Dating
Dating when you're on a GLP-1
GLP-1 medications change your relationship with food — and that affects dating. Here's practical, judgment-free advice for navigating dates when you're on Ozempic or similar.
Desires
Fetish 101: Butt play
Butt play is one of the most common yet least openly discussed fetishes. Here's what it actually involves, why people enjoy it, and everything you need to know to explore it safely
The HUD Love Club
Get to know yourself this May
Masturbation May exists because a US Surgeon General was fired for suggesting it be taught in schools. Here's the surprisingly radical history behind the celebration.
Dating
How to spot weaponized incompetence in someone you're dating
Weaponized incompetence — deliberately doing things badly to avoid doing them at all — shows up in dating too. Here's how to recognise it early and what to do about it.
Dating
Everything your dating app profile gives away about you
Your dating profile is saying more than you think. Here's a detailed look at what your photos, bio choices, and prompt answers are actually communicating to potential matches.
Desires
Fetish 101: Filming and being filmed
Before you press record — here's everything you need to know about filming during sex. The appeal, the consent conversation, the legal side, and how to do it safely.
Wellbeing
I survived sexual assault and I still love sex... Is that weird?
Surviving sexual assault doesn't mean giving up on intimacy. Sex Therapist Danielle Simpsom-Baker on reclaiming your sexuality after trauma, honestly.
The HUD Love Club
Why are we attracted to some people but not others?
Chemistry is real — but where does it actually come from? Here's what science, psychology, and a little bit of instinct can tell us about why attraction works the way it does.
Desires
Fetish 101: Gagging
Gagging play is more common than you think — and more nuanced. Here's what it involves, the psychology behind the appeal, and how to explore it safely and consensually.
Dating
Workplace hookups: Yay or nay?
Office romances and workplace hookups have always existed — but are they a good idea? Here's an honest look at the appeal, the risks, and how to handle it if it happens.
Pleasure
Creating space for your own sexual identity
Figuring out your sexual identity doesn't have a deadline or a script. Sexologist Amari Leigh on how to create space for yourself — without pressure or labels.
Dating
My Bedroom™ just got a lock. Here's why that matters.
HUD's My Bedroom™ feature now has a privacy lock — and it's a bigger deal than it sounds. Here's what the update means for how you share and protect your intimate preferences.
The HUD Love Club
I'm single and I'm satisfied
Not everyone needs a relationship to feel complete — and more people are owning that than ever. Here's to being single, satisfied, and absolutely done apologising for it.
Dating
What does it mean if my pet doesn't like my date?
Pets are famously good judges of character — or are they? Here's what it actually means when your dog or cat takes an instant dislike to someone you're seeing.
Desires
Fetish 101: Sexy librarian
It's not really about librarians. Here's what the sexy librarian fantasy actually taps into about desire, power, and the erotic appeal of intelligence and restraint.
Desires
What's the difference between a kink and a fetish?
People use kink and fetish interchangeably — but they're not the same thing. Here's a clear, shame-free explainer on what distinguishes a kink from a fetish and why it matters.
The HUD Love Club
The V word
You don't owe anyone your virginity — it's not even real. Here's a frank look at the history of virginity as a construct and why it's time to let the whole idea go.
Dating
10 tips for dating as a neurodivergent human
Dating as a neurodivergent person comes with its own playbook. Here are 10 practical, judgment-free tips to help you connect on your own terms — no masking required.
Desires
Fetish 101: Role play
Role play is one of the most versatile and widely enjoyed fetishes out there. Here's what it involves, why it works so well, and how to start exploring it with a partner.
The HUD Love Club
How to have emotional sex without making it a whole thing
Sex can be emotionally charged without being a big deal — if you approach it right. Here's how to be present, connected, and intimate without overthinking it.
Pop culture
Connection isn’t boring. Vanilla is hot. Fight me.
The idea that casual has to mean wild is wrong. Here's a defence of deep connection, 'vanilla' intimacy, and why wanting both isn't a contradiction.
Pleasure
Unlearning "good girl sex"
Many women were taught that good girls don't want — or ask for — too much in bed. Sex Therapist Danielle Simpson-Baker on reclaiming your full sexual self.
Pop culture
What porn has taught Gen Z about sex (and what it got wrong)
For Gen Z, porn has often functioned as sex education — with significant consequences. Here's an honest look at what it got wrong and what better information would look like.
Desires
Fetish 101: Watching and Being Watched
The thrill of an audience — or of being the audience. Here's a deep dive into exhibitionism and voyeurism together: what they are, why they work, and how to explore both.
The HUD Love Club
Are vanilla girlies DTF?
Vanilla has a reputation problem. But is so-called 'plain' sex actually the secret to better intimacy? Here's why vanilla might be more complex than you think.
Dating
What dating was like in the 90s and what we can learn from it
Pagers, house phones, and hoping her dad didn't answer — dating in the 90s was a whole different world. Here's what we'd leave in the past, and what we'd bring back.
Desires
Fetish 101: Zentai
Zentai — full-body spandex suits — sit at the crossroads of anonymity, sensation, and transformation. Here's what the zentai fetish involves and why people love it.
The HUD Love Club
Pleasure is not a footnote! On centering queer joy in your intimate life
Queer pleasure deserves to be front and centre — not an afterthought. Here's how to centre joy, desire, and authentic intimacy in your queer relationships and sex life.
Pop culture
What is a polycule?
A polycule is a network of people connected through polyamorous relationships — but it's more nuanced than that. Here's a plain-language guide to what a polycule actually is.
Desires
In a world where kink has become mainstream, are we still allowed to be vanilla?
Kink is everywhere now — but does that mean vanilla is boring? Sexologist Amari Leigh on why wanting conventional intimacy in a kink-saturated world is completely valid.
Dating
Open to… Everything?
Putting 'open to everything' on a dating profile seems breezy — but what does it actually signal? Here's an honest look at what this choice communicates and why it matters.
Desires
Fetish 101: Threesomes
Threesomes are one of the most common fantasies — but fantasy and reality are very different. Here's what you need to know before, during, and after your first threesome.
The HUD Love Club
Sex and sensory needs: What you wish people knew
Sensory differences can have a significant impact on intimacy — and most people don't talk about it. Here's what you wish your partners knew about sex and sensory needs.
Pop culture
Is AI your next lover? Understanding why people are forming relationships with technology
People are forming genuine emotional — and sometimes romantic — bonds with AI. Sexologist Amari Leigh on why it's happening and what it means for human connection.
The HUD Love Club
Pleasure as resistance: Why feeling good right now is actually radical
In a world designed to exhaust you, choosing pleasure is a political act. Therapist Danielle Simpson-Baker on why prioritising your joy right now isn't indulgent — it's necessary.
Pop culture
What's wrong with vanilla sex?
Nothing, as it turns out. Here's a full-throated defence of vanilla sex — why the label is reductive, why 'plain' isn't a pejorative, and why what you enjoy is always valid.
Desires
Fetish 101: Vanilla
Vanilla gets a bad reputation — but is 'plain' sex really plain? Here's a reappraisal of vanilla intimacy, what it actually means, and why it deserves more credit.
The HUD Love Club
What do women want? A deep dive into sex and romance novels
Romance novel sales grew 52% in 2023 — and it's telling us something about what women actually want. From BookTok to Bridgerton, here's what the data reveals.
Community
What is polyamory?
Polyamory is more than just dating multiple people — it's a relationship philosophy built on honesty and consent. Here's a clear, judgment-free guide to what it actually involves.
Desires
Fetish 101: Latex
The latex fetish is about far more than just the look — it's tactile, sensory, and deeply immersive. Here's what draws people to latex and how to explore it safely.
Wellbeing
What is resilience, and how does it affect our sex life?
Resilience shapes how we handle rejection, vulnerability, and intimacy — so it has a bigger impact on your sex life than you might expect. Sexologist Amari Leigh explains.
Dating
How to navigate the roster
Dating multiple people at once can be great — if you do it with honesty and care. Here's how to manage a roster without anyone getting confused or getting hurt.
The HUD Love Club
Can hookups be romantic?
Hookups and romance aren't mutually exclusive. Here's why even the most casual connections can carry real tenderness — and why that's not a contradiction.
Desires
Fetish 101: Mermaids
Mermaids have been objects of desire for centuries. Here's what mermaid fetishes actually involve, where the fantasy comes from, and how people explore it today.
Wellbeing
WTF is going on in the world right now? And how is it affecting how we have sex?
Anxiety, uncertainty, and political chaos have a direct impact on desire and intimacy. Sex Therapist Danielle Simpson-Baker on how the state of the world is changing our sex.
Desires
Fetish 101: Hands
Hand fetishes — attraction to hands, fingers, and grip — are more widespread than you'd think. Here's what draws people to hands and how this fetish shows up in intimacy.
Pop culture
What the heck is this 2016 trend?
Tumblr grids, dog-ears filters, flower crowns — the 2016 aesthetic is everywhere again. Here's why Gen Z is obsessing over a decade-old era they barely remember.
The HUD Love Club
Romanticizing casual dating without lying to yourself
Casual dating can be romantic — just not forever-romantic. Here's how to find the magic in short-lived connections without pretending they're something they're not.
Dating
The art of a no-strings-attached Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day isn't just for couples — it can be just as fun, intimate, and memorable when it's casual. Here's how to do a genuinely good no-strings Valentine's Day.
Dating
Dating in dystopia: A survival guide
Political chaos, climate anxiety, nonstop bad news — dating still happens anyway. Here are 10 realistic tips for keeping your love life alive when everything feels apocalyptic.
Desires
Fetish 101: Feeding (and Eating)
The feeding fetish — sometimes called feederism — involves erotic pleasure around eating, feeding a partner, or being fed. Here's what it is and why people enjoy it.
The HUD Love Club
Is it selfish to want joy right now?
When the world feels heavy, wanting to feel good can feel frivolous. Here's why choosing joy isn't selfish — it might actually be one of the most necessary things you do.
Desires
Fetish 101: Dirty Talk
Dirty talk can feel awkward at first — but done right, it's one of the most powerful tools in the bedroom. Here's what it is, why it works, and how to start.
Dating
Things that give you the "ick" (and how to deal)
The ick is real, it's irrational, and it can kill attraction instantly. Here's what causes it, some of the most common triggers, and how to work out if it's worth pushing past.
Pleasure
“You still want?” Heated Rivalry and the visibility of consent
"You still want?" — Heated Rivalry shows consent as sexy, ongoing, and real. Here's what the show gets right about intimacy that TV has been getting wrong for decades.
Wellbeing
It’s been a year since Trump took office again. How you doin’?
A year on from the second inauguration, the world looks different — and so does dating. Here's an honest check-in on how people are navigating connection in a changed world.
Health
5 Myths and facts about LGBTQIA+ Sexual Health
Misinformation about LGBTQ+ sexual health is still everywhere. Here are 5 common myths debunked with the facts that actually matter for your wellbeing.
Desires
Fetish 101: Robots
Robot and android fetishes sit at the intersection of technology, control, and fantasy. Here's what they involve, where the appeal comes from, and how people explore them.
The HUD Love Club
Does dating feel a bit cooked right now? Here’s how to set yourself up for success
If dating feels exhausting, confusing, or just a bit hopeless right now — you're not alone. Here's how to reset your approach and set yourself up for better connections.
Wellbeing
How to have fun when the world feels like it’s falling apart
Permission granted: You're allowed to enjoy yourself even when things are hard. Here's how to find genuine fun and lightness when the world feels overwhelming.
Dating
Should you use AI to write your dating app profile?
Is using AI to write your dating profile cheating — or just smart? Here's an honest look at the case for and against letting a robot write your elevator pitch.
Dating
Redefining dating success when optimism feels, well, TOO DARN HARD
When dating feels like nothing but horror stories and disappointment, optimism is hard. Here's how to redefine what dating success actually means — on your own terms.
Wellbeing
Help! It's the end of the world... And I'm still horny!?
When everything feels like it's falling apart, desire doesn't necessarily follow suit. Here's why your libido survives a crisis — and what to do with that information.
Desires
Fetish 101: Breast worship
Breast worship is one of the most common yet rarely discussed fetishes. Here's what it actually involves, the psychology behind it, and how to explore it with a partner.
The HUD Love Club
Why is it so hard to ask for what you want?
Whether it's in bed or in life, asking for what you want can feel terrifying. Here's an honest look at why that is — and how to start doing it anyway, one request at a time.
Desires
Fetish 101: Tentacles
Tentacle erotica has centuries of history and a massive contemporary following. Here's what the tentacle fetish involves, where it comes from, and why it captivates people.
Wellbeing
How can I tell if I am lonely?
Loneliness doesn't always look the way we expect it to. A Senior Research Fellow from the University of Sydney on how to recognise loneliness and what to do about it.
The HUD Love Club
Beginner's guide to sex toys
Not sure where to start with sex toys? You're not alone. Here's a friendly, judgment-free beginner's guide to finding what works for you — solo or together.
The HUD Love Club
Co-habiting vs no-habiting: What's right for me?
Moving in together isn't the only option — and it's not always the right one. Here's an honest look at co-habiting vs living apart so you can decide for yourself.
Desires
The 12 days of sneaky sexmas: A survival guide to getting it on in a full house
The holidays mean full houses, thin walls, and absolutely no privacy. Sex Therapist Danielle on how to keep your sex life alive when the whole family is under one roof.
Wellbeing
Going home for the holidays as a trans person
Family gatherings can be complicated when your identity isn't fully accepted. Here's how trans people can navigate the holiday season with preparation and self-care.
Desires
Fetish 101: Submission
Submission isn't about giving up power — it's about lending it intentionally. Here's what submission involves, why people love it, and how to explore it safely.
Dating
How to: Write the perfect dating app profile
Your profile is doing a lot of heavy lifting. Our resident Sexpert, Danielle Simpson-Baker, on exactly what to write — and what to avoid — to attract the right people.
Wellbeing
Different ways to be intimate that are not sexual
Intimacy doesn't have to mean sex. Sexologist Amari Leigh on the many ways to feel deeply close to someone — physical, emotional, and everything in between.
The HUD Love Club
9 introvert-friendly date ideas that won’t drain your social battery
Loud bars and crowded restaurants aren't for everyone. Here are 9 low-key date ideas designed for introverts — fun, genuine, and easy on your social battery.
Desires
Fetish 101: Role play (holiday edition)
Festive season, festive fantasies. Here's a holiday-themed guide to role-play — from naughty Santa to Secret Santa who's very, very good — and how to try it yourself.
Wellbeing
Running into your hometown ex over the holidays
Going home for the holidays? Brace yourself. There's a fair chance you'll bump into that person you spent years getting over. Here's how to cope.
Dating
I'm single and I'm fine, thanks
Being single isn't a problem to be solved. Here's a frank, warm take on enjoying single life without the pressure to explain yourself or justify your relationship status.
Desires
Fetish 101: Ghosts and the supernatural
Ghosts, spirits, and the supernatural have a surprisingly long erotic history. Here's what attraction to the supernatural involves and the psychology behind it.
The HUD Love Club
5 ways to treat yourself well after a breakup
Breakups are rough. Here are 5 genuinely helpful ways to look after yourself when it's over — no toxic positivity, just honest self-care that actually works.
Dating
Hookup culture and sex ed: Where are the gaps?
Sex education rarely covers what hookup culture actually looks like. The Sexpot Therapist Danielle Simpson-Baker on what's missing and why it matters for everyone.
Health
Educate yourself about STIs
STI stigma keeps people from getting the facts they need. Here's a clear, judgment-free guide to understanding STIs — what they are, how they spread, and how to stay safe.
Dating
When texts suddenly stop: Why people ghost on social media
Ghosting isn't random — there's psychology behind it. Professor Royette T. Dubar on why people suddenly go silent online and what it tells us about modern communication.
Desires
Fetish 101: Biting
Biting during sex is more common than you think — and more nuanced. Here's what a biting fetish involves, the psychology behind it, and how to explore it safely.
Wellbeing
How to: Reflect on sex
Reflecting on your sexual experiences — what worked, what didn't, what you want more of — is one of the most underrated tools for a better sex life. Amari Leigh explains how.
The HUD Love Club
Figuring out what you're into in the bedroom
Not sure what you actually want in bed? You're not alone. Here's a practical, shame-free guide to exploring your desires and working out what really works for you.
Safety
Drinking and dating
Alcohol and dating have always gone hand in hand — but how much is too much? Here's an honest, judgment-free look at how drinking affects your dating life.
Desires
Fetish 101: Nylons
The nylon and stocking fetish has a long, fascinating history — and it's very much alive today. Here's what it involves, the psychology behind it, and how to explore it.
Health
Seasonal depression and your dating life
When the days get darker, your mood might too. Here’s how to spot seasonal depression, what to do about it, and how it can impact your relationships.
Desires
Fetish 101: Outdoors
Sex outdoors — the thrill of open air, nature, and the possibility of being seen. Here's what the outdoor fetish involves, why it's so appealing, and how to explore safely.
The HUD Love Club
Are you burned out on dating apps?
If swiping feels like a second job you hate, you might have dating app burnout. Here's how to tell — and how to reset your relationship with online dating.
Dating
6 things to do before a first date
First date prep isn't just about what you wear. Here are 6 things worth doing before you meet someone new — to feel good, stay safe, and actually enjoy yourself.
Desires
Fetish 101: Voyeurism
Voyeurism — the erotic pleasure of watching — is one of the most common desires around. Here's what it involves, the psychology behind it, and how to explore it ethically.
The HUD Love Club
Finding your vibe
Not all vibrators are created equal — and finding the right one takes a little know-how. Girls Get Off walk you through how to find your perfect vibe match.
Health
Erectile dysfunction (ED) – what you need to know
ED is more common than most people realise — and more manageable too. Here's what you need to know about causes, treatments, and how to talk about it with a partner.
Dating
What your zombie apocalypse plan says about your dating personality
Fight, flee, or form alliances? Your zombie apocalypse strategy is apparently a pretty reliable window into how you behave in relationships. Here's what yours says about you.
Dating
Fetish 101: Praise kink
If being told you're doing a good job turns you on — you might have a praise kink. Here's what it is, the psychology behind it, and how to bring it into the bedroom.
Health
Why you need to talk to your grandparents about STIs
STI rates among older adults are rising — and nobody's talking about it. Here's why the conversation about sexual health needs to include our grandparents, and how to have it.
The HUD Love Club
How your menstrual cycle affects your dating life
Feeling bold and flirty one week, wanting to ghost everyone the next? Your cycle might be why. Here's how your hormones genuinely affect attraction, desire, and dating decisions.
Pleasure
Mastering shame around masturbation
Shame around masturbation is incredibly common — and completely unnecessary. Sexologist Amari Leigh on where it comes from, why it lingers, and how to let it go.
Health
How male anatomy became the default in medicine – and why that’s a problem
Medical research has historically treated male bodies as the default — with real consequences for everyone else. A Professor of Anatomy explains the problem and the fix.
