Category: Sexuality

What Really Makes “It” Good?

    K Ghislaine

When I got laid for the very first time, it was over so quickly I barely even knew it happened. And the second time it was better, and it evolved over the next 8 years with the same man, ups and downs. Exploration, pleasure, and overall satisfaction. I had nothing to compare our sex life to, and I was getting it very frequently, and I always came, so, I had a good sex life with my first boyfriend.

When things ended and I started dating, I was dumbstruck by how bad sex was in the real world. No one night stand did anything for me and I realized that I needed a personal connection to be satisfied. So, my quest for my next great relationship was on. And my main criterion was that it was “good” sex. When I found it, I stuck with him for nearly a decade! Lust for him, made sex good, and thus, I was having good sex. Until I wasn’t.

After nearly 20 years, primarily with 2 men, it turned out that I had no idea what good sex really was. I had mistaken my ability to orgasm easily for greatness. And by extension I equated a solid relationship with having the best sex life, because orgasms solve everything and make everyone happy. When the frequency of sex decreased, this void appeared before my eyes, and I knew how lost I had become. It was terrifying. My whole identity came into question. This very blog came into question and this imposter syndrome nearly swept me off into the great abyss.

And then, one day, well, one night, everything changed. Yes, I have blogged about this before, so if this part of the story sounds familiar I am sorry. But I think there is lesson here, that I wasn’t quite seeing before so I needed to look at it with a fresh lens, which is this post. When my boyfriend and I, quite literally came together, all the sexual experiences of my past, became hazy and nearly lost their importance. I know, that sounds absurd, especially given some of the passionate experiences I have shared in this blog, but it’s true. When we came together, it blew what I knew about good sex, out of the freaking water.

And here’s the real testament, I have these intense feelings of love, sexuality, and passion outside of the bedroom. These aren’t feelings of just horniness or lust. I finally understand what good sex is. It’s the passion and intimacy that yes, solves problems of the day. But it also, brings two people together, united in intimacy, that extends beyond the bedroom. We support and cherish each other. We hold hands to fall asleep (well, most nights). We kiss each other every time we have been apart, say I love you frequently, and in honest truth, none of these actions are derived from obligation. We want to express these things, and we want the other to be as happy as they make us. It’s a simple formula, and one I discovered completely by accident.

As I begin my dating and relationship coaching business again, there is something I know I cannot teach, and that is, the definition of good sex. I simply cannot even dabble a toe into sex coaching because I learned about it by accident. That’s not a coachable technique, and I admit that it is an area I will stay far away from. Creating safe spaces to talk, I can help. Increasing communication skills, absolutely! Honing in on your evolving wants and needs, I’ve spent over a decade researching, and learning how to do just that. Pick me, pick me! Finding the perfect lover? I’m out. In my mind there is no perfect technique that works every time, and if someone wants to try and teach you that, great, I’m not it.

My incredible sex life is the result of lucking out with the best person for me on the planet, and the gift of physiology beyond anything I can control. There, I said it. I hit the jackpot, and quite honestly I have zero clue how that even happened. In short, my sex life is beyond good, and I still don’t know exactly what makes it good, and that’s OK! Sometimes you don’t question your gifts, you just enjoy them.

For those who want to send a few bucks my way, there are some behind the scenes photos up on my Patreon from this mini photo shoot. Thanks for all the love, support, comments, and pressing the good ole share button.

Week 9: Character

    K Ghislaine

This weeks challenge is one that I am going to blatantly disregard, even though I absolutely see the value in it, because I am captivated by the words that lead up to the challenge of character instead. For those who are not following the book itself, which I assume is almost all of you, Edith Wharton speaks to the idea of characters and them being influenced by people that we know. She goes on to explain that the moment a character is written down, no matter how closely inspired by someone else, they become different, or in her words they “instantly cease to be real”. The challenge she poses is to write down 5 traits, and then start a new character with the baseline of those traits, but do so without mentioning any of the traits. The beginning of a whole new entity seemingly from your imagination. As a writer of memoirs and life this did not excite me as much as the listen activity that lead up to it.

Here’s my story. Almost without fail, when I tell people that I write, they want to know if they can or will be in it. That’s fairly standard for any writer. People love personalizing things, it brings them closer to the medium and we simply cannot help being the vain little creatures we are, believing the world revolves around us. Now that is all well and good in the land of the vanilla. However, as you should know, my writing experience did not start there, as evidenced by this blog. So when I would go out into the real world, and share the subject matter of my blog, I was faced with an even stranger truth, the ones who desperately wanted to be the subject of my writing.

Beer with a friend, or a new acquaintance would go like this. “Nice to meet you! What do you write about? Oh really?! Have I got a story for you! Let me now overshare a personal sexual tryst that I know you are going to love.” For those who know me in person, you can well imagine the look of horror on my face. For those who don’t know me face to face, and wonder why the look, especially as I tout myself as being sex positive, let me explain. I love talking about sex, relationships, and the like. However, there is a time and a place. Rarely do I share a story simply to brag about my sexual exploits. In fact, there is the possibility that if I did, I would be far more famous than I am currently, which is not at all. But, I am not here for fame. I am here to share real world experiences in the hopes that others can relate or learn things.

In my mind, very little conversation or discussion can arise from someone excitedly telling me a tale of how this one time, their lover told them they were the best they had ever had and this is exactly why they said that! Yes, I know, writing that down it is clear they wanted me to turn around and say, prove it! Let us jump in the sack right now so I can test the validity of your sexual prowess. Hmmm… now that’s a thought experiment. How many people would have gone through with it, versus chickening out in the moment? Some questions will simply never be answered, and that is not a bad thing.

So back to the whole character writing part. I don’t think I could ever do justice to a piece that simply shared the sexual exploits of others. My attraction lies in the individuals I sleep with, and their unique personas. And I find the complexity of people to be compelling. None of that allure gets conveyed when a person brags to me about their sex lives moments after we have our first sip of beer. Holy hell am I ever glad that I don’t date any more. So many moments are rushing through my head right now that it is difficult to focus on the subject at hand, which is developing a character with traits that are compelling. So, to all those who have wondered if I will ever share your stories, the answer is almost certainly no. And in fact, if you ever see yourself in my book, chances are it is from a shared experience and not from any character development on my part. That is not a skill that I want to hone, as a matter of personal integrity and privacy to those with whom I have been intimate with.

Phew, that was a bunch to get off my chest. Stay tuned for the randomness that I’m sure I will bring forth next week! And if you can’t wait that long, feel free to check out the bonus content on my Patreon.

We’re Trying…

    K Ghislaine

What a terrifying thing to admit.  Are we even allowed to do that?  This is something couples keep to themselves until the 3 month mark is over, then you announce.  But the thing is, the 3 month part is the hardest.  It’s the most nerve wracking, and the most traumatic, especially when things go wrong.  Or even when things go right, or so I assume, because it’s your first time and you’re terrified.

I’ve recently had things go wrong.  It was awful,  but we both persevered like you’re supposed to.  We grieved together, but remained separated from the world.  When I went to work, I pretended that everything was ok.  Then I would breakdown at home, where I would face another reality of the miscarriage, and then another. The isolation, and the pretending everything is alright is exhausting. It takes a toll on you. On your womanhood, or manhood, or all the things that creep into your minds as you go from hope and wonderment, to letdown, and sadness.

The medical professionals tell you, especially with the first one that’s It’s not your fault.  It’s common.  You google the stats and see about 1/4 of all pregnancies end in miscarriage.   But is that true?  Was mine recorded?  Am I a statistic or just another unrecorded woman who went through something we aren’t supposed to talk about? Will I go through it again? Can I persevere through another failure?

And don’t get me started on the burden and grief and sheer helplessness that is felt by our partners.  Is that what being a future parent is really about? Taking your lumps in silence and then only talking about things when they are good?  I hate the silence.   I hate that we went through that alone. 

So, I’m changing the conversation.  We are trying to have a baby.  I’m now 40 and that’s scary. 

But also incredibly fun, and so hot, and all the amazing things that sex can be, especially with the best partner that you have ever been with. If we don’t start trying now, the reality is, we will be out of time. Biology doesn’t let a woman have babies at any point in her life, my biological clock is screaming. Men, yet again have hit the procreation jackpot. They can always have babies, well almost. Whereas me? I simply cannot wait anymore to try. And because I have found the man of my dreams, who is on the absolute same page as me, it’s simply a matter of can we, rather than do we want to. So, we are trying… to have a baby.

And yes, I am terrified of bringing any of you readers along for the journey. For sharing the private, personal, and all the jazz in between. But here I am, being vulnerable and raw, again!

Thank you for all who have supported me over on Patreon. I am getting back into the habit of taking being the scenes photos, and this post is no exception. So, enjoy!

Aftershocks, Energy Flow, and Actually Feeling Re-Filled?

    K Ghislaine
Aftershock Bliss

So, let me continue with my exploration of aftershocks and energy.  In my last piece I aimed to better describe what I was feeling when in comes to my world of aftershocks.  Thankfully, it resonated with a person I was failing to describe it in words to, so yay me!  And now, if you will indulge me for a moment to take it a step forward, and discuss what happens after the aftershocks: the formation of my energy cycle.

In the past, I have been with men who sucked the energy out of me.  Thus, my role was an exhausting endeavour to find new sources of energy for myself, so then I can give it to my loved ones.  Obviously this, is not sustainable, especially long term.  It works for a while because I love feeling needed and wanted, but if for whatever reason that wains (which of course it would), well… it’s a disaster.  Now, as much I try to be aware of this negative energy cycle, I must admit that I am attracted to this feeling of being wanted, and thus, it is difficult for me to actually break.  That being said, I think, I may have just found the thing that may once and for all break my determination to fall headfirst into this pattern, and that is in finding someone who creates an energy flow with me.

I’ve felt snippets in the past, but if I am completely honest, they result from sexual energy alone.  If we are having sex with the frequency of rabbits, then it works well.  But, relationships, and life always seem to get in the way of that being sustainable.  So imagine me being completely unprepared for what I have been experiencing over the past little while.  And that my friends is feeling re-filled by a person, and if I am reading things right, him feeling the same.  It’s like we complete each other? 

Click on Betty’s Toy Box and use Breaking Away at checkout! (affiliate)

I don’t know if I am getting ahead of myself, and describing something that is more NRE (new relationship energy) rather than something far more.  But this does have all the telltale signals that it’s more than just the new.  We have been friends for many years.  We can talk about pretty much anything and everything.  We enjoy each other’s company.  We both think the world of each other, and can clearly express that.  Oh and the sex is amazing.  We have an intimate chemistry that just seems to work on a level beyond words or direction. That being said, when direction is given it is understood and taken to the absolute next level with enthusiastic gusto. 

Ooph!  I’m a puddle just thinking about that.  Anyways, back on track.  Wait… was there a track?  Or is this it.  Finding an energy loop that works for two people?  With little bolts of aftershocks to fuel you for the moments you are apart?  Is this what people are looking for?  Or the lucky ones having already found?  If this is the relationship secret, then, I am all aboard.  Of course, nothing is perfect, or without problems.  For us, it will be time and space.  Oh, and being very different people, who are inherently stubborn fools.  But… there is something here worth exploring.  Worth every single fantasy.  And absolutely worth the effort on both our parts. 

If I am jumping the gun, and putting this out into the world prematurely, then so be it. I am feeling these intense feelings right now, and they are valid.  Right or wrong, or even if they are felt as strongly by the other side really doesn’t change my excitement, or feeling of sheer bliss right now. And with that, I have started an energy cycle that I hope remains my norm for years to come. Breaking away from being the relationship battery if you will.

For the behind the scenes photo please check out my Patreon which fuels my creative juices!

The Backlash of Writing About Being Comfortable Naked when Thin…

    K Ghislaine
Comfortable Naked After a Lot of Hard Work!

Yup, never fails that when I write an article about body image, and being comfortable naked, I get put on blast for trying to express that my body image issues are the same as those who are not skinny.  Every, single, freaking, time!  Look, everyone should be able to talk about weight, body image issues, and be able to express hope that someday in the future looks won’t matter.  Just because I am thin, and my experience is different than a person who has experienced fat shaming, does not mean I must remain silent, on body image. Or that my expression is invalid.  Yes, I have issues with my body, and I am trying to open up conversation.  I in no way, have tried to diminish anyone else’s experience.  In fact quite the opposite, in that I have openly asked others to share their stories, if they feel comfortable so we can have real dialogue about how body shaming hurts everyone.

The second matter of BS, that this article opened up, was the mass of men who said they didn’t think I should have body image issues because I look amazing. What, the actual F?  How is that helpful at all?  So, some stranger saw a photo and then decides that my feelings and experiences are invalid?  No thank you sir, no thank you! You have no idea what I worked through to get here! Perhaps if you had actually read the article I wrote for Medium, instead of just reading the headline, but… clearly that is asking far too much. I have to add one caveat, and that is to my dear friend who wrote surprise at my feelings and provided me a space to talk further about it, then offered real comfort and uplifting sentiments. He didn’t just outright dismiss my feelings out of hand because he didn’t agree with them. This of course was only made possible because this guy actually knows me, and we have honest and real dialogue.  He in no way invalidated me, but instead expressed an opinion, followed by giving me healthy space to further express.  There is a communication learning opportunity here. You can have an opinion, but it’s all about delivery, and what your intent is. If you are just trying to tell a person that their experience is wrong or invalid, please don’t.

Strangers judging other strangers is not the answer to building a better world/community/space and what have you. I expressed an experience, that was supplementary to sharing how non-monogamous situations helped me see myself and others in a less critical light.  But instead of focusing that, by all means try and tell me that I just don’t understand, nor will I ever, because I can’t possibly know what it’s like to be judged for how I look because the thin experience doesn’t count.  Those with this opinion, may I ask how you don’t see irony in this?

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I want to make it clear, as I said on Twitter, that I in no way think skinny shaming is equal to fat shaming. They just aren’t. I have never implied that. My intent was to broaden the sphere of conversation, and to express the very real sentiment that I too have felt insecure with my nude form, but when faced with a broad range of naked bodies (of almost every single shape and size) I saw first hand beauty in the variety. That is the takeaway I intended, and one that I hope we all get to feel at some point. That sheer joy in just being comfortable naked. The whole, don’t judge a book by its cover thing?

Any who, thank you to all the amazing people who either just moved on from a piece they may not have liked, or took time to share their experience with me. And of course, to all of those who it struck a chord with, I earnestly hope we all move past the experiences and have a much healthier image of ourselves in the future.  Because that, at the end of the day, is what it is all about! 

Thank you all who have bought me beers this week! As a thank you, there are some behind the scenes pictures from this photo shoot up on Patreon for you.