6 Real Excuses to Talk About Sex With Your Friends More Often

Talking about sex is great way to strip away any negative stigma that may be affecting the way you perceive yourself or your sexual choices. If you feel yourself experiencing social shame, guilt, or uneasiness, confiding in friends can be a great way to combat societal taboos and misconceptions about casual sex. It can be an empowering experience, or it can help you identify relationships that aren't actually making you happy.

The pressure to be "good in bed" is everywhere, and it can create a lot of stress. According to Susan Coots, a Professor of Human Sexuality at Syracuse University, "So much information about sex comes from unrealistic sources, like porn, that it's normalizing and reassuring for people to know that what they do or like is normal," she told POPSUGAR. Everyone is different, and having friends to talk to, or even relate to you, can feel like a huge weight off your shoulders.

Good friends care about you, and if you're talking to your friends about sex, they can help you identify situations that might not be entirely safe or consensual. Sex should always be a comfortable, enjoyable experience, but if it's not, discussing it with your friends can offer you the validation you need to reject relationships that aren't healthy.

As Professor Coots explains, because sex is such a personal subject, sharing this information with others has actually been proven to bring people closer and help them bond with one another. An additional plus: "Sex stories can be very funny, and sharing a good laugh is great for friendships," she said. So, although everyone can choose just how much to disclose about themselves, talking about personal experiences with people you trust is healthier than you might have thought.

It's impossible to try it all, and everyone is different when it comes to their personal sexual preferences, but a recommendation from a person you trust can lead to more enjoyable sex. In fact, studies show that only 62 percent of women in partnered relationships feel satisfied with the orgasms they have during sex. To improve these numbers, ask your friends for their suggestions, share some of your own, and work your way towards better sex.

Every single day, women are confronted with a whole host of different messages about what they need to look and act like, and sex is no different. Of course, these unrealistic expectations can cause a tremendous amount of stress and make women feel like they aren't "normal." Talking with your friends about these anxieties can help you realise that a lot of your greatest fears can be attributed to completely natural functions. In addition to the information your friends can provide, Professor Coots says that many sexual health organisations have peer educators that can answer your more complicated questions. Whoever you turn to, being able to talk to someone can help improve your personal well-being as well as your sex life. Isn't that what friends are for?