10 tips to revitalize your sex life

The nature and intensity of the sex in a relationship may change over time, but the love and pleasure don't. So if your sex drive has diminished, try these 10 tips to get it going again.

Your parents probably never told you this, but it's true: safe sex is good for you! Plenty of studies show it: regular sex increases immunity from viruses, relieves stress and even helps to protect the health of a man's prostate gland by emptying the fluids held there. It also triggers the release of chemicals that improve mood and ease pain.

While menopause in women does affect sexual drive and function somewhat, there is no reason why healthy men and women can't experience sexual pleasure throughout their lives.

Play-act the parts of the ravishing heroine and her handsome, dangerous lover.

To set the mood, have it playing when your partner returns home.

Looking into your partner's eyes sends an incredible message of trust and honesty.

Remember that weak-in-the-knees feeling you used to get when you first met? You can have that again. Call her and ask her out on a date. Dress up for lunch with him.

• That doesn't mean sex.
• What about having a hot bath ready in the evening?
• How about massaging your partner's feet while you watch a DVD together?
• These are things you do over and over again.

Or a facial. Feel good about yourself. If you take care of your body, you're much more likely to enjoy it.

• While you're away, make a list of what you love about your partner.
• Call him or her and have an erotic phone conversation. By the time you get home, you'll be greedy for each other.

Make love in a different part of the house, in the bath or on a blanket in front of the fireplace.

• Use other parts of your body instead.
• Conversely, caress one another, with your hands touching every part of the body except the genital areas.
• This removes the pressure to "get right to it" and is a wonderful way to relax and transition from other day-to-day roles.

A small amount of alcohol can set the mood; more can lessen your ability to follow through.