Can meaningless sex be meaningful?

[Slopeshoulder]

Is there anything to be said for the idea that "meaningless" (meaning recreational, uncommitted, and even anonymous) sex can be meaningful when considered as a way for people to connect? In other words, is it like musicians who only play music together and aren't friends, or might not speak the same language, or strangers who play a great game of internet chess, or even people who don't share a language can enjoy a day at the beach? Can people have nothing in common, and no connection, other than sex, but conect in a deep, genuine, nuanced, and even virtuoso-like way sexually? Is this morally inferior?
What do the various religions, philosophies, and your own experience have to say about this?
(It's hypothetical; I'm ecstatically happily married to my soul mate. Not looking for personal guidance.).

I think it's less rich and satisfying than sex with love, and the general trend in human behavior would support this, but I do think it's possible. So maybe the tendency to associate with guilt or sloppiness is misplaced?

[Miles]

Is there anything to be said for the idea that "meaningless" (meaning recreational, uncommitted, and even anonymous) sex can be meaningful when considered as a way for people to connect?

Yes. It burns calories, and it certainly goes a long way to connect two people in away that no other form of one-on-one does.

Can people have nothing in common, and no connection, other than sex, but conect in a deep, genuine, nuanced, and even virtuoso-like way sexually? Is this morally inferior?

In what way could this "meaningless" sexual connection be deep, genuine, nuanced, and even virtuoso-like?

I think it's less rich and satisfying than sex with love, and the general trend in human behavior would support this, but I do think it's possible.

So you thinks it possible that it can be as rich and satisfying as sex with love. Hmmm, I think such a possibility is extremely unlikely. I see love as always adding to relationship. One that can't be replaced or matched by any other expression or feeling.

[Slopeshoulder]

Is there anything to be said for the idea that "meaningless" (meaning recreational, uncommitted, and even anonymous) sex can be meaningful when considered as a way for people to connect?

Yes. It burns calories, and it certainly goes a long way to connect two people in away that no other form of one-on-one does.

Can people have nothing in common, and no connection, other than sex, but conect in a deep, genuine, nuanced, and even virtuoso-like way sexually? Is this morally inferior?

In what way could this "meaningless" sexual connection be deep, genuine, nuanced, and even virtuoso-like?

I think it's less rich and satisfying than sex with love, and the general trend in human behavior would support this, but I do think it's possible.

So you thinks it possible that it can be as rich and satisfying as sex with love. Hmmm, I think such a possibility is extremely unlikely. I see love as always adding to relationship. One that can't be replaced or matched by any other expression or feeling.

No I don't. You misunderstand me. I agree with you. I'm merely asking.

Virtuosic only technically and physically. See anologies above.
But is this meaningful and morally acceptable?

[Miles]

But is this meaningful and morally acceptable?

Yes and yes.

[JoeyKnothead]

From the OP:

Is there anything to be said for the idea that "meaningless" (meaning recreational, uncommitted, and even anonymous) sex can be meaningful when considered as a way for people to connect?

Of course. There's a liberation knowing you won't or might not ever see your partner again. Time to ask her if she'll do the kinky stuff. Ask her to invite her sister over, or wear that Wonder Woman outfit you keep in the closet just in case some chick ever says yes to the idea. Swing her from the ceiling fan. Go wild, man!

In other words, is it like musicians who only play music together and aren't friends, or might not speak the same language, or strangers who play a great game of internet chess, or even people who don't share a language can enjoy a day at the beach?

For me it's more like wrestling (with or without jello) with an opponent with air bags, and where you don't care if you're the one that gets pinned down.

Can people have nothing in common, and no connection, other than sex, but conect in a deep, genuine, nuanced, and even virtuoso-like way sexually?

Of course. It's all in how much of yourself you commit.

Is this morally inferior?

Morals schmorals. Do what's fun as long as no one's hurt or at least until they say the safe word.

What do the various religions, philosophies, and your own experience have to say about this?

My experience is it's sometimes easier and cheaper to engage a pro than waste time and effort chasing a maybe.

(It's hypothetical; I'm ecstatically happily married to my soul mate. Not looking for personal guidance.).

"Disregard that last transmission".

I think it's less rich and satisfying than sex with love, and the general trend in human behavior would support this, but I do think it's possible. So maybe the tendency to associate with guilt or sloppiness is misplaced?

With all respect, and I don't know you enough to say this as fact, but it's quite reasonable to think you've been conditioned by society to expect sex to come with certain strings. Not saying that's bad, but it's food for thought.

[Lux]

Recreational sex can be great, and fun, not to mention a good stress-relief system as long as both parts are completely aware that it's just about the sex. Like someone pointed out, society has taught us to expect certain things to come hand in hand with sex, so if someone is expecting something else (a commitment, or even love) they might get more than a little disappointed when it doesn't happen.

Basically, what I'm saying is I think recreational sex can be good and even meaningful, and I don't see any reason to consider it immoral, as long as no one's being lead on or anything like that.

[Goat]

Recreational sex can be great, and fun, not to mention a good stress-relief system as long as both parts are completely aware that it's just about the sex. Like someone pointed out, society has taught us to expect certain things to come hand in hand with sex, so if someone is expecting something else (a commitment, or even love) they might get more than a little disappointed when it doesn't happen.

Basically, what I'm saying is I think recreational sex can be good and even meaningful, and I don't see any reason to consider it immoral, as long as no one's being lead on or anything like that.

And as long as it is practiced in a SAFE manner, with proper precautions to reduce STD's and unwanted pregnancies.