partnered sexual activity should be mutually beneficial, mutually wanted, and mutually pleasurable. it should be free from harm and abuse. it should provide a feeling of satisfaction, joy, companionship, and relaxation. it should not feel like something to overcome, something to master, something to deliver, something to perform, or something to recover from. it should be done with someone worth being vulnerable and trusting with, it should be worth having that connection carry with you for the rest of your life. your sexual partners may come and go, you may not love them, or you may think you did, or you might just want to act on very intense feelings in the moment that are special then but in the light of day evaporates, and that's okay that's life, life is messy and untidy. But you'll remember this person, and you will share with them this memory, even if you fall out of touch, and so they should be worthy to you. Your body, your life, your memories, your pleasure, your future, your bared self...these should be special to share, this should be an important decision. don't let bad people trick you into thinking it's just a transaction and nothing more. don't let people use you as masturbation. you gain nothing from that.