SEX

I think it's better for both men and women that sex is more freely available now. It was downright ridiculous in my young day that you couldn't find out if you were compatible or not in that department until your wedding night.
But I do think it's gone too far the other way now.

Well - I think it is a mixed blessing.

It is absolutely a positive thing that women have ceased to be expected to be passive recipients of sex - though I suspect that this expectation was not always true! And it is good that women are not stigmatised for having sex or conceiving outside marriage.

But I do think that it has placed expectations on teenagers and other young women to engage in sexual activity before they are really ready and also in ways and with people that are unacceptable. At least when there were rules these young girls had a reason for saying no that they could fall back on.

I go onto Mumsnet sometimes and the number of young women who ask questions about what they should and shouldn't do is very worrying. The concept of self-respect and choice is sometimes lacking; and it is very clear that they feel pressured into doing things they do not want to. Questions such as "My partner does X, is this normal/acceptable?" give me the shudders.

Anything that's removed the shame and embarrassment surrounding pre marital sex was surely a good thing? And, without a doubt, it was always the woman who had to bear the shame of having indulged in sex before she was married, wasn't it? She was often referred to in very condemnatory terms, especially if she became pregnant; whereas the man was "just doing what men do". Thank God that's changed.

Having to get married is probably the main reason there were so many “ honeymoon babies” or “premature babies” in the days before the pill.
While “nice girls” didn’t have sex before marriage or at least until they were engaged the historical records show a very different story. There has always been a lot of premarital sex. It was simply not spoken about.

When I was a student and experimenting with sex we were chatting in our hall of Residence about it, one of the cleaners overheard us and said "I'd rather have a good fish supper." Then I thought she was crazy-Now I agree with her!
Both of my grandmothers were expecting when they married. There were a lot of "honeymoon babies" around.

I think there is even more pressure on girls to have sex before they are ready. Virginity is seen as something to be got rid of - like spots!

From what I gather,having a sex life for young women isnt easier or better, just different.
Look up how women feel about the availability of porn on their psychological health.
Check out the abortion stats.
No one has a fit of the vapours at the mention of sex anymore, true.
But they still have emotional and practical difficulties.
Plus for all the veneer of equality a woman who has more partners than the considered norm is viewed negatively even now, by their peers.

Sadly the same stereotypes for both men and women still exist

Life has improved immeasurably for women in that sphere. We now are able to enjoy our sexuality in the way men have always been able to.

My mother would have had a fit of the vapours at the suggestion that sex was to be enjoyed. I was never able to discuss the subject with her but I expect orgasm was something she never experienced far less expected to have every single time she had intercourse. As for female ejaculation!!!! I would bet my life on her having no idea what it is.

I’m not sure the OPs statement about no sex till there was some sort of ring on your finger is true . Pre marital sex has been happening since time began

I wonder why this is under Webchats!

I'm inclined to agree with Boy George.

Cheese on toast, a good book & very loud rock music for me!

Oh a bag of oven cooked salt and black pepper crisps and a fruity cider That ll do it for me

A G&T, and a bar of chocolate while reading a good book

A good book?

Or a bar of chocolate!

I'd rather have a G&T.

I'd rather have a roast dinner !

Of course it has! Women can also get sex easily.....