Finding the one is a life quest, one that many people never complete. Some people don’t pick anyone, some people pick the wrong one, and some give up hope looking for the one and start considering the two, three, four or five… There’s no shame in this, especially when you both acknowledge this choice not to settle, but to secure the future you want by selecting a partner who may not tick all of your boxes, but you know that in time and when you’re both ready to make a mutual commitment - you just might be able make it work with them. This acknowledgement that I’m talking about often comes in the form of a marriage pact. A marriage pact is an agreement made by two people that states that if we are both still single by a certain due date, we will marry each other. People make these pacts for a number of reasons: fear of commitment or because the connection is right, but the timing isn’t. However in most cases, it’s an all-else fails backup plan. But, what happens when that fails to? Or perhaps even scarier - when the plan actually succeeds? Now what? That is what we are exploring on this episode of Lovers and Friends with the cast of The Marriage Pact streaming now on The Roku Channel. You can stream #TheMarriagePact FREE on a Roku, the Roku mobile app and http://therokuchannel.com. It’s also available on Samsung Smart TVs and Amazon Fire Sticks. Thanks to the sponsors of this episode  SKIMS Checkout the Cotton Collection and more at http://SKIMS.com they offer free shipping on orders over seventy-five bucks! Hello Fresh Go to http://HelloFresh.com/50lovers and use code 50lovers for an amazing 50% off plus free shipping! Liquid IV Get 20% off when you go to http://LIQUIDIV.com and use code LOVERS at checkout BetterHelp Visit http://BetterHelp.com/lovers today to get 10% off your first month.

Do you marry the person that you have the best sex with? Ashley Cobb opens up about being the best every man has ever had and also struggling to find a man who’s capable of having her. Plus the men previously known as Enjoy the Podcast link up to share their insights on the Madonna Whore complex. So, this complex describes a psychological phenomenon in which a man's perception of women is divided into two distinct categories: the Madonna and the whore. The Madonna is perfect, pure, and really caring. She's the nurturing type and has qualities like innocence and morality. This side of the complex is associated with safety, comfort, and connection. The whore, on the other hand, is associated with sexual desire, sensuality, and eroticism. This side of the complex involves fantasies or desires for more adventurous or taboo experiences and whores are seen as mysterious and unpredictable.  If men have this complex and subscribe to its ideologies that a woman is either pure innocence or pure erroticism, it makes it tough for him to see one woman as both a sexual partner and someone he could have a real, serious relationship with. Watch full videos of Lovers and Friends podcast https://www.youtube.com/@loversandfriendspodcast Thanks to the sponsors of this episode HoneyLove Get 20% Off your entire order (including the best bra you’ll own) with our exclusive link  http://honeylove.com/LOVERS. Babbel Ready to learn another language? Get up to 55% off at http://Babbel.com/LOVERS Rules and restrictions may apply FabFitFun Sign up at http://FabFitFun.com/LOVERS to get access to discounts up to 70% off on brands like Fenty, Free People, and Our Place - to name a few.  BetterHelp Visit http://BetterHelp.com/lovers today to get 10% off your first month Follow our guest Ashley Cobb https://www.instagram.com/sexwithashley/

Would you consider yourself a freak? Being freaky means you are open and willing to experiment and experience a variety of sexual activities.  That's what we are getting into this episode. Where do you scale on the levels of freaky? I’m joined by Andrea Lewis whom you may recognize from Degrassi or if you are a 90s baby then you may remember her for role in Cadet Kelly on the Disney Channel. Andrea’s latest starring role is “Three Ways”  which you can watch now on Hulu.  I am also joined by Tyomi,  a sexologist and sex therapist with over 12 years of experience.  She specializes in unlocking pleasure for clients and has over 140 million views on her youtube channel and she’s here to tell us about her definition of a freak. Thanks to the sponsors of this episode! Hello Fresh! Try out America’s #1 meal kit for yourself! Get 50% off plus free shipping! https://www.hellofresh.com/50lovers Zocdoc Download the app for free and find yourself a top-rated doctor! https://www.zocdoc.com/lovers Follow Shan: https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com Follow Andrea:  https://www.instagram.com/andrealewis https://www.instagram.com/blackbeautyeffect/ Watch Three Ways on Hulu:  https://www.hulu.com/movie/three-ways-7afd18f4-5b2c-4097-b532-bd956aa21bd4 Follow Tyomi:  https://www.instagram.com/realglamazontyomi/ https://www.youtube.com/glamerotica101

What if I told you that the biggest turn off for partners can be your own self deprecating comments? The times you’ve said “oh no I haven’t shaved”   Have you ever wondered how your insecurities can affect your relationships? Self deprecating comments and insecurities play a vital role in how we interact with others, especially when it comes to intimacy. Remember that one time you excused yourself with your partner because you hadn’t shaved? Chances are you pointed out the elephant in the room that was only existent to you.  In this week’s episode, I am joined by Jessie Paege, a YouTube personality, actress, author, and entrepreneur. Through her comedic and relatable content, she has built an audience of over 2 million followers across her social channels. Jessie uses her platform to crush stereotypes and raise awareness of mental health issues and LGBTQ+ issues. Her debut book is called, Hey, It's Okay to Be You, which fits perfectly with our conversation about how insecurities play a role in our relationships.  Thanks to the sponsors of this episode!  OneSkin:  Get 15% off OneSkin with the code LOVERS at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod #ad Ritual: There’s no more shame in your gut game. Get 20% off your first month.  Visit: https://www.ritual.com/lovers Factor: Try Factor meals and get 50%off by visiting:  https://www.factormeals.com/lovers50 Follow Shan https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com Follow Jessie:  https://www.youtube.com/@jessiepaege https://www.instagram.com/jessiepaege/ https://www.tiktok.com/@jessiepaege

Sex that doesn’t lead to orgasm.. Sound familiar? What if I said that sex that doesn’t lead to the big O can actually be very fulfilling and a lot more common than you think? Sexual experiences can encompass a wide variety of activities, such as kissing, touching, oral sex, manual stimulation, and penetration, among others. The experience and enjoyment of sex can vary greatly from person to person, and not everyone will achieve orgasm during sexual encounters. Some individuals may not experience orgasm at all, while others may experience it infrequently or under certain circumstances. The important aspect to remember is that sex should always be consensual, safe, and respectful of all parties involved. Communication and understanding between partners are essential to ensure that both individuals are comfortable and satisfied with their sexual experiences, regardless of whether orgasm occurs. That is exactly what I am talking about with my guests this week, Drea and Lex whom you may know from Pour Minds.  Thanks to the sponsors of this episode.  Rizos Curls Get 10% off your Rizos Curls order with promo code LOVERS at checkout  https://bit.ly/3XOE8tZ) Liquid IV Get 20% off ANYTHING you order when you use promo code LOVERS http://LIQUID IV DOT COM. Skims Get free shipping on orders over seventy five dollars - all at  http://SKIMS.com Better Help  get 10% off your first month of therapy by visiting http://BetterHelp.com/lovers  Follow Pour Minds Listen to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/too-much-pressure-ft-dess-dior/id1438182646?i=1000580429867 Watch the YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@DreaAndLex/videos Follow Shan https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com

This episode felt like a poon and the peen throwback.. If you know, you know! In this episode I sat down with my friend Ricky Shucks and we answered some of your best sex questions.  Am I ruining sex by overthinking? Is squirting actually pee?  Are we monogamous if I am still engaging in threesomes? Thanks to the sponsors of this episode! Fab Fit Fun If you join FabFitFun as a NEW seasonal member right now you’ll also get 20% off your membership so your 1st box is only $47.99 - for up to a $300 value box each season. Join today: http://www.fabfitfun.com/lovers Zoc Doc Find a top rated doctor for your needs today:  http://www.zocdoc.com/lovers Honey Love  Treat yourself to the best shapewear and supportwear on the market plus save 20% off by visiting:  http://www.honeylove.com/lovers Hello Fresh  Try America’s # 1 meal kit for yourself:  http://www.hellofresh.com/lovers50  Follow Shan https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com Follow Ricky https://www.instagram.com/rickyshucks/?hl=en https://www.goodiebrand.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nochasergang/?hl=en

Hello lovers and friends. This week’s episode is a little different and it’s because I had a lot to say on some trending pop culture news.  To start things off, Keke Palmer‘s partner Darius Jackson was trending for all the wrong reasons. In this episode we talk about the tweet seen across the globe. “It's the outfit tho.. you a mom.”  Next, we break down if Jonah Hill was out of line with his boundaries. A year after his split with ex girlfriend, Sarah Brady, Brady alleges that Hill emotionally abused her and she had the receipts to back up her claim. SHe posted screenshots of their exchange to her Instagram story that prompted widespread internet discourse about boundaries and whether Hill misused “therapy speak.” Lastly, to catch you up on the Adam22 and the Lena the Plug “drama”, the OnlyFans creator did her first scene with a male performer other than her husband. Lena’s husband, No Jumper founder Adam “Adam 22” Grandmaison, has said he was fine and encouraging of the scene. Thanks to the sponsor of this episode Better Help! Try therapy yourself and get 10% off your first month by going to: https://www.betterhelp.com/lovers Follow Shan https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com Articles: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/leylamohammed/keke-palmer-shamed-boyfriend-darius-jackson-outfit-mom https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/keke-palmer-feels-powerful-as-a-mom-amid-darius-jackson-drama/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2023/07/10/what-to-know-about-jonah-hills-emotional-abuse-allegatio https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/jonah-hill-texts-ex-sarah-brady-expose-therapy-speak-dangers-rcna93748 https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/693883-lena-the-plug-adam22-simp-claims-response https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12283131/Adam22s-wife-says-theyve-sex-filmed-porn-scene-man.html

According to the PEW research center about 41% of people between the ages of 18 to 29 are single. For people aged 30 to 49 that number drops dramatically to 23% and then it raises back up a scotch to 28% for those between 50 to 64, before increasing again to 36% for the 65+ crowd. So what does this tell us? My interpretation? On one hand, it tells the story of millennials' decline in divorce rates and on the other the fact that  it showcases our increase in being consciously single for a lot longer than previous generations and in some cases, for the long haul. So can you still enjoy dating even if none of the dates go anywhere? In this episode, I sit down with Qimmah Russo, an influencer, model and athlete and she shares her perspective on this.  Thanks to the sponsors of this episode.  Get 55% off your Babbel subscription- by going to:  https://www.babbel.com/lovers Try America’s #1 Meal Kit and get 50% off plus free shipping by going to: https://www.hellofresh.com/lovers50 Try Ritual for yourself and get 20% off your first month by going to:  https://ritual.com/lovers Follow the guests on this episode: https://www.instagram.com/qimmahrusso https://www.instagram.com/workoutsbyqimmah/ Follow Shan https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com

According to the Singles in America study 55% of people reported that they’ve had a friends with benefits, which is a relationship where two people agree to have a sexual relationship based on convenience and a social relationship without a romantic commitment. And of the people in the study who said they’d had a friend with benefits, about 40% them said that their casual connection eventually turned into a longterm love affair. So is that number along with the guests of this episode and my personal experience enough to convince you that frequent fucking first and figuring the rest out later is the way to go?  In this episode, we are joined by Siffat Haider  and Nish Samantray the founders of Arrae- a natural supplement company, who’s passion is to help people optimize their health and wellness.  Thanks to the sponsors of this episode.  HoneyLove  Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to  https://www.honeylove.com/lovers  #honeylovepod BetterHelp  Find more balance with BetterHelp today and get 10% off your first month.  Go to https://www.betterhelp.com/lovers  Follow the guests on this episode:  Follow Shan https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com Siffat: https://www.instagram.com/siffhaider Nish: https://www.instagram.com/plentyofnish_ Check out Arrae: https://www.arrae.com Krista: https://www.instagram.com/itskrista Krizia: https://www.instagram.com/kriziacruz_

In 2021, Harvard Health did a giant gratitude study and found that couple who show gratitude for their partner, and who express that gratitude regularly, are more satisfied with their relationship. University of California Berkeley's research team referred to gratitude as the quiet difference maker in relationship formation.  The journal of social and personal relationships reported that individuals who feel appreciated by their partners have better-functioning relationships that are less likely to be impacted by ineffective arguing and even financial stress.  All that to say, a little gratitude goes a long way.  In this episode, I talk to Dante Jones, (one half of the duo THEY) all about gratitude.  Thanks to the sponsors of this episode.  Zocdoc https://www.zocdoc.com/lovers Hello Fresh: https://www.hellofresh.com/lovers16 Blissy  https://www.blissy.com/lovers Caraway Home https://www.carawayhome.com/lovers Article sited: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier Follow Shan https://www.instagram.com/shanboodram https://www.tiktok.com/@shanboody https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSE2Lr9RfYXiFtiX1jk5qng loversfriendspodcast@gmail.com Follow Dante  https://www.instagram.com/tefromthey https://www.unofficialthey.com/tour Follow Dr. Sophia Godkin https://www.thehappinessdoctor.com/