Intimacy Guide

How to Start Sexting:
A Beginner's Guide to Confident Messaging

Updated March 2026Expert-reviewed6 min read
As Featured In
The GuardianViceTatlerNBCCBS
How To Start Sexting — Hello Nancy Guide

Sexting can feel like standing at the edge of a diving board. You want to jump, but you're not sure how to start, whether you'll embarrass yourself, or if your partner is even into it.

Good news: sexting is a skill, not a talent. Nobody is born knowing how to write the perfect flirty message. It's something you learn, practice, and get better at — and this guide will walk you through exactly how to start.

What Is Sexting?

Sexting is the exchange of sexually suggestive or explicit messages between consenting adults. It ranges from mildly flirty ("I can't stop thinking about last night") to very explicit.

For this guide, we're focusing on the text side — the words. No pressure for photos or videos. Messages are a great place to start because they're lower stakes, give you time to think, and let you set the pace.

Is Sexting Normal? (Yes.)

Studies consistently show that the majority of adults have engaged in some form of sexting. It's a normal, healthy part of modern intimacy — particularly valuable for:

  • Long-distance couples maintaining intimacy across distance
  • New relationships where you're building sexual tension
  • Established couples who want to reignite excitement
  • Anyone who finds it easier to express desire in writing

How to Start: Gauge Interest First

The single most important step is making sure the other person is interested. Don't open with your most explicit message. Start with something that tests the waters.

The Temperature Check

Send something flirty but with an easy out for your partner:

"I keep replaying last night in my head..."
"I had a dream about you last night. Definitely not appropriate to share at work."
"What would you do if I was there right now?"

Pay attention to the response. If they match your energy, you're good. If they change the subject or give a short response, take the cue gracefully.

A good opening: "Are you somewhere you can talk freely?" This shows consideration and builds anticipation.

Opening Lines & Escalation

The best sexting starts slow. Think of it as foreplay in message form — you're building tension, not rushing to the finish.

Level 1 — Flirty
"You looked incredible today."
"I've been thinking about you all day."
Level 2 — Suggestive
"I can't stop thinking about that thing you did last time..."
"I want to tell you something, but I'm not sure you can handle it."
Level 3 — Direct
"Let me tell you exactly what I'd do if you were here right now..."

The Art of Escalation

  1. Start with a flirty compliment
  2. Introduce a suggestive thought
  3. Let them respond and match your level
  4. Take it one step further
  5. Build a back-and-forth rhythm

Think of it as a conversation, not a monologue. The best sexting is reactive — responding to what your partner says, building on their energy, and creating something together.

Building Tension

Great sexting is about the space between messages just as much as the messages themselves.

Use anticipation. "I want to tell you exactly what I'd do if you were here... but I'll make you wait." Anticipation is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal.

Be specific. Vague messages ("I want you") are fine, but specific ones are much more effective. Specificity makes it real and personal.

Use the senses. Describe what they'd see, hear, feel. Sensory language engages imagination far more than abstract statements.

Don't rush. A well-timed pause between messages can build incredible tension.

React authentically. "That just made my heart race" or "I had to put my phone down after that." Authentic reactions are powerful.

Boundaries & Consent

Do

  • Check in before starting
  • Match your partner's energy
  • Respect "not now" immediately
  • Discuss boundaries when relaxed
  • Ask what they're comfortable with

Don't

  • Push when someone isn't interested
  • Screenshot without consent
  • Jump to explicit without warming up
  • Guilt-trip if they say no
  • Assume yesterday's "yes" means today's

Digital Safety

📱

Keep It Personal

Never sext on work devices. Company phones and computers are monitored. Keep personal content on personal devices.

🔒

Know Your Platform

Some apps offer disappearing messages, encryption, or screenshot notifications. Choose your platform wisely.

🛡️

Protect Your Identity

If sharing visual content, avoid including face and body together. Be aware of tattoos, backgrounds, or anything identifying.

⚖️

Know the Law

Sharing intimate images without consent is illegal in most places. If someone threatens you, document everything and seek help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start sexting if I've never done it before?

Start with a flirty message that tests the waters. Something like "I keep thinking about you" or "I had a dream about you last night." Gauge their response. If they match your energy, gradually escalate. If they don't seem into it, no pressure — change the subject naturally.

What if I'm bad at sexting?

You're not "bad" — you're new. Like any form of communication, sexting gets more natural with practice. Start with what you genuinely feel and think. Authenticity is more attractive than trying to sound like something you've read online.

Is it okay to sext in a long-term relationship?

Absolutely — it's one of the best things you can do. Long-term couples often fall into communication patterns that skip the flirtation phase. Sexting brings that tension and anticipation back into an established relationship.

What should I never do while sexting?

Never share someone else's intimate content. Never screenshot without permission. Never pressure someone who isn't interested. Never include identifying information you're not comfortable potentially being public.

How do I sext when I'm feeling self-conscious?

Focus on describing feelings and desires rather than your physical appearance. "I want to feel your hands on me" is effective and doesn't require you to describe your own body. Sexting can actually boost body confidence over time — it helps you own your desires.

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