
Ah, the week before Christmas — when all through the country, every shopping mall is filled with frenzied creatures, trying to buy all those last-minute gifts while that terrible mix of Christmas music that's been on for the last month continues to play in an endless loop.
I don't mean to sound like Scrooge, but I despise shopping in general, especially during the holidays. This year, as the Yuletide approached, I was feeling stressed out about what I should get for Sweet Pants — and I also found myself worrying that he might blow a lot of money on a present for me. A present that might be an unnecessarily expensive item that I would never wear. A present that he might really, really want me to like — that I might hate. A present like the pair of not-so-sweet pants that my very first boyfriend got me. A present that might not be returnable. But I was also worried that an expensive present would make me feel "owned."
Like, if S.P. — who makes significantly more money than I do — were to buy me fancy jewelry, I might feel uncomfortable. I love unusual rings, bangles, and dangling earrings — and I'd have trouble turning down a nice ruby or an especially sparkling diamond. Nonetheless, I feel like an expensive gift always comes with certain expectations, if not quite strings.
What's your take on this? Am I just being my old commitment-phobic self? How do you handle the question of romantic Christmas gifts?
-
The Best Face Masks for Every Skin Type and Concern
Oily skin? Need a glow? Want hydration? We have you covered.
By Samantha Holender
-
Is the Humble Bar of Soap the Future of Beauty?
Bars, powders, and concentrates are the beauty world’s latest obsession. Here's why everyone's going "waterless."
By Deanna Pai
-
Laptop Backpacks That Provide Both Fashion and Function
Stylish, take-anywhere backpacks that fit your laptop (and everything else, too).
By Julia Marzovilla
-
30 Female-Friendly Porn Websites for Any Mood
All the best websites, right this way.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
70 Cheap Date Ideas for Couples on a Budget
"Love don't cost a thing." —J.Lo
By The Editors
-
Diary of a Non-Monogamist
Rachel Krantz, author of the new book 'Open,' shares the ups and downs of her journey into the world of open relationships.
By Abigail Pesta
-
71 Fun Date Ideas for 2022
Skip the old "dinner and a movie" for something original.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
COVID Forced My Polyamorous Marriage to Become Monogamous
For Melanie LaForce, pandemic-induced social distancing guidelines meant she could no longer see men outside of her marriage. But monogamy didn't just change her relationship with her husband—it changed her relationship with herself.
By Melanie LaForce
-
Four Flirting Fun Facts--With Research to Back Them Up!
My pal Judy Dutton just wrote an excellent new book: How We Do It: How the Science of Sex Can Make You a Better Lover. She's chatted with me about the psychological studies that show how best to flirt; what kind of pick-up lines work best; and what you're really saying with your body language.
By Maura Kelly
-
COVID Uncoupling
How the pandemic has mutated our most personal disunions.
By Gretchen Voss
-
16 At-Home Date Ideas When You're Stuck Indoors
Staying in doesn't have to be boring.
By Katherine J Igoe