by Sue L. Bell

Created on: November 19, 2007   Last Updated: October 03, 2009

Everyone has different ideas of what the perfect honeymoon is. Regardless of whether your ideas involve a romantic hotel and room service or a wilderness adventure, there are some definite no-no's. Not to say that a lot of rules are needed, but some guidelines are definitely in order.

1. NO FAMILY.
Any family, in the form of parents, siblings, children, steps or even members of the wedding party. No emails, phone calls, or long letters. Just let go!. This is about cementing and enjoying the vows you have taken as a new entity - a married couple. So forget about family - they will survive without you for a while. Focus on your new family - your mate.

2. DON'T HAVE UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS.
If you have ever read a romance novel, watched a TV program, or listened to music, your expectations of your honeymoon, and especially your first night, are going to to be unrealistic. You cannot expect to go through the rigors of a wedding, reception, travel, and arrival at your destination, and then be ready to have mind-blowing sex. True fact - many people never even have sex on their wedding night. This may sound unromantic - but it's not. Just imagine the pressure of trying to "perform" in the bedroom after one of the most stressful days of your life. Not just perform, but impress. It is usually best to wait till the next night, after you have had time to eat, sleep and get rested, before even trying to initiate any hankie-panky. Remember, even though you may be all revved up, this is about being together, not just sex. Be a generous, thoughtful, attentive partner and this will go well. Be selfish, impatient, and thoughtless, and this will be a horror story.

3. COMMUNICATE.
Ask your partner how they feel. Really listen. And be honest in your responses to their questions. However, this is not the time to bring up old wounds or exes. Add that to the never do this on your honeymoon list. Be kind and gentle with your spouse - especially in the bedroom. But don't have a Jekyll and Hyde personality where you are one person behind closed doors and another in public. Laugh, joke, act like goofy teenagers if you want to. You are entitled.

4. NEVER, EVER, CRITIQUE YOUR HUSBAND / WIFE'S BODY.
Let me clarify. NEVER EVER SAY ANYTHING BAD OR THAT COULD REMOTELY SOUND CRITICAL ABOUT YOUR MATE'S BODY. And be careful about the tone in your voice. And no sideways looks! Especially if you are the man. See, women tend to think bad about their bodies no matter how they look. And most women

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