Issuu

Landmark Midtown Art Cinema

Out Front Theatre

Plaza Theatre VENUES

TRUE CONFESSIONS

IBy Mike Fleming Editoral Director

TOLD Y’ALL LAST WEEK about my long-term relationships, the two Houston-based artists and forward thinkers who inspired me, made me laugh and put a surge in my creative and metaphysical selves. Of course, it’s impossible to tell the whole story in one column.

OK. I lied. Not all my exes live in Texas like hurricanes. There are love tornadoes right here in Atlanta.

Details are left out based on space, relevance and my level of comfort. Some of the juicy personal tidbits are “Nunyas,” as in “Nunya damn business.”  Others I’m saving for my memoirs, when I skate outa here and become the next Augusten Burroughs or David Sedaris and find someone to pay me ridiculous cash to air the dirty — sometimes filthy — laundry.

I do go out of my way to tell the truth as I remember it and to be fair to “innocent bystanders.” But stuff necessarily gets left out. Sometimes, it creates lies of omission.

THAT’S WHAT HAPPENED TO Patrick and Jason. They just didn’t fit into the column about

my Texas exes and their general ban on sentimentality. These two Atlanta guys loved passionately, cared deeply and were an expert at making me feel like a catch.

The other difference in these to Georgia-grown relationships were that we only dated briefly as opposed to years, although they were intense months. They gave me the nicest cards for no reason, asked me spontaneously to slow dance, called me just to sing a song, and on several occasions, totally bowled me over, which is no easy task.

So as a gift and an apology to Patrick and Jason for not including them in my previous column, I’m going to tell y’all about the sweetest birthday I ever had right here in Atlanta.

IN MY PREVIOUS RELATIONSHIPS, I grew used to making the least out of special occasions like birthdays or Valentine’s Day. Maybe it meant a nice dinner out or a whole evening in bed. Maybe not. Maybe a card. Maybe not. No big deal.

When I was hospitalized for six weeks several years ago, Patrick would climb into the bed to rub my chest and deliver that healing sweet talk. On my birthday, I was on the mend, but it still hurt to move.  He got dressed up and brought a whole setup: a multicourse meal from one of my favorite restaurants, Texas-yellow rose petals that he sprinkled over me and the whole bed, and candles and wine that were strictly forbidden by the hospital.

We ate dessert, talked, laughed and cuddled. I didn’t know what I was missing until I got it: romance that put special occasions in perspective.

It’s not forced Hallmark Holidays. It’s not sex because of the date on the calendar. It’s being together because we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.   He also gave me the most heartfelt letter I have ever received — not just “I love you,” but “Why I love you.” I still have it.

I still think about small, giggly conversations with both those guys in addition to the big laughs and deep discussions. About how sexy they were when it was the furthest thing from their minds.

Like two Georgia tornados, these guys blew in without warning, created disarray on all sides, and were over just as quickly as they began.  Why we’re not together anymore is a total Nunya. Theories on the omissions are always better than the facts anyway. Queens talk, so talk, queens!

SO. ARE YOU COUPLED? Great. Not coupled? Fuck it. Is it your birthday? Great. Is it nobody’s birthday? Fuck it. We have each other all year long, so love yourself and tell someone special how much you care. Appreciate past loves. Make it an excuse to wear something fabulous. Grab your moments, because you won’t get them back.

DUMPED FOR AN EX

WELL

MY

HOPES

OF MIRACULOUSLY

finding my first ever boyfriend after only one week in Atlanta were quickly dashed.

By Branden Lee

Things with EMT were great the first week. We spent nearly every day together. He showed me around the city. He took me to most of the gay bars. We went on dates, went out and danced, cuddled at his place, and watched TV all day, and things seemed perfect.

At the end of our first week together, he even asked if I wanted him to be “my man.” I was elated. I had been waiting my entire life for my first boyfriend, and it was finally happening.

And then it all collapsed.

The day after EMT and I had the boyfriend talk, he acted like he was too drunk to even remember. I was embarrassed to even bring it up. It’s humiliating when someone says something to you that means the world to you, only to have it be an afterthought the next day.

I did bring up the boyfriend subject to EMT, and he decided it was too soon. We did only know each other a week, but if I spend every day with a guy, that should be enough to know if I want to be with him or not.

THE FOLLOWING WEEK, I ONLY saw EMT once. The one night we did spend together, he worked a 13-hour day and still put in the effort to see me, even though he flew out to DC the next morning. Seeing that he put in that effort made me believe everything was fine.

Then the next week, I only saw him once again and things definitely felt off. I thought EMT was just tired from work, but

when I brought up the relationship subject again, he completely didn’t want to talk about it.

Two days later, he texts me asking if I have time for him to come see me. Of course I said yes. After I said I needed time to get ready and he said there was no need for me to get dressed up, I knew he was coming to dump me.

I was right. EMT parked outside my building, and I sat on the back of his truck with him. He gets right to it, and tells me he reconnected with his ex and they decided to give their relationship another go.

I was surprised since the only time EMT told me about this ex was when he told me this guy cheated on him.

IT’S NOT THE FIRST TIME A guy dumped me to get back with an ex. It’s practically impossible to compete with an ex. History and feelings are already established. Someone new can’t compete with that. It felt extra humiliating that EMT would rather be with a guy that cheated on him than me. We spent a month together, and apparently it meant nothing to him.

I was also annoyed that EMT acted like he was such a great and stand-up guy for choosing to breakup with me in person instead of via text or on the phone. I asked him why he came to the conclusion that I was expendable, and why getting back with a guy that cheated on him was a better option than me. He couldn’t give me a straight answer about anything. What’s the point of dumping me in person if you can’t clearly state why you’re dumping me?

EMT DECEIVED ME, LED ME ON, and got my hopes up, only to reveal that I wasn’t the one he wanted to be with. I don’t want to view our time together as a waste. He did pay for everything, so I got to see the city, got free drinks, went to most of the gay clubs in town, and went out to nice dinners for free. So it was worth it.

A lot of Atlanta gays I’ve encountered do seem bitter and jaded about the quality of men here. EMT went to great lengths to present himself as the perfect gentleman only to reveal himself as a fuckboy. But I’m still optimistic it’s possible to find a boyfriend in Atlanta.

PHOTOS: Russ Youngblood

lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask

Tove Lo made out cover, but we just couldn’t let the Music Midtown cutie take center stage again as Peach of the Week. Check out these buzz-worthy shots as you meet this guy everywhere from the park to the bed and beyond.

ALL HALE THE

FAIRY DUST QUEEN!

BY GREGG SHAPIRO

ON THE EVE OF HER MUSIC MIDTOWN PERFORMANCE, TOVE LO CHATS US UP ABOUT ALL THINGS ‘LADY WOOD’

It’s been a couple of years since bisexual Swedish singer/songwriter Tove Lo made an impact with her debut disc Queen of the Clouds, containing the hit singles “Talking Body” and “Habits (Stay High).” For those who waited patiently for her second album, the rewards are plentiful on Lady Wood (Island).

As you might have gleaned from the title on the disc, split into “Fairy Dust” and “Fire Fade” sections, Lo lets her “dirty mind” (so named in the title track) run wild. Opening with a pair of House-inspired tunes, “Influence” (featuring Wiz Khalifa) and the aforementioned title cut, the artist loosens up on the beats on “The Disaster,” “WTF Love Is” and “Cool Girl,” then finds her way back to the club on album closer “Keep It Simple.”

With an Atlanta performance scheduled for Music Midtown on Sept. 16, we spoke with Tove Lo about her music, her process, her influences, and her tattoos.

Queen of the Clouds is divided into four sections. Lady Wood is in two parts. Why do you divide your albums?

It was important to me that it was clear that it’s one body of work. There’s a storytelling element to it; a sequence of events and emotions. I never plan it when I write, but because I write about what’s going on in my life, what’s going on around me, and what’s in my head and my heart, it’s natural to put them in an order that lets you follow the emotional ride, so to speak.

The “Fairy Dust” mini-movie, which incorporates songs from Lady Wood, begins with the quote “There is nothing pure about the way we do things.”

Growing up in Sweden, I noticed it’s maybe a bit more liberal when it comes to sex. Sex isn’t

seen as something shameful. Women’s sexuality isn’t seen as something shameful. When I came to the States and started touring, it’s where I first got the reaction that it’s something to be ashamed of, that I’m a bad girl or whatever. To me, it was a shock.

There’s a difference between being provocative and for something to be fun and stir up emotions. There’s a big difference between being good and being pure. Pure isn’t necessarily a good thing.

A lot of times the shame comes from religious descriptions. I think it’s a sad way to raise people because it makes you feel guilty about who you are. Especially if you are coming out as gay. So many friends of mine, the years that they felt ashamed of themselves, makes me so sad; it’s not fair. Because it’s really all about love.

There’s a same-sex romance in the “Fairy Dust” mini movie, too. Do you celebrate Pride?

I feel like I do that every day! [laughs]

In the song “Imaginary Friend,” you sing about “how kids get high,” as well as being “under the influence” on “Influence.” The songs “Not On Drugs” and “Habits (Stay High)” also include similar references.

It’s been part of my life as an escape and an enhancement in certain situations. For me, it becomes, “Should I or shouldn’t I mention this”? I decided not to have a filter and just be honest about my life, so it becomes part of my songs.

What can you tell me about your ink?

I started at 17 with my little scorpion under my collarbone because I’m a Scorpio. It feels very classic. But the rest of it is paintings by (artist) Mark Ryden that I love.

Lo means lynx in Swedish, which has been my nickname since I was a kid. I now have that on my hand. My vagina symbol on my arm, my ‘lady wood’ symbol that I felt needed to be with me forever. I think that’s all I have.

You’re currently on tour and hitting Atlanta soon. What do you enjoy most about performing live?

What’s been so amazing is that we’re combining festivals and club shows with opening for Coldplay in stadiums; the three most different kinds of shows.

I feed off the energy of the audience so much.

It’s an hour, hour and a half a day that I get to fully emotionally be very present and not think of anything else. It’s the most present I am at all times. There’s nothing to distract me from whatever is going on onstage. It’s a very freeing feeling.

See Tove Lo at Music Midtown on Sept. 16 in Piedmont Park. Visit musicmidtown.com.

Sept 7 - Sept 13

The Lavender Scare

Out on Film and Atlanta Jewish Film Festival screen this film to highlight a shameful, ruthless Cold War campaign to purge homosexuals from the Federal government. Learn and discuss this troubling chapter in American history with timely implications.

THUR, SEPT 14

MIDTOWN ART CINEMA

931 MONROE DRIVE NE OUTONFILM.ORG

Icon: Kylie Minogue & Robyn

The party people who love a symbolic embodiment of fame and fabulosity return to the dance floor. This time, work your outfit, the performances, and music for the night are inspired by the diminutive diva and the Swedish songstress. DJ Kimber on the decks.

SAT, SEPT. 16

JUNGLE

2115 Faulkner Road NE | hoshoatlanta.com

Atlanta Bucks Homecoming

The local gay rugby squad celebrates its team past and present with this match against the Fort Benning Cruise-A-Matics. Come out and meet the current Bucks, reconnect with some of their Old Boys and enjoy a day of rugby fun. ‘Third Half’ social after the game.

SAT, SEPT 16

BOULEVARD CROSSING PARK

500 ENGLEWOOD AVE. SE atlantabucksrugby.org

Gays For Plays

The theater-loving arm of the Rainbros social and action group puts butts in seats before stages all over town. This time, join the guys downtown for Hunchback of Notre Dame. Pre-party likely, with discount tickets at point of purchase with the code RAINBROS.

SAT, SEPT. 16

RIALTO CENTER FOR THE ARTS 80 Forsyth St. NW | rainbros.us

Bear Cocktail Hour

What’s better for those in pursuit of the hirsute than burly boys knocking back brews? Well, it’s a weekly event dedicated to just such activities. Stop by every week for happy hour vibes at Atlanta’s gay sports bar, and like-minded guys kicking off their evenings.

EVERY WEDNESDAY WOOFS

2425 Piedmont Road NE | WoofsAtlanta.com

DANCE, QUEEN, DANCE!

BY: GREGG SHAPIRO

AUTUMN 2017’S TEA DANCE PLAYLIST STARTS WITH ARCADE FIRE, WHO HITS ATLANTA THIS WEEK

Arcade Fire has been encouraging us to dance since its first full-length album, 2004’s Funeral. But it wasn’t until 2013;s Reflektor that the band fully embraced its inner dance diva.

Everything Now (Columbia) continues in a similar vein, beginning with the title cut. But don’t be deceived by the exuberant beats and synths. The song is really about out of control consumerism.

In fact, the album is full of messages set to irresistible beats, including “Signs of Life,” “Creature Comfort,” and “Electric Blue.” Now, Everything Now lacks the impact of 2007’s The Neon Bible or 2010’s Grammy-winning The Suburbs, but that doesn’t mean that Arcade Fire has run out of steam. You can see for yourself when the band hits Infinite Energy Center on Sept. 21.

Meanwhile there’s tons of great dance stuff happening this season, and we’re all over it. The creative DJ/production pair Oliver (Vaughn Oliver and Oliver “Oligee” Goldstein) give listeners an idea of what Daft Punk and Air might have sounded like if they were from L.A. and not France, on its debut album Full Circle (Interscope).

Other influences, including acts from the original Casablanca Records roster and Tom Tom Club, go a long way in broadening Oliver’s appeal. An impressive array of guest artists

include gay singer Sam Sparro (“Last Forever”), De La Soul (“Heart Attack”), MNDR (“Chemicals”), Elohim (“Wherever We Are”), Leon Else (“Love Like This”), Chromeo (“Go With It”) and Yelle (“Heterotopia”). They all contribute to making Full Circle a wellrounded release.

The members of Vampire Weekend have been busy with solo projects since the band’s 2013 album Modern Vampires of the City. Bass player Chris Baio just released Man of the World (Glassnote) under the moniker Baio. It’s an ear-pleasing pastiche of ‘80s synth pop with plenty of beats for your feet, especially on the title cut, “Out of Tune.” We also love “Philosophy!,” “Sensitive Guy” and “Shame In My Name.” Baio tips his hat to VW on “The Key Is Under The Mat” and “I’m Not Curious”.

The soaring double-disc set Take Flight (I Am Me/BMG) by UK musician and DJ Maya Jane Coles can be enjoyed whether you’re jacking up your heart rate on your feet or bobbing your head from the comfort of your seat. Coles firmly embraces the repetitive house music esthetic to lift listeners to the next level and beyond. This is best exemplified on “Won’t Let You Down,” “Werk,” “Go On and Make It Through,” “A Chemical Affair,” “Keep Me War,” “Stay” and “Lucky Charm.”

Echo Papa (airtrafficcontrollermusic. com) by Air Traffic Controller may only be seven songs long, but the band makes a strong impression in a short amount of time. “Keeping Bees,” for example, is like a pot of honey and worth the sting. “After Party” will have some scrambling for an invitation, and “Doubt” undoubtedly has a danceworthy beat.

For someone whose bread and butter is high-energy dance music, Calvin Harris

takes an unusual detour with the laidback beats on Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 (Columbia). With the emphasis on bounce and a distinctive lean towards vintage vibe, Harris enlists gay hip-hop star Frank Ocean and Migos (“Slide”), Ariana Grande, Pharrell William and Young Thug (“Heatstroke”), Katy Perry, Pharrell and Big Sean (“Feels”), Future and Khalid (“Rollin’”), Snoop Dogg and John Legend (“Holiday”), Nikki Minaj (“Skrt on Me”) for a set of sunny tunes.

A long time ago, in the `80s, if you were a band and you dressed a certain way, or if your album cover artwork had a specific look, chances are that the listener was assured that your music would sound a particular way. How things have changed! That’s what’s so funny about From The Outside (Capitol/Hi or Hey/Caroline) by Hey Violet.

The members of Hey Violet are definitely poseurs, but they deserve a little credit for making memorable dance music on “Brand New Moves” and “All We Ever Wanted.” They also get points for pretending to be punkish on songs such as “Fuqboi,” “Guys My Age” and “This Is Me Breaking Up With You.”

WITH IMPACT 2016,

ANNUAL FUNDRAISING PARTY CELEBRATES CLIENT-CENTERED CARE ORGANIZATION POSITIVE IMPACT HEALTH CENTERS

Hard to believe it’s been more than two-and-a-half decades that some gay caregiving professionals noticed that even as improvement in medical care came, no one was treating the mental affects of HIV and AIDS. Enter Positive Impact Health Centers, which has been serving Atlanta’s HIVpositive population ever since.

Ultimately expanding to help eliminate the risk of HIV transmission, the organization features an assortment of programs including community outreach, HIV and STD testing, counseling for groups and individuals, prevention and education services, substance abuse treatment, internship programs and empowerment groups for gay and bisexual men, among others.

In 2015, Positive Impact and another longstanding AIDS service organization, AID Gwinnett, became one. The merger allowed Positive Impact Health Centers to soar to new heights and access an even broader database, all solely catering to its core mission to help local people with HIV.

MILLENNIUM GATE

To honor the organization’s influence on the community, you are cordially invited along with allies, friends and loved ones to celebrate the past, present and future of Positive Impact Health Centers on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Millennium Gate Museum.

Party With Impact is the annual fundraising event with food, provided by Proof of the Pudding from Street Taco Bar, Dixie Slider Bar, and more, as well as an open bar, and music.

While you mix and mingle, the first floor of the museum will be open with exhibits on Georgia’s History & Families. Main Event tickets are $100 per person, but if you’re able, spring for the Host Committee tickets. Set at $200 for individuals and $350 for couples, the host tickets include a private reception on the 5th and 6th floor of the museum, which will be closed to other guests. All of the proceeds go to the care of people affected by HIV in metro Atlanta.

PARTY WITH IMPACT TAKES PLACE AT THE MILLENNIUM GATE MUSEUM, 395 17TH STREET NW, ON SUNDAY, SEPT. 23 AT 7:30 P.M.

PARTY

PHOTO BY RUSS YOUNGBLOOD

People living with HIV continue to have inﬂammation which is associated with end organ disease and early death.

You can be a part of a 12 week study that evaluates whether Ruxolitinib will help reduce inﬂammation in the body.

Now Seeking Volunteers who:

• Are living with HIV and have a CD4/T-Cell count greater than 350

• Have an undetectable viral load for the last 2 years

• Have continuously been on HIV medication for the last 2 years

• Are not on HIV medication that includes a protease inhibitor or cobicistat

Want to learn more about this study?

Contact Micheal Barber at 404.576.0992

*Compensation for time & travel provided

Bars & Clubs

MIDTOWN

AMSTERDAM

amsterdamatlanta.com

502 Amsterdam Ave. NE

ATLANTA EAGLE atlantaeagle.com

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com

227 10th St NE

BULLDOGS

893 Peachtree St NE

FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl.com

736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

MODEL T

modeltatlanta.com

699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

MY SISTER’S ROOM

mysistersroom.com

66 12th St NE

TEN ATLANTA

tenatlanta.com

990 Piedmont Ave NE

CHESHIRE

HERETIC

hereticatlanta.com

2069 Cheshire Bridge Road

JUNGLE

jungleatl.com

2115 Faulkner Road

BJ ROOSTERS

bjroosters.com

2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

OPUS 1

1086 Alco St NE

TRIPPS

1931 Piedmont Circle N

WOOFS

woofsatlanta.com

2425 Piedmont Road NE

ANSLEY

BURKHART’S

burkharts.com

1492 Piedmont Ave NE

FELIX’S

1510 Piedmont Ave NE

THE HIDEAWAY

1544 Piedmont Ave NE

A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in Peach ATL & visit their websites for weekly event listings.

MIXX

mixxatlanta.com

1492 Piedmont Ave NE

OSCAR’S

oscarsatlanta.com

1510 Piedmont Ave NE

EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD

THE COCKPIT

thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com

465 Boulevard SE

MARY’S

marysatlanta.com

1287 Glenwood Ave SE

SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH

sisterlouisaschurch.com

466 Edgewood Ave SE

SWINGING RICHARDS

swingingrichards.com

1400 Northside Dr NW

Dining

MIDTOWN

10TH & PIEDMONT

communitashospitality.com

991 Piedmont Ave NE

EINSTEIN’S

einsteinsatlanta.com

1077 Juniper St NE

FROGS CANTINA

frogsmidtown.com 931 Monroe Dr

G’S communitashospitality.com

219 10th St NE

HENRY’S henrysatl.com

132 10th St NE

JOE’S ON JUNIPER joesonjuniper.com

1049 Juniper St NE

LA HACIENDA

lahaciendamidtown.com

900 Monroe Dr NE

CHESHIRE

LAS MARGARITAS

lasmargaritasmidtown.com

1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

ROXX

1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

ANSLEY

COWTIPPERS

cowtippersatlanta.com 1600 Piedmont Ave NE

DEKALB

LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE Retail

MIDTOWN

BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com

306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE

CHESHIRE

BARKING LEATHER barkingleather.com 805 Lambert Dr NE

SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE

ANSLEY

BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1447 Piedmont Ave NE

GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE

Fitness

MIDTOWN

URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com 500 Amsterdam Ave NE

CHESHIRE

GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE

MIDTOWN

FLEX SPA flexspas.com 76 4th St NW

CHESHIRE

MANIFEST 4U manifest4u.org 2103 Faulkner Rd NE

THE DEN thedenatlanta.com 2135 Liddell Drive NE

Fools - Troye Sivan

Operator - Sade

Can Leave Your Hat On - Joe Cocker

Shut Up & Sleep With Me - Sin with Sebastian

Bedroom Hymns - Florence & the Machine

Cazwell – All Over Your Face

When you gain that 20 pounds for a role, then realize you’re not an actor.

I can never decide which pants to put on each morning: Fancy or Smarty.

I don’t hide my crazy. I sit it out on the porch, give it a cocktail, and invite the neighbors.

Try to fold fitted sheets by yourself and get your calorie burn for the day.

Ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone… No psychotic outbursts either, THO.

ARIES (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19)

Your eagerness to embrace new tech and gadgettoys is peaking now, though you may also have budgetary concerns. It’s a balancing act, but your inner child is likely to take the initiative.

TAURUS (Apr. 20 - May 20)

You’re feeling a little off-balance lately, but it might not be a bad thing at all! Your energy is directing you in some uncomfortable ways, but the end results are likely to make you smile.

GEMINI (May 21 - Jun. 20)

If you’re racing around like a maniac all week long, that’s just part of the fun. Your energy is just about perfect and you may find that your friends and colleagues are willing to pick up after you.

CANCER (Jun. 21 - Jul. 22)

It’s hard to tell who’s right lately—there are too many competing voices! It may be a good idea to do your own thing until you run out of inspiration, then just hide out or go home.

LEO (Jul. 23 - Aug. 22)

Talk things over with your partner or colleagues at work—you may be surprised just how close you are to the same goals. Now is a good time for working together, but only once you’ve talked.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sep. 22)

You need to review your work, but that comes naturally to you. It’s a good day for you to step back from the planning and look at how everything seems to fit together. Look with fresh eyes.

LIBRA (Sep. 23 - Oct. 22)

Your mental energy is riding high right now, and you’re almost certainly able to hatch a few new schemes or dream up new inspiration for a part of your life that has been flagging somewhat lately.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)

It’s hard to keep up with all the details this week, but you know it’s essential that you do. Read every word of the fine print and get some help if you can’t make sense of it all on your own.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)

Though most other people are pretty intensely social right now, you may be better off flying solo. Your levels of trust aren’t all that high, though they should return to normal before long.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)

All that good energy has to be put to some good use— so go for it! You may be able to push forward in a new direction, but no matter what happens, you’re likely to feel quite good about it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)

You’re dealing with some serious flakes this week— and not just during breakfast! Expect delays and interruptions as flighty people suddenly remember their responsibilities. Take care of your own needs first.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20)

Romance is heating up for you right now, no matter what your situation was like last week. Fights dissolve into memory, new flames kindle or old ones reignite with new intensity.

IT TAKES TWO

Hey, Daddy!

Kiss a little, touch a lot, roll over and stick it in. My boyfriend and I have only been dating a year, but the sex is already predictable. Every time used to be exciting, but now I’m bored.

We used to build little moments all the way up to the big moment. Now we’re basically getting there so we can sleep. I can do myself faster – and sometimes better.

Bit Onerous, Repetitive Expected & Dull

Dear BORED:

Sex takes two, and I’m reading a tinge of blame between the lines.

Take ownership of your passion and stop waiting for him to figure it out.

Step one? Reflect on your own fantasies. You can’t make your relationship all new, and you wouldn’t want to start over, but you can tap into what made it hot in the first place. Whether it was the extra time you took, or the way he smelled freshly showered for a date, there’s a lot you can recreate time and again for years to come.

Once you’ve revisited what turns you on, it’s back to my oft-repeated, number one piece of advice, ever: Communicate. Tell him what you want. Here are a few things that tend to work:

Talk dirty. When you’re out, tell him how badly you want him. Sneak a hand onto his crotch and tell him what you want to do.

Wait for it. Letting it simmer includes after you’re naked. Extend foreplay. Tell him where to place those kisses. Place more than a few of your own.

Put on a show. Point out your erection while you’re still at the restaurant. Duck into the men’s room for a quick flash. In bed, make him watch you touch yourself and vice versa.

Take charge. If you’ve been rolling over, get on top. If he’s worked up, slow down until he begs.

Hey, Daddy!

My longtime partner and now husband has all but given up doing little things to win my affection. Where are my flowers?

Not Even to Express Deep Yearning

Dear NEEDY:

Go buy flowers if you like flowers. Then give them to him and say you were thinking of him. Enjoy the view together, and mention you used to do such things for each other.