Amanda Van Slyke
Writes about sex, disability and relationships. @amandakvanslyke
Articles by
Amanda Van Slyke
I Am Worthy Of Love: Everything I Learned After Growing Up In A Narcissist’s Cult
As you grow older, you might become suicidal, or have unexplained health issues.
Autism Makes Me Feel Like I Deserve To Be Alone
As one autistic friend said to me, “a lot of us live online” — but we don’t have to. We can create a world where there’s more understanding of people who are neuro-diverse, starting by talking about it.
What You Need To Know About Having Sex With A Chronic Illness
When I consistently feel like I’m coming down with a fever, the last thing on my mind is leaving my apartment to run errands or socialize , never mind having sex. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want it.
Why I’m Giving Up My Dream For A Simpler Life
If you find yourself in a crossroads rights now, where you don’t know if you should quit school or find a new career or move into your parents’ basement to figure out your life — know that whatever you’re doing, you’re not worthless.
I Have Crippling Social Anxiety But There’s An Upside
The other night I was supposed to have a bunch of friends over. I made the event on Facebook weeks in advance when I was feeling really social, checking off ‘interested’ to a ton of other events in anticipation that I would soon be doing ALL THE THINGS.
How Edibles Helped Me Cope With My Health Issues
I’ve spent most of my adult life trying various treatments for my mood — antidepressants, which helped my anxiety but made it impossible to orgasm, alcohol which made my anxiety worse the day after. I was curious to see if microdosing edibles would help me take my symptoms from tolerable to non-existent.
Read This If You’ve Ever Been Called A ‘Difficult Woman’
I’ve always been seen as difficult — even from the beginning. And I’m sick of being expected by society to bow my head and be quiet.
How Polyamory Helped Me Advocate For My Needs As A Disabled Person
It wasn’t until looking into solo polyamory I realized I don’t have to feel guilty for having separate needs from my partner.
I Met My Boyfriend’s Girlfriend — Here’s What Happened
When I was monogamous, I felt like there was always something lacking.
I Temporarily Lost Feeing In My Clit (It’s A Problem More Common Than You Think)
When my partner and I were intimate, things turned to slow motion — and not the good kind. I couldn’t get into sex if my body wouldn’t respond accordingly. Before, it would barely take anything to make me aroused. I wanted it all the time. Now, getting wet took a lot longer, and having an orgasm was almost impossible and not nearly as enjoyable.
You Are Worth More Than How Productive You Were Today
What if we didn’t have to work our way up the ladder or get more likes on social media or have the newest product advertised?
How BDSM Taught Me To Finally Enjoy Sex
People are often scared of the word BDSM — but that’s just the stigma of giving into your desires.