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Love Lessons

Everything you need to know about love and sex.

by Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D.

Pepper Schwartz is Professor of Sociology at the University of Washington in Seattle. See full bio

October 28, 2009

Ask Your Doctor!

A recent study indicated that 70% of 1,200 women surveyed had experienced some kind of sexual health issue. Read More

October 6, 2009

As I sat listening to David Letterman's masterful Public Relations coup during his initial explanation of his response to being blackmailed, I was impressed-but also quite shocked about the woman who was not mentioned in his initial delivery. That woman was, of course, his wife. Read More

October 5, 2009

The Limits of Power

It was a disappointing week for the powerful. We expect them to get whatever they want; they are the Captains of Industry, the Movie Moguls, our most prestigious elected officials, people at the top of their game. But they don't always triumph. Read More

September 22, 2009

Keeping the Curtains Down

The latest revelations about John Edward's sex and romantic life are not only sordid; they are sad. His ex staffer, adviser and friend, afraid of missing his chance at kiss and tell journalism, has written a book proposal that labels Edwards as the father of his lover's child and even indicates that Edwards had promised to marry this woman once his wife died. Read More

August 25, 2009

Did Madoff’s Penis Punish the Public?

Madoff's mistress has a new book out detailing her affair with everyone's most hated financial advisor. In her text she notes that he has a small penis, and while that didn't seem to inhibit their sexual pleasure, she mentions it partially, I assume, in revenge for his treatment (emotional and financial) of her, and partly because she thinks it may somewhat explain his personality. Read More

August 12, 2009

How Much is too Much? Further Reflections on the Mark Sanford Story

People‘s values about the meaning and obligations of marriage vary greatly. For a person who regards marriage as a religious commitment or sacrament, the fact that the marriage vows have been violated by their husband or wife may not release them from their own promises. Read More

July 22, 2009

Why Sarah Palin Facinates (and Horrifies) Me

Whenever I get a surge of anger just thinking about someone, I know that my reaction is not all about them. I know there must be something in me that this person threatens and exhumes, perhaps from childhood- or perhaps from right now. So when I think of Sarah Palin and immediately get that visceral reaction, I know it's not just because she's a Republican. Read More

June 30, 2009

Adultery: Everyone thinks its wrong, but a whole lot of people still do it!

Ok, so a recent Gallup poll says that over 90 per cent of people disapprove of marital non-monogamy. That makes sense: none of us like the idea of someone we love flirting with someone else much less having sex with them. It hurts to even think about it. Read More

June 24, 2009

The Power of Sex

Senator John Enseign and Governor Mark Sanford have joined the ranks of sexually straying political husbands...a pretty crowded category. Both men have been caught with their pants down, even as they have pontificated about sexual morality to the rest of us. Read More

June 15, 2009

Fathers and Step Fathers

Dad's Day is upon us and an issue in the press bears heavily on the question of: What is a Dad? The famous case before us is the sad legal battle of the American Dad whose wife kidnapped their child on the pretext of visiting her parents and took him to Brazil. Read More

Books by Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D.

Prime: Adventures and Advice on Sex, Love, and the Sensual Years

Relationships Basics

Love is the most profound emotion known to human beings. For most people, romantic relationships are the most meaningful element in their lives. But the ability to have a healthy, loving relationship is not innate. Almost all of us have experienced a failed relationship, and most of us have to work consciously to master the skills necessary to make them flourish.

Go to the Relationships Basics page for more on Relationships including:

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Books by Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D.

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