| Indulge his inner Superman | | | | the happiest couples dwell much more on what's right |
| Every man secretly longs to play super-hero and save | | | | in their little world than what's wrong. Research has |
| the day. That's why one of the best ways to get him | | | | found that the strongest couples actually make five |
| talking is to ask for his help in solving a problem, | | | | times as many positive statements to and about each |
| whether it's a work snafu or a friendship crisis. Even if | | | | other and their relationship as negative ones. No need |
| you're not looking for a solution, make him feel | | | | to keep a tally; just remember to keep the complaints |
| important. | | | | to a minimum on a daily basis. And make a habit of |
| Dream big together | | | | hitting happy notes. |
| It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day minutiae of | | | | Feel-good moves |
| life and forget to talk about big things like your | | | | Why get hands-on with your man? Touching causes a |
| innermost dreams. (Remember those?) But, it's | | | | physiological reaction - it gets oxytocin, the hormone |
| super-bonding to talk and think about the future you're | | | | that creates feelings of connection, flowing. |
| building together. Dreams are like big plans. Sharing | | | | Hitch a piggyback ride |
| them is a way of saying, "I am happy and want you | | | | No instructions needed - just sneak up from behind |
| right there with me in every step of the way." | | | | him, throw your arms around his neck and hop on. |
| Really listen | | | | Snuggling tight and nuzzling the back of his neck seals |
| Hey, it's only normal to zone out after, 'How was your | | | | the deal. |
| day?' But focus and you'll catch a tidbit that opens into | | | | Overlap your morning shower |
| a convo. One easy trick that will help you stay totally | | | | Agreed: Sharing a shower is not sexy. But tag-teaming |
| tuned in at that critical moment - repeat your partner's | | | | it - meaning you don't get out until your guy gets in - is |
| answer as a question. "Your meeting has been | | | | far sexier than you'd think. Share a quick kiss before |
| postponed again?" Saying his words aloud forces you | | | | hopping out or invent your own special 'tag'. Not in a big |
| to register their meaning, and practically guarantees he'll | | | | rush? Even better: Lounge around until your husband is |
| elaborate. | | | | out of his shower, then open your towel and warm |
| Chat him up in the car | | | | him up. |
| Ever notice how your most surprising conversations | | | | Flirt shamelessly... with your own man |
| happen on the interstate? It's no accident - guys are | | | | The next time you two are at a crowded party |
| most likely to free-associate when they're partly | | | | together, or even lazing around one crazy Saturday |
| occupied (even if it's just killing time until they get into | | | | afternoon, accidentally brush against him. |
| the range of a good radio station). There's a reason: | | | | Get warm and cozy the old-fashioned way |
| Men are more likely to open up when they don't have | | | | So the air-conditioning made it a little chilly inside that |
| to make eye contact, confirm studies. In the male | | | | restaurant or movie theater? Instead of wrapping |
| world, eye contact is confrontational. Looking straight | | | | yourself up and getting out of there, tell him "you're a |
| ahead makes him feel more comfortable. | | | | bit cold, smother your face against his chest, and let his |
| Drop a juicy tidbit | | | | body heat get you warm. |
| Here's a get-closer move you really wouldn't expect: | | | | Make TV time together a turn-on... |
| Share a hot piece of gossip with him before you tell | | | | ...by idly tending to a few unexpected erogenous |
| any of your girlfriends. While most men pretend not to | | | | zones on your guy's body. First, lightly trace delicate |
| care about other people's private lives, a recent study | | | | circles on each of his wrists. Next, let your touch |
| from the Society for Personality and Social | | | | wander to the tippity-top of each of his fingers. |
| Psychology found that guys actually eat gossip up | | | | Date-night makeovers |
| more than women do. | | | | Date nights are great - until they start to get a little too |
| Play "What if..." | | | | routine. Solution: Break out of the Saturday-night-at-8 |
| Want to know him on a whole new level? Run a | | | | box. Trying anything new wakes up the brain, say |
| personality-revealing question by him. A few of our | | | | researchers, "It releases dopamine, which gets you |
| favourites: If you could go anywhere in the world on | | | | both excited." |
| vacation, where would you choose? or If you had to | | | | Plan a top-secret, super-confidential date |
| eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would | | | | One of you is always picking the movie or calling to |
| it be? Who knows, you may even pick up an insider | | | | make the dinner reservations. So bust out of the rut: |
| gift tip or fresh date-night idea. | | | | Every Friday or Saturday for the next month or two, |
| Bring up five happy things for every problem | | | | trade off surprising each other with hush-hush romantic |
| Sure, it's important to get problems out in the open. But | | | | outings. |