I’ve just returned from my Canadian speaking tour with We-Vibe and I had the chance to connect with thousands of happy couples and open-minded singles who realize that investing in your relationship is the key to making is last.

In Edmonton, I received this question from a 34-year-old:

“Sometimes I don’t want to be touched. My girlfriend gets mad and says something is wrong with me. It’s not that I never want to be touched (we kiss, hug, have sex), there are just times when I’m not in the mood to be snuggled - especially right when I walk in after work. I need a few minutes to decompress. Is something wrong with me?”

I share a few thoughts below:

Just as some people crave touch constantly, others abhor it. Wherever you fall along the spectrum of desire of physical touch, you’re normal and have a right to ask for as little or as much touch as you’d like.

Some parents  — especially mothers who tend to bear a disproportionate...

What should you do if your partner says one thing, but does another? How do you talk about the fact that they're avoiding sex? How do you address social media behaviour that makes you uncomfortable? Jess and Brandon talk to Canadian dater, Katrina, about her dating dilemmas.

This podcast is brought to you by Desire Resorts.

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Rough Transcript:

This is a computer-generated rough transcript, so please excuse any typos. This podcast is an informational conversation and is not a substitute for medical, health or other professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the services of an...

Why you may not want to follow your ex.

Some people find that social media serves as a positive distraction and source of support after a breakup. For example, it is now easier to reconnect with old friends and ask for affirming messages online. This morning, one of my clients was feeling down and asked friends to share uplifting messages; funny GIFs, thoughtful memes and adorable animal videos poured in to boost her mood and served as a reminder of all the people who are willing to offer support from a distance.

Others, of course, find that social media connections are more distracting and frustrating after a breakup. You might see photos of your ex having a great time or enjoying themselves with mutual friends. You might feel resentful that shared friends are seemingly more engaged with your ex’s posts than your own. And of course, your ex might post evidence that they’ve moved on more quickly than you have and this can further intensify the suffering that results from...

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and while some people (like Jess) are trying their best to ignore it, others are planning ahead and trying to figure out how to make a mostly-commercial holiday count. Viewers from across Canada have been sharing their stories and questions with The Morning Show and Jess joined them to offer her insights on a few queries this morning.

Check out the summary and video below and be sure to submit your questions here.

My colleagues recently told me that someone we work with has a crush on me.  A week ago he asked them what kind of chocolates I like so I’m assuming he plans on gifting me with some on Valentine’s Day.  I really like this person, but not more than a friend.  How should I handle this situation so I don’t hurt him and we can remain friends?

Be clear about your intentions from the onset. Let them know that you don’t like surprise gifts or convey your disinterest in Valentine’s Day....

It's time to feature another Sexuality Superhero! This week, our Sexuality Superhero is: Estrella Jaramillo. Estrella is a sexual health advocate who's goal is to help women become more educated about sex, communication and intimacy. She is also the co-founder of B-wom. Happy reading!

Tell us a little bit about yourself, and why you decided to work in this industry?

I’ve always felt passionate about gender equality issues, and for women’s health and sexual equanimity are at the core of truly achieving equality. Women’s desires, sexuality and ambition have been oppressed as a means to control them and maintain the status quo. My work in the industry is my contribution to change this. When women have access to education, tools and resources to take care of their bodies, specifically their intimate health, they are empowered to always feel their best at every stage of life - A woman who fully owns her body, fully owns her life.

What is the best part of the job?

...

Steve Harvey says you should act like a lady & think like a man. Taylor Swift suggests playing games. Jada Pinkett-Smith says she’s nobody’s watcher. Adam Levine claims you should always let a woman believe she is right. Dr. Nikki Coleman joins Jess and Brandon to dissect celebrity relationship advice and address how we can use their insights to improve our own relationships.

Follow Dr. Nikki on...

Facebook

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Instagram

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Communication is essential to a lasting relationship, but simply opening your mouth and letting the words flow out doesn’t amount to effective communication. Communication involves both talking and active listening. And purposeful conversations about intense topics tend to be more fruitful than responsive ones.

If you want to make it in the long-run and have a fulfilling relationship, have conversations that make you feel uncomfortable. Consider the following topics:

Kids

Parenting is a source of fulfillment and conflict in relationships and it often starts before the kids arrive. You’ll want to discuss a wide range of questions and scenarios in advance so that you can discuss contentious topics without the pressure of a crying baby in the next room. Some questions to consider: How many kids do you want (if any)? When will you want to start trying? Or would you rather adopt? If you don’t get pregnant after a year, what methods would you consider? If you’re...

It's time to feature another Sexuality Superhero. This week, our Sexuality Superhero is: Marla Renee Stewart. Aside from her work as a sexologist and sex educator, Marla keeps busy by organizing events and conferences which focus on sex education and health. Happy reading!

How did you find yourself working in sexuality?

In college, I found that I was the go-to person for all things sexually-related. I loved studying sexuality and this really enabled me to connect with most people. The one thing that propelled me in this field was the fact that many of my friends were having sex, but weren't having orgasms and I found myself to be frustrated about this and really wanting to change this; I found it to be a huge problem. I believe that harvesting your sexual energy is one of the best things that you can do, but having an orgasm is truly a gift from the universe. It is so healing in so many different ways and I truly feel that if we have more love and more sex in the...

It's time to feature another Sexuality Superhero. This week, our Sexuality Superhero is: Melissa Pintor Carnagey. Melissa is doing some important sex positive work with individuals, parents and children. Happy reading!

How did you find yourself working in sexuality?

It was literally from a draw of a hat! In 2007 I was in an undergraduate social work class and we had to research a particular population's area resources, statistics, and needs. From a hat, I drew "HIV/AIDS." It was through completing this research project, which included interviewing people working in the field, and learning how disproportionately affected the Black community is that I knew I wanted to be a part of change. I did a year-long internship at an AIDS services organization, which segued into a ten-year career in the field of sexual health. In 2017 I made the leap from working as a consultant with a state agency to being a sex educator in my own business, Sex Positive Families. I've been able to take my...

Do you love your body? Loving your body is a radical statement in a culture and economy that feeds on body insecurity. Jess and Brandon want you to love your body, so they're sharing stories, insights and tips on how getting naked can improve your relationship and revolutionize your life.

This podcast is brought to you by Desire Resorts.