Creating New Year's Resolutions is fun, but what do the experts have to say about them?
We've asked for the professional opinions of two well-known sexual health and relationship enhancement experts, Sandor Gardos, Ph.D. and Erica Neuman, M.S. They've chosen a few of their favorite sensual resolutions and added their two cents on why they're important.

Dr. Gardos recommends that all couples continue to date no matter how long they have been together. "Try to remember what it was like when you were first courting each other," says Dr. Gardos. "Recreate one of your earliest, most memorable get-togethers. Maybe you did nothing more than kiss and make-out for hours; but don't you remember how incredibly exciting and satisfying it was?" Gardos recommends returning to that special park, restaurant or hotel where you first made your connection. "It will be as fresh and romantic as the first time," says Gardos, "but because you know each other so much better now, you'll know what your partner really likes, and you'll both benefit from that intimate knowledge."

"It is especially difficult for new parents to focus on including romance in their adult relationship," says Erica Neuman. "As new parents, you are preoccupied with the crying, the diapers, the feedings, the teething and the sleepless nights. A spontaneous romantic adventure is the last thing on your mind." To prevent couples from falling into the new-parent trap of forgetting their adult desires and need for intimacy, Ms. Neuman suggests planning a romantic evening around 3 or 4 months after the birth of your child. "Plan the day well in advance," explains Neuman. "And make sure all of the preparations are taken care of, including a babysitter and a private romantic setting. Make a commitment to your night and stick to it. By making all of your plans in advance, it will truly feel spontaneous when the night arrives."

"Every woman would have stronger orgasms if she did her Kegels daily. Kegel exercises are especially good for women who are pregnant, those who recently had a baby and older women," says MyPleasure.com's sexual wellness expert, Erica Neuman. "Stronger PC muscles make childbirth less painful and reduce the likelihood of vaginal tearing and episiotomy. Starting Kegel exercises within weeks of vaginal delivery will re-tone stretched muscles. Women who experience frequent or occasional incontinence due to age, injury or disability can also regain or maintain bladder control with regular Kegel exercising." There are many products available to help women identify the location of their PC muscles and ensure that they are doing their Kegels properly; the newest of which include the Energie barbell and the V-Flex meter.

According to Dr. Sandor Gardos, staff sexologist at MyPleasure.com, "PC muscles are the most important love muscle for both men and women." Most women have heard that strengthening these muscles can lead to better, stronger and more frequent orgasms, but there are benefits for men as well. "Yes, men should exercise their PC muscles, too!" explains Gardos. "Not only will it have the same benefits as it does for women, but it also helps men get in touch with their own bodies and sexual arousal patterns, which leads to better ejaculatory control. In fact, men who really work these muscles find that they can not only control their orgasms, but actually have multiples, all without losing their erection. How's that for a win-win?"

Role playing in the bedroom is just one of the many sexual techniques that Ms. Neuman recommends for women who are sexually inhibited. According to Ms. Neuman, "Women in our society are more sexually inhibited than men and initiate sex less often. The main reason is cultural -- women have been told they are supposed to be a lady by being submissive sexually. An excellent way for women to be more comfortable initiating sex or less inhibited in the boudoir is to play a dominant, sexy role. In a role such as a naughty nurse, a dominatrix librarian or a frisky superhero, a woman can give herself permission to be the sexual aggressor."

Dr. Gardos suggests buying a book on sexual positions and trying a few new ones with your partner. "There are some very informative books available, and it can be a fun sexual adventure for both of you. In fact, it almost doesn't matter which book you try; what is important is that you use it to open up communication between you and your partner. Reading a book together is a great, non-threatening way to learn more about each other and what each of you likes and wants. Best of all, if you approach it correctly, you don't need to worry about anyone getting defensive. Just ask, What do you think about this one? If your partner responds positively, you now have an invitation to continue the discussion. If he or she doesn't, you can quickly get out of it with a ...me neither. I was just curious what you thought.

Dr. Gardos suggests experimenting with different textures, speeds, temperatures, or whatever it takes to create new and different sensations. "You can try putting a cup of hot tea as well as a glass of ice water next to the bed and then alternate taking sips of one or the other before kissing or licking your partner," says Gardos. "Or, try giving a massage where you rub different materials over your partner's body. Remember: if you do the same thing over and over, eventually your body becomes desensitized, no matter how good it feels at first. Always try to alternate techniques to keep your relationship novel and stimulating."

Erica Neuman has encouraged many sexually active people to learn how to put a condom on their male partner without using their hands -- especially when confronted with a partner who complains about using condoms. Neuman explains , "It's a really fun trick that he'll love, and will stop him from complaining about using condoms, too!" Start with a non-lubricated condom (you can add lube once it's on) or a flavored condom. Unroll it about 1-2 inches and put it in your mouth, tip first. Keep the remaining unrolled part against your lips (like you're about to blow a bubble with gum). Put the condom on his penis with your mouth and roll it down with your lips (keep your lips tight) while slightly sucking the condom tip (so it doesn't go on too tight). "The entire experience is very erotic and he may never complain about using condoms again," says Ms. Neuman, "and you'll both be protected from STIs and unwanted pregnancy."

"Many couples take each other for granted after being together for a while," says Erica Neuman. "The so-called 'seven-year itch' can be cured or avoided altogether if couples make a conscious effort to pamper each other more often. Once the initial spark has faded it takes work to be more attentive. But the rewards are worth the effort. You'll find that the more you surprise you lover with spontaneous pampering the more you'll receive in return." Ms. Neuman recommends doing things you wouldn't normally do, such as foot massages, breakfast in bed, having flowers delivered to your partner's work, or sending a sexy e-card. "First, try a once-a-month pampering regime," explains Neuman. "Then, step it up to once a week, or even once a day. You'll soon see exciting changes in your relationship."

Dr. Gardos suggests doing simple, nurturing things for each other such as washing each other's hair, giving your partner a bath, running your fingers through their hair while watching TV, or whatever else you can think of. According to Gardos, "The sad thing that often happens when couples become too comfortable with each other is they often only touch or are affectionate in the context of sex. Don't forget the simple joys of holding hands and being quietly intimate with one another."