The Sexy Side of Medium
Feeling the heat, and loving it.
I never realized how titillating engaging with a community of virtual strangers could be until I hooked up with Medium.
Yes. I said “titillating.”
There is something so raw, so viscerally sensual about divulging our most intimate secrets to (mostly) like-minded people. Creative people who know what it is to be fucked up, and who have no trouble outing themselves.
To me, this is akin to meeting someone for a tryst in a darkened hotel room. Oh, the lure of anonymous sex. Of engaging in a scorching hot roll in the hay with someone whose name you don’t even know. And, who doesn’t know yours, in turn.
No talking. The only sounds in the room — the grunts, groans and moans of sheer carnality.
Now, don’t look down at your shoes, people. I’m not suggesting anything untoward, but, you gotta admit there’s something to what I’m saying. Kristi Keller — I’m betting you would agree!
We share intimate details about our lives in our Medium stories. No matter how traumatic, or embarrassing or even, ridiculous. We know that someone will “get it.” And, that’s a beautiful thing. To be gotten, and understood, without being judged.
I’ve written things I can’t believe I would ever put down on paper. Or, want other people to know. And, I’m not done yet. I’ve still been holding back but each day brings a new chance to “let go,” to spew. To revel in the catharsis of getting something off my chest and out of my ever-racing brain.
So many writers in the Medium community are adept at truth-telling, and I’ve read their stories with awe and admiration. And, sometimes, I’m a tad envious of their ability to “let it all hang out.” To not give a damn what others think. Because the truth is just that. There are no versions of the truth. It just is, and there comes a time in life when prettying things up, will no longer do.
And then there are the Medium Facebook groups. Talk about sexy time! Men and women interacting with each other on an intellectual level is so hot to me. And, fun! Plus, the support is incredible. I’ve learned so much about navigating this minefield from my fellow writers. I’m blown away by the kindness and empathy displayed by so many.
Something just came to me: “Virtual Group Sex.” Is that a thing? Could it be a thing? Hmmmmm. Or should I say, Mmmmmm.
Donna Barker, what do you think about that? How about you, Hawkeye Pete Egan B.? Or you, Helen Cassidy Page? Or you, “Woman of Mystery,” Kat Kou? Or, even you, Greg Prince, “Master of Alliteration?”
Sorry. Now I am being untoward. I’ll collect myself. But really, you only have yourselves to blame for my overheated state.
The point I’m trying to make is, there really is something very sensual about letting another person in — allowing them to see who you really are. Warts, and all. Perfectly filtered selfies be damned.
As a society, we’ve become so shallow. So fake. And, how could we not? Even our president is fake.
There’s no denying that It’s all about the look. The light hitting a cheekbone just right. A six-pack to die for. A perfect shot of the perfect Ketogenic meal. I’m not saying there’s anything inherently wrong with this, but, at some point we gotta get to the “meat.” To the heart of things.
For so many years, I never engaged on social media. Not like I do now. This is all so new to me. This feeling of anticipation when I sit down at my computer to see what’s going on with my groups…my peeps.
Who’s feeling bad today? Who hit a major milestone? Who broke up with a lover, or hooked up with someone new? Each day brings something different. A nugget or two that gets me thinking in ways that feed my writer’s soul.
Admittedly, I think about sex a lot. My stint on Ashley Madison (for research purposes, friends), was a revelation. I was blown away by the number of people willing to risk their relationships, their reputations…their very lives, for some “strange.”
I have friends who tell me that sex is an afterthought. That they no longer care about it, nor want it. How can this be? How can something that feels so fucking good and is so natural, be so easy to discount?
Maybe that’s why I think Medium is so hot. It gives me what I need, when I need it. No guilt. No remorse. No questions asked. The perfect relationship.
I referred to those in our community as “virtual strangers.” The truth is, I’m getting to know you better by the day. Some, more than others. We’re becoming a family of sorts. And, since I’m not into incest, perhaps I should let the whole “sexy thing” go.
Or, not.
Sherry McGuinn is a longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and numerous other publications. Sherry’s manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.
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