Safe First Date Tips - San Diego Living

I'm not a fear monger and don't like to put folks into fear mode. On the only hand, there are some simple smarts tips that are valuable to keep in mind on a first date, so that you stay safe and in control! I was interviewed on San Diego Living this week about safe first date tips and early red flags in dating.

~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego - Sexologist, Sociologist, Sexuality Speaker

Sex in the Office & Booty Calls?

I was interviewed for the June issue of Men's Health Magazine about the topics of sex in the office and booty calls. These are not topics that I generally discuss in much depth, but I appreciated the opportunity to offer my two cents (which is often more about responsibility and respect, than titillation). My main perspective on sex in the office is to not be foolish about it, in terms of too much risk-taking, irritating your co-workers, or leaving a mess behind (no one likes to find someone else's pubic hairs on their desk in the morning). It is a fantasy for some and can be quite exciting because of its taboo and passionate nature. If this is the case, also consider seeking out other taboo settings (e.g., nature) where the risk of losing respect or your job are not on the line.

Regarding booty calls or the more relevant booty texts, I say be respectful. Remember that regardless of how much you say you only want sex, that is still another human being on the other end, with emotions, insecurities, and needs for connection (just like you). Sometimes booty texts are flattering and exciting, but in the long run they can lead to disappointment and feeling used. So appreciate and honor the person you're hooking up with and make sure their needs are being met too. And don't show up sloppy drunk - that's not fun sex for anyone!

~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego, CA -- Sociologist, Sexuality Speaker, and Sexologist

5 Secrets to Real Intimacy

Dr. Jenn on San Diego Living this morning! (I apologize that the embedding function isn't working well for some unknown reason. View on the San Diego Living site if that works better.)

What is intimacy and why is it important in relationships? I discussed this on San Diego Living and offered 5 "secrets" to help you continue to connect deeply with your partner and honor your relationship.

~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego, CA -- Sociologist, Sexologist, Sexuality Speaker

Sex Life for Busy Moms - Dr. Jenn on Ch. 6 San Diego Living

It's OK that sex for many couples is different after having kids. Accept that things have changed, such as your body, free time, priorities, etc., and get creative in how you can prioritize intimacy time. If one person really misses the sex, then this is a concern for both partners. I discuss this topic on San Diego Living and offer some ideas to make small but important shifts.

~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego, CA -- Sociologist, Sexologist, Sexuality Speaker

What can Women do about Beauty & Aging?

Should women fight the aging process and cling to youth, so that they can feel and be perceived as sexy and attractive? I was interviewed on Channel 6's San Diego Living this morning about an Allure Magazine research study that just came out about beauty, aging, gender, and sex. My first thought is to question the source, since Allure Magazine is a "woman's magazine," which are notorious for emphasizing ideal physical appearance and youth for women. They did hire a marketing research company, but I'd like to get my hands on the survey and see how some of the questions were phrased. Nonetheless, we discuss this on the morning show, and how shifting perspective is the only way women can get off the beauty hamster wheel.

~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego, CA -- Sociologist, Sexologist, Sexuality Speaker

On Mormonism, Mindfulness, & Sex

At last year's AASECT conference (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, & Therapists) I had the pleasure of sitting next to Natasha Helfer Parker at dinner one evening. She is a sex therapist and works specifically with those in the Mormon faith in Wichita, Kansas. She later interviewed me for her podcast show about one of my favorite topics: mindfulness and sex. We discussed how this compliments and contradicts aspects of Mormon beliefs. In my private practice I work with individuals of many religious backgrounds, and I have always believed that the practice of mindfulness is compatible with all faiths. This was the first time that it was brought to my attention that the nonjudmental and acceptance components of mindfulness might conflict with some of the beliefs in the LDS faith.

Listen to the discussion on Mormon Mental Health.

~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego, CA -- Sex Coach, Sexuality & Mindfulness Speaker, Sexologist