© UnsplashA new survey asked participants to reveal the 'ideal' number of sexual partners, and 52% of people agreed on a figure
In real-terms, the number of people we have slept with is less important than the amount of good sex we have had throughout our lives. However, the question of how many different sexual partners we have had can come up in all sorts of situations, from a discussion with friends to one with a new partner - and it can lead to awkward or uncomfortable emotions and feelings.
For those who feel they haven't slept with many people, the idea of sharing can feel intimidating - particularly when it feels like those around us are more sexually experienced - while those who feel they have slept with more people than their friends or colleagues, can feel shame around fessing up.
But what is the 'ideal' number of people to have slept with, in the eyes of a prospective partner?
Well, a new survey conducted by IllicitEncounters aimed to find out. The website surveyed 2,000 of its users - 1,000 men and 1,000 women - to find out what they would deem their optimal number for someone they're dating.
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And across the board, 13 was the most popular answer, with 52% of those asked listing this as the ideal.
It's worth noting that 52% is definitely not a unanimous answer. There will be some people with a far lower or far higher definition of 'perfect'.
Interestingly, and rather sadly, the survey also found that 67% of women lie about how many sexual partners they've had, compared to just 13% of men - hinting at the way women are judged more harshly than men when it comes to our sex lives.
But, if you're practising safe sex, boundaries are set and expectations are met, the number of sexual partners you have had shouldn't be something to be ashamed of.
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