Any sexually explicit literary or artistic work is considered “erotica.” It can be a useful tool for exploring sexual interests either alone or with a partner or partners. Erotica can be a book, a short story, an audio clip, a drawing, or anything else. Whatever you’re into, erotica is a part of it. Sharing erotica with a partner has several advantages aside from being a fun addition to masturbation. Erotica can:
- Teach you what excites you and your partner. Whatever your sexual interests are, erotica is a great way to expand your imagination about what pleasure looks like for you. Furthermore, if you find it difficult to talk about what you like in bed, you can share a piece of erotica to explain what you mean.
- Increase sexual and emotional intimacy. Sharing sexual desires is a risky act. One of the best ways to foster emotional intimacy and connection with your partner(s) is to be vulnerable with them.
- Provide motivation. Whether you’re still in the honeymoon phase with your partner(s) or have been together for years, there’s always room to improve your sex life. Perhaps you have a fantasy you’d like to act out or a fetish you’d like to try; it may be difficult to find and share the words to describe your sexual fantasies and interests, which is where having an exemplar comes in handy. Sharing erotica that resonated with you with your partner(s) provides valuable insight into what you like in bed.
- Normalize the effect of erotica on arousal. Unfortunately, we have all been socially conditioned to regard sexuality as taboo, even if our individual values do not support that label. This means that even if you understand logically that sexual desire is not shameful, it can be difficult to share something you’ve been conditioned to keep private, such as a piece of erotica you enjoy. The more you discuss it with your partner, the more normal it will feel.
Sources to Share
Erotica is an excellent tool to use in your relationship (s). If you want to learn more about erotica, check out the resources listed below. Enjoy your reading, listening, and sharing!