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Lies TV Shows And Movies Taught Us About Sex

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Pitt chapter.

Growing up, there are certain things that you just can’t be taught, but you have to experience it yourself to really understand.  Some of these things include learning how to ride a bike, working your first job or having your first kiss.  But the biggest shock of all that leaves you feeling kind of clueless is sex.  Sure, sex education tried to teach us about male and female anatomy and the importance of using protection, but the biggest deceit comes from TV shows and movies.  Here are some of the biggest lies that TV and movies have taught us about sex.  

Your First Time 

Anytime you watch a teen drama that involves two people losing their virginity to each other it’s always wonderful, romantic and sweet.  We all know in reality this just isn’t the case.  Having a foreign object of that size go up your vagina for the first time just isn’t a super pleasant experience.  Of course, the time to adjust is different for every person, but overall nobody gives their first time a two thumbs up. 

No Foreplay?  

So many sexual experiences that happen in shows and movies are all very spontaneous and unplanned.  Often the two people will be kissing then WHAM, they’re naked and having sex.  Foreplay is really important for a lot of people, and this is rarely ever a part of any sex scene on camera.  Especially for girls, foreplay helps to physically prepare your body for penetration, and that could be uncomfortable for some without it.  This could end up being really painful for someone’s first time if they skip foreplay altogether like they’ve learned from TV and movies. 

Where’s the condom??? 

Another very misleading part about TV/movie sex is the lack of condom use.  Going back to that sex scene described above, the couple will be kissing then WHAM they’re naked and having sex.  Rarely ever do you see someone even mention a condom let alone imply that they are putting one on before sex.  It’s an irresponsible practice that could be teaching young teenagers that you don’t need to use condoms while having sex.  There are, of course, many other forms of protection that a couple can use, but the lack of mentioning any can have repercussions on audiences.   

Shower/Car Sex 

Now these seem to be pretty popular ones on TV and in movies.  It always seems so sneaky and daring to have sex in a car, and come on, shower sex just seems hot and steamy.  It can be fun and exciting to try hooking up in a new place, but it can also be a huge pain in the *ss.  It’s a little nerve racking to think that someone, ANYONE, could walk past your car and see what you’re doing in there.  It’s also small and cramped, so if you’re tall good luck! And hooking up in the shower can get a bit slippery.  It’s not so romantic when you both slip and fall, creating bruises on your body that you may have to explain later on.   

Communication  

Communicating with your partner is KEY during sex.  In TV and movies, the two people seem to always be on the same page, enjoying themselves as well as their partner, without saying anything at all.  This is not always the case, especially with a new partner! Everyone is different, so everyone likes different things during sex.  If your partner doesn’t know what makes you happy in bed, then there’s a good chance that you’ll have to tell him/her.  You want to make sure that your partner and you are both enjoying yourselves and feel comfortable with what’s going on.  The only way to convey that message is through communication, which is rarely part of the script.   

Consent 

When you’re watching a TV show or movie it may seem obvious to the audience that consent is given, but there’s still a lack of verbal acknowledgement.  Sometimes characters will resist someone at first to add dramatic effect and tension to the scene.  In reality, the most important part of having sexual relations with someone is getting clear consent from him or her.  It may not seem as romantic or spontaneous, but it’s the greatest decision in the long run.   

So if you’re unexperienced or simply want to heighten your sex life, take TV and movie sex with a grain of salt.  Ask some friends with experience or just use the internet!  It’s not embarrassing to ask questions if it means you’ll have a better time in the end.       

 

 

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Thanks for reading our content! hcxo, HC at Pitt