Sex is a vital part of any romantic relationship — it deepens bonds and enhances a sense of intimacy between partners.
As a woman, saying what you want, how you want it, and when can come with its own set of communication hoops to jump through. And studies show that this could be by design.
According to a study by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, in more than 60% of couples, men initiated more often than women; in 30% of couples, initiation was equally divided between partners; and in those remaining, the women initiated more frequently.
With these studies showing a pattern of men initiating sex more frequently than their wives or girlfriends, it makes you wonder: how can women find their initiation style?
“If you are unsure how to initiate sex with your partner, the first step is to talk about it by creating an open sex-positive dialogue,” Dr. Jacqueline Sherman, a licensed psychologist and intimacy and relationship coach, tells xoNecole. “Talking about initiation styles opens the door for greater overall communication around sex in your relationship. It’s like the gateway to better sex!”
Hitting the right communication stride when talking to your partner about your sexual needs opens the floor for “additional intimacy-building conversations,” which Dr. Jacqueline says can include frequency of sex and types of touch that you do and don’t like. “These discussions can improve your sex life, and do wonders for your connection and relationship.”
At first try, the idea of being more forward and vocal about sex can feel foreign or even awkward, but using physical cues for initiation, similar to foreplay, can help you and your partner ease into the flow of intimacy.
Dr. Jacqueline recommends these four methods to set the mood:
- Touch yourself (engage in self-pleasure) in front of your partner.
- With consent, touch your partner in an erotic way, creating sexual pleasure for them.
- Grab your partner’s hands and place them on your body, showing them what feels good to you sexually.
- Engage in a long, passionate kiss. In fact, for women, research shows that kissing during foreplay increases the likelihood of orgasm.
For every stage of your relationship, from a new boyfriend or girlfriend to navigating married life, understanding your and your partner’s initiation styles can create a more harmonious sex life. If you find you and your partner might have a mismatched style of initiation, be assured that it’s not only a normal experience but a fixable one as well.
“Once an individual understands that their partner may have a different initiation style, they can use that knowledge to create flexibility (regarding how sex is initiated) in the relationship,” she says. “Both partners should become aware of how they enjoy initiating and what their partner likes best. Once there is understanding that there is a discrepancy, the couple should agree to incorporate both unique initiation styles into their sex life.”
Each style highlights the unique ways individuals express desire and seek intimacy, and here’s how to find yours:
The Talker:
“Some people love to give clear, verbal invitations for sex. This is their foreplay.”
The Toucher:
“Others are turned off by words; they would rather be turned on with a prolonged kiss or graze of the skin. They prefer physical touch.”
The Subtle Partner:
“These individuals enjoy flirting, caressing, and accidental touching.”
The Direct Partner:
“Others prefer directly asking (want to have sex?). Sometimes a simple 'you in the mood for a quickie?' can go a long way.”
The Surprise Initiator:
“Some people prefer spontaneity. They would prefer not having a heads up, and enjoy being caught off guard.”
The Prepared Initiator:
“Some people want to know when to expect sex, so they can properly prepare for the initiation. They usually tend to be a planner.”
Since we’re all human, not every time you make a move on your partner will receive the green light, but remaining open and being comfortable with a “not right now” can soothe feelings of rejection and eliminate any guesswork.
“In most relationships, we initiate the way that we want our partner to initiate. Asking your partner the simple question… ‘What is your favorite way for me to initiate sex?’ can give you some tangible ideas and be a fun way to overcome awkwardness and deepen your dialogue around intimacy,” she says.
Whether you’re making out, hooking up, or making love, understanding and respecting your partner's preferences for initiating sex will leave you both satisfied and keep your sex life as it should be: extra hot.
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Featured image by Chad Baker/Jason Reed/Ryan McVay
Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
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.
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
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.
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