Q: My boyfriend and I have busy lives - we work long hours and both love socialising. But we hardly ever spend time together as a couple, and when we do, we're too tired to do more than sit in front of the TV. Our sex life is suffering and I feel like I barely know him any more. How can I bring the spark back to our relationship? Stacey, by email

Toxic: Did you ever really know your boyfriend? Sorry to be blunt, but I'd say that far from being a couple in the traditional sense, your relationship stems from it being a convenient way of getting regular sex. Which is fine until the sex dries up and you're living with someone who may as well be a flatmate with (increasingly occasional) benefits. Either clear your diaries and try to pump life into your sex sessions - or end your relationship. And since neither of you have thought to suspend your socialising to spend time together, it may be time to say goodbye.

Tantric: Let's face it, slobbing out over a takeaway isn't exactly a turn-on. So if you want your sex life back, you have to pretend your boyfriend is a stranger. Would you let a new man see you trimming your toenails? No way! Every night would be a new adventure. And you'd be going out on dates, not sitting at home watching EastEnders. Take the batteries out of your TV remote and put them into a sex toy instead. Find something energetic, like a 5km run, that you can do together, so you'll get a rush of endorphins and won't slip back into couch potato mode.

Q: My partner and I have met each other's parents and he says he wants to spend the rest of his life with me. Now I want our parents to meet, but he says there's no point. Is he really committed? Lilly, by email

Toxic: Exactly how perfect do you want your life to be, Cinderella? It's nice when parents become friends, but your man clearly has his reasons for keeping them apart. Does it really matter? What counts is that he loves you. And considering he revealed "he wants to spend the rest of his life with you", he's sending you all the right signals. Do yourself a favour and suspend the suspicions.

Tantric: Put yourself in his shoes. Every time he introduces someone to his parents and it doesn't last, he probably has to endure months of: "Whatever happened to that nice girl?" That's multiplied by 100 when parents meet, since it's usually one step away from getting engaged. What you really want to know is when he's going to pop the question, right? Don't drag parents into this. Ask him to clarify his timeline.

THE TOXIC TRUTH: CHIVALRY

The Toxic Bachelor takes us on a journey into men's minds. But be warned, it ain't pretty...

Chivalry was fine in Elizabethan times - when you could toss a coat over a puddle and be fêted for eternity. But today? You girls want to be treated as equals, right? After all, when was the last time any of you placed a personal ad seeking "a man with a GSOC"? Chivalry out, humour in - it's the way of the modern world. But it doesn't have to be. Many potential Mr Darcys are itching to jump out of their seats or shed their jackets when you're cold. You just need to reward them. Men are like dogs. If we do something nice and we get a treat, we'll do it again. Flirt when a guy lets you order drinks first at the bar. Concoct a special surprise when your boyfriend opens the door for you. Make manners a female-impressing quality and men will be queuing up to carry you over puddles.

Email your questions to toxicandtantric@fabulousmag.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: LANCTON ILLUSTRATION: SPENCER WILSON STUART IS REGULARS EDITOR OF FHM TANTRIC AND TOXIC REGRET THEY CAN'T ANSWER EMAILS PERSONALLY

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