Science Alert: The Happiest People Practice BDSM

Because nobody said creepy and happy were mutually exclusive!

Because nobody said creepy and happy were mutually exclusive!

50 Shades of Grey, besides being the most horrifying thing you’ve yet to discover on your grandmother’s nightstand, might actually be on to something. According to master sexologoists at the University of Hot Steamy Sex (actually an article from the Journal of Sexual Medicine), people who participate in bondage and sadomasochism are “characterized by a set of balanced, autonomous, and beneficial personality characteristics,” and reported a higher level of wellbeing than their more traditional counterparts. Also, women who dig chains in the bedroom had “more confidence” in their relationships, and less need for approval than their more straight-laced lady friends. BDSM is still largely seen as the expression of some underlying psychological issue, but if this research is to be believed, it may more accurately be just a fun thing you do with buddies just to chill, you know?

So why are people who like candle wax dripped slowly over their grundles happier and more agreeable? The science folk guess that it’s the communication inherent in a BDSM relationship. Whether receiving or doling out the pain, kinky partners are freely exchanging their wants and desires in a safe place that requires consent. The lesson we learn from this? Have a serious talk to your partner before you invest heavily in dungeon real estate.

Want more weird sex news? Check out The Dating Website For Women Who Only Care About Big Dongs and Virgin America Launches Creepy In-Flight Flirting.