Relationships
Compromise in marriage: when agreement means giving up part of yourself
When does compromise support a relationship, and when does it hide unspoken needs? Petra explores agreement, boundaries and intimacy in marriage.
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Readers' anonymous questions about subjects that are not always easy to say out loud — and Petra's open, honest and expert answers.
I love my wife, and our sex life was great before we had a child. Since she gave birth, I can no longer see her sexually. I still find her beautiful, but in my mind she is now, above all, the mother of our child. Yet my libido has not disappeared. I am attracted to other women and have cheated on her several times, which makes me feel awful. I do not want to lead a double life or lose my marriage, but it feels as though I cannot bring together, in the same person, the mother of my child and the woman I desire sexually. Why has this happened to me, and can I change it?
I had an affair. With another woman, I feel desire and excitement again — feelings I have not felt in my marriage for a long time. Does that mean my marriage is over?
I want an open relationship, but my partner does not. Can I persuade her?
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Relationships
How to save your marriage: what it means when you both want to try
What does trying to save a marriage involve? A look at mutual willingness, honest conversation and changes that go beyond promises.
Read the articleRelationships
Compromise in marriage: when agreement means giving up part of yourself
When does compromise support a relationship, and when does it hide unspoken needs? Petra explores agreement, boundaries and intimacy in marriage.
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Intimacy and sex
Men, intimacy does not happen by itself
When responsibilities and tiredness take over the day, intimacy should not become another item on the list. Petra writes about attention, initiative and making room for connection without pressure on the outcome.
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Relationships
A healthy relationship starts with a phone-free conversation
A relationship rarely turns into life with a flatmate overnight. Sometimes one small thing is missing: ten phone-free minutes in which partners truly see and hear one another again.
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Intimacy and sex
Men, experience is not measured by the number of partners
The number of partners is not proof of sexual experience. Experience grows through attention, conversation, listening and a willingness to learn what works with the person in front of you.
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Intimacy and sex
What if you have never had an orgasm?
If orgasm has never happened, it does not mean something is wrong with you. The first step is not more pressure, but getting to know your body, your pleasure and what feels right for you.
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Self-confidence
What if you no longer feel desirable?
Feeling desirable is not determined only by a mirror or another person's gaze. Sometimes it helps to ask whether you miss your connection with yourself, your partner's attention or room to feel like yourself again.
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Relationships
How to reconnect with your partner: seven unusual ideas for greater closeness
Connection does not begin with a magic formula. These seven slightly unusual suggestions may help you awaken curiosity, touch and closeness in your relationship again.
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Relationships
When your intimate life becomes predictable: bringing in something new
Routine is not the enemy of a relationship, but intimacy can become predictable. A few small changes agreed together can create more room for curiosity and play.
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Relationships
Why doesn't your partner initiate intimacy?
When one person always takes the initiative, it is easy to assume the problem is desire. Sometimes it is worth looking at routine, expectations and how partners invite each other into closeness.
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