En español | I know men and women who don't like something their partner does in bed. Yet nary a peep do they utter about it. I also know men and women who do like — or imagine they would — something their partner isn't doing in bed. Again, never do they bring it up.

Feeling short shrifted beneath the sheets? Speak up. — Getty Images

This explains why I'm constantly urging communication. When each person in a relationship feels free to reveal his or her specific desires, both partners' ideas for sexual corrections — or additions — can be voiced without jeopardizing the union. Some of these ideas will be agreed upon, put into regular practice or merely sampled once or twice. Others will never come close to being "sheet-tested." But the honesty of the exercise is likely to reinforce a couple's intimacy and love.

So … which maneuvers are people most afraid to talk about? Let's get real here.

1. Something they would like to change.
Typically this is something basic: You're not getting kissed the way you want to, or your partner is treating your body parts too roughly, or mashing you into the mattress.

If that describes your situation, you'll have to proceed gingerly. Take a quiet, nonsexual moment to say you'd really like to try a different kissing style, stroking motion or lovemaking position. Be careful how you phrase things. A few possibilities:

"Lately I've found myself fantasizing about deeper, harder kisses — could we try a few that way?"

"I'd like to try some new ways of balancing your weight."

Make it sound fun to try — something the two of you can innovate together. You may need to get clinically specific: "Put your hand right here … now apply a little less pressure … yes, that's it!" With a little nerve and a lot of encouragement, you can get exactly what you want in bed. Oh, and when you do? Show all kinds of appreciation: heightened arousal, green-light noises, grateful hugs and kisses.

2. Something they would like to sample.
Now we come to a trickier discussion. If a certain practice isn't happening, it's probably because your partner doesn't want to do it. The missing behavior could be anything, of course, but routinely it's either oral or anal sex. This will require asking your partner why he or she doesn't want to engage in the desired (by you) activity. Expect any of the following answers: It's painful; it's gross or degrading; I think it would be unpleasant for me; I'm just not that into it.

It's then incumbent on you to examine — and possibly counter — these objections. Some examples: "What if we both took a bath first and went to bed squeaky-clean? What if we read this book about the custom to see if it changes the way you view it? (It might be more pleasurable if we both know how to do it right.) What about watching this X-rated movie to see if it looks sexier after that? What could I do to make it sexier for you?"

Often there is some give in a person's take on a taboo topic. If you can figure out a way to make the desired behavior exciting for both of you, exploration — or perhaps simply a shot at trying it again — becomes feasible.

Next page: Fetishes, S&M, three ways. Discussing unusual ideas. »