It’s a huge stressor for a lot of people, especially when they desire to try something new and fear social scrutiny.

Fret not!

Some of the allegedly “taboo” sex acts society judges and frowns on, really are good for your relationship and mental health according to science.

The three most judged, misunderstood and frowned on sexual acts are; BDSM, one-night stand/casual sex and open-relationships and polyamory.

1. BDSM

The practice of BDSM has always carried with it a certain amount of social stigma, but ever since 50 Shades Of Grey it has found more acceptance in the mainstream and a lot of more folks are talking about BDSM.

Contrary to popular belief, kinky sex is good for you says science.

A study documented in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, found that people, who enjoy bondage, the snap of the whip, ropes or the clink of chains, and other kinks may actually be more psychologically healthy than those who don’t.

In this study, 902 BDSM aficionados, and 434 non-kinky people were surveyed on their personalities, overall well-being, attachment style, and sensitivity to rejection. Curiously, practitioners of BDSM scored significantly higher on these mental health tests then their ‘vanilla’ counterparts.

The results revealed that on a basic level, BDSM practitioners are no more troubled than the general population.

In fact they were more conscientious, more open to new experiences, more outgoing, more aware of their sexual desires, and they didn’t feel the need to hide anything from their partners. Bottling up emotions of any kind, including sexual ones, takes a huge toll on mental health, so it only makes

sense that kinky people would have better mental health than those who are potentially sexually frustrated.

Obviously, BDSM is not for everyone, however, it is nice that science is bringing down the stigma that has been associated with BDSM for so long.

2. Casual Sex

Casual sex has always been around but it has become more popular with the advent of apps and sites that allow for easy hookups. Until now casual sex has been viewed in a negative light, some going so far as to say that casual sex destroys the fabric of society and is morally corrupting, with some talk on casual sex damaging self esteem.

A new study published in Archives of Sexual Behaviour resulted in some new findings. This study looked at 371 college students for 9 months and was conducted by researchers at NYU and Cornell University. Those students who admitted to sleeping around reported better general well-being, lower stress levels, and higher self-esteem compared to those who follow the relationship-sex-only rule. Who would have known that being promiscuous could make you happy and be so good for you?

Now, one thing to keep in mind is that casual sex only makes you a happy if you do it for the right reasons. If you’re having sex with any random that crosses your way because you want to rebound after a horrible breakup, or to numb your lack of self-worth, you’re going to end up feeling worse about yourself, so don’t do it. If you’re sleeping around because you’re always horny and are out to just have fun, then go for it.

Below is an interesting video exploring the debate on ‘Is casual sex unhealthy?’

3. Open relationships and polyamory.

Most people frown on polyamory and open relationships mostly because they don’t understand them but little do they know that these couples in these types of relationships are happier and more fulfilled.

One of the secret to a happy relationship is good communication, which is where a lot of traditional couples fall short. To enjoy an open relationship or polyamory you need to express, communicate and hear each others needs, desires, fears and boundaries to successfully live a fulfilling non-traditional relationship.

There you go. Life is only fully lived when you have done things that fall away from the ‘norm’. It’s good for your health.

original post on Maxim

Do you agree with science on this? Let us know below.

Speaking about her 17 year marriage in a candid conversation with Sirius XM radio host Howard Stern, the actor also admitted she got married too young at the age of 25 — and advises her kids against it.

“Heck yeah! No, don’t do it,” she said.

“It did work out, but let me tell you: It worked out in a way that thank God I had a husband who’s a gangster partner. Taking that road from 25 to 44.

“Here’s the deal, Howard. You’ve gotta trust who you’re with. And at the end of the day, right, I’m not here to be anybody’s watcher. I’m not his watcher. He’s a grown man.”

The 43-year-old then gave her key piece of advice for making her marriage work.

“Here’s what I trust: The man that Will is … is a man of integrity. He’s got all the freedom in the world,” she said.
“As long as Will can look himself in the mirror and be okay — I’m good.

“Here’s what’s real: I’m not the kind of woman that believes a man is not going to be attracted to another woman.”

Source: news.com.au

Have you ever played in an open relationship? Would you like to? Let us know below!