clothes encounters

There’s something incredibly hot about bodies pressing against each other when you’re fully clothed. I wonder if it’s because this was my first experience of sexual pleasure, and my brain has associated that intimacy with desire.

I remember making out with my first boyfriend in Year 11, with our clothes still on. We were young, each other’s first kisses, and neither of us really knew how far we could go. The anticipation was exciting because every step was new, nerve-racking and a little daring. We were discovering it all for the first time.

During our last make-out session, he slipped his hand under my top and kissed me there. Even today, that remains one of my favourite parts of foreplay, more pleasurable to me than oral sex. In hindsight, I don’t think I was ready for that step. Although it was consensual, I felt awful afterwards and eventually ended the relationship. His friends had arrived unannounced and wouldn’t leave. The whole atmosphere changed. I felt awkward, uncomfortable and just wanted to go home. It took something that should have felt intimate and made it feel strange.

I wonder if my brain has linked those early experiences to pleasure. Maybe it’s not just the physical sensation I enjoy, but the anticipation, nervous excitement and memories of discovering intimacy for the first time. My body seems to remember it, even though the experience itself was emotionally complicated.

alone, not lonely

There is strength in being comfortable enough with yourself to be alone. It takes maturity to recognise that not every environment is right for you. Fitting in is easy.

Choosing your own company over discomfort takes self-awareness. You don’t need to sacrifice your peace for acceptance. Solitude gives you the freedom to enjoy companionship when it feels right, rather than out of pressure or fear of being left out.  

There is something sad about people who spend their time watching and talking about someone who has chosen to be alone. That energy could be better spent working on themselves rather than keeping tabs on others.

You don’t need an audience to feel valued, a crowd to feel accepted, or anyone’s approval to feel comfortable in your own skin. You can enjoy your own space today and socialise tomorrow. True confidence lies in having the freedom to make either choice without needing to justify it.

stay

There’s something about animals, especially dogs, that makes them the most comforting kind of company. Perhaps it’s because they can’t speak, so they don’t judge, question or try to fix you. They simply stay.

They sit beside you through the hard days, quietly reminding you that you’re not alone. Their loyalty is unwavering, and their love is uncomplicated and unconditional.

Sometimes, the comfort a dog gives you is something no human can offer.

fowl play

Things were going swimmingly well on our morning walk until Logan’s weakness for feathered creatures got the better of him. He was so focused on chasing ducks that he forgot his aversion to water and followed them straight into the ocean.

The last time something like this happened, he was with a dog trainer to work on recall. He strayed from the pack to go after bush turkeys and indulged in unsanctioned swims at the beach, which led to his suspension from the training facility.

Initially, this brought shame to our family, known for raising obedient overachievers, but we’ve since realised that Logan’s quirky pursuits add character, so now, we’re embracing his bird-brained adventures with pride.