The Joy and Awkwardness of Sober Sex
Briefly

Steve Bennet-Martin shared that having sex sober for the first time after eight years with his partner felt awkward and uncomfortable, akin to being a virgin again. His sobriety journey began in 2021, spurred by years of unsuccessful attempts at moderation and the realization that alcohol had been a crutch to cope with insecurities during intimacy. He explained, 'There was always a little bit of something to help ease the insecurities, the fear, the shame that I had associated with sex.'
Laura Rademacher, a marriage and family therapist, explained the emotional complexity of sober sex, stating, 'When you're not numbing out with substances and suddenly you're face to face with somebody you want to be sexual with, that can be really scary at first.' This insight reflects the challenges faced by individuals who might find intimacy daunting without the aid of alcohol, underscoring the importance of navigating these experiences thoughtfully.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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