Caring for your partner after sex is just as important as the act itself. More people talk about foreplay than aftercare when it may be more essential. Post-intercourse practices can affect sexual health, intimacy, and self-image. Sexual aftercare isn’t just for established couples either. It’s important for casual encounters as well. Aftercare ensures that partners retain their value even if the intent of the meetup was just sex. It also helps boost self-esteem and reinforces good bed discipline.
What does sexual aftercare involve?
Sexual aftercare includes practices that show care, such as cuddling or showering together. Aftercare is important because detachment after sex can cause frustration within the relationship. Aftercare ensures that your partner feels safe, acknowledged, and cared for. For couples, nonsexual intimacy can help foster a deeper bond. This is a great time to also talk about intimate matters within your relationship.
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The best way to practise aftercare
The post-sex wind-down ritual typically involves using the bathroom to relieve yourself, cleaning up, and getting dressed. For some, sex wipes them out and they sleep soon after. However, it’s important to add aftercare even within your cleaning and dress-up routine. There are no set standards for what aftercare should be. Finding ways to help your partner feel valued ranges widely.
All parties involved perform aftercare. It doesn’t fall to a specific partner. However, a good rule of thumb to follow is to conduct the aftercare if you are the one hosting a bedmate. If you’re an established couple, you may already be aware of your partner’s after-sex preferences.
1. Cuddling
One of the most common ways of aftercare is cuddling. Holding each other close after sex helps foster your bond. Studies show it positively affects relationships because it triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin. This also reduces feelings of stress and anxiety. However, it’s important to ensure that your partner wants to cuddle. Some people may feel over-sensitized after sex. If you still want to remain close to your partner after sex, you can offer a massage, or lie next to them while playing with their hair.
2. Rehydrate
It’s important to drink water after sex. After cleanup, you can grab some drinking water and fresh fruits or snacks to eat after rigorous activity.
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3. Go on a date after
Sex can be an amazing way to connect with your partner. You can keep the euphoria going by doing a date activity after. Many people go on dates before they get home or to a hotel to have sex. Doing it before going out can be like pregaming intimacy.
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4. Showering
Cleaning up together can be a great way to continue bonding after sex. Washing each other is a great way to perform aftercare. Washing your partner’s hair or scrubbing their body with a luxurious loofah and body wash can help you connect even further. Getting a bath together with essential oils and aromatherapy can also be a great way to enjoy your post-sex ritual. How To Have Safe And Sexy Shower Sex
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5. Napping
Sex can be a physically taxing activity. Once the adrenalin and endorphins wear off, it’s possible to feel drowsy. Taking a nap together can be a great way to recoup your energy and still remain close to your partner.
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6. Physical intimacy
After sex, you and your partner may feel closer and more sensual. A foreplay routine after sex where you touch each other, kiss, tease, oral sex, or mutual masturbation can also be done with a casual encounter to prolong the fun.
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7. Hang out
Wanting to spend time with your partner just relaxing immediately after sex is a great way to show them that you want more than sex. Taking the time to watch a movie, or cook together helps continue the intimacy even with basic activities.
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To ensure that aftercare is performed effectively, always have what you need after sex within reach. Have bottles of water and fresh snacks nearby. Make sure the massage oil is easy to reach and you have bathrobes for you and your partner if you’re planning to take a shower after. Have warm water, wipes, or towels ready for cleanup afterwards. Small acts of thoughtfulness for your partner go a long way in showing that you care about what happens even after sex. It’s also important to go by what your partner is comfortable with. If they need to be alone after sex, give them the time they need to gather their wits. You can use the time to set up some food.
Check out:
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