Love is patient, love is kind, and love can also get a little complicated. OWN's new summer series Love Is ___ is the true story of the journey that two complex individuals from opposite worlds navigate while falling in love and finding themselves in an even more complicated world; and the trailer will give you all the feels.
Last year, the network called on the creator of Being Mary Jane, Mara Brock Akil and her husband, Salim Akil to executive produce an hour-long romantic dramedy set primarily in the 90's that will depict the narrative of their unconventional love story. The network recently announced the release date for the series, and its honest perspective of relationships in the black community will challenge the lack of authenticity that exists in mainstream media.
The tale will chronicle the lives of the modern-day power-couple and how a relationship that started 20 years ago influenced the lives that they live today. Individually, they are both legends in their own right; but together, the couple have had a hand in writing and/or producing over 350 episodes on prime time TV for shows including The Game, Girlfriends, and Soul Food and have garnered a multitude of respect in the industry from some major players. Oprah said:
"I've dreamed of working with the Akils. I've been a huge fan of their work since first viewing 'Girlfriends.' They know just how to hit the cultural nerve to make you think and laugh at the same time."
Mara and Akil met on the set of Moesha and married in 1999. Despite her issues with abandonment and his battle with depression, the Akils are proof that love really does conquer all. The two seemingly came from different worlds: Mara was privileged with high expectations and wide-eyed for opportunity, and Salim had a tough upbringing and had fathered his first child by age 13. It took Salim a year after meeting his one-day wife to gather up the courage to ask her out, and after their first meal together he asked:
"Can we cut the bullshit and get on about the business of living a life together?"
Later, Mara encouraged Salim to quit his full-time job working with the mentally ill and pursue his writing career and now, they are both industry leaders and recipients of a number of awards and accolades for their work. Their story is a reminder that your wife can determine the trajectory of your life, but the couple's unconventional fairytale didn't come without some bumps along the way.
Love Is ___ will give us the opportunity to experience the magic all over again.
The series chronicles the chaotic romantic and professional life of a character based on a Young Mara named Nuri, played by Michele Weaver, who much like all of us, is just trying to figure it all out. The show is a truthful reminder that love can be complicated, but it's worth it in the end. Cast members said that the show would give an honest look at the challenges and imperfections that it really takes to make this love thing work. Weaver says in the trailer:
"Love is authentic, it's refreshing, and it is passionate. It's taking love between two people, and showing it through tons of different perspectives."
"You're gonna see yourself. You're gonna see your friends. You're gonna see your mom, there's so many voices being heard on one show."
Nuri is literally every woman in her 20- to 30-somethings - ambitious and along for the ride, always willing to accept any bumps and bruises that come with the territory; but not fully understanding that those bumps and bruises can cause pain or happiness for a lifetime. On the show, Nuri plays a sitcom director with big dreams who's seeking a legitimate partnership with men who tend to keep coming up short. She meets Yasir, inspired by Salim Akil, who seems to be a perfect match.
Except for the fact that he's unemployed... and still involved with his on-again-off-again ex-girlfriend.
Yikes.
Just because a relationship is beautiful, doesn't mean it's without imperfection.
The Akils' story gave me some serious nostalgia about falling in love and it made me reminisce about my past lovers, unlike most romantic dramas, it didn't make me sad. The trailer for Love Is ___ reminded me that love doesn't have to be "normal" because it just feels so much better when it's real.
The cast of the show features some familiar faces, including Loretta Devine, Tim Reid, Tammy Townsend, and Vanessa Bell Calloway, and is set to premiere June 19. If you're like me and can't wait to find out more about this dope couple's story: check out Mara's instagram to get a sneak peak into the Akil's imperfectly perfect love story.
Check out the trailer for Love Is ____ here.
- Welcome to the official website of OWN - the Oprah Winfrey Network ... ›
- OWN Orders Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil Drama Series ... ›
- OWN's New Dramedy 'Love Is ____,' From Mara Brock Akil and ... ›
- Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil Partner with Oprah for Love Is ›
- OWN Orders Relationship Dramedy Series From Mara Brock Akil ... ›
- Introducing: Love Is ›
- 'Love Is___': OWN Relationship Dramedy Adds Five To Cast ... ›
- Mara Brock Akil, Salim Akil OWN Drama 'Love Is__' Adds Five ... ›
- 'Love Is___': Michele Weaver & Will Catlett To Star In OWN Series ... ›
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That’s why, when one couple came to me and asked what was something that they could do to light the fire (pun intended) in their own bedroom, the first thing that I asked was if they had ever tried wax play before. You should’ve seen the expression on their faces. LOL.
When it comes to things like that, I think that it’s still taboo for some, simply because they’ve only seen it on a movie screen or heard about it in true extreme sexual contexts — and so, they don’t think that it’s something that is “for them” when, the reality is, with the right tips in tow, wax play can be for pretty much anyone…and everyone.
So today, let’s add something new to some of y’all’s boudoir list of activities. Here are 10 things that will, hopefully, help you to see the flames of wax play (I’ve got puns all over the place today) in a whole new light.
1. Anticipation Does Wonders for Sexual Arousal
GiphyI once read an article by a mental health expert who said that anticipation is probably the greatest aphrodisiac of all. It builds excitement. It fuels curiosity. At the end of the day, it’s like a mental form of edging because you’re getting close to something that you look forward to — although you’re not quite there yet. Listen, he’s not off base because even science says that anticipation can give you a dopamine hit that can ultimately improve your sexual experiences.
Keeping this point in mind, how can watching hot wax drip from a candle and head toward your body not fuel some level of anticipation? Especially if it’s your first few times trying it? A woman by the name of Ana Monnar once said, “Anticipation is sometimes more exciting than actual events.” Just something to consider, when it comes to entertaining bringing wax play into your world, my dear.
2. Wax Play Is Peak-Level Foreplay
GiphyWe all know what foreplay is, right? Just to be sure that we’re all on the same page, a very basic definition is it’s something that typically happens right before sex in order to arouse the people who are about to have it. And since foreplay is pretty much the prelude to copulation, it’s important that “the appetizer” is damn near as good as the “main course.” Wax play can help to ensure that because, aside from what I just said about anticipation, it can also help you and your partner tap into your more sensual and seductive sides. It’s hot. It requires being mindful. And since so much give and take is involved, it requires both people to be very into the moment. Lawd. Wax play is sexy to even just think about!
3. Temperature Pleasure Is Lots of Fun
GiphyOkay, say that you’ve never played with wax (in this way) before. Have you ever incorporated ice cubes? I ain’t gonna let y’all get ALL up in my business, so…let me just say (for now) that some ice during oral sex ain’t neva hurt nobody…quite the contrary! There’s something about the unexpected cool that mixes around with the warmth of a mouth that is truly unmatched. Along these same lines, wax play brings in the heat and, what makes temperature pleasure/play so awesome is, that it uses the sensations of different temperatures to bring out different forms of stimulation.
Another thing that’s worth noting about temperature pleasure is if you’re someone who considers yourself to be on the sexually conservative side yet you do like this type of activity, whether you realize it or not, you’re low-key participating in a form of kink (yep!). This brings me to my next point.
4. Wax Play Is an Introduction to Kink
GiphyIt’s kind of interesting how some people clam up at the thought of a (sexual) kink when the reality is, at the end of the day, it’s about having a certain type of sexual experience (as opposed to a fetish that focuses on objects or body parts; like a foot fetish, for example). So, if it’s that simple, why does it intimidate a lot of folks? Well, kinks tend to delve into people’s fantasies or unconventional ways of thinking (like BDSM or voyeurism).
At the same time, the cool thing about kinks is you control how deep you want to go. Just know that if you do participate in wax play, there’s no point in turning up your nose to the whole kink thing; wax play technically qualifies.
5. Soy Does One Thing. Paraffin Does Another.
GiphyOkay, so let’s spend a couple of moments talking about the things that you need to get the most out of your wax play experience. First, please don’t be out here imitating movies. While they will have you believing that you should pull a taper candle from your dining room table and go ham with it, it’s best to go with massage candles; they are specifically designed for wax play and body massages (The Knot has a recommendation list here and Women’s Health has a list of their own here).
When it comes to candles, in general, I’m always a fan of soy because they burn cleaner and last longer. However, when it comes to wax play, two other reasons why soy is best is it’s natural and “burns lower;” this simply means that once the wax hits your body, it won’t be as hot as, say, paraffin wax will (because it has a higher burning point).
What all of this means is if you want a more comfortable experience, go with a soy (or even a shea butter or beeswax) candle. If you want to play with the big (wax play) kids, try paraffin.
Oh, and if you’re wondering if you can never use “regular” candles — I mean, it’s your body. All I’m saying is some candles are designed for wax play; birthday candles? They are not. Feel me?
6. Massage Candles Feel Incredible on Your Muscles and Joints
GiphySo, here’s the thing about massage candles: If you’ve ever had a professional massage before, your massage therapist may have used them. And if you’ve gotten a high-end mani/pedi, some paraffin wax may have come into play (no pun intended). That’s because the wax from both types of candles has health benefits that include relaxing muscles, improving joint mobility, and increasing blood flow throughout the body. And when you factor in the fact that the better you physically feel before sex, the better sex will be during it — isn’t that just one more plus for and perk of wax play? I definitely think so.
7. The Aromatherapy Is Incomparable
GiphySomething else that’s awesome about most massage candles is they have a wonderfully alluring scent to them, by design. Yes, that matters too because there is plenty of data out here to support the fact that aromatherapy does everything from reduce stress and relieve bodily discomfort to treat headaches and fight off infections (word on the street is that it may even help with menstrual cramps and menopause).
As far as your sex life goes, aromatherapy is supreme because certain essential oils double up as aphrodisiacs. Lavender, neroli, and rose are proven to improve your sexual function. Geranium reduces anxiety. And listen, if climaxing is your ultimate goal, check out “Ultimate Climax Hack? 10 Scents That Make It So Much Easier To Orgasm” and then look for massage oils that smell like, say, vanilla, saffron or jasmine. Bottom line, a good massage candle that smells amazing is going to be worth every cent that you spent to purchase it.
8. You Will Learn Communication (and Dirty Talk) on a Whole ‘Nother Level
GiphyOne of the reasons why I once penned, “Are You Ready To Apply Your Love Language To Your Sex Life?” for the platform is because, if there’s one thing that I think is so awesome about sex, is it finds a way to incorporate all five of your senses (sight, touch, taste, sound and hearing) as well as your top love languages (words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, physical touch and gifts — if you’re open to it).
And when it comes to hearing (and words of affirmation), this is another area where wax play can be a winner because, as you’re learning what works for your partner and they learn what works for you, words have to be exchanged… perhaps even dirty ones.
And why is dirty talk so damn effective? According to scientific research, it has the ability to activate your entire brain (the biggest sex organ that you have) and when this is going on while you’re being physically stimulated — chile, the sky truly is the limit!
9. Wax Play Is Completely Customizable
GiphyYou know back when I was talking about soy candles vs. paraffin ones? Something that I didn’t mention, by design at the time, is that, although I will forever be Team Massage Candles when it comes to this particular topic, there are some known as wax play candles too. What’s the difference? Wax play candles tend to remain pretty hard (after being lit up) while massage candles are designed to melt into a liquid that you can massage on your partner’s body.
Why am I bringing this all up now? Well, it’s to serve as a reminder that wax play can be “dialed up” or “turned down” based on what you want to do. If you just want to put a twist on a massage, you can do that. If you’d like to test your partner’s tolerance level by applying more heat for longer, do that.
Just make sure that you use the kind of wax that doesn’t fully melt on shaved areas of the body (pretty sure why is self-explanatory), that you moisturize your skin beforehand (it’s easier to remove the wax…or whatever is leftover) that way and that you pour around 15-20 inches away from your partner’s body; that gives it time to cool somewhat on the way down. Oh, and if you don’t want to jack up your sheets, you might want to lay down a protective drop cloth (like this one here).
10. It Sure As Hell Ain’t Boring
Season 1 Friends GIF - Find & Share on GIPHYGiphyLast point — and it brings all of this full circle. Now that you’ve read all of the ways that wax play can benefit your sex life, how in the world could you associate it with “boring” on any level? Anything that can get you hype, cultivate eagerness, and enhance what you’ve already got going on…that is worth putting on your sex bucket list and trying at least one time, wouldn’t you say? And why can’t that time be…TONIGHT? Shoot your man a pick of a massage candle with a heart and watch him beat you home.
Then report back (with edits…LOL).
Something tells me that you’ll become a wax play fan — SOON.
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