Approaching a member of the opposite sex can be daunting for even the most brazen of characters, never mind those who struggle with social awkwardness.

Embarking on a new relationship is fraught with uncertainties at the best of times. Add children into the mix, writes Michelle Duff, and things get even trickier.

OPINION: Does it really matter what others think about your partner? Relationship expert Jill Goldson discusses the challenges to navigate when we don't have approval from our social networks of our choice of mate.

COMMENT: Given the sordid, coercive and traumatising nature of most incest, it seems a little reckless to push a "my DNA made me do it" line, even in unusual cases, writes Paul Thomas.

COMMENT: For the past 10 years, my wife has felt vaguely cheated by the vasectomy I had in 2005, writes Neil Lyndon.

Society is gradually shifting towards gender equality. Yet most of us still carry a badge of differential gender roles that is intimately tied up in our identity: our names.

This age is when we tend to have the most people in our real-life social networks.

OPINION: We've all been told to focus on the positive, not to indulge in negative thinking. Jill Goldson explains why this is the wrong approach when it comes to dealing with fear.

COMMENT: Relationship expert Jill Goldson reveals why the very things you loved about someone may be becoming the things that irritate you.

Let's talk about ghosts. One of the most infuriating things in dating these days is when the person you're seeing just disappears.

Why we're secretly attracted to our parents' lookalikes.

These are some of questions about relationships sociologist Michael Rosenfeld, of Stanford University, has been asking as part of a longitudinal study.

Recruited for a wedding party? One woman shares her requests to remain sane.

COMMENT: For those who are growing up in the digital area, sexting is fun and flirty - and safe, writes Melissa Isabella Meyer.

Swiping right while in another country could lead to more than just a date - it's also a great way to meet locals.

Psychologists reveal why we close our eyes when locking lips.

Twelve brides reveal what they wish they'd done differently.

Allowing men to take a greater share of the burden of contraception. Photo / Getty

If you're looking for love on social media dating sites your success may rest with the person one swipe before you.

COMMENT: You will have seen this topic covered before. Sometimes the discussion goes around in circles: What effect will it have on their brains? Are they in danger? Could it be a positive?

With their shared boyfriend.

And some advice for the girls on The Bachelor.

Different bachelor. Same old sexist messages being broadcast to young minds across the nation, writes Shelley Bridgeman.

With 'cyberdildonics' set to become the next big thing in sex toys, experts warn of the dangers.

COMMENT: How do you tell a child about their grandparent's sexuality?

COMMENT: Learning what it's really like to be a solo parent.