Everything you do is foreplay.

Everything you do is foreplay.

Spring has sprung. 

Now is the time to try out new ideas, connect with playfulness, engage with your curious spirit. Look closely at what seeds you want to plant and decide what you want to harvest in the months ahead.

Headshot of sex and intimacy therapy founder outside and smiling

By Jacqueline Mendez

Everything you do is foreplay.

Under most perspectives, foreplay is considered any sexual activity before intercourse. It can include many different things, like kissing, sharing fantasies, or touching one another’s genitals. The purpose of foreplay is to add to sexual excitement, connection, intimacy, and, especially for women, to help prepare the body for intercourse.

That said, intercourse doesn’t need to be the grand finale or even on the menu if you don’t want to. Excellent foreplay is plenty hot when done right.
 

Why is it important?

So many reasons! Foreplay triggers physiological and physical responses that make sexual activity enjoyable and, in some cases, even possible.  It also helps strengthen our relationships by igniting curiosity and playfulness.

For some, foreplay is the main event where intimacy, pleasure, and even orgasms are surrendered to the moment.  

A little foreplay goes a long way.

Foreplay is meant to feel good for all involved. And it goes much deeper than that.  It helps build emotional intimacy that can help partners experience more connection — in and out of the bedroom.

Stress is a significant trigger for sexual concerns. A little foreplay may help to decrease cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the body.

Kissing triggers the release of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin; when combined, they decrease cortisol and increases feelings of affection, bonding, and euphoria.

Foreplay and intimacy
 
Foreplay is how each of you cares for the state of the relationship in and out of the bedroom. The way you connect, nourish, watch, forgive, and admire each other throughout the day. How you touch, kiss, and remain curious about each other.
 
It is ridiculous to expect your partner to feel ready for sex after a five-minute warm-up and a week’s or even a month’s worth of emotional disconnect. 


“Spring passes and one remembers one’s innocence.
Summer passes and one remembers one’s exuberance.
Autumn passes and one remembers one’s reverence.
Winter passes and one remembers one’s perseverance.”


– Yoko Ono

Holistic ways to increase connection & improve foreplay
 
Physical. Hugging, kissing, cuddling, holding hands, touch, massages, caresses, and proximity focusing on what feels good to you while honoring your partner’s boundaries.
 
Heart/Emotional. Affirming words when speaking to each other, non-judgement of your partner’s emotions, and holding space by not adding your personal feelings when the other is sharing and accepting without minimizing what the other is sharing.
 
Mental. Having integrity with your word, shared values, and having meaningful conversations.
 
Spiritual.  Energetic connection, having shared beliefs, respecting one another’s views, and supporting others’ well-being.

Your invitation today is to practice the holistic ways to connect with your partner.

Remember — everything you do is foreplay.

PS…

Stay tuned—Different types of foreplay and how to incorporate it—will have specific ways to nurture your relationships with your partner and foreplay!

Reach out and let us know what you think.

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