Intimacy is the adults playground.
Erotic exploration (including roleplay) allows us to tap into many different parts of our personality, and express ourselves in ways that we might never otherwise be able to in day to day life.
It can be incredibly empowering, connective, hot, fun, and even healing.
Roleplaying is also a really fun way to delve into your imagination, try new things, get creative, and act out your deepest fantasies.
It also allows us to happily and consensually explore kinks, power dynamics, and taboos with safety & trust.
It’s nearly always a good idea to get on the same page and get consent before springing a new roleplay scenario or character on your partner! (Unless they have explicitly consented to being surprised beforehand and it’s something they’re into!)
Some ideas for how to bring it up:
If this is your first time playing with roleplay, lean into something that already feels authentic to you and how you like to express yourself sexually.
For example:
Unleash your imagination, get inspired and let your creative juices flow!
Watch porn, erotic films, sexy TV shows.
Read smut, erotic fiction, fan fiction and non-fiction sex education guides.
Listen to podcasts, audio erotica, audio porn, etc.
Write down your fantasies, erotic stories, and desires. Be as detailed as you can. What’s hot for you? Why?!
Talk about all the above! Get curious about what’s hot for each of you and what ‘roles’ you’d each enjoy.
This will give you an idea of what sort of things turn you on and provide great inspiration for the moment.
Yes sometimes roleplay can be elaborate – with characters, names, outfits and even scripts. And sometimes planning the scene is a huge part
of the fun!
But it doesn’t need to be!
If this is new to you, start really simple. And remember:
As always when trying something new, it’s a great idea to have a pre-agreed safe word so you can keep checking in with each other and ensure you are both having a great time.
This is particularly important for any rpleplay where you are playing with power.
I always like the traffic light system:
Green - This is fun/hot – keep going!
Orange - I’m getting to the edge of my comfort zone (consider having a chat about what you’re both needing to ‘feel more green’ about)
Red - Stop
Once you’ve got an idea you’re both really excited by, here are some ideas to help you get into (and stay in!) the right frame of mind:
People who are embarrassed by the idea of roleplay are usually worried about saying/doing the wrong thing, getting self conscious, or doing something that their partner doesn’t find hot.
And look, we can’t get it right every time! You’re trying a new thing (which always feels scary!) and what turns them on will sometimes be different to what you think!
Learn to laugh in these moments – we are all learning right?! And you never know – they might actually love it! We don't know until we try.
It's also why it's important to chat after sex, and let your partner know if they said anything that you didn't like or that was a turn off for you.
First time - Imagine it’s the first time you are having sex or on your first date again. Feel that excited, nervous energy and explore & discover your erotic bodies with fresh eyes.
Predator/Prey - tap into your primal, animalistic sides and enjoy the thrill of the chase in a game of predator/prey. Chase, play fight, growl, bite, and enjoy getting wild.
Massage therapist - Imagine you are getting a delicious professional massage that gets more and more erotic. Enjoy the naughtiness, taboo and slow build of arousal.
Power Dynamic - If you’re turned on by power dynamics, try role-playing different authority and subordinate relationships (E.g. doctor and patient).