Khloe Kardashian's Communication Sex Tip Is Actually So Important

When it comes to sex tips, celebrities tend to be an unlikely and unreliable source. If that celebrity happens to be Khloe Kardashian, it feels even more dubious. If you need input on manipulating natural lighting or navigating a petty argument between siblings, look no further. But sex tips? It might give one pause.

However, in an interesting turn of events, it seems that this Kardashian sister actually might know a thing or two about the importance of communicating during sex. "I believe in dirty talk," Kardashian posted on her now-defunct website according to People. "Communicating during sex is a MUST, and I actually think it's rude if you're not vocal." Kardashian went on to explain that if her partner isn't being vocal enough for her liking, not only is she not aroused, but she doubts if they're even having a good time.

While calling someone "rude" for not being as vocal as you might want them to be is a bit much — not everyone has taken a crash course in dirty talk — communication while having sex is essential. It's just important to understand people's boundaries and limitations in their ability to not only talk dirty, but comfortably express themselves with or without words in bed.

According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, both verbal and non-verbal communication leads to better sex and relationship satisfaction. As the study found, both of these communication styles were linked to sexual gratification, meaning that words — or dirty talk as Kardashian calls it — aren't always necessary.

A more recent study published in the February 2024 edition of the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that people, even when in relationships with someone they know well, will still tend to rely on non-verbal communication to keep from potentially derailing the mood. But like the 2019 study found, this form of communication can actually keep things on track. After all, how are you going to make your partner understand the importance of foreplay if you don't do something to make it evident? Unless they're psychic, you're going to have to choose your mode of communication and express your needs in one way or another.

"We tend to communicate during sex non-verbally, and people often feel verbal communication during sex is awkward or disruptive," the 2024 study's author Alicia M. Walker told PsyPost, adding that people who have sex with men are the least likely to communicate, to protect the man's feelings. (Male fragility, much?) "All of that matters because sexual communication increases our likelihood of sexual satisfaction," said Walker. "So, the more openly and more clearly we can communicate during sex the better sex we'll have."

If you're able to communicate your wants and needs verbally, it can send your brain into erotic overdrive. "People very much enjoy dirty talking because it activates all regions of your brain while your body is also getting stimulated," Daryl Cioffi, LMHC told Medical Daily. "Similar areas of the brain are touched upon during dirty talk as when we curse. So, very often as your brain sees it, the dirtier the better."

As things get heated, you might even find yourself entering the world of role-play and beginning to bridge the kink gap that you didn't even know you and your partner had. While Kardashian says, at least for her, it doesn't matter what's said necessarily, she does stand by volume being an important factor. "It's okay to just get louder if you're enjoying something," said Kardashian. "I think that's what you should do! It's a sexy way to learn what turns your partner on, especially if you're newly together." Known as "copulatory vocalization" it's also an easy way to speed up a male partner's climax, according to a 2011 study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior — information definitely worth pocketing.

The takeaway is no matter who you're having sex with — a long-term partner, a one-night stand, or that barista you've been crushing on — communication should always be part of the equation. Whether it's verbal or non-verbal is irrelevant; it's that you're showing or saying what you need that makes the difference.