When you think about sex, what comes to mind? Chances are, you immediately think of touch and feel. Stroking, rubbing, moving. But touch is just one of your five senses — you have four others. Imagine what sexual experiences might feel like if you took full advantage of those, too.
Here are some suggestions to incorporate all your senses into your sex life. Be creative and feel free add to the list below.
Hearing
- Talk with each other. Ask your partner to tell you how your body feels as they touch you. But don't let your partner do all the talking, either. Make sure you share your thoughts. Another option is to tell each other what you're going to do or what you'd like to do.
- Put on some music. It can be something erotic and sexy or simply something you both enjoy listening to. We can't tell you exactly what that is—it's whatever turns you on. You might be a Marvin Gaye gal or maybe Megan Thee Stallion is more your vibe. But, either way, music can set the mood.
Sight
- Dress sexy. Wear something that makes you feel confident and sexy. Try a silky chemise or a gauzy peignoir. Or a ratty old flannel nightgown, if that's what you feel good in. The point is to wear something that you're excited to take off.
- Play dress up. Sexy nurse. Hot pizza delivery driver. Fireman who's burning for you. Share your fantasies with each other, then consider buying clothes or a costume to make them come true.
- Watch a romantic movie, an instructive video or an erotic film. Although there should be no screens in bed, sometimes an exception can be made when you're not exactly trying to sleep. Be sure to do your research to find ethical sources for adult content.
Smell
- Take a deep breathe. Because humans emit pheromones, scents that may play a role in our attraction to one another, use them! Consider skipping the scented soap and lotions and leave the perfume and cologne bottles alone.
- Fill your room with the scents of desire. While pheromones are good, scented soaps and lotions can also make your skin smell appealing to your partner. Vanilla, musk and sandalwood could work.
Taste
- Experiment with foods. There are many foods that people consider an aphrodisiac, from oysters to chocolate-covered strawberries. You may also consider experimenting with different tastes including foods that are sweet, salty, spicy, bitter or sour. And of course, you can always bring foods into the bedroom and feed each other as part of your foreplay. We're looking at you, whipped cream.
- Cook a meal together. Work together with your partner to make a meal. Taking the time to cook together may help you focus on one another, relax and set the stage for your next course.
- Go out for a romantic meal. Cooking sound like it's too much work? Pick one of your favorite restaurants or be adventurous and find a new place — possibly one that's dark with candles?
Touch
- Close your eyes. Consider closing your eyes and relaxing so that you only focus on what you're feeling as your sense of touch heightens.
- Make your bed with silk or satin sheets. While they may not be terribly practical for sleeping, silk or satin sheets can add an entirely new dimension to lovemaking.
