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Charlie Glickman PhD is a sexuality educator, the Education Program Manager at Good Vibrations, university professor, and workshop presenter. He's ce...
 
 
 
 

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How to Have a Happy Threesome

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Ah, the threesome. Is there anything that inspires so many fantasies? And is there anything as likely to cause complications in your relationship? Threesomes can be amazing fun, but only when you set them up right. Here are some useful tips to make sure that everyone is getting what they want. (This is written for couples looking for a third person -- there are some different things to think about when you’re solo and looking for a couple.)


Photo by Mark Sebastian.

First, are you both sure that you both want to do it? It’s pretty common for one partner to be more enthusiastic about it than the other. That can be okay as long as there’s some interest, but if one of you really isn’t into it, for any reason, don’t push it. Take some time to talk about whatever it is that makes it unappealing. Sometimes, it can be fixed and sometimes, it can’t. If it turns out that it simply isn’t going to work for one of you, there are still lots of other fun things to do!

OK, so you both want to make it happen. But what are you looking for? Do you want to find a man? A woman? Do you want to have two of you focus on the third? Do you all want to take turns being the center of attention? Are there specific kinds of sex you want to have? Does one person want to watch while the other two put on a show? The more you can be clear about what you want, the easier it is to get it. If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, think about some of the fantasies that turn you on. Or write it as a sexy story to give your partner. Or read a book of erotic stories about threesomes for inspiration. (If you highlight the parts that you really like in one color and your partner does the same in another color, it’s easy to see where things line up.) The only way to be sure that you get what you want is to tell your partner what that is.

A lot of people say that planning it out gets in the way of enjoying it. And while it’s true that being so focused on a script that you lose spontaneity isn’t much fun for anyone, a little preparation goes a long way. Instead of getting stuck in the “spontaneous sex is always better” frame of mind, try thinking of it like a gourmet meal you want to create. The planning and the prep time simply add to the anticipation, which can make it even more fun. Make your pre-threesome conversations part of the foreplay, instead of a hoop you need to jump through. Talk about it during sex and discover what gets you or your partner excited. Be as explicit as you want, and think of what you come up with as guidelines rather than a checklist.

Finding someone for a threesome can sometimes be a bit tricky. After all, mutual attraction and overlapping interests can get complicated enough when it’s just two people getting together. When there’s three of you, there are a lot more options. Some people get stuck at this point because they have very different tastes -- I’ve spoken with a couple once where he liked women with piercings and tattoos and she wanted a cheerleader type. They worked it out by taking turns picking someone, but that won’t work for everyone.

Although you might find a compatible third at a party or a bar (and there’s no reason to not try), you can also look online. Lots of online personals sites have options for couples looking for someone and there are even some that focus exclusively on it. And if you’re in a big city, odds are there are social events or parties for like-minded people. Google terms like polyamorous or swingers or open relationships to find local groups. As with anything, getting your foot in the door is the hardest part. Once you meet one or two folks in the know, they’ll probably be able to tell you about parties or communities you’ll want to know about. Do a little networking and see who you find! One suggestion, though -- if you want to invite someone you already know, it’s a good idea to talk with them in advance about how it might change your friendships with them. I’ve seen more than a few friends fall out

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falnfenix 6 pts

akath that's the beauty of relationships: one is never the same as another. what works for you doesn't work for everyone else, and vice versa.

Mom Photographer 5 pts

If my husband brought me a 3rd person, I would be leaving him the following day :) It's all to it! I think that to spice things up we are both enough for each other. I know men fantasize about (mostly) second woman, but as long as it's in his head and not in my bed I'm fine with that! I'm very open to "things" and to make "things" going on or to be better, but trisom is not one of them...

Kendra Holliday 7 pts

Great topic! I've found the best way to make a threesome happen is to create a friendship with the person first. It's rare to pick a woman up at a bar or contact a woman online with sex as your primary goal and have that translate into an actual threesome with good chemistry.

I find that once you get all three back to the place where seduction can take place, lighting candles, putting on sexy music, sharing a cocktail (don't drink too much!) and exchanging massages is a great way to cross the line from sitting around chatting to getting physical.

Also, it's important for the man to switch condoms between women. I've seen more than one guy get carried away when going back and forth.

My friend who is 72 just had his first threesome and he said it was even better than he imagined it would be! But admittedly a lot of work, and while he's glad he got to experience it, he prefers 1 on 1, which is easier for the intimacy and cuddling.

CinfulCinnamon 5 pts

Threesomes, and moresomes are fine.

Elle@SeeMomWorkBlog.com 6 pts

I almost wish I could say this interested me, but unfortunately it doesn't. Honestly, if I wanted to mess around with another guy (or girl for that matter), I'd prefer it if my hubbie wasn't in the mix. Nope, a threesome is not my sexual fantasy.

Elle @ SeeMomWorkBlog.com

Conversation from Twitter

charlieglickman
charlieglickman

@FakeLoriSelke gotcha. Thanks! It was fun to write that one.

Conversation from Facebook

Netashia Gales Bacino
Netashia Gales Bacino

Mrs. McCarte,
I beg to differ on your comment.
My husband and i have been extreamely happy in our marriage for 13 yrs. We never had a convo abt swinging, or wanting to see other couples outside our marriage before we were married. Not once in the 16 yrs. That we have been together have we "broke up." Two years after we decided to "swing" we still have a very stable and healthy relationship. We have met both side of the coin while swinging. Couples that are using it to fix their marriage, (never will work) and those who are like us.
You have to let couples venture out and find out what is right for them. Yoy can't say this is wrong for everyone, and that it will not work. We have met cpls that one was intersted and the other spouse was shy to the fact. Both ended up enjoying this lifestyle. When you go to a swingers website, like i mentioned above, you have the opportunity to browse profiles, email, chat, meet in person and get a better understanding of the cpl. It is not a site that gives u a number and when ur number is called u go "play" with whoever is next. U can find friends in the lifestyle as well. It's not all abt "playing." It's abt meeting people in the lifestyle, and if u all have an attraction, then you have friends w benefits. If not, you have the right to say no, thank you! You my dear have to accept the fact that everyone has different opinions, lifestyles, and they can still be completely in love. Communication is key. If i have to hide something from my husband, it means i dont need to be doing it.
We still hold the same values to our marriage. We just give each other permission to have sex outside our marriage with one cpl. We do not keep notches in our bedpost, and go from one to the other. We do not make love to the other cpls. We still have standards, and we still respect each other.
If there is anyone who would like to find out more abt this lifestyle, you may send a friends request. (not a hook up invite) lol

Gael McCarte
Gael McCarte

Uh I will pass, thanks. Unless a couple goes into marriage with this permissive mindset, it will create havoc. It is not an attitude you can adopt after the fact. The "preparation " has to involve years of non monogamous thinking. And many do not see that as desireable. As a Family therapist I have seen the damage to marriages that follows an exchange like this, even if every one does get what they "want" at the time. Dr. Charlie Glickman may label this as "judgement" so be it. Somethings need to be judged, to accept everything is to become a sponge. With respect, those who choose not to accept everything that comes along are the only ones to receive your patronizing scolding. Phi you may think diversity is where it is "at", some of us believe committed monogamy is where it is "at", do we get a voice?

On Blank
On Blank

Oh who will think of the children? Best to let them learn of threesomes from stolen porno at their cousin's house than being a brave enough parent to have a frank discussion about sex. Good hell, people.

Phi Phi Gregs
Phi Phi Gregs

Also, I find it interesting that no one has even commented on the fact that this blog was by a PhD level SEXUALITY EDUCATOR.

Phi Phi Gregs
Phi Phi Gregs

I'm with the free speech supporters on this one. Diversity is where it's at people.

Kreative Haus
Kreative Haus

Forget 3 or even 2 for that matter. 1 is just the right # for this sport.

Donna Freedman
Donna Freedman

Safe, sane, consensual...If you don't like the idea, simply don't click on it. Problem solved.

Renee Quick-Chapman
Renee Quick-Chapman

Looks like it Kim :/

Kimberly Curtis
Kimberly Curtis

Um....It's just an article not a How to Video.....Did they just get internet on the planet of the self-righteous and narrow-minded ?

Renee Quick-Chapman
Renee Quick-Chapman

Jeez Dianne let's cease with the name calling.

Christina Lane
Christina Lane

Well I can see why some of your bloggers and readers will be offended and unlike you for posting something their religion sees as blatantly sinful and nothing wrong with that either but ya know I thought the tips were quite helpful even for two people just needing some new ideas the highlighting thing is brilliant

Dianne Bowden
Dianne Bowden

Trashy,Trashy,Trashy !!!!!!!!!

Renee Quick-Chapman
Renee Quick-Chapman

Kudos BlogHer! What an easy-to-read post on a semi controversial topic. I especially liked that it was about a couple trying to find a third person. I hope you continue to share non-degrading posts of a sexual nature!! Thanks!

Autumn Hernandez
Autumn Hernandez

It's one thing to disagree, but completely another to threaten to leave the page because they posted something you don't agree with. As far as I know, Blogher has never said they are only going to post things that everyone agrees with.

Chrissy Adams
Chrissy Adams

I'm trying to figure out why I am considered closed minded if I disagree with something?

BlogHer
BlogHer

Delia that's an interesting point and I'd have to agree, based on my own experience (and those of my children, come to think of it.) - Denise

Netashia Gales Bacino
Netashia Gales Bacino

Bahahaha! Ladies, how closed minded can you be. Do u honestly think that your husband does not fantasize abt you and another woman. If u do not think this, then you have a failure to communicate. Calmly, and open minded talk to your husband abt this, and you will see. Let him know that it is ok to talk to you abt this. Just be prepared for a steamy night of passion. ;) I can tell you from experience it is the added zest to any sex life. More reasons than not, the reason the husband steps out of the marriage is because the wife is boring and will not try anything new. This...is FAR from boring. Even kick it up a knotch and surprise him. Bring someone home for him. http://www.swinglifestyle.com

Delia Coleman
Delia Coleman

and frankly, if we're honest about being 10: i and my other girl friends were sneaking our mothers' romance novels. anyone ever read a love scene from rosemary rogers in the 80s?? problematic. and not nearly as helpful as BlogHer's 3-some tips.

Lauren Barker
Lauren Barker

I'm with Delia - it's refreshing to see adult content without the porno sensibility. Just because something is sexual and not necessarily your thing doesn't make it dirty or immoral. Skip over it and go to the next muffin recipe, if you don't like it. And for god's sake, keep your kids off Facebook. Thanks for getting us talking, BlogHer - well played. :)

Tatiana Powell
Tatiana Powell

Bravo, BlogHer. Healthy sexuality isn't solely about monogamy.

Delia Coleman
Delia Coleman

BlogHer, frankly this post is a relief for those of us who don't live a strict 2.5 kids + spouse + bourgois kind of life. it's not another effing muffin recipe.

Lauren Barker
Lauren Barker

If your family is so closed off about sex that one of your main concerns is that your husband will find out about you reading an article like this...I think you have bigger problems. Just sayin'

Jessica Dally
Jessica Dally

It's tasteless because a 10 year old might see it Nicole... geez, get with the plan where you let kids onto facebook! And Kim, believe it or not, it's not all about you.... or your 10 year old.

Delia Coleman
Delia Coleman

i'd like to amend my earlier comment: though unexpected, thanks for the tips! (sometimes these things happen!)

Autumn Hernandez
Autumn Hernandez

OMG, some people on this thread sound like they need to get laid.

Jacki Carugati McHale
Jacki Carugati McHale

Countin' one, two, three...
Peter, Paul and Mary.
Getting down with 3P, everybody loves... Uh!

Three is a charm,
Two is not the same.
I don't see them harm,
So are you game?

Let's make a team,
Make 'em say my name
Loving the extreme.
Now, are you game?

Are you in?
Living in sin is the new thing, yeah...
Are you in?
I am counting...

What we do is innocent,
Just for fun and nothing meant.
If you don't like the company,
Let's just do it you and me

Nicolé Keane
Nicolé Keane

I'm a little puzzled as to why this post is tasteless. It is addressed in a very thorough, let's-think-it-through-fully-way. Whether for or against the subject matter, it is informative, as all BlogHer posts are and takes my brain outside the mundane. Thanks, as always, Blogher!

Tiffiny Harmer Felix
Tiffiny Harmer Felix

Sarah V, Still chuckling about your comment. Maybe I need to reprioritize... lol ;) Thanks for the smile today :) Many other comments, Chill! Have a happy Monday...it's just a post! *:)*

BlogHer
BlogHer

Thanks for all of the feedback - both positive and negative. - Denise

Kimberly Curtis
Kimberly Curtis

HA HA HA! The prudish comments were the best. OMG! 3 people doing it!?! *GASP*

Delia Coleman
Delia Coleman

uh, if i had to make a list of Things Unlikely to Be a BlogHer Post, i still wouldn't have thought of this.

Jessica Dally
Jessica Dally

If your kid is on your facebook it's your fail, not Blogher's. Please Blogher, what these folks are asking is that you only post content that they find suitable... well for both them and apparently their unsupervised 10 year old. No, people are not allowed to do anything other than be like them. No, it's not their responsibility to monitor their children. No, it's not OK to post anything that they may deem as offensive. No, there is no freedom of speech. Oh, and apparently you've "stopped" to a nasty level. Thank God you didn't stoop to get there cause, well, that might put you in some position that would cause another post about sex and NO ONE SHOULD TALK ABOUT THAT... unless it's how to make more unsupervised 10 year olds.

Teresa Ackroyd
Teresa Ackroyd

It's not up to BlogHer to police the internet and protect anyone's children from adult content. Click the link if you are interested in the post, don't if you are not, and keep your kids off Facebook (or yourself off it if they may glance over your shoulder) if you want to protect them from adult subjects.

Jacki Carugati McHale
Jacki Carugati McHale

Thank you for posting this BlogHer. I wish I could like you twice for this. People need to realize if it's not for them, don't read it. Don't get your pants in a bunch because it's not for you. It's nice to see something OUTSIDE the box, not safe, and pushes people.

Ella Mullins
Ella Mullins

Why is this so offensive to you all? If you're not keen on it, I guess that's a pretty good sign not to do it. But to get offended that some people express and explore their sexuality in a different way to you...? Aren't we as women constantly fighting to be seen as whole people, with varied interests, drives, desires.. good on blogher for highlighting the many different views that its bloggers bring to the site.

BlogHer
BlogHer

Kimberly - we publish blog posts that are of interest to a wide variety of women and the number of posts about sex (of any kind) is small compared to the huge numbers of posts on other subjects. - Denise

Merri Bult Guzaitis
Merri Bult Guzaitis

Unliking you, BlogHer. You've stopped to a nasty low.

Sarah Hawkes Valente
Sarah Hawkes Valente

Tiffiny, oh, do you mean that you are a healthy human being and sex isn't your God?? ;)

Kimberly Sullivan
Kimberly Sullivan

BlogHer....lately you have been endorsing this kind of garbage...I will be unliking you.

Sarah Hawkes Valente
Sarah Hawkes Valente

Oh, please.

Tiffiny Harmer Felix
Tiffiny Harmer Felix

lol...a completely different world from mine. I can't even imagine wanting to do this... :/

Dori Mack
Dori Mack

Ewww...