His secret habits
PUBLISHED ONOctober 13, 2014 1:37 AM
Wondering what he gets up to when you're not around?
You may consider him your other half, but even if the two of you are attached at the hip, there's most likely a side of your man that only comes out when you're not around.
And science seems to agree: One in 10 men is guilty of concealing some kind of sex secret from their significant other, according to research published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy.
And while most habits don't pose a threat to your relationship, it's hard not to wonder what he's up to. To put your mind at ease, here are five common - and bizarre - behaviours that happen when two are apart.
1 His hands are always down there
Depending on what stage your relationship is at, you may catch him adjusting his boys every once a while. When he's on his own, chances are his hands are constantly engaged in the crotch clutch.
"It's not always a sexual thing either," says Emily Morse, a dating expert and host of US radio show Sex with Emily. Thing is , a lot of men don't even realise they're doing it.
It could be that while we have bras that provide us with support, men are left hanging.
"Cupping their goods provides them with a sense of comfort and security," says Emily, and eventually, it becomes habitual due to its soothing nature.
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2 He's checking on you
The latest research shows that single men are more likely than single women to creep their potential love interest online - and that behaviour doesn't stop once commitment enters the equation.
"Men do not like to come across as to inquisitive or overprotective, so they often resort to acquiring their information elsewhere," says Emily.
If you happen to be a frequent updater on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Foursquare, your man can keep tabs on without seeming worrisome, she adds. So, yes, he will see that you accepted your hot new male colleague's friend request.
3 He stalks his ex
A recent study from the University of Western Ontario in Canada found that 88 per cent of people continue to keep tabs on their past loves via Facebook - even after they've been separated for a year.
"Whether you're male or female, it's pretty common to be intrigued with what your ex is up to, even if there are no romantic feelings attached to the behaviour," says Emily. Considering that you've probably peeked at your former flame's profile within the past month or so, don't feel threatened.
However, if you notice that the interaction has flourished beyond the realm of a random Internet search, establish some boundaries with your beau, suggests Emily.
4 He watches porn
It's not exactly breaking news that men are found of X-rated videos, but the alarming frequency in which he watches them may surprise you.
According to research from Brigham Young University in Utah, one in five men in the US visits porn sites every day.
And many are better at hiding their habits than women may realise. "Mobile phones have made it really easy to have and hide access to porn." says Emily.
And even if he is searching for smut on his Mac, it doesn't take much to cover up his tracks.
"Men often look at porn in a different browser so it's not in their main search history." she explains, adding that some fellas even have separate e-mails so they can sign up for live webcams without mixing business with pleasure.
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5 He's researching how to please you
Not all of his sex related searches occur on porn sites.
"Men dedicate a good chunk of their time to brushing up on how to please you," says Emily.
Women typically have an easier time getting to the bottom of their sexual inquiries because they have a broader network to tap in to (like wine night with the girls or frequent visits to the gynaecologist).
But since men don't fuss up to pals about their sexual interests as much, they trust most of their secretive thoughts with Dr Google, she says.
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