Whether you were living with a girlfriend before quarantine or shacked up with someone you were casually dating when things began to go south, your horny levels are most likely at astronomical levels right now. Of course, you’re not the only one who feels this way. But, since the sex-hiatus has no end in sight, a nation turns its horny gaze to sexting.

 You can go a long way with start sexting—maybe even some nude swapping—but you must respect the process. Like a bullet bursting through a wall, you can’t take your horny thoughts into the talk.

Here are pointers on getting started with the sexts—even with suggestions on what to say and avoid:

 Working up to the moment has the same effect as real sex. Being open and clear is good, but not cold. “Are you ready to start sexting?” That would be lame. This isn’t a Zoom call. There is no invitation on the schedule.

 Feel your way through the conversation and heighten the sexual tension. It should come as no surprise to the “sextee” that the banter turned horny whenever you start the sexy pivot. Consider throwing out a non sequitur like, “I can’t wait to go down on you,” in the heart of a conversation. This is a clear way to go—when you learn how to sext.

 If you’ve been flirting and someone tells you they miss you, it’s the perfect time to slip into sexting. The same goes for every comment that means they wish you were next to them—saying they’re cold, wishing you could eat their shallot pasta they prepare, or you have trouble sleeping alone.

Both of these are typical lonely-horny feelings that seamlessly transition into something a little spicier. 

 Now try making your way into your sexting partner’s heart. Many great sexts start with something along the lines of “I wish I could be with you right now. “It shouldn’t be too wild when you fill in the first blank—at least not when you’re warming up. Another absolute classic: “I just want you.” You’ll need to up the ante on the drama.

  “Hey, I wish we were fucking right now—I’m dreaming about it,” Saying all of this to someone is not sexting. Know when to draw the line.

Discarding them with the information that you’re horny is a ding-dong. If your pivot message gets a similarly horny answer, turn up the heat with your following message and get a little dirtier, or ask for a sexy photo if you’ve swapped those before.

 With all of the above, you can sexting perfectly well even if you’re quarantining.