16 Things ‘Sex and the City’ Taught Us About Sex

Sex and the City premiered on HBO June 6, 1998. The series about the lives and loves of four best friends made us fall in love with Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, Samantha, and New York City.

Twenty-one years later, Sex and the City is still relevant, even in an ever-changing and constantly evolving pop culture landscape.

To commemorate the series that explores the ins and outs (quite literally) of sex from the female perspective, we’ve compiled a list of 16 — one for each year since the finale — lessons that Sex and the City taught us about everything and anything carnal.

1. Size Does Matter

Given the combined number of male genitalia our favorite foursome encounter, it’s Sam who becomes the “Goldicocks” of the group. Her multiple attempts to work with not enough or way too much makes single gals think about size in terms other than shoes.

Sorry, guys, but it does matter.

2. Don’t Play Too Hard to Get

Charlotte refuses to let handsome doctor — and eventual ex-husband — Trey MacDougal get to third base.

Her plan to land Mr. Right by withholding sex lands her a groom. But Charlotte’s fairytale romance turns into a nightmare when she learns her hubby can’t quite get it up or keep it up.

So much for the age-old question “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?”

3. Friends with Benefits

In between epic romances and rebound guys, there’s a whole other category of men: those with whom women can enjoy a mutually beneficial sexual relationship. But beware, don’t try to turn these trysts into something more substantial.

Friends with benefits are good for one thing and one thing only — SEX.

4. Beware of Men who are Too Good Looking

Perhaps it’s an urban legend, a dating myth, or an unfair stereotype, but Carrie confirms a long-held belief by women everywhere. If a man looks too good with his clothes on, he’s likely going to disappoint once they come off.

Give us the cutie pie guys who have to work a little harder to earn female attention.

5. Bad Kisser = Bad in Bed

Kissing is key. It’s the gateway drug to all the other stuff.

If someone’s lips don’t make you weak in the knees, there’s a good chance a bad kisser will fail to close the deal. Those who can, do. Those who can’t, date other bad kissers.

6. Not All Body Fluids are Created Equal

To spit or to swallow, that is the question.

Depending on your answer, you could come across some “funky spunk.” Cursed by biology, genetics, or some unknown X factor, a man who leaves you racing for a palate cleanser may cross your path.

You can always try “a hint of mint.”

7. Pity Sex

Sex and the City puts an official title on a philanthropic act — pity sex.

But since no good deed goes unpunished, be sure to cover all your bases, including using birth control, especially if the pity sex is with an ex with one functioning testicle.

8. The Rabbit

Everybody does it, even if they don’t want to talk about it.

But no topic is off limits for the Sex and the City ladies, including masturbation. What good is the best girlfriend if she doesn’t share whether it be clothes, shoes, earrings, or the scoop on her most satisfying and special sex toy?

9. The Sex on the First Date Curse

Does sex on the first date constitute a one night stand? Will he/she still respect me in the morning? Will they call? These are the thoughts that plague us when our hormones emerge victorious after battling with our heads.

These are legit questions with no definitive answer. But Carrie, Sam, Miranda, and Charlotte all find long-term happiness after giving in to their baser instincts.

10. Never Fake It

Faking an orgasm every once in a while is the least you can do when a man puts in the time and effort, but if he’s failing to ring your bell on a regular basis, don’t fake it.

This can trigger a cycle of faux “oohs” and “ahhhs” in the bedroom (or wherever else your heart desires). To avoid a lackluster sex life, honesty is usually the best policy.

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