Apr 15 2024
15. Dropping The Shame Around Sex
TW: Sexual Assualt 37:03-40:48In today's episode, we're delving into a heavy but important topic: shame when it comes to sex. Before we start, I want to give a trigger warning - we'll be discussing instances of sexual assault because shame often intersects with those experiences. If you need to skip those parts, I'll include timestamps in the show notes to make it easier for you.And let me say this upfront: if you feel like you need to skip this episode altogether, that's totally okay. Shame, especially surrounding sex, is a lot to unpack, so please take care of yourself first and foremost.Do you remember moments from your past where you felt shame surrounding sex? Maybe it was from experiences with partners, sex education from family, school, peers, or even church. For me, a couple of moments stand out vividly.There was this one time with a partner where he casually, and embarrassingly, mentioned to his friend that I wasn't great at giving blowjobs. It was mortifying, and I felt so much shame in that moment. Another instance was during a church event where they essentially equated premarital sex with getting an STI, which left me feeling like I was somehow tainted.These experiences stuck with me and affected my sexual journey, leading to moments of panic and insecurity even in my current, monogamous relationship. But I refuse to let shame dictate how I feel about myself or my sexuality. It's been a journey, but I've learned that open communication, honesty, and respect for boundaries are key.Shame doesn't just come from our partners; it can also stem from societal, religious, or past experiences. I've seen how religious shame can deeply affect people's views on sex, leading to feelings of guilt and condemnation.But here's the thing: we are not defined by our past or by societal norms. We are unique individuals, and it's okay to have different desires, boundaries, and experiences. What's important is that we approach sex with understanding, empathy, and a willingness to communicate openly.So, if you ever find yourself caught in a shame spiral, remember to take a deep breath, ground yourself, and remind yourself that you are human. We're all works in progress, and it's okay to be gentle with ourselves as we navigate our sexual journeys.Connect with JessWebsite: www.lovealwaysjess.com/getstarted Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confident_sexualityA Podcast Launch Bestie Production