Single people are reclaiming pleasure, alone or with a partner, through a more conscious, gentler approach that better reflects their needs. Masturbation is increasingly recognised as an emotional grounding practice, while partnered sex is moving away from performance and towards listening, connection and a sense of safety.

At a time when relationships feel more fragile, sex care offers a way to regain control over one’s body, stress levels and pleasure.

Pleasure as emotional regulation

Solo sexuality is now openly embraced and regularly practised by many singles. Far from being a second-best option, it’s seen as a way to understand desire, reduce stress and reconnect with oneself. In some countries, it’s even considered part of a broader self-care routine.

Interestingly, while sexual activity is becoming less frequent overall, satisfaction is rising. Many women and men report feeling genuinely fulfilled by their sex lives. Conscious pleasure is replacing performance: an experience that feels right matters more than meeting expectations.

In this context, erotic content — from audio platforms and immersive storytelling to more realistic forms of pornography — is growing in popularity. Pleasure is no longer about speed or consumption, but about intention and exploration.

A more mindful sexuality — with its contradictions

This shift also brings new questions. Some men speak openly about struggling with over-reliance on masturbation, while others find it challenging to balance solo and partnered intimacy. The conversation has moved on from “Do I do this?” to “Why do I do it, and how?”

Research continues to highlight the link between sexual activity and overall health. Low levels of sexual engagement are associated with higher risks of depression and chronic fatigue. Popular culture is also engaging with the topic, as seen in Dying for Sex, which presents pleasure as a path to self-discovery and personal agency.

At the same time, more unexpected trends are emerging: sex-infused fitness practices, conversations around “sex cardio”, and debates about authenticity in an era shaped by VR and role-play. Exploration is wide-ranging — sometimes intense — raising a key question: how do we stay connected to ourselves in a culture that constantly pushes for more?

Who are the emotionally grounded singles?

They are people who see sexuality as part of their overall well-being. They don’t wait for a partner to validate their desire. They listen to their bodies, understand their limits and allow themselves pleasure without judgement.

They move between solo and shared experiences, adjusting their rhythm, needs and emotions as they go. For them, the bedroom is a place to reset, reconnect and be honest. Their sexuality doesn’t need to be spectacular — it’s healthy, intimate and fully owned.

❤️‍🔥 What this means for you in 2026

• You can explore pleasure without guilt.

• You can view sexuality as part of wellbeing, not performance.

• You can reconnect with your body at your own pace, alone or with someone else.

In 2026, desire is something you listen to — and a way to take care of yourself first.