A well-informed lover is often a better lover. By the same token, a lack of information or a lot of misinformation can sabotage your love life. Let's sort out the sexual facts and fallacies and attack some common sexual misconceptions.

Sex Is Totally Automatic

Many people seem to think that we're born with a gene that tells us exactly how to make love. With sex, the raw passion and animal attraction is often a natural, instinctive phenomenon. But that doesn't mean the entire process will be the same way. There are a lucky few who just seem to be born sexual dynamos. For most people, though, great sex takes practice and patience.

One Bad Experience Spells a Doomed Relationship

It may be true that you only get one chance to make a first impression, but that doesn't mean you should base an entire relationship on the first encounter. For one thing, an initial sexual encounter often occurs in the heat of the moment, perhaps under the influence of alcohol and/or other substances. In other words, one or both of you may not be at your best. Plus, many couples find that their lovemaking improves as the relationship grows and trust deepens.

Sex Shouldn't Be Work

Okay, nobody is saying sex should be like spending a twelve-hour shift working in the coal mines. But think about it: Most of us spend lots of time and energy becoming better parents, employees, homeowners, pet owners, etc. Yet we feel embarrassed about studying sex techniques. That's just silly!Your sex life is one of your most important priorities, so you should be eager to devote the same time to improving it as you would anything else in your life that's meaningful to you. Plus, this is perhaps the most fun type of work you'll ever have. Think of how much you and your partner will enjoy spending lots of time improving and perfecting your lovemaking techniques.

Once a Bad Lover, Always a Bad Lover

First of all, it can be argued that there's no such thing as a bad lover. If someone has an unimpressive technique or is hesitant or nervous in bed, it's probably because of a lack of experience, lack of self-confidence, negative sexual experience(s) in his or her past, or other issues that, in most cases, can be addressed and resolved. If you have an otherwise good relationship with your partner, but he or she doesn't quite get your blood racing in the bedroom, consider this your opportunity to be a sexual teacher and mentor. Help him or her become a better lover (in a gentle, sensitive way, of course) and you will both reap the benefits.