Being more vulnerable with your partner can improve intimacy

— Here are 6 tips for letting your guard down By Rebecca Strong Being vulnerable with your partner can improve trust, communication, conflict, and your sex life. Sharing your needs, hopes, fears, and emotions can feel scary if you’ve been hurt in the past. Therapists suggest starting slow, using physical touch, and telling your partner …

A Sex Researcher Explains Why Open Relationships Might Be The Future For Our Society

By Mark Travers It’s easy to assume that open relationships don’t concern you, especially if you’re in a monogamous relationship or identify as a monogamist. But sex reseacher and NYU professor Dr. Zhana Vrangalova argues there is more to the story than meets the eye. Research by Vrangalova, conducted in collaboration with Ashley Madison, an …

Is Outercourse the Same Thing as Abstinence?

— And 5 Other Questions, Answered By Maisha Johnson What is it? Outercourse is an option for sexual activity without intercourse. When you get down to the details, that means different things to different people. For some, it’s everything except penis-in-vagina (PIV) penetration. For others, outercourse means no penetration of any kind, including fingers, sex …

What Is Outing?

by Kristen Fischer Telling someone else (or others) about a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity without their approval is also called “outing.” In some cases, it’s not done to harm the person; in other situations, the person sharing the information does so to retaliate or to shame the other person.They may even do it …

Sex After 50

— Don’t Lose That Lovin’ Feeling Connection, communication and self-acceptance keep intimacy alive By Lisa B. Samalonis Although advancing age can pose some challenges to a healthy sex life, with a shift in perspective, intimacy can still be satisfying, good for your health and overall fun. Frequently discussed obstacles include: Vaginal dryness/atrophy. Erectile dysfunction. Lost …

4 tips to try virtual sex and add some sizzle to your relationship

— If you frequently travel for work, then virtual sex is a way to keep that intimate connection with your partner(s). by Rebecca Strong Virtual sex includes things like steamy texts, nude pics, or mutual masturbation via phone or video. Swapping sexy photos and messages can add novelty and intimacy to any type of relationship. …

4 Steps To Bring Up An Issue In Your Relationship Without Starting A Fight

By Rachel Wright, LMFT As a therapist that specializes in relationships, one of the most common things clients ask me about is how to start and have conversations with people in their lives. Whether it’s their partners, bosses, friends, parents, or anyone else, it can feel daunting to have a conversation about something important and …

3 Things to Do When the Sex Was Mind-Blowingly…Bad

It doesn’t mean it can’t get so much better. By Cathryne Keller Apologies to Bridgerton, but first-time sex isn’t always the mind-blowing, corset-busting stuff of historical romance novels. In real life, hooking up with a new partner—even one you’re super into—can be awkward, uncomfortable, or otherwise…not good. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it can’t get …

How to deal with nerves the first time you have same-sex sex

By Ellen Scott Okay, so you’re pondering having sex with someone of the same gender for the first time. Feeling nervous? Don’t panic – that’s totally normal. ‘Same-sex sex can feel daunting even if you’ve had plenty of “straight” sex before,’ sex and relationships expert Annabelle Knight tells Metro.co.uk. ‘The reason it feels so different …

What Does It Mean to Be in an Exclusive Relationship?

— Here’s what to know before you DTR. By Rachel Varina It’s pretty much the bread and butter of every mainstream romance book and rom-com: the ~exclusive relationship~. Cue the hearts, sunsets, and kisses in the rain! And while exclusive relationships might seem like the end-all-be-all definition of lurve, there’s actually a lot more to …