Sex, Intimacy, & Well-Being

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Getting Comfortable With the Awkward Side of Sex

Sex is messy. Let’s just put it out there. It can involve unexpected noises, stickiness, vulnerable angles, and yes—even butt holes. It’s a full sensory experience, and with that comes moments that might make you want to laugh, cringe, or second-guess yourself.

But here’s the thing: *awkwardness is part of intimacy. When two (or more) people come together in such a raw, unfiltered way, there’s bound to be a little weirdness—and that’s okay.

The key isn’t to eliminate the awkwardness but to embrace it. To understand that those moments of discomfort are natural and can even bring you closer to your partner if approached with openness and humor.

Let’s Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

When we talk about getting comfortable with discomfort, it’s not about pushing past boundaries or doing things that don’t feel right. It’s about normalizing the fact that sex doesn’t have to look or feel like a perfectly choreographed movie scene.

For example:

  • It’s Okay to Ask for What You Want: Saying, “Hey, I’d really like to try this” might feel vulnerable or awkward at first. But these conversations are where deeper intimacy begins.

  • It’s Okay to Laugh: A slip-up, a funny noise, or an unexpected moment doesn’t have to ruin the mood. Sharing a laugh can diffuse tension and remind you both that it’s all part of the experience.

  • It’s Okay to Not Know Everything: You don’t need to be an expert. Exploring together—whether it’s trying a new position or just figuring out how to be present in the moment—can be a beautiful, shared adventure.

Why Awkwardness is a Good Sign

Awkward moments often signal growth. They mean you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, showing up authentically, and connecting in ways that go beyond the surface. When you let go of the need for “perfect” and embrace the reality of being human, you open yourself up to experiences that feel more real, satisfying, and connected.

Practical Ways to Embrace the Awkwardness

  1. Name It: If something feels awkward, call it out in a playful, lighthearted way. “Well, that was unexpected!” can turn a potentially embarrassing moment into a shared joke.

  2. Practice Saying What You Want: Start with small, non-sexual things—like asking for the last slice of pizza or expressing a preference for a movie. Building this muscle in daily life can make it easier to communicate desires in the bedroom.

  3. Focus on Connection, Not Performance: Shift your mindset from “How do I look?” or “Am I doing this right?” to “How do I feel?” and “How are we connecting?”

The Bottom Line

Sex is meant to be real, messy, and beautifully imperfect. Awkwardness doesn’t have to be a barrier to intimacy—it can be an invitation to deepen it. By leaning into those moments and approaching them with curiosity and self-compassion, you create space for more authentic connection and pleasure.

So, let’s drop the need for perfection and embrace the wonderfully human experience that is sex. After all, isn’t the magic of intimacy found in the honest, unfiltered moments where we let our guard down and truly see each other?

If you’re looking for support in exploring this side of your relationships or finding ways to communicate your needs with confidence, I’m here to help. Let’s connect and make the awkward moments something to celebrate.

Thaina Cordero, PhD

I’m a Sex Counselor and Yoga Teacher. I work with individuals, couples, non-monogamous relationships, and groups in topics related to sexuality, emotional regulation, communication dynamics, and changing behaviors.