Your holiday to-do list may be bursting at the seams, but we can always squeeze in some extra intimacy. Though sex may not rank as a top priority during this busy season, it’s important to note that a little affection, connection and lovin’ may actually reduce your stress levels by lowering your blood pressure, boosting your immune system and increasing your energy levels.

Give these simple 12 Days of Christmas strategies a try and enjoy a happier, healthier holiday season:

Day 1: Give your honey a hand!

Brighten your lover’s day with with a sensual hand massage first thing in the morning. A quickie session lasting just 5 minutes will give you enough time to showcase your manual skills and cultivate an intimate connection that will last throughout the day. Use almond oil or a candy-cane scented hand cream as you stroke their fingers between your warm hands and swirl your thumbs in circular motions over their tender palms.

Day 2: Send a sexy card.

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Data suggests that women in their 30s are more likely to be looking for a committed relationship than a short-term hookup. There are, of course, exceptions — some women (including those who have already been through a divorce) continue to seek casual sex which makes sense since women in their 30s and 40s had more sexual fantasies and more frequent orgasms than those in their 20s.

Though marriage is on the decline, dating in your 30s is more likely to lead to some form of commitment than it might have in your 20s.

How are dating apps different when you're over 30?

The women I work with use different apps according to their age — those in their 20s are more likely to use Bumble and Tinder, while those in their 30s use Match.com and novel apps like Happn, Tastebuds & Coffee Meets Bagel.

via GIPHY

How is the timeline different, if at all?

In your 30s, you’re likely to find that your career requires a considerable amount of time and effort. As your income...

According to new survey data, one-third of Canadians say they are no longer able to cover their monthly bills and debt payments — this figure represents an increase from 25 percent according to a survey conducted three months ago.

Half of the respondents report that they are within $200 of not being able to pay their bills and financial stress takes a toll on the relationship.

This morning I chatted with Jeff on Global TV's The Morning Show about how couples can effectively communicate when it comes to finances. Check out the summary notes and video below.

1. Is it true that money is the number one cause of arguments in relationships?

It consistently tops the list along with kids, communication (not listening), family/in-laws, work, and sex.

2. Why do we fight about money?

• Fights about money are often fuelled by underlying fears and insecurities - they’re about trust, communication, and power. When your partner is upset that you’ve spent too much, it may be...

Threesomes. Research suggests that the majority of us have fantasized about having one, but few are willing to take the plunge and actually engage in a three-way session. A recent study revealed that 24% of heterosexual men and 8% of heterosexual women report having had a threesome, which would suggest that either most threesomes (among people who identify as heterosexual) involve two men and one woman or the same women are having threesomes with different men; both of these scenarios seem unlikely and it's possible (probable?) that men are over-reporting and/or women are under-reporting their experience. However you slice it, the number of people who fantasize about threesomes is far higher than the number of people who actually engage in the act.

This disconnect between fantasy and lived reality is no surprise considering the possible repercussions can be quite intense. From jealous overreactions to the potential for an emotional connection with a new friend,...

Did you grow up in a family that gives passionate, long hugs every night before bedtime? Or was affection restricted to a peck on the cheek on special occasions? Do your partner’s parents give enthusiastic, sloppy kisses or do they seem to avoid physical contact altogether? Whatever your upbringing, it is likely that your expectations with regard to touch, affection, and sex differ from those of your sweetheart.

We often talk about the challenges of blending families from different cultural and religious backgrounds, but family norms with regard to the body can also cause friction during in day-to-day interactions and family get-togethers. During the holiday season, dinner parties, gift-giving, mistletoes and visiting relatives can create tension around physical touch, sleeping arrangements, and even dinner conversation. Read through some of the more common challenges below along with some tips for graciously navigating divergent expectations.

PDAs

Kissing under the mistletoe...

Most of us at some point in our sexual lives will have experienced, what we may consider to be, an atypical sexual thought or behaviour. But does atypical necessarily mean pathological? Today most sex scientists and therapists believe that only a small portion of atypical sexuality needs to be cordoned off as pathological. In most cases, variant sexual interests are at worst harmless oddities, and at best the spice of life for a relationship. But where do we draw the line?

According to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Ed. (DSM V, i.e. the psychiatrist’s bible) sexual interests fall into two categories, those that are normal (normophilic) and those that are anomalous (paraphilic). According to the same source, paraphilias are defined as intense and persistent sexual interests outside of foreplay and genital stimulation with consenting adults. While the definition is broad enough to include hundreds of specific paraphilia’s, the DSM labels only...

Too much of a good thing may be wonderful, but when it comes to sex, taking a hiatus can be good for you relationship and sex life!

Read through some of the benefits of temporarily abstaining from sex to decide if now might be a good time to take a vacation from sex:

Benefit #1: A boost in libido

Science suggests that a sex fast can enhance sexual desire. When the brain and body lack specific stimuli, we tend to seek new sources of stimulation. The sexually-specific sensory deprivation experienced during a sex hiatus can help to fuel spontaneous sexual desire, which doesn’t tend to exist in abundance for many of us in long term relationships; we tend to experience desire after we’re aroused as opposed to spontaneously. Though you’re perfectly normal if you don’t experience spontaneous sexual desire, you can cultivate this experience via a nonpermanent break from sex.

Benefit #2: An Increase in Affection

As you take a break from your usual sexual routine,...

If your ex cheated, diving back into the world of dating can be intimidating. But being cheated on doesn’t mean the end of romance, intimacy and happy relationships — in fact, it’s just the beginning. If your ex cheated, you can still find love, fulfilment and commitment - and you deserve it all.

Consider these strategies for moving onward and upward:

Do not accept responsibility for a cheater. Know that it’s not you — it’s them. Your ex cheated because they chose to cheat. You were not the “cause” of their cheating, so there is no reason to assume that your next partner will cheat too.

Date outside of your comfort zone. Do you have a certain “type” to which that you tend to be attracted? Try getting to know different types of people and hang out in different venues to see if your attraction is broader than you realized. You might attract someone with whom trust arises more...

When I first started working in the field of human sexuality, most of the toys on offer came in the form of exaggerated phalluses and animal-inspired vibes made of jelly. Fast forward to today and I’m thrilled to report that the adult toy industry has come along way. The variety and quality of products has vastly improved and many companies are investing heavily in research and development to ensure that their toys reflect the needs of their customers.

There are thousands of toys, props and accoutrements on the market, but these are five that have revolutionized my sex life and those of my very happy...

Continued from Part 1 here...

3. Astroglide Sensitive Skin Gel

You know how much I love lube! Sex is simply hotter with the addition of this sexy, slippery stuff and if you have reactive skin, Astroglide’s Sensitive Skin Gel may be just what the doctor ordered.

Try these sexy ways to apply lube to your lover:

• Apply to your palm and then squeeze your hand in a fist allowing the lube to drip sensually over their most sensitive spots.
• Blindfold them and use a soft-bristled makeup brush to create a sensational experience.
• Roll a few drops over your lips and use your mouth as your applicator.
• Apply with your fingertips and then breathe warm air over the wet spots.

4. Ben Wa Balls
These nifty devices have seen a resurgence of popularity since the release of the Fifty Shades trilogy and I really love the Scarlet Couture Glass Duo Balls.

You can use them to perform Kegel exercises as prescribed by your pelvic floor physiotherapist and they can be used for enhancing...