You're Too Buddy-Buddy With His Buds
A recent study of more than 3,000 people published in the American Journal of Sociology suggests that when a woman cozies up with her partner’s pals, it can make a man jealous and actually lead to erectile dysfunction — especially in older men. These men "are more likely to have trouble getting or maintaining an erection and are also more likely to experience difficulty achieving orgasm during sex," study authors Benjamin Cornwell, a professor of sociology at Cornell University, and Edward Laumann, a professor of sociology at the University of Chicago, explained in a press release.
What’s up with that? “Your guy probably wants to feel that he’s got the goods (you) and his friends don’t have the same access to them as he does,” says Gilda Carle, PhD, a psychologist and author based in New York.
You're Hotter Than He Is
“Men like to feel lucky, but they don't want to feel insecure,” explains April Masini, a dating and relationship columnist and author of Date Out of Your League. In fact, researchers from the University of Valencia studied the levels of cortisol (the “stress hormone”) in men when they were in the presence of a beautiful woman, and their stress levels tended to skyrocket. Since stress is one of the main triggers of erectile dysfunction in men, it’s no surprise the researchers found a link in the bedroom.
But he shouldn’t hate you because you’re beautiful, right? “If you're an attractive woman and you're attracted to a man whose beauty is not skin-deep, make sure he knows how hot you think he is,” suggests Masini.
You Went Overboard on the Eau de Cologne
In truth, a strong scent may turn a man off for a number of reasons. A survey from the University of West Georgia found that nearly 30 percent of participants consider scented products irritating. Not to mention, perfume can set off an allergy attack or trigger a pounding headache — which could lead to erection problems.
“Ask him how he feels about your scent,” says Carle. “Everyone has different olfactory senses, so don’t take it personally if he requests that you change it.
You're a Snorer
Research proves it’s true: Snoring has zapped couple’s sex lives and ruined relationships. According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 24 percent of married couples end up sleeping in separate rooms because of earsplitting zzzs, and about 17 percent of them say snoring takes a toll on their sex life.
You Pick Fights (Just to Pick ‘Em)
Nothing zaps a man’s sex drive faster than constant bickering and squabbling. And though there’s always the chance of makeup sex, the damage could already be done: Research shows that men in unhealthy relationships are more at risk for erectile dysfunction.
You Brush Off His Blues
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that nearly 6 million U.S. men have depression each year. However, many guys stay hush-hush about their blue mood (one study from the University of Akron found that a man was less likely to see a therapist for depression if he agreed with “traditional” gender roles, like all men should be tough).
What’s more, depression is often linked to sexual health problems, such as erectile dysfunction.
You Try to ‘Fix’ Him
Women often have a compulsion to improve their men and their relationships, but if you go overboard, you could deep-six his sex drive.
“This makes a guy feel he’s not good enough just as he is, and that raises all kinds of insecurities for him,” says Carle. “Love your guy ‘as is.’ Ladies, perfection doesn’t exist — either in your guy or you!”
A recent study of more than 3,000 people published in the American Journal of Sociology suggests that when a woman cozies up with her partner’s pals, it can make a man jealous and actually lead to erectile dysfunction — especially in older men. These men "are more likely to have trouble getting or maintaining an erection and are also more likely to experience difficulty achieving orgasm during sex," study authors Benjamin Cornwell, a professor of sociology at Cornell University, and Edward Laumann, a professor of sociology at the University of Chicago, explained in a press release.
What’s up with that? “Your guy probably wants to feel that he’s got the goods (you) and his friends don’t have the same access to them as he does,” says Gilda Carle, PhD, a psychologist and author based in New York.
You're Hotter Than He Is
“Men like to feel lucky, but they don't want to feel insecure,” explains April Masini, a dating and relationship columnist and author of Date Out of Your League. In fact, researchers from the University of Valencia studied the levels of cortisol (the “stress hormone”) in men when they were in the presence of a beautiful woman, and their stress levels tended to skyrocket. Since stress is one of the main triggers of erectile dysfunction in men, it’s no surprise the researchers found a link in the bedroom.
But he shouldn’t hate you because you’re beautiful, right? “If you're an attractive woman and you're attracted to a man whose beauty is not skin-deep, make sure he knows how hot you think he is,” suggests Masini.
You Went Overboard on the Eau de Cologne
In truth, a strong scent may turn a man off for a number of reasons. A survey from the University of West Georgia found that nearly 30 percent of participants consider scented products irritating. Not to mention, perfume can set off an allergy attack or trigger a pounding headache — which could lead to erection problems.
“Ask him how he feels about your scent,” says Carle. “Everyone has different olfactory senses, so don’t take it personally if he requests that you change it.
You're a Snorer
Research proves it’s true: Snoring has zapped couple’s sex lives and ruined relationships. According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 24 percent of married couples end up sleeping in separate rooms because of earsplitting zzzs, and about 17 percent of them say snoring takes a toll on their sex life.
You Pick Fights (Just to Pick ‘Em)
Nothing zaps a man’s sex drive faster than constant bickering and squabbling. And though there’s always the chance of makeup sex, the damage could already be done: Research shows that men in unhealthy relationships are more at risk for erectile dysfunction.
You Brush Off His Blues
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that nearly 6 million U.S. men have depression each year. However, many guys stay hush-hush about their blue mood (one study from the University of Akron found that a man was less likely to see a therapist for depression if he agreed with “traditional” gender roles, like all men should be tough).
What’s more, depression is often linked to sexual health problems, such as erectile dysfunction.
You Try to ‘Fix’ Him
Women often have a compulsion to improve their men and their relationships, but if you go overboard, you could deep-six his sex drive.
“This makes a guy feel he’s not good enough just as he is, and that raises all kinds of insecurities for him,” says Carle. “Love your guy ‘as is.’ Ladies, perfection doesn’t exist — either in your guy or you!”
everydayhealth.com
