Backyard Grilling To Improve Your Sex Life
 
From Scott Haltzman
 
Now that summer is here, it's time to fire up the grill! And while you're at it, you can throw a few hot coals on your romance, too.
 
You may not think planning a barbeque for your friends or family is a great relationship booster, but think again. Something as simple and fun as a cookout has the potential of building a stronger marriage.
 
Let's start with one of the two biggest stresses in marriage: housework and time (and I don't mean "too little housework, too much time"). Researchers have discovered that, on average-hold on to your hats for this surprising finding-wives do more housework than husbands. And researchers find more men use outdoor grills than women. Shocked? I thought you would be.
 
All right, maybe those are not earth shattering revelations, but here are two findings that maybe you didn't know: Women who view their husbands as pitching-in are happier, and men who share domestic chores report having better sex lives.
 
Now that I have your attention, I'm sure you'll see the wonderful potential of preparing for an evening of grilling. First, when you spend time deciding on a menu, it gives you a chance to work together for a common purpose.Then, when you divvy up jobs, it helps to reinforce the roles that each of you play, and reminds you that the true strength of a marital bond is that you complement each other, and can each benefit from the other's strengths. 
 
You grow as a team and as individuals. When the happy hubby dons his apron and heads outside, he has the chance to demonstrate mastery at a task; the fresh air and constant action is an outlet that helps him to relax; and bringing food to the table satisfies his hunter's instincts to provide a meal for his family. No, the guy's chores don't totally take the wife out of the picture, as many women still find themselves doing prep work, salad preparation, clean up, in fact, just about everything except stand over the grill turning the steak. But, hey, at least they're not standing over the grill turning the steak. And no matter how you slice it, it is a break.
 
And of course, the real joy of a cookout is being able to sit together as a family and appreciate how you two, working together, made this fantastic meal. Don't forget to thank each other for a job well done!
 
You've probably figured out by now that while I'm singing the praises of grilling, I'm only using it as one example of how an activity has the potential of bringing a husband and wife closer together. Let's look at some basic elements:
 
1. Work together on projects as a team, not as competitors.  
 
2. Look at experiences for the funthey can bring and the problems they solve, not the burden they impose. 
 
3. Recognize that you each bring strengths to the relationship. Don't resent your partner for his or her differences. The other's unique qualities are what attracted you to each other in the first place. 
 
4. If you're not the main homemaker, pitch in and help with household tasks. 
 
5. Share time together eating and talking, and you'll keep a stronger bond. 
 
6. Celebrate your accomplishments together. If you don't, nobody will.  
 
7. Lavish your partner with praise.
 
So, this summer as you take the cover off the backyard grill, consider the many ways that you two can create a spicier, hotter and more nurturing relationship. Then, get cooking!
 
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