Love is obviously a mixture of many other, more virtuous ingredients, but the quality of sex has considerable influence on how long a relationship will last. The bond that you share with someone can reach new depths if you're connecting at the most intimate level.

A friend of mine just started seeing this new girl. Like all guys would, he wants her to be excited about the time they spend together - especially in the bedroom. It's kind of an ego thing, but he mainly just wants her to be happy.

From what guys can tell by popular media aimed at females, sex is an integral part of life for them. Guys see the covers of magazines and form the impression that women are all expert critics.

While this is hardly the case, some men have developed a sort of performance anxiety; a fixation that can have a significant impact on the ways they communicate with a new partner.

My friend didn't want to seem inexperienced by asking questions. Subconsciously, he felt the expectations of his performance were high and wanted to appear confident. Since she didn't give him many clues while rolling in the sheets, all he could do was put his list of moves on "shuffle" and hope for the best.

Though our culture has shifted, and most have openly embraced the sexual elements of their relationships, it can still be an awkward subject for some to discuss. You'll have to excuse your new mate if they're a little hesitant to get straight to personal question.

They might just be a little shy, or fearful of a negative response. After all, you are naked together; we tend to get a bit delicate. But without honest, positive feedback, you'll fail to learn about those important parts of each other, and stick with what has worked in the past.

What makes the connection between lovers so powerful is the rareness of it. Few will ever have the opportunity to truly know you in this light. By understanding the most secret sides of each other's personality, the bond intensifies.

I'm happy to report that since these two put the first sex talk behind them, they're happier, more playful; sharing the same quiet smirk of contentment with each other.