Why Self-Acceptance is the Key To Better Sex

In this episode, I'm covering the fifth pillar of Sexual Intelligence: self-acceptance. This is the pillar that ties everything else together, because no matter how embodied, healthy, collaborative, or self-aware you are, none of it lands if you can't accept yourself as you are right now. I'm talking about the "pleasure thieves" that steal our self-acceptance, like comparison, judgment, and perfectionism, and why so much of our sexual shame was programmed into us before we even knew what was happening. I walk through a mirror exercise you can try this week, share why orgasm isn't the measure of good sex (pleasure is), and answer more listener questions. If you've ever felt like you're not enough, not sexy enough, or not doing sex "right," this episode is your reminder that you already are worthy of pleasure, exactly as you are today. ABOUT EMILY: Emily Morse is a Doctor of Human Sexuality, author and host of the #1 rated Sex with Emily podcast. Known as a renowned sexologist, Dr. Emily has helped millions of people around the world navigate their sex lives. Her candid and often funny conversations challenge cultural taboos, misinformation and awkward sex talks to create a future where people can deeply connect and embrace pleasure-filled lives. Because, life is too short for bad sex.  CONNECT WITH EMILY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexwithemily/  X: https://twitter.com/sexwithemily  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sexwithemily  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sexwithemily  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sexwithemily WANT MORE? Visit the Website: https://sexwithemily.com/ which includes FREE guides. Free Downloadable Guides: https://sexwithemily.com/guides/  Text With Me: https://sexwithemily.com/text  Receive Sex Tips On The Regular: https://sexwithemily.com/subscribe  Interested in 1:1 Coaching with Emily? Go to http://sexwithemily.com/coaching to apply! Chapters: 0:00 Welcome to Sex With Emily 3:31 Guided Breath Work to Become Present 4:17 What Self Acceptance Really Means 6:59 Why Sexual Confidence Is a Practice 8:11 Common Shame Narratives 9:49 Mirror Talk Exercise 11:54 The Three Pleasure Thieves 18:34 Weekly Self-Acceptance Challenges 25:06 Bringing the Five Sex IQ Pillars Together 26:26 Q&A: Why Do I Tense Up? 29:08 Q&A: How Can I Feel Comfortable With the Lights On? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices