Our contributor Abby Spector, who is majoring in Feminist/Gender/Sexuality Studies at Wesleyan University, confesses the downside of her chosen field:

1. Picture this: it’s a Sunday night. You’re lonely. However, instead of watching romantic comedies and listening to Joni Mitchell, you have to read about the beauty of the female orgasm. Reading about great sex is not comforting when you are sad and horny.
2. If you’re a writer, you are bound to write about your sexual experiences. Most of the time these experiences include a second (or third or fourth) party. Pseudonyms can only go so far. They might read it. For better or worse, the honest truth gets out.
3. Sex loses its sexiness. It’s like Christmas every day. The secret, rebellious allure of sex can disappear when it’s all you read about.
4. “Hi, Grammy! I’m studying sex. Aren’t you proud?” Awkward.
5. Just because I study sex does not mean I have it or want it all the time. My work does not mean I am promiscuous or excellent in bed. So stop thinking this!
6. “So what are you going to do with a degree in sexuality?” I hear this question at least twice a week. I usually respond with a joke, but in all honesty, I have no idea.
7. You are not always in the mood for controversial subject matter. Sometimes you want simple answers. For better or worse, this is not offered in sex studies.
8. Flirtation, dating, and sex have the potential to be viewed as an anthropological study rather than day-to-day life.
9. Carrie Bradshaw made money, but she was a fictional TV character. A degree in sex studies does not guarantee you a fab NY studio apartment, Mr. Big, or a lifetime supply of Manolo Blahniks.
10. Keep writing away from parents! I repeat: Keep writing away from parents! Fathers do not like hearing explicit details of their daughter’s first blowjob.

— Abby Spector