home
RSS
Would you ever swing?
September 15th, 2011
09:49 AM ET

Would you ever swing?

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

No, I’m not talking about ballroom dancing. This is a sex column, after all.

With buzz-terms like “monogamish” and “negotiated monogamy” making headlines, many couples are discovering that they have a shared appetite for sexual adventure, and that getting it on with another couple may be the golden ticket – not just to thrills, but also to staying together and surviving another day in the life of a relationship.

While the term “swinging” may be a throwback to the 70s and the days of Plato’s Retreat, more and more modern couples are hooking up with other couples, either informally or through networks or clubs.  And, of course, like all things online, the Internet has amplified these opportunities and made it easier to find couples and clubs in a neighborhood near you.

As with most sexual activities, there haven’t been many studies into the prevalence of swinging - and many people who do it don’t necessarily want to admit it - but some experts believe that there could be as many 15 million Americans swinging on a regular basis. Chances are you have a friend or neighbor who is swinging.

As I’ve written about previously in this column, I often run into two “sexual types” in my work as a sexuality counselor: “comfort creatures” and “thrill seekers.” The former takes a “less is more” approach to sexual novelty, while the latter often have a “more, more, more” attitude.  Usually this dichotomy isn’t an issue when two people find themselves at the same end the spectrum.

For two comfort creatures, for example, swinging isn’t probably high up on their sexual bucket list, although it might well be a fantasy.  Exhibitionism, voyeurism, watching a partner have sex with someone else - these are very common fantasies, and, in many cases, sharing a fantasy can lead to an actual exploration of fantasy, especially when one partner is hankering for a bit more sexual adventure.

“My husband and I had some confusion that we had to get straightened out,” a client whom I’ll call Kelly told me. “I feel very comfortable in our relationship, and I have a vivid fantasy life.  I think of myself as a very sexual person. But when I mentioned my fantasy of watching him get it on with another woman, he wanted to make it a reality. At least he thought he did. We perused some sites, which was fun, but in the end, neither of us decided to pursue it. It just looked too sleazy. Luckily, the subject was dropped.”

But for couples with a genuine appetite (and stomach) for sexual novelty, swinging might not be a big deal and might even be a counterintuitive way of strengthening their sense of fidelity and identity as a couple.  It’s monogamy on shared terms. In fact, many couples who swing together paradoxically have even stronger sexual boundaries than couples who do not.

But swinging can backfire, too.  I worked with one couple who liked to swing on a regular basis, but the reason they ended up in my office was because she had major problems with all of the stuff he kept to himself: flirty friendships, porn usage, his enjoyment of strippers.  She had no problem with swinging, but in every other way she demanded more exclusivity from the relationship than many far less sexually adventurous women would require.  From her perspective, swinging was just another way of sharing everything, including sex.

And for many couples, swinging is by no means a replacement for sex; it’s an augmentation, and very different than actual lovemaking with their partner.  Many couples use occasional swinging as an opportunity to jumpstart their sex life and break out of a rut. “Swinging strengthens us,” says Jenny, a mother of two.  “It’s something we do once or twice a year.  We enjoy the scoping out of another couple, the flirtation, the sex, but also the way we talk about it for weeks after and incorporate into our fantasy life.  We love having a secret life together – a whole different community than the ones we see at PTA meetings – although we’re just waiting for those worlds to collide.”

But swinging certainly doesn’t work for everyone, especially couples in which one partner is going along for the ride with another partner, like when a true comfort creature is paired with a thrill seeker.  Then it becomes a form of sexual pressure, and can lead to disastrous results.

And sometimes we think we know what we want, but the process of discovery has unintended results.  Ken, who had to convince his wife to give swinging a go, said, “I was prepared for everything, except seeing my wife kiss another man - out of the whole experience that’s the image I can’t get out of my head: her kissing another man.  The moral of the lesson for me: Swinging is something a couple should work towards in their relationship, not begin with.”

Ken’s wife wanted to give it another whirl, this time with the rule of no kissing.  Meanwhile, Ken wanted to drop the whole thing.

Monogamy: what a concept.


soundoff (1,610 Responses)
  1. Clyde Dad

    Normally I do not learn post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very pressured me to check out and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thanks, quite nice article.

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    January 21, 2021 at 00:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. Hairstyles Women

    I am really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one today..

    https://www.hairstylesvip.com

    January 21, 2021 at 04:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. หวย

    Normally I don't read article on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to
    check out and do so! Your writing style has been amazed me.
    Thanks, quite great article.

    January 21, 2021 at 08:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. หวย

    Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and i
    own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot
    of spam feedback? If so how do you prevent it,
    any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it's driving me
    insane so any help is very much appreciated.

    January 21, 2021 at 13:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. หวย

    What a stuff of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious know-how regarding unpredicted feelings.

    January 21, 2021 at 14:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. หวย

    There is definately a great deal to find out about this subject.
    I like all the points you have made.

    January 21, 2021 at 15:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. you could check here licensed electrician

    Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It's on a completely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Wonderful choice of colors!

    http://shop-online97419.jiliblog.com/54750597/10-startups-that-ll-change-the-electrical-contractor-industry-for-the-better

    January 21, 2021 at 18:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. Henrietta Neuman

    Do you want get more social network traffic, likes, and retweets? SMM Supreme uses his own panel system to generate social media traffic to any website. Best Quality-Price Ratio on the market with 714928 orders until now. – Facebook Fan Page Likes: $4.50/1000 – Instagram Followers: $0.78/1000 – Youtube Views: $1.62/1000 – Twitter followers: $2.10/1000 – Paypal Deposit – Payeer Deposit – Automatic order processing – 30 minutes to send to customers

    https://bit.ly/2Hnl7vE

    January 22, 2021 at 07:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. wallet for notebook

    I blog often and I really appreciate your content.
    The article has really peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of your site and keep checking
    for new details about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.

    My website ... wallet for notebook

    January 23, 2021 at 08:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. video2mp3 convert youtube to mp3

    Hello. How you been? I've enjoyed this piece of writing here. It seems like a great, really excellent story line. very appreciate for publishing and allowing me to read your journey. These days the publishing music services is all deep self-involved, it's very hard to get somewhere. Only thru collective labors can we achive slick music access in the world. That's why we need to praise the beginner singers, watch their Youtube and Instagram videos, help with fan support, share on facebook.

    https://www.bloglovin.com/@johnredken/top-5-free-youtube-to-mp3-converters-online

    January 24, 2021 at 03:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. frolep rotrem

    I don't commonly comment but I gotta admit appreciate it for the post on this one : D.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    January 24, 2021 at 09:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. หวย

    Hey there! I could have sworn I've been to this website before but after checking through some
    of the post I realized it's new to me. Nonetheless, I'm definitely delighted I found it and I'll be
    book-marking and checking back frequently!

    January 24, 2021 at 13:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. หวย

    If you want to grow your know-how simply keep visiting this web site and be updated with the newest information posted here.

    January 24, 2021 at 13:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. frolep rotrem

    Good day! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading your blog posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same subjects? Appreciate it!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    January 24, 2021 at 14:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. Emery Divers

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    January 24, 2021 at 15:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. frolep rotrem

    Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and everything. Nevertheless just imagine if you added some great images or videos to give your posts more, "pop"! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this website could certainly be one of the greatest in its field. Awesome blog!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    January 24, 2021 at 16:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. Carli Sheeks

    Hi, I've been visiting your website a few times and decided to give you some positive feedback because I find it very useful. Well done. I was wondering if you as someone with experience of creating a useful website could help me out with my new site by giving some feedback about what I could improve? You can find my site by searching for "Casibella" on Google. I would appreciate if you could check it out quickly and tell me what you think. -> rainer0695@gmail.com – Thank you for help and I wish you a great week!

    https://www.xboxaktuell.de/news,id18515,xbox_vs_playstation_wo_liegen_vor_nachteile.html

    January 24, 2021 at 20:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. JdbxEncox

    buy viagra online for 50 cents a piece buy viagra in south africa online austalia online viagra http://llviabest.com/ – viagra levitra paypal ’

    January 25, 2021 at 06:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. Jamee Mellado

    Hi just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren't loading correctly. I'm not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I've tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same results.

    https://extraproxies.com/tag/do/

    January 26, 2021 at 05:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. Trula Murrietta

    Do you want get more social network traffic, likes, subscribers? Our Company provide SMM Services that means (Social Media Marketing) that is directly using social network websites such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to promote a website. High Quality Services / Our prices are the cheapest in the market, starting at $0.01 / 24/7 Support / API Support for panel leaders / Best prices

    https://bit.ly/2Hnl7vE

    January 26, 2021 at 17:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. Brigette Mejias

    Best Marketing Services – Cheapest on Market. SMM Supreme is the Top 5 Best Social Media Website in the World. Best Quality-Price Ratio on the market with 714,928 orders until now. – Facebook Fan Page Likes for $4.50/1000 – Instagram Followers for $0.78/1000 – Youtube Views: $1.62/1000 – Twitter followers: $2.10/1000 – Paypal Deposit – Bitcoin Deposit – Fast order processing – 1 Hour Delivery (Click on the link in the profile for more details)

    https://bit.ly/2Hnl7vE

    January 26, 2021 at 20:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Micah Kach

    Can a computer virus passively infect the computer by just being online?

    https://twitter.com/straininfoonli1

    January 26, 2021 at 21:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. HuldaQKish

    I couldn't resist commenting. Perfectly written!

    Stop by my web page: HuldaQKish

    January 26, 2021 at 23:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. joker123 apk

    Do: Strengthening and stretching the muscles
    that support your knee are very important. Search for the topic plus the
    search term "article directories". Copies of everything; music, articles, books,
    strategies.

    January 28, 2021 at 00:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. LbgEncox

    viagra for sale canada buy viagra without prescription viagra online http://genqpviag.com/ – viagra without a rx ’

    January 28, 2021 at 09:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. Bernard Lehnert

    Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I'm kinda paranoid about losing everything I've worked hard on. Any suggestions?

    https://extraproxies.com

    January 28, 2021 at 11:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. frolep rotrem

    certainly like your web site however you have to check the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very troublesome to inform the truth on the other hand I will certainly come back again.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    January 28, 2021 at 21:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. Angela Galetta

    Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very helpful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    January 28, 2021 at 22:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. Jed Diener

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    January 28, 2021 at 22:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Lin Godby

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    January 28, 2021 at 22:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. Elwanda Brunelli

    Enjoyed reading through this, very good stuff, regards . "It is well to remember that the entire universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others." by John Andrew Holmes.

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    January 28, 2021 at 22:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. Dimple Arzu

    Hello! I've been following your web site for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Huffman Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic job!

    https://extraproxies.com/buy-proxies/200-proxy-pack

    January 29, 2021 at 18:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. Money Robot

    Get Our Passive Income System – Step 1: Get our ready made niche websites, Step 2: Run our Premium Unlimited Traffic Step 3: Setup your Paypal account. Then just sit back and relax while you watch your paypal account receiving payments during the whole day 100 in auto pilot. More info: https://www.k3reviews.com/2020/08/16/monster-mode-700k/

    https://bitly.com/2RfJYVc

    January 30, 2021 at 21:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. froleprotrem

    Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    January 30, 2021 at 21:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. หวย

    I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that
    you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come
    more formerly again as exactly the same nearly very
    often inside case you shield this increase.

    January 30, 2021 at 22:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. Billy Whittley

    This is a very interesting article. Please, share more like this!

    https://yt1s.com

    February 1, 2021 at 05:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. filofax classic

    I got this web site from my buddy who told me concerning this web page and now this time
    I am browsing this web site and reading very informative content here.

    My web site :: filofax classic

    February 1, 2021 at 14:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. froleprotrem

    You have brought up a very good points, thanks for the post.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 2, 2021 at 08:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. Celesta Curfman

    How to restore computer when my computer just randomly shuts off?

    http://www.syukurinlo.com

    February 2, 2021 at 11:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. หวย

    I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site.
    I'm hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts by you
    later on as well. In truth, your creative writing
    abilities has inspired me to get my own website now 😉

    February 2, 2021 at 11:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. frolep rotrem

    Lovely just what I was searching for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 2, 2021 at 14:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. froleprotrem

    Hello, you used to write fantastic, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your super writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 2, 2021 at 15:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. Bonuslikes.com

    I'm usually to running a blog and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I'm going to bookmark your website and preserve checking for brand new information.

    https://bonuslikes.com/product-tag/instagram-likes-buy-fast/

    February 3, 2021 at 03:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. BonusLikes Youtube Views

    I'm also writing to let you understand of the remarkable discovery my wife's child experienced using your web site. She mastered numerous details, not to mention what it is like to possess a great giving heart to make other people just fully understand a variety of tricky subject areas. You truly exceeded readers' desires. I appreciate you for rendering those priceless, safe, explanatory not to mention easy guidance on your topic to Ethel.

    https://bonuslikes.com/buy/50000-instagram-views/

    February 3, 2021 at 13:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. LbsxEncox

    approved canadian online pharmacies viagra dapoxetine reliable viagra from canada

    February 4, 2021 at 10:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Best Twitter Marketing

    I dugg some of you post as I thought they were very useful very beneficial

    https://bonuslikes.com/tag/videos-posts-users/

    February 4, 2021 at 11:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. tree pros az

    I really enjoyed this article, thank you for that! Beaver Tree Services, 2545 N 29th Pl, Phoenix, AZ 85008; (602) 671-0226

    https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3839338777019958220

    February 4, 2021 at 11:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. AhkdEncox

    prescription drug price comparison cvs online pharmacy canadian pharmacies top best

    February 5, 2021 at 06:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. หวย

    Thanks for the good writeup. It in fact used to be a leisure account it.
    Glance complex to far introduced agreeable from you!
    However, how could we keep in touch?

    February 5, 2021 at 10:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. Kuikseelt

    buy generic viagra online where to get cheap viagra viagra best price

    February 5, 2021 at 10:35 | 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

Leave a Reply to RV Plumbing Riverside


 

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.