6 Common Sex Myths You Really Need To Stop Believing

Guys with big feet have big penises

I’m sure we’ve all heard some derivation of this (hands? height?), but the truth is there really isn’t any barometer for predicting that sort of thing. The British Journal of Urology studied 15,521 penis sizes and found that not only did the size of a subject’s feet have little bearing on their endowment, but the idea that race played a factor was also debunked. Similarly, height was also dismissed as a strong correlation as well. So that’s three common myths dispelled right there. How’s that for efficiency?

Circumcision affects a man’s sexual sensation

A study published in the British Journal of Urology took a look at this commonly-held perception by studying 62 male subjects between the ages of 18 and 37. 30 were circumcised and 32 weren’t. The subjects participated in experiments that saw measured their sensitivity to touch, temperature, and even pain detection(!) in multiple areas.

The findings? Neither group in the aggregate was any more or less sensitive than the other. So don’t worry, guys. The grass isn’t greener on the other side when it comes to circumcision.

A woman’s hymen “breaks” the first time she has sex

This is widely held as true, but … it’s rarely the case. There is a small membrane that partially covers the entrance to the vagina, but it’s not necessarily hanging around until a girl loses her virginity. In fact, it can be broken through the use of tampons, physical activity, sex toys, or even something like horseback riding. However, many cultures choose to ignore this truth in order to maintain a physical manifestation of a woman’s chastity or virtue. In fact, there’s really no useful function for the hymen, so it’s really ONLY used as this cultural touchpoint.

Herpes is the result of careless sexual practice

Nope. You probably have herpes. 90% of the population does. There are eight different forms of herpes, but when it’s discussed, we normally are referring to either simplex 1 and/or simplex 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively). They first manifest as cold sores and the second as genital herpes, though sometimes HSV-1 can appear on the genitals. Most of the estimated 3.7 billion people who have HSV-1 and the 419 million who have HSV-2 have no idea they’re infected and don’t show signs, which mean their risk of transmission is low.

That said, it can be an unpleasant experience, and there are still tons of more serious infections out there that should compel you to practice safe sex at every opportunity.

A woman’s vagina becomes loose if she’s promiscuous

There’s no evidence to support this, so chances are this fallacy just came about from someone deducing that it’s “probably the case” with little done to stop the myth in its tracks.

Sex education professional Dr. Sari Locker says, “It’s a myth that a woman’s vagina becomes permanently stretched out from having sex with a man with a large penis. After each sexual encounter, the vagina contracts to its original size, and it has no lasting stretching.”

Even if there was an impact, it would be difficult to measure, as the sex organ tend to vary wildly in shape, so a comparison of one to another, for whatever, is a bit of a fool’s errand.

To demonstrate this diversity, Jamie McCartney created a sculpture from casts of sample vaginas titled, “The Great Wall of Vaginas.”

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If Someone REALLY Loves You, They’ll Do These 6 Things

1. Drop by for a surprise face-to-face visit

In a study conducted by Ford and YourTango, 55% of participants polled said that when a friend surprises them with a face to face visit, it made them feel totally loved..

Can you remember the last time you dropped by a friend’s house just to see their face, and say hello? Yes, we text about our day and communicate constantly, but nothing beats actually being in each other’s presence.

Studies have shown that being in the presence of the people we love is vital to keeping us happy and healthy. And it makes sense! Think back to the last time you hung out with a friend and laughed so hard you couldn’t breathe. There’s literally nothing that beats it.

2. Call to share good news instead of just texting

We can communicate with emojis, sure. I think many of us pride ourselves on our ability to weave an entire epic tale with strategic eggplant and frowny-face emoji.

That’s all well and good, but it turns out that even in this text-lovin’ age, 51% of all participants polled in the survey said that they would much rather hear their phone jingle and hear the roar of your congratulations on the other end.

Yes, a party hat and streamer emoji is cute, but you know what is so much cuter? Singing your own absolutely terrible personalized “Congratulations on Your Promotion at Guitar Center” song to your former roommate Stoner Dave.

3. Go for a weekend road trip

Studies show that 52% of adults on planet Earth (you know, this planet) seek out experiences that just CAN’T be replicated. Anyone can stay at home and order a pizza (and far be it for me to be critical of my favorite food), but when was the last time someone filled the gas tank, made a killer playlist, and just drove aimlessly with you for a couple of days?

You can’t remember, can you? That’s a damn shame! It’s a fact, lonely people don’t live as long as people who feel connected to their friends. SO STAY ALIVE, go on a remarkable adventure, you don’t need to be a millionaire to do it.

4. Tone down the multi-tasking

When people are multi-tasking, they might feel like they’re getting more done, but in fact they’re also getting more stressed. So let’s close our laptops, people. Ignore Pokemon Go. Mute that podcast. When someone is chatting with you (online or in person), they should be giving YOU all of their attention. They need to show that they value your relationship. And you need to do the same.

I mean, don’t be a creepy weirdo staring at them without blinking and gently stroking their face like some kind of monster, but we can all make more of an effort. We’ve all tried to talk to a friend or partner over the sound of their fingers clicking away on the keyboard. Be the change you want to see in the universe, y’all.

5. Remember to tell the people we love that we love them

My roommate now at the age of 33 is the roommate I was assigned as an 18 year old starting college. She’s my best friend. We’ve been there for each other for thick and thin. But ask me how often I actually tell her that I love her. The answer? Basically never.

If someone loves you, they should be telling you. (And vice versa.) Of course we should all be treating our special people with regular love and respect, but there’s something really special about making that eye contact and really TELLING the people you love that you’re thinking of them, and that they matter to you.

6. If you’re going through a tough time, they need to show up

The world is big and sometimes it’s scary. Bad things happen to everyone. When you or someone you love is struggling, the best thing we can do is activate our networks of support and really be there in that time of need.

Facebook wall posts can be meaningful, but people also need to pick up the phone. Show up, it’s good for you! Bring that devilishly delicious Frito pie perfect for soothing a sore heart and soul. Taking an active role in our social circles outside of the internet can make all the difference in the world in someone’s time of need.

Credit: popsugar

18 Moms Explain What Giving Birth Really Feels Like

?1. “Everyone said pushing was the best part, and they were dirty liars. Pushing out a baby feels like taking a giant, fiery poop. Like if you ate 100 hot peppers and then pooped out a watermelon. That’s what it felt like.” —Amy, 32

2. “When I was pushing out my first son, who was born at home, I was certain that the pain I was experiencing would never leave my body, that this feeling was permanent. I thought that a bunch of hippies had duped me into thinking the work would be worth it. But sure enough, it left in an instant and I’d do it a thousand times over.” —Kacie, 34

3. “Birth is intense. The experience is sort of out-of-body. Time has no meaning. It’ll feel like time is dragging at certain points and then at other times, you’ll look up and suddenly realize hours have passed without your recollection. You also feel like you want to escape your own body — like this fight-or-flight instinct that keeps telling you to look for a way out because it’s so intense — but you can’t.” —Lauren, 31

4. “The whole birthing experience felt really out of control and like someone else had taken over my body. Actually pushing my child out felt like someone was ripping my vagina apart using long, sharp nails that are also on fire. I actually yelled at my midwife to stop using her nails to pull my vagina apart and she told me she wasn’t even touching me!” —Kristen, 34

5. “Giving birth was like experiencing every feeling and emotion possible. It was one of the most amazing times with my husband and we were given the incredible gift of life. No matter how different it went than we wanted it to, it was awesome! My husband would like to add that he imagines it to feel like ‘sliding down a joy rainbow into a cloud of kittens.'”Katie, 28

6. “I had C-sections and I was so scared that I was shaking from head to toe, but my anesthesiologist said he did not want to knock me out so I could remember the moment. They really jerk you back and forth to get the baby out. My son’s head was stuck, but eventually he came out. They rushed him off to clean him so I did not get to see him right away, but instead I got to see him for the first time through my husband’s eyes, and you could see the pride in his face, and it also helped me realize our baby was healthy, beautiful, and things would be fine.” —Jen, 32

7. “I could do this every day. Honestly it was so much easier to push this baby out than going through these 10 months of pregnancy.” —Lauren, 31

8. “With my second child, I had an epidural, so giving birth felt like a lot of pressure and almost like you’re giving the biggest B.M. of your life. They say you don’t feel pain, but I almost think your body can’t tell the difference when it’s intense at the end. And afterward, the biggest relief ever. Once that baby is out, phew. You can breathe.” —Katie, 26

9. “All the things you think birth will feel like will be wrong. I read all the books and thought I was so prepared, but it was way different than what I expected. It was much easier than I expected in some ways, but also a lot harder in other ways (like delivering the placenta afterward).” —Olivia, 26

10. “Giving birth felt like … I was dying.” —Claire, 33

11. “This was our third and I can honestly say it felt ethereal. We have been trained that it is all pain, but coming at it with a different vantage point and desire changed everything. The word ‘pain’ never even crossed my mind. Pressure yes, pain no.” —Anna, 35

12.”Giving birth to me physically felt similar to breaking my tailbone. When I broke my tailbone, that’s how I knew it was broken, because it felt the same as when I felt the urge to push. So much pressure on my pelvis and tailbone!” —Amanda, 28

13. “Both my labors were purely back labor, so when people describe contractions as bad menstrual cramps, it never made sense to me. ‘Early’ labor for me feels almost like having intestinal cramping like you get with the stomach flu. When they broke my water, I had flashbacks to my first labor (where my water had broken right away). Those contractions are 100 times worse. Each contraction took all my focus. I arched my back with each one just trying to physically get away from the pain. It felt like someone was pushing forcefully from the inside against my spine and twisting it at the same time. It just made me want to crawl out of my skin. It’s pain I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. It’s by this point in labor that I usually break down in tears and say that I can’t do it anymore. Pushing at this point is a relief in some ways. The pain is still miserable, but pushing seems to ease it. As weird as it sounds, it’s the same physical relief as pooping after you really needed to. By the time you get to the ‘ring of fire’ (which does burn, but mentally made it easier because it signifies the end), it really does feel exactly like pooping, which is weird.” —Melanie, 29

14. “Natural childbirth felt like fire. Literal fire in my nether regions. I honestly left my body for most of it. I felt like I was looking down on myself from above.” —Lori, 39

15. “I had back labor with both kids and both were all natural water births. The first birth of my daughter, it felt like my spine was going to break away from my body and the baby was just going to come out my spine and back instead. Her labor was 16 hours and they had to break my water. I was seriously scared to push. I think that being so scared and unsure made transition and pushing longer. After she was born, I felt so drugged even though I hadn’t had anything. I was so incredibly happy. My second birth of our son was so much faster. Six total hours and just three after getting to the hospital. My water never broke and our son was born in the water sack. I couldn’t tell if it was the speed of the birth or the fact that the water sack didn’t break, but the ring of fire seemed less ‘sharp and fiery’ and more ‘dispersed pressure and fiery,’ so that was nice. The back pain was still super intense but the pressure put on my back by my mom and the nurse was more helpful in easing the pain. I didn’t have an out-of-body experience or euphoria this time; I was mainly in disbelief that we actually had two kids now!” —Alicia, 31

16. “My labors were completely night and day, with the first lasting many days and very intense contractions with little progress upon showing up at the hospital after laboring at home for over 24 hours. Physically, my first labor felt like immense waves of pain flowing over me. I had a lot of back labor, so pain would focus in that area of my body as well. My second labor was much more relaxed and the pain wasn’t all encompassing like the first. I felt the seizing of my abdominal muscles, like a band was wrapped around my middle, and was being squeezed and tightened. With both, I physically shook from head to toe from the endorphins or hormones during the transition stage of labor. Actual birth felt like I was completely outside of myself. I remember crawling up the bed at the hospital (it was in the sitting-up position), almost in an attempt to escape the rush of the contractions. As the head started to come out, full ring-of-fire for a brief moment and a pause before the rest of the body came out.” —Brie, 32

17. “It feels like a giant charley horse. Everywhere.” —Jen, 37

18. “I felt all of my contractions completely in my butt, which definitely did not make me feel like a beautiful birthing goddess. Pushing, for me, was unbelievably painful and the part that got me the most was the bone-on-bone feeling as their heads ground down on me through the birth canal. It’s hard to describe, but I just kept imagining I could see their heads pressing down on my pubic bone.It was rough for me personally. And ‘the ring of fire’ pretty much sums up the rest of pushing — no way but through, but that didn’t stop me from physically trying to climb out of the bed with my first. Apparently I lost my mind for a minute although, fortunately, I have no memory of actually doing it.” —Chaunie, 29

Credit: Cosmopolitan

What A Woman Really Wants In Bed

Emotional connection

For many women, a large part of sex is the connection. It isn’t enough to jump into bed together, get the job done, and move on. You need to connect with her as a person, not merely the physical vessel you are using to find pleasure. Spend time kissing her. Make eye contact. Talk dirty to her, or comment on your favorite parts of her body as you touch them. Use her name, and take your time. Making the effort to establish an emotional connection will ensure she’s into it as much as you are, which means better sex for both for you.

To be desired

Men are often visually driven. All you need to see is a woman’s body or a glimpse of something forbidden to be raring to go. Women are a bit more complicated. To be turned on, most women need to feel desired. They want to be the focal point of your lust; they want to sense your urgency in wanting them here and now. You can establish this desire early on. Tell her how good she looks in that shirt, or how great her butt looks in her jeans. Turn it up during foreplay. Talk dirty to her, tell her how badly you want her, and kiss her in places you normally neglect.

To be satisfied

Good sex ensures that both parties leave happy and satisfied. For a man, reaching satisfaction is easier and more obvious. Either you get off or you don’t. For a woman, it can be tricky. Make sure you communicate with her to ensure you take care of her in the way she needs. Every woman is different, so just because your long-time girlfriend liked it one way, doesn’t mean you now know a foolproof way to please every woman. Express your desire to take care of her, ask questions, and be prepared to learn. Just showing that you are anxious to please will go a long way toward her satisfaction.

To push the envelope

More and more women report enjoying aggressive, rough sex. This doesn’t mean you should go home and slap her around, but maybe open up the conversation or feel it out next time you make love. Being dominated and pushed around a little may turn her on. It can be exciting and hot to feel controlled from time to time. In addition, she may also want to be the dominator once in a while. Be open with each other. Discover her fantasies, and be honest about yours. You may both surprise each other on what you’re willing to try.

To sense confidence

This isn’t anything new, but it plays a vital role in your sex life. Be sure of yourself in bed. Be verbal about what you like and what you want from her. Half of her pleasure comes from watching you enjoy what she’s doing to you. In the same way, be confident in the way you touch her while being responsive to what she likes and doesn’t like. Don’t be a bumbling, apologizing idiot. Listen to her feedback, and react in a sure, confident manner. It can take time to understand each other’s bodies, so be patient and confident in yourself and your abilities.

Credit: CheetSheet

The Perfect Girlfriend, What Men Really Want

Ever wonder what guys really want in a girlfriend? AskMen has finally revealed the traits that all guys are looking for in an awesome girlfriend. Scroll down to see if you’re the amazing girlfriend they describe!

10. She’s Independent

No one gets into a relationship to be a babysitter. If she’s had a rough day at work, it’s great to be her shoulder to cry on. But if she can’t seem to function without you, you’ll eventually suffocate, and if you’re smart you’ll run for the nearest exit.

Independence is key to a happy relationship, for both the man and the woman. You’ll find you’re still getting to know her long after you’ve gotten serious if she has a host of interests and commitments outside of your relationship.

9. She’s Intelligent

I hate to be the one to tell you this, but the bimbo routine gets real old, real fast. A woman who can meet you at an intellectual level is a total turn-on.

An intelligent woman will constantly surprise you and keep you on your toes. She won’t let you get bored or complacent. Besides, it’s nice to have something to talk about between all that headboard-rattling sex.

8. She’s Sexual

While we’re on the topic, a great girlfriend has to be sexually compatible with you. For instance, if you’re into S&M and she’s more the “fluffy lingerie” type, that’s a problem. The two of you have to be on the same page — or, at least, if it’s what you really crave, she has to be willing to wear leather and use a whip from time to time.

Of course, this doesn’t imply that she has to know all the right moves straight away; it simply means that you and she have an undeniable attraction toward each other and are able to communicate your desires verbally (or with physical cues). It is important that you please each other in the bedroom — or on top of the dryer — whatever the case may be.

7. You’re Attracted to Her

I know, this one is kind of obvious, but important nonetheless. A great girlfriend will not only want to look good for you, but also for herself.

Being seen with her should make you feel better about yourself. And this doesn’t mean that she has to be a Heidi Klum clone. Whatever floats your boat. Your mutual attraction should make you both want to stay looking your best.

6. She Respects You

This is a biggie. Your girlfriend must respect you — otherwise you have to wonder why she bothers to be with you. This means that she takes the time to listen to you, even if you’re in a heated argument.

A great girlfriend will keep major disputes private rather than taking you down in public. She’ll make an effort to see things from your point of view (provided you do the same for her). The key here is that the respect be mutual — it’s very hard for one of you to respect the other while feeling disrespected. The golden rule has no better application than in terms of respecting your significant other.

5. She Lets You Be a Man

Do not — I repeat — do not get involved with a woman who tries to get you to eat cottage cheese and fruit for breakfast and insists that you give up poker night with the guys. You will end up resenting her more than you can imagine. A good girlfriend lets you be a guy in all your glory, poker night and all. If she’s a great girlfriend, she’ll even bring you and your buddies a couple of beers and make you some of her famous sandwiches.

She has to understand that men and women are different and should allow you to be yourself. Just like you wouldn’t deprive her of going shopping with her best girlfriend, she shouldn’t expect you to give up the guys for her.

4. She Doesn’t Nag Without a Good Reason

We’ve never met a man who was convinced to change his behavior because of his girlfriend’s nagging. A great girlfriend knows this and chooses her battles wisely. She knows when to get upset and when to let it slide.

However, if you live together and you stay out all night without calling her, and she lets you have it, then you’re setting yourself up for disaster. This is a situation that nobody would let slide — not even a great girlfriend. Don’t push your luck with anyone, least of all your girlfriend.

3. She Gets Along With Your Friends and Family

A great girlfriend will make an effort to get to know your people. She’ll help your parents out at Thanksgiving, try to understand your brother’s twisted sense of humor, and want to get to know your friends.

She’ll actually empathize with your sister’s getting dumped and suggest that you guys take her out to cheer her up. Not only that, but your friends won’t roll their eyes and moan when you mention that she’ll be joining you guys when she gets off work — she’s one of the crowd.

2. She Loves You

If you have found a woman who loves you for who you really are and not who you pretend or try to be sometimes, you should definitely hang on to her. Of course, everyone has their slightly annoying habits that their mate has to contend with, but if she really loves you, she’ll be able to cope with these.

Another way to know if she really loves you is by observing the way she looks at you and treats you on an everyday basis. If the sight of you doesn’t seem to faze her either way, and she doesn’t really seem to care about what you have to say, she’s either playing very hard to get, or she sees you as just some guy. But if a surprise visit or phone call from you makes her light up, there’s no denying that she loves you.

1. She Makes You Want to Be a Better Man

Stop making that face . . . Any man who has a great girlfriend or wife will tell you that she makes him want to be a better man. She doesn’t have to say or do anything; it just is that way. If you suddenly feel bad about how you treated your sister when you were younger or find yourself trying to get your finances in order to prepare for the future, you might want to think about your motivation for doing so. It could be love.

Creditpopsugar