We’re always on the hunt for new ways to help inspire excitement and connection in your lives, and we know our communication tools are tremendously helpful. At Velvet Box, we’re passionate about providing resources and care to help build intimacy and create comfortable and safe spaces for all, both before and during sex, as well as after. Today we are discussing the importance of post-sex communication, also known as Aftercare.
What Is Aftercare?
Aftercare is common in the kink community, but it is not just limited to kink. It is talking, laughing, crying, discussing what went well (or what didn’t go well), and taking care of yourself and your partner after sex. Sex ends abruptly, so Aftercare is about pampering and nurturing one another. It includes verbal communication as well as non-verbal communication, such as cuddling, touching, kissing, and caressing, and even gestures like taking a shower, having a snack, or taking alone time to digest what just happened.
The Importance of Aftercare
The purpose of Aftercare is to make sure all parties involved leave the interaction in a positive mental state and feel comfortable post-intimacy. For example, you may have tried a new position, method, or toy that you either loved, didn’t love, or maybe something just went wrong. Enter: Aftercare. Aftercare can help to relieve underlying sexual shame and makes for stronger emotional bonds. It is about being vulnerable in the blissful moments of afterglow (or embarrassment) and not taking each other for granted.
Initiating Aftercare
Aftercare is an essential part of understanding each other’s needs and respecting one another, and it all begins with communication. Whether you are new to Aftercare or practice it regularly, take the time to review our new Aftercare Communication Tool below for guidance.
Communication Tools
Download our Aftercare Communication Tool, which includes different types of Aftercare and various questions to consider when practicing it.
Have questions or need more guidance? Stop by one of our five Velvet Box locations to talk to one of our intimacy specialists, review more of our Communication Tools, or read up on all of our Health & Wellness Resources we have to offer!
To your connection and excitement,
Your friendly Velvet Box sex-perts