Be Lovers, Not Fighters...
According to a study conducted at the University of California at Berkeley, couples who lightly tease each other during a conflict (read: fight) wind up feeling more in love when the disagreement finally blows over.
Something as little as using funny nicknames for each other or making a self-deprecating joke does the trick. So ditch the negative remarks and flex your funny bone instead.
Date Posted:Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 19:56Write your partner a little love note—with an actual pen and paper.
Studies show people who record positive feelings about their partner are more satisfied with their relationships.
Valentine's Expecatations
Surveys, we have Valentine's surveys! According to the readers of Men's Health and Women's Health magazines:
1. Do you expect to have sex because it's Valentine's Day?
Yes: 43.1%
No: 56.9%
2. Who is supposed to plan Valentine's Day?
The guy: 30.3%
The girl: 1.6%
A couple should plan it together: 68.1% (here at Intimate Surprises, we agree!!!)
Valentine's Wasn't Always So Sweet
During the late 1800s, postage rates around the world dropped, and the obscene St. Valentine's Day card became popular, despite the Victorian era being otherwise very prudish.
As the numbers of racy valentines grew, several countries banned the practice of exchanging Valentine's Days cards. During this period, Chicago's post office rejected more than 25,000 cards on the grounds that they were so indecent, they were not fit to be carried through the U.S. mail.
Last year Intimate Surprises shipped more than 1,700 "surprises" via the USPS. Glad times have changed.
Have Some Guac with Those Chips!
Just the physical characteristics of this magical fruit are enough to lift your libido. In fact, the ancient Aztec name for avocado was "ahuacatl," or testicle.
But the avocado has other things going for it, such as being high in omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. The omega-3 acids help to maintain your overall health and give you energy, while the zinc will up your testosterone levels.
So go ahead and have some guacamole with those chips, you'll both be happier!
Kick It Up a Notch!
Chile peppers don't just add spice to meals, they can spice up your love life too. The key ingredient is the chemical capsaicin, which gives your mood a lift by triggering the release of endorphins.
Coincidentally, it's also capsaicin that gives food a hot, flavorful kick.
This Valentine's Day Enjoy a Special Surprise
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, why not celebrate with a special Valentine's Surprise containing all new items for 2010. We changed things up this year so even if you received a surprise last Valentine's Day, this year you're in for something new and unexpected.
Make sure cupid finds you on February 14, order today!
Up for a Little Competition?
Boosting a woman's dopamine levels outside of the bedroom could pay dividends between the sheets.
"Your brain can't differentiate between the external anxiety caused by a novel situation and the internal anxiety caused by being attracted to someone," says Victoria Zdrok, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist (and former Playboy playmate). "A boost outside of the bedroom can carry over for when it matters most."
The best way to increase her anxiety, sans cardiac arrest? Competition, says Zdrok, which also helps release sex drive-boosting testosterone. Men's Health recommends signing up for a couples adventure race or just bellying up at the local pub's trivia night; by competing on the same team, you'll also improve communication and cooperation, the two behavioral foundations of sexual success.
Better Than a Slice of Pizza
While there's a widely held belief that a half hour of energetic sex burns the equivalent calories in a slice of pizza, it's just not true.
Let's look at the math: A half hour of vigorous sex burns about 85 calories, and a slice of plain cheese pizza is about 230 calories, while a slice of pepperoni is about 290 calories. So, it's pretty clear that it takes more than 30 minutes of active lovemaking to burn off a single slice.