Sex With Emily Beyond the Body Count: Reframing Sexual History in Dating
May 6, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Scott Lyons—a licensed holistic psychologist and trauma expert—explores the problematic notion of 'body count' in modern dating. He unpacks its origins, revealing how this term fosters unfair judgment, especially towards women, and underscores the damaging double standards linked to purity culture. Together, they advocate for redefining sexual history by focusing on personal experiences and emotional readiness, rather than mere numbers, to create deeper, more fulfilling relationships.
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Negative Origins of 'Body Count'
- The term "body count" originates from military contexts, implying violence and death.
- Using it to describe sexual partners introduces negativity and shame around sexual history.
Body Count Misrepresents Skill
- The number of sexual partners doesn't reflect sexual skill or emotional readiness.
- High partner count often carries unfair judgments but doesn't correlate with being a good lover.
Historical Roots of Shame
- Historical shame around sexual history primarily stems from patriarchal and religious control of female sexuality.
- This control treated female purity as a commodity linked to family honor and inheritance.
