There is a false misconception that penetration is required in order to have sex 'the right way'. This has lead to misinformation and misunderstandings. The truth is many people enjoy sex without penetration.

Couples often fight over contracts they've never made.” — Mary Klein, sex therapist

One of the phrases we often hear in these chaotic times is “the new normal”—in other words, what was once considered an unquestioned standard has evolved into something we couldn’t have imagined before. Especially when it comes to sexual matters, among the general public there are numerous layers of mistaken assumptions about what is “normal” and acceptable. We sex therapists, however, quickly come to understand that there are dozens, and perhaps hundreds of sexual behaviors that are “normal” in society but seldom openly discussed.

Shades of Grey is an opportunity to explore clinicians’ biases surrounding BDSM

Your friend calls you expectedly. Her car has broken down and she hopes you can drive her to and from work until her vehicle is repaired. You are happy to help.

Your sister loses her job and you offer to help pay some of her bills until she gets back on her feet financially.

A co-worker is struggling to learn a particularly challenging task and you finish it up for her so she can make her deadline.

Providing temporary help to someone in need demonstrates your kindness and thoughtfulness, and it probably makes you feel pretty good inside, too.

Unfortunately, sometimes our good deeds backfire on us when a temporary situation turns into habitual behavior with no end in sight. Our willingness to come to the aid of someone in need officially crosses the line from helping to enabling. We continue to do things for others when they can and should be doing these things themselves.