magazine issue 6 2014 / Issue 21

No strings attached: Are “friends with benefits” as complicated in real life as they are in the movies?

• written by Justin J. Lehmiller
• edited by Dylan Selterman

Many people become “friends with benefits” to avoid drama and to have sex without getting tied up in emotions; however, the reality is that having a friend with benefits often becomes complicated. Why is that, and is there anything you can do to avoid these complexities? In this article, we will explore the science behind friends who decide to have sex.

 “No relationship. No emotions. Just ...

Keeping the spark alive: The role of sexual communal motivation

• written by Amy Muise
• edited by Dylan Selterman

In new relationships, feelings of sexual desire for a partner come relatively easily. But, over time, partners’ sexual interests often change and it can be difficult for couples to keep the spark alive. In the beginning stages of relationships when partners are getting to know each other sexual desire tends to peak (Baumeister & Bratlavsky, 1999), and then often declines over time as partners become comfortable and committed in their relationship... / more

Consensual non-monogamy: Table for more than two, please

• written by Amy Moors, William Chopik, Robin Edelstein & Terri Conley
• edited by Dylan Selterman

Admit it:  We have crushes, we have sexual fantasies, and sometimes we want to act on them—even when those crushes and fantasies aren’t about our current romantic partner.  Most of the time, we ignore these crushes and our fantasies go unfulfilled.  For some, cheating seems like an option.  However, for others, it is totally okay to pursue these crushes and fantasies outside a relationship.  Welcome to the emerging movement to rewrite the rules of romance: consensual... / more