Latest news with #GeorgiaGrace
Herald Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- Herald Sun
‘A sign of trust, not weakness': One thing you need to talk to your partner about today
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. It's one of the most important relationships — if not the most important — we have in our lives. But one major barrier is holding Australians back from having an equally important conversation with their partner — and it could to be their detriment. Though almost one in two (49 per cent) people speak to their loved one about their mental health at least once a week — and one in five (19 per cent) do so every day, research by News Corp's Growth Distillery with Medibank found that one in three Australians across all generations don't talk about it at all, out of fear of becoming a burden to their significant other. A further one in four said they were afraid of being misunderstood, dismissed or perceived as weak. Georgia Grace is a certified sex and relationship practitioner, somatic therapist and author based in Sydney. 'We need to get better at treating mental health disclosures as a sign of trust, not weakness,' she said. 'If you want intimacy — emotional, sexual, or otherwise — you have to make space for the imperfect stuff. That's where real connection happens.' Australia is in the grips of a mental health crisis, and people are struggling to know who to turn to, especially our younger generations. Can We Talk? is a News Corp awareness campaign, in partnership with Medibank, equipping Aussies with the skills needed to have the most important conversation of their life. Fear of being a burden or misunderstood aren't the only barriers holding Australians back from confiding in their partner about their mental health, Grace said. Another key driver is fear of losing the relationship itself, 'especially if in the past they have tried to ask for help or express they weren't OK and they were ignored or punished'. Indeed, one in four respondents shared that they were afraid of negative repercussions. One in two Australians speak to their partner about their mental health at least once a week, new research has found. Picture: David Swift 'Shame may also be getting in the way — a lot of people still carry the belief that struggling mentally makes them weak, broken or unlovable,' she said. 'So instead of opening up, they hide it, and that can become its own kind of pain. It might also be the fact that they don't know how to talk about their emotions, or they don't have the language to express what they're feeling. Many of us haven't been given the tools, so it can feel easier to let it go unsaid.' 'Hiding often does the most damage' Linda Williams is a senior psychologist and clinical lead at digital youth mental organisation ReachOut. Given your partner 'is one of the closest people to you, in most cases, they'll be able to tell something is wrong', she said. Of Australians' relationships, an overwhelming 81 per cent of respondents said that the one had the most trust in is the one they share with their partner, followed by close friends (75 per cent), parents (73 per cent) and children (71 per cent). 'It can be hard watching someone you love struggle, and not knowing why or how you can help,' Ms Williams said. 'If you don't open up about your experiences, you risk misunderstandings. They might feel like you don't trust them, which can put strain on your relationship.' Grace agreed. 'Hiding often does the most damage. When you're not talking about what's going on, the relationship starts running on assumptions, silence, and second-guessing,' she said. 'Your partner might start thinking you're pulling away, not interested, or emotionally unavailable when really, you're just trying to survive. That disconnect can create tension, resentment, or emotional shutdown. Believing that you always have to be 'the strong one' and that no one ever helps you can become a self-fulfilling prophecy,' Grace warned. 'If you never ask for help or never share what you're feeling … our partners aren't mind-readers.' 'You don't have to tell them everything at once' There is no 'right' time to disclose a mental health problem you might have with your partner — 'no perfect milestone or script'. But, Grace said, 'sooner is usually better, especially if it's starting to affect how you show up in the relationship'. 'It's probably best not to 'unload' on a first date. Being open about your mental health is important, however, be intentional with what you share, as it can feel really overwhelming for your date if they feel like they need to go into 'therapist mode',' she advised. When you do decide to broach the conversation, it can be helpful to 'think of a few key things you want to share'. 'But you don't need to over-rehearse — you're allowed to be clunky,' Grace said. Senior psychologist and clinical lead at ReachOut, Linda Williams. Picture: Supplied Sex and relationships therapist Georgia Grace. Picture: Richard Dobson 'You don't have to tell them everything at once. Start small: (you could say) 'I've been dealing with something lately that I want share with you',' she continued. 'Be clear on what you need from them — is it support, space, or just someone to listen? You also may not know just yet and that's OK, but it'll be important to reflect on this and give them information when you're ready. (And) expect that they might not respond perfectly. That's not a sign to shut down, as they also may not have the right tools. It's a starting point for deeper understanding.' Whether you've been together three months or 30 years, time and place is key to an effective chat. 'Choose a moment when you both have time and aren't distracted, not when you're both racing out the door on the way to work,' Grace said. 'In longer-term relationships, it's also important to discuss mental health before you feel like it's about to explode. If you trust the person and want something real with them, it's worth talking about.' 'You can't pour from an empty cup' As for what to do if you're the one being confided in, 'listen more than you speak', Grace said. 'Don't try to fix it, because you probably can't. Also, your partner isn't a problem that needs to be fixed — they are a person in the process of living,' she added. 'Don't minimise it. Don't jump into problem-solving mode unless they ask for it. Say something like, 'Thanks for telling me. I'm here, even if I don't have the perfect words.' 'And check in again later, not just once. That's how you show someone you're in it with them.' As the listener, Ms Williams noted that 'you might feel powerless to help, and that's OK'. 'But you can help them manage their day-to-day experiences, encourage them to get professional support and help them feel less alone,' she said. 'Looking after yourself is an important part of looking after someone else. You can't pour from an empty cup. Talking to someone you can trust can take some of the pressure off and help you navigate this tough time.' Originally published as 'A sign of trust, not weakness': One thing you need to talk to your partner about today
Daily Telegraph
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Telegraph
‘A sign of trust, not weakness': One thing you need to talk to your partner about today
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. It's one of the most important relationships — if not the most important — we have in our lives. But one major barrier is holding Australians back from having an equally important conversation with their partner — and it could to be their detriment. Though almost one in two (49 per cent) people speak to their loved one about their mental health at least once a week — and one in five (19 per cent) do so every day, research by News Corp's Growth Distillery with Medibank found that one in three Australians across all generations don't talk about it at all, out of fear of becoming a burden to their significant other. A further one in four said they were afraid of being misunderstood, dismissed or perceived as weak. Georgia Grace is a certified sex and relationship practitioner, somatic therapist and author based in Sydney. 'We need to get better at treating mental health disclosures as a sign of trust, not weakness,' she said. 'If you want intimacy — emotional, sexual, or otherwise — you have to make space for the imperfect stuff. That's where real connection happens.' Australia is in the grips of a mental health crisis, and people are struggling to know who to turn to, especially our younger generations. Can We Talk? is a News Corp awareness campaign, in partnership with Medibank, equipping Aussies with the skills needed to have the most important conversation of their life. Fear of being a burden or misunderstood aren't the only barriers holding Australians back from confiding in their partner about their mental health, Grace said. Another key driver is fear of losing the relationship itself, 'especially if in the past they have tried to ask for help or express they weren't OK and they were ignored or punished'. Indeed, one in four respondents shared that they were afraid of negative repercussions. One in two Australians speak to their partner about their mental health at least once a week, new research has found. Picture: David Swift 'Shame may also be getting in the way — a lot of people still carry the belief that struggling mentally makes them weak, broken or unlovable,' she said. 'So instead of opening up, they hide it, and that can become its own kind of pain. It might also be the fact that they don't know how to talk about their emotions, or they don't have the language to express what they're feeling. Many of us haven't been given the tools, so it can feel easier to let it go unsaid.' 'Hiding often does the most damage' Linda Williams is a senior psychologist and clinical lead at digital youth mental organisation ReachOut. Given your partner 'is one of the closest people to you, in most cases, they'll be able to tell something is wrong', she said. Of Australians' relationships, an overwhelming 81 per cent of respondents said that the one had the most trust in is the one they share with their partner, followed by close friends (75 per cent), parents (73 per cent) and children (71 per cent). 'It can be hard watching someone you love struggle, and not knowing why or how you can help,' Ms Williams said. 'If you don't open up about your experiences, you risk misunderstandings. They might feel like you don't trust them, which can put strain on your relationship.' Grace agreed. 'Hiding often does the most damage. When you're not talking about what's going on, the relationship starts running on assumptions, silence, and second-guessing,' she said. 'Your partner might start thinking you're pulling away, not interested, or emotionally unavailable when really, you're just trying to survive. That disconnect can create tension, resentment, or emotional shutdown. Believing that you always have to be 'the strong one' and that no one ever helps you can become a self-fulfilling prophecy,' Grace warned. 'If you never ask for help or never share what you're feeling … our partners aren't mind-readers.' 'You don't have to tell them everything at once' There is no 'right' time to disclose a mental health problem you might have with your partner — 'no perfect milestone or script'. But, Grace said, 'sooner is usually better, especially if it's starting to affect how you show up in the relationship'. 'It's probably best not to 'unload' on a first date. Being open about your mental health is important, however, be intentional with what you share, as it can feel really overwhelming for your date if they feel like they need to go into 'therapist mode',' she advised. When you do decide to broach the conversation, it can be helpful to 'think of a few key things you want to share'. 'But you don't need to over-rehearse — you're allowed to be clunky,' Grace said. Senior psychologist and clinical lead at ReachOut, Linda Williams. Picture: Supplied Sex and relationships therapist Georgia Grace. Picture: Richard Dobson 'You don't have to tell them everything at once. Start small: (you could say) 'I've been dealing with something lately that I want share with you',' she continued. 'Be clear on what you need from them — is it support, space, or just someone to listen? You also may not know just yet and that's OK, but it'll be important to reflect on this and give them information when you're ready. (And) expect that they might not respond perfectly. That's not a sign to shut down, as they also may not have the right tools. It's a starting point for deeper understanding.' Whether you've been together three months or 30 years, time and place is key to an effective chat. 'Choose a moment when you both have time and aren't distracted, not when you're both racing out the door on the way to work,' Grace said. 'In longer-term relationships, it's also important to discuss mental health before you feel like it's about to explode. If you trust the person and want something real with them, it's worth talking about.' 'You can't pour from an empty cup' As for what to do if you're the one being confided in, 'listen more than you speak', Grace said. 'Don't try to fix it, because you probably can't. Also, your partner isn't a problem that needs to be fixed — they are a person in the process of living,' she added. 'Don't minimise it. Don't jump into problem-solving mode unless they ask for it. Say something like, 'Thanks for telling me. I'm here, even if I don't have the perfect words.' 'And check in again later, not just once. That's how you show someone you're in it with them.' As the listener, Ms Williams noted that 'you might feel powerless to help, and that's OK'. 'But you can help them manage their day-to-day experiences, encourage them to get professional support and help them feel less alone,' she said. 'Looking after yourself is an important part of looking after someone else. You can't pour from an empty cup. Talking to someone you can trust can take some of the pressure off and help you navigate this tough time.' Originally published as 'A sign of trust, not weakness': One thing you need to talk to your partner about today
News.com.au
7 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
‘A sign of trust, not weakness': One thing you need to talk to your partner about today
It's one of the most important relationships — if not the most important — we have in our lives. But one major barrier is holding Australians back from having an equally important conversation with their partner — and it could to be their detriment. Though almost one in two (49 per cent) people speak to their loved one about their mental health at least once a week — and one in five (19 per cent) do so every day, research by News Corp's Growth Distillery with Medibank found that one in three Australians across all generations don't talk about it at all, out of fear of becoming a burden to their significant other. A further one in four said they were afraid of being misunderstood, dismissed or perceived as weak. Georgia Grace is a certified sex and relationship practitioner, somatic therapist and author based in Sydney. 'We need to get better at treating mental health disclosures as a sign of trust, not weakness,' she said. 'If you want intimacy — emotional, sexual, or otherwise — you have to make space for the imperfect stuff. That's where real connection happens.' Australia is in the grips of a mental health crisis, and people are struggling to know who to turn to, especially our younger generations. Can We Talk? is a News Corp awareness campaign, in partnership with Medibank, equipping Aussies with the skills needed to have the most important conversation of their life. Fear of being a burden or misunderstood aren't the only barriers holding Australians back from confiding in their partner about their mental health, Grace said. Another key driver is fear of losing the relationship itself, 'especially if in the past they have tried to ask for help or express they weren't OK and they were ignored or punished'. Indeed, one in four respondents shared that they were afraid of negative repercussions. 'Shame may also be getting in the way — a lot of people still carry the belief that struggling mentally makes them weak, broken or unlovable,' she said. 'So instead of opening up, they hide it, and that can become its own kind of pain. It might also be the fact that they don't know how to talk about their emotions, or they don't have the language to express what they're feeling. Many of us haven't been given the tools, so it can feel easier to let it go unsaid.' 'Hiding often does the most damage' Linda Williams is a senior psychologist and clinical lead at digital youth mental organisation ReachOut. Given your partner 'is one of the closest people to you, in most cases, they'll be able to tell something is wrong', she said. Of Australians' relationships, an overwhelming 81 per cent of respondents said that the one had the most trust in is the one they share with their partner, followed by close friends (75 per cent), parents (73 per cent) and children (71 per cent). 'It can be hard watching someone you love struggle, and not knowing why or how you can help,' Ms Williams said. 'If you don't open up about your experiences, you risk misunderstandings. They might feel like you don't trust them, which can put strain on your relationship.' Grace agreed. 'Hiding often does the most damage. When you're not talking about what's going on, the relationship starts running on assumptions, silence, and second-guessing,' she said. 'Your partner might start thinking you're pulling away, not interested, or emotionally unavailable when really, you're just trying to survive. That disconnect can create tension, resentment, or emotional shutdown. Believing that you always have to be 'the strong one' and that no one ever helps you can become a self-fulfilling prophecy,' Grace warned. 'If you never ask for help or never share what you're feeling … our partners aren't mind-readers.' 'You don't have to tell them everything at once' There is no 'right' time to disclose a mental health problem you might have with your partner — 'no perfect milestone or script'. But, Grace said, 'sooner is usually better, especially if it's starting to affect how you show up in the relationship'. 'It's probably best not to 'unload' on a first date. Being open about your mental health is important, however, be intentional with what you share, as it can feel really overwhelming for your date if they feel like they need to go into 'therapist mode',' she advised. When you do decide to broach the conversation, it can be helpful to 'think of a few key things you want to share'. 'But you don't need to over-rehearse — you're allowed to be clunky,' Grace said. 'You don't have to tell them everything at once. Start small: (you could say) 'I've been dealing with something lately that I want share with you',' she continued. 'Be clear on what you need from them — is it support, space, or just someone to listen? You also may not know just yet and that's OK, but it'll be important to reflect on this and give them information when you're ready. (And) expect that they might not respond perfectly. That's not a sign to shut down, as they also may not have the right tools. It's a starting point for deeper understanding.' Whether you've been together three months or 30 years, time and place is key to an effective chat. 'Choose a moment when you both have time and aren't distracted, not when you're both racing out the door on the way to work,' Grace said. 'In longer-term relationships, it's also important to discuss mental health before you feel like it's about to explode. If you trust the person and want something real with them, it's worth talking about.' 'You can't pour from an empty cup' As for what to do if you're the one being confided in, 'listen more than you speak', Grace said. 'Don't try to fix it, because you probably can't. Also, your partner isn't a problem that needs to be fixed — they are a person in the process of living,' she added. 'Don't minimise it. Don't jump into problem-solving mode unless they ask for it. Say something like, 'Thanks for telling me. I'm here, even if I don't have the perfect words.' 'And check in again later, not just once. That's how you show someone you're in it with them.' As the listener, Ms Williams noted that 'you might feel powerless to help, and that's OK'. 'But you can help them manage their day-to-day experiences, encourage them to get professional support and help them feel less alone,' she said. 'Looking after yourself is an important part of looking after someone else. You can't pour from an empty cup. Talking to someone you can trust can take some of the pressure off and help you navigate this tough time.'
News.com.au
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Normal Bestie Bundle review: Toys that know the right places
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more WARNING: ADULT CONTENT Normal was one of the first modern sex tech brands I became aware of — both as a sex writer and a sexual woman. Founded in 2021 by Lucy Wark and sexologist Georgia Grace, the Australian label entered the market with a clear mission: to make sexual wellness feel approachable, inclusive, and, frankly, a little less awkward. While I've tried a few of their toys before, I was surprised to realise I'd somehow missed their three bestsellers. Enter: the Besties Bundle. A cleverly curated trio featuring Quinn, Darcy, and Frankie — Normal's most-loved vibrators — the bundle is a brilliant way to explore a variety of sensations and styles without committing to just one. Think of it as a sampler box, but sexier. 'So many in our community are curious about what turns them on — and gets them off,' says founder Lucy Wark. 'From nipple and thigh play to clit, G-spot, vaginal and even A-spot stimulation, the Besties Bundle is your all-in-one way to explore it all. We've taken our most-loved vibes and paired them together so you can discover new sensations, experience blended orgasms, and enjoy more pleasure across more parts of your body.' So, I did what any curious (and professionally obligated) person would do — I took it for a spin. Here's how it went. WHAT'S IN THE BOX? The Besties Bundle includes three vibrators: Quinn: Suction vibrator simulating oral sex with gentle air pulses. Darcy: Double-ended vibrator for internal and external stimulation. Frankie: Compact bullet vibrator with focused vibrations. All three toys in the Besties Bundle are made from body-safe, non-reactive materials — free from any of the nasties like phthalates, PVC or latex — so you can relax and enjoy without worrying about what's going near (or inside) your body. They're USB rechargeable, with up to two hours of play per charge, which makes them pretty reliable as far as battery life goes. The whole kit comes in minimalist packaging and includes a cute little reusable canvas bag — discreet enough to stash in a drawer or overnight bag without a second thought. HOW WE TESTED THE NORMAL BESTIES BUNDLE Because each vibrator in the Besties Bundle is designed to meet a different kind of need, I tested them over a few weeks — reaching for each one as specific urges or moods naturally arose in everyday life. When it comes to reviewing toys like this, I try not to test everything all at once. Sometimes, the novelty or intensity of one toy can overshadow the others, and that's not exactly fair play. In this case, though, each toy is tailored to a distinct moment, environment, or kind of craving — whether it's a slow build, a quick release, or something a little more exploratory. I wanted to give each of them equal opportunity to blow my mind — or not. FIRST IMPRESSIONS The bundle arrives in discreet, eco-conscious packaging — a nod to Normal's commitment to both sustainability and your privacy. Inside, each toy comes with its own reusable canvas bag and a simple instruction card outlining how to charge, use, and care for it. My first impression? They're a great size. Each vibrator feels intuitive to hold — not too bulky, not too dainty — just compact enough to feel comfortable and controlled in your hand. The silicone has a satisfyingly soft, almost skin-like texture that adds to the overall sense of quality and ease. PUTTING THE PRODUCTS TO GOOD USE Quinn Quinn is a suction vibrator that uses gentle pulses of air around the clitoris to create a sensation that closely mimics oral sex. I've tried my fair share of toys in this category, and honestly, Quinn has quickly become one of my favourites. I tested it in the shower — it's safe for up to 10 minutes under running water — and was impressed by how well it performed in that setting. It's gentle, but don't let that fool you; it gets the job done. One of its standout features is the vibrating end opposite the suction. You can switch between the two, or use both in sequence, which allows you to build up slowly or extend the experience if you're not quite ready to finish. It feels designed for pleasure with intention — not just sensation. Darcy I don't usually like to call out favourites … but Darcy is hands-down my favourite in the bundle. It's just so versatile. You can explore G-spot stimulation with the bulb, use the long arm for a deeper, more full-bodied sensation, or treat either end like a wand to tease all your favourite erogenous zones. What I love most about Darcy is how much it offers without feeling overwhelming. It doesn't look intimidating or overly clinical, and it transitions beautifully between external and internal play without needing to switch toys. Size-wise, it's juuust right — the bulb end is perfect if you're craving something with a bit more impact, while the long arm offers a gentler, more sensual kind of penetration. Both ends vibrate too, so you can toggle between the two depending on what you're in the mood for (or have both going at once). I also really appreciate the shape of the long arm — it's subtly curved, which makes finding and stimulating the G-spot feel a lot more intuitive. As with any toy, lube is your best friend — but especially with something like Darcy, if you want to get the most out of both internal and external play. Frankie In my opinion, every girl needs a bullet vibrator in her arsenal — something small, discreet, and easy to take on the go, whether you're travelling or just sneaking in a little self-care between meetings. What I love most about Frankie is its size. It's compact enough to be portable, but not so small that it's awkward to hold or use. A lot of bullet vibrators either slip out of your grip or don't pack enough of a punch — but Frankie nails the balance. It's surprisingly powerful for its size, and the pointed tip is perfect for external or more targeted stimulation. It's the kind of toy that just gets the job done, without fuss. The Besties Bundle is priced at $300 AUD, offering a bundled saving compared to purchasing each device separately: Quinn ($180), Darcy ($180) and Frankie ($60). That's a saving of $120. VERDICT: IS THE BESTIE BUNDLE WORTH BUYING? Short answer? Absolutely. These are some of the best sex toys I've ever used — both in terms of design and performance. The Besties Bundle is a no-brainer if you're looking to refresh your collection with quality, reliable staples that cover the key pillars of vulva stimulation. It's also perfect if you're just starting out and want to experiment with different sensations to figure out what really works for you — without the overwhelm of navigating dozens of options. Price-wise, it's incredibly good value. Some competitor brands charge the same for one toy, and here you're getting three. They're not overly complicated or packed with gimmicks — and honestly, I think that's part of what makes them so great. They're simple, smart, and designed with .
