Aftercare
Actions people take after an intimate or emotionally intense experience to feel safe, calm, and supported.
What This Really Means
Aftercare refers to the ways people support one another emotionally, physically, or verbally after an intimate or emotionally intense experience.
What counts as aftercare varies widely between individuals and situations, so it’s best discussed explicitly rather than assumed or standardized.
Examples
Cuddling or sitting quietly together after sex
checking in with a partner later to ask how they feel
taking time alone to ground yourself after an intense moment.
Common Misunderstandings
Tap each myth to reveal the reality
Aftercare isn’t always only for BDSM, and Aftercare is about actions people take after an intimate or emotionally intense experience to feel safe, calm, and supported.
Aftercare doesn’t automatically mean the experience was negative, and context still matters.
More accurately, Aftercare refers to actions people take after an intimate or emotionally intense experience to feel safe, calm, and supported, and confident or independent people don’t need aftercare doesn’t follow from that.
Related Terms
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Inside LoveIQ
We identify patterns related to Aftercare by analyzing responses in our assessment modules, helping you understand your unique relationship dynamics.
Sample visualization of a gap metric.
“You don't need to label yourself. These terms help describe patterns — not define you.”
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