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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Savage Love Letter of the Day

Posted by on Tue, Jul 21, 2009 at 5:01 PM

This question comes from a point of real frustration: I’m a 26-year-old straight guy. My relatively few sexual experiences have been dismal. Due to my being overweight, awkward, and generally unable to attract women I’m actually interested in, I have only been sexually intimate with prostitutes and women of low caliber and recent acquaintance. I have never been able to sustain an erection during intercourse. I’ve climaxed during oral sex or handjobs, though it’s generally a struggle. I’ve never truly been comfortable with any of the women I’ve been with and I'm "shy." I even having trouble pissing if I think someone is watching. I masturbate about once a day, but I’m not physically accustomed to getting off with anything but my hand. Worst of all, the intense fear of impotence has become a self-fulfilling prophecy and has caused me to avoid sexual liaisons that I couldn’t live down if I couldn’t get hard. Dating, I feel threatened by the seeming adult expectation of sex within the first few dates.

Any solid advice?

Sick Of Beatin'

Sorry, SOB, but there aren't any quick fixes for your frustration. But here's what you need to do:

Join a gym and lose some weight. You'll gain a little confidence and improve your health—and your circulation—which could help things in the keeping-the-dick-hard department. (I'm not telling you that you have to transform yourself into a ripped muscle God to be happy or find love; but it couldn't hurt to feel a bit better about your body and drop some pounds.) Seeing a doctor and getting your hands on some Viagra couldn't hurt either. Stop sleeping with women unless you're attracted to them on some level and stop sleeping with women that you hold in contempt. Since sex within the first few dates makes you feel anxious, inform anyone you date that you're not up for having sex within the first few dates. And the next time you find yourself in bed with someone or sense that things are headed there, SOB, inform her in advance that you're really only interested in oral and mutual masturbation—at least at first—and that you generally take a long time to come. Then you don't have to stress out about failing to meet her expectations because she won't be expecting anything other than what you're capable of doing.

Finally, stop sleeping with cheap whores who make you feel worse about yourself. Instead look for a kind, compassionate sex worker, a woman you can confide in, the kind of sex worker who's willing to see a client regularly. There are sex workers out there who will not only get you off in exchange for money, SOB, but work on improving your sexual skills and building up your sexual confidence.

 

Comments (51) RSS

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kim in portland 1
Nice advice.
Posted by kim in portland http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/11/fast-paced_video_provides_a_fu.html on July 21, 2009 at 5:10 PM
kim in portland 2
It appears that every post on the most commented list is posted by Dan today. Are congratualations in order?
Posted by kim in portland http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/11/fast-paced_video_provides_a_fu.html on July 21, 2009 at 5:14 PM
3
Good advice, but I think you were a bit too gentle on this guy's misogyny.

Also, you usually take people to task for setting their bars too high. Maybe this guy has lots of girls falling for him, but he only wants to date a supermodel? It's not an uncommon situation.

And yes, this guy could get over a lot of his anixieties if he works with (NOT "hires") a good sex-worker.
Posted by RDM on July 21, 2009 at 5:14 PM
lark 4
Dan,
Sound advice. Well put. There's a good reason why you're a popular sex advice columnist.
Posted by lark on July 21, 2009 at 5:25 PM
thegeneral 5
There are so many questions I have for this guy. Can you imagine a live chat with the authors of these letters? What an interesting, terrifying event that would be.
Posted by thegeneral on July 21, 2009 at 5:27 PM
6
I agree with your advice, but with the caveat that the guy sounds like just a wee bit like a serial killer waiting to happen.

Hates his body? Check. Hates women who find him fuckable? Check. Can't maintain an erection with these women of "low caliber?" Check, and also a big (limp) red flag.

Maybe he's just a perfectly nice guy who IS legitimately shy, and a reputable sex therapist/surrogate could do wonders for him.

But I'd direct him towards a shrink first. Even "cheap whores" don't deserve someone who despises them, and himself for patronizing them.
Posted by Karla http://underthewagon.com on July 21, 2009 at 5:30 PM
seandr 7
He must be hiring his escorts from the back pages of the Stranger. Bad move.

If you dig a little deeper, you'll find there are dozens of truly awesome local sex workers who will rock your world. Don't take my word for it, just read the trail of adoring reviews they leave behind...
Posted by seandr on July 21, 2009 at 5:30 PM
seandr 8
@6: Um, where exactly does this guy say he "hates" or "despises" women?

And since when does being a fat guy with an unhappy sex life make you a latent serial killer?

Damn, girl, cut a brother some slack.
Posted by seandr on July 21, 2009 at 5:42 PM
stinkbug 9
I'm surprised you didn't ask about (or comment on) his (unstated) masturbation techniques despite the fact that he states "he's not physically accustomed to getting off with anything but my hand".
Posted by stinkbug on July 21, 2009 at 5:45 PM
stinkbug 10
(Oops, messed up the quotation mark placement.)
Posted by stinkbug on July 21, 2009 at 5:46 PM
Jocelyn 11
Jesus. I think I dated that guy.
Posted by Jocelyn http://wtfwouldjesusdo.com on July 21, 2009 at 5:50 PM
internet_jen 12
Once, my bf at the time couldn't get an erection, months after the fact when talking about breaking up, he admitted that back then he was thinking of breaking up with me. He couldn't get one cause he wasn't all that into it.

A second instance a guy lost his erection and he said it was because, at the end of a summer fling, the thought that that morning was going to be the last time he saw me and that made him sad. (we spent the summer in Alaska and that day he was gonna board a plane back to his life in Cali and I would return to mine in Seattle.) He lost his cause he was sad.

Not everyone can bone whatever moves under whatever circumstance.

Posted by internet_jen on July 21, 2009 at 5:52 PM
Balt-O-Matt 13
I like how this guy talks about "women of low caliber". Sheesh. Pot, kettle. Kettle, pot.
Posted by Balt-O-Matt on July 21, 2009 at 5:58 PM
14
@8,

There's a hint of it in the description of women who are willing to fuck him. Low caliber? Real respectful there.

He's not that bad. I've definitely seen worse, but having a little more respect for women and being less willing to write certain women off as not being good enough for him would do wonders for his dating life.
Posted by keshmeshi on July 21, 2009 at 6:00 PM
15

C'mon Dan...you'd never say that to the guy.

You'd say "ever thought of trying new things?"

And the guy'd say "new...like kinky stuff?"

And Dan would say, "have you ever seen any guys that like...you know...you thought were cute...like only one or two..."

And the guy would say "like...gay stuff?"

And Dan would say, "no, no, just like new stuff...just like open your mind stuff..."

A few Hi-Balls later and the guy would be leaning out of Dan's balcony with Dan right behind him screaming "I'm ALIVE...I'M ALIVE"!
Posted by etc etc on July 21, 2009 at 6:10 PM
stevema14420 16
I think there is some latent loathing of women here. Perhaps his mother was overbearing and installed some sense of shame in sexuality. Like it's something dirty and needs to be hidden or resisted. That may cause his constant masturbation and inability to perform when actually with another person.
Posted by stevema14420 http://www.aebn.net on July 21, 2009 at 6:26 PM
17
Excellent advice. :-)
Posted by laurelgardner http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5877570 on July 21, 2009 at 6:28 PM
sepiolida 18
Hey relax! This guy isn't a serial killer! He has a pretty clear cut case of social anxiety. He needs to see a shrink and possibly get some medication. And, yes, hit the gym.
Posted by sepiolida on July 21, 2009 at 6:35 PM
yucca flower 19
@ 16,

Actually I have a feeling he means "fat chicks" when he says "low-calibre women". He's probably the beer-gut-so-huge-he-looks-like-he's-prego-with-triplets type of guy who goes around wearing a "No Fat Chicks" t-shirt while hitting on super models or women who look like super models. You see those "low calibre" types he actually managed to land are probably not nearly as "low calibre" as this guy....who in all likely hood, if he didn't pay for it, was a pity fuck.

Yeah, I'm in a lousy mood. Why do you ask?
Posted by yucca flower on July 21, 2009 at 7:01 PM
tabletop_joe 20
Good advice, Dan!

I might also throw in a masturbation diet. Once a day isn't really that much for a young guy who's not in a relationship, but cutting back might increase his motivation for sex with a lady.
Posted by tabletop_joe on July 21, 2009 at 7:03 PM
21
It sounds like he could do with seeing a therapist and eventually doing some work with a surrogate.
Posted by au_gout on July 21, 2009 at 7:04 PM
22
@19,

You could be right. It also could be less clear cut than that.

I'm imagining this guy being a double threat, consisting of awkwardness and not so great looks. He may also reek of desperation, and he's likely not great at hiding his contempt for those "low caliber" women.

He needs to overcome his awkwardness, work on becoming a more desirable mate (either physically or mentally, preferably both), ditch the likely desperation, and ditch the contemptuous attitude. He's crazy if he thinks women can't sense that a mile away, and it can turn off attractive women too. Even beautiful women can feel insecure. Why would they want to be with someone who may try to make them feel like shit?

I know for a fact that there are women out there who would be happy to wait more than three dates for sex. The guy just needs to be upfront about it, while also playing it cool. He shouldn't blurt it out at the beginning of the first date.
Posted by keshmeshi on July 21, 2009 at 7:28 PM
emilythehaikubot 23
Great advice Dan. I also agree with yucca flower and keshmeshi. This guy shouldn't be completely picky or he'll never get any, and only get worse!
Posted by emilythehaikubot http:// on July 21, 2009 at 7:31 PM
24
A classic Savage kick in the pants. Good to read as always.
Posted by MichelleZB on July 21, 2009 at 7:41 PM
25
I think I have been sleeping with this guy. It sucks that he feels like that - that I'm of low caliber, etc. It also sucks that he destroys his exes' lives for recreation. He hates himself, he hates everyone else, he buries himself in his work and his obscure hobbies, he is competitive with everyone about everything. I guess I should just consider myself lucky that I don't have to be him, but what does it say about me that he thinks he's too good to fuck me? I guess it says I'm a slut.
Posted by ohgodwhathaveidone on July 21, 2009 at 8:30 PM
Matt from Denver 26
@ Kim, this has happened before. It'll be noteworthy if they can ever have it completely free of Savage posts, something I don't ever recall seeing.
Posted by Matt from Denver on July 21, 2009 at 8:38 PM
MythicFox 27
@18

Agree with the notion about seeing the shrink, disagree with the notion of medication unless he's got a legitimate chemical imbalance.
Posted by MythicFox on July 21, 2009 at 9:12 PM
28
I've, um, seen similar issues before.
This is pure narcissism, but not of his own doing. These are pure mommy issues.

The only way out is to do everything you can to improve your confidence. (work out, take vitamins, read a lot, become funny somehow, have vacation flings, host a party to make friends, pick up masculine hobbies, and let a girl be a part of your life. Just do it. And recognize your narcissism. It will fade. Or..it should.)
Posted by JesseJB on July 21, 2009 at 9:18 PM
Lanis01 29
Solid advice! I hope this guy follows it and joins a gym at least. Weight effects so many things, and any decent trainer can start that guy on simple activities that will do wonders.
Posted by Lanis01 on July 21, 2009 at 9:18 PM
seandr 30
@14
What this guy means by "low caliber" is mates who are below his standards of attractiveness, hygiene, wit, and/or intelligence. We all have such standards, and that doesn't make us man or woman haters.

That said, if this guy is into "high caliber" ladies, he's going to either have to get in shape, get rich, or pick up a copy of The Game by Nick Strauss. Otherwise, there's no way he can compete.

PS to Dan - given your profession, you MUST read The Game. Fascinating and fun and bullshit-free memoir on the applied psychology of seduction.
Posted by seandr on July 21, 2009 at 9:30 PM
31
So this guy has deep insecurities, which means - according to commenters - that he necessarily has mommy issues, is a narcissist, is a misogynist, loathes women, and is in fact a potential serial killer. Why not just sentence him to death now and save us all from him?

If he's bitter, I can certainly see why, given that so many would deem him some kind of horrible sociopath based on so very little.
Posted by ferfuckssake on July 21, 2009 at 9:40 PM
32
@16 - Once a day is "constant masturbation"? For a single guy?
Posted by JenV on July 21, 2009 at 9:41 PM
Urgutha Forka 33
Dan, sometimes your advice is so spot-on it could be turned into a pamphlet and handed out during sex ed classes (or secretly distributed after Saddleback purity balls, whatever the case may be).

This is one of those times. Bravo!
Posted by Urgutha Forka on July 21, 2009 at 9:42 PM
34
@30,

The Game will get him laid; it won't get him a relationship; and it won't get him laid with attractive women if he's ugly.

Most of "us" are mature and kind enough not to trash people who don't meet our standards. So, yes, this guy is an asshole.
Posted by keshmeshi on July 21, 2009 at 9:43 PM
kim in portland 35
According to Dr. Oz regular exercise is certain to make a mans penis appear longer, because more of it will become visable in all its glory. Not, to mention the penis is a perfect health dipstick, problems with engorgement can suggest coronary issues. To the doctor and to the gym, SOB.
Posted by kim in portland http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/11/fast-paced_video_provides_a_fu.html on July 21, 2009 at 10:00 PM
36
Get tested for Kallimans/Klinefelter syndrome (low hormones/testosterone. You can get testosterone (or estradiol - the problem is a low overall hormone level). It affects about 1% of people and causes a lot of those symptoms - sexual function, shyness/anxiety, plump body fat. Other signs are relatively low body hair and smallish testes in men.
Posted by robbi on July 21, 2009 at 10:03 PM
AR 37
And yes, this guy could get over a lot of his anixieties if he works with (NOT "hires") a good sex-worker.


What the fuck is wrong with "hires"? You're a fuckwit.
Posted by AR on July 21, 2009 at 10:08 PM
seandr 38
@34: The Game is just as relevant to meeting long term partners as it is one night stands. In fact, that's the WHOLE POINT OF THE BOOK. It's also all about getting women who are out of your league to pay attention to you, which is why I brought it up.

And where is this guy trashing anyone? The poor schmuck is just telling Dan that he's tried fucking women he's not attracted to, and it isn't working. It's kind of disturbing that you all are projecting misogyny and hate and murderous impulses onto him because of it. Cold blooded.
Posted by seandr on July 21, 2009 at 10:28 PM
39
@38,

The Game is intended to get insecure, attractive women to sleep with dweebs. Some men can achieve long-term relationships with those women; most cannot. Insecure people are a pain in the ass to be with in the long run.

He calls anyone he's not attracted to "low caliber." That's called trashing them. Ironically, he's demonstrating more about who he is and how undesirable he is with such a statement.

Do you think you're not projecting? No one owes you or anyone else a pity fuck, dude.
Posted by keshmeshi on July 21, 2009 at 11:32 PM
Vince 40
Stop masturbating so much. It makes you less sensitive and will make it harder to cum. Try going without cuming for three days before sex. I also think you might have a serious circulation problem that needs to be evaluated by a doctor.
Posted by Vince on July 22, 2009 at 5:55 AM
lark 41
Good Morning Dan,
Just in case you didn't get it yet, this is too funny. It's from Overheard at the Office:
10AM "Dear Dan Savage..."
Office peon to others: What do you do if you're conjoined twins with only one ass and the other twin keeps farting blood and you want to wear white pants?

Quebec City
Canada

Posted by lark on July 22, 2009 at 7:46 AM
Irena 42
Exercise would do wonders for this guy. Work out, SOB! It'll change your life.

Okay, look: I got the irony of this guy, who is no prize in anybody's books, referring to "women of low caliber". And you could say it's part of a pattern where unattractive guys feel entitled to beautiful women because they see them primarily as status objects, not as people. It's whiny and childish and this guy needs to grow up and take responsibility for himself.

But if this had been a woman -- overweight, awkward, shy, afraid of sex -- who said she only attracted "losers" or "chumps" or "men who don't deserve me"... I have a feeling lots of women would sympathize with her and just assume that she was a good person, and that under all that fat and shyness was a woman who really did deserve better.
Posted by Irena on July 22, 2009 at 8:05 AM
seandr 43
@39
"No one owes you or anyone else a pity fuck, dude."

Huh? No idea how pity fucks are relevant to anything I've said, so I assume this was intended as an insult. Oh my god, you've hurt my feelings!

Having crushed me in such a heartless manner, I'm afraid you owe me one pity fuck, with lots of pity foreplay. Afterwards, I hope you'll join me on the fire escape for a pity cigarette.
Posted by seandr on July 22, 2009 at 8:17 AM
Collin 44
Jebus Christ, people. This guy is CLINICALLY DEPRESSED. The real kind. Not the "I'm a rich soccer-mom and I don't feel fulfilled by my life" depression, but the actual kind of depression that can be horribly debilitating.

Rather than getting into a gym, this guy needs to get to a counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or even his doctor and ask for help. The gym won't hurt, but the priority needs to be getting help for the depression. Sexual surrogacy should be the last thing on this guy's mind.

Please, SOB, if you're reading this, find a professional to help you with what you're going through. I know you've got a lot of very powerful negative thoughts running through your head right now and finding help isn't about anything more than getting those sorted out.

Posted by Collin on July 22, 2009 at 8:25 AM
45
This guy is a low caliber SOB himself who wants fucking quick fix so he can bang a hotty. He doesn't deserve any advice on how to get laid, only on how to get his fat ass in shape and build a little fucking character! I hate jack asses like this who think they deserve a hot chick. What's with this guy? "fuck personality" - dick!
Dude should crack a book and - something other than Harry Potter - and start taking some long hikes outdoors.
When he gains respect for himself, maybe he will likewise respect women.
In the mean time he should stay away from them all together, including sex workers (whatever they are) - just leave the poor things alone.
Posted by sall on July 22, 2009 at 8:31 AM
46
@42: " I have a feeling lots of women would sympathize with her and just assume that she was a good person, and that under all that fat and shyness was a woman who really did deserve better."

Seriously? No. I have the same contempt for men and women who say those things.

Yeah, I'd be more inclined to feel sorry for a woman who was fat and awkward, because yes, I do think women are more forgiving of chubby, socially inept men. Admitted bias. But the second she opens her mouth, that'd be my only judgement.

From what I've read of the letters Dan gets sometimes and the comments that ensue, a lot of other women feel the same way. It's a personality type we're all well aware of and not kindly indulging.
Posted by Gloria on July 22, 2009 at 9:17 AM
NumberOne 47
"inform her in advance that you're really only interested in oral and mutual masturbation—at least at first—and that you generally take a long time to come."

That is the deal breaker. What girl in their right mind would go for that?
Posted by NumberOne on July 22, 2009 at 10:11 AM
JunieGirl 48
@47...My boyfriend has ED problems. It took several dates before he would admit why he was holding back sexually, because he assumed it would be an automatic deal breaker, and we were having such a great time together that he wanted it to last as long as possible before I dumped him.

But he's handsome and funny and smart, and we have a great time together. I thought about it and decided to give him a whirl...amazing oral and manual skills really do wonders! (And despite Dan's consistent advice to "get some Viagra", it doesn't work for everyone.)

If you know your partner is going to do what it takes to get you off, it's easier to accept other areas lacking. It's not for everyone, but if someone is really into you, it may just be the price of admission. As much as it's all about the cock for a lot of guys, it's not always all about the cock for their partners.
Posted by JunieGirl on July 22, 2009 at 2:17 PM
49
Jebus Christ, people. This guy is CLINICALLY DEPRESSED. The real kind. Not the "I'm a rich soccer-mom and I don't feel fulfilled by my life" depression, but the actual kind of depression that can be horribly debilitating.

Rather than getting into a gym, this guy needs to get to a counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or even his doctor and ask for help.


NO NO NO NO NO

Here's why the guy should try getting some exercise and cutting down on the junk food first: A lot of depression comes from physical inertia. People feel tired because they're aren't active, and they aren't active because they're tired. You are what you eat and eating junk also screws with your body chemistry and, in turn, your brain chemistry.

So they stay inactive. And the lack of activity, which the human body biologically NEEDS like any other animal, plus the lack of decent nutrition, which again the human body biologically NEEDS like any other animal... leads to a malaise that manifests as depression.

All most doctors are going to do for this guy is go, "uh huh... uh huh... yeah, I understand...." with all the compassion of a televangelist, and then write the guy a scrip for some drugs. The guy gets hooked on anti-depressants, which produce other side effects that probably fuck with his body further, and down the death spiral of hopelessness this guy goes like so many of you other deluded Xanax-and-Paxil addicted motherfuckers.

The real answer is that the guy's depressed because he should be depressed. He's out of shape, his sex life's shit because his life's shit. He doesn't need a scrip. He needs to cut the shit, stop moping and fix his fucking life.
Posted by Gomez http://misterstevengomez.com on July 22, 2009 at 6:47 PM
50
Join a fundy church and find a young, naive and insecure but sorta cute girl to marry.
Posted by FeralTurnip on July 23, 2009 at 1:17 AM
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