The myth: she can be a friend with benefits

The truth: it’s possible, but there’s a catch-22. If a tumble is satisfyingly complete for a woman, her brain becomes flooded with the bonding chemical oxytocin. “Most women won’t be able to have good sex with you and not become attached,” says Dr Laura Berman, the author of The Book of Love. So the only way to avoid attachment is to make the sex not so reliably great for her. And let’s face it, that’s impossible for you.

Sep 12, 2012

Twenty-five popular myths busted

History is littered with falsehoods that have suckered billions. Here’s your guide to separate fact from fiction