There’s no need for wet weather to dampen your, eh... spirit
The mercury isn’t the only thing that bottoms out in winter. Thanks to chilly winds, dry skin, static hair and heavy clothing, her libido could wane too. But “you shouldn’t let your love life be controlled by the climate,” says Dr Linda Banner, author of Advanced Sexual Techniques. “Winter can actually be one of the best times of the year for getting close.” Follow these steps to keep her hot this winter, no matter how cold the weather.
CONTROL HER THERMOSTAT
Lower-body temperatures dampen arousal for both men and women, thanks to constricted blood vessels and a slowed heart rate. It’s basic science: if your skin is warmer, it’s more sensitive; if it’s colder, it’s less sensitive. Don’t wait until you spot goosebumps to warm her up. Before the sun dips, hand her a hoodie to prevent her initial chill. With any luck you’ll be pulling it off again in no time.
EMBRACE YOUR INNER SAP
Spend the cooler months by the fi reside or exploring the countryside: rekindle some of her warmest winter memories, says Banner, and the glow she’ll experience will shine on you, too. “We’re connected with our traditions in powerful ways,” says Banner. “If you hit the right memory touchstones, she’ll feel more connected and willing to unwind.”
BRING HER THE RIGHT BLOOM
Flowers in winter? Sure, if you choose correctly. Once they’re cut, hothouse blooms are fragile in cold weather. Instead, consider a living Cymbidium orchid. “It blooms in colder climates until the fi rst frost, but it can bloom year-round in your home,” says Valerie Smith, special events director with the American Orchid Society. “With the right amount of light, water and fertiliser, it will come back next year.” A good low-maintenance option: the Christmas cactus. It might sound like seasonal schmaltz, but the plant looks great (it flowers in winter) and doesn’t require frequent watering. Just make sure it has bright, indirect light during the day and uninterrupted darkness at night.
INDULGE HER NESTING INSTINCTS
She spends more time indoors during winter than any other season, which means giving her a new outlook on the same old digs can pay dividends. “We tend to get bored with anything we’ve seen a million times,” says interior designer Melinda Sechrist. “But a fresh environment helps create energy, and you never know where that energy might lead.” A few easy ways to change things up: a new duvet cover (“In the winter, duvets, blankets and pillows can make the room feel cosy,” Sechrist says); a new paint scheme in the bedroom; or a clutter-clearing array of shelves. If you live in an open-plan home that has few walls separating areas, consider rearranging some furniture to create more clearly divided living spaces. A Cornell University study found that residents of homes with greater architectural depth (the number of spaces you pass through to get from one room to another) may be less stressed and socially anxious.
