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Sex & Sociability

Question and commentary on connections, both sexual and social

Infidelity
When Is It Cheating for You?

Isadora Alman MFT, CST on May 3, 2024

Some types of cheating are obvious, but your mate's definition may not be—until you cross their invisible line. Have these discussions first.

Some types of cheating are obvious, but your mate's definition may not be—until you cross their invisible line. Have these discussions first.

Sex
Communication Equals Better Sex

Isadora Alman MFT, CST on March 24, 2024

Sex is more than two bodies coming together. The people involved need to communicate their preferences, in words or in bodily actions.

Sex is more than two bodies coming together. The people involved need to communicate their preferences, in words or in bodily actions.

Relationships
Couples Who Fight

Isadora Alman MFT, CST on February 4, 2024

There is a difference between fighting and disagreeing. In any couple, there will be differences of opinion, but if there are frequent yelling matches, or worse, time to reconsider.

There is a difference between fighting and disagreeing. In any couple, there will be differences of opinion, but if there are frequent yelling matches, or worse, time to reconsider.

Flirting
The Intrigue of Flirting

Isadora Alman MFT, CST on January 18, 2024

Are you a flirt? Would you like to be a flirt? Here are some basic observations on the art of flirting.

Are you a flirt? Would you like to be a flirt? Here are some basic observations on the art of flirting.

Sex
When One Partner Sexually Shuts Down

Isadora Alman MFT, CST on November 8, 2023

Sometimes, for reasons psychological or physical, a monogamous couple comes to the difficult decision about outside sex if one of them can not be a sexual partner. What then?

Sometimes, for reasons psychological or physical, a monogamous couple comes to the difficult decision about outside sex if one of them can not be a sexual partner. What then?

Body Language
Understanding Your Partner's Body Language

Isadora Alman MFT, CST on October 19, 2023

What does that facial expression mean, or that body posture? The only way you will learn is over time or perhaps by biting the bullet and asking.

What does that facial expression mean, or that body posture? The only way you will learn is over time or perhaps by biting the bullet and asking.

Moral Injury
When the World Hands You Stinkweed

Isadora Alman MFT, CST on August 15, 2023

Sometimes we get roses and sometimes stinkweed. Sometimes we merit what we receive, sometimes not. What do you tell yourself whatever you are handed?

Sometimes we get roses and sometimes stinkweed. Sometimes we merit what we receive, sometimes not. What do you tell yourself whatever you are handed?

Anger
6 Graceful Ways to End a Relationship

Isadora Alman MFT, CST on June 21, 2023

If a relationship ever meant anything to you, end it with care, gracefully rather than impetuously or in anger. Certainly don't ghost him or her.

If a relationship ever meant anything to you, end it with care, gracefully rather than impetuously or in anger. Certainly don't ghost him or her.

Relationships
Reigniting Passion

Isadora Alman MFT, CST on April 18, 2023

Passion in long term relationships often subsides or disappears. Here are some suggestions for re-igniting the flame.

Passion in long term relationships often subsides or disappears. Here are some suggestions for re-igniting the flame.

Sex
The Disabled Can Still Feel and Behave Sexually

Isadora Alman MFT, CST on March 17, 2023

Those with disabilities can be and are sexual, and can benefit from being given permission to be so, by sex education and sometimes by sex therapy.

Those with disabilities can be and are sexual, and can benefit from being given permission to be so, by sex education and sometimes by sex therapy.

Friends
Friends Without Benefits

Isadora Alman MFT, CST on February 17, 2023

While the expression "friends with benefits" is the popular one, there's lots of value in friends without benefits.

While the expression "friends with benefits" is the popular one, there's lots of value in friends without benefits.

Friends
Meeting New People, Making New Friends

Isadora Alman MFT, CST on January 13, 2023

Meeting new people or potential mates becomes more difficult the older we get. Here are some classic methods that science endorses for doing exactly that.

Meeting new people or potential mates becomes more difficult the older we get. Here are some classic methods that science endorses for doing exactly that.

Relationships
Unequal Relationships

Isadora Alman MFT, CST on December 15, 2022

Who does the social inviting and/or housework in your life? Does the arrangement feel fair to you? If not, there are ways to change things, even alter tradition.

Who does the social inviting and/or housework in your life? Does the arrangement feel fair to you? If not, there are ways to change things, even alter tradition.

Relationships
8 Ways Couples Can Keep Their Intimacy Alive

Isadora Alman MFT, CST on November 17, 2022

Contrary to popular opinion, a relationship of any kind does not need work to keep the freshness alive. Here's a few tips to maintain life that do not require effort.

Contrary to popular opinion, a relationship of any kind does not need work to keep the freshness alive. Here's a few tips to maintain life that do not require effort.

Relationships
Intimacy: Can It Be Blind? Can Love?

Isadora Alman MFT, CST on October 17, 2022

Is it possible to fall in love with a person you have never seen but have only spoken too? There seem to be people in three countries who will show you they can. Could you?

Is it possible to fall in love with a person you have never seen but have only spoken too? There seem to be people in three countries who will show you they can. Could you?