Sex Before Sex

What is sex exactly? Does everyone agree on a definition? And does that definition hold when considering literary production in other times and places? Sex before Sex makes clear that we cannot simply transfer our contemporary notions of what constitutes a sex act into the past and expect them to be true for the people who were then reading literature and watching plays. The contributors confront how our current critical assumptions about definitions of sex restrict our understanding of representations of sexuality in early modern England. Drawing attention to overlooked forms of sexual activity in early modern culture, from anilingus and interspecies sex to “chin-chucking” and convivial drinking, Sex before Sex offers a multifaceted view of what sex looked like before the term entered history. Through incisive interpretations of a wide range of literary texts, including Romeo and Juliet, The Comedy of Errors, Paradise Lost, the figure of Lucretia, and pornographic poetry, this collection queries what might constitute sex in the absence of a widely accepted definition and how a historicized concept of sex affects the kinds of arguments that can be made about early modern sexualities. Contributors: Holly Dugan, George Washington U; Will Fisher, CUNY–Lehman College; Stephen Guy-Bray, U of British Columbia; Melissa J. Jones, Eastern Michigan U; Thomas H. Luxon, Dartmouth College; Nicholas F. Radel, Furman U; Kathryn Schwarz, Vanderbilt U; Christine Varnado, U of Buffalo–SUNY.

What did sex mean for ordinary people before the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, who were often pitied by later generations as repressed, unfulfilled and full of moral anxiety? This book provides the first rounded, first-hand account of sexuality in marriage in the early and mid-twentieth century. These award-winning authors look beyond conventions of silence among the respectable majority to challenge stereotypes of ignorance and inhibition. Based on vivid, compelling and frank testimonies from a socially and geographically diverse range of individuals, the book explores a spectrum of sexual experiences, from learning about sex and sexual practices in courtship, to attitudes to the body, marital ideals and birth control. It demonstrates that while the era's emphasis on silence and strict moral codes could for some be a source of inhibition and dissatisfaction, for many the culture of privacy and innocence was central to fulfilling and pleasurable intimate lives.

Stuck in a rut? Feeling adventurous? Moderately flexible? Spice up your sex life by luring your partner out of the bedroom! There's a saying: Everyone remembers their first, and everyone remembers their worst. And there should definitely be some special moments in between. That's where 101 Places to Have Sex Before You Die comes into play. This fun, portable workbook provides a list of everyday places where venturesome people can have sex -- without too much difficulty. Each location features: - a difficulty rating (cakewalk to sexperts only) - helpful icons to indicate certain hazards or special considerations for each place (for instance, if there's a chance you might get arrested; if there are time constraints; if there's a risk of embarrassment; if any special equipment is needed, etc.) - a box to check once you've successfully completed the deed - a place to mark whether or not it's worth a repeat performance Whether you're feeling romantic, adventurous, sporty, lazy, or just plain naughty, 101 Places to Have Sex Before You Die is a must-have for anyone who enjoys a good roll in the hay (or on a floating dock, or even in the reptile house at the zoo).

Are you hoping to reignite the passion in your relationship? Join Clifford and Joyce Penner as they share the time-tested secrets to finding fulfillment in your marriage. Clifford, a licensed clinical psychologist, and Joyce, a registered nurse and clinical nurse specialist, have been married for forty years--and they know firsthand that there are countless barriers that can get in the way of experiencing love and commitment, from anger or a lack of respect to external tension. But these obstacles don't have to last forever. In The Gift of Sex, the Penners give you the tools you need to move past those barriers and embrace marriage as God intended it. This revised and updated version of The Gift of Sex features a new introduction, new illustrations, a section on addictions and the Internet, and a timely discussion on sexually transmitted diseases and their consequences. It also asks and answers key questions about biblical marriage, including: How does sex fit into God's design for marriage? Why did God create men and women to think about sex differently? How can I light the spark in my relationship again? Whether you're newlyweds or you've been married for decades, The Gift of Sex is a timeless guide to discovering the sexual fulfillment that you and your spouse deserve.

"If we're in love, what's wrong with having sex before marriage? And even if we're not, isn't everyone else doing it? Why should we be the only ones who wait?" Have you ever thought or said things like this? If your answer is yes, you have a lot of company. Most people in our world agree with you that, at least in some circumstances, premarital sex is okay. But do you know what God says about this issue? Timothy S. Lane clearly explains God's perspective on your sexuality and how it should be expressed. Many people think God says in the Bible that sex is inherently bad and sinful, but nothing could be further from the truth. God is not a killjoy; his guidelines for your sexuality are for your help and protection. This booklet's forthright and honest look at sexuality, including a discussion of "How far is too far?" will be an invaluable resource for young adults and those who minister to them.

The period of young adulthood, from ages 18 to 23, is popularly considered the most sexualized in life. But is it true? What do we really know about the sexual lives of young people today? Premarital Sex in America combines illuminating personal stories and comprehensive research surveys to provide the fullest portrait of heterosexuality among young adults ever produced. Mark Regnerus and Jeremy Uecker draw upon a wealth of survey data as well as scores of in-depth interviews with young adults from around the country, both in and out of college. Digging underneath stereotypes and unexamined assumptions, the authors offer compelling--and often surprising--answers to such questions as: How do the emotional aspects of sexual relations differ between young men and women? What role do political orientations play in their sexual relations? How have online dating and social networking sites affected the relationships of emerging adults? Why are young people today waiting so much longer to marry? How prevalent are nontraditional forms of sex, and what do people think of them? To better understand what drives the sexual behaviors of emerging adults, Regnerus and Uecker pay special attention to two important concepts: sexual scripts, the unwritten and often unconscious rules that guide sexual behavior and attitudes; and sexual economics, a theory which suggests that the relative scarcity of men on college campuses contributes to the "hookup" culture by allowing men to diminish their level of commitment and thereby lower the "price" they have to "pay" for sex. For anyone wishing to understand how sexual relations between young adults have changed and are changing, Premarital Sex in America will serve as a touchstone for years to come.

Having a baby is a joyous experience, but even the best relationships are strained during the transition from duo to trio. Lack of sleep, never-ending housework, and new fiscal concerns often lead to conflict, disappointment, and hurt feelings. In And Baby Makes Three Love Lab™ experts John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman teach couples the skills from their successful workshops, so partners can avoid the pitfalls of parenthood by: • maintaining intimacy and romance • replacing a culture of criticism and irritability with one of appreciation • preventing post-partum depression • creating a home environment that nurtures physical, emotional, and mental health, as well as cognitive and behavioral development for your baby Complete with exercises that separate the “master” from the “disaster” couples, And Baby Makes Three helps new parents positively manage the strain that comes along with their bundle of joy.

100 Reasons Why Sex Must Wait Until Marriage Sex is a mystery and unfortunately majority of those who engage in it do not fully understand the mystery behind it. The only thing most people understand about it is the pleasure derived from it and the procreation that can result from it. Many do not understand that when sex is not done within the scripturally prescribed confines of marriage, the temporary pleasure derived can lead to eternal pressure. In this book, Dr. Olukoya has taken time to unlock some of the mysteries of sex. Considerable attention has been given to the after-effects of premarital sex to show why you should wait until marriage before engaging in it. Steps are listed on how you can stay pure and avoid sex until marriage. Sex outside marriage is a killer and it has successfully destroyed millions of destinies. Do not let yours be next!