

I’m gonna be honest, y’all — as much as I research and study topics that surround sex, there are times when I will stumble upon a term and then decide to write about it, mostly because I find it to be fascinating that it’s so popular in social media. And gooning? These days, gooning is one of them.
If you’ve never heard of it before, don’t feel the least bit bad about it. It first came across my attention on Instagram (although it’s also quite the hot topic on TikTok as well) and then — surprise, surprise — the Urban Dictionary. LOL. According to that rich source of data, gooning is apparently what happens when a man has engaged in edging (which I’ll expound on in just a second) for so long that he puts himself into a bit of a hypnotic mindset — a deeply meditative state, if you will.
That piqued my interest even more, so I decided to Google the mess out of the word to see what else I could find — and I think I’ve come across a few points that you may find interesting. Shoot, you might even decide to “tweak the term” a bit and apply it to your own sex life with your partner.
Listen, if you know about gooning already, I’m impressed. Hop in the comments and share your thoughts about it. On the other hand, if this is your first time even hearing the word, let’s explore why more and more people are not just talking about it…but are getting into doing it.
Gooning vs. Edging. What’s the Difference?
Okay, so since edging basically walked so that gooning could run, let’s tackle what edging is first. Edging is all about stimulating yourself and/or your partner to the point where you feel like you are about to have an orgasm — and then holding back and repeating the action over and over again. If that sounds more torturous than pleasurable, the method behind the madness here is the fact that one of the hormones that increases during sexual arousal is dopamine. One of the things that dopamine does is “reward you” with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.
And so, when you’re in the process of edging, the more that you stimulate-then-stop, the more dopamine ends up flooding the brain which, in return, ends up intensifying your orgasms when you actually do have them.
So, what is gooning all about? Well, let’s start with where the name even comes from. From what I’ve read and researched, the old-school Popeye cartoons used to have goons on them. They were men who seemed to only be focused on one thing (ahh, got it!). Gooning, sexually, is similar.
And just what makes gooning different from edging — well, for one thing, you’re going to need to set aside quite a bit of time to pull gooning off because, while it is a lot like edging, it’s what happens when you self-stimulate (again, without climaxing) for literal hours on end until you end up in what some folks consider to be a trance and others consider to be meditative (kind of like orgasmic meditation — check out “What Exactly Is 'Orgasmic Meditation'?”) state.
To be totally forthcoming, the way that a lot of people (especially men) accomplish this is by watching porn and/or consuming amyl nitrite which is also known as poppers (which is not recommended); I also peeped that some folks will goon in the presence of other gooners. However, none of this is necessary. In fact, in the BDSM world, gooning (although it’s not always called that) is pretty popular because certain sex-related acts (that don’t involve porn or drugs) are all about raising dopamine, oxytocin and adrenaline levels so high that you ended up with the same result as gooners do.
Okay, so now that you know more about what gooning is, let’s — pardon the pun — touch on how it benefits men, women and couples…in its own special way.
How Men Can Benefit from Gooning
I ain’t got no lies to tell you, when it comes to gooning, it’s definitely something that (at least currently) is mentioned in the male space more. One reason is because, although many women do indeed masturbate, reportedly, men still do it more often — and since self-stimulation plays a huge role in gooning well…there you go.
Plus, since men’s refractory period (the time that it takes for them to become erect again after experiencing ejaculation) is longer than women’s (in their case, the time it takes for them to orgasm after already having one), in many ways, this makes gooning an easier process for guys because they can stimulate themselves to the point of ejaculation, stop and then use even more time to get to the point of wanting to ejaculate again.
Oh, and if the follow-up question is “Well, is semen retention a form of gooning?” — technically, I would say so because semen retention is about either going through a season of abstinence or intentionally engaging in sexual activity without ejaculating.
And how can all of this ultimately benefit men in a sexual way? Well, since something that continues to come up about gooning is that it can put you into a meditative state, this means that it can de-stress men, which is a good thing, on pretty much every level. As far as sex is concerned, decreasing stress levels can help to lower one’s blood pressure, and reduce tension and it can help to put them in a better mood.
Beyond that, the first thing that actually came to my mind is gooning is something that can help men to build up stamina and endurance for if/when they do choose to have sex with someone else. This is great to know since men are able to climax in (on average) 5-7 minutes while it takes women (on average) almost 14 minutes to do the same. Yep, gooning is something that can help men to “get in sync” with their partners as far as orgasms and, more specifically, simultaneous orgasms (climaxing together) go.
How Women Can Benefit from Gooning
Now, if you would like to give gooning a shot, a lot of what I’ve already said about the fellas applies to you as well.
What I will add is the fact that, since masturbation is pretty much about self-stimulating to the point of having an orgasm while gooning is more about “overloading your system” with feelings of pleasure that are outside of climaxing, I would venture to say that a major perk for women is gooning teaches you how to slow down and really get to know your body: what kind of touches that you like, what type of pressure you prefer, what erogenous zones are your actual favorite and even how to truly and fully enjoy sexual stimulation outside of cumming.
Something else that can be a perk about gooning, especially when it comes to women, is it can help to intensify your orgasms. For starters, the less stressed you are, the easier it is to climax in the first place. Also, gooning not only heightens your endorphin, oxytocin, and dopamine levels, but it also increases blood flow throughout your body too.
By gooning instead of climaxing, the build-up of the blood flow can take your orgasms to another level once you actually allow your body to have one — and after hours of denying yourself the “top of the mountain”…your system will be more than ready to explode after gooning, chile.
How Couples Can Benefit from Gooning
If while reading all of this, the thing that comes to your mind is gooning sounds a lot like tantric sex — on many levels, I would have to agree, although something that separates gooning for a lot of people is the element of porn (which again, is oftentimes incorporated). Still, it can’t be said enough that gooning can be “tweaked” in the sense that — you don’t have to use porn, instead, you can use your imagination or the visuals of your partner; you don’t have to down poppers when edibles are right there (check out “Want More Frequent And Intensified Orgasms? Puff, Puff, Pass.”), and you also don’t have to “go it alone”, you can enjoy the practice of gooning with your partner.
In fact, when you take into account that, again, gooning is something that is supposed to take much longer than 30 minutes, it seems like it would be most exhilarating when you are in the presence of someone else whether you choose to self-stimulate in their presence or you both decide to stimulate one another. To me, it seems that this would take sexual communication (check out “Are You A Good Sexual Communicator? You Sure?”) to new dimensions because, as you’re “gooning them,” you would have to ask questions like “Does this feel good?” or “Do you want more or less pressure?” while they would have to convey to you what they like and when you need to pause because they are on the brink of cumming.
Yeah, just imagine how great sex would be once penetration took place if it’s after spending hours doing nothing but building up the anticipation for it. Because again, when you’re gooning, you’re spending hours, y’all…HOURS. And then, once you’ve actually mastered sexual self-control for hours before engaging in intercourse, this means that y’all might easily turn into a throwback R&B song and be able to have sex all night long…LITERALLY. LOL. *Insert “Wanna Make Love (All Night Long)” by Lillo Thomas right here*
Gooning. Gooning can help to make this all happen.
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Aight, so with all of the benefits that come with gooning, are there any downsides? I mean, anything in excess can become potentially problematic, and certainly, if you decide to bring porn into the mix and you choose to watch it for hours on end, for days, weeks, or months at a time, that could pose some issues. Also, since you’ve got to set some real-time aside to become an expert gooner, if it gets to the point where you’re consistently up all hours of the night or you’re ditching daily responsibilities just to do it, that’s not good.
But if you’ve got a low-key weekend coming up, instead of binge-watching Tubi or scrolling through Instagram, I don’t see how you and your partner touching each other for hours, first without an orgasm, only to have an ultimate one a couple of hours later could be a bad thing.
In fact, gooning in moderation? It actually sounds pretty damn…amazing.
Report back. #wink
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It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Your Glow-Up Starts Here: 15 Ways To ‘Spring Clean’ Your Beauty Routine
Now that springtime is officially present and accounted for, I wanted to find a way to put a twist to the type of “spring cleaning” that is typically discussed (check out “15 Of The Best Spring Cleaning Hacks That I've Seen In A Minute”).
For instance, in times past, I would broach the topic from the angle of relationships (check out “Let's Finally 'Spring Clean' ALL Of Our Exes Out Of Our Lives, Shall We?”) or even intimacy (check out “Yes Couples, You Can 'Spring Clean' Your Sex Life”). This year, I thought it would be cool to explore how you can get your hair, skin, and nails ready for all that this beautiful spring season has to offer.
Check out the following 15 things that you can do (five per category), beauty-wise, to embrace all that spring has in store — things that will have you out here looking even more radiant than you already do!
Hair
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1. Clarify your hair. Sweat, dead skin cells, product build-up, minerals in your water, excessive sebum, whatever falls into your hair when you’re outdoors (like pollen) — all of these things play a significant role in why it’s important to clarify your hair from time to time and clarifying is simply about using things that will help to get rid of the residue that’s on your strands. Clarifying is actually why I don’t cosign with people who say that you should NEVER use sulfate shampoos; I just believe that you should ONLY use them to clarify your locks (so long as they aren’t too harsh on your hair).
So, what are some signs that your hair needs clarifying?
If your hair feels oily or sticky; if it’s hard for it to hold a style; if your scalp is itchy or irritated; if you notice that your hair is shedding more than it should (which is 50-100 strands a day); if your hair is dull and/or (bonus) if you are about to color-treat your hair (because build-up will make it difficult for the color to “take”). You can clarify your tresses with a clarifying shampoo (check out a list here). Or, if you’d prefer to take the all-natural route, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, bentonite clay, and even Aloe vera are awesome options (click on each of the words to learn why and how to apply them in this way).
2. Exfoliate your scalp. Honestly, the main way that I know it is time for me to wash my hair is when my scalp tells me so. When it’s itchy and/or flaking, that’s my cue. Oftentimes, what I will do is either provide my scalp with a good rinse (I really like TPH BY TARAJI Master Cleanse Scalp Treatment) or a scalp exfoliant. That’s because, just like your hair can experience residue, your scalp can as well (especially when it comes to dead skin cells and product build-up). Plus, a scalp that isn’t exfoliated can end up having clogged hair follicles which can ultimately mess with your hair growth.
If you want to go the exfoliant route, there are scalp scrubs that you can buy. You can also crush some aspirin up, add a bit of water to it, and rub it on your scalp, create a brown sugar and oatmeal scalp scrub or you can check out some other recipes here.
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3. Address those ends. It can’t be said enough that, if you’re trying to grow out your hair, it doesn’t matter how much you take care of the roots of your hair if you’re neglecting your ends in the process. In fact, a huge part of the reason why a lot of people don’t end up reaching their hair (length) goals is because their locks end up breaking off just about as fast as their hair grows from their scalp. One way to avoid this from happening is to “baby” the entire mess out of your ends — and y’all, a product that I’ve been using that helps me to do this oh so very well is Amika Starfruit Oil. Listen, stuff that has worked for me personally, I do my best to shout-out and this product right here? It’s the truth! It’s a lightweight oil that feels kind of like a serum that really does create shine, lessen frizz and help to make your hair feel so much stronger — including your ends. Now, it ain’t cheap; still, a little bit goes a long way which makes it worth the expense (at least it does to me). Anyway, whether it’s getting a trim, dusting your ends (removing split ends and fairy knots on your own) or just giving your ends some much needed TLC, this would be the time to do it…especially so.
4. Toss out expired hair products. Be honest with me and yourself — you know you’ve got some hair products that should’ve gone on to glory a long time ago, simply because the lettering is faded and/or you really can’t remember when you purchased it (check out “Resolving To Kick Your Product Junkie Habit? Here's Your Game Plan For 2024.”). I’ll be real with you, unfortunately, most hair products don’t come with an expiration date; however, a good rule of thumb to follow is if your products change color, smell, or texture, it’s probably time to toss ‘em out.
And when it comes to shampoos and conditioners specifically, many experts say that around six months is when it’s time to get some new stuff. Oh and also, please wash your brushes, combs and clean out the teeth of your hair dryers, and thoroughly wipe off your flat irons. You’d be amazed how much gunk can get caught up in all of those things. #yuck
5. Replenish your collection with lighter water-based ones. Since warmer weather tends to lead to hair that has more oil and residue than during the cooler months, if you’re going to buy some new hair products make sure that they contain less oils and butters and more water instead. The reason why is because the last thing that you want is for it to be a nice spring-like day with the wind blowing and yet your hair doesn’t move one bit because it’s so weighed down by all of your hair products. If you’d like a few recommendations of what to get for this season, check out BuzzFeed’s “27 Products That’ll Take Your Hair From Winter Drab To Spring Fab.”
Skin
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1. Get a professional facial. It’s pretty common that, as it heats up outside, you may want to wear less make-up — at least during the daytime hours because between the sweat and everything? It can just be easier to take the “less is more” approach. If that is exactly how you roll (or you do like make-up and you would like for it to go on more smoothly), consider getting a professional facial as soon as possible. I’m good for getting a back facial at the turn of every season and there is nothing like having a professional esthetician get all up in your skin and treat issues in ways that you simply can’t (because you haven’t been trained to).
When it comes to your face, professional facials are bomb because they can deeply cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, improve the texture, and treat trouble areas all at the same time. I promise you, after getting a facial from someone who really knows what they are doing, your skin will glow on a completely different level!
2. Clean all of your make-up tools. Chile, guess how often the average American changes their sheets (SMDH): every 24 days…that’s damn near once a month. Now guess how often you’re supposed to do it: no less than once a week and actually every 2-4 days if you have pets or allergies. If most folks aren’t doing this, I can only imagine how few are cleaning their makeup brushes, etc. And how often should you do that? Every 7-10 days (more often than that, if you can). And although you shouldn’t wait for spring to do this, this is just a reminder to set aside a day to clean everything at once.
For tips on how to properly clean your brushes, check out the YouTube channel ItsMyRayeRaye’s post here. Tips on how to clean cosmetic sponges? Roxslayofficial’s page can help you out here. And if you tend to put your brushes and sponges in a drawer in your bathroom, invest in a nice vase for your brushes or something like a magnetic brush organizer. As far as your sponges go, a cute soap dish that has holes in it or an egg case will work.
3. Look for skincare products that contain antioxidants and ceramides. Since there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll be out in the sun more often, you need to make sure that your skin is protected from the damage that free radicals, air pollution, and UV rays can do. One way to do this is by looking for skincare products that are packed with antioxidants. Ones that immediately come to mind include vitamin C extract, and vitamin E oil as well as products that have niacinamide (vitamin B6) and polyphenols listed on the label.
Something else to look for is skin products that contain ceramides;they are lipids that easily makeup 50 percent of the outer layer of your skin. When you apply skincare items that contain them, those ceramides help to hydrate your skin, protect the barrier, and slow down the signs of aging. I use ceramides on my neck at night and baby, no regrets. Not a damn one.
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4. Go without make-up more often. Whenever someone tells me that I don’t look my age, I thank genetics and the fact that I didn’t start wearing make-up (other than mascara and lipstick which is pretty much how I get down now) until I was well into my 20s. There is no way around the fact that prolonged cosmetic use (especially when it comes to certain ingredients), yes, can speed up the aging process of your skin. It can also lead to breakouts; cause your pores to appear larger than they actually are; throw off the pH balance of your skin; create the appearance of fine lines, and it can weaken your skin’s barrier. That’s why it’s a good idea to give your skin a break by going make-up-free sometimes.
Since spring cleaning is the theme, focus more on skincare than cosmetics so that, by the time the summer season arises, if you go swimming, you don’t have to worry about going au naturel because your natural skin will be so on-point on its own (check out “I've Been Doing At-Home Chemical Peels. Here Are The Pros And Cons.,” “Why Your Skin, Hair, And Nails Need Hyaluronic Acid Like...Yesterday” and “These 12 Things Will Make Your Skin Glow All Of The Time” for some prepping tips).
5. Don’t forget about sunscreen. BLACK WOMEN NEED SUNSCREEN — and yes, I am yelling it because I know far too many of us who were told that because our skin is so beautifully melanated, sunscreen isn’t really necessary. The lies you tell. Problem is, when you read articles like Healthline’s “The Sunscreen Gap: Do Black People Need Sunscreen?” you’ll notice that — surprise, surprise, and totally insert my sarcasm here — some medical professionals don’t emphasize the importance of us using sunscreen which causes some of us not to prioritize it.
However, the reality is that UV rays can damage our skin just like anyone else's, not to mention that sun drama can also lead to things like hyperpigmentation. So, if you’ve never used sunscreen before, make this the year that you absolutely do. Some of the best sunscreens for our skin are located here, here, and here.
Nails
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1. Opt for a shorter length. Not to brag but I actually have some really pretty hands and nails. That’s why, before the pandemic, I was in the nail shop all of the time; however, once we went into lockdown, I decided to keep my nails low and I haven’t really grown them out since. Something about watching all of those videos about how many germs get trapped up in there just creeped me out, chile.
Anyway, since it’s spring and you’ll be outdoors, pollen is flying everywhere and you may be doing things (like outdoor sports) that require you to use your hands in a more active way if your nails are currently on the longer side right now, you might want to go with a shorter length. Not only is it hygienic and practical, from what I’ve seen (here, here, and here), but it’s shorter nails that are also trending right through here too.
2. Do a deep hand and foot soak. While certain — cough, cough — folks are out here debating about how often you should wash your feet (the things that have tons of sweat glands and literally spend most of their time on the floor or ground), I’m encouraging you to go above and beyond and do some regular foot (and hand) soaking. They’re relaxing. They exfoliate your skin. They can also help to deeply hydrate your skin. They increase blood circulation. They also help your hands and feet to look youthful for a longer period of time.
Although there are a variety of different hand (here) and foot (here) recipes to choose from, one of my faves is to soak in an herbal tea blend — one that also has some Epsom salt and coconut milk in it. Chamomile tea can help to soothe you. Sage contains medicinal properties. Hibiscus can help to even out your skin tone. Epsom salt is great because it also helps to exfoliate and hydrate. Coconut milk is awesome because it deeply moisturizes, stimulates the production of collagen and it also exfoliates too. Soaking your hands and feet for about 30-45 minutes can make your skin’s texture feel totally different. Try it and see!
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3. Pamper your cuticles with an essential oil blend. The base of your fingernails and toenails is your nail bed and right underneath those are your cuticles; the purpose of your cuticles is to keep bacteria from infecting your new nails as they grow out from your nail bed. Honestly, it wasn’t until I started getting hangnails that I started to pay my cuticles some real attention (in between professional manicures). I was getting them because my cuticles were dry which means that I was neglecting them. Now, I’m on top of that because hangnails are ANNOYING (and sometimes even painful).
I care for my cuticles by keeping my cuticles trimmed, pushing them back and making sure that they are well moisturized. Although there are cuticle creams that you can buy, I prefer to apply a blend of tea tree oil (it kills bacteria and fungus), geranium oil (it has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties), and avocado oil which deeply moisturizes. It makes my cuticles feel and look great.
4. Go without polish for a while. Listen, if there is one thing that Shellie Reneé Warren is gonna do, it’s get a pedicure — usually twice a month. I’m so serious about it that, even the day that my house literally blew up a few years ago (check out “My House Burned Up. Three Days Before Christmas. What It Taught Me.”), after I assessed the damage (95 percent of my stuff was gone) and talked to the fire marshal about what caused it (my HVAC), I went on to my nail appointment (dead serious). Polished toes always make me feel better and you can’t steal my joy. That’s why I hate it when my nail tech will tell me that it’s time to take a polish break sometimes.
Still, I heed the advice because, when your fingernails and toenails aren’t given the opportunity to breathe, that can lead to fungal and bacterial growth, weaker nails, dry nails, permanently stained nails, and all sorts of other drama. Ideally, since your toenails especially are covered up more in the fall and winter months, that would be the most ideal time to follow through with this particular suggestion. If you didn’t do that, though. Give your nails a month or so without any polish over the next few weeks. It might feel rough at first but it’s worth it in the long run.
5. Return to polish with lighter hues. When it comes to nail polish hues, I tend to lean into the darker ones. Spring isn’t really the time for that, though. Yeah, if ever there is a time to go with some Easter egg colors, the spring season would be it. And as far as spring color trends for this year go, you’re super stylish if you go with light neutrals, bright green, or pearly shades — or you can get super creative via InStyle’s “20 April Nail Ideas to Freshen Up Your Manicure.”
And speaking of polish (and spring cleaning), I’m pretty sure you’ve got some old bottles that need to go. For the most part, their shelf life is between 12-24 months. If it’s been longer than that, let them babies go. It’s spring. Time for new things, sis. NEW THINGS!
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