Sex

5 *Golden Rules* Of Sexting WITHOUT Getting Yourself In Trouble

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How To Send Sexy Selfies WITHOUT Getting Yourself In Trouble

Oh, sexting. It's just such a slippery slope, right? I mean, on one end, you run a high risk of a provocative photo loose in the digital world. But on the other… holy hotness!

Let's focus more on the latter here. Exchanging lusty non-words with your significant other — especially if you're in a long-distance relationship — is both a healthy and effective way to keep that spark alive.

Still, there are obviously some regulations to keep in mind here, especially since sexy pics are so common these days. 

Luckily, Julie Spira, YourTango expert and founder of Cyber Dating Expert, has made a career out of providing such schooling. Below are her list of do's and don'ts when it comes to this erotically-charged form of communication.

We highly suggest you listen up — unless, you know, you want you're you-know-what flashing up on the 'nets. And it could certainly happen… right, Jennifer Lawrence?

1. Have the talk

No, not that talk (although, given the sexting, maybe you should consider that one too). But do hash out a mutual agreement about the privacy of these sexts.

"If still uneasy, take it a step further and agree to delete the sext messages once you're together with your sweetheart," Julie explains. "Make it a requirement and hope that he doesn't have a hidden file with your sexts that he shares with his buddies." If he does this, he's probably not the type of guy that you believe him to be.

2. DO NOT go fully nude

Skip the birthday suit, folks.

"Things to sext could include sexy photos, lingerie shots, but never full nude photos," Julie says. "This isn't a Penthouse spread, but a more personal and private communication."

3. No head shots

Save your pretty face for the next time that you see him in person.

"A sexy photo (man bare-chested, a woman with heavy cleavage) can include a lead shot, but anything more, should be off-limits," Julie explains. "You wouldn't want to be recognized by a nosy neighbor and have your private sexts go viral."

Nope, definitely not.

4. Keep it somewhat classy

Rule of thumb: "If you wouldn't want your parents to see the sext, then it shouldn't be shared digitally. Remember, men undress you with their eyes, so partially clothed shots will create the same excitement without the risks of being shared with his buddies on their Facebook pages."

Not exactly a photo you'd want dozens of 'likes' on. 

5. What goes around comes around … so don't be vengeful!

You've heard the horror stories. Don't let it become a reality.

"Sexting can create fabulous digital foreplay with your significant other, but remember, if the relationship goes south, there's a permanent digital footprint and you won't want that lusty moment when you were truly in love end up on a revenge porn site," Julie says.

Cue gulp.