Eleven months into what everyone thought would be a couple of weeks, the pandemic has strained every corner of civilization.

With the nights at their longest and the weather at its bleakest, winter is in full force for those of us in the northern hemisphere. After the hubbub of the holiday season – even if our celebrations were a little different this year – it’s tempting to hunker down and wait for spring to brighten our moods before we think about socialising out and about. This year, perhaps more so than any we have experienced before, that retreat indoors has coincided with an increase in Covid-19 restrictions, meaning that for many across Europe and the US the decision isn’t optional.

For the hopeless romantic, love is the pulse of life—the most intoxicating rush of all. Hopeless romantics live for sparks and butterflies in their bellies, often dreaming of fateful encounters and wedding vows that land like poetry.

There have been some seriously iconic sex scenes in TV and film over the years.

In a scene similar to Tuesday evening, more long lines wrapped around The Lotto Store in Primm again on Wednesday with thousands of hopefuls buying tickets to a multi-million dollar lottery jackpot. But unlike previous occasions when crowds visited the lottery ticket vendor just across the state line in California, many players were there for more than the money.

"I worry that I’ll be single forever," says Laura*, bluntly. "I’ve never known what it’s like to see myself long-term with someone. To be like, 'Yes! I want to be with this person and they want to be with me'."

Hey man, I’m spending Christmas with my father. We don’t have the best relationship, but how can I make it work?

While it may not be an ordinary Christmas this year, many across the UK are as usual planning to spend the festive season celebrating with their extended family members.

Christmas can be one of the most uplifting times of the year...in theory. In reality, tensions can run high and arguments aren’t restricted to the cast of Eastenders. This is true for families, but we often underestimate the pressure that the festive season can have on our relationships. Dr Katherine Hertlein, lead therapist at Blueheart, addresses some of the most common issues Christmas can create for couples and explains how to overcome them.

You are likely well aware of how to maintain a healthy body and functional mind – with a daily dose of exercise, a good nights’ sleep, and a balanced diet, right? – but what about the one topic you’ve been avoiding? The one that keeps resurfacing under the sheets that can hold you back from being intimate with yourself and others? When your sex drive is dwindling and you are unable to rise to the occasion, it can feel embarrassing and isolating, but you are not alone.

Guys, do you find yourself getting a little testy lately? Maybe with your colleagues at work? Perhaps while ordering take-out from someone who just can’t seem to understand that you don’t want onions on your salad?

Be patient with yourself. Divorce or separation is a significant life event. In addition to the change in schedules, living situation, and other physical changes, the emotional changes can be difficult and wash over you at times you might not expect. Be patient with yourself and recognize the massive change unfolding before you.