Category Archives: Relationships

Women, Dating & Sex: 9 Books Every Man Needs To Read

You swipe left, she swipes right. You order an espresso, she orders a milky flat white. You’re in love, she wants a guy with a bigger pike. 

Women are complex creatures. It takes time and training to master the art of talking to, living with and (shock, horror) getting married to women. And at a time when it’s more tempting than ever to Netflix yourself to sleep than it is to get out there and make a fool of yourself in a bar, it’s important to keep your skills sharp.

So: do your research, get out in the field, and master the art. With these five tried and tested books for helping you get good at approaching, talking to, flirting with and making love to women, your excuses are now as dry as our unimpressed eyes when you tell us, “But it’s hard.” 

Conversation Casanova, By Dave Perrotta

Too many dating books sound like convoluted bibles of psychological warfare. The reality is: most guys just want practical tips on how to start—and maintain—a conversation anytime, anywhere. If this sounds like you: this is your book. The Kama Sutra of conversation, this book is a goldmine. 

Shop @ Amazon  From $10.

The Game by Neil Strauss

Part fiction, part fact, The Game was released about 6 years ago to much hype and buzz. It’s Neil Strauss’s story of how he went from dork author to pick up artist. The book details his time with other dating coaches, and how he was able to transform himself from AFC (average frustrated chump) to a guy who could talk to any woman in any situation. The techniques are dated and lame (read: sleazy) and should never be used, but it’s a good book to understand the basics.

Shop @ Amazon  From $25.33. 

Models by Mark Mason

Models is the first book ever written on seduction as an emotional process rather than a logical one (like The Game). Through honesty and being an all round genuine and awesome bloke, Mark Mason teaches men to approach. According to him the key is to be honest and direct, which shows her that you find her attractive and sexy; but not hung up on her response. He also teaches men how to deal with rejection and use it to their advantage. A great read.

Shop @ Amazon  From $11.66.

Text Appeal by Michael Masters

We still believe in calling a girl, but let’s be real: most of your conversing will be done via text. People now text more than talk on the phone. Lean the tricks of how to talk to women via text and social media. Learn how to be cocky—but funny—without coming across as a jerk. Most importantly: learn the subtle art of what to write and what not to write in a text message. Good for fine tuning your online dating skills.

Shop @ Amazon From $8.99.

101 Places To Have Sex Before You Die, By Marsha Normandy and Joseph St. James

Looking to add some chilli to your vanilla-flavoured routine? If you’re moderately flexible, have a penchant for risk-taking and want to spice up your sex life, this ‘geographical karma sutra’ provides a list of everyday places where venturesome people can have sex—without too much difficulty. Each location features a difficulty rating, helpful icons to indicate hazards or special considerations for each place (e.g. if there’s a chance you might get arrested; if there are time constraints; if there’s a risk of embarrassment; or if any special equipment is needed), and much more. So whether you enjoy a good roll in the hay (or in the reptile house at the zoo), this is the book for you. 

Shop @ Amazon From $11. 

Way of the Superior Man by David Deida

Once you’ve mastered the art of talking to women you need to master yourself and better understand relationships. David Deida will explain the types of people that attract one another, relationship behaviour and how ‘real’ men should approach their love life. This is a more advanced book, so it’s best you don’t pick this one first.

Shop @ Amazon  From $13.65. 

The Sex Book, By Suzi Godson

From finding the G-spot and using sex toys, to cybersex and optimal sex positions, this book has it all; the perfect option for when you want to know something about sex but are too embarrassed to ask. 

“Whatever your orientation, outlook, age, or experience, if you have questions, here are straightforward, accessible, and adventurous answers.” 

What really sets this book apart from the rest is that it was put together by a team of doctors, psychologists, and sex experts, meaning it’s not just about pleasure: it’s about health too. An unmatched guide, The Sex Book offers a wealth of information balanced with interesting practical and personal experience. 

Shop @ Amazon From $10. 

How to Give Her Absolute Pleasure by Lou Paget

Not one to whip out on the bus: but none of the best books are… Where women have Cosmo or Cleo Magazine, I think guys miss out on the nitty gritty of sex, so make use of the author’s fifteen years of sexuality research. Just don’t leave this one around for mum to find. Lou explains “sex things” in detail and helps point the novice or experienced man in a more satisfying direction for both.

Shop @ Amazon  From $16.17.

The Kama Sutra, By Alain Daniélou (Translator)

If The Game is the original pick up book, the Kama Sutra is the original sex position book. Written in the fourth century A.D by a Brahmin and a religious scholar called Vatsyayana, the Kama Sutra is the world’s oldest and most widely read guide to the pleasures and techniques of sex. Until 1993, the only English translation of his Hindu love classic was that of the famous English explorer Sir Richard Burton (published in 1883). This version, translated by Alain Daniélou, brings the magic book to life. 

Shop @ Amazon  From $20. 

RELATED: Casual Sex – A Dating Coach Explains The Right Way To Do It 

Kim D. Opens Up About Her Late Boyfriend of 13 Years and Finding Love Again

Fans of The Real Housewives of New Jersey know Kim DePaola, better known as Kim D., as the fierce and outspoken owner of Posche and its iconic annual fashion show. But what fans might not know is that Kim has been mourning a very big loss over the past several years.

Kim opened up about her late boyfriend during the October 11 episode of Face the Truth. Kim was with her partner for 13 years before his passing six years ago. “It was a fairytale relationship. Fairytale, he’s the one. Instead of flowers, he knew I loved animals, he’d get a dog,” she shared. “We had a beautiful life, traveled all the time. Traveling was private jets, helicopters.”

Now as Kim becomes more and more open to finding love again, she’s trying to have that fabulous lifestyle with her next partner. However, Kim’s long list of musts for the next man of her dreams includes someone with money, a car service provided to her for their dates, and no phone calls, only texts, as they first start to get to know each other.

She said she hasn’t really pursued any relationships because of a combination of her many dealbreakers and not being completely over the loss of her boyfriend. Kim also shared that she hasn’t been intimate with a man in about six years. So Kim appeared on Face the Truth at the behest of her friend Emma, who said that she thought the RHONJ fashionista was being “too picky and shallow” when it comes to finding the right man.

Kim got some valuable advice from Vivica A. Fox and her Face the Truth co-hosts on how to successfully move on from her past love and maybe not be as rigid about dating in the future. Kim seemed to take all of their advice to heart, and she also came away with some tools to help her get to where she wants to be in her love life, including help from a love and relationship expert, mental health counseling to help sort out grief issues, and maybe even a date with a silver fox named Richard.

This potential suitor in the studio audience seemed to check all the boxes for Kim. “He’s very handsome,” she gushed during the episode.

RHONJ returns for Season 9 on Wednesday, November 7 at 9/8c. Check out a sneak peek, below.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey

Your First Look at #RHONJ Season 9!

The ‘Wives of New Jersey “love hard, fight hard, and go hard”.

Steve Harvey Is an Advice Guru: Check Out His Best and Funniest Words of Wisdom

Steve Harvey is all about helping his audience, which is probably why his show Steve, is a finalist for Daytime Talk Show of 2018 at this year’s E! People’s Choice Awards.

In the popular segment, “Hey Steve,” the 61-year-old television personality shares his take on people’s wide-ranging problems. The best part is that the host knows how to get his point across without being too harsh by adding in a sprinkle of humor.

We love that Harvey is never afraid to shed light on any situation, whether it’s running for president or making the perfect peanut butter sandwiches. He has opinions on it all!

Take a peek below to see some of the best advice that the Family Feud host has offered up over the years before voting for who you want to win the PCAs Daytime Talk Show of 2018 category next month.

Steve has some tough competition this year, so your vote could definitely help seal the deal.

The show is up against The Ellen DeGeneres ShowLive With Kelly and RyanThe Real and Red Table Talk with Jada Pinkett Smith.

So, clearly the hilarious talk show host has his work cut out for him.

If you want Steve to win, now is the time to have your voice heard by voting for your favorite show before the Friday, Oct. 19 deadline. What are you waiting for, it’s time to vote!

On Groupies

Harvey gets real about groupies when an audience member shares her worries about the temptation that her musician husband faces when he is on road performing. The bottom line, according to the Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man author, is that the groupies don’t have a chance if your partner puts you first and lets you know he is not looking for other people. He even shares a personal story about making his own wife feel comfortable when an overzealous fan asks for his photo. 

On Ghosting

When asked how to stop ghosting men, Harvey offers up some simple advice. Instead of ignoring or avoiding the person, you can tell your suitor you no longer want to date him and then count to ten out loud before walking away. This allows your date to say something before you are free from him the Daytime Emmy winner revealed. Seriously, check out the clip above to see him demonstrate just how to count it out in the middle of a break up. That wouldn’t make things awkward at all! 

On Haters

It all comes to down to jealousy according to Harvey and he’s not wrong. Haters wouldn’t be tossing around insults if you didn’t have something they wanted the host believes. When asked by an aspiring plus-sized model how to handle negative online comments on her social media pages, the comedian reminds her that haters only have one job…to spread hate. The best was to handle it of course, is to ignore the negative and nasty comments and focus on the positives. No need to spend time on people who are only trying to bring you down, duh.

On Making the Perfect Peanut Butter Sandwich

Harvey takes his peanut butter sandwiches seriously and we are so taking notes. He became the taste tester for an audience member to end the debate over who makes the better peanut sandwich, her or her husband. She brought samples to the studio for him to try and he was more than willing to participate. Her recipe included peanut butter, maple syrup and bananas. The treat was so delicious that Harvey had to sit down on his desk while eating it. Sounds pretty good, right?

On Online Dating Profiles

According to Harvey, honesty is the best policy when it comes to online dating. In other words, say exactly what you are looking for right in your profile. Whether you want a serious relationship or something casual, it’s better to be upfront about it from the very beginning. In fact, he told the audience member that there is a man out there looking for you just the way you are. No need to transform to who you are to find a good man. Preach, Harvey, preach!

On Living Together

Think that a relationship should be 50/50? Think again! According to Harvey it’s all about being 85/15. In his experience, relationships work better when the woman has more control. From planning vacations to decorating the house, women should be the ones in charge. He also advises men to carve out a corner that can be all theirs in the home and then shut their mouths and enjoy their 15 percent!

On Selecting An Emergency Contact

Harvey knows that everyone needs an emergency contact, but he thinks you should really ponder over who that one person should be. When one audience member reveals he doesn’t want to be his roommates’ emergency contact, due to the responsibility, the talk show host totally gets it. Harvey’s criteria for this critical job is that the person must have a home phone, be a home owner, and most importantly, be able to provide a solution to your problem at any given time. That seems pretty reasonable to us!

On Running For President

The audience got excited at the thought of Harvey for president in 2020, but the star shot them down when he claimed that a background check would take him out of the game! If he were to became president however, Superbowl Sunday would become a national holiday and so would the Monday following the big game. We could really get on board with this campaign platform, but the real question is, can Harvey count on your presidential, er, we mean, PCAs vote?

OK, let’s get serious now, because it’s time to vote for all of your favorites ahead of the E! People’s Choice Awards, which airs live on live on E! on Sunday, Nov. 11. 

Watch E!’s People’s Choice Awards Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 at 9 p.m., only on E!

The 'Lemon Law' is the harsh but brilliant dating rule we all need to start doing.

The modern dating experience is a minefield.

People no longer meet in real life, swiping has replaced the meet-cute and while you think chemistry can be replicated through witty, banter-filled messages, you quickly learn that meeting up in person will always be the best barometer for human attraction.

That’s why after exchanging anecdotes about lacklustre dates with a friend, she surprised me with this piece of borderline-cruel, but surprisingly brilliant dating advice.

In actual fact, she borrowed it from the sitcom How I Met Your Mother, in which Barney Stinson thinks he’s discovered the secret of dating.

“From the moment the date begins you have five minutes to decide whether you’re going to commit to an entire evening,” he begins to explain.

“And if you don’t, it’s no hard feelings, just good night, thanks for playing, see you never.”

Now, for the uninitiated, Barney Stinson is a womaniser and a Grade A douche, but in that moment from one (arguably slightly bitter) single girl to another, it was as Oprah would call it – an ah-ha moment.

Although the five-minutes might be a bit presumptuous – let’s extend this to say 15-20 minutes – generally you already know in that short window of time whether the conversation flows naturally and whether or not you want to commit to a second date.

This isn’t to say you have to decide, but if there’s no spark and you’ve decided you’d rather be at home in your PJs watching the latest episode of The Bachelor, is it that bad if you bow out before the first drink?

Watch Barney Stinson explain the Lemon Law on How I Met Your Mother here:

Video by How I Met Your Mother

Alas, the majority of my colleagues thought yes, and while I was left to contemplate the benefits of a dating sabbatical, they shared some more level-headed dating approaches.

One recommended the humble ‘first dates can only be coffee dates’ rule because she “didn’t want to waste money, time or a night out on someone that wasn’t worth it”.

Very fair.

Others thought the five-minute rule was too quick, while another agreed that although it was ruthless and incredibly judgemental, she also thought women too often ignore their first instincts when it comes to dating.

However, one colleague confessed that she had friends who had gone on dates where they didn’t even sit down or get out of their car because they knew it “wasn’t going to work” after just looking at the other person.

Despite this, the overall consensus was clear – be polite and wait it out because sometimes – most of the time – it takes more than one date to really make a good impression.

As one friend told me – no one is their best self in the first five minutes of a date.

via GIPHY

But still, a part of me thinks the ‘lemon rule’ is just the more honest, upfront version of ghosting but condensed into a shorter period of time.

Don’t you think?

Would you ever use the ‘lemon law’ in real life? Share your story in a comment below.

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