Scientists have discovered that a conversation on the phone can be as good as a hug in terms of boosting the "love hormone" oxytocin.

If the British public was shocked by the WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) culture at the World Cup finals in Germany four years ago, this year is going to be all about SADs - Sons and Daughters.

Bonnie Wright, the 19-year-old Harry Potter actress - who plays the title character's love interest Ginny Weasley, is reportedly engaged to one of her co-stars.

Dita De Boni is thrust back into the social scene post giving birth to and raising her small children - and finds she has nothing to wear.

What's in a name? Shelley Bridgeman discovers that society can be slow on the uptake when it comes to the patronymic.

Courteney Cox's new role is her most daring and controversial yet. She tells Rebecca Barry why she's basically playing herself.

When Michelle tells people about her brood of 17, "their jaws drop". Then they ask if they have misheard - "It usually takes three times before people believe me".

An incident at a cafe has Scott Kara wondering - what do you do when someone else tells off your kid?

The number of divorces in New Zealand has dropped to a 20-year low, Family Court figures show.

He broke up with his girlfriend, but was determined not to waste his $200 mystery bus tour and dinner for two.

He was prepared to steer his boat into any weather, ride his Harley fast and drive his Corvette faster. I never knew the guy, but it's clear he was a legend - and a hoot.

A low divorce rate shows Kiwis avoid marriage unless they're truly committed, a relationship counsellor said.

The loud wail some Aucklanders may have heard this week from the region of Mt Eden was no alarm, car horn or siren - it was me, reacting to the news our TV was on the blink.

It's Mother's Day on Sunday and hundreds of people have already paid tribute to their mothers on a giant post-it wall in central Auckland.

The burqa is getting all the attention in the debate over Muslims in France. But another controversial tradition among some immigrants is less noticed and far more widespread.

Long engagements are out as an increasing number of Kiwis are rushing to say "I do" after three months or less.

It may be a bitter pill for women to swallow, but men handle pain better than the fairer sex, a leading expert says.

Some 'doulas' - women who provide personal support during childbirth are now also offering their services during abortions, writes Dita De Boni.

A Shortland Street episode which portrayed Tauranga as being intolerant of gay people has infuriated tourism bosses and residents.

The Oscar-winning actress revealed yesterday on People magazine's website that she is adopting a 3½-month-old boy.

Fatherhood can be the key to transforming anti-social young men into responsible citizens, according to new research.

The motorcycle entrepreneur has reportedly told friends he knows his marriage to Sandra Bullock is over.

The Bourne Ultimatum actor and his wife Luciana already have two daughters together.

As a means of launching a new dating website, its creators staged a speed dating evening in Auckland. Alan Perrott went along to learn how to find a date under the stopwatch.