United States
Sex and relationships writer living in Houston, TX.
By Ana Salazar Photo by Milos Prelevic Dating app users are boasting about their positive test results. Going as far as adding them to their pictures or joking about them on their bios. These tests are relatively new, so its results shouldn't guarantee an entry back into the world of casual sex.
My first boyfriend and I lost our virginity to each other when we were in high school. Whilst we most certainly didn't plan it, and it was far from romantic, it was good enough for me. Unfortunately, it wasn't good enough for my religious trauma. I never chose to be Catholic.
By Ana Salazar Art by Cristhian Ramírez A two-hour phone call with six of my friends ended up with me downloading Tinder. It was day four of quarantine, and we were cackling over the app making its Passport feature free due to COVID-19.
By Ana Salazar We've always made our dates aware of our sexual histories. Talked about birth control before getting into bed with them. Used condoms to prevent any STIs. Bought Plan B to ease any doubts. We've even made sure to get tested after every new, casual encounter.
My involvement in online dating came hand-in-hand with having a smartphone. For the past three years, I've superficially judged thousands of so-called "romantic interests" based on pictures alone. As if an HD selfie from a trip to Mexico City granted automatic entry to my bedroom. I'm talking about Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and even Raya.
I crave emotional connection, non-sexual affection, and the feeling of falling for someone.
Putting these men's triumphs on pedestals caused me to undermine my own.