Hi NotSure, I just wanted to add that when I first started masturbating, and exploring my vulva/vagina in general, I also had a strong response to the smell. I felt really embarrassed about it, and also kind of grossed out. Once some time passed I got used to it though. And now I like it! (Although ...

hi sproutkm, looks like you just joined--welcome to the boards! the cramping throughout the day is most likely a part of your body adjusting to the hormone changes. which makes a lot of sense! as your body gets accustomed, the cramping should pass, but if it hasn't in a few cycles you can check in w...

Hi KittyPink, To second what those above have said--it makes a lot of sense to me that you are experiencing dysphoria around periods. That being said, I'm sorry to hear about the dysphoria :( You said you "mark it as something that would make me a girl." And so I think you are wise to thin...

I really resonate with what some of you are saying about appreciating your body's functions, and the ongoing work to accept our bodies. I recently read this interview with the writer Jennifer Egan and she shares a story about talking with a woman in her 40s who was in hospice care, dying from bone c...

Hi Jackojacko2000, Hope it's ok that I'm chiming in. Totally agree with Sam W's ideas. Also wanted to add, it is always an option to mention that you are feeling anxious. I know sometimes for me naming a feeling out loud, as opposed to holding it in and trying to cover it up, can help me to relax a ...

Sex in Crisis: The New Sexual Revolution and the Future of American Politics by Dagmar Herzog! A great non-fiction book that combines sex and politics. About the Religious Right's agenda around sex and sexuality--including a focus on sex education. Was primarily written about the Bush era but feels ...

Grateful to this thread because I hadn't realized it but I'd like to make peace with my butt! It is pretty flat. I have always been self-conscious about that, but especially right now when big butts are very focused on in pop culture. I find it helpful to have positive body role models--people who h...

I'm a little late to this thread, but I wanted to add: I found it helpful to realize it's really hard to shock them! When I first started therapy in high school, I was scared that I would say something that they would have never heard before, and would somehow freak them out. But I've learned that w...

I have found it helpful to do a combination of engaging with the world on a macro level and focusing much smaller. In terms of engaging with the world, I've been trying to remember that history is long and their is so much wisdom to be gained from those who have come before us. And that the world is...

Hi EmilyDeeDubs, Thank you so much for sharing about your experiences! So interesting, and helpful, to know about... I think the world, or at least all the consumers of porn, would really benefit from a deeper understanding of what the behind-the-scenes looks like. Good to know about seeking out por...

some of these are still emotional dramas, but are definitely not overly tragic. in my opinion, they hold a lot of respect for the characters’ humanity & complexity. most are R-rated so not appropriate for all ages! trailers linked below. 52 tuesdays https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5WcMzEYRGU jo...

What an awesome thread!

Some feel-good movies I love: Midnight in Paris, Amelie, the Princess Diaries, and In a World. I'm also embarrassed to admit Eat Pray Love is a guilty pleasure...

Emily DeeDubs, I actually used to work as a labor organizer! Even though I don't work in the union world, I can't turn off that part of my brain that is always thinking about the working conditions of the jobs I come into contact with...would love to hear anything you feel comfy sharing about your t...

wintergreen, i totally agree it's a cool concept! for both of the reasons you listed. but i'm also with you that as it currently stands, there are a lot of problems with mainstream porn... one thing that frustrates me about what i've seen is just *how* catered to male viewers the videos are. if some...

when looking at a photo of myself recently, i noticed how my eyebrows look different from one another. and i really liked that! now whenever i see myself in the mirror, or in a picture, i check out my eyebrows and smile

hi everyone! new to these message boards (this is only my second post!). i know video porn is a huge industry and is a big influence in our sexual culture. and it's a subject i'm always interested in talking/listening about. i'm curious about your experiences, if any, with it. what have your experie...

Hi whatshouldido— It sounds like you are going through a super tough time. I am so sorry! Congratulations on reaching out on these message board though. That was a pretty awesome, brave thing to do. I want to second everything Sam W and EmilyDeeDubs have shared regarding emergency room care and alte...