Foursome

Any sexual act involving four people is called a foursome. Any gender or sexual orientation could be represented among these four individuals. They might engage in sexual activity with certain group members or with each other. Group sex includes foursomes. A four-way is another name for a foursome.

Types of foursomes

Various quartet varieties are classified based on the members' sexual orientation, gender, relationships, and interaction style. The foursomes that are most frequently seen are:

• FMFM foursome: Two girls and two guys make up a foursome that engages in sexual activity with both individuals of the opposite sex.
• MFFM foursome: A quartet consisting of two sexually active females and a male who is not their typical partner.
• FMMF foursome: Two men who engage in sexual activity with one another and a female who is not their typical partner make up a quartet.
• Bisexual foursome: Four individuals of any gender who engage in sexual activity with some or all of the other participants make up a quartet.
• Same-sex foursome: Four individuals of the same sex who engage in sexual activity with some or all of the other participants make up a quartet.
• Couple swap: Two couples in a foursome engage in sexual activity with each other's partners.

Although binary gender markers are frequently used to characterize foursomes, the members of a quartet can identify as any gender.

How to have a foursome

The Sex Positive Relationship Designer, Karine Bedard, advises introspection and talking to current partners before forming a quartet.

She informed Kinkly, "You need to be explicit about your goals and the aspects of a quartet that appeal to you. If you have a significant other, you should also know what they hope to gain from the experience. Please refrain from attempting to mend your relationship or sex life with a quartet. It may be enjoyable initially if you aren't connected and trying to fill a gap, but it will soon lead to envy and the dreaded drama."

She went on to say, Make sure you understand that sex and love are not always the same thing and that you have a positive perspective on your sexuality. They might not be compatible. A foursome may be a lot of fun if everyone has the same goals and expectations. Make sure you assess whether you require a connection to have sex with someone or whether you can have recreational sex. You may have more difficulty if, for example, your partner desires no relationship at all. This is especially true if you are someone who finds meaning in sex and cannot engage in full-swap sexual activity with someone without needing some attachment to them. Don't merely do something for someone else; be explicit. Don't be ashamed to be open about your needs and wants.

Bedard advises couples to establish limits with one another before involving others. Each person's comfort level and limitations should be considered while setting these boundaries. Couples can get on the same page by having conversations about things like safe language, sexual safety, kissing, and post-sex snuggling, as well as authorized sex acts.

Through dating apps, dating websites, and online kink forums, couples who are interested in foursomes frequently locate other couples that share their interests. They can meet at a neutral setting like a restaurant or bar to see if their attraction and chemistry online translate offline. They can talk about how they envision the quartet looking, whether anyone has boundaries, and make sure everyone agrees with this discussion. They might have sex at a motel or the house of one couple if everyone is still interested.

Unmarried people can meet possible quartet partners at adult clubs and swingers' events. Usually, these places have spaces set up for foursomes and other forms of sexual activity. Compared to foursomes in private settings with just the four people present, foursomes in these settings might be less intimate.

They can begin having sex together once everyone has given their enthusiastic and informed consent. The best foursomes develop organically when players explore each other's bodies while staying inside predetermined parameters.

Bedard recommended those who would like to have a foursome. "When you go out, enjoy the trip and don't have any expectations. Enjoy yourself and have an open mind. Usually, it takes time to happen. Make relationships with like-minded individuals and get to know the locals. You run the danger of being let down if you make sex your sole objective because it's merely a part of this universe. Couples who are solely there to cross things off their bucket list tend to turn people off. Make sure to be upfront about your status as a DTF (Down to Fuck) pair and seek out people who share your desires. This is typically the most annoying method of attempting to create a foursome. However, it is not difficult if you are extremely clear about what you want and discover people who share your desires on profiles.

Foursome etiquette

Everyone can enjoy this type of group sex more if everyone in the foursome, including new and existing partners, is treated with consideration. Typical quartet etiquette rules include the following:

• To respect existing partnerships and to avoid coming across as threatening, members of heterosexual marriages should approach possible partners who are the same gender.
• Before the game, make sure that any existing partners agree.
• Before playing, take a shower and groom yourself.
• Talk about and abide by each participant's and partner's ground rules and boundaries.
• Keep an eye on everyone to make sure they feel welcome.
• Couples shouldn't engage in any activities with their new playmate they don't undertake with their current companion.
• After having sex, participants in a foursome shouldn't speak in private with one half of an established couple.

Safety tips for foursomes

The dangers rise with the number of partners. All participants can stay safe if they know the hazards and how to mitigate them.

Bedard states, "The best way to stay physically and emotionally safe is to make sure that you feel safe about your desires." You won't feel comfortable telling your partner everything if you're ashamed of what you want. You must embrace your sexuality and not fear criticism from others. Do this as a team and believe in your partnership decision. First, establish a secure space in your relationship where you can talk about and ultimately decide to change your opinion. Above all, you have to support one another.

Enthusiastic informed consent is essential to guarantee that all play partners are happy with the foursome. No one should feel compelled to sacrifice or participate beyond their limits or at the behest of their spouse or the group.

"No means no is one of the most important rules in the world!" It doesn't imply, perhaps," Bedard emphasized. "You have to accept that people can say no at any time. Consent is always necessary. You will be expelled from the club if you don't respect people's limits and ask for permission.

People can feel more empowered and be able to stop the perpetrator if they feel uncomfortable, if they choose a standard, identifiable safe phrase and signal.

There is also an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) while interacting with multiple sexual partners or casual partners. The risk of infection can be decreased by using condoms and other barrier techniques like latex gloves and dental dams.

With each new companion, players should employ a different barrier, as Amber Rose mentioned on Conan in 2016. Unwanted pregnancies are also less likely with these barrier techniques. Instead, some people may insist on full STI panels if they have regular foursome partners who aren't concerned about getting pregnant. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which lowers the risk of HIV infection, and routine STI testing can make foursomes safer for everyone.

High levels of emotions, such as shame and envy, can be triggered by foursomes. All participants benefit from aftercare by feeling safer and more supported. This period after sex can appear different for each person who has a foursome because everyone has distinct requirements and preferences.

Some everyday aftercare activities include:

• Taking a shower together or apart
• Putting on cozy clothing
• Discussing the experience's positives, negatives, emotions it evoked, and potential ways to make it better in the future
• Hugging
• Munching and rehydrating.

Since everyone has different requirements and preferences, it's a good idea for quartet participants to talk about what aftercare should look like for them and figure out how to make it work for everyone.