Have you ever wondered how to explore some of the kinky aspects of sex, but felt unsure how to broach it with your partner? Perhaps you have some burning BDSM desires, while your partner is keener to keep things the way they are. It’s a sticky situation for sure, but there ways to get your needs met while still honoring your partner’s boundaries.
Communication is everything.
The most important tool you can have in your sexual toolbelt is healthy sexual communication. This goes double for kinky folks. Begin by having an open, non-judgmental conversation with your partner. For maximum success, have this conversation outside of the bedroom. I often suggest that you ask your partner: “How would you like to have conversations about sex?” They may have specific requests for how to be most comfortable during these conversations.
It’s key to stress to your partner that your desire to explore kinky sex is not a reflection of any dissatisfaction with your current sex life. Instead, it’s because you view sex as an ever-expanding vehicle for pleasure. You wouldn’t want to eat the same meal every day. Even if it was your favorite meal in the world. Also, be specific in your conversation, with no vague comments or generalizations. It also doesn’t hurt to throw in a compliment or two. Talking about sex can be unsettling for some folks, and feeling reassured first can help the conversation go smoothly. For example, you might say something like:
“Hey babe, I’m really excited to talk to you about our sex life. I absolutely adore having sex with you, it brings me so much pleasure. I’ve noticed lately that it really turns me on when you slap my butt and are a little bossy with me. I’d love to explore that more, perhaps try some impact play and even explore some Dominance and submission. How would you feel about that?”
It’s simple, kind, sexy, and to the point. Make sure to give them all the time they need to think about this and be clear you’re not pressuring them.
Defining “Kinky”
When you’re having this conversation, it’s very important to be clear about what “kinky” means to you. To some people, when they hear the word “kinky” they have automatic assumptions about how that might look, which may deter them. When I’ve asked my clients what they think of when they hear “kinky,” their answers have ranged from “leaving the lights on” to “being locked in a sex dungeon with nothing but a bucket.” Stay specific!
If you’re not sure what kinky means to you, that’s okay, too. Considering filling out the Yes, No, Maybe Guide to see where the two of you align. Say something like, “I’m not sure exactly what this might look like, are you interested in exploring together, or would you prefer I come to you with a more concrete picture?”
The important aspect of this step is that you’re working out what type of kinky sex you’d like to explore, and co-creating how that might look with your partner.
There may be a specific response you’re hoping for from your partner. It usually sounds something like: “that sounds amazing babe, let’s try it tonight!” I urge you to not hold too tightly to any specific response from your non-kinky partner. They may be open to it right now, or they might not be. A “no” now doesn’t mean a no forever. And if it does, it’s their right to have consent over their sexual expression. If it’s a no forever, you’ll need to decide if being able to explore partnered kink is a dealbreaker for you.
Find a compromise.
Ask your partner if there are any elements of kink that they find intriguing, and then work together to create something that turns you both on. For example, I recently had a client who was interested in exploring dominance and submission, but her partner was more intrigued by voyeurism and exhibitionism. Instead of trying to teach each partner to speak the other’s language, I helped them create their own and suggested that each morning her partner could select some sexy lingerie for her to wear under her work clothes. She wasn’t allowed to negotiate or complain, just say: “Yes, sir.”
In return, he could order her at any point during her workday to send him a photo of the lingerie. She slipped away to the bathroom to send him some sexy photos whenever he requested. Both partners were so turned on by the end of their day they could barely keep their clothes on long enough to get through the front door. All compromise, no sacrifice.
Solo Kinky Sex
Regardless of how the conversation with your partner went, I strongly encourage you to explore having kinky sex solo. This helps you develop sexual independence, and figure out what you like, what you don’t, and you learn so much valuable information about your sexuality.
Solo sex is also a safe container for sex-ploration. Here are some of my favorite ways to do so:
- Using a blindfold on yourself during solo sex
- Watching kinky ethical porn
- Incorporating safe self-bondage into solo sex or solo foreplay
- Writing your own kinky erotica (which you could also send your partner afterward if both of you feel comfortable)
Communication, creativity, and patience are always key. Don’t give up, don’t lose faith, and don’t pressure anyone–that’s not a sexy vibe. Happy kinking!
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Isabella Frappier is an Australian ex-pat living in LA, who swapped gumtrees for palm trees. She’s a writer and a holistic Sexuality Doula, who specializes in body literacy, sexual sovereignty, and BDSM.
She is also a host on the popular new Sex Magic Podcast. When she’s not busy championing her sex-positive agenda, she—oh wait—she’s always busy doing that. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
