Avoiding the Friend Zone on a First Date

If you've ever felt completely lost when it comes to dating, desire, or keeping the spark alive in a long-term relationship, you're not doing it wrong — you're just missing the conversation. Whether it's an office crush you can't read, a sexual awakening at 48 that's putting your 20-year relationship in crisis, or a partner whose needs feel totally out of sync with yours, the answer almost always comes back to the same thing: talking about it.

In this episode, I'm taking live calls and listener questions on some of the messiest, most real situations in sex and relationships — and giving you the clarity to actually move forward.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to stop overthinking and finally make a move — whether it's an office crush, a first date, or reconnecting with someone from your past

• What to do when your long-term partner's needs and yours no longer match up, including mismatched sex drives, resentment around morning sex, and the conversation most couples are too scared to have

• How to talk to your kids about sex and bodies starting at age four — without shame, without awkwardness, and in a way that actually sticks

More Dr. Emily: 

• Shop With Emily! Explore Emily’s favorite toys, pleasure accessories, bedroom essentials, and more — designed to support your pleasure and confidence. Free shipping on orders $99+ (some exclusions apply).5

• Interested in 1:1 Coaching with Emily? Go to sexwithemily.com/coaching to apply! 

• Sex With Emily Guides: Explore pleasure, deepen connections, and enhance intimacy using these Sex With Emily downloadable guides.

• The only sex book you’ll ever need: Smart Sex: How to Boost Your Sex IQ and Own Your Pleasure

• Want more? Visit the Sex With Emily Website

• Let’s get social: Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

• Let’s text: Sign up here

• Want me to slide into your email inbox? Sign Up Here for sex tips on the regular.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

0:55 - How to Tell If Someone's Into You

6:01 - Avoiding the Friend Zone on a First Date

9:38 - When You're Surprised by Your Partner's Body During Sex

16:20 - Should You Act on Your Partner's Fantasy?

18:55 - Resentment Around Morning Sex & Low Libido

22:35 - Sexually Frustrated in a Long-Term Relationship

26:47 - How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex Without Shame

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices