Recreational Sex and Relationships

 I’ve been giving thought lately to the definition of recreational sex, and think it’s a bit incomplete. By the standard definition, "recreational sex" is sex with no intimacy or attachment to your sex partner, and usually with a person other than a partner or spouse.

What the definition leaves out is the possibility of recreational sex between a committed couple. Why can’t a married or long term relationship couple engage in recreational sex with each other?  It’s participating in sex as a sport,  an extracurricular activity or hobby.

I know there are women out there with the attitude of “I don’t have sex, I make love.” That’s fine for some, but personally, I prefer a combination of both. Casual or recreational sex with my partner allows me to be a bit selfish when I want to, allows me to explore and try new things, and simply enjoy the physical aspect of play.

Time with your partner can just be playtime, and can allow you to reconnect as friends, goofing off, and exploring each other for fun and recreation. For some, this type of activity is shallow, as it doesnt have the intimate attachment they have become accustomed to.  If that is the case, recreational sex can still be a great exercise in developing the boundaries of sex and intimacy.

Many times, we confuse sex and intimacy, only allowing the two to happen when together. Both can, and should, exist without each other. Intimacy can happen from across the room, as well as across the globe, through email, phone and photo. It is simply the act of sharing, and can easily exist outside the confines of the bedroom. Sex for hobby can be a great exercise in defining the line between the two, and the beginning of ways to develop new ways to explore both independently.

 For hobby or entertainment purposes, recreational sex is an affordable, satisfying experience. With the stresses of the current economy, a week of stress relief and exploring new sexual concepts can therapeutic as well as a much needed break from the world around us.

Exploration is fun, go for it!!!