Sex and sexuality

Self-knowledge and personal growth Relationships, work and leisure Values and ethical living

LatestPopular

Ancient Roman fresco depicting a nude couple in an intimate pose on a bed, with faded hues on a textured background.

Sex and sexuality

idea

What rude jibes about Caesar tell us about sex in ancient Rome

‘Every woman’s man and every man’s woman’ was a slur Julius Caesar’s political opponents levied. What did it mean?

by Aven McMaster

A mannequin head with painted blue eyes and red lips, partially obscured by a blurred pink and white shape in the foreground.

Sex and sexuality

idea

The sex tech to come could offer more than ‘the real thing’

Sexbots and other artificial lovers might arouse discomfort, but their continued advances could have unexpected upsides

by Rob Brooks

A black and white photograph of two people, seen from behind, embracing with one’s hands draped around the other’s neck.

Sex and sexuality

guide

How to explore ethical non-monogamy

Before enjoying the freedoms of a more open relationship, get a handle on the practical and emotional complexities ahead

by Meg Wilson

Illustration of a person with curly hair, wearing large glasses and a sleeveless top, looking back over their shoulder.

Love

film

Surreal vignettes form a meditation on love in this Oscar-winning short

Directed by Alberto Mielgo

Blurry photo of a dimly lit interior with a person in swimwear under red lighting.

Work and vocation

idea

In an unstable economy, I found freedom and security in sex work

Speculation about the mental health of sex workers is undermining. Focus instead on how to improve our working conditions

by Tamara MacLeod

Photo of a couple kissing at a café table with glasses of wine, seen through a window reflecting city lights.

Love

idea

Your partner’s infidelity needn’t be a relationship catastrophe

Infidelity needn’t end a relationship: many people have affairs for reasons that have nothing to do with their partner

by Dylan Selterman

A couple sitting on grass, kissing in a park with deck chairs and people relaxing in the background.

Sex and sexuality

guide

How to get the excitement back

Long-term sexual boredom is common but not inevitable. Use these five focused strategies to rekindle your sex life together

by Ian Kerner

Painting of stylised people seated and interacting at tables in a café, with hanging lights and a clock on the wall in the background.

Love

film

In the frenzied cacophony of speed dating, silence offers a path to love

Directed by Lucrèce Andreae

A man watches a film on a monitor, showing a close-up of a scene with two people.

Addiction

idea

If you think you’ve got a porn addiction, you probably haven’t

People with addictions see relationships, health and careers fall apart. Most people who watch porn don’t meet this definition

by Joshua Grubbs

Persian miniature painting of two figures embracing with ornate garments and calligraphy on a decorative background.

Spirituality and religion

idea

From sexual union to the divine – the teachings of Ibn al-‘Arabi

The Sufi scholar Ibn al-‘Arabi was a divine lover who saw the initial act of creation mirrored in the male-female union

by Heba Yosry

Close-up of two people lying together, one person gently touching the other’s forehead.

Sex and sexuality

guide

How to talk about sexual desires

It’s not always easy to open up about sex. But letting a partner in on your wants and fantasies can strengthen your bond

by Sarah Hunter Murray

Sex and sexuality

film

The filmmakers who transform fantasies into videos with an audience of one

Directed by Chung Nguyen