Imagine being at home on Thanksgiving or Christmas day, surrounded by family, yet receiving a naughty text from a significant other who is far away. Suddenly, everyday life has now become more thrilling by this endless amount of foreplay.

Most people would call that classic, good old-fashioned sexting.

Some people refer to it as the act of sending explicit nudes and some people are shamed if they participate in the act. Urban Dictionary has defined it as the act of text messaging someone in the hopes of having a sexual encounter with that person later on.

While some may degrade those who participate in any form of sexting, I believe that it is a fun, interesting way to spice things up and sometimes, better a relationship.

News Health found that eight out of 10 adults have admitted to sending or receiving explicit text messages. The poll also found that about three out of four of those who sext do so with a committed partner and roughly the same percentage sext while in the comfort of their own home.

Sexual frustrations come and go throughout the day, which is why so many people have now relied on sexting when a person cannot physically accommodate these sexual desires. A very easy way to relieve these frustrations can be by sending out a simple text, initiating foreplay or being extremely flirtatious.

So why exactly do people shame those who engage in sexting? Most people use this simply to talk about what one another would do if they were both physically together. It is not only important to those just casually hooking up. Sexting is more important for those who are in committed long distance relationships, which should be clear as to why.

There comes an exhilarating rush when hearing a text tone go off and reading a lengthy message that paints a very explicit image in someone’s head, which can send shivers down the spine.

Aside from that, not only does it stimulate arousal, but it also takes away from the awkward, in-person conversation that initiates sexual activity. I can easily avoid initiating that same subject without seeming too pushy, simply by hinting it subtly through sexting. I can also sext in order to talk about my personal needs and desires, as can he. By the time I’m in the bedroom with him, the both of us know exactly what to do.

Of course, there will be people who are afraid of explicit images leaking or conversations being screenshotted. It is important to remember this when you decide whether or not to engage in sexting.

If everyone has the right mindset about sexting, this wouldn’t be such a concerning issue. Would someone really want to send out sexts to someone who is known for spreading private messages around? Probably not.

Those are the kind of people who ruin fun, innocent foreplay for others. It shouldn’t get in the way of being able to openly participate in sexting, especially when it is between long-term committed couples.

With just the right amount of words, pictures and winky faces, it won’t be too long until having a passcode lock seems required.

Rachel Reyes can be reached at [email protected] or @theorion_news on Twitter.