In Love? Blame It On the Chemistry

Hormones are driving your love life, but there's a method to their madness.

the chemistry of love

When it comes to love, many of us claim we favor a certain “type.” We may also have a mental checklist of desirable traits we seek in a mate, such as a sense of humor, a tall stature, or even a respectable bank account. But according to cultural anthropologist Helen Fisher, a leading expert on the biology of love and attraction, chemistry is what drives us to fall hard for someone.

The powerful feelings shared by two people who are deeply attracted to one another is the stuff romantic poems and songs are made of. But scientists have discovered that love as we humans know it is spurred on by chemicals in our bodies. Was Tina Turner right when she sang, “What’s love got to do with it?” Could that emotion we all yearn for be nothing more than hormone-driven chemistry? //READ MORE

Are You In Love With a Narcissist?

10 ways to tell if he's one and, if so, why you should get out now.

Are you in love with a narcissist?

Are you romantically involved with a narcissist? Actually, we might as well be asking you the following: Are you perpetually confused about your relationship, feeling ecstatic one day, heartbroken and emotional the next? Have you been trying to figure out if everything is your fault or if there’s something truly wrong with this man? Have you been angry with yourself because you know you should know better, yet you just can’t seem to escape the erratic charms of your supposed love—even though the lows with him are so awful? //READ MORE

Is Porn Ruining a Generation of Lovers?

The digital age could be making us all sick in bed.

Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen some porn. Some of us won’t admit it, but you can bet that almost every guy and woman you know has at least caught a glimpse of a skin flick. Let’s put it this way: The men are not the only ones with curiosity and a laptop.

I didn’t come into contact with porn until after college, when a boyfriend brought over an adult movie. Before that, the closest I got was sneaking a peek at my mother’s copy of Shirley Conran’s sexy bestseller Lace (Remember, “Which one of you bitches is my mother?”), which describes how a young Middle Eastern prince is sent away to be trained in the art of lovemaking. Since then, I’ve often wondered why all guys aren’t shipped out to learn a few techniques before being unleashed on the female population. Unfortunately, for this vital information most guys must rely on their dads, with their outdated birds-and-bees talks; their friends (God help us for the stuff we learn on the street); plus maybe some well-intended but insufficient sex-ed class. So how can we blame them for turning to the Internet to pick up some skills (as if that’s the only reason they watch)?

The problem is, porn doesn’t teach anyone how to be a good lover. Which may be why, although some women can tolerate watching with their partners, or alone to get turned on, they usually have their share of complaints about adult films. Studies have shown that the viewing of too much porn can desensitize someone enough to make //READ MORE

10 Ways Coconut Oil Makes You Gorgeous

This sweet-smelling oil is an amazing beauty and household staple.

Coconut oil has been a dietary, medicinal and beauty staple for ages. It’s a high-quality fat with a large concentration of lauric acid, a substance with antibacterial properties. It’s easy on your digestive system, provides a great energy boost and may improve the absorption of fat-solutable vitamins. Its natural sweetness and nutty vanilla flavor, plus its ability to withstand high temperatures and keep for as long as a year at room temperature, make it perfect for cooking.

These are just some of the benefits of virgin coconut oil, which has become amazingly popular over the past couple of years. These days you’ll find it not only at every health food store, but at most ordinary grocery stores too. And for good reason. Derived from the kernel of a mature coconut fruit (coconuts are fruits, not tree nuts), this healthy, versatile oil has got it going on. Whether used medicinally, cosmetically or as a household product, it deserves a place in your pantry or medicine cabinet. Here, 10 great uses //READ MORE