For people in same sex relationships, or opposite sex relationships if the female partner is beyond child-bearing years, sex is essentially a recreational activity. We are not trying to “be fruitful and multiply” … we are trying to enjoy ourselves. Recreational sex is what I want to discuss today — I am aware, and I readily concede, that reproductive sex (or sexual activity that might result in pregnancy, even if that was not intended) has another dimension to it, which I hope to address at a different time.
I have often suggested that recreational sex is a lot like tennis. And no, I am not trying to make a crude joke about batting balls around (but if you can think of any good ones, please feel free to send them to me). I think that tennis is an apt metaphor for sex because it can be a quick diversion, or may keep you engaged for most of the day (the fastest professional tennis match lasted approximately 20 minutes, while the longest match ever recorded went on for a historic 11 hours and 5 minutes). In addition, the game can be played by two individuals, or you can add another couple for a doubles match. Odd numbers don’t work quite as well.
Now, if you are in a relationship and your partner tells you that he or she is planning to go out for a couple of hours to play tennis with a friend, how do you respond? You probably nod your head, say something like “Have fun!” and…
