SEX FOR THE HEALTH

When discussing sexual connecting, Dr ogden's interviewees spoke of a FLOWING CONTINUUM OF PLEASURE, ORGASM, AND ECSTSASY, rather than a one-time experience, the also described peak sexual experiences as coming from stimulation all ove their bodies--not just from their genitals--including fingers, toes, hips, lips, neck, and earlobes.

Obviously, arousal and satisfaction evoive not only from receiving sexual enerjy, but also from the joy of stimulating one's partner. sex,then, is a commitment of give and take.

Finally, the women Dr. ogden studied have their own concepts of safe sex, essential to experiencing sexual pleasure and ecstasy. this kind of safe sex does NOT relate to preventing STDs or pregnancy；it relates, instead, to emotional and spiritual safety. such safeti is CRUCIAL for sexual closeness. most of the women insisted that warm, loving connections with themselves and with their partners were essential to and inseparable from the experience of sexual ecstasy.

When people feel deeply close while merely holding hands, they are having sex. when people display caring for each other through hugs, caresses, and kissing, they are also having sex. when connecting people in a crowded room wink at each other in their own secret way, they are communicating sex to each other；such non-contact sex can be excitedly arousing and emotionally fulfiling. and, of course, during sexual union whe the sky seems to open so a lightning bolt can strike the couple--while fireworks ignite and the earth stops spinning--this is sex, too.

But wait. do men also need this almost spiritual connection to enjoy rex and achieve good health? well yes and no. men need sex and men need emotional connection, but many men don't necessarily need to put the two together!

Presently, younger boys are bein socialized in a more enlightened mannar；consequently, male attitudes toward sexual union are changing. but, unfortunately,the socialization of many men born in of before the 60's provided very little information of value to the formation and maintaenance of intimate relationships. these men were taught, as youths, that males showe love by doing, not by talking or "connecting" with girls.