Are you boring in bed? As a top sex expert I know the consequences... these are the 16 things everyone should try if their lovemaking needs a boost
Are you satisfied with your sex life? Recent studies show that Britons are having sex less than once a week on average and fewer than half of those who are sexually active feel physically satisfied. A lack of spontaneity and intimacy, a decline in frequency and sexual boredom are often cited as contributing factors for this dissatisfaction. But there are ways you can switch things up in the bedroom for the better.
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Daily Mail
22 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
I'm a royal fashion expert and this is Zara Tindall's most stylish outfit - as she's named in Tatler's Best Dressed List
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Tatler Magazine revealed its annual Best Dressed List earlier this week, and it came as no surprise that Zara Tindall made the cut. Ranked at number seven, Princess Anne 's daughter was recognised for her ongoing style evolution and increasingly refined wardrobe. Zara has truly found her fashion stride in recent years, consistently delivering polished, confident looks that reflect her bubbly personality. While she's had plenty of standout moments in 2025, one particular outfit made a lasting impression. On the opening day of Royal Ascot, Zara looked radiant in a custom sky blue dress by one of her go-to designers, Rebecca Vallance. Adapted from a ready-to-wear mini dress, the bespoke version featured a lace panel down the front and an elegant fit-and-flare silhouette that Zara wears so well. The piece was elevated with a classic collar, puffed sleeves and a charming bow belt, striking the perfect balance between timeless and modern. Though she previously wore the design at the Magic Millions carnival in Australia, she refreshed it at Ascot with a clever change of accessories. Working with her stylist Annie Miall, Zara opted for dusky pink accents, including an Anya Hindmarch Maud clutch and Emmy London Rebecca pumps - two labels also favoured by the Princess of Wales. Finishing the look was a coordinating hat by Sarah Cant and dazzling diamond earrings from Calleija. The overall effect was a chic, elevated approach to pastel dressing. Zara's outfit is the ideal inspiration for summer weddings, garden parties or race days. Even better? The shorter version is still available - and it's currently on sale. Inspired by the delicate lace detailing, I've rounded up beautiful blue dresses on the high street that echo the royal's look. You'll also find similar accessories, from coordinating heels and clutches to sparkling drop earrings, which deliver the same wow factor - at every price point. Dresses Rebecca Vallance Skye Lace-trimmed Mini Dress £365 Shop H&M Broderie Anglaise Shirt Dress £32 Shop Kate Spade New York Belted Shirt Dress £210 Shop Coast Lace Dress With Bow Belt £109 Shop Whistles Lace Corset Dress £79 Shop Self-Portrait Floral Lace Dress £320 Shop Nadine Merabi Juliette Dress £277 Shop Phase Eight Eadie Maxi Dress £109 Shop River Island 3D Floral Midi Dress £115 Shop Friends Like These Tulip Sleeve Wrap Front Dress £49 Shop Ghost Bethan Contrast Collar Midi Dress £169 Shop Clutch bags Earrings
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Will your relationship make it past the 2, 4 and 7-year itch? The 9 signs it won't – and how to boost your chances
A RELATIONSHIP is rarely smooth sailing. Whether it's rows over who takes the bins out, differing sex schedules or cheating suspicions, most couples will endure some struggles. And these often come at specific milestones. Sophie Personne, a relationship expert and author of Your Other Half, tells Sun Health: 'There are numerous dodgy spots in any relationship's lifespan. 'For established relationships, as opposed to newly formed ones, the most dangerous points are at the two-year, four-year and seven-year marks.' But how can you make it through one of these rocky patches, and when might it be time to call it quits? Here are nine hidden clues to look out for… THE TWO-YEAR ITCH AS the initial ' honeymoon phase ' ends, real life kicks in. 'During the honeymoon phase, both people weren't really themselves - they were trying to present their best side and it can't be sustained,' says Sophie. 'The 'real you' will come out and might be completely different to what the other person thought you were because they were looking for what they wanted to see and a person they wanted to be with. 'One of the things that is said the most at this point is, 'They've changed'. But the truth is, they haven't really.' Heather Garbutt, love and relationship coach, adds: 'As your relationship shifts towards a more stable, 'companionate' love, it can feel less thrilling. 'You might question how compatible you really are.' Pressures, such as work, kids, family and general routine, can create a different dynamic and complacency may set in. Inside the UK's biggest swinging festival Three problems you might face during the two-year itch 1. You don't communicate as much Arguments and a feeling of distance can become an issue if you don't open up to each other. 'Prioritise open and honest communication,' says Heather. 'Express your needs clearly, and use 'I' statements to reduce defensiveness.' Sophie also recommends active listening. 'It's not all about you,' she says. 'Let them make their point too - they have as much of a right to have a say and an opinion.' 2. You have different life goals Whether it's your career, family planning or simply lifestyle preferences, having goals that are totally misaligned can cause a rut in your relationship. 'Have candid discussions about your goals and assess whether compromises are possible,' says Heather. 'Be open to finding common ground while respecting each other's individual aspirations.' 3. You're not as intimate Sparks are flying during the honeymoon period, but it's natural for this to change a little over time. 'Rekindle intimacy by spending quality time together, sharing your feelings, and showing appreciation for each other,' says Heather. 'Small gestures of affection and acts of kindness can go a long way. 'If you know that your partner likes to get into a bed that's been made, make the bed in the morning as you leave for work. 'If you know that putting out the rubbish is something they don't enjoy, you can keep an eye on the bin and empty it when it's full. 'If your partner loves quality time, create time in your life to spend just with them. 'If they like physical affection, try a cuddle in the kitchen, a slower kiss goodbye in the mornings and hello in the evenings.' When to call it a day THE relationship may not be sustainable long-term if one of you consistently refuses to engage or if your goals are fundamentally incompatible - for example, one of you wants kids and the other doesn't, Heather says. It might also be time to move on if one of you regularly prioritises other aspects of life over the relationship. Why your partner might be avoiding sex IT can feel like you're being repeatedly kicked down when your partner turns down your sexual advances. Rejection stings every time, leaving you with a cocktail of emotions - feeling unwanted, unattractive, even anxious. It's not the only element that makes up a romantic relationship but sex is still important - for some more than others. Dr Janine David, a specialist in men's and women's health and advisor to Eroxon, says: 'Sex is one of our most basic needs and has a strong influence on our well-being. But some of us spend a proportion of our adult lives avoiding sex. 'This sexual avoidance can result in poor self-esteem, shame and distress both for the person avoiding sex and their partner.' When one person in the relationship seems to lose interest in romping, it's easy to question, 'Have I done something wrong? Do they still fancy me? Are they cheating?'. But while it can feel like a personal jab, a lot of the time, it has nothing to do with you. Experts reveal what your partner might be going through behind closed doors - and why sex is the last thing on their mind… Health woes - cardiovascular disease, diabetes, thrush, chronic pain, anxiety, depression Her hormones - pregnancy, ovulation, menopause, perimenopause Too tired - from work, family life, exercise Erectile dysfunction - can be worsened by stress, smoking, alcohol, age Stress - from bills, work, kids Boredom - from doing the same old moves time and again Bickering - can cause resentment and emotional disconnection Low self-esteem - about their body, being judged, unlovable, performance anxiety THE FOUR-YEAR ITCH AT the four-year mark, you and your partner may both be deciding on longer term mutual goals and plans. But as Heather points out: 'Partners may begin to take each other for granted, prioritising work, family or personal goals over nurturing the relationship. 'It might seem like you're drifting apart as you each have different priorities.' Three problems you might face during the four-year itch 1. You don't feel excited anymore DOES your relationship feel monotonous or boring? Heather suggests trying new activities, going on adventures, or exploring shared interests. Perhaps you both enjoy cooking or dancing - why not find local classes that you can do together? 'Prioritise date nights and surprises to break the routine and reignite the spark,' she adds. Remember, there's a difference between being comfortable in your relationship and being bored and needing drama. 'Drama in a relationship usually means it's a re-enactment of some emotional trauma,' Heather says. 'You don't want your excitement to be at the expense of your peace of mind and emotional health.' 2. You feel distant Feel like you're living separate lives? It's time to make an intentional effort to reconnect emotionally. Spend quality time together and have deep and meaningful conversations. Sophie explains that communication is likely to break down at this stage. 'For example, stopping to share the 'minor details' of what happens in our lives,' she says. 'These details will, in time, become the big things.' Can you devote 30 minutes before bed to tell each other about your days? Or can you make a pact to regularly have dinner together, just the two of you? 3. You don't feel supported As a result of the poor communication, Sophie says one of you may no longer feel heard, wanted, understood or valued. 'Encourage each other's personal growth by celebrating achievements and offering support for individual goals,' says Heather, who adds that it's important to create a balance between togetherness and independence. When to call it a day IF neither of you are bothered about investing in the relationship or one of you gets in the way of the other's growth or doesn't support goals, Heather says it may indicate a lack of long-term compatibility and sustainability. THE SEVEN-YEAR ITCH AFTER seven years, Heather says that the initial passion and novelty have often faded. 'Life's responsibilities, such as career, parenting, or financial concerns, can intensify during this period, leaving little time or energy for nurturing the relationship,' she adds. Goals, values or priorities may have shifted and one or both of you may question whether the relationship still fulfils your needs. Three problems you might face during the seven-year itch 1. You've grown apart It's not uncommon to grow and change over seven years. But what if you feel as though you have little in common or are no longer on the same page emotionally or intellectually? 'Reignite your connection by exploring shared interests and engaging in activities that strengthen your bond,' says Heather. 'Regularly check in with each other about personal growth and evolving goals.' 2. You keep arguing about the same thing Issues that remain unresolved can ruin trust and intimacy, creating resentment or emotional exhaustion, so it's vital to address the root cause. Sophie says: 'Most people will think, 'There's no point saying this, he/she will respond in this way or say this or that, I'll deal with it myself'. 'That's the beginning of the end because you will start the grieving cycle of the relationship and when you decide to leave months or years down the line, the other person will not have seen it coming.' Make time away from your busy schedule to give this the time it deserves. Open the conversation by saying that you want both of you to take stock of your relationship together. 4 'Start with all of the things you are grateful for about your life together and what you appreciate about each other,' says Heather. She adds that this is a fact-finding mission as well as a chance to connect. 'Listen to each other with curiosity,' she says. 'Try not to be reactive or defensive. Just listen. 'Give yourselves time to reflect and meet again in a week or so. 'Next time you come back together, do the same again and this time negotiate.' 3. Your sex life has disappeared Couples in the UK have sex an average of three times a month, according to a 2019 study published in the British Medical Journal. But there is no right or wrong when it comes to how often you should be doing it. Consider more whether you feel connected or fulfilled. 'Sex is a very important way of connecting,' says Heather. 'Men often feel more loving and loved when they've been sexually intimate with their partner, so they're much more likely to be caring, protecting and providing if this happens regularly and reliably for them.' However, on the flip side, she says that women need to feel connected on an emotional level and cared for in order to feel open sexually. Finding out each other's love languages can help you learn how your partner feels loved. Some people like to be appreciated and praised with words. Others like to have acts of service done for them. Some like gifts, some quality time and some physical affection. 'If you know what each other's languages are you can offer more of those and then connection is more likely to be reestablished,' says Heather. When to call it a day 'IF repeated efforts to reconnect fail, or if one or both of you feel indifferent toward the other's growth, it may signal that the relationship has run its course,' says Heather. 'If conflicts escalate to disrespect, hostility, or emotional abuse, or if one partner refuses to work on resolving issues, it may be time to consider drawing a line. 'And if one of you consistently avoids intimacy or if efforts to rebuild closeness are ignored or rejected, it might indicate a deeper incompatibility or unwillingness to continue the relationship.' Warning signs your partner is cheating on you NATURALLY one of the first worries that will go through your mind when your partner is withdrawn from sex is, are they cheating on me? Hope says that there are nine other potential signs to look out for alongside the lack of sex: Changes in behaviour: Your partner starts acting differently, such as being more secretive or distant. Being super private: Are they suddenly being protective of their phone or their social media accounts? That could be suspicious. Becoming less connected: If you're not as physically or emotionally close as before, this could show something might be up. Unsure of their whereabouts: Do they keep disappearing without a good reason? Or being sketchy when you ask them where they have been? They get a new look: Any sudden changes in appearance, like a makeover, could be a clue that they are trying to impress someone new. Playing the blame game: Are they blaming you for issues in the relationship out of the blue? That's fishy and could be seen as them trying to cause a problem. Changes with money being spent: Unexplained spending or strange charges on the bank statement could be a sign of cheating. Trust your gut: If your instincts are telling you something's off that probably because it is so it's worth investigating. Lack of transparency: They're not being open about where they're going or what they're doing, it might be a red flag. If you're suspicious, it's not wise to go in all-guns blazing, Hope says. Open up the topic with your partner calmly, listing the things you've noticed and how it makes you feel. Your partner may have perfectly reasonable explanations, however if the way they're acting doesn't change, then broach the subject again, this time more directly.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
My council flat is so stylish thanks to second-hand finds – plus the treasure chest place you need to look for bargains
A SAVVY woman has revealed how she transformed her council flat into a super stylish home. Charlene Bonnici, a bargain hunter from the UK, confirmed that she was on a mission to give her pad a makeover without breaking the bank. 6 6 Now, thanks to second-hand buys and bargains from Dunelm and Temu, Charlene's home is incredibly impressive and super unique. Posting on social media, the young woman gave her followers a close-up look inside her home, leaving many totally stunned. Alongside clips of her council property, which has been kitted out with funky prints and glam accessories, Charlene explained: 'Living in a council flat doesn't mean giving up on beauty or style. It means finding creative ways to make every corner feel like home. 'This is about making the most of what we have, proving that warmth, personality, and pride don't depend on where you live, but how you live.' Since then, Charlene has opened up to Fabulous about her council flat and how she has been able to make it look so luxe whilst sticking to a tight budget. The DIY enthusiast told us: 'Most of my wall prints are from Temu - which are a couple of pounds each - and Desenio. 'A few still don't have frames yet, but I like to get them up on the wall anyway so I can admire them until I can afford the frames. 'My sofa is actually a broken second-hand IKEA one I have had for years. I'm actually saving for a new one….it's on a slope on one side. 'I've covered it with a Comfortly sofa cover that I saved up for ages to get.' Not only this, but Charlene also revealed the treasure chest place you need to search if you want to get your hands on purse-friendly interior finds. Trolls say council houses can't look nice but my stunning hallway will prove them wrong 'My coffee table was a total Facebook Martketplace bargain, (originally from John Lewis) I grabbed it for £30! ' Facebook Marketplace is such a treasure chest,' she added. As well as looking online for bargains, Charlene also loves shopping in the sales too. I very rarely buy things brand new unless I really love them and have saved up for them, so it's all been a bit of a mix-and-match process Charlene Bonnici She continued: 'My rug was from Dunelm for just £25 in the sale, which I'm still so happy about. 'I buy most of my things second-hand, and if I've got my eye on something special (like my Smeg kettle), I'll save for months until I can get it. How to do your council house up on the cheap Take inspiration from pricier shops and head to B&M, Home Bargains for interior decorations. Head to YouTube for easy to follow tutorials on how to decorate rather than paying for professionals. For a quick glow-up for your floors or anywhere with tiles, opt for stick-on vinyl to save on costs. A lick of paint does wonders to make a room feel brand-new. Switch out kitchen cupboard knobs for modern ones instead of buying brand-new cupboards 'I also love picking up little decor bits from Amazon, TK Maxx, Dunelm and H&M when they have sales.' Thrilled with her home's glam look, the content creator shared: 'I've collected everything so slowly over time - I very rarely buy things brand new unless I really love them and have saved up for them, so it's all been a bit of a mix-and-match process.' 6 6 DIY fans beam Charlene's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ at_home_with_charl, has clearly impressed many, as users eagerly raced to the comments to praise her 'beautiful' home. Not only did people think it was 'cosy' and 'stylish,' but others were 'obsessed' with Charlene's glam decor. One person said: 'Lovely. Clean, tidy, organised and cosy.' Another added: 'Wow, this is actually stunning! What a beautiful home.' A third commented: 'I love your style.'
