Newsflash: Your girlfriend might not actually be from Venus after all. A new review of research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that, sure, men and women are different—but not that different. Researchers analyzed 13 studies looking at 122 characteristics and 13,301 people and found that even though some research has shown—and stereotypes suggest—differences between the sexes (like female empathy or men’s superior math skills), the differences aren’t as distinct as many believe.

In fact, for many psychological traits—like the fear of success or how we choose our partners—men and women are pretty similar. So here are three common myths about your other half that you shouldn’t always believe. After the jump we bust the myth behind women!

1. She Doesn’t Want Sex as Much as You Do
OK, you might daydream about getting dirty almost twice as frequently: A 2011 study in the Journal of Sex Research found that men think about sex on average 19 times per day, compared to 10 times for women. But the truth is, every day she ages, her sex drive increases, according to a study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. After studying the responses from 806 women over age 40, researchers found that the ladies were more satisfied with their sex lives, and almost 70 percent were reaching orgasm.

2. She’s Overly Emotional
By nature, she can’t help being emotional. Her amygdala—the small brain region devoted to emotions—is way more efficient than yours. It produces richer, more intense emotional memories. But just because she’s crying and you’re not doesn’t mean you’re made of stone. Recent Wake Forest University research found that men become more stressed out and emotional with relationship issues, and experience more of a “boost” when the relationship’s going well than women do. Why? It could be that women are more likely to have a strong social support system than men, the researchers say. So when things head south—or are going well—men feel it more as the relationship is more likely to be their main source of intimacy.

3. She’s Obsessed with Shopping
Perhaps. But you might be spending more: A poll of 2,000 people from the British firm Npower found that the average guy spends a little over $40 on impulse buys per week—while women spend just over $30. And new research from market research firm Mintel found that when it comes to grooming and beauty products, it’s not just your girlfriend who stocks up: Sixty percent of guys—versus 52 percent of women—like shopping online.

Did you know that Valentine’s Day is also widely recognized as National Condom Day?  Great news for those committed to the practice of safe sex, researchers at the Indiana University School of Public Health – home to the famed Kinsey Institute of sexual medicine research – recently discovered through a 1600 participant survey that thanks to advancements in condom technology, men and women consistently rate sex as highly arousing and pleasurable, even sex with condoms!

On the heels of this news, and in honor of the upcoming holiday, I wanted to share a few statistics from the LifeStyles Condoms Valentine’s Day Survey that could be a good fit for any V-Day stories or by-the-numbers roundups you might be working on.

• Be Mine: 84% of respondents report that they have a Valentine.
• Love (and Greeting Cards) in the Air: While 65% of respondents noted that ‘romantic’ best describes their perception of the holiday, ‘manufactured’ followed close behind at 41%.
• All About You: Making someone else feel loved on Valentine’s Day is most important, as reported by the largest group (85%) of respondents, followed by feeling loved on Valentine’s Day (80%).
• Holiday Play: The majority of respondents (51%) report that their Valentine’s Day plans include sex, also noting that they like their Valentine’s Day sex to be more sensual than usual (43%), and with prolonged foreplay (37%).
• Keep it Casual: More respondents would prefer a casual dinner (30%) over an expensive dinner (18%).
• Love in the Modern Age: While a traditional card still holds the top spot for delivering a Valentine’s Day message (42%), the V-Day text is on its heels with 37% of respondents planning their loving messages via cell phone.

* This data is nationally representative of 18 to 34 year olds who are sexually active.  Data relates to their perceptions, opinions, attitudes, and beliefs regarding Valentine’s Day.

The margin of error for this survey is +/- 6.61%

These days I have been noticing a high number of these “Nice Guys” on Facebook and other social networking sites and they have been spilling over into the real non cyber world. Let me tell you, these guys are absolutely annoying! These are the idiots who actually believe that women are somehow infallible and everything they do or don’t do is in direct relation to some action or inaction of some man.

These are the same guys who spend forever and an ungodly amount of money attempting to woo a girl, and then once they finally wear her down engage in a relationship thinking she is the one. Two years later she breaks it off and he spends months pissed off about how it was all her fault, and crying about “what kind of person would leave a man who treated her so well? Who would be so heartless to throw two years away just like that? I was so good to her and this is what I get in return?”

The truth is that most “nice guys” don’t think they’re doing anything wrong. For years they struggle to attract women and when they finally date one, they end up losing her down the line. They either keep following this path of frustration or do a 180° and try to become a douche bag to have success with women.

I’m here to tell you that the opposite of the “nice guy” is not a jerk, far from it. Jerks have short-term success and are miserable in life. I want to show you how to be the best kind of man you can be: a true gentleman.

Read the contrasting lists below and see where you fall. Try to be as honest with yourself as possible. Understand that mostly everyone will have a mix and nothing is absolute. But, it’s a good reference to see what you can work on.

The “Nice Guy”:

1. Has low self-esteem, doesn’t value himself highly. Might be out of past failures or other deep-rooted emotional issues.
2. Constantly seeks approval, validation, or attention from others, usually out of a low self-worth. Cares what everyone else thinks of him, fears disapproval.
3. Insecure with himself, doesn’t feel that a high quality person (women especially) should like him. He is constantly afraid of abandonment.
4. Exhibits controlling, possessive, jealous, domineering, clingy, or suffocating behavior. Over-texts, over-calls, needs to be with that person 24/7. Makes people feel guilty when they enjoy time without him.
5. Idealizes potential mates and overlooks their flaws aka “puts them on a pedestal”. Does the same with relationships and devotes large amounts of emotion, time, energy, and money early on.
6. Doesn’t take responsibility for his actions. Never admits fault and wrongly blames others.
7. Claims he’s victimized, attributes his own flaws and shortcomings to external circumstances and/or other people.
8. Kisses-up and is totally agreeable to try and “score points” with people, especially women. Will never disagree for fear of upsetting her. Places his needs last and tries to satisfy everyone else before him.
9. Never leads, is submissive, and always wants to make sure everything he does is okay with her. Overly apologetic and says sorry when there’s nothing to apologize for.
10. Doesn’t draw boundaries, gives women whatever they want in return for love, sex, or approval. Accepts second-class behavior for the possible reward of the aforementioned. Doesn’t say “no” even when he knows it’s the right thing to do.
11. Often hides his true feelings and bottles them up inside. Afraid to speak his mind and may lie or omit things.
12. Immature and throws tantrums when he doesn’t get his way. Lacks social etiquette and awareness.
13. Displays poor/weak body language. Makes little or no eye contact, leans forward out of nervousness, and has fast/jerky movements. Possesses nervous ticks/fidgety habits, keeps hands in his pockets, exhibits bad posture, and doesn’t stand up straight.
14. Is easily emotionally destabilized, gets worked up over meaningless things. “Loses his cool” and has outbursts of anger.
15. Constantly uses self-deprecating humor to get approval, sympathy, or pity.
16. Feels guilty for his natural sexual desires, even for simply looking at a woman. Represses his sexuality and ends up in the friend zone. Gets frustrated, angry, and misogynistic towards women because of it.
17. Whines and complains, usually to get pity or sympathy. Has a negative attitude and a cynical outlook on life.
18. Favors instant gratification and short-sighted thinking. He’s not willing to put in the effort or dedication needed to accomplish tasks. Does not give credit to what others achieve and thinks he could easily “do it better than them”.
19. Feels the need to compensate for himself through gifts or expensive restaurants. Needs to prove his worth by showing his money or status early on.
20. Always has “strings attached” or motives for being generous or doing favors. Expects something in return and gets angry or guilt trips when it doesn’t happen – exhibits manipulative behavior.
21. Judges people based on external factors such as appearance or material items.
22. Sees women primarily as sexual objects. His main goal is to have sex with them and does not care or actually listen.
23. Dependent, needs a woman to feel happy or fulfilled in life. Hates being alone and will jump into relationships that are not right for him just to be with someone.

The “nice guy” is the personification of the attributes in a man that women ultimately do not feel attracted to.

The Real Man:

1. Has high self-esteem, considers himself valuable and worthy, a “catch”.
2. Enjoys the company of others but does not seek their approval or attention to be happy. Doesn’t let people’s opinions emotionally destabilize him.
3. Is self-confident and never arrogant or insecure. Possibly slightly cocky and may tease women in a friendly way. Believes he’s a great person that people will love to be around.
4. Understands personal freedom and boundaries. Doesn’t experience unnecessary jealousy – encourages a woman to exercise her independence.
5. Appreciates the qualities in potential mates but does not over-romanticize them. Takes new relationships day by day and lets them grow naturally. Doesn’t invest all his emotions, time, or money into a relationship too soon and remains a challenge.
6. Takes responsibility for all his actions and realizes when he’s done something wrong. He’s not afraid to apologize and doesn’t take it out on others.
7. Accepts his flaws and does not make excuses for them. Works to actively improve and fix them rather than complain.
8. Will agree when he legitimately agrees but has his own thoughts and values. He stands up for them without being argumentative or causing a scene. Makes fulfilling his needs a priority before trying to satisfy everyone else’s.
9. Isn’t afraid to lead and take control of a situation. Doesn’t hesitate to move forward, but is willing to let others take charge if needed. His apologies are meaningful because they’re used sincerely and when necessary.
10. Understands his boundaries and doesn’t tolerate disrespect to himself, his property, or his time. Doesn’t let women use their sexual power to get anything (whether it be money or self-respect) from him. Not afraid to put someone in their place when they are out of line.
11. Can be brutally honest (while still being respectful) with everyone, including himself. Isn’t afraid to speak his mind.
12. Mature in every sense of the word. Compromises, respects social etiquette, and is aware of other people.
13. Displays strong, confident body language. Holds good eye contact, stands tall with his shoulders back and arms open. He moves deliberately with purpose and speaks with a clear, confident voice.
14. Is in control of his emotions, doesn’t let meaningless issues bother him. Stays calm under pressure and doesn’t lash out against others.
15. Makes people laugh without always resorting to tearing himself down.
16. Never feels ashamed for his sexual desires and needs. Always sexually confident. Shows his intentions while generating attraction and sexual chemistry with the opposite sex. Loves women and has no ill feelings towards them.
17. Doesn’t feel the need to complain for attention or sympathy. Accepts the world as it is while keeping a positive attitude.
18. Goal-oriented thinker, favors long-term gratification over short. Has a purpose in life and proactively works towards it. Challenges himself regularly to achieve what he wants out of life. Enjoys it when others shine and is inspired by their accomplishments.
19. Enjoys giving gifts and sharing expensive meals out of confidence, high-value, and because he genuinely wants to. Doesn’t try to buy a girl’s affection early on.
20. Is generous out of the kindness of his heart. Does not expect anything in return and is happy to share value.
21. Judges people based on meaningful internal qualities such as character and personality.
22. Sees women as human beings and wants to genuinely connect with them, even if it’s a casual hookup. Is compassionate.
23. Is proudly independent and perfectly happy being single. Sure, he’d like to find an attractive/beautiful/intelligent woman to spend time with, but he doesn’t need it.

The real man is the polar opposite of the “nice guy”. He is the manifestation of traits in a man that women universally and naturally feel attracted to. This is the man women are talking about when they say, “I wish I could just meet a nice guy.”

So…who are you going to be?

Though it would seem natural—nay, an inalienable right—for models to go into acting, it all too often ends tragically, sometimes comically so.

Agyness Deyn is out to change that. According to the Guardian, the semi-supe, who hasn’t modeled in recent memory, is confirmed to play the lead in the sequel to the English gangster film Pusher, based on the 1996 Danish cult hit. Her character, a drugged-out stripper named Flo, is a small yet critical role, thus the spin-off. Producer and screenwriter Nicolas Winding Refn relocates her to Las Vegas, where presumably things don’t go according to plan.

The Hollywood dream may just pan out for Deyn, who’s also set to appear in Sunset Song, the big-screen adaptation of the 1932 Scottish novel. It can’t hurt that she recently eloped with actor Giovanni Ribisi, which would have remained a secret were they not spotted at the L.A. County clerk’s office.

Our friends at Lifestyles known for their condoms and so many other goodies asked this question and we’ve got the results for you. We’d love to know your thoughts on the matter as we have some pretty cool gift packs to give away. We have FIVE of them to be exact. And the contest ends on Dec 12 to make sure you get your stocking stuffers before Christmas. 

But first some rules:

• Leave a comment below. Any comment will do. Duplicate entries will be filtered out and discarded, so adding additional comments won’t increase your likelihood of winning.
• Contest is open to all residents of the 50 States and the District of Columbia, 18 or older! Sorry, we don’t make this rule (we hate excluding anyone).
• Winners will be chosen randomly. Five winners will receive one (1) Stocking Stuffer Gift Pack from Lifestyles Condoms.
• If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Make sure that the account you use to enter the contest includes a contact email. Social media contact details are not carried over into our system.
• This is purely for promotional giveaway. Lifestyles/FastLaneMag are not held liable to honor warranties, exchanges or customer service.
• The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
• Entries can be submitted until December 12, 2012 at 11:59PM PST.Good luck!

A new study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men in their 30s who had severe periodontal disease were three times more likely to suffer from erection problems. While this study suggests an association between erectile dysfunction and periodontal disease, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) believes more research is needed before conclusively linking the two.

According to Nancy L. Newhouse, DDS, MS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology and a practicing periodontist in Independence, Missouri, “Research has indicated that periodontal disease may be associated with vascular disease, which is a common cause of erectile dysfunction. However, the association is thought to be related to inflammation; there is no direct evidence that one disease causes the other. Therefore, periodontal disease may be associated with or considered a risk factor for erectile dysfunction, but does not necessarily cause it.”

Periodontal disease is a chronic, inflammatory disease that attacks the gums and supporting bone structure of the teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Several studies have linked periodontal disease to other health complications such as heart disease and diabetes.

While there is no direct causal relationship between periodontal disease and erectile dysfunction, Dr. Newhouse encourages all men to take an active role in the health of their teeth and gums before it affects other areas of the body. Research published in the Journal of Periodontology found women are almost twice as likely as men to receive regular dental check-ups. In addition, recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that over 64 million Americans, or almost half of U.S. adults, have periodontal disease. Of that, 56 percent of men have periodontal disease, compared to over 38 percent of women.

Men’s health is uniquely impacted by periodontal disease in a few key areas.
Prostate Health: Research found that the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), an enzyme created in the prostate that is normally secreted in very small amounts, is secreted at higher levels in men with periodontal disease and prostate cancer than men with just one of the diseases.

Heart Disease: Studies indicated periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are associated and may actually increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are chronic, inflammatory conditions; researchers believe there is a connection due to the commonality of inflammation.

Impotence: As the study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine indicates, a man’s periodontal health could affect his sexual health. Another study done by the American Urological Association found that prolonged chronic inflammation, like that found in men with periodontal disease, can cause damage to blood vessels which can lead to impotence.

Cancer: Recent research found men with a history of gum disease are 14 percent more likely to develop cancer than men with healthy gums. More specifically, 49 percent of men are more likely than women to develop kidney cancer, 59 percent were more likely to develop pancreatic cancer and 30 percent more likely to develop blood cancer.

To help prevent periodontal disease, everyone, regardless of gender, should receive a comprehensive periodontal evaluation (CPE) from a dental professional on an annual basis. A CPE is used to examine your teeth, plaque, gums, bite, bone structure and any risk factors you may have for periodontal disease.

To find a periodontist to perform a CPE or for answers to your periodontal health questions visit perio.org.

According to InterracialDating.com, 10 of the top 20 states in most demand for online interracial dating services are historically red states. This story was featured in the Huffington Post, and The Grio and received marked reader participation with lots of comments. 

As per usual, the 2012 election heats up to a frenzy as the country is divided between red and blue states, conservative and liberal. But the personal may not always be the political, based on recent data released by InterracialDating.com, an online dating service that specializes in connecting people who choose “character above color.” It turns out that some of the reddest of red states have the highest number seeking interracial relationships. Ten out of the site’s top 20 states with the most populous members have historically voted Republican over the past five presidential elections.

States like Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana and Indiana historically vote Republican and tend to be socially conservative–not exactly fertile ground for people openly and un-apologetically stating their non-conformist dating preferences. Most of these states vehemently opposed interracial marriage during the riotous Civil Rights era, with Alabama, the last holdout, formally legalizing it as late as the year 2000. “The high interest in interracial dating might be a surprise because of a perceived disapproval of interracial relationships in the Deep South where racial tensions seem deeply ingrained in the psyche and culture of the people who live there,” says Christelyn D. Karazin, co-author of “Swirling: How to Date, Mate, and Relate, Mixing Race, Culture and Creed,” and publisher for the popular interracial dating blog, Beyond Black & White.

Karazin recently appeared on CNN’s “HLN Weekend Express with Natasha Curry ” discussing historically “swirl-friendly” areas most accepting of interracial couples. Predictably, these places were along typically liberal coastal cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle with pockets of swirl-friendly places in the Midwest and the western portion of Texas.

So are people in red states too socially conservative to widely accept interracial relationships?

Laura Noble , 46, a black woman who lives in Virginia (Number 8 on the list) says, “As a black conservative, I posit that the media has a vested interest in portraying all conservatives as racists and all liberals as open-minded when in my experience, that is not the truth. I think that many conservatives are stereo-typically misrepresented in their interest of other races, and their geographic location may be more racially homogeneous, therefore if they want to date outside their race, they need to do it online.”

This new data may indicate that there’s a higher interest in interracial dating in red states than is perceived on the surface because of it’s anonymity and ubiquitousness. ”The demand is there because it might be harder for people to gauge who might be open to dating interracially,” says Rob Thompson , founder of InterracialDating.com. “Online dating gives people the ability to seek out like-minded people more easily than it would be face to face.”

Shaun Brown , 26, of Richmond, Virginia, plans to vote for Mitt Romney on November 6. He’s white, his girlfriend is black. Brown thinks that the legacy of slavery, fear and mistrust keeps people in Southern (and historically red) states from openly expressing their interest in interracial dating. “The media narrative for the past 40-50 years is that all conservatives care about themselves and their white friends and don’t like black people. We’re drilled from grade school and beyond that as a white person, your people oppressed black people. It makes you a bit reluctant to approach a woman for fear that you might be rejected. With online dating, you don’t have that fear or anxiety of wondering if you ask a girl out on a date she would say, ‘Oh no I could never date you because you’re white.”

 *State rankings based on member registrations since 2008.

Having a tough time figuring girls out? Ever wanted to dive into the minds of women to know just how long you have to wait before you can get some? What kinds of dates they want? What the heck they€™re thinking when they€™re getting ready?

MeetMoi, a social introduction service, has put together the infographic below based on a user survey to help make women€™s complex thoughts a little simpler for the guys€¦

A few key takeaways:

• More than half of women polled don€™t want to commit before three months. What a relief€”no rush to put a ring on it!
• 65% of women say they don€™t mind giving up the goods right away€”no need to wait for a sleepover.
• 63% of chicks say they€™re comfortable making the first move. That€™s cool€”come and get me girls.

MeetMoi is a social introduction service that makes it easy for people to meet in real life by introducing them when interests align and paths cross. MeetMoi specializes in making in-person introductions for its more than 3 million users worldwide, enhancing users€™ lives by making them more social wherever they go.

The company’s patent-pending technology is built on uniquely mobile capabilities like location awareness and push communications to re-invent the way people meet each other. Download MeetMoi’s iPhone or Android app, or access MeetMoi through the mobile or desktop web today.

Do you agree with this? Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a comment below. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @FastLaneMag

It€™s that time of year again! College students across the country are packing up their station wagons with brightly colored bedding, books, and boxes of Raman Noodles to head back to school. Whether you€™re a first year freshman or a veteran senior, this Back-to-School Survival Guide features the TOP 10 ITEMS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED  (or the stuff you purposely avoided) when shopping with mom.  Especially number four. Check it out.

Included in this list are LifeStyles SKYN Condoms.  The recently released Lifestyles Sexual Satisfaction Survey emphasizes the need for adding condoms to that checklist of back-to-school essentials. Findings within the 18-24 year old age group show: 

• Sex is the Norm. 58% of 18-24 year old respondents have had between 1-4 partners, and 12% of respondents confess to getting busy multiple times a day, and 49% reporting they do the deed multiple times per week.

• Double Digit Partners. 10% of 18-24 year old respondents have had 15+ sexual partners, with another 32% admitting to 5 or more.

• The Question of Condoms.  While the majority of 18-24 year old respondents (44%) wear a condom most of the time they have sex, 23% either only wear a condom some of the time they have sex, or worse, never wear a condom.  This means that 2 out of 10 18-24 year olds are putting themselves at high risk of getting an STD and/or unplanned pregnancy every time they have sex.

1. Multivitamins €“ You will wish someone had told you early on that popping two multis after a night of drinking will be your saving grace the next day.

2. Toothbrush-On-The-GO €“ You never know where you may wake up and need to brush before you head into class. Colgate Wisps are the inexpensive and convenient way to stay fresh €“ and you don€™t even need water!

3. Futon Slipcover €“ Sure Fit makes a wide variety of machine washable futon covers, easy to slip on and off, so that unexpected visitor or spilt beer won€™t ruin the futon your parents bought you. 

4. LifeStyles SKYN Condoms €“ According to results from LifeStyles Condoms Sexual Satisfaction Survey, sexual activity in the college-age group is at an all time high, with 82% of respondents reporting that they have sex at least several times a month. So, get rid of that expired condom you€™ve been carrying in your wallet since middle school health class, and update your stash with the revolutionary non latex LifeStyles SKYN.

5. Do Not Disturb Sign €“ Whether studying for finals or if you€™re a part of the 82% from the previous bullet, a DO NOT DISTURB sign is sure to give you peace and quiet to let this €œtime€ go uninterrupted.

6. Socially Acceptable Sweats €“ You will wear sweatpants every day. Make sure you have a few pairs that don€™t make you look homeless.

7. The Little Book of Big Excuses €“ You aren€™t allowed to have a dog in your dorm-room, so that excuse won€™t fly in college. Pick up this read along with your text books, and you€™ll never have a lame excuse again.

8. TUMS – Because the munchies don’t care how late it is or what you€™re eating.

9. Laptop Lock €“ In case your roommate’s a clepto, or likes to leave your dorm door open all day to make new €œfriends.€

10. Ping Pong Balls €“ This is college after all. You never know when an impromptu game of Beirut will break out.

Can you think of other things that would be important to ad to this list? If so let us know by leaving us a comment below. Hell even if you just have some thoughts about the list or back to school let us know!

Sounds a little far fetched but I have heard lots of other things that sperm is good for curing so why not. Not to mention why would we argue with blowjobs? Really! Blowjobs combine the two things that us men if we’re being totally honest love the most; and those are sex, and not having to move a muscle!  According to the CBS website from Washington D.C the title statement is 100% true based on the findings of a recent study. Seems they’ve found yet another medicinal use for semen!

Pregnant women have used natural remedies such as a teaspoon of ginger or a mint to help battle morning sickness. But now, one medical professional believes you can add oral sex to that list.

According to Gordon Gallup, a psychologist at SUNY-Albany, the best way to cure morning sickness during pregnancy is sperm. But not just any sperm, it should be the sperm of the person who got you pregnant.

Gallup believes the reason a pregnant woman gets morning sickness is due to the unfamiliar semen in their body due to the pregnancy. Gallup says in his findings that the woman€™s body will initially reject the father€™s semen as an infection and react to it by vomiting. Gallup says the best cure for morning sickness is to ingest the father€™s semen so her body can build up a tolerance to what€™s already in her body.

Gallup agrees with the 2000 abstract from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, which showed that oral sex and swallowing sperm is correlated with a diminished occurrence of preeclampsia.

PubMed Health defines preeclampsia as when a pregnant woman develops high blood pressure and protein in the urine after the 20th week, which is usually in the late second or third trimester of pregnancy.

What are your thoughts. Please leave us a comment below to let us know what you think we certainly want to hear from you. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @FastLaneMag