Diary of a Sex-Starved Single Woman

Susan, 36, English professor, New York City

MONDAY 6:15 a.m., bed: Masturbate while fantasizing about very dirty sex with dark-haired stranger in blue flannel suit. I haven't had sex in a couple of years, but that's no reason to miss out on a daily orgasm.

10:34 a.m., office: Receive e-mail from guy I met at a concert. We're supposed to go out. Think about possibly having sex with him this weekend.

TUESDAY 7:20 a.m., bed: Slept in! Quickie before shower.

5:06 p.m., office: New e-mail from concert guy. It's short. Is he interested? Can't tell from the tone.

WEDNESDAY 1:24 p.m., classroom: Try to ignore cute grad student with whom I think about having sex.

4:30 p.m., office: Want to masturbate at work (I've only done this two or three times before), but I'm tired.

7:14 p.m., restaurant: Meet colleague for dinner. Discuss attraction to younger grad students.

THURSDAY 4:15 p.m., salon: Bikini wax in case I have sex.

11:43 p.m., bed: Enjoy fantasy about Jurgen, the finance guy I invented.

FRIDAY 5:45 a.m., bathroom: Shave legs just in case I have sex.

SATURDAY 11:06 a.m., bed: Masturbate after my date calls to shore up plans. This way I don't feel like I need to have sex with him.

10:04 p.m., jazz club: Date says, "We could go back to your place or get a drink . . ." I take him home.

10:30 p.m., subway: Most awkward 30-minute ride home in history. The excitement is all but gone.

11 p.m., home: More awkwardness, tempered by a glass of wine and finally making out on the couch. Then, sex. It's exciting, fulfilling.

SUNDAY 11:30 a.m., bed: Lots of cuddling, then late-morning sex.

1:02 p.m., home: Date leaves. Wonder how long it will be before I have partnered sex again.

4 p.m. to 9 p.m., bar: Friend keeps asking if I had sex with my date. Then, talk about cute grad student.

11 p.m., bed: Several glasses of wine later, fall into bed. Yes, masturbate.

—as told to Amanda Stern

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