Let’s talk about something that’s been tucked away under the metaphorical rug for far too long: sex. Yup, you heard that right. If you grew up in South Africa, chances are you were taught to treat the subject like some kind of dirty secret. The result? Many of us are stuck in a loop, asking ourselves why our sex lives aren’t quite cutting it. Spoiler alert: it’s not just you!
At SFI.COZA, we’re getting into the truths nobody’s talking about. This isn’t your typical birds-and-bees chat—it’s the honest conversation you didn’t know you needed, with a touch of humor to keep things light. Curious? Stick around, because it’s time to stop guessing and start understanding.
Let’s face it—discussing sex with your parents is like trying to find Wi-Fi in a remote village. It just doesn’t happen. Growing up in a culture that shames you for even thinking about it is bound to leave you with some serious baggage. Maybe you were raised in a religious household where “purity culture” ruled the roost, leaving you with an awkward relationship with something that’s as natural as breathing. The irony is that while everyone’s quietly trying to figure out how to please themselves and their partners, sex remains a topic that’s rarely explored.
You might be out here looking for a life partner who gets you, yet you’re stuck in cycles repeating the same patterns your family and community did. It’s a cycle that needs breaking, my friends!
Here’s a question for you: Are you having sex to fill a void, distract from emotional trauma, or just to kill time? If you’re nodding your head at any of those, it’s time to hit the brakes. Sex isn’t supposed to be a Band-Aid for your emotional wounds or a way to pass the time. And let’s not forget about that little marvel of anatomy known as the clitoris, which exists solely for pleasure. Seriously, it’s literally built for fun. So why are we treating it like a relic in a museum?
The Elephant in the Bedroom: Society’s Silence on Sex
Let’s talk about the “sex talk” (or lack thereof). For many of us, our sexual education was limited to scary warnings about teenage pregnancy, STIs, and abstinence—basically, all the reasons not to have sex. But where was the conversation about pleasure, consent, and emotional intimacy? For many South Africans, the birds and the bees might as well have been alien concepts.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: even as adults, some of us still treat sex like it’s an illicit activity. We don’t talk about it, we don’t ask for what we want, and we certainly don’t discuss the awkward moments when things just don’t feel right. It’s as if we’re all participating in a silent agreement to keep pretending everything’s fine, while many are quietly feeling unfulfilled.
Stop Treating Your Sex Life Like a To-Do List
We’ve all been there: thinking about sex as just another task to check off the list, like doing the laundry or running errands. But guess what? If it feels like a chore, that’s probably a sign that something needs to change. Ask yourself: Are you fully present during sex, or is your mind wandering off to that email you forgot to send? You’re not alone. Many people are in the habit of treating sex like it’s just another item on their busy schedules. When you’re disconnected from the experience, it’s no wonder you’re “not feeling it.”
So, next time you’re getting intimate, try treating it like a luxury experience. Slow down, turn off your phone, and actually pay attention to what’s happening. Think of it like savoring a decadent chocolate cake—take your time to enjoy every bit of it.
The Awkward Side of Getting Intimate: Can We Just Laugh About It?
Here’s the thing: sex can be awkward, funny, and even downright weird sometimes. You might get tangled in the sheets, your pet might suddenly decide that’s the perfect time to make an appearance, or you might even bump heads with your partner. It happens, and that’s okay! One of the reasons why people feel disconnected from sex is that they’re trying too hard to make it look like a scene from a movie. The reality is, real life isn’t scripted, and it’s important to embrace the imperfections.
If you’re worried about looking silly or not getting it “right,” here’s a tip: make laughter a part of your intimacy. It’ll help you and your partner relax, and it reminds you that sex doesn’t have to be so serious all the time. A little humor can actually go a long way in making your experiences feel more authentic and enjoyable.
A Quick Word on Quality Over Quantity
Let’s be real: we live in a world that glorifies “more.” More money, more followers, more success—and yes, more sex. But when it comes to intimacy, quality trumps quantity. Having frequent sex doesn’t necessarily equate to having satisfying sex. It’s about how connected you feel to your partner and how pleasurable the experience is for both of you.
In fact, studies show that couples who focus on the quality of their sexual experiences tend to report higher levels of satisfaction in their relationships overall. So, instead of aiming for more, aim for better. Ask yourself what truly makes you feel good and work towards deepening those connections.
Facing Your Fears: Why Sex Can Feel Scary
We don’t talk enough about the fact that sex can be scary for some people. Whether it’s fear of rejection, anxiety about performance, or discomfort due to past trauma, these feelings can create real barriers to experiencing pleasure. The idea that sex should always be spontaneous and effortless is misleading—it’s okay if it doesn’t come naturally all the time. What matters is that you approach it with openness and a willingness to explore.
If you have unresolved feelings or fears surrounding intimacy, it’s worth addressing them, whether through journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or even seeking professional help. There’s no shame in admitting that sex can be complicated, and the first step to improvement is recognizing that it’s okay to feel the way you do.
Actionable Tips to Spice Up Your Sex Life
- Start Talking: Create a safe space to discuss desires, fantasies, and even fears with your partner. Open conversations lead to better understanding and intimacy.
- Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power! Read up on sexual health and pleasure. Resources like “Come As You Are” by Emily Nagoski and “The Guide to Getting It On” by Paul Joannides offer insights into sexual wellbeing.
- Ditch the guilt: Let go of the shame associated with your sexual desires. Embrace your sexuality—it’s a part of who you are.
- Prioritize Pleasure: Make it a goal to understand what brings you joy in intimate moments. Experiment and don’t be afraid to try new things.
- Seek Professional Guidance: If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to consult a sex therapist or counselor who can guide you through these complex feelings.
It’s Time to Get Real About Sex
We are all sexual beings, and it’s high time we normalize these conversations. Remember, the more we talk, the less taboo sex becomes. Who knows, you might just discover a more fulfilling and pleasurable sex life waiting for you. Let’s move away from shame and secrecy and embrace a culture of openness, laughter, and genuine intimacy.
So, if you’re wondering why you’re not “feeling it,” know that you’re not alone—and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting more from your sex life. In fact, you deserve it.
Remember to share the knowledge with your friends on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter ❤.
Merlize Jogiat is a mother of four and a passionate communicator, known
as the Disrespectful Empath for her straight-talking approach to abuse
prevention. With over fourteen years of experience, she specializes in
content creation focused on abuse awareness and healing. After
separating from her abuser, she moved from Johannesburg to Cape Town
with just two suitcases, determined to rebuild her life. This journey fuels
her mission to broaden her understanding of human behavior to provide
education and healing for trauma victims. She also strives to influence
South Africa’s decision-makers to integrate this crucial education into
national processes, empowering individuals and fostering systemic
change. Merlize’s work has been featured in Canon Click Magazine (Canon RSA), CliffCentral Radio, Ministry Media, and Heart FM Radio.
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