By Amy Alkon

If your wife says another man’s name while making love, what does that mean? It was her ex’s name -- my stepson’s dad. She apologized, saying it was only because she remembered needing to call him about problems their son’s having at school. Although I don’t think she’s cheating, I can’t say I believe her excuse, as she compares me negatively with previous men in her life. Had I blurted out another woman’s name, she never would’ve forgiven me. She has lots of anger and a very suspicious nature. She goes through my phone and constantly checks up on me. I know she’s had men cheat on her, but I’ve given her no reason to doubt me. Her response when I try to have a healthy discussion about this or anything is either “whatever” or calling me names and starting a full-blown argument, then suggesting we shouldn’t be together. That’s the last thing I want for our kids.

— Upset

There you are, trying your best to give your wife an orgasmatastical time in bed, and not only does she belt out another man’s name, she decides to get a head start on her to-do list. (Apparently, what you thought was her sex face is also her “Did I schedule that parent-teacher conference?” face.) 

Chances are, your wife’s explanation, that this was just a brain burp, is the truth. And people’s minds do wander during sex — especially when it’s not exactly their first time with a particular partner. They just don’t usually let on that they’re talking dirty but staring up at the crown molding and resisting the impulse to reach for the telescoping feather duster. 

Although every relationship gives rise to wounds, slights and things you wish you could unhear, how you respond depends largely on what your “base” is — personally and as a couple. If you’re emotionally secure and your relationship is loving, you can shrug off a whole lot — maybe even tease your wife about her sexual faux pas by yelling out your own name in bed or moaning your to-do list: “Ohhh … when you do that to me, it makes me think about calling to change our health insurance to a PPO.” 

When you get married, it isn’t just to a woman and all her annoying inlaws; you also marry all her unresolved issues. Your wife’s insecurity makes her feel vulnerable, but instead of expressing her fears and giving you the chance to allay them, she takes the emotionally “safe” way out — attacking you. Her motto: “Don’t go to bed mad. Stay up and scream about what a worthless worm your husband is.”

Tell your wife that you need to remake your marriage to save it — because you love her and for your kids’ sake. Because she fights dirty and you seem unable to stand up to her, you should bring in a therapist as a referee.

What you can do yourselves is make a pact to never treat each other like you’ve forgotten you love each other.

For backup, the way couples have a “safe word” in sex, you can agree to call “Empathy!” if the poo-flinging gets out of hand — your signal to stop and call up some compassion for what the other person must be feeling.

It won’t teleport you into instant maturity. But, because it’s really hard to be a hugger and a hater at the same time, it should remind you that “till death do us part” is supposed to be a really romantic promise, not a battle cry.

Senior momentum: old dudes hitting on her

Since I’ve been online dating, I’ve noticed a shocking trend: old men hitting me up for dates. I’m 24, and my profile states that I’m seeking men ages 24 through 35. Yet men my father’s age — and a few close to my grandfather’s — have “winked” at me and asked me out. Gross. Men this old never approach me in “real life.” Why do they do it online? 

— Icked Out

When you’re 24, an “older man” is probably 36, not somebody who used to enjoy “long walks on the beach” but now enjoys long walks to the salad bar. (If you listen closely, you can hear his pacemaker.) 

An old dude who hits on you may have a distorted sense of his attractiveness (charming at any age). He may think that if he can just get you out on a date, his timeless sex appeal will make you go deaf when the waitress offers him the senior citizen discount. And who knows …maybe you’re looking for a sugar grandpa. Doesn’t hurt to ask!

Well, not nearly as much as if the old coot were doing it while looking down your cleavage at Starbucks: “Hey, baby, I could tell you stories about the days before voicemail.”

Online, however, you and the other 3,126 young chickies he hits on will probably just delete him.

But, there’s always that chance that one will be drunk, crazy or desperate enough (in his mind, smart, insightful and adventurous enough) to meet him and see that he looks not a day over 40 … in the right light. (Unfortunately, the right light would be near-pitch darkness 20 years ago.)

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(c) 2012, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA  90405, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (advicegoddess.com). Weekly radio show: blogtalkradio.com/amyalkon