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bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica,
sans-serif"><b> <img src=photo.asp?ID=5659644 width="135"
height="122" align="left">Is your mind always focused on the moment or does
it wander to other, more trivial matters? If so, does this mean there is
something wrong with your relationship, asks Donna
Dawson</b></font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial,
Helvetica, sans-serif">It's happened to most of us: Youre in the
middle of making love and suddenly your mind wanders from thoughts inflamed to
thoughts mundane. Youre thinking, Did my pink shirt come
back from the laundry? or Did I turn the computer
off?or Have I locked the balcony door? while your
partner appears for all the world to be lost in lust.<br> <br>
<font color="#CC0033"><b>THINKING OF...
YOU?</b></font><br> <br> What does it all mean? Does
it mean youve gone off sex? The fact that you can even think of
trivial things during sex supposedly our most intimate time
can be a trifle worrying...</font></p> <p><font
size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b><font
color="#CC0033">HOW TO BROACH THE SUBJECT</font></b><br>
<br> To find out whats at the heart of the distance between
you and your partner, therapists suggest these steps:</font></p>
<ol> <li><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica,
sans-serif">Look outside the relationship for any pressures or take a
close look at what you feel for your partner. Ask yourself what it is about
his behaviour that could be making you feel hurt or rejected. Does he meet
your needs (not just your sexual ones)?<br> <br>
</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica,
sans-serif">Have a long talk with your partner when youre not
clock-watching. Use I statements. I wish our
foreplay went on longer instead of Dont finish
foreplay so soon.<br> <br>
</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica,
sans-serif">Be very clear about how you feel. Unless you tell your lover
whats bothering you, he cant help.<br>
<br> </font></li> <li><font size="2"
face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Really listen to his point of view.
Perhaps you havent been meeting his needs either and resentment
has been building on his side, making him a less-than thoughtful
lover.<br> <br> </font></li>
<li><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Says
McCluskey. Set yourself a goal of working it out over weeks or
months, rather than years. If your attempts fail, its
time to consider a relationship counsellor.</font></li> </ol>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"
color="#CC0033"><b>FIRE LIGHTERS TO REKINDLE
OFF-DAYS</b></font><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica,
sans-serif"> <img src=photo.asp?ID=5659666 width="125" height="169"
align="right"><br> <br> If your relationship is basically
sound but you have occasional distracting thoughts, try these mental and
physical techniques to help get you back on track.</font></p>
<ul> <li><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
<b>Focus on the positive.</b> <br> To get off
automatic pilot, concentrate on his best features (broad shoulders, pert
bum), or the qualities that first attracted you to each other. Remember the
best time you had great sex (or just a great time together), and let that
warm glow take over.<br> <br> </font></li>
<li><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica,
sans-serif"><b>Fantasies arent
forbidden</b>.<br> If you are not quite in the mood for some
reason, try using a sexual fantasy to help you along.<br>
<br> </font></li> <li><font size="2"
face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Change sexual gear.</b>
<br> If you take a more active role, it will concentrate your mind.
Think about what hes doing to you the brush of his
fingers on your back, his warm thigh against yours and revel in
the sensation. Talk intimately, or get him to. Look deep into his eyes,
reminding yourself that this is the man you have chosen to be intimate
with.<br> <br> </font></li> <li><font
size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Talk to him.</b>
<br> If you need to discuss a sex problem with your partner, be brave.
But keep things in perspective. People neednt feel that
they are failures if sex isnt 100 per cent every time,
says Mirkin. If its not perfect, forget it and try again
next time dont get neurotic about
it!<br> <br> </font></li>
<li><b><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Know
your feelings.</font></b><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica,
sans-serif"><br> Avoid having sex when you are angry. If you start
losing interest, be honest with your partner. Change gear by
having a chat, a cup of tea or a bath together, says Brown.
A good lover will respond to the problem in
context.</font></li> </ul> </body>
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