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How to Buy a Gift for a Nature Loving Woman

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You’re already ahead of the gift-giving game, because you’ve figured out that your favorite lady is into the outdoors. Only problem? The closest you like to get to nature is watching it pass beneath you as you fly from one big city to another. While you want to give your outdoor-loving aunt/mom/daughter/friend a gift that they will love and actually use, you really have no idea where to start. Don’t worry, you won’t have to venture into the woods, just check out this guide to buying the perfect present for the outdoorsy woman in your life.

Choose Quality Products

The first thing to keep in mind is that while people who love nature may strike you as laid back or minimalist, when it comes to outdoor gear they definitely value quality. And it makes sense; many outdoor products are a matter of safety. If you’re headed into the backcountry at night, you would need to carry a reliable flashlight (or GPS, sleeping bag, etc.). The website of an outdoor retailer is a great place to research products because they sell pretty much everything an outdoorswoman might need; and at this time of year you can typically find holiday deals. You can read reviews and feedback about products from outdoorswomen who’ve made a similar purchase, so you can be sure you’re choosing a quality item.

Gift Ideas

Of course, when someone is really into a hobby, you run the risk of buying them something that they already have or don’t need. Trust us, every outdoorsperson already has a plethora of cool water bottles, so even if you find the “perfect” Nalgene, odds are it’s just going to get shoved in a cabinet and forgotten. Look for something that they may already have, but will need to replace, or something they would never buy for themselves. Here are few ideas for the outdoor woman in your life:

  1. Socks –Socks may strike you as a boring gift, but anyone who spends time outdoors knows the value in a good pair of socks. Outdoor activity can be hard on the feet, and technical socks can save you from blisters, soggy feet and cold toes. Smartwool makes a great quality socks from temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking wool, and feature extra padding in areas where the foot strikes the ground.
  2. Go-Pro –For the outdoor adventurer, a GoPro Action-Camera will be a huge hit, and are likely something your outdoor gal won’t splurge on for herself. These tiny, powerful cameras can go anywhere and record high-quality video (including time-lapse and looping video), allowing her to relive those adventures over and over.
  3. National Park Pass –Something every outdoorswoman will love and use over and over throughout the year is an annual pass to the over 2,000 federal recreation sites including national parks, national wildlife refuges and national forests and grasslands. Each pass covers one vehicle or up to four adults.
  4. Local Guides –When you’re outdoorsy, you can never learn enough about the natural environment, especially your local area. Give your outdoor lover about flora and fauna found in their area — they’ll love spotting something new the next time they venture out into the great outdoors.

Men – How to Handle Common Sexual Problems

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We all know how integral sex is to a healthy relationship, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Sexual activity is partly a primal, physical response designed to fulfill our body’s needs, but it also carries some significant psychological weight. As such, an otherwise healthy sex life can be easily affected by other factors, including medication, anxiety, depression and other health issues.

You don’t have to resign yourself to a life of struggle between the sheets, however. Here are three common sexual problems and the steps you can take to solve them.

Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation affects 40 percent of the male population at some point during their lives. Sometimes, there is a medical explanation (such as Diabetes or prostate gland issues), but more often than not, it comes down to anxiety about sexual performance rather than a physical problem.

Obviously the definition of “premature” varies between couples, but it usually refers to an increased sensitivity leading a man to orgasm sooner than he would like. Typically, this happens after a few minutes of penetration or before penetration occurs.

While there are numbing creams and special condoms you can use to delay ejaculation, there is little evidence to suggest that these are effective long-term solutions. Instead, visit your doctor and ask for advice on the problem. Your doctor may recommend a prescription of SSRI drugs (usually prescribed to treat depression), as these are known to help delay sexual completion. If your doctor suspects the problem is psychological, he or she may recommend counseling or anti-anxiety medications.

Erectile Dysfunction

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, erectile dysfunction (also known as impotence) affects 30 million men in America every year. It’s a common problem, but knowing how many others suffer from this condition doesn’t make it any less destructive to your sex life.

Dealing with ED can severely impact your sex life, whether you’re the one dealing with the issue, or you’re on the receiving end. Despite that it occurs over the world, it can still be crushing to a man’s confidence, which sadly only exacerbates the problem.

Instead of resorting to the many pharmaceutical remedies available, consider a safer alternative. Bathmate has created a collection of hydro pumps that safely and comfortably erect the penis using warm water. By using a penis pump, you will avoid the unwanted side effects of taking medication.

Loss of Libido

Loss of sexual appetite is frequently talked about among women, and pregnancy, childrearing, menstruation, and menopause can all play a part. However, contrary to popular belief, loss of libido also occurs in men.

Performance anxiety, erectile dysfunction, and nerves about premature ejaculation are directly linked to loss of libido, so if you think one of those issues could be the cause of your flagging sex-drive, it’s important to address the central issue before considering other options.

Physical exercise, engaging your imagination and responding to your fantasies, and talking openly with your partner can all help to raise your libido, but it’s often not a simple fix. If your disinterest in sex is causing problems in your relationship, it’s advisable to consult a sex and relationship counselor to help you get back on track.

Why You Should Be Putting Your Sexual Health First

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Sex and celebrating your sexuality are important parts of what makes us human. Having sexual intimacy, love and being affectionate are essential for promoting healthy relationships. As with any aspect of our daily lives, human sexuality can also be affected by illnesses and infections, conflicting emotions and, in some cases, have consequences that can be damaging to your overall sexual health and wellbeing. That’s why it’s so important to promote open discussion and be prepared to tackle any issues you have head on, to keep you happy and healthy between the sheets.

Just as you go to see the doctor or dentist when something isn’t quite right, you should make sure to prioritize your sexual health check-ups too. It can’t always be easy taking time to check your sexual health, and it’s not something that can be easily dropped into conversation. That said, with STDs on the rise across the US, and statistics seemingly higher than ever, now is the time to put your sexual health first. Far from being a purely teenage problem, infections and diseases can be caught by all ages – providing you are still sexually active. Problems don’t arise from intercourse alone since oral and anal sex, if not practiced carefully and safely, also pose risks too

Have you recently started a new relationship? Or if you’ve had various partners during the past few months, then you definitely should book in for a sexual health screening. STDs don’t always have obvious symptoms, so it’s worth getting yourself tested if something isn’t quite right. Remember your sexual health deserves just as much attention. So what are you waiting for? Read on to find out why you should be putting your sexual health first.

Keeping it Safe

First and foremost, let’s talk about safe sex. Sure, your parents will have told you about the importance of condoms and keeping protected, but safe sex isn’t always sexy. Before visiting a clinic or getting yourself tested, why not check that you are being safe. Even if you are in a long-term relationship, protection still matters. Check that you take your birth control at a set time each day and stock up on the condoms. Remember that condoms, or barrier protection, so called as it creates a barrier between the skins, are the best means of protecting yourself from getting an STD, or from passing it on to someone else.

How to Get Tested

Ready to get tested? There are a range of options available to suit you, from home testing to visiting a sexual health clinic. If you decide to visit a clinic, rest assured that the staff will make you feel relaxed and at ease – no problem or issue is too difficult to treat – so there’s no need to be embarrassed or feel like you are being judged. Be prepared to provide a sample too – you may have to give a small blood sample, pee in a cup or have a smear or swab. Your health practitioner will ask you several questions to help get a better diagnosis, so remember to be honest. Don’t gloss over the number of partners you’ve had recently or feel shy about saying when you last had sex. These are all normal, and part of what you can expect. Going with your partner? It’s great to have some moral support, not to mention the added benefit of you both getting tested.

Have you done your homework? Do you know the difference between what is an STI or an STD. Did you know that STI stands for sexually transmitted infection, whereas the term STD is refers to a sexually transmitted disease? Many STIs don’t come with symptoms, and are often easier to treat than STDs. However, that said, neither are pleasant if you leave them untreated. So, if you’ve noticed a rash, bumps, unpleasant odor or unusual discharge then don’t delay – make yourself an appointment as soon as possible.

There are clinics all across the US, so why not check in where your nearest is? Safer STD Testing provides help and sti testing info, making it even easier for you to get yourself checked out. Don’t be another sorry statistic, and make sure to take time for your sexual health.

Don’t Worry!

You’ve had your test and it’s time for those all-important results. It’s not what you were expecting; bad news, you do have a STD. Fear not, the world won’t end. Now you’ve been properly diagnosed, you are well on the way for getting the correct course of treatment to have you back to full sexual health in no time at all. Different diseases require different medication; chlamydia and gonorrhea will require a course of antibiotics, whereas genital warts can be left to disappear over time.

If you’ve been diagnosed with an STD, chances are your partner will also be infected. Be adult about this, and make sure you are dealing with it together. The fact you have an intimate issue is nothing to be ashamed of, nor does it necessarily mean that infidelity is at play. Tell your partner how you feel up to and during treatment, and consider alternate ways, rather than just sex, to get intimate. Why not go for a different type of date, enjoy dinner out with friends, or use massage to enjoy quality time with your loved one? Be patient. You’re back on your way to reaching full health, and you’ll soon be connecting just as you used to – except, this time, with the appropriate protection.

Be patient and follow your doctor’s diagnosis. STDs can be stubborn and they are highly likely to reoccur if not properly treated. If you do have to go through a dry spell with your partner, make sure to keep communication open and frank. Honesty is truly the best policy when it comes to sexual health.

How Technology is Changing Modern Romance

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When it comes to finding romance, nearly 4% of Americans claim to have found their partners through online dating websites and social media. Digital technology has transformed many aspects of society including how we meet others and communicate with peers. However, with the increase of unlimited online dating apps, modern technology has changed the way Millennials actually show their affection towards each other.

Researchers believe that the “Paradox of Choice” suggests that having more options will make people unhappy with the choices of relationships they make. In fact, having more options allows people to jump in and out of relationships and straight towards new ones. So, does technology really help us find love, or does simply ruin the benefits of dating? Here’s how technology is changing romance.

Technology Sends the Wrong Message

For most online daters, many have admitted to using Photoshop to enhance their photos. While you might have the intentions to simply enhance the image, it can also display the wrong intentions. When you decide to post photos of yourself at the age of 18 and now 45 and trying to find a partner, these photos may be construed as misleading and untrustworthy.

Searching For Perfection on Social Media

Social media has been found to accelerate relationships for better and for worst. In fact, millennials have become so impatient with dating that we’ve begun to judge potential partners just by a quick glance at their details and photos online. On the bright side, couples are able to determine their partner’s attitude and personality simply based on their social media pages.

Infidelity is Easier to Achieve

According to studies conducted by the University of Montreal, the findings claim that nearly 41% of participants in the study had admitted to cheating on their partner, while 68% of participants had recently considered infidelity. While we cannot focus the blame on dating apps, research also tells us that over 42% of Tinder users are already in a relationship or married.

Redefining Modern Romance

In the digital age, technology isn’t necessarily killing courtship, but rather redefining what romance looks like. More couples would rather text instead of speak, FaceTime instead of meeting face-to-face, and even scan through online dating profiles as they would when reading a menu.

As we age, it is becoming a struggle to meet new people that we often resort to using what’s more convenient for us. However, the most we search for love online without any motivation to socialize in person, the more disconnected we can become.

Online Dating Profiles: Am I Sending the Wrong Message?

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If you’re ready to start dating and you’ve joined a dating site, you have mere seconds to attract a potential suitor before he or she moves on. Bad first impressions are often difficult to get over, which is why it’s important to have a positive impact on your visitors when they reach your profile. In this article, we’re going to explore six mistakes people make when they create an online profile.

Photo by Thechive.com

1. Cutting out People or having a Group Shot

When you have a picture of you in a group photo and you’ve cut out the people next you, someone looking at your dating profile might begin making assumptions, trying to figure out what those people mean to you. And even if you don’t cut out anyone, a group photo is bad because you want to be the center of attention. There’s a high chance that the person looking at such a profile will lose interest and move on. While selfies are okay, a full body shot of you alone will be better.

2. Using Photoshop Images

Enhancing your photo might seem like a wise thing to do, but someone looking at that image will automatically rule you out because even though you look good, you also appear untrustworthy. A clear shot of your face without any enhancement is all you need. Besides, what if you attract someone and they fail to recognize you or think they’ve been conned when they meet the real you without your enhanced images?

3. Not Smiling in your Photos

A study was done that showed that a man is more likely to be attracted to a photo of a smiling woman. And it’s not a surprise because smiling makes you appear more approachable. So leave the seductive look out of your photos and just smile.

4. Failing to Advertise your Personal Style

You should be dressing to impress for your online dating profiles. And if you’re not a jeans and t-shirts kind of girl, your profile should express that. Your profile pictures should also reflect your style in every aspect of your day to day life. Remember that you have only one chance of making a good first impression so make sure your profile photos help you to do that.

5. Having few Pictures

Statistics indicate that when you upload four or more pictures in your dating profile, you’ll receive more communication from your matches. It’s also interesting to note that women tend to upload more photos compared to men. But men initiate the first contact 67 percent of the time and having more photos in your profile will make you stand a better chance of finding someone special.

6. Photos of your Younger Self

When you post photos of yourself at 21 and you’re 50 and trying to find a soul mate, such photos are pointless and may even be construed as misleading. While we all look better when we were younger, your profile photos should express the real you, even if slightly older but wiser.

Dating profile pictures should be carefully considered as they can influence the entire online dating experience. And even if people tend to exaggerate a bit on their online dating profiles, such people will only end up disappointed when they go out on a first date and the other person seems less than impressed by what they see, so make sure that you stay true to yourself and pick the best pictures of yourself, without being deceptive.