Your Ultimate Guide To Dating & Sex

Relationships – whether sexual or romantic in nature – can be a complex territory to explore. We’re here to simplify things for you and make the world of sex and dating a little less confusing and a lot more enjoyable, as it should be. From bedroom tips to dating etiquette and everything in between, you’ll go from relationship noob to romance king in no time.

The Only Guide To Dating You’ll Ever Need

There’s a lot to unpack in the world of dating, and even more when it comes to relationships. What are you supposed to do on a first date? When’s the right time to go steady? Things can be confusing, but don’t sweat it. Dating and relationships can be complicated for anyone – which is why we’re here to help get you right on track.

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1. What Is Dating?

In its most basic terms, dating is a casual activity where two people assess their compatibility (usually in a romantic and/or sexual sense) through a series of social outings, a.k.a. dates. The successful outcome of dating eventually leads to a romantic relationship with a potential lifelong partner.

2. The Stages of Dating

There are 4 main stages to dating: initial meeting/attraction, curiosity/interest/infatuation, “enlightenment” and commitment. Knowing which stage you’re at can help make navigating the dating landscape a little less confusing. Plus, it’s always nice to know where you stand with your date, if only to make sure you see eye to eye and am not overstepping any boundaries. Nevertheless, dating works differently for everyone, so take it at your own pace regardless of what societal norms dictate.

3. How To Ask Someone Out

There are numerous ways to ask someone out: how effective they might be, though, will depend on the person you’re trying to woo in the first place. Remember, everyone’s different, so while one method may work for one person, it might turn out to be a complete flop when tried on someone else.

4. How To Turn Someone Down

Turning someone down can be awkward, but it’s imperative that you let the other party know when feelings aren’t mutual. Rejecting someone right away is better than stringing them along; doing the latter would just be a waste of time for everyone involved. You can let someone down and still be nice about it – how they handle the rejection, however, will be completely up to them.

5. How To Deal With Rejection

Rejection can often be a bitter pill to swallow, but there’s nothing you can do but deal with it. You’re never entitled to anyone’s time after all (sorry!), so don’t be pushy. If the other person says no, gracefully accept that answer and move on.

6. First Date Ideas For Success

Not all first dates are uncomfortable, but it’s only natural if you feel awkward on a first date. It’s normal; you’re trying to feel it out, and testing your compatibility with someone new won’t always be a breeze. Let’s be real here: first dates can be exhausting, but every now and then you’ll find a diamond in the rough who’ll make that awkward first date worth it.

7. How To Get A Second Date

So you’ve had an awesome first date. How do you score a second one now? If your date was just as interested and enthusiastic as you surely were, then that second date is practically in the bag for you. On the other hand, not all guys are lucky enough to snag that second date, but don’t sweat it. Think of it this way: when things don’t pan out the first time around, the next date might find you with a more compatible match instead.

8. Dating Rules: The “Do”s And “Don’t”s

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It might seem like the world of dating comes with its own set of “rules,” but they’re really more of guidelines than policies that require strict compliance. Times have changed and many couples have adopted more unconventional outlooks on dating etiquette. Dating rules aren’t the end all be all of dating, but they can help you be better prepared before walking into a date.

9. Age Gap Dating

How big is too big when it comes to dating someone significantly older or younger than you? It can be difficult to maneuver relationships with notably large age gaps, as your differences might cause problems later on. Keep an open mind when it comes to dating, but be wary of how an age gap might affect your potential future with the other person.

10. Dating Someone With Kids

For single parents, dating can be terrifying, especially since kids can be a deal breaker for some people. It’s understandable, seeing as not everyone wants children of their own. There are pros and cons to dating someone who’s a parent, and doing so calls for a level of maturity. Before things get too serious between you and the other person, ask yourself this: am I ready for this kind of commitment and responsibility?

Online Dating: Is It Worth A Try?

1. What Are Dating Sites?

More than just another online platform, dating sites are a great place to test the waters of dating, especially when you’re someone who doesn’t go out much. They can make it much easier to meet and connect with people, especially now with online dating becoming more accessible through mobile apps. Though online dating definitely isn’t for everyone, dating sites — and dating apps especially — have gained a lot of traction in recent years.

2. Best Free Dating Apps (Best Dating Apps For Men)

More and more dating apps have become readily available thanks to the resurgence of online dating. Dating apps like Tinder and OKCupid are popular choices among folks who prefer online dating over the more traditional method of meeting people, but there are several other apps that are tailored to particular needs. This can be especially helpful to people who go into dating with specific purposes in mind.

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3. How To Write A Dating Profile

It can be a struggle to come up with something that shows off your personality in a way that can entice potential dates. You might think you’ll need to make your dating profile all snazzy in order to be “marketable,” but as cheesy as it might seem, what’s more important is remaining genuine when composing your dating profile. You can’t expect to match with someone suitable when your online and offline personas don’t sync up.

4. Catfishing: A Cautionary Tale

Lots of sexy women online? It’s hard to tell if someone is who she claims to be. A deceptive practice that can become dangerous and harmful, catfishing is when someone uses another person’s identity and claims it as their own. It can sometimes be difficult to know when someone is catfishing you, which is why there’s a call to remain extra vigilant when connecting with people online, regardless if it’s for online dating or not.

Ghosting: Mysterious Disappearances From The Face Of the Earth

1. What Is Ghosting?

In the context of dating, ghosting is when someone suddenly cuts off all contact and communication with you without prior notice. When you’ve been ghosted, your attempts to reconnect remain ignored. Unfortunately, ghosting has become increasingly common of late and is not limited to romantic relationships (or online dating) alone.

2. How To Respond To Ghosting

Being on the receiving end of ghosting can be painful. Although some people might be persist in tracking their ghosters down (if only for closure), sometimes the only thing you can do once you’ve been ghosted is to move on. That can be easier said than done though, especially since ghosting can uproot insecurities regarding self-esteem and abandonment.

Flirting (The Expert Way)

1. How To Flirt

Using pick up lines isn’t the only way to flirt with someone. Flirting can be much more subtle than carelessly throwing out compliments; sometimes a fleeting touch of skin-to-skin contact will do the trick, and even maintaining eye contact can be enough to get the ball rolling.

2. Signs Of Flirting

There might be instances when someone might be a little too subtle with their attempts at flirting, so much that their efforts can completely go over your head. Some signs of flirting are more obvious than others, so taking note of a person’s social cues and body language can help tell you whether they’re simply being friendly or if they’re playing the flirting game.

Dating vs Relationship

1. Difference Between Dating And Being In A Relationship

The primary difference between dating and being in a relationship lies in the level of commitment that either connotes. Whereas dating can be kept simple and casual, being in a relationship calls for a deeper sense of commitment between two people. Some couples prefer not to label their relationship, relinquishing the need to differentiate between the two.

2. Dating Exclusively

To put things into perspective, think of dating exclusively as having reached the next step in the “screening” process of being someone’s potential significant other. Dating exclusively means you and the other person have agreed to see each other and no one else. It could be considered the stage before being in a relationship.

3. How To Go From Dating To Relationship

The transition from dating to relationship can sometimes be confusing, especially when you’re already a couple in all but name. This is why communication is so important; make sure you’re both on the same page when it comes to your relationship — whether it’s casual or committed — in order to avoid any misunderstanding as to where you stand with each other.

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Relationships: The Start Of Something New

1. Types Of Relationships

There are several types of relationships, with some thought to be a little more “unconventional” than others. How you choose to label yourselves and what you do in your relationship is completely up to you and your significant other. If that means ditching labels, so be it.

2. How To Have A Healthy Relationship

Relationships require a lot of work from either party and can take a lot of time and effort to not only last, but to be something that brings good to your life. The challenges you’ll face might feel discouraging, but what you share with your significant other can be well worth all the blood, sweat, and tears that come with being in a relationship. Maintaining a healthy relationship isn’t easy, but it’s achievable so long as you and your partner work at it together.

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3. Meeting The Parents

Think of meeting the parents as another first date: you’re there to make a good impression, so dress to impress, bring a simple gift, and don’t forget to remain polite and genuine. You’ll want to get in their good graces and show them that your significant other made the right choice in sticking by you.

Gift Ideas For Her: What To Buy?

1. Birthday Gift Ideas

It goes without saying that you should make your girl feel loved and appreciated regardless of the occasion, so go the extra mile and make things special once her birthday comes around. The day is all about her, after all, so spoil her to her heart’s content.

Spa Luxetique Spa Gift Baskets for Women

Sonix Blush Quartz Case for iPhone

Luxe Spirits Sugar Cubes Classic Cocktail Kit

2. Valentine’s Day Gifts For Her

Is Valentine’s Day a celebration for couples or capitalists? Wherever you stand on that debate, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to be extra romantic with your lady love. It’s easy to fall into stereotypical Valentine’s gifts, so think outside the box if you want something more than the usual flowers and chocolate.

3. Anniversary Gifts For Her

Summarizing another year together is no easy feat, especially when you’ve already celebrated several years together. Anniversaries represent milestones in your relationship, so this is the time to get creative with your gifts and get her something meaningful.

Relationship Problems: When Things Go South

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1. Signs Of A Toxic Relationship

Sometimes signs of a toxic relationship aren’t all that evident, especially when you’re so smitten with the other person. Look out for these red flags in your relationship and in yourself as well, because there might be times when you’re the toxic one in the relationship without even realizing it.

2. Signs Of A Failing Relationship

Spotting the signs of a failing relationship can help salvage what you have with your partner, but there will be times when the best thing you can do for each other is to walk away. Take these signs as warnings that tell you it might be time to make a few changes in your relationship, if you don’t want this to be the beginning of the end.

3. How To Fix Communication Problems In A Relationship

Inconsistent and/or vague communication could cause bigger problems down the road. There are ways to remedy poor communication between you and your partner, so the sooner you amend these issues, the better the chances you have in strengthening your relationship.

4. How To Fix Sex Problems In A Relationship

If you’re the type of couple who thrives on physical intimacy, sex problems can become a thorn in your side. Some relationships might not survive the strain that come from these sex problems, and it’s simply a reality that many couples have had to face. Overcoming sex problems in a relationship might seem impossible, but with some compromising and patience, it can be done.

5. Cheating In A Relationship

Why Do People Cheat?

There can be a variety of reasons as to why someone cheats on their significant other. Prior problems in a relationship — such as neglect or unmet needs, to name a few — may play a role in someone’s motives to cheat. However, it should be stressed that a person’s reasons for being unfaithful can be solely internal as well, whether these reasons stem from a fear of commitment or self-esteem issues.

Emotional Cheating

Infidelity in relationships doesn’t always involve sex or other physical acts of intimacy. What emotional cheating entails is ultimately defined by you and your partner’s relationship boundaries, but for the most part, it can involve establishing an emotional and intimate connection with someone whilst simultaneously disconnecting with your significant other. Some people might not consider emotional cheating as actual infidelity, but others find it to be much more painful than its physical form.

Signs Of Cheating

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A person’s infidelity can often be revealed in bits and pieces. There are some red flags — like increased secrecy or a decline in intimacy — that can be more evident than others. On the other hand, some people may simply have an intuition that steers them towards a partner’s unfaithfulness. It can be alarming when your significant other shows signs of cheating, but jumping to conclusions could only jeopardize your relationship, so tread carefully when approaching such a sensitive topic.

Surviving Infidelity

The severity of the situation can dictate how a couple recovers from infidelity. While some couples may find themselves stronger coming out of such a situation, others may be unable to move past unfaithfulness in their relationship. On a more isolated scale, however, people who have been cheated on may struggle with trust and self-esteem issues with future partners. Moving on from an affair can be done, but as with many roads to recovery, the healing process won’t be easy.

6. Anger In Relationships

Anger Management

Having uncontrollable anger issues may put your relationships — romantic or otherwise — in danger. While anger is a valid and normal human emotion, the manner in which it’s expressed can ultimately tear relationships apart. In some unfortunate cases, anger can even turn into abuse and violence. It’s important to know your triggers as a couple and learn how to manage not the emotions of the other party, but your own. In doing so, you’ll learn how to properly respond and react to negative emotions in a manner that is more productive and civil, as opposed to destructive and harmful.

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How To Deal With An Angry Partner

Being in a relationship with someone who has anger issues can be a test of your limits. Reciprocating negativity with negativity will only continue the vicious cycle of anger in relationships, so practicing self-control can help curb unhealthy methods of coping. Communicate with compassion and respect, because neither of you will get anywhere if your response to anger is anger.

7. How To Fix A Relationship

If both you and your partner are willing to put in the time and effort necessary in repairing your relationship, then by all means, go for it. Proper communication can make a world of a difference, but don’t shy away from other available options either. Just be sure that both you and your significant other genuinely want to stay together, not because you feel obliged to. All the effort in the world can’t save a relationship if your heart isn’t actually in it.

8. How To End A Relationship (Ending A Relationship)

Whether you’re the one breaking up with your partner or on the receiving end, breakups are almost always painful. Hurting someone seems inevitable when you break up with them, but trust us: if you do decide to call it quits, there are ways to go about minimizing the pain.

9. How To Get Over Someone (Getting Over With Someone)

Moving on from a relationship can be easier said than done. There’s no set timeline for getting over an ex, so take things at your own pace and don’t rush it. There are steps you can take to help you get over someone, but how you process a breakup will also depend on how the end of your relationship came to be.

Your Ultimate Guide To The World Of Sex

Sex in real life can be much more awkward than what’s shown in movies and popular tv, but that isn’t to say you can’t make it as enjoyable — or more pleasurable — than how mainstream media portrays it to be. Whether you’re aspiring to be a “sex god” or are just looking to play it safe, knowing the ins and outs of sex is exactly what you need to take your game to the next level.

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Sexual Intercourse: More Than Just The First Time

1. First Time Sex

The concept of virginity is often skewed, so what you might consider as “losing your virginity” might mean something completely different to someone else. There are a multitude of ways to enjoy sex, amongst them experimenting with sex toys, looking at fun lube choices, or just keeping things vanilla. Ultimately, it’s ideal to communicate preferences and boundaries clearly, especially if you want your first time to be as good as it can possibly be.

2. When Is The Right Time For Sex?

Anytime you want to have it – the more scientific answer, though, is around 3pm in the afternoon or 7.30am in the morning, according to Forza Supplements and hormone expert Alisa Vitti. 3pm is when men’s and women’s bodies are most in sync; morning sex, on the other hand, comes with the perk of an endorphin rush, which lowers blood pressure and stress levels.

3. How To Initiate Sex

There are several methods of initiating sex with your partner. Creating an atmosphere that calls for getting cozy between the sheets can set the mood, but sometimes being direct about it can be the simplest way to get started with your bedroom activities.

4. Foreplay & Its Various Intricacies

What Is Foreplay?

Foreplay is the whole build-up to sexual intercourse. From making out, to soft caresses, to fingering and stroking each other, foreplay is what gets the ball rolling for sex. It’s a great way of familiarizing yourself with your lover’s body and what turns them on.

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Why Is Foreplay Important?

For some, especially women, foreplay can be much more pleasurable than the actual act of sex. Taking your time to feel things out and create build-up can make sex so much more intense, so don’t skip out on the art of foreplay.

How Long Should Foreplay Last?

Typically, foreplay lasts for around 10 to 15 minutes, but the amount of time really varies from couple to couple. In fact, some people might choose to extend foreplay as it can heighten arousal and subsequently give you and your lover better orgasms.

5. Orgasms: Short But Sweet Releases

Male Orgasm vs Female Orgasm

A man’s orgasm is usually accompanied by the release of semen. You might feel an increase in muscle tension during the build-up towards an orgasm, and pre-ejaculatory fluid might leak from your penis. Meanwhile, the female orgasm isn’t always so physically evident, as not all women ejaculate during an orgasm. However, there are some physical signs that can tell you she’s orgasming, though these can vary from one woman to another.

How To Make A Girl Orgasm

Some women can orgasm from penetrative sex alone, but others might rely on other methods to reach that sweet release. Foreplay can play a massive role in giving your girl the utmost pleasure she deserves; hitting the G-spot can also bring a girl to her peak. However, one of the most important spots that you should never neglect is the clitoris. It’s essential to stimulate that sensitive bundle of nerves if you want to give your lady the most incredible of orgasms.

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How To Tell When A Girl Fakes An Orgasm

Women have their reasons for faking an orgasm, and if you pay enough attention, you’ll be able to distinguish a real climax from a fake one. Visual cues might not be so evident when she’s faking it, but there are several signs that are telling enough of her satisfaction (or lack thereof).

6. Ejaculation: Ways To Enhance Pleasure Quickly

Premature Ejaculation

A fairly common problem for men, premature ejaculation is when you ejaculate too soon (or sooner than you and your partner would like) during sex. It’s said to be a psychological and biological issue, but as long as it happens infrequently, there shouldn’t be much cause for alarm. Even if you do suffer from premature ejaculation, it’s a treatable condition that can be remedied by a variety of solutions.

Delayed Ejaculation

Whereas premature ejaculation is when you orgasm too early, delayed ejaculation refers to a struggle to ejaculate, if at all. Though there aren’t any medications that are specifically tailored to remedy this ailment, other forms of treatment are still available. Importantly, the root cause of the problem needs to be established before any options can be considered.

7. Refractory Period: How Long To Wait Before Round 2

What Is The Refractory Period?

The refractory period is basically the recovery phase after sex: how long it lasts determines how long until your body’s ready for round two. It ranges from person to person and can vary from session to session.

Male Refractory Period vs Female Refractory Period

Whereas the male refractory period can go on from anywhere between a couple of minutes to hours (or even longer), the female refractory period can last for as little as just a few seconds. The time frame varies for each person as different factors affect how long it takes for your body to recharge after sex.

How To Shorten The Refractory Period

Sometimes, waiting it out is all you can do. As the refractory period is a natural process, your body needs adequate time to recover from sex. However, everyone’s bodies are unique, so making improvements to your physicality — as well as overall mentality regarding your performance and capabilities as a lover — can potentially shorten your refractory period, and get you ready for round two much sooner.

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8. What To Do After Sex – Navigating The Aftermath

Sex is inherently messy, so your post-sex ritual is just as important as your pre-sex one. Regardless of what type of sex you just enjoyed, there are several things you should consider doing after a good romp in the sheets.

Safe Sex: (Potential) Negative Consequences Of Sex

1. What Is Safe Sex?

Sometimes known as safer sex or protected sex, safe sex refers to sexual contact between partners that involves protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Safe sex can also refer to methods of protection that lower the risk of unplanned pregnancies.

2. Why Is Safe Sex Important?

Not only does safe sex help avoid any unplanned pregnancies, it also helps you and your partner remain protected from infections that are transmitted through sex. Ultimately, safe sex is for the benefit of you and your partner’s sexual health and overall well-being.

Contraception (AKA Pregnancy Prevention)

1. What Is Contraception?

Contraception, otherwise known as birth control, aims to prevent pregnancy. Some contraceptives may be more effective than others, but most contraception methods are not 100% reliable. Crucially, some contraceptives may come with a whole host of side effects: it’s imperative, therefore, to know your options and discuss them with your partner before committing to any particular contraceptive.

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2. Types Of Contraception

There are several types of contraceptives for men and women to choose from. Some methods of contraception can be more invasive than others, so it’s best to have a lengthy talk with your partner regarding viable options and what both of you are most comfortable with.

3. When Is It Safe To Have Unprotected Sex?

Though there are methods of lowering the risk of a potential pregnancy without the use of a condom, there isn’t really a surefire approach to completely avoid conceiving (should a couple choose to forego any sort of contraceptive). Getting the timing right with regards to a woman’s cycle can be tricky as well, so couples need to understand the risks and assess whether ditching contraceptives is really worth it for them.

4. STDs (AKA Minimizing Regret In The Long-Term)

What Is An STD?

STDs, or Sexually Transmitted Diseases, are diseases that are transmitted via sexual contact. Although STIs and STDs are often used interchangeably, they differ in what is being transmitted (infections or diseases). Some STDs are considered curable; STDs that aren’t curable are made manageable through lifestyle changes and medication. Both men and women can contract STDs.

STD Testing

Many sexually active people may have an STD without even knowing it, as several STDs don’t have outwardly visible symptoms. You could either opt for at-home STD screening kits, or consult your doctor for advice (if you want to be tested more thoroughly).

STD Prevention

STDs can be avoided if you take the necessary precautions when practicing safe sex. Although the only sure way to actually avoid STDs is to not have sex at all, there are other methods of prevention that need not be as drastic as total abstinence.

Having Sex While Carrying An STD

Engaging in certain sexual activities while carrying an STD is possible, but depends partially on what type of STD you have. Proceed with caution in case you and your partner decide to have sex when STD contraction is a risk. However, for more fatal viruses, it’s best to abstain completely from sexual intercourse.

Types of Sex

Penetrative sex might be the most common type of sex, but it isn’t the only one couples can enjoy. Much like virginity, the definition of sex and what it entails can also be a little blurred around the edges. There might be certain types of sex that aren’t for everyone, but the best (and only) way to know is to try it first.

Sex Positions: Classics, Quirky & The Downright Wild

1. Common Sex Positions

There’s a reason why the more common sex positions, like missionary or doggy, are so popular. Tried and tested, common sex positions are perfect for when all you want to do is get right down to business.

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2. Best Sex Positions

What makes sex positions all the more fun to try out is the fact that there’s a multitude of them to experiment with. There are so many to choose from, whether you need sex positions that are more beginner-friendly or are looking to spice things up in the bedroom when you and your lady are expecting.

Places To Have Sex: Your Imagination’s The Limit

1. Private Sex

Most people might consider sex to be a private aspect of their lives, so it’s a given that many choose to do it behind closed doors. There’s no problem in that, but sex need not be confined within the walls of your bedroom. Get creative — the bedroom isn’t the only place where you can get down and dirty while remaining hidden from prying eyes.

2. Public Sex

Having sex in public spaces isn’t for everyone, but for some, having an audience (or the risk of being seen) can make for an exhilarating sexual experience. As exciting as public sex might be, it’s still considered illegal in many places, so proceed with utmost caution if you do decide to be more daring with your sexcapades.

Dating & Sex: A TL;DR

Leveling up your dating and/or sex game need not be an ardous process: with the above pointers and recommendations, we hope you’ll find love, forge stronger bonds with your SO and enjoy every night you spend together (winks).