Do you consider your partner your best friend? If so, your relationship may be better equipped to last than couples who don't have those very sentiments. Studies show that those who consider their partner their best friend tend to be far more satisfied in their relationship than those who don't.  This finding is consistent with research showing that relationships characterized by more companionate love – those high in affection, friendship, security, comfort, and mutual interests – last longer and are more satisfying. In fact, companionate love is more closely linked with relationship satisfaction than is passionate love, which entails intense feelings of attraction and preoccupation with one’s partner. Other research shows that those in friendship-centric love relationships feel they have a highly likable partner, and that shared companionship is an integral part of the love.  A study of over 600 married individuals revealed that those with hig...

Earlier today, I submitted a post, Why love at first sight is a myth , which argues that establishing a deep, long-lasting connection with someone goes beyond the purely physical. So let's assume that a woman -- we'll call her Martha -- is physically attracted to a man named Joe and clicks with him on a more personal level, leading her to think she's in love with him. Now, let's make the scenario even more intriguing by adding another potential suitor to the mix named Matt, and we'll presume Martha is sure her feelings for Matt are no less intense than those she has for Joe. Is it possible for Martha to be in love with Joe and Matt at the same time? These are the kinds of story lines that great plays and soap operas are made of, but the question is whether it's even feasible in real life. Here's my view: I think Martha can love Joe and Matt at the same time, but to varying degrees. And who's to say that she loves exactly the same things abo...

Believe it or not, not everyone likes to make out with his or her partner. Some people find it messy and borderline repulsive, even. They assert that the exchange of saliva makes it more likely for one to catch germs or something unseemly that someone with an extensive sexual history might pass on. My take? If you truly love someone, I don't see why you would ever feel this level of hesitation. Partners should be willing to at least give french kissing a try. Save for sexual contact, it is one of the most intimate things you can do with anyone. In fact, the one thing many female prostitutes and porn stars alike refuse to do -- come hell or high water -- is kiss the other person. They see kissing as something sacred to be reserved for the one they love. I understand some people being more conservative than others, but I'd guess that the vast majority of people who are opposed to it have never tried it for themselves. I think making out with the person you love is one of ...

I've spoken to a couple of people who've admitted to not being big fans of making out. When I ask them why French kissing is not their thing, they've provide reasons like: "It's gross" "I don't like having someone's tongue shoved down my throat" "I don't fancy exchanging saliva with anyone else" "What if the person's mouth is dirty? Who knows what they ate." "They might have bad breath" My take: If it's someone you care deeply about, why not? I think making out is one of the most intimate non-penetrative acts you can engage in with someone else. Thus, I am not all that surprised that some people would be opposed to it. Kissing that escalates into a full-blown make out session is quite the adrenaline rush. There is nothing like adding a little tongue to spice things up! Have you made out recently? Do/did you find it exhilarating or quite the opposite?