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Privacy NoticeMAFS UK’s top love guru Charlene Douglas has spilled the tea on making relationships work and it’s not all about the butterflies and rainbows. Partnering with Ann Summers, Charlene delivered some real talk for couples looking to keep that spark alive. According to Charlene, it’s all a bit of myth that love shouldn’t be hard work. “One of the most common misconceptions is that if you love your partner, a relationship shouldn’t require effort. For us to thrive in our jobs we attend training courses, learn from colleagues, and receive supervision from our managers.”
Married at First Sight UK Experts, Paul C Brunson, Mel Schilling and Charlene Douglas
(Image: Channel 4)
She wonders out loud: “How do we expect our relationships to grow and continue to provide us with fulfilment if we don’t put in the effort to make them better?” Laying down her top five tips for marital bliss, Charlene emphasises the importance of a spicy love life beginning with good old chit-chat and closeness, reports Leeds Live. So, here are her golden relationship rules. 1. Talk about sex – then do it Charlene reveals stats showing less than 55% of women and a mere 43% of men feeling satisfied after three years together. The key to improving things she confesses, lies in talking about the sex you’re having, then getting jiggy with it.
MAFS UK’s Adam and Polly on their honeymoon
(Image: Channel 4)
“Agree a suitable time when there are no distractions to have a discussion about your sex life,” she says. “Have a think about what turns you on and off and share with each other. Commit to building emotional intimacy first by arranging fun date nights. In the bedroom, build up to exploring each other’s bodies through massage and try different ways to experience pleasure. For example, with sex toys or audio erotica.” 2. Compromise – it’s key for compatibility In relationships, it’s not about agreeing on everything, but how you handle your differences. Charlene emphasises that compromise is crucial based on her experience with new couples in Married At First Sight. “It’s important that couples have the same commitment to learning how to be a better lover and partner every day. A willingness to grow and compromise is vital.”
Can Emma and Casper work things out this year?
(Image: Channel 4)
Healthy conflict resolution is also essential, according to Charlene. She advises: “No long silences or aggression, but instead learning how to apologise if a reaction to a partner was irrational or unreasonable, and being able to arrange a time to resolve conflict in a calm setting.” 3. Bring sex toys into the mix Sex toys aren’t just about the buzz; they’re conversation starters, according to Charlene. She says: “For a relationship to thrive and not just survive, it’s important to regularly add something new. The same routine every day can become stale and boring. Toys add a little bit of spice to your sex life, creating different sensations in your bodies that can enhance your sexual experience and make your sex life more exciting.
MAFS’ Thomas and Rozz found sex toys spiced up their life in last year’s show
(Image: Channel 4)
“To ensure open conversations around pleasure, choose toys together. If you’re struggling with where to begin.” 4. Discuss your issues When it comes to domestic bliss, don’t let the small stuff build up into big issues. If seeing laundry scattered on the floor sends you into a rage, address it early.
Charlie and Eve have been discussing their issues on this year’s MAFS
(Image: Channel 4)
Eve wanted space, Charlie wanted them to be close
(Image: Channel 4)
Charlene advises tackling problems while they’re still small, so you can have a calm and rational discussion before they take a toll on your love life. She notes: “Oftentimes couples avoid discussing the challenges in their relationships, until it is at a desperate stage. To keep your relationship healthy, set aside time to discuss the good and bad elements of your relationship.” 5. Prioritise yourself and time outside your relationship And remember, it’s all about balance including time for yourself. Charlene points out that the healthiest relationships are those where each person is content in all aspects of their lives. Depending too much on your partner for social and emotional needs can create unnecessary pressure.
Kieran prioritised himself – living alone in the woods!
(Image: E4)
“Couples can prioritise self-care whilst in a healthy relationship, by not neglecting other areas in their lives that require attention. As much as it’s important to spend time with your partner, it can be equally important and great for your emotional wellbeing to have a support network where you can share how you’re feeling and, of course, have fun.”Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnMarried At First Sight
