Sunday, April 19, 2026

Featured - The Best Sex Education Articles for Adults

Sexpert.com has the Best Sex Education Articles for Adults from an expert line up of certified sex experts.

Top sex education for adults featured posts and sexuality articles from our sex experts, sex coaches on everything from female orgasms, sexual pleasure, alternative lifestyle topics, couples sex advice and dating advice, masturbation and sexual empowerment, sexual health and wellness including men’s sexual problems like premature ejaculation and how to last longer in the bedroom.

Our Sex Ed featured articles include all the tips and techniques you need to know to make you a better lover such as the ultimate guide to anal sex, BDSM and kinky sex, oral sex, how to have the best orgasms, sexual relationship topics on how to spice up your love life, as well as female sexual anatomy and the erogenous zones including the clitoris, the cervix and cervical orgasm, all about the g spot, female ejaculation and g spot orgasms, the vagina and the vulva, penis facts and more.

Sexpert.com is an all-inclusive sex education site for adults and has many empowering articles on gender and sexuality, as well as articles for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender, sissies, and alternative lifestyles including cuckold and hotwife relationships, threesomes, polyamory and swinging. See our sacred sexuality topics including Tantra sex, yoni yoga, sexy goddess rituals, energy orgasms and more.

Explore sexpert articles from our top sex educators.

The Sexy Science of Kissing

Sharon McCutcheon @ Pexels

A Kiss Is More Than A Kiss

Studies have shown that the details of a first kiss are more memorable than the details of any other “first time” sexual experience. In her book The Science of Kissing, biologist Sheril
Kirshenbaum explains the impact of kissing as being something we are wired to associate with positive emotions from birth: “When an infant is born, his or her first experiences of love and comfort and security usually involves some kind of kissing.”

“Just as women have an eight-lane superhighway for processing emotion while men have a
small country road, men have O’Hare Airport as a hub for processing thoughts about sex whereas women have the airfield nearby that lands small and private planes.” – Louann Brizendine, M.D.

In adulthood, a passionate kiss causes our blood vessels to dilate and our brains receive an increase in oxygen. As our heart rate increases, our breathing becomes irregular, our cheeks flush and our pulse quickens. The pupils in the eye also dilate, which may be one
reason why we close our eyes. The kiss also ignites a mix of positive neurotransmitters, including endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline, and the “love hormone” oxytocin.

These hormones are an important part of “keeping the love alive”, which is why kissing
more often is a surefire way to rediscover the spark in a relationship.

For a woman, a kiss helps determine the suitability of a partner via his hormonal markers. Women have a stronger sense of taste and smell, and kissing gives the best opportunity to get a sample. Kirshenbaum goes on to say, “It is nature’s ultimate litmus test.”

For men, open mouth kissing enhances testosterone through the exchange of saliva. Women receive a spike in testosterone as well, which increases libido. These findings are supported by a report led by Gordon Gallup at Albany University in New York that found, “the men surveyed overwhelmingly described kissing as a means to a sexual end whereas women reported that kissing allowed them to gauge how a prospective partner felt about them and whether the relationship was worth pursuing.”

Places to Kiss!

And where can you kiss your partner? The options are limitless. While the mouth is the most obvious, using your lips for a full body exploration of your partner is a tour worth taking:

♥ Forehead: Hold your partner’s head with both hands and slowly kiss the spot right above the brow bone in the middle of the forehead with tender lips that form the letter O. This is
a very intimate gesture and is also known as kissing the third eye, the gate that leads to higher consciousness in spirituality.

♥ Nose: One of the friendliest of all kisses is a gentle kiss on the tip of the nose. To make it more intimate, look your partner in the eyes at the same time.

♥ Neck: Tease your partner by moving your tongue and lips gently up and down, around the front and the back of the neck and end with gentle nibbling to give them shivers of pleasure.

♥ Palm: Kiss the palm with loose lips and slyly close their hand after, as if they are holding your kiss in their palm for safekeeping.

♥ Navel: Tickling the rim around the navel feels kinky and fun. Vary speeds and strokes to change sensation and top it off with a circle of smooches or a tongue that penetrates the navel.

♥ Stomach: Wet, open-mouthed kisses on the stomach can get a person’s juices flowing. However, many people can be self- conscious of their stomach, so soft and sincere kisses all over can be just as good.

♥ Spine: You can kiss up or down the spine followed by soft licking and cool breaths to give your partner exciting spine tingling sensations.

♥ Buttocks: Kiss you partner from cheek to cheek varying the speed and the strokes as you explore their vulnerable and sensitive backside.

♥ Feet: French kisses on each toe and licking in between and along their arch will put them in a foot fetish frenzy. This is also known as “shrimping”, the act of toe sucking or licking for sexual gratification of both partners.

 

Making Love Alone: The Art of Masturbation

Photo by Mihail Tregubov on Unsplash

Making love alone, often referred to as self-love or masturbation, is a natural and healthy way to explore one’s body and experience sexual pleasure. It can be an important aspect of personal wellness and sexual health.  

You must first understand what self love is and why it is important to incorporate it into your life.  Some people feel they have to be with a partner to be fulfilled.  That is not the case and you can experience a whole new outlook on love making alone.  You should first explore to see what you like. Here are some ways to embrace and enhance this experience.

Photo by Brandy Kennedy on Unsplash

Personal Exploration:

Self-love allows individuals to explore their own bodies, understand their sexual preferences, and learn what brings them pleasure. This self-awareness can lead to more fulfilling experiences, both alone and with a partner.  Utilizing sexual aids can heighten your experience.

Health Benefits:

Masturbation has several health benefits, including reducing stress, improving mood, helping you  sleep better, and enhancing sexual health. It can also help relieve menstrual cramps and promote relaxation.  

No Shame or Stigma:

It is important to approach self-love without shame or stigma. Masturbation is a normal and natural part of human sexuality and should never be looked at in a negative way.

Create a Comfortable Environment:

Set the mood by creating a comfortable and private space where you can relax without interruptions. This might include dim lighting, soft music, or aromatherapy.  It is important to feel as comfortable as possible and clear your mind of everyday stresses.  This will make your experience more enjoyable.

Use Lubrication:

Lubricants can enhance the experience by reducing friction and increasing pleasure. There are various types of lubricants available, such as water-based, silicone-based, and natural options.  If you are using a pleasure product, it is important to use a good lube to avoid  any issues.

Incorporate Sex Toys:

Using sex toys can add variety and intensify sensations. There are many options, including vibrators, dildos, and clitoral stimulators. Choose toys that are body-safe and suited to your preferences. 

Photo taken from http://www.ppunson.com/

Investing in a sex doll or torso to give you that real life feel.  They are usually very lightweight and easy to use. The sex doll torsos are made of TPE or silicone. Of course, they are all very safe materials.  They are designed for both male and female masturbation, depending on the design. 

Mindfulness and Focus:

As we stated before, practice mindfulness by focusing on the sensations and being present in the moment. This can enhance pleasure and make the experience more fulfilling.  Making love alone can be scary for a first timer, so embrace it your way.

Erotic Content:

Some people find that incorporating erotic content, such as reading erotica, watching adult films, or listening to audio erotica, can enhance arousal and pleasure.  This helps to get your mindset focused of the experience instead of focusing on the day to day interruptions.  

Breathing and Relaxation:

Deep breathing and relaxation techniques can help you stay calm and focused, heightening your sensitivity and pleasure.  You can incorporate meditation to help you relax and enjoy the experience.

Masturbation can be done at anytime.  It all depends on the person, there is no right time.  It is important to find a balance that feels right for you and doesn’t interfere with daily responsibilities or relationships.  Self-love is not just about physical pleasure; it also contributes to emotional well-being. It can boost self-esteem and foster a positive body image.

Approach self-love with self-compassion and kindness. It’s a form of self-care and a way to honor the needs of your body and desires.  Embrace body positivity and appreciate your body for its capacity to provide pleasure. Every body type is unique, and learning to love and accept your own is crucial.  Educate yourself about sexual health and wellness. Understanding your body and how it functions can enhance your self-love experiences and promote overall well-being.

In summary, making love alone, or self-love, is a healthy and natural part of human sexuality. It offers numerous physical and emotional benefits and can enhance your overall well-being. By creating a comfortable environment, exploring different techniques, and approaching the experience with self-compassion, you can enjoy fulfilling and pleasurable moments of self-love.

How to Move From Dating to Intimacy

Photo by Bethany Ferr from Pexels

What is Intimacy?

Look at the word phonetically in-to-me-see.

Intimacy is NOT about wild rapid passion – it’s more like an insatiable slow burning
passion. Intimacy is about expressing your true feelings, not just what you think is
sexy to your partner. Touching each other on non-sexual areas is intimate. Intimacy
is about not being critical of your partner. Intimacy is not about conquest, it is about
being present and it is about giving pleasure not just receiving it. Intimacy is about
enjoying the journey as much as the destination.

Men need to respect a woman’s body in order to become intimate with her. A
woman’s body is a “temple” and we all came from that temple. Ask any man how he
would like other men to treat a woman close to him such as his mother, sister or
daughter. The answer will be “with respect.”

For a woman intimacy is better than sex because she can surrender herself to her
man and feel ultimate pleasure and satisfaction without guilt and shame. It is the
supreme expression of femininity and it allows her to feel safe so that she can open
up and blossom sexually. For a man intimacy is better than sex because it can
prolong and heighten the sexual energy he gets from his regular seven-second
orgasm.

For most men the definition of sex is usually a blowjob followed by sexual
intercourse that will hopefully result in the big O. But male sexual empowerment
comes from training each part of his body to feel sexual energy.

Intimacy is not just sex, but incorporates trust, comfort, safety, surrender, respect
and opens communication. The sexiest thing for a woman is when her man is fully
focused and present with her when he is making love to her. Both partners must
have a clear intention of fullness in the moment rather than being goal oriented.

Most people don’t touch each other without some kind of agenda. Women complain
to me that even when their man hugs them, he cops a feel of her breasts or butt. It’s
a natural evolution that we should find a deeper level of enjoyment and by moving
from sex to intimacy we can accomplish that. You don’t have to give up your regular sexual practices, you can add to your sexual repertoire by practicing the art of
intimacy.

To experience emotional intimacy you must first surrender to yourself so that you
feel complete, then surrender to each other to compliment each other’s souls. Men
have been taught to repress their feelings and not show any vulnerability. But you
cannot experience intimacy without letting down your defenses and opening up your
heart.

Intimacy is the plateau of sex that every couple strives for but must go through all
the other steps before they can achieve it successfully. The left and right brain are in
harmony sexually for both sexes. At this point you are both on another plane of
sexuality physically, emotionally and spiritually. Yin and Yang is one and you are
capable of feeling the opposite qualities of your partner.

We ultimately strive for our emotional doorway to open through all of our senses
where both are present and available emotionally to one another. You are honoring
yourself, surrendering and connecting with your soul mate. There is a psychic
intuitive connection.

Here are three steps to move from dating to intimacy.

Step 1: Share your feelings about each other with each other to create an emotional
bond.

Step 2: Focus on your partner’s needs, wants and desires and put them before your
own.

Step 3: Make a commitment to each other, whether it’s being monogamous, having
a relationship agreement or getting married this commitment is the ultimate act of
intimacy.

Best Long Distance Toy for Couples

Have you heard of Moxie? Well if you don’t know you need to know. The Moxie is a vibrator that attaches to your panties. You can control the Moxie from your phone. Anyone can control your moxie from their phone if you give them permission and they download the free app. This is a game changer for a long distance relationship. It’s also spectacular for any couple. Releasing control to your partner is an exciting act of submission and they can remind you anytime they wish. It’s also fun foreplay before a date or fun on a date. You can watch your partner with amusement as they attempt to ask the waiter for more water on the verge of an orgasm. Holy hell… yo.. take a puff.. if you smoke weed.. put the moxie in your panties and put on your favorite song and it vibrates to the beat.. for all of these reasons Moxie is one of my favorite sex toys. Try it for yourself

Erika Jordan is an internationally acclaimed love and relationship expert, author, and media personality, and a leader in the field of Digital Romance and Online Dating.

Known as a personal trainer for dating, Erika helps men maneuver through the ups and downs of dating and helps them find the love of their lives.

Acquire the skills to approach women with confidence, and get them to want you!!!! Come find me at PlaymatePickup.com My six week course, Playmate Pickup is available with personalized guidance at PlaymatePickup.com. Acquire the skills to approach women with confidence and get them to want you!

Dr. Ava’s Top 11 Quickie Tips for Couples to Spice it Up!

Photo by Anastasiya Lobanovskaya from Pexels

Happy New Year 2021!

As with any new year, we often make resolutions to create new practices and healthy habits to follow for the coming year. This year, why not make your love life with your significant other a priority by adding some of my quickie tips as a part of your new year’s sexual wellness practices!

1. Share Your Desires With Your Lover

Do you know how to share your favorite sexual activities with your partner?

TO DO: Make a list of 10 sexual activities, then prioritize them in order of arousal and show the list to your lover. For example: kissing, receiving oral sex, mutual masturbation, using sex toys, quickies, role-playing, watching porn, missionary position, 69, anal. If you don’t already know what turns you on, you won’t be able to communicate your needs, wants and desires to your lover. They can’t read your mind, so turn it into a sexy revelation.

2. Please Your Lover’s G-spot

Both men and women have an internal erogenous zone that can lead to mind blowing orgasms when stimulated. To stimulate her G-spot, insert a lubricated finger and curl it upward in a “come here” motion with your palm facing upward. Imagine a small clock inside her sacred space and aim your finger up between 11 and 1 o’clock (with 12:00 pointing towards her navel), then gently tap, tap, tap and ask your lover for feedback. Use the same directions for finding the male G-spot, also known as his prostate, but insert your finger into his back door and feel for a chestnut-sized gland. Please your lover by exploring all of their internal and external erogenous zones to heighten sexual arousal and satisfaction.

3. Find His Million Dollar Point

Do you know how to make your man feel like a million dollars?

TO DO: Find his Million Dollar Point by slowly sliding your fingers up and down the perineum (the landing strip between his anus to his testicles). Feel for a small indentation the size of a pea midway and gently press inward with your thumbs. This area is called the Million Dollar Point in Taoism and many men are able to feel their prostate gland through this point. Stimulating it can result in an earth-shattering, mind-blowing orgasm for him!

4. Don’t Forget the Feet!

Do you know how to worship your lover’s feet?

TO DO: Incorporate foot play into lovemaking, as it can foster intimacy and trust. Feet are an important erogenous zone with a tremendous number of very sensitive nerve endings. Pay attention to your lover’s feet with an erotic foot bath and massage, adding your favorite aromatherapy oil or lotion to keep things lubricated.  Kiss, caress, lick or suck their toes to discover sensitive spots. Toe worshipping is known as “Shrimping.”

5. Steal A Kiss

It’s sometimes hard to find time alone with your partner during the holidays. Whether it’s the kids home from school or your in-laws hanging around for too long, kisses from your partner can be hard to come by! It’s also true that kissing is the first sexual activity to diminish when couples are growing apart. This is usually because resentment sets in and sexual chemistry turns off. Keep the juices flowing with a daily dose of kissing!

Kiss your lover at least twice a day in the morning and at night but make your smooches last for at least 12 seconds! This is a sure way to maintain passion and intimacy in your relationship. You can get away from the crowd for 12 seconds, right?

6. Scents That Boost Your Sex Drive

You can rev up your sex drive with the help of certain sexy scents such as the aroma of cinnamon, popcorn, pumpkin pie or doughnuts for your man.

Women get turned on by the smell of melon, chocolate, oranges and fresh bread. So, prepare some of these aphrodisiacs before you make love to enhance your sexual experience. There is scientific evidence that they can increase blood flow to the sexual organs.

7. Risky Sex Can Boost Your Sex Drive

Do you know that having sex in risky places can boost your sex drive?

Surprise your lover by making a date to have sex in a new place like the pool, on a secluded beach, in the woods, in the backseat of a car, on a boat, in a store dressing room, in the highest seats at a sports game, in a restaurant restroom, on the kitchen counter or even during a thunderstorm, just so long as it’s exciting and erotic.

If you are in public, be careful not to get caught, as public sex is illegal.

8. Sexy Video Gift Idea

Are you stumped for a perfect gift for your lover this year?

Make a personalized video for your lover to watch of you expressing all the things you love about him/her physically, mentally, emotionally, sexually and even spiritually.  You can share your feelings by describing the best day you spent together or reveal some of the fantasies you would like to do with your lover in the future. Believe me, this will be the most memorable gift they get!

9. Sexy Wish Exchange

Exchange your wish list of three things that could heighten a romantic, sensual and sexual experience for you with your lover.

Start by saying, I wish you, I wish we, or I wish I

For Example:

“I wish you would give me one of those sexy massages you do so well.”
“I wish we could have more quickies during the week.”
“I wish I could have my orgasm first while you give me oral.”

Then make each others wishes come true by choosing one wish from each others list right away, make another wish come true within 7 days and make the third wish come true within 30 days.

10. Never Negotiate Naked

I’ve been saying Never Negotiate Naked for years now, but I must have picked it up somewhere along the way in my sexological journey.

When we’re in the heat of the moment – clothes are flying off, kissing, touching, heavy breathing – it’s delicious. Everything is so intense. It has to happen RIGHT NOW or you will burst. It’s also a time when we aren’t thinking very clearly. Which is why it’s helpful to negotiate before the action begins. State your intentions. Talk about your safer-sex practices and preferences. Perhaps a Yes-No-Maybe sort of boundaries and limits discussion. To really reduce the pressure, do this in a completely non-sexual setting. Sure, it might get you all hot & bothered as you talk (That’s great!), but this way you can be as clear-headed as possible while negotiating your play.

11. An Orgasm A Day

Do you know an Orgasm a Day Keeps the Doctor Away?

TO DO: For your optimum health, have sex or masturbate at least 2 times a week! For men, regular orgasms may help prevent prostate cancer and for women, orgasms increase blood flow to their sexual organs keeping them in good working order. Orgasms can also relieve stress, help with a good night’s sleep as a natural tranquilizer and release feel good endorphins that can alleviate pain.

Final Words!

I hope you enjoyed these easy “quickie” tips that you can implement in your relationship and time of the year!

 

 

How To Listen To A Woman

Let’s talk about listening.

I know men are often overwhelmed when listening to a female. They feel obligated to fix all of her problems. Sure it would be great if you could fix all of her problems however most women see conversation as a productive end in and of itself. What does that mean that means that if she feels sufficiently heard she doesn’t necessarily need to take it any further. The fact that she has been listen to soothe her anxieties and dolls the pangs of negative feelings.

Sharing with someone who understands and loves her heels her from the inside. This equips her with the emotional tools necessary to handle the trials of the outside world. Women tend to understand the emotional parts of messages more effectively than men. This is probably because research indicates that women process messages on both sides of the brain more so than men. So men tend to process more on the left side of the brain and emotional information is processed on the right.

Here are a few listening tips:

1. Women feel the need to express everything, I mean everything, in order to provide you with the most information about the situation, please be patient. Women often feel that men don’t care about what they are saying due to the lack of reaction, so be involved. Don’t assume what they are saying is not important because the subject is not important to you. If she is taking the time to talk about it, she wants you to take the time to listen to her.

2. Find the perfect balance between logic, empathy and our emotions. What is really happening? Why is she telling you to do the dishes. Does she feel disrespected or unappreciated? Put yourself in her shoes.

3. Check your emotions. Why are you so angry that she’s asking you to do the dishes. Why did you react that way. Taking a moment to rise above the situation and view it neutrally will transform your world.

Communication is the most important thing in any relationship. Improving your communication skills will improve every area of your life. From making you more successful in business to improving family relations and increasing intimacy with your significant other.

It requires work  to keep your relationship strong. After the initial serotonin and oxytocin rush wears off you’re left with feelings of boredom. It’s a normal transition because everything seems boring compared to that new relationship energy. You might not be able to maintain the excitement you felt during the first few weeks but much like cocaine you can continuously pursue that initial buzz but no amount of cocaine will get you there. You have to find a buzz you can sustain (like eating healthy and getting adequate sleep.) If you want a relationship to last you have to be aware of the inevitable ups and downs and be able to adjust accordingly.

Communication and listening is a primary skill for a successful relationship. For more on needed skills let Erika Jordan guide you with Advice For Men Skills.

Come find me at PlaymatePickup.com My six week course, The Art Of PickUp is available with personalized guidance at PlaymatePickup.com. Acquire the skills to approach women with confidence and get them to want you!

 

The Pleasure of the Perineum

Photo by Omid Armin

The perineum is a frequently forgotten pleasure spot. We regularly target other areas of the body that are considered erogenous zones, but the perineum isn’t considered a “go to” location. The perineum and perineal massage can be sources of immense pleasure. Practicing specific touch techniques for perineal massage can add measured doses of enjoyment as well as health benefits.

The perineum, also known as the “taint” or “gooch”, is located between the genitals and the anus. On males, the perineum goes from the back of the scrotum to the anus. On females the perineum goes from the back of the opening of the vagina to the anus. The perineum isn’t on the usual list of suspects when it comes to foreplay and massage.  Perineum massage during foreplay, oral sex or intercourse, can provide an additional level of stimulation that may or may not have been experienced by the receiver.

Techniques for perineal massage

The perineum is loaded with nerve endings which makes this an idea spot for stimulation and resulting pleasure. Because of these nerve endings, one must massage or stroke the perineum with care, using a lighter touch until determining the amount of pressure the receiver prefers. For males and females, the perineum can be:

  • Stroked gently with one or two fingers
  • Lightly tickled/tapped with fingertips
  • Massaged with fingers
  • Pressed with the knee or butt of the hand
  • Licked
  • Stimulated with a sextoy e.g., bullet

Perineal massage can occur during foreplay, oral sex or intercourse. In some cases, perineal massage of males during intercourse can lengthen the amount of time he maintains an erection. Using lighter and heavier strokes can enhance an erection or encourage ejaculation. 

Using perineal massage with the fingers or a sextoy on a female or male while performing cunnilingus or fellatio respectively can heighten pleasure and provide multiple points of stimulation. 

Tapping or tickling the perineum provides a heightened level of stimulation when the tapping or tickling is done rhythmically. 

Firmly and steadily applying pressure to the perineum with the knee requires skill and a slow-motion movement to ensure that the knee is properly positioned just on the perineal area.

When performing perineal massage, be aware that this is a delicate area that can be susceptible to becoming raw.  A lubricant should be used.

 

Perineal massage is beneficial for pregnant women

Perineal massage is also beneficial for women who are about to give birth. Initiating perineal massage in the weeks prior to delivery can help to make the tissues the baby will stretch more pliable during vaginal births. This can prevent bruising and tearing thus, making recovery from giving birth a little easier. 

The perineum attaches to the muscles that support the reproductive organs, bowels, and bladder — the pelvic floor. Damage to the perineum during childbirth can cause issues with the pelvic floor, such as urinary or fecal incontinence, uterine prolapse, or sexual discomfort.

Benefits of perineal massage during pregnancy

  • May increase blood circulation and help the skin to stretch more easily resulting in less pain during childbirth
  • Decrease risk of tearing which can prevent the need for stitches or lower the number of stitches needed

Women should refer to their healthcare providers to discuss perineal massage during labor.  In a recent review of studies by the National Library of Medicine, researchers discovered that women who received massage during the second stage of labor (during and between pushing) had a lower risk of third-and fourth-degree tears.

Some experts suggest beginning massage once or twice a week sometime between weeks 34 and 36 in the pregnancy. Some sources say massage may be repeated every day or every other day in five-minute increments. As with many things in pregnancy, recommendations differ and may be individual.

The pleasures and benefits of perineal massage run the gamut from extending pure pleasure and enjoyable stimulation to providing helpful preventative measures during childbirth. The forgotten and underutilized perineum should be celebrated and stimulated. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perineum, Kinkly.com 8/3/2020

How to Do a Perineal Massage During Pregnancy, Healthline.com, Medically reviewed by Meredith Wallis, MS, APRN, CNM, IBCLC – Written by Ashley Marcin, 12/19/2019

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jmwh.12427

National Library of Medicine

Oxford University Hospitals

 

Snuggling or Cuddling – Is it Beneficial?

Photo by Marcel Ardivan on Unsplash

Snuggling or Cuddling – Is it Beneficial?  Believe it or not, science has shown, through a number of studies, that cuddling is beneficial to your well-being. Right now, you may be asking, can that be true? And the answer is a very definite yes.

The effects of cuddling have been given the nickname the ‘Cuddle Hormone’ because,
when you experience the act of cuddling, in that physical touch, oxytocin is released into
your body. What is oxytocin? It is known as the ‘feel-good hormone’ or ‘cuddle
hormone’. Produced by the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland releases it and causes
you to get that warm feeling inside.

It has also been proven that with skin-on-skin contact dopamine and serotonin hormones are released, giving that same feel-good feeling. Cuddling can help build up steady levels of serotonin, helping you achieve restful sleep.

According to Dawn Maslar, the love biologist, two chemicals, dopamine and vasopressin, are important to the chemistry of men falling in love. For women, the two necessary chemicals are dopamine and oxytocin. Notice how oxytocin and dopamine are both connected to cuddling and skin-on-skin contact?

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

When oxytocin is released, your body can experience reduced stress, less depression,
and less anxiety. You should begin to feel relaxed, comfortable, and secure. The
benefits are both emotional and physical. Take a look at the list below and ask yourself,
“Could I benefit from improving in any of these items? If the answer is yes, maybe you
should think about trying to work some additional cuddling or snuggling into your life.

 

Emotional Benefits are as follow:

  • Comfort
  • Intimacy
  • Confidence
  • Hope
  • Trust
  • Lovingness
  • Closeness

The Physical Benefits are as follow:

  • Eliminating Stress
  • Increasing your Immune System
  • Lowering Anxiety
  • Decreasing Depression
  • Lower Blood Pressure
  • Reduce Weight

Now, how much time does one need to cuddle to reap the benefits of this phenomenon?
Well, everyone is different but researchers think the perfect hug time should be for five
seconds. But researchers are split on this because there is actually a rule called the ‘Six
Second Rule’ that says, if the hug is six seconds or longer, we elevate or heighten our mood-boosting hormone. Others say, that when a hug lasts for more than 20 seconds
that is when your body really experiences oxytocin.

If we take the data before us, we can extrapolate that it takes six seconds to start the process of releasing the ‘Cuddle Hormone’ and by 20 seconds, we are full-blown into the feel-good hormone. What is the amount of time we should try to snuggle? Again, anything is better than nothing, but if
you can try to cuddle for 20-40 minutes a day for at least three days and preferably five
days per week, you will reap the benefits.

A concept that should be discussed is the difference between friendly cuddling and
romantic cuddling. Friendly cuddling has the word in it to remind you that you are friends
and we are not talking about ‘friend with benefits’ but the ‘friendzone’.

This is done when you are comfortable with one another, watching a movie, shopping the farmer’s market together holding arms, or when tired. There is no contact of skin or touching of private
regions; it is innocent. However, romantic cuddling is done with the one you are intimate
with, your partner.

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Usually, less clothing is worn and there is touching that can take place and yes, hand-on-skin contact. It has also been known to lead to foreplay. For instance, some western men tend to like to snuggle their partner with their hand holding onto their partner’s breast. It is an act that brings comfort to both parties.

Maybe you are in a new relationship and you do not know when you can start to cuddle. The answer is, after the first kiss or by the second date. By the second date it is okay to be holding hands. Because holding hands is the act of touching each other, you are now cuddling.

Another situation that you might be thinking about is, I am all by myself; what do I do to get cuddling for myself?

If you find yourself in one of the situations below, the next two options could be a good fit for you.

  • You are starved for touch.
  • You have too much stress in your life.
  • You may be going through things in your personal life.
  • You live by yourself.
  • You are alone in the world.

Believe it or not there are places where you can go to have a ‘Cuddle Session.’ This solution may be hard at first for some. Part of what makes cuddling and snuggling so good for us is that it lets you relax and let your guard down. This can be very hard to do with a complete stranger. But, after you get passed the ‘stranger’ stage and find them to be more of an acquaintance, you will benefit by the session. Remember, this would be in the category of a friendly cuddle, so no touching.

Photo by Cynthia Smith on Unsplash

The other solution is to get yourself a pet. So, fish are out. They may be wonderful to have as a pet, but they will not give you that one-on-one touch that you are looking for.

Pets are a lot of reasonability, but they do bring so much love and joy to your life. You have to be choosy, pick the pet that works for you. Remember you are looking to be able to touch them and them to touch you. It can be as simple as a paw on your hand
or, against my better judgment, a snake slithering up your arm. Studies have shown that animals do bring comfort to us.

 

 

Where can you cuddle?

Cuddling can be as simple as holding hands so this act can be done in a number of places.

Indoor:

  • Watching TV
  • Movie Night
  • Movie Theater
  • Baking or Cooking Together
  • Café or Restaurant
  • Game Night
  • Reading Together
  • Playing Video Games Together

Outdoor:

  • Picnic
  • Concert
  • Carnival
  • Farmer’s Market
  • Stargazing
  • Walking Hand in Hand

The act of cuddling is a must in order to have a healthier and happier life. With friendly
cuddling, you get the benefit of less stress and more comfort. While with romantic
cuddling, you get all the benefits that you get with friendly cuddling, but you also get the
intimacy and closeness that you have with your partner through touch and play.
Remember to have fun and always keep things consensual.

The Telltale Signs That You Are Dating the Right Person

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Many people ask themselves at a specific juncture in their relationships, “Is this the appropriate candidate for me?” It is a typical question whether you are a beginner or have been in it for five years. Uncertainty or feelings of inadequacy do not always prompt this concern.

Being skeptical about balancing your romantic and attachment feelings for your significant other is acceptable and healthy. You can love somebody profoundly and still be incompatible with them in the long run. So, how can you tell if you are with the appropriate individual? How, then, do you realize your love will last? Here are some indicators that you are dating the right person.

1.    You are yourself with your partner

People in a fulfilled and happy romantic relationship understand who they are and what they desire for their life. If you do not even recognize those small details, it is difficult to tell if you are with the correct individual because you do not understand yourself sufficiently to pose the question.

If you want to date the right person, you can leverage dating platforms that can filter the right matches based on your requirements and region-specific. For instance, a Los Angeles Matchmaking service can help you conduct background checks on prospective candidates and meet with them to ensure their sincerity. The best candidate for you is somebody out there you believe you want and need in your daily existence, somebody who reinforces your character and preconceptions and keeps adding to your life in the methods you value the most. ‘

2.    Both parties are contented

Successful relationships have one crucial feature: both partners report high levels of fulfillment with the relationship. It is working for them, cheering them up on bad times and expressing and rejoicing in one another’s life achievements. Both parties in the relationship believe they are gaining from it. You are in the right relationship if you believe your partner is supportive whenever you require it and that the relationship positively contributes to your existence.

People who are in healthy relationships are generally content. It is not to admit they never argue or get angry at each other; even the healthiest partners get on one another’s nerves. In a nutshell, it adds value to the joy you encounter throughout your life.

Image source: https://unsplash.com/s/photos/satisfied-spouses

3.    Disputes are managed in a comparable or complementary way

Relationship conflict is unavoidable and natural. It is not the dispute being an issue but how every individual manages the disagreement. Such is a significant aspect of whether or not that individual is right for you. Two individuals with contrary approaches to the dispute are unlikely to last long.

If you and your companion resolve conflict in the same or complementary ways, you are in the right relationship. When confronted with a difference of opinion, people may become defensive about their points of view, often hurting and putting the other person down in the process. You are not required to agree on everything, but you must decide how to manage disagreements and respect each other’s preferences and argument style.

4.    There is no mistreatment or manipulation of any sort

You might assume this is self-evident and unnecessary to mention. However, many folks “accept” abusive relationships, whether emotional, psychological, sexual, or physical. Sometimes it becomes a routine. A normal, healthy relationship is one in which such abusive behavior does not happen, as it is not even considered.

The same is true for manipulation. If you overlooked minor red flags along the way, believing you could “change” the other individual into engaging in less outrageous behavior, you were delusory. People cannot be changed; they must do it themselves (and consistently work toward such transformation). The right relationship for you will not include any form of exploitation or deception. For whatever justification, love rarely condones abuse.

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5.    You’ve never been happier in a relationship

If you compare your current relationship with your previous ones and discover that the present one ticks all the right boxes, you have made the right decision. Nevertheless, you must exercise caution in this situation because memory is rarely factual in remembering the past. We frequently change things to suit our inner dialogue, sometimes for the better and occasionally for the worse.

As such, you must try to be as impartial as possible when doing this. If you can’t think of some other relationship that felt much better, treated you better, or managed to help you achieve your goals and contentment, you are in the right one.

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Final thoughts

People date for various reasons. Some people put themselves out there for the simple pleasure of meeting new people and potentially making friends or establishing a casual relationship. In contrast, others see the practice as a method of finding a life partner. Whenever it comes to your companion being ‘the one,’ it doesn’t imply you will not have doubts. When choosing a partner, it is natural to reconsider the relationship’s qualities and flaws. No relationship is perfect, and convincing yourself that a relationship is ‘perfect’ can be detrimental. Instead, you should select a partner and embrace them for who they are, including their weaknesses and all. Such is what it signifies to pick somebody as “the one.”

Creating the Sex Life You Want

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Sex is one of those things in life that is so common, we all experience it,  yet it’s so unique that we all experience it differently. Even growing into our bodies, learning how they function and properly caring for ourselves can look different for each person. Many of us grew up having questions about our bodies but few had those questions answered. That doesn’t mean in our adulthood we should struggle to find a sexual wellness routine that works for us. It’s never too late to discover the answers to those lingering questions. I want to share with you a list of the things I’ve learned to help me not only understand what sexual wellness can look like but also how to truly enjoy sex.

  1. Ask the Hard Questions

We all get a little shy at times, whether it be with our doctors, friends or partners – it can be difficult asking for what we need. I encourage you to do it anyway. Being responsible about your sexual health goes beyond practicing safe sex and getting tested for diseases, however, both of those should be at the top of your sexual wellness practice. Don’t forget that annual exams are important too. It’s your chance to ask all the questions, even the ones you think are too weird, gross or embarrassing. Your doctor is prepared for it all.  Also, if there are any changes or discomfort in your body it’s always better to rule out possible medical issues before exploring solutions. If healthcare is limited, there are resources available, you just have to reach out to your local providers. The point is, listen to your body and don’t neglect selfcare.

If your questions aren’t health related, seeking out trusted friends can help give great peace of mind. As a woman, I was surprised yet relieved when I realized I wasn’t the only one of my girlfriends who was not well prepared for her period or had a clue about what the benefits of masturbation could really be. Building up a community where you can exchange stories and advice can make all the difference not only in your sexual health but mental health as well. 

Don’t hesitate to communicate with your partner about any likes, dislikes or experiences you want to share together.  Breaking out of your comfort zone can be liberating in many ways and lead to things like them finally understanding which erogenous zone you prefer to have stimulated. If you’re not even sure what the answer to that is, then all the more reason to get talking and connecting with them in new ways.

  1. Explore a Little and Then Explore Some More

How do you know what you like? Have you always liked those things? Chances are, you won’t know until you try it. From flirting to foreplay and beyond, there are endless options for pleasure and excitement. Some of those options might not even require another person. Some of those things might not even have to do with sex itself but it makes you feel confident and sexy, and that is what fuels your sex life. Get to know yourself well by pleasuring yourself well. I mean that in every sense of the word, in and out of the bedroom. I realized that the more connected I get with myself the easier it is for me to teach someone else how to satisfy my needs. 

Take time to figure out what you truly enjoy. Try out the lingerie you think is cute but feel like it’s pointless to buy because it’s going to end up on the floor. If it makes you feel comfortable and seductive, even if you’re wearing it just for yourself, it’s worth the effort! If dressing up really isn’t your thing, try being naked. How often do you sit with yourself or your partner completely naked? Not only are there physical benefits for you to sleep naked but that type of vulnerability is what brings closer connections. Learn to love all versions of yourself and the things your body responds to. 

You could also try introducing new toys or games into your sex play. Make a bucket list of places to be intimate or new positions to try. Maybe if you’re a take charge type of person, let your partner take the lead or vice versa. If the thought of something excites you, it’s worth trying at least once. The goal is to create new possibilities for pleasure, so keep an open mind.

  1. Nourish Your Body Inside and Out

When taking care of your sexual health it would be helpful to take a look at your overall health. There are many outside factors that can have an effect on our bodies and in turn on our sex lives. What we consume and how active we are can influence libido and the hormones needed for our sex organs to function at their best. Although each person’s health is unique to them, there are general things you can do to keep your energy up and your sexlife active. If you often feel too tired for sex or like it’s more work than it’s worth, that’s a sign you’re body may need some extra nourishment.

Staying hydrated is one of the simplest yet effective ways to maintain good health. Water plays a major role in flushing out what the body doesn’t need and the benefits of it affect the way we look and feel. Herbal teas are a great way to maintain hydration as well. Many herbs can be used as a supplement included in your sexual wellness practice. Maca root, tongkat ali, and sea moss are just a few that are known to help with libido, balance out hormone levels and enhance fertility. You can research the various herbs and decide what would be best for you.

Movement is also key in keeping our bodies healthy. Getting even just 30 minutes of sweating in a day is a great start. Gym or no gym, just find an activity that brings your body joy. Working out is not a punishment, it’s designed to keep your body energized and in good condition. If there are certain position during sex that feel uncomfortable or are just too difficult to do, I recommend choosing activities that will help you target those problems. Make it sexy and fun! Pole dancing, twerking and kundalini yoga are all examples of ways you can tap into your sexual energy while also working up a sweat. 

I share these three tips because they have been the most useful in helping me cultivate a healthy sex life. Giving your body the kind of care it needs to thrive may look different for you. The important thing is to take an honest look at yourself and decide what you want your sexual wellness to look like. Get creative and do your research, find what fuels your body and soul.

Thankfully there are plenty of resources now where you can educate yourself on sites that provides video courses from experts in various sexual wellness practices. They make it simple and take the confusion out of finding what works for you.