By Rebecca Brody, Certified Empowerment Coach
Q: My girlfriend rushes through sex, and now I think she is faking her orgasms so that I will hurry up and finish. How can I tell a fake orgasm from the real thing?
A: A fake orgasm is a sign of sexual disconnection in a relationship. In a healthy relationship both partners are able to communicate their sexual desires, and set boundaries to fulfill them. This is not the time to assess if an orgasm is real or fake, but a time to find out the reason why your connection with each other is limited. This calls for an open discussion about her likes and dislikes during sex. Feel free to explore creative ways to allow her to express her self sexually, and ask her what will bring her pleasure. This may be an issue that is pervasive through out your whole relationship, so take a moment to think about the last time you truly connected with each other. It might be time to check in on your relationship vision. Ask your girlfriend if this is what she pictured her ideal relationship would look like. You want to realign both your visions and make sure that is the reality you are working towards, so that you are both happy and satisfied with the relationship. Focus on reconnecting and you will know that it's the real thing.

Q: I lost my husband a few years ago to cancer. Now I want to start dating again. I don't know where to begin, so I have been trying the online dating thing. I've done profiles, photos and emails with very little response. What am I dong wrong? Please HELP ME.
A: Congratulations on taking the initiative to move forward and get yourself back in the dating game. It sounds as if you are emotionally ready to date. Let's shift your perspective to put yourself first, so that you can be mentally and physically ready to date. Make sure to get a makeover (hair, make-up, clothes, work-out), so that you feel and look great and you are presenting your self as a whole being. Online dating is one way to approach your new venture. Another way to meet people successfully is to get involved in your community. Make a list of three new hobbies you would like to try (dance lessons, painting, pottery), three ways that you can give back to the community (volunteering, fund-raising, soup kitchen), and three classes that help you to improve your inner self (try Meetup.com -- learn Italian, laughter yoga, key to consciousness). You want to get involved with like-minded people and be open to accepting a new experience. It is also good to have a support system of people who know that you are ready to date. Let your friends and co-workers help you by recommending people they believe might be a good fit for you. Let your self be open to what ever opportunities present themselves, and approach each new experience with an open and positive heart.
Rebecca Brody is currently a Life Empowerment coach in New York City. Her area of expertise is in relationship coaching. She is a graduate of Vassar and Ipec, and has trained with the Relationship Coaching Institute. She is ICF certified, and has been studying social interaction, relationships and coupling for over a decade. To work with Coach Brody contact Brody@theluvcoach.com, or go to www.theluvcoach.com.
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1. Anyone who has ever taken the time to give someone an orgasm, knows the difference between a real one and a fake one. The person faking the orgasm looks forward to sex ending, the one with a real one doesn't. The difference is a matter of communication, skill, and time. Take your time and you'll see the difference. Do what turns her on, not what turns you on. If a woman is satisfied, then her partner will be too. All you need to do is ask. One last point, if your woman is faking it she could be getting her orgasms from another source. Faking anything is a communication problem. It's my opinion and I'm old enough to know.
Cecil Jones at 9:45AM on May 16th 2008