The puritanical baggage so prevalent in society suggests that sex should be something special and have a "meaning". The concept of Friends With Benefits lies somewhere near the other end of the continuum. What does it take for two (or more) people to be interested in enjoying an hour or so of sexual exploration? What are our expectations about the gratification we'll experience? And the thrill we'll provide?

Yes, of course there's the ever-present visual attraction layer and everyone has their unique threshold or strike zone. For the sake of this discussion, let's assume that agenda is satisfied - but only marginally so. She's cute, in a copacetic kind of way.

What is it about her that invokes my interest in contributing toward her sexual entertainment for the evening? Perhaps it's her voice or her apparent intelligence that captures my curiosity. Perhaps I see evidence of her sensuosity and it calls for a more intimate understanding. I summon all my powers of observation and reckoning to appraise the probability of her being fun in bed and our preferences being compatable.

Will she have me? Do I meet or exceed her acceptance criteria? Who else is she pondering? How do I stand with the competition? Is there a comfortable place to play? Does she have any silly-assed rules that would limit our mutual consummation? What do I think of her spouse and how does he react to me?

Let's assume she convincingly acts flattered by my offer and we find an available space. We undress each other with nibbles, caresses and playful laughter while we tune into each other's mind. I gaze into her eyes searching for clues to stimulations she'll fondly remember.

To explore strange new woman-flesh,,,, to boldly go where I've never gone before....

There are an infinite number of variations on a good time. Do we measure our enjoyment by the number or subjective intensity of the orgasms? Do we delight in the tingles and compassionate moments we share? Do we feel an effective connection? Do we both perceive our share of "benefits"? Do we measure a successful encounter by our willingness to play together again at a future party? Were there any unfulfilled expectations? How do we decide to terminate the playtime?

On the other hand, perhaps it's simply an opportunity to explore the hedonistic indulgence of a fresh mind and cute body BEFORE we learn repulsive things about each other.