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Closeness

Published by Tari Mannello

  • Health & fitness
  • Sexuality
  • Mental health

THE CLOSENESS PODCAST Your New Sex Education Hosted by Tari Mannello — Southern California's most sought-after sex and intimacy coach, with 80+ five-star reviews — Closeness is an honest, intelligent education in the things almost none of us were ever actually taught: desire, attraction, seduction, and the art of real connection. Because we pieced it together from hints, imitation, and guesswork. And then we settled into the routines that quietly hollow out a relationship — until desire becomes a negotiation. An ask. Something traded for a clean kitchen or a good mood. It was never meant to work that way. Each episode goes where most people are too uncomfortable to go: touch, tension, seduction, confidence, emotional connection, and the honest distance between the sex you're having and the sex you both actually long for. Not clinical. Not crude. Something far more interesting — frank, elegant, and genuinely useful. At the center is one idea. Desire isn't summoned by force or technique. It's built — through presence, attention, and the nerve to lead, to read her, and to actually move. That's the skill almost no one teaches. It's the one Tari has spent more than a decade teaching, in the room, with real people. Practical. Actionable. Free of shame and judgment. The kind of guidance that holds up in a real relationship, not just in theory. You're leaving more on the table than you know. This is how you stop. Listen closely. New episodes regularly. Find Tari at closeness.com — or search IntimacyMentor on socials!

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  1. Number 111SexualityAustralia

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Recent episodes

The latest episodes published to this podcast’s own RSS feed. Titles and descriptions are the publisher’s.

  1. How to Be the Best He’s Ever Had from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    Jun 26, 202616 min

    Every woman wants to be the best he's ever had, and almost none of them have ever been told how — because the one person who could give them a straight answer, their partner, has quietly learned to keep his mouth shut. In this episode of Closeness, I explain why that silence exists and then give you ten practical, do-it-tonight ways to become exactly that. The silence isn't an accident. There are two reasons a man won't tell you the truth about sex, and neither one is laziness. The first is that he's learned honesty gets him punished — one honest note and many women spiral, go cold, or never repeat the thing again, so he defaults to "you're amazing" and keeps the rest to himself. The second is sweeter: he feels lucky to be there, and women have a real advantage in the bedroom, where almost any way you move reads as soft and sensual. Between the man who won't risk it and the man who's too smitten to notice, you end up guessing. So I take the guessing away. We start with the silence-versus-performance trap and how to find the middle — the real, involuntary sounds that beat anything you could manufacture. From there: why participation isn't optional (don't be the pillow princess), how to use your body with intention instead of letting it go rigid, and how your insecurities pull you out of the room and drain the charge before either of you notices. I get blunt about "less armor, more you," about grooming and the health checkups no one will mention to your face, and about your "won't" list — the pile of small restrictions that slowly kills a man's will to even try. The last two are the ones that change everything: why a single orgasm is the beginning and not the ceiling, and how to stay present with him at the exact moment most women disappear inside their own heads. That last shift is the line between sex and intimacy — and intimacy is what makes a man the kind of partner who keeps coming back. If this resonates and you want to take it deeper, book a one-on-one session with me at Closeness.com. For the companion piece on his side of the bed, watch How to Properly Have Sex With a Man: https://closeness.com/sex-with-a-man Further reading on the female sexual response cycle: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/sexual-response-cycle

  2. If the Sex Isn’t Good Now, It Won’t Get Better After the Wedding from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    Jun 8, 20267 min

    Sex after marriage is one of the most searched and least honestly discussed topics in relationships — and after nearly a decade sitting with couples who are quietly struggling, Tari is saying the thing everyone is thinking and nobody will put into words. If the sex isn't good now, it is not going to get better after the wedding. That's not a cynical take. It's not a scare tactic. It's what Tari has watched happen to more couples than he can count — two people who genuinely love each other, who are wonderful friends, who have built a beautiful life together, and who have always had a bedroom that was just a little quiet. And they told themselves the same thing every engaged couple tells themselves: once the wedding stress is over, once we settle in, it'll open up. It'll get better. It doesn't get better. It freezes. And then, slowly, it compounds — because now there's an obligation in the room. Now there's familiarity. Now there's the unspoken pressure that says "this is the only person I'm supposed to want," and that pressure is the enemy of desire itself. In this episode, Tari addresses what nobody says before the rehearsal dinner: that the wedding ring is not a sexual education. That the legal commitment doesn't install the knowledge of how to make your partner feel desired. That the honeymoon doesn't unlock it. He also asks the question that most of us quietly sidestep: do you feel genuine, almost involuntary desire for this person — the pull, the electricity, the thing that makes you reach for someone because you simply cannot help it? This is Episode 1 of Sex After Marriage, a series that goes places most people won't. It's for the newly engaged, the recently married, and the couple twenty years in who still haven't named what's quietly been missing. For one-on-one coaching on intimacy and desire in your relationship, visit Closeness.com . And to hear the follow-up — what actually happens in the bedroom after the vows — [watch Episode 2 of Sex After Marriage here].

  3. How Taking Space Is Costing You The Relationship from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    Jun 2, 202613 min

    Wanting space isn't the problem. Taking it badly is. If you've ever asked for space and watched it blow up — him spiraling, you feeling guilty, the connection somehow worse — this one's for you. This is the women's companion to "5 Things Men Need to Know When She Needs Space." Tough love, the loving kind: 5 ways to take the space you need without losing the man you want to keep — how to name your terms, why vanishing backfires, the phrases to retire, and the tender moment when you just need to be quiet. CHAPTERS 0:00 We need to talk, ladies 0:44 Why this keeps happening to you 1:39 Rule one: quantify the time 2:53 Space is holy — the vanishing act isn't 4:12 The vacuum you create when you vanish 6:24 Breakup grenades disguised as kindness 8:12 A quick word 8:38 Real space vs. a performance 10:25 Take space like a woman who keeps love 11:48 When you're just sad, not leaving

  4. How to Properly Flirt With Your Wife or Girlfriend (Even After Years Together) from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    May 23, 202616 min

    She didn't stop wanting it. You just stopped doing it. Most men in long-term relationships have quietly given up on flirting — not because they don't want to, but because somewhere along the way it felt awkward, got shut down, or got buried under the comfort of everyday life. The problem is she's still waiting for it. She's still hungry for the moment you look at her like you mean it. In this episode, Tari breaks down masculine flirtation from the ground up — what it actually looks like, why it's nothing like feminine flirting, and how to layer it back into your relationship starting today. No scripts, no tricks. Just presence, tone, and the willingness to be a little uncomfortable at first. In this episode: why men stop flirting and what it costs · what masculine flirtation actually looks like · eye contact, tone and physical proximity done right · the layering process — how to build, not force · why comfort kills chemistry · how to start small and build from there · what her response tells you and how to keep it going.

  5. Why She Won’t Initiate Sex — And What To Do About It from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    May 17, 202610 min

    One of the most common frustrations men bring into my office: "Why do I always have to be the one to start things?" In this episode, sex and intimacy coach Tari breaks down the real psychology behind why most women won't initiate — even when they want to. You'll learn why women and men are wired completely differently around rejection, what the "secret universe" of female desire actually sounds like, and the single most important shift you can make to become someone she can't help but respond to. No begging required. #relationships #intimacy #sexcoach #marriageadvice #couples #sexualenergy #datingadvice #longTermRelationship #menandwomen #closeness

  6. Why Men Can’t Take Sex Seriously (And How to Fix It) | Closeness from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    May 14, 20266 min

    If your partner has ever said you don't take sex seriously enough, this episode is for you. Intimacy Tari has spent over a decade working with couples, and one pattern comes up more than almost any other: men who use humor, jokes, and playfulness as an escape hatch the moment intimacy starts to deepen. This isn't about being too silly. It's about never having been given a model for masculine erotic presence — and compensating with behavior that quietly kills sexual tension. Tari explains what's actually driving the deflection, what women are asking for when they want a man to "show up," and gives two actionable, body-based shifts any man can start using immediately.

  7. 15 Signs She’s Sexually Satisfied – How to Know if She’s Well Loved from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    May 5, 202627 min

    Signs a woman is sexually satisfied go far beyond what most men understand — and most men are never taught what to look for. In this episode, Tari from Closeness breaks down 15 specific indicators that tell you exactly how she’s experiencing you, sexually and emotionally. A well-loved, well-sexed woman is not something you can manufacture overnight. It takes presence, focus, skill, and a genuine care for her experience. When those things come together, she responds in ways that are unmistakable — if you know what you’re looking for. In this episode you’ll learn the 15 signs a woman is sexually satisfied, including full surrender, physical generosity, initiation, obsession, and the kind of openness that only comes from real trust and connection. These signs aren’t just about sex. They’re about the quality of your intimacy, your presence, and the container you create for her. This is not a manipulation guide. These signs are a mirror — a way to honestly assess where you are and what’s possible when you show up fully for your partner. If you’re not seeing these signs, that’s important information too. Tari walks you through what each one means, why it matters, and how to understand what your woman is communicating through her body, her behavior, and her desire. Visit closeness.com to book a session or strategy call.

  8. Does being submissive to a man actually get a woman what she wants? A Closeness Podcast from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    May 4, 202616 min

  9. The Sexual Skill Gap – Navigating male sexual inexperience, years later from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    Apr 15, 202632 min

  10. She’s Already Gone: Understanding Women, Breakups & What Men Never See Coming from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    Jan 29, 202625 min

    Most men experience a breakup as something that happens suddenly — a conversation that blindsides them, a decision that seems to arrive from nowhere. The truth is almost always more complicated. By the time a woman says the words out loud, she has typically been living with that decision for months. Sometimes years. In this episode, Tari from Closeness breaks down one of the most painful and misunderstood dynamics in long-term relationships: the slow, silent exit. What it looks like from her side. What it feels like from his. And why the gap between those two experiences causes so much devastation. This episode covers the four most common reasons couples break up — infidelity, abuse, codependency, and growing apart — and then goes deep on the fourth, which is by far the most nuanced and the least discussed. What happens when two people are good together in almost every way, but one partner — usually the woman — has quietly outgrown the relationship sexually and emotionally, and doesn't know how to say it without blowing everything up? Tari addresses both sides directly. For women: why staying silent to avoid hurting your partner is not the kindness it feels like, and what it actually costs both of you. For men: why chasing harder when she pulls away almost never works, what to do instead, and how to find your footing when the ground disappears beneath you. This is also an honest conversation about how women process differently — why a man can be blindsided by something his partner has been sitting with for years, and why that gap in awareness isn't a character flaw on either side. It's a pattern. And once you see it, you can't unsee it. Whether you're in the middle of this right now, watching it happen slowly, or just want to understand how relationships actually unravel — this episode will give you real clarity, not platitudes. Visit closeness.com to work with Tari directly, join the private Telegram group, or explore the full video library.

  11. 5 Things men don’t think about before having sex with their partner (Excerpt from a video podcast) from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    Jan 23, 202611 min

    While there are women who do enjoy sex with no strings attached, most women in relationships are tolerating their love life from their partner. Here are a few things to consider.

  12. You’re a Highly Sexual Woman. So Why Aren’t You Getting What You Want? from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    May 27, 202519 min

    The title speaks for itself. Please enjoy. Are you a highly sexual woman who has never quite gotten the sex you actually want? You’re not alone — and it’s not your fault. In this episode, Tari from Closeness introduces the concept of the highly sexual woman, or HSW — a woman whose sexual nature is intense, real, and largely hidden. Not because she’s repressed or broken, but because the men in her life were never equipped to bring it out of her. A highly sexual woman doesn’t always look the part. She may present as calm, composed, even reserved. But underneath that exterior is a craving for intense, passionate, deeply connected sex that most men never get close to unlocking. Her desire often lives in fantasy, in private, unexpressed — sometimes for years. Sometimes for decades. In this episode you’ll learn what defines a highly sexual woman, why her sexuality often stays dormant in long-term relationships, and what it actually takes for a man to bring it out. Tari breaks down why good men often unintentionally suppress a woman’s sexuality, how a highly sexual woman responds to masculine presence and intensity, and why most couples never reach the level of sexual connection that’s actually possible for them. This episode is for the women who know there’s more — and for the men who want to give it to them. If you recognize yourself here, know that your sexuality is not something to be ashamed of, managed, or hidden. It’s something to be met. Tari works with highly sexual women and their partners to create the kind of sexual experience that most people only fantasize about. Visit closeness.com to book a session or strategy call.

  13. Interview: Is it possible to have an unforgettable One Night Stand? from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    May 26, 202545 min

    It's been a while since we've posted an interview style format so we're bringing it backwith a bang! (So to speak) For regular listeners who are used to relationship oriented sexual material, don't worry there will still be plenty of that in future episodes. But for today's guest, Venus is here explore how to make a one night stand a special and fun experience. Closeness also posts videos on all social media platforms. Follow us on YouTube: YouTube.com/closeness X and Instagram: @closenesscoach TikTok: @IntimacyCoaching Chapters: 0:00 Closeness is now on all social media platforms with videos and shorts 1:55 Introduction to Venus 7:43 Defining what exactly a One Night Stand is 10:55 Does she actually like them 12:45 Is people pleasing an inherently female trait? 14:19 Do you feel obligated to partake? 15:51 Do you like ONS? 16:25 The Kiss tells you everything 18:00 Other ways to tell it will be good 20:18 Is it all about a feeling or attraction or both? 21:38 What to avoid and what does it take to make a great one night stand? 25:27 Reasons why you may not want to do it 28:10 How to know if someone is going to be good or not? 30:48 Not all touch should be taken as an advance 32:55 there are two kinds of great one night stands 33:53 What is the recipe for men? 35:06 When there are fireworks on the dance floor 37:36 What women need to do to prepare for an ONS 40:06 Don't be selfish! 41:14 How do you have a passionate ONS that is connected 42:50 Final thoughts and summing up! Photography by: Dominik Malik

  14. What happens long-term when you deprive a woman of sex, intimacy and closeness? from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    Nov 14, 20241 hr 0 min

    For a sexual woman, or a woman who enjoys regular sex, nothing feels more devastating than being deprived of intimacy, closeness, and the feeling of being desired. In long-term relationships, this scenario is more common than many realize and can lead to her disconnecting, shutting down and even feeling deeply resentmentful. In this episode, we explore what you can do if you've been neglecting your partner ins this department. The Pain of Feeling Undesired When a woman feels rejected sexually, it’s not just about the lack of physical intimacy—it’s about the emotional toll it takes on her feeling unwanted. She may begin to question her worth, her attractiveness, and even the relationship itself. A hug and a peck hello won't be enough to salvage it. Meaningful actions and effort are needed to make her feel truly wanted but more so in the sensual and sexual sense. The Initiation Paradox Many men struggle to initiate intimacy, while many women hesitate to take the lead for fear of being judged or feeling rejected themselves. This “initiation paradox” creates a frustrating stalemate that slowly erodes sexual connection. A woman’s sexual expression often mirrors what her partner inspires in her; if she feels ignored or undesired, her sensuality can wither. To move things forward, it’s essential to break this cycle by understanding her emotional needs and taking intentional steps to get that chemistry back. Questions to Ask Yourself If intimacy has stalled in your relationship, it’s time for some tough self-reflection. Effort is sometimes too strong of word, but are you putting in the effort or energy to make her feel desired? Are you addressing your own low libido or other barriers to connection? If you’re in a sexless or low-sex relationship, ask yourself whether this is a dealbreaker—or if you’re willing to put in the work to change the dynamic. Recognize that women still crave intimacy and fantasize about passion, even if the spark has dimmed in their own relationship. This emotionally charged episode goes deep into the challenges of intimacy deprivation and offers actionable advice for reigniting connection and restoring balance. Ready to Come Closer? Listen now for insights on how to overcome mismatched libidos, rebuild desire, and create a more fulfilling relationship. Visit Closeness.com for more resources on intimacy and connection. Are you ready to come closer? CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 5:12 Disperate sex drives and libidos 8:35 Why can't women just initiate themselves? 9:35 Female Nature 12:27 No man wants a starfish. No woman wants someone who doesn't desire her 13:14 The initiation paradox 14:55 Words vs Actions 16:26 Men find it hard to initiate when 19:06 For things to work, women need to offer these secret ingredients 23:42 Mens false promises? 24:40 This is how it looks when a woman feels undesired 25:52 A hug and kiss is not the bare minimum 26:50 Damage control due to lack of promises 30:32 For men with low sex drives / libidos 38:00 If you can't imagine the previous recommendations, ask yourself these hard questions 44:30 Is lack of sex a deal breaker for you or your partner? 47:45 Understanding mens issue with too much consent <p class="wp-block-p

  15. How to inspire a woman to FEEL sexy and sexual towards you from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    Sep 23, 20241 hr 1 min

    If you want to know how to make your wife feel sexy — really feel it, not just look it — this episode is the one to send to every man you know. Most men assume their job is to show up and respond. Wrong. The real work is in creating the conditions that awaken her desire: the right look, the right touch, the right energy, the right voice. Closeness coach Tari walks through exactly what that means — from the difference between a woman doing something for you versus doing it because she's genuinely turned on, to the art of directing a scene without barking orders or whispering into the sheets. This is not about tricks. It's about understanding how women actually work — and becoming the man who makes her feel wanted, led, and deeply, unapologetically sexy.

  16. 13 Easy to fix roadblocks that are keeping you from having sex right now… and what to do about them from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    Apr 6, 20241 hr 1 min

    In this episode, we tackle 13 common barriers that can stand in the way of a thriving sexual connection with your partner. Whether it’s logistical issues, bad timing, or emotional disconnection, these roadblocks can quietly chip away at intimacy. The good news? Every one of these obstacles can be addressed easily, paving the way for better connection, desire, and satisfaction. It’s Not Just About Desire—It’s About the Setup Sometimes, logistics are the real problem. Are there too many pillows on the bed creating a barrier to even touch? Is your couch too small or your bed too uncomfortable for sex to happen? Even practical issues like pets sleeping on the bed or family members out staying their welcome can disrupt your ability to connect. It's easy to create a space that feels inviting, private, and comfortable. A lock on the door, rearranged furniture, or a cozy setup can work wonders. From Platonic to Passionate Another common roadblock is behaving too much like a platonic friend. If you’re not making sensual or sexual gestures beyond a quick peck or a hand on her shoulder—it’s hard to shift the energy toward intimacy. Sensual or sexual gestures need to happen on the regular. Women crave and need progressions that build tension and desire, so don’t just stop at a hug. Small, intentional actions, like lingering eye contact, touch, or even flirting, help reignite the spark and move you closer to a meaningful connection. In this episode you'll learn much more about how to act in a way that really gets her attention. Timing and Effort: Make It Count Sex in long-term relationships requires effort—it won’t always feel spontaneous or like it happens on its own. Interestingly, women will constantly criticize a man’s “bad timing” without initiating intimacy themselves or letting him know what good timing actually is. Don't worry, we'll talk about that too. Good timing is actually a skill you can develop together. Steady progress with visible changes Intimacy is a journey, not a switch you flip that stays on forever. Don’t rush in expecting your partner to feel ready after minimal or no effort. Small progressions—playful teasing, seductive gestures, lingering touch, or shared laughter—lay the groundwork for deeper sexual connection. By addressing these roadblocks and taking thoughtful, intentional steps, you can transform your relationship and bring passion back into the bedroom. Ready to Come Closer? Learn how to identify and overcome the barriers standing between you and a more fulfilling sex life. Tune in now, and visit Closeness.com for more insights on intimacy, connection, and desire. Are you ready to come closer? CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introduction 3:42 1:Logistics 8:03 The three categories of affection 11:33 Logistical problem 1a: Your furnishings 13:37 Logistical problem 1b: Lovers can't find the time 14:12 2. Family, extended family and kids 15:58 3. No locks on your doors 18:30 4. The zoo that lives with you 19:57 5. Energy 22:35 Not wanting to. Needing it to feel natural 29:25 7. You're not there emotionally 32:01 8. She shuts down emotionally, feels defeated and broken 36:04 9. Your timing is off! 43:40 Often women don't even know what bad timing is 46:05 10. Pressure 50:

  17. What to do with an extra horny wife or girlfriend… when your libidos are mismatched from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    Dec 12, 202350 min

    Ah the case of the extra horny wife! What to do when your wife or girlfriend has a high sex drive and you’re struggling to keep up? This episode looks at one of the biggest challenges in relationships today. Whether you’re dealing with mismatched drives, low libido, or confusion about how to take the lead, this episode gives you actionable tips to handle the situation with confidence and connection. Understanding the Problem When a woman has a higher sex drive than you, frustration and discouragement can creep into the relationship. Sometimes, men have a low libido, feel shy, or simply don’t know how to initiate intimacy effectively. Lack of experience can also cause this situation to worsen even more so. Sometimes a man thinks he’s giving it his all in the bedroom, but it will often read as a paltry attempt by his female partner and often still falls short of what his partner craves. Understanding this gap is key to bridging it—and it starts with being present, proactive, and a willingness to learn and take action as a man. Take the Lead—Action Over Consolation If your partner looks discouraged or unfulfilled, don’t wait for her to spell it out. And especially if she's frustrated sometimes, consoling her isn’t the solution... but seducing her may be. As a man, it’s essential to take action in suggestive and often sexual ways that she can read to show her that you desire her. Women often want their partner to lead with confidence and passion, and waiting for her to guide the experience, take the lead or show interest, can cause disconnection. Your willingness to take the initiative not only meets her needs but also deepens your connection. The Role of Authentic Attraction Here’s the hard truth: if you’re not physically attracted to your partner or genuinely desire her, the imbalance in your sex drives will only worsen. Authentic desire and attraction is critical for intimacy when it flows from a man to a woman. Otherwise you both are going to feel like you're doing her a favor. While you can’t change your own libido drastically, you can work on fostering finding ways that you find her attractive. If you're a man used to doing grand gestures and showing her how much she means to you with fancy trips and gifts, this strategy may need to be revised. Remember, your sexuality and you desire for her in this dynamic is what she finds exciting. Yes, your needs and your sexuality matters too, but if you’re not engaged, the relationship may struggle to thrive. This episode also sheds light on an often-overlooked dynamic: that women can and do pressure men for sex. For men navigating this challenge, knowing that it really is ok to say no is huge. But if you tell someone no all the time, there is something much deeper going on. Ready to Come Closer? Learn how to confidently navigate mismatched libidos, seduce with intention, and bring passion back into your relationship. For more tips and insights, visit Closeness.com . Are you ready to come closer? CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro and the types of relationships that are like this 2:34 Women who want it but their husbands drive is not there 3:42 You're trying, you're having good sex but it's still not enough for her 5:06 Thoughts on what to do if you have a very sexual wife or girlfriend 11:26 Distinguishing between a woman who doesn't want you vs someone who is turned off from you 15:02 If you're super aggressive or a non-affectionate man this doesn't apply 15:52 it's imperative as a man to take action if she has a high sex drive <p class="wp-block-para

  18. 20 Things to consider when dating a woman who has children from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    Nov 19, 20231 hr 11 min

    In so many ways, dating a single mother is an entirely different experience compared to dating someone without children. In this episode, we explore the unique dynamics, challenges, and many rewards of stepping into a relationship with a single mother. From navigating your needs, to her unique priorities and needs to understanding her relationship dynamic with her ex, this episode breaks down the 20 essential things you need to know to make the relationship work—or decide if it’s the right fit for you. When dating a single mother, her children will always come first, and rightfully so. From middle-of-the-night emergencies to the emotional minute by minute demands of raising kids, you have to be prepared for her attention to shift instantly away from you and the relationship when something goes wrong. If you’re someone who struggles with ranking lower on the totem pole or who feels competition around children, this dynamic might not be for you. You’re stepping into a pre-existing family system, not just a relationship. Be Ready for Complexities Single moms often carry the emotional weight of past relationships, whether it’s lingering emotional pain with an ex, very real divorce baggage, or balancing co-parenting arrangements. The question of whether her children like you or not can also have a huge impact on the relationship. And while single moms are often incredible caretakers, that care may be directed more toward their children than you. This dynamic requires understanding, patience, and creativity, especially when it comes to topics like discipline, finances, and meeting the extended family. It’s important to recognize that stepping into a relationship with a single mom doesn’t mean stepping into a parenting role unless this is explicitly agreed upon. You don’t have to raise her kids, but being a support system to them and a friend to them can be phenomenally rewarding to everyone involved! And while single moms may have high standards for their partner, you’re allowed to have your own (high) standards too. A relationship works when both partners feel supported, respected, and seen. The Rewards of Connection While dating a single mother has its challenges, it can also be deeply rewarding. Building a connection with her kids, even if they’re not yours, can bring immense joy and purpose to your life and this is something that most people cannot know until they've experienced it themselves. Gaining emotional maturity, patience, and empathy for navigating this unique relationship dynamic will come with time. If you’re ready to embrace the complexities of loving a single mother, this guide will help you do it with care and intention. Tune in to learn how to navigate dating and intimacy with a single mom while building a meaningful connection. For more tips on relationships and intimacy, visit Closeness.com . Are you ready to come closer? Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:25 Disclosures 3:45 Connecting with your children is not something that ever ends 5:45 1. Anytime something goes wrong, it’s going to require mom’s instant attention 7:06 A taste of my story 9:50 2. Many women think their ex is crazy or a narcissist 12:00 The usual disclaimers 14:00 A contribution from a single mother 15:57 3. The length of your commitment matters 17:56 4. Her children must come first 22:15 5. You can’t just come over 23:29 5a. Sometimes you may rank last in terms of priority <p

  19. The incredible experience of knowing when a woman is in love with you… and how to reciprocate back! 15 ways from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    Nov 11, 202359 min

    In this heartfelt episode of The Closeness Podcast, Tari explores the subtle yet profound ways a woman expresses love towards you and how to nurture that connection. Love isn’t just a feeling, you can also see it written all over her face, as well as in her actions and gestures towards you that reveal her affection and devotion. From admiring glances to shared laughter and vulnerably sharing herself with you, this episode offers 15 clear signs to help you recognize when a woman is truly in love with you and, more importantly, how to reciprocate that love in meaningful ways. Love can be seen in the smallest details: the way she looks at you, her willingness to support you in tough times, or her playful texts and videos that show you she’s thinking of you. Whether it’s through physical intimacy, kind gestures like little notes or gifts, or her desire to spend time with you or be near in proximity to you, feminine love manifests in actions that reflect her care and attention. Tari emphasizes that recognizing these signs requires presence and attentiveness, as love often speaks in whispers rather than grand gestures. Love Is a Gift and a Responsibility Feminine love also needs to be nurtured in return. Reciprocating her love means being present, appreciating her unique ways of showing affection, and putting in the effort to keep the relationship thriving. But unexpected areas like leading her, protecting her, and being decisive with her is important too. Shared humor is another way to reciprocate but it's important to not always be sarcastic or cracking jokes at another expense. But playful banter, a little wit and wry humor can go a long way to make your connection feel fun and lively. From her desire to be sexual with you to introducing you to her friends and family, a woman in love shows her affection in countless ways. This episode helps you decode her actions and highlights the importance of stepping into her perspective to understand how she experiences love. Ready to Come Closer? Tune in to learn how to recognize, appreciate, and deepen love in your relationship. For more insights into intimacy and connection, visit Closeness.com . Are you ready to come closer? Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 7:23 1. When she's deferential towards you 14:26 2. She looks at you directly, frequently 16:47 3. The way that she looks at you 20:55 4. Admiration 24:12 5. Her desire to have sex with you 28:50 6. The way she'll have sex with you and what she's willing to do 35:30 Putting yourself in her position 41:12 7. Little notes and mementos 42:56 8. Gifts 45:57 9. She wants to talk to you and be near you all the time 48:30 10. She gives you her softness 50:47 11. She's more sexual and sensual outside of the bedroom 51:50 12. Exchanging videos, memes and all number of cute things 52:30 13. She shows up for you and is there when you need her 54:44 14. She loves to have fun with you and play with you 56:30 15. Her family and or friends know about you and love you or like you lots

  20. Sexual Tension. What it is, how to play with it and why you must build it with your partner from Closeness, opens in a new tab

    Oct 31, 202358 min

    This episode dives into that unspoken, magnetic force that women love, men are strangers to and has the ability to keep relationships alive: sexual tension. To begin, do you know what it is? How would you describe it to someone? Far from a fleeting moment of attraction, sexual tension is a dynamic between you and your partner. An energy that is felt. A strong feeling. A deliberate energy that fuels desire, excitement, and intimacy in long-term and short term relationships alike. Whether you’re looking to reignite a spark or keep the flames burning, this episode breaks down why sexual tension matters and how to master it. Another way to think of sexual tension is the unspoken, electrifying connection that builds anticipation and desire between partners- but ESPECIALLY for women. It’s not about rushing to the finish line but about creating a charged space where passion can thrive. For men, this often means embracing assertiveness, confidence, healthy dominance and masculinity in a way that engages their partner. For women, it’s about responding to that energy and feeling desired. Without this interplay, relationships can feel stagnant, leading to a drop in attraction and intimacy over time. How to Build Sexual Tension Keeping the spark alive requires intentional effort- and again usually on the part of the man. From maintaining steady eye contact to spontaneous, consensual touch, the art of creating tension and seduction can lie in subtlety. Non-verbal cues, intense or even mischievous, playful teasing, and a willingness to show your desire (instead of asking for it) all play a role. Timing (another important thing to most women) is everything—knowing when and how to initiate intimacy is key to making your partner feel wanted without overwhelming her or taking her by surprise in a bad way. Remember, many women want to experience that rush of being taken or feeing desired—not asked for sex like a mother / child dynamic. But the being taken part can only be done when trust and consent are firmly established. Why Men Must Take the Lead This episode highlights the differences in how men and women initiate intimacy. While men often hesitate or misinterpret cues, women are looking for confidence and decisiveness in their man. Women want to feel pursued, but that doesn’t mean bulldozing past boundaries. The solution? Lead with your energy, make your intentions clear with your CALM body language, and leave the overthinking to her. Sexual tension thrives when both partners lean into their natural dynamics, with men taking initiative and women responding to the energy. Becoming a Sexual Being To satisfy your partner fully, you have to embody your sexual energy—not as a forced persona, or actor, but as a natural extension of who you are. Sexual tension isn’t about planning or being mechanical and it's not about role playing; it’s about creating a playful, passionate buildup that keeps both partners excited. Whether you’ve been together for a year or a decade, becoming a sexual being is about consistently showing up with intention, curiosity, and confidence. Ready to Come Closer? This episode will teach you how to spark desire, keep intimacy alive, and master the art of sexual tension in your relationship. For more tips on creating passion and connection, visit Closeness.com . Are you ready to come closer? CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro 1:39 Men and women show sexual interest differently 3:41 Puppy dog love 8:34 Men and women initiate differently 12:33 What does it look like when a woman makes herself sexu

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