relationships3 min(s) read
‘Millions’ of women are into a bedroom kink that men are completely oblivious to
Millions of women say there are a couple of simple, often-overlooked turn-ons that men routinely miss in the bedroom – and they’re far less complicated than the wild positions or elaborate ideas some people assume women want.
Of course, everyone has their own preferences. And while open communication is always important, many people don’t want to map out every detail for a partner. They want chemistry to unfold naturally, without having to spell out instructions or congratulate each other afterward.
Still, for men hoping to better understand what actually resonates with a lot of women, experts say one particular kink is surprisingly common (and surprisingly easy).
Praise Kink Is More Common Than Many Realize
According to sex professor Dr. Nicole K. McNichols, one of the most widespread desires among women is the “praise kink,” which centers on receiving verbal appreciation or compliments during intimacy.
Sex is a personal thing. Credit: eclipse_images/Getty Images.
“People who have praise kinks get turned on by their partner complimenting them during sex,” Dr. McNichols explained. “It exists on a continuum because, really, who doesn’t love being told they’re beautiful or amazing in some way?”
With more than 60 million searches related to the praise kink on TikTok alone, it’s clear the concept resonates far beyond niche corners of the internet. Dr. McNichols says it often involves women responding strongly to affirming phrases or positive feedback from their partner.
A Second Trend Women Are Quietly Embracing
But praise isn’t the only thing men commonly miss. Experts say a growing number of women regularly engage in a form of self-stimulation that most men don’t know about, and doesn’t require a partner’s hands at all.
The practice, known as “broadening,” has reportedly become increasingly popular. It involves rubbing or pressing the entire vulva against a surface, creating stimulation across a wider area than traditional methods.
Psychosexual therapist Natasha Silverman explains it as “dry-humping on steroids,” since the surface involved is typically broad and stationary. She says the technique engages the deeper structures of the clitoris rather than focusing only on the external tip.
Silverman notes that many clients mention this type of stimulation in therapy without realizing it has an official name. It’s also common among women who discovered self-pleasure early in life, often without knowing what the practice was called.
Credit: Oleksandr Sharkov/Getty Images.
What It Means for Men
For partners hoping to be supportive, experts say awareness is key – though in the case of broadening, there isn’t much a man needs to do unless he’s willing to be the stable surface involved.
The bigger lesson, therapists say, is that women’s desires are often far simpler, more varied, and more communication-driven than stereotypes suggest. And in many cases, the small things, like verbal affirmation, can make the biggest difference.