13 questions to get through the horny weirdness of Summer 2021

Hot vaxx summer by Elana Spivack Updated: Feb. 20, 2024 Originally Published: June 7, 2021

If you’ve got your Covid-19 vaccine, not only are you ready to rejoin society at large — you are ready to get up close and personal.

Catherine McGann/Archive Photos/Getty Images

For vaxxed, unattached folks, summer 2021 is infused with a horny energy.

Giphy But before you dive in (or freak out), here are 13 essential questions to guide you to a safe, sexy summer, courtesy of science.

13. Are we both vaccinated? Aitor Diago/Moment/Getty Images

Start with the big one! If you both are a yes, then you’re both at much lower risk for Covid-19.

Immunity lowers the risk of transmitting the virus, but it’s feasible that a vaccinated person could unwittingly infect an unvaccinated person with coronavirus. Shutterstock

Get your shots! If you are both not vaccinated, then you are at the highest level of risk of transmission. Giphy

12. Did my condoms expire?

Expired rubbers are dry and weak , so they’re prone to break. Treat yourself to some fresh condoms so you can be safe and check both the wrapper and box for expiration dates.

11. What’s STI risk like these days? In 2018, the U.S. CDC estimated that 1 in 5 people had a sexually transmitted disease. Covid-19 didn’t wipe them out. Shutterstock

COROIMAGE/Moment/Getty Images Before unprotected sex of any kind, and especially oral sex, ask your partner about STIs. Be honest about your own STI status, too. Take precautions accordingly.

10. What is flirting? It’s been a while since you’ve been around other people, so let’s go over the basics.

Camerique/ClassicStock/Archive Photos/Getty Images Flirting can include eye contact while speaking, smiling, and leaning toward the other person. Watch out for if the other person fidgets with their face or hair. Mention you might be free this weekend, and see where it goes! (You can thank me later.)

9. Where’s consent at? Without consent , it’s not sex. And consent isn’t a one-time “yes,” either. Shutterstock

Consistently affirm that your partner consents to what you’re both doing, and pay attention to their verbal and body language. Daria / 500px/500Px Plus/Getty Images

8. Are we too drunk (and/or high) to do it?

alexander mychko / 500px/500Px Plus/Getty Images Generally , if someone struggles to walk, stand, or remain conscious, then they cannot consent. Consensual, enjoyable sex while drunk and/or high is possible, but it requires mutual trust and clear consent. If you’re not sure, don’t do it.

7. Are they having fun? Listen for telltale sounds of enjoyment and body language that signal active, enthusiastic engagement. Or just ask : “What can I do to make you feel good?”

6. Am I having fun? suteishi/E+/Getty Images

Serg Myshkovsky/Photodisc/Getty Images Zoning out or thinking about other plans mid-bang? Devising ways to exit or get this person to leave? Not feeling the chemistry is OK! If you’re not having a good time, your partner is likely to pick up on it. But also, just say so!

5. Wait... how do I even do sex again? It’s like riding a bicycle. But if you are not sure or want to try something new, ask your partner! Giphy

4. How do I stop feeling nervous? Meditation and exercise have proven neurological and physiological benefits. Try taking five deep breaths, or doing some cardio before a date. Giphy

3. How do I say I’m not interested? Giphy

JGI/Jamie Grill/Tetra images/Getty Images Amidst the thirst, be honest. Try this line: “Thanks for spending time with me, but I’m not feeling the chemistry.”

2. Are blue balls real? Do I have them? Epididymal hypertension is a condition characterized by blood continuing to swell testicular vessels after orgasm — which can make them ache. If you have the condition, take some ibuprofen and call a doctor if it doesn’t get better.

1. Can I make sex feel even better? Giphy

If you haven’t had sex in a while, it’ll probably feel pretty good already. But, edging techniques and increasing blood flow to the penis can help further stimulate arousal.

Read more mind & bod y stories. Serg Myshkovsky/Photodisc/Getty Images

13 questions to get through the horny weirdness of Summer 2021

If you’ve got your Covid-19 vaccine, not only are you ready to rejoin society at large — you are ready to get up close and personal.

For vaxxed, unattached folks, summer 2021 is infused with a horny energy.

Start with the big one! If you both are a yes, then you’re both at much lower risk for Covid-19.

If you haven’t had sex in a while, it’ll probably feel pretty good already. But, edging techniques and increasing blood flow to the penis can help further stimulate arousal.

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