Bye, Bye 2020.

2020 has been tough in many regards. Barely anyone on the planet could escape the adversities the year brought with it. Though it was very unusual for the health and economic statuses, it is reported to be somehow unusual in some private matters as well – S.E.X.

Keeping everything aside, there is one credit we owe to the pandemic-Intimacy. The time we were all locked in our homes, provided us with a chance to come close to our partners and try experimenting with sex life.

According to a UK based sex toy retailer Lovehoney, 52 percent of the couples had more sexual adventures during the pandemic than before. Also, most of them found this new routine quite pleasant and desired to continue it even after the pandemic ends.

Sex, undoubtedly, is among the most important aspects of a successful married life, if not the most. Strangely, the topic can be sensitive as well. Mostly, people have difficulties or fear around talking about sex. But as we are evolving in what’s truly important, more people have started talking about sex and sexuality more openly, and prioritizing their sex lives more than ever.
Though we might not accurately predict what the new year holds in terms of the pandemic, we can surely predict the potential trends in the sex domain.  These are the top five sexuality trends we can expect to see in 2021.

Top sexuality trends to expect in 2021

1. Zoom Sex

The first trend on the list is more Zoom Sex.

But it should be not too surprising especially after a ‘Zoom Year’- my another name for 2020.

When the world took to virtual meets in 2020, platforms like Zoom, Whereby, or FaceTime in 2021 are expected to roll into the romantic lives of the far-off couples, helping them connect through Zoom dining sessions with some or more graphic twists.

Dating app Plenty of Fish would support this conviction since it reported that more than 50 percent of the users have set their preferences to date as anywhere – a reverse trend from the past years.

2. Sex toys

Lelo – Ora 3 Rechargeable Oral Sex Stimulator UltramarineSex toy sales witnessed a huge surge during the crisis and are foreseen to maintain the pace in 2021 as well.

According to Lovehoney, forty-two percent of the people used sex toys more frequently last year. Though there are many factors responsible for this massive incline, the introduction of new technologies to proffer the audience a better experience outshines the others especially Bluetooth-compatible devices.

The potential products to trend this year involve:

1. Iroha Yuki – Soft sensations in a very unusual vibrator
2. Lelo Ora 3 – A high-tech tongue twister
3. LoveHoney Butt Tingler – Good vibrations from this beginner butt plug
4. Lelo Earl – The gold standard of prostate play
5. Dominix Cock Ring – A cock ring for those who like heavy metal
6. We-Vibe Unite 2 – It takes two to tango, and this sex toy is designed for couples
7. The Beaded One – Anal beads reimagined for extra comfort
8. Fleshlight Flight Pilot Male Masturbator – A male masturbator designed to send you skywards.

3. Emerging wellness trends

Our health and wellness has always important but with the pandemic, more emphasis has been placed in this area. Perhaps, more people are coming to realize the unreliability of life and desire to take better care of themselves in every possible way.

Women tend to be already attuned to their well-being and appearance, and it seems men are placing more importance on their wellness as well. Resultantly, the use of hygiene and antibacterial products has elevated among them.

If you have adopted the same attitude, it is great. Apart from health, these simple practices will surely cast positive impacts on your bedroom activities.

 4. Sexual Mindfulness

As the world retreated into their homes in 2020 and reflected about what’s important, more people are interested in mindfulness and sexuality, or rather mindful sex. Sex is more than procreation, creation, but can also be healing, and transformational. Bliss states long way longer once the orgasm is over.

No doubt, mindful practices are crucial to have a happy and stable sex life. The ultimate goal should not be to reach orgasm but to enjoy the moment, and have pleasure with your partner and also with yourself.

5. Selective Behaviors

The new year may possibly bring notable changes in our perception of relationships. After the crisis, most people reflect to be more attentive about connecting with their partner at a deeper level.

In a study conducted by US social psychologist Justin Lehmiller, in the post-pandemic period, people are expected to be more selective about their sex partners. According to Lehmiller,, a majority of the participants in the study expressed the intentions of knowing their partner better before initiating a sexual journey with them.

2020 was a rollercoaster ride! As the new year sets in, we have our hopes raised for normal living to resume soon. Life continues as does our sex lives.  Sexuality trends that might have started during the crisis, are expected to be running into this year.

As a farewell note: The key to a healthy relationship is understanding. Discuss it with your partner to know what works for you the best.

References:

Cox, T. (2020, December 30). Tracey Cox predicts the top 10 hot sex trends for 2021. Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-9093225/Tracey-Cox-predicts-10-hot-sex-trends-2021.html

Lehmiller, J. J., Garcia, J. R., Gesselman, A. N., & Mark, K. P. (2020). Less Sex, but More Sexual Diversity: Changes in Sexual Behavior during the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic. Leisure Sciences, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2020.1774016

About Dr. Martha Tara Lee

Surrounded by friends who were sexually inhibited and struck by dire lack of positive conversations around sex and sexuality in Singapore, Dr. Martha Tara Lee set out to make a positive difference in embarking on her doctorate in human sexuality before launching Eros Coaching in 2009. Today, she remains dedicated to working with individuals and couples who wish to lead self-actualised and pleasure-filled lives.

She also holds certificates in counselling, coaching and sex therapy, and her fourth degree – a Masters in Counselling in May 2018. In practice for more than 10 years, she is the only certified sexuality educator and certified sexuality educator supervisor by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) in Singapore. She is also a Red Tent Women’s Circles Facilitator from Star of Ishtar.

Often cited in the media, Dr. Lee is the appointed Resident Sexologist for PinkLifestyle.com; as well appointed sex expert for Men’s Health Singapore, and Men’s Health Malaysia. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women Under 40′ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. She has published four books: Love, Sex and Everything In-Between, Orgasmic Yoga, From Princess to Queen and {Un}Inhibited.

Martha works with individuals and couples in private coaching sessions, and conducts her own workshops. She takes prides in making sure all her workshops are also fun, educational, and sex-positive. This comes easily to her because even though she is extremely dedicated and serious about her work, she fundamentally believes that sex is meant to be fun, wonderful, amazing and sacred. As such, this serious light-heartedness has shone through again and again. For her full profile, click here. Email her here.