Walk on the wild side

Wish she'd let her hair down a little more in bed? Here are five ways to unleash the tigress lurking within every kitten

There are a few simple ways to coax the wilder side out of a woman, according to Tracey Cox, author of 'Superflirt' (Penguin, $29.95). What you need to do is gain her trust, boost her confidence and encourage creativity. Read on and reap the rewards.


1. Surprise her
Women love surprises. When buying her some fantastic new under-wear (check for sizes first), wrap it in beautiful paper and hide it in a kitchen drawer so she'll see it when she gets home, but make sure you're out when she does. More than likely she'll be wearing it - and a big cheeky smile - when you get home.


2. Change the scenery
Going away on holiday gives shrinking violets permission to do whatever, wherever they please. Book a trip to somewhere distant like Mexico, Tahiti or the Greek Islands - and be prepared for an unveiling of her inner vixen. You'll certainly be seeing far more than her tan lines.


3. Verbalise the view
During your next session in bed tell her in no uncertain terms that her skin looks and feels awesome. Women spend a fortune on exfoliating, waxing, buffing and moisturising their skin, so she'd like to know it's paid off. And reinforcing her confidence when she's in a vulnerable position, like in the throes of naked passion, makes it even more effective.

4. Extra curricular activities
Buy her a copy of Anäis Nin's 'Delta of Venus' (Penguin, $19). Beautifully written and very erotic, this book will make her fantasise about sex outdoors and give her some great ideas in the bedroom. There's a blow-by-blow scene in the chapter "Marianne" that will make her want you more than ever.


5. Ask for help
How can you make your spaghetti bolognese taste better? What should you do about a difficult situation at work? Can she give you advice on how to deal with a moody mate? Asking her to help in this way shows you want her opinion and, more importantly, that you respect it - an essential factor in trust.