Hey Jay27, I'll just say that from what I'm hearing, you are so capable of challenging things, including getting through this time. You without a doubt have a lot going on, including many changes. What I'm hearing is though, that you're noticing what's going on, you're paying attention to what is ma...

Hi Skybushh, It's great you've made progress in your relationship, and it sounds like you're being really intentional about making sure you're being the best partner you can be. Communication about needs is so important in a relationship. Can you tell me more about when you expressed your worries to...

Hey Nadia91, I'm glad Sam was able to help guide you to a solid plan. Now that you've decided to take a break from masturbation, what do you think would be most productive to do during this break? During previous breaks, was it most helpful to forget about masturbation, orgasm, and pleasure all toge...

Hey name_pending, I'm glad that person didn't shame you for having a very common item! I'm hearing a few things here. First, you're experiencing sexual pleasure, but just aren't sure how to get out of a plateau stage, and experience that 'release'. Second, I'm hearing that this horniness often comes...

Hey there suomi, Thanks for giving us some more details. Have you reflected on just what about the cutting and self-harm is the turn-on? There are many ways to simulate intense physical feelings during sex acts that incorporate safety. Could it be that there is an alternative way to experience these...

Hey Jay27, I'll echo Sam and Latha and say just how much it can suck to go through a medication-perfecting journey. At this point, I am not qualified to further recommend medication adjustments, and recommend continuing these conversations with your providers. What would be most helpful at this poin...

Hi chailover2, Thanks for providing some answers to Heather's questions! I hear that you're feeling very anxious and critical of the relationship, but it also makes you happy and excited. We can experience many emotions at once, and that doesn't invalidate any one of them. I heard you say you're uns...

It can definitely be a mindset thing. The mind can play a huge part when it comes to sex, both in helpful and not-so-helpful ways. Some next steps may include: noticing pleasure in everyday life, outside of a sexual context, enjoying parts of sex other than orgasm, and simply appreciating feeling in...

Hey kilasm, Just so we're on the same page, would you be able to take a look at the diagram Latha provided and describe to me where you're seeing/feeling this white thing? Also, what kind of access to a doctor do you have, just in case it may be helpful to get everything checked out by a professional?

Masturbation is not wrong or gross, and it does not make you a bad person to try it. Many people feel the same hesitations as you going into it, however, therefore we even have a whole article all about just how okay masturbation is: Is Masturbation Okay? (Yep.) . As far as your questions around dat...

I know you said you're not exactly sure what it means that a guy in this situation can be "tricky", but what do you think it means? Have people told you why this may be tricky to navigate? What do you think of this? Also, can you say more about what you mean by "complicated situation&...

It makes sense to be curious about an experience you've never had before. From what we've discussed so far, it sounds like you're considering a casual sexual relationship with this person. Is that right? If so, our article, Casual...Cool? Making Choices About Casual Sex , may be able to provide some...

Hey Lexie, It sounds like what you're hearing about other girls' experiences with this guy are second or even third-hand. Is that right? Too, adding to Sam's point, it's difficult to understand another person's motivations or experience without directly speaking with them. Even then, people often ex...

Hi booknerd, Let us know if anything in particular resonated with you in the article Sam shared! I'd be happy to talk through anything that piqued your interest. It's totally possible for someone to be bi and asexual. Sexual acts don't define one's sexual orientation; your sexual orientation is all ...

Hey chailover2, It totally makes sense that during partnered sex, you sometimes start to get overwhelmed with the sensations and want to stop. Sex can be a really intense experience for everyone involved; everything from physical to emotional sensations are heightened, and it's a uniquely intimate e...

It sounds like the two of you have been very intentional with this relationship, with clear communication and honesty. I'm also glad to hear you've embraced deeper emotional connections outside the relationship. There can be an overemphasis on romantic connection, so it's nice to hear you've been ab...

Hi lulu28843, It sounds like you're treating this coworker the same as your treatment towards everyone else at work, which sounds polite and cordial. It also sounds like you've given this person no reason to dislike you, so if there is something bothering them, the responsibility really is on them t...

Hi Jay27, Your thoughtfulness around this is already a great place to start. I recall a previous conversation we had on here about potentially taking a break from this relationship. I'm curious about how that situation panned out, and how the motivations behind the potential break interact with the ...

Hi Rachel1, I'm so sorry to hear you've tried to bring up concerns about not enjoying masturbation to a medical professional, only to be ignored. Having the courage to advocate for yourself in a medical setting can already take a lot of energy, so when these concerns go unaddressed, it's understanda...

Hi brungerbulb, I can definitely see how isolation may be exacerbating everything going on. Community is so important when everything around us feels like it's failing. So when we feel isolated and lonely on top of additional challenges, it only makes sense to feel the way you're feeling. Sam and He...

Thank you for giving me some more information about how to best support you. One of my favorite things about sexuality is that it can take on so many different forms. Sex and pleasure are often thought of to mean very specific things when in reality, they can mean anything we want. It may be helpful...

Hi Osumilite, I'll echo Sam in saying just how sorry I am all of this happened, and how admirable it is to even seek out support. I appreciate the vulnerability you're practicing here, and am hopeful we can support you in any way you need. Practicing compassion towards one's younger self can be incr...

It makes sense that you've started to think of kink as being associated with not-so-great morals, since these are the examples you've been exposed to. As Sam said, certain sexual activities are not more or less moral than others, so we can try to overcome this narrative that has been perpetuated by ...

From what you've said, it sounds like you're interested in more penetrative masturbation, as evidenced by your experience with a menstrual cup. As long as you are not injuring yourself, there's is nothing wrong with or "dumb" about becoming aroused from the sensation of using a menstrual c...

Hi jupitersrings, Having crushes, attractions, and being eager about these things is exciting and common. Sometimes these exciting relationships turn into fulfilling experiences, and other times people take advantage, as what happened with Z. As Latha said, none of this is your fault. Your eagerness...