Loneliness can feel louder than usual, more intense, more suffocating. I was all of a sudden really aware of the ache between my thighs and how cold the other side of my bed felt. Moments later, a text to my phone let me know that I wasn't alone at all. My ex was lonely, too.
That's why I was here, seated awkwardly on his couch with the neck of my bottle of beer grasped tightly in my hand, legs crossed, I was a picture of discomfort as I tried to find ways to sink into that groove of connecting I loved so well. His conversation was beginning to tire me, it felt like he was trying to win me, and it was a feeling that left me perturbed. Our 11:30 text conversation, if it said anything worth note at all, should have at the very least let him know he had already won. I was here, wasn't I? I stood up from my position on his couch. “I don't want to talk anymore. I'm tired of talking. I've talked so much today…"
I watched him watch me as I lifted the hem of my skirt just enough to move to comfortably position myself over his lap, my legs at either side of his thighs. "Too much."
I opened the buttons of my blazer to expose myself to him and the air. He was still watching me. Maintaining the eye contact I had with him, I leaned forward and whispered against his lips, “Touch me."
He surrendered to my desires, pressing his lips urgently against mine, frantic. His tongue gained entry almost immediately after and through sucking and rolling, tangled with mine. His hands burned as they ran up and down the length of my body, grabbing at every curve. I moved rhythmically against him, gasping sharply at the feel of him through his jeans. He was hard for me, and the thought was enough to make me smirk. I wanted to feel more.
I ran my fingers through his short dark head of curls as he began to kiss and bite along the length of my neck. My hands made their way to the seat of his jeans, unbuttoning its snap, unzipping its zipper. The pressure on my neck grew more intense, the kisses more languid, the bites a little harder. He was warm and large in my hands. His dick felt like a welcomed contradiction: impossibly hard like steel but soft like satin. I could hear the sharp intake of his breath on my neck as I felt him. I could hear his moan of weakness as I held him tighter. For a while I played with him, running my hand up and down his shaft repeatedly. It was a ride made easier by the precum spilling from its tip. He was wet for me and I for him.
He brought his fingers to my mouth and I opened it for him, sucking on them slowly because I knew what he planned to do with them. I felt him push aside my panties and insert one of his fingers inside of me. I moaned at the feel of being filled, clenched my teeth at the way he bent it while inside of me. Then, he added another.
My moans grew louder as his fingers picked up speed. I barely had my breath, my body lost in the sensations of his feverish attack. I had forgotten about his pleasure and concentrated solely on my own, but he didn't seem to mind as he watched me come undone. And when I did, I had no time to question it, catch my breath or thank him like I wanted to. He was already biting open the gold wrapper of the condom. Long gone was the emptiness I felt as he positioned himself at my entrance and guided my hips to fill me completely.
[Tweet "I could only feel him, I could only hear him, and at the moment it was all that mattered to me."]
I could only feel him, hear him, and at the moment it was all that mattered to me. He let out a soft moan as he smacked my ass repeatedly. “This shit is too good," he breathed against me. God, I could hear the deepness of his voice against my neck. His hot breath felt like fire on my skin. A shiver ran down my spine, and I swore I could feel it echo through my core.
I moaned and leaned forward, crashing against his chest. I felt him tugging at my blazer, dragging it off my body, pulling it off my skin. Felt him pushing the cups of my bra over my breasts and his mouth hungrily laving each one. I continued to ride him, grinding on his shaft and enjoying the way I felt all of him inside of me each time I moved down. God it was coming again, too quick. I tensed. “Please, please, please, please, please, please, please," I whispered in his ear in rapid succession. A theatrical mantra.
“Please what?" He asked me, as if he didn't know. He liked confirmation to fuel his ego. I'm never too proud to beg, not when I'm filled like this.
“Make me come."
His hips pushed up against mine to meet my frantic rhythm, pounding up into me relentlessly. His hands were on my hips, helping me keep up with his movements. Both of our moans grew louder by the minute. He was there, too. I could feel it. I stilled completely as he continued to pound into me, crying out, then his orgasm quickly followed. I fell against him and listened with my eyes closed at the way the both of us tried to catch our breath. The clock in his living room was ticking as his hands moved languidly against my back.
I like this dance we do. We couldn't make it work in love, but we could always connect in these moments, knowing one another's bodies like they were the back of our own hands. The fact that that chill of loneliness had been banished at the arrival of his body entering mine meant that I could never deny my hotline going bling. Not when it was him at the other end of the line.
That time and every encounter thereafter always left me with the most relaxing feeling, like a long exhale of breath you had no idea needed a release until you let your guard down long enough to admit to yourself it would always be him. I could never deny myself access to his type of air or regret the fact that I've allowed myself to breathe – that's how vital our lovemaking can sometimes feel for me. I think if you're an adult and the relationship you and your ex shared was an otherwise healthy circumstance, ex sex can be a great one-time thing or even a string of encounters until you've met someone new or are truly ready to close the book on that chapter of you and them. Be wild, be at peace, make love. Ex sex had its perks and our encounter was yet another ode to the fire we make.
Who knows? This chapter probably won't be our last…
[Tweet "Ex sex had its perks and our encounter was yet another ode to the fire we make."]
How do you feel about ex sex? When was the last time you partook in a little ex action? Share with me below!
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
Dating men of higher social status shortened my tolerance for a lot of things I was convinced were normal. I blamed the universe for attracting undesirable men when it was my fault for allowing undesirable behavior. An interesting dichotomy between those guys and sugar daddies was the treatment I accepted.
It was easier to put my foot down with men of opulence because their privilege meant there was no limit to meeting my desires. Plus, recognizing my own worth made them (the good ones) want to treat me with the same high regard.
I’ll admit you don’t NEED to be an SB to enhance your dating style, but that’s the path I journeyed. It taught me how to be gracefully tough on men based on the simple fact that I’m invaluable. I’ll never convince anyone to be an SB, but feel free to pick a few gems I learned that might take your 2025 dating style to the next level.
Don’t overdo it by showing gratitude.
Let’s stop praising men for the bare minimum.
Yes, it’s okay to make a man feel affirmed but don’t let those affirmations come off too intensely, especially for things that require minimal effort. Don’t tell him about your ex never opening the passenger door for you, don’t brag about him being "The One" because he texted to make sure you got home safely, and most definitely don’t offer up the cat just because he paid a $150 dinner bill (give it because you want to, not out of obligation).
To be honest, I barely even say thank you when a man finds me attractive. “You are so beautiful.” I would respond, “Aww, you’re so sweet.” When he holds the door open, I graze his arm and smile.
Showing too much excitement about the bare minimum strokes his ego and draws a ceiling, which he doesn’t feel he needs to surpass. It tells him you’re not used to regular treatment, so you’ll be grateful for anything. Why do more than necessary? I like my men reflecting at the end of our date, thinking, “What can I do to impress her?”
Don’t stop having manners, though. Just keep it simple and move on.
There’s no such thing as “dating for potential.”
Hold my hand with this one.
There comes a time when the word “potential” shouldn’t be a part of your dating vocabulary. It’s nothing more than the encouragement of false hope. He’s not flaky with time because his schedule is too busy between balancing family and work. It’s because you’re not important enough to prioritize making time for.
He’s not stingy on dates because he’s having a rough time handling all his financial responsibilities. It’s because he’d rather spend his money on things that don’t involve you.
Trust me when I say men don’t date with potential in mind. Many of them hold themselves in very high regard with an “I can do better” mindset, and so should you. There’s A LOT of weight in the saying, “If he wanted to he would.” So stay away from Mr. Shoulda Coulda Woulda because, at the end of the day, he didn’t.
*P.S. If he ever says he doesn’t deserve you, he’s not being sheepishly humble. Take his word for it and run.
Do NOT be afraid to say no.
How many times have you put yourself through something you didn’t want to do based on feeling obligated? You compromised yourself in order to please the person you’re dating because it seemed like the easier option. Let me just remind you of the old saying, “Nothing good in life comes easy.”
I like comparing men to children, not to demean them but to draw similarities. Children often like to push and see how much they can get away with until the parent says no. Once you allow them to get away with one thing, they’ll nudge the limits to see how often they can skate by.
Dating is just like this. Get comfortable giving rejection. It can be an uncomfortable concept for some, so consider saying no and following it with a light reason. For example, “Do you want to come over and watch Netflix?” “No, I don’t feel comfortable going to strangers’ houses.” If his response is anything but understanding with a Plan B, on to the next.
Those boundaries were created to protect you. Any man who respects you will respect them too.
Don’t lay all your cards on the table.
When a man asks, “So what exactly are you looking for?” The vaguest response comes to mind.
It’s a common mistake to think men (not all) ask questions for unselfish reasons. That one, especially, is basically like asking for cheat codes to a game. Describing your idea of a perfect man, dating intentions, etc. allows him to know who he needs to morph himself into in order to get what he wants. Enter love bombing, physical intimacy, delusions of potential, then ghosting.
I’ve said the below on a few first dates and wasn’t surprised by how quickly the guys weeded themselves out.
"I’ve been having fun figuring things out as time goes on. There are times when I love going out to meet new people and times when I love cuddling up on the couch. It depends on how I’m feeling.”
I just said a whole lotta nothing, leaving it up to him to decipher. It’s open-ended, which forces him to show his intentions and let things play out naturally with as little manipulation as possible.
The first date defines how he views you.
This is where all those conversations leading up to this day come into play.
The perfect first date doesn’t only have to consist of 5-star dining and lavish wine collections. Those are merely perks. The perfect first date is valued based on how much effort he put in to show he’s been listening.
You’ve been dropping subtle hints that tulips are your favorite flowers. Did he show up empty-handed? You shared your discomfort with driving to far places at night. Did he book a 9 p.m. reservation somewhere 30 minutes away? You told him about your new venture into veganism. Did he take you to his favorite steakhouse?
These aren’t small things and they’re DEFINITELY not things for you to take on as a challenge. These could be easy signs of a life full of selfishness and laziness if shrugged off by the belief you should be satisfied with him making time for you.
Will taking my advice find you a husband faster? Who knows? But, ultimately, dating isn’t supposed to be an earnest search for a man. It should be a time of personal growth while sorting through experiences to find a partner who will appreciate the valuable woman you are.
Having high standards for yourself doesn’t make you difficult or unreasonable. To the right man, it definitely won’t make you undateable. Like I said before, nothing good in life comes easy.
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