
I like the word strange. Hell, I even like the throwback Cameo joint, “She’s Strange” (my dad used to play the entire hell out of that bassline back in the day). Strange doesn’t just mean “odd,” it also means things like unusual, extraordinary, and curious. Strange is also defined as being “outside of one’s previous experience” and “unacquainted.” In the right context with the proper understanding, there is nothing wrong with being strange — and wanting to know about things that are oftentimes considered to be strange as well.
And that’s why I gave this article the title that it has. After you check out these 12 fascinating facts about sex, I’m pretty sure that you will find at least five of them to be pretty damn strange…and honestly, when it’s all said and done, how cool is that?
1. “Having a Headache” Is the Worst Excuse Ever to Not Have Sex
GiphyImagine if you were in a long-term committed relationship, where monogamy (marriage) or exclusivity (dating) was expected, and every time you wanted to have sex, your partner claimed that they had a — le sigh — headache. Yeah, don’t even get me started on if your partner pulled the same stunt about going to work to get the bills paid, how you would really get just how annoying the “I have a headache” thing can be… I digress. Anyway, I don’t know who came up with that piss-poor excuse; however, if that’s your go-to, science says to find something else.
As wild as it may sound, it appears that the same brain chemical that triggers sexual desire is the one that can cause a migraine. If you add to that the fact that endorphins from sex can actually reduce the tension of a headache — it really does look like the jig is totally up as far as that popular excuse is concerned. #Elmoshrug
2. If You Suck at Work, Umm…Suck at Home (Kinda)
GiphyIf you want a promotion at work, you might want to engage in some morning sex before you leave the house. Research indicates that having a healthy and fulfilling sex life can ultimately result in more productivity, engagement, and overall job satisfaction at the office. A part of the reason why is sex reduces stress. Another is that it causes endorphins (“feel good” chemicals) to kick in. Another is that sex helps to boost your creativity levels. So, if it’s been a while since you’ve indulged and your professional performance has dropped…there may be some dots to connect there.
3. Masturbation May Not Be Helping Your Sex Life As Much As You Think, Chile
GiphyI went to a Christian high school, and although I could write an entire book about so much of the BS that went on up in there (especially on the racist tip), there were some silver linings, too. One was the Bible teacher that I had during my last two years: Chuck Stanford. He was raw and researched and that combo made him a blessing. Anyway, I remember him saying that when you get caught up in the cycle of doing “everything but” (you know, intercourse), it could cause issues in your sex life up the road because you have put yourself in the habit of stopping at a certain point.
Guess what? Masturbation can potentially share in this — in a bit of a different way.
Although it has been proven that masturbation can improve the quality of orgasms, “sex with yourself” could also cause you to become sexually selfish and disconnected from your partner if you’re so used to “gettin’ yours” on your own that you no longer want to share the experience with them. Not only that, but it could also reduce the sensation of pleasure (if you’re a chronic masturbator), or it could lead to idiosyncratic masturbation style, which is what transpires when you have gotten so caught up in what you can accomplish alone that you struggle with replicating it — whatever “it” — may be with an actual partner.
Yes, “too much of a good thing” is, indeed, a thing.
4. As Much As Sex Is Crammed Down American’s Throats, Guess What?
GiphySex may sell; that doesn’t mean that it’s automatically a fulfilling experience, though — at least in the United States. I prefaced this fact this way by design because, as much as we see (and hear) sex in this country, it’s interesting that India currently holds the title for being the most sexually-satisfied country (guess the Kama Sutra really ain’t nothin’ to play with) with The Philippines, Mexico, Columbia, and South Africa not being too far behind. As far as who has the most exciting sex, Mexico and Nigeria get top ranking — meanwhile, who don’t you see up in this? Yeah…EXACTLY.
5. Bet You Don’t Know What “Gymnophoria” Means
GiphyChile, now, if you knew that the word “gymnasium” ultimately comes from a Greek word that means nakedness, hop in the comments and tell me how you found that out. Anyway, if you factor that in, I guess it makes sense that someone who deals with gymnophobia may fear nudity, or if they struggle with gymnophoria, they might be consumed with believing that people are mentally undressing them whenever they are in their presence.
6. A Man’s Hands Actually Prove Something
GiphyBack in my — eh hem — heyday, I had enough sex to know that the myth that never seems to die about being able to tell a man’s penis size based on his shoe size is just that: A MYTH. At the same time, what I will tell you that you should hone in on is a guy’s fingers. Word on the (science) street is if a man’s ring finger is longer than his index one, not only will his penis be longer, his testosterone levels will be stronger too. Do with that what you will.
7. According to Science, Seniors Have Top-Tier Sex
GiphyLess distractions. More privacy. Not having to worry about an unwanted pregnancy. Practice making perfect with the same partner. A keen awareness of one’s body. These are just some of the reasons why many seniors end up having better sex than when they were younger (and more than those who are younger than they are). Hmph.
And when you stop to consider the fact that many of our elders are running circles around folks half their age when it comes to sexual consistency and satisfaction — you might wanna watch less TikTok and go talk to your grandma if you’ve got some questions about how to enjoy coitus more. Dead serious.
8. Republicans Cheat the Most
GiphyAlthough I have plenty of thoughts about this upcoming election (and again, I digress), I’ll just put this out here, and y’all can also do with it what you will. When it comes to the party who is inclined to commit the most infidelity, it’s not “the donkeys” (some of y’all will catch that later). Moving on.
9. Some People’s Orgasms Can Last Longer than Commercial Breaks
GiphyListen, I’m all for a good orgasm; I don’t know if I’m down for one that lasts longer than six hours, though. Yep, apparently, the longest recorded orgasm for a woman is 6 hours and 30 minutes, and 8 hours and 30 minutes for a man. So, how long do climaxes last for the rest of us? Somewhere between 10-60 seconds — although if you’re someone who can go two minutes, that is considered “normal” too.
And if you are, personally, I’m pretty impressed because that is the length of four average commercials (which is a pretty long time if you really stop to think about it).
10. Men’s Sperm Is Actually Pretty Damn Brilliant
GiphyI’m a fan of sperm. A huge part of the reason is that it played a pivotal role in what got me here (some folks need to remember that). Another is I continue to learn so many fascinating things about it (check out “Do You Swallow? The Unexpected Health Benefits Of Sperm”). Like did you know that a single sperm holds somewhere around 37.5MB worth of data?
Something else that’s a trip is a man can produce enough sperm in two weeks to impregnate every fertile woman on the planet. The more you know, chile. The more you freakin’ know.
11. An STI/STD Can Be in You for Years…and You Not Even Know It
GiphyThis one right here is something that I can personally cosign on. Many years ago, after coming down with a bout of both mono and strep throat, I also found out that I had chlamydia. At the time, I wasn’t sexually active, so I couldn’t figure out what the hell was going on. What my doctor told me was that it had been lying dormant in my system for what seemed to be a couple of years, and my other illnesses “activated” it.
If you add that to the fact that literally thousands of people have an STI/STD right now with no symptoms — moral to the story? Get tested every six months, y’all, and wear condoms. NO EXCUSES.
12. Yes, Sex Can Literally “Blow Your Mind”
GiphyOn this platform, I use the term “mind-blowing” when it comes to sex fairly often. And while it might seem like an exaggeration, there is scientific proof that says otherwise. Long story short, some activities (including sex and especially once you reach your 50s and 60s) can put the kind of pressure on certain parts of your body that can throw you into what is known as transient global amnesia (TGA) which is a form of memory loss that can last for up to 24 hours.
Although it can be frightening, it’s typically nothing to worry about, although if you can pull that off on your partner — talk about some serious bragging rights!
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Now tell me that those sex-themed facts weren’t, oh so very literally, STRANGE.
Uh-huh. What are you gonna do with all of this intel is my question? (Hmm…)
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This Is How To Keep 'Holiday Season Stress' From Infecting Your Relationship
Hmph. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like there is something really weird happening in the fall season air (because winter doesn’t officially begin until December 21) that cuddle season is in full swing while break-up season is as well. In fact, did you know that break-ups are so popular during the holiday season that December 11 is deemed Break-Up Day?
The reasons why relationships shift around this time vary; however, I did both roll my eyes and chuckle when I read that a very popular one is because it’s an easy way to get out of getting one’s significant other a Christmas present. SMDH.
Anyway, I personally think that the less shallow folks out here may contemplate calling things “quits” or they at least distance themselves a bit from their partner (and what I’m referring to is serious relationships) due to all of the stress and strain that oftentimes comes with the holidays whether it be financial, familial, due to their tight schedules or something else.
Listen, I would hate for you and your man to miss the fun and happiness of experiencing this time of year, all because you are so overwhelmed or irritated that you can’t really enjoy it. That’s why I have a few practical tips for how to avoid allowing the typical holiday season stress from INFECTING your relationship.
Manage Your Expectations
GiphyUnmanaged expectations. If there is a main reason why the holiday season tends to be so stress-filled for so many people, I’d bet good money that this is the cause. And when you’re in a long-term relationship, expectations can manifest themselves in all sorts of cryptic and/or unexpected ways. You might have relatives who assume that you are going to be with them for Thanksgiving or Christmas when you have other plans in mind. You might be thinking that you are going to spend one amount for presents while your man is thinking something totally different. When it comes to scheduling, your signals may be crossed.
And you know what? To all of these scenarios, this is where clear and consistent communication come in. Don’t assume anything. Don’t dictate anything either. From now until New Year’s, mutually decide to check in once a week, just to make sure that you are both on the same page as it relates to the holidays and what you both are thinking will come along with it. The less blindsided you both feel, the less stressed out you will be. Trust me on this.
Set (and Keep) a Budget
GiphyOkay, so I read that last year, 36 percent of Americans incurred some type of holiday-related debt. Hmph. Last year, there was still some sense of normalcy in this country, chile, so I can only imagine what finances are gonna look like over the next several weeks. That said, since I don’t know a lot of people who don’t find being broke stressful, make sure that you and your bae set a budget and then stick to it this year — no ifs, ands or buts.
Because really, y’all — it doesn’t make sense to deplete savings and/or max out credit cards for a few days of giggles only to be damn near losing your mind because you don’t know how to make ends meet come Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
And by the way, this tip doesn’t just speak to things like food and gifts; I also mean travel. If it doesn’t make a ton of sense (or cents) to be all over the place this year — DON’T BE.
Keep Matthew 5:37 at the Forefront
GiphyIf off the top of your head, you don’t know what Matthew 5:37 says, no worries, here ya go: “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” That verse right there? Oh, it’s a boundaries lifesaver! I say that because do you see “maybe” or “I’ll think about it” in there? Nope. LOL. It says that you should tell people “yes” or “no” and leave it at that — and that complements Anne Lamott’s quote, “’No’ is a complete sentence” impeccably well. Yeah, you’ve got to remember that anything beyond a yes or no to a request is privileged information; you don’t owe anyone details or an explanation.
Besides, if you are really honest with yourself, when someone asks you something and you give a “Umm, let me think about it” kind of reply, more times than not, you already know what your answer is going to be — so why not let you both off of the hook? Give your response. Commit to that. And let everyone (including yourself) get on with their lives and schedules.
I promise you that when it comes to those holiday parties, you are pissing more folks off by not RSVP’ing or doing so and not showing up than just saying, “Thank you but not this year” off the rip.
Remember That Your Personal Space Is Privilege Not a Right
GiphyA friend of mine recently bought a new house and invited me over to come see it. He’s a single man with no children, so as I was taking in all of the space that he had, especially as I walked through his finished basement, I joked about relatives coming to live with him. “Hell no” and “absolutely not” were pretty much his immediate responses as he went on to say that some folks even had the nerve to be offended when he told them that he had no intentions on taking DNA in.
Ain’t it wild how people think that your stuff is their right? And yes, that brings me to my next point. Your home is your sanctuary space. If you want to host folks this year — cool. If not, ALSO COOL. Please don’t let folks (family included) guilt you into how they want you to act or even into what they would do if the shoe was on the other foot. You are not them — and as one of my favorite quotes states, “If two people were exactly alike, one of them would be unnecessary.” (A man by the name Larry Dixon said that.)
Hell, my friends? They know that I am good for sending them random things that they need or even want all throughout the year. Coming over to hang out at my pace, though. Uh-uh. Chalk it up to being a card-carrying member of the ambivert club yet I like keeping my living space personal — and I sleep like a baby, each and every night, for feeling that way.
Always remember that your space, your time, your resources, your energy and shoot, yourself period (including your relationship), are all things that are your own. You get to choose how, when and why you want to share them. The holiday season is certainly no exception.
Cultivate Some “You Two Only” Traditions
GiphyIt’s not uncommon for some couples to hit me up after the holiday season to “detox.” Sometimes it’s due to the financial drama (and sometimes trauma) that they experienced. Sometimes it’s because they allowed their relatives (especially in-laws) to get more into their personal business than they should’ve. More than anything, though, it tends to be because they didn’t get enough quality time together and so ended up feeling “disconnected.”
Please don’t let that happen. Listen, I’m not even a holidays kind of woman and yet, I will absolutely sit myself down with some hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies to enjoy a Hallmark holiday film or two. Aside from the fact that most of them are lighthearted and sweet, I also like that they usually focus on couples loving on each other amidst all of the holiday beauty and ambiance — which is something that all couples should set aside some time to do.
Maybe it’s a vacation. Maybe it’s a staycation. Or maybe it’s my personal favorite, A SEXCATION. Whether it’s for a few days, the weekend or even overnight — don’t you let the holidays go by without setting aside time for you and your man to celebrate one another. Don’t you dare (check out “Are You Ready To Have Some Very Merry 'Christmas Sex'?”).
GET. SOME. REST.
GiphyI once read that 8 out of 10 people get stressed out over the holidays and 3 out of 10 lose sleep during to it — and when you’re stress-filled and sleep-deprived, that can absolutely lead to hypersensitivity, making mountains out of molehills and even not being in the mood for sex.
Your relationship can’t afford to go through any of this, so definitely make sure to prioritize rest. I don’t care how unrealistic it might seem during this time, sleep should never be seen as a luxury; it will always and forever be a great necessity.
That said, try to get no less than six hours of shut-eye in (check out “6 Fascinating Ways Sex And Sleep Definitely Go Hand In Hand”) and even ask your bae to take a nap with you sometimes (check out “Wanna Have Some Next-Level Sex? Take A Nap, Sis.”). Not only will sleep help to restore your mind, body and spirit but, when it’s with your partner, it’s an act of intimacy that can make you both feel super connected, even in the midst of what might feel like chaos.
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Holiday season stress is real. Still, never give it the permission or power to throw your relationship off. Put you and your man first and let the holidays be what they are gonna be, chile.
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Dreaming Of A White Christmas? These 7 Winter Wonderland Destinations Are Perfect For The Holidays
While most people opt for a tropical vacation during the winter months, there are still many people who want to fulfill their winter wonderland fantasies, which are more than likely centered on watching snow by the fireplace while sipping some hot cocoa.
With Thanksgiving vastly approaching and Christmas a little under a month away, there is still time to ditch the traditional Christmas home to visit family or friends.
Whether you’re looking to put a new stamp on your passport and keep things domestic with a destination in the States, xoNecole has you covered with a few hotspots for those itching to go somewhere cold (but with cozy vibes) this holiday season.
Aspen, Colorado
Our Christmas queen, Mariah Carey, has been taking an annual trip to this snowy destination since 1997, just three years after dropping the track that would make her the unofficial (but official to us) ambassador of the winter holiday.
Aside from being a key vacation spot for one of the culture’s greatest musicians, Aspen also offers travelers access to world-class skiing and snowboarding and four distinct mountains that provide the perfect backdrop for a winter vacation.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Home to the largest ski resort in North America, Whistler Blackcomb, this destination is located in the Coast Mountain Range and is about 75 miles north of Vancouver.
From luxury spas like Scandinave Spa Whistler to Olympic Park, this is another top winter vacation spot that offers a unique experience for people who love snow and the thrill of a good adventure.
Western Massachusetts
Dubbed the place for a magical holiday escape, Springfield, Massachusetts, blends the warmth of small-town charm with unforgettable experiences like Grinchmas at Springfield Museums, Winterlights at Naumkeag in Stockbridge, Historic Deerfield’s Winter Frolic, and many others.
This destination offers something for all ages, and it’s close to home, making it all the more reason to place on your radar for a winter getaway.
Rovaniemi, Finland
If you want to really get into the Christmas spirit, this just may be the place for you. As the official home to Saint Nick himself, Rovaniemi, Finland offers reindeer sleigh rides, the opportunity to stay in a glass igloo, as well as an opportunity to experience the Santa Claus Village.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Who says that visits to the lake house are only reserved for summer vacation? A winter trip to Lake Tahoe is equipped with stunning lake views and top-notch ski resorts, including Heavenly and Northstar.
Chamonix, France
Sitting at the base of Mont Blanc, Chamonix, France, is known for its skiing and mountaineering. This destination is home to the Aiguille du Midi cable car, the charming Alpine village, and is also close to various other European ski destinations.
Northeastern Pennsylvania
This area of the U.S. state is home to the Poconos Mountains, whose renowned ski resorts include Camelback Mountain, Blue Mountain, and Jack Frost Big Boulder. Whether you’re a ski expert, a beginner, or just there for the vibes, this destination makes for a winter vacation that balances fun adventures and cozy getaways. Additionally, Pennsylvania is home to the Christmas Tree Capital of the world.
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Originally published on November 23, 2024









