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Metro
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
I've been in a long-distance relationship for six years — I don't want to commit
Welcome to How I Do It, the series in which we give you a seven-day sneak peek into the sex life of a stranger. This week we hear from Braxton*, 37, a high school teacher and freelance writer living in Phoenix, Arizona. He met his partner, 42-year-old Hannah*, in March 2019 when they both lived in Portland, and the pair have been on and off for the past six years. 'We have at times dated other people, and since I moved from Portland to Chicago in 2020 for graduate school, we see each other only a few times a year, usually around Thanksgiving and Christmas,' Braxton tells Metro. 'Because we're very different (in our habits, in our social and political outlooks), we aren't compatible enough to live together, and we don't consider ourselves boyfriend and girlfriend. 'I tried meeting women in Arizona through Tinder and Bumble, but I've only been physically intimate with Hannah the past two years.' The pair talk a lot on the phone and like to meet up when Hannah travels from her home in Nevada back to Portland for work, usually booking a hotel together. 'A big part of our relationship is laughing and being silly,' adds Braxton. 'When we aren't together, Hannah masturbates, but I haven't in four years, to focus on writing.' As you can imagine, there's some pent up sexual tension. So without further ado, here's how Braxton got on this week… Love reading juicy stories like this? Need some tips for how to spice things up in the bedroom? Sign up to The Hook-Up and we'll slide into your inbox every week with all the latest sex and dating stories from Metro. We can't wait for you to join us! The following sex diary is, as you might imagine, not safe for work . My day begins at a hotel in downtown Phoenix, where I've been covering a fan convention for a local independent weekly since Friday. I pack up, and take a rideshare thirty miles out into the suburbs, where I live. I go to the gym shortly after returning home, then work on my articles and pack until late evening. Hannah calls at about 9pm, having just checked into the Portland hotel where we're about spend the week together (she paid for this, since my teacher's salary means even paying for food during the trip will be more than I can afford). While I pack, we talk about our intentions to try having sex in the car, which we've never done. I ask which outfits she's bringing, and she's not sure since she's gained a lot of weight in the last two years, so a lot of her clothes don't fit anymore. When Hannah asks what I think about her weight gain, I say it's fine; I like squeezing her 'jelly' (her word) while we're having sex. But the more nuanced answer is she's less visually attractive now compared to a few years ago. However, there's something primal and satisfying about grabbing her large bottom, feeling her large, heavy breasts smashing into my face and her big thighs wrapped around me. On the call, Hannah gets aroused talking about it, and we laugh about how she has gotten wet enough that she has to change clothes after the call. I arrive in Portland at 9.30am and pick up the rental car. I've packed about three dozen absorbent incontinence pads, which we put down during sex because Hannah gets wet and squirts when aroused and orgasming. When we meet that evening, we kiss briefly in the parking lot and drive back to the hotel. She's wearing a denim dress, and I feel her bare leg up while driving. Back at the hotel, Hannah showers and comes into the room with a towel wrapped around. She suggests I mash her breasts (I say mash because she likes it vigorous and doesn't like the word fondle, which she thinks sounds like a molestation word) through the towel and we see how long we can hold off before having sex. We turn to face the mirror while I do just that. After a few minutes, Hannah puts some pads on the floor, and places one leg up on the bed as I reach around and finger her from behind. After she comes, she places more fresh pads on on the bed, lies on her back, and asks me to give it to her. She places a vibrating cock ring between us, though not over my penis because we find this setup awkward. I begin slowly and speed up when she asks me to finish inside her, which I do. We lie there for a few minutes before Hannah gets up to shower and I wipe myself down. After Hannah showers, we sit on the bed, and as we're eating dinner, she tells me how she lost her virginity at 36, on Easter Sunday. It's not the first time we've spoken about it and I know she waited because of her family's conservative values and her self-consciousness. Hannah, as is her habit, has set several morning alarms. We wake and cuddle. I'm tired and not getting much of an erection; Hannah says she's aroused, but isn't getting wet and either forgot to pack lube or has already misplaced it. She gets on top with her breasts in my face, then switch to me on top with her legs wrapped around my back and me feeling at her thighs. Afterwards, we realise we'd neglected to put a pad down, so when we get up, there's a wet spot on the sheets. Hannah asks me to drop her off close to her office, but not right at the door, because she doesn't want her colleagues to ask questions. During the day I buy some supplies at Target (including lube and nail polish remover) and meet my parents – who are on their way to the airport for a trip to Europe – for a late lunch. I pick Hannah up from work, then we drive to a nearby strip mall so she can look for clothes, before we get takeout and head back to the hotel. We were planning on driving to a secluded area after sunset have sex in the rental car, but Hannah goes out to call her friends, and I stay in the room to read. She's gone long enough that I drift off. She comes in late and very high, touching my penis roughly, in a way that isn't sexy. She talks manically and nonsensically for half an hour, so we call off having sex and go to sleep. We talk very little in the morning as I drop Hannah off at her office. I meet a friend at the park in the afternoon and don't leave to pick up Hannah until after 5pm, so she meets me at the hotel. We talk about the previous night, with me explaining how unsettling it is to be around her when she's high and that the way she touches me is unpleasant. She tears up and asks if we should get separate rooms or if I feel safe. I say that's unnecessary but that I don't feel sexy and don't want to have sex tonight. We wake at one of Hannah's earlier alarms and cuddle. She starts rubbing my chest, then asks me to take off my shorts so she can go lower. I remove the shorts, and she starts stroking my penis with lube. I'm soon erect, and she gets on top, asking if I like all that jelly — I say I do. After she comes, she gets on her back and wraps her legs around my back until I do too. I pick Hannah up after work and we return to the hotel to change before driving to a large independent bookstore downtown, stopping to pick up takeout on the way. We discuss trying to find a good car sex spot tonight, but I feel restless having not read or written much today. We go back to the hotel, where I read and Hannah putters around the room, before going to sleep without having sex, which is fine by me. Today is our last full day together. We have a morning bonk, doing the same positions as yesterday. After stopping at Starbucks and make some double entendre jokes about vegan sausages and venti drinks, I drop her off at her office. I see a friend before dropping Hannah at the spa with her pals, before going to meet another good friend of mine. I return to the hotel at about 10.30pm, and Hannah arrives shortly thereafter. We get into bed with the lights off and begin cuddling, then Hannah climbs on top. She comes, but I'm getting worn out and seem unable to climax from intercourse at this point in the week. I ask Hannah to use her hand, so she straddles me and strokes my penis as I squeeze her thighs until I orgasm. She lies down on me for a while before going to the bathroom to shower. We discuss how we want to have sex in the morning and decide to wake up early to do it at least once. We'd planned to wake early to bonk, and my alarm goes off at 5.30am, but we fall back to sleep and don't wake until 7am, missing the opportunity. More Trending Right before it's time to leave, I try on some shirts I bought recently so Hannah can comment on the fit and patterns. We drop off the rental car and race each other, Hannah on the moving sidewalks and escalators and me walking and taking the stairs. I wait with her at the bag check, then we kiss goodbye. I don't feel sad at this moment but that's because neither of us want this relationship to be more than it is. We enjoy sex with each other, and enjoy laughing and being silly together — but even after a few days together, things can get strained. I take the hotel shuttle back to the room and pack up. Hannah calls to say she missed her flight because she was in the bathroom with her earbuds in and missed the announcements. View More » I take a rideshare to meet my friend on the other side of town, not knowing when I'll see Hannah again. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I uncovered my husband's dirty secret while he was in a coma MORE: I thought I was confident in my body — then I got my first girlfriend MORE: I dumped ex for being boring in bed — but my new girlfriend's sex fantasy is too much
New York Post
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Anne Burrell reflected on settling down with her husband after ‘living the rock star chef life' before her death
Anne Burrell shared insight into her life months before her tragic death on Tuesday. The celebrity chef was found unresponsive in the shower at her home in Brooklyn, New York before being pronounced dead at the scene at age 55, police said. Just three months prior, Burrell went on Tori Spelling's 'misSPELLING' podcast, where she dove into marrying her husband Stuart Claxton in 2021. The couple had met on the dating app Bumble in 2018. 8 Anne Burrell in 2017. Phil & Anne's Good Time Lounge / Facebook The 'Beverly Hills, 90210' star asked the 'Worst Cooks in America' host if she purposely waited to settle down. 'From when I was a kid, I don't know why, but I always was like, I am not getting married until I feel like I have something in life to share,' Burrell explained, 'until I have accomplished stuff.' 'I was living my best life!' she added about her 20s and 30s. 'I was like, living the rock star chef life. I was working a lot, and I had a great social life.' 8 Anne Burrell on Food Network. Instagram/@chefbeaumac Then, one day, Burrell's perspective shifted. 'I just started to feel like, all right, you're getting a little old to keep on doing this,' she recalled. Along with a husband, Burrell also gained a stepson Javier. 'Kids were never on my radar, really,' the cook confessed. 'I love being an aunt. I have nieces and nephews. So I'm like, [being a stepmom] is the perfect amount of parenting for me.' 8 Rachael Ray and Anne Burrell. rachaelray/Instagram Over the years, Burrell has opened up about her relationship, recently telling the Daily Mail in April, 'October will be four years. It seems like it's been four minutes. I don't know if it's a honeymoon [phase] but I feel like it's settled into married life days which I really enjoy.' In honor of Valentine's Day in 2022, the step-mom gushed over her other half, penning, 'You make me the happiest girl in the world!!! I love you to the moon and back my sweet!!!' As for meeting Mr. Right, Burrell once admitted Claxton also felt the instant spark between them. 8 Anne Burrell in 2017 at the Good Time Lounge. Anne Burrell 'I don't know if we had both thought of marriage, but we both were like, 'Oh, yeah, this is something,'' Burrell told People in 2020. ''This is really going to be real and this is going to turn into something.'' 'Once you get to be a woman of 50 years old, you don't really think that marriage is going to be on the plate for you,' she detailed. 'I was always really focused on my career and marriage was never a huge thing in my life that I was looking for. Then when I met Stuart, my opinion about all that changed.' Giving followers glimpses into their lives over the years, Burrell posted a month after their wedding, in a 2021 Thanksgiving post, 'A new home, a wedding, a stepson, great family, great friends, good health, great fans and just so much more!!! Lots of love to all!!!' 8 Anne Burrell at the Austin Food and Wine Festival. Scott Moore/Shutterstock Two years after their nuptials, the couple was still as in love as ever. 'I have to say, I love being married,' Burrell told People in 2023. 'We're together all the time because Stuart works from home. It's the being together all the time, but it's also the adventure together.' 'It's been wonderful, to say the least,' echoed Claxton. 'Anne and I hadn't lived together before we moved in and got married, so it's been a whole adventure, but very lovely at the same time.' The businessman has yet to address Burrell's death, however, her family confirmed the news in a statement to People on Tuesday. 8 Anne Burrell in 2015. Larry Marano/Shutterstock 'Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,' they shared. 'Anne's light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.' A cause of death has yet to be revealed. That same day, police officers shared that EMS 'responded and pronounced her deceased on scene,' sharing that the 911 call was originally for a reported cardiac arrest. 8 Anne Burrell at Grand Tasting Village in Miami, Florida. Gcaballero/Southbeachphoto/Shutterstock On Thursday, sources told The Post Burell's body was found next to dozens of pills. The author's death is still an ongoing investigation. Burrell is best known for hosting 'Worst Cooks in America' on Food Network for 27 seasons, from 2010 to 2024. After her passing, a representative from Food Network shared with The Post: 'Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent — teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring. Our thoughts are with Anne's family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.' 8 Anne Burrell and her husband Stuart Claxton. chefanneburrell/Instagam During her time at the Food Network, Burrell became close pals with Rachael Ray — who judged 'Worst Cooks' from 2015 to 2017 — and fellow chef Alex Guarnaschelli. Both ladies paid tribute to Burrell, with Ray, 56, writing in part, 'I'll miss her friendship deeply. Everyone whose life she touched will miss her. Sending love to Stuart and everyone who knew and loved Anne. We've lost someone truly special.' Guarnaschelli, 55, noted in her own post, 'Make this moment about her. She'd want you to go out, raise a glass, sing karaoke (including this Sia song–one of her favorite 'Worst Cooks' warm up songs) and be able to say, like she does, #ilovewhatido –so do it for her. In her honor.'
NDTV
a day ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
India Has Had Arranged Matches For Ages, The West Is Only Waking Up To The Reality Of Filtered Love
"He checked a lot of our boxes. And, you checked a lot of his." This is Dakota Johnson's common refrain throughout Materialists, a New York story about love, money, and dating. Her character Lucy, a New York-based professional matchmaker who gets caught up between two men of diametrically opposite financial backings - John (Chris Evans) and Harry (Pedro Pascal) - often says this one-liner to her clients as she tries to find a perfect match for them. Little do they know, or perhaps, little did any of us know that dating in this day and age is all about filters, algorithms, and curated bios. In a world dominated by swipes and scrolls, dating apps are increasingly mimicking the institution of Indian marriages which have orchestrated matches based on "checkboxes", including caste, education qualifications, financial compatibility, horoscopes, and community ties. Marriages have been arranged in India since time immemorial, and what's fascinating is that the West seems to just have woken up to the concept of filtered love, at least if we believe what the movie Materialists depicts. Online Dating And Filtering Through Love Dating apps have changed the landscape of relationships, but they come up with new updates to help you find the person that matches your preferences. In an effort to do that, Tinder has recently introduced the "height filter" and it's not the only one. In 2019, Bumble introduced the astrology and politics filters that allowed people to filter matches based on their zodiac signs and political affiliation, respectively. Filters are not new to dating apps though. With a wide range to choose from, individuals have the option to find a partner based on their religion, views, lifestyle choices, zodiac signs, and even pet preferences. "I think adding filters is good. In a way, you are putting filters in your mind when you look for a partner I might as well look for it on an app. I think it is a better way to find a partner that way," a 24-year-old user tells NDTV on the condition of anonymity. "We are physical beings, and we get attracted to some features. For example, I like a guy who is around my age and has the same emotional maturity and views as me. While I will not find every filter to my liking, it will definitely help," shares a 37-year-old user of dating apps. According to Matchmaker and Relationship Coach Radhika Mohta, the goal of these dating apps is to keep users engaged and help them feel like they're optimising their search while keeping them scrolling. Are Dating Apps Becoming Arranged Marriages 2.0? Interestingly, this criteria-based approach to finding the right partner is not new to Indian society. For decades, arranged marriages in India have relied on similar filters - religion, caste, income, family, and educational background. Even matrimonial advertisements, be it in newspapers or on websites, have functioned as extensions of these traditions. A Delhite, who is in her mid-30s, says, "The only thing that has changed is the person doing the filtering. Earlier, it was your family. Now it's you - guided by tech." Mohta further highlights how this filtering may help, while also explaining how it is making people confuse compatibility with customisability. "We live with a lot of predictive technology that enables us to give an input and expect an output, which will be standardised. This is also the reason why when it comes to our personal lives, the idea of having a smooth experience and getting what we want makes more sense." The Only Thing Missing: Serendipity As filters multiply and apps promise ever-sharper matches, we are inching closer to an era where dating mimics the mechanics of arranged marriages - only this time, the matchmakers are algorithms and we have to choose the one we like. As the Relationship Coach rightly explains that if you are filtering your world down to the same type of people, you are shrinking your perspective, not broadening your horizons. While these filters are marketed as tools to "find your match faster," the Matchmaker highlights that it is taking away serendipity - the concept that reminds us that the most meaningful connections can emerge in unexpected moments, beyond the data points. Dating apps have simply digitised what communities and families once did manually - matching people based on checkboxes. This shift reflects how people are now approaching love through a blend of personal choice and inherited social structures. So, the question remains - are we inching towards redefining relationships or simply reducing love to a list of checkboxes that is nothing new to the Indian society?
Time Business News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Most Popular Dating Apps in the USA That Still Work Wonders
Dating has come a long way from blind dates and chance encounters. In today's digital world, dating apps have revolutionized how people meet and form relationships. Whether you're seeking a serious commitment, casual companionship, or just testing the waters, the U.S. dating app market has something for everyone. But with so many options, which platforms have truly stood the test of time? In this post, we'll walk you through the top dating apps in the USA that have consistently earned the trust—and hearts—of users nationwide. Best for: Casual dating and meeting new people quickly Since launching in 2012, Tinder has completely reshaped online dating. Its swipe-based interface made it popular among younger users, but over time, it has expanded its appeal. While primarily known for casual encounters, many users have found long-term relationships here. Key Features: Simple swipe left/right functionality Location-based matches 'Tinder Passport' to connect globally Boosts and Super Likes for visibility Best for: Empowered, respectful dating experiences Bumble puts women in control by requiring them to make the first move in heterosexual matches. With over 50 million users in the U.S. alone, it's popular for serious daters and professionals who prefer meaningful interactions. Key Features: 24-hour match initiation window Bumble BFF and Bizz for friendships and networking Profile verification for safety Feminist-forward values and community Best for: Intentional, serious relationships Hinge brands itself as the dating app meant to be deleted—and for good reason. It encourages users to build deeper connections through detailed profiles, prompt-based responses, and thoughtful swiping. Key Features: Engaging prompts for personality expression Limited likes to encourage intentional swiping Rose feature to highlight serious interest Dating intentions clearly listed on profiles Best for: Data-driven matches and diverse identities OkCupid is known for its detailed questionnaires and inclusive approach. It supports a wide spectrum of gender identities and sexual orientations, making it one of the most inclusive dating platforms in the U.S. Key Features: Match percentage based on questions and compatibility Open messaging (once matched) Profile tags and orientation filters Supports nonbinary, pansexual, and other LGBTQ+ identities Best for: Long-term relationships and marriage-minded users Founded in 1995, is one of the original online dating services. It remains a go-to platform for people over 30 seeking serious relationships, with millions of success stories to its name. Key Features: Advanced search filters Match events and local meetups Daily matches curated by algorithm Paid membership unlocks premium tools Best for: Variety and straightforward dating POF is one of the largest free dating sites in North America. It offers both casual and serious dating options and appeals to users who want variety without the paywall of premium apps. Key Features: In-depth compatibility tests Livestreaming and video profiles 'Chemistry Predictor' personality test Messaging available to most users for free Best for: Marriage-minded singles eHarmony is focused on building long-lasting, meaningful relationships. Its science-based compatibility matching system has helped countless couples find true love over the years. Key Features: In-depth compatibility quiz Guided communication tools Match preferences tailored to lifestyle and values Verified success stories and high marriage success rate The best dating app isn't necessarily the one with the most users—it's the one that aligns with your values, goals, and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for something casual or planning your future with a soulmate, these time-tested dating platforms in the USA continue to deliver quality experiences and real connections. Pro Tip: Try a few apps to see which one feels right, and don't be afraid to refine your profile for the best results. Happy swiping! TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
I hate online dating, but as a single woman living abroad, the pros outweigh the cons
Sinead Mulhern is a single woman living abroad in Ecuador. She has canceled dating apps from her phone several times. But has decided that the benefits of using dating apps while living abroad outweigh the negatives. Between applying layers of sunscreen during a day at the beach, I delete the dating apps from my phone. Good riddance, I think. But in a moment of boredom, a few weeks later, they're back. "Maybe this time…," I tell myself. By now, deleting dating apps feels about as monumental as taking out the trash. I can't even recall how many times I've removed Tinder and Bumble from my phone, telling myself I would be better off without them. I have a love-hate relationship with dating apps, and I'm sure anyone else who's single and swiping in 2025 can relate. On top of the chaos that already comes with decision fatigue and endless small talk, I live abroad, so cultural differences and the second-language barrier also come into play. And frankly, after living abroad alone for 7 years, I'm surprised I haven't developed carpal tunnel from all the swiping. Over the years, I've developed some grievances with the apps and dating culture in general. Recently, a friend and I recounted some absurd dating stories — memories we wish we could block out forever. There were the guys who had secret wives or girlfriends (a Tinder classic), the bad kissers, the guy who fell asleep while eating dinner, and the one who we discovered sold guns illegally (I wish I were joking). More recently, there was a seemingly pleasant man who took me out for dinner, messaged the following day, and then vanished into thin air. (Ghosting. Another Tinder classic.) These are just a handful of our Tinder tales — the hall of fame, so to speak. "The expectation-versus-reality of dating apps would be like if you went to a steakhouse but all they had was canned tuna," I said to my friend. We laughed ourselves into stitches. I've never been more grateful for female friendship. Laughter heals. Honestly? It is pretty funny. There can be a stigma around dating apps — something I've noticed more living in Ecuador than in Toronto, where I lived before. Anecdotally, North American women have a reputation here for being more forward or casual when it comes to dating, which can influence how we're perceived, fairly or not. Another stereotype is that these are "just hookup apps." Although I've found that dating apps are for whatever you're looking for, be it a relationship, new friends, or something in between, so long as you're clear. Besides, I've seen men creepily shoot their shot just about anywhere — the corner store, a taxi, my running route, bars where they work, hotel receptions, even grocery stores. If dating apps are a space for hookups, apparently so is everywhere else. At least apps come with filters and block buttons. Still, in 2025, these modern systems have their ups as well. I've met many great people through dating apps — some I remain in touch with. I've learned about places I'd love to go to one day from people from Spain, Argentina, and Venezuela. Not having expectations anymore means I'm open to the friendships, fun dates, and meaningful conversations that do come along. I've developed a deep appreciation for the good. For example, soon after arriving in Ecuador, I considered it a win to go on dates in Spanish, practice speaking, and learn about the culture. During that time, I went to a bar dedicated to a specific soccer team, took a motorcycle ride to the city's lookout point, found what became my beer spot, and tried a local dish, encebollado, for the first time. The first time I went out with someone in Spanish, I felt so proud to hold a conversation all night. Dating apps have played a significant role in speaking Spanish with fluidity. That's a tangible win. I notice the little things too — like how holding restaurant or car doors open for me is second nature to South American men, and how Sundays are reserved for family. Neither is standard back home, and these small gestures reveal something lovely about Ecuadorians. When I travel, exploring the mountains, cities, and coastline, I swipe through profiles to see if there's someone interesting to meet. I'm happy on my own, but meeting others can add to travel experiences. Read the original article on Business Insider
