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Talking to your partner about your fantasies can bring a whole new level of excitement and intimacy in relationships. It can create a safe space where you and your partner can explore each other’s desires and ultimately have better, more fulfilling sex.
Learn more about why good communication is essential for intimacy with our comprehensive guide.
For many couples, it can be difficult to share their sexual fantasies without feeling embarrassed or intimidated. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to make the conversation easier and ensure that both of you feel comfortable with talking about fantasies in a safe and respectful way.
Here are 6 tips for talking to your partner about your fantasies:
1. Set the scene
Setting the scene is an important part of talking about fantasies. It’s a way to create a safe and comfortable environment where you can both talk openly with each other.
Choose a relaxed environment to openly discuss your fantasies. Whether it’s in the bedroom, living room, or even in a bathtub, make sure it’s a place where you both feel comfortable.
According to a study from 2013, many couples find it easier to talk about sex around nighttime. 1 So, if you want to make sure your conversation flows more easily, it might be helpful to have the talk late in the evening.
It’s also a good idea to plan ahead and ask your partner if they are in the mood to talk about fantasies before you jump into it. This will give them time to prepare for what you’ll be discussing.
2. Share your fantasies
There’s no way around it – talking about your fantasies will require some vulnerability. It can be nerve-wracking to open up and share your desires with another person for the first time, but it’s important to remember that being honest and transparent is the key to a successful conversation.
You don’t have to start with the biggest, most daring fantasy right away. Start by talking about smaller fantasies and gradually work your way up. Talking openly about these fantasies will help you both to become more comfortable with the idea of exploring each other’s desires.
When sharing your fantasy with your partner, try to explain how it makes you feel and why it’s something that excites or interests you. This will help your partner to better understand your desires and make them feel more comfortable talking about their own fantasies.
Here are more tips on how to talk about sex with your partner and why it is important.
3. Respect your partner’s boundaries
Respecting your partner’s boundaries is an important part of any healthy relationship. Boundaries are the limits that each partner sets in order to feel safe and comfortable. These can be related to anything from sex, physical contact, communication, or even spending time together. 2
It’s important to respect your partner’s boundaries at all times, even if they differ from your own. It might be tempting to push them outside of their comfort zone, but it’s important to remember that everyone has different boundaries, and it’s essential to respect them.
Just because something is exciting or thrilling for you doesn’t mean it has to be something your partner wants to explore. Remember that fantasies are just fantasies and should never be forced on anyone.
Make sure to respect each other’s wishes and don’t pressure them to act out something they are not comfortable with. Allow each other the freedom to explore together but within a safe, consensual space.
Discover what consent looks like in relationships and how to foster it!
4. Ask your partner what they want
Talking about sexual fantasies is a two-way street. Asking your partner what they want is just as important as telling them about yours. It can be a great way to get to know each other better and explore the kind of activities that both of you are interested in.
When asking your partner about their fantasies, make sure to use respectful language and provide an open-minded environment. And if they don’t feel like talking about it, that’s totally okay. Simply respect their wishes and see if you can come back to the conversation at a later time.
Be patient and listen carefully to their answers, even if they vary from your own expectations and preferences. It’s important to remember that fantasies can be unique for each individual, and although there might be some similarities between the two of you, it doesn’t mean that all fantasies need to match up.
Discover how openly talking about sex can save your sex life!
5. No-judgment zone
People are more likely to keep secrets when there is a fear of being judged or rejected. 3 This is why a safe space where neither of you judge each other for what they are interested in or want to try out is crucial when sharing fantasies.
Make sure you remind your partner that they can talk to you without any fear of judgment and give them the freedom to express themselves without worrying about how it might be perceived.
If your partner shares something that’s different from what you imagined or aren’t interested in yourself, it’s important to be understanding and respectful. Of course, you should tell your partner if something isn’t for you, but make sure it’s respectful and not shaming.
For example, instead of saying “How could you be interested in that?”, try saying “I’m not personally into that, but I’m happy to hear about what you like about it.”
6. Make it fun!
Talking about sex doesn’t have to be a serious and awkward affair. Make talking about sex a fun experience. According to a study from 2013, partners often use humor, such as playful communication and joking banter, to make conversations about sex more comfortable and enjoyable. 1
However, it’s important to note that you should never laugh at the expense of your partner’s fantasies. You can laugh with them, but not at them. Instead, use humor to make each other feel comfortable and relaxed.
If you want to make this conversation more dynamic and fun, there are lots of creative ways to do it. For example, you can write down different fantasies on small pieces of paper and put them in a jar. Then, you can take turns drawing out the fantasies and discussing them. This is a great way to make the process more enjoyable and get both of you talking!
Another great opportunity to talk about sex is right after sex. Discover the benefits of pillow talk and how to make the most out of it!
Being able to communicate openly and honestly about sex with your partner is essential. It allows both partners to explore their desires, deepen their connection, and create more excitement in the bedroom.
If you’re looking for more advice on effective communication, visit our complete guide on communication in a relationship!
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Miller-Ott, A. E., & Linder, A. (2013). Romantic Partners’ Use of Facework and Humor to Communicate About Sex. Qualitative Research Reports in Communication, 14(1), 69–78. doi.org ↩︎ ↩︎
Cloud, H., & Townsend, J. (2000). Boundaries in Dating: How Healthy Choices Grow Healthy Relationships (1st ed.). Zondervan. ↩︎
Omarzu, J. (2000). A disclosure decision model: Determining how and when individuals will Self-Disclose. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 4(2), 174–185. doi.org ↩︎
Janet Smith
Janet Smith is a freelance writer who writes about psychology, relationships, and dating. She has always been interested in understanding the human brain and how it affects our …
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