The sexuality of the French is quite a poem. But beware, with sometimes surprising rhymes. According to a survey by Inserm, in the country of love, habits are changing. Fewer encounters, but more partners. More daring, but at a more mature age. Here’s a quick overview of the new habits under the sheets, with a pinch of good French humor.
The first kiss? No rush!
If in the past teenagers were gently teased for their impatience, today, it’s the philosophy of "slowly but surely." The age of the first encounter is slowly rising: 18.2 years for women, 17.7 years for men. No more rushing through stages, one reviews for their exams before embarking on the love marathon. Or, they study online tutorials to make a grand entrance. Long live the perfect "first round"!
Less, but better
In terms of frequency, the French are taking it easy. Fewer romps, but more "premium" sessions. Goodbye to the race for performance: make way for tailor-made pleasure. And it’s mainly women who set this pace. Their motto? "Quantity is outdated, long live quality!"
Gentlemen, take note: better a well-matured truffle than a button mushroom.
Counting partners, a French enigma
When it comes to partners, the statistics go wild. Women report an average of 7.9 partners; men, 16.4. A gap that would make Pythagoras blush. The reason? An age-old formula: "Men count everything, women count those who count." Moral of the story: the math of love is as reliable as the weather on TV.
Masturbation: game equality
Revolution under the sheets: masturbation is becoming democratized. No longer just a "boys’ thing," young women are embracing it without shame. A big step for gender equality… and for bathroom occupancy. But ladies, don’t forget to leave some hot water.
Sex buffet: help yourself
Masturbation, oral sex, anal sex: practices are diversifying at lightning speed. The 90s? Just friendly scouts in comparison. Today, it’s an open bar, but with a golden rule: everything must be done with joy and consent. Because a buffet is better when everyone agrees on the menu.
Tinder, king of hearts… or flings
Dating apps are no longer just looking for soulmates. They also play Cupid in a one-night stand version. One in three women and one in two men under 30 admit to having found a partner online. Between swipes and likes, romance becomes digital.
A little reminder: think before sending a naughty photo. What goes on the Internet… stays on the Internet (and on a few servers).
Love diversity: the rainbow expands
Practices are evolving, and so is love. Non-exclusively heterosexual relationships are gaining ground. Women, in particular, dare to explore more territories. Thanks to feminism, which brings values like respect and equality back into fashion.
Fun fact: one in three women says she is attracted to people of the same sex. Cupid has never had so many arrows in his quiver.
Seniors: no retirement for Cupid
Seniors, too, are having a blast. More than 70% of men and 56% of women over 50 remain sexually active. Retirement? Just an excuse to catch up on cuddles. And between us, they deserve to make up for lost time.
Violence: a persistent dark spot
Not everything is rosy: sexual violence remains a scourge. Despite progress, the figures are damning. The liberation of speech is more necessary than ever to challenge these sad realities.
In summary: love à la française remains… inimitable
Between contradictions, boldness, and a touch of innovation, the sexuality of the French is like their culture: unique. We test, we think, we reinvent. But one thing doesn’t change: the French will always have their talent for surprising… even under the sheets.