Current:Home > Stocks'Challengers' spicy scene has people buzzing about sex. That's a good thing, experts say. -Pinnacle Profit Strategies
'Challengers' spicy scene has people buzzing about sex. That's a good thing, experts say.
View
Date:2025-04-14 05:51:14
Tennis has never been sexier thanks to "Challengers," the new Luca Guadagnino-directed movie starring Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist now in theaters.
The three stars of the movie make out in a seductive, steamy scene that nearly leads to a threesome – and it's a clip that people can't stop talking about. "Challengers was good, I want to join a threesome and play tennis now," wrote an X user. Another chimed in: "due to challengers, i am now deeming this summer The Summer of the Threesome."
So why is a threesome (or in this case an almost-threesome) a big spectacle to begin with anyway? Experts say healthy, safe, consensual sex can take a lot of different forms. The "Challengers" scene is a good opportunity to talk about it.
When it comes to threesomes, "if you and your partner fantasize about it and want to make it a reality, there are many safe ways to do it," says Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, an associate professor in the Department of Human Communication Studies at California State University, Fullerton.
Did you see?These bisexual swingers shocked their Alabama town. Now they're on a mission to spread acceptance.
'One of the most common sexual fantasies'
Many relationships thrive when partners engage in conventional, "healthy," plain, old sex – some online have nicknamed this "vanilla sex." but some couples enjoy alternatives, like swinging or role play.
And now, these interests are being included in the narrative – including on the big screen.
"Threesome is one of the most common sexual fantasies in America," Suwinyattichaiporn says. "So, whether people think it's 'right' or 'wrong,' they're fantasizing about it."
Jenni Skyler, a certified sex therapist, previously told USA TODAY, some have begun criticizing "vanilla sex" in favor of alternatives that are seen as more adventurous: "It's interesting to see that we've now demonized the type of sexuality that used to be the only permissible form."
Part of why the conversation is changing is due to the internet and social media, Skyler says. People now have a "safe space" to seek advice or hear stories from strangers – without shame or discomfort.
Will how we think about sex ever change?A weatherman was fired when his webcam photos leaked.
What happens when we're more open about sex
Is a threesome a good idea? Like most things, it depends. "Some couples are more open minded when it comes to involving others in their sexual relationships while others may feel extremely turned off by it," Suwinyattichaiporn says.
But just because kinky sex is different, doesn't mean it's bad. In fact, studies have shown that unconventional sex and fantasies, like consensual BDSM, sex with multiple partners or role play, can reduce psychological stress and improve mental health for some.
"As long as everyone involved is consenting adults, I think anything goes," Vanessa Marin, a licensed sex therapist, previously told USA TODAY. "Consent. excitement, good communication and trust are so important for healthy sex."
Plus, if we view sex as dangerous or taboo, we don't stop people from having sex. Rather, we stop productive, healthy conversations about how to engage in these behaviors safely.
Remember that not everyone has to take part in every kind of sex. "We as a society have to understand that normalization doesn't mean 'everyone should do it,' Suwinyattichaiporn says. "It simply means, people who consensually want to do it shouldn't have to hide and feel ashamed of their sexual explorations."
Experts emphasize that the sex conversation goes beyond just the physical act of sex. For many, it's about love, relationships, and validating a sense of self.
Marin adds: "If we can learn about these varied ways to have healthy sex and accept them, that's going to go a long way in helping dismantle the shame that's shaped this conversation for centuries."
Contributing: Jenna Ryu
veryGood! (64496)
Related
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- The Perry school shooting creates new questions for Republicans in Iowa’s presidential caucuses
- Massive vehicle pileup on southern California highway leaves 2 dead, 9 injured, authorities say
- Thousands of mourners in Islamabad attend funeral for Pakistani cleric gunned down in broad daylight
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Christian Oliver's wife speaks out after plane crash killed actor and their 2 daughters
- Massive vehicle pileup on southern California highway leaves 2 dead, 9 injured, authorities say
- Why Kelly Clarkson Doesn't Allow Her Kids on Social Media
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Gypsy Rose Blanchard Reveals What Makes Her and Husband Ryan Anderson's Marriage Work
Ranking
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Residents across eastern U.S. and New England hunker down as snow, ice, freezing rain approaches
- DeSantis’ State of the State address might be as much for Iowa voters as it is for Floridians
- Coronavirus FAQ: My partner/roommate/kid got COVID. And I didn't. How come?
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Northeast U.S. preparing for weekend storm threatening to dump snow, rain and ice
- Student loan borrowers face long hold times and inaccurate bills, feds find
- Why Jim Harbaugh should spurn the NFL, stay at Michigan and fight to get players paid
Recommendation
Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
A minibus explodes in Kabul, killing at least 2 civilians and wounding 14 others
This grandma raised her soldier grandson. Watch as he surprises her with this.
How Jennifer Love Hewitt Left Hollywood to Come Back Stronger Than Ever
Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
Glynis Johns, known for her role as Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins, dead at 100
Offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin commits to Ohio State after leaving Alabama for transfer portal
Fact checking Netflix's 'Society of the Snow' plane disaster with director J.A. Bayona