Listen, having a sex routine isn’t bad. But it is important to mix things up every once in awhile to help you learn and explore what you enjoy. Play these games that’ll make you concentrate on the journey, resulting in a final act that’s especially fun.
STRIPPED-DOWN TWISTER
What You Need: The board game “Twister”
How to Play: It’s the classic you know and love — only with less clothing. Every time somebody falls, they have to remove a layer.
Why: It’s a fun way to show off your flexibility, and who knows — you may discover new positions.
WHAT’S YOUR FANTASY?
What You Need: A hat (or small jar or bowl), small pieces of paper, and a pen
How to Play: Each of you will write down fantasies you have yet to share with your partner, be it having sex in a certain part of the house or trying out a new position. Put the slips of paper into the hat, then take turns unfolding them, one by one. (The next step, obviously, is executing them.)
Why: Sharing fantasies will you bring you closer together, and you’ll get to try out a whole bunch of new, super-sexy things.
MAKE BELIEVE
What You Need: A large bag full of costume props — for example, a fireman’s hat, a cheerleader’s skirt, and a maid’s feather duster.
How to Play: Reach into the bag. Whichever prop you grab is a role play fantasy you have to act out.
Why: There’s nothing wrong with indulging in some cheesy porn stereotypes. And a little role play never hurt anybody!
TIME BOMB
You need: A clock or an egg timer.
How to play: Pick a time interval — 20 minutes, let’s say. For whatever interval you choose, tease each other with kissing, touching, and other forms of foreplay. But no matter what, absolutely do not allow penetration until that much time has elapsed.
Why: Most busy couples have foreplay down to a science, or rather, a routine. “Time Bomb” refocuses you on the pre-game show, the part that used to be so much fun before you lived together. You’ll be surprised by how much slowing down changes things. You get really creative and really turned on.
BLIND MAN’S BUFF
You need: A scarf, necktie, or a blindfold.
How to play: Blindfold him. Lead him to the bed or other locale. Then proceed to ravish him — slowly, recklessly, teasingly — however you feel like doing it. You call the shots. Let his arousal be your guide.
Why: Not being able to see during sex has two major effects—it dramatically increases both sensitivity and psychological vulnerability. Either one is a powerful aphrodisiac (maybe you’ve heard of Fifty Shades of Grey? Together they can create a love explosion).
YOU ARE MY PRISONER
You need: Four neckties, or more elaborate restraints available at sex-toy stores or online; a bed, preferably one with bedposts.
How to play: He ties your wrists and ankles to the bedposts and has his way with you.
Why: It can be incredibly erotic to be completely powerless, to be the absolute center of his attention and to have no responsibility for or sway over what happens.
Variation: If you don’t have bedposts, you may be able to tie your wrists to some part of your headboard or tie them together over your head or behind your back. You can get extra-long ties and be tied to the legs of the bed.
NAUGHTY GIRL
You need: A hairbrush, riding crop, or just his hands.
How to play: Tell your partner all the things you did wrong today. (You failed to take your coupons to the grocery store. You forgot the name of your new receptionist at work. You told your adolescent son to go to hell.) Then kneel on the bed. Your man spanks you using his hand or a hairbrush or a not-too-scary disciplinary accessory.
Why: Spanking feels good, actually. A smart smack on the butt creates a tingly, alert sensation that combines well with the other feelings of sex.
Variation: The sensations are especially interesting if he combines them with playing with the other body parts on display during your spanking. This is an excellent time to try inserting a vibrator.
BEACH BLANKET BINGO
You need: A big towel or blanket and a bottle of massage oil or cream.
How to play: Spread your towel on the bed or carpet and grease each other up with massage oil — legs, torso, breasts, everywhere. Now roll around for awhile and… see what happens.
Why: You will really be surprised at the difference a little lubricant makes in the feeling of skin on skin. Sure, it’s a little messy. But worth it.
Variation: If you have a favorite secluded spot, this is fun to do outdoors, even on your own patio.
Tip: Don’t put mint or eucalyptus oil on sensitive genital areas. But if you have a non-irritating lubricant, greasing up the sexual equipment can be part of the fun. But remember that oil-based lubricants, including massage oil, can degrade latex. So don’t play this game if you’re using condoms or a diaphragm.
CLOSE SHAVE
You need: Scissors, a brand-new razor, and shaving cream.
How to play: Your partner shaves your pubic hair. First, take a hot bath to soften your skin and hair. Second, use scissors to trim the length. Third, lie on the bed or on a table and let that shaving expert, your mate, foam you up and shave you. It’s scary at first, but if he’s gentle you will not get nicked. He can shave everything or just neaten you up.
Why: Even though guys know what they see in porn isn’t realistic, you’d be amazed at what a little one-time novelty can do for your sex life.
Variation: Shave yourself without telling your partner, and let him discover what you’ve done. Be careful when shaving parts you cannot see (this is what mirrors are for). Also, once you’ve shaved, decorating yourself with the edible treat of his choice — whipped cream, warmed fudge sauce, frozen orange-juice concentrate — can be fun.
Note: Later, use baby lotion or another gentle cream to soothe the freshly shaved skin. And yes, it does get a little itchy when it grows back. Totally normal. But here’s how to tell when it’s not.
BOARD GAMES
You need: If you’d like to get the action started with a board game, try one of the below options.
What to play: I.O.U The Game of Hidden Pleasures, Sexopoly, and Kaamastra You and Me are all easy-to-play games that’ll ease you into playing sexy games with your partner.
Why: This could be a funny (but hot!) birthday or anniversary surprise for both of you.