Why some women call their partner 'daddy' in bed - and why it's perfectly normal

It may come with unnerving connotations, but sex therapist and relationship coach Jacqueline Hellyer assures us calling your male partner 'daddy' is perfectly normal.

Not just normal, but according to Hellyer, healthy too.

While, behaviourally, it's not going to tickle everyone's fancy and is bound to raise some questions (is it not just a little awkward?) There is nothing negative about using 'daddy' as a term of endearment. When it's used in a healthy and consensual relationship, the term becomes simply a part of healthy role-play. Role plays - and in particular, power exchange role plays - are a very safe way for people with strong personalities to let go Women who like to be 'submissive' in relationships - like the kind of women who’d call their partner 'daddy' in bed - are actually pretty high-powered in their day-to-day lives. Engaging in this role play is their way of letting go and giving in to vulnerability “Daddy” is symbolic: Fathers are caring, supportive, assertive. Calling your partner 'daddy' is about them embracing those qualities in the relationship. It's no different to any other dominant-submissive relationship, except it's the submissive partner who is actually in control.

As for these type of roles becoming problematic, it’s a fair point to say all relationships can become problematic! So many women feel that they can’t speak up and ask for what they want in bed, so I really applaud women who are able to do that freely.