Sexual Relationships

Just what it sounds like: information about and help with any kind of relationship where there's sex involved. Working out what everyone wants and needs, making choices about relationship models, sexual communication, negotiation and more.

Advice
  • Celia Bliss

This is a situation with many layers, so I’m not surprised you feel such a mixture of emotions, especially feelings of detachment. First, I want to encourage you to give yourself space to recognize how challenging this situation is and how there is no template for what you’re feeling. This will...

Advice
  • Mo Ranyart

Just like with any kind of relationship, there's no way that a FWB setup looks for everyone who chooses one. The short answer is that being friends with benefits is whatever the people involved agree that it should be, so you'll have to ask your potential partner some questions and share your own...

Article
  • Gabriel Leão

Sex educator and therapist Dr. Lexx Brown-James talks talks about her line of work, how Covid-19 is rampaging peoples’ emotions, and how the work of POC sex educators continues to be devalued, stolen and co-opted.

Advice
  • Sam Wall

And Anon asks, “I am naturally kinky, and I am looking for girlfriend who is dominant more of gfd. I do not want a mistress but a girlfriend who can understand me at times. I want to appear to have a normal relationship in outside world.” I combined these two questions because they exemplify a trend...

Advice
  • Heather Corinna

You are not being unreasonable. I don’t think his response and behavior about the lube is fine. I don’t think it’s okay for him to tell you that not having sex isn’t a big deal for you, or to tell you how important sex is to your relationship for both of you. I don’t think it’s fine for him to be...

Advice
  • Mo Ranyart

I can understand why you aren't feeling loved and wanted. It sounds like your partner is acting in a distinctly unloving way. I have some thoughts about ways you can approach conversations with him, to see if he's willing to change his thoughts and actions here, but unless he is willing to make some...

Advice
  • Mo Ranyart

When people ask about lowering their standards and whether it's worth it to do so, the answer to that question depends on what those standards are. You didn't describe yours in detail, so I don't have much to go on, but in general, I'd divide what people tend to call "standards" into two types of...

Advice
  • Hannah Boning

It sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into what you want from a romantic and sexual relationship, and that’s great! It’s always good to spend some time figuring out what you want and need before you start a relationship. By knowing yourself and your boundaries, you’ve got a solid foundation for...

Advice
  • Heather Corinna

I'm so sorry to hear that your friends' behavior has got you feeling this way, Liv. From the sound of things, even if they're not doing it on purpose, they're souring what otherwise sounds like something that's been pretty nice for you and is also obviously a formative life experience. A first...

Advice
  • Heather Corinna

I think what you both should do — or more to the point, the only sound thing I think you can do — is accept each of your feelings and wants instead of trying to change them. I also think it's important you let your girlfriend know that she should work to accept her feelings as well. I think it would...