Latest news with #GigiEngle
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Forget the Bed: 9 Alternative (and Steamy) Places To Have Sex
Have you and your partner ever fantasized about taking things out of the bedroom? Whether you're craving something spontaneous, playful, or just a little less predictable, changing up your setting can make your sex life a bit more exciting. Plus, if you're in a long-term relationship, going at it in a new place can spice things up, especially if you feel your sex life has plateaued lately, says Gigi Engle, certified sex coach, sexologist, and author of All The F*cking Mistakes: A Guide to Sex, Love and Life. 'It also requires a level of trust that you're in it together,' says Amy Levine, sex coach and founder of Ignite Your Pleasure. 'It gives you the opportunity to explore something that can take you to a new erotic edge.' Just note that if you plan to have sex anywhere public-adjacent, it's important to consider consent, Engle notes. Of course, that includes you and your partner, but also those who might be around—obviously, strangers haven't signed up to watch you bone. Being sexually open and adventurous is awesome, but you also need to be a decent and respectful person. Need some inspo? Here are some of the best and most creative places to have sex. 1. Your backyard or balcony. Taking things to the backyard can emulate the excitement of outdoor sex…but with a nice level of privacy. 'The backyard of your home has the comfort to keep the sex at ease,' Levine says. 'Wondering if the neighbors will see ups the mystery and your arousal.' It's thrilling to know someone could spot you, and you're outside but in a clean, private space. And since it's your property, no worries about breaking the law. Make it hotter: Put your patio furniture to good use (beyond the occasional backyard BBQ). 'If you have a lounger, this can be a good opportunity for you to lie back and enjoy some relaxed oral sex out in the sunshine,' Engle says. Before you head out, don't forget to grab some water-based lube and a favorite toy. 2. Your car. If the movie Titanic and high school gossip has taught me anything, it's that the car is a prime spot to get hot and steamy. It's a private-but-public space that you have more control over. Make it hotter: During sunset or under the cover of nightfall, turn off onto a quiet road or find an empty parking lot to discreetly park. Skip the front seat (the horn could blow your cover when you want to blow other things), and opt for the backseat instead. It'll help keep you hidden, and there's more room to play around with positions. 3. A hotel room. Check in for a good time. Whether you're traveling with your significant other or just got a hotel room for a hot staycation, make it your playground. There's just something about having sex while on vacay that always feels extra hot. Make it hotter: Open the curtains (all of them, all the way) and have sex against the window. It doesn't matter if your view overlooks a parking lot or another building—you'll still get a rush knowing people can (and likely will) see. 4. A park or wooded area. Who doesn't love getting down with nature? Find a spot to settle down for your romp in an empty, low-traffic park or lightly wooded area. 'You want enough camouflage to be shielded,' Engle says. She also warns against going too deep into a wooded area—getting ravaged by bugs and ticks (or poison ivy) isn't hot. If you'd rather be on the ground, bring a blanket to avoid mud and grass stains. 'This will give you a makeshift sex area and something to use for quick coverups,' Engle says. You know, just in case. Make it hotter: Put some thought into what you're wearing, as you both want to don something with easy access. Think long dresses or stretchy shorts that you can quickly pull down or up in case of emergency (read: passerbys). Knowing you're equipped for a quickie (or multiple ones) is a turn-on in and of itself. 5. A rooftop. This is more practical for city folk with access to a flat roof, so take proper precautions. But an open rooftop is like your balcony, only more risqué, because anyone (and everyone) can see. Engle has one important reminder: If you're in the great outdoors and going to up there for quite some time, don't forget to put on some sunscreen. ( not the kind of red hot you want.) Make it hotter: Bring a cushion, a thick yoga mat or towel, or something soft to add comfort (rooftops You can also snuggle it under your hips to create a bit of leverage for deeper penetration. (Or shop one of these made-for-it sex pillows.) 6. A sex party. While it might be lightyears out of your comfort zone, a sex party has a serious benefit: You can avoid the distracting thought of getting caught so you can focus on performance. At an event like this, you don't have to worry who might be watching, since everyone is there for the same reason—so you can let your exhibitionist flag fly high. Make it hotter: Remember, consent is hot! Talking about what you both want out of your experience before you arrive will ensure you have a great time. After all, you won't know what's on the table until you have a mutual convo about it. 7. An outdoor shower. Thanks to the electric mix of streaming water, the fresh air, and the chance of a viewer or two, 'it's hot, especially on a hot summer night,' says Levine. Plenty of fancy hotels and Airbnb's have them, so include that in your filter search (wink). Make it hotter: Your best method of action is to face a wall and bend over, and find something you can prop a foot on for a deeper sensation. Try these steamy tips and positions just for shower sex, too. 8. The beach. Another young fantasy come to life, but with a few caveats: Visit a quiet part of the beach at night to respectfully avoid people, and stay on land to keep the saltwater from drying you up down there. Lay blankets down carefully so you don't come away with sand and nasties in every crevice of your body. And try positions where you can avoid a lot of sand tossing around, like riding your partner on a beach chair or spooning each other on the blanket. Make it hotter: Bring a bottle of wine and a pillow to stargaze afterward. Now you just went from hot-beach-sex to romance-novel-intimate. Swoon! 9. In a tent. Ah, the sounds of nature: crickets chirping, the crackle of a bonfire, and stifled moans. Set up a tent in a secluded area of the campsite (or your backyard), and clear out branches or rocks that can cramp the moment. You'll have the cover of a tent, but the image of your shadows projecting through could provide a bit of extra thrill. Make it hotter: Remember to stash lube in your knapsack (wetter is better), and unzip part of the tent slightly for more air flow. And don't forget to pack a mattress pad (or even an air mattress) so you don't have to do it in your sleeping bag (those can get pretty sweaty). You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals Solve the daily Crossword
Cosmopolitan
08-07-2025
- Cosmopolitan
10 Vacation Sex Tips That Will Make It Hotter Than Ever
It's no secret that vacation sex has a reputation for being some of the best sex there is. As far as I'm concerned, that's pretty much the entire point of booking a getaway. This is basically what PTO days were invented for! But what is it exactly about getting it on in a new locale that actually makes vacation sex so above-and-beyond hot? Honestly, lots of things—including the sheer novelty of being in a new place, says sex therapist Gigi Engle, an expert for 3Fun. Engle compares the 'vacation rush' couples tend to experience to 'new relationship energy.' Basically, just being somewhere different than usual and out of your normal routine can shake up your sex life and rekindle all of that horny excitement we associate with newness. 'This can increase libido and make sex with a partner all around more fun and exciting,' says Engle. Not to mention, you're probably (hopefully!) a lot more relaxed than usual when you're on vacation. 'Our libidos are heavily impacted by stress,' Engle explains. When you're free from work stress, emails, and Slack notifications, you may find it's naturally easier to stay in a sexy state of mind. So if you're ready to take full advantage of all the sexy potential of your next getaway, go ahead and slap that 'do not disturb' sign on the door and follow these nine expert tips for the hottest vacation sex of your life. 'Bring along whatever you consider a romantic must-have,' says Engle. For some, that may be your favorite vibrators. For others, it could be sexy lingerie or your favorite kinky accessories. Engle's own pro recommendation? Organic lavender bedding spray, which can add an extra touch of relaxation and romance. Any room can be a sex room if you make it one, and a hotel room is kind of the ultimate sex room. Yes, the bed is probably large, comfy and freshly cleaned—it's a great place to start! But if your vacation sex itinerary begins and ends on the bed, you're missing out. From the chair to the desk to getting bent over the bathroom sink in front of the mirror (my personal recommendation!), your hotel room is literally full of furniture just begging to be defiled. Again, the thrill of vacation sex is all about breaking out of your usual routine. According to Casey Tanner, a sex expert for Lelo, getting it on during times of the day that wouldn't normally be available to you is a great way to make the most of vacation sex. If you and your partner are typically morning or night sex people, try mixing things up with a little mid-day bang. When you're trying to squeeze sex into a jam-packed day already filled with work, errands, and catching up on your latest streaming obsession, it can be easy to end up rushing through the good stuff to get on with your day. Not that there's anything wrong with a good quickie, but a vacation is a great opportunity to slow down for once. 'This is a chance to take your time, both during the sex itself and with aftercare,' says Tanner. When you're fully relaxed with no place to be but the beach, there's literally no reason to rush. As someone who is also guilty of checking emails while away, this is so important. Working on vacation 'defeats the purpose of getting the rejuvenation you and your body need,' says sex therapist and pleasure expert Rachel Allyn, PhD. So leave the laptop behind, snooze those Slack notifications, and think of 'doing work' in other, sexier, contexts instead. Vacation is a great opportunity to take some time to recalibrate your mind-body connection. Start by noticing the new sounds, sights, smells, and tastes of your surroundings, as well as the touch of your partner. This can help turn you on in a fresh way and make everything during sex feel more intense. This is an all-purpose sex tip for all kinds of sex, including vacation sex! There's simply no sex that can't be improved with lube, so make sure to stock up before your trip! It's easy to become disconnected from your body during sex, especially when you have a million different thoughts roaming through your head. But use vacation sex as a time to truly connect, says Allyn. Vacation is a time when you are—or should be—the most relaxed, so ease your mind and all expectations and just enjoy every sensation. Just because vacation sex is great doesn't mean you should put pressure on yourself to be having it round the clock. 'Don't put expectations on yourself or your partner,' says Wright. 'Know that, for some people, it takes a bit to adjust into vacation mode, and that's okay.' Go with the flow, and don't get too hung up on how frequently you're boning. This is your time to get creative. Make it a point to get outside your comfort zone and try something new, whether that's trying out a new position, bringing a new toy into the bedroom, or experimenting with a new kink or fantasy.
Metro
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
The quiet city named the BDSM capital of the UK
Just past the idyllic Cotswolds, you'll find the cathedral city of Gloucester, known for its towering spires, Roman history, and proximity to the Forest of Dean. But dig a little deeper and there's a rather saucy story to be told, as new research shows that this seemingly quiet city is actually the BDSM capital of the UK. It might not be the most obviously kinky hotspot, but as it turns out, Gloucester locals are eager to explore behind closed doors. Analysing over 200,000 UK-based search queries, 11% of all adult platform searches in the Southwestern city were strictly related to BDSM-adjacent terms. Wondering where London ranks? The Big Smoke doesn't even make the top 20 list of UK cities, as Salford took home second place, Sunderland third, and Wakefield fourth. Perhaps the most unexpected locations to make the list were Ipswich and Peterborough, which placed seventh and ninth, respectively, according to research from escort website Erobella. While Gloucester might've claimed the trophy for cities, there were three UK locations that had an even higher search percentage of BDSM-related terms. The North East came in at 12%, and just outside Liverpool, the Merseyside town of St Helens ranked at 16%. And if you thought West London was vanilla, think again, because 23% of all adult content searches in Hounslow were strictly related to BDSM. We didn't have that on our bingo cards. When it comes to Lovehoney's Sex Map for 2025 though, Gloucester doesn't reign so supreme. Locals aren't quite putting their money where their mouths are, as it ranks 631st out of 907 in terms of sex toy purchases. They might've placed 652nd for vibrators, but they're certainly not scrimping on the length, as the average one measures 6.8 inches, with a girth of 4.4. Fair enough. Just an hour away from Gloucester though, and the sleepy residents of Hereford are buying the biggest dildos in the country. The average toy purchased by residents here is 7.13 inches long, which is roughly the length of a standard pencil, manual toothbrush, or mid-sized banana. Impressive, right? More Trending Sex toys have been around longer than you'd think, too. As sexologist and expert at Gigi Engle, previously told Metro, they've been around pretty much 'as long as humans have existed.' The oldest sex toy in existence is 28,000 years old and was found in a cave in Germany. 'People have been using sex toys of various calibre in various ways – [made of] stone, of glass, of wood, of leather – since these materials have been invented,' Gigi explained. Elsewhere, there's the unproven rumour (which could likely be a myth, but it's fun nonetheless) that Cleopatra used to fill a glass jar with bees for pleasure. View More » Sex-enhancing aids are also referenced in the Kama Sutra; Ben Wa Balls (kegel balls) have historically been used in Japan, and there have been multiple archaeological findings that suggest the Romans were just as horny, with a 16cm phallus-shaped toy likely used for sexual pleasure uncovered at a Roman fort on Hadrian's Wall in 2023. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: 5 tips for approaching your work crush without making it weird — or getting fired MORE: Rachel Reeves reveals £15,000,000,000 transport projects – here's what we know MORE: Like JoJo Siwa, I dated a man after women — we're not 'fake lesbians'
Cosmopolitan
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Snail vibrator review: the dual stimulation sex toy is a must try
When I first got word that a new sex toy called the 'snail vibe' was the latest viral vibrator to make the rounds online, I immediately volunteered to review it for Cosmo. One byproduct of being a sex editor with access to pretty much any and every sex toy you could dream of is that you tend to get a little jaded — a bit, 'been there, done that', when it comes to supposedly new vibes in town. It takes a lot for any fresh toy on the market to feel like a truly unique addition to my pleasure chest (AKA, the cardboard boxes of sex toys upon sex toys stashed under my bed). But when I heard 'snail', I thought, 'Okay, weird! I'm in'. Once my new toy arrived and it was time to take the goods for a spin, I had some second thoughts. I cannot overstate how much this thing truly does look like a snail, and suddenly the idea of putting a snail inside me sounded… less than arousing. Still, I was determined to branch out of my go-to, wand-forward self-love routine. And, if nothing else, this snail vibe was certainly bringing some novelty to the table. Not to mention, this baby makes some pretty big promises, boasting dual stimulation with the power of a wand vibrator (which — okay, love) paired with the internal stim of a G-spot vibe. And so, I decided to buck up and shove that 🐌 up my 🐱, all so I could report back to you, dear, curious reader. Keep right on reading to hear all about how it went. But first…. 'The snail vibe is a combo vibe that offers deep penetration, clitoral, and G-spot stimulation in one,' explains sex and relationships psychotherapist Gigi Engle, resident intimacy expert at 3Fun. 'It uses two motors — one for internal and one for external stimulation, in combination with a dildo-like shaft.'' There are two main models of snail vibrators: the Gizi, a more compact and more overtly snail-like option, and the OG, which features a longer shaft (and, in the 'curve' model, a curved, more ergonomic handle — neat!). But they essentially both work the same way. 'You turn on the motors and insert the toy vaginally,' says Engle. 'The internal motor delivers internal stimulation and the external bit gives external clitoral stimulation to the clitoris.' Makes sense in theory, but when you first lay eyes on the snail vibe, it can seem a little confusing. Allow this viral (SFW!!) video to make it make sense. Ultimately, the snail vibe is similar to a rabbit vibrator in that it offers dual stimulation, but is unique in its signature (snail-like) 'slide and roll' technology. The toy touts itself as 'a revolutionary vibrator that brings together the impressive power of a wand, full length of a dildo, and dual stimulation of a rabbit vibrator', making it, as Engle notes, 'kind of a one-stop shop — in theory, at least'. So does it live up to the hype? Let's find out! When I say I've seen a lot of sex toys in my time, I mean it — so it takes a lot for me to be impressed by what they have to offer. A hint for any aspiring sex tech creators out there: any toy that comes with its own case immediately scores points in my book. Thankfully, both the Curve and the Gizi do! Each comes in its own hard metallic silver zip case, which has handy velcro tabs inside to hold the toy and charger in place, plus there's an instruction manual in there. I decided to unbox both at the same time for a true side by side (and because two toys is better than one, let's BFFR). Right off the bat, Curve was pretty intimidating — and it took me a good while of turning it around to figure out which end was which (probs could've consulted the instructions at that point). Eventually, I realised the loop end serves as a handle, while the end with the larger snail 'curve' unfolds as you push it inside you. The handle is also, thankfully, where the buttons are — two sets, including one to control the five patterns and five speeds for each motor, making it extremely intuitive to use. Meanwhile, Gizi is a more manageable size and I knew immediately which end I would be inserting — plus I was drawn to the super textured ribs on the external section, as I could only imagine how that would feel rubbing against my clit. Naturally, this got me excited to get started, so once I'd given the toys a good scrub with my favourite sex toy cleaner, I added a heavy-handed layer of water-based lube and it was time to get into it! Let me just start by saying that internal toys have never been my go-to. If I want something in me, what I really want is, frankly, dick. When it comes to getting off on my own, my trusty wand vibe is my go-to. (Currently obsessed with the rechargeable Le Wand, if you were wondering.) Still, the snail vibe's promise of delivering wand-like power both internally and externally certainly piqued my interest. I decided to ease into things with the Gizi — a smaller, more compact option that seemed more beginner-friendly. It also looked more distinctly snail-like, so I (wrongly) assumed this was the original model. Anyway, this little guy had me immediately… underwhelmed. I felt like there wasn't enough insertable length without the longer shaft/handle of (what I later realised is) the original version, and the 'slide and roll' motion was tricky to replicate without a handle, so I found the toy fell out of place easily. I quickly gave up and switched to the original snail toy. I have the 'curve' model, which features a slightly curved shaft and a nice little handle. Here's another bit of snail sex toy lore for you. It is not only snail-like in appearance, but, according to the internet hype, delivers a slow build… followed by a massive orgasm. Once again, as someone who knows exactly what I like and how to get it done quickly, I initially felt kind of impatient with the 'slow and steady wins the race' vibes this vibe was delivering. This wasn't helped by the fact that the clitoral portion of the vibrator didn't quite hit my C-spot, so I had to hold it in place while thrusting the toy inside me. But once I found the right rhythm and combo of speeds and patterns (the first pattern on a low speed at the G-spot end and faster patterns on the C-spot), I will say this sneaky little snail ultimately delivered. As someone who 'knows myself' quite well (in the Biblical sense), it takes a lot for a self-administered orgasm to genuinely shake me up. And honestly, this did really feel like a pretty unique, multi-orgasmic sensation. That said, as a self-proclaimed clit stim slut, I do feel like the external motor — while definitely powerful — failed to deliver the direct clitoral stimulation I'm used to. The roly, external part of the toy kept slipping out of place unless I literally held it down, which was kind of annoying. For me, personally, a snail vibrator is not going to be my new go-to. That said, the original version did deliver some pretty life-changing orgasms — even if the external portion of the vibe needed a little manual assistance. If you're going to invest, definitely go with the original (or the Curve) over the more compact Gizi. Overall, if you love dual stim and/or are interested in trying out something that feels truly off-book, go forth and give the snail vibe a whirl. Having championed sex positivity for the last several decades (and before you were born, in some cases!) we're proud to say that we know what we're talking about when it comes to all things pleasure. As trusted voices in the sex space, we not only receive the 411 on the latest sex tech on the market, but have tested enough to make us (dare we say?) experts in the sex toy space. With a team of sex editors and writers on hand, we take product testing very seriously, looking for features such as power, speed, battery life, vibration modes, and whether the toy works in the shower or bath (should wet play be your vibe). We also consult sex educators and sexologists for their advice on how to use a vibrator as best we can, and the toys suited to every body, gender, and sexuality. Don't believe us? Read our backlog of sex toy round-ups and sex tech reviews as evidence that we well and truly know what we're talking about. Kayla Kibbe (she/her) is the Associate Sex and Relationships Editor at Cosmopolitan US, where she covers all things sex, love, dating and relationships. She lives in Astoria, Queens and probably won't stop talking about how great it is if you bring it up. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What is 'submarining'? A toxic dating trend making a comeback. How to spot it before it hurts you
Imagine talking to someone, building a connection, sharing your time—and then, poof! They vanish. Weeks or months pass, and out of nowhere, they reappear in your messages like nothing happened. No apology. No explanation. Just a casual 'Hey, how have you been?' If that scenario sounds all too familiar, you may have just been submarined —and dating experts say it's on the rise. The Sinister Side of 'Submarining' Like its naval namesake, this dating trend involves someone disappearing beneath the surface and re-emerging unannounced. Unlike ghosting, which is final, submarining carries a sting of emotional manipulation . The person ghosts you and then resurfaces in your life without addressing their disappearance. No guilt. No remorse. Just vibes. The term has gained serious traction—Google searches for 'submarining in dating' have reportedly surged by 350% in the US over the past year. And while the act isn't new, experts say it reflects a troubling lack of accountability in modern dating culture . iStock Like its naval namesake, submarining dating trend involves someone disappearing beneath the surface and re-emerging unannounced. (Representational image: iStock) Why Do People Submarine? Experts Explain the Motive According to author Gigi Engle, the motivations behind submarining are rarely sincere. 'They want someone to talk to and make them feel good about themselves,' she said in a recent interview with Men's Health . 'It's pretty unlikely that it's because this person actually cares about you.' It often stems from insecurity, boredom, or a romantic fallback plan gone awry. Dating coach Jonathan Bennett suggests many submarine attempts come after other relationships fizzle out. 'Since they don't want to admit the truth, whatever that is, they resort to submarining instead—and hope you fall for it,' he explained. You Might Also Like: 'Floodlighting' is the new dating trend Gen Z can't stop talking about. But why is it a red flag experts are warning against? How to Handle It: Should You Let Them Surface Again? So what should you do if someone suddenly pops back into your life like a texting torpedo? Experts suggest proceeding with caution. 'You can respond however you see fit,' Engle noted. 'If you really want to give this person another chance, that's up to you. Just be aware that this is likely not going to end well.' Submarining, at its core, is a form of emotional breadcrumbing—dropping just enough attention to keep someone hopeful, without offering anything meaningful. And unless you're looking for déjà vu heartbreak, most experts advise swimming the other way. 'If you're feeling gutsy,' Engle added, 'you can reply to their submarine text and tell them that this is a lame thing to do. If they wanted to chat, they shouldn't have been so rude in the first place.' You Might Also Like: AI can help you improve your dating experience. Tinder is making the platform creep-proof In the murky waters of modern dating, submarining is a painful reminder that not everyone navigates relationships with honesty or respect. Recognizing the signs—and learning to value your emotional well-being—can help you steer clear of this emotionally draining trend. Because if they went underwater once, chances are, they'll do it again.
