For some, the phrase ‘role play’ can send a shiver of excitement down our spines, but for others it’s might be more an uncomfortable chill of fear. But it doesn’t have to be. Many people find it easier than others to develop a new ‘part-time’ persona to explore sexual situations they normally would never do, which allows allows them to experience greater fulfillment and brings them closer to their partner.

A recent survey said that 73% of couples had experimented with role play at some time in their lives, but if you’re a beginner, how do you get into it without feeling weird?

Annabelle Knight,a leading Relationship & Sex Expert in the UK, gives practical advice for first time role players to femalefirst.co.uk. First, know what you want. Annabelle says if you’re thinking about bringing role play to your sex life it’s important to think about what you want to get out of it, and choose the right role playing situations that fit. For example, if you want to try bondage for the first time and you don’t want to just be “yourself”, try a police themed role play scenario and use handcuffs. Want to play the more submissive type? Try playing the secretary and boss, or doctor/nurse role playing themes.

Then, once you know what you want, talk through it. Annabelle suggests that you explain exactly what you want to happen in your role-playing sex fantasy. If your partner knows exactly what you’re after it’s easier to improvise around the ‘plot’.

After you plan your theme and choose your outfit, ie; police officer, business suit, nurse outfit, etc., think about your “setting”. Are you in an interrogation room, a business office, classroom, hospital bed? Try to make your setting fit the feel.

Other beginner role playing ideas could include acting as sexy strangers that meet for the first time somewhere, like at a local hotel bar, or even playing a hitchhiker. Wear a wig or other disguise, develop your stories, and let the flirtation begin!