Knowing yourself and what you want is great. But unless the object of your interest is a mind-reader, you may have to communicate your expectations, or risk losing out on a great opportunity.

In a recent graduation speech, Lisa Kudrow told young people not to take risks. And, believe it or not, I agree with her.

When are you comfortable with unprotected sex?

Avoid the drama and expense of legal battles by planning for your split before it happens.

In life and love, fear will keep you from getting what you want.

When you remember past relationships, do you think of your former partners fondly? Or are you still bitter, angry or hurt?

If your ex is still a good parent to your children, consider yourself blessed.

Why do human beings have sex?

Romantic comedies may not be your style, guys. But if your lady likes “chick-flicks,” I suggest sharing her popcorn.

Do you and your partner play the blame game? Psychologists say it’s only natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s productive.

When two people share a home, they both undoubtedly want to feel comfortable there. But there will probably be times when they have opposing desires about what should go on in that space.

How much of what you read or hear about other people’s romantic partnerships do you actually believe?

Sometimes the egocentric desire to keep score can ruin the enjoyment we get from simply giving to others.

What does your partner do that drives you crazy? Are you capable of simply accepting that quality or behavior as part of who your mate is, and not considering it a ploy designed to infuriate you?

How well do you and your partner make decisions together and resolve potential conflicts? Are you able to do so in a way that usually leaves both parties feeling heard, and to some degree, satisfied?

After recently having the woman I’ve been looking at for eight years blow me away with her beauty, I can now see how appearance matters … even when we are with partners we truly believe love us no matter how shabby we look.

Are there aspects of your relationship that are too “sacred” to even discuss? If so, you might be headed for turbulence.

Considering the emotional, financial and even bodily damage that infidelity can bring about, it’s worth discussing your thoughts on the issue with your mate.

While many continue to criticize the songstress’s lifestyle and even sanity in her later years, I applaud her authenticity and courage to live life on her own terms – no matter what anyone else thought or said about her.

Do you feel guilty about decisions you made in the past? If so, consider this: “right” and “wrong” are subjective, and guilt is a waste of time.

If you want to be a more romantic and thoughtful partner and haven’t been inclined to make your overture regular, I’ve got a few ideas.

Heidi Klum and Seal’s split is a demonstration that looks can be deceiving.

Neither selfishness nor selflessness is good or bad. In fact, the two concepts are inextricably linked, not opposites, as their definitions seemingly imply.

Happiness is a measure by which I evaluate what (and who) is working well in my life. What you choose to value in romantic relationships is up to you.

Whether to have children is a very big (and very personal) decision. And it can really get complicated when factoring a partner’s desires into the equation.

To have children, or not to have children: This question has changed the dynamic of many marriages – for better, or for worse.

Is sex a sacred sharing that should only happen between two people who love each other? Is it simply for pleasure, or solely for reproduction? Or is it about intimacy?

Each romantic partnership and its “rules” are defined by the people in it; therefore, no two relationships look the same. So, why do we feel the need to define our relationships for others?

Here’s what to do about those home-wrecking “other women.”

A key to a healthy, productive relationship is not learning how to spot the signs of an affair; it is to stop worrying about it.

Do you use condemnation as a way to manipulate others into doing and behaving how you think they should?

What qualities do you find most attractive in a potential partner? Here is what the research said.

This week, I am proud to present my first video blog, “The Most Important Decision You Will Ever Make.” The text is also available for those who prefer reading the blog to watching me run my mouth. Friends and family have already been kind enough to give me feedback and pointers on both my presentation and the content, and I am anxious to hear yours as well.

So, what do you believe to be the most important decision you will ever make?

Only you can determine what you value in life and/or how you behave in order to be “a man” or “a woman.”

My second guest blogger, Jill Nelson discusses why women so often conflate a monogamous relationship with love.

Here’s a little frank love about how and where a good woman can find a good man.

One way to gauge whether you provide value in any relationship is to ask for support in accomplishing or acquiring something that is important to you. While asking for assistance is not always easy, nothing of significance can be accomplished alone – and that is why I am asking for your help.

When we stop blaming our former partners, and understanding the roles that we played in failed relationships, we may find peace, personal growth and a chance at new love.

Many of us romanticize romance … and look to famous people for inspiration – both on-screen and off-screen. But consider how well celebrity romances typically work out.

Settling and compromising are both necessary components of the decision-making process, and neither is “good” or “bad.”

You don’t have to like your ex’s new love interest. But by bringing her into scale, you may begin liking yourself again.

Give your children a gift they’ll treasure for a lifetime – stories from your life with them.

If we censor and censure people who say things we don’t want to hear, we may struggle to understand them.

At the end of the day, there is no such thing as a selfless act.

There is a difference between regretted sex and rape.

Divorce is hard on children, but when those children are grown, it can be even harder.

If you can learn and grow from an experience, it isn’t abuse. It is a learning opportunity.

Just because fewer people are walking down the aisle these days doesn’t mean there are fewer marriages; or does it?

When people “put you down,” they might actually be doing you a favor.

Research shows unhappily-married people to be far less content with life than their single counterparts.