Everyone has their sexual preferences or fetishes — for some, that involves extremely erotic practices like being tied up, handcuffed, or being otherwise made to suffer. That said, there’s a fine line between having a sexual fetish and struggling with sexual fantasies and behaviors that cripple your life. When it…
Our personal relationships with sexual desire are deeply complex. From the pangs and angst of our awkward teenage years to the difficulties of navigating healthy intimacy in adult relationships, understanding just how we feel about sex can be a lifelong journey. But as personal as sex is to all of…
In college, I had a friend who I found incredibly unique and inspiring. Not only was Margaret relaxed in the most stressful of circumstances, but she was kind, accepting, and loving—all of which rubbed off on those around her. She kept her cool during exam week, calming everybody else’s nerves;…
Pets and kids are notoriously bad at respecting bedroom boundaries. These big-eyed housemates have been known to claw at doors, swat at exposed body parts, and whine when they’re excluded from intimate activities. I’m thinking of toddlers of course, but this behavior applies to pets as well. Have you ever…
Many people are uncomfortable talking about sex, but these conversations are important: They enable us to maintain healthy and satisfying sex lives. One specific conversation that goes underprioritized is how we can embrace our sexuality to the fullest—three keys include recognizing shame, accepting desires, and considering the biological nature of…
We don’t stop having sex nor do we lose interest in sex as we get older, but we do often experience changes in sexual function. The good news is we can still maintain a satisfying sex life as we get older by understanding these changes in sexual function, communicating with…
Sex addiction is characterized by the obsessive need to engage in sexual activity; symptoms include preoccupation with sex and an inability to control sexual behavior. Fortunately, sex addicts can recover from their addiction and develop a healthy sexuality, of which involves developing sexual self-control and self-awareness. Once the individual learns…
Hallmarks of Sex Addiction While people are starting to recognize the prevalence and problems created by excessive sexualized activities and pornography, what is broadly termed “sex addiction” remains cloaked in mystery, even for many therapists. One of the challenges in defining and treating sex addiction is the fact that sex…
While people are starting to recognize the prevalence and problems created by excessive sexualized activities and pornography, what is broadly termed “sex addiction” remains cloaked in mystery, even for many therapists. One of challenges of defining and treating sex addiction is the fact that sex is a normal and healthy…