On sex
Thu Aug 30, 2007 at 09:58:23 AM PDT
What a strange topic. It's almost impossible to write, let alone to even think, rationally about the subject. When viewed in strictly biological terms it's a normal function of the reproductive system but with sensory feedback way out of proportion to what it aims to achieve, in humans at least. In most animals it makes more sense as a temporary "pon far" like episode; a ritual madness clearly oriented toward the act of reproduction. When the season is passed the animal can get down to normal activities without preoccupation. Not so with the "reasoning" species.
We get horribly bent out of shape about whether we're doing it with the right partner(s), in the right positions, with appropriate gender(s), and most of all whether it's often enough. To evaluate all these criteria we watch others closely to see if they are "doing it right" and when we see evidence of failure- identified by divergence from the norm which is always sketchy ("everybody lies about sex" -Lazarus Long) we are momentarily jubilant that we must be on the right track after all. If we can identify clearly those who are doing it wrong we can begin to relieve the preoccupation momentarily, but it never really vanishes entirely.
A healthy sex life may just be the ultimate holy grail we humans can find, and possibly it is an unconscious source of our evaluation of self-worth. The possessor of the grail would presumably never need to discuss it, so my introduction of this topic might be seen to be revelatory of the status of my quest. Those who can't stop talking might be either pathetically lost in the struggle or else they are so indulgent in their joy of possession as to want to describe every facet of its shiny goodness for all. I would posit that this is another indication the grail has slipped from their hands and their search must go on.
With some trepidation I voice this simple request.... discuss?
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