Q. Doctor, I wonder if you could advise me about what my husband wants to do? We are in our late 30s, and I think we have a pretty good marriage. We are both fairly sexy people, and we like to make love a lot.But recently, we have been thinking that things are maybe getting a little 'stale' in bed, and my husband has suggested that it would be a good idea to kind of freshen things up.
He is in the travel and hospitality business, so we are able to go around the island quite a bit, and stay in nice places. Well, there is a beach that we go to sometimes, in a beautiful bay. His idea is that maybe one day we could kind of strip off there, and then play around with each other while lying on the sand. The whole point of his idea is that other people might just be able to see us.
He thought that was real exciting.
Well doc, at first I felt this was a crazy notion. But as I pondered about it, I found myself getting more and more excited. I began to fantasise about actually having intercourse in front of other people. Indeed, on the last few occasions when we have had sex, we have really turned each other on by talking about 'performing in public'.
I have never had feelings like this before, and really I am quite shocked by myself. But the thought of letting other people see my naked body - which is still in very good shape - keeps on coming back to me, and makes me feel quite horny.
And when I think about having intercourse with my husband before an 'audience,' well, doc, my heart starts racing and I begin breathing much faster!
So what should we do, doctor? Is this just a foolish fantasy? Or should we give it a try?
A. Many couples who have been married for quite a while get the idea that it would be pleasant to do something that will 'pep up' their sex lives.
It is good when people realise that sexual relations need a 'shot in the arm'. Bringing in some variety helps to prevent boredom in the bedroom. Indeed, I have known cases where trying new sex activities has really saved a marriage.
But what about the activity that you and your husband are thinking of? This particular sexual behaviour is called 'exhibitionism', and it is quite common. Women are sometimes more attracted by it than men are, because there is a certain appeal about showing off one's beautiful female body to an admiring audience.
Some men do have an exhibitionist streak, especially if they like the idea that they could show other people how to pleasure a lady successfully.
But hold on a minute. Let us look at the practicalities of what you and your husband have been considering.
Nudity is certainly a little more tolerated in Jamaica than it used to be. But having sex in public - for this WOULD be 'in public' - is against the law. Say someone complained about your behaviour. Imagine what would happen if the police were called in!
An arrest while having intercourse might well attract publicity. That might not go down well with your family and friends, and obviously, it could affect your husband's job.
Admittedly, there are places in the west of the island where I believe there is a certain easy-going tolerance towards couples who want to frolic within sight of other people.
However, getting involved in that sort of thing could bring you very near to an orgy situation - with other folk wanting to join in with you.
That might NOT be what you and your husband want! Also, it would carry certain serious dangers health-wise - especially if someone who has HIV decided to try and take part in your 'fun and games' with your husband.
So you see where I am heading. If you want to be a little exhibitionistic on the beach, then there would be no harm in a kiss and cuddle. But going further than that could mean trouble.
Instead, I would recommend that you find other ways of pepping up your love life. One simple way would be to try new intercourse positions. Another would be to buy some 'sex toys'.
I shall deal with these devices in the Outlook next week, but I can assure you that for many couples aged over 35, they provide a valuable way of revitalising your bedroom pleasure, and avoiding the problem of 'always doing the same old thing'.