The Stress-Free Guide to SPECIAL OCCASION SEX

SHOULD YOU MAKE TIME FOR SEX ON BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES AND HOLIDAYS? YES. SHOULD IT BE STRESSFUL? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

- JULIE VADNAL

PLANNING A SEXATHON on an anniversary or a birthday may seem cliché-"Dick in a Box" eame out, what, more than a decade ago? But that just means you have to be more creative, because a memorable sex session makes for one of the best gifts of all. (Hold the wrapping paper, please.) "Especially in long-time relationships, things can get really monotonous, and having sex around special occasions spices things up," says sex therapist Dr. Kristie Overstreet. "And there can be a really big payoff." As in, stronger orgasms (for you both!) and increased bonding.

But amping up your game for a special occasion can also add pressure. How far do you have to go in terms of both adventurousness and budget to give them an unforgettable experience? Relax. You don't need to hire a skywriter to make your partner swoon; oftentimes just expending a little more effort like sending an anticipatory text-can have a sizable effect. "What people will remember most is the time and energy their partner put in," says clinical psychologist Dr. Seth Meyers, eHarmony's resident relationship expert. Use these four strategies to make special-occasion sex even more special.

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