Even the calmest individuals can feel overwhelmed during a divorce. As a certified divorce coach, I’ve witnessed a range of reactions, from pouring out an ex’s expensive whiskey to sabotaging digital thermostats. These actions not only hurt others but also distract from the emotional work needed to move on.

Having gone through divorce twice, I found that focusing on productive steps helped me build a fulfilling life afterward. Here are seven concrete tips that have been most helpful to my clients in their post-divorce journeys.

Craft a Neutral Divorce Elevator Pitch

Be prepared for questions about your divorce. People may glance at your ring finger or ask about your marriage in a condescending tone. Successful clients prepare a brief, neutral “divorce elevator pitch” for casual conversations. For instance, you might say, “Joe and I aren’t together anymore, but I’m excited about a trip to Italy.” Share only what you choose while steering the conversation in a new direction. This approach helps you maintain control over your story.

Create Personal Safety Zones

Even if your ex has moved out, it’s important to designate “safety zones” in your home-personal spaces for yourself now that the marriage is ending. Select an area, whether a room or a corner, and transform it to represent your future. One client turned her basement, once filled with her ex’s sports gear, into a yoga room. I converted part of my bedroom into an office with items I knew my ex would avoid.

Avoid Digital Conflicts

I advise clients to avoid engaging in email or text wars with their ex, as these messages often escalate conflicts and prolong the legal process. Before sending a heated message, pause and apply the BIFF Response model: brief, informative, friendly, firm. If it doesn’t meet those criteria, reconsider sending it. Many clients regret sending accusatory emails soon after. Instead, express your feelings in writing, then send it to a friend or delete it.

Utilize Co-Parenting Apps

For those with children, effective communication and scheduling are necessary. Co-parenting apps like Our Family Wizard offer features for communication, calendaring, and financial tracking, making co-parenting more manageable.

Write a Gratitude Letter

Divorce can bring mixed feelings, even in cases of infidelity. A useful exercise is writing a “gratitude letter” to your ex, reflecting on the positive aspects they brought to your life. Clients often read these letters aloud to me, acknowledging contributions like support during career changes or relationships with in-laws. This practice also helps cultivate balanced attributes in future partners.

Explore New Hobbies

This is the perfect time to try activities your ex wasn’t interested in, like rock climbing or yoga. During my second divorce, I took up cross-stitching, which I found surprisingly therapeutic. Experiment with different hobbies; you may discover new passions or strengths as you embrace this chapter.

Find a Supportive Community

While supportive friends and family are invaluable, meeting others who are also navigating divorce can be beneficial. Seek out communities focused on moving forward with grace. If you find yourself in a negative environment, find a group that aligns with your values. Gathering with divorce friends to share experiences can be part of the healing process, but balance is key.

Ask for Help When Needed

Many clients struggle to ask for help. I recall a time when I was deeply upset, and my brother simply sat with me as I cried. It was all I needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support, whether from friends, therapy, coaching, or religious groups. Embracing the need for help is crucial.

Every small step you take is an investment in the life you want to create. By focusing your energy on moving forward, you give yourself the best chance to heal and grow.

Introduction

Creating a strong attraction and arousal in your partner involves focusing on three primary areas: making her feel desired, building sexual tension, and personalizing foreplay techniques. These elements form the foundation of enhancing her sexual desire for you.

Make Her Feel Desired

The most effective way to ignite her passion is to ensure she feels deeply desired. For women, being desired is akin to casting a captivating spell. However, it’s crucial to be genuine in your compliments. Flattery should highlight something meaningful to her. For example:

• Compliment her outfit if she has put effort into it.
• Acknowledge her fitness achievements.
• Celebrate her professional successes.
• Praise her parenting skills.

Expressing appreciation in front of her friends, like sending flowers to her workplace, can amplify this effect. However, be mindful if she isn’t fond of public displays.

Show Genuine Appreciation

Expressing gratitude for her actions, no matter how small, is essential. Simple gestures like acknowledging her help with chores or sending appreciative texts can make a big difference.

Be Thoughtful

Thoughtfulness can break down barriers and create intimacy. Consider actions like:

• Cleaning the house when she’s stressed.
• Handling chores to free up time together.
• Cooking or doing the dishes.
• Taking care of the kids to give her a break.

Embrace the “Princess Principle”

Making her feel special doesn’t require grand gestures. Small acts like bringing her favorite ice cream or sending a thoughtful text can make her feel cherished.

Work on Yourself

Being someone she’s proud of is important. Maintain good hygiene, wear well-fitting clothes, and keep a reasonable level of fitness. Discover what she finds particularly attractive and subtly incorporate it into your life.

Physical Touch and Desire

Physical touch is crucial in expressing desire. Here are some ways to convey your intentions through touch:

• Place your hand on her lower back in public.
• Wrap your arm around her shoulders.
• Rest your hand on her leg while sitting.
• Cuddle with her on the couch.
• Hug her from behind.

Remember, touch should be regular, not just when you want sex.

Build Sexual Tension

Sexual tension intensifies her desire. Here’s how to create it:

Tease Playfully

Engage in light teasing, making her feel both challenged and desired. Use a playful tone to ensure it’s taken in good humor.

Use Subtle Innuendo

Be subtle with innuendo as blatant attempts can be off-putting. Gauge her reaction and adjust accordingly.

Create Anticipation

Maintain a sense of anticipation with text messages, whispered promises, or surprise notes. Tailor these actions to suit your relationship.

Focus on Her Specific Desires

Find her “Kryptonite,” the unique aspects that drive her wild. These could be anything from a certain hairstyle to a shared new experience. Discover these preferences through observation and conversation.

Conclusion

By making her feel desired, building sexual tension, and tailoring your approach to her unique preferences, you can significantly enhance her arousal. Always remain attentive to her responses and keep the relationship dynamic to maintain excitement.

When we think of aphrodisiacs, typical choices like oysters, chocolate, and chili peppers come to mind. But have you considered fear as an option? According to a survey by Grindr in October 2025, 82 percent of users reported feeling aroused by the thrill of horror movies or haunted houses. Interestingly, the top films that both scared and aroused viewers were Interview with the Vampire, American Psycho, and Jennifer’s Body, all featuring attractive leads.

It seems surprising to suggest that fear can be a turn-on and that a horror movie might not only scare you but also excite you. However, fear can indeed lead to sexual arousal, a phenomenon humorously termed “scarousal” (scary arousal).

The Science Behind Scarousal

When fear strikes, the sympathetic nervous system kicks in, triggering a “fight or flight” response. “This increases our heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration,” explains Dr. Justin Lehmiller, Ph. D., senior research fellow at the Kinsey Institute. “This physiological state parallels how our bodies feel when sexually excited. Sometimes, our brains may mistake fear for sexual arousal, which might explain why some people report feeling turned on during frightening experiences.”

This concept, known as “the misattribution of arousal,” has been well documented in scientific circles. The renowned 1974 Dutton and Aron study showed that men crossing a high, shaky bridge were more inclined to contact an “attractive female interviewer” afterward, likely confusing their physiological arousal with sexual attraction.

Understanding and Embracing Scarousal

The intersection of fear and arousal can be perplexing for many. Some individuals may feel ashamed of their bodies’ sexual response during stressful or overwhelming moments. Lee Phillips, Ed. D., LSCW, a psychotherapist and sex therapist, explains that scarousal is a physiological reflex, not a moral judgment. “The body’s threat-arousal and sexual-arousal systems share overlapping neural pathways, meaning the body might respond to intensity even when the mind is distressed.”

To address sexual shame, Phillips suggests separating interpretation from sensation. Education on why scarousal occurs normalizes this biological response. “Many are surprised to learn that there’s often a disconnect between physical arousal and subjective desire,” Phillips notes. “Understanding this helps individuals shift from self-judgment to curiosity.”

Phillips guides clients toward reintroducing controlled elements of intensity that naturally induce fear through consensual role-play and other activities. This could involve scenarios like an “intruder” role-play or milder forms of BDSM, such as erotic spanking, which can trigger similar physiological responses that lead to arousal.

Managing Scarousal Responsibly

Intentionality is crucial: “You’re choosing the activation rather than being caught off-guard by it,” Phillips says. For instance, watching a scary movie on a date night can activate your arousal system before intimacy with your partner.

While scarousal can enhance sexual experiences, it’s important to avoid taking it too far. Some individuals might seek increasingly intense stimuli, such as public sex in risky locations, driven by the amplified sexual response from fear. “Those who consistently put themselves in danger for this reason should be concerned about their overall well-being,” warns Lehmiller.

Fortunately, the majority enjoy a balance, gravitating toward scary movies for a Netflix and chill session. Phillips adds, “When integrated thoughtfully, scarousal can enrich a person’s sexual landscape, leading to increased passion, deeper erotic vulnerability, and more creative sexual communication.”

Instead of fearing their reactions, individuals learn to embrace them, turning involuntary responses into opportunities for exploration and closeness. “Scarousal becomes a doorway to more authentic desire and expressive intimacy,” Phillips concludes.

Ultimately, What’s truly frightening is denying oneself a fulfilling sexual life.

Introduction

Regular massages are often seen as a way to unwind, but erotic massages can take relaxation to a transformative level. While similar to traditional massages, erotic massages focus on alleviating tension and reducing stress by promoting or achieving sexual arousal.

For an effective erotic massage, you need to excel in two key areas: delivering a skillful massage and creating a sensual atmosphere.

7 Steps to an Unforgettable Erotic Massage

Set the Scene

Begin by having your partner disrobe and lie face-down on a firm surface. They can choose to cover themselves with a sheet if they prefer. Create a soothing environment by dimming the lights, lighting candles, and playing calming music that your partner enjoys. Enhance the ambiance further with an essential oil diffuser.

Establish Boundaries and Intentions

Before starting, discuss boundaries with your partner to understand any areas they prefer not to be touched. Set intentions together by choosing what you both wish to release-such as stress or tension-and what you hope to invite into the experience, like relaxation and self-love.

Grounding Techniques

Help your partner feel present and relaxed using light touches or sensation toys like feathers, silk scarves, or leather floggers. These can be used before introducing any oil.

Select the Right Massage Oil

Opt for oils that enhance the massage experience, such as organic coconut oil for warmer months or almond oil during winter. CBD massage oil is another option for added relaxation. Ensure your partner doesn’t have any allergies to the products you use.

Begin with a Traditional Massage

For the first 20 minutes, focus on a standard massage approach, avoiding immediate attention to erogenous zones. This gradual approach helps your partner relax fully before transitioning to more sensitive areas.

Massage Techniques

Use the heel of your hand to make smooth, continuous movements along each muscle, spending at least two minutes on each area. Address any muscle knots before moving on.

Tease and Build Anticipation

Once the full body massage is complete, begin teasing your partner by massaging near, but not directly on, erogenous zones. This builds anticipation and heightens sensitivity.

Engage Sensual Touch

When the time is right, move to directly stimulate your partner’s sensitive areas. Start gently, and gradually increase intensity based on your partner’s responses. Incorporate your partner’s involvement for multiple sensations.

Conclusion

With the right build-up, your partner is likely to experience a satisfying release, leaving them deeply relaxed. Share a post-massage cuddle to further connect. Regular practice of erotic massage can strengthen your bond, making it a cherished ritual to explore together monthly.

Introduction

Understanding how to make a woman squirt can enhance your intimate experiences and strengthen your bond. However, it’s crucial to approach this with knowledge of female anatomy and ensure your partner is comfortable and relaxed.

Understanding Squirting

Many confuse squirting with urination, leading to discomfort for some women. Squirting is a natural response to G-spot stimulation, distinct from urination, and involves the release of fluid through the urethra. This fluid is primarily from the Skene’s glands, often referred to as the female prostate.

Locating the G-Spot

The G-spot is situated on the front wall of the vagina, approximately 2-3 inches inside. It feels textured, similar to a wet raspberry. Arousal makes the G-spot more prominent, so it’s vital to ensure your partner is excited before attempting to stimulate it.

Preparing for Stimulation

Effective stimulation requires trimmed and smooth fingernails, and the use of lubrication is recommended. Begin by inserting your finger and applying gentle pressure to the upper vaginal wall. As comfort and arousal increase, introduce more fingers for enhanced stimulation.

Techniques to Stimulate the G-Spot

• Push the Button: Repeatedly press the G-spot like a button, adjusting pressure and speed.
• Circular Motion: Rub the G-spot in circles with consistent pressure.
• Come Hither Motion: Curl your fingers in a beckoning manner to stimulate the G-spot effectively.
• Arm Shaker: Use your entire arm to apply pressure, ensuring your fingers remain pressed against the G-spot.

Combining Techniques

Adding clitoral stimulation can enhance the experience. Use one hand to massage the G-spot while the other stimulates the clitoris. Experiment with different positions like standing behind her, or her on all fours, to find what works best for you both.

Utilizing Sex Toys

G-spot vibrators and dildos can be excellent tools for stimulation. Explore various options with your partner to find what provides the most pleasure.

Squirting During Intercourse

To encourage squirting during sex, ensure she’s comfortable and aroused. Use positions that stimulate the G-spot effectively, such as the G Spot Position, Launch Pad, or Pearly Gates. Remember, experimentation and communication are key.

Feedback and Communication

Pay attention to both passive and active feedback from your partner. Her reactions will guide you in understanding what feels best for her.

Troubleshooting Squirting Challenges

Several factors can impact a woman’s ability to squirt, such as stress, incorrect techniques, or physical issues. Discuss openly to identify and address these challenges together.

Female Ejaculation Explained

Squirting and female ejaculation involve different fluids and sensations. Understanding these differences can help you navigate expectations and experiences with your partner.

Conclusion

Making a woman squirt can be a fulfilling experience for both partners, but it’s essential to prioritize her comfort and desires. If she’s not interested in squirting, focus on other pleasurable activities that strengthen your connection. Communication and experimentation are crucial for discovering what works best for both of you.

Introduction

This comprehensive guide aims to help beginners explore anal sex with satisfaction and avoid discomfort. We will delve into essential tips and techniques to make the experience pleasurable and fulfilling.

Benefits of Anal Sex

• Unique Orgasms: Many women experience intense orgasms through anal sex due to the numerous nerve endings present.
• Kinky Appeal: The taboo nature of anal sex can be thrilling and enhance the experience.
• An Alternative Option: Anal sex can be a substitute when vaginal sex isn’t possible, such as during menstruation or infections.
• No Pregnancy Risk: Anal sex eliminates the possibility of pregnancy.

Challenges and Considerations

• Planning Required: Proper preparation is necessary to ensure cleanliness and comfort.
• Pressure from Partners: Some partners may be overly eager, which can be off-putting if you are not interested.
• Personal Preference: Some enjoy anal sex, while others don’t. It’s important to respect personal preferences.
• Communication is Key: Clear communication with your partner is crucial to ensure a pleasurable experience.

Choosing the Right Lubricant

• Water-Based Lube: Safe with latex condoms but may require frequent reapplication.
• Silicone-Based Lube: Lasts longer and is compatible with latex condoms, though it can be harder to clean.
• Oil-Based Lube: Provides a silky feel but degrades latex condoms, increasing the risk of breakage.
• Saliva: A natural alternative in a pinch, though not ideal as it dries quickly.

Avoid lubricants with spermicide as they can irritate sensitive areas and increase STI risks.

Preparation and Techniques

• Relaxation: Allow time for the sphincter muscle to relax by starting with a lubricated finger.
• Communication: Provide feedback to your partner to ensure comfort and avoid pain.
• Gradual Process: Begin with one finger and gradually increase if comfortable.
• Proper Positioning: Start with the partner on their back to maintain control.

Advanced Techniques

• Experiment with Positions: Explore different positions to enhance pleasure.
• Clitoral Stimulation: Use toys or manual stimulation to enhance the experience.
• Double Penetration: For those seeking more, using a dildo can simulate double penetration.
• Regular Practice: Helps the sphincter become accustomed to relaxation and enhances enjoyment.

Safety Considerations

• Condom Use: Essential to prevent STI transmission.
• Avoiding Cross-Contamination: Change condoms and clean thoroughly when switching between anal and vaginal or oral sex.
• Proper Toy Use: Clean toys thoroughly or use condoms on them to prevent infections.

Enhancing Communication

Openly discuss preferences and experiences with your partner to improve the overall experience. Provide specific feedback to optimize comfort and enjoyment.

Exploring New Dimensions

Consider introducing anal play for your partner, like using a finger or a strap-on, if both are open to it. This can add a new layer of pleasure for both parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Preparation tips for anal sex
• Recommended anal sex positions
• Guidance on giving a prostate massage
• Safety precautions during pregnancy

With these insights, you can embark on a journey towards a satisfying anal sex experience. Remember, the key is communication, preparation, and mutual enjoyment.

Introduction

When my parents announced their divorce during my late teens, I was upset but not entirely surprised. Growing up, I never saw much affection between them. After the separation, my dad quickly moved on, while my mom took about a year before dating again, both insisting they wouldn’t remarry. Fast forward six years: my mom remarried in 2023, and my dad recently proposed to his girlfriend. While I genuinely want them to be happy, accepting the finality of our family’s change is challenging. Despite being an adult, the identity of a child of divorce lingers, often making my feelings of grief feel invalid.

The Impact of Divorce on Adult Children

Divorce can affect adult children just as profoundly as it does younger ones. As Dr. Carol Hughes, a psychotherapist, points out, society often believes adults should be unaffected by their parents’ divorce, but this is a misconception. Research on the effects of divorce primarily focuses on minor children, leaving adult children of divorce (ACODs) with little understanding. The American Psychological Association notes a significant increase in “gray divorces,” those occurring among adults 50 and older, from 8.7 percent in 1990 to 36 percent in 2019.

Understanding the Emotional Toll

For parents, an empty nest can feel liberating, while their adult children face the end of their familiar world. Unlike younger children, adults often feel pressure to support their parents emotionally and financially while managing their own lives. This responsibility can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of guilt, anger, and abandonment. Adult children can articulate these emotions, whereas minor children might express them through behavioral changes.

Managing the Emotional Aftermath

Adult children of divorce often confront the “nevers,” such as never seeing their parents together again or never having a traditional family celebration. This can feel like a deeper loss since they have more shared history with their family. The destabilization of their “home base” affects both adult and minor children, but ACODs typically experience less mental health impact than minors.

Seeking Support

Therapy or support groups can be invaluable for ACODs struggling with their parents’ divorce. These avenues offer a space to validate feelings and develop emotional awareness. They also help set boundaries, especially regarding how much detail about the divorce or new relationships is shared.

Navigating Relationships and Boundaries

Acods often grapple with changes in family dynamics, including their parents’ new relationships. Establishing boundaries about what information they wish to know about their parents’ dating lives is crucial. They have the autonomy to decide when or if they want to meet new partners.

Maintaining Family Connections

Parents must manage their post-divorce relationship to reduce the burden on their children. Effective communication and a shared goal of peaceful coexistence can ease family gatherings. Adult children can set expectations with their parents about attending events, emphasizing the importance of amicable behavior.

Conclusion

Feelings of discomfort and confusion are normal for ACODs as they navigate their new family dynamics. Recognizing and setting boundaries, seeking support, and maintaining open communication can aid in adjusting to these changes. Ultimately, Seeing parents happy in their new lives can bring a sense of peace and acceptance for their adult children.