How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously

In a culture that advertises sex in an idealized, cinematic manner, Berner and DeSorbo seek to demystify sexual experiences in a humorous way. The authors hold that sex can be fun but also has its inherently awkward aspects. The best way to enjoy sex is to relax and stay open to surprises.

The authors offer their opinions on 11 aspects of sex that the media might misrepresent. The sexual dynamics they cover include kissing, pleasuring a man orally and manually, choking, cunnilingus, “sitting on his face” (157), having sex in bathrooms, doggy style, cowgirl style, and BDSM. Although these sex practices are common, they aren’t always easy. The authors describe a range of ways sex can pose challenges, from worrying about bad breath to experiencing physical pain to trying to find storage for sex toys in a small New York apartment. 

Berner and DeSorbo’s descriptions of sexual encounters present sex in a funny, human light, suggesting the odd nature of physical intimacy with another person. Though not ideological in framing, their candid discussion of sexual practices once considered taboo (such as BDSM) reflects the ethos of sex-positive feminism. However, the chapter also implicitly engages with critiques of this movement; for example, the authors note that many women experience pain during sex, which can make the idea of embracing one’s sexuality feel fraught.