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This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for a UK audience.
In a world where online dating and casual hookups have become the norm, dating can still feel overwhelming. Sometimes, just the thought of getting dressed up in real clothes, coming up with witty conversation starters, and navigating to the actual meeting place can be tiring. No matter what kind of get-together you’re planning, when it comes to dating, there will always be some type of physical effort required.
The good news? there Loophole: Sending text messages.
What is texting?
Sexting is the art of sending sexually explicit images or messages to one or more people via text messages. Thanks to the recent rise in popularity(Opens in a new tab)there are now new sexting apps and features in apps specifically for dating in person.
What should you know about texting?
Whether you’re interested in trying sexting or you’re a seasoned professional, there are a few things to keep in mind when downloading and using a new dating app for texting. Sure, there are fewer inhibitions to scoring for a new sexting partner than there are to finding a long-term lover, but there are rules you need to follow so that all parties feel comfortable. Here are three big ones:
Privacy – No app can completely protect your privacy – that’s your job. Although there are apps with certain features that are designed to protect your identity/content, they don’t rule out all scenarios. For example, someone doesn’t need to take a screenshot to take a photo you send. They can easily use a phone or other device to take or record your photos and/or videos. You should always keep this in mind before sending anything that could be compromising, and do your best to make sure that you trust the person receiving your messages.
mutual respect – Evaluate the situation and know your audience. Usually, it doesn’t take more than a few pre-texts (or pre-sexts) to gauge whether or not someone is interested in engaging with you in cyberspace. Take the time to find out before you drive off with something unwarrantedly vulgar. AKA, don’t just start throwing dick pics at people left and right if they don’t ask.
Mutual trust – Be respectful: privacy is sacred. The Internet has a frightening ability to make fleeting moments so permanent. If someone asks you to keep something to yourself, do so. While texting can be light and fun, it also requires a serious level of confidence. If you betray that trust, you are destroying it for everyone.
Keep these points in mind when signing up for NSFW messages.
What are the benefits of sexting?
Real life dating is obviously the best way to get to know someone for the long term, especially if you are looking for any kind of serious personal relationship. And real sex will always be better than sexting. However, sexting is an alternative that may help you in ways you didn’t even consider.
comfort – Whether you’re planning to win and dine on your date or just to get together, it always takes a little extra effort. For those with very hectic work schedules or those who don’t have room in their lives (for whatever reason) for a steady personal relationship, sexting is practically a saving grace. After all, your sex drive doesn’t go away just because you’re busy. Texting allows you to take care of your sexual needs without getting too carried away.
freedom – As with most activities that take place behind a screen, with sexting you can let go of your inhibitions and get comfortable exploring your sexual side. Knowing that there is a certain barrier between you and the other person may allow you to experience language and ideas that you would not explore in person.
safety – We’ve touched on the reasons why sexting might be possible Not entirely secure in terms of privacy, but to its credit, sexting provides an element of security that in-person meetings do not. Texting allows you to interact with both people you know and complete strangers without putting yourself in dangerous or unwanted physical situations. Your experience should always be how you want it to be, and with texting, if you’re not going in the direction you want it to be, it’s just a matter of closing the app.
Explore trust and intimacy – Being comfortable with another person in close quarters doesn’t always come naturally to everyone – but choosing to text messages opens up a new level of exploration in terms of intimacy and trust. You don’t have to meet the person behind the screen if you don’t want to, but being able to practice feeling vulnerable without any strings attached can be a great lesson in being more open.
joking – A little honesty, please. A night of texting is always more fun than endless swiping on a dating app and starting the same conversation over and over again. The option to open an app on your phone and engage in a bit of virtual foreplay provides instant gratification and (almost) guaranteed fun.
The benefits are obvious for all to see, so don’t give it a try?
What makes an app good for texting?
You’ll want to look for certain features in an app if you’re planning on sexting:
privacy features – What happens in a sexting app doesn’t always stay in a sexting app; There are no guarantees that your conversations or personal photos won’t end up with a screenshot on someone’s phone. However, some apps include instant self-destruct features that delete photos and chats after a certain period of time.
safety – If you’re looking for a night of no-strings-attached online fun, it doesn’t really matter if the person on the other end of your conversation is verified – but if you want to make sure you’re not catfished or chatting with a bot, consider using an app that connects the means Social networking or checking users.
Ease of use – You don’t want to find yourself in a hot and steamy conversation trying to figure out how to attach a photo or voice note. When it comes to texting, the more user-friendly the platform, the better. You’ll want something that’s efficient and fast.
Subscription pricing vs. free features – How much are you willing to pay for the bells and whistles? There are many free apps out there, but if you’re looking for something a little more fancy, you can pay a few pounds a month for premium features.
With these features in mind, you should be ready to select an app and start texting. you have this.
What is the best texting app?
Since sexting, by its very nature, comes with Lots of factors to consider(Opens in a new tab) (Consent and Privacy, for example), we picked the best sexting apps to get you started — a good start, that is. We’ve tried to arrange something for everyone, so check out these options, and pick your favorite.
These are the best texting apps in 2023.