
About this episode
Whether you're questioning who you're attracted to or wondering why someone incredible on paper leaves you feeling nothing below the waist, you're not alone. In this episode, I unpack the messy, confusing space between wanting someone and wanting to build a life with them—and why those two things don't always line up.
From a woman who's always identified as straight but can't stop fantasizing about women, to a listener who's been getting nothing but one-arm hugs after six dates, I get into the questions most people are too afraid to ask out loud. I also share what the science actually says about attraction—including why your post-gym crush might not be as real as it feels, and what your birth control could be doing to your "type."
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why putting a label on your sexuality might be the last thing you need to do right now—and what to try instead
• The conversation that can save you months (or years) of wondering where you stand with someone who won't make a move
• What to do when you and your partner are both waiting for the other person to take control in bed
More Dr. Emily:
• Shop With Emily! Explore Emily’s favorite toys, pleasure accessories, bedroom essentials, and more — designed to support your pleasure and confidence. Free shipping on orders $99+ (some exclusions apply).
• Join the SmartSX Membership: Access exclusive sex coaching, live expert sessions, community building, and tools to enhance your pleasure and relationships with Dr. Emily Morse.
• Interested in 1:1 Coaching with Emily? Head to sexwithemily.com/coaching to apply today!
• Sex With Emily Guides: Explore pleasure, deepen connections, and enhance intimacy using these Sex With Emily downloadable guides.
• The only sex book you’ll ever need: Smart Sex: How to Boost Your Sex IQ and Own Your Pleasure
• Want more? Visit the Sex With Emily Website
• Let’s get social: Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok | Threads | YouTube
• Let’s text: Sign up here
• Want me to slide into your email inbox? Sign Up Here for sex tips on the regular.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:56 - The science of sexual attraction
5:01 - You can want someone without wanting to date them
6:12 - Surprising facts about who you're attracted to (and why)
9:19 - "Am I bisexual or do I just think women are hot?"
10:50 - The one-arm hug situation
15:25 - When your partner's meds killed your sex life
20:40 - 19 years married and ready to give up
25:31 - How to rekindle the spark after years together
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time Sex With Emily publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Sex With Emily

The 5 Love Languages: How to Feel More Loved & Have Better Sex
Sex With Emily
Sep 11, 202646:45completed

The Ultimate Guide to Initiating Sex (Without the pressure or Weirdness)
Sex With Emily
Sep 8, 202615:29pending

Squirting, Threesomes & the Sex Skills No One Teaches You
Sex With Emily
Sep 4, 202635:54pending

Curious About Anal?
Sex With Emily
Sep 1, 202615:01pending