A young man in his 30s, who is gay and lives in an apartment with a neighbor named Reed, a charming gay man in his early 50s, is considering whether to ask Reed if he can join his occasional sex parties. The two men share a friendly, platonic relationship, often helping each other with pet care and enjoying shared meals or movie nights. However, the younger man feels hesitant about directly asking for an invitation, fearing it might be awkward or seem inconsiderate. Advice on the matter suggests that while asking to join a sex party might feel uncomfortable, it's a common occurrence and people often succeed in doing so. The advice recommends being straightforward, such as saying, “Your parties seem fun; I would love to join you,” or asking more gently, like, “How does one get an invite to your parties?” It also acknowledges that Reed might not view the younger man in a sexual way and might value their friendship more than any romantic or sexual interest. The discussion also touches on the dynamics of group sex, where consent is often assumed unless someone explicitly declines. This means that attending a party could be seen as an indication of interest in participating sexually. The advice notes that not engaging sexually after attending might be considered impolite, especially unless the individual is particularly attractive or desirable. In a separate letter, a 32-year-old woman shares her journey from a conservative, non-sex-positive background to a fulfilling sex life with her very attractive husband. She mentions that people are often surprised when they meet her husband, highlighting the contrast between how she sees her relationship and how others perceive it. Her story reflects a shift in personal attitudes and the positive outcomes that can come from embracing a more open approach to intimacy.