These 10 Sexual Habits Are more Normal than You May Think

Loads of people have habits they may deem bizarre, until they realise how common they actually are. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Some people love moving around, testing new things, adjusting and switching up the rhythm. Others prefer staying in the same position because it works well. In any case, it’s completely normal.

There’s no rule when it comes to switching positions. Sometimes we change position because we like to explore. Sometimes we stay in the same position simply because it’s what’s working well for us in the heat of the moment.

Sex isn’t always a serious affair. Giggling over a little mishap, making a spontaneous remark, teasing one another or even saying ‘I love you’ can add much more intensity to the moment.

It can be extremely reassuring when you and your partner agree not to aim for perfection. Sex can be steamy, sensual and silly all at once. That doesn’t make it any less sexy, simply more natural.

It’s important to listen to your body. Taking a break during sex doesn’t immediately kill the mood.

You may need to slow down a little, catch your breath, have a drink of water, switch up the rhythm or simply take a few seconds before getting back at it. There’s nothing embarrassing or worrying about it, nor does it indicate some sort of problem. If anything, not forcing yourself to maintain constant intensity from start to finish is perfectly healthy.

You may feel like you have to moan constantly as a way to express pleasure to your partner. The reality is that pleasure doesn’t look the same on everyone.

Some people are very demonstrative, others are much more discreet. Some like to talk, some breathe heavily, others remain close to silent, all whilst feeling intense pleasure. Volume levels don’t convey accurate pleasure and arousal readings.

Yes, it happens. Thinking about other things during sex is much more common than you may think. Your brain doesn’t always kick out every other thought as soon as things start heating up.

You may have a fleeting thought. You may lose concentration for a second before coming back to the present moment. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re not having a good time, it’s simply part of being human. What matters most is the overall atmosphere: enthusiasm, comfort, and consideration for others and for oneself.

During many sexual encounters, partners aren’t always on the same arousal level at the same time. One partner might get turned on in a flash, whilst the other may require a little extra time. One may want a more intense experience, whilst the other may be looking for something that builds gradually.

This is a common experience, but no need to fear, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem or lack of compatibility. It simply reminds us that sex is an exchange between two (or more) people, who naturally have different rhythms. This is why communication is crucial.

Saying things like “slower”, “just like that”, “more”, “wait”, or even guiding your partner’s hand is incredibly normal. It even helps to improve your sex life.

We sometimes believe that everything in sex needs to be instinctive, as if your partner should be able to guess exactly what you want. In reality, talking about your preferences is good practice as it makes things clearer, more comfortable and more pleasurable for everyone involved.

A clumsy knee, a misstep, an unexpected noise, a duvet getting in the way, a fit of laughter at the wrong moment, a slightly awkward change of pace… welcome to real life.

These little mishaps are part and parcel of real sex, but they don’t quash desire and intimacy. Sometimes, they can even make the moment more tender and authentic, and certainly less performative. Sex doesn’t need to be fully fluid in order to be successful.

If you take one thing away from this article, then let it be this: sex doesn’t have to end in orgasm for it to be pleasurable.

You can enjoy pleasure, tenderness, arousal and connection without a ‘big finish’. Of course, orgasms are a lot of fun, but making them the be all and end all of your sexual experience often causes unnecessary pressure. This pressure can, in turn, ruin the moment.

Repeating the same gestures, touches, words or scenarios doesn’t equate to a lack of imagination. It’s often simply a sign that you know what you like.

There’s a very sexy kind of comfort in having your bearings. Routine isn’t necessarily synonymous with boredom: it can also be reassuring, exciting and effective. As long as it’s a choice you’ve made, that you’re comfortable with and it makes you feel good, it’s perfectly valid.

Real sexuality is full of little details, adjustments, inconsistencies and habits that we sometimes think are ‘not normal’, when in fact they are perfectly normal. Sex doesn’t need to be perfect, straightforward or impressive to be successful.

As long as there is consent, listening, respect and shared pleasure, there is no single ‘right’ way to do it. And that is precisely what makes every intimate encounter so personal.