Asking for a friend: I felt amazing and naughty after having my first one-night stand over Christmas. Now I would like to explore having more casual sex safely. Where do I start?

"I had a very unexpected fling after a Christmas party. I have never done that before, just having a one-night stand with someone, but it felt right in the heat of the moment. I think my friends would be a bit shocked if they knew, as they are all in long-term relationships. It made me feel really good, and I left in the morning feeling naughty and happy."

"I want to explore this side of myself since sex was never much of a big deal in my last relationships. Don't get me wrong, it was fine, but that's all it was. The other night made me feel amazing and like I've been missing out. But while I think I'm fairly up to date on things like sexual health and contraception and all that, I don't have a lot of experience on even going about finding something like a friend with benefits"

A person had an unexpected fling after a Christmas party that felt right in the heat of the moment. The encounter produced feelings of naughtiness, happiness and a sense of having missed out compared with previous long-term relationships where sex was not a major focus. Friends are in long-term relationships and would likely be surprised. The person wants to explore casual sex, hookups or friends-with-benefits but feels scared and inexperienced about finding partners and maintaining safety despite being up to date on sexual health and contraception. Dr West notes that casual sex is a new experience after monogamy and that adjusting may feel difficult, but a positive approach forms a foundation for sexual wellness.

Read at Independent