Overcoming Sexting Barriers: Addressing Common Fears and Challenges
In response to my sexting Q&A, a lot of you expressed a desire to sext, or a past history with sexting, followed by a feeling of something holding you back, and how to move forward.
This graphic consolidates those responses:
1. Fear: Of acceptance. Of reciprocated sexts. Of rejection. Of images or videos being screenshot, saved, and shared with those who were not the intended recipient. All of these fears are common and valid.
2. Lack of Confidence: You are unsure of how to sext, have been rejected in the past, or maybe you just feel like you suck at getting your best angles. Feeding right into....
3. Self-Doubt: Sexting sounds appealing, and like something you might like to try with your partners, but you convince yourself you wouldn’t be a great secret, or your partners would never want to sext you.
4. Cyber Security: are we ever *really* “safe” on the Internet? For those who may have seen The Social Dilemma on @netflix , you’ll know that answer is no. There are ways to engage in smarter sexting, but there’s always a possibility that your texts or images could land elsewhere.
5. Shame: Maybe you’re still working to accept aspects of your sexual self or desires. If you’re struggling to navigate that within yourself, it’s likely difficult to share that with potential partners. This also relates to fear, self-doubt, and lack of confidence.
6. Don’t Know How: How do you sext? How do you start sexting in new relationships? In pre-existing relationships? With someone you live with?
Sexting can be awkward. Complicated by poor internet connections, getting the perfect angles, overcoming dusty mirrors, finding the right lighting, and, frankly, trying to figure out how to hold your phone while you try to achieve pleasure, too.
What other barriers have you experienced? Tell me below👇🏻