When beginning a new romantic relationship, the question of whether to discuss your sexual history with your new partner can be tricky. If you’re in a new relationship and wondering how much information to share about your sexual past, read on.
The answer is — it depends. Asking for a partner’s “number” is a definite no, but open-ended conversations about sexual history can actually be productive and healthy for a new relationship.
To suss out every single detail of a person’s sexual history is rarely productive, and likely to do more harm than good. It can create unnecessary bias in relationships,” explains Moushumi Ghose, MFT, a licensed sex therapist. Whether you are conscious of it or not, asking someone for the numerical details of their sexual history is usually a one-way ticket to Judgment Town.
The number of people you’ve slept with says nothing about your character or worth as a human being. Still, talking with your partner about your sexual history can bring you closer together if you discuss it in an open and nonjudgmental way.
This does not bode well for anyone desiring a close connection.
Are you wondering if you should talk about your sexual past with your new partner? If so, read on… >>>
Caitlin Oates
Author
Doubling as LAST’s practice manager and intake coordinator, Caitlin is a writer and creative with a passion for sex-positivity, LGBTQIA advocacy, and mental health care.
Caitlin earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Northwestern University, and now flexes those communication muscles by teaching medical students humanism skills, coaching athletes in functional fitness, and learning from and working with LAST to promote, amplify, and normalize the importance of sexual and mental health.