Book Review: Cleis Press’ Playing Without A Partner: A Single’s Guide To Sex, Dating and Happiness

A sexy new guide for those flying solo!

The new book Playing Without A Partner: A Single’s Guide to Sex, Dating, and Happiness, by sexologist Dr. Megan Stubbs, and published by Cleis Press, is despite the title, actually great for both partnered and unpartnered people, monogamous or polyamorous, and of all genders. I’m a person who is the opposite of single. I’m not only married but I’m polyamorous and have approximately 12 people in my life who I am not averse to fucking and/or dating. There are still times though, when I feel very lonely and very disconnected. This book is about staying grounded and connected with yourself and honoring who you are when navigating the chaotic waters of the dating world.

A lot of what the first part of the book addresses are issues of self-respect, self care, and self love--- not THAT kind, but masturbation and how awesome it is is discussed at length as well. The next few chapters in which Stubbs coves body acceptance, sexual anatomy, and provides a primer on sex toys are really great. I applaud greatly her espousement of the Health At Every Size philosophy which pushes back at diet culture and body fascism. The last chapters talk about the actual dating landscape and things like talking about sexual health and desires with others.I wish I could have read something like this when I was younger and grappling with so many of these common issues, but a lot of the advice is timeless and we can sometimes use a refresher.

You can pick up this book at Cleis Press, your friendly independent bookstore, or at Amazon. Cleis is running a great sale for the month of Masturbation May so click the banner below to check that out.