MODERN-DAY language around sex and relationships can be confusing.
That’s why so many of us turn to Google for answers, feeling too embarrassed to ask friends or health professionals.
Luckily for those who want to keep their search history clean, Google has shared the most commonly asked sex and relationship questions of 2024.
The American tech company told Cosmopolitan UK, that the sex question that’s come out on top this year is: “what is autosexual?”
The term hit the headlines in 2020 when Kourtney Kardashian shared a post to her blog, Poosh.
The American reality star and socialite wrote: “Are you autosexual?
“The short answer is yes, most likely. In fact, we all are, at least a little.”
The post featured a definition of autosexual from Casey Tanner, therapist, writer, and founder of QueerSexTherapy who called it “a trait wherein one is turned on by engaging in their own eroticism”.
Essentially, autosexual people are attracted to their own bodies, with Healthline saying: “The term ‘autosexual’ describes people who are more sexually attracted to themselves than they are to other people.
“Although this is a relatively uncommon term, many people do identify as autosexual.”
And although autosexual people are primarily attracted to themselves, they can still be attracted to others.
Following close behind on the leaderboard were the searches “is it normal to bleed after sex?” and “is masturbation a sin?”
Curious questioners were also keen to nail down the very basics, with “what is an orgasm?” placing highly.
Taking a look at the relationship-focused searches, it seems even the most well-informed among us are struggling to keep up with the latest abbreviations.
Top trending relationship questions included “what is PDA in a relationship?”, “what is a DINK relationship?” and “what is an ENM relationship?”
PDA stands for public display of affection.
According to eHarmony: “Is the term used to describe any form of physical contact between couples in a public setting.
“It includes everything from kissing and cuddling to holding hands or exchanging light touches.”
A DINK relationship stands for dual income, no kids.
The term was coined to describe couples in which there are two people earning incomes and no children.
DINK originated in the 1980s and resurged as a 2023 trend when the demographic was identified as frequently having more disposable income.
The term went viral online, with thousands of people celebrating their DINK lifestyles on TikTok and Instagram.
An ENM relationship is one that practises ethical non-monogamy.
Select Psychology says the simplest way to understand ENM relationships is to view them as “an openly and consensually intimate relationship or partnership with/between multiple people”.
Their website says: “ENM relationships primarily embrace the idea that it is possible to have fulfilling, loving relationships with multiple people.
“With the condition that all individuals involved are informed, willing, respectful of one another’s boundaries and preferences.”
What were the top trending sex questions of 2024?
What were the top trending relationship questions of 2024?
By Emma Kenny, a TV presenter and psychologist
Raucous Role Play: If your partner enjoys dressing up for fun, it shows creativity and a desire to keep things exciting. However, it might signal that he struggles with responsibility.
Multi-Partner Fantasies: Craving variety doesn’t always mean he wants to cheat. However, it could indicate deeper feelings of unfulfillment.
Power & Control: A little dominance is normal, but if it’s always about control, it may hide insecurities.
Adventure: Men seeking thrills may push boundaries, so be sure your comfort zone is respected.
Passion: If he’s romantic, he’s emotionally tuned in—though occasionally avoiding tough conversations.
Flexibility: Openness to new experiences is great, but constant novelty-seeking could mean avoiding emotional connection.
Red Flag: If control is his ultimate fantasy, it may signal a deeper struggle with power dynamics.
