But don’t look at NSA sex as a replacement for your ex. It’ll only make you feel empty and used. Instead, look at it as something fun and recreational you’re doing to keep your mind occupied.

#10 Make your pleasure the priority. Be selfish, and worry about how much fun you’re having. If you spend too much time thinking about dressing up, trying to look good for your sex buddy, or wondering what your sex buddy would think about your behavior and appearance, you may end up falling for them. Focus on having fun, and when you’re sexually satiated, leave! [Read: The complete step-by-step guide to turn a friend into a sex buddy!]

#11 Don’t get carried away. If you have fun having sex with a casual partner, that’s good. But don’t get carried away. Just because you’re an attractive hottie who can get anyone to sleep with you doesn’t mean you should get carried away and sleep with anyone who tries to get your attention. Test the waters with one partner, wait a few months and see if you like it. If you find yourself sleeping with more than one person in a night, you probably need to slow down and take control of your life.

How to proposition someone for a no strings attached relationship

There are many ways to get a no strings attached partner. It all starts with a flirty glance and a naughty conversation where you hint at this sexy someone that you like them, and yet make it clear that you don’t want to date them.

After all, if you just tell someone that you like them, they’d assume you want a serious relationship.

[Read: 5 tips to pick the right guy and 19 ways to hook up with him for sex]

[Read: 6 tips to recognize a girl who wants to hook up and 12 ways to hook up with her in different circumstances]

So if you’re looking for a naughty fling thing, just make these three things clear *subtly* while talking to them. One, you’ve had your share of relationships and are just looking for some fun right now. Two, you’re single. And three, you find them very attractive and sexy.

Use the same order when you’re trying to send the message across. Making it clear that you aren’t interested in a relationship first makes it seem like it’s your lifestyle choice for the moment. But if you tell someone that you find them attractive, and then tell them that you’re just looking for fun, it would appear like you’re making a proposition for free sex!

Just let the person know you find them attractive. You’ve already made it clear that you’re looking for a no strings fling thing because you’ve mentioned that before flirting with them. And when you do start flirting with them, they’d start flirting back with you if they like the idea of having a no strings attached relationship with you. [Read: 13 lusty signs of sexual attraction that could lead to NSA sex]

5 ways to find a no strings attached sex buddy

So now that you know how to make your intentions clear without making the whole deal appear like a sleazy proposition, here are 5 ways you can use to find yourself a perfect sex buddy and have a NSA relationship with them.

#1 Flirt with casual friends. You may have a few acquaintances or friends you know. They may be on friendly terms but they may not be friends you hang out with often. Call them up or start texting them occasionally over a few days. And once you start flirting with them, you can meet up a few times and see where it goes. [Read: How to make a sexy booty call to a friend without making it obvious!]

#2 Get introduced to a sexy hottie you like. So you know a guy/girl who knows a guy/girl. And you’re interested in doing the naughty with your friend’s friend. Use your friend to get introduced to this person, flirt a few times and see if they reciprocate your interest. Just remember to take it slow and easy. Try too hard and too fast, and you may just creep this person out.

#3 A hook up. This is the proverbial one night stand you meet at a party or someplace that leads to sex. So do you like someone you slept with, but aren’t interested in a relationship? You’ve slept with them already, so just make the proposition.

#4 An ex coworker. Have you been hopping and skipping between jobs over the last few years? Then you’re bound to have met a few cuties from your old workplaces. Make a few calls, flirt a bit and meet up for a chat. And if your ex colleague likes your idea of a strictly sex relationship, well, that’s good news for everyone involved!

#5 An old friend from school or college. Facebook is a great place for reacquaintances and hook ups. Get back in touch with an old friend that you thought was cute, and flirt with them over facebook or over the phone. It’ll start easy, and it may lead to a really exciting night! [Read: 12 devious ways to see a sexy friend naked!]

When is it a good time to end a no strings attached relationship?

Once you find yourself in this arrangement, you need to ask yourself if you’re happy to have this arrangement with one or more people. If you are, well, then that’s great for you. But when a no strings attached relationship starts to take too much importance in your mind, or if it starts to make you feel unhappy, you’re probably falling for this person and you need to either back away or confess your intentions.

On the other hand, if you meet someone you really like while sleeping with your no strings attached buddy, and you hit it off in a more-than-just-friends kind of way with this new person and both of you decide to get serious with each other, it’s probably best for you to end the no strings attached relationship with your friend and move on to something a lot more serious and meaningful.

[Read: 20 sexy text messages to start a naughty and dirty conversation with anyone!]

Well, as you can see, finding yourself a no strings attached relationship and hooking up with a sex buddy is really easy. All it takes is some discretion, a bit of panache and a clear mind that won’t get love and lust mixed up in the head!

When is a date really a date, and when is it just hanging out? Use this guide to understand it and make the together time work in your favor. By Cheryl James

Firstly, let’s get this straight.

It doesn’t matter whether a guy or a girl says “it’s a date” or “let’s hang out” over the phone while asking you to spend time together.

*But, of course, it would make it easier if they did say it straight out!*

What you need to realize is that it’s the way either of you behave during the time you spend together that matters.

Almost always, it’s pretty easy to know if the together time is heading towards love, or being shoved to the friend zone.

[Read: How to avoid the friend zone and make your friend desire you]

The only time it can get rather confusing is when you have a huge crush on the person who asks you out or asks you to hang out, and your mind’s all muddled with love, and every single act or behavior of your ‘friend’ seems convincingly like date-like behavior.

Disguising a date as hanging out

If a guy gives you flowers, it’s pretty obvious he has a date in mind.

On the other hand, if he says he just wants to hang out as friends, he could still have feelings for you.

So trying to decode the words a guy or a girl uses to ask you out isn’t really going to be very helpful. [Read: 18 signs to decode a guy's body language and know if he likes you]

And to make things worse, most guys and girls don’t ask their date out on a date *if they really like the person*. To most people in love, the thought of confessing their love is really painful and worrisome, especially if they have a huge crush on them and they don’t want to blow their chances. It’s always easier to just play it safe, use the excuse of hanging out and impress the person very, very slowly.

And for anyone who’s on the other side of the table, this can be a huge dilemma. So is it a date or are you just hanging out? Does this person like you or are they just very friendly and warm? [Read: 15 very, very obvious signs of flirting between a guy and a girl]

The perfect excuse – Let’s hang out

Using the excuse of hanging out takes the pressure off of dating. If it’s a date from the get-go, there’s always the tension of impressing each other, and then there’s the stress of having to worry about the good night kiss, the next potential date, and a load of other agitating thoughts.

Instead, to many, it’s just so much easier to play it cool, assess the way the evening goes, and think about the dating potential of a person over time. And frankly, the logic behind this is rather evident, even if it can leave the other person confused most of the time! [Read: 20 obvious tips to perfect your date conversation in minutes!]

Is it a date or are you both just hanging out?

When is a date not a date? And when is hanging out more than just hanging out?

If you’re wondering about the possibilities before getting to the date, here’s a good way to start off. Is the catching up planned in advance? Did this friend of yours call you a week ahead and ask you if you’re free at a particular time on a particular day? Or did this person call you out of the blue and ask you to catch up later in the day?

If the friendly date was planned way before schedule, it’s probably a date. And on the other hand, if it was a last minute decision to catch up because both of you have nothing better to do, it’s probably just hanging out.

But keep this in mind, some guys and girls may want to play it cool because they don’t want to make their crush on you or their intentions obvious, and they may use a last minute excuse to spend time with you. [Read: The right way to talk to a crush and make them fall for you]

What are your intentions? – Make it clear

So well, it’s not too easy to know what your friend has up their sleeve until you actually get to the date. But there’s one thing you can do about it. And it’s the best way to go about it. Subtly make your intentions clear right from the beginning, and watch the signs and the way they reciprocate to your advances.

[Read: How to stay just friends when your friend wants more]

[Read: 16 first date tips for girls to dazzle your date and 16 first date tips for guys to charm your date]

12 signs to know if it’s a date or you’re just hanging out

Now we get to the part where both of you are sitting down together, and there are no other friends around. If you’re hanging out with this person, and you’re confused about what’s on their mind, use these 12 signs to read their mind without really asking them any questions about their intentions.

#1 Nervousness. Is your friend nervous? *more nervous, fidgety and awkward than usual* If your friend likes you, there’s a good chance that they’re subtly trying to impress you without making it obvious.

#2 Good time? Your friend asks you if you’re having a nice time during the date. They don’t say things like “this place sucks” or “man, I’m so bored”. Instead, they specifically ask for your opinion.

And if you mention that the food isn’t good or the place isn’t nice, your friend may even say something like “I’m going to make sure I don’t bring you here again…” They may actually behave like it’s their fault you hate the place! [Read: The dating girl code all girls definitely need to know]

#3 Dressed up and cleaned up. Is your friend all spruced up and looking like a shiny penny, when you clearly know what they’re wearing while hanging out isn’t regular hanging out attire? Well, perhaps, they’ve got a date on their mind.

#4 Questions and answers. Hanging out together would suddenly start to feel like an interview or a round of 20 questions. If your friend likes you, they’d want to know everything about you. [Read: 36 naughty and funny questions for flirty guys and girls]

#5 Of exes and flings. Does your friend talk about their exes or current crushes, even if you didn’t give them any reason to bring the topic up? Talking about other love interests is a pretty good sign that your friend just wants to hang out with you.

On the other hand, if you want to stay within the friend zone, just talk about your current squeeze or someone you have a crush on. Your friend will definitely get the hint.

#6 It’s a fancy date restaurant. You’re not a foodie, and neither is your friend, but yet, both of you are in a place that seems extravagant. If the place seems too posh to feel like a comfortable hangout, perhaps your friend is trying to worm their way into your heart through good wine and food.

#7 Touchy friends. Does your friend try to touch you often even when there’s absolutely no reason or requirement for the touch? If a friend likes you, whether they’re trying to be discreet or otherwise, they’d have a hard time holding themselves back from trying to get their hands on you. [Read: The art of touchy flirting without being obvious]

#8 Compliments. Friends compliment each other, yes. But they don’t shower you with compliments about your personality or your appearance, and follow it up with an awkward pause, and a sappy stare.

And let’s not even get to flirting, because that’s just a straight sign that your friend is just hitting on you instead of hanging out with you.

#9 The conversation. The conversation revolves around just the two of you. Both of you aren’t talking about other friends, funny events at work, or anything else. Unknowingly, the conversation just revolves around the both of you trying to get to know each other, intimate details and all. [Read: Sure signs both of you are already more than just friends]

#10 Apologies. Your friend apologizes for the silliest of things. “Sorry… I HAD to answer that call”, “I’m sorry you didn’t like the place”, “I’m sorry I wasn’t much fun…” Perhaps, your friend is just courteous, but bigger chances are, they’re just trying to win your heart.

#11 Paying the bill. Are both of you going dutch and splitting the bill, or is one person paying for it? This isn’t a particularly effective way to predict the date-o-meter, but if the guy insists or even puts up a fight that he wants to get the bill, maybe, just maybe, he’s trying to impress you. [Read: 13 signs of lusty sexual attraction between friends]

#12 Thank you! Friends don’t thank another friend for having a good time while hanging out! They just laugh, wave goodbye and walk away. And even if there is some thanking involved at the end of the hanging-out/date, there’s a clear difference between “I had an awesome time, we should do this again!” and “Thank you for a wonderful time. I’d love to see you again…”

[Read: 20 signs of romantic attraction in a conversation between friends]

As confusing as figuring out if it is a date or just hanging out may seem, it’s actually pretty simple if you use these tips and learn to read between the lines. And once you know what’s on their mind, you just need to ask yourself what you want!

Would you forgive a partner who cheated on you? Should you? Here are a few thoughts that can help you make up your mind on the right thing to do. By Sophia Strutt

Firstly, let’s get this out of the way.

There’s absolutely no excuse for cheating.

If a partner cheats on you, you have every right to walk away if you choose to.

When your lover cheats on you, it clearly shows that they don’t respect you, value you or care about your feelings.

When your lover cheats on you, they are deliberately indulging in an act that they know will break your heart and destroy your life.

And yet, they choose to go ahead and give in to their carnal desires without sparing the time to realize the world of pain they would be putting you through once they get caught.

[Read: 18 ingenious ways to catch a potential cheating partner in the act!]

The big betrayal of trust

An affair tears your world apart. And there’s no nicer way to put this across. No matter what you do or how you choose to look at it, it’s a fact that will never be forgotten. Forever!

In every relationship that involves a cheating partner, the affair is the elephant in the room. You don’t talk about it, but it always makes its presence felt behind awkward pauses and painful stares.

An affair takes several months, and often, several years to heal. And yet, the scar never fades. [Read: 16 signs to know if your partner is cheating on you]

Do you want to walk away?

The very moment you find out that your partner is cheating on you or has cheated on you, every cell in your body tells you to walk away for good. And you know what, that’s the best thing you can do. After all, the one person you trusted blindly with your life has just tossed your love, respect and trust into the garbage, by cheating on you.

But once the maddening rush of adrenalin and rage calms, let’s try to think again. Just how many of you can end it all and walk away, especially after all that history that both of you share? How many of you can harden your heart and watch your partner groveling on their knees, begging you to forgive them, without giving them a second chance? [Read: Why do men cheat? - 3 really big reasons and 27 more!]

It’s always easier to assume you know what the right thing to do is, until you’re forced to experience it yourself.

If you can walk away from a cheating partner, that’s the strongest and the safest thing you can do. But on the other hand, if your mind tells you to leave the relationship, but your heart wants to forgive your lover in the hope that they’d never hurt you again, well, read on. [Read: 25 truthful reasons why women cheat so damn easily!]

The intelligent human and the craving to cheat

Humans are one of the few species that can learn through others’ experiences and judge right from wrong without having to experiencing something themselves.

But some humans are dumb though. They need more than life lessons and lessons on morality to understand the value and importance of a romantic relationship or marriage.

They know cheating is wrong and they understand the consequences of cheating, and yet, they wonder what it would feel like to cheat on a partner. They constantly ogle and fantasize about others, and wonder how it would feel like to date someone else, or sleep with someone else. [Quiz: Will you ever cheat on you lover? P.S. This quiz won't lie!]

If a person wants to cheat on their husband or wife, or their boyfriend or girlfriend, why get into a relationship in the first place, you may ask. But that’s the problem with being human. We always question ourselves over every decision we take, even after we take them. And to make things worse, humans suffer from the annoying addiction of always wondering if there’s something better out there.

For some of us, we just have to test the water, taste the grass on the other side of the fence, or at least take a peek into the other side, just to experience what it’s all about. [Read: The truth about true love and promiscuous love in today's world]

Being curious isn’t always bad. But if you know the consequences, and still choose to go ahead with the decision to cheat on a partner that loves you, well, what can I say?

The two kinds of cheaters

When it comes to cheating on a spouse, there are two kinds of cheaters.

#1 The accidental cheater. This is the kind of partner who cheats on a partner *accidentally* in the heat of the moment. Perhaps, it’s a stolen kiss with an ex or a crush, a drunken escapade gone wrong, or a friendly date that just got carried away. It’s not really excusable, but we have to keep in mind that the act wasn’t premeditated. [Read: Has your partner kissed someone else when they were drunk?]

#2 The intentional cheater. The second kind of cheater is the worse kind, the one who knows exactly what they’re getting into. They understand that cheating on a partner is wrong, and yet they choose to go ahead with it. And what’s worse, they go to great lengths to cover their trail so they can still continue to pretend like they’re not up to anything behind their lover’s back.

Will you forgive a cheating lover?

Every day, we come across people we fancy or find attractive. And sometimes, a person we find attractive at work may start to find us attractive in return. Wouldn’t you ever wonder “what if?” Wouldn’t you feel good knowing someone you find attractive appreciates you and wants to spend time with you? [Read: 18 emotional affair signs you probably didn't even notice!]

Life is all about thin red lines, conscience and morality. And sometimes, it’s easy to lose your way. So if you find out that your partner has cheated on you, what would you want to do? Would you forgive them if the fling thing were a momentary lapse of judgment? Would you walk away if it were a premeditated plot where your partner went to great lengths to hide it for years?

All of us are different, and we live through different circumstances. So if you’re wondering if you should forgive a cheating partner, you’re the only one who can make that decision. [Read: The right way to confess to cheating in love - Things to remember]

Is it the first time?

This is probably the biggest factor that can help you make up your mind. Has your partner ever cheated on you before? Do you have reason to believe that your partner’s been shacking up with someone else before you caught him or her?

If it’s the first time that your partner’s strayed into someone else’s arms, it’s definitely never excusable, but it’s something to think about, and perhaps, worth forgiving.

All of us make mistakes, and sometimes, we walk too far into a mess before we realize we’re in the wrong place doing the wrong things. It could be a weak moment or a momentary lapse of judgment that blinded your partner and forced them down the path of adultery. [Read: 10 tips to help couples resist the temptation to cheat in love]

But if your partner’s cheated on you more than once, then chances are, they either don’t respect you or care enough about you to hold themselves back when an illicit opportunity presents itself. And as much as you want to forgive them and give them another chance, don’t do that. Just walk away.

Some partners are serial cheaters, and no matter how hard you try to change them, or help them see just how valuable the relationship is, cheating is hardwired into their system. And they’ll always find a sneakier way to cheat on you, in the hope of not getting caught by you. [Read: Emotional cheating and 10 really bad things it can do to your relationship]

Should you forgive a cheating partner?

It depends on the way you look at it. Would you choose to point all your fingers at your partner and blame them squarely for it?

Or would you choose to blame them for it, and look within to try and understand why your partner could have strayed in the first place? Was there something lacking in the relationship? Were both of you drifting apart? And most importantly, is the relationship worth holding on to and fighting for?

More often than not, there may be absolutely no reason or fault of yours that led your partner to stray. Perhaps, they just found an opportunity, and they took it without thinking about the consequences. So what do you intend to do about it? [Read: 6 tips to react better to a confession without losing your cool]

The silver lining of cheating

No good ever comes from an affair, but if you choose to see it, you could look for a silver lining through the mess.

Sometimes, for a few inquisitive ones, it takes a little peek into the other side of the fence to truly understand that what they already have is indeed better. When a person cheats on their lover, they realize the value of the relationship even if they had forgotten it all this while. They understand that the grass isn’t really greener on the other side, and they start to value the relationship with their spouse a lot more.

If it’s the first time your partner cheated on you, and you want to forgive them, you need to understand that you may be making a big mistake by forgiving them. But if that’s what you choose to do, you can do so with the consolation that your partner has burnt their hands once, and in all probability, they may never choose to walk down that road again.

[Read: The right way to end an affair and get over it together]

It’s always hard to trust someone who betrayed you and broke your heart. But if you choose to forgive a cheating partner and want to give them another chance, make sure it’s the last chance you’ll ever give them in their lifetime!

Do you ever feel like a friend of yours has a crush on you? Use these 20 signs, and they’ll clearly reveal if your friend is crushing on you! By Emma Spencer

As much as we can read a good friend like a book, sometimes things get pretty unpredictable when love enters the equation.

Have you ever felt like a friend who was just a friend has more than just friends on their mind?

As hard as it can be to decipher the subtle and secret kind of love that exists when infatuation enters the picture, there are always a few clear and obvious signs that friends give away when they’re crushing on you.

And all you have to do is just watch the way they behave around you, to notice these obvious signs!

20 clear signs your friend is crushing on you

Has your friend suddenly started to act weird around you, are they texting you more or even avoiding you in public?

Have they suddenly started to care more about their appearance or who you’re romantically involved with?

If the answer is yes to any of the above, then there is a good chance that your friend is crushing on you.

But if you want to know for certain if your friend is crushing on you or not, then have a look at these telltale signs and find out for yourself!

#1 They need to get a booster on their phone contract. A big sign that your friend is crushing on you is a sudden influx of texts from them. Have they started to text you multiple times throughout the day, for no real reason other than just to catch up?

Do you often wake up to a text from them, or do they text you to say goodnight? Do you often get texts from them when they are on a night out with their own friends? If your friend can’t stop thinking about you or tries to get in touch with you even when they’re busy having fun, it’s a very good sign that you’re running circles on their mind! [Read: 15 obvious signs of flirting between a guy and a girl]

#2 They seem to have discovered what styling products are for. One of the easiest ways to tell if your friend is crushing on you is if they have suddenly started to make a big effort with their appearance, especially if they only make that effort when they know you will be there.

Take a look at their Facebook page and find pictures taken when you were not around, have they made the same effort? If the answer is no, then that could be a pretty big clue to whether they are trying to impress you or not.

#3 They always have their eyes on you. Have you noticed your friend staring at you often? If you have, then this is a clear indication of a crush, unless you have food around your mouth, that is.

You might find as well that whenever you look at them, they drop their gaze on you and look elsewhere. This embarrassing look-away shows they have an interest in you in more than just a friendly way.

#4 They could stop traffic with their face. Have you noticed your friend blushing when you talk to them? Do they often go red faced whenever they spend time with you or you are talked about? If they do, then they obviously have a crush on you, why else would they be getting so bashful? [Read: Does your friend like you? - 18 signs to decode his body language]

#5 They have suddenly become a world class comedian. Has your friend started to tease you a lot? Do they often make fun of you and point out silly mistakes that you have made, while at the same time, never hurting your feelings? This is the most common sign of attraction.

#6 They avoid you in public. Has your friend suddenly started to keep their distance from you, when you are out with friends? And when you are alone with them, do they behave in an overfriendly manner again? This could be a sign that they don’t want their friends to be aware of the fact that they have a crush on you.

#7 They treat your love life like a celebrity magazine. Has your friend unexpectedly started to take an interest in your love life? Do they want to know everything that is going on, like whom you like and who likes you? Do they ever show signs of being jealous when you talk about people you like? If they do, then you most definitely have a crush on your hands.

#8 They could win a game of don’t blink. Has your friend started to make more eye contact with you than usual? Do they listen intently to what you have to say, without dropping their gaze?

Do you find them trying to make eye contact with you when you’re across the room from each other? If the answer is yes, then the least this means is that they really like you. [Read: 10 eye contact flirting moves that you'd notice when someone likes you]

#9 They have turned into your mirror. Have you noticed your friend mirroring your body language? A common sign of attraction is imitation, and people often mirror those they are attracted to, without even realizing they are doing it.

So if your friend has started to mirror your behaviour or the words you use all of a sudden, then it could be that they are attracted to you.

#10 They like to introduce you to new things. When people have an attraction to another person, they often want to share details about their life with them. They want to share new things, in the hopes that the one they are attracted to, will pick them out above the rest.

So if your friend has started sharing more about their life with you, then it could be an indicator that *worst case scenario* they want to be good friends or way more! [Read: How to know if the two of you are just friends or way more!]

#11 They like to surprise you. Does your friend like to surprise you with little treats or gifts? Do they often stop by your favorite pastry shop, to pick something up for you? Do they constantly recommend songs and books that you might like? Do they seem to go out of their way to please you? If they do, then you know there must be a reason behind it.

#12 They are available whenever you are. Does your friend show up to everything you invite them to? And at other times, has this friend always tried to support you or stand by you even when there’s no need for it? If they have a crush on you, then they will want to spend as much time as possible with you, so they will always make time to come to anything you have arranged. [Read: Are both of you just hanging out or is it a date?!]

#13 They speak highly about you to their friends. Have you ever met any of their friends? Do they seem to know a lot about you? Do they seem to like you straight away? If the answer is yes, then it could be because your friend has been talking about you, and this friend wouldn’t have been talking about you unless you were on their mind.

#14 They compliment you even in unflattering moments. Does your friend compliment you when you’re in your sweat pants, looking all ruffled and tired? Do they try to make you feel better when you are feeling low? Have they ever told you that you look good, especially after a breakup or a fight with your own lover?

Do they seem to go out of their way to pick something nice to say to you? They wouldn’t be going through all that effort if they didn’t like you.

#15 They have gone all bashful. Has your friend become shy around you? Do they seem to be on edge whenever you are left alone together? Have they stopped laughing at jokes that at one point would have had them in creases?

If your friend has become abruptly shy around you, or overly chivalrous and dignified, then there will be a reason, the most probable one being that they have crush on you. [Read: I'm in love with my best friend… what next?]

#16 They feel your pain. Does your friend get angry or upset when something affects you negatively? Do they often want to hurt those who have hurt you? Do you find that, at times, your friend cares more about the messy situation you’re in, than you do? If the answer is yes, then they clearly care a lot about you, and that could be because of the crush they have on you.

#17 They go out of their way for you. Does your friend ever go above and beyond for you? Have they ever done things for you that clearly don’t fit within the expectations of a just-a-friend description? Do they often take it upon themselves to help you, even if it means that they are putting themselves out of their way for you? If the answer is yes, then they clearly have a crush on you.

#18 They are polite and considerate. Has your friend suddenly become really polite and considerate? If the answer is yes, then they might be trying to impress you. They wouldn’t be doing that unless they like you more than they are letting on. [Read: 15 ways to text a girl and flirt with her subtly]

#19 They laugh at all your jokes. Have you suddenly become the funniest person in the world to your friend? Do they laugh at jokes that even you know suck? Your friend may just be trying to hide the fact that they have a crush on you. [Read: 11 flirty ways to text a guy and let him know you like him]

#20 A hug type of person. Has your friend turned into a hug monster? Have you noticed them touching you more than normal? Do they put themselves into close proximity to you, whenever they can? If they have a crush on you, but are too scared to tell you, then they might try to reach out for whatever closeness they can get from you. [Read: The secret behind flirty touches and body contact, and how it really works] 

You might find that not all of these unmistakable signs are relevant to you. But even if you can pick out four or five of the signs in this list, there’s a good chance that your friend has a crush on you.

Use these 20 signs your friend is crushing on you to know the truth even when your friend tries to hide it. But of course, the only way to know for sure is to ask them. And if you decide to do that, then good luck!

An affair can tear most relationships beyond repair. But if you’re determined to fix it, use these 9 ways to rebuild the trust after you’ve cheated. By Michelle Escultura

For couples that have had to deal with infidelity, there is hope!

Though many couples choose to end a relationship or even a marriage because of an affair, there are still some who trudge on and end up with a relationship that’s stronger than ever.

What doesn’t kill your relationship can make it stronger, after all.

Rebuilding trust after straying away

Regaining the trust of a broken hearted lover is not easy though, and as hard as you try, it will seem futile and frustrating at times, and you may feel helpless and pained at other times.

But when you see couples that have endured through the rocky phases, and come out stronger than ever, you can still cling to hope and try to make your own romance bloom even after it seems to have withered away.

9 ways to rebuild trust after an affair

If you want to build trust back into the relationship or marriage, here are the 9 things you should prepare yourself for.

It’ll take time and determination, but anything worth holding on to is definitely worth the effort, isn’t it? [Read: 10 reasons why you have trust issues and 5 ways to fix them all]

#1 End the affair, duh. But make sure your partner gets proof. No, don’t set up a date with you, the person you cheated with, and your partner. That’s just asking for trouble! Instead, do it via phone, text, Facebook or email. Just make sure the person you cheated with gets the message and you can provide proof to your significant other.

This may be the hardest and most awkwardly heart wrenching hurdle, but ensuring your partner knows how you ended it would help calm his or her mind in case there are still lingering doubts that the affair is still happening. [Read: How to end an affair and get over it completely]

#2 Admit your mistake. Don’t blame it on the third party and definitely don’t blame it on your partner! Infidelity is a conscious decision that you chose to get involved in. After you’ve apologized to your *possibly unreceptive* partner, tell him or her about why you chose to have an affair in the first place.

Try your best not to blame external influences such as alcohol or goading from your friends, either. Instead, let your partner in on what was going through your mind to commit such an act of betrayal. Maybe you felt taken for granted. Maybe you were just looking for an ego boost. Maybe you just have poor self-control. Whatever it is, make sure it’s sincere! [Read: The right way to confess to cheating on your lover]

#3 Let your partner vent, and answer questions when they do. Your partner has every right to be angry. But when he or she lets out the frustration, the anger, the tears and the accusation, try your best to be patient.

Also, give honest answers to your significant other’s questions, no matter how ashamed you are of what you did. You’ve kept your partner in the dark during your affair, so it may be his or her way of shedding light on the times when you lied about your whereabouts.

The more your partner knows about the sordid details, the less his or her imagination takes over to fill in the blanks and make things seem worse than they actually are.

#4 Shower your beau with attention and affection. The thing about cheating is that your partner is hurt that you’re lavishing attention on another person when this should have been exclusive between the two of you.

Chances are, during the affair, your partner was deprived of your affection. This is the perfect moment to make it up. Go the extra mile, woo her with flowers or win him over with breakfast in bed. Remember, you’re rebuilding trust, but affection is also important. Just don’t think for a second that those grand gestures will be enough to get you off the hook. [Read: The 25 sweetest romantic gestures you can use in your everyday life]

#5 Let your partner know where you are at all times. This may seem like something you’d get from a clingy partner. But you’re both working on rebuilding a relationship of shattered trust. By letting your sweetheart know where you are, this lets them keep an eye on you and feel reassured.

This would also serve to calm your partner’s mind that you’re just doing regular stuff even if you’re not being watched. But don’t turn your updates into a loveless report on your whereabouts, either!

Put in something extra like, “Hey honey. Just got into the office. Love you.” Or “Just doing my groceries at the usual spot. I’m thinking about you.” Doing this via a phone call also beats doing it by texting. Sincere and affectionate, yet informative are what you’re going for. [Read: Emotional affairs and 10 really bad things it can do to your life]

#6 Slowly try to rebuild your emotional and physical relationship. Imagine you’re starting from scratch and you’re wooing your partner to fall in love with you again. The mere fact that he or she is willing to work things out says that the love is there, though the trust may need some work. And as with the beginning of your relationship, affection, proof of your sincerity and love can lead to trust, even if it’s the second time around.

Do the little things that won him or her over at the start like long talks, surprise visits or just overall thoughtfulness. Make your partner laugh, use your skills at cooking to woo him or her again. Then, if your partner is getting comfortable with you again, move on to the more physical stuff.

By no means are you aiming to make it seem like you’re starting off on a clean slate. But your entire relationship has undergone a huge, albeit painful, change. This is the time to step up and make up for this relationship road bump. [Confession: I cheated on my boyfriend and felt good about it!]

#7 Avoid the old patterns that led you to the affair. Okay, so maybe you’re not 100% at fault in the affair. It could be that timing and temptation got in the way of your otherwise good judgment and it led to an affair.

But whatever it is that led you down that road *being surrounded by hotties at the bar, friends who encourage you, or just being too friendly with people*, do your best to avoid it.

If your partner knows that your affair started with a trip to the pub, then you’ll have to avoid that or take your partner with you whenever you go there. If it started at work, you should try your best not to be alone with your ex paramour. If it’s with an ex who tried to rekindle the flame, remove him or her from your contact list, your Facebook page or whatever mediums of communication you had.

Also, it would help if your significant other knew that you’re actually making an effort to avoid repeating the same old patterns. Again, this won’t be enough, but it’s a start. Not only would it calm you partner’s mind, but these steps would definitely help prevent a relapse into old cheating behaviour. [Read: 10 big steps to resist temptation in love]

#8 Be patient with your partner. Ending the affair is just the start to a long road of rebuilding your partner’s trust in you. After that, there will be some lingering accusations, the occasional paranoid behavior and blaming you on the side. Take it all in, but don’t let it crumble your resolve. This is all part of the process.

There’s no definite timeline for this, and all couples marred by infidelity go through it at different paces. But one day, with enough time and consistent effort, your partner may slowly start to put down his or her defenses and learn to gradually trust you again. [Read: Affairs in a relationship and the really big role egos play in it]

#9 Seek therapy. Despite your best efforts, it’s still possible for the reconciliation process to not work out as planned. This is what couples’ therapy is for. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, you should be proud that you’re willing to invest in professional means of patching up your relationship.

But remember, therapy isn’t an overnight cure for your plight. You still have to consistently work on rebuilding trust on your own. Just think of therapy as an added booster shot to help smoothen the path to a renewed relationship.

There is no quick fix for regaining your partner’s trust. Infidelity can be a one-time thing that will leave a lingering ghost in your relationship for years to come.

[Read: 12 subtle signs of a loveless romance that could lead to one partner straying]

But if you use these steps to rebuild trust after cheating, and you and your partner are resolved to make things work, you can gradually rebuild the trust you thought you’d lost. Good luck!

If you’re a commitment-phobe, stop the maddening cycle of hurting others. Use these signs, learn to come to terms and make a change for the better. By Lianne Choo

Browsed through your Rolodex and realized that all your friends are either married, having children, or in serious relationships whereas the biggest decision you have to make right now is whether you want to take home the Merlot or Pinot Noir?

If you are successful, sociable and a ball of fun to be around but still single, there is a chance that you may be a commitment-phobe. This term simply refers to someone who is terrified of commitment and who prefers a lifestyle unmarred by having a significant other.

Sure, it may seem that singles have the most fun. One night stands, flirting with the hottest people in the room and dancing the night away at a mega club may seem like the ideal life for many, including you. There is nothing wrong with being single.

However at the end of the day, you have to realize that the reason you are single may not be because your exes suck and do not live up to expectations, it may just be you!

12 clear signs you have commitment issues and ways to fix them

It is not a crime to live for yourself, but you have to know when to admit that you have commitment problems. Only then can you grow out of it, fight your fears, and delve into a mature and adult relationship with someone special *if you want to, of course*.

The vicious cycle of dating and hurting people has to stop. Commitment-phobes have the same modus operandi, so it is relatively easy to spot someone who cannot hold down a long-term relationship. Here are some clear-cut signs that show you have a phobia when it comes to commitment. [Read: Commitment-phobes and their love for serial monogamy]

#1 You need to maintain independence. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be in control of you life and destiny. However, if the thought of someone playing a role in your life’s decision making processes terrifies you, then you have a problem.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to you not wanting to make sacrifices to please someone else. You feel that if you open your heart, home and life to someone, you will lose all your independence, which is honestly not true. On the contrary you will receive love, security and companionship in return.

#2 You gravitate towards unavailable partners. Probably why all your relationships have not worked out is because you unconsciously gravitate towards partners whom you know will not be there till the end. Whether you date someone much older or younger than you, have massive religious or cultural differences, is married, lives abroad, or is simply another commitment-phobe, you know deep down inside that the relationship will run its course and you do not have to worry about committing long term.

Whether you realize this or not, this is a clear sign that you have commitment issues. All you have to do is look back at your past relationships and you will find that the one similarity they all have is that they were doomed from the start.

#3 You have not been in a committed relationship. Either you have never been in a committed relationship before, or have not been in one for a very long time. Even if you are currently in one, you can truthfully and unflinchingly say, “He/she is not the one. It’s just fun.” No matter which way you look at it, if you cannot bring yourself to fully commit to someone with the goal of it lasting the long term, you probably have commitment issues. [Read: The 23 kinds of relationships that define your love life]

#4 You judge other relationships. As someone with commitment issues, you probably constantly judge other relationships. Whether it is your best friend’s latest squeeze, you neighbor’s fiancée, or your aunt’s 20-year marriage, you are probably full of opinions and judgments, most of them negative. You think that their partners are not good enough and that your friends are compromising their happiness just to be with someone.

You probably also think that the life that they have built with their significant other is dull and uneventful. You are also likely to think, “Who would want that?” and assume that you have a greater sense of independence and fun than them. 

#5 You fantasize too much. You probably fantasize about living a life of glamor with the perfect partner. More often than not, this perfect person is someone totally unattainable, like a celebrity or someone who is already married. Whether it is cruising the Aegean Sea with Kate Upton or moving to South America with Ryan Gosling, you live in your fantasy world more than in reality. You would rather fantasize about having the perfect relationship with someone unreal than forge a lasting relationship with someone real.

#6 You are picky. The person you see yourself with has to look, talk, dress, behave and think a certain way for you to even give them the time of day. Your list of requirements is long and you would rather be single than “settle” for someone who does not check all the boxes. Every time you meet someone, you brush them off as unsuitable because they do not meet your requirements.

There is nothing wrong with having standards, but what you have to realize is that the perfect partner is a myth and that your self obsessed need to control, criticize and judge other people is an indication that you have issues with commitment. [Read: 10 harsh dating tips to really make dating work in your favor]

#7 You have a broken heart. If you are still reeling from your last relationship, there is a chance that you are not ready to commit. For example, you may have been deeply in love with someone and even went so far as to believe that that person was the one. However, things took a turn for the worse when your partner realized that you were not the one and decided to end things.

You probably figured that if you built a wall around your feelings and never let anyone else in again, you would be just fine. If this is you, then you definitely have commitment issues. No matter what happened in the past, you need to realize that there are plenty of fish in the sea and if things did not work out, it was probably just not meant to be. Wake up, snap out of your self-created misery and move on. [Read: How to truly fall in love with someone else after a bad breakup]

#8 You settle because you know it won’t last. It does not necessarily mean that commitment-phobes cannot be in relationships. On the contrary, many like the love and companionship that comes with being with someone. The only difference is that people with commitment issues do not see things long term and prefer living by the adage, “We’ll see where it goes. It’s fun for now.”

If you have a tendency to date for fun because you know it will not be long term, sleep around, or are in an open relationship, you probably have commitment issues. Settling into relationships that you know will not last is a definite sign that you cannot commit.

#9 You have qualities that scare off potentials. Whether it is your loud and abrasive behavior, or nature of your job that always takes you on the road, you probably exhibit qualities that scare off possible spouses. Without even knowing it, you build obstacles that discourage potential partners from venturing in any further. This is a way for you to unconsciously build distance between yourself and others. By doing so, you lessen the risk of being intimate with someone.

#10 You always kid yourself. You probably always spew so-called philosophical mumbo jumbo like, “I believe that people have more than one soulmate,” or “With seven billion people in the world, I am sure there is more than just one love for me out there.” All these sayings are just to maintain and justify your single-dom.

You probably believe that you are an absolute catch and that no one really deserves you. Additionally, you believe that your past failed relationships are never your fault but always the other person’s. You have to take a step back and analyze your attitude. Perhaps, the reason why you are saying these things is because you are rationalizing your own commitment issues.

#11 You make excuses. This applies to situations that require you to think about the future. An example is meeting your partner’s parents for the first time. Even the idea terrifies you as you know that meeting the folks means taking a small, albeit next step to solidifying the relationship to a more serious status. You will make up excuses to get out of it, even resorting to falling off the grid for a few days. The same can be said for other scenarios that force you to think about the future. [Read: 16 sure signs you're not mentally prepared for a serious relationship]

#12 You love the chase. Those with commitment issues get their kicks out of the chase. Once they get the guy or girl that they have been working so hard to get, they lose interest. If you are this way, you are probably a bonafide expert at passionate yet very short relationships. This is because the moment things hint at getting serious, you run for the hills.

At the end of the day, there is no shame in admitting that you have commitment issues. No one can force you to be someone you are not.

[Read: 10 sure signs you've got the fear of commitment]

If you see most of these signs of commitment issues in your life, or you are not ready for a serious relationship, then so be it, but remember not to hurt anyone just because you are unsure of what you want in life.

Do you jump from one romance to another all the time? Use these signs to know if you’re a serial monogamist who gets bored of old love very quickly! By Jamie Oakes

Are you someone who has had a series of long-term relationships? Are you hanging on to an unhappy relationship because you fear being alone? Do you notice a pattern when it comes to the people you date?

If you have been dating someone for a while now, but the two of you still haven’t been able to take the next step together, it’s possible that you’re actually a serial monogamist.

Who is a serial monogamist?

If you’ve never heard the term, a monogamist is a person who is exclusive with one partner. But if you’re a serial monogamist, you are someone who continues to be in an exclusive relationship, one after the other, without ever having a break in between. A serial monogamist is a person who loves being in love, and always finds himself or herself in a relationship all the time!

Being a serial monogamist has its pros and cons. On one hand, you’re monogamous. You would never ever cheat on a partner, and no one likes infidelity! There will also be plenty of instant sparks and physical chemistry. On the other hand, the relationship will fizzle pretty quickly.

[Read: The 9 main relationship stages every couple goes through]

8 obvious signs you’re a serial monogamist

It should be noted that one gender isn’t more prone to serial monogamy. Both men and women can be serial monogamists. On a negative note though, many may see this as a turn-off, and may be wary of dating someone who is a serial monogamist.

Do you think you’re a serial monogamist? Learn what the 8 big signs of a serial monogamist are, and find out what you can do to change that, or understand yourself better.

#1 You start and form relationships easily.

Some may even think too easily. A serial monogamist doesn’t have any trouble finding someone to date. There is normally instant chemistry between the two of you, which may even have you easily smitten by them.

Oftentimes, however, you might commit too soon. Shortly after meeting this person, you’re quick to call them your boyfriend or girlfriend. There sometimes may even be talk early about moving in together and marriage. You eventually end up revolving your whole world around this other person. You want to know EVERYTHING there is to know about them: cats or dog? hot or cold? hamburger or hot dog? And that’s all great, but often in the process, you start to lose a bit of your identity in the relationship. And that isn’t so great. [Read: 10 reasons why saying 'I love you' too soon sucks!]

#2 You hate dating.

I mean, who doesn’t? However, you are someone who will avoid it all costs. Although you like the idea of dating, when it comes to actually trying it on, you can’t stand it. You need to be with one person, exclusively.

You don’t only like being in a relationship, but you actually prefer it. You enjoy the physical intimacy a relationship can offer. Although you have tried dating multiple people, you find yourself interested in only one particular person. [Read: Is serial monogamy easier on the heart? - Why so many people turn into serial monogamists]

#3 You have hardly *or never* been single.

Are you someone who hangs onto a relationship as long as possible *even if you’re unhappy* because the thought of being alone is far worse than being in a sour relationship? Do you fear that you might be alone forever? If you’re the type to bounce from one relationship to the next without ever being on your own in between, it’s possible that you could be a serial monogamist.

A serial monogamist tends to have to be with someone to feel complete. But there’s likely a void that you are using another person to fill. Perhaps you’re insecure and need the constant attention and approval from the opposite sex. This only proves that you’re not ready to be in a relationship.

If you’re not with someone, and it feels like your whole world is crashing down on you, it’s time to reevaluate yourself. Although you may think there’s a stigma attached to being single, it’s very important to take time for yourself. This can be a problem for serial monogamists because they can’t seem to stay single long enough.

#4 After one break up, you’re onto the next person.

This likely ties into why you’re never *or hardly* single. You are constantly on the rebound, and believe the quickest way to get over someone is to get under someone else. Sometimes, when serial monogamists start to feel things fizzle with their current partner, they will keep their options open. They will start looking for other prospects, even before things have ended, just to be ready. Just to make sure they won’t be alone. [Read: 18 subtle signs you're already having an emotional affair with someone without even realizing it!]

#5 You choose quantity over quality in a relationship.

At first, things are probably wonderful for the serial monogamist. There’s undeniable chemistry with the other person, but it ends very quickly. You not only go from one relationship to the next, but they’re generally short-lived. This is because your expectations are way too low.

Since you’re someone who is scared of being alone, it’s inevitable that you put quality aside and take whoever comes your way next. But for your own good, you really need to learn to be more selective in the dating process. [Read: 22 early warning signs of a bad new partner]

#6 You’re a romantic.

It’s true. You believe in the notion of one true love, and being with one person for the rest of your life. If you can’t see yourself with your current partner for the rest of your life, you end things. This could be why your relationships are so short lived. You are always actively seeking that one person for you though. Every time you meet someone new, you’re always so sure this is the one. But then a new prospect comes along, and the process starts all over again. [Read: The single's guide to creating a perfect romantic meet cute in your life]

#7 Although you want to be in a committed relationship, you find yourself not being able to take the next step together.

Don’t get me wrong, serial monogamists want to commit to a long-term relationship. You truly want to take the next step in the relationship, whether it’s moving in together or getting married, but for some reason, you can’t.

After reaching a certain point in the relationship *maybe after a few months, or even a year or two*, things start to dwindle. You begin to feel trapped and almost claustrophobic with someone. The arguments ensue. Why is this? It’s likely because you fear the emotional intimacy a relationship has to offer. So in the end, you call it quits. [Read: 10 sure signs you've got the fear of long-term commitment]

#8 There’s more of a physical connection than emotional in your relationship.

Do you have this need to give physical affection to someone? Perhaps even crave it? Is your relationship based more on a physical level than emotional? This could be another sure sign that you’re a serial monogamist. If you can’t connect with your partner on an emotional level, it’s going to be hard to continue it.

Are you a serial monogamist?

Do any of these 8 signs sound like you? If you’re still unsure whether you’re a serial monogamist, take a look at your past experiences in relationships.

What should you do if you jump to different relationships, often only lasting a few years? It’s time to take a break from being in a relationship, a break being longer than one week, perhaps even a month or six. Although a terrifying idea, it’s crucial for you.

Being single isn’t the end of the world!

Oftentimes, you may confuse being alone with loneliness. Don’t! Contrary to what you believe, it’s actually healthy to be single. If you’re a serial monogamist and find yourself single for the first time in forever, this is your opportunity to find yourself and develop fully as a person. Use this time to find your hobbies and interests. This is your chance to do all of the thing you couldn’t do when you had a partner. But at the same time, it’s important to mourn the relationship and let yourself heal. [Read: 15 reasons why being single can be so much fun too!]

Once you’re happy and comfortable on your own, that’s when you know you’re ready to be in a relationship again. That’s when you know you can be truly happy with someone else. It’s important to understand that you won’t be single for the rest of your life. You are going to grow and learn to love yourself. Don’t let being a serial monogamist hurt your prospect of meeting a really great person.

[Read: 16 signs you're definitely not ready for a serious relationship!]

If you see these 8 signs of a serial monogamist in you, wean yourself off from your intimacy issues and your fear of boredom in an existing relationship. And if you’re single, try to understand yourself and your real wants first before plunging headfirst into a relationship.

Sleeping over at a guy’s place can be exciting at night and yet terribly awkward the next morning. Skip the awkwardness by following these 10 tips! By Michelle Escultura

It’s one thing to make it to your boyfriend’s living room. It’s another thing entirely to get up to his bedroom and spend the night there. Sleeping over at his place is a huge milestone in the relationship. He’s allowing you to enter his safe space and actually stay there for the night. It should be an awesome moment that you can relish, right? You should be happy that he’s letting you in, right?

Not always.

Sleeping over can actually cause a lot of anxiety for many women. After all, you’re sleeping over at someone’s place where the rules can be a little bit different. What should you do? What should you bring? Would he be okay with your morning breath? What happens if his roomies spot you casually walking towards the toilet?

What you should know about sleeping over at his place

Here’s a guide for what you need to do to avoid any mishaps on the first night you’re sleeping over at a guy’s place.

#1 Tell a friend. Just to be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to tell someone you trust exactly where you’re planning to sleep over. Have the exact address and send it via text to a friend. This is especially important if you’re going home with a guy you don’t know that well yet *e.g. a guy you decided to come home with while you were partying*. You never know if you might suddenly need a friend to pick you when things go awry. [Read: 16 giveaway signs that it will be a one night stand]

#2 Bring cash. This is possibly the most important and convenient thing you need to have on you. Besides, who doesn’t carry a bit of cash with them when they go out? You need to have enough cash for a cab back home, in case your guy can’t drive you back to your place. Other things you might end up buying are toiletries, particularly if this is an unplanned sleepover.

#3 Bring toiletries, undies and maybe an extra shirt. You don’t need to bring an entire suitcase of stuff when you’re sleeping over! Seeing you lugging around a suitcase on your way to his place might make him think you instantly plan on moving in. Just bring the basics such as a toothbrush, makeup remover, underwear and a change of clothes, unless you’re fine with wearing your date attire from the night before when you’re headed home. You don’t want to look like a hot mess once you get back home, do you? [Read: Tips on what to wear when you jump into bed with your guy]

#4 Drop by the convenience store. This would only apply if you’re having an impromptu sleepover. 24 hour convenience stores are everywhere these days, so finding one should be a cinch. Once you’re there, grab the essentials like a toothbrush and maybe some condoms. Sure, the guy you’re with might have the essentials at his place. But it’s better to be ready than to find out what’s missing when you’re both at his place and too tired to go back out again.

#5 Wear light makeup or bring makeup remover. Raccoon eyes aren’t exactly the look you’re aiming for when you want to greet your guy a good morning. Of course, you want to look great, with the smokey eyes and twelve coats of mascara, but try your best to look like yourself when you’re wearing makeup, lest the guy you’re with would think that he took someone else home by mistake.

Also, makeup remover and some moisturizer are your best friends when you’re sleeping over. Get rid of the gunk on your face before you lay your head on one of his pillows. Trust us when we say that a guy would rather wake up to a fresh makeup-free face than a face that would give Freddy Kruger a run for his money. [Read: 10 ways to look sexy without even trying]

#6 Don’t act disgusted. There’s that twinge of anxiety that sets in once you enter his space. You never really know what you’ll find in there. So if you see that the house could be a little neater or a little cleaner, just do your best to not say anything that sounds like criticism. If your first instinct is to grab the Lysol and spray away, resist! You’ve been invited in, after all, the least you can do is act a little more grateful.

#7 Don’t get freaked out by his ex’s stuff. The thing with guys is that it may take them a while to get rid of the stuff they no longer need in the house. They may put it in a neat little pile in the corner of the room, but once they get used to it just lying there, they can forget about the whole thing. So if you see some feminine items that belonged to his ex, don’t berate him for it. Chances are he’s already mortified by the thought that you saw his ex’s stuff.

However, if you get the vibe that he might still be with his “ex” (e.g. her clothes are in the hamper, there are women’s toiletries in the bathroom, their pictures together are still up on the wall, etc.), now might be a good time to start asking him questions. If he’s no longer with her, her stuff shouldn’t be all over the place, right? [Read: 13 sneaky signs he’s still not over his ex]

#8 Be polite to the roomies. Yes, sleeping over at a shared space can be both inconvenient and uncomfortable. The space is theirs as much as it is his. Try to be pleasant, if not friendly. For starters, you’re all adults anyway. They probably already know what’s up when their roomie is bringing home a girl. They should leave you guys alone to do your thing once the initial pleasantries are made.

Also, keep in mind that only a wall separates you from his roomies. So keep the noise level to a minimum volume. Like we said, they already know what’s up. They don’t need audio proof of what you guys are up to.

#9 Keep in mind that he may not be as attractive when he wakes up. Sure, your guy may be absolutely perfect when you’re out and about. But his instinct to behave a certain way is still getting ready as he rubs the sleep off his eyes. So in order for you to not be caught unawares, remember that no one is perfect when they wake up.

He might have crusty eyes, messy hair, bad breath and a puddle of drool on his pillow. This can be endearing to some women, because he just looks so adorably vulnerable. If you don’t find that sort of thing cute, just be prepared to come face to face with it in the morning.

#10 Have an exit strategy. You know those people who always seem to outstay their welcome? Don’t be one of them. Even if your guy has nothing planned for the rest of the day, don’t linger around unless he specifically asks you to stay. It would be a lot more awkward if he makes up an excuse that you can see right through.

Don’t take it as a personal insult if he doesn’t want you to stay much longer. Some people just want to have some time to themselves. Besides, having you over is already a big step forward in your relationship, right? This could mean that your next date is all but set in stone! [Read: 8 tips for making your walk of shame less shameful]

Sleeping over doesn’t have to be a huge nerve-wracking ordeal. There are little things to do to make things run more smoothly. Just keep these tips in mind, go with the flow, and have a fun night together!

There’s a difference between being friendly and being flirty with other girls. Here’s how you can check which category your guy would fall into. By Lianne Choo

Before delving too deeply into paranoia, you have to learn the difference between being nice and being flirtatious. For example, if you are at dinner and your man asks for the waitress’ name with a smile on his face, he’s just being a nice and polite guy.

However, if you see him engaging in an in-depth conversation with her, whether it’s at the table with you or when he heads off for a bathroom break, he may be flirting.

So what about the online world? Be it a text or Facebook message, crossing boundaries into the digital world also counts as flirting. It may be hard to get your hands on digital proof without being a snoop and possibly incurring his wrath, if you are found out.

But one way to gauge if he is flirting with someone else is when you notice him being secretive with his text messaging. If he acts like he has something to hide, then he probably does. With that being said, it’s always a good idea to give your man the benefit of the doubt before going for the jugular. [Read: A simple guide to text flirtations]

How can you tell between friendliness and flirtatiousness?

As tough as it may be to differentiate, it’s important for you to know if he is flirting with other girls or if he is just being nice. Although you may not be able to control what goes on in cyberspace, you can take note of how he behaves with other women when in the flesh. If you don’t know where to start, here are 9 telltale signs.

#1 He gets into her personal space. You can’t stop your man from speaking to other women. In fact, there is nothing wrong if you encourage it every so often, as it will undoubtedly boost his confidence. When your man is confident, everybody wins. However, if you notice your man speaking to another woman and he’s all up in her personal space, you will know for a fact that he is flirting. An innocent conversation does not entail leaning in close to the other person.

#2 You see body contact. If both parties are guilty of touching each other, look at it as a glaring red flag. Whether he innocently brushes her arm or she playfully hits him, these are flirtatious signals that you need to take seriously. Either stop the interaction by politely cutting in, or wait till he’s done to give him a world of pain. [Read: 13 lusty signs your man is outrageously flirting with another girl]

#3 There’s way too much smiling. There is nothing wrong with him smiling at someone else, and neither is there anything wrong with him nodding agreeably when he engages another woman in conversation.

However, if you notice that the smiles are ongoing and that she is being sucked deeper and deeper into the conversation, he is probably turning on the charm and flirting with her. Sometimes, you don’t need to hear the conversation to know just what is going on. Trust your instincts and cut in, if you feel uncomfortable.

#4 There’s too much eye contact. Of course, it’s polite to make eye contact with the person you are speaking to, but if eye contact is prolonged and ceaseless, feel free to radio Houston saying you have a problem. They may not be touching per se, but never underestimate the importance of eye contact when flirting. Men tend to hold intense eye contact while listening and averting their gaze when speaking. You should know his game as you obviously fell for it, so pay attention to the signs. [Read: 10 eye contact moves that show he’s flirting]

#5 She responds just as flirtatiously. If you suspect that your man is flirting, then shift your attention to the woman he is with. Her reaction towards him will tell you if he is indeed flirting. Women tend to be more expressive with their facial expressions, tone of voice and body language.

If she is blushing, looks down often, smiles shyly at him and displaying all the other hints of her liking him, then her responses validate his intentions. However, if she has a stoic expression on her face or expresses nothing more than pure interest and friendliness, you have nothing to worry about. [Read: 20 signs of attraction between two people]

#6 The world seems to disappear around them. If he focuses on nothing and no one else but her, you have a problem. This is especially true if you guys are in a group setting, and he can look at no one else but her. Before you jump to conclusions, ensure that you assess the situation first.

Perhaps they are talking about work or engaged in harmless conversation that entails her planning her kid’s birthday party. Before making a big deal of it and ruining everyone’s night, join in the conversation and see how he reacts to it. If he looks taken aback or pays little attention to you, he was and still is flirting. [Read: 15 super obvious flirting signs between two people]

#7 He always stares at other women. Staring appreciatively at other women may not mean he is flirting, but there’s a huge chance that he’s considering it. If he does this often with you around, imagine what he is capable of when he is out solo or with his boys.

Cut him some slack if Victoria Secret supermodel Adrianna Lima walks into the room. He is allowed to gape all he wants because, after all, he is just a man. However, if he behaves this way with every pair of tits that crosses his path, you know that he’s got other things on his mind. [Read: The right way to get rid of your man’s wandering eye]

#8 Observe his stance. Another way to gauge if your man is flirting or if he is just being nice is to take note of the nonverbal communication signs that he flashes at her, one of which is his stance. If he stands with his legs spread hip wide, arms relaxed at the side with his thumbs hooked into his pockets or belt loops, body leaning in, head tilted to one side, eyebrows raised, eye contact is intense and smiles all around, he is definitely flirting.

#9 This isn’t the first time. Although this may be jumping to conclusions, if this is not the first time he is guilty of flirting with other women, then it’s probably not his last. Although the saying, “Once a cheater, always a cheater” may be a little too harsh, the underlying message is the same. If he has done it once before, he is probably doing it right now and is most likely going to do it again.

Although keeping your man on a leash is so retro, you need to stand up and be heard if he has the gall to flirt with other women. Keep the channels of communication open and ensure that you speak to him if you are not comfortable with it. A nice guy will respect your wishes, apologize and not do it again. As important as it is to always trust the person you are with, loyalty is just as important and if he cannot offer you loyalty, then he certainly does not deserve your trust.

[Read: 10 signs there may be more than just friendship between them]

Every woman has the right to wonder if her man is flirting with someone else. But it’s best to be completely sure before mouthing off a barrage of accusations. Know the facts and check for the signs before confronting your man about his behavior.