D18: Lie back and think of England...

Here's an interesting excerpt I want to share... my comments at the bottom:

From Wiki @: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lie_back_and_think_of_England

The phrase "lie back and think of England" was an expression supposedly used in the United Kingdom during the Victorian Era. Traditionally, it was advice given to a woman - usually from a mother to her daughter about to be married - about having sexual intercourse with her husband.

The origins of the phrase are unclear, but it is generally attributed to Alice, Lady Hillingdon (1857-1940), writing in her journal in 1912:

I am happy now that George calls on my bedchamber less frequently than of old. As it is, I now endure but two calls a week, and when I hear his steps outside my door I lie down on my bed, close my eyes, open my legs and think of England.[1]

The phrase became popular some decades before the sexual revolution. The assumption was that women were not expected to view sex as pleasurable; instead, women were to view sex as a duty, performed essentially through passive availability.

Since women weren't expected to participate in sex in any meaningful way, or derive any special pleasure from sex, it would not be incongruous to think of something other than sex during sexual acts. Thinking of the continuity of the Empire, through conception and child-rearing, might even make the sexual act more pleasant. The phrase can be used broadly as encouragement for either gender to do something unpalatable.

--- end of Wiki excerpt ---

I think the history of phrases can be fascinating and lend us wonderful insight into cultures past and present. Isn't it sad how unsatisfying these couples sex lives must have been? Who likes a dead fish in bed? I know some people aren't comfortable being very vocal during sex, but to think that you just have to lie there and do your duty is very sad... Any modern woman who is suffering through this really needs to learn about communication. Because a healthy love life is a wonderful part of a loving relationship. Not having your needs met for fear of hurting your partner's feelings or just out of fear that it is shameful to desire sexual fulfillment is a tragedy.

If you need to get educated, just find some good modern writers on the web. I think that Violet Blue is a great choice for the open-minded. You won't necessarily want to try all the things she writes about - but it will certainly help open your mind...

Warning: Link below is NSFW (not suitable for work). You've been warned...
http://www.tinynibbles.com/index.php