Talking about intimacy

Whether we are in a long term relationship or not, talking about sex and our most intimate experiences with others can make anyone feel vulnerable. Our sex lives can be as varied as our personalities; we may be single, in a long term relationship, dating or having sex with more than one person. We all have different needs when it comes to sexual contact, sexual preferences and desires. Whether you are feeling stuck in a rut in your sex life or are experiencing sexual dysfunction, it can be immensely helpful to share what’s happening for you in a non-judgemental space. Opening up a conversation can be the first stage to improving your thoughts and feelings towards sex.

While in a relationship, in theory sex should be just another way for us to connect — but for various reasons, it can often feel like a risky thing to try and discuss openly. Many people worry about offending their partner or that what they say may be misinterpreted. As a starting point, it can be helpful to first clarify your own thoughts and feelings, before you communicate these to your partner. Being able to discuss tricky topics can lead to a more fulfilling relationship with your partner overall, and learning how to talk about sex in a relationship is an important skill that can be improved on with reflection and practice.