His "D" felt like love.
His body on top of me was the hug that I needed.
It was the way his hands were gripped on my back that assured me of my place in his life. His tongue explored my body the way eyes explore a road map. The way he would stop at his destination, zeroing in on the target with concentration let me know that I was his focus, his priority.
Sex with him was a 1992 Sade concert and a Too Live Crew music video morphed into one; a 360 experience. My body would erupt at the near sight of him. The anticipation was an orgasm of its own.
I knew then that he was dangerous.
Since my youth, I've always had trouble following directions. I've always had a mind of my own; never accepting the fact that sometimes my mind alone was inadequate. I thought I knew everything and no one knew more. So, when I met him, I ignored all the whispers. You know, the whispers you hear when you post his pic to IG with a corny caption you found off Google that seemingly sums up your relationship, "I don't care about your past, I want to be your future," or "Life began when I fell in love with you."
People were shocked and curious. They whispered, "How could she fall in love with a guy who's never truly loved anyone?" and, "She posted his pic? Doesn't she know he's everybody's man?"
He was known around town for having several women, sometimes at the same time. I was known as the "good" girl (sorta). So, the odds of me falling in love with a guy like that was supposed to be zero to none. I remember when I brought him around my friends for the first time, they had so many questions, mainly, "What the f*ck?"
Of course, in my mind, they were being irrational. My response was, "Y'all don't know him like I do," and "Support me."
It took me a few years after the relationship to realize that what I really meant to say was, "Y'all don't know his penis the way I do," and "Support my love for his penis despite the stupid shit it 'makes' me do."
I never understood the power of penis until I was introduced to his.
Now, I know some of you may be thinking that I'm crazy, but please hear me out.
First, it's important to understand that I am not trying to undermine true addiction. I'm fully aware that addiction of any kind is a serious matter. So, I phrase my experience by saying, no, I am not a sex addict or addicted to penis; however, I am a woman who came across a massive, beautiful and shiny set of "tools" that sent my world into a spiral. I fell in love (and delusion) with his penis, ignoring the man. I drew false parallels between his talent in the bedroom and the man that he was.
In the beginning, there was no doubt in my mind that it was true love. We had fun together, we were affectionate, I knew that he loved me, and that I loved him. Then, one day he asked to use my car. My response was immediate, "Of course baby, the keys are in the kitchen."
Fast forward two months and I was taking the train to and from work so that he could have the car during the day. Eventually, we moved in together. One night he asked, "Baby, can you buy me something to eat?"
Again, I didn't think twice before responding, "Sure, a #3 from Popeye's?"
Eventually, I was taking cash out the ATM for myself and giving him my debit card for the day. There I was, allowing a grown ass man to live with me (because I was the only one on the lease, which meant that I was the only one who was technically responsible for the rent) and drive my car while I took public transportation 7 days a week (and get this, I was paying for my own subway ticket), all while giving him a daily allowance.
It didn't dawn on me at the time that a real man WOULD NEVER or that a strong woman WOULDN'T ALLOW! I was caught up! It took a few more instances before I realized that there was a problem. After three years (judge your mom, not me), I finally walked away.
The irony in a lesson is that you're often both the teacher and the student.
I taught myself how to identify false positives and I learned that the way he treats my vagina is not always the way he will treat me. I taught myself the importance of falling in love with the man, not the orgasm. Further, I taught myself to never confuse the two; an orgasm is a feeling, not a commitment. I allowed myself to be played. Yes, he was wrong for the way he treated me, but ultimately the blame rests with me.
I'm the one who's responsible for my happiness. It's my job to require the respect and consideration that I deserve. I believe it was Nicki Minaj who said, "Had I accepted the pickle juice, I would be drinking pickle juice right now." In other words, you're treated how you allow yourself to be treated. We all go through some crazy things, it's inevitable; however, just make sure you grow through them as well.
Come out smarter and stronger than you were before.
Good D is the chocolate and caramel dessert you crave in the middle of the night.
You want it, sometimes you even yearn for it; however, before you indulge, consider the consequences. Settle for the sweet nectar of your fruit instead.
Shanelle Ashley is a writer and content creator. She's established a career working in television for companies including BET and currently A+E Networks. She has a passion for storytelling and hopes to one day create a story that will touch the world. Keep up with Shanelle on Instagram and Twitter @ShanelleAshley_.
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
6 Tabletop Sex Positions That'll Unlock You & Bae's Most Primal Desires
Something I will never tire of is finding new ways to bring new layers to intimacy. A wall you use as momentum, a bathroom sink to help you keep your balance as he worships you on his knees, a shower that is usually for cleansing but evolves into a sacred ritual of shared intimacy.
My favorite kind of sex is the kind of sex that prioritizes pleasure and connection. So, technically and thankfully, I can say most of my sex life has been quite pleasurable throughout the years. But the memorable encounters for sure take the cake. One such encounter actually took place on a kitchen counter, and with it unleashed inhibitions in ways I never anticipated while unlocking levels to top-tier sex. And that, that involved a kitchen counter.
Why Kitchen Counter Sex Just Hits Different
What is it about having your hips pressed into the edge of a kitchen counter that lets out something so primal in you? The cool-to-the-touch feel of the countertop against exposed skin as you rise to meet him again and again. The urgency in every movement. The playfulness of repurposing an everyday space for something far more erotic. If you’re looking to bring that energy into your own sex life, keep reading for positions and tips to explore.
1. The Bounce House
They don’t call it Bounce House for nothing. In this position, the penetrating partner lies flat on their back on a sturdy table or counter while the receiving partner straddles them, knees bent and facing away. With their hands gripping the edge of the surface for support, the receiving partner slides or bounces at their own pace, owning the rhythm, the motion, and the view.
According to sex therapist Michael Aaron, Ph.D., who spoke with Women’s Health, the receiving partner placing their legs between their partner’s creates a tighter sensation, while staying fully astride allows for more bounce and range of motion. Either way, this one puts the receiver in full control, and you know we love a good woman on top position. Pleasure and power? Say less.
2. The Bicycle
Well, you know what they say about riding a bike. In the case of this table top position, it's the receiving partner who is the rider...but not in the way you think. While lying back on a sturdy surface or a table, the receiver will bring their knees toward their chest, bending them as if in a cycling motion. The penetrating partner stands at the edge of the surface, grabbing the receiver's ankles, and guides themselves inside, slowly so as to savor the moment. This angle puts everything on display for the penetrating partner while allowing for deep, connected thrusting for the receiver.
To take things up a notch , the receiving partner can touch themselves or flex their thighs to control the depth or the rhythm. Because, who says only one person gets to have control?
3. Counter Offer
How could we be at the table and not use it to eat? Enter: Counter Offer. In this oral-focused sex position, the receiving partner perches on the edge of a counter or table, lying back or sitting upright with legs parted or bent for comfort. The penetrating partner kneels or stands between their thighs, depending on the setup and the kind of attention they’re ready to give. No doubt, this one’s all about access and intention.
With the vulva front and center, the height makes it easier to maintain eye contact, use hands freely for things like breast play or incorporating toys, and take their time with every moan-inducing taste. And that’s on five, six, seven, ATE.
4. Standing Doggy
Standing Doggy is what happens when a classic like doggy style gets an upgrade. Instead of being on all fours on a bed, the receiving partner bends over a hard surface like a table or counter, keeping their hips aligned at its edge. The penetrating partner stands behind and enters from the back, using the angle to go deeper and create a strong, steady rhythm. This one offers maximum control and visual appeal, especially if the penetrating partner reaches around for a little extra clitoral stimulation throughout thrusting.
This angle can get intense quickly, so bonus points if the receiving partner engages their pelvic floor muscles or shifts their weight to adjust how the pressure hits, especially if your goal is to hit that G-spot sweet spot.
5. Top Shelf
Men's Healthcalls this one "Yourself on the Shelf," but we like to call it "Top Shelf" because it's giving full view, full grip, and climax potential that's hard to top. The receiving partner sits on the edge of a sturdy table or counter while the penetrating partner stands in front of them and slowly slides in, thrusting while keeping them in position. From there, legs can wrap around their waist, arms can encircle their back, and the closeness at peak ecstasy? Chef's kiss.
If you have the core strength, add lifting to the menu for the final strokes leading to orgasm. Otherwise, allow the surface to the heavy lifting and enjoy the pleasure.
6. The Thumper
What better way to remind yourself that you're both the snack and the entrée than with a little tableside service courtesy of The Thumper? This position has the receiving partner kneeling on a sturdy table or counter (keyword: sturdy), hands gripping the edge or braced in front for support. The penetrating partner can then either kneel behind them (if there's room for two), or stay anchored on the ground with both feet planted on the floor (similar to the previously mentioned Standing Doggy). It all depends on the mood.
Kneeling on the table offers just the right amount of leverage for deep, steady strokes. The receiving partner can play with tightness by either keeping their knees closer together for a snug grip, or open their knees wider to invite more access, depth, and stretch. The Thumper is versatile that way, and the most important thing? The receiver gets to be the main course. Yum.
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