Inside the animal kingdom’s bizarre mating rituals from face tickling terrapins to noisy bladders and flirty belly flops 0 281

THERE is something in the water at this time of year as sea creatures begin their odd courtship rituals.

From love bites to tickling the face of a prospective mate, the colourful and sometimes kinky world of ocean-dwellers is mind-boggling.

Seahorses dance for up to eight hours when mating

Catherine Pritchard from the Sea Life London Aquarium said: “Spring is important in the underwater world as new relationships are formed and the exciting possibility of the pitter-patter of tiny feet — and fins — takes over.”

Here, Sarah Arnold reveals how creatures of the deep turn on the charm.

Seahorses

THEY have nailed the horizontal tango by dancing for up to eight hours when mating — and stay together for life.

Sharks

Amorous sharks give prospective partners love bites just behind their pectoral fins

EVEN the world’s deadliest predator needs romance.

Amorous sharks give prospective partners love bites just behind their pectoral fins.

Well, they do say love hurts . . . 

Angler fish

Male angler fish bite a female before their bodies disintegrate, leaving just their private parts

TALK about being used for sex.

Male angler fish bite a female before their bodies disintegrate, leaving just their private parts.

The female then uses them to reproduce at will.

Cuttlefish

Smalle male cuttlefish cross-dress in order to have hanky-panky

THE small males cross-dress in order to have hanky-panky.

Unable to compete with their bigger rivals, they change their colour to brown to mimic a female in order to have a secret tryst.

Sea Hares

These marine snails are the swingers of the under-water world.

THESE marine snails are the swingers of the under-water world.

They have both male and female reproductive organs and form a chain connecting them all together for mass fertilisations.

Gentoo penguins

All a female gentoo penguin wants is a pebble

FORGET a box of chocolates — all a female gentoo penguin wants is a pebble.

The male gives it to her as a love token and as a sign of his breeding credentials.

Mobula rays

Mobula rays leap up to six feet out of the water to find a female

THE Pointer Sisters song Jump (For My Love) could have been written about these fish who leap up to six feet out of the water to find a female.

The most attractive make the loudest splash.

Pufferfish

Male pufferfish cleverly create symmetrical shapes on the sea bed to catch females’ attention

THERE’S a fine art to attracting a mate — and these fish are masters at drawing them in.

The males cleverly create symmetrical shapes on the sea bed to catch females’ attention.

Terrapins

Male terrapins choose to flutter their front limbs across a possible mate’s face to show they fancy them

HOW do you make a shy female come out of her shell?

While comic Ken Dodd famously had a tickling stick, male terrapins choose to flutter their front limbs across a possible mate’s face to show they fancy them. Tattyfilarious!

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Porn and Mental Health: The Challenges and Strategies for Coping in the Industry 0 178

Pornography is a billion-dollar industry that has gained widespread popularity across the globe. However, while it may be a source of entertainment for some, the industry can be challenging for performers’ mental health. The pressure to perform and meet the expectations of producers and viewers can take a toll on performers’ mental wellbeing. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges that the porn industry poses to mental health and strategies for coping with them.

The Challenges

  1. Stigma and Shame

The porn industry is still stigmatized, and performers can face a lot of shame and judgment from society. This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety, making it difficult for performers to seek help and support when needed.

  1. Pressure to Perform

Performers in the porn industry are expected to meet certain expectations and perform at their best every time. This pressure can be overwhelming and can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

  1. Isolation and Loneliness

Performing in the porn industry can be a lonely experience, with performers spending long hours on set or on their own, away from friends and family. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can take a toll on mental health.

  1. Trauma and Abuse

The porn industry is not immune to issues such as sexual harassment, assault, and exploitation. Performers may experience these traumatic events, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Strategies for Coping

Seek Professional Help

Performers in the porn industry should seek professional help and support when they need it. There are many therapists and counselors who specialize in working with performers in the industry and can help with issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care is crucial for performers in the porn industry. Taking breaks when needed, exercising, and practicing mindfulness and meditation can help performers manage stress and promote mental wellbeing.

Surround Yourself with Supportive People

Having a supportive network of friends, family, and colleagues can make a big difference in performers’ mental health. Surrounding yourself with people who understand the challenges of the industry and offer non-judgmental support can help performers cope with the stresses of the job.

Address Trauma and Abuse

Performers who have experienced trauma and abuse in the industry should seek support and address these issues head-on. This may involve therapy, reporting incidents to the authorities, and taking legal action if necessary.

Conclusion

The porn industry poses significant challenges to performers’ mental health, from stigma and shame to pressure to perform and trauma and abuse. However, with the right strategies, performers can cope with these challenges and maintain good mental wellbeing. Seeking professional help, practicing self-care, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and addressing trauma and abuse are just a few strategies that can help performers in the porn industry maintain good mental health.

Navigating Consent and Boundaries in the Porn Industry: A Guide for Newcomers 0 165

Consent and boundaries are crucial aspects of the porn industry, and it’s essential for newcomers to understand how to navigate these issues. In this article, we’ll provide a guide for those who are new to the industry on how to approach consent and boundaries in a professional and respectful manner.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that consent is always required in the porn industry. This means that every actor must give explicit and enthusiastic consent to any sexual act that is portrayed on camera. Consent can be given verbally or non-verbally, but it must always be clear and enthusiastic.

In order to ensure that consent is obtained, communication is key. Actors should have open and honest conversations with their scene partners and the director prior to filming. They should discuss what they are comfortable with and what their boundaries are, as well as any specific instructions or concerns.

It’s also important for actors to feel empowered to set their own boundaries and to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe during filming. This means that if an actor does not want to perform a particular act or if they feel that their boundaries are being pushed, they have the right to stop the scene and speak to the director about their concerns.

It’s also essential for actors to be aware of their own physical and emotional limits. This means that they should take breaks as needed, communicate with their scene partner and director about any discomfort or pain, and engage in self-care practices to ensure that they are physically and emotionally prepared for the demands of the job.

Finally, it’s important for actors to have a support system in place. This can include talking to other actors who have experience in the industry, seeking out counseling or therapy, and having trusted friends and family members who can provide emotional support.

Navigating consent and boundaries in the porn industry can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of maintaining a safe and respectful work environment. By following these guidelines, newcomers to the industry can ensure that they are approaching these issues in a professional and responsible manner.

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