Sex advice with Suzi Godson: 'He has no right to share sexual confidences in public'

My partner boasts about our sex life with his friends, even when I’m sitting there right beside him. I find it mortifying and have asked him to stop, but he says it’s just “banter” and that I need to relax about it. I’ve noticed it has changed the way some people in our friendship group interact with me — especially some of the women. I would like our sex life to stay private. Am I wrong to react like this?

You are not wrong. Your partner is. He is broadcasting what should be a private exchange to a public audience without any consideration for the impact that it is having on you and that makes me feel very cross on your behalf. Boasting about your sex life is not “just banter” if you find it embarrassing, and telling someone who feels mortified to “relax” is insensitive to the point of insult, particularly when directed towards someone you love.

No matter what your partner says, sex is a universally private experience, and generally, sexual intercourse takes place behind closed doors.