home
RSS
Who are you fantasizing about during sex?
May 12th, 2011
08:01 AM ET

Who are you fantasizing about during sex?

Ian Kerner, a sexuality counselor and New York Times best-selling author, blogs about sex on Thursdays on The Chart. Read more from him at his website, GoodInBed.

Tell the truth (or rather, think the truth): have you ever fantasized during sex about someone other than the person you’re actually having sex with? Perhaps there’s a particular celebrity that turns you on, or a former flame, or even (heaven forbid) a brother or sister-in-law?

Do taboo thoughts make their way into your most intimate real-life moments? If so, take a deep breath and relax. You’re not alone, in fact you’re probably in the majority. In one study published by The Journal of Sex Research, 98% of partnered men and 80% of partnered women said that they had fantasized about someone other than their partner during sex in the previous two months. Whew!

CNNHealth's sex expert blogger Ian Kerner stops by to talk about the rise in women using porn on HLN's The Joy Behar Show, Thursday, 9 p.m. ET

The truth is, a healthy fantasy life is one of the keys to a great sex life - even when your partner might not always play the leading role. Most people find that they are most sexually satisfied when they are intimate with one person with whom they feel completely comfortable.

Along with this intimacy comes the freedom to let go and explore, including fantasizing about other people, places, and situations. In one study on sexual fantasy by noted expert Dr. Harold Leitenberg it was concluded that sexual fantasies occur most often in people with the highest sexual satisfaction and the healthiest sex lives. So your fantasies aren’t an indication that something is wrong, but rather that something is right.

Fantasies play a valuable role in our sex-lives. First off, they fuel arousal: “Thoughts can create real physical changes in your body, and you can use this to your advantage,” writes sex educator Emily Nagoski in the Good in Bed Guide to Female Orgasms. “This is why people fantasize even while they’re having sex - the added juice of the fantasy heightens arousal when the physical sensations aren’t enough to get us where we want to go.”

Fantasies also free the brain to explore secret, extraordinary realms without the obligations of everyday life. Kaye Wellings, a respected British biologist, puts it best in her book, "First Love, First Sex:"

“Fantasies perform a valuable function. Most of us, most of the time, behave conservatively, sexually and otherwise. Our erotic experiences represent only the tip of the iceberg in terms of possibilities. Many possibilities only see the light of day through fantasies or dreams, seldom as reality.”

And says Good in Bed expert Ann Potter, “I like to imagine that fantasizing is like putting training wheels on my desires - those desires that are maybe a little too 'out there' for me or my partner to get on board with acting out right away, or ever.”

And when it comes to fantasies, adults do just fine with a permanent set of training wheels, and needn’t bother with graduating to a two-wheeler. The brain is the biggest sex organ and a little fantasizing goes a long way.

So rather than resist your fantasies, let yourself enjoy them. Trying to suppress fantasies may end up doing more harm than good. In the mid-1980s, Dr. Daniel Wegner at the University of Virginia studied the menchanics of thought-suppression in an experiment known as the “white bear study.” Wegner sat people in a room with a tape recorder and told them to say whatever came to mind,  with one exception: Don’t think about a white bear. No surprise, people mentioned the bear constantly. The more they tried not to think about it, the more they mentioned it.

By suppressing a forbidden thought the brain never gets a chance to fully process that thought, and what could just be an innocent fantasy suddenly becomes a guilt-laden white bear that won’t go away.  Most of the time it’s not our fantasies that are the problem, but rather our reactions to our fantasies - the feelings of shame and guilt, as well as our anxieties and fears about what those fantasies might really mean.

But fantasies are meant to be enjoyed and if they weren’t taboo, well then they wouldn’t be fantasies to begin with.


soundoff (1,793 Responses)
  1. Rv Alignment Shop Near Me

    http://www.culimolli4x4.it/sito/cmgb/go.php?url=https://ocrvfleetservices.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 15:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. pharmaceptica.com

    erectile dysfunction symptoms https://pharmaceptica.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 15:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. 먹튀커뮤니티

    You should take part in a contest for one of the most useful blogs on the internet. I'm going to highly recommend this website!

    https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/130916871-kastrup

    June 21, 2021 at 17:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. 출장마사지

    Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful post. Many thanks for supplying this info.

    https://www.webstyling3000.de/qa/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=casino1j7vbkcp562

    June 21, 2021 at 18:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. 먹튀커뮤니티

    Howdy! I simply want to offer you a big thumbs up for your great information you have here on this post. I am coming back to your site for more soon.

    http://neh.co.nz/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=1177872

    June 21, 2021 at 18:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Sprinter Van Repair Shop

    I was very happy to find this page. I want to to thank you for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every bit of it and i also have you saved as a favorite to see new things in your blog.

    https://www.attaka.or.jp/cgi-bin/click3/click3.cgi?cnt=05&url=https://sprintervanrepairshop.com

    June 21, 2021 at 19:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. lich bong da giao huu hom nay

    Tỷ Số đá Bóng Trực Tuyến Thời Điểm Hôm Naythedo. tvTheo thể thức thi đấu, đội thắng ở cặp đấu này sẽ giành tấm vé đến Lithuania vào ngày hội bóng đá lớn nhất thế giới cho futsal. Tuyển futsal Việt Nam bước vào trận play-off lượt đi tranh vé dự play-off World Cup 2021 với sự tự tin. Tuy vậy, HLV Phạm Minh Giang bày tỏ, toàn đội không ngán Lebanon tuy nhiên sẽ tìm cách để khắc chế sức mạnh của đối thủ bởi trên băng ghế huấn luyện là nhà cầm quân Ramiro Lopez, người từng dẫn dắt futsal Tây Ban Nha.|Dựa vào lịch tranh tài, bạn rất có thể sắp xếp công việc

    https://questiontime.info/detail/kenh-k-pm-7671.html

    June 21, 2021 at 20:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. 출장안마

    Howdy! This article could not be written much better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept preaching about this. I am going to send this information to him. Pretty sure he's going to have a great read. Thank you for sharing!

    https://robman.info/user/casino5l1kbrlj012

    June 21, 2021 at 21:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. 출장마사지

    This is a really good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Short but very precise infoÖ Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read post!

    https://www.chicitybulls.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=12183

    June 21, 2021 at 21:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. 케이출장

    I really like looking through an article that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing for me to comment!

    http://www.bausch.co.jp/ja-jp/redirect/?url=https://k-anma.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 22:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. mediterranean food near me

    https://www.meetme.com/apps/redirect/?url=earme.a2hosted.com/

    June 21, 2021 at 23:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. 먹튀검증

    You are so cool! I don't think I've truly read anything like this before. So nice to find somebody with genuine thoughts on this topic. Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This web site is something that is required on the internet, someone with a bit of originality!

    https://postheaven.net/casino3k6njnhb755/h2-after-the-game-of-rouleete-is-mentioned-most-peopleand-39-s-first-thoughts

    June 22, 2021 at 00:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. Company Van Repair Shop

    http://www.milf-maniac.com/cgi-bin/at3/out.cgi?id=49&tag=toplist&trade=https://sprinterrepairnearme.com/

    June 22, 2021 at 00:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. 출장안마

    Aw, this was an extremely good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a very good articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I procrastinate a lot and don't seem to get nearly anything done.

    http://www.cvma-korea.org/MyBB/member.php?action=profile&uid=466751

    June 22, 2021 at 00:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. 출장마사지

    Very good post! We are linking to this great post on our site. Keep up the good writing.

    https://canvas.instructure.com/eportfolios/129081/massage6weyladvmqf/The_Most_Influential_People_in_the__Industry

    June 22, 2021 at 04:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. RV And Truck Repair Near Me

    Excellent write-up. I certainly appreciate this site. Keep writing!

    http://www.vigortronix.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvcenter.org

    June 22, 2021 at 04:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. 먹튀검증업체

    Very good article. I am dealing with many of these issues as well..

    http://bookmarkloves.com/story7464565/the-thrill-of-playing-poker

    June 22, 2021 at 05:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. 사설토토

    Excellent write-up. I absolutely love this website. Continue the good work!

    https://lookbook.nu/user/8980434-Bernard

    June 22, 2021 at 06:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. Sprinter Van Alignment Shop Near Me

    Good post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon every day. It's always exciting to read articles from other authors and practice a little something from their websites.

    http://www.inva-life.ru/go?https://fleetrepairshops.com/

    June 22, 2021 at 06:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. 출장마사지

    Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thanks, However I am having troubles with your RSS. I donít know the reason why I am unable to join it. Is there anybody having identical RSS issues? Anyone that knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanx!!

    https://infoguru.top/user/casino0m9svoxl297

    June 22, 2021 at 08:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. RV Repair Shops Near Me Now

    http://penpower.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrv.biz

    June 22, 2021 at 08:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Van Auto Repair

    http://crucibletests.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=boxtruckrepairshop.com

    June 22, 2021 at 09:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. 출장마사지

    Everything is very open with a clear clarification of the challenges. It was really informative. Your site is very useful. Thanks for sharing!

    http://hd-kinolar.net/user/casino5b3bwtcs250

    June 22, 2021 at 09:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. 출장

    I'm excited to discover this website. I want to to thank you for ones time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely liked every part of it and I have you book-marked to check out new things on your web site.

    https://lexsrv3.nlm.nih.gov/fdse/search/search.pl?match=0&realm=all&terms=http://www.heatherseats@raovat5s.biz/redirect/?url=https://massage4ceacheenoz.shutterfly.com/35

    June 22, 2021 at 09:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. Sprinter Repair

    http://bubbachef.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=fleetservicesocrv.com/

    June 22, 2021 at 11:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. Camper Repair Near Me

    Great site you've got here.. Itís difficult to find high-quality writing like yours nowadays. I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

    http://www.fif-orientering.dk/FIF/count/go.asp?site=http://ocrv.us/

    June 22, 2021 at 11:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. Aline

    Please let me know if you're looking for a author for your site.
    You have some really good articles and I believe I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to take some of the load off, I'd love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please shoot me an email if interested. Kudos!

    June 22, 2021 at 13:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. Rv Technician Shop Near Me

    Greetings! Very helpful advice within this article! It is the little changes that make the most significant changes. Many thanks for sharing!

    http://www.nzautocar.co.nz/Redirect.aspx?destination=https://sprintervanrepairnearme.com

    June 22, 2021 at 14:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. overcast podcast

    Hey there! I just would like to offer you a big thumbs up for the excellent info you have got right here on this post. I will be coming back to your site for more soon.

    http://enviroxllc.biz/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=backbonehunters.com

    June 22, 2021 at 16:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Sprinter Van Mechanic Shop

    http://youngteengfs.com/cgi-bin/crtr/out.cgi?id=17&tag=toplist&trade=https://fleetservicesorangecounty.com/

    June 22, 2021 at 17:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. 케이출장

    This is the right website for everyone who wants to find out about this topic. You know so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need toÖHaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a subject which has been written about for decades. Great stuff, just wonderful!

    https://writeablog.net/massage0o9mtnhp279/h2-barefoot-ashiatsu-massage-what-are-the-benefits-h2-are-you-aware-that

    June 22, 2021 at 17:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. 출장

    Iím impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I come across a blog thatís both equally educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you've hit the nail on the head. The issue is something too few people are speaking intelligently about. Now i'm very happy that I stumbled across this in my hunt for something concerning this.

    http://avalonadvancedmaterials.com/outurl.php?url=https://my.desktopnexus.com/casino2a7mzoxc240/

    June 22, 2021 at 17:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. SEO Marketing Company Near Me

    http://www.madira.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=consciousgrowthmarketing.com

    June 22, 2021 at 17:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. 먹튀검증업체

    There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject. I love all of the points you made.

    http://liken-soft.ru/user/casino2l9swngj444

    June 22, 2021 at 19:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. 먹튀검증

    Hi, I do believe your site could possibly be having internet browser compatibility issues. Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, excellent site!

    https://www.bonanza.com/users/48361303/profile

    June 22, 2021 at 19:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. 먹튀사이트

    I'd like to thank you for the efforts you've put in writing this site. I'm hoping to see the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own, personal website now 😉

    http://www.monplawiki.com/link.php?url=http://gambling4paxtonmnkg126.theglensecret.com/10-things-you-learned-in-preschool-that-ll-help-you-with-meogtwi

    June 22, 2021 at 20:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. RV Brake Repair Near Me

    http://brunswickpartners.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.ocrvcenter.com/

    June 22, 2021 at 20:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. outkick the coverage podcast

    Excellent blog you have here.. Itís hard to find good quality writing like yours nowadays. I really appreciate people like you! Take care!!

    https://kjsystem.net/east/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=49&url=https://backbonehunters.com/

    June 22, 2021 at 20:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. howie carr podcast

    I was able to find good info from your blog articles.

    http://eiledon-briards.biz/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=backbonehunters.com

    June 22, 2021 at 20:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. RV Water Repair Man Near Me

    Pretty! This has been a really wonderful article. Thanks for supplying this information.

    http://fedorasrv.com/link3/link3.cgi?mode=cnt&hp=https://ocrvcenter.com

    June 22, 2021 at 21:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. 토토사이트

    This page really has all the information and facts I needed concerning this subject and didnít know who to ask.

    https://www.bonanza.com/users/48385966/profile

    June 22, 2021 at 23:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. 출장안마

    This is the perfect web site for anybody who hopes to understand this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally will need toÖHaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a subject that has been discussed for many years. Great stuff, just great!

    https://www.tripline.net/casino9x6utztq945/

    June 22, 2021 at 23:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. 케이출장

    Very good article. I will be going through some of these issues as well..

    http://evvadent-gomel.ru/user/casino2s7zsoht478

    June 22, 2021 at 23:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. 먹튀검증

    After looking over a number of the articles on your website, I truly like your technique of writing a blog. I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my website as well and tell me what you think.

    http://www.iscenf.rnu.tn/site/index.php/fr/component/users//index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=1049539

    June 23, 2021 at 01:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. 먹튀검증

    Can I simply just say what a relief to discover somebody that genuinely knows what they're discussing on the web. You certainly realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people ought to check this out and understand this side of the story. I can't believe you are not more popular since you most certainly possess the gift.

    http://www.bausch.co.jp/ja-jp/redirect/?url=https://gambling8alexisrdge717.mozello.com/blog/params/post/2898604/4-dirty-little-secrets-about-the-industry

    June 23, 2021 at 03:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Google Marketing Service

    http://www.newellpalmer.com.au/?goto=consciousgrowthmarketing.com/

    June 23, 2021 at 06:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. Internet Marketing Service Near Me

    http://overthereef.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=consciousgrowthmarketing.com

    June 23, 2021 at 07:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. RV Tire Repair Near Me

    This site was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something that helped me. Thank you!

    http://highpointtreestands.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrv.life

    June 23, 2021 at 07:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. 토토사이트

    Itís difficult to find educated people in this particular topic, however, you seem like you know what youíre talking about! Thanks

    http://profitquery.com/share/?url=http://dantecngt614.bearsfanteamshop.com/the-most-pervasive-problems-in-totosaiteu

    June 23, 2021 at 07:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. jon meacham podcast

    I used to be able to find good info from your content.

    http://eastpacificandhawaii.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.backbonehunters.com/

    June 23, 2021 at 09:10 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Leave a Reply to 카지노사이트


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.