Turn off the TV - turn on your partner
The Italians confirm it: Having a television in the bedroom cuts your sex life in half. A recent study by a team of sexologists in Rome found Italians who live without a TV in the bedroom have sex eight times a month. Those with a TV, only four. While this is a scathing indictment of bedroom televisions, many couples counselors say a television is not the only thing in a bedroom that can zap your mojo.
''Today people are eating, watching TV, and working on their computers in their bedrooms," said Lucy Wightman, a psychotherapist based in Norwell, who in a former life was known as the thinking man's stripper Princess Cheyenne. In other words, in the bedroom, there is too much going on to get it on.
As far as TV is concerned, Wightman said it's fine -- if you're watching erotica. Otherwise, it is a ''distancer."
The easiest way to kindle romance, said Wightman, is by making sure your bedroom is a sacred sanctuary for sleep and sex, not dinner and a movie. ''Food should never be in the bedroom," she said, ''unless you're playing 'Find the Grape.' "
In the wake of the Italian study, many psychologists have suggested keeping an air of mystery outside of the bedroom to keep things exciting inside; their suggestions range from not flossing in front of your partner to undressing alone. On the latter, Wightman has a different take: ''Why not put on some music, and strip for the other," she said. -- KATE M. JACKSON
Bedroom va-va-voom
In order to be romance-ready, Wightman said your bedroom doesn't have to resemble the sex den of some cheesy lothario, nor does it have to conform to gooey antiquated notions of romance. Here, Wightman offers some quick tips for turning a bedroom into a boudoir.
Remove dogs As well as children, computers, dusty treadmills, and laundry.
White noise machine Like a TV, the machine helps tune out household noises that distract you from your partner. Unlike a TV, you don't have to watch a corpse being dissected on ''CSI" -- which can be quite a mood killer.
Color On sheets, bedding, and walls, use neutral or deep colors. Colors play a role in regulating hormone levels and mood; neutral colors are calming, deeper colors are more sensual.
Lighting Ask your sexy electrician to install some dimmer switches. Also, black lighting is flattering to all skin tones.
Mirrors (not necessarily on the ceiling) These add dimension to the bedroom, not to mention the excitement of seeing one another from different angles.
De-clutter Avoid thinking about to-do lists when you're in the bedroom. Also minimize distraction by unplugging the phone and turning the clock around.
Blindfolds They are a great tool of disinhibition to have on hand when the spirit moves you.
Bowl of ice cubes Put it on the nightstand, use your imagination.
