https://www.cbc.ca/radio/whitecoat/...te-with-someone-new-during-covid-19-1.5616985
Get kinky, creative and vulnerable
No matter how new your partner is, experts agree that the best way to engage in sexual contact with those outside your household or immediate bubble is to rethink traditional approaches to courtship — and that includes eliminating kissing.
Wearing a mask during intimate encounters with new partners is a best practice during the pandemic, according to experts.
"In pre-COVID times, [kissing] would be the beginning of intimacy. I think that it's something that if you can avoid you should avoid, and think about other ways to initiate intimacy that may include face masks to prevent possible droplet transmission," Daskalakis said.
He noted that smooching is a pretty "efficient" way to transmit the virus, and that just as turning your face during a hug is a good strategy, so are sexual positions where partners aren't face to face.
Wood suggests that people try using online spaces to communicate about things that would normally be reserved for in-person interactions.
"You can reframe this as a time to build that connection together. Whether it's getting to know each other — you know, your favourite foods or your sexual likes and dislikes ... really getting to be vulnerable with one another. And being vulnerable with one another often builds intimacy. When we disclose information about ourselves and that's received well from another partner, that builds that connection," she said.
"So, I think it also provides us a really good opportunity to build new relationships in a way that is a lower risk for getting or passing COVID-19."
The New York guidelines also suggest couples consider introducing some kink, suggesting they get "creative with sexual positions and physical barriers ... that allow sexual contact while preventing close face-to-face contact."
Carlyle Jansen, a Toronto sex therapist and owner of the store Good For Her, suggests couples may want to consider sex toys that can be controlled by partners in different locations over an app.
"I think whether it be, you know, starting new relationships, being separated from people that you normally would see regularly, or it can be a fun thing even if you live together."
Sex tips in the age of COVID-19 according to Dr. Demetre Daskalakis:
Get kinky, creative and vulnerable
No matter how new your partner is, experts agree that the best way to engage in sexual contact with those outside your household or immediate bubble is to rethink traditional approaches to courtship — and that includes eliminating kissing.
Wearing a mask during intimate encounters with new partners is a best practice during the pandemic, according to experts.
"In pre-COVID times, [kissing] would be the beginning of intimacy. I think that it's something that if you can avoid you should avoid, and think about other ways to initiate intimacy that may include face masks to prevent possible droplet transmission," Daskalakis said.
He noted that smooching is a pretty "efficient" way to transmit the virus, and that just as turning your face during a hug is a good strategy, so are sexual positions where partners aren't face to face.
Wood suggests that people try using online spaces to communicate about things that would normally be reserved for in-person interactions.
"You can reframe this as a time to build that connection together. Whether it's getting to know each other — you know, your favourite foods or your sexual likes and dislikes ... really getting to be vulnerable with one another. And being vulnerable with one another often builds intimacy. When we disclose information about ourselves and that's received well from another partner, that builds that connection," she said.
"So, I think it also provides us a really good opportunity to build new relationships in a way that is a lower risk for getting or passing COVID-19."
The New York guidelines also suggest couples consider introducing some kink, suggesting they get "creative with sexual positions and physical barriers ... that allow sexual contact while preventing close face-to-face contact."
Carlyle Jansen, a Toronto sex therapist and owner of the store Good For Her, suggests couples may want to consider sex toys that can be controlled by partners in different locations over an app.
"I think whether it be, you know, starting new relationships, being separated from people that you normally would see regularly, or it can be a fun thing even if you live together."
Sex tips in the age of COVID-19 according to Dr. Demetre Daskalakis:
- Talk to your partners about sex. (This could include your preferences, desires, or just general comfort-level talking about something that isn't always discussed.)
- Figure out what risk level you're willing to accept. Are you a bungee jumper or are you scared of heights? Risk tolerance really dictates your next moves.
- Face coverings are important; use them creatively.
- Remember that COVID-19 is transmitted through droplets, so it's exposure from the neck up. Try having sex in positions that don't require face-to-face interaction.
- Use the internet, use the private messaging features of social media platforms, and if you decide to have a live encounter, just be smart, read the guidelines, and make a plan.
