What You Really Really Want: the Smart Girl's Shame-Free Guide to Sex and Safety

Overview

What You Really Really Want: the Smart Girl's Shame-free Guide to Sex and Safety is an empowering, interactive book designed to help young women navigate the complex landscape of modern sexuality. Co-edited by Jaclyn Friedman—known for her work on Yes Means Yes—this guide offers practical tools, honest advice, and engaging exercises that encourage readers to define and embrace their own sexual identity without shame or fear.

Key Details

This book addresses the confusing and often contradictory messages about sex that permeate our culture. Friedman challenges societal hypocrisy—highlighting the double standards that suggest women must act sexy to be desirable, yet are judged harshly if they pursue their desires. It discusses themes such as safety, consent, and personal boundaries, providing readers with clear strategies to discern fact from fear.

Filled with revealing quizzes, creative exercises, and reality-based advice, What You Really Really Want guides readers through understanding their own sexuality, communicating effectively with partners, and discussing tricky issues with family and friends. The book aims to foster confidence and safety, not only for individual empowerment but also for creating a safer, more respectful environment for everyone’s sexuality.

What Stands Out

Designed to be both educational and accessible, this guide emphasizes shame-free exploration of sexuality. Its interactive format engages readers actively, encouraging them to reflect and apply what they learn through practical activities. Friedman’s informed perspective helps young women build skills for expressing their desires safely and confidently, making this book an essential resource for personal growth and safe sexual expression.