If you’re crazy in love, a new study suggests expressing yourself via email is the way to go.

There’s a new romantic gesture on the block that just might tug at your phone-hating heartstrings: According to a new study published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, sending an email can be more effective in expressing how in love you are than leaving a voicemail (no matter how adorable).

Previous research (and lectures from the family) have suggested the opposite is true—that voicemail is a more intimate way to connect with someone, and that sending emails and texts are “cold” forms of communication that you can’t properly convey emotion with.

To understand how we respond emotionally to emails, co-authors Alan R. Dennis and Taylor M. Wells worked with 72 college-age participants and tracked their psychophysiological responses. Responses were tracked by placing skin sensors on the participants’ faces, which measured muscle movement linked to positive and negative emotion, and on their feet to measure arousal. Each participant was randomly assigned to do voicemail or email first, and produce a utilitarian or romantic message first.

They found that people who sent romantic emails were more emotionally aroused and used stronger and more thoughtful language than those who left voicemails.

“When writing romantic emails, senders consciously or subconsciously added more positive content to their messages, perhaps to compensate for the medium’s inability to convey vocal tone,” Dennis and Wells wrote in the paper.

“Email enables senders to modify the content as messages are composed to ensure they are crafted to the needs of the situation. Voicemail lacks this feature,” they continued. “A sender records a voicemail in a single take, and it can be sent or discarded and re-recorded, but not edited. Thus senders engage with email messages longer and may think about the task more deeply than when leaving voicemails. This extra processing may increase arousal.”

No difference was detected in how men and women reacted, and the team found that even with utilitarian messages, email aroused more psychophysiological responses than voicemail. The results counter media naturalness theory, the commonly held belief that suggests the further we get away from face-to-face interaction, the less effective communicating becomes.

“In this case, we found people adapted,” Dennis said in a statement. “Email’s been in the popular consciousness since the 1990s, and if you look at the new generation of millennials, and that’s who we studied, they’ve grown up with email and text messaging. So it may not be as unnatural a medium as we at first thought.

“There’s a lot of theory that says email and other text communications don’t really work very well,” Dennis added. “We should probably go back and reconsider a lot of the stereotypical assumptions that we hold about email and text messaging that may not hold true when we take a deeper look at how people react physiologically.”

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When it comes to sexual satisfaction, are you being honest about what you really want? 

Ask most any sex therapist what the first question is that comes out of the mouth of a new client and it is most always this- “Am I normal? Is my partner normal? Is this desire, behavior, longing….normal?” These normal questions weigh heavily on our sexuality, partly because we mistake the endless fictional depictions of sex in pornography as a true point of reference, but even more so because we often suffer with our sexual doubts and fears in isolation, even within couples. It’s a weird question to associate with our sexuality because the idea of normal, which generally refers to the average or middle of the bell curve, is antithetical to the extreme responses that passionate orgasmic sex generates.

Questioning our normalcy about what we desire or what we experience in the unique space of sexual satisfaction is less about the behaviors we engage with than it is the trouble we have reconciling our rational everyday mindset with the free-fall abandon that our sexual impulses demand if we are going to achieve the passionate release and connection they offer. The truth is, as the Kinsey study so clearly demonstrated, that there is no normal in our sexual preferences and behaviors. If the idea of normal applies anywhere, it is in the context of how we relate to ourselves as erotic sexual beings, whether we are open to exploring and understanding our desire or repressing and judging ourselves and others for their sexual impulses.

A powerful cure for moving beyond the normal issue starts by developing the curiosity and willingness to learn how to express our sexual desires out loud. It is empowering to claim our erotic self with our words.  I remember a man who shared with me despairingly that he couldn’t even say the word “masturbation” out loud to his wife. When we give up our own expression to appease anyone, not only does the relationship get frozen in the narrow window of the permissible, but we betray ourselves in a way that makes us doubt ourselves and our desire.  Not expressing creates the dynamic of continuously wondering if we are normal. It is tricky at first, emerging from our self-imposed silence.

I remember the initial awkwardness and discomfort I felt when I began to speak out loud during sex. For a very long time, I believed that my voice would somehow break a spell or interrupt some natural flow.  But in fact, as I started using words to say what I liked or wanted,  it wasn’t a distraction at all.  The more that I trusted myself  to really engage and communicate in intimate encounters, the more exciting it got.  It took a while, but this became particularly true about finding the freedom to share bits of the strange fantasy life that I had silenced for so long with my fears of being abnormal; it turned out to be rocket fuel for passionate intimacy.

If you are breaking a long term sexual silence, words might feel like too big a leap, so start small with allowing yourself  to make the sounds that are held in the erotic spaces. Moans, laughter, screams, and sighs are a hearty soundtrack that will expand the texture of lovemaking in surprising ways.  For one thing, it is through sound of any kind that we communicate our intimate intentions and experience. Even shared guttural noises diminishes our sense of isolation to our sexual selves and our partner. Getting over the inhibition of making noise and the imposed silence of our early days of making out in our parent’s den is a powerfully liberating step to get beyond the normal.

Wendy Strgar is the founder of GoodCleanLove – a website that sells organic and natural sexual intimacy products, and also a source of medical research for women and men’s sexual health. She is the author of “Love that Works: A Guide to Enduring Intimacy“.  Her blog  www.makinglovesustainable.com  was named as the best sex/relationship blog by Intent.com for 2011 and has been listed many times as one of the best 100 relationship blogs on the web.

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If you want the whole happy marriage thing, just keep these tips in mind.

Being that I’m a commitment-phobe in the worst possible way, I’m not sure if marriage is in the cards for me. I feel like the only way I’m ever going to be in a successful relationship, let alone a happy marriage, is if I don’t realize I’m in one. (No, but seriously.) If pukey couples who rub in their happiness like a scene from “The Sound of Music” make you feel like you didn’t get the memo either… well, you could be right.

Cornell gerontologist Karl Pillemer recently completed the largest in-depth interview study (like, ever) of people in successful, long-ass marriages. He surveyed over 700 individuals who have been collectively married for nearly 40,000 frickin years. (Yeah. I know.) Pillemer asked questions about how to find a compatible partner and for advice on love and relationships. In subsequent interviews with people who’ve been married for 30, 40, 50, or more years, he also gained insights on how to overcome murky waters.

The average age of interviewees was 77 years old, and included 58 percent women and 42 percent men. The average length of marriage was 44 years, with the longest married couple being married for 76 years! (Like, WOW.) Responses were then coded into frequently occurring pieces of advice and suggestions, resulting in a roundup of the most common lessons for a successful, happy marriage.

“Rather than focus on a small number of stories, my goal was to take advantage of the ‘wisdom of crowds,’ collecting the love and relationship advice of a large and varied cross-section of long-married elders in a scientifically reliable and valid way,” Pillemer said in a statement.

Here, the top five lessons on what makes a happy marriage:

1. Learn to communicate

How many of our past relationships have ended because of a communication breakdown? Probably most of them. If you want your marriage to last, participants told Pillemer you need to “talk, talk, talk” about your problems in order to solve them. One cutie patootie in his 80s told Pillemer you need to “keep yapping at one another.”

2. Get to know your partner very well before getting married

Despite the fact that the people Pillemer surveyed married crazy young, they actually advise against it. (In other words, no rose ceremony for you.) Don’t get married until you have oodles of shared experiences under your belt, participants suggest. Another key piece of advice that came up: Never get married expecting to change your partner.

3. Treat marriage like an unbreakable, forever bond

Many of us don’t take marriage as seriously as we should. I mean, the second we learn he hates our favorite cereal, it’s off to a divorce lawyer. “Rather than seeing marriage as a voluntary partnership that lasts only as long as the passion does, the elders propose a mindset in which it is a profound commitment to be respected, even if things go sour over the short term,” says Pillemer. “Many struggled through dry and unhappy periods and found ways to resolve them—giving them the reward of a fulfilling, intact marriage in later life.”

4. Learn to work as a team

Yes, you’re still an individual, and yes, people who fuse your names together make you want to vom, but it’s important to deal with every life decision as a couple. “Any difficulty, illness, or setback experienced by one member of the couple is the other partner’s responsibility,” says Pillemer.

5. Choose a partner who’s very similar to you

Opposites attract, but the only reason you should marry your opposite is if you’re a fan of banging your head against the wall. “Marriage is much easier with someone who shares your interests, background, and orientation,” says Pillemer. “The most critical need for similarity is in core values regarding potentially contentious issues like child-rearing, how money should be spent, and religion.”

What are your keys to a happy marriage?

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Fact: Happy couples would totally make us vom if they weren’t so adorable.

As much as we want to throw up at the sight of a happy couple—especially when they do all of those cutesy things in front of us (you know, like get along), they help us forget every cynical thought we’ve ever had about relationships. Come on, admit it: You cringe on the outside, but you’ve got the warm-and-fuzzies on the inside.

Here, 9 things the Tatums of the world always do that will help you and your sig-o join their ranks:

1. They take care of themselves as much as they take care of each other

The only way to have a healthy relationship with someone else is to have a healthy relationship with yourself. Happy couples maintain their individuality as much as they maintain their coupledom, but more than that don’t project their own shortcomings onto each other. They better themselves and in turn better the relationship.

2. They re-negotiate on the regs

People’s needs change over time, leading happy couples to constantly re-evaluate and re-negotiate to make sure they don’t grow apart during rough patches—but more than that, make sure that one half of the couple isn’t making more sacrifices than the other.

3. They love each other “as is”

They love each other for who they are in the moment, not for who they “could be” in the future—or worse, what they want the other to be instead.

4. They call the shots in their relationship

Fights happen, conflict happens, and outsiders will (whether intentionally or not) get in the way of your relationship. Happy couples keep the most intimate parts of their relationship between the two of them—when drama strikes, they don’t get drunk and blab their problems to anyone who’ll listen or post abstract Facebook statuses about their feels. They hold a united front and face their problems head on. Together.

5. They don’t disrespect each other’s interests

You don’t mock his UFC obsession and he returns the favor when “The Bachelor” is on.

6. They go to bed at the same time

Not only does doing so promote intimacy, happy couples know the importance of keeping their bodies and minds in the same time zone.

7. They break routines

Yes, they’ve got their routine down to a science, but they also take the time to be unpredictable—whether it be surprising each other with concert tickets or introducing each other to new activities.

8. They put their phones away

Happy couples have real conversations that don’t involve emoticons and abbreviations. When they spend time together, they focus 100 percent of their attention on the other person.

9. They maintain intimacy

They know the whole obsessed-with-each-other honeymoon phase doesn’t last, but they also know that when it fades, it doesn’t mean the relationship is doomed. Happy couples maintain the small things: Hand holding, going out on dates, even reading together to keep the bond strong.

How do you and your sig-o keep your relationship thriving?

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Awkward questions to avoid when chatting up your new beau—you know, so he doesn’t turn into an old beau.

Dating is already a nerve-wracking experience, so why throw awkward questions into the mix that make him feel like you’ve just stuck his penis on a chopping block? There are some questions that have been part of the female vernacular for so long, we don’t realize they put the guy we’re dating in a legit lose/lose situation.

Some awkward questions may become appropriate after you’ve dated for a while, while others… well, not so much. Here are 7 you should totally avoid:

1. “Why did you break up?”

The last thing either one of you wants is to bring old baggage into a new relationship, and there’s no way the answer to this question will bode well for the two of you—especially if they broke up because of something he did. All that matters is that he’s now with you, and your relationship is the only one you should be focusing on.

2. “Do you think I look fat?”

What this question means is you think you look fat. You’re not looking for feedback here—you’re looking for him to put the kibosh on your insecurities (which is totally unnecessary because you’re fabulous as-is).

3. “Where do you think this is going?”

When you’ve only been on a few dates, what’s there to figure out so soon? The only way this question would ever be okay is if you’re worried about how an upcoming life change (such as a potential move) is going to impact your dynamic—especially if it’s clear to both of you there’s serious potential.

4. “Notice anything different?”

If he doesn’t bring up how amazing your two new highlights look on his own, the answer is no.

5. “Who was that?”

If you’re a totally open book when you get a text or IM, that doesn’t mean he’s going to be. It also doesn’t mean he’s being devious or hiding things from you if he doesn’t spill the details every time someone contacts him.

6. “What’s wrong? Really? Are you sure? What’s really wrong?”

If something seems a little off, asking him what’s wrong is totally fine, but only once. If he wants to talk about it, he will. If he doesn’t, he won’t. But the more you try to pry it out of him, the more he’ll pull away.

7. “Do you think she’s hot?”

If he says yes, you’ll want to run him over. Twice. If he says no, you’ll assume he’s a liar, then you’ll spend the rest of the night panicking about all of the other things he’s “hiding” from you. Don’t set yourself up for the shortest relationship in history.

Are there awkward questions you’d add to this list?

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Here’s how to decide if getting back together is the right thing to do… or you know, not.

Forgiving your guy for doing something stupid (or ahem, someone) is a tricky beast. If you do forgive him, you feel like a Stepford wife. If you don’t forgive him, you feel like a “Kill Bill” installment. You have to make a choice between what feels like a worse decision, and an even worse decision.

How do you know whether to forgive him or forget him? Here are 6 factors to consider as you make your decision:

1. He fessed up

If you didn’t hear about his mistakes from someone else, this is a very good sign. Guys almost always attempt to keep things like this a secret, so if he’s upset enough to spill, it shows he respects your feelings and values your relationship enough to set the record straight.

2. Your relationship

Look at your relationship as a whole: Are you happy more than you’re unhappy? Are his screw-ups few and far between? Is he genuinely sorry, or just trying to alleviate his own guilt? (You’ll be able to tell the difference, trust.) If you’ve answered yes across the board, then the option of getting back together may be a serious contender.

3. Why it happened

The context of why the faux pas happened is just as important as the happening thing. How was your relationship at the time? What were you two going through? Even though your bond hitting a rough patch is no excuse for him hurting you, most of us do stupid things when we’re feeling low. Re-establishing your expectations of each other can go a long way in clarifying things between the two of you—even if you decide getting back together isn’t on tap.

4. The aftermath

Your forgiveness and trust is a luxury he has to earn. Pay close attention to how he behaves after his screw-up. If he’s putting in extra effort to prove your importance to him, then it shows he’s genuinely sorry (especially since guys tend to suck with the whole words thing).

5. The shoe on the other foot

At some point down the road, you’re going to mess up too. (It’s hard to believe, I know.) Put yourself in his position: If you acted how he did, would you expect him to work things out? If your answer is yes, then there’s a good chance there’s something left worth salvaging.

6. Your future

Forgiveness doesn’t make you weak, and getting back together doesn’t make you a doormat. That being said, there’s a big difference between saying you forgive someone and actually doing it. If you can honestly let go (or at least accept) what he’s done and not judge future him on past him, then a second chance may be in the cards. If you’re on the fence, don’t even think about getting back together until you decide which side you fall on.

What are your ultimate dealbreakers for getting back together?

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Has his cell become the other woman in your relationship? Here’s how to combat his smartphone addiction.

Here’s a stat that’s (not the least bit) shocking: According to a recent study published in the journal Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 70 percent of married/cohabiting women said that smartphones were interfering in their relationships.

Researchers found the majority of women had their conversations, meals or alone time interrupted by their sig-o screwing around on a device – which made them more likely to be less satisfied with their relationships and lives overall (obvi). I mean, when he ditches an important conversation you’re having because an “important” text came in, you can’t help but tear your hair out.

If you want to find harmony between your real life and digital one but his smartphone addiction is still going strong, here are 5 ways to work through it:

1. Get his attention

Instead of doing what you really want to do, which is shove his smartphone… well, you know, text him while he’s zoned out to bring him back into the present moment. A flirty text or a picture of you looking like a hot tamale to let him know what he’s missing keeps things playful, but also lets him know he’s being a total ass without actually saying it.

2. Set emergency ringtones

Depending on his job, it might be necessary for him to carry his phone with him in an emergency. Waiting on confirmation that a deal’s closed is understandable – playing Angry Birds while you wait for your appetizers is not. Talk to him about setting an emergency ring tone for his boss, or setting up alerts on specific emails so he’s only alerted to what’s important – you know, so you can enjoy your bread basket in peace.

3. Don’t follow each other on social media

His smartphone addiction is inevitably going to make you feel like he’s distant and distracted (because he is), and will encourage you to jump to the worst-case scenario. One of the most tempting – and least fulfilling – ways to fill the void is to check his social media accounts to see what he’s been up to. Insecurity breeds insecurity, and it’s not worth going down that rabbit hole. Trust.

Also, he might find it easier to check in on you through your accounts, instead of actually using his smartphone for you know, being smart and phoning you. Keep the mystery in your relationship alive by nixing cyber-drama before it starts.

4. Make your bedroom a phone-free zone

No smartphones in your bedroom. Ever. Introduce him to the wide world of alarm clocks.

5. Draw the line

We all have bad habits we’re trying to break, and we all know that successfully doing so isn’t the easiest thing in the world. It’s important to be patient and supportive as he kicks his smartphone addiction – without losing yourself in the process.

If it seems like he’s not trying very hard and you find yourself unable to finish a sentence without getting interrupted by beeping, buzzing or scrolling, it’s okay to cut your night short and make plans another time. Bad habits can be a black cavernous hole of doom, and falling off the wagon is par for the course – but you don’t have to get run over by it.

Does your guy have a smartphone addiction?

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There’s nothing quite like winter sex. You know, if you play your thermostats right.

It’s hard to say why our sex drive plummets in the winter… oh, who am I kidding? The reasons are a plenty: It’s freezing and taking your clothes off equals more freezing, not to mention the 45 minutes it takes to strip off all your layers. Then there’s the shaving dilemma: You don’t want to shave because the extra layer of insulation really comes in handy, but the second you don’t your beau’s not going to bust out his “let’s get it on” face, leaving you to feel about as attractive as Chewbacca. And that’s just the tip of the libidoless iceberg.

As the temperature drops, here are 6 ways to make sure your sex drive doesn’t drop with it:

1. Get your flirt on

Love isn’t all about sex, so it’s important to flex your flirt muscles every once in a while. Recreate the flirty feeling that connected you two in the first place: Head to your fave bar and kick his ass at pool, relive your first date, have an indoor picnic and pretend it’s not 50 below outside. And should all the flirting lead to increased nookie, well…

2. Give your bedroom a makeover

It doesn’t have to be an extreme makeover (well, unless the result is Ty Pennington coming over), just a teensy facelift to turn your bedroom into a romantic haven for the two of you. After all, us ladies thrive on the warm and fuzzies.

3. Flannel sheets

My winter sex theory is: If you want me to strip off my nice warm clothes, then you need to offer me an equally warm location for all that shivering nakedness. Owning several sets of flannel sheets should basically become a winter sex law.

4. Take a bath together

Same idea as above: Make sure you have a hot and steamy place to get hot and steamy.

5. Bring sexy back

Even though your winter style staples include slouchy sweaters and Flashdance-inspired leg warmers, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear something scandalous underneath. (It’s what’s on the inside that counts, HA.)

6. Layer strategically

Winter layers limit easy access, but if you layer strategically, this doesn’t have to be the case. It’s the best of both worlds: A hot, steamy quicky where you don’t have to get entirely undressed, and a hot, steamy body temperature so he’s not stuck doing an icicle.

How do you keep winter sex from getting all… well, wintery?

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You’ve read up on plenty of flirting tips, but nothing’s working – what gives?

There are two types of women in the world: Those who can take a set of flirting tips and rock them, and those who… well, the opposite. If you’re on team flirt-ically challenged, welcome to the club. I’m seriously thinking about getting some t-shirts made. All is not lost though, my grasshoppers.

From my vast knowledge of flirting fails, here are 8 flirting tips you must carry with you at all times:

1. Don’t try to act casual if you’re not a casual person

If you’re not a laid back woman whose personality constitutes being followed around with a wind machine, then don’t try to act this way to impress a guy. You want him to be interested in you for exactly who you are – which isn’t as terrifying as it sounds, I promise!

2. Don’t laugh at everything he says

You know, unless you’re hitting on Jimmy Fallon (but since he’s married, don’t). Laugh when you think something’s legitimately funny, not when you think you should be laughing. Also, there are those of us who are shy and automatically giggle after every sentence naturally – don’t try to shut this part of yourself off. I’ve tried and it makes me come off like a cardboard cutout. Although it doesn’t feel like it, your adorkable qualities are part of your charm.

3. Don’t worry about how you look

I don’t live by many flirting tips, but my primary strategy is not obsessing over how I look and focusing more on how I feel. Put effort into your appearance on your way out the door, but for the rest of the night breath out and avoid mirrors at all costs. Work on your flirting skills from the inside out.

4. Don’t hover around him like a vulture

Trying to make eye contact is a good thing. Staring isn’t. Making sure you’re in his general vicinity is a good thing. Stalking isn’t. Don’t come on too strong – otherwise, he’ll look into his commitment-phobic crystal ball and assume a suffocating relationship is in his future if he takes one step closer.

5. Don’t whip your hair back and forth

I’ve tried so many flirting tips over the years, it’s either ambitious or sad. One tip I’ve seen floating around a lot has to do with actions like flipping your hair and playing with your necklace – done right, it’s a move that can come off seductive. However, if you’re not naturally this way, you’re going to come off nervous and twitchy. Proceed with caution.

6. Don’t look at your phone

Thanks to technology, the first thing we do during an awkward silence is check our cell phone for the no messages we’ve received since checking it five seconds ago. Even though it’s simply a nervous habit, he might take it to mean you’re bored with the conversation. If you can make it through an entire year before the next “Orange Is the New Black” binge-fest, you can make it through an awkward throat-clearing or two.

7. Don’t chicken out

This is one of those obvious flirting tips, but don’t lose your nerve. Making yourself look like an ass in front of a cute guy is so much better than wondering, “What if?” You’ll score major brownie points right off the bat that will make up for any nervousness.

8. Don’t text him two seconds after meeting him

If you’ve scored his digits, don’t send him a “casual” so-great-meeting-you text just as he’s out of your sight – otherwise, you’ll never see him again and all of your hard work (and perhaps hyperventilating) will have been for nothing.

What flirting tips have worked best for you?

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How to ask awkward relationship questions – you know, without terrifying him.

The stage between “dating” and “exclusive” is the most interesting of any relationship – but it’s also the most intimidating. On the one hand, you know each other well enough to feel comfortable, but not too comfortable (you still sneak away to brush your teeth and race back to bed like you woke up that way).

On the other hand, it’s make-or-break time: Is there a deal breaker looming under the surface of your beau’s personality you’ve yet to uncover? Below are 5 icky-but-necessary chats you should have as you transition from “maybe” to “official,” and how to handle your relationship questions without being a total buzzkill:

1. The money talk
Money’s one of the top points of contention between couples, so it’s an area that should be discussed thoroughly. It’s not just about where he stands financially now, but where he hopes to stand in the future (and whether his words match his everyday spending habits). Once you decide to commit, this chat should happen around the same time.

“It’s important to get an idea about their thoughts and views on finances,” says relationship expert Kimberly Moffit. “Is saving money important to them, or are they okay with living paycheque to paycheque?” Most importantly, do his values mesh well with your own? Don’t ignore a sketchy history or irresponsible spending – as a couple, this history will become yours too.

2. The family talk
Some couples take meeting each other’s families too lightly. Err on the side of caution, especially if you’re thinking about bringing your sig-o to a family event. Not only do fams get attached, but if you haven’t talked enough about your families beforehand, a bad first impression is likely to ensue. (For example, bringing a bottle of wine to his dad’s house – who’s a recovering alcoholic.)

“When a guy wants to be serious about the relationship, he’ll automatically introduce you to his parents and friends,” says relationship expert April Masini. “Let him take the lead on this one – for every friend he introduces you to, return the favor – and don’t introduce him to your parents until he’s introduced you to his.”

3. The relationship history talk
At some point, you’ll want to know what each other’s pasts involved – otherwise, you could trigger a bad turn in your relationship without even knowing it. For example, if all of his relationships ended because he felt smothered, and you innocently make him feel that way again, get ready to repair a boyfriend-shaped hole in your door.

“Don’t give him details about past relationships if they’re not solicited,” says Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., author of “Better Than Perfect: 7 Strategies to Crush Your Inner Critic and Create a Life You Love.” Instead of getting specific, ask general relationship questions or share mistakes you’ve made and what you’ve learned from them. It’ll help you both open up about what you do (and more importantly, don’t) want reruns of in your love life.

4. The gifting talk
Special occasions are the ultimate test to find out if you’re on the same page. If you don’t have this talk, there’s a good chance you’re going to get him a designer watch and he’s going to get you a t-shirt (in a color you never wear). Don’t assume you’re on the same page – otherwise, one of you will definitely end up disappointed. “Establish whether or not you’ll be making plans to spend the holiday together so no one’s left in the cold,” says Justin McLeod, Founder and CEO of Hinge.

Keep gifting casual by making a game of it: Set a spending limit, choose a gift theme based on each other’s interests and see what the other comes up with. Be thoughtful, but not creepy. The longer you’re together, gradually amp things up in the sentimental department.

5. The exclusivity talk
The “seal the deal” talk is the grand poobah of awkward relationship questions. Done well, this talk helps clear the air on where you both stand with your relationship (or lack thereof). Done incorrectly, many a woman have been prematurely labelled a bunny boiler. “It often comes off as a threat, not a channel that opens communication,” says Masini. “If he wants monogamy, you’ll know because he’ll act like he wants monogamy.”

On average, this question pops up in the first three to six months of dating. The longer it goes, the less clear the expectations are and the more likely one of you will end up hurt. “If the uncommitted dating goes on any longer than this, you can bet your partner doesn’t plan to talk about it anytime soon,” says Moffit.

How do you handle awkward relationship questions with your guy?

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Image: Timothy Marsee

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