10 Erotic TV Series to Watch with Your Partner This Fall

In intimate relationships, the concept of eroticism holds a special allure that fuels passion and desire between partners. While physical intimacy plays a vital role, psychogenic arousal is also important. Psychogenic arousal, often referred to as mental or psychological arousal, is the process of creating sexual excitement through non-physical means. This form of arousal centers on stimulating the mind, emotions, and imagination, making it a powerful tool for enhancing sexual intimacy in relationships. This blog explores erotic TV shows that partners can watch together to help build eroticism in their relationships. So, the next time you and your partner are wondering what to watch next, try something from this list!

Note: These shows contain explicit sexual content, nudity, and adult themes. Viewer discretion is advised, and it's important to consider individual comfort levels and boundaries before watching them together as partners.

1. Masters of Sex

Set in the 1950s, this show delves into the groundbreaking research of Dr. William Masters and Virginia Johnson, pioneers in the field of human sexuality. The series explores the complexities of sexual desire, intimacy, and the psychology of arousal. Through their studies, the show presents explicit and thought-provoking depictions of sexual experiences, providing couples with a deep understanding of the various facets of human sexuality.

*Available (for purchase) on AppleTV, Prime, and Vudu.

2. Outlander

Combining historical drama with elements of fantasy, Outlander follows the passionate love story of Claire and Jamie Fraser. The show features intense romantic and sexual scenes, often showcasing the profound connection and desire between the main characters. The vivid portrayal of their relationship and their exploration of physical and emotional intimacy make it an enticing choice for couples seeking an arousing and emotionally charged viewing experience.

*Available on Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Netflix.

3. Black Sails

Set in the golden age of piracy, Black Sails is an adventure-filled drama that intertwines thrilling storylines with erotic undertones. The show portrays the lives of pirates and their romantic and sexual escapades. Through captivating narratives and alluring characters, it combines action, drama, and sensual elements, offering a compelling viewing experience for couples seeking excitement and a touch of the “forbidden”.

*Available on Hulu and Amazon Prime.

4. The Affair

This provocative drama explores the complexities of relationships and infidelity. The show delves into the intense emotional and sexual connections formed outside of committed partnerships. By delving into the motivations and consequences of illicit desires, The Affair stimulates discussions about monogamy, sexual exploration, and the multifaceted nature of human eroticism.

*Available on Paramount +, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.

5. Easy

An anthology series set in Chicago, Easy explores the intricate web of modern love, relationships, and sexual encounters. The show portrays a range of characters and their diverse experiences with sex, intimacy, and desire. With its realistic and relatable approach to exploring human connections, Easy prompts couples to reflect on their own desires, fantasies, and the challenges of maintaining intimacy.

*Available on Netflix.

6. You Me Her

This unique romantic comedy takes an unconventional approach by exploring a three-way relationship. The show delves into the dynamics of polyamory, love, and sexual exploration. It navigates the complexities of jealousy, self-discovery, and unconventional desires, creating an enticing viewing experience for couples open to exploring alternative relationship dynamics and the boundaries of traditional monogamy.

*Available on Amazon Prime.

7. Sex/Life

This steamy drama follows the journey of a suburban mother who reflects on her past sexual escapades while seeking passion in her present life. With its explicit and visually captivating scenes, the show explores the complexities of desire, fantasy, and longing for excitement. It ignites conversations about rekindling sexual desire within long-term relationships and the interplay between passion and domesticity.

*Available on Netflix.

8. Elite

A Spanish thriller set in an exclusive private school, Elite explores a web of relationships, secrets, and forbidden desires. The show's intriguing plot intertwines with explicit depictions of sexual encounters, exploring themes of attraction, lust, and the exploration of hidden desires. Through its alluring and intense scenes, Elite provides an exciting and stimulating viewing experience for couples seeking suspense, mystery, and passionate encounters.

*Available on Netflix.

9. Sex Education

This comedy-drama series centers around a socially awkward teenager who starts an underground sex therapy clinic at his high school. Through its exploration of various adolescent sexual experiences, the show provides a mix of humor and thought-provoking moments. It delves into topics such as sexual identity, consent, and communication while offering insights into the complexities of human desire and relationships.

*Available on Netflix.

10. P-Valley

Set in a Mississippi Delta strip club, P-Valley explores the lives of the dancers and their personal journeys. The show portrays the sensuality, empowerment, and vulnerabilities of the characters, highlighting the role of sexuality and eroticism in their profession. With its captivating performances and intimate moments, P-Valley delves into the themes of identity, self-expression, and the pursuit of desires.

*Available on Hulu and Amazon Prime.

Takeaway

Whether you and your partner are going for steamy, funny, mysterious, alluring, adventurous, or romantic, you’ll find it all on this list. Pay attention to those moments that make your brain and insides churn with sexual excitement. You can initiate sexual intimacy, sexy conversation, fantasy talk, or whatever else fun and new comes to mind to explore while watching binge-worthy shows. Finding new and fun ways to spice up your sex life is always worth it – give it a go and see what happens!

How to Manage Family Pressure During the Holiday Season

It is hard to believe that the holiday season is just around the corner. The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of unfettered joy but it can also bring about significant stress and pressure, especially when it comes to spending an elongated period with family. Whether that is due to intrusive questions, unsupportive attitudes towards lifestyle and identity, complex interpersonal dynamics, or some combination of factors, dealing with family drama can quickly become overwhelming. In this article, we will explore practical tips on how to manage family stress and maintain your wellbeing so you can enjoy yourself to the fullest extent possible.

How do you deal with family pressure during the holidays?

Set clear boundaries beforehand

Boundaries are important year-round, but especially when you anticipate spending extra time together. Boundaries typically fall into the following categories: physical, time, conversational, content, emotional, material, and sexual and there are plenty of resources that dive deeper into what those look like and how to communicate them.  

Create an escape plan

Having the option to get away, even temporarily, can relieve some of the pressure because you know you have a way out if all goes wrong. Maybe this means going on a walk, finding a quiet room to decompress (and, if necessary, asking the host ahead of time which room you can use), volunteering to run an errand, or asking a friend if you can hang out with them if you need to leave entirely. 

Cope ahead

Coping ahead entails preparing ahead of time for an anticipated stressor so you do not need to scramble to figure out how to help yourself in the stressful moment itself. A great resource is a portable “coping kit;” the contents will vary from person to person but the goal is to equip yourself with tools to help you keep your cool. Some ideas for what to include in a coping kit are something that smells nice (e.g., an herbal sachet), a fidget toy, a photo that makes you happy, and something you can taste like candy or gum.      

Prepare (your response) ahead of time

If there are sensitive, tense subjects that your family often brings up such as your relationship status, family planning decisions, eating habits, or your identity, it is wise to plan how you might respond to them. Here’s an example of what you could say: “I know you do not mean harm, but talking about [insert topic] makes me uncomfortable. If I am ready to broach that topic with you in the future, I will. I would ask that you refrain from bringing it up until that time. If you continue to try to speak about it with me, I will need to remove myself from the conversation [or insert alternative here].”  

Lean on supportive individuals

In advance of the event, identify family members or friends who are empathetic and understanding. Ideally, this is someone who will also be at the gathering, but it is helpful to have someone available digitally as well. Give that person a heads up that you may need to rely on them a bit more than usual on whatever date(s) and how they can best support you. The advantage of arranging this in advance is that they can let you know if that is doable for them and so you both know what exactly would be helpful. 

Distinguish between tension versus a toxic environment

There are sometimes hazy lines between typical family stress and a toxic, abusive environment. There is so much societal pressure and expectation to endlessly put up with family simply because they are family. Often, survivors are accused of being unkind or ungrateful for walking away. There is nothing wrong with deciding that spending time with family hurts you more than helps you, and that you do not want to attend gatherings at all. Your priority is to protect yourself and your wellbeing, even if that means distance from family.  

TLDR 

The holiday season can be a challenging time when it comes to family pressure and stress. Intrusive questions and difficult relatives on top of the logistical stress of organizing and partaking in an event can take a toll on mental wellbeing. By setting boundaries, making a coping plan, and relying on your support network, you can empower yourself to handle these challenges more effectively.   

How to Overcome Emotional Gridlock in a Relationship

Written by Seth Taylor, ALMFT

Emotional gridlock is a state of emotional impasse that many partners encounter in their relationships. It often arises from unresolved conflicts and differences that become entrenched over time, leaving partners feeling stuck and disconnected. In this blog post, we will delve into the concept of emotional gridlock, explore how to overcome it and provide insights into managing conflict and perpetual problems that can strain relationships.

Understanding Emotional Gridlock

Emotional gridlock is a complex state where partners find themselves unable to resolve ongoing conflicts, resulting in a sense of frustration, distance, and even resentment. This occurs when discussions about certain topics lead to an emotional standoff, preventing any meaningful progress. It's crucial to recognize that feeling stuck in gridlock doesn't mean your relationship is doomed – rather, it's an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding.

What Can Cause Gridlock?

Unmet Expectations. When partners have different expectations about the relationship, conflicts can arise as these expectations clash. For example, expectations surrounding the balance between supporting your desired lifestyle through building your career and working long hours, while also meeting the expectation of prioritizing sexual intimacy in your relationship.

Unresolved Past Issues. Lingering resentments from past arguments or events can contribute to emotional gridlock. For example, a betrayal of trust due to one partner sharing confidential information about the relationship without permission of the other.

Lack of Compromise. Inflexibility and an unwillingness to find a middle ground can lead to perpetual problems and gridlock. For example, the battle over household responsibilities that never seems to feel fair or even.

What if Our Problem Persists?

Perpetual problems are those recurring conflicts that seem to defy resolution. They can range from differences in parenting styles to financial concerns and more. These problems become even more challenging to address when negative sentiment override comes into play. Negative sentiment override occurs when the emotional connection between partners erodes, causing neutral or positive interactions to be interpreted negatively. This further exacerbates emotional gridlock.

How to Get Unstuck From Emotional Gridlock

Learning how to get unstuck from emotional gridlock is paramount for the health and longevity of any relationship. When left unaddressed, emotional gridlock can fester and erode the foundation of a partnership, leading to increased distance, resentment, and dissatisfaction. Getting unstuck is essential because it empowers partners to break free from unproductive patterns, fostering a deeper understanding and connection. By honing skills to navigate and overcome emotional gridlock, couples can transform conflicts into opportunities for growth, ultimately strengthening their bond and creating a more resilient, fulfilling relationship. Follow these tips to help you get unstuck!

Foster Open and Honest Communication

The foundation of any successful relationship is communication. To overcome emotional gridlock, both partners must be willing to engage in open, non-judgmental conversations. This requires active listening and empathy, as well as the ability to express feelings and thoughts without fear of judgment.

Identify Underlying Issues

Often, emotional gridlock arises from perpetual problems, which are ongoing issues that have no clear solution. Identifying the underlying needs, fears, and desires associated with these problems can help uncover the true source of the conflict and pave the way for more productive conversations.

Normalize Respectful Disagreement

Conflict is a natural part of any relationship, but it's how you manage conflict that matters. Instead of aiming to eliminate all disagreements, focus on finding ways to manage them constructively. This involves respecting each other's perspectives and finding compromises that acknowledge both partners' needs.

Cultivate Emotional Awareness

Recognize when you're slipping into emotional gridlock. Pay attention to your emotions and thoughts during conversations. Are you feeling defensive? Are you assuming negative intent from your partner's words? Developing emotional awareness can help you step back from unhelpful patterns.

Practice Patience & Empathy

Overcoming gridlock takes time. Practice patience and empathy toward your partner's perspective. Avoid blaming or criticizing, and instead, focus on understanding their point of view.

Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, emotional gridlock can be deeply rooted and challenging to address on your own. Seeking support from a relationship therapist can provide a neutral space for productive discussions and offer tools to navigate through gridlock.

Takeaway

Emotional gridlock is a challenging yet surmountable obstacle in relationships. By understanding its nature, learning how to manage conflict, and practicing effective communication, partners can untangle themselves from feeling stuck and rediscover the emotional connection that brought them together. Remember, overcoming gridlock is a journey that requires patience, empathy, and a commitment to growth, all of which can ultimately lead to a stronger, more resilient partnership.